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I've been play guard for some time. I stopped altogether although since starting again just before the release of the 5th ed. codex I want to start competitive playing. With that in mind and the fact I have 2 heavy FOC free I'm spoilt for choice. I currently field a sort of hybrid army. Based on a static gun line and a nice sized core of infantry and heavy weapons, I still have plenty of transport to slug my guys up and down. My tactic is to make the enemy feel the pain the first 4 turns at a distance and hold off with counter-attacks and tar-pits. By turn 5 and 6 i'm dashing for the objectives but there lies my problem. Guard, or at least mine don't contest the objectives too well and I wouldn't mind some artillery to soften up my target prior to my chimera and vendetta's arrival. My current heavy tanks are two LRBT's with Lascannons and HB sponsers (I know its not a great combo but I like the versitility) along with a demolisher with a lascannon and a pair of plasma cannons. My mind set tells me the manticore is an attractive option although I am in doubt at its effectiveness against MEQ's. I can see it being good for 1500pts where a full range of artillery isn't viable but I would like to know how they field. Another option I like is the Medusa although It doesn't fit the role I want since its direct fire only (The objective could be behind cover) The trusty old bassy seems to fit the description but I usually play on a 4x6 board and that 36 blind spots a pain in the backside. Looking at it the collosus may be the way to go but its expensive and I dont like the fact it's only S6 even though most troop types are T4 so would wound on a 2+, if theres anything bigger lurking close by my little raid could turn into a meat-grinder. I'm almost sure I want to field some Hydra's. I don't play against many skimmers but for the points cost and its versitility I don't think a guard commander can go wrong. I wouldn't mind fielding another unit of Leman Russ althoguh i'm going to be pressed for slots so I may substitute a LRBT for an executioner (all them plasma's! *drools*) Problem with swapping out tanks is that they're so big to carry around. I already have two of those large carry cases *rolls eyes* Soooo! Any ideas? ^.^

Deceiver wrote:I've been play guard for some time. I stopped altogether although since starting again just before the release of the 5th ed. codex I want to start competitive playing. With that in mind and the fact I have 2 heavy FOC free I'm spoilt for choice. I currently field a sort of hybrid army. Based on a static gun line and a nice sized core of infantry and heavy weapons, I still have plenty of transport to slug my guys up and down. My tactic is to make the enemy feel the pain the first 4 turns at a distance and hold off with counter-attacks and tar-pits. By turn 5 and 6 i'm dashing for the objectives but there lies my problem. Guard, or at least mine don't contest the objectives too well and I wouldn't mind some artillery to soften up my target prior to my chimera and vendetta's arrival. My current heavy tanks are two LRBT's with Lascannons and HB sponsers (I know its not a great combo but I like the versitility) along with a demolisher with a lascannon and a pair of plasma cannons. My mind set tells me the manticore is an attractive option although I am in doubt at its effectiveness against MEQ's. I can see it being good for 1500pts where a full range of artillery isn't viable but I would like to know how they field. Another option I like is the Medusa although It doesn't fit the role I want since its direct fire only (The objective could be behind cover) The trusty old bassy seems to fit the description but I usually play on a 4x6 board and that 36 blind spots a pain in the backside. Looking at it the collosus may be the way to go but its expensive and I dont like the fact it's only S6 even though most troop types are T4 so would wound on a 2+, if theres anything bigger lurking close by my little raid could turn into a meat-grinder. I'm almost sure I want to field some Hydra's. I don't play against many skimmers but for the points cost and its versitility I don't think a guard commander can go wrong. I wouldn't mind fielding another unit of Leman Russ althoguh i'm going to be pressed for slots so I may substitute a LRBT for an executioner (all them plasma's! *drools*) Problem with swapping out tanks is that they're so big to carry around. I already have two of those large carry cases *rolls eyes* Soooo! Any ideas? ^.^

If I recall correctly, the Basilisk only has a minimum range when using Indirect Fire...I personally make use of the Basilisk because of having that option...Indirect or Direct. If you want some solid shots, a great model that is relatively inexpensive, and a vehicle that is pretty easy to take care of (as far as giving it cover/watching for Outflankers)...go with the Basilisk.

iv had great success with the manticore

^^^
All the way.

The Angry Commissar wrote:iv had great success with the manticore

Ditto.

Even if you only get one blast, it's still a helluva blast. When you get three? Well that's just icing on the cake.

DoW

I say executioner your heavy weapons can bust open transports and it will do the rest.

The big winners are:
Executioner
Hydra
Manticore
Medusa

All share a common trait: tons of fire power for a good price.

Depending on your platoon's heavy weapons choice you might consider using 2 Hydras, they are great at craking open light transports (like Rinos), not just against skimmers. But if you are already fielding ACs in your infantry squads, then you might not need them.

Assuming that you aren't going with PL\AC or GL|AC on your infantry squads, I would go with 1 Manticore (for heavy AT work), 2 Hydras (for light AT work) and 2 Basilisks and a Gryphon (for the scatter re-roll).

Polonius wrote:The big winners are:
Executioner
Hydra
Manticore
Medusa

All share a common trait: tons of fire power for a good price.

QFT i love how everyone thought i was crazy when i ran a manticore when the new dex came out. i guess time has proven me wise

My heavies are.
Executioner - 5 Str 7 ap2 templates is pretty good for killing Marines

Manticore - D3 str 10 ap 4 large templates, decent anti tank or for killing hordes.

I am not to impressed with Hydras. Valkyrie Vendettas do a good job of poping transports with 3 tl las cannons and give me transport capacity, alpha strike and outflank tricks. Hydras do really shine vs Skimmers moving fast but how often does that happen.

Medusa by the time you buy that closed crew compartment its 10 points less then a Manticore that can get D3 big templates instead of 1. That 10 points sounds like its well spent. AP2 is nice but when cover saves are abundant give me another template or two instead.

The bonus of the medusa is that its ap2 and can fire all game. I agree though it is a toss up. I have three of each tank and I throw them in for variety. I will admit of those polonius listed the hydra is definitely at the bottom now. You are right, how often do you really get that skimmer benefit. Take that away and consider the hydra. What seems super cheap becomes an ok deal.

I agree the Hydra may only really shine in some situations but the autocannon has so many uses that it's never going to be short of targets. Thats why I like it, because if I face a skimmer, i'll make easy work of it, if not, then its firepower can be put to use elsewhere. I'm going to get at least 2 so if I face someone I think will use skimmers such as eldar, I have the option to use them.

Griffins are an absolute bargin. Plant them behind cover and there isn't much to lose.

Executioners, despite being pricy, are worth it.
Avoid Vanquishers in non-Apo games with all cost.

PS: To everyone, next time I see a post that looks as ugly as the OPs (not with bad) I'm gonna cry out loud as my eyes bleed