Unit of the Week: Apothecary

[Jolemai]

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

Following the release of the 9^th edition Supplement, 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:

Apothecary

What are you thoughts here folks? How best would you use Apothecary?

• To compliment a list, or to build a list around? Will the beta rules affect your list(s)?
• Footslog or transport? Bodyguard of note?
• How are you buffing this unit? Will it be babysitting anything?
• What spells are you using? Suitable to be a Warlord?
• Stratagem synergy of note?

Over to you

Please note that Primaris Apothecary, Sanguinary Novitiate, and Sanguinary Priest willl 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.

[Karhedron]

Sometimes overlooked in BA lists in favour of the more glamourous Sanguinary Priest, the humble Apothecary is still worth a look for many bulids. Firstly, he is an Elite meaning he does not use up one of your valuable HQ slots. If you are taking a Captain and Command squad then a Firstborn Apothecary can be taken without using up a slot

 

The Apothecary can keep units alive, that value of this depends on how valuable a unit you are patching up. Patching up basic infantry won't generate a lot of bang for your buck. But resurrecting more valuable units or healing Characters can be golden. If the units you want to heal are fast moving like Jump Packers or bikers, a Sanguinary Priest with Jump Pack is better to keep up. This means apothecaries work best supporting footslogging units. Hellblasters, Gravis units, Terminators and Devastators are all high value units that can benefit from Apothecary support.

 

Generally speaking, I prefer Primaris Apothecaries for the extra durability. The only times I would opt for a Firstborn Apothecary is if it needs to go in a Transport with Firstborn or you are using the Captain + Command squad combo as outlined above.

 

When it comes to upgrades, I would always take the Chief Apothecary upgrade and the Selfless Healer WLT. The ability to heal is the Apothecary's big selling point. Even after the recent price increase, it is still worth maximising on this ability. The Apothecary is not particularly well armed or protected so I would often look to use a Relic to boost one of these. Defensvely, Artificer Armour or the Armour Indomitus will both go a step towards keeping the squishy medic alive if he gets caught on the front line. Alternatively if you are feeling brave, the Teeth of Terra is worth a look for Firstborn Apothecaries as an upgrade for their Chainsword. This will allow the Apothecary to do decent work in melee although this is probably not the best place for him to be, particularly without Relic Armour.

 

If you really want to tool the guy up then You can take Selfless Healer and Teeth of Terra. Then use Angel Exemplar to give him Artificer of War and then from that, Artificer armour. This is quite a lot of investment in a support Character but I list it here for completeness.