Legion Rapier Battery w/ Quad Heavy Bolter

[9x19 Parabellum]

Hey guys!

 

I'm thinking about picking up a Legion Rapier in the Quad Heavy Bolter pattern as a cheap 3rd Heavy Support element for my RG for when I want an RG Spearhead detachment, either as a stand alone detachment or as a supplement when I mix in with my Blood Angels.  I really don't feel like painting up another unit of Devastators for 4x heavy bolters. (I have 2 units of Devs currently with Lascannons).

 

My question(s) is (are);

 

-are they supported in 8th edition rules? I'm getting conflicting information on this.

-the total price seems to be about 15 melta bombs. Is this right?

-the gunners are infantry and would get our chapter tactic -1 to hit, but the Rapier itself is not. I presume opponents can choose to shoot at either. What happens if the 2 gunners die. Can other guys choose to man the weapon?

 

I think that's about it, unless someone knows another reason why it sucks and should not be included.

 

Thanks!

[Race Bannon]

Me first!

 

They are good for 8th edition.

 

Unsure of price as I don't use them.

 

Unsure of targeting rules, although I'd be surprised if the gun did not benefit like infantry.  BUT I do know that, no, other models cannot man the gun; if the gunners die, then the gun model is removed.

[theHiff]

Where would you find the rules for rapiers, Imperial Armour?

[9x19 Parabellum]

Thanks Race.

 

Hiff; unsure.

 

I'm rethinking this idea, as, if you can target either the dudes or the gun, it seems pretty easy to take out.  A single lascannon ought to make short work of the gun, (especially if we don't get chapter tactic with it). And the crew itself don't have enough ablative wounds to keep the gun from shutting down. 

 

If I'm right, I'm not sure the cheaper price tag offsets those shortcomings, when a 3rd devastator team comes in with more benefits (1 wound at a time, all get our chapter tactic, armorium cherub, signum, etc.)

[NiceGuyAdi]

I would expect targeting to be much the same as for the Thunderfire Cannon. I’m away from my Codex, but in the Index the Gunner is <CHARACTER> so can only be targeted if there’s nothing closer. So you would just keep taking wounds on the gun until it’s gone, since the gun is useless without the gunner, but the gunner can operate on his own.

[Firepower]

It says the gunners may only be selected as a target for shooting if they are the closest model, so basically characters.  They would certainly be great for specific horde armies, but if you're facing off against, say, other Marines, it won't accomplish nearly as much or likely live as long, either.  The Rapier does have other armaments that are more tailored to Marine targets, of course.

Edited March 7, 2018 by Firepower

[Race Bannon]

Laser destroyer; nothing like the original ^_^

 

I'd love to have some in my collection, but I need to find an alternative to FW (cost and snowflake).

[9x19 Parabellum]

I already have 2 devastator squads with 6 lascannons spread between them, so I need some anti-horde firepower in a cheap Heavy Support slot. This is the perfect solution.

[ShinyRhino]

The rules are in the Imperial Armor index, p43.

 

The carrier is four meltabombs before wargear, and you pay the same price as the carrier for the pair of gunners. The quad heavy bolter is just over seven melta bombs.

 

Targeting them works just like the thunderfire cannon. If both gunners die, the carrier is removed. You can't use gunners from another carrier to fire the abandoned carrier.

 

With only 4W and T5 without access to Chapter Tactics or multiples in a unit, these are lascannon bait.

[Race Bannon]

So ... if I use a Lascannon on these versus something that really needs to be shot at, then either I'm playing the game wrong or the opponent is way Way WAY better than me :lol:

[9x19 Parabellum]

So ... if I use a Lascannon on these versus something that really needs to be shot at, then either I'm playing the game wrong or the opponent is way Way WAY better than me

 

I'm not sure I agree with that.  4 heavy bolters is some good dakka, at a cheap price no less.  The toughness/wounds of the gun make it an ideal target for lascannon hit.

[Race Bannon]

Sure, of course.  I'm just suggesting that personally I would use other resources than a Lascannon :P

[NiceGuyAdi]

How to they compare in points cost to twin Heavy Bolter Tarantulas? I don’t have IA

[Race Bannon]

How to they compare in points cost to twin Heavy Bolter Tarantulas? I don’t have IA

You mean TL Heavy Bolter?

 

Tarantulas are immobile and the HB version will target priority the closest infantry unit. in other words, static platform that you can't choose who to to shoot BUT are cheap. Certainly not recommended for tournaments or all-comer lists, but can be beautiful for themed games.

[9x19 Parabellum]

Or super cheap to fill out a brigade (I think they are fast attack slots, right?) and block deepstrikers.

[Dracos]

I thought of trying that after seeing BlindHamster mentioning he does it at times. I just can’t seem to justify sacrificing a unit or two for the points to get the three addition CP.