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Hey guys.

I've made two lists (cause it's actually quite fun) but I haven't played Warhammer 40k yet. I plan to start playing soon, so this is mostly experimental and for the fun of it, though I would really like to use these two lists in a game.
The first list is a somewhat realistic list, edging more into competative (I think?). Though I'll only be playing for fun.
While the other list is more for the fun of it and testing out the Ferrum Infernus dreadnought from Forgeworld, which I'm going to buy for the sake of convertions, which I really like doing.

List 1:
HQ: 120 Points.
Chaos Lord.
Sigil of Corruption.
Plasma Pistol.
Power Weapon.

Troops: 142 Points x2 = 284 Points.
Chaos Space Marines.
Rhino with Havoc Launcher
Melta Gun.
Combi-Plasma.

Heavy Support: 95 Points.
Predator with Heavy Bolter Sponson.

Total: 499 Points.

What's the opinion on two identical Chaos Space Marine squads? Should one squad be pure Melta + Combi Melta for a more focused playstyle? And should I strip some points from the Chaos Lord and make one Marine squad purely Plasma focused?

List 2:
HQ: 120 Points. (Identical lord)
Chaos Lord.
Sigil of Corruption.
Plasma Pistol.
Power Weapon.

Troops: 100 Points.
Chaos Cultists x2

Elite: 165 Points.
Ferrum Infernus Chaos Dreadnought: 135 Points.
Destroyer of Cities (Includes a Assault Drill with a Heavy Flamer which can be used as normal, but also hits all units inside a a vehicle or building that suffers a penetrating hit, from the Assault Drill. The Destroyer of Cities also includes a Flamestorm Cannon and +1 Front Armor,)

Heavy Support: 115 Points.
Havocs with 4 Autocannons.

Total: 500 Points.

So, what I'm hoping for with the second list is that it's at least playable? The dreadnought should be dangerous in close combat, while the Havocs offers some fire support. Should the Lord stick with a Cultist squad to give them fearless or should he protect the Havocs from sneaky attackers?

All forms of comments and critique is welcome!

2 best starter lists I have ever seen. Use the second list because it is battle forged. Get rid of plasma pistol on your lord. I can't really give an opinion on the dread. but I've heard it is good.

The first list is also Battle Forged, if I'm correct. It has two identical CSM squads, 142 points each. Sorry if that was a bit unclear! I tried to keep it short.

But I can remove the Plasma Pistol from the Lord, any recommendations on what I should spend the 15 points on? Mark of Tzeentch for 3++, put two Flamers on the Cultists or kit out the Aspiring Champion on the Havoc squad?

I prefer the first list

I'll definitely be running with the first list for the more serious plays, but the second list looks like a lot of fun. And once I eventually get there, the Ferrum Infernus might be more worthwhile in larger games.

And I'm thinking about putting the remaining points into the Cultists, since they're my only troop choices it would be nice to see them perform a little bit better (though I don't have any high expectations of them).

I personally like combi-meltas on my Rhinos but that's just me.

My only question: where does the lord fit into the army?

That's a pretty good question, to be honest. In the second list I'm going to be putting him with either the Havocs or the Cultists, depending on the opposing army. But in the first list, I'd put him with one of the CSM squads, mostly to provide Fearless. But I'm guessing that there are cheaper ways to serve that purpose, any ideas?