Draft 2000 Point Astra Militarum Army

[OverchargeThis!]

Hello. Long time ago I posted to this board quite a lot, back in third through fifth edition. Nice to be back. Glad to see the board is doing well.

 

I have yet to play my first game, but just created this list. No indirect fire this time around. But a lot of firepower and infantry.

 

I have enough units capable of giving orders that the infantry can shoot at BS 3+ every turn, and I have a tank commander, so one of my tanks can do the same. The whole list has 115 infantry and 6 vehicles. I have to trim 5 points off.

 

2000 Point IG List

Draft List

 

HQ

Ursula Creed (55)

Cadian Castellan - Grand Strategist (60)

2 Cadian Command Squads (3 PG) (130)

1 Cadian Command Squad (Drill Commander, 3 PG) (85)

 

2 Kasrkin Storm Trooper Squads (Sgt PW, 5 Troopers, 2 PG, 2 MG) (200)

6 Cadian Shock Troops (1PG, 1 MG) (360)

2 Chimeras (HF Turret, HF Hull, Heavy Stubber, ATGM) (140)

 

3 Heavy Weapons Teams (3 LC) (150)

1 Tank Commander (Demolisher Cannon, LC, 2 PC, Heavy Stubber, ATGM) (205)

2 Leman Russ Executioners (Executioner Plasma Cannon, LC, 2 PC, Heavy Stubber, ATGM) (360)

1 Rogal Dorn Tank (Oppressor Cannon, Co-Axial AC, 3 HS, 2 HB, 1 Castigator Cannon, Heavy Stubber, ATGM) (260)

 

Total 2005

 

115 Infantry

6 Vehicles

 

All the Cadian squads pair up into groups of 20. One Cadian command squad attached to each group.

 

The castellan and creed attach to the kasrkins and go into the chimeras.

 

This list is in my own short-hand. Hope it's clear.

 

Heavy firepower hits the second echelon. Heavy weapons teams and las cannons on the tanks go after armored threats, and the infantry hits first echelon. There will be some maneuver with the infantry to put rapid fire on first echelon units as they approach.

 

Most notably Creed and the Castellan can make two orders each.

 

Comments welcome.

 

 

[duz_]

Not a bad base 

 

HWS are always an iffy choice but you can always put them into infantry squads. 

 

When does the purchasing and painting commence? 

What paint scheme? 

[OverchargeThis!]

Excellent question. I am back to 40K after a 5 edition hiatus. I have about 12000 of IG fully painted. 

 

I've been collecting, but not too much has been needed. I painted a baneblade, shadowsword, and a Rogal Dorn. 

 

From the above list, all I need to do is buy a Castellan and Ursula Creed.

 

It's inquisition-themed, as it was started to create allies for a Daemonhunters army.

 

Looking back at the list, I did not put wargear on the cadian sergeants/officers. WIll have to add that. Probably a PF and plasma pistol where possible, power sword where it is not.

 

I have two basilisks, a medusa, and a manticore. But I couldn't get the synergies right without adding a bunch of sentinels. So I kept them off of this list. Play testing will determine if I need to add any indirect.

Edited September 8, 2023 by NeoIsolationist

[OverchargeThis!]

Here's a few shots of the completed stuff. Basically the storm troopers are classic black/red. the vehicles are three-tone gray. the infantry is a three-tone blue. 

 

The infantry didn't work well in the vehicle color, and the vehicles didn't work well in the infantry color. But they look great on the table together. Painted the army that way intentionally.

[duz_]

Vehicle scheme looks great 

 

Your Cadians are similar to my original scheme for them 

[OverchargeThis!]

Thinking about switching the Kasrkins out for Scions. Two five-man squads deep striking into an opponent's back field along with two melee-oriented assassins seems like they can be quite disruptive.

 

The list I posted above is very orderly, but counter-able by armies with indirect fire. For about 275 points, I can put a callidus, an eversor, and two scion squads in for deep strike. My two kasrkin squads total 340, so I have another 60 left if I drop them. I'll post another draft after I think about it a bit more.

 

I like the mechanized infantry, so might drop armor instead. Haven't decided yet. If I were to drop a leman russ, I'd take one callidus and two scion squads equipped with melta guns.

 

What do you guys think?

 

 

[OverchargeThis!]

I like this one much better. I have added two 5-man Deep Striking Scion Squads and a Callidus Assassin, to disrupt an opponent's back field. I dropped a Leman Russ and Drill Commander from one of my Cadian Command Squads. Still perpetually 5 points over. I'll fix that (eventually).

 

Yes, I expect to make use of my infantry, all of which will usually shoot at BS 3+ with orders.

 

For the more experienced Guard players, please let me know what you think.

