I wanted to write this article a few days ago, but I was a bit "hot" thinking about it. Hence I decided to delay writing it until now since I've cooled off a bit(!).
At the weekend, it was announced that 30k and the Horus Heresy would be parting ways with the mainstream 40k by not transitioning to the 8th edition of the rules set. The reasons behind this are anyone's guess, but probably a superposition of some of the following: a lot of work in converting to 8th; needing different rules in place; needing more time to play test; needing more time to consider how to do it; focus on 40k rather than 30k in the first instance (etc.). Genuinely, I don't know, but its probably some or more of these kinds of reasons.
This choice has me torn, and judging by the wider community, there are strong views on either side of the argument.
There are plenty of people who will rejoice at this decision. The shoe-horning of 30k in to 8th was bound to cause problems. And 8th does solve many of the problems with 7th edition 40k … but those problems were never really there in 30k anyway. The main one I can think of that will be "left over" for 30k is how to run psykers. The 7th edition of the psyker rules set has never sat well with me. Perhaps the new 30k rules will modify these?
On the other hand, it does present problems for me personally. How will I face off against the local Eldar player? Sure, Forge World might produce a 30k Eldar rules set at some point in the future (they will be doing daemons very soon in Angelus after all). But until then, how should I accomplish that?
Well, one thing is for sure. I will not stop playing either 30k or 40k! Indeed, we have a "bye bye 7th edition" tournament coming up locally that will feature a large variety of armies that we're looking forward to playing in. More on that another day.
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Horus Heresy Review: Sisters of Silence Kharon Pattern Acquisitor
Background.
Sleek, deadly looking, and very stealth orientated, the Kharon is the Sisters of Silence transport unit. Realistically, it is meant to be for taking prisoners and bringing them in for some justice of one sort or another. It is also a highly rated tank overall as well.
Strengths.
The most important point to make here is that the Kharon is an assault vehicle. Given that the Sisters are in the same army list as the Legio Custodes, then they can team up to assault out of this tank should the need arise.
Of course, it can also deep strike, but it is a big vehicle. It features a small slew of extra rules including but not limited to the Spectra Distort Field that gives a penalty to hit when shooting at it and d6 hammer of wrath attacks when it tank shocks some infantry.
Moreover, the weapons are also attractive, 4 lots of S=7 shots from the Hellion array is excellent. And that is in addition to the two missile launchers that are capable firing of psky-out missiles.
Weaknesses.
This tank is what it is. Stealthy (literally) with a deadly weapons load and transport capacity for 12. It is worth the points. Watch out for the rear armour though.
Builds.
Honestly, I would tank this tank naked. Armoured ceramite (bringing the cost up to 145 points) is tempting, but perhaps not needed.
Sleek, deadly looking, and very stealth orientated, the Kharon is the Sisters of Silence transport unit. Realistically, it is meant to be for taking prisoners and bringing them in for some justice of one sort or another. It is also a highly rated tank overall as well.
Strengths.
The most important point to make here is that the Kharon is an assault vehicle. Given that the Sisters are in the same army list as the Legio Custodes, then they can team up to assault out of this tank should the need arise.
Of course, it can also deep strike, but it is a big vehicle. It features a small slew of extra rules including but not limited to the Spectra Distort Field that gives a penalty to hit when shooting at it and d6 hammer of wrath attacks when it tank shocks some infantry.
Moreover, the weapons are also attractive, 4 lots of S=7 shots from the Hellion array is excellent. And that is in addition to the two missile launchers that are capable firing of psky-out missiles.
Weaknesses.
This tank is what it is. Stealthy (literally) with a deadly weapons load and transport capacity for 12. It is worth the points. Watch out for the rear armour though.
Builds.
Honestly, I would tank this tank naked. Armoured ceramite (bringing the cost up to 145 points) is tempting, but perhaps not needed.
Monday, May 29, 2017
Horus Heresy Review: Legio Custodes Coronus Grav-Carrier
Background.
I personally have always liked the grab-craft since they were first depicted in Rogue Trader. The Coronus carries on this tradition by having the grav-craft be in use by the Legio Custodes. It further indicates that the craft was an upgrade to the Jocasta design employed in the Unification Wars. Of course, the other grav craft are based on the Coronus design and have improved it whilst maintaining the goal of being fast an able to deploy in to zones that other vehicles might find tough.
Strengths.
With a capacity of 12 models and a small selection of special rules such as a flare shield, the Coronus makes for a desirable transport craft for the Legio Custodes.
The weaponry features twin linked lastrums, as well as a turret mounted blaze cannon which is nothing to be sneezed at.
In addition, the "grav backwash" rule is very entertaining as it supplied a -2 to hit unless the vehicle is immobilised.
Weaknesses.
There are no real weaknesses here: this is a well balanced transport -- nay tank -- that is worth its points value.
Builds.
Even naked, the transport is viable. However, of all the upgrades available, I think this combination is probably what many people may opt for:
Coronus, armoured ceramite (155 points).
