5/5 stars. Possibly over powered in third edition!
Background.
Since we reviewed the bad guy poster boys for Third Edition, the next legion had to be the good guy poster boys. In all of the legions in the Horus Heresy (and Warhammer 40,000 for that matter), the Salamanders stand out as actually caring and giving a hoot about the world around them and wanting to give back and make it better. Through self sacrifice mainly. But also spending time with families on their home world. And things like that. Unfortunately, this is the grim dark and in the Heresy, they were brutally betrayed on Isstvan and became a shattered remnant of what they were: a legion named for the fire breathing apex predator of their Primarch's home world. It is arguable that without their actions subsequently that the Imperium would not be in the position it found itself in.
Armoury.
The third edition has some extensive options for the Salamanders including a unique prime advantage.
Duty Before Death is the prime advantage which grants a basic feel no pain roll. This is nice, but perhaps not the best choice given their Tactica.
Drakenscale sets D=1 for flame, plasma, melta, and volkite for commanders and champions at a reasonable points cost. Although not quite an auto-buy, it is very tempting and should be taken in almost all cases.
Forge Crafted Weapons cover power weapons, power fists, and thunder hammers for a points increase to make the weapon line better. Power weapons benefit from AM+1, power fists from D+1, and thunder hammers from AM+1. These are almost certainly worth taking.
Forge Crafted Flame Weapons are similar upgrades, but for hand flamers, flamers, and heavy flamers. They get D+1. The points cost associated is certainly worth paying.
Forge Crafted Flame Weapons are similar upgrades, but for hand flamers, flamers, and heavy flamers. They get D+1. The points cost associated is certainly worth paying.
Tactica.
Promethean Endurance puts the Death Guard to shame. Wound tests fail on natural 1's and 2's. This is mind blowing and very powerful. But it gets better. Blood of Fire means they never suffer panic from flame weapons either. Combined, you have an insanely strong legion here even if you run basic tactical squads.
Gambit.
Duty is Sacrifice gives you a focus bonus of 1, 2, or 3, at the expense of taking the same number of wounds at AP=5, D=1. Worth playing if you know what you are doing and feel like you will save those wounds. Risky in the extreme if you are low on wounds. But if you need that focus, so be it.
Additional Detachments.
Immolation Covenant gives extra armour so long as they are predators or vindicators alongside support squads which is very nice. A couple of tanks here and flame units could be excellent.
Advanced Reaction.
Selfless Burden reacts to an incoming charge to give WS+1, S+1, and A+1. But then you suffer a 1 in 6 chance of suffering a wound per unit member at D=1 and no AP. A more than reasonable trade off.
Selfless Burden reacts to an incoming charge to give WS+1, S+1, and A+1. But then you suffer a 1 in 6 chance of suffering a wound per unit member at D=1 and no AP. A more than reasonable trade off.
The Salamanders overall are a very powerful legion and this can often be overlooked. The Promethean Endurance in particular is what pushed me over the edge to give 5/5 stars to the legion.
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