 

2000 Point IG List

Draft List

 

HQ

Ursula Creed (55)

Cadian Castellan - Grand Strategist (PF, PP) (60)

3 Cadian Command Squads (Cadian Commander has PF + PP, 3 PG in squad) (195)

 

2 Kasrkin Storm Trooper Squad (Sgt PW + PP, 5 Troopers, 2 PG, 2 MG) (200)

6 Cadian Shock Troops (1PG, 1 MG) (360)

2 Chimeras (HF Turret, HF Hull, Heavy Stubber, ATGM) (140)

 

2 5-man Scion Squads (1 PF, 2 MG) (110)

1 Callidus Assassin (90)

 

3 Heavy Weapons Teams (3 LC) (150)

1 Tank Commander (Executioner Plasma Cannon, LC, 2 PC, Heavy Stubber, ATGM) (205)

1 Leman Russ Executioner (Executioner Plasma Cannon, LC, 2 PC, Heavy Stubber, ATGM) (180)

1 Rogal Dorn Tank (Oppressor Cannon, Co-Axial AC, 3 HS, 2 HB, 1 Castigator Cannon, Heavy Stubber, ATGM) (260)

 

Total 2005

 

126 Infantry

5 Vehicles

Edited September 12, 2023 by OverchargeThis!

[duz_]

Deep striking for table quarter missions is clutch even if they die the next turn 

[Emperor Ming]

Being a few points over is really annoying now, b4 you could just drop a weapon

[Guardsman Bob]

On 9/12/2023 at 2:10 PM, Emperor Ming said:

Being a few points over is really annoying now, b4 you could just drop a weapon

OverchargeThis! could just drop a squad for a Ogryn bodyguard, advisors, or an Engineer. Guard will always have options even with the Whitesheilds nerf.

 

Or if it is casual with friends it shouldn’t be a problem.

[OverchargeThis!]

I refined the list a bit further.

 

I dropped a Cadian Command squad and changed two Cadian squads to Infantry squads. Reason being is I had three 25-man platoons, and no dedicated scoring units. I also added two deep-striking Scion squads and shifted the armor around a bit by adding a Basilisk. I figure it would support the Scions wherever they landed.

 

I don't want to draw fire with the Infantry squads because they're primarily for scoring, so they are equipped with autocannon and grenade launcher (to reduce their fire priority). This unit stationary in raised terrain can still do a number with its special and heavy weapons.

 

I considered two Basilisks but that would have costed me a Leman Russ. The Russ' firepower far exceeds that of a Basilisk, so I think it's more worth-while. The Basilisk's role is coordinating fire with the Scions, so I didn't see that two were necessary at all.

 

I think the Scions are limited to one of each type of special weapon, which is why I opted for melta gun and plasma gun. Unless I land on a flank and move to the center, they probably won't last more than a turn or two anyhow, so I figure I'd max firepower on the drop.

 

Guess what? Still five points over. I need Drill Commander and Grand Strategist. Don't know how to eliminate those five points.

 

This list looks like it will work. I think I have all the bases covered.

 

2000 Point IG List

Draft List

 

HQ

Ursula Creed (55)

Cadian Castellan - Grand Strategist (PF, PP) (60)

1 Cadian Command Squad (Cadian Commander has PF + PP, 3 PG in squad) (65)

1 Cadian Command Squad (Cadian Commander has PF + PP + Drill Commander, 3 PG in squad) (85)

 

2 Kasrkin Storm Trooper Squad (Sgt PW + PP, 5 Troopers, 2 PG, 2 MG) (200)

2 20-man Cadian Shock Troops (2PG, 2 MG) (240)

2 10-man Infantry Squads (1 GL, 1 AC) (120)

2 Chimeras (HF Turret, HF Hull, Heavy Stubber, ATGM) (140)

 

2 5-man Scion Squads (1 PF, 1 MG, 1 PG) (110)

 

3 Heavy Weapons Teams (3 LC) (150)

1 Tank Commander (Executioner Plasma Cannon, LC, 2 PC, Heavy Stubber, ATGM) (205)

1 Leman Russ Tank (Executioner Plasma Cannon, LC, 2 PC, Heavy Stubber, ATGM) (180)

1 Rogal Dorn Tank (Oppressor Cannon, Co-Axial AC, 3 HS, 2 HB, 1 Castigator Cannon, Heavy Stubber, ATGM) (260)

1 Basilisk (Hull HF, ATGM) (135)

 

Total 2005

 

120 Infantry

6 Vehicles

Edited September 17, 2023 by OverchargeThis!

[OverchargeThis!]

I see what to do, but I need to think through how it would play.

 

Drop the Basilisk. Convert a Cadian platoon to an Infantry platoon (all 25 models -- that saves points).

 

Take a Callidus Assassin and a third Scion Squad.

 

That *should* put me in right at 2000. The backfield play (4 units) should make up for losing the indirect fire.

 

I need to think about this one and how it would play....

 

Comments about this and my last post... Are. Definitely. Welcome.

