Unit of the Week: Relic Sicaran Arcus Strike Tank

[Jolemai]

Welcome to part five of the Blood Angels Unit of the Week Series!

Following the release of the 8^th edition Codex, there is no better time to discuss all the units we have access to. Each week a different unit will appear, with the idea being that we discuss how best to use that model on the battlefield. Where part one will focus on the unique BA units and part two will focus on BA units that are new to this edition of the Codex, part three will discuss how to get the best use the generic units from the past that are still with us (and that many of us have in our armies still), and part four will discuss the Legends units that we still own and love. Finally, part five will be dedicated to the reinforcements from Forge World.

Note, this isn't to lament any nerfs, etc, from previous editions; the rules are as they are so try to unlock its potential for those who wish to use them all the same. Similarly, this thread is only for using the option being discussed; it matters not if you feel something is a better choice as such comments aren't constructive to the topic and shall be removed.

Without further ado, here's this week's entry:

Relic Sicaran Arcus Strike Tank

What are you thoughts here folks? How best would you use a Sicaran Arcus (current a download from the Forge World website)

• To compliment a list, or to build a list around? Will the beta rules affect your list(s)?
• Will you be running multiple units?
• How are you making use of Vanguard Strike?
• What optional weapons choices are you taking and does the above affect how you run them?
• Are you buffing this unit? If so, how?
• Stratagems of note?

Over to you.

Please note that the Relic Sicaran Battle Tank, Relic Sicaran Omega Tank Destroyer, Relic Sicaran Punisher Assault Tank, and Relic Sicaran Venator will be discussed elsewhere.

[Jolemai]

Should you want your model on display here (or on another thread from the series), then submit a photo here please.

[Majkhel]

Definitely not a solo unit. I would see this one working in tandem with a Chaplain with Catechism of Fire for the +5 mortal wounds.

 

Relic Sicaran Arcus Strike Tank for me looks like an alpha-strike distraction Carnifex, that is able to put some hurt on enemy's elite infantry - preferably T3-4 with single- or 2-wounds models as these will take more casualties, but Centurions would also feel it's touch. I'm not sure on Aggressors as they tend to be more numerous and are cheaper than Centurions.
Main armament's 24" range means it needs to get really close in terms of tank-warfare. 14" movement helps, but then it needs the Big Guns Never Tire strat (or Chaplain's '+1 to hit' Litany, but we want the Catechism of Fire more for this unit). 

 

I would see the Arcus moving forward T1 to get in range of a tasty infantry target with the support of the Big Guns stratagem and Chaplain's Catechism of Fire. If there's a Captain nearby (advancing Smash or mid-field Phobos maybe), even better. Then unleash the main missile launcher with the double-shoot option and spam MWs on the target. 

 

The thing is, we then have a 140-168pts unit in the middle of the field, probably outside cover as well and with a possibility to hurt supporting characters if it explodes. If possible, it would be really good to charge alongside Scouts/Incursors in the hopes of locking something in CC. At the very least Arcus might eat overwatch for some other unit. 

Now the enemy may just ignore it, if we say laud and often enough, that Arcus cannot shoot the missiles after Vanguard Striking. If it lives, we get to try the Vanguard Strike on T3. If it dies, then perhaps something more valuable lives instead.

 

I believe that the Chaplain's Catechism of Fire is crucial for the Arcus. Unfortunately this is not an auto-include Litany and it's hard to justify attaching a special Chaplain just to buff 1-2 turns of shooting the Arcus in a CC-army like ours. So we will be needing some more investment in the shooting part of our army - Eliminators of any flavour come to mind as they are often operating mid-field as well. Or cheap Suppressors, although these tend to stay more away.  

Additional armament is not that important. I would discard the lascanons option so that Arcus does not become an even bigger target for the enemy. Storm Bolter is obviously nice to have. As for the HBs and HKM - all depending on the points available. HBs obviously increase the usability of the tank after it uses the Vanguard Strike.

[Jolemai]

Definitely not a solo unit.

Whilst I've not used the variant, I have used the Battle Tank version as a solo unit/flanking unit/distraction and yes, it doesn't work. You'd think with 4/5/6 weapons (with upgrades) it can do some damage but it's still a BS3 tank with ok-ish weaponry. Choose your targets and have some assistance to make the best out of it.