Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Grave Warden Terminator Squad

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5 stars. The rules are strong.

Background.
The second special terminator unit from the Death Guard, these marines were originally synonymous with Typhon and the Terminus Est, but became more of a talisman for the entire legion over time. They specialize in lethal and Geneva Convention defying arms to provide a truly grotesque end to their enemies in the Great Crusade and the civil war of the Heresy. 

Strengths.
I want to pick out their "Shrouded in Death" special rule first. They produce a thick toxic gas offensively and defensively. In game, this means that any charge against them is disordered. This is therefore one terminator squad that people will always have second thoughts about charging. Add to this a standard stat line with 2 wounds and you have a strong squad.

This is beefed up more with relentless, firing protocols (which is absolutely amazing here), and shrouded (plus stubborn of course). Their death cloud projector provides a handy template poison weapon and the assault grenade launcher is a great krak or toxin medium-short range assault weapon. Power fists round off this unit nicely.

My immediate thought is to put a librarian in here, but that wouldn't be very fluffy if Mortarion is on the table. Otherwise, treat them as you would most other cataphractii squads: use them up close and personal to take out other units. Consider a land raider proteus for transport. 

Weaknesses.
WS=4 is problematic here if you are thinking of close combat against many other legion terminators (even Alpha Legion Lernaeans will have an advantage here if they select against the Death Guard). 

Difference to First Edition.
A bit shuffled around here but mostly rather similar despite the time between editions. 

Builds.
5 Grave Warden Terminators, 2 chain fists (260 points).
Baseline unit. Consider a grenade harness if you are going to be charging. Might also be entertaining to give them Line (e.g., with a Herald) and sit on an objective, but I feel this is a waste.

10 Grave Warden Terminators, 2 heavy alchem flamers, chem master with combi-melta and grenade harness, 4 chain fists (525 points).
The overkill unit to charge out of a land raider with. You're not going to make friends with this one. 


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