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Hello all,

As the topic states I am in doubt on how to gear my Dark Angels Librarian (warlord) on his bike.
First off I will post my 1000 point army list as it is right now, I must say I have had some proper successes with it so far:

Librarian /w bike, Auspex, Conversion field, combi-plasma, force axe (my warlord with Divination > prescience)

Belial /w Sword of silence, SB

5x Ravenwing Command /w Ravenwing banner, Champion, Grenade launcher (on banner bike)

5x Deathwing terminators /w HF, 1xth/ss, 1xLCs, sargeant

5x Deathwing terminators /w PC, 1xth/ss, sargeant

The army is focussed on alpha striking, choosing a flank of the enemy, scout and run up within rapid fire range, deathwing assault the terminators near the target unit and unleash hell.

Yet here is my issue:
My Librarian seems to be working quite balanced as he is right now, yet I am doubting on giving him a plasma pistol instead of his Auspex and combi-plasma.
The point being he looses 1 attack by taking a combi-plasma only being able to be fired once in the whole game. The bonus of having an Auspex has shown itself against other bikes and units in cover however. A plasma pistol would make him only gain 1 shot per turn, yet can fire every turn. Also this will provide him with an additional attack, though loosing the Auspex can hurt in some situations.

Now I know Librarians are no combat focussed monsters, so would you guys suggest keeping him the way he is constructed now as a supportive firebase being able to rapid fire together with the black knights for those 2 extra plasma shots, or would you say give him a plasma pistol instead of the auspex and combi-plasma to provide him with an extra attack and a consistent single plasma shot per turn?

thank you for your advice,

Mortaal

I don't think giving him a plasma pistol or combi plasma is a great use if points. Making him ML2 and using a combination of Divination and Telepathy will have a greater impact in your games.

My usual load out: ML2, Bike, auspex, and maybe a PFG depending on the rest of the army.

I typically have a couple of either or gear choices depending on what I want the libby to do.

auspex <or> upgraded ranged weapon: Generally you are going to use one or the other for the majority of the game. I don't think it's worth the points for both since using one denies using the other.

PFG <or> force axe: Somewhat similar situation, but there is something to be said for reducing an opponents save from a +2 to a 4+. However in general I plan to avoid combat with the libby if I have the PFG since it helps the rest of whatever unit you are fighting as well. A conversion field and force axe can work well with each other.

I always give him the Mastery 2 upgrade.

Thank you for your comments gentlemen. However I really want to get some insight on the original topic of the post, namely plasma pistol versus auspex + combi-plasma.

I feel that because the alpha hit is so important in this list that the auspex and combi offer multiple choice when it comes to destroying a unit first turn. Auspex an elite unit in cover or (jet)bikes for example, or use the combi for those extra 2 plasma shots to dent vehicles and the like.

opinions?

Mortaal wrote:
Thank you for your comments gentlemen. However I really want to get some insight on the original topic of the post, namely plasma pistol versus auspex + combi-plasma.

I feel that because the alpha hit is so important in this list that the auspex and combi offer multiple choice when it comes to destroying a unit first turn. Auspex an elite unit in cover or (jet)bikes for example, or use the combi for those extra 2 plasma shots to dent vehicles and the like.

opinions?

Auspex + Combi-plasma is better than the pistol alone. Auspex allows him to benefit the whole army.

What about the Lion's Roar? I feel you will get much better use out of one plasma blast than one (or two) plasma shots.