Review of IA Warmachines of the Adeptus Astartes

[Hellrender]

But i surely hope that local scenes understand the RAI and allow it.. 

 

That said, where is the rest of your review? :P Waiting with excitement!

[Exark]

Well Hellrender,

Here's part 2, the Heavy Armor, I keep getting distracted by building and (finally) painting my Fenryka

 

Universal Items

-All the LoW's with the exception of the Spartan are T9, all of them have a 2+ save, WS 5+ and have crushing tracks (AP -2 d3 damage) as a melee weapon and 10"

Also most of them share quad lascannons and Laser destroyers as sponson weapons. Laser destroyers are S12 AP-4 36" heavy 1 d6 damage, if you deal damage, roll a dice, on a 3-5, deal 2d6 damage, on a 6, deal 3d6. They're also about 20 points cheaper than quad lascannons.

 

All have POTMS and Steel Behemoth and are Relics.

 

So,

 

The Spartan

T8, S8, 20 W, comes with two quad lascannon or two laser destroyers, and a twin HB.

25 model transport capacity, transport cap used as per normal SM tanks, of course, can't transport primarines.

 

Thoughts: This one is going to be shorter as the Spartan is the same as always, its a heavy tank, filled with an even deadlier cargo, and its nearly 500 points at base. Its not bad by any means, but it is expensive, Fundamentally you're paying for the better melee attack, 15 more trans cap and twice the firepower as compared to a standard Phobos. Though I think a Crusader might do the troop transport job better, YMMV. Has potential to deliver a killy blob of Blood claws as well, though that seems a waste.

 

The Typhon

S8, 22 W, the other universal stuff.

Comes out at 530 points I think? 

 

Its still the same old super-vindicator, the dreadhammer is now 24" base heavy 2d6, S10 AP-5 3 damage, and if you don't move, it doubles in range. Will have to run the numbers but it seems as scary as it used to be. 

 

Can take the usual armaments.

 

Thoughts: Not much has changed really, its still the same old super vindicator and will draw the same amount of fire. THe only difference is that its much harder to put out of action. That and the effective 34" threat range of the dreadhammer, it'll also wreck most vehicles too. 

 

The Cerberus Tank Destroyer

Same statline as the Typhon, 40 points cheaper.

Comes with a Heavy Neutron pulse array, 72" range, Heavy 3, S14, AP-4, 3 + D6 Damage, has the same -1 to hit for vehicles that take damage from it rule as the Venator.

 

Same options as the Typhon.

 

Thoughts: Its a solid tank, don't get me wrong, but here's the problem, it suffers from the same issue it does in 7th Ed 40k/Age of Darkness, the Sicaran Venator is half the points, doesn't take up a LoW slot (Elites) and has essentially the same gun (only S12, vs. S14). Strictly speaking, the Venator is better in every way, plus you can fit two Venators for 20 points more than the Cerberus. It either needs a points drop, or a better gun.

 

The Fellblade

So S9, 26 W, the rest is the universal statline. 

Comes with either two quad lascannon or two laser destroyers, a twin HB, a fellblade accelerator cannon, and a demolisher cannon.

 

The Fellblade accelerator cannon is 100" range, comes with the HE and AP profiles as below:

HE: Heavy 2d6, S8, AP-3, 2 Damage, when attacking with units with 5 or more models, you can re roll the shot dice

AP: Heavy 2, S14, AP-4, 6 Damage

 

It clocks in at near 760 points IIRC

 

Thoughts:

Well, not much has changed for the fellblade, though it has gotten *MUCH* better in the Anti infantry role and ANti tank role thanks to how the rules for the gun have changed. It is basically the swiss army knife of our LoW in all seriousness, having an answer for every target, save anything bigger than a warhound (though technically it could do some serious damage to a reaver, but the reaver will likely one-shot it in retaliation). Its decent, converting one from a baneblade is on the to do list. Its about 100 points more than a Baneblade I think ,though I could be wrong, I'll check that when I get off work. And it is still better. Solid.

