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As with several other posters, the new model has inspired me to look again at the possibilities of running a Storm Raven based Blood Angels army. Thoughts welcome.

HQ:
Librarian - Sanguine Sword, Unleash Rage

Elites:
Furioso Dreadnought - Heavy Flamer, Magna Grapple
5 Assault Terminators - 2 TH/SS
Sanguinary Priest
Brother Corbulo

Troops:
10 Assault Marines - 2 Flamer, Power Fist, No Jump Packs
10 Assault Marines - 2 Meltagun, Power Fist, No Jump Packs, Rhino
10 Assault Marines - 2 Meltagun, Power Fist, No Jump Packs, Rhino

Fast Attack:
Baal Predator

Heavy Support:
Storm Raven - TL MM, TL Lascannon, Extra Armor
Storm Raven - TL MM, TL Lascannon, Extra Armor
Dreadnought - DCCW w/Heavy Flamer, MM

Deployment as so:
Storm Raven 1: Librarian, Corbulo, Terminators, Dreadnought
Storm Raven 2: Sang. Priest, Flamer Assault Squad, Furioso
Rhino - Assault Squad
Rhino - Assault Squad
Baal - Flamestorm Cannon

Hopefully with 3 Fast Vehicles racing up the board, they can take some of the heat off the Storm Raven's for the first turn and split the opponent's antitank. Corbulo goes with Terminators to provide another semi-antitank weapon to make up for the lack of Hammers in the unit and to provide slightly beefier FNP for the unit. Also, his reroll could save a Storm Raven's life at some point. Librarian makes that Terminator Squad a true terror on assault, rerolling hits and wounds on the (Furious) charge, which helps to also take advantage of the S5 lightning claws (and S6 Rending Corbulo!) on the charge.

The other Raven is left with a simpler Assault squad to seem less threatening, but which has the Furioso which is the more dangerous Dreadnought of the pair.

So what do you think? Is this one of the better ways to run Ravens? Would this be competitive on a more tournament scale as well?

I like the list. One question i have though is you have 3 assault squads all without jump packs, why remove the jump packs for the squad in the stormraven? they dont provide any discount and they're better with jump packs. Also have you considered sanguinary sheild for the librarian? that could provide a cover save for your vehicles moving up the board, and still remains usefull for your furioso and assault squads when you disembark them

He's removing the jump packs so that he can cram all 10 into the suppository. . .I mean Raven.

1. Jump packs off in the Raven so I can fit the full squad. With Jump Pakcs on they count as two models... and 5 Assault Marines do not an effective assault unit make. O.o

2. I hadn't considered the shield from the Librarian saving the Ravens. Obviously they'll have turboost saves for at least one turn, but for the turns where they sit and shoot and for after the disembark it would be a life saver. Would you say drop Sanguine Sword for it? I can't say I'm happy losing a S10 attack for instakilling those T5 Wolves and such, but Unleash Rage is pretty fantastic with LC Terminators.

When what are the rhino's doing? You can just take the packs off without taking a rhino.

Rhinos there to provide another AV to draw opponent's missiles and such while the Marines get up the board.

In retrospect, simple Jump Marines should perform the killing more effectively the Rhino Marines... I just lose out on tank shocking, blocking LOS to things, and another AV to make the opponent think about whether or not he REALLY wants to shoot at the Ravens.

I definitely agree on your point though. Without the Rhinos, would it be worth dropping the Baal and getting something else for the 115 points without an AV? Or does it help significantly with armor saturation?

ah i see i forgot about the "counts as two models" with jump packs, also how many points is that? I know its close to 2k but i was wondering how many points you have left

(and i get the "its too front heavy" stance on the stormraven. Hopefully at the front (in the picture there are some marines blocking the view) there are thrusters, that would explain how it could fly and honestly would look pretty cool. I still dont like the manned turret on the top though, but i'll either just live with it or just take a lascannon turret from a razorback)


EDIT: Also have you considered a 3 stormraven list?

It's exactly 2k points. I use this really convenient list builder I found at a website called Alice40k. Have a list builder for every army list up to now (not sure if DEldar have theirs up yet) with proper points values and... yeah. Makes my life a heckuva lot easier.

As for the Raven model.... I have to say, I see the issues people are talking about, but it's still a cool model that I'd love to see fielded. I'd love even more for the photoshopped one that someone made in the picture thread with dual thrusters, but I'm nowwhere near skilled enough to make my own like that.

As as for the 3 Raven? Yes. Yes I have. It has Death Company, and the only things that start on the board are Ravens.

