Ishagu Posted March 11, 2016 Share Posted March 11, 2016 My payday is coming up and I'm thinking of spending some money. I've considered Castellax before as part of an allied detachment but realise this might be the more effective way of fielding them. I'm thinking of running 2 alongside the Consul. I could use a bit of advice... The darkfire cannons really speak to me, and they make sense as this is slow unit with no transportation. With these guys I can fire as I advance. Is it worth taking flamers or is it better to stick with bolters? I know the over-watch with flamers will be brutal, but again range is short and I'll likely rarely use them. As for the Praevian, how should I equip him? I don't know if he's worth any significant upgrades...? Lastly, what model can I use to model this guy? I know there's an Iron Warriors characters, and I'm not sure how to represent a Cortex Controller (I'm big on WYSIWYG) so I might just buy him from an ebay seller... Hit me with some tactics and model tips! Also, would the Castellax be painted to match the Legion as they aren't a Mechanicum unit technically? Also, none of the kits come with Siege Wreckers, do they? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Runefyre Posted March 11, 2016 Share Posted March 11, 2016 Narik dreygur's model doesn't have a cortex controller modelled on him that I've noticed. I would probably use a nuncio vox back pack from the master of signals as a counts as cortex controller. My preferred loadout for my praevian is artificer armour, refractor field, and combi-weapon (combi flamer specifically to use for overwatch) . I almost always take castellax stock (I rarely have enough points left over to upgrade them), and while they have only 24" range max once you get in range you'll benefit immensely from the praevians cortex designator. which is why I take a combi-weapon to give him 24" range designation. Hope this helps! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4332868 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishagu Posted March 11, 2016 Author Share Posted March 11, 2016 Doesn't he have one in his chest armour? It's that skull thing, looks like a servo skull. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4332874 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Runefyre Posted March 11, 2016 Share Posted March 11, 2016 Doesn't he have one in his chest armour? It's that skull thing, looks like a servo skull. Could be, I always thought of it as decoration . Perhaps a servo skull floating beside/attached to his pack could work? I've built a floating servo skull out of spare cabling/antennae bits and bobs plus a wolf skull (it was for a wolf lord). Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4332878 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishagu Posted March 11, 2016 Author Share Posted March 11, 2016 So how good are they really? The statline is nice enough I guess Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4332885 Share on other sites More sharing options...
captainblow Posted March 11, 2016 Share Posted March 11, 2016 Re: Siege wreckers. I've seen an excellent conversions using bits from the 40k assault centurions done by poom in this thread: http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/topic/288089-but-blood-blood-is-forever/page-11 Some paint in progress: http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp282/PoomW/Block3%202.jpg And as the oilcolor is drying right now I got time to mess aroung with new toys. I want to build two Castellax with Multimelta and Siege Wreckers, two big and mean wreckingballs :D As there is no FW modell for a Siege Wrecker I have to convert them. Inspiration comes from this fanmade artwork:http://image.bolterandchainsword.com/uploads/gallery/album_9225/gallery_53779_9225_284142.jpg This is done by Iron Hands Fanatic, go check out his awsome Stuff:http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/topic/287213-clan-brannsar/ So the conversion is quite simple, I just replaced the Castellax clam with a Siege Drill from the Centurions: http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp282/PoomW/Castellax02_01.jpghttp://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp282/PoomW/Castellax02_02.jpghttp://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp282/PoomW/Castellax02_03.jpg What do you think? The rest of the two guys is mostly in pieces, so still allot of stuff to do: http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp282/PoomW/Castellax02_04.jpg Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4332887 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marqol Posted March 11, 2016 Share Posted March 11, 2016 I've had similiar ideas as I like big stompy robots. One way you could make a controller is give him a radio back pack with a radio helmet and then perhaps the little joystick from the thunderfire cannon techmarine or the rapier controllers. Also possibly add lots of cabling going around his back pack tot the control, give it that wired in look. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4332897 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROBOcaster Posted March 11, 2016 Share Posted March 11, 2016 Doesn't he have one in his chest armour? It's that skull thing, looks like a servo skull. His is implanted into his brain, I found that out in book 6. As far as my configuration for Praevian I run with Iron Hands, AA, Combi-Weapon(Flamer) Boarding shield, MB, Cyber Familiar and Power Weapon. On the Castellax I run DCF, and Flamers I run three of them and give them each the unit the 15 point upgrade to increase their BS to 5 and reduce cover saves by -1, then I give them the Tank hunter rule. The unit is devastating to anything it comes up against it really is. They kill tanks, they decimate infantry, let someone charge you they take 7 D3 auto hits from flamers then once in the boarding shield denies their extra attacks then just go to town on what ever poor souls are still left after that wall of death. Get it, add this unit to your army, it will perform so well that it will become compulsory in all your list. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4332898 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishagu Posted March 11, 2016 Author Share Posted March 11, 2016 People seem to be big on the Combi weapons for the Praevian. I was thinking of gearing him more towards close combat. I really do like the idea of the unit but would only be able to take 2 Castellax due to point limitations. Are 2 worth it, keeping in mind the second Consul is basically a tax? These would be the unit that push my Ultras into to 2.5k mark. I'll be making a purchase come the 15th, and the expanded army will either include these or a Solar Auxillia allied detachment with a Malcador Infernus.... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4332920 Share on other sites More sharing options...
