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As the title says, is it possible to make a 2K DW list that not only sticks to fluff (That is, only has Termies for troops) and still be competitive in the tourney scene? Or are do all termie armies just don't cut it anymore? I have come up with a list here that I think is at the very least good start towards one:

HQ

Belial - TH/SS - 190

Librarian - Terminator Armor, Mastery Level 2 (2 divination powers) - 130

Deathwing Command Squad - Apothecary, Cyclone Missile Launcher, Champion, 3 TH/SS, Banner of Fortitude - 380

TROOPS

5 Deathwing Terminators - Cyclone Missile Launcher, 2 TH/SS (1 on Sgt), Chainfist - 260

5 Deathwing Terminators - Cyclone Missile Launcher, 2 TH/SS (1 on Sgt), Chainfist - 260

5 Deathwing Terminators - Cyclone Missile Launcher, 2 TH/SS (1 on Sgt), Chainfist - 260

5 Deathwing Terminators - Cyclone Missile Launcher, 2 TH/SS (1 on Sgt), Chainfist - 260

5 Deathwing Terminators - Cyclone Missile Launcher, 2 TH/SS (1 on Sgt), Chainfist - 260

TOTAL = 2000 Points

Strategy is simple, Belial and Libby both go on the command squad, they start on the board along with 2 Termie Squads. The other three squads come in on turn 2, using Belial's teleport homer. All squads stay within 12" of the banner to get FNP. Every squad is equipped to death with infantry (Cyclone, stormbolters) and vehicles (Cyclone and powerfists for AV 10-12, chainfists for AV 13-14). I still put an apothecary on the command squad just in case the banner guy gets killed, so at least my HQs still have FNP. The Libby will of course have prescience and which ever other power is rolled for divination (Ideally the one that grants the unit Ignore Cover).

Obviously my biggest weakness is my lack of bodies but I'm counting on my near-universal FNP and 2+/3++ saves to make up for it.

Why would a "fluffy" Deathwing army lack anything other than terminators? no Deathwing Land Raiders? No Venerable Deathwing Dreadnoughts?

 SoloFalcon1138 wrote:
Why would a "fluffy" Deathwing army lack anything other than terminators? no Deathwing Land Raiders? No Venerable Deathwing Dreadnoughts?

I know, I'd like to add both of those, I just don't know how without sacrificing precious troop points. And again, there is the issue of competitiveness...

5-man Deathwing squads aren't that competitive. Believe me, I tried. This list isn't too dissimilar from ones from the old codex. Lots of little saves will drill this army down, not the AP2 shots...

Well, the army needs more variety. Its true what the above posters said.
Belial, a unit of Dark Knights and some DW Termie units backed up by Tacticals, Speeders, Predators and Vindicators would do much better.

He is trying to keep it all Deathwing, so all the extraneous tanks and green guys kind of blow the theme.

Belial, yes. Librarian and command squad? Not so much. Buy a Land Raider, toss some assault terminators in there. Maybe a Venerable dreadnaught to maintain the theme.

Agreed, if you want it real fluffy Land Raiders are both useful in game and used in the fluff.

Also, I wouldn't run lots of 5 man squads. While it seems good at first, when my guard force you to take 20-30 2+ saves a turn (before we even get to plasma), things will slowly die. You could elimeate a few of those squads, increase the remaining squad size, and give them some HS.

Forfeit 1 DW squad for an LRC. Put the command squad and Belial in it to extend your range of FNP and to protect it.

Lose the apothecary - you have the banner.
You give up a lot of firepower putting all the TH/SS termies out there... perhaps give up 1 maybe even both of them

CMLs are good but perhaps 1 Plasma cannon for AP2 stuff. Perhaps 2 for assault cannons in your dropping squad.

Combined two into a 10-man squad with Belial to be able to drop it in. Perhaps with two assault cannons...

Belial
Librarian
Cmd Squad
10- man DW w 2 AssCan
5-man DW w Plasma Cannon
2x 5-Man DW w CML
LRC

Well, Belial can deep strike without scattering. I'd take advantage of this. If Belial and his unit of shooty Termies deep strike first turn and the LR filled with Dark Knights approach the enemy at full speed, then the enemy will be hard pressed to choose the targets. Target saturation will be key here.

I agree. 10 man shooty command unit with Belial, with as many DW Knights as you can fit in a LRC for the points. Then as many DW as you can fit in after that. One TH/SS Squad at least, and one more shooty squad id say.

A single LRC? Jeez guys, we're trying to help him.

Not a lot pure Deathwing can do, sadly. You just don't have the bodies and firepower to stand up to other armies at 2000 points. Maximize your firepower, huddle around the FNP banner and pray.

Hmm, perhaps then the answer is large squads of Termies as others have suggested. I'm still not sold on Land Raiders or Knights, at least not for Tourney builds.

How about this:

HQ

Belial - TH/SS - 190

TROOPS

10 Deathwing Terminators - Cyclone Missile Launcher, Assault Cannon, 3 TH/SS - 500

10 Deathwing Terminators - Cyclone Missile Launcher, Assault Cannon, 3 TH/SS - 500

10 Deathwing Terminators - Cyclone Missile Launcher, Assault Cannon, 3 TH/SS - 500

6 Deathwing Terminators - Cyclone Missile Launcher, Chainfist, 3 TH/SS - 309

TOTAL = 1999 POINTS

DW suck. You will beat certain armies (Drake spam, Flying Circus Necrons) but will most likely be beat down hard by Orks, foot Necrons, GK, SW, IG, Nid's and Daemons will make mincemeat of you. Not a good idea at all. If you want it to work take Azrael, stick him in a blob and take some Whirlwinds/Griffons/Manticores to help you kill off enemy hordes.

DW sucks? Well, it depends on tactics as well. If you manage to throw the whole army against one flank of the enemy, you'll have a chance.

I made a second Land Raider spam list, though I am weary of using it:

HQ

Belial - TH/SS - 190

TROOPS

5 Deathwing Terminators - Cyclone, Chainfist, 2 TH/SS - 260

5 Deathwing Terminators - Cyclone, Chainfist, 2 TH/SS - 260

5 Deathwing Terminators - Cyclone, Chainfist, 2 TH/SS - 260

5 Deathwing Terminators - Heavy Flamer, 4 TH/SS - 250

HEAVY SUPPORT

Land Raider Crusader - Multi-Melta - 260

Land Raider Crusader - Multi-Melta - 260

Land Raider Crusader - Multi-Melta - 260

TOTAL - 2000 POINTS

The cyclone termies all go in the LRCs. Belial goes with the Heavy Flamer unit. Turn 1 he deep strikes right in the enemie's face flaming any infantry unit nearby, the LRCs coming up behind him. WIth 5 stormshields, the unit should be able to withstand a lot of damage Until the LRCs can catch up to them.

Just change the title of the post to Fluffy, Fun DW list. GW's choice to overprice the models of our favorite boys in heavy armor killed their competitiveness. There aren't enough bodies there to make them competitive like others have said - go with Greenwing if you want to compete or just embrace fun!