Wednesday, June 15, 2011

MY GK List: Revised

HQ:
- Grand Master (175)

All about the Grand Strategy. Usually will be to give scoring strategy to Dreadknight, Purifiers and and Dreadnaught (in that order on D3). On occassion may need to use Scouting strategy but doubt that will happen much. He sticks with the Terminators.

Elites:
- 10x Purifier Squad (299)
-- 4x Psycannon
-- 1x Hammer
-- 2x Falchions
-- 2x Halberds
-- 1x Sword

My main assault force or more than usual my counter-charge force.

Heavy Support:
- Dreadnaught (135)
-- Twin-linked Autocannon
-- Twin-linked Autocannon
-- Psybolt ammo

Twin-linked psybolt ammo... oh yeah.

- Dreadnight (225)
-- Hvy. Incinerator
-- Hvy. Psycannon
-- Greatsword

I know on this guy I did more than what is usually suggested. He's a beast and designed to be that. Given he will be a scoring unit in most scenarios, he has the Incinerator for some reach against both infantry and armor (AP4 - not the best but something) and the Hvy. template (AP4 as well) and of course the Greatsword and the Doomfist, he's got a lot of punch in any given scenario. Provided he lives more than a round or two. With no Storm Raven in this list or vehicles, I know he will be a primary target. With Move Through Cover and Relentless, I see him either holding out on a central objective or marching across the board to threaten opposite deployment objective (with Interceptor Squad as backup perhaps?)

Fast Attack:
- 5x Inceptor Squad (130)

Keep them out of trouble and go in to contest at end of game.

Troops:
- 10x Terminators (455)
-- 1x Incinerator
-- 1x Psilencer
-- 1x Hammer
-- 1x Brotherhood Banner
-- 2x Falchions
-- 3x Swords
-- 3x Halberds

My main assault and counter-assault force. Definately designed to be anti-horde, but has the Hammer in case.

- 10x Strike Squad (230)
-- 1x Psilencer
-- 1x Psycannon
-- Psybolt ammo

All about maximizing shots.

10x Strike Squad (230)
-- 1x Psilencer
-- 1x Psycannon
-- Psybolt ammo

As the previous entry.

This leaves me with 120 points left over that can be spent one of two ways:

1) 3x Rhino (1 for each Strike Squad and Purifier Squad)
 - or -
2) 2nd Dreadnaught, with Multimelta and Missile Launcher. (This is the way I am leaning towards as this will give me some additional anti-tank).

Which do you suggest?

So weighing in at 1,999 points with 46 infantry, 1 monstrous creature, either 2 walkers or 1 walker and 3 vehicles, I think I've got a winner.

It hurt to give up my Storm Raven, but I'm slowly adjusting to the idea that GK's are about the shooting and counter-assault, not the full out blitz assault, I like about the Blood Angels.

Monday, June 13, 2011

MY Grey Knight Army List


So after weeks of studying the Codex, figuring out my own likes and dislikes for configuring a Grey Knight army, I’ve decided on the following (points included for reference):



Grey Knights Army List 2,000 points (the norm for where I play):



HQ:



Grand Master                                                      

                Halberd                                                    

                Orbital Strike Relay                              

                Psychotroke Grenades                         

                                                                                                               



Notes: Grand Strategy is just too good to pass up IMO. If I am in a situation where I need more forward deployment, then I use his Scouts strategy. More often than not though, I will be using his scoring units strategy on at least the Dreadknight, though the Purgation, Purifier and Interceptor squads are all valid choices as well. In the meantime, Orbital Strike Relay allows me a smack-down attack and if in an Assault situation, the Psychotroke Grenades come out to play. The Halberd allows him at least a good chance at first strike as well.



Troops:



5x Terminator Squad                                        

                1x Psilencer                                            

                1x Hammer                                         

                2x Halberds                                         

                2x Swords                                            

5x Terminator Squad                                        

                1x Incinerator                                         

                1x Hammer                                         

                2x Falchions                                          

                1x Halberd                                           

                1x Sword                                              

5x Strike Squad                                                  

                1x Psilencer                                          

                                                                                                               



Terminators are an iconic part of a Grey Knight Army. I know a lot of people diss them for a regular Strike Squad arguing that the GKSS is cheaper and indeed 1 squad is included for scoring purposes and some firepower.. However with a 2+ Armor Save and a +5 Invul. Save, the Terminators I think are a sound choice. One squad is setup for defense in mind, while the other is setup for assault.



