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Hi all. This is just about the last iteration of this list I think I'll be going with before final play-testing via Vassal, after which I'll be making the purchases. I thought I'd run it by everyone for some additional critique; lots of feedback is better than none.

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Forgefather Vulkan He'stan @ 190 Pts

10 Sternguard Veterans: 315 Pts
- 4 Combi-Meltas
- Drop Pod w/ Locator Beacon

10 Tactical Marines @ 230 Pts
- Meltagun
- Multi-Melta
- Sergeants with combo-melta
- Drop Pod with Locator Beacon

10 Tactical Marines @ 230 Pts
- Meltagun
- Multi-Melta
- Sergeants with combo-melta
- Drop Pod with Locator Beacon

2 Land Speeders @ 140 Pts
- Heavy Flamer
- Multi-Melta

2 Land Speeders @ 140 Pts
- Heavy Flamer
- Multi-Melta

Predator @ 85 Pts
- Autocannon
- Heavy Bolters

Predator @ 85 Pts
- Autocannon
- Heavy Bolters

Predator @ 85 Pts
- Autocannon
- Heavy Bolters

Total Points: 1500
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I think that the general strategy of this army is obvious. I will normally deploy the predators in cover with as large a field of vision as possible. I then drop 2/3 infantry squads depending on what opponent I'm facing and their deployment. The better choice thus far has often been the two tactical squads. Each tac squad is more than capable of bringing down a vehicle during shooting on the turn it arrives, or at least disabling it from shooting at me during its turn. I can usually crack open a couple of transports and shoot down the hapless passengers with the sheer number of shots my predators put out (18 heavy bolters and 6 autocannons is no small matter). Depending on opposing deployment, I'll occasionally walk one of the squads on to the field, or deploy them in cover on an objective while I use the other drop pod in it's primary role as a locator beacon to be placed at will.

I reserve both speeders, and between them and Vulkan + sternguard can usually severely damage whatever segment of the enemy force is close to one of my drop pods (which are actually fairly resilient with their overall armor 12). My last version of this list ran flamers instead of meltaguns/combi-meltas in the space marine squads, and 1 vindicator along with 2 autocannon/heavy bolter predator. In the past few games I've found that the vindicator gets shot to pieces, and found myself regretting a lack of anti-tank in my drop pod tactical squads.

So, what do you guys think? Critique, tactics advice, any and all are welcome.

Edit: spelling.

Well seems like a nice list, but id rather run it in rhino's then drop pods as your sternguard squad might not come down to turn 4,5 and then your tac squad could be killed.

I think Sternguard are a bit too expensive to be run at this points level.

Heck, you could just deepstrike some TH/SS terminators and have points leftover. Another option is a 10-man assault squad with two flamers and a power fist (or a TH & SS) for 235 (or 255).

Assault squad would be more reliable then deepstriking termies, and could do damage to horde as well.
Its just a shame you cant run Vulkan with assault marines.

In a drop pod you can.

I think that an assault squad or a terminator assault squad don't fulfill the same role as the sternguard do. with a full squad of 10 guard, I have the chance to do a great deal of damage to either enemy vehicles with the 4 combi-meltas, or to infantry using their specialized ammunition. An assault based unit would have to wait for a turn, weather a large amount of fire in the next turn, and finally be able to carry out an assault in my final turn at less that full strength (if the unit is still there at all). All the drop-podding units must have the ability to effectively engage vehicles or infantry on the turn they arrive, which drop-podding assault units cannot do.

Well if you send tac's done first, and pop a tank, and your stuck there with no support apart from predators, and your sternguard might not come down into three turns later, there might be no tactical squads left, i would think it would be better to run them in rhino, or have two sternguard squads in drop pod.

And one sternguard squad could be isolated, and devoured by a close combat dedicated squad, like CC termies, ap 3 ammo not gonna help there.

Why autocannons? TL Lascannons are soooooo much better.

phantommaster wrote:Why autocannons? TL Lascannons are soooooo much better.

Any idea where I might shave points to get the 135 I'd need for the upgrade? I'd also be wasting either the sponson weapons (anti-infantry/light transports) or the lascannons when shooting at most targets...that worries me a bit.

"Why autocannons? TL Lascannons are soooooo much better."

5 Units with deepstriking Melta weapons not enough AT for you? AC/HB Preds are great buys for 85 and I'd keep them as is. Triple Las Preds just don't cut for the points in 5th.

phantommaster wrote:Why autocannons? TL Lascannons are soooooo much better.

...and Land Raiders are even better. I don't really see your point...

For peds the optimal layouts, IMHO go with the autocannon with either sponson. The HB sponson makes the vehicle anti-infantry, whereas the las sponsons make it anti-armor. The TL las on top is just too expensive of a choice considering it goes from heavy 2 to heavy 1.

The list is fine, go as is and you'll do well. I might be a bit concerned for objective missions due to 2 troops, but playtesting is needed to see if a 3rd is needed in your list. Only your own play experience is going to help as that list is quite tight as it is.