Blood Angels Unit of the Week series Unit of the Week: Baal Predator

[Jolemai]

 

Welcome to part one of the Blood Angels Unit of the Week series!

 
Following the release of the 10^th edition Codex 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 discuss the units from the units found within Codex Supplement: Blood Angels, parts two to four will discuss Codex: Space Marines, part five will be Imperial Armour, and part six will be Legends.
 
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:

 

Baal Predator

What are you thoughts here folks? How best would you use a Baal Predator?

• To compliment a list, or to build a list around? 
• Which Detachment are you using?
• What delivery options are you using? 
• What deployment options are you using?
• What weapon choice are you selecting?
• Stratagem synergy of note?

 

Over to you.

[Jolemai]

Should you want your model on display here (or on another thread), then submit a photo here please.

 

(Once I work out how best to float it!)

 

***

 

As an aside, the thread setup may change over the coming weeks until I'm happy with them. This includes the photos.

[Karhedron]

I think Baal Predators are great utility pieces. 12" move, Assault on all guns and rerolls to Advance rolls make a unit that can easily keep up with and support a Jump Pack advance. The best loadout in 10th edition is definitely triple flamer IMHO as the Heavy Bolters and Assault Cannons don't offer a capability we cannot get elsewhere. The Baal's speed allows it to get where it needs to be to bring those flamer weapons to bare on the enemy.

 

The real secret of success when using Baals though is judicious use of the Overwatch stratagem. This is what turns the Baal from "Good" to "Great". Using the Liberator Assault Group encourages us to use lots of Jump Pack units to deliver a hammer blow to the enemy. The problem with this is that most of out jump units are fairly fragile which means that a successful charge can leave them vulnerable to being counter-charged by other melee-orientated units.

 

Moving a Baal up in close support of our melee units provides a dangerous deterrent to any enemy unit seeking to move into charge range of our squishy units. A Baal can reasonably kill an MSU MEQ squad or seriously maul a larger unit. Using a Baal well takes a bit of skill as T10 with a 3+ save is not that durable so take care not to expose your deterrent to to much anti-tank firepower. This is even more important with the nerf to Armour of Contempt. Fortunately the Baal has the Smoke keyword so don't be afraid to use the trusty smokescreen stratagem to protect it.

 

Speaking of stratagems, because Overwatch is a stratagem, it's use is constrained to once per movement phase and once per charge phase. Also we lack any Characters who grant an extra CP per turn and the Baal cannot benefit from a Captain's Rites of Battle. This makes managing your Command Points crucial to the success of the Baal. It also means that multiple Baals bring diminishing returns. 1 or 2 is probably the most you would need, I don't think you would ever want to max out at 3. Also, you might not want to field Baals if you are already bringing a Land Raider Redeemer as this will compete for use of the Overwatch Strat.

[Brother Raul]

I love these tanks and second what Kharedron said.

 

Once wiped 3 squad of guard in 2 turns. Love it still auto hits on 1 would and the reroll on advance charge plus shooting inbuilt is really good too.

 

I only use flame storm because of the overwatch and the Main gun's 18" can really catch players out.

 

I've taken wounds of Angaron with it but it's best to melt screens or deny movement.

 

I am using it to ride shot gun with the DC dread into mid table but I find it's probably getting hit more so distraction carnifex is also a roll it can fill in these situations.

 

The hunter killer missile can be clutch as well. If you can hit with it.

 

@Jolemaiyou know I have photos of my recently painted one ready to go? Put me on the team coach, it's all psychological!