What HQ do you use for Astra Militarum?

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**Merellin**

As the title asks, I'm curious what HQ people use for Astra Militarum. Personaly, I was considering using a Lord Commissar as my two platoons already have command squads for orders.. Though if I would take a HQ command squad, I was Straken cus he is awesome.. xD

**master of ordinance**

A Tank Commander in a LRBT with a LRBT and a Eradicator in support. If my opponent allows it then I instead use my homebrewed Tank Commander, Darjeeling. (Yes, that is Darjeeling sama from Girls und Panzer. I actually use Churchill VII's and VIII's for my Leman Russ). A Company Command Squad is my other choice with a Master of Ordnance and a Master of the Fleet to increase my firepower and delay my opponents stuff is my other option.

Darjeeling's rules:

Spoiler:

Darjeeling ------------------- 40pts
Ballistic Skill Front Side Rear HP
5 * * * *

Warlord Trait:
Senshado Team - All non dedicated transport tanks in Darjeeling's detachment count as Troops as well as Heavy Support. In addition they have Objective Secured.
Special Rules:
Tank Commander – Darjeeling must be mounted within a Leman Russ Battle Tank with the following upgrades: Artificer hull, Extra Armour, Co Axial Heavy Stubber, Armoured Track Guards, Camo Netting and Recovery Gear.
Orange Pekoe Sama – orange Pekoe is Darjeeling’s gunner. The tank is BS5 (included in profile) and can re-roll the penetration result and damage roll.
Assam Sama – Assam is Darjeeling’s loader. Whenever the scatter roll is a double one (before re-roll) you may fire a second shot from the battle cannon. This shot must be at the same target or another within 6” of it (For squads count the model under the central hole as the target).
Veteran Team – All tanks in Darjeeling’s squadron have +1 Ballistic Skill. All other tanks in the same detachment may purchase this for an extra 10 points.
Tea – The girls of Saint Gloriana’s have long held with the tradition of drinking tea calmly, even in the heat of battle. Darjeeling’s tank has a 6+ Invulnerable save. Other tanks in the detachment may purchase Tea for 5 points per tank.
Masters of the Tea Club – Darjeeling’s tank adds +1 to its Tea save, effectively making it a 5+ invulnerable save.
Orders – Darjeeling is LD10 for the purposes of issuing orders and may issue two orders per turn. Darjeeling may issue the following orders to any tank within 24”:
1. Steady Advance – The turret weapon(s) of the squadron do not count for the purposes of what weapons may fire. Ordnance turret weapons do not cause others to shoot at snapshot.
2. Pick your Targets – The squadron gains the ‘Splitfire’ rule until the end of the shooting phase. Each tank must shoot at a separate target.
3. Pursuit Speed! – The squadron may move an extra D6+2”.
4. Concentrate Fire – Enemy units must re-roll successful saves against this troops attacks.

Options
May take any wargear from the Imperial Guard vehicle equipment list and armoured company list apart from Firebarrels.

I should note that that is 40 points PLUS the cost of the Tank and its upgrades so she actually works out at 265 points.

**UrsoerTheSquid**

I think that is still too cheap for all those upgrades on a tank commander...but, on to the topic at hand. in this edition of the guard codex Yarrik is a viable option, he can issue all of the orders AM have access too (PCS can only use about half of them). On top of that Yarrik is a tough nut to crack and with guard it can be nice to make if difficult for the enemy to get slay the warlord.

**master of ordinance**

UrsoerTheSquid wrote:
I think that is still too cheap for all those upgrades on a tank commander...but, on to the topic at hand. in this edition of the guard codex Yarrik is a viable option, he can issue all of the orders AM have access too (PCS can only use about half of them). On top of that Yarrik is a tough nut to crack and with guard it can be nice to make if difficult for the enemy to get slay the warlord.

265 points for a BS5 Leman Russ with a Battlecannon, a Heavy Stubber and a Heavy Bolter is too cheap? Do you even Imperial Guard?

**Vaktathi**

In the overwhelming majority number of cases, you're going to use a Company Command Squad. Between the orders they bring, and up to four BS4 special weapons, they're simply the most productive and cost effective choice.

Lord Commissars can have a place as a secondary HQ for a blob platoon and to anchor an infantry gunline, but will pretty much always be a secondary HQ

Tank Commanders kinda suck. Half their purpose is just to use orders to overcome the squadron rules they're stuck with taking. Their orders aren't particularly inspiring, and the fact that you have to take at least two tanks as part of the HQ choice makes them very expensive for what they offer.

