Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

I've recently purchased 3 support weapons, which I plan on magnetizing, but will typically field them as D-cannons.

Now, the unit itself is made up of 3 guardian models (T3, 1W 5+), and 3 artillery models (T7, 2W, 3+).

This means my opponent wounds against T7, and I can take wounds on the front guardians before the artillery takes the hits.

I have heard about people taking a warlock with the unit. This enables a couple of things - using his BS4, and taking either conceal or embolden to augment the unit, and I get another wound to assign before the guns themselves are at risk. I like this idea, and fielding an Ulthwe themed list, I like to take a Warlock in every unit that can have one.

But this worries me, as doing so means the more prevalent Toughness moves from 7 to 3, and suddenly becomes much more vulnerable, especially as I need to place them forward to use their 24" range.

Any thoughts on this? Am I correct in the toughness value ruling?

Finally, conceal vs embolden in this setup? I can probably give the unit an easy 5+ coversave with a unit of guardians meatshielding, or hiding the unit in cover anyways.

Their toughness of 7 isnt based on majority at all. Its based on the artillery rules from the main rule book. You could have a million crew and the toughness would still be 7.

I think a warlock is a good addition. But he probably doesnt need a power at all, and if he takes one embolden is likely good enough.

OrdoSean wrote:
Their toughness of 7 isnt based on majority at all. Its based on the artillery rules from the main rule book. You could have a million crew and the toughness would still be 7.

I think a warlock is a good addition. But he probably doesnt need a power at all, and if he takes one embolden is likely good enough.

Are you sure about the toughness? I read it as the artillery MODELS have T7, and 3 artillery models & 3 guardians make up a unit. But I might be wrong.

I'm almost certain i'll take the warlock if you're correct, and if I do take one, I HAVE to give him a power. Embolden is 5pts to reroll leadership, so it's worth it

Artilerry rules are on page 46 of the main rule book.

And since when does warlocks may buy powers mean they need to buy powers? Farseers must, Warlocks may.. or at least thats what it says in my codex.

Also the new models may come with only one separate crew member(and one sitting on the gun I believe)... but the codex entry says 2 crew per gun... so you may want to figure out out how to play that. My 12 year old guns came with 2 crew. Obviously with rumors of a new codex soon that could change to match the new models anyway.

I guess i'll re-read the artillery rules when i get home tonight.

For 5pts, embolden is a MUST buy

Yeah they are must if you don't want to run away like a coward.

In regards to the Warlock powers, it really shoulb be either embolden or conceal. Depending on what weapon you are going with and what idea you may have about terrain. If you want the D-cannon then maybe conceal for the cover save and perhaps attach your farseer to it for the leadership plus powers. As the D-cannon has the short range of 24 you may miss out on the first turn or two of shooting at the targer you really want to hit. Personally I am beginning to use vibro cannons more as the range matches the rest of my heavy weapons and the glance rule on vehicles. The main thing is how does this artillery piece fit into and support the rest of the army?

Have fun and good luck!

Khaine be with you.

Folks have already pointed out the 2 crew per gun and always T7 against shooting (always T3 in combat though). The Warlock's BS of 4 CANNOT be used though.

I've just started using a unit of D-cannons with an Embolden 'Lock, adding in a Farseer nearby with Prescience for extra giggles!

I too just started using D-Cannons. I just kept Eldrad with some Dire Avengers manning a Lascannon, while Guiding/Fortuning the D-Cannons and Guiding a unit of War Walkers. Turns out Drop Pod Assault Marines plinking down right in front of my Aegis line don't like D-Cannons.....

I LOVE my D-Cannons. They are a huge threat.

OrdoSean wrote:


And since when does warlocks may buy powers mean they need to buy powers? Farseers must, Warlocks may.. or at least thats what it says in my codex.

Page 27: Each Warlock is a psyker and must be given a single Warlock power at the points cost listed in the army list.

 Valkyrie wrote:


Page 27: Each Warlock is a psyker and must be given a single Warlock power at the points cost listed in the army list.

From my codex:

"Each Warlock is a psyker and may be given a single Warlock power..." - Pg27.

Iranna.

Hmm, and looking at the army list entry on page 60 it again says "may". Suppose it depends on the actual codex you own, must have been updated a while back.

Quanar wrote:
Folks have already pointed out the 2 crew per gun and always T7 against shooting (always T3 in combat though). The Warlock's BS of 4 CANNOT be used though.

I've just started using a unit of D-cannons with an Embolden 'Lock, adding in a Farseer nearby with Prescience for extra giggles!

Page 46 under "The Unit" says:

"Sometimes the player has the choice of adding leaders or additional models to the crew of an Artillery unit. These models are part of the crew in all respects and can operate the guns as normal, even if they are otherwise slightly different from the rest of the crew"

So, the Warlock CAN in fact, use his BS of 4 to shoot one of the Artillery pieces. The other two, however, will have to settle for the guardians Ballistic Skill.