Ciaphas Cain's Blog of Doom

Codex: Space Marines

Point Total: 2000 pts

-Darnath Lysander - 200 pts

-5x Terminator Squad - 505 pts

-Cyclone Missile Launcher

-5x Chainfists

-Land Raider Redeemer

-Multi-Melta

-10x Tactical Squad - 235 pts

-Meltagun

-Missile Launcher

-Power Fist

-Rhino

-5x Vanguard Veterans - 240 pts

-3x Power Swords (Including Sergeant)

-Storm Shield

-Razorback

-Assault Cannon

-Dozer Blade

-Thunderfire Cannon - 100

-Thunderfire Cannon - 100

-Vindicator - 140

-Siege Shield

-Extra Armour

Analysis:

-Darnath Lysander - Darnath Lysander, the Captain of the First Company of the Imperial Fists is one scary son of a Primarch. Looking at his statline alone, Lysander is more than enough to send anyone who would attempt to fight him running for the hills. But my personal favorite of his rules is Bolter Drill. Rerolls to hit with Storm Bolters? Fantastic. He also brings to the table the advantages of Stubborn, which is an extremely handy rule to have. Also, his Master-Crafted Thunder Hammer, The Fist of Dorn beats vehicles around like toys. Just saying.

-Terminator Squad - I know some of you are thinking i'm slightly nuts for not having Lysander with Thunder Hammer Terminators, but hear me out. First off, as Daryl from Beasts of War will tell you, Chainfists are awesome. Not only do they tear apart vehicles, but they fit the Imperial Fists fortification mentality perfectly. The ability to tear apart siege vehicles, and then punch throw walls, ala Power Fist is oh so very Fist. The Cyclone Missile Launcher is there to hammer any hordes or light armor you might come across, and i've put them in an LRR for a versatile mix of anti-horde and anti-mech fire for added posterity.

-Tactical Squads - I'm sure the armaments i've chosen are obvious in their combat benefit, but I chose these specific weapons to further the motif of the VII Legion. Meltaguns, if you've ever read the Ciaphas Cain novels (Which you should if you haven't!) you'll know that Meltaguns and walls do not get along very well at all. The Power Fists are there for that same reason, and the Missile Launchers, because as I imagine enemy forces clambering through trenches or passages, Imperial Fists will be raining a hail of missile fire upon them. Fitting.

-Vanguard Veterans - These at first, make absolutely no sense from a lore perspective to anyone with general knowledge of the Imperial Fists. However, if one takes to reading the novel Sons of Dorn (Which was meh at best, but did provide valuable background information about the Fists) then you'll learn that Imperial Fists have a long tradition of dueling with blades. Yeah, I had no idea either. So as I examined the rest of the elements in the list, I felt that a unit of lightly armed Vanguard Veterans would be just what was needed to pull the list together and serve as a counter attack unit to any attacks upon other units in the list.

-Thunderfire Cannon - I'm going to start this off with just saying how much I love this thing. Thunderfire Cannons are an essential part of any Imperial Fist force in my opinion. Not only does their codex have a handy quote from Lysander, but they also fit the role of mounted guns on fortifications perfectly. Literally. The varied ammunition the Thunderfire offers provides the ability to blow apart oncoming hordes with it's Surface Detonation, force enemy out of cover with Ignoring Cover ability of the Airburst, and slow down oncoming vehicles or elites to allow for repositioning of your forces with the tremor causing Subterranean Detonation.

-Vindicator - The Vindicator is a great unit, offering up powerful shots from it's Demolisher Cannon, but not something i'd normally put in a list. I chose it for this Imperial Fists force, because with the fire of the Twin Thunderfire Cannons to act as deterrents to anything that would attempt to get close to the Vindicator, this vehicle can lay down punishing blast after punishing blast at the enemy almost beyond reproach.

Closing Thoughts - This list was a lot of fun, I enjoyed the challenge of bringing out the character of the Fists, and I hope all you Fist players enjoyed it too! Stay tuned tomorrow for the Angels of Death, The Blood Angels!

Special thanks go to Starminer, my good friend and proofreader, who without i'd be posting unedited lists like an idiot. Check out his blog, Caution: Bonds Skin Instantly in my links! Another shout out to Crimthaan, for his help in the process as well.

