Starting Ravenwing with some existing models

[bozo69pd]

Hello guys, I browse DA forum from time to time because I like their fluff and books. I am pretty much a chaos player at heart with 10k points invested there. That means 3 boxes of dark vengeance for chaos, and a bunch of unpainted DA models set to the side.

 

I like the look of the Ravenwing formation and after I heard you aren't FORCED to use sammy anymore and can instead use a chappy on bike that made me really want to build a small DA ravenwing army for low points games. I'm talking 750-1000 points. I also like psykers but don't like the DA conclave because of Ezekiel (I don't want to run named characters and want to stick with all bikes theme) so am open to adding a SM conclave on bikes to join a ravenwing unit. Do DA have any superfriends brofist pal? Would Ravenguard working with ravenwing be workable at all (I like the sound of that)?

 

Right now I have a chappy on bike, and 2 DV biker squads. What would be some good boxes to purchase as I work up to 750-1000 points while staying wholely with these 2 formations?

 

[Epher]

First of all. welcome to the Rock! It is about time the better half of your DV sets sees some light and paint!

 

I don't know how effective a libby conclave on bikes would be with a low points list.  You could probably field a 3 man bike squad with two grav guns for the same points cost.  As far as purchases go, this is what I would recommend:

• a few more sets of DV bikers off ebay.  They are the best way to easily bolster your forces. 
• a box of black knights to escort your HQ.  You should be able to convert one of your DV bikers into a black knight with a grenade launcher.  So your box of three will get you four!
• A few land speeders for support.  They can lay down some fire from the back lines and if they are attached to your Ravenwing Attach Squadron, they can increase the bikes ballistic skill to 5.
• If you have the cash, you should get a Dark Shroud.  They will make your jink saves more effective and deny overwatch when you assault with your HQ and black knights.

I think that about covers it.  Unfortunately I do not have any experience with Ravenguard.  Hope this helps! 

[bozo69pd]

Ok some cool info thanks!

 

Ok so black knights are the way to go, I wasn't sure. I like this. I don't really like the look of land speeders though (I know they give buffs but I just can't do them lol). I was planning on adding the Librarian Conclave in their place. Do any chapter tactics in particular synergize with the black knights?

 

force is starting to feel like:

 

DA Chappy warlord

black knights

2 units of ravenwing bikers

 

3 Librarians on bikes probably rolling on telepathy and divination looking for invisibility, shrouded, psychic shriek, prescience. I hear there is new psychic disciplines coming out Saturday which has me excited as well.

[twopounder]

Conclaves are spendy and more so on bike. If you want a good rw match, white scars mesh really close. But be warned they're almost a buck each for rank 1 psykers.

 

Black knights are always a good bet. More expensive, but I consider them the best unit in the game.

 

Also, if you match points with your chaos army, you can do themed battles with a friend.

[ValourousHeart]

A solid RW list at about 1000 points is:

 

Int Chaplain on bike

6 RWCS

12 bikes

2 attack bikes

2 land speeders

 

That should leave you with plenty of points for upgrades of your choice.

 

You can mix these up with any of the RW formations.

 

Obviously if you don't like speeders (don't knock em till you try em) you can drop those for something else.

 

But it should be understood that the more RW units you have, the more flexibility you have to mix and match the formations.

[bozo69pd]

Valorous how many black knights do you suggest? Or is the whole command squad black knights? Should I add an apothecary biker to them, or that master of the hunt?

[Epher]

A command squad is limited to 6 bikes total and all of them are black knights. So it would be best to have the maximum number possible. You will have access to the apothecary and Ravenwing Champion upgrades. Always take the champion, he is only 5 points. Apothecary is a good choice too and grants Feel No Pain to the squad and any HQ that is attached to it. But it is expensive when compared to the apothecary upgrades for the Deathwing amd Greenwing command squads. It is still worth it in my opinion.