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For some reason my brain thinks this squad would be a pretty efficient hit squad for assassinating enemy independent characters. But honestly I have no idea as I've never played it or have much experience playing CSM yet. What do you guys think?

5x Raptors= Icon of Slaanesh, 2x melta gun, Aspiring Champ w/ dual lightning claws and meltabombs
Chaos Lord = Mark of Slaanesh, Wings, Demon Weapon (Blissgiver), bolt pistol, meltabombs

These guys are quite mobile and hopefully can work their way towards an enemy IC quickly without getting shot up. The raptors are really just a retinue to soak up wounds for the Lord and to handle the other models in the enemy squad that the Lord isn't assassinating. I gave the champion 2xclaws and not a power fist to take advantage of the 5 initiative. Raptors have two meltaguns to crack open any transports an IC might be hiding in. If all goes well the targeted IC will take a wound from Blissgiver and be one-shoted, just as planned.

Does this all sound feasible or is this just a pipe dream of mine?

Meh, I'm not big on the blissgiver. Most things that you're going to want to cause instant death to come with eternal warrior. I mean, if you know you're going up against a lot of ogryn or something, it might be worth it, but all of the scariest ICs will be immune to its effects.

Furthermore, I'm not the biggest fan of the delivery system. 5 raptors is a really fragile squad. You're losing one or two marine models and your squad's killing power is reduced, and after 5 it's just the lord (who doesn't have eternal warrior) all by himself, making him melta and lascannon fodder.

Perhaps something like this might work with a much larger squad of raptors. Honestly, though, in that case you're better off with lash. You move up 12" forward, and move your opponent up to 12" closer to you with a 6" assault. 5 dudes with a fancy power weapon is nothing. 10 dudes with a 30" assault threat range is scary.

Would be a great squad against a tyrant deathstar, but if they have some lash whips in there then you don't have enough bodies to ensure the lord even gets to attack.

It is a pretty fast, pretty scary threat to any multi wound unit. I'm not sure if targeted, it can stay alive to do what it wants to.

One of my friends has run this in the past. It can be very deadly, but I think he found the Mark for the whole squad just plain overkill and shaved a few points off by dropping it. Chaos Lords are fairly deadly ICs as it is and he still strikes before anyone else.

It definitely can be very good, especially against other MEQ armies. Typically there are just other options for the HQ slots (double Lash, etc) that people go for.

You need to use raptors in squads of 10 or more. Under that, they will lose effectiveness. I regularly run squads of 15 with MON, and man my opponents hate them.

Ah, good stuff. Thanks for all the replies.

After writing the post it occurred to me that the raptors are not fearless and could cause my Lord to run away with them on a bad roll. SO I decided to drop the Icon of Slaanesh for an Icon of Chaos Glory to get that extra leadership roll which I shouldn't fail a second time with a Ld 10.

juraigamer wrote:You need to use raptors in squads of 10 or more. Under that, they will lose effectiveness. I regularly run squads of 15 with MON, and man my opponents hate them.

Nasty! But looking way to expense for what I want to do. I may up the raptors to 6 but after that its looking to pricey with the Lord in there as well.

Ailaros wrote:Meh, I'm not big on the blissgiver. Most things that you're going to want to cause instant death to come with eternal warrior. I mean, if you know you're going up against a lot of ogryn or something, it might be worth it, but all of the scariest ICs will be immune to its effects.

Yeah, I know. I will have to be aware which of my potential targets have eternal warrior and which don't cuz the whole idea is wasted if I go after the wrong IC.

Ailaros wrote:Honestly, though, in that case you're better off with lash. You move up 12" forward, and move your opponent up to 12" closer to you with a 6" assault.

Excellent idea!