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I'm trying to set up a list - and finish some unbuilt models - using the Blackmanes formation for games with friends (not looking to ally in Skyhammer or anything like that), so I'm looking for tips on squad load outs and tactics from anyone who has used the Blackmanes or something similar before. Here is my first attempt at the list:

Wolf Claw Strike Force

Core: The Blackmanes

WGBL - Thunderwolf, Runic Armor, Wolf Claw, Stormshield
5x TWC - Leader with TH/SS, 2 w/ Bolt Pistol and SS, 2 w/ Bolt Pistol and Chainsword
5x Wolf Scouts w/ Camp Cloaks and Sniper Rifles
Long Fangs - Ancient, 2x Lascannon
5x Blood Claws w/ Flamer - Drop Pod w/ Deathwind
5x Blood Claws w/ Flamer - Drop Pod w/ Deathwind
5x Blood Claws w/ Flamer - Drop Pod w/ Deathwind
4x Grey Hunters w/ Melta Gun and Wolf Guard Pack Leader w/ Combi Melta - Drop Pod w/ Deathwind
4x Grey Hunters w/ Melta Gun and Wolf Guard Pack Leader w/ Combi Melta - Drop Pod w/ Deathwind
4x Grey Hunters w/ Melta Gun and Wolf Guard Pack Leader w/ Combi Melta - Drop Pod w/ Deathwind
4x Grey Hunters w/ Melta Gun and Wolf Guard Pack Leader w/ Combi Melta - Drop Pod w/ Deathwind

Auxiliary: The Curseborn

Murderfang - Lucius Pattern Drop Pod


As it stands my Space Wolves have been pretty one-Dimensional in games against friends - just TWC, Wulfen, some Grey Hunters, and maybe Wyrdstorm brotherhood. Just looking to get some variety and the drop pod formation looked like a nice change of pace to catch some people off guard. If anyone has recommendations on squad loadouts, TWC vs Wolf Guard in this list, or any tactics, it will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I never played space wolves, but I play against them often. I would invest more points into thunderwolves because 2 thunder hammers are too little and even a termy deathstar will take it apart.

The drop pods are good, I am not over the top with blood claws, but i see their uses.

Also what's the plan for the army? What are the long fangs supposed to do if multiple melta drops should take care of vehicles. How are you going to keep the wolves alive without 4+++ or invisibility?


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Over all it is a solid non competitive list. As a solid deathstar could sweep your army.

The closest thing to a deathstar I will face with this list should be 6 Wraiths and a Canoptek spider, so I'm not overly worried about that problem.

Blood claws aren't the greatest, I know, but you have to include at least 3 squads of them in the formation. I figured flamers would be the best weapon since they only have BS3.

I also find that the WGBL tanking wounds at the head of my TWC and passing off AP2 onto other wolves works pretty well, so I think that squad will hold its own.

My plan is to use the drop pods to take out as many vehicles as possible on turn 1 while the blood claws will go for infantry. I'll try to use the pods to cut off movement while the TWC come in to mop up what I can't kill with marines. Murderfang is usually a good distraction, and can kill a lot when if gets to combat. The long fangs are also part of the formation so I figured I would just sit them on a backfield objective and shoot at whatever I can hit. Same thing with the scouts.

Not a fan of the Blackmanes below 1850 to be honest, Ragnar's crew doesn't offer many options at 1500 points or any real flexibility.
I'd be cutting back points to ally in a Company of the Great Wolf to plant Divination Rune Priests in your Grey Hunter Pods - Prescience is invaluable to Combi-Weapons and if the Dice Gods happen to favour you Forewarning will help your 'Hunters survive to be charged and activate Counter Charge to get Murderfang into the fun as quick as possible.