 

 

The Falchion:

Same stats as the Fellblade, just comes with a twin HB, either the quad LC or Laser destroyers and a twin volcano cannon (GLORIOUS)

Seriously, TWIN VOLCANO CANNON. At heavy 2d6, 120” range, S16, AP-5 (I think?), 2d6 damage. Rerolls failed wounds against Titanic stuff

 

Thoughts: Its been buffed more than the Fellblade from its 30k incarnation. The only downside, is that it costs around 830 points (I *think* again, I’m at work while writing this so I cant check my rulebook).But for that, you’re getting the equivalent of a shadowsword, and two trilas predators, and *then* some in terms of firepower. Of the two SM baneblade variants, this is my favorite, the twin volcano cannon will quite literally wipe entire units off the board in one shot, So of the two baneblade equivalents, I like this the most personally,but the difference between this and a Fellblade is that the Falchion is a tank ANNIHILATOR, whereas the Fellblade is more general purpose. Really depends what you want, so both are great.

 

The Mastodon

S9, T9, 30 W, same universal stats

 Also has a void shield, which degrades from a 5+ to a 7+, and can be used against mortal wounds (its an invuln)

To sum it up, it’s the bigger, badder brother of the Spartan, with 40 models, 3 of which can be dreadnoughts.

Pretty much the same battlefield role, its guns,

Two heavy flamers, two lascannon, a skyreaper battery as below:

Heavy 8, 48” S7, AP -1, 5 Damage with +1 to hit against Fly, -1 to hit against non fly

And the siege melta array:

12” S9 AP-4, Heavy 4d3, d6 damage, melta.

 

 

Thoughts: Its about the same points as a Falchion, Same role as a Spartan, but honestly, I feel like the Spartan is better, if only because it has better guns (I prefer the quad lascannons  over the siege melta array, its only 12” range) but that said, the Skyreaper battery will SLAUGHTER fliers. Though its a mastodon, so much glory will be brought to the Fenryka whenever someone delivers a horde of blood claws in one into the face of battle! Its alright, but I'd rather take a tank in this slot over a transport.

 

I hope to get around to our not-yet-fallen brethren tomorrow, cause I *REALLY* like what I see there. Having done some number crunching, I'm really liking the Contemptor mortis and Deredeo. Mmmm Anvilus.

 

Takeaway thoughts:

All in all not much change from the 7th ed (or Age of Darkness in case of the Falchion) incarnations, I personally like the Typhon and Falchion entries the most out of them all, but all our heavy armour are good at what they do. With the exception of the poor Cerb. Yeah, its got firepower, but the Sicaran venator (<3) is better at it. I really hope to see the poor thing buffed at some point.

Edited June 28, 2017 by Exark

[Dantay VI]

Ran my Achilles and it took 6 wounds over 6 turns. Which it should not have done as we were making saves on 3's with modifiers instead of 2+

 

However in a display of overkill wiped a necron lord. Almost single handed took down a monolith wiped a warrior squad and an immortal squad and assisted in the death of another warrior squad.

 

Was brutal

Edited June 28, 2017 by Wolf_Priest _Dantay.

[Brutallica]

Ooooh, nice. Now its a done deal my Space Wolves are getting a Fellblade ordered from FW tomorrow . Might run it as a falchion quite alot from time to time. I feel like the "24 vindicator cannon only will see use defensively, and the falchions 2d6 shots with 2d6 dmg is just too nasty to pass up. And a tank that size be it Fell/Falch they should keep 48" range on the table, atleast untill the worst antitank targets are dealt with. 830 points is just ALOT of :cussing eggs in one basket.