God-Potato of Mankind Posted March 11, 2016 Share Posted March 11, 2016 Combi-flamer is near essential for me. With Cortex Designator it will grant you Preferred Enemy ont he charge, which makes your Spooky Castellax even Spookier. As it's template you don't roll to hit, so even if their armour or toughness saves them, it won't save them from Spooky Castellax. Also Darkfire Lances add extra spooky to already Spooky Castellax. I recommend. 2x Darkfire Lances, ETA and a Combi-flammenwerfer/power fist Praevian is a solid wrecker of a unit. I constantly long to get my own. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4332935 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROBOcaster Posted March 11, 2016 Share Posted March 11, 2016 If you want a melee Praevian than go for it man, The War Born excel at melee so it should work fine, but I just use my Praevian for other purposes, hes there to help deter charges, his boarding shield means he cant claim an extra attack ever, I do give him a power sword for I4 ap 3 but really the Castellax are the ones that do the heavy lifting in the group not the Praevian, think of him as a dog handler, while yes a handler can hunt, his hounds are the ones who can really hunt. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4332950 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROBOcaster Posted March 11, 2016 Share Posted March 11, 2016 Oh and two are fine, any number are fine, people fear the Praevians large and small units. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4332953 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishagu Posted March 11, 2016 Author Share Posted March 11, 2016 But would two Castellax be more effective than a 20 strong Auxilia Las rifle squad and a Malcador Infernus? I'm more inclined not to include allies in truth, but both would fit my list very well. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4332960 Share on other sites More sharing options...
God-Potato of Mankind Posted March 11, 2016 Share Posted March 11, 2016 But would two Castellax be more effective than a 20 strong Auxilia Las rifle squad and a Malcador Infernus? I'm more inclined not to include allies in truth, but both would fit my list very well. Lasrifles sure, Infernus? That thing is a murdermachine. Throw on Chem munitions and it will facemelt anything with legs. Castellax with MM or Darkfire will be able to engage vheicles though. This is why I have a Malcador Infernus and not a Praevian with Castellax, too many awesome choices. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4332964 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROBOcaster Posted March 11, 2016 Share Posted March 11, 2016 But would two Castellax be more effective than a 20 strong Auxilia Las rifle squad and a Malcador Infernus? I'm more inclined not to include allies in truth, but both would fit my list very well. Woah woah you did not say you were asking about things better than castellax, Yes good gosh yes get the Infernus! Get the LR section put them behind and ADL to hold a point, get a tank commander put him in the infernus give it IWND or some other cool rule like monster hunter and chem munitions then get work done! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4333001 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishagu Posted March 30, 2016 Author Share Posted March 30, 2016 Guys, the bits and pieces have been ordered, I'll be assembling my Praevian this week with any luck. Just a few questions on those who use one. Are invul saves a necessity? The Castellax have a 5++, and I like the idea of giving the Consul a 2+ so he could tank a few ap3 weapons. Does anyone do this? I imagine I wouldn't want to risk him tanking a Str8 hit. Should I be upgrading him with a Refractor field or should I keep him safe behind the Castellax? I've literally never seen one of these run but I'm guessing they'll play in a similar way to 40k Kastellans... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4350106 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raktra Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 Give him a boarding shield. That way, 5++ if combat happens, plus defensive grenades. Win-win. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4350122 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brofist Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 One thing I learned from experience- if you plan to get into melee with Castellax , you really need power blades so you have 3 attacks base. Flamers are nice, but the ETA and power blades are basically mandatory unless you plan to sit them on your backfield... in which case, why are you taking a Praevian? You definitely want an invulnerable save. Otherwise how will you survive in a challenge? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4350128 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishagu Posted March 30, 2016 Author Share Posted March 30, 2016 Lol getting the power blades AND the Darkfire Lances might be expensive... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4350167 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Memento Of Prospero Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 Castellax are a great clean up crew, but that's it. You dont want power blades and DFLs, they are at cross in purpose. Rage gives you enough attacks to get work done on the charge without upgrades. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4350191 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raktra Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 I like the mix of blades and the mauler. Lots of unit munching attacks, regardless of armour. Pewpewbzz. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4350247 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatOneMarshal Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 Just wondering but for close combat purposes wouldn't vorax be a better combat option? The only problem is they can't soak damage well. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4350254 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brofist Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 The problem with rage is that it's triggered on the charge. After that you're down to 2 attacks and a piddly weapons skill. A castellax's biggest weakness is that you're not going to win anything quickly. The blades help mitigate that a bit, but you're right in that they are better as a tough defensive unit. Vorax are better melee option when survivability isn't a factor. Lol getting the power blades AND the Darkfire Lances might be expensive... You laugh at giving them an extra melee attack when you were on the fence about giving them flamers for the same number of points. These things aren't as cheap to run as they used to be. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4350292 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishagu Posted March 30, 2016 Author Share Posted March 30, 2016 I had the idea of the unit advancing slowly or defending the backfield, tough for my opponent to destroy and providing another threat alongside the Primarch. To me the Darkfire cannon is the clear ranged weapon of choice as they'll be striking from turn 1 rather then slowly marching into range, and it's great for dealing with things like bikes that can jink. My questions involving the Praevian himself are really an issue of points efficiency. He's an 85 point model and a tax for fielding the Castellax. I don't subscribe to the idea of upgrading a model to the point where his cost is doubled, as he's always going to be a 2 wound guy with a poor invul at best. I like the idea of giving him a power Fist as he can deal some real damage alongside the Castellax, and so far that's the only piece of wargear I've settled on for him lol ***Edit*** I like the blades, but they don't come in the same kit as the Darkfire cannon. I meant it would cost a lot more in terms of money... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4350296 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raktra Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 Should be easy enough to add some obvious blade-like armament to them anyways. Gotta have something kicking around. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320242-thinking-of-adding-a-legion-praevian-and-some-castellax/#findComment-4350309 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.