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Fairly self-explanatory, it appears people dont seem to like DA vets as they get overpriced very quickly and other units (terminators) do what they do, only better. I was thinking about using them as a pseudo-sternguard unit, as they get stormbolters or only 5 points. I'm pretty pants with rules so far as I havent played a game since 4th ed.

Does it sound like a good idea or a point sink? Keeping in mind 10 vets cost the same as a regular SM tactical squad and this would be 20 points cheaper than actual sternguard. Would there be any inherent advantages and disadvantages to this? I heard something about stormbolters firing out rhino hatches but my memory has failed me on the details of this.

How would this unit be best used?

If you are not using a Dakka Banner I could see the use in Storm Bolters.

trephines wrote:
Fairly self-explanatory, it appears people dont seem to like DA vets as they get overpriced very quickly and other units (terminators) do what they do, only better. I was thinking about using them as a pseudo-sternguard unit, as they get stormbolters or only 5 points. I'm pretty pants with rules so far as I havent played a game since 4th ed.

Does it sound like a good idea or a point sink? Keeping in mind 10 vets cost the same as a regular SM tactical squad and this would be 20 points cheaper than actual sternguard. Would there be any inherent advantages and disadvantages to this? I heard something about stormbolters firing out rhino hatches but my memory has failed me on the details of this.

How would this unit be best used?

combi bolters are fine, but regular stormbolters are lacking

How would you use the unit? I you're dropping them in by drop pod, they would probably end up close enough not to need the additional shot at longer range. If you're walking them forward or using them to garrison your own lines, then the longer ranged shot might be worth the points.

Are there any advantages between storm bolters and regular bolters for squads stuffed in rhinos?

They wouldn't be put in drop pods for sure. I intend to keep my list mostly footslogging. I'm drawing up a 750pt list and it just seems the BoD and command squad are just too expensive and at would be too much of a fire magnet.

I'm a little confused as to why you'd take DA vets for any reason. They're expensive for what they do, and if you're buying them storm bolters, they're just gakky terminators.

Pretty much what the above just posted. To me, DA vets are in a weird sort of place because they are best used for lots of various combi-weapons etc or to be used in maybe a LRC with Azrael and some crazy melee weapons. The problems is that they get very expensive the more stuff you get them and they don't have any of that cool ammo that sterngaurd get. If you are using the dakka banner, then storm bolters aren't worth it. If you aren't then it might be worth taking the storm bolters for gunline, but you could probably just buy regular tactical marines and do just as well.

The only way I think they could be good is if you had multiple squads of maybe 8-10 all with storm bolters forming a crazy gunline. It's expensive but that's a lot of dakka at 24" and they can do ok in melee if they need to. They are basically just souped up tactical marines at this point.

- VardenV2

I generally use them to put 7x Combi-Plasmas, 2x Plasma Guns and a Plasma Cannon in a Drop Pod along with a second one were you replace the word Plasma for Melta. I am working on making a third Veterans Squad with Flamers.
This goes along with my three Tactical Squads with a Combi-Plasma, 1x Plasma Gun and a Plasma Cannon.

For a tiny points increase comparitavely, they could have a storm bolter, a 2+ save, a 5+ invulnerable, the ability to teleport, and a power fist.

The terminator is just a better option I'm afraid.

So its safe to conclude then that veterans with stormbolters are pants.

Is there any way in which they can be worth taking as opposed to terminators though?

trephines wrote:
So its safe to conclude then that veterans with stormbolters are pants.

Is there any way in which they can be worth taking as opposed to terminators though?

Fluffy or Greenwing list. I could see them do well vs. foot list.

Don't forget the storm shields. If you're gonna use Vets, nothing says fun like 3++ saves on these guys...

Because you like the models. That's the only reason you can seriously defend the reason you took them over terminators.

It's a valid reason, just not something I'd do.

If you like the models that much, you could always just have them as sergeants etc.

There are other reasons. With storm shields they are just as survivable. They can take a whole range of weapons unavailable to terminators. They can put another razorback on the field. And my favorite: you can pack a lot more of them into a Land Raider.

 SoloFalcon1138 wrote:
There are other reasons. With storm shields they are just as survivable. They can take a whole range of weapons unavailable to terminators. They can put another razorback on the field. And my favorite: you can pack a lot more of them into a Land Raider.

Storm shields make them expensive, but giving the "sgt" a shield and claw or power fist all captain America style could be cool. Kitting them out with swords, mauls, and axes etc and going with Azrael and co. inside a LRC can be a greenwing alternative to assault terminators too, as they will have a 4++ from Azrael, which isn't too shabby for a regular marine. Plus, it's a lot of attacks in close combat (40 power weapon attacks on the charge if my math is correct) all with a 3+ 4++. Of course, it's a super glass cannon squad and will basically get the charge and then get focused to death. BUT it would be a very "cool" unit nonetheless.

The thing to remember is that Deathwing Terminators ARE veterans too, they are just in their terminator armor instead of power armor. I could see giving a few of the guys in an assaulty squad storm bolters instead of regular bolters if you were tight on points because they are assault instead of rapid fire and vets come with 2 attacks so :/ Just generally, Deathwing are going to do the same thing better than vets are, besides the shooting aspects.

The best role for vets is probably is shooty:

I generally use them to put 7x Combi-Plasmas, 2x Plasma Guns and a Plasma Cannon in a Drop Pod along with a second one were you replace the word Plasma for Melta. I am working on making a third Veterans Squad with Flamers.
This goes along with my three Tactical Squads with a Combi-Plasma, 1x Plasma Gun and a Plasma Cannon.

They can come down hard wherever you need them and obliterate something with plasma, melta, or flamer. They are expensive, but can fill the gap in your list. They may die, but they aren't troops so should be aggressive, not trying to defend objectives. And, if they get assaulted, they are vets so they have 2 attacks, which could make the severly weakened squad they just shot to pieces think twice about getting too close.