Heya everyone. While the painting is progressing as well as can be (updates soon) on my Black Templars, I thought I'd share another list with you guys. Since I've done competitive lists to death and we've pretty much refined each list as much as we can, I'm going to do something different this time.
I've done something similar before, but this time, I'm going another route. I often get requests to build people "Black Tide" lists, but its a difficult prospect because they always want to make them competitive as well. Unfortunately, that isn't really possible because the infantry is slow and exposed to incoming fire. Not to mention, its exceedingly easy to block the advance of a large block of infantry with sacrificial units if you need to. So what am I going to do? Let's take a look shall we? :D
I've done something similar before, but this time, I'm going another route. I often get requests to build people "Black Tide" lists, but its a difficult prospect because they always want to make them competitive as well. Unfortunately, that isn't really possible because the infantry is slow and exposed to incoming fire. Not to mention, its exceedingly easy to block the advance of a large block of infantry with sacrificial units if you need to. So what am I going to do? Let's take a look shall we? :D
As I mentioned, I get requests for these types of lists all the time. But it wasn't until recently that I actually started exploring some random, off-the-wall things for fun. This brought me to the "Black Tide". Its actually a rather fun way to play the codex, especially if it actually works. Unfortunately, against tournament-tuned lists, that isn't going to happen. Thus, some tweaks and changes are in store to give you a fighting chance. One of my favorite units in the codex is the Land Raider (all variants). Obviously, the Crusader-pattern is the superior version, but both models are amazing and just scream to be used in battle. So I sat down and spent some time trying to fuze the two together and I came up with this:
HQ:
* Emperor's Champion w/ Black Sword, Bolt Pistol, Armor of Faith, Frag Grenades, and the Vow: "Accept Any Challenge, No Matter the Odds" [140]
Elites:
* Techmarine w/ Power Weapon, Storm Shield, Servo Harness, and Terminator Honors. [135]
* Techmarine w/ Power Weapon, Storm Shield, Servo Harness, and Terminator Honors. [135]
Troops:
* Crusader Squad: 8 Initiates w/ 8 Bolt Pistols and Close Combat Weapons, 1 Meltagun & 1 Bolt Pistol and Power Fist; 4 Neophytes w/ 4 Bolt Pistols and Close Combat Weapons. Mounted in Land Raider Crusader w/ Smoke Launchers and Blessed Hulls. [518]
* Crusader Squad: 8 Initiates w/ 8 Bolt Pistols and Close Combat Weapons, 1 Meltagun & 1 Bolt Pistol and Power Fist; 4 Neophytes w/ 4 Bolt Pistols and Close Combat Weapons. Mounted in Land Raider Crusader w/ Smoke Launchers and Blessed Hulls. [518]
* Crusader Squad: 5 Initiates w/ 4 Bolt Pistols and Close Combat Weapons & 1 Bolt Pistol and Power Weapon. [90]
Fast Attack:
* Land Speeder: Heavy Bolter and Typhoon Missile Launchers. [70]
* Land Speeder: Heavy Bolter and Typhoon Missile Launchers. [70]
* Land Speeder: Heavy Bolter and Typhoon Missile Launchers. [70]
Heavy Support:
* Land Raider w/ TL-Heavy Bolter, TL-Lascannon sponsons, and Smoke Launchers. [253]
Total Points: [1999]
There have been some lists recently by other Black Templars players that somewhat resemble this list, so I thought I'd post my version up to join the fad. Before we take a look at the list itself, remember that it is purely for casual play, not tournaments. It is a rock list, which is what the list tries to take advantage of to win. Will it always work? No. But it's fun trying. :)
The list itself is pretty straight forward. Two large "Black Tide" style Crusader squads, except they are packing LRC transports. That is the key; this gives them mobility and protection. The squad numbers 14, so that we have room to add Techmarines to the unit. These guys are packing it all: Servo-Harnesses, Storm Shields, Terminator Honors, and various other trinkets to help the squad perform. They also hit pretty hard in close combat with AAC, getting 4 Power Weapon attacks on the charge and another 2 Power Fist attacks from the S-Harness. Add in the PF from the unit and you're going to wreck some stuff. These Power Fists will give some duality to the unit, so nothing surprises you. The rest of the close combat attacks in the squad will take care of most everything else. The S-Harness also gives you two chances to fix your LRC should it be immobilized early, which might be useful depending on the situation. Otherwise, its packing both a Flamer and TL-Plasma Pistol for funsies. Or, if you really need the squad's meltagun to hit its target, just use the Signum to give that Initiate BS5. :D
Backing those two squads up are the three Land Speeder Typhoons and 5-man Crusader squad (which is mounted in a normal Land Raider). The Crusader squad is primarily used as a scoring unit, but its transport plays a large role in the list's firepower output. Because of the extreme range it'll likely have all game, it'll be well protected against most weapons and can remain firing its TL-Lascannons at opportune targets, usually vehicles. The Typhoons will also be playing the anti-tank role to support the army. While these guys are relatively fragile, its likely your opponent's attention will be on the Land Raider Crusaders coming his direction. Fortunately, you can easily hide the Typhoons behind your Land Raiders for cover without obstructing your Missile shots.
So how does this list win? Fairly simple: by clogging up your opponent's objectives with your large squads and LRCs, while you claim your home objective with your small Crusader squad in their Land Raider. There are obviously flaws in this strategy, but that is the name of the game with "rock" lists. First, your opponent will often have outflanking and/or deep striking units (especially Space Wolves) that can contest your objectives. You'll either need to move to the other home objective or risk losing your squad in an assault. Fortunately, that is why we are putting the Emperor's Champion with the small squad. He can deal with most outflanking units himself, but just in case, we added a Power Weapon to that unit as well.
The next big weakness is the large amount of melta weapons commonly found in lists. Once you get closer to your opponent, there will be quite a few of these in range. And once that happens, your LRC's are going to start dying if you've not dealt with the issue beforehand. I don't believe you'll be able to avoid losing a LRC, but having two should prevent your opponent from focusing on them.
Finally, you have a big weakness against fast armies such as mechanized Blood Angels and Dark Eldar. Because there are only three Troops squads in this list, your opponent will likely be able to out-maneuver you and thus, has the advantage of deciding where and when to strike. Likewise, they are able to contest your objectives late game quite easily unless you've already taken them out of action.
Anyway, there you have it. A fun, but decently effective rock list for the last few months of our older codex. Enjoy! :D
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