Smash Champion?

[Medicinal Carrots]

I've been thinking about using a smash Champion as a melee beatstick now that the smash Captain's taken a few nerfs. Essentially it's a Company Champion with the Chapter Champion upgrade, the Blade of Triumph relic, and The Imperium's Sword warlord trait. For 70 points and likely 2 CP, on the charge, you get 7 WS 2+ S8 AP-3 D3 attacks, re-roll charges, and re-roll wounds against characters.

 

He lacks some of the durability and mobility options of a Captain (iron halo, bike, jump pack, etc), but is still relatively durable with a combat shield and -1 to be hit in melee, and is significantly cheaper (in points, could be more expensive in CP). He really needs to tag along in a Rhino or Drop Pod to have a reasonable chance to get stuck in, though.

 

One particular idea I've had is a melee bomb. Drop Pod with the aforementioned smash Champion, a Chaplain, and some Vanguard and/or Company Vets. Drop in turn 1 (or later if you need to make an opening), and use Commanding Oratory for Canticle of Hate to give them all a 7 inch charge. That comes to 220 for just the characters and Pod, plus whatever melee unit(s) you add and any upgrades, so it could get pricey.

[Captain Idaho]

It's fairly strong because I have experience in using the Ultramarines Chapter Champion in the same way. The Blade of Triumph is the best choice for the D3, which carves through super-heavy infantry and characters very well, whilst also being a threat (though less at only S6/7) against vehicles.

 

Burning Blade is still good of course, because with the Imperium's Sword boosts it to S8 first close combat phase.

 

Whacking them into a Rhino is the way forward. This dude will get a turn 2 charge against any army desiring mid-board presence, most of the time.

 

***

 

Incidentally, the Ultramarines Chapter Champion is incredibly strong, as he maintains all his re-rolls against characters compared to the upgrade Company Champion version.

 

Ultramarines players should consider taking him as a matter of course. :)

[Karhedron]

If you prefer added durability rather than killing power, he is a great candidate for the Shield Eternal.

[Captain Idaho]

Or Armour Indomitus. An extra wound, 2+ save (1+ with a Combat Shield I believe) and a 3+ Invulnerable save once a game. Its a high quality suit of armour now. Plus an AP-3 save is still a 4+ save on it ;)

[Mandragola]

I don’t think this guy needs to be particularly built for survivability. He’s still only got four wounds, right?

 

He can cut stuff up but requires the relic sword to do it. Otherwise probably don’t bother. An un-upgraded company champion isn’t terrible for his cost but the chapter champion wants all the toys I think.

[Captain Idaho]

Yeah I lean towards killing power too.