Veterans with lasguns

[micahwc]

I was putting together a Vostroyan Brigade and I needed to put in my elite choices and I had the thought of just running three Veteran squads with lasguns. I would use them the same as infantry, but have better BS. FRFSRF with BS 3+ sounds like fun.

 

Reason being, I have three company commanders in the list for orders so I don't really need platoon commanders, commisars are not amazing anymore, I don't have any ogryns, ratlings, or psykers yet. I would choose command squads over special weapon squads for this particular list since I have 3 company commanders, but I don't have many special weapons other than grenade launchers and flamers that come with the infantry. (I do have 3 with meltaguns).

 

The way I see it, it's a 20 point upcharge for better ballistic skill and a loss of objective secured over basic infantry. I would probably use them to guard my heavy weapon squads with the better ballistic skill, and send my regular troops after objectives with support from air dropped scions.

 

Thoughts?

[CoffeeGrunt]

You're paying half as much more for +1 to Hit, basically. I mean it's your game and you can play it however you please, but it's not a very good setup.

[Major_Gilbear]

The three squads, downgraded to regular infantry squads, saves you 60pts. You can buy a fourth squad with that difference and still have change left over, plus all 40 get ObSec.

 

Furthermore, 33% more troops at BS4+ is about the same increase in lasgun fire (with potential for more) as the original Veterans gave you with their BS3+.

 

I really like Veterans, don't get me wrong, but they seem a bit duff to me when it comes to rules crunch outside of a few pretty specific setups. If they at least had ObSec, it wouldn't be so bad.

[micahwc]

The three squads would be in addition to 6 regular infantry squads. Adding more infantry squads in their place isn't really an option for me until I get more infantry squads. I get this is a specific setup, but the only other real option I have is 3 commisars, 3 platoon commanders, special weapon squads, and/or command squads. I'm not too worried about the points, as I always seem to have plenty of those left over in my guard lists.

[Plasmablasts]

One or two command squads with standards for morale mitigation would be something to consider.

[NatBrannigan]

Command squads with Standards I'll second. They are the new commissars (kind of...). Nice and cheap and very thematic I think.

 

Can you not find a few points to give those veterans special weapons? I know the BS3+ Plasma points increase has made them an even "worse" choice than before but I find Veterans still have a place for sure. You'll even get some extra range on them as Voystrons.

 

The Hades Breachiing Drill from Forgeworld isn't very expensive (in points or £'s compared to other Forgeworld kits) and comes with a unit of Veterans. They need shotguns and you can only take 2 special weapons but it's a fun unit that.

 

Finally, get some Bullgryns! You can probably even find some third party "space ogre" Cossack style heads for them. mine have perfectly fitting Pith helmet heads and they're an awesome unit on the tabletop. 

[Halfpint100]

Command squads with Standards I'll second. They are the new commissars (kind of...). Nice and cheap and very thematic I think.

 

Can you not find a few points to give those veterans special weapons? I know the BS3+ Plasma points increase has made them an even "worse" choice than before but I find Veterans still have a place for sure. You'll even get some extra range on them as Voystrons.

 

The Hades Breachiing Drill from Forgeworld isn't very expensive (in points or £'s compared to other Forgeworld kits) and comes with a unit of Veterans. They need shotguns and you can only take 2 special weapons but it's a fun unit that.

 

Finally, get some Bullgryns! You can probably even find some third party "space ogre" Cossack style heads for them. mine have perfectly fitting Pith helmet heads and they're an awesome unit on the tabletop. 

 

I use a lascannon and banner in my command squad. cheap and effective. Sniper rifles might work for vostroyans (since there is a model for them and 42" range). 

 

Unfortunately the hades 'vet' squad is still BS 4+ (but LD 7/8). just guardsmen with +1LD really. The drill is worth it though! Such a fun unit.

[RangerRob24]

I run only Mordian Vet squads.  Though I fill them up with Heavy weapons (HB or LasC) and Special weapons(Plasma or Sniper).  Lasgun guys are there to take the wounds.

I secure objectives with Dropping Tempestus units and Spearhead Leman Russes.  Vets stay back and shoot.  Strategey may work with your extra range Vestroyans.


Mordian doctrine gives them the +1 LD, Take Aim order keeps the Plasma guys overloaded and safe,  Moridan Volley Fire Stratagem is lethal with Plasma / HB combos.  

 

Edited November 7, 2017 by RangerRob24

[micahwc]

I have points, I don't have models. I may need to try printing some plasma guns tonight.

[morroccomole]

If youre just trying to fill elite slots, special weapon squads with flamers work pretty well as a backfield QRF when your front line gets charged. Have the charged squad fall back, and *whoosh* 

[micahwc]

I do have a lot of flamers and grenade launchers sitting around. Hmmm. I could drop 1 infantry squad and add two command squads with grenade launchers. I know they are not as good as plasma, but I don't actually have the plasma to put on the models, and 30" range with Vostroyans at strength 6 isn't exactly bad, it's just not as good as plasma.

[zero88]

Grenade Launchers are assault weapons so do not benefit from the Vostroyan doctrine

[micahwc]

Erg. Oh well. I'd consider still doing it since I have the grenade launchers and no way to get 6 more plasma guns by tomorrow night, except that 6 grenade launchers is almost another infantry squad. I will be playing against Death Guard, so the strength 6 would be nice, but Bring It Down with 20 more lasgun shots would probably be a better usage of the points.

[morroccomole]

While I agree the Vostroyan doctrine isn't very synergistic with non rapid-fire/heavy weapons, the order wouldn't be terrible, assuming the special weapons survive the initial charge. Being able to blam the Chaos filth in close combat with krak/flamers is nothing to scoff at, especially since they can then swing again in the fight phase. Running your warlord with Laurels of Command? On a 4+ you can shoot while in CC, AND reroll 1s or do FRFSRF.

I ran Vostroyans last weekend against my friend's Deathguard, and the Vostroyan doctrine seems very situational. It was a slugfest, but I got clobbered from weight of maelstrom points.

[Major_Gilbear]

Well, as moroccomole said earlier, if you're just trying to fill elite slots... There are other options.

 

For example, what about a simple Lasgun Vet squad, and two SWS (one with GL, one with flamers)? That way, at least each squad has a proper focus, and you can maximise their use better. It also chucks some points back into the pot for spending elsewhere in your list.