Unit of the Week: Relic Contemptor Dreadnought

[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:

Relic Contemptor Dreadnought

What are you thoughts here folks? How best would you use your Relic Contemptor?

• To compliment a list, or to build a list around? Will the beta rules affect your list(s)?
• Will you be running multiples?
• How are you buffing this unit? Will it babysit anything??
• What Wargear Options do you prefer and how much does it depend on the above choices?
• Stratagem synergy or note?

Over to you

Please note that the Contemptor Dreadnought 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.

[Cleon]

I haven't fielded it since I got my Contemptor finished (based and decaled to go with a HH project that stalled when I didn't like the style they chose for the BA specific units). As mine is a Calthnought it's not well equipped - What I'd want is a two heavy weapon and cyclone hat one to sit on my home objective and using duty eternal and the 5+ invul to be an unappealing target to waste long range shooting on.

[Majkhel]

Hands down one of the best units for Space Marines in general in the current edition. Really well balanced in term of point values. Invulnerable save, multiple weapon options, CORE, Duty Eternal, no slouch in combat, no degrading profile.

Cheaper then Redemptors too.
If you consider a mobile firebase - this is your answer.
 

-I have experience with the dreaded dual-volkite loadout and it's as scary as the stories tell. That many 2D shots with mortals for 5pts each is a steal.
-I also used dual autocanon, but it was pricey for what it did. Still with extended range it's a nice anti-infantry hard to ignore nuisance for the opponent.
-Cyclone missile launcher is overcosted, but still sometimes you have just the points to increase your firebase in this way. 
-Conversion beamer seems a beast against armour, but I'm not sure I would be able to utilize it's strongest shots more than once during a game unless I'm playing something really castled-up and static.
-Wouldn't bother with Lascanons as they are worse than MMs for me. I wouldn't also bother with MMs on this platform as we have better options to deliver them (MM bikes, Eradicators)
-Heavy Plasmas are cheap. But 2 of them are still worse than the one on a Redemptor. Still cheap.
-dual Kheres and dual HBs seem fun and I think HBs have an overall edge with longer range and flat 2D. Still volkites are better and cheaper

I would really like to try out dual chain-fist build one day     

 

If you manage to add a Techmarine for that sweet +1 to hit and healing, Contemptor becomes a real pain for the opponent.
Obviously if you can take one, why not take 2.

[BloodyB]

I have a Volkite wielding guy I dig out when the youngin's get to talking smack about how good their Drukhari/Admech/Orks/Crusher stampedes are. My ability to role 6s to wound with that abomination is unreal. I refuse to use it in friendly games though, it makes them decidedly less friendly.

[Paladin777]

Yeah, those twin volkites are way undercosted for how powerful they are.

[Jolemai]

I have the following options for this:

• 2 x Twin lascannons
• 1 x Kheres assault cannon
• 1 x Cyclone missile launcher
• 1 x Multi-melta
• 1 x Conversion beamer
• 1 x Power fist (with options for 1x storm bolter, meltagun, plasma blaster)
• 1 x Chain fist (with above secondary options)

I tend to regularly field the 2 x twin lascannon at 2k (Infantry list) and the same + cyclone missile launcher at 1500 points (Dreadnought list). For me, there's something about the power of four lascannon shots which I desperately feel like I need almost all of the time in this edition. In this configuration, I run it as back field support, and often as a target for Wisdom of the Ancients as it can be found near something like a Devastator squad or a Tactical Squad with a heavy weapon.

 

Occasionally I will configure it like the Codex Contemptor Dreadnought and drop it via Dreadnought Drop Pod as a distraction, but I think I may gravitate towards a dual fist version should I try it again this edition.