[2000] - Grey Knights - New GK Player - Critique and Advice Wanted

Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you:

No adverts like this in the forums anymore.
Times and dates in your local timezone.
Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance.
Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely.
Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net.

If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

**mrstimpson**

So I fell into the Kill Team trap...

Purchased Strike Squad box and Paladins to bash together a kill team, then I went back into the store after putting it together and purchased another Strike Squad and Paladins... and a Codex... and data cards. So I'm hooked by the gills.

After reading the Dex and some articles here and there I've decided to take a stab at a list. A forewarning, I don't like the NDK model... at all. So although I understand the GMNDK is one of best, if not the best, unit in the dex, I won't be feilding it. Maybe if I get around to converting some Contemptors, but that's a big if.

So the idea was to build a list that starts with Interceptors, characters and a squad of Paladins on the table. Holding my GM, another squad of Paladins and my Strike Squads in reserves. Turn 1, weather the storm while setting up the Interceptors and Paladins. Then on turn two drop everything in, Jaunt my Interceptors and Gate my Paladins over to my DSed reserves and cause some havok. Use the Stratagem Jaunt and Gate to contest Objectives in the following turns.

Here's the list...

++ Battalion Detachment +5CP (Imperium - Grey Knights) ++

+ HQ +

Grand Master: * No Psychic Power Selected *, 4: First to the Fray, Curiass of Sacrifice, Frag & Krak grenades, Iron Halo, Nemesis Daemon Hammer, Psilencer, Psyk-out Grenade, Warlord

Grey Knight Chaplain: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Crozius Arcanum, Frag & Krak grenades, Psyk-out Grenade, Storm bolter

+ Troops +

Strike Squad: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Frag & Krak grenades, Psyk-out Grenade
. 3x Grey Knight (Falchions): 6x Nemesis Falchion, 3x Storm Bolter
. Grey Knight (Psilencer): Psilencer
. Grey Knight Justicar: Storm bolter, Two Nemesis Falchions

Strike Squad: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Frag & Krak grenades, Psyk-out Grenade
. 3x Grey Knight (Falchions): 6x Nemesis Falchion, 3x Storm Bolter
. Grey Knight (Psilencer): Psilencer
. Grey Knight Justicar: Storm bolter, Two Nemesis Falchions

Strike Squad: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Frag & Krak grenades, Psyk-out Grenade
. 3x Grey Knight (Falchions): 6x Nemesis Falchion, 3x Storm Bolter
. Grey Knight (Psilencer): Psilencer
. Grey Knight Justicar: Storm bolter, Two Nemesis Falchions

+ Elites +

Apothecary: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Frag & Krak grenades, Nemesis Force Sword, Psyk-out Grenade

Paladin Ancient: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Frag & Krak grenades, Psyk-out Grenade, Sacred Banner, Storm Bolter and Falchion

Paladin Squad: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Frag & Krak grenades, Psyk-out Grenade
. Paladin (Psilencer): Nemesis Force Sword, Psilencer (Terminator)
. Paladin (Psilencer): Nemesis Force Sword, Psilencer (Terminator)
. 2x Paladin (Sword): 2x Nemesis Force Sword, 2x Storm Bolter
. Paragon: Nemesis Daemon Hammer, Storm Bolter

Paladin Squad: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Frag & Krak grenades, Psyk-out Grenade
. Paladin (Psilencer): Nemesis Force Sword, Psilencer (Terminator)
. Paladin (Psilencer): Nemesis Force Sword, Psilencer (Terminator)
. 2x Paladin (Sword): 2x Nemesis Force Sword, 2x Storm Bolter
. Paragon: Nemesis Daemon Hammer, Storm Bolter

+ Fast Attack +

Interceptor Squad: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Frag & Krak grenades, Psyk-out Grenade
. 2x Grey Knight (Psilencer): 2x Psilencer
. 7x Interceptor (Falchions): 14x Nemesis Falchion, 7x Storm Bolter
. Interceptor Justicar: Frag & Krak grenades, Psyk-out Grenade, Storm bolter, Two Nemesis Falchions

Interceptor Squad: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Frag & Krak grenades, Psyk-out Grenade
. 2x Grey Knight (Psilencer): 2x Psilencer
. 7x Interceptor (Falchions): 14x Nemesis Falchion, 7x Storm Bolter
. Interceptor Justicar: Frag & Krak grenades, Psyk-out Grenade, Storm bolter, Two Nemesis Falchions

++ Total: [121 PL, 1998pts] ++

I really wanted the list to feel like a GM's personal retinue. That's why I'm running the Chaplain, Apothecary and Paladin Ancient. I'm also a huge fan of Interceptors ability to Jaunt all over the place. The double Falchions on everything seemed like the best option, especially with the Ancient on the table, and Psilencers are one of the coolest looking guns in the game (and their rules are sweet).