I am thinking of making an armored Space Wolf division, i allready have a sicaran, one more Sicaran would be nice later on. Then have a wolfguard battle leader and a wolflord behind the Sicaran and Fellblade to give reroll hits and wounds of 1. Perhaps a Command Rhino Primaris to give fellblade 2+ to hit. And 4+ in close combat >:D 

And perhaps a Voidshield generator.... So many awsome things, but im allready way beyond 2000 points xD

Edited June 28, 2017 by Brutallica

[Skallagoose]

Question for the community;

 

Can the spartan tank transport Wulfen? i didnt see anything that said it could but idk if the community has heard from the devs

[Jackalwolf]

As per the keywords yes. It's quite clear that the restrictions in the Index from GW are only intended for themselves due to the ruling that all can be used by SW. Otherwise, they wouldn't be able to be taken in a Mastodon, a Stormbird or a Thunderhawk either. They count as bulky models though.

[Exark]

So, I haven't forgotten about this, I promise I'll have the Sons of Ymir (Dreadnoughts) reviewed tomorrow, just been quite busy lately and fighting a bout of hobby apathy of late. But on the bright side, got a squad of Grey Hunters painted, and my Falchion mostly scratchbuilt (waiting on the quad LC). Also FW *finally* errata'd the Relic keyword to allow taking our LoW's in normal games. But beyond one relic LoW you gotta bring a non-relic. So perfect chance to break out the Great Crusade legion armory eh?

[Exark]

So sorry for the long delay guys, but here is the review of the Dreadnoughts, next up, the planes

 

Exark's Review Part 3: The Sons of Ymir (Dreadnoughts)

 

No common stats really, so here goes

 

The first one, the classic Mortis Dreadnought, a Heavy Slot and NO. DEGRADING. PROFILE!!!!.

 

So, 6” Move, 3+/3+, S6, T7, 8 W, A4, LD8, 3+ Sv

comes base with dual twin Hbs, these can be replaced with the good old rifleman pattern, two assaultcannons, two missile launchers, two TLLC, two MM or two Heavy plasma cannons.

 

Thoughts: Has potential, with assault cannons its sort of a cheaper Contemptor mortis (see below), coming in at 109 points with the basic gear. That said, if you're going to take a rifleman, just take a standard Castraferrum from the Index, its 5 points cheaper. Otherwise, bring this baby. It has potential, I especially like the idea of it with dual lascannons or assualt cannons. But to be honest, I'd rather take a Contemptor at 30 points more. Cause BS 2+, Atomantic Shielding and the good old Kheres. Really a toss up between this or long fangs though, because this is more survivable, but the Fangs has better fire efficiency at similar points values. Look at it this way, yes Fangs can re-roll 1s, but every time the Mortis takes a wound, it still fires at full effectiveness.

 

Siege Dreadnoughts (Heavy Support)

 

So they are 6”/3+/3+/S6/T8/8W/A4/LD8/3+

Pretty much the only way we can take Ironclads, they can take Inferno cannons, which are 8” Heavy d6, S6 AP-1 D2, at 35 points for the upgrade, other weapon options are an MM, Twin LC, or Twin AC.

They come default with a Seismic hammer (Sx2, AP-4 D5, subtract one from the hit roll) (48 points) with a meltagun and an inferno cannon. The hammer can be replaced with a second inferno cannon.

 

Special rules wise, they get fragstorm launchers which you roll a dice for a unit you charge within 1” and on a 4+ inflict d3 mortal wounds. And they get sundering strikes, so any building or object with M 0” you can re-roll 1s to wound.

 

Thoughts: So with the basic equipment they come near 200 points. Yes they are durable, but are a heavy slot, and nearly 200 points. If the inferno cannon was the same range as the one on a Hellhound, maybe I could see a use for these. But comparing this to our melee dreads which only take up an Elites slot, are 55 points cheaper, and far more effective in melee, I'd say ignore this entry.

 

So now the Contemptor Mortis also, a Heavy slot. Important Note: It. Is. Not. A. Relic.

 

So she's M9”/2+/2+/S7/T7/10W/4A/LD8/3+, M, WS/BS decrease to 6”/3+/3+ at 3-5 W and to 3”/4+/4+ at 1-2.

