Horus Heresy 2e Review: Solar Auxilia Hermes Veletaris Squadron

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

3/5 stars. A slow moving volkite wall with reasonable ballistic skill.

Background.

This is a Hermes with extra armour that means it is slower than its brothers. In the background, they are used to flank enemies and destroy their key encampments before the main force gets there. 

Strengths. 

The 4+ armour save is certainly better than the regular Hermes sentinel, as is both the WS and BS which are upgraded to 4 here. 

The volkite calivers are sound in principle, although as with all volkite weapons, you should take as many of them as possible. 

The heavy flamer upgrade is interesting. If you have a way of getting into position quickly, these could cause immense damage. But getting there is an issue with a movement of 8.

Weaknesses. 

The movement of 8 is comparatively slow for what you are getting here. The WS=4 puts them on par with regular space marines, but the enhanced T and S means that they should do okay in melee. Hence the heavy flamer upgrade might actually work. But I prefer the volkite. 

Builds.

Hermes with Volkite Caliver x6 (156 points). 

As with all volkites: take as many as you can. For the points cost, this is very reasonable.

Hermes with Heavy Flamer x6 (156 points).

Slow movement is the issue here. Ideally, you would have a way of getting them to where they need to be that doesn't rely so much on movement (i.e., infiltration, etc., if possible - and its not too possible either, so use terrain).