I know I'll be fighting an uphill battle against a lot of matchups, but does this look like a list that can win me a friendly game here and there? Something with enough depth that after I get enough games under my belt I may be able to give most armies a serious challenge? What do you like about it, what would you change?

As a side note, I honestly love that I can build the whole army from the Paladin and Strike Squad boxes, because those are two of the best sprues I've ever seen when it comes to character and amount of options. I just need to get my hands on a couple Chaplain bits and I'm golden.

Hope to hear some thoughts.

**Elric Greywolf**

If you are truly interested in bringing real competition to a game, you will need more CP.
For ~200pts, you can have the Loyal 32 which will bring your starting CP up to 13. Spend 1 on the Aquila and you have a chance to regain 6CP over the course of the game.

Put the Soul Glaive on on of your characters, like the Apothecary. It makes him a mini-beatstick and he can clear enemy characters/Scouts by himself with no support needed. He will also always be healing himself, which lets him survive a surprisingly long time.

Take Voldus instead of an unnamed GM. He has far superior melee and psychic output.

**mrstimpson**

Thanks for the advice, Elric. Some questions for you.

If I was to stay mono-faction (have always been a mono-book player), would you still suggest spending the CP for the Glaive?

And I thought a vanilla GM is worth it if you run First to the Fray on him? What would you drop to pick up the additional points for Voldus if I was to switch out the GM?

**Elric Greywolf**

Well, I'd drop the Curiass, so Glaive on Apothecary would still put you at 2 relics for 1CP.

Then swap out the GM for Voldus, and make the Chappie your WL so you can have FttF.

I also think you have some incorrect points.

Here's the list I made, and it's at 2000
HQ:
Voldus
Chaplain - WL FttF
TROOPS:
2x5 Strikers w/ Psilencer
6 Strikers w/ Psilencer
ELITE:
Apothecary - Soul Glaive
Paladin Ancient - Banner
2x5 Pallies w/ 2 Psilens
FAST:
2x10 Interceptors w/ 2 Psilens

**mrstimpson**

Awesome. I'll build for that. Thanks for the advice.

Didn't cross reference points with my book, but I don't have CA17 so I'm not sure if there are cost changes in there.

How about the list in general? I feel like an alpha strike of jaunt + gate would be pretty strong with psci bullets figured in.

**Elric Greywolf**

I don't see any relevant point changes in CA, but by the GK codex I'm at 2000 exactly (did it on paper). This agrees with my BattleScribe list.

The main problem with your list is that you have nothing that is very survivable. You have 11 drops minimum which means you won't always go first, but you need to go first

You also don't have any ranged anti-tank, and while your psilencers will chip away health on big bads, that's not reliable. Most big targets are also screened, so you won't be able to charge them until later in the game, T3 at the earliest.

You also present good targets for all types of enemy firepower. Anti-infantry will eat your PAGK, while lascannons etc will demolish the expensive Paladins.

What is your general strategy with this list? Start the GKI and Voldus on table, move them all forward and do a lot of screen clearing, hope for good charges? Have Strikes holding objectives?
Then T2 bring in Chappie and Pals and Apoth?

Automatically Appended Next Post:
I made a list with a similar idea a while back, and haven't actually played it yet, but it feels interesting. This isn't anything like your list regarding units, but it is in composition.

Guard Battalion
Commander
Psyker
3x10 Guardsmen with Mortar

GK Outrider
2xGMDK, double guns, hammers
Apothecary
3xPaladins
3x5 GKI
Stormraven, lascannon hbolter

Assassin Vanguard
Callidus
Culexus
Culexus

You could replace the Guard with some more Paladins (lol like 3 more), although I really like them for the CP and backfield holding.

**Lord Clinto**

I like where your original list is heading but what will you do for anti-armor?

Personally I like the Psycannon over the Psilencers due to the Strength, but either or. And, I'm a big fan of the Falchions too but you might want to consider switching your Justicars to Hammers.

I've had great success with this 5-man SS load out: Justicar (SB + NFDH), 3 GK (SB + Falchions) & 1 GK (Psycannon).

Also I've never fielded a squad of Interceptors without Incinerators, they're just too mobile to not be able to utilize them.

