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Archon: Webway Portal 95pts (optional Armor of Misery +15pts 6inch -2 LDR zone)
Kabalite Warriors: Base 40 pts
135-150 pts

Troupe: +7 Players(optional) +5-12 Neuro Disruptors (12in str1 ap2 fleshbane=2+ to wound)
145-320pts

If you don't have access to additional allies, the points won't allow for it or you find yourself stuck doing single codex.
Troupe with Fusion Pistols 15pts per (6in str8 ap1 melta) is not a bad fall back plan.

(Optional Shadowseer: P.M. Lvl2, +Mask of Secrets 12 inch -2 LDR zone, Neuro Disruptor or Haywire Grenade 100-110pts)

Place troupe in reserves with Archon and Deepstrike(no scatter) right on top of your targets face and wish them farewell.

Maximum Cost 555 Points.
Adding DE component to existing Quinns 135-150 points

You could add Harlequin Caress's 8pts per if you feel they will survive 1 whole round until they can charge or the enemy will most likely charge you but quinns swing first and go for ToHit rolls of 6 for automatic AP 2's .Adding the shadowseer will help with this if you have a successful psychic round.

Overall that's 12-13 Neuro Disruptor shots point blank and anything extra you might throw on the archon. A 6inch -4ldr/12inch -2ldr bubble to add to your shadowseers leadership based psychic attacks.

I've played with this (fusion pistol version) and eventually switched to Eldar allied Storm Guardians. Except you can't swap the harlequins CCW for a second pistol, only the shuriken pistol can swap for a pistol

With 2 melta shots, a blaster shot from the archon and a haywire grenade from the Shadowseer (whose job is to cast shriek or Veil depending on matchup) you kill most vehicles without needing more stuff.

Plus you save on troupes which cost twice as much per model.

A troupe in a Starweaver has a 30" melee threat range totally disregarding terrain. It doesn't need deep strike, it can cross the whole board turn 2.

Lots of the things you've suggested other units do better. Why have to choose between AI and AT when for less points you could webway drop in Wraithguard with D-Scythes and do both more effectively then what your suggesting?

Why take an Archon for a 6'' bubble of -2 leadership when you can take a Covenite Formation (I suggest Dark Artisan, but the Grotesquery has great synergy with Harlequins as well) for a more reliable 12'' bubble of -1 leadership from every model in the formation?

It's a neat idea making use of the stuff you have. But you've got several options that do exactly the same thing better and on more survivable platforms.

the_scotsman wrote:
I've played with this (fusion pistol version) and eventually switched to Eldar allied Storm Guardians. Except you can't swap the harlequins CCW for a second pistol, only the shuriken pistol can swap for a pistol

With 2 melta shots, a blaster shot from the archon and a haywire grenade from the Shadowseer (whose job is to cast shriek or Veil depending on matchup) you kill most vehicles without needing more stuff.

Plus you save on troupes which cost twice as much per model.

A troupe in a Starweaver has a 30" melee threat range totally disregarding terrain. It doesn't need deep strike, it can cross the whole board turn 2.

They concept I was going for here is a Harlequin Primary with limited Allies to accomplish what people say Harlequins lack themselves while ensuring you kill what you go after. Warlords, S.M. vehicles with av14 on all sides, titans etc.
The main difference between using the archon and transports is the unpredictability of where they will go and the fact that they will be EXACTLY where you need them to be without your enemy being able to do anything about it (except people with intercept) Especially if they are trying to hide their Warlord.
As for CCW I was trying to say equip additional weapons not replace the pistol. Caress, Kiss etc. It's extra points you don't need on them if you don't expect them to survive.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 ALEXisAWESOME wrote:
Lots of the things you've suggested other units do better. Why have to choose between AI and AT when for less points you could webway drop in Wraithguard with D-Scythes and do both more effectively then what your suggesting?

Why take an Archon for a 6'' bubble of -2 leadership when you can take a Covenite Formation (I suggest Dark Artisan, but the Grotesquery has great synergy with Harlequins as well) for a more reliable 12'' bubble of -1 leadership from every model in the formation?

It's a neat idea making use of the stuff you have. But you've got several options that do exactly the same thing better and on more survivable platforms.

