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.

So I'm trying to figure out a good support option for drop podded Sternguard. I was thinking dropping a Dread with them could work out well. It could hopefully draw some fire away from the fragile Sternguard. The question however is what loadout would work best for the Dread? My sternguard are split 5 combi-melta 5 combi-flamer.

I'm running a Vulkan list so I was thinking that MM/DCCW+HF would be effective and relatively cheap.

An assault cannon instead of multi-melta also seems kind of interesting. Between Sternguard special ammo and an assault cannon thats a lot of firepower.

What do you all think?

Additionally if anyone has any other suggestions other than a dread, fire away.

Yep, probably the best!
He might even save you the trouble of expending the combi-melta shots, or crack another vehicle

The MM/HF loadout sounds good, to ensure your target definitely dies. But I'd also be tempted by an Ironclad to take on anything that the Sternguard can't - for instance, another charging walker or 2+ saves.

 Super Ready wrote:
The MM/HF loadout sounds good, to ensure your target definitely dies. But I'd also be tempted by an Ironclad to take on anything that the Sternguard can't - for instance, another charging walker or 2+ saves.

It comes down to points. If you don't have a lot, the MM/DCCW(HF) is the way to go. If you have a few to spare, upgrade to the Ironclad. They do the same job, but the Ironclad is tougher with more options.

Both will work well.

Short of melta, ironclads are a swine to get rid off and are designed to do their stuff close to the enemy. BIg difference between armour 12 and armour 13 as all those S6 weapons do nothing if in the front arc, so drop it to the side so the majority of their army can only see the front.

 ruminator wrote:
Short of melta, ironclads are a swine to get rid off and are designed to do their stuff close to the enemy. BIg difference between armour 12 and armour 13 as all those S6 weapons do nothing if in the front arc, so drop it to the side so the majority of their army can only see the front.

Even bigger is that str 7 can only glance, and 8 only pen on a 6. Also as you said strength 6 is out that means......KRAK GERNADES Even melta needs to roll above a 5, ask anyone bitching about random charge.....

I would do Iron clad, underslung meltagun and two hunter killer missles. Use him to open up a vehicle before the sternguard eat the yummy contents.

Thanks for all the tips. If I can manage to scrounge up the points a Ironclad would be nice. Whats a good loadout for an Ironclad in this role?

Also when in CC dreads use front armor correct? That would provide more support for the ironclad

Have not used my ironclad yet, but hurricane bolters at short range arent bad plus heavy flamers are good now ime

The hammer or chainfist is a matter of taste IMHO. Both will turn tanks into confetti, but have minor advantages over each other in different situations.

Keep the meltagun. It gives you a chance to crack a tank before you get into CC

For the other arm, I'd go with the DCCW(HF)

I'm torn on the accessories. The pair of HKs will help if you want to down a tank first turn, but I'm not sure if they are worth the points. The meltagun should do a decent job, but the dice are fickle. Vulcan TLing should help. The assault launchers look fun. One of the only ways to get defensive grenades in the book. Probably worth it.

I don't think the hurricane bolter is worth it on a drop dread. If I wanted to just bolter the tar out of something, I'd drop a tac squad. And if you are running pods, you should have one standing by (sternguard, dread, tac squad in 3 pods) If you were walking across the table, or shoring up a gun line I think they would be a lot better. But for a drop list, you want the CC and the burning.

 Nevelon wrote:
The hammer or chainfist is a matter of taste IMHO. Both will turn tanks into confetti, but have minor advantages over each other in different situations.

Keep the meltagun. It gives you a chance to crack a tank before you get into CC

For the other arm, I'd go with the DCCW(HF)

I'm torn on the accessories. The pair of HKs will help if you want to down a tank first turn, but I'm not sure if they are worth the points. The meltagun should do a decent job, but the dice are fickle. Vulcan TLing should help. The assault launchers look fun. One of the only ways to get defensive grenades in the book. Probably worth it.

I don't think the hurricane bolter is worth it on a drop dread. If I wanted to just bolter the tar out of something, I'd drop a tac squad. And if you are running pods, you should have one standing by (sternguard, dread, tac squad in 3 pods) If you were walking across the table, or shoring up a gun line I think they would be a lot better. But for a drop list, you want the CC and the burning.

Thats exactly what I have in my list

And that is exactly the load out I decided on for the ironclad. I think if i can muster the points the ironclad will be worth it and my sternguard will appreciate the AV13 sticking around a bit longer to keep enemy guns pointed away from them. Also, move through cover could be handy in case some melta come around and I need a quick getaway.