**Jimsolo**

master of ordinance wrote:
UrsoerTheSquid wrote:
I think that is still too cheap for all those upgrades on a tank commander...but, on to the topic at hand. in this edition of the guard codex Yarrik is a viable option, he can issue all of the orders AM have access too (PCS can only use about half of them). On top of that Yarrik is a tough nut to crack and with guard it can be nice to make if difficult for the enemy to get slay the warlord.

265 points for a BS5 Leman Russ with a Battlecannon, a Heavy Stubber and a Heavy Bolter is too cheap? Do you even Imperial Guard?

...ignoring all her crazy special rules. This homebrewed character is insanely overpowered for her points cost.

Val, what kind of special weapons do you put on a CCS? Seems like the specialist weapons (Flamers and meltas) put you too close to the enemy for comfort and the generalist weapons wouldn't be effective much of the time.

**corrm**

UrsoerTheSquid wrote:
I think that is still too cheap for all those upgrades on a tank commander...but, on to the topic at hand. in this edition of the guard codex Yarrik is a viable option, he can issue all of the orders AM have access too (PCS can only use about half of them). On top of that Yarrik is a tough nut to crack and with guard it can be nice to make if difficult for the enemy to get slay the warlord.

Yarrick is a great choice, very tough to kill and can still issue orders. Only downside is that he is not Stubborn for some reason, but you can solve that with a priest. I like the company command squad. They have access to the best orders and can really bolster your forces.

**Merellin**

But is the 3 (I think it is) orders that only the company command squad can use realy that much better then all the other orders that the platoon command squads can use? Do you realy realy realy need a company command squad when you have a platoon command squad to bring orders to each platoon instead of just one unit?

Also, Why is the Lord Commissar such a bad HQ? Seems quite good to me. Sure he dosent give orders, But I got 2 other command squads to give orders..

**corrm**

Merellin wrote:
But is the 3 (I think it is) orders that only the company command squad can use realy that much better then all the other orders that the platoon command squads can use? Do you realy realy realy need a company command squad when you have a platoon command squad to bring orders to each platoon instead of just one unit?

Also, Why is the Lord Commissar such a bad HQ? Seems quite good to me. Sure he dosent give orders, But I got 2 other command squads to give orders..

The three orders that the senior officers (such as company commander) have are to give a unit Tank Hunter/Monster hunter, ignores cover and to allow unit to automatically rally or recover from going to ground. These are the best of the orders and the ones most useful to support your infantry and heavy weapons unit. The only other order that I use regularly is "first rank fire, second rank fire" to get more shots with lasguns. I use the other orders occasionally, but these 4 are the ones I find I use most often.

The Lord Commissar is not bad, but there are other more effective units that can do similar roles. His stubborn rules and leadership bubble are nice, but priests give better benefits for cheaper. He has a decent stat line, but is not amazing in combat due to poor armour and invulnerable saves, along with low strength and vulnerability to instant death (as only toughness 3). If you throw him into combat, he may do well, but will most likely die to any combat specialists.

I think if you want a Lord Commissar, Yarrick is a better choice as he can issue orders and is a lot tougher.

**Jimmy_Sip**

Sure the senior officer orders I've found quite useful. Tank/monster hunter, ignores cover and an extra chance to regroup.

I like to use the CCS to issue the orders and then I use my PCS as a flamer suicide squad to jump out of a vendetta. It's probably not the most competitive use of them but it's a lot of fun!

CCS has better accuracy for heavy and special weapons too. And let's not forget the regimental advisors.

Lord Commissars seem quite good with their aura of discipline rule. Two of the warlord traits give voice of command so you've got a good chance of getting that anyway. Even more with ideal commander.

Edit:beat!

**dakillakan918**

I just go for CCS with 2 vets in an autocannon/lascannon, 1 HF Vet, 1 Flamer Vet and the Company Commander with flamer, with an Officer of the Fleet for better reserve rolls, just for a cheap HQ and makes it hard for the enemy to charge. If this set up doesnt work for me, I can probably replace their weaponry for Plasma guns + carapace armor or sniper rifles or something. CCS just has a lot of cool builds you can roll with.

Pask with punisher seems to be a very popular HQ choice, especially if you want to go Meq.

