DA 2000 (Vengeance of Lazarus)

[Skywrath]

With the new Armor of Contempt rule, and the shafting Custodes got, I'm looking into Dark Angels again as a competitive option. Transhuman terminators + AOC, promises to be good right? So without further ado, here's what I came up with, assume a competitive scene in mind. Bear in mind this is also fairly unconventional for a DA list, so please keep an open mind.

 

 

++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Dark Angels) [42 PL, 8CP, 835pts] ++

 

+ Configuration +

 

**Chapter Selector**: Dark Angels

 

Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) 

 

Detachment Command Cost [-2CP]

 

+ Stratagems +

 

Stratagem: Relics of the Chapter [-1CP]: Number of Extra Relics

 

+ HQ +

 

Primaris Lieutenant [6 PL, 105pts]: Reliquary of Gathalamor, Rites of Initiation

. Neo-volkite pistol, Master-crafted power sword and Storm Shield: Neo-volkite pistol

 

+ Troops +

 

Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 120pts]

. 4x Infiltrator: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine

. Infiltrator Sergeant

 

+ Elites +

 

Bladeguard Veteran Squad [10 PL, 175pts]

. 4x Bladeguard Veteran: 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol, 4x Master-crafted power sword, 4x Storm Shield

. Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant: Heavy Bolt Pistol

 

Ravenwing Apothecary [6 PL, -1CP, 135pts]: Chapter Command:  Chief Apothecary, Selfless Healer, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter

. Black Knight Bike: Plasma Talon

 

+ Fast Attack +

 

Inceptor Squad [14 PL, 300pts]: 4x Inceptor, Inceptor Sergeant, Plasma Exterminator x2

 

++ Vanguard Detachment -3CP (Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Dark Angels) [57 PL, -2CP, 1,165pts] ++

 

+ Configuration +

 

**Chapter Selector**: Dark Angels

 

Deathwing Vanguard Detachment [3CP]

 

Detachment Command Cost [-3CP]

 

+ HQ +

 

Lazarus [6 PL, 110pts]

 

+ Elites +

 

Bladeguard Ancient [6 PL, -1CP, 105pts]: 1-3. Watched, Chapter Command: Chapter Ancient, Pennant of Remembrance, Steadfast Example, Stratagem: Paragon of the Chapter, Warlord

 

Deathwing Command Squad [4 PL, 80pts]: Watcher in the Dark

. Deathwing Sergeant: Lightning Claw (Pair)

. Deathwing Terminator

. . Storm Bolter & Power Fist: Power fist

 

Deathwing Terminator Squad [9 PL, 205pts]: Watcher in the Dark

. Deathwing Sergeant

. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Thunder hammer

. Deathwing Terminator

. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Thunder hammer

. Deathwing Terminator

. . Storm Bolter & Power Fist: Power fist

. Deathwing Terminator

. . Storm Bolter & Power Fist: Power fist

. Deathwing Terminator

. . Storm Bolter & Power Fist: Power fist

 

Deathwing Terminator Squad [9 PL, 205pts]: Watcher in the Dark

. Deathwing Sergeant

. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Thunder hammer

. Deathwing Terminator

. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Thunder hammer

. Deathwing Terminator

. . Storm Bolter & Power Fist: Power fist

. Deathwing Terminator

. . Storm Bolter & Power Fist: Power fist

. Deathwing Terminator

. . Storm Bolter & Power Fist: Power fist

 

Deathwing Terminator Squad [9 PL, 205pts]: Watcher in the Dark

. Deathwing Sergeant

. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Thunder hammer

. Deathwing Terminator

. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Thunder hammer

. Deathwing Terminator

. . Storm Bolter & Chainfist: Chainfist

. Deathwing Terminator

. . Storm Bolter & Chainfist: Chainfist

. Deathwing Terminator

. . Storm Bolter & Power Fist: Power fist

 

Leviathan Dreadnought [14 PL, -1CP, 255pts]: 2x Twin Volkite calivers, Cyclonic melta lance, Rites of Initiation

. Leviathan siege drill

 

++ Total: [99 PL, 6CP, 2,000pts] ++

 

Created with BattleScribe (https://battlescribe.net)

 

Secondaries: Stubborn Defiance/Oaths of Moment, Stranglehold and a third one based on matchup, with RnD/Banner being the default third pick.

