Horus Heresy 2e Review: Mor Deythan Squad

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4/5 stars. The rules are good!

Background.

These are the shadow masters of the Raven Guard. They have inherited something of their Lord's ability to slip unnoticed even in plain sight. They are also the ancient remnants of the Lycaean uprising, and rarely admit new members into their ranks, thus at the outset of the heresy they are rare sight. 

Strengths.

As well as access to a lot of weaponry, their unique rule is "Fatal Strike". This gives rending to their weapons once per game. My view on this is to NOT save this: expend it as soon as you are able, even on the first turn if able. Just watch out for reactions. 

Other than that, they come with 2 wounds each in second edition which is fantastic. 

Weaknesses.

Can't score. But you shouldn't really care about this facet. 
Fatal Strike doesn't stack with templates or blasts. This sucks and means you won't be using flamers here any longer. 

Difference to First Edition.

Improved. While they have lost their twin linking ability for Fatal Strike, the 2 wounds each is such a massive improvement overall. They retain shroud bombs and come with relentless which is amazing here. 

Builds.

10 Mor Deythan with Nemesis Bolt Guns, Shade with Melta Bombs (335 points).

Points have increased compared to first edition, but that extra wound being added accounts for this. The nemesis bolters are amazing in second edition and great for pinning. 

6 Mor Deythan, 4 with combi-meltas, 2 with melta guns (245 points).

My favoured build - and one to steal for the Alpha Legion as well. 

9 Mor Deythan, 3 Volkite Chargers, Shade with Melta Bombs (265 points).

Volkite plus Fatal Strike is scary. 

6 Mor Deythan, 4 combi-plasmas, 2 missile launchers (245 points).

For when things have to die. This is an amazing mid-range build overall, but won't make you any friends.