I enjoyed creating my scratch built Chariot of Tzeentch model and I tend to want to use it in the majority of games that I play using a chaos daemons army. In fact, I like it so much, I'm intending on building another at some point. But one gaming question remains for me: what combination of upgrades should I be giving to the chariot?
Heralds of Tzeentch certainly have plenty of options to choose from. So ultimately, this question (for me) is one about what battlefield role that I want my chariot of Tzeentch to play. At the basic cost, the chariot already has daemonic gaze, and is therefore reasonably good at downing space marines. But the problem is that space marines are rarely out in the open. More often, they're holed up inside transports (i.e. rhinos), as are most other troop choices in 5th edition. And the one thing that the daemons army is short on are tank-busters. So, my usual battlefield role for the chariot of Tzeentch is a dual tank busting and marine killer.
To do this, I equip the chariot with the bolt of Tzeentch. Although I could use breath of chaos instead, I prefer bolt of Tzeentch as I can then keep a distance from the tank (and other pesky troops) and shoot at things from a distance. Combined with the fast movement, this makes the chariot a very mobile tank killer. The only problem is the herald may not always hit. But then again, the breath of chaos might not always hurt a tank either, so I might as well have the range. The total cost for the chariot with the bolt is a very reasonable 95 points. (And therein is the reason why I'm considering making a second chariot).
The only downside to this build is that it really, really needs to avoid combat badly. It simply is not equipped for it. Even if the soul devourer upgrade is purchased (taking the total cost to 115 points), the chariot probably won't last long. But at least the soul devourer upgrade makes opponents think twice before assaulting the chariot. The other upgrade that I sometimes toy with is the chaos icon. Given the fast movement of the chariot, this makes some sense. Incoming troops could also supply a much needed cover save for the chariot. But then again, with a 4+ invulnerable save, the chariot is one unit that I'm often happy leaving out in the open (or on the top of the tallest building) taking pot shots at any and all tanks and power armoured troops.
Heralds of Tzeentch certainly have plenty of options to choose from. So ultimately, this question (for me) is one about what battlefield role that I want my chariot of Tzeentch to play. At the basic cost, the chariot already has daemonic gaze, and is therefore reasonably good at downing space marines. But the problem is that space marines are rarely out in the open. More often, they're holed up inside transports (i.e. rhinos), as are most other troop choices in 5th edition. And the one thing that the daemons army is short on are tank-busters. So, my usual battlefield role for the chariot of Tzeentch is a dual tank busting and marine killer.To do this, I equip the chariot with the bolt of Tzeentch. Although I could use breath of chaos instead, I prefer bolt of Tzeentch as I can then keep a distance from the tank (and other pesky troops) and shoot at things from a distance. Combined with the fast movement, this makes the chariot a very mobile tank killer. The only problem is the herald may not always hit. But then again, the breath of chaos might not always hurt a tank either, so I might as well have the range. The total cost for the chariot with the bolt is a very reasonable 95 points. (And therein is the reason why I'm considering making a second chariot).
The only downside to this build is that it really, really needs to avoid combat badly. It simply is not equipped for it. Even if the soul devourer upgrade is purchased (taking the total cost to 115 points), the chariot probably won't last long. But at least the soul devourer upgrade makes opponents think twice before assaulting the chariot. The other upgrade that I sometimes toy with is the chaos icon. Given the fast movement of the chariot, this makes some sense. Incoming troops could also supply a much needed cover save for the chariot. But then again, with a 4+ invulnerable save, the chariot is one unit that I'm often happy leaving out in the open (or on the top of the tallest building) taking pot shots at any and all tanks and power armoured troops.
I have gone back and forth between Khorne Daemons and Tzeentch Daemons to fill out my CSM army and one day be their own stand alone army.
ReplyDeleteI really like the Heralds on Chariots as they have 5 wounds, Eternal Warrior, and a 4+ save. I would definitely give them soul devourer - that way people would give more than a second thought to attacking another unit.
I take your point on Soul Devourer -- it can be a potent dissuasion to going in to melee with the chariot.
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