Yarrick is a cool character and all, but seems to be a bit too expensive to field, he is a tough HQ to go down, but he's still a Guard unit, and isn't nearly as durable as other HQs from other Codexes.

Of course I'm really new to Guard so I don't necessarily know all the best choices for our HQ

**UrsoerTheSquid**

UrsoerTheSquid wrote:
I think that is still too cheap for all those upgrades on a tank commander...but, on to the topic at hand. in this edition of the guard codex Yarrik is a viable option, he can issue all of the orders AM have access too (PCS can only use about half of them). On top of that Yarrik is a tough nut to crack and with guard it can be nice to make if difficult for the enemy to get slay the warlord.

265 points for a BS5 Leman Russ with a Battlecannon, a Heavy Stubber and a Heavy Bolter is too cheap? Do you even Imperial Guard?

Yes i do play guard and yes that is a very over powered tank HQ, that being said it would be great we can use the boost.

On the topic of Yarrik being Squishy, seeing as he has Eternal Warrior, a 4+ save and when he dies he gets back up with a 3+ save i would say, yes he is a very durable HQ. I generally only run him for special list, where i run a large blob squad that i can place him in. Don't forget his warlord trait where models within 12" of him never have to make morale tests for casualties, and if they fail a check he still has summary execution.

But normally i'll run A CCS in a chimera and roll around and issue orders.

**master of ordinance**

Jimsolo wrote:
master of ordinance wrote:
UrsoerTheSquid wrote:
I think that is still too cheap for all those upgrades on a tank commander...but, on to the topic at hand. in this edition of the guard codex Yarrik is a viable option, he can issue all of the orders AM have access too (PCS can only use about half of them). On top of that Yarrik is a tough nut to crack and with guard it can be nice to make if difficult for the enemy to get slay the warlord.

265 points for a BS5 Leman Russ with a Battlecannon, a Heavy Stubber and a Heavy Bolter is too cheap? Do you even Imperial Guard?

...ignoring all her crazy special rules. This homebrewed character is insanely overpowered for her points cost.

Val, what kind of special weapons do you put on a CCS? Seems like the specialist weapons (Flamers and meltas) put you too close to the enemy for comfort and the generalist weapons wouldn't be effective much of the time.

Given the nightmare that is the IG codex and the overpriced horror that is the tank Commander and the even more overpriced horror that is Pask she seems rather fair. Especially given certain armies special characters.

**Unit1126PLL**

Wait that seems fair to you?

Holy balls batman.

**War Kitten**

I usually run a company command squad and a lord commissar

**Grimskul**

Unit1126PLL wrote:
Wait that seems fair to you?

Holy balls batman.

Not to mention some of the ridiculousness of the basis behind the rules. Really? Drinking tea calmly gives you a 6+ invuln. (which is made into a 5+ invuln...) Wouldn't the calmness be effectively represented by ignoring shaken/stun? Not to
mention the orders just being flat out better and the force multiplier effects for only 40 points? At this point might as well slap on the rule that all the weapons it shoots count as strength D.

Feels like someone is definitely feeling the dick envy from other armies if he's thinking that this is "reasonable".

**Furyou Miko**

I use a Command Squad, usually with Long-range Scanners rather than special weapons.

**rahxephon**

Usually just a CCS, kit depends a bit on what else is going on. But usually has a vox and a flamer sometimes a banner and sometimes a mortar. The HWT doest do a huge amount but its cheap, and in the past when putting direct fire guns in the HWT they always get shot and then have to take an Ld check. Don't really want my CCS to be taking those so just hide and take potshots.

**gnoise**

Commissar Yarrick, glory unto he!

**Ashiraya**

Grimskul wrote:
Feels like someone is definitely feeling the dick envy from other armies if he's thinking that this is "reasonable".

Looks that way.

Anyway, I sometimes use my brother's impressive IG army, and then I favour a Lord Commissar. The old model had swagger.

**Clockwork Iron**

I mostly use a company command with a vox and maybe carapace armor if I have points left over (I never do!), they hide in a chimera and issue orders. Also 2 priests who join my 2 blobs to give them fearless.

Very rarely I might grab an officer of the fleet for the command, or take a primaris psyker.

**Lukash_**

I've given Myndoras Odon a shot. He's actually pretty good; comes stock with extra range and 3 orders.

**Jimsolo**

What book is he from?