 

How it plays:

 

Everything starts on the board. Infiltrators on one point, the command squad on the other. Infiltrators score Stubborn Defiance if selected, and the Command Squad is a cheap objective grabber for the other point. Advance the terminators/bladeguard on the points, and use the captain/lieutenant/leviathan/plasceptors as a threat to deal with units threatening those objectives. If you selected Stubborn Defiance, use the Leviathan as a cheap way of deepstrike denial until the opponent has nothing in reserve, and proceed with the above plan. If the mission has 3 points in your home turf, use the inceptors as a point holder, preferably behind obscuring terrain. Otherwise, they go in deepstrike.

 

Thought process behind this list:

 

General thoughts: The Tyranids, Eldar, Space Marines and the Thousand Sons is what this list is mainly designed to deal with. The Deathwing units *should* deal with big bugs pretty well due to AoC/Transhuman and the Deathwing Super-Doctrine, as well as being durable and killy enough if I get a marine match-up. They also contest the objectives well (think stranglehold objective) due to the Ancient's super-obsec aura (and their native obsec), and other tools that make the units super-efficient at what they do. Similarly, this list deals with the MW's from the psychic phase pretty well - it has five sources of deny, and one auto-deny if I need it, as well as Lazarus 5+ FNP bubble against MW (which becomes a 4+ against him, and works on the Leviathan). On top of this, the Lieutenant has the reliquary that subtracts 1 from the psychic test, and on a 4+ on any failed test, the unit takes D3 mortal wounds, which when paired due to the melee potential this list has, should ensure anything gets whittled down quickly enough. There is also enough bolter fire (Deathwing Terminators) and plasma (Inceptors) in this list to deal with T3 units such as Eldar guardians or Tyranid small bugs. Then you have Lazarus, with his sword, fight twice, 5+ FNP and D4 swings against things with the Psyker keyword..which should be more prevaliant than before on the account of Tyranids, Eldar and the Thousand Sons. Now this list doesn't have any PSYKER units which means I can take Abhor the Witch if I need to, which suits the list's name perfectly!

 

Unit inclusion thought process:

 

I'm going to cover the units you typically wouldn't see in a DA list, the other ones are more or less staples in most competitive DA lists.

 

Primaris Lieutenant: Due to the melee potential with the list, with the volume of attacks, this unit ensures units get that extra bit of efficiency out of them. He also is a character that can slap the anti-psychic reliquary on.

 

Bladeguard Veteran Squad: Cheaper than Deathwing units, but cheaper and with more attacks. Plus, I had 5 painted up already, so wanted to include them in. There are also big synergies with the Ancient which are covered down later.

 

Plasceptors: I couldn't find the points for Azrael and the typical hellblaster castle. With the AoC, the gravis +1 to save strat, and the fly keyword, I argue they are better than hellblasters anyway. Sadly there was no way I could give them an invuln, but you lose some and you win some I guess. 

 

Lazarus: Controversial pick, but there is a method to the madness. He's cheap, has a 5+ FNP aura against MW (which is rampant this edition), D4 against PSYKER units which you will be seeing, fighting twice ( with the old fight on death rule!) and decent volume of attacks for a Deathwing character. Think a better chaplain for less points. 

 

Bladeguard Ancient: Ah yes, the glue that makes this list work. Due to my inclusion of Bladeguard Veterans, he has an aura of +1 to hit for Bladeguard units. So now those bladeguard are extra efficient with the Lt, hit on 2's, and on a 4+ get back up. He's also Deathwing, giving me access to the -1 Damage to DEATHWING units banner, of which I have about 25 models of in this list with that keyword. Now because my belief that Rites of War is practically due to other factions have ready access to super obsec auras, I'd give him that ability as well, as well as making him a super ancient. That ensures that in the command phase, two DEATHWING units now hit on 2's in melee. Now on top of all the above synergies, that turns my durable units into killy units as well. DEATHWING units even before the AoC rule were a pain to shift, but now with all those synergies on top of that? Hoo boy. Then I'd slap the watched ability on top, for that extra spiciness and the ability to auto-deny a critical ability. And of course he has that option for units to get back up on a 4+, which is useful for plasceptors and things that get in melee, which we will definitely be in. Now normally, I would shell out the points for a Deathwing Ancient with same abilities, but because I have a Bladeguard presence, and not enough points, I'd have to settle for him. Not that I think he's a bad pick to begin with.

