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So after a few months and far more $$$ than I ever want to think about spent on my IG I am starting a second, smaller more specialized army.

My theme is going to be SM scouting recon force I'm looking to spend around $300-400 tops.

I want to basically hold my enemies in place with hidden scouts and missile teams then drop heavy hitters into their ranks.


So hardcore SM vets what can you recommend to a person who has only ever fired plasma shots and Battle cannon rounds at space marines?

Well, first of all you'll need to know that scout snipers are not terribly good. On average, ten of them will cause 2.5 wounds to whatever you're shooting. Considering the target needs to fail an armor save then a morale check to get pinned, this isn't a very useful unit. On top of that, many units are fearless and will ignore said pinning effect. A five man squad with Telion is a great objective holding unit though; stick them in cover and give them a really solid cover save.

Scouts are best used as a harassing unit. They can outflank or infiltrate, then tie up enemy units in assault. They're best used this way so they can hold a unit down for your more dedicated assault units to charge. Alternately, they're great as speedbumps, buying time for your other units to get into position, engage other targets, or just survive for a while.

So, with this in mind and your plan to hold your enemies in place before you drop the heavy hitters in, I think a "10th and 1st" army of scouts supported by Terminators may work for you. You could put teleport homers on a squad or two of scout bikers, call in the Terminators, and tie up the enemy with your scouts until the heavy hitters arrive. It will be an army that takes some finesse, but can be effective.

what might be a better way to use scouts (other than snipers)?
infiltrators with bolters?

i dont have a codex in front of me so i cant see their wargear.

having only ever played as IG i feel ignorant of these finesses required for my theme.

dreadfury101 wrote:infiltrators with bolters?

i dont have a codex in front of me so i cant see their wargear.

Bolter scouts are surprisingly useful, especially when they can "sneak up" on things like Guardsmen or Fire Warriors. However, you might want to consider getting a Missile Launcher for stealthy (inaccurate) AT, or a Hellfire Heavy Bolter for groups of high-T infantry.

Otherwise, I think Brother SRM had the best suggestion, which is to use them to call in Terminators and the like.

Scouts with bolt pistol/ccw and shotguns are the ideal setups. They get the most close combat punch and ability. Also, combi-melta/flamer on your sergeants are very useful, and a power fist is a must.

So what would you suggest for my purchasing power?

Space marine scouts x2 (bolter versions) 50
Space Marine Scouts x2 (sniper/rocket versions) 50
Sargent telion 15

Termies CQCS x 2 100

Scout bikes x 2 30


this puts me at 245 but i still need an HQ

What is a decent HQ for this kind of army? I cant just make a company champion for the brush can I?

Brother SRM wrote:Scouts with bolt pistol/ccw and shotguns are the ideal setups. They get the most close combat punch and ability. Also, combi-melta/flamer on your sergeants are very useful, and a power fist is a must.

I was thinking you didn't want the scounts in CC if you've got Termies on the way, but hey, why not. Luckily, the bolter scout box comes with all the other CC-ish options anyway, so you can obviously pick and choose.

And in terms of purchasing power, have you considered using online retailers instead of GW? I know, heresy, but it can be substantially cheaper.

Also, if you weren't aware, three scouts is the minimum for a Biker squad. And for an HQ, you will probably want a Termie captain or an SC like Lysander- they'll need to Deep Strike.

oh i was just ball parking the cost based off GW ill be able to find them cheaper. do scouts only have WS/BS of 3? it says that on GW site but IIRC my brothers codex said 4/4

dreadfury101 wrote: do scouts only have WS/BS of 3? it says that on GW site but IIRC my brothers codex said 4/4

Well, that's the flaw! The scouts are only 3/3, but luckily the sergeant is 4/4. So, the Sergeant can actually be a really effective combatant when you equip him with a special CCW.