 

Comes base with two twin HB, same weapon options as the Castraferrum mortis, except the dual kheres assault cannons. These run you 25 points each.

 

It has Atomantic Shielding for a 5++, aside from that nothing else special.

 

Thoughts: Comparing this to the Mortis for 30 points more what you get is as follows: 2 more wounds, 2+/2+ until you take five wounds, which then only reduces you to a Mortis effectively and an invuln. Personally, I think its worth going for the Contemptor over the Castraferrum period. Especially since you get access to Kheres assault cannons. That said, It costs only about 20-30 points over a 4 HB longfang pack with its Twin Hbs, and its nearly twice as survivable. Plus its more mobile and suffers less from moving. Just a few thoughts on that subject. Anyway, personally, I'm of the opinion that the two best weapon options are likely either the Kheres for general purpose or the Twin lascannons for dedicated tank hunting with costs of 156 points or 206 for both setups, both within a slight margin of a similar long fang pack. YMMV. Personally I love the kheres and used it to effect against my friends' GK in a game earlier today (let alone how terrifying the thing is in Heresy).

 

Next up, the Chaplain Venerable Dreadnought an HQ choice

 

So she's M6/2+/2+/S6/T7/9W//A4/LD10/Sv 3+

 

It comes base with two DCCWs and Sbs

The Sbs can be replaced with heavy flamers and one of the arms can be replaced with an inferno cannon, MM, Assault cannon or Twin LC.

 

Special Rules: it gets a 5+ invulnerable, if it has two DCCWs it can reroll ones to hit, and all friendly models from the same chapter in the same fight as it get +1 S. Also, it is a Character. And it gets a 6+ FNP

 

Thoughts: So he's 204 with the base equipment. Strictly speaking, I think this guy could be interesting paired with blood claws, let alone the conversion opportunities, imagine what Ulrik would be like in a Dreadnought. A bit expensive for what he does though, as I'd say an WP would be more efficient, but he's looks like a lot of fun.

 

So now on to our three relic dreadnoughts.

 

First up, the Relic Contemptor, still in Elites.

So, he's got 2 W above the standard contemptor statline and comes with a 2+ save.

Comes base with two DCCWs. And now onto the wargear.

 

 

Can replace DCCWs with Chainfists, Twin Hbs, Mms, Twin LC, Twin AC, Heavy Plasma, Kheres or a C Beam Cannon,

 

C-Beam Cannon, its heavy one, at S6, AP3, d3 damage. The interesting part is that for each 24” between the firer and its target, you add 2 strength and d3 damage. At maximum range, it will become 4d3 damage at S12. Also if it removes a model the unit containing said model suffers 2d6 S6 AP0 1 damage hits.

This is also the cheapest cannon option for the relic predator at the price of two 7^th ed plasmaguns

 

It can replace the storm bolters built into the DCCWs with Hfs, Plasma blastguns which are 18” assault two plasmaguns with the normal profiles for damage/S/AP and overcharge. Except you suffer a mortal wound if you roll a 1. These cost 21 points.

 

The Graviton blaser is assault 2, 18”, S5, AP-3, D1 and goes to D3 against 3+ or better save models. It costs 15 points.

 

Thoughts: So its 135 points for the base model not including weapons. A pricey imo, but its a Contemptor, so rule of cool applies. Honestly, I'd say keep em in melee form, cause you can re-roll two hit rolls of 1 if you have two, though it occurs to me at WS 2+ this doesn't mean all that much but oh well. Rule of cool afterall. Competitively I wouldn't touch this because our Ven dreads do a better job in the melee role, imo, but still. Oh it also comes with a 5++ and a 6+ FNP. Still cool though. And our only way to get contemptors from our chapter besides Mortis' shakes fist at GW for depriving us of Vanilla contemptors

 

The Deredeo also a Heavy support

 

So she is M7”/WS4+/BS2+/S7/T7/W14/A2/LD8/3+

Comes with a twin HB and an anvillus autocannon battery, also never decays below 4+ BS.

