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Hi Dakka!

I'm sure this isn't a particularly new idea, but is it viable to run a Space Marine command squad as a special weapon squad? For example, give all Meltas and throw in a power fist and drop pod for a deep striking tank busting squad, or a bunch of plasma guns with an apothecary to cut down on "gets hot" casualties? Maybe flamers would work well as the unit can wall of death the hell out of charging units and still dish out an extra attack in combat?

How about 4 grav guns on bikes?

Alternatively one could opt for combi weapons, but this seems better suited to sternguard since they have better bolt guns, while replacing the comand squads bolt guns isn't a great loss.

Has anyone had any luck with such builds? And am i right in thinking a command squad doesn't have to accompany the hq which unlocked them?



Automatically Appended Next Post:
To put the post in context a little, i have 5 spare marines, some space command squad bits (apothecary) and a bunch of spare special weapons. I run raven guard tactics so the force is fairly fast but lacking heavy weapons a little, i figured a squad of 4 melta bastards and a dude with a power fist dropping down to melt and punch the hell out of tanks might be a cool way to combat this.

The grav-command squad on bikes is a staple of competitive SM builds. Beyond that they can work well enough (4x PGs + Tigurius, etc...), their main issue being delivery, which is where the bikes really improve their usage.

You are correct as far as having to accompany the HQ, they can hang on their own.

Your right on its not a new build, in fact you go look through army lists for any compeittive white scras or bike army and youll know what youll find in the hq slot? a command squad.

I like using 5 flamers only when salamander chapter tactics, and then its devastating. 5 plasma guns is to expensive and dangerous. 5 melta guns work well, but dont bother with power fist or apothecary, because that unit will die the SECOND the opponent can shoot them. after all know one wants 5 meltas in there face. From what it looks like your saying, 5 grav guns on bikes seams like the best. Melta combo a close second. rest are sub par.

I like to stick 4 plasma + apothecary command squad in a drop pod, and give them a couple storm shields, and add a captain or chapter master with a shield eternal. If you position your captain and storm shield marines correctly, you can take a really surprising amount of incoming fire. You can usually rapid fire 4 plasma guns on turn 1, and force you opponent to concentrate fire on the command squad on their turn.

Honestly, probably not very competitive (it only takes a couple unlucky rolls for the entire squad to come apart and die), but I've had luck with it.

I have alot of success putting 4 flamers in with my librarian and an apothacary. I put them in a razor back and go hunting the squishy troop choices. To me the apoth is a must to keep them alive after they pop out and wipe out a unit.

I've used a 5 flamer drop pod command squad to great effect. Its the same price as a bare sternguard squad and just as effective. Plus if they survive they can still flame on! If you really really want to DESTROY your opponents minimal troop selection (which most these days still go only for 2) you can almost win yourself a game with that if you're lucky. I find that dropping them second will allow you get a better position or even stop an objective from being scored later in the game, esp if you use Tigurius' re-roll

I think i'm actually most sold on the 4 flamers, apothacary and chaplain idea. maybe stick them in a Razorback. How should the chaplain be kitted out? basic with combe flamer?

 stargasm wrote:
I think i'm actually most sold on the 4 flamers, apothacary and chaplain idea. maybe stick them in a Razorback. How should the chaplain be kitted out? basic with combe flamer?

Chaplain Cassius anyone? hes not much more and he comes with awesomeness AND a combi flamer!

 generalchaos34 wrote:

 stargasm wrote:
I think i'm actually most sold on the 4 flamers, apothacary and chaplain idea. maybe stick them in a Razorback. How should the chaplain be kitted out? basic with combe flamer?

Chaplain Cassius anyone? hes not much more and he comes with awesomeness AND a combi flamer!

Assuming Ultramarine CTs, yes. Alway Cassius is you don’t need a jump pack, bike or TDA.

Chaplains work well bare-bones. I’d just run them stock. I’d rather have the extra attack from the BP in CC then another flamer template. If you were a big spender, it might be fun to try one of the relics, but that’s a big investment in a 2W model.

I usually run the Apothecary and 4 Plasma Guns or 4 Combi-Plasmas when using Imperial Fist.
I usually find a good place to put them and use them as snipers from a ruin and they are good for taking down light armor or TEQs. The Apothecary helps vs. the AP3 ignore cover stuff and with “Gets Hot”. I also like to throw in a banner just for moral [and it looks cool].

 Nevelon wrote:

 generalchaos34 wrote:

 stargasm wrote:
I think i'm actually most sold on the 4 flamers, apothacary and chaplain idea. maybe stick them in a Razorback. How should the chaplain be kitted out? basic with combe flamer?

Chaplain Cassius anyone? hes not much more and he comes with awesomeness AND a combi flamer!

Assuming Ultramarine CTs, yes. Alway Cassius is you don’t need a jump pack, bike or TDA.

Chaplains work well bare-bones. I’d just run them stock. I’d rather have the extra attack from the BP in CC then another flamer template. If you were a big spender, it might be fun to try one of the relics, but that’s a big investment in a 2W model.

since i'm running Revilers (Raven Guard) I'll stick to running stock. I have a basic jump pack chaplain to lead my vanguard already, but this squad will be a fun alternative. plus flamers will make short work of pesky tau pathfinders.