Elites:



10x Purifier Squad                                             

                4x Psycannon                                       

                1x Hammer                                             

                2x Falchions                                          

                2x Halberds                                             

                1x Sword                                              

                                                                                                               



In this setup, the Purifiers are my main assault force and can be deployed via the Storm Raven Gunship if the situation arises. Likewise, they can sit back and soften a horde enemy on the approach and wait for a counter-charge.



Fast Attack:



5x Interceptor Squad                                         

                1x Incinerator                                       

                1x Hammer                                           

Storm Raven Gunship                                       

                Twin-Linked Multi-Melta                 

                Twin-Linked Lascannon                   

                                                                                                               



Interceptor Squads are fun IMO. I see them as a wild card. Do I throw them at the opponent at the onset of the game to give the opponent a target that can’t be ignored while the rest of my force advances? Do I zap them between an objective and an enemy group? Defensive? Offensive? Last minute challenge or even scoring unit (due to Grand Strategy)? A lot of options with this unit. The Storm Raven Gunship is simply my favorite vehicle. I absolutely love it and despite any weaknesses, I can’t think of going into a fight without one. True, I know it won’t last long, but I am counting on getting either a good early hit on enemy tanks or deployment of a quick assault.



Heavy Support:



Dreadnaught                                                       

                Twin-Linked Auto-cannon                                 

                Twin-Linked Auto-cannon                                   

                Psybolt Ammo                                        

                Extra Armor                                          

Nemesis Dreadknight                                         

                Heavy Psycannon                                                

                Great Sword                                           

                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                               



Again, the Dreadknight is one of those iconic units in the Grey Knight army and for me was a must-have. Combined with the Rifle Dreadnaught, I expect these two units to lay the smack down.



For a 2,000 point Army List, this leaves 216 points left over. I have the following options that I like but can’t decide on. The first 3 options are the ones I am seriously considering, but the final 2 are possible as well. Your thoughts?





Option #1:



Heavy Support:



5x Purgation Squad                                           

                1x Psilencer                                            

                3x Psycannon                                       

Razorback                                                             

                                                                                                               



A lot of people I talk to don’t like Purgation Squads. They point out that point for point you can get Purifiers, which are the superior units. However, I like the special ability of Purgation Squads – basically shooting around corners whether I can see you or not! Putting these guys back on a home-turf objective behind cover secures the objective and keeps these knights in the fight with this ability. In an army that doesn’t have any room for dead weight, I think this is a viable option. The razorback allows some transportation and cover if needed.



Option #2:



Troops:



5x Strike Squad                                                  

5x Strike Squad                                                  

Digital Weapons for Grand Master                     

2x Master-crafted Weapons for Terminators                 

                                                                                                               



Let’s face it; my initial army only consists of 31 infantry troops. That’s not a lot and against a horde army they can find themselves in a world of hurt – even with 2+ and 3+ Armor saves. This option gives me 10 more bodies and additional firepower along with it, as well as 2 more scoring units.



Option #3:



Heavy Support:



Nemesis Dreadknight                                         

                Gatling Psilencer                                   

                Heavy Psycannon                                                

                Hammer                                                                 

                                                                                                               



What’s better than one Nemesis Dreadknight? TWO! I mean c’mon, this has to be able to lay down some serious hurt.



Option #4:



HQ:



Ordo Malleus Inquisitor                                      

                Hell Rifle                                                

                                                                                                                 

Henchmen Warband:



10x Death Cult Assassins                                 

2x Warrior Acolyte                                                 

                1x Meltagun                                          

                1x Hot-shot lasgun                                 

                2x Boltgun                                               

                                                                                                               



The DCA’s are a force to be reckoned with. Two power weapons, weapon-skill 5, Initiative 6 and 4 attacks on the charge with every likelihood I will get to go first? 40 attacks, power weapons… on the charge. It’s a thing of beauty. While a viable option here, it is also the basis of another Army List I am working on, so no tears spilt if this option isn’t chosen here. However, 13 more bodies, the DCA assault and long-range shooter with rending? Promising…