 

Leviathan Dreadnought: Mainly for the rule of cool, but there is a more or less logical reason for this inclusion. Firstly, let's get the subjective biases out of the way - he's a cool model. There, that was mainly the reason why I included him. Secondly, with the general consensus arguing that Redemptors (a unit with a very very similar profile to the Leviathan) is a competitive choice, I wonder why not this. Now yes, he doesn't have the CORE keyword, but seeing how he's DEATHWING (through the Rites of Initiation), he can re-roll wounds against things with 8W/characters in the assault doctrine, while having a 2+, 5++, -1 to damage, and more importantly the SMOKESCREEN keyword. None of which the Redemptor has (except a worse save and -1 to damage).  And on top of all this, you'd be including a librarian to babysit the castle you'd typically run if you run a Redemptor in any list. This saves you points and makes your eligible for Abhor the Witch secondary if you run into the psychic armies. The Redemptor has range on his plasma which is better, than the 18" on the Leviathan melta lance, but his intention was to always get into melee/screen units either in shooting/auspex scan. So here we are.

 

Admittedly, I modelled my Leviathan with a Melta Lance (which I think is overpriced), and a grav-flux would be a better pick, for sure. Even running him with a drill isn't competitive, but this list could use another instance of a big threat like Lazarus/Lt/Plasceptors, so here we are. Plus if I ever do run into a Knight list or anything with the VEHICLE keyword (think Custodes Dreadnoughts), Dam 6 anyone with re-rolls to wound in the assault doctrine? He also has effectively 7 melta gun shots, which this list, outside of plasceptors lacks. The volkites on his chest is mainly a moot point, but the MW potential is nice, and I'm not convinced flamers are a better pick anyway. So this is the reason why he's in this list. There are better options for sure, not disputing that fact. At the very least, if all the above fails, then he's a big distraction to protect my other, more important units on the board.

 

Now with all this synergy in mind, what do you think of the above list?

Edited May 3, 2022 by Skywrath

[Skywrath]

Any takers?

[phandaal]

This all seems solid for a themed list. It is not on the bleeding edge of optimization but you already know t hat. The patrol is a nice touch for extra firepower and an objective-sitter/screener while the Deathwing go up and apply hammers and fists to faces.

 

Assuming you already know this, but the downside of having a list that is skewed towards anti-psyker means some of that will be wasted against armies that do not rely as heavily on that stuff.

 

Agreed on Lazarus and the Leviathan. Lazarus is a solid pick for anti-mortal wounds and Deathwing. Leviathan is rad so why not?

[Skywrath]

Updated the list somewhat with two variations...which one is better?

First variation:

++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Dark Angels) [44 PL, 3CP, 850pts] ++

+ Configuration +

**Chapter Selector**: Dark Angels

Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) 

Detachment Command Cost [-2CP]

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

+ HQ +

Primaris Chaplain on Bike [8 PL, 150pts]: 1. Litany of Faith (Aura), 6. Canticle of Hate (Aura), Chapter Command:  Master of Sanctity, Litany of Hate

+ Troops +

Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 120pts]
. 4x Infiltrator: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant

+ Elites +

Bladeguard Ancient [6 PL, -1CP, 105pts]: Chapter Command: Chapter Ancient, Pennant of Remembrance, Steadfast Example, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter

Bladeguard Veteran Squad [10 PL, 175pts]
. 4x Bladeguard Veteran: 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol, 4x Master-crafted power sword, 4x Storm Shield
. Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant: Heavy Bolt Pistol

+ Fast Attack +

Inceptor Squad [14 PL, 300pts]: 4x Inceptor, Inceptor Sergeant, Plasma Exterminator x2

++ Vanguard Detachment -3CP (Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Dark Angels) [53 PL, , 1,150pts] ++

+ Configuration +

**Chapter Selector**: Dark Angels

Deathwing Vanguard Detachment [3CP]

Detachment Command Cost [-3CP]

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Marked for Command [-1CP]

+ HQ +

Azrael [9 PL, 2CP, 160pts]: 1. Brilliant Strategist, Warlord

+ Elites +

Deathwing Knights [11 PL, 220pts]: Watcher in the Dark
. 4x Deathwing Knight: 4x Mace of Absolution, 4x Storm shield
. Knight Master: Master-Crafted Weapon