Yeah Death Company Stormraven lists are pretty cool, i made one for 1750 pts that i might end up building eventually. 2 Stormravens each with chaplain equivilent (astorath and lemartes), sanguinary preist, librarian and death company, both carrying a death company dread (and 2 baals with AC/HB). The only problem with that is kinda low model count and no scoring units, but hey its a Death company list

Put Mephiston in the Storm Raven and maybe you got something. I'd try something like:

1.75k
Meph
5 AM, melta, Razorback, TL HF, HKM
5 AM, melta, Razorback, TL HF, HKM
5 AM, melta, Razorback, TL HF, HKM
5 AM, melta, Razorback, LC, TL PG
Baal, FsC, HBs, HKM
Baal, TL AsC, HBs
Baal, TL AsC, HBs
Stormraven, TL LC, TL MM
Predator, AC, Twin LC
Predator, AC, Twin LC

For 2K add a Furioso Dread and a fifth AM crew in a flameback.

Therion wrote:Put Mephiston in the Storm Raven and maybe you got something. I'd try something like:

1.75k
Meph
5 AM, melta, Razorback, TL HF, HKM
5 AM, melta, Razorback, TL HF, HKM
5 AM, melta, Razorback, TL HF, HKM
5 AM, melta, Razorback, LC, TL PG
Baal, FsC, HBs, HKM
Baal, TL AsC, HBs
Baal, TL AsC, HBs
Stormraven, TL LC, TL MM
Predator, AC, Twin LC
Predator, AC, Twin LC

For 2K add a Furioso Dread and a fifth AM crew in a flameback.

Meph alone in a Stormraven with no Dread just seams like a waste though... i do like the high model count list wise

Looks like you have 4 elites choices. unless sang priests cant be taken in untis dont have my codex in front of me.

Sang priests can be taken up to 3 in one org slot, but remain independent characters. Neat, huh?

While I like the list Therion, it doesn't really take advantage of the Storm Raven. For one, Mephy already is plenty fast on his own. Two, you're not using the Dread holding area on the Raven for anything, which is a big reason to use the Raven (to get Dreads into CC where they belong)

Now, a list with Mephy on the ground with two assault squads, supported by the Two Ravens... that's worth wondering about.

So what do you think about my initial list adjusted thus: Drop Baal Predator and Librarian for Mephiston? Better? Or Worse? I lose unleash rage on ther terminators and a highly mobile MEQ murdering flamer but gain, well the dude who punches things in the face really damn well.

Well as you can see you're comparing your 2K lists to my 1.75K list. My 2K version has the Stormraven fully loaded with cargo. One Mephiston (hands down THE best HQ in the book) and one Furioso. So, for clarification, since I believe I might've confused you, here's your 2K list:

Meph
Furioso, EA
5 AM, melta, Razorback, TL HF, HKM, SL
5 AM, melta, Razorback, TL HF, HKM, SL
5 AM, melta, Razorback, TL HF, HKM, SL
5 AM, melta, Razorback, TL HF, HKM, SL
5 AM, melta, Razorback, TL HF, HKM, SL
Baal, TL AsC, HBs
Baal, TL AsC, HBs
Baal, TL AsC, HBs
Stormraven, TL LC, TL MM
Predator, AC, Twin LC
Predator, AC, Twin LC

Of course it's just a modified mech power BA list, but that's how the Stormraven should be used. Building lists wholly around 2-3 of them are totally different and much more on/off than this one. I play BA myself and I don't use Stormravens, but since the model has now appeared I had to spend a couple minutes thinking how it could be added to an existing tournament list. It can be done as you can see.

P.S. You can equip as many of the Baals with Flamestorms as you like if that's your cup of tea. No extra points cost. Just remember the list already has five TL heavy flamers in it.

I like Mephiston, but I worry that he is too easy to take down with a skilled player. Plasma, really any variety of Terminators... I mean, 250 points is a lot to spend on a unit that if your opponent has a particular type of unit then it's made useless... I'm not very keen on it. Especially when he can get Psychic Hooded easily.

Also, I have a strong dislike for Razor Spam. It's just not very exciting. I like the Predators involved, but I think I'd prefer the jump marines as is, instead of in a vehicle at this point in the army.

So from the advice I'm currently leaning towards 2 Jump Squads, 2 AssCan Baal Predators, and 2 fully loaded Storm Ravens making up the bulk of this army. It's low Model Count, but I think it has the potential to be durable enough and fast enough to make up for it.

So now I suppose what I'm wondering is... what is the best loadout on the Storm Ravens? I've seen pretty much zero battle reports where they have been used successfully and I'm not sure whether fully loading them out for antitank is a good idea or whether you should have one armed with Plasma Cannons to take advantage of mobile AP2

Pvt. Jet wrote:I like Mephiston, but I worry that he is too easy to take down with a skilled player. Plasma, really any variety of Terminators... I mean, 250 points is a lot to spend on a unit that if your opponent has a particular type of unit then it's made useless... I'm not very keen on it. Especially when he can get Psychic Hooded easily.

