Horus Heresy 3e Review: Thallax Cohort

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

Background. 

Cyborgs that have been produced only via grim dark trauma, the Thallax retain some of their original human individuality thanks to the brain being moderately preserved. However, they have replaced most of everything else in favour of becoming shock troops for the Mechanicum.

Strengths.

The stat line has 4's where it matters and a 5 in toughness. Double wounds, attacks, and I=3 with reasonable 3+ save and 6+ invulnerable. They have deep strike natively thanks to the jump pack which also enables a movement rate of 10. 

Thanks to Aegis of Pain, they cause fear when they are modified with statuses which is an interesting option. 

The basic armament is a lightning gun which gives S=5 and 3 shots which also causes suppression and shred. Nice. Upgrades include the always useful multi-melta, a photon thruster (S=8 armourbane armour breaker and suppressive with a vital AP=2) or a phased plasma fusil (breaching at S=5 with three shots - which is okay).

Chain bayonets for the lightning locks are entertaining, melta bombs for the unit are fine for dedicated units, and one praetorian should be taken merely for the leadership boost. 

Don't forget the Reductor advantages here. They are significant. Wall breaker really turns them in to tank and fortification destroyers with ease, whilst the prime advantage boost the invulnerable save to 5+ and increases the leadership by a further pip. It is well worth taking the Reductor apex detachment merely for this and kitting out your thallax accordingly. 

Weaknesses.

In all honestly, for the poinst cost, what you are getting is worth it. 

Builds.

6 Thallax including 1 Preatorian, 6 Multi Meltas, Melta Bombs (250 points).

A melta build. Can also be a distraction carnifex. Doesn't need extra models really. 

9 Thallax including 1 Praetorian, all with lightning guns and chain bayonets (208 points).

Tactical flexibility here.

6 Thallax including 1 Preatorian, 6 Proton Thrusters (220 points).

A slightly longer ranged option for your armour busting enjoyment. 

6 Thallax, including 1 Praetorian, 2 Proton Thrusters, Melta Bombs (190 points).

Mixed threat.