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I'm trying to build a competitive Salamanders list. This is what I have come up with so far. Let me know what you think. I don't have any models yet.

1500 Pts - Codex: Space Marines Roster

Total Roster Cost: 1498

HQ: Vulkan He'stan (1#, 190 pts, Warlord)
1 Vulkan He'stan

Elite: Sternguard Veteran Squad (10#, 288 pts)
8 Sternguard Veteran Squad + Combi-Flamer x2 + Heavy Flamer x2
1 Veteran Sergeant + Melta Bombs
1 Drop Pod

Elite: Sternguard Veteran Squad (11#, 310 pts)
9 Sternguard Veteran Squad + Combi-Meltagun x2 + Meltagun x2
1 Veteran Sergeant + Melta Bombs
1 Drop Pod,

Troops: Tactical Squad (11#, 195 pts)
9 Tactical Squad + Flamer + Multi-melta
1 Veteran Sergeant + Melta Bombs
1 Drop Pod

Troops: Tactical Squad (11#, 195 pts)
9 Tactical Squad + Flamer + Multi-melta
1 Veteran Sergeant + Melta Bombs
1 Drop Pod

Troops: Tactical Squad (11#, 195 pts)
9 Tactical Squad + Flamer + Multi-melta
1 Veteran Sergeant + Melta Bombs
1 Drop Pod

Fast Attack: Stormtalon Gunship (1#, 125 pts)
1 Stormtalon Gunship + Skyhammer Missile Launcher

only one question why Combi-Plasma's and not more Combi-Melta's?

Combi plasma have double the range or double the shots at the same range as combi melta. That particular squad is designed to drop in and clear out infantry. I figure combi plasma is better for that.

I am open to suggestions though.

 Khaine's Wrath wrote:
Combi plasma have double the range or double the shots at the same range as combi melta. That particular squad is designed to drop in and clear out infantry. I figure combi plasma is better for that.

I am open to suggestions though.

You would probably be better off with combi-flamers then since your already getting into flamer range and that way you can follow up with an assault if you dont clear out whatever thing your trying to kill.

Also, one stormtalon wont do anything so I would probably drop it for an assault squad with flamers jn a pod and grab some combis for all the sargs instead of meltabombs (or ontop of them depending on points)

Really? Drop the storm talon? My only form of AA?


Automatically Appended Next Post:
How about this alternative:

1500 Pts - Codex: Space Marines Roster

Total Roster Cost: 1498

HQ: Vulkan He'stan (1#, 190 pts, Warlord)
1 Vulkan He'stan

Elite: Sternguard Veteran Squad (10#, 298 pts)
8 Sternguard Veteran Squad + Combi-Flamer x2 + Heavy Flamer x2
1 Veteran Sergeant + Melta Bombs 5 + Combi-Flamer
1 Drop Pod

Elite: Sternguard Veteran Squad (11#, 310 pts)
9 Sternguard Veteran Squad + Combi-Meltagun x2 + Meltagun x2
1 Veteran Sergeant + Melta Bombs
1 Drop Pod

Troops: Tactical Squad (11#, 215 pts)
9 Tactical Squad + Flamer + Multi-melta
1 Veteran Sergeant + Melta Bombs + Combi-Meltagun x1 + Upgrade to Veteran Sergeant
1 Drop Pod

Troops: Tactical Squad (11#, 215 pts)
9 Tactical Squad + Flamer + Multi-melta
1 Veteran Sergeant + Melta Bombs + Combi-Meltagun x1 + Upgrade to Veteran Sergeant
1 Drop Pod

Heavy Support: Thunderfire Cannon (3#, 135 pts)
1 Thunderfire Cannon
1 Drop Pod

Heavy Support: Thunderfire Cannon (3#, 135 pts)
1 Thunderfire Cannon
1 Drop Pod

What units are you planning on deploying at the start of the game? Why pay for drop pods on those units?

None, Full drop pod assault. Under advisement from what seems a pro, Ive changed the list again, I'll post below.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Here it is:

1500 Pts - Codex: Space Marines Roster

Total Roster Cost: 1500

HQ: Vulkan He'stan (1#, 190 pts, Warlord)
1 Vulkan He'stan

: Command Squad (6#, 190 pts)
4 Command Squad + Meltagun x4
1 Apothecary
1 Drop Pod

Elite: Sternguard Veteran Squad (6#, 210 pts)
4 Sternguard Veteran Squad + Combi-Flamer x2 + Heavy Flamer x2
1 Veteran Sergeant + Power Sword
1 Drop Pod