Of course, the armoured ceramite is completely optional. But it does come in handy every once in a while.
I personally have always liked the grab-craft since they were first depicted in Rogue Trader. The Coronus carries on this tradition by having the grav-craft be in use by the Legio Custodes. It further indicates that the craft was an upgrade to the Jocasta design employed in the Unification Wars. Of course, the other grav craft are based on the Coronus design and have improved it whilst maintaining the goal of being fast an able to deploy in to zones that other vehicles might find tough.
Strengths.
With a capacity of 12 models and a small selection of special rules such as a flare shield, the Coronus makes for a desirable transport craft for the Legio Custodes.
The weaponry features twin linked lastrums, as well as a turret mounted blaze cannon which is nothing to be sneezed at.
In addition, the "grav backwash" rule is very entertaining as it supplied a -2 to hit unless the vehicle is immobilised.
Weaknesses.
There are no real weaknesses here: this is a well balanced transport -- nay tank -- that is worth its points value.
Builds.
Even naked, the transport is viable. However, of all the upgrades available, I think this combination is probably what many people may opt for:
Coronus, armoured ceramite (155 points).
Of course, the armoured ceramite is completely optional. But it does come in handy every once in a while.
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Vale Alan Bligh
Vale Alan Bligh. (1974-2017).
Undoubtedly, you have genuinely influenced my directions in my hobby and you will be sorely missed for your writing as the lead author for Forge World. You will be missed. Not just by myself, but by the scores and masses of fans who read your work -- particularly the Horus Heresy.
Further Links:
https://www.warhammer-community.com/2017/05/27/alan-bligh/
https://aarondembskibowden.wordpress.com/2017/05/27/alan-bligh/
http://www.john-french.com/2017/05/alan-bligh-remembered.html
Undoubtedly, you have genuinely influenced my directions in my hobby and you will be sorely missed for your writing as the lead author for Forge World. You will be missed. Not just by myself, but by the scores and masses of fans who read your work -- particularly the Horus Heresy.
Further Links:
https://www.warhammer-community.com/2017/05/27/alan-bligh/
https://aarondembskibowden.wordpress.com/2017/05/27/alan-bligh/
http://www.john-french.com/2017/05/alan-bligh-remembered.html
Friday, May 26, 2017
Wargames Gallery: Cities of Death
++ Incoming message from Squad Sigma Five Alpha. Commence the Harrowing. ++
++ Acknowledged, Brother. For the Emperor. ++
++ Acknowledged, Brother. For the Emperor. ++
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Horus Heresy Review: Sisters of Silence Vigilator Cadre
Background.
These sisters are the more senior mainstay of the order. Their purpose is to eliminate key enemy targets on the battlefield. I read that as enemy psykers as I'm sure more other people would. However, they are well equipped to deal with a rebelling human population too, as required.
Strengths.
Unlike the Prosecutor squad, this cadre is made up of Sisters with the iconic execution blades. This does well against many opponents. Coupled with the fanatic discipline rule, they're also fearless.
Death Mark allows the cadre to nominate an enemy squad that they're trying to take out. Of course, you should nominate an enemy psyker to be fluffy. But you don't have to! This gives the unit preferred enemy against their death marked target.
Weaknesses.
As with all Sister squads, the stat line is worryingly poor thanks to toughness and strength of 3 each. Otherwise, they should be allocated a transport and used accordingly.
Builds.
5 Sisters, Mistress with power weapon (90 points).
My favoured baseline build. Take with infiltrate to mess with your opponents thanks to company-cadre.
10 Sisters, one breacher charge, Mistress with Neuro-lash, plasma pistol (180 points).
A full load out, and still a modest price. Take a transport as required, or give some suitable rule with the company-cadre ability.
These sisters are the more senior mainstay of the order. Their purpose is to eliminate key enemy targets on the battlefield. I read that as enemy psykers as I'm sure more other people would. However, they are well equipped to deal with a rebelling human population too, as required.
Strengths.
Unlike the Prosecutor squad, this cadre is made up of Sisters with the iconic execution blades. This does well against many opponents. Coupled with the fanatic discipline rule, they're also fearless.
Death Mark allows the cadre to nominate an enemy squad that they're trying to take out. Of course, you should nominate an enemy psyker to be fluffy. But you don't have to! This gives the unit preferred enemy against their death marked target.
Weaknesses.
As with all Sister squads, the stat line is worryingly poor thanks to toughness and strength of 3 each. Otherwise, they should be allocated a transport and used accordingly.
Builds.
5 Sisters, Mistress with power weapon (90 points).
My favoured baseline build. Take with infiltrate to mess with your opponents thanks to company-cadre.
10 Sisters, one breacher charge, Mistress with Neuro-lash, plasma pistol (180 points).
A full load out, and still a modest price. Take a transport as required, or give some suitable rule with the company-cadre ability.
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