Option #5:



HQ:



Ordo Malleus Inquisitor                                      

                Hell Rifle                                                

                                                                                                                 



Henchmen Warband:



2x Jokaero Weaponsmith                                   

3x Inquisitor Servitor                                           

                1x Meltagun                                        

                1x Heavy Bolter                                 

                1x Plasma Cannon                              

2x Warrior Acolytes                                               

                2x Boltgun                                               

Inquisitorial Chimera                                           

                Heavy Bolter                                       

                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                               



A variation of the previous option, this one sacrifices the main assault force of the DCA and instead lays down some supportive fire power. Having 2 weapon smiths, means something cool is going to happen every round and the Chimera offers at least some temporary cover.



So that’s it. That’s my list with options. How I am going to use those last 215 points, I can honestly say I just don’t know at this time. I will probably play around with them and see how they do under fire and go from there. In the meantime, I welcome your feedback and suggestions, especially in regards to my options for those last 215 points. Now back to painting!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Grey Knights, Purifier Lists

Back when I first let it out that I would be leaning towards Grey Knights, my brother-in-law sent me this Purifier list:

My 2000 pt GK List:
Crowe 150
5 times
10 Purifiers, 4 psycannons, 5 halberds 290
Razorback with TL Lascannon 80
= 2000 on the nose.
Razorbacks shoot enemy armor. Squads advance to midfield and shoot/wrestle everything to death. Crowe stays in the back, plants a lawn chair, dons sunglasses, and watches the kabooms. Kinda boring, but I think it could spank just about anything.
He was right so far. From my understanding this army of his is undeafeted and he's yet to have to break a sweat. I personally like the simplicity of his list and the fact that anything he trains his guns on is pretty much toast. I mean think about it - a whopping 20 template Psycannons firing at anything you have on the table that he wants dead? It's going to be.

Edit: See comments below.

Now, because I love my brother-in-law (he's not only gotten me into 40K he's just a righteous dude **per Bueller's Day Off accent), I have to mess with him, frustrate him with my newbie lists. trust me I send these things to him all the time, this one is just public!

My 1,998 Grey Knight Army:



HQ:

Crowe                                                                   

Troops:

10x Purifier Squad Alpha                                 
                4x Psycannon                                     
                4x Halberd                                           
                2x Hammer                                         
                Rhino                                                    
                                Psybolt Ammo                    
                                Storm Bolter                        
                                                                               
10x Purifier Squad Bravo                                 
                4x Psycannon                                     
                5x Halberd                                           
                1x Hammer                                         
                                                                               
10x Purifier Squad Charlie                                               
                4x Psycannon                                     
                5x Halberd                                           
                1x Hammer                                         
                Rhino                                                    
                                Psybolt Ammo                    
                                Storm Bolter                        
                                                                         
5x Purifier Squad Delta                                     
                2x Psycannon                                     
                1x Hammer                                         
                Razorback                                           
                Twin-linked Lascannon                    
                                                                               
5x Purifier Squad Delta                                     
                2x Psycannon                                     
                1x Hammer                                         
                Razorback                                           
                Twin-linked Lascannon                    
                                                                      
Fast Attack:
Storm Raven Gunship                                       
                Typhoon Missile Launcher               
                Twin-linked Lascannon                    
                                                                           
Heavy Support:
Nemesis Dreadknight                                         
            Heavy Psycannon                              

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Dark Eldar


I've got to admit, as much of a Space Marine and specialty SM Chapter fan that I am, the Dark Eldar has gotten my attention. Will probably be a very long time in the future, but I can see myself developing this army. Will definately be after Grey Knights and Blood Angels and who knows what else (standard Ultra-Marines perhaps? Space Wolves?).

But there it is, something other than human in the 40K Universe has arisen my curiosity.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

What's Happening in June @ 40K Newb?

June will be a great month for 40K Newb blogging! Expect to see:

- Grey Knights army lists
- WIP: Grey Knights Terminators
- WIP: Grey Knights Purifiers
- Exceptional showcases from around the web
- Blood Angel army lists
- Possible Death Company WIP
- and much, much more!

Become a follower, leave your comments, and enjoy the 40K hobby!