 

So it can take a twin HF in place of the HB, and can replace the anvillus with either a hellfire or arachnus.

 

The autocannon battery is 36” Heavy 8, S8, AP-1, D2 and 50 points

The Hellfire carronade is Heavy 5, 24” S8/AP-3/3 D, for each roll of a 1 you suffer 1 mortal wound.

40 points

 

The Lascannon battery is 75 points, 48” Heavy 2, S10, AP-4 D6 damage. If you roll at least 1 natural 6, you deal a mortal wound.

 

Also you can take either an Aiolos Missile Launcher for 30 (60”, heavy 2d3, S6, AP-1, D1) or an atomantic pavise for 35.

The pavise gives all friendly chapter units wholly within 6” a 5+ invulnerable.

 

It also has a 5+ that increases to a 4+ in an assault, helical targeting array which you can declare at the beginning of any turn. You can't move but you get +1 to hit against units with fly.

 

Thoughts: So it tops out at around 200ish with its various combinations of weapons (not counting the aiolos or the pavise). Its interesting, I'll give it that, and an Elite slot, I wouldn't recommend the arachnus, period. It got HORRIBLY nerfed compared to its 7^th ed incarnation, so I'd take either the autocannon battery or the hellfire. The other slot is a toss up, either more shooty, or take the ability to give your fire support base a 5+. But you do have to be wholly within 6” of it to benefit. Personally, I like the Contemptor Mortis better, but I also love contemptors in general, so I might be a bit biased.

 

And now, for the final entry in the Sons of Ymir, the Leviathan. Still a Heavy Support choice. And still REALLY points intense (read: Land raider levels of points).

 

So this beast is M8”, 2+/2+,S8/T8/14W/A4/LD8/2+

 

It comes with two siege calws, two Hfs and two Mgs.

 

It can replace the siege claws with drills (both Sx2), the difference being claws are AP -3 vs. AP-4 of the drill, do one less damage (3 vs. 4) and let you reroll failed wounds against infantry. Drills have no special rules. Oh and the Drills are 10 points more at 65 points.

 

Otherwise you can take one or two of the following:

A Storm cannon array which is 24” Heavy 10, S7, AP-2, D2 and 50 points

A cyclonic melta lance which is 18”, Heavy 2d3, S9, AP-4, D6 damage with the melta rule. And 75 points

Or a Grav flux bombard which is 18”, Heavy d3, S9, AP-5, 2 damage. But if the target is a monster, vehicle or titanic, then it goes to D5. Also you add d3 shots for every five models in the unit. So if I read this right, that means against a min size terminator squad your shooting 2d3 shots. So just a bit terrifying. Its also 50 points. Note that for each claw you exchange for this, you lose 1 A.

 

So rules wise, it only has a 4+ Invuln.

 

Thoughts: So the Leviathan is still absolutely terrifying and can still be put in a Lucius DDP. However it will cost to due that as this thing is at base 325 points. Now granted it does drop to 275 with dual Storm cannons. Either way this thing will dish out pain and take a lot to begin with. Bizzarely it doesn't have an FNP like the Contemptor, I wonder why. Regardless, use this thing as we always have. As a very, very, terrifying distraction carnifex. Granted it costs 120 points to put it in your opponents backline, but this thing will murder pretty much everything it can get its hands on IMO. On its uses, for anti tank work, to be honest, I think i'd rather the dual storm cannon version over the CML/ Grav flux, just because it will deal more reliable damage and has less of a swing factor both in shots and damage. Its also rather cheap. Though it is still a TON of points. That said, I think pretty much any combination could work. It is a leviathan after all.

[Hellrender]

Nice write uo. In the process of building and painting a mortis contemptor and leviathan myself, so its motivating to read your positive about them.

[NightHowler]

Wow! Thanks for the write up! Nicely done and lots of great info here. Can't wait to hear about the fliers!