I agree there are alot of other units that do things better, but this method allows you to play Harlequin Primary with limited allies and still have access to all the other fun Harlequins bring


Automatically Appended Next Post:
There is also other things to consider as always. Not every board allows you to hide transports to make it through turn 1 or even ensure your harlequins can make the range which I've seen plenty fail by less than an inch. Being charged depending on the army that squad could still bring fear and it's high initiative into the play as well. If they survive you can also hit and run (let the archon absorb all the wounds so you can)
If you are already running a masque/cegorachs revenge... for an additional 135 minimum you add a CAD with objective secured. 5 K.W. you can slap with a death Jester etc to soak wounds with a FNP
There is just alot of options with using harlequins as they are not 1 trick ponies

500 points is a lot, and I mean a very lot of points for a Harlequin primary army. You can't afford to throw so many points away on a suicide mission. You pay a lot of points for high Ws, I and attack characteristics and only by using them effectively do you get your points worth.

I get it, Harlequins lack anti-tank. But what if we take those points you've spent on fusion pistols and get a 4 Haywire blaster scourge unit. They are beautiful models, where masks and I bet they'd look ace painted Harlequin-eque. They are 120 points for 4 12'' move 24'' assault haywire guns . Not as 100% likely to evaporate the enemy tank in one volly, but they have the range and armour (comparatively in a Harlequin army ) to get multiple vollies in.

Then you drop a few troupe members to gear up others. Now instead of a suicidal deathstar made of wet paper you have an elite precision melee unit which can be deep struck somewhere safe with perfect accuracy as well as some reliable anti-tank.

 ALEXisAWESOME wrote:
500 points is a lot, and I mean a very lot of points for a Harlequin primary army. You can't afford to throw so many points away on a suicide mission. You pay a lot of points for high Ws, I and attack characteristics and only by using them effectively do you get your points worth.

I get it, Harlequins lack anti-tank. But what if we take those points you've spent on fusion pistols and get a 4 Haywire blaster scourge unit. They are beautiful models, where masks and I bet they'd look ace painted Harlequin-eque. They are 120 points for 4 12'' move 24'' assault haywire guns . Not as 100% likely to evaporate the enemy tank in one volly, but they have the range and armour (comparatively in a Harlequin army ) to get multiple vollies in.

Then you drop a few troupe members to gear up others. Now instead of a suicidal deathstar made of wet paper you have an elite precision melee unit which can be deep struck somewhere safe with perfect accuracy as well as some reliable anti-tank.

I already run a masque/c.r. so it's only adding an additional 135pts to give me this ability. Tho I do see your point about the 180pts for 12 fusions. I don't tend to max my troupes out normally but I figured I'd give the highest point variables and let people downgrade from there. Haywire Cannons on the skyweavers have been excellent Anti Armor for me so I only included the AA version to show it could be done if all else fails or you end up with a tough target that ignores haywire on a 4+ or completely.
Also using this method is a very effective way of making certain titans choose which direction their shields are facing when you get them flanked

I lean more towards dark reaper squads with a veil of tears shadow seer for pure awesomeness but that's a 1 trick pony as well. I've found myself in alot of games where I just needed that deathsquad to kill very specific targets that could upset a win. (It's also great for surgically removing a synapse )
I'm open for more variables of this idea. I just went with this to keep it as harlequin only as possible

I run primary harlies with limited allies. Trust me-use a troop tax from either DE or Eldar as your suicide drop, troupes are more fun and more effective as the melee blenders they were meant to be

Ideas: use Storm Guardians with fusions - that's the tax you need for an Eldar HQ on a bike with Banshee Mask and Shard of Anaris (giving your Glaive Skyweavers ignores overwatch so they can carve up more fools, and 2+ reserve rolls!) you can also bring in a Hemlock, which gives you more -2LD and psychic shriek synergy as well as THE definitive answer to Flyrants.

Or, use Kabalite Warriors with a blaster and blast pistol sarge, and use the allied slots to bring in raiders so you can run higher numbers in your troupes.

the_scotsman wrote:
I run primary harlies with limited allies. Trust me-use a troop tax from either DE or Eldar as your suicide drop, troupes are more fun and more effective as the melee blenders they were meant to be

Ideas: use Storm Guardians with fusions - that's the tax you need for an Eldar HQ on a bike with Banshee Mask and Shard of Anaris (giving your Glaive Skyweavers ignores overwatch so they can carve up more fools, and 2+ reserve rolls!) you can also bring in a Hemlock, which gives you more -2LD and psychic shriek synergy as well as THE definitive answer to Flyrants.

Or, use Kabalite Warriors with a blaster and blast pistol sarge, and use the allied slots to bring in raiders so you can run higher numbers in your troupes.

