Hello everyone! Sorry about the delay...I was wavering back and forth for several days on the last little bits of the list, but now that the Spring Big FAQ 2019 has dropped, it essentially made up my mind for me. Lots of changes, but I'll talk about the ones that I care about in a few moments. So without further adieu, here it is!
~ Battalion Detachment (Black Templars) ~
HQ:
* Captain w/ Bike, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield, and The Crusader's Helm. [121]
* The Emperor's Champion. [75]
ELITES:
* Terminator Assault Squad (1x Sergeant and 9x Terminators) w/ 10 Thunder Hammers, 10 Storm Shields, and 1 Teleport Homer. [410]
TROOPS:
* Intercessor Squad (1x Sergeant and 4x Intercessors) w/ 1x Power Sword, 5x Bolt Rifles, and 1x Auxiliary Grenade Launcher. [89]
* Intercessor Squad (1x Sergeant and 4x Intercessors) w/ 1x Power Sword, 5x Bolt Rifles, and 1x Auxiliary Grenade Launcher. [89]
* Intercessor Squad (1x Sergeant and 4x Intercessors) w/ 1x Power Sword, 5x Bolt Rifles, and 1x Auxiliary Grenade Launcher. [89]
FAST ATTACK:
* Suppressor Squad (1x Suppressor Sergeant and 2x Supressors) w/ 3x Accelerator Autocannons and Grav-chuts. [105]
* Suppressor Squad (1x Suppressor Sergeant and 2x Supressors) w/ 3x Accelerator Autocannons and Grav-chuts. [105]
~ Battalion Detachment (Black Templars) ~
HQ:
* Marshal (Captain) w/ Teeth of Terra, Storm Shield, and Jump Pack. [103] *Warlord -- Master Swordsman*
* High Marshal Helbrecht. [150]
ELITES:
* Sword Brethren (1x Veteran Sergeant and 4x Veterans) w/ 5x Power Swords and 5x Storm Shields. [100]
* Sword Brethren (1x Veteran Sergeant and 4x Veterans) w/ 5x Storm Bolters and 5x Chainswords. [80]
* Sword Brethren (1x Veteran Sergeant and 4x Veterans) w/ 5x Storm Bolters and 5x Chainswords. [80]
TROOPS:
* Crusader Squad (1x Sword Brother and 4x Initiates) w/ 1 Combi-Plasma, 1 Heavy Bolter, 1 Plasmaguns, and 3 Chainswords/Combat Knives. [97]
* Crusader Squad (1x Sword Brother and 4x Initiates) w/ 1 Combi-Plasma, 1 Heavy Bolter, 1 Plasmaguns, and 3 Chainswords/Combat Knives. [97]
* Neophyte Squad (1x Veteran and 4x Scouts) w/ 5x Sniper Rifles and 5x Camo Cloaks. [80]
DEDICATED TRANSPORTS:
* Drop Pod w/ Storm Bolter. [65]
* Drop Pod w/ Storm Bolter. [65]
TOTAL POINTS/CP: [2000]/[11 CP]
Alright now, what are we looking at? In previous versions of this list, I had large assault-oriented Crusader squads as a good core to take the middle of the battlefield. While these performed very well, coupled with Chaplain Grimaldus...the list does not perform nearly as well when facing an Imperial Knight. Specifically the Castellan. But I suppose that can be said for any army facing one. The best way that I've found to counter one has been to take a knight of my own, but with the new scoring rules for ITC and who can win Best General with a faction, I don't want to get lumped into the Imperium faction for taking a knight. If I win, I want to be able to say it was with my army: the Black Templars.
So, I had to go back to the drawing board and look at the Space Marines from the lens of: What can I do to beat an IK? Most of the time, you can simply ignore them and play the missions. However, ITC missions tend to focus more on killing stuff rather than the board control missions of Nova Open/LVO. Which becomes problematic when my meta has tons of supplemental Titanic units (usually Castellans). With that being said, the just released Spring Big FAQ 2019 increased the cost of the Castellans 100 points via their main weapons and nerfed their strategem "Rotate Ion Shields" to give a maximum of 4++. Huge nerfs to Castellans. Couple those with the ITC changes and I will likely see less of them on the board. That means dealing with these guys became easier.
What did I come up with then? This has been the subject of a few emails my way and it was a tough one to answer. Realistically, Space Marines do not function well against IK armies in general if you are trying to kill them. The best way to beat them is via board control, since IK cannot hold ground. Those lists can also soup to add in Astra Militarum to bubble wrap and add your boots on the ground. And again, ITC missions. So this is a bad match-up. We CAN deal with single IK much better though, but they are still tough to kill. There is typically three ways to do it: 1) Suicide melta squads. 2) Lascannon spam. 3) Lots of Thunderhammer/Chainfist attacks. Space Marine armies in general cannot afford to sacrifice any units to this task when we already aren't exactly points efficient in the first place. Lascannon spam is easier to accomplish, but its very points intensive. Lascannon Crusader squads coupled with 3 Tri-Las Predators using Kill Shot will quickly kill an IK. However, any opponent with any sort of experience will focus all of their firepower on the lead Predator to eliminate the ability to use that strategem. Then you're sunk. Thus, the last option seemed like it was more efficient. But you need at least 10 to inflict ~14 damage (or a Captain/Lieutenant to bring that number up to ~21 damage) and 3CP to attack twice. It also fits into the Black Templars playstyle/chapter tactics.