**Red__Thirst**

Firstly, holy carp that 'special character' tank commander is nutso for the points, considering Pask is +70 points to the tank all told for just ONE warlord trait, BS:4, and a tweak to whatever main weapon the Leman Russ Tank is firing, all of that for a mere +40 is as the kids are saying now-adays: Cray-Cray.

That all being said.

I personally field either a Tank Commander in a Vanquisher Leman Russ, Hull Lascannon, and a pintle mounted storm-bolter, backed up by an Exterminator Leman Russ with a Hull Lascannon.
Or, I field a CCS with a Commander, bare bones, backed up by a Medic, a Company Banner, a Voxcaster, a Plasma Gunner, and an Astropath attached. Commander and squad all have Carapace armor.

I also have a Commissar model painted that I can use as a basic Lord Commissar with Carapace, Bolt Pistol & CCW.

My preferred HQ lately has been the tank commander. I prefer it, honestly, and while it can be easy to kill for certain armies, it's generally MUCH harder to kill a pair of Leman Russes compared to a bunch of T:3 guys with a 4+ armor save, even with Feel No Pain.

Just my opinion. Take it easy for now.

-Red__Thirst-

**Vaktathi**

To be fair, comparing anything to the current tank commander or Pask is sort of unfair as they're both pretty bad, with even Pask having only one really viable setup.

**Kharn The Bae Slayer**

I just use a lord commissar sometimes with death ask and always with a power axe I hate the ap3 power swords

Automatically Appended Next Post:
I mean power fist

Automatically Appended Next Post:
Can you give a power axe

Automatically Appended Next Post:
Can you give your LC a power axe

**Jimmy_Sip**

I think so. Doesn't the power weapon equipment entry refer to axe, sword or maul?

**Ghazkuul**

Merellin wrote:
As the title asks, I'm curious what HQ people use for Astra Militarum. Personaly, I was considering using a Lord Commissar as my two platoons already have command squads for orders.. Though if I would take a HQ command squad, I was Straken cus he is awesome.. xD

Now honestly, I can't say I have played a lot of games against the Imperial Guard (ITS IMPERIAL GUARD NOT BLOODY AM) but seeing as most of them are T3 S3 with shoddy WS, I think I would probably field a Warboss without any CC upgrades since he hits at S6 on the charge and with Imperial guard armor saves generally being as bad as mine I don't need the AP. So thenn I can use the saved points from not equipping a Power Klaw to give other options in my army a boost.

this is what you were talking about right?

**Blacksails**

Mostly a CCS. Pask/Tank commanders were a good idea, but very much lacking in execution.

Meched up CCS with 4x plasma, or a foot version with lascannon, some plasma, and maybe a banner if I'm feeling fancy.

**vipoid**

I like Yarrick. He's an IC that can issue orders, and is pretty durable as HQs go (especially IG ones).

Merellin wrote:
Also, Why is the Lord Commissar such a bad HQ? Seems quite good to me. Sure he dosent give orders, But I got 2 other command squads to give orders..

Well, for a start, how are you fitting both of those CCSs in your army? You've only got 2 HQ slots and the LC takes up one of them.

In any case, the problems with the LC are:

1) He competes with the much better CCS for HQ slots.

2) His only real bonus over the above is that he can hide in a squad... but Chain of Command means you can't actually take advantage of that by making him your warlord (unless you're also prepared to take a massive hit by not including any Senior Officers).

3) He has slightly better stats than a Company Commander, but his wargear is ridiculously overpriced, to the point where you can't really take advantage of them. Basically, as soon as you start kitting him out, you might as well just take Yarrick.

4) He brings very little. He costs more than twice as much as a regular commissar, but you don't gain a great deal from that. And, I'd argue that he's considerably worse than a priest, despite costing more than twice as much as one. A priest actually brings some useful buffs, as well as Fearless, whilst a LC just stacks increasingly redundant Ld modifiers.

5) Aura of Discipline really isn't useful. 6" is just a pathetic distance, and it doesn't even affect Ld for using Orders. Moreover, the CCS can buy a cheap upgrade that lets all IG within 12" reroll failed Ld tests.

Basically, anything he does is done better and/or more efficiently by other units. You're unable to take advantage of his survivability by making him your warlord (even though a regular commissar can be your warlord, go figure), and his stats are completely undermined by IG paying ludicrous prices for all their equipment.