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Army List [1,500 pts / 1,495 pts]

HQ [390 pts]
- Hive Tyrant (Devourer, Bonesword + Lash Whip)
- Hive Tyrant (Devourer, Bonesword + Lash Whip)

Troops [760 pts]
- Termagaunt Brood (Devourers)
- Termagaunt Brood (Devourers)
- Tervigon Brood (w/Buffs)
- Tervigon Brood (w/Buffs)

Elites [300 pts]
- Hive Guard Brood
- Hive Guard Brood
- Hive Guard Brood

I left out the number of models in each unit, as well as Psychic Powers, but it isn't too difficult to work out i don't think.

Reasons:
I'm theming the army with Devourers; I'm taking no other ranged weapon (Exception: Hive Guard). I figure the termagaunts will have ~60 shots each with the Devs at a pretty decent range. This will be improved later on, when I get a Tervigon (w/Onslaught). The Hive Guard are anti-tank. I'm not very likely to come across much armour yet. But I figure i'll get at least one 5 or 6 per unit, each turn on the off chance I come across armour. Plus the special rule regarding Impalers is a bonus. Tervigons to spawn troops and provide Synapse as well as buff Termagaunts. I realise I have two Tyrants (and four Synapse Creatures) at 1,500 Points, which might be overkill, however, I don't like the heavier weapons Tyranids use vs tanks, and I have yet to get any Raveners (which when in a group with Rending claws, can take down tanks - in theory ). Plus, i am unlikely to come across anything with Armour 12 or higher in my early games. Mostly Rhinos, and to a lesser extent, Razorbacks.

Additions:
HS - Carnifex [x2] (Devourers x2)
FA - Raverner Brood [x9] (Scything Talons, Rending Claws, Devourers)

These two additions are roughly the same in points cost. I was wondering which one was better in game.

Raveners:
Pros:
- More Ranged Attacks than Carnifexs
- More Melee Attacks than Carnifexs (Rending claws up Melee Damage potential)
- Move Faster / Strike from anywhere
- More wounds than Carnifexs

Cons:
- Must be fielded in smaller units to take on multiple targets
- Weak in small groups; require large groups to take down armoured targets

Carnifexs
Pros:
- Can shoot multiple units at once
- Melee Attacks stronger
- They have a "presence" on the board

Cons:
- Vunerable Armour Save (Space Marines anyone?)
- Usually strike last in Melee

Note: These "Pros/Cons" come from unit stats only. Not any sort of game play experience. I'm not suggesting Carnfex's are rubbish (I intend to take a few later on). These are just observations based on stats. That's all.


Thoughts on the army so far? I have yet to play a game, they are quite literally out of the box new; i'm still debating the colour scheme but I thought i'd have someone look at it. Thank you for any insight.


~Reala

Edit 1 = Typo
Edit 2 = Reorganise Layout into Pros/Cons
Edit 3 = HQ Update (lacked Synapse)
Edit 4 = Upscaled to 1,500 pts Army (was 1,000 points) as was suggested. Sorry for 4 edits in such a short time. Won't happen again.

If I were you Id forget about the Carnifexs and Raveners there too over priced!

Try running 2x3 Hive Guard and make a Doom of Malan'tai. He costs 130 points(With a pod!!!) and has the best cost to effectiveness ratio in the whole codex!!!!
He could die after doing nothing but he will force the enemy to break position and run or suffer the consequences. As I said he could just die but he can deal out some serious damage!
A few bad 3d6 LD test rolls and BLAM!
Once he took out 2 squads of 5 scouts and a squad of terminators for me to go on to shoot a s10 large blast at a vindicator(but only scratched it). =(
Every Tyranid army should have one

You should also source some wings for your Tyrants(A walking tyrant is a bullet magnet!) If you are going to foot slog it get some Tyrant Guards
If you choose the wings you might want to get a few gargoyles for a 4+ cover save for you winged beasts!

I would also consider Genestealers even just for the fear factor. Who would place a squad near a board edge when the enemy has Stealers out flanking? Ill tell you who.....A fool

I've been playing 40k for around 6 months(Tyranids from day one) and this is what I've learnt along the way.

Just got myself a 1000pt Thousand Sons army. Can't wait to play a game with them!!!

Anyway man hope some of this helps!

Helston

Working just with the two units you've oulined above I'd take the carnies so you present more t6 MCs to help shield/saturate the opponent on targets selection. This would also increase your anti-armor for light vehicles so you could have your hive guard focus on the heavier tanks when needed. Just my two cc.

No for carnifex because they get shoot to peaces by turn 2. raveners it depends on the the army you are facing armys with large blast str8 weapons NO!!!. Armys that do not have those weapons YES!!!!!.

Carnifex with TL devourers works wonders

But in that case you may want to drop the tyrants and get tyranid primes with devourers (for the theme) and attach both of them to your carnifex w/devourers as a unit you can do wound allocation to ensure the carnifexes live a looooong time