Thinking of restarting with the cult

[Valkyrion]

I was rummaging around, clearing out space when I found a bunch of semi or unassembled GSC and Genestealers which I presume I picked up from the Deathwatch game and Space Hulk, so before I ebay them I figured I'd see if I can make a viable force out of them and using *methods* I read the codex and figured I probably could but I need your help as to which direction to go in - cult or tyranids - using as many models as I currently own as possible.

 

Here's what I got;

 

3 Broodlords/Patriarchs

Primus

Magus

 

26 Genestealers

 

16 neophytes - 2 grenade launchers and 2 mining lasers

 

12 acolytes

 

4 abberants - frustratingly one model short of a legal unit. 

 

 

So, I've learned that I can't use 3 patriarchs in a single detachment, and using 3 detachments would be CP thirsty, but I can turn those Patriarchs into <Tyranid> Broodlords and in turn make my genestealers <Tyranid> troops.

 

*But the GSC creeds could give my stealers a 4++ (bladed cog), or +1S and a huge potential charge range (twisted helix)

 

So - do I go Tyranid heavy and use the Cult as a patrol detachment, or do I go Cult heavy and use the Tyranids as a patrol detachment?

 

*edit - a reread tells me no genestealers benefitting from the Cult Creeds. Bummer. No super stealers. 

Edited September 24, 2020 by Valkyrion

[Rogue]

Whichever way you go, cult creeds don't affect genestealers (purestrains or the patriarch).

 

Everything you have there works within a cult force, but not within a tyranid one. For that reason alone I'd start with the cult as a basis. You could then hive the stealers off into a patrol with one or two broodlords if you wanted to.

 

Running the stealers as a tyranid patrol with cost you CP, but does mean that they can pick up the cult creed equivalent - I've found Kraken (high speed movement tricks) make them very good at landing first turn charges.

 

You also have the right guys for a brood coven, which is a useful Cult trick, but requires the warlord to be a Cult model (specifically the Patriarch).

 

So on balance, I'd suggest either all-in Cult, or Cult with a tyranid patrol.

[Valkyrion]

Thanks

 

So;

GSC Battalion

HQ and Warlord Patriarch

HQ Magus

HQ Primus

 

Troops 10 Neophytes

Troops 5 Acolytes

Troops 5 Acolytes

 

Elites 4 Abberants (I know I need 5, I'm sure I can find one on ebay)

 

32 power + 1 if familiars are worth it?

 

Tyranid Kraken Patrol

HQ Broodlord

HQ Broodlord

 

Troops 10 Stealers

Troops 10 Stealers

Troops 5 Stealers

 

36 Power

 

That's 68 power. I'm not going to deeply into it just yet with points and weapon options etc, I really just want a feel for it.

What do I spend my 32 leftover power on, assuming a 100 power or 2000 point force? A Baneblade? 

[Rogue]

I've had a lot of success with Leman Russes. People don't necessarily expect the Cult to turn up with T8 battlecannons, and that can cause them problems.

 

Plus, the firepower can help to prevent the enemy sitting back and going all turtle against your charge - if they stay put, you shoot them; if the come forward, you hit them.

 

On a side-note, don't forget that genestealers gain 'flurry of claws' (+1 attack per model) in units of 10 or more. Having two 10s gets you there, but the enemy only have to kill one in overwatch to remove the extra attacks. Maybe go with units of 13 for a little extra protection. (But balance that against exposing yourself to blast weapons.)

[crownedzoidberg]

Yeah, split those Genestealers in 2 Troops, add in a unit of Ripper swarms. They are a cheap objective holder,screening unit and are already inside your Box of Genestealers or Warriors.