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Hi all,

So i'm returning to 40k (having ducked out at the end of 3rd edition, and i'm on a steep learning curve, trying to put together a fairly fluffy, fairly competative Crimson Fists force at 1250pts.

I'll likely be facing Necrons, CSM, and Tau.

Here's my current thinking on the list for a defensive 'bitter ender' gunline, which is inspired by the artwork on the cover of 40k 1st ed.

Pedro Kantor - 185pts

Sternguard (8: 2x Lascannons) - 226pts

Tactical marines (10: meltabomb, missile launcher, plasma gun) - 175pts

Tactical marines (10: meltabomb, missile launcher, plasma gun) - 175pts

Devastators (8: 4x Missile launchers) - 172pts

Ironclad dreadnaught (Assault launcher) - 145pts
Drop pod (for dreadnaught) - 35pts

Predator - 85pts

Aegis defence line with quad gun - 50pts


This should give me a solid static defence force i think. There should be enough flexibility in there to take on most opponents.

The plan is, set up the Aegis line, camp behind it with crossfire lanes, and drop the dreadnaught on anything that looks too tough and needs some up close attention.

Once the enemy are thinned out i have 3 scoring units to grab objectives.

Your wise opinions would be most appreciated.

Tau will eat you for lunch.... They outshoot and out range you. Defensive Marines are dead Marines in my book


And they will intercept your lone pod to death. If you run it, run 3-5

Remember Sternguard are great vs Wraithknight (if they are podded near it )

Adl with quad is 100 pts

Yeah, i've heard that about the Tau


OK, so what tweaks do i need to deal with 1250pts of Tau?



ADL mis-priced. Got it. I'll amend.

OK, so i've revised the list, taking out the cool stuff for a more practical and fluffy Crimson Fist gunline.

I'll be facing Necrons, Eldar and Tau.


The list is as follows:

Pedro Kantor - 185pts

Sternguard (8: meltabombs) - 191pts

Tactical marines (10: combi-melta, plasman gun, lascannon) - 185pts

Tactical marines (10: combi-melta, plasman gun, lascannon) - 185pts

Devastators (8: 4x Heavy bolters) - 152pts

Devastators (8: 4x Missile launchers) - 172pts

Scouts (5: Missile launcher) - 80pts

Aegis line with quad gun - 100pts

I've tried to spread capacity across the various units so that they have lots of redundancy and everything can do anything.
The plan is to hold the line and pummel the opponent with gun fire before heading out to grab objectives.
The scouts will man the quad gun.