Thematic List Construction

[Knight of Maccrage]

Imperator Vult!

 

I come with a question of vision:  I really enjoy making themed lists that are as much lore as they are competitive. For example, my two common builds are based on the battle order of teutonic knights and a massed assault of the marshall's household. However, I'm frequently finding that competitive play revolves largely around disposable MSU units, "uppy-downey", and trading mechanics as you can't expect many things to survive.

 

I can understand these, and I have had very good results with these styles, but I don't find these playstyles fun or emotionally gratifying. Throwing disposable units onto objectives while most of your army hides behind ruins does not make me feel like I am upholding the honor of the Emperor.

 

So the question: are there lists/mechanics that we've collectively found that are fluffy and competitive? Or should I just focus elsewhere and wait for the new book to drop with the inevitable rules creep?

[Sir Clausel]

I mean you could do 2 big squads of crusaders. One with Grimaldus and one lead by a Chaplain with tannhausers bone. Helbrecht could lead a Sword Brethren squad and a Castellan/Lieutenant in maybe a Land raider. Add some Jump pack intercessors to deep strike and a few tanks and other stuff and it will feel(to me at least) pretty fluffy and what Black Templars would do. 

[Brother Richard]

Here is my thematic list. Though I truly want to run the Emperor's Champion with all my lists, I will on occasion swap him with the Judiciar or just 'call' my Judiciar the champ of this battle. I just enjoy the fights first of the Judiciar and the types of units he can lead.

 

Also of note, I run my Invictor Warsuit like a 'penitent engine' for the Templar. Modifying the space marine into scout armor with bare arms to keep with the theme. I like when he has a chance to protect his Brothers with a smack back in the opponents shooting phase.

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+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Black Templars

+ DETACHMENT: Righteous Crusaders

+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts

+

+ WARLORD: Char1: High Marshal Helbrecht

+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 17

+ SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (4x2) - Assassination: 6 Characters - Cull The Horde: 1x5

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Char1: 1x High Marshal Helbrecht

Char2: 1x Chaplain with Jump Pack w/ Enhancement: Sigismund's Seal  

Char3: 1x Judiciar

Char4: 1x Lieutenant in Phobos Armour w/ Enhancement: Witchseeker Bolts  

Char5: 1x Lieutenant in Phobos Armour w/ Enhancement: Tannhauser's Bones  

Char6: 1x Lieutenant in Phobos Armour

Primaris Crusader Squad 20 models

2x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs  10 models each

2x Infiltrator Squad 5 models each

Reiver Squad 5 models

Sternguard Veteran Squad 5 models

1x Black Templars Gladiator Lancer

1x Invictor Tactical Warsuit

2x Black Templars Impulsor