I considered a couple different units for this task, but ultimately, the Assault Terminators fit the bill the best. Even with their hefty price tag, they are durable enough to survive the drop and resulting shots/combat coming their way. With our Chapter Tactics, they have a 48% chance of making the charge. Vanguard Vets could have theoretically done the same job, for less points...but you only have a 3+ save on a single wound model. Say goodbye to those expensive Thunder Hammers. A 10-man squad of Assault Terminators run you at 410 points. Add in a Captain to buff them. Huge investment for killing Imperial Knights. But...these guys are good against literally every unit that isn't fast. I felt that made them worthwhile, especially when coupled with the hugely important Company Veterans. To buff those 10 Assault Terminators, I have a Captain on a bike so that he can catch-up with the deep-striking terminators and have the durability to survive getting there (9" aura with Crusader's Helm). He also contributes to our close combat prowess with a Thunder Hammer.
I have 9 units (2 of them are the drop pods) dropping in my opponents face, it will hugely influence their deployment choices and actions during the game. Do you Refuse Flank against the storm bolter/chainsword Veterans? Or counter against JP Captain with Teeth of Terra and Master Swordsman who is pumping out on average 9 attacks (exploding attacks!) in combat? Who by the way can FLY over units again after the FAQ release. Do the block the Helbrect-led Veterans in close combat? Then you got the Assault Terminators who can multi-charge a bunch of units if you wanted. There is a ton of threats right away -- giving the army a massive Beta Strike.
To compliment my Beta Strike forces, I have 6 troop choices. 3 Intercessors with their sergeants taking Power Swords, who can also also assault if needed. I have a Scout squad with Sniper Rifles who can take out specific characters if necessary. And finally 2 min-maxed Crusader squads that are armed with ranged weaponry -- plasma and Heavy Bolters. The Heavy Bolters can be used to activate "Hellfire Shells" to cause mortal wounds. And finally, to help prevent overwatch, our 2 Suppressor squads will shoot targets prior to my Beta Strike units attacking to help prevent unnecessary. They can also double as vehicle hunters.
This list should have enough duality to be successful, while still playing to the Black Templar's strengths/theme, and being fun to play. What do you think? :D
HQ:
* Captain w/ Bike, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield, and The Crusader's Helm. [121]
* The Emperor's Champion. [75]
ELITES:
* Terminator Assault Squad (1x Sergeant and 9x Terminators) w/ 10 Thunder Hammers, 10 Storm Shields, and 1 Teleport Homer. [410]
TROOPS:
* Intercessor Squad (1x Sergeant and 4x Intercessors) w/ 1x Power Sword, 5x Bolt Rifles, and 1x Auxiliary Grenade Launcher. [89]
* Intercessor Squad (1x Sergeant and 4x Intercessors) w/ 1x Power Sword, 5x Bolt Rifles, and 1x Auxiliary Grenade Launcher. [89]
* Intercessor Squad (1x Sergeant and 4x Intercessors) w/ 1x Power Sword, 5x Bolt Rifles, and 1x Auxiliary Grenade Launcher. [89]
FAST ATTACK:
* Suppressor Squad (1x Suppressor Sergeant and 2x Supressors) w/ 3x Accelerator Autocannons and Grav-chuts. [105]
* Suppressor Squad (1x Suppressor Sergeant and 2x Supressors) w/ 3x Accelerator Autocannons and Grav-chuts. [105]
~ Battalion Detachment (Black Templars) ~
HQ:
* Marshal (Captain) w/ Teeth of Terra, Storm Shield, and Jump Pack. [103] *Warlord -- Master Swordsman*
* High Marshal Helbrecht. [150]
ELITES:
* Sword Brethren (1x Veteran Sergeant and 4x Veterans) w/ 5x Power Swords and 5x Storm Shields. [100]
* Sword Brethren (1x Veteran Sergeant and 4x Veterans) w/ 5x Storm Bolters and 5x Chainswords. [80]
* Sword Brethren (1x Veteran Sergeant and 4x Veterans) w/ 5x Storm Bolters and 5x Chainswords. [80]
TROOPS:
* Crusader Squad (1x Sword Brother and 4x Initiates) w/ 1 Combi-Plasma, 1 Heavy Bolter, 1 Plasmaguns, and 3 Chainswords/Combat Knives. [97]
* Crusader Squad (1x Sword Brother and 4x Initiates) w/ 1 Combi-Plasma, 1 Heavy Bolter, 1 Plasmaguns, and 3 Chainswords/Combat Knives. [97]
* Neophyte Squad (1x Veteran and 4x Scouts) w/ 5x Sniper Rifles and 5x Camo Cloaks. [80]
DEDICATED TRANSPORTS:
* Drop Pod w/ Storm Bolter. [65]
* Drop Pod w/ Storm Bolter. [65]
TOTAL POINTS/CP: [2000]/[11 CP]
Alright now, what are we looking at? In previous versions of this list, I had large assault-oriented Crusader squads as a good core to take the middle of the battlefield. While these performed very well, coupled with Chaplain Grimaldus...the list does not perform nearly as well when facing an Imperial Knight. Specifically the Castellan. But I suppose that can be said for any army facing one. The best way that I've found to counter one has been to take a knight of my own, but with the new scoring rules for ITC and who can win Best General with a faction, I don't want to get lumped into the Imperium faction for taking a knight. If I win, I want to be able to say it was with my army: the Black Templars.
So, I had to go back to the drawing board and look at the Space Marines from the lens of: What can I do to beat an IK? Most of the time, you can simply ignore them and play the missions. However, ITC missions tend to focus more on killing stuff rather than the board control missions of Nova Open/LVO. Which becomes problematic when my meta has tons of supplemental Titanic units (usually Castellans). With that being said, the just released Spring Big FAQ 2019 increased the cost of the Castellans 100 points via their main weapons and nerfed their strategem "Rotate Ion Shields" to give a maximum of 4++. Huge nerfs to Castellans. Couple those with the ITC changes and I will likely see less of them on the board. That means dealing with these guys became easier.
What did I come up with then? This has been the subject of a few emails my way and it was a tough one to answer. Realistically, Space Marines do not function well against IK armies in general if you are trying to kill them. The best way to beat them is via board control, since IK cannot hold ground. Those lists can also soup to add in Astra Militarum to bubble wrap and add your boots on the ground. And again, ITC missions. So this is a bad match-up. We CAN deal with single IK much better though, but they are still tough to kill. There is typically three ways to do it: 1) Suicide melta squads. 2) Lascannon spam. 3) Lots of Thunderhammer/Chainfist attacks. Space Marine armies in general cannot afford to sacrifice any units to this task when we already aren't exactly points efficient in the first place. Lascannon spam is easier to accomplish, but its very points intensive. Lascannon Crusader squads coupled with 3 Tri-Las Predators using Kill Shot will quickly kill an IK. However, any opponent with any sort of experience will focus all of their firepower on the lead Predator to eliminate the ability to use that strategem. Then you're sunk. Thus, the last option seemed like it was more efficient. But you need at least 10 to inflict ~14 damage (or a Captain/Lieutenant to bring that number up to ~21 damage) and 3CP to attack twice. It also fits into the Black Templars playstyle/chapter tactics.
I considered a couple different units for this task, but ultimately, the Assault Terminators fit the bill the best. Even with their hefty price tag, they are durable enough to survive the drop and resulting shots/combat coming their way. With our Chapter Tactics, they have a 48% chance of making the charge. Vanguard Vets could have theoretically done the same job, for less points...but you only have a 3+ save on a single wound model. Say goodbye to those expensive Thunder Hammers. A 10-man squad of Assault Terminators run you at 410 points. Add in a Captain to buff them. Huge investment for killing Imperial Knights. But...these guys are good against literally every unit that isn't fast. I felt that made them worthwhile, especially when coupled with the hugely important Company Veterans. To buff those 10 Assault Terminators, I have a Captain on a bike so that he can catch-up with the deep-striking terminators and have the durability to survive getting there (9" aura with Crusader's Helm). He also contributes to our close combat prowess with a Thunder Hammer.
I have 9 units (2 of them are the drop pods) dropping in my opponents face, it will hugely influence their deployment choices and actions during the game. Do you Refuse Flank against the storm bolter/chainsword Veterans? Or counter against JP Captain with Teeth of Terra and Master Swordsman who is pumping out on average 9 attacks (exploding attacks!) in combat? Who by the way can FLY over units again after the FAQ release. Do the block the Helbrect-led Veterans in close combat? Then you got the Assault Terminators who can multi-charge a bunch of units if you wanted. There is a ton of threats right away -- giving the army a massive Beta Strike.
To compliment my Beta Strike forces, I have 6 troop choices. 3 Intercessors with their sergeants taking Power Swords, who can also also assault if needed. I have a Scout squad with Sniper Rifles who can take out specific characters if necessary. And finally 2 min-maxed Crusader squads that are armed with ranged weaponry -- plasma and Heavy Bolters. The Heavy Bolters can be used to activate "Hellfire Shells" to cause mortal wounds. And finally, to help prevent overwatch, our 2 Suppressor squads will shoot targets prior to my Beta Strike units attacking to help prevent unnecessary. They can also double as vehicle hunters.
This list should have enough duality to be successful, while still playing to the Black Templar's strengths/theme, and being fun to play. What do you think? :D
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