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Hey All,

Fine-tuning my Guard list for an upcoming tournament and a little stuck on an option. I'm taking a Leman Russ Squadron to go along with my Manticore (and maybe a Medusa). My issue is do I want to go with a Battle Tank Squadron or a Demolisher Pattern Squadron? I really like the Demolisher pattern, but the range hurts a little and it's an extra 45 points total for the whole squad. So what do you all think?

Do you need S10 and AP2? If you don't have a specific need, then take regular russes, as they're better all-arounders.

Also, I'd recommend taking the manticore and the splitting up the tanks into their own choices. A single medusa isn't worth squadding up russes for.

Of course, you could always drop the medusa and use the points for another russ. A HS slot of a manticore, 2x LRBT, and 1x LRD would be pretty mean.

Ailaros wrote:Do you need S10 and AP2? If you don't have a specific need, then take regular russes, as they're better all-arounders.

Also, I'd recommend taking the manticore and the splitting up the tanks into their own choices. A single medusa isn't worth squadding up russes for.

Of course, you could always drop the medusa and use the points for another russ. A HS slot of a manticore, 2x LRBT, and 1x LRD would be pretty mean.

I am in agreement. You should look at the rest of your list and see whether you need regular russes or demolishers.

Depends if your army is movement heavy or static. But if you're fielding artillery, I'd recommend the regular Leman Russes for their range, since I think you're not moving alot.

Demolishers tend to be better for armies against Elite hordes, like Nob Bikers, Terminators, Paladins, Tyranid Warriors, Raveners, etc and tend to favor more aggressive Mech and Foot armies.

I agree with the above that it really depends on the composition of your overall army to determine whether or not a Russ or Demolisher fits.

I run a list with three squads of russes. This is what I have found out.

1. Demolishers are good as a squadron. The downside is that they are a priority target for your opponent. Also, the range is the only drawback. I have put dozer blades on my demolisher squadron so that the terrain does not kill one of my tanks.

If you expect terminators, they are the best option available.

2. LRBT is the best all round tank available. The long range of the battle cannon helps keep it out of range from other units that can hurt you. Keep them in the corner, always move them. You can do a nice tri angle set up in the corner, move them each six inches, and they are still in the same spot.

While the LRBT does not do one thing the best, it does all things well.

Always move your tanks, they will get assaulted.

I really dislike squadrons for expensive vehicles because of the immobilized being destroyed really hurts especially on boards with lots of terrain so have to buy dozer blades.

Demolishers are more versatile then Russes because in addition to killing marines, you can kill terminators or shoot a vehicle with strength 10 2d6 take the highest pen in a pinch. The disadvantage here is the range.

Thanks for the quick replies guys, I'm liking the idea of dropping the medusa and using 2x LRBT and 1 LRD. Other than those heavy choices I mainly just have 3 squads of Melta-Vets in Chimeras and a CS with Plasmaguns in a Chimera. With the extra points I could grab Marbo and maybe something else. Any other ideas?

Sounds like a pretty good base of operations there. I have never been a fan of command squads when using vets. But, it is a way to get another base of fire power.

Hydras are never a bad option, but, they do take up heavy support slots.

Food Store Hero wrote:Other than those heavy choices I mainly just have 3 squads of Melta-Vets in Chimeras and a CS with Plasmaguns in a Chimera. With the extra points I could grab Marbo and maybe something else. Any other ideas?

Some ugrades for the tanks wouldn't go amiss. A hull lascannon pairs really well with a battlecannon to make a LRBT a AV10-AV12 hunter. Sponson bolters help with both hordes and AV10 spam. You've got a decent amount of defensive power with your infantry, so adding something that has a little more reach wouldn't hurt. That or things with speed. Marbo is a good idea for his, but so would be stormies if you're so inclined.