Horus Heresy 2e Review: Legion Cataphractii Praetor

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

5/5 Stars. For the same reason as the power armour praetors, it is essential that players have access to Rites of War and taking a praetor of any sort should be a given at points values in the thousands.

Background.

Praetors in Cataphractii terminator armour share all the same kinds of boons as praetors in regular power armour, but also get the benefit of some of the best protection available in the game. These Praetors should be thought of as leading from the front and be built accordingly.

Strengths. 

With a whopping 4 wounds, the Cataphractii praetor is a beast to be contended with. Able to withstand an impressive amount of incoming fire power and bladed weapons, this terminator is strong to say the least, and as usual comes with the important Master of the Legion rule. Players should take this terminator if they are fielding an army that can be constructed around him and benefit the unit that he is a part of. Consuls like apothecaries will be important here, along with command squads and perhaps other terminator units who are also wearing cataphractii armour. 

Weaknesses.

This terminator moves slower than Tartaros armoured terminators and may not undertake sweeping advances. Otherwise, look out for instant death incoming and its going to be all good. 

Difference to First Edition.

Neutral. The rules are comparable.

Builds. 

There are many different sorts of builds to consider here, and some will depend on not only the kind of army being constructed, but also on the individual legion in question. 

Legion Cataphractii Praetor with combi-melta and chain fist (160 points).

Take on vehicles and destroy their contents if they are a transport. Great for deep strikes, and works nicely with armies wanting to tear down the world ranging from Night Lords and Iron Warriors through to Imperial Fists and Sons of Horus.

Legion Cataphractii Praetor with two lightning claws and grenade harness (150 points).

A generic close combat praetor. Need to think how he will get into combat though - remember they're slower than other units. 

Legion Cataphractii Praetor with Paragon Blade and Volkite Charger (152 points).

A nice option for armies who like blades (looking at you Dark Angels players). 

Legion Cataphractii Praetor with combi-plasma and thunder hammer (160 points).

Hammer time, backed up with plasma death on one turn. Suits Salamanders (although combi-melta or flamer is probably more tempting) and those with a more technological theme.