[Spyboy]

Well if I may make a suggestion, convert your 2 20 man blobs to dkok, the two command squads to Platoon command squads, and creed and the castellan to dkok marshalls.  That along with you being 5 points over is +50 points.  Drop one of the HWS units and you should be set, if I did my math right. You still have points to give one of the marshalls grand strategist.

 

I'm also not convinced on the other two HWS units with lascannons.  They seem so fragile and with them hitting on 5s when you move I just doesn't seem worth it.

Edited September 17, 2023 by Spyboy

[OverchargeThis!]

4 minutes ago, Spyboy said:

Well if I may make a suggestion, convert your 2 20 man blobs to dkok, the two command squads to Platoon command squads, and creed and the castellan to dkok marshalls.  That along with you being 5 points over is +50 points.  Drop one of the HWS units and you should be set, if I did my math right. You still have points to give one of the marshalls grand strategist.

 

I'm also not convinced on the other two HWS units with lascannons.  They seem so fragile and with them hitting on 5s when you move I just doesn't seem worth it.

How would you handle anti-tank? I don't have any DKoK. Just a ton of Cadians. Love the idea however.

[DemonGSides]

Could also keep the OG list, slap one of the HWT inside one of the infantry squads to save some points and free up 45 for whatever cheap-ish hero unit you might bring.  Slightly less flexible since that one Lascannon will have ot chill with a squad, but maybe workable.

Edited September 18, 2023 by DemonGSides

[Spyboy]

6 hours ago, OverchargeThis! said:

How would you handle anti-tank? I don't have any DKoK. Just a ton of Cadians. Love the idea however.

I don't think it matters what models you use as what regiment.  As long as your opponent can distinguish between them.  I might be alone in that line of thinking though.

 

As for anti tank, you have the rogal dorn, a butt load of HK missiles, and that's pretty much it.  If you swap the executioner for and exterminator that would help.  Giving you another AP on an enemy vehicle.  You have random heavy weapons lying around that you could use to trigger fields of fire with, then activate the exterminator for -2AP, then shoot the dorn into it.  You could also swap the gun on the tank commander to a demolisher, but that is shorter range.  You also have the kasarkin that should be able to do a bit of anti tank.    

 

If you find yourself still needing more anti tank you could add lascannons to the infantry squads and put them in the chimeras as mobile lascannon platforms. Drop the 2 squads of kasarkin and the drill commander enhancement, and add a squad of 3 armoured sentinals with lascannons.  They can be ordered by any of your commanders and they are a really good thing to bring back with send in the next wave. Get the opponent to kill them and you get to reuse the HK missiles when you bring them back.

 

Take this all with a grain of salt, my experience in 10th is limited.

Edited September 18, 2023 by Spyboy

[OverchargeThis!]

Fields of Fire will figure very prominently in my strategy. Ursula (we're on a first name basis) can use that for 0 CP every turn. A demolisher with las cannon seems like a sound substitute for one of the Leman Russ Executioners.

 

I see the benefit of armoured sentinels, but will probably hold off for now until I get a few games in. I want to see what I can do with the heavy weapons teams, and if they are worth it given their fragility.

 

[Spyboy]

Let us know how it goes, I am curious if you can get use out of the heavy weapon teams.  If you can it might mean that I could get use out of field ordnance batteries.

[OverchargeThis!]

Here's the final list. It's 2000 points, and I had to get rid of 'Grand Strategist' from the Castellan to make points.

 

I like the deep striking units. It might force an opponent to cover their back field a little more, as well as give me some quick deep-striking firepower to plug holes if that's needed.

 

2000 Point IG List

 

HQ

Ursula Creed (55)

Cadian Castellan (PF, PP) (45)

1 Cadian Command Squad (Cadian Commander has PF + PP, 3 PG) (65)

1 Cadian Command Squad (Cadian Commander has PF + PP + Drill Commander, 3 PG in squad) (85)

 

2 Kasrkin Storm Trooper Squad (Sgt PW + PP, 5 Troopers, 2 PG, 2 MG) (200)

2 20-man Cadian Shock Troops (2PG, 2 MG) (240)

2 10-man Infantry Squads (1 GL, 1 AC) (120)

2 Chimeras (HF Turret, HF Hull, Heavy Stubber, ATGM) (140)

 

3 5-man Scion Squads (1 PF, 1 MG, 1 PG) (165)

1 Callidus Assassin (90)

 

3 Heavy Weapons Teams (3 LC) (150)

1 Tank Commander (Demolisher Cannon, LC, 2 PC, Heavy Stubber, ATGM) (205)

1 Leman Russ Tank (Executioner Plasma Cannon, LC, 2 PC, Heavy Stubber, ATGM) (180)

1 Rogal Dorn Tank (Oppressor Cannon, Co-Axial AC, 3 HS, 2 HB, 1 Castigator Cannon, Heavy Stubber, ATGM) (260)

 

Total 2000

 

126 Infantry

5 Vehicles

Edited September 19, 2023 by OverchargeThis!