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Alright, so I'm putting together my Chaos Lord and finding all the necessary bits and such, and it struck me as I was reviewing melee weapons that I really don't see power lances used much in the games I've played.

So the question arises: Is it worth the investment? +1 Str and AP3 on the charge makes it a touch better than a power sword, but then it drops down to User Str and AP4: worse stats than most of the other power weapons. Would you buy it?

Carry on.

It's the worst power weapon variant by a wide margin. Do not use IMO

Can you equip Chaos Lord with Power Lances? I didn't see it as an option in the codex, but even if you could I say, stick to power mauls or power axes (swords if you like the look/your meta is MEQ heavy)

I keep wanting to try putting Power Lances in my lists, but I keep thinking that Swords would be better. I play DA and Eldar, and the most likely candidate for Lances (Ravenwing Black Knights) got FAQ'd to disallow them taking them.

I've heard of people using them with Blood Angels (Death Company etc.) because of Rage and Furious Charge, making deadly impacts.

Are you going to be charging and wiping out MEQ squads in one round? Or cripple them to the point where you kill them in the following round, so you are ready to charge again on your turn? Do you have hit and run? If so, the power lance is for you. For everyone else, there are better options.

The main idea is for this individual to be leading a mob of Cultists in a hideous flurry of CC, and be able to handle challengers when they arise.

I'm beginning to think I'd be better off with a simple sword or a maul.

Either way, I appreciate the feedback.

Carry on.

There's pretty much nothing a lance offers that a sword doesn't really. And even swords are kind of the odd ones out given that most people I know either go for axes or mauls.

The problem with the power lance is that anything that can take one either shouldn't be in close combat (and thus shouldn't take a power weapon at all), or can take a lightning claw (which is better than the spear by quite a bit).

For those that both are decent in close combat AND can't take a lightning claw (a list including... henchmen crusaders... and... umm...) then I'd still rather take an axe for the Ap.

 Ailaros wrote:
The problem with the power lance is that anything that can take one either shouldn't be in close combat (and thus shouldn't take a power weapon at all), or can take a lightning claw (which is better than the spear by quite a bit).

For those that both are decent in close combat AND can't take a lightning claw (a list including... henchmen crusaders... and... umm...) then I'd still rather take an axe for the Ap.

Ah yes, Claws are also pretty nice for the shred which I believe calcs out to be better than the +1 on the charge the lance gives you.

It makes me think the lance should have been +1S and AP2 on the charge and AP3 out of it, especially since piercing attacks are traditionally quite good vs armor.

Or something.

Power lances needed to be better on the charge and then slightly worse off the charge. Instead they were practically the same on the charge and then much worse off the charge.

If the selling point is "its basically the same, but sometimes its much worse", then it's going to be a tough sale...

I've got one in my Thunderwolf Cavalry. It's nice to have even more bonuses on the charge. I'm sure there are more efficient weapons to use in subsequent rounds, but I've not felt deficient with it. Things usually get hit hard enough initially, and it's certainly no worse than a regular CCW. Plus it's awesome.

I made mine from a bamboo skewer and a bit of power sword for more of a spear look.

Admittedly, the spear is a very cool look.

For those that suggest power axes, though, do you have issues getting past the Unwieldy part? I've lost a couple of Champions in challenges due to that, somewhat nervous about putting it on the Lord.

Carry on.

You should only ever put power lances on a model if the unit its in has hit and run...

In my group we have a tendency to house-rule "lacklustre" options to make them more appealing.

Recently we have been playing with Heavy Bolters as being Salvo 3/4.
Power Lances is suggested as being Str. +1, Ini. +1, AP 3 on the charge, and Str. as user, Ini. as user, AP 4 all other times.

Aside from that; any suggestions on how to get nice and affordable Power Lance bits (or alternatives) out on the great Internet?