[TheWolfLord]

Leviathans are great, I'd argue that we have better close combat Dreadnoughts so I'll be arming mine for shooting but their weapons are great.

 

The Whirlwind Scorpius is impressing me too and although expensive the Sicaran with Las Sponsons is brilliant.

[Exark]

Exark's Review Part 4: The chariots of the Sky warriors, Adeptus Astartes Strike Craft

 

So there are no common pieces of wargear here (or rules) besides Airborne, Hard-to-hit, Hover and Supersonic. Also the only relic in this section is the Javelin. Neither the Tempest nor Javelin have the aformentioned rules.

 

So the Land Speeder Tempest (each choice is 1-3 tempests)

 

M15”/3+/3+/S4/T6/W6/A2/LD8/3+

 

It comes with and Assault Cannon, ATSKNF, and two tempest salvo launchers (36” Heavy d3, S6 AP-3 D2)

 

Also has the Ramjet thrusters special rule, when a unit of tempests advances, all models move between 20-35” and effectively get Hard to hit and Airborne until their next movement phase.

 

Thoughts: So, each one of these is 150 points. They are a fast attack choice, but Ramjet doesn't work like it did in 7^th where they could actually give up a turn of shooting to become flyers until declared otherwise. As compared to a base landspeeder, they have +1 T and -1” M, but the Landspeeder is more versatile and cheaper by nearly 30 points in its most expensive configuration (dual Mms). A cool concept, I just wish FW had kept it to how they were in 7^th ed, where they fulfilled an interesting role.

 

 

The Javelin

 

So same statline as a Tempest, but 3 more wounds and 1 more attack, comes as an Elites choice, the relic keyword, a Heavy bolter and a typhoon launcher. Its armament though is a tad confusing as the options section lists the typhoon launcher as a twin typhoon launcher, but there is no such wargear entry, I'm inclined to think this a typo, anyway.

 

It can take up to two HK missiles, replace the HB for an MM or take a twin lascannon in place of the TML.

 

Either way, this thing comes out to 163 points at base equipment.

 

It comes with ATSKNF, and Gravitic augur haze, if your opponent shoots from outside 8”, they are at -1 to hit.

 

Thoughts: Another great model a shadow of its former self in my opinion, still much better than the Tempest. I'd rate this as a supplement for long fangs in the anti tank role, it won't put out as much fire, but it is more survivable (plus with that -1 to hit). That said, there are better options (MORTISSSSSS). Personally, I think it needs a points drop.

 

Now onto the flyers, starting with the Xiphon.

 

So its got the normal rules, plus Skyborn Predator which lets it add 1 to hit against Fly models, and it has terminal targeting, its own version of POTMS. Does not have hover.

 

 

Stat wise its M20-50”/WS6+/3+/S6/T7/11W/A2/LD8/3+, It decays to a 5+ BS at 1-3 W and its movement goes to M20-30 at 50% and then just 20” .

 

So it comes with two twin lascannon, and a Xiphon missile battery, which is 60” Heavy 3 S6 AP-2, D3.

 

Thoughts: Wow. Just Wow. Of all the models from 7^th to 8^th, this has to be the most improved easily, going from being paper thin to in the same weight class as a Stormraven (better than IMO). Oh, and did I mention its only 210 points? So I'd say it puts out Storm variants to shame, though strictly speaking they can carry more firepower, but that points efficiency. Think of it as a flying tri-las predator, just better. On that note, its one of the few models I think we got shafted on, for 20 points more, the Chaos version gets to make a pivot after it moves.

 

The Storm Eagle, note that here I'm going to skip over the ROC Pattern since its Minotaurs only.

 

So she's M20-45 (same decay profile as the Xiphon)/6+/3+/S8/T7/16W/A3/Ld9/3+

 

Comes with two twin hellstrike launchers, a twin HB and a vengeance launcher.

 

 

Vengeance is 48” Heavy 2d6, S5, AP-1, D1, the twin hellstrikes are 72” Heavy 2 S8/Ap-3/3D

 

It can replace the HB with either a TML or a Twin MM and can take its two twin lascannon as usual.

