Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Something New: Air Cavalry at 2k

I like list making and theory hammer. I'm guilty as charged but the idea of seeing what a list can do is simply fun to me and I like devising new things and seeing the results. With Militarum Tempestus out, I figured that I'd take a moment and make a list using their Air Insertion formation and see how it connects to a 2k IG list. Who knows, maybe it'll replace my beloved armor heavy lists.
Air Cavalry - I totally get the cool factor

First - The List

Cadian Astra Militarum (geez, I still hate that name)
HQ-
CCS - Astropath and Plasmagun x2
  Chimera - Multilaser and Heavy Flamer
Troops-
Veteran Squad - Plasmagun x2
  Chimera - Heavy Bolter x2
Veteran Squad - Plasmagun x2
  Chimera - Heavy Bolter x2
Fast Attack-
Vendetta Gunship
Heavy Support-
Leman Russ Exterminator - Triple Heavy Bolters and Heavy Stubber

Militarum Tempestus Airborn Insertion
HQ-
Tempestus Command - Plasmagun x4 and Plasma Pistol
  Valkyrie - Lascannon
Commissar
Troops-
Tempestus Scions x10 - Meltagun x2
  Valkyrie - Rocket Pods and Heavy Bolters
Tempestus Scions x10 - Meltagun x2
  Valkyrie - Rocket Pods and Heavy Bolters
Tempestus Scions x10 - Plasmagun x2 and Power Maul
  Valkyrie - Lascannon

Ok, this list relies on a couple of rumors coming true:
  • Astropaths don't change
  • Vets are cheaper but only have two special weapons
  • Chimeras are similarly more expensive
  • Leman Russes get cheaper (though I left a bit more wiggle room)
  • Vendetta are much more expensive (hence only one)
  • Scion squads in the formation are still 'troops' and thus scoring
So the list would work with all the Scions and the Vendetta starting in reserves. This means that I only have to deploy three Chimera and a Leman Russ tank, two of which have the option of starting in reserves. On turn 2, hopefully, all of the flyers arrive. Vendettas take lead on anti-armor while two of the Valkyries with Lascannons and their derp missiles act in support. The two other Valkryies target infantry.

The tanks will stay in my deployment zone and shoot down range. No blasts and such are within this element because the Scions will be jumping out of the back of perfectly fine planes, taking advantage of Move Through Cover and the formation rules to land more or less safely and bring their special weapons and hell guns to bear. The Scions will provide me with forward scoring units and the Veterans will bail out of their Chimera on turn 5 or so, then duck until the game is over. Lots of Heavy Bolter fire should hopefully thin enemy numbers sufficiently and the CCS will probably advance a bit to give more orders to Scions (First Rank Fire!) and help them win their fight.

Overall, this could be a very fun list to play but there is only two problems so far:1) I don't own but two Vendettas as far as air craft and 2) it doesn't really work at under 2k since the air formation is about 1200 points no matter how you cut it.

Solutions: I haven't played WHFBs in over two years and it doesn't look like that will change...ever. I'm thinking of selling my Empire army and seeing if I can get enough to pick up four Valkyries for a list like this. As far as points value, I guess I just won't play the whole formation at under 2k. The Valks can still be used by grunt Cadians as well.

5 comments:

  1. Have you considered elysians? They are perfect for fluffy Air Cavalry as they dont need to start on the board like other forces. Worth looking at.

    They may be outdated though...

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    Replies
    1. I have a feeling that, with the old costs for flyers, a lot of places will not be please with Elysians until they get an update...again. Plus, I've always liked stormtroopers and I don't know if I could stand to own THAT many flyers.

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    2. The concept is similar to the storm troopers. They can all deep strike etc. But as you said they arent storm troopers.

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  2. How come you have two heavy bolters per chimera? Its just a rare combination.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Simplicity of dice, combined with the benefits for Psybolt Ammunition from Codex: Inquisition.

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