Codex: Space Wolves

Point Total: 2000 pts

-Logan Grimnar, The Great Wolf - 275 pts

-5x Wolf Guard Pack - 220

-3x Combi-Meltas

-2x Frost Blades

-Razorback

-Assault Cannon

-10x Grey Hunters Pack - 200

-2x Plasma Guns

-Power Fist

-Rhino

-3x Thunderwolf Cavalry - 210

-Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield

-3x Thunderwolf Cavalry - 210

-Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield

-6x Long Fangs - 205

-3x Plasma Cannons

-2x Multi-Meltas

-Drop Pod

-Logan Grimnar - The Great Wolf hisself. Not only is his statline nine kinds of absurd, but his ability to confer a special rule upon his squad is where his true value exists in this list. Logan here will be accompanying the Drop Podding Long Fangs to provide them with Relentless. That's right. Relentless Long Fangs. Did I forget to mention he can give all those adorable Wolf Guard an extra attack for a turn with Living Legend? All-Father help you, Enemies of Man, because Logan won't.

-Wolf Guard Packs - Only 3 points more for an extra attack over Grey Hunters? And scoring with Logan! Sold. I went with the Combi-Meltas for some nice tank opening ability. Combined with the twin Frost Blades and the 2 attack base, even for the Combi-Weapon units, and you have one mean tank shredding unit. The Assault Cannon Razorback provides a powerful anti-infantry element, and it can also be used against vehicles in a pinch.

-Grey Hunters Pack - I love these guys. They're a truly fantastic unit. Free special weapon? Awesome! By now, Power Fists should be self-explanatory, so i'm not going to bore you with what you already know. The Plasma Guns are there to provide some withering anti-elite fire, and you have one all around solid troop unit.

-Thunderwolf Cavalry- Ah, Thunderwolves. I hate this unit. Not because it's not awesome, but fighting them is so dang unfair! These guys are on a whole nother level of good. 2 wounds at T5? Nice. I went with two three man units, because let's face it, those other guys are there as ablative wounds for the Thunder Hammer guy. And two Thunder Hammers are ALWAYS better than one.

-Long Fangs Pack - Where these guys really shine is Fire Control. Aiming at two targets in one turn is fantastic. I chose the Plasma Cannons to tear apart any Chaos Marines or other MEQ hordes who dare to show their faces against the Sons of Russ, and the Multi-Meltas to tear apart any Land Raiders who think they stand a chance here. They don't. But what truly makes these guys great is the Relentless bonus from Logan. A Devastator Squad that can fire at two targets AND on the turn they Drop Pod in? Priceless.

-Closing Thoughts - This has got to be one of the meanest lists i've ever seen. Stay tuned for tomorrow, the 7th Legion, the Imperial Fists!

And a special shout out to Demonllamma for his help in creating this list. You continue to prove yourself a valuable ally, sir! Llammas for the Llama God!

Codex: Space Marines

Point Total: 2000pts

-Kor'sarro Khan - 205 pts

-Moondrakkan

-Command Squad - 285 pts

-Space Marine Bikes

-Company Champion

-Company Standard

-2x Meltaguns

-Power Sword

-Plasma Pistol

-8x Space Marine Bike Squad - 320 pts

-Power Fist

-2x Plasma Gun

-Added Attack Bike

-Multi-Melta

-3x Attack Bike Squad - 150 pts

-3x Multi-Melta

-2x Attack Bike Squad - 80 pts

-2x Heavy Bolters

-End List-

Analysis:

-Kor'sarro Khan - This should really be self-explanatory, but in case it's not, i'll make the case for the always awesome Master of the Hunt. First up on the reasons to take Kor'sarro is his titular rule, Master of the Hunt. This might well be one of the best abilities that can be imbued into a squad, providing not only the Hit and Run USR to Khan's squad, but also Furious Charge. Next up, we have the army wide ability to Outflank. I'll say it again. Army-wide Outflank. And lastly, his ability to allow Bike Squads to count as Troop units in a Space Marine List. Oh, and did I forget to mention his Instant Death causing Power Sword, Moonfang?

-Command Squad - I've always found that the Command Squad is a great unit in general (especially the Apothecary), but once you throw it on bikes with Kor'sarro and add a few upgrades, this unit really begins to shine. But i'll go into exactly why I chose the upgrades I chose, just for posterity. The Company Banner's ability to reroll failed morale and pinning tests is a boon to any army, but the +1 wound caused in assault is the real reason to take one of these. The dual meltaguns act as can openers for the squad, allowing Kor'sarro and the rest of the more assault orientated elements of the squad to tear through whatever remains.

