Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Hey folks,

So I'm looking at two White Scars forces that happen to be on the market at the same time. As a long-time xenos player, my acquaintance with the forces of the Imperium has usually been via a targeting reticule or shoptalk with SM players. Would any of you with SM playing experience (particularly White Scars) be kind enough to weigh in on which force might be more viable (mainly in easygoing tourney and some friendly play)? Price and paint are okay on both (high market value) so it's just unit selection I'm looking for advice on.

Playing an outflanking force really appeals to me, as I like mobility. I'm just not sure what will work in the current metagame (or even based on basic SM unit balance). I do know melta's good, and there's lots of that in both lists. Advice much appreciated!

The first force has bikes of course, backed up by podding tacticals and some assault Marines. Here are the models in the deal:

1 converted Kor’saro Khan
1 librarian
1 chaplain on bike
Command squad (4 w/ thunder hammers and storm shields)

20 tactical marines (2 flamers, 2 melta guns and 2 power fists)
2 drop pods

10 marine bikes (4 melta guns, 2 power weapons)
2 attack bikes (multi – meltas)

10 assault marines (2 plasma pistols, 1 power fist)

5 heavy bolters


The second force has more vehicles (3 rhino/razorbacks plus 2 Predators), again with a backbone of 20 tacs and some bikes, plus odd extras like a scout squad in a Storm, some Terminators and a Techmarine:

HQ- Captain, bike, power sword.
HQ- Chaplain, bike.
Command Squad: bikes, company champion, apathecary, plasma gun, 2 power swords.

Elite- 5 Terminators with Assault Cannon.
Elite- 6 Sternguard Veterans with 2 combi-meltas and 1 hvy flamer.

Troops- 5 Scouts with hvy bolter.
Troops- 10 Marines with power sword, meltagun, and missle launcher.
Troops- 10 Marines with power sword, meltagun, and missle launcher.
Troops- 5 Marines, bikes, power axe, meltagun.
Troops- 5 Marines, bikes, meltagun.

FA- Land Speeder Storm.
FA- Land Speeder Tornado.

HS- Thunderfire Cannon.
HS- Predator with magnetized weapon options.
HS- Predator with magnetized weapon options.

Transports: 3 Rhino/Razorbacks. 1 lascannon turret, 1 hvy bolter turret, 2 lascannon twin linked plasma gun turrets.

I'll probably add a few pods to this one later, or some rhinos to the other... but for now, which force will make for stronger and more interesting play?

I think the 2nd list is better, because it has more competitive units in it. But some things may need to be modified, so the squads woud have a dedicated purpose and not be a mismash of weapons,(command squad in particular).

And if you want mobility just convert kan yourself.

First army you listed feels like an actual White Scars army.

The 2nd one... generic SM army with mix of different things.

Your call :3

I suppose I'd have to go with the second, though really, neither look that great.

Don;t worry about Khan. While initially all that outflanking firepower can look appetizing, it's not great in practice. Without any way to affect where or when those outflankers will come in, they become more of a liability than an asset. What's more, bikes can bring some serious shooting firepower to bear. Standard Chapter Tactics will help you stay out of CC so you can use it.

go with the second unless the first you get way better deal on

I like the second list

I would get both personally but thats your call.

Now are you looking for a good army list or are you looking for a list that is fluffy. If you want fluffy get the first list but the better list is the second one in my opinion.

Thanks for the replies, folks! That helps guide my purchase. I'm off to market now.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Actually, I do have one more question: How useful are assault squads in a White Scars army? Particularly outflanking...

Wait - did you get either of these? No more playing Eldar?!?!?