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Greetings, I am getting ready to embark down the Astra Militarum road, but do not know anything about them, never fought them before, nor where to begin in buying minis. So far I already own a Baneblade and a oop Yarrick model. Otherwise, any suggestions for proper running techniques and first model sets to pick up would be extremely helpful. Thank you!

Well, it depends what kind of Guard army you want to run. Personally, I like a foot horde backed up by some heavy armor, but some folks like to do mechanized infantry (usually veterans in Chimeras) or lots of dudes mounted in Valkyries/Vendettas.

If you're looking for a balanced force, the Cadian Defense Force that GW sells actually offers a nice savings. It's over $200 worth of models for around $160: http://www.games-workshop.com/en-US/Cadian-Defence-Force

From there I'd just expand using Warstore or another discount retailer.

When you buy Leman Russes, don't glue the barrels in, they give you several barrels to make different variants, and you will need that diversity.

I suspect you will want Vendettas for your anti-air, as they can still use their full ballistic skill against ground targets as well.

You'll probably want conscripts to "bubble-wrap" your Baneblade.

My AM are allies so I went with a Tank Commander with Vanquishers as my HQ, and Veterans as my Troops.

I'm sure someone else will be able to give you better and more specific advice. Good luck!

What do you like modelling? I'd guess armour as you already have Baneblade. AM Armour is generally quite scary to face, especiallly when supported by Psykers.

Alternatively, if you like the idea of hordes of human troops swamping their enemies by use of overwhelming numbers then go for an AM Infantry army. As you expand then add flyers, armour.

Basically, collect what you like.

The Cadian/Catachan Defence forces are neat bundles, and if you add in one more infantry squad and a Chimera, and put the HWT into the Infantry to get extra bodies for a command squad you can do something like this:

CCS, guns, Chimera

Vets, guns, Chimera

PCS
2x infantry squads, heavy weapons

Russ

With upgrades, this should come to about 650-750 points, and gives you options for expanding to a good, mech or mixed force.

Currently my main army are Space Wolves. I wanted to run some allies with them and figured AM would be perfect, just fielding the Imperium of Man (since I already have BA and SW).

I was thinking of going for a horde fielding with AM, since I really like the idea of a bunch of troops rushing forward. Though I really want to get more into the competitive play of the game, playing more seriously, and losing much less often hehe. So I am really looking to play effectively.

I have been looking into buying a GW battleforce, it does seem to be worth it.

And because I am a newb, I am not sure what a conscript is nor its purpose on the field. Thank you so far for the advice!

 Greyguy13 wrote:
Currently my main army are Space Wolves. I wanted to run some allies with them and figured AM would be perfect, just fielding the Imperium of Man (since I already have BA and SW).

I was thinking of going for a horde fielding with AM, since I really like the idea of a bunch of troops rushing forward. Though I really want to get more into the competitive play of the game, playing more seriously, and losing much less often hehe. So I am really looking to play effectively.

I have been looking into buying a GW battleforce, it does seem to be worth it.

And because I am a newb, I am not sure what a conscript is nor its purpose on the field. Thank you so far for the advice!

I'm not too familiar with SW now, but things that have worked well with Space Wolves in the past are IG Blobs w/ Power Axes and Melta Bombs on the sergeant (because an attached SW character will give them ATSKNF), and Leman Russ tanks would work pretty well.


For your HQ, you could run with a Tank Commander Squadron in a Russ with a buddy (Wouldn't bother with Pask unless IG is your primary detachment because part of what makes him so good is Preferred Enemy, which he gets from his Warlord Trait), and a large IG blob squad as your troops choice, then put the Platoon Command Squad in a Chimera and give it a few Special Weapons. That would come in at about 750 and give you a good base for a full-on IG army down the road.

I tend to avoid conscripts, since regular Guardsmen cost only a tiny bit more and get weapon options, characters, and better stats. They're also still really cheap troops, just better.

 Brother SRM wrote:
I tend to avoid conscripts, since regular Guardsmen cost only a tiny bit more and get weapon options, characters, and better stats. They're also still really cheap troops, just better.

Good points. I suggested the conscripts as bubble wrap, as it is 50 bodies for 150 points, which can completely surround a Super-heavy to prevent enemy units from assaulting it. The little upgrades add up, and I personally prefer to put the points elsewhere.

The IG battle force or the Cadian Defence Force will both be good starting points to add in your IG models as allies. Either choice would be really good for you.

Welcome to the Guard! Now, here's a glorified laser pointer, go fight that Tyrannofex.

Anyhow, there are a bunch of ways to get started with AM/IG; firstly is deciding what sort of army you want. Infantry is a must for all Guard armies, so pick up a few Cadian/Catachan infantry squads and maybe a Command Squad of similar army background.

Chimeras are very useful, Leman Russes come in two different boxed kits and you'll need both to get the full range of firepower present on the chassis. Also, whomever said not to glue the barrels on the Russ turrets, great idea as you'll want to play different variants with ease.

Sidenote: If you're not looking to do GW models (some people prefer a different look), you could always look at http://victoriaminiatures.highwire.com/pages/tannenberg. There are a couple different looks on that site that work well with the Mordian Iron Guard (Tannenburgs on the site), Praetorians (Victorian Guard on the site) etc.

Either way, get some of everything available to the Guard, you'll generally need one or seven of everything except elites.

If you're just starting, I would recommend checking out some rarer regiments. I find cadians boring since everyone plays them, and catachans look too derpy...

I chose vostroyans because I love the WWI / Russian Cossack steampunk vibe, but there are more awesome regiments. I.e. Steel legion, DKoK, elysians etc.