-Space Marine Bike Squads - This unit is really one of the best in the codex, as far as i'm concerned. The Multi-Melta attack bike provides handy Anti-Mech fire in a very Mech heavy demographic, along with the Power Fist. On top of that, there's the Twin Plasma Guns to provide anti-MEQ fire, and allow you to deal with those pesky 2+ saves that are becoming so popular. Add the T5 goodness of bikes in general, and you have one mean unit. Of course, you've already heard my thoughts on troop uniformity in my DA post, but if you haven't, check it out!

-Space Marine Attack Bike Squads - Three Multi-Meltas in one T5 unit? Yessir! I also shoehorned a Heavy Bolter squad in as well, just for some anti-Horde fire for those Ork and Nid troop heavy lists we all run into at some point.

-Closing Thoughts - This is definitely one of my favorite lists, and I really hope to see more White Scars players, after they take a look at this!

Special Thanks go to Sladie, Schweet, Demonllamma, and Starminer, for advice and thoughts!

Today, in case you couldn't tell, we're kicking it off with the Sons of the Lion themselves, the one and only Emo Marines, the Dark Angels!

-Azrael - I'll wait for the nervous breakdowns to stop. I know, a Dark Angels List that DOESN'T have Belial, heart attack inducing. Okay, i'll stop with the bad sarcasm now. I chose Azrael not only because of his role in the Dark Angels, but also for the power he brings to the table. Not only is he essentially a Terminator with his 2+ Armour Save and 4+ Invulnerable Save, but that same Invulnerable save carries over the Squad he accompanies (In this case the Deathwing Squad). Combined with his Master-Crafted S6 Power Sword and Combi-Plasma, Azrael brings some real fire power to the table, and as such, he gets my Seal of Certification.

-Interrogator-Chaplain - No Dark Angels list is complete without a Chaplain as far as i'm concerned. Not only is the Interrogator Chaplain a powerful unit in his own right (With the statline to match a Captain) but the bonuses he instills to the unit he accompanies are stellar as with any Chaplain.

-Deathwing Terminator Squad - Ahhh the Deathwing. The lovable bone colored Terminators of doom. Everyone knows and fears the Deathwing, and this squad should be no different, especially with the bonuses provided by Azrael and the Chaplain attached to this unit. Some of you may note the configuration of the unit as slightly different, with only two Thunder Hammer and Storm Shield Terminators, but I feel the Chaplain provides more bonuses to Lightning Claw Terminators, and with 4+ saves to go around for those note carrying Storm Shields, the unit's survivability is not an issue.

-Tactical Squad - You'll notice one theme that persists for all of my lists is the idea of troop uniformity. That's not to say you won't see lists with different kinds of troops (like Scouts or Tacticals) because you will, but I feel overall similarity in unit structure simplifies strategic thinking and allows for better game management. Now, moving right along, I chose Plasma because well.. What are Dark Angels without Plasma? See the picture above for my justification on that end. Missile Launchers provide versatile Anti-Mech support, and the Power Fists exist for the same purpose.

-Ravenwing Attack Squadron - I'm a big fan of this unit, despite the fact that is suffers from the "A lot of eggs in one basket" syndrome. It provides not only a plethora of Anti-Mech fire with the Multi-Melta and twin Meltaguns, but the Assault Cannon Land Speeder can tear apart horde units like paper.

-Land Raider Crusader - The ever lovable LRC brings yet more Melta firepower to the table, but issues yet more Assault Cannon fire to the table to combat hordes or serve as Anti-Vehicle fire in a pinch.

And there you have it folks! Day One: Dark Angels, complete! Feel free to leave any comments or questions in the comment section, and i'll answer them in the next section. Stay tuned for Day Two: White Scars!

Also, a special shout out to Demonllamma and Sladie for their help in the List Creation Process!

See? Well, anyway, for the next nine days, i'm going to be doing an Army List for each of the Loyal Legions remaining. I'm going to do my best to make them both competitive and loyal to the lore, so stay tuned for the fun! First up will be the infamous Dark Angels!