Elite: Sternguard Veteran Squad (11#, 310 pts)
9 Sternguard Veteran Squad + Combi-Meltagun x2 + Meltagun x2
1 Veteran Sergeant + Melta Bombs
1 Drop Pod

Troops: Tactical Squad (11#, 200 pts)
9 Tactical Squad + Flamer + Multi-melta
1 Sergeant + Combi-Meltagun x1
1 Drop Pod

Troops: Tactical Squad (11#, 200 pts)
9 Tactical Squad + Flamer 5 + Multi-melta
1 Sergeant + Combi-Meltagun x1
1 Drop Pod

Troops: Tactical Squad (11#, 200 pts)
9 Tactical Squad + Flamer + Multi-melta
1 Sergeant + Combi-Meltagun x1
1 Drop Pod

So I like the last list better for sure. I'm a big fan of the Command Squad with all meltaguns. I would put Vulkan with the Sternguard for 3 heavy flamers coming down on top of something... pretty nasty; I'd drop the combi flamers from this though seeing as special ammo will probably do more for you math-wise when allocating wounds... but keep the heavy flamers for the AP4.

I am not a huge fan of the flamer + multi-melta pairing... but I realize you're probably going to combat squad them on the drop? Still, I prefer 5 man with melta, combi-melta, multimelta, and then 5 bolter marines.

I also think you should put melta bombs on every squad because you're going to get hit in CC with MCs, and that will help.

Looks good to me though.

 Khaine's Wrath wrote:
None, Full drop pod assault. Under advisement from what seems a pro, Ive changed the list again, I'll post below.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Here it is:

1500 Pts - Codex: Space Marines Roster

Total Roster Cost: 1500

HQ: Vulkan He'stan (1#, 190 pts, Warlord)
1 Vulkan He'stan

: Command Squad (6#, 190 pts)
4 Command Squad + Meltagun x4
1 Apothecary
1 Drop Pod

Elite: Sternguard Veteran Squad (6#, 210 pts)
4 Sternguard Veteran Squad + Combi-Flamer x2 + Heavy Flamer x2
1 Veteran Sergeant + Power Sword
1 Drop Pod

Elite: Sternguard Veteran Squad (11#, 310 pts)
9 Sternguard Veteran Squad + Combi-Meltagun x2 + Meltagun x2
1 Veteran Sergeant + Melta Bombs
1 Drop Pod

Troops: Tactical Squad (11#, 200 pts)
9 Tactical Squad + Flamer + Multi-melta
1 Sergeant + Combi-Meltagun x1
1 Drop Pod

Troops: Tactical Squad (11#, 200 pts)
9 Tactical Squad + Flamer 5 + Multi-melta
1 Sergeant + Combi-Meltagun x1
1 Drop Pod

Troops: Tactical Squad (11#, 200 pts)
9 Tactical Squad + Flamer + Multi-melta
1 Sergeant + Combi-Meltagun x1
1 Drop Pod

There is no anti air in the list and your losing effectiveness withthose sternguard. They already have special ammo and putting a heavy or special weapon on them ruins their effectiveness for their point value. Find room for a stalker or at a minimum a dev squad to cover your AA.

I disagree completely about losing effectiveness. There is little to no other unit that can take two heavy flamers. Paired with Vulkan that's 3 heavy flamers hitting something potentially turn one. And that is disgusting. As for meltas.... I kind of agree with that. I have toyed with the idea of trading them for combi meltas and then I can use the meltas on the alpha strike, and then reverting to special issue ammo. Especially considering Vulkan makes them essentially twin linked. If I drop the two combi flamers and the two melta guns I can put 6 combi meltas in there. Perhaps that would work better. As for anti air - I have a tactic for that. Ignore it entirely. As long as a hell Turkey list doesn't turn up then I'll be OK!

As for AA you would be better off ignoring it. Since you're gonna be in their backfield if you deploy right you should be able to force them to get only 1 good round of shooting off before making them go back into ongoing reserves. If its a helturkey well you've probably already won since CSM won't survive an alpha strike if they're running a drake spame list.

 A GumyBear wrote:
As for AA you would be better off ignoring it. Since you're gonna be in their backfield if you deploy right you should be able to force them to get only 1 good round of shooting off before making them go back into ongoing reserves. If its a helturkey well you've probably already won since CSM won't survive an alpha strike if they're running a drake spame list.

Actually never thought of tthe fact that an alpha strike will probably wipe them before the turkeys get in.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
OK, help on here is starting to aid in this list really taking shape.

Version 4.0 is as follows....