Come on. He's a Hive Tyrant on steroids that moves 12"+D6"+6". Tons of armies would kill to have him as an option. He's a hard counter to many armies and against armies that he's not particularly great against he is still a beast to take down with shooting as long as he benefits from a 4+ cover save. It's the same as killing a Tyrannofex in cover, except Mephiston isn't a monstrous creature and uses a normal infantry model. Best of all he takes up the mandatory HQ slot that is otherwise occupied by a much less useful model. Once you stop thinking about Mephiston as a Space Marine and more as a Daemon Prince or Hive Tyrant you'll be on the right track. Yes, Blood Angels get Daemon Princes/Hive Tyrants, except better.

Also, I have a strong dislike for Razor Spam. It's just not very exciting. I like the Predators involved, but I think I'd prefer the jump marines as is, instead of in a vehicle at this point in the army.

Some people just dislike winning. I like winning plus I like tanks more than anything, so life is good.

So from the advice I'm currently leaning towards 2 Jump Squads, 2 AssCan Baal Predators, and 2 fully loaded Storm Ravens making up the bulk of this army. It's low Model Count, but I think it has the potential to be durable enough and fast enough to make up for it.

I don't know who gave you that advice or why you're leaning towards it, but good luck. It doesn't sound terrible.

So now I suppose what I'm wondering is... what is the best loadout on the Storm Ravens? I've seen pretty much zero battle reports where they have been used successfully

Why you don't see many of them is because Riflemen Dreads, Autolas Predators and Missile Devs are all more competitive HS choices and because the Storm Raven doesn't have a model available for it. Most people wouldn't take the hurricane bolters, so your options are TL MM + TL LC or TL MM + TL PC. Your pick.

I really like meph, i just think he should move in behind another unit like a razorback or landraider

also 1995 points

2 x librarian - sanguinary Sheild / (insert other power here)

Honor Guard - 4x Meltagun/LC (LC works out about as good as power sword maybe better, also meltagun is cheaper than Infernus pistol and has twice the range ) / Chapter Banner
(Honor Guard have a built in sanguinary preist and chapter banner is a +1 Attack Bubble)

3 x furioso dread - blood talons EA

2 x Assault Squad - Meltagun, PF, remove JP

1x stormraven
2x stormraven - Hurricane Bolter

i kinda like the 4x Meltagun/LC, chapter banner honor guard plus the librarian bubble keeps the vehicles alive longer

@ Gibbsey: See, I think that 3 Ravens is too much at 2k points. When that's all you start on the board, your opponent's ONLY priority will be to kill them, and thus all the short ranged, slow stuff inside will likely find itself walking across the board. Plus, I'm not really sure how to claim your home objective and keep up a solid Assault force.

@Therion: As for advice, I took what everyone said, made my own decisions, and acted on it. I'm not a huge fan of following cookie cutter what anyone ever advises me to do. Stubborn like that. But in response to your comments...

Yes, Mephiston is a Hive Tyrant. That can get cover saves. Bad freaking ass. But I just played a game last night, and 5 Twin LC Terminators took out two Carnifex and nearly my Hive Tyrant on their own. That lack of an invulnerable scares me, and the potential of getting Sanguine Sword or Unleash Rage cockblocked by a Psychic Hood is a worrying prospect. Of course, barring Power Weapon Heavy Squads he wrecks face, but I do worry about his health. And again, investing so many points into one unit.

I'm not really sure what you mean by the disliking winning comment. Jump Pack BA is a solid army choice, and just because Razorback Spam is exceedingly popular and indeed deadly, doesn't mean other builds win just as much. I'm just looking to take the oft-used Storm Raven and make a list that can compete with the competitive armies out there.

I think this needs some playtesting, I suppose. I typically lay Raven Guard so the use of Assault Marines and rapid attack isn't foreign to me, but I've never had anything like a transport skimmer besides Scouts in a Storm to use before.

That and keep my head out for Battle Reports with Ravens in them. They're a unit I really wish did well.

@ Pvt. Jet: I completely agree 3 Stormravens are too much, they take up too many points fully loaded and use up all the heavy and elite slots (heavy: 3 stormravens / elite: 3 Dreads). 2 Stormravens is really the limit for this kind of list but i do like the idea of librarians with sheild giving vehicles cover saves.

maybe a 1/2 Stormraven DOA/razorspam list?

almost seams like a deep striking land raider list would work out better XP

Hey, I made a 2k list with 4 Land Raiders filled with Assault Squads. Would have been AWESOME.

