So after some play-testing of my previous list, I'm making a couple changes to it. The list performs admirably and exactly as I intended it to. However, the HQ slot needs some fine tuning. To the effect of being completely changed. Haha. The unit itself was a huge CC beat stick, capable of taking a lot of high end punishment due to the storm shields and Apothecary. The grav weapon capabilities were also a huge boon. It, however, was extremely vulnerable to torrent of fire. As well as anything that was higher initiative in close combat.
Well, let's start off saying that the biker command squad did its job well. I had intended it to take on the rock units of my opponents, but having the power to destroy them too. It was good at that. Not only that, it was an unit that was highly maneuverable. It was able to dislodge pretty much any unit I wanted it to or perform drive-by with grav. Its problem was what I noted: highly susceptible to torrent of fire and I was losing models before I was able to smash into my enemy's important units. The unit was exposed to fire the entire game and for 500+ points, I couldn't have that. In addition, the unit really didn't give my list any force multipliers, which was a problem for me. Out with the old, in with the new.
But where to go with the slot? I will admit, I stumbled across the answer in a B&C post. What was this discovery, you may be thinking? Honor Guard! In my early codex lists, I decided that its cost was prohibitive. Well, its actually 100 points cheaper than my previous HQ unit. The only difference is that the bikes are mobile by themselves, I would need transportation for the Honor Guard, but I'll get to that in a moment. So why this unit? Well, they are absolutely beastly in close combat, and can be armed in a variety of ways to ensure duality. Which we'll be doing. Axes, mauls, and swords. Toss in a chapter banner and you'll see lots of dead. Speaking of duality, the HG also have bolters if they need them, so aren't worthless in the shooting phase.
The HG need to be led by a Chapter Master to allow their access. But do you take the generic or Helbrecht? The answer is simple. Helbrecht is our force multiplier. With his "Kill Button", he'll grant our whole army the ability to become even more dangerous than normal as the situation requires it. That ability is huge, as no scenario is the same. By himself, he is a reasonably decent killer in close combat, with the bonus of a combi-melta for duality. However, it hurts that he doesn't have Orbital Bombardment. Maybe one day GW will put that Errata out.
Finally, we need address transportation. The list really does require extreme mobility. This one was a little easier to solve. We're taking three Storm Talons, but we really only need two. But what will we do about the loss of that talon? Stormraven! This gives us transportation, tougher armor, and some high-end weaponry. Not only that, we'll have a heavy support unit where we didn't before. Against vehicles/high-toughness creatures, the units are about equivalent. What the Stormtalon doesn't have, that we'll be purchasing for the Stormraven, is the hurricane bolters. This gives some viability against horde infantry, which our list is lacking against. Every little bit helps. Anyway, here is the newest version of my Nova Open list.* ;)
HQ:
* High Marshal Helbrecht. [180]
~ Honor Guard (1x Chapter Champion, 6x Honor Guard) w/ 2 Power Mauls, 3 Power Swords, 2 Power Axes, and Chapter Banner. [210]
ELITES:
* Culexus Assassin {Allied Detachment}. [140]
TROOPS:
* Neophyte Squad (1x Veteran Sergeant and 4x Neophytes) w/ 1 Power Maul and Melta Bombs. Mounted in a Land Speeder Storm w/ Multi-Melta. [140]
* Neophyte Squad (1x Veteran Sergeant and 4x Neophytes) w/ 1 Power Maul and Melta Bombs. Mounted in a Land Speeder Storm w/ Multi-Melta. [140]
* Neophyte Squad (1x Veteran Sergeant and 4x Neophytes) w/ 1 Power Maul and Melta Bombs. Mounted in a Land Speeder Storm w/ Multi-Melta. [140]
* Neophyte Squad (1x Veteran Sergeant and 4x Neophytes) w/ 1 Power Maul and Melta Bombs. Mounted in a Land Speeder Storm w/ Multi-Melta. [140]
* Neophyte Squad (1x Veteran Sergeant and 4x Neophytes) w/ 1 Power Maul and Melta Bombs. Mounted in a Land Speeder Storm w/ Multi-Melta. [140]
* Neophyte Squad (1x Veteran Sergeant and 4x Neophytes) w/ 1 Power Maul and Melta Bombs. Mounted in a Land Speeder Storm w/ Multi-Melta. [140]
FAST ATTACK:
* Stormtalon Gunship w/ TL-Assault Cannon and Skyhammer Missile Launcher. [125]
* Stormtalon Gunship w/ TL-Assault Cannon and Skyhammer Missile Launcher. [125]
HEAVY SUPPORT:
* Stormraven Gunship w/ TL-Assault Cannon, TL-Multi Melta, 4 Stormstrike Missiles, and Hurricane Bolters. [230]
Total Points: [1850]
* No, I won't be taking the Storm Wing Formation. Nova Open has a limit of two detachments and my Culexus Assassin takes up my second one. ;)
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