1500 Pts - Codex: Space Marines Roster

Total Roster Cost: 1500

HQ: Vulkan He'stan (1#, 190 pts, Warlord)
1 Vulkan He'stan

: Command Squad (6#, 190 pts)
4 Command Squad + Meltagun x4
1 Apothecary
1 Drop Pod

Elite: Sternguard Veteran Squad (6#, 190 pts, Vulkan goes here)
4 Sternguard Veteran Squad + Heavy Flamer x2
1 Veteran Sergeant + Power Sword
1 Drop Pod

Elite: Sternguard Veteran Squad (11#, 330 pts)
9 Sternguard Veteran Squad + Combi-Meltagun x6
1 Veteran Sergeant + Melta Bombs
1 Drop Pod

Troops: Tactical Squad (11#, 200 pts)
9 Tactical Squad + Flamer + Multi-melta
1 Sergeant + Combi-Meltagun x1
1 Drop Pod

Troops: Tactical Squad (11#, 200 pts)
9 Tactical Squad + Flamer + Multi-melta
1 Sergeant + Combi-Meltagun x1
1 Drop Pod

Troops: Tactical Squad (11#, 200 pts)
9 Tactical Squad + Flamer + Multi-melta
1 Sergeant + Combi-Meltagun x1
1 Drop Pod

Any comments on this latest version.?

I would give every squad melta bombs. What are you going to do about tons of MCs after you drop in and don't kill them all? You need to at least make them risk a wound or two if engaging you so I always take them. Drop a combi from the Sternguard because you'll be combat squadding everything and 5 should be enough. I'd also drop or downgrade the power sword for points to complete the melta bomb load outs and also try to get those flamers upgraded to melta in the tac squads. Oh and make sure the Sternguard sgt has one of the combi meltas and maybe you can precision shot and double out a character right away lol.. You never know.. It can happen! And again, combat squad just about always so you get an extra crack grenade attack, more threat overload, etc. it would be nice to get a 7th pod, but not sure if that can happen at this points level without hurting the effectiveness of the army..

Looks good!

I agree with swapping the power sword for more melta bombs. They are always going to be useful when you are this close to the enemy. (And don't forget that you can master craft them with your CT unless vulkan applies to meltabombs as well)

Probably swap 3 of the combi meltas in the large sternguard blob for 3 combi flamers for more anti infantry. You only have 6 flamers currently compared to your 16 meltas.

xTHExCLINCHERxMade seems spot-on. That power sword is not doing much, swap it out for melta bombs on your sgts (gives you tac squads the ability to kill MC's and walkers in CC), or for upgrading your tac squad flamers to meltas. I also agree that you should drop the flamers for meltaguns - I know it's not terribly fluffy (Salamanders love flamers, after all), but your bolters are capable of dealing with hordes of units, and the multimeltas will only be snap firing on the turn you come down (severely limiting your alpha strike).

A little tactical note: it might be better to put Vulkan in the drop pod with the melta sternguard. The heavy flamer sternguard is more than capable of dealing with a horde on it's own, and Vulkan can break away from the melta sternguards when they drop and engage a different target.

Oh and make sure the Sternguard sgt has one of the combi meltas and maybe you can precision shot and double out a character right away lol.. You never know.. It can happen!

I disagree with that advice, he gets the mastercrafted buff anyhow, and you can do precision shots with your AP3 special ammunition.

Ok. Some common opinion is to ditch the power sword. That was in there to give him a chance should a challenge arise and I didn't want vulkan to take it but wanted to give the sgt a chance. I can live with losing that though. I can also live with dropping a single combi melta. Digging out the points for melta on all the tac squads may prove a little difficult. And a little less fluffy. I like the ability to ignores cover though. It means the combat squad with the multi melta can sit on an objective whilst the squad with the flamer can push forward to clear an objective. I know the multi meltas are snap shooting but at least they're master crafted which significantly improves my chances. Give me a moment to smash out version 5.....


Automatically Appended Next Post:
OK, Version 5.0...

1500 Pts - Codex: Space Marines Roster

Total Roster Cost: 1500

HQ: Vulkan He'stan (1#, 190 pts)
1 Vulkan He'stan

: Command Squad (6#, 190 pts)
4 Command Squad + Meltagun x4
1 Apothecary
1 Drop Pod

Elite: Sternguard Veteran Squad (6#, 180 pts)
4 Sternguard Veteran Squad + Heavy Flamer x2
1 Veteran Sergeant + Melta Bombs
1 Drop Pod

Elite: Sternguard Veteran Squad (11#, 320 pts)
9 Sternguard Veteran Squad + Combi-Meltagun x5
1 Veteran Sergeant + Melta Bombs
1 Drop Pod

Troops: Tactical Squad (11#, 210 pts)
9 Tactical Squad + Meltagun + Multi-melta
1 Sergeant + Melta Bombs + Combi-Meltagun x1
1 Drop Pod

Troops: Tactical Squad (11#, 205 pts)
9 Tactical Squad + Flamer + Multi-melta
1 Sergeant + Melta Bombs + Combi-Meltagun x1
1 Drop Pod

Troops: Tactical Squad (11#, 205 pts)
9 Tactical Squad + Flamer + Multi-melta
1 Sergeant + Melta Bombs + Combi-Meltagun x1
1 Drop Pod

I approve lol looks like a fun, fluffy, and pretty effective list! To scale it up to 1750 you can conveniently add two Stormtalons with skyhammers, and for 1850 add an assault squad in pod for a nice odd number!