Deathwing Terminator Squad [18 PL, 420pts]: Watcher in the Dark
. Deathwing Sergeant
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Thunder hammer
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Thunder hammer
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Thunder hammer
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Storm Bolter & Power Fist: Power fist
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Storm Bolter & Chainfist: Chainfist
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Storm Bolter & Chainfist: Chainfist
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Storm Bolter & Power Fist: Power fist
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Storm Bolter & Power Fist: Power fist
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Plasma Cannon, Power Fist: Plasma cannon, Power fist
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Plasma Cannon, Power Fist: Plasma cannon, Power fist

Deathwing Terminator Squad [9 PL, 215pts]: Watcher in the Dark
. Deathwing Sergeant
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Thunder hammer
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Thunder hammer
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Storm Bolter & Power Fist: Power fist
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Storm Bolter & Power Fist: Power fist
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Plasma Cannon, Power Fist: Plasma cannon, Power fist

Ravenwing Apothecary [6 PL, -1CP, 135pts]: Chapter Command:  Chief Apothecary, Selfless Healer, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter
. Black Knight Bike: Plasma Talon

++ Total: [97 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++

Created with BattleScribe (https://battlescribe.net)

Second Variation:

++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Dark Angels) [32 PL, 4CP, 710pts] ++

+ Configuration +

**Chapter Selector**: Dark Angels

Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) 

Detachment Command Cost [-2CP]

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

+ HQ +

Primaris Lieutenant [6 PL, 100pts]: Rites of Initiation
. Neo-volkite pistol, Master-crafted power sword and Storm Shield: Neo-volkite pistol

+ Troops +

Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 130pts]: Helix gauntlet
. 4x Infiltrator: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant

+ Fast Attack +

Attack Bike Squad [6 PL, 180pts]
. Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. Attack Bike: Multi-melta

Inceptor Squad [14 PL, 300pts]: 4x Inceptor, Inceptor Sergeant, Plasma Exterminator x2

++ Vanguard Detachment -3CP (Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Dark Angels) [59 PL, -2CP, 1,290pts] ++

+ Configuration +

**Chapter Selector**: Dark Angels

Deathwing Vanguard Detachment [3CP]

Detachment Command Cost [-3CP]

+ HQ +

Lazarus [6 PL, 110pts]

+ Elites +

Bladeguard Ancient [6 PL, -1CP, 105pts]: 1-3. Watched, Chapter Command: Chapter Ancient, Pennant of Remembrance, Steadfast Example, Stratagem: Paragon of the Chapter, Warlord

Bladeguard Veteran Squad [10 PL, 175pts]
. 4x Bladeguard Veteran: 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol, 4x Master-crafted power sword, 4x Storm Shield
. Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant: Heavy Bolt Pistol

Deathwing Command Squad [4 PL, 85pts]: Watcher in the Dark
. Deathwing Sergeant
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Thunder hammer
. Deathwing Terminator: Lightning Claw (Pair)

Deathwing Terminator Squad [9 PL, 230pts]: Watcher in the Dark
. Deathwing Sergeant
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Thunder hammer
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Thunder hammer
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Storm Bolter & Chainfist: Chainfist
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Storm Bolter & Chainfist: Chainfist
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter, Power Fist: Cyclone missile launcher, Power fist

Deathwing Terminator Squad [18 PL, 450pts]: Watcher in the Dark
. Deathwing Sergeant
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Thunder hammer
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Thunder hammer
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Thunder hammer
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Storm Bolter & Power Fist: Power fist
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Storm Bolter & Power Fist: Power fist
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Storm Bolter & Power Fist: Power fist
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Storm Bolter & Power Fist: Power fist
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Storm Bolter & Power Fist: Power fist
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter, Power Fist: Cyclone missile launcher, Power fist
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter, Power Fist: Cyclone missile launcher, Power fist

Ravenwing Apothecary [6 PL, -1CP, 135pts]: Chapter Command:  Chief Apothecary, Selfless Healer, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter
. Black Knight Bike: Plasma Talon

++ Total: [91 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++

Created with BattleScribe (https://battlescribe.net)

 

Edited June 28, 2022 by Skywrath

[Skywrath]

For some weird reason the software doesn't like two spoilers.. the second list is within the first list ;/

[Grotsmasha]

@Skywrath if you're typing the spoiler code in, it also happens with quotes too, and it's a bug we're looking at. The best way to work around it is to type your entire post out, highlight the text you want spoilers and click little eye button on the task bar, then repeat for the second text grouping.