Nice I've been looking for something like this (especially anti air) and I completely agree especially once you have a larger points pool to play with. I'll ammendment the post to reflect more accurately.
I've toyed with 10man K.W. squads and unbound trueborns which is also alot of fun and fnp5+ makes them tougher but their skill is weaker. I am running towards that concept tho.
Masque with D.E. HQ minimal troops. All transports from D.E. Eldar HQ with Rangers for minimal troop slot and dark reapers to hold the backfield with VoT on.

Spend the points on caresses instead, they solid against everything, and play to the harlequins strengths. If you are taking DE it's hard to pass up on Scourge for anti-tank.

There's a lot of allies who will cover harlequin weaknesses. It's far more interesting to play the ones who enhance their strengths.

For the Eldar:

-Jain Zar: best candidate to make your own model. Loves sending troupes in with no overwatch and shredding anything they've got.

-Autarch w/ mask and shard: makes your glaive bikers the gak, also not half bad in combat himself. Quite cheap.

-Hemlock: HUGE -2ld bubble that can be literally anywhere. Biggest flaw is his guns only work on FMCS not flyers, but FMCS are far more of a problem anyway when they show up.

For the Dark Eldar:

-Coven formations, the archangel of pain and the armor of misery all provide advantages.

Trystis wrote:
Spend the points on caresses instead, they solid against everything, and play to the harlequins strengths. If you are taking DE it's hard to pass up on Scourge for anti-tank.

I completely agree. Only issue is this is a tactic is to allow an unmolested Troupe to land right on target and fire up to 13 shots
Troupe Master Hits on a 2 wounds on a 2. It's Ap2
Everyone else hits on a 3 wounds on a 2 all AP2
I ammended the post earlier to reflect using an anti armor version only if it's desperate etc.
I always use caress's on my troupes because nothing else brings the pain train quite like they do.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

the_scotsman wrote:
There's a lot of allies who will cover harlequin weaknesses. It's far more interesting to play the ones who enhance their strengths.

For the Eldar:

-Jain Zar: best candidate to make your own model. Loves sending troupes in with no overwatch and shredding anything they've got.

-Autarch w/ mask and shard: makes your glaive bikers the gak, also not half bad in combat himself. Quite cheap.

-Hemlock: HUGE -2ld bubble that can be literally anywhere. Biggest flaw is his guns only work on FMCS not flyers, but FMCS are far more of a problem anyway when they show up.

For the Dark Eldar:

-Coven formations, the archangel of pain and the armor of misery all provide advantages.

Nice I'll have to try these out. It really is interesting, and I've been trying all sorts of combos.
The only problem I find is if I just go for what's the best at 1 thing, then I might as well just say screw it and field nothing but titans. There is that but also I did this to show the minimal points required from an allied detachment to give this effect and retain almost pure harlequin cohesion. I also like the fact that this concept allows you to be comparably effective in the same way as all these allied units but still have all the other tricks and specials that the harlequins have that these other allies do not. I.e. if the death squad lives they have rising crescendo because of the formation

True, but what's the point of the anti infantry version? With 6 (remember: only one pistol per harlequin! It gets VERY expensive with higher numbers) shots, odds are you're more interested in infantry than monster hunting. S8 AP1 from the meltas wounds most things on a 2+ anyway...and if you run up against an IK or something you have the option.

The range isn't an issue, cus No Scatter DS....what does the Neuro Disruptor bring?

This is why I never bring disruptors. They rarely do anything fusions don't do, and fusions give function against every vehicle in the game.

the_scotsman wrote:
True, but what's the point of the anti infantry version? With 6 (remember: only one pistol per harlequin! It gets VERY expensive with higher numbers) shots, odds are you're more interested in infantry than monster hunting. S8 AP1 from the meltas wounds most things on a 2+ anyway...and if you run up against an IK or something you have the option.

The range isn't an issue, cus No Scatter DS....what does the Neuro Disruptor bring?

This is why I never bring disruptors. They rarely do anything fusions don't do, and fusions give function against every vehicle in the game.