**BUDFORCE**

mrstimpson wrote:
A forewarning, I don't like the NDK model... at all. So although I understand the GMNDK is one of best, if not the best, unit in the dex, I won't be feilding it.

Same, I am 3 models short of a fully painted 2000pts GK army, and I don't ahve one of those either, personally I think it looks completely rediculous.

But it is really good in game :(

**snykyninja**

Lord Clinto wrote:
Personally I like the Psycannon over the Psilencers due to the Strength, but either or.

Because of the higher rate of fire and damage, the psilencer is actually better against almost every possible target, including the average T7 Sv3+ vehicle.

**Lord Clinto**

snykyninja wrote:
Lord Clinto wrote:
Personally I like the Psycannon over the Psilencers due to the Strength, but either or.

Because of the higher rate of fire and damage, the psilencer is actually better against almost every possible target, including the average T7 Sv3+ vehicle.

That's fine, I'm not knocking the Psilencer. I use a few usually too. Personally I've just had better luck with the Psycannon.

And if you hate the GMDK model but would still like to use them in your army here are two options (assuming you can do a little converting):

http://sciborminiatures.com/en_,shop.php?art=2736

http://sciborminiatures.com/en_,shop.php?art=2737

They're a little pricier at $60 (46 Euro) and looking at the picture they might be a little taller then a DK.

**mrstimpson**

I don't play in any tournaments, and my LGS us pretty keen on the rule of cool, so I was thinking about purchasing three HGUC Zaku II kits and painting them up as NDK with weapons and bits kitbashed in.

As for anti-armour... IDK. This is my first jump into an army of the corpse god, so I don't have anything to soup in (and nothing other than strike and paladin boxes). I also have six dreads in my Iron Warriors collection, so I'd like to do something different with the GKs.

Maybe I'll look into AM. The loyal 32 has been suggested and I love their tanks. I'd just hate to drop any Paladins or Interceptors because they're the reason I wanted to play GKs in the first place.

edit: how about something like this?

++ Battalion Detachment +5CP (Imperium - Astra Militarum) ++

+ No Force Org Slot +

Regimental Doctrine: Cadian

+ HQ +

Company Commander: Chainsword, Frag grenade, Laspistol

Company Commander: Chainsword, Frag grenade, Laspistol

+ Troops +

Infantry Squad
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Laspistol

Infantry Squad
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Laspistol

Infantry Squad
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Laspistol

+ Heavy Support +

Heavy Weapons Squad
. Heavy Weapon Team: Autocannon, Lasgun
. Heavy Weapon Team: Autocannon, Lasgun
. Heavy Weapon Team: Autocannon, Lasgun

Heavy Weapons Squad
. Heavy Weapon Team: Autocannon, Lasgun
. Heavy Weapon Team: Autocannon, Lasgun
. Heavy Weapon Team: Autocannon, Lasgun

Heavy Weapons Squad
. Heavy Weapon Team: Autocannon, Lasgun
. Heavy Weapon Team: Autocannon, Lasgun
. Heavy Weapon Team: Autocannon, Lasgun

++ Vanguard Detachment +1CP (Imperium - Grey Knights) ++

+ HQ +

Grand Master: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Frag & Krak grenades, Iron Halo, Nemesis Daemon Hammer, Psyk-out Grenade, Storm Bolter

Grey Knight Chaplain: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Crozius Arcanum, Frag & Krak grenades, Psyk-out Grenade, Storm bolter

+ Elites +

Apothecary: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Frag & Krak grenades, Nemesis Force Halberd, Psyk-out Grenade

Brotherhood Ancient: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Frag & Krak grenades, Nemesis Falchion, Psyk-out Grenade, Sacred Banner, Storm bolter

Paladin Squad: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Frag & Krak grenades, Psyk-out Grenade
. 5x Paladin (Halberd): 5x Nemesis Force Halberd, 5x Storm Bolter
. Paladin (Psilencer): Nemesis Force Halberd, Psilencer (Terminator)
. Paladin (Psilencer): Nemesis Force Halberd, Psilencer (Terminator)
. Paladin (Psilencer): Nemesis Force Halberd, Psilencer (Terminator)
. Paladin (Psilencer): Nemesis Force Halberd, Psilencer (Terminator)
. Paragon: Nemesis Daemon Hammer, Storm Bolter

+ Fast Attack +

Interceptor Squad: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Frag & Krak grenades, Psyk-out Grenade
. 9x Interceptor (Falchions): 18x Nemesis Falchion, 9x Storm Bolter
. Interceptor Justicar: Frag & Krak grenades, Nemesis Daemon Hammer, Psyk-out Grenade, Storm bolter