 

She can transport 20 infantry as usual of either the normal, jump pack, terminator or centurion variety

 

Rules wise, has all the usual ones for flyers listed above plus POTMS.

 

Thoughts: Same bird, same tricks, not much has changed for the Eagle in 8^th, though its firepower significantly increased. She's 348 points at basic gear but throws out about the same amount of firepower as a comparative stormfang/wolf though she's more geared for infantry hunting whereas our flyers are better at AT. That said for 4 points more she can take two twin Lascannon, so why not.

Use it to deliver nasty payloads, like 15 bloodclaws, a wolf priest and Lukas. That would be fun no? Or ten TDAWG.

 

The Fire Raptor, same statline as the Eagle.

 

Comes with two quad HB, two twin hellstrike launchers and a twin avenger bolt cannon.

 

So the avenger is now 36” Heavy 10 S6 AP-2 D2 and quad Hbs are heavy 12.

 

Options wise it can still take two twin autocannon in place of the HB turrets however it gained a new one, the Hellstrikes can be replaced with twin lascannons. Also points wise this is just a 4 point upgrade so why not.

 

Same rules as the Eagle.

 

Thoughts: Well, its still the same old Fire Raptor we all know and love, just deadlier. A LOT deadlier. This thing pushes super heavy levels of firepower. And pushes super heavy levels of cost, its 418 points with its basic gear. The word distraction carnifex comes to mind, though I'm not sure I'd want to use such an expensive model as a distraction carnifex. It has teeth and you do get what you pay for. But be warned, it will draw fire. Still quite useful, just not sure I like the points cost now vs. its comparative survivability (having seen a Storm raven fell a Sicaran in one turn of shooting just from its MM and plascannons).

 

The Caestus

 

So, same movement profile as the Xiphon (20-50” with the same decay), 5+/3+/S8/T7/W14/A4 (2 then to 1)/LD9/2+

 

Comes with a caestus ram (Suser AP-3 D6 damage, add 3 to all hit rolls when targeting buildings if the ram charges that turn), a twin magna melta (Heavy 2d3 24”, S10 AP-4 d6, melta) and two firefury missile batteries (Heavy 4 72” S6 AP-1 1 Damage).

 

It can transport 10 models as usual, but only normal infantry and terminators, terminators take up 1 as per 7^th.

 

Has the normal rules but also gains Airborne ram, so it can charge flying stuff.

 

It does lose Airborne ram though if it hovers (in addition to its normal effects).

 

Also has POTMS.

 

 

Thoughts: So, its 330 points, and packs a pretty mean punch. Role wise it fits in the same as a Storm wolf or Storm eagle for troop delivery. That said, it does TDA transport better in my view. It puts out respectable firepower, though most of what you're paying for is the twin magna melta (making up 1/3 of the total points cost approx). That also said, I like what they did with Airborne ram, so you can finally ram other flyers out of the sky. Of the Eagle, Stormwolf or this, to me its a toss-up, all three are great, but I think rule-of-cool makes this the out-and-out winner. Imagine the look on your opponents face when this thing rams a storm raven into oblivion.

 

There's always a bigger bird, the Super heavies.

 

 

The Thunderhawk (LoW)

M20-50, BS 2+ , A8, decays to 20-40/3+/4 , 20-30/4+/3, 20/5+/2

 

Otherwise WS6+/S10/T9/30W/LD9/3+

 

Comes with four twin HB, two lascannon and a thunderhawk heavy cannon (heavy 2d6 48” S8 AP-2 d6 damage).

 

The thunderhawk cannon can be replaced with a turbolaser (96” heady d3, S16, AP-4 2d6 damage any wound roll of a 6 inflicts an additional d3 mortal wounds) and it can take a hellstrike missile battery (heavy 4 s8 ap-3 d3) if it does this it loses the thunderhawk cluster bombs ability

 

It can carry 30 infantry with the usual restrictions, can also carry bikers that take up 3 models or if it doesn't carry any non-primaris models, it can carry up to 15 primaris infantry.

