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I have recently started a small SM force, and am having some trouble in deciding what to put in my list. I have two lists in mind, but I don't know which would be stronger, and what to do with the remaining points.

Captain Sicarius 185

Tigurius 165

Tactical Squad x10 170
Plasma Cannon
Grav. Gun

Tactical Squad x10 170
Plasma Cannon
Grav. Gun

Tactical Squad x10 185
Plasma Cannon
Plasma Gun
Plasma Pistol

Legion of the Damned 180
Plasma Gun
Plasma Cannon
Power Fist

Devastator Squad x5 150
4x Lascannon

Devastator Squad x5 130
4x Missile Launcher

Aegis 100
Quad Gun

1435

The idea for this list is to hold back until the LOTD arrive to tank any big threat. I plan on using Tigurius to buff his squad, and the LOTD. I tank to try to get the divination power that would allow me to re-reroll failed saves.

I currently don't have any tanks, or everyone would have a rhino.

My other list has a stronger hammer

Merneus Calgar 285
Armor of Antilochus

Tactical Squad x10 170
Plasma Cannon
Grav. Gun

Tactical Squad x10 170
Plasma Cannon
Grav. Gun

Tactical Squad x10 185
Plasma Cannon
Plasma Gun
Plasma Pistol

Terminator x5 220
Assault Cannon

Devastator Squad x5 150
4x Lascannon

Devastator Squad x5 130
4x Missile Launcher

Aegis 100
Quad Gun

1410

Same basic idea but use the shooty terminators as a beefier stick. Also, with Calgar, I think he would benefit the most from more infantry than my opponent can shake his stick at. I could attach him to the terminators for a more of an assault focus, or keep him protected backfield with a devastator squad.

Next purchase will be some tanks. Should I focus on Razorbacks (which can be taken as rhinos), LRC, Predators, etc... Or should I find the points, and money to get a storm raven to put the terminators in? I am not the best list builder so any advice would be good.

Thank you all for your time.

Drop pods over Rhinos, IMHO.

I know you've probably already painted these guys but that first list screams imperial fists, just swap your hq.

The second list does scream IF. I painted them in a chapter neutral grey and red scheme so far. If I switch Calgar for Lysander, It would still be pretty strong. But I would like to keep with UM for the time being.

 smithy12262 wrote:
Drop pods over Rhinos, IMHO.

Generally yes .. but not with Plasma squads ..

Honestly, I think the best thing to do with either of these lists is to add Rhinos. I know you don't have them, but if you get some that's your best investment. Footslogging marines are dead marines.

I'd also choose the first list over the 2nd. I love Calgar, but terminators are kind of meh imo.

The tactical squads are a bit of a mess. You're also too top heavy and too tactical heavy.

I would start with the first list and dump Sicarius he's pretty poor. Personally I'd also drop a tactical squad but you clearly seem to like them.

Tactical squads on foot should always take plasma over grav unless you're static and you know you're enemies going to come at you. They should have a matched combi-weapon too plasma pistols are not worth it on tactical marines. Grav is for 1 shot weapons (like combis) or relentless units (bikes, centurions, LotD).

The Legion Squad is not a tanking unit with only 5 wounds and only a 3+ save. They are a hammer with ignores cover. Plasma Cannon and Plasmagun is perfect add in a combi grav for more AP2 goodness.

Making those changes nets you 185 points. You can get a decent amount of Fire power for that. A TFC is always worth it. You could add a 4th tactical squad. Get all the Rhinos or some Razorbacks.

I like the idea of taking Sicarius out. But right now I am using him as a point sink. If I take him and a tax squad out, that would net me a bonus 370. This will be where I trim the fat once I am able to buy some more stuff. A TFC is definitely a great idea that I overlooked.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

Ok. I have made some changes to my list. Main changes were that I took out Sicarius, and a tac squad. I up in tanks, a bike squad, and a TFC. I still have 90 points to spare.

My options now are: 1) to remove the Flakk from my ML and get a Storm Talon, 2) upgrade the squads that I do have. Vet. Sargents, and whatnot, 3) Get a nother librarian

1410
Tigurius

Tactical Squad x10
Plasma Cannon
Plasma Gun
Rhino

Tactical Squad x10
Plasma Cannon
Plasma Gun
Rhino

Legion of the Damned
Plasma Gun
Plasma Cannon
Power Fist

Bike Squad x5
2x Grav. Gun

Devastator Squad x5
4x Lascannon


Devastator Squad x5
4x Missile Launcher
+ Flakk

Thunderfire Cannon

Aegis with Quad Gun

Thanks