Thanks bud. Squeezed as much in as I could. I don't think I can physically get anything more out of this list without starting to reduce how effective it is.

I am surprised you've got no assault squads in drop pods. One of the more efficient choices for drop sallies.

I agree with your original take on the combi-plasma on the tac sgts, by far the better option. You won't be alpha striking as much with them so range and more shots is worth it.

At 1500 this is what I'd do

Vulkan
5x Command, 4x Melta, drop pod

Stern x10, Meltabomb 5x combi-melta, drop pod

Assault x5 2x flamer, drop pod
Assault x5 2x flamer, drop pod

Tac x10, Meltabomb, Combi-Plas, Meltagun, MM, drop pod
Tac x10, Meltabomb, Combi-Plas, Meltagun, MM, drop pod
Tac x10, Meltabomb, Combi-Plas, Meltagun, MM, drop pod

That's 7 pods, so 4 on the alpha strike.
Lost the apothecary but honestly he's only worth it on superfirend bike lists with lots of attached ICs. FNP on 5-6 T4 shooty models is not worth it.
Replaced 5 stern and 2 hvy flamers with 10 assault marines and 4 regular flamers. Better imo, especially with 4 pods for turn 1 (you can now hem stuff in and have a bit more flex). Might have points to get some heavy flamers on that 10 man stern if you lose some melta bombs.

The idea is nice. I do lose out on some special ammo shots. But I can see why 7 pods is attractive. Especially in an alpha strike list.

Perhaps I'll attempt to fit in a seventh pod somehow. Problem is I love sternguard....

You could swap the command squad for stern fairly easily. You'd lose out on some melta but its not the end of the world.

Another thing to consider with Vulkan is Legion of the Dammned. He twin links their melta and they must go in deepstrike so they can work well in a vulkan pod list. Twinlikned ignore cover melta is a thing of beauty. They don't adjust the pod count though but still worth a consideration.

Don't really like legion of the damned. I've worked off of your list for an exceptionally hard hitting alpha strike. I lose a tac squad and I think thats ok. I only lose 5 marines in total. But I can now drop 4 pods on turn one with a much bigger punch. (I think....) let me know what you think.



Automatically Appended Next Post:
1500 Pts - Codex: Space Marines Roster

Total Roster Cost: 1500

HQ: Vulkan He'stan (1#, 190 ptsm Warlord)
1 Vulkan He'stan

: Command Squad (6#, 190 pts)
5 Command Squad + Melta Bombs x1 + Meltagun x5
1 Drop Pod

Elite: Sternguard Veteran Squad (6#, 160 pts)
4 Sternguard Veteran Squad
1 Veteran Sergeant + Melta Bombs
1 Drop Pod

Elite: Sternguard Veteran Squad (6#, 180 pts)
4 Sternguard Veteran Squad + Heavy Flamer x2
1 Veteran Sergeant + Melta Bombs
1 Drop Pod

Elite: Sternguard Veteran Squad (6#, 180 pts)
4 Sternguard Veteran Squad + Heavy Flamer x2
1 Veteran Sergeant + Melta Bombs
1 Drop Pod

Troops: Tactical Squad (11#, 220 pts)
9 Tactical Squad + Meltagun + Multi-melta
1 Veteran Sergeant + Melta Bombs + Combi-Meltagun x1 + Upgrade to Veteran Sergeant
1 Drop Pod

Troops: Tactical Squad (11#, 220 pts)
9 Tactical Squad + Meltagun + Multi-melta
1 Veteran Sergeant + Melta Bombs + Combi-Meltagun x1 + Upgrade to Veteran Sergeant
1 Drop Pod

Troops: Tactical Squad (6#, 140 pts)
4 Tactical Squad + Meltagun
1 Veteran Sergeant + Melta Bombs + Combi-Meltagun x1 + Upgrade to Veteran Sergeant
1 Drop Pod

It leaves me with 20 points that I'm not sure where to place. Maybe combi flamers in the sternguard flame squads.

Any ideas what to spend the last 20 points on?