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Power Swords & Storm Shields


SM1981

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So I'm looking for some advice / input on this combo.

 

I'm toying with the idea of putting this combo of weapons on some marines (undecided what type) largely because I think it would look cool. My question is has anyone actually played this loadout and is it in anyway useful.

 

I like storm shields (they're like cheap, slightly worse Iron Halo's) and I like power swords (they're an upgrade on chainswords, and don't have the negatives of power axes or other unwieldy weapons). But do they work together in a game setting or is it a squad purely for the display shelf?

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Gaming wise it makes more sense to use lightning claws instead of power swords, as they are specialist weapons, so wouldn't have benefited from an extra attack from the bolt pistol anyway.

 

Modelling wise it looks pretty damn cool, so do what makes you happy. Personally I'd be happy to let you proxy them as lightning claws in game, as they are equal or superior to swords in every way, in this situation.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Dallo

It's an effective combo. Not sure if it's cost-effective, but it won't disappoint. I'd consider mixing some axes into the squad (if possible). Part of the benefit of the storm shield is durability, so it makes it possible to have some slower weapons around. Just make sure your characters have swords!

When BA Vanguard get the discounted weapon costs from CSM, they'll be reasonable. They have their uses, but I don't think there's a really cost-effective way for Blood Angels to take them at the moment.

 

Sword and shield specifically then suffers from lightning claw and shield costing exactly the same points but, if your primary motivation is rule of cool and not actively handicapping yourself, you can probably live with that.

 

You'll probably want at least one axe/hammer/fist in the squad though. Furious Charge and a relic blade on the Sergeant helps a bit, but you'll miss having some AP2.

Before I get into the squad choice I'm going to state that his isn't supposed to be yet another "How do I kit out Vanguard Vets thread?" in disguise.

 

But...

 

I was thinking Vanguard Vets. 4 X SS + PS, with sarg who has SS + PF. All based purely on aesthetics.

 

I don't see it working with DC at all. Forget tactics / cost / etc, purely from a mindset point of view I dont see a marine in the grip of the black rage, foaming at the lips with the red thirst, stopping and saying to himself "I better take a storm shield - just in case..."

 

Sang Guard have so many other options that look cooler / play better that again it's a non starter.

 

So we're back to the Vanguard. And probably some light conversion work to help with pose / posture / aesthetic of minis.

 

Sound about right?

Well, Death Company and Sanguinary Guard don't even have the option of storm shields, so that's not really a consideration.

 

The only other choice is the Command Squad, but the Blood Angels version has mandatory Company Champion and Sanguinary Novitiate, who have no wargear options.

 

So it was always going to come down to Vanguard.

 

The only thing I'd say about your proposed squad is that the sergeant is normally the one model you want to avoid putting an Unwieldy weapon on.

I had never thought of Lightning claw + Stormshield as a combo before. I must make a model with this wargear!

 

It's very effective in game terms and looking cool, but the actual practicality of it almost puts me off - plus I hate the lightning claws that are just a power fist with a knuckle duster...

 

Maybe a multi-headed power flail would make a sweet alternative? Hard to wield and shred to represent the multiple hits?

I was thinking Vanguard Vets. 4 X SS + PS, with sarg who has SS + PF. All based purely on aesthetics.

Even with the storm shield an unwieldy weapon on a one wound character is a risky proposition. Maybe hide the fist on one of the veterans. Since the Sergeant no longer gets a free power weapon, you don't even get a discount on the fist.

Based on aesthetics, I think power fists/lightning claws with storm shields look weird. Take hammers instead. use PF/LC in peairs or in combination.

 

Mine just sit on a shelf gathering dust, so practicality be damned! I  actually have a bit of a soft spot for knuckle duster claws, they're so 40k.

I prefer the MK IV/Tartaros wolverine style LCs.

I kind of like the claw + shield look. It's kind of exotic and neat, and if the shield is on the smaller side, not really impractical. Of course, I don't think I have a single model with the "knuckle duster"claws. I have either 30k cataphractii claws or similar claws I make myself by clipping the tips off the fingers of an open-hand power fist and replacing them with the claws from a lightning claw. It's pretty cool looking, if I do say so myself.

I like storm shields (they're like cheap, slightly worse Iron Halo's)

??? Are we talking about Storm shields or combat shields in this thread?

 

If storm then an unwieldy weapon is a good choice as no bonus for extra ccw can be achieved.

 

Combat shields are interesting, you keep your bolt pistol (thus ccw) but gain a 5++, which is okay, not amazing. I love the idea of a sword and shield, but it's not OMG good on the tabletop.

 

EDC

 

EDC

I have either 30k cataphractii claws or similar claws I make myself by clipping the tips off the fingers of an open-hand power fist and replacing them with the claws from a lightning claw. It's pretty cool looking, if I do say so myself.

Care to show us pictures?

And Storm shields are 3+ aren't they? So better than a halo (4+)..?

 

I think shields + claws can look good visually – couple of examples:

 

http://shiftedmatrix.com/pics/Warhammer/commandsquad/champ-shark.jpg

 

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UiiyZYYks8/TWNcQrfP1OI/AAAAAAAAAOk/uQvWptu3Cds/s1600/BA_Vanguard01_03.JPG

And Storm shields are 3+ aren't they? So better than a halo (4+)..?

 

 

4+ Save and bonus attack vs 3+ and one less attack? I guess the shield is worse if you value the +1A over the +1 Sv.

 

Anyway, vanguard cannot take Iron Halo's, so it's also kind of moot.

And Storm shields are 3+ aren't they? So better than a halo (4+)..?

 

I think shields + claws can look good visually – couple of examples:

 

http://shiftedmatrix.com/pics/Warhammer/commandsquad/champ-shark.jpg

 

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UiiyZYYks8/TWNcQrfP1OI/AAAAAAAAAOk/uQvWptu3Cds/s1600/BA_Vanguard01_03.JPG

 

1) Just checked the rulebook and you are right - I had it the other way round in my head somehow!

 

2) That second picture showing the marine with the raised claw is awesome. I will be shamelessly ripping that off. Sorry.

 

 

I have either 30k cataphractii claws or similar claws I make myself by clipping the tips off the fingers of an open-hand power fist and replacing them with the claws from a lightning claw. It's pretty cool looking, if I do say so myself.

Care to show us pictures?

Please! The new plastic Calth claws would be boss for this.

I have either 30k cataphractii claws or similar claws I make myself by clipping the tips off the fingers of an open-hand power fist and replacing them with the claws from a lightning claw. It's pretty cool looking, if I do say so myself.

Care to show us pictures?

Please! The new plastic Calth claws would be boss for this.

Here you go:

http://41.media.tumblr.com/18573b07676f89ab24a437940bc4afbb/tumblr_muzb72yxyC1rgb5qno1_1280.jpg

http://41.media.tumblr.com/cde3ec5d9a38cd9529059e429e45fe31/tumblr_muzb72yxyC1rgb5qno2_1280.jpg

My painting skills are still developing, and I've gotten a lot better at mold lines since then... but I really do think I've got an eye for converting. If only I could learn to sculpt... biggrin.png

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