Interceptor Squad: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Frag & Krak grenades, Psyk-out Grenade
. 9x Interceptor (Falchions): 18x Nemesis Falchion, 9x Storm Bolter
. Interceptor Justicar: Frag & Krak grenades, Nemesis Daemon Hammer, Psyk-out Grenade, Storm bolter

++ Total: [116 PL, 2004pts] ++

It says 2004, but my points were a little inflated last time, so I'm going to check my book to see if it's under. Would the addition of autocannon HWTs help my anti armour? The way I see it, if they're shooting those, they aren't shooting my Interceptors. IDK if the HWTs are worth it, and I'm not sure if autocannons would help with my lack of anti armour. And LCs seem like a pretty big investment into such a fragile unit.

The way I picture it working is holding all the GK characters in reserve maybe minus the GM. Jaunt the Interceptors forward twords screens and melt them with 80 s4 shots (possibly with a gated GM for the rerolls, and/or psy bullets), Gate the Paladins in to assist either screen clearing or the autocannon's targets (using heed and/or psy onslaught if needed). Infantry Squads go for objectives. Turn two, characters drop down and assist where needed.

Or... What if I go full ham on screen clearing and rely on my melee to clear out heavy hitters with something like this?

++ Battalion Detachment +5CP (Imperium - Astra Militarum) ++

+ No Force Org Slot +

Regimental Doctrine: Cadian

+ HQ +

Company Commander: Boltgun, Chainsword, Display Astra Militarum Orders, Frag grenade

Company Commander: Boltgun, Chainsword, Display Astra Militarum Orders, Frag grenade

+ Troops +

Infantry Squad
. 8x Guardsman: 8x Lasgun
. Guardsman W/ Special Weapon: Grenade Launcher
. Sergeant: Boltgun, Chainsword

Infantry Squad
. 8x Guardsman: 8x Lasgun
. Guardsman W/ Special Weapon: Grenade Launcher
. Sergeant: Boltgun, Chainsword

Infantry Squad
. 8x Guardsman: 8x Lasgun
. Guardsman W/ Special Weapon: Grenade Launcher
. Sergeant: Boltgun, Chainsword

+ Heavy Support +

Heavy Weapons Squad
. Heavy Weapon Team: Lasgun, Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Lasgun, Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Lasgun, Mortar

Heavy Weapons Squad
. Heavy Weapon Team: Lasgun, Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Lasgun, Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Lasgun, Mortar

Heavy Weapons Squad
. Heavy Weapon Team: Lasgun, Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Lasgun, Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Lasgun, Mortar

++ Vanguard Detachment +1CP (Imperium - Grey Knights) ++

+ HQ +

Grand Master Voldus: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Frag & Krak grenades, Iron Halo, Malleus Argyrum, Psyk-out Grenade, Storm bolter

Grey Knight Chaplain: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Crozius Arcanum, Frag & Krak grenades, Psyk-out Grenade, Storm bolter

+ Elites +

Apothecary: * No Psychic Power Selected *, 4: First to the Fray, Frag & Krak grenades, Nemesis Force Halberd, Psyk-out Grenade, Soul Glaive, Warlord

Paladin Ancient: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Frag & Krak grenades, Psyk-out Grenade, Sacred Banner, Storm Bolter and Falchion

Paladin Squad: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Frag & Krak grenades, Psyk-out Grenade
. 3x Paladin (Daemon Hammer): 3x Nemesis Daemon Hammer, 3x Storm Bolter
. 6x Paladin (Halberd): 6x Nemesis Force Halberd, 6x Storm Bolter
. Paragon: Nemesis Daemon Hammer, Storm Bolter

+ Fast Attack +

Interceptor Squad: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Frag & Krak grenades, Psyk-out Grenade
. 9x Interceptor (Falchions): 18x Nemesis Falchion, 9x Storm Bolter
. Interceptor Justicar: Frag & Krak grenades, Nemesis Daemon Hammer, Psyk-out Grenade, Storm bolter

Interceptor Squad: * No Psychic Power Selected *, Frag & Krak grenades, Psyk-out Grenade
. 9x Interceptor (Falchions): 18x Nemesis Falchion, 9x Storm Bolter
. Interceptor Justicar: Frag & Krak grenades, Nemesis Daemon Hammer, Psyk-out Grenade, Storm bolter

++ Total: [116 PL, 1995pts] ++

I think I like the second list better. Sure it has no ranged AT, but it maximises it's already good screen clearing and has some absolutely terrifying melee potential.

Thoughts?