Unit of the Week: Apothecary on Bike

[Jolemai]

Welcome to part four 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 on Bike

What are you thoughts here folks? How best would you use your Biker Apothecary/Novitae?

• 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?
• Are you using Company Veterans to give this unit a "free FoC slot"? Are you upgrading it to a Chief Apothecary?
• Stratagem synergy or note?

Over to you

Please note that Apothecary, Sanguinary Priest, and Sanguinary Priest on Bike 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.

Edited May 23, 2022 by Jolemai

[Jolemai]

Before anyone asks:

 

Last edition they weren't legal for us, but following the changes to 9th edition, we now have access to any "generic" unit in Warhammer Legends: Space Marines - and this means we have access again. 

 

Of course they are a Legends unit which could hamper their use in competitive play, but they remain a legal unit for this edition.

[Karhedron]

Bikes are a great upgrade for a squishy Character like an Apothecary. +1W, +1T and a 14" base move allows him to keep up with our fast assault units and heal/resurrect them. I would normally go all out on Chief Apothecary and Selfless Healer and probably a suit if Relic armour too.

 

The big question is how he stacks up against the Sanguinary Priest with Jump Pack. He is tougher, faster and does not require an HQ slot. However the bike is harder to manoeuvre, cannot fly across terrain and you do not have access to the Blood Chalice.

 

For me, the bike Apothecary is a great unit but works best supporting things like Attack Bikes and Inceptors. If you want someone to work with your Sanguinary Guard or Van Vets in melee then the Sanguinary Priest with Jump Pack probably still has the edge.

 

It is nice to have both options though!