Bringing the N.D. gives more range (if it's infantry you're after) and this comes into play with deepstrike placement if they surround the required target with other units as well as the "you can't wound something you can't reach" so that 6 inch range is at best a 5 inch range into the unit. I've come across alot of high toughness models that str8 would still only wound on a 3-5+. The N.D. fleshbane wounds automatically on a 2+ regardless of toughness so some Tyranids have found out to their detriment.
If you are not using deepstrike with it, I would never run fusion because my math is this. N.D. 10pts per player Caress 8pts per for 18 pts per total
compared to fusions 15pts per to cover both but not use able in CC and 6inch range.
If my troupe is going after a vehicle I just Caress it do death on the tohit rolls of 6 to autoglance vehicles.

The other bonus to Neuro Disruptors is it wounds on a 2+ against gargantuan creatures. With the current prevalence of Wraithknights and Stormsurges in the game, coupled with whatever the Tyranids wind up getting with the new codex that comes out--whenever that might be--they are quite potent.

I remain unconvinced that they are truly worth the points.

The problem I see with them is redundancy. Nowhere else in the Harlequin Arsenal is there a low-AP tank popping/disabling weaponry.

In an army without Caresses (5 man squad downs a knight or WK in a turn) and Kisses (5 man squad will almost always get one instant death wound) the neuros would be awesome. But I think their usage overlaps enough and the fusion brings enough extra utility to the table that I have trouble justifying not going for the fusion when I'm considering the neuro.

Which is a shame because neuros look awesome, and I put them on all my non-gameplay units on transports and the like.

I find my Harlequin lists can handle vehicles quite well without any Fusion Pistols. I charge vehicles early and often, using Kisses, Embraces and Caresses against the appropriate vehicle targets; the first two against lower AV and rear AV10 vehicles, the last against high AV targets like LRs and AV12+ Walkers. This does quite well as is. I also have a plethora of S6 weaponry available through Shuriken Cannons on Voidweavers and Skyweavers, as well as the Voidweavers' Haywire Cannons.

The biggest problem I have with Fusion Pistols is they are only 6" range. To garner the Melta power I have to be within 3". Odds are high a 3" FP shot will lead to the vehicle exploding. when 2/3 of the explosion range will hit at least one Player I find that an unacceptable outcome. In addition, the extra 5pts spent to field the FP instead of a ND takes away upgrades from my other units. In fact, those 5pts could be spent giving Haywire Grenades to characters, or fielding extra bodies for every three FPs that are converted to NDs.

I understand others are okay with the risk losing those models to explosions if it means getting rid of a Super Heavy, but when you're using them to destroy Rhinos, Razorbacks or Dreads it's just not worth it.

**Corrected typos**

Tropic Thunder wrote:
I find my Harlequin lists can handle vehicles quite well without any Fusion Pistols. I charge vehicles early and often, using Kisses, Embraces and Caresses against the appropriate vehicle targets; the first two against lower AV and rear AV10 vehicles, the last against high AV targets like LRs and AV12+ Walkers. This does quite well as is. I also have a plethora of S6 weaponry available through Shuriken Cannons on Voidweavers and Skyweavers, as well as the Voidweavers' Haywire Cannons.

The biggest problem I have with Fusion Pistols is they are only 6" range. To garner the Melta power I have to be within 3". Odds are high a 3" FP shot will lead to the vehicle exploding. when 2/3 of the explosion range will hit at least one Player I find that an unacceptable outcome. In addition, the extra 5pts spent to field the FP instead of a ND takes away upgrades from my other units. In fact, those 5pts could be spent giving Haywire Grenades to characters, or fielding extra bodies for every three FPs that are converted to NDs.

I understand others are okay with the risk losing those models to explosions if it means getting rid of a Super Heavy, but when you're using them to destroy Rhinos, Razorbacks ior Dreads t's just not worth it.

Agreed.
I've rofflestomped tank line's with nothing but the Solitaire caressing, skyweavers haywire cannon and charging for str5 ap2 R.A. hits with the occasional Voidweaver support.

At this point in my list I'm not using either pistol upgrade. Other than one unit of haywire cannon bikes I put all my ranged support in my allies, so my harlequins can concentrate on what they're good at - mashing things in melee.

If I were running pure harlies though, I might run a couple fusion guns to supplement the shuriken cannons and haywire cannons.

Tropic Thunder wrote:
The other bonus to Neuro Disruptors is it wounds on a 2+ against gargantuan creatures. With the current prevalence of Wraithknights and Stormsurges in the game, coupled with whatever the Tyranids wind up getting with the new codex that comes out--whenever that might be--they are quite potent.

Is this the case? I know poison and sniper only wound on 6+ against GMCs.... but yeah i don't recall anything about fleshbane.. nice!

It is indