Unit of the Week: Land Raider Excelsior

[Jolemai]

Welcome to part four 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.

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:

Land Raider Excelsior

What are you thoughts here folks? How best would you use a Land Raider Excelsior from Warhammer Legends: Blood Angels?

• To compliment a list, or to build a list around? Will the beta rules affect your list(s)?
• Will you be running multiple units?
• Are you taking any wargear options? Are you using it transport capacity?
• How are you making use of the Data Augers and the Rites of Battle abilities?
• Are you buffing this unit? If so, how?
• Stratagems of note?

Over to you.

[Jolemai]

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

[FormelyKnownAsSmashyPants]

Do you still have to take it alongside the Rhino Primaris, or can the two be fielded independently? Edited September 29, 2020 by Captain Smashy Pants

[Jolemai]

They are an independent datasheet which can be fielded on its own. However, if you want the Excelsior to have +1 to hit, your need to keep it in range of a Rhino Primaris.

[Spagunk]

Hmmm, i wonder if that still works now? They made an example that infantry HQ characters don't buff other HQ characters but I wonder if HQ vehicles can(datasheet blurb)? Seems like they should since it's not directly inspiration but communications ability.

Edited September 29, 2020 by Spagunk

[Jolemai]

Used mine once in 9th so far and was using it as often as possible towards the end of 8th as part of my Heavy Mech list at 2000 points. Basic plan is simple - keep within range of the Rhino Primaris for +1 To Hit - so in my example above that's eight lascannons, grav cannon, combi-plasma, stormbolter, hunter-killer missile potentially at BS2. In this particular list, I also run a second Land Raider and a Vindicator to spread the T8 vehicle threat out.

 

As support, I have a Techmarine either nearby or inside, and I usually hide my troops (Tacticals/Scouts) inside until they are needed.

 

Thinking about it, deployment is kinda done the way a war machine was in WHFB: you plonk it down first which dictates how your opponent places stuff and/or you build your moving castle around it. I tend to have a triangle/diamond shape going on with my three T8s and the Rhino Primaris.

 

*** Naturally, all of this is subject to change if and when they update the Legends rules. Doubt it's a priority, mind...

[Xenith]

Just coming to this It's a powerhouse but needs protecting. I'm adding the combi plasma and multimelta for a laugh. Previously if you made it your warlord it could have the Veritas Vitae, or I think master artisan a Twin Lascannon for +1D.

 

It's putting out 11 shots at high AP at 24" with a +1 to hit on them all if it's close to a Rhino Primaris.  

[Jolemai]

In the current ruleset it is no longer a character.

[Xenith]

Ah, big shame. Until it gets updated, it's still hitting on a 2+ rerolling 1's close to a Primaris.