But! Here's the current incarnation which I actually am very pleased with:

HQ:
Librarian - Shield of Sanguinius, Unleash Rage (In Raven)

Elites:
Furioso - Heavy Flamer Upgrade (In Raven)
Furioso - Heavy Flamer Upgrade (In Raven)
2 Sanguinary Priests (In Raven)

Troops:
10 Assault Marines - 2 Flamers, Melta Bombs, Power Weapon (In Raven)
10 Assault Marines - 2 Flamers, Melta Bombs, Power Weapon (In Raven)
10 Assault Marines - 2 Meltaguns, Power Fist, Has Jump Packs

Fast Attack:
Baal Predator - TL Assault Cannon
Baal Predator - TL Assault Cannon
Baal Predator - Flamestorm Cannon, Dozer Blade

heavy Support:
Storm Raven - TL Multi Melta, TL Plasma Cannons, Extra Armor
Storm Raven - TL Multi Melta, TL Plasma Cannons, Extra Armor

Equal to 1925 on the nose.

So with the above list I have two options.
1. Jump Priest for Lone Jump Squad following the Baal Predators
2. Sniper Scouts to hold home objective

Thoughts on list and two finishing options?

I'd stick with the lascannon for the ravens. The army needs the long range AT.

HQ:
Librarian - Shield of Sanguinius, Unleash Rage (In Raven)

Elites:
Furioso - Heavy Flamer Upgrade (In Raven)
Furioso - Heavy Flamer Upgrade (In Raven)
2 Sanguinary Priests (In Raven)

Troops:
10 Assault Marines - 2 Flamers, Melta Bombs, Power Weapon (In Raven)
10 Assault Marines - 2 Flamers, Melta Bombs, Power Weapon (In Raven)
5 Assault Marines - Razorback w/ Las/TL Plas
5 Assault Marines - Razorback w/ Las/TL Plas

Fast Attack:
Baal Predator - TL Assault Cannon
Baal Predator - TL Assault Cannon
Baal Predator - Flamestorm Cannon, Dozer Blade

heavy Support:
Storm Raven - TL Multi Melta, TL Plasma Cannons, Extra Armor
Storm Raven - TL Multi Melta, TL Plasma Cannons, Extra Armor

I might've found the kicker to make this tournament worthy. Turning the Jump squad into a pair of Meched up Squads with Lascannons allows me to sit back on an objective with the pair, and also add to mech saturation with the Baals to draw fire off the Ravens.

I'd try to make a list that only has one Stormraven. The points you save could go towards a stronger choppy melee unit like Honor Guard.

While it would free up a lot of points to add more shooty elements to the list and a beefier melee squad, would it be worth it to lose the threat of a pair? One is a danger that you can focus fire on, two means you have to split fire, leaving one to hopefully get through. Sure you can get a lot of alternate armor saturation.... but the Storm Raven's payload is unlikely to get to its target.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Well, I attempted a single Raven list and was surprised by the amount of options opened up by the simple dropping of one unit. I think the current incarnation might be one of the better lists to take advantage of the Raven:


Librarian - Jump Pack - Shield of Sanguinius - Sanguine Sword
Honor Guard - Jump Packs, Chapter Banner, 4 Meltaguns, 3 LCs, Power Fist
Furioso Dreadnought - Heavy Flamer Upgrade
Storm Raven - TL Multi Melta, TL Plasma Cannon, Extra Armor

The above is the Unit deployed in the Storm Raven. Rest of the list is as follows.

Sanguinary Priest - Jump Pack
10 Assault Marines - 2 Meltaguns, Power Fist
5 Assault marines - Meltagun, Razorback w/Las/TL Plas
5 Assault marines - Meltagun, Razorback w/Las/TL Plas
Baal Predator
Baal Predator
2 Attack Bikes - Multi Meltas
Rifleman Dreadnought
Rifleman Dreadnought

Fair amount of long range shooting, solid amount of fast rush units, and then the Raven plays purely as a support unit able to apply a heavy amount of pressure to the opponent's weak point to clear a hole for the rest of the army. Very precise.

Very Raven Guard, actually. Convenient, because that's my paint scheme and how I planned on fielding this army, once I finish justifying it with fluff reasons for my mixed chapter task force.

*coughs*

What do the critics say? Is this a way to make the Storm Raven usable, nay, an effective part of a tournament list?

i like the use of the stormraven and think this army-list has a lot of great stuff in it, I just think their are some places where you have units you don't really need and instead of them could have more troops! this seems to me to be those attack bikes, and why does the sang priest with JP. The honor guard doesn't need to be close combat and melta focused! this doesn't seem to be useful and just wracks up point. I would use one or the other, or maybe choose one and have one model decked out the other way. I would try to get one more 5 assault marines in razorback.

I also am unsure why you have the honorguard with JP, It doesn't hurt to have them with JP, but I don't know if it is really needed here and it wracks up points.



This army looks really good to me in a lot of ways, but I thin what makes it really good is the razor-assault marines with everything else as support elements. To me you have a ton of support elements, I would focus it down to def the stormraven and group, and the dreds, then try to find ways to have more troops.