Ultramarines Characters - Table-top use and Tactica

[Captain Idaho]

The generic 8th edition thread is a monster now so in the name of logic and organisation, I'm starting a thread to isolate discussion focused on particular aspects of gaming.

 

This one I would like to kick off with a focus on the characters, minus Guilliman, that Ultramarines can make use of. Guilliman is so important he's likely best off in his own topic ;) though of course there will be some cross over here where relevant.

 

Now, one of the things I like about our characters is there is literally an option for each of us and our playstyles. You want a cheap HQ to save points for elsewhere? Take Telion or Chronus. You want a tank heavy army? Chronus can make a Land Raider the equivalent of a Knight Titan!

 

Then we have the leaders of the Chapter. As befitting of our characters, they enhance the models around them as well as kick Xenos and Heretic tail across the galaxy.

 

I'm loving Calgar. His human side really has shone through in Dark Imperium, whilst his Terminator Armour allows him to literally go toe to toe with almost any model in the game (fittingly Guilliman owns him with the Emperor's sword). Half wounds means there isn't a weapon in the game that can do more than 3 wounds to him in a single turn. That means it is impossible for 2 lascannons to kill him!

 

Lastly, I love his Terminator armour because I'm moving to a position where my main attack force are Teleporting Cataphractii Terminators. He can join them to provide amazing killing power and a 7 wound model right in amongst the enemy where the Gauntlets of Ultramar are squishing fools.

 

Anyone else have anything they'd like to share?

[PaddyG]

I've been brainstorming about how to use Chaplain Cassius to maximum effect.

 

His unique aura grants mortal wounds against enemies that slay an ultramarines model on a 6+, which is a little unreliable. Not many situations would be worth losing that many models for the extra wounds.  

 

However, in a tactical heavy list, with captain sicarius leading the group, things get interesting. You can create a force that isn't interested in engaging in close combat. One it get assaulted, though, it can become much more punishing for your opponent than they might initially realize. Sicarius does mortal wounds on a wound roll of 6+, while Cassius causes your losses to have a chance to deal mortal wounds. Throw a Company Ancient in the mix, and on a 4+ your tacticals get an extra attack when they die!

 

Of course, this is rather expensive, but could be a fun combo to form the base of your battalion, while the rest of your points are dedicated to heavy hitters and mobile choices to grab objectives late game.

 

What do the rest of you think of Chaplain Cassius, is he ever worth it?

[Captain Idaho]

That's interesting. I must confess he often gets overlooked by me so I didn't even check his rules.

 

Free wounds are great even if just on a 6. After all, you were going to lose those models anyway.

 

I wouldn't hope to defeat on mortal wounds alone so wouldn't strategise on it to heavy with a large points investment. However, lots of Assault Marines supported by Cassius could be quite the thorn in an opponent's side. With pistol fire, multiple attacks, the odd mortal wound, Assault Marines can really punch above tgeir weight.

 

Good find.

[Prot]

Well I don't typically like to post without without a good deal of experimentation with units. But so far for characters, I have definitely got the most use out of Lt's and Captains. The two combined are a very cheap segway into a Battalion. And both extend their value with decent auras.

 

For named characters I really haven't felt the need to give Cassius a shot yet but that's because I feel I almost have to include Tigurius. His abilities are extremely economical. I feel like I need to use him as Smite protection. I play Thousand Sons and you need to be able to protect your string units from the D6 mortal wounds variant or you could be facing an undefefesive brutal Psychic phase.

 

Ahriman is strong but Tigurius is a better deal n my opinion, the rerolls are amazing and almost guarantee a protection against perils. I've had Tigurius defend my back lines against certain death from Orks when I could not take a Battle wagon loaded with Orks down. It's just incredible to have that ace up your sleeve.

[Brother Captain Ed]

Cato has been great. A completely different character from previous Editions. His War gear is competitively priced and his special ability is good without being so great as to be a no-brainer. Without the full Codex to give currently unavailable options, I just can't take a regular captain right now. Cato exceeds any generic build Captain.

[Captain Idaho]

I don't know, I enjoy having a Relic Blade. Sicarius is good and all, ideal as a line Captain for Tactical squads, but wounding on a 3+ is very valuable.

 

A combi plasma is pretty good too.

 

As is Cataphractii armour.

[Brother Captain Ed]

I will see your 3+ and raise you mortal wounds.

[Ishagu]

Calgar is a brilliant HQ. Imo he's the best of the Chapter Master type character with the exception of Draigo.

 

Tiggy and Sicarius also offer really good buffs to the army. Sicarius offers a really good defence against horde assault armies with the strike first bubble for Tacticals.

[Captain Idaho]

I will see your 3+ and raise you mortal wounds.

Mortal wounds on a 6+ in close combat, otherwise striking at S4, isn't very reliable at killing things.

 

Those Mortal Wounds won't help you survive against decent AP either.

 

Sicarius is a duelist who can single out characters well for his Tactical Marines core but he won't be chewing through units or soaking hits.

[Marcus Arias]

So after reading he Tactica thread and this in in particular, I approached my first game of 8th with a fluffy yet quite fun list.

 

I took Calgar and a Primaris Lt as HQs. It was fantastic, I stuck a few squads in their respective bubbles and just wiped out so much! I am used to taking my Ultras off the board on T1 due to intense shooting but this reversal of fortunes was immense.

 

Calgar did some work, he murdered a , a pack of 20 Gaunts and three Tyranid warriors. A solid choice for HQ, plus his buff aura was excellent!

[DeRome90]

 

 

 

 

What do the rest of you think of Chaplain Cassius, is he ever worth it?

 

 

I think he shines during small-middle games. 

In big games it would be understandable to overlook him... but the combo you mentioned sounds interesting.

 

 

 

Although I never fielded Calgar, I believe that he is awesome and the best if you don't want to afford Guilliman.