 

So has Airborne, Supersonic, Crash and Burn, hover, POTMS, Colossal flyer (when targeting the model, measure to the models hull where it would be at tabletop level, in addition, unless the attacking unit has fly, add 12” to the measured distance, also, gives it hard to hit)

Void hardened hull: it has a 5+ invulnerable save

 

Thunderhawk clusterbombs: After the gunship has moved pick an enemy unit it flew over, roll 3d6 for every vehicle or monster, or a d6 for every other model up to 12d6, for each 5+ the unit suffers a mortal wound. Characters are unaffected.

 

Thoughts: So its around 700+ points at base. Well I would say it doesn't really belong in competitive play as compared to our tanks (about the same points cost but more firepower). Granted it is more survivable, and hasn't really changed much since 7^th. Not quite sure what to say about it, outside of the ever present rule of cool. If ya got it, bring it, because why not rain death from above with this thing?

 

Thunderhawk Transporter

(LoW)

Same stat line as above (but 6 attacks and 26 wounds)

It can carry up to 15 chapter infantry models and bikers as well (see above), cannot take Primaris though. Also it can carry either:

1 land raider or spartan

Or up to two rhino frame vehicles

 

Same rules as the Thunderhawk, just no bombs.

It has four twin HB and a hellstrike battery

 

Thoughts: Erm, so its a flying semi-truck. Great for campaigns and thematic battles, for pick up play, not so much. Its around 460 ish points.

 

And now on to the final flyer (and mystery as to why its not a relic): The mother of all birds, the Sokar Pattern Stormbird.

 

So its 20-50”/BS2+/A6/VOid Shield 4+ then 20-40/3+/4/5+, then 20-30/4+/3/6+ then 20/5+/2/7+

WS6+/S10/T9/W40/LD9/3+

 

It can transport 50 infantry (and bikers) as above, can also transport a single rhino that takes up 25 space.

 

Comes with the same rules as the thunderhawks (including void hardened hull), gains Projected void shields that if it hovers it can choose to give its void shields to all models and buildings within 8” of its hull and wings.

 

Comes with four twin lascannon, three twin Hbs and a battery of hellstrike missiles

 

Thoughts: So it comes out to around 900 points with its equipment. Again, CAMPAIGN OR NARRATIVE USE ONLY, though I'd love to see someone take it to a tourney for the fun ot it and see how it does. I apologize for the sparseness of my commentary on the super heavy flyers, but I'm really not quite sure what to make of them, there the only thing in our arsenal that really takes preparation to use given how big they are. That said, we got shafted compared to chaos which retained the dreadstrike missiles (AFAIK). That said, it will leave an impression on your opponent.

 

 

 

Next up is the last chapter, battlefield support (there are the special characters but we don't have one, so not much point)

 

 

[Evilmerlin]

Oh man...I knew I should have bought a Leviathan...

Considering that we have very effective close combat dreads. I think the Leviathan being kitted out with twin Grav Bombards would be a very terrifying fire support base. And it's quite survivable to boot.

 

Also, Heavy bolters or Auto cannons for the Fire Raptor? I'm inclined towards heavy bolters at the moment just for shear weight of fire.

Edited August 10, 2017 by Evilmerlin

[Exark]

Oh man...I knew I should have bought a Leviathan...

 

Considering that we have very effective close combat dreads. I think the Leviathan being kitted out with twin Grav Bombards would be a very terrifying fire support base. And it's quite survivable to boot.

 

Also, Heavy bolters or Auto cannons for the Fire Raptor? I'm inclined towards heavy bolters at the moment just for shear weight of fire.

Personal preference I'd say, but I'd say the Quad bolters just knowing how hordes are this edition, plus you can just run the twin lascannons in place of the missiles to give it more flexibility.