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So...looking at starting up a Crusade force.

The models element is pretty much nailed down: I want to do a pure possessed force because theme. What's up for debate - and what is like advice on - is the 'supporting elements' - marks, legion, buff stratagems, warlord traits, relics, which can fairly dramatically change the way the same models play.

So, the core list:

Vanguard Detachment

HQ - Daemon Prince on foot with bolter and sword, Warlord.

(Yes, I know, before anyone says it, Wings. But currently the list comes in nicely at 50pl and sensing my warlord off on his own as a kamikaze missile seems like a bad idea. Sword is mostly chosen for aesthetics but sword vs talon vs axe is something I'm more open to discuss if it's really important)

Elites - Greater Possessed x 3

(One singleton and one pair across two slots)

Elites - 10 Possessed with Icon x 3

(One bunch of warm bodies for each Greater Possessed to lead)




Now at this point im spiralling ideas, and could use some guidance.

MARKS

Tzeench doesn't seem to do anything useful for me aside from one or two mortal wounds per game via the icons so seems like the least useful, especially since a prince of tzeench only has one power so The Great Sorceror is basically just netting me a free smite.

Nurgle gives me the 'invisible apothecary on standby' stratagem but 2cp to replace one model feels pretty steep given that I won't have many to burn with a vanguard detachment. The icons leadership penalty by itself is pretty naff. Throw in Lord Of Terror as a warlord trait and Night Lords Legion or Trophies Of Slaughter in a Black Legion force and it starts to get better but.....does leadership really help that much?

That leaves

Slaanesh gives me the icon of excess, which is awesome against IMPERIUM units and does Jack against anyone else. But IMPERIUM isn't exactly a rare keyword.....plus it opens up the option of either Emperor's Children or Flawless Host, both of whom appear REALLY good.

Wierdly the Slaanesh stuff makes me fighter and the Khorne stuff makes me faster. Icon of Wrath feels like the single best icon for possessed: for a pure melee unit it's hard to argue with refill charges each time every time. It does mean the Prince trading prescience or warptime for a +1 attack, but it also lets him take the talisman of burning blood, which is basically Icon of Wrath plus plus. The fight twice stratagem is also huge but I'm shy on command points.



I'm mostly seasawing between khorne and Slaanesh.


As to the legion, a whole bunch look good.

Word Bearers legion trait is pretty awful but Master Of The Union turns the Prince into the aura support monster he deserves to be. Plus the +1 damage stratagem is hard to ignore with everyone and their dog getting 2 wounds.

World eaters get a fighty legion trait and some good strategems: free moves, violent urgency for faster advance and charge.

Brazen beasts don't sound that great as a warlord trait but are very characterful and a prince with a 2+ save is just mean.

Emperor's Children get lots of truly amazing stratagems but with 3cp in the starting stockpile is that that useful?

Flawless Host get their super death to the false emperor and everyone else whilst you're at it. Paired with a prince with prescience, they can indeed blend things.



I can see a bunch of others- red Corsairs for advance and charge and a bonus command point, for example, or even alpha legion for deviousness and many warlords, but I THINK my gut says Khorne/Word Bearers. As I say, advice welcomed....