-Ciaphas Cain

Raven Guard 2000 pt List

HQ

-Shadow Captain Shrike - 195

-Chaplain - 125

-Jump Pack

Elites

-Ironclad Dreanought - 170

-Drop Pod

-Ironclad Dreadnought - 170

-Drop Pod

Troops

-10x Tactical Squad - 235

-Melta Gun

-Lascannon

-Rhino

-Extra Armour

-10x Tactical Squad - 235

-Melta Gun

-Lascannon

-Rhino

-Extra Armour

-5x Scout Squad - 100

-4x Snipers

-Missile Launcher

-Camo Cloaks

Fast Attack

-10x Assault Squad - 240

-2x Flamers

-Pair of Lightning Claws

-10x Assault Squad - 250

-2x Plasma Pistol

-Power Fist

-Melta Bombs

-5x Vanguard Veteran Squad - 280

-6x Lightning Claws

-2x Storm Shields

-Jump Packs

Thoughts?

-Dan: DM (Dungeon Master)

-Jenny - Sister of Battle

-Pat - Guardsmen

-Connor - Arbites

-Steve - Tech-Priest

-Me - Sanctioned Psyker & Senior Acolyte

-Important NPC - Inquisitor Xorael of Ordo Xenos

Basically, we had been dispatched by Inquisitor Xorael on a system-wide campaign through the Vantos system in the Ultima Segmentum against a shadowy Xenos enemy of whose origin we could not ascertain. After a battle that raged throughout the caves on the outmost lying world against the foul Eldar, and an earlier encounter against a Chaos cult (Quick aside, I swear, what part of Ordo Xenos do you not understand Dan? Fire does not burn immaterial EVIL too well!) we had thought it was an Eldar incursion, and spent much time hunting throughout the ruins lying on the closest planet to the system's slowly dying sun, followed by a chase throughout the capital city of the most populous planet in the Vantos system we were sure we had eliminated the Eldar threat, and would be moving onto our

next campaign. Of course, Ciaphas is never allowed to have nice things, and this was not to be..

So, as Garviel (the name of my character in game) was making his routine passes on Tiama (Jenny's Sister of Battle) aboard the Song of Hope (The cruiser of Inquisitor Xorael) when Xorael summoned us to the War Room. Apparently there had been a mass invasion by "Implacable machines of unknown origin" sta

ged on the rural farming world of the system, Horinis, and Xorael instructed us to follow him down to the surface to meet with the head of the local PDF to figure out the exact nature of the threat.

Holy. Frakking. Throne. Oh no, it couldn't just be some renegade servitors could it? Oh no, it had to be a BUGE invasion by Necrons! Upon landing

to meet the Planetary Governor and the PDF Commander, we were immediately assaulted by said Commander! Turns it out it was a Necron Lord using some sort of unknown C'Tan technology by orders of The Deceiver to infiltr

ate and weaken the system's defenses for an invasion (We still haven't ascertained the reasons behind this). Luckily, Pat got a lucky shot with his Hellgun in and nailed it in the face, and Tiama had boltered the dang thing in the torso earlier, resulting in a dead Necron Lord, though Xorael cut it to pieces with his power sword just to be safe.

So after that fun encounter, Xorael called for support from the rest of the Inquisition, and decided that we needed to find out exactly where the Necrons were invading and proceeded to watch Konor (Connor's name, creative, I know) beat the piss out of the traitorous Governor. After a successful "interrogation" Xorael determined that we would be the scouting vanguard for the coming fleet. Fan-Frak-Tastic. So, we all piled into one of our transports and headed off to the canyons across the continent. Upon arrival we.. Well.. Let's just say poor Garviel nearly crapped his pants and he's just an imaginary character.

One thing you have to know about Necrons, they never do anything half-assed. There was like THREE MONOLITHS, and apparently Xorael got caught up in some sort of insanity and decided we'd attempt to take out some of the Necrons in order to give the Imperial forces half a chance. TERRIBLE. IDEA. Our idiotic stealth demolition mission ended abruptly when Xorael got Gaussed in the FACE. After that, it all kind of went to hell. My reaction? RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN! After seizing Xorael's Rosette (Which can survive Gaussing, who knew?), his sweet witch hat, and the Power Sword he dropped earlier on to replace my lost chainsword (Stupid Flayed One!) I spammed firey doom and got us the hell out of there, luckily Necrons is slow.

So.. Guess who's now an Inquisitor? This guy! Now all I have to do is figure out how to deal with a huge Necron invasion fleet... This is so not going to end well.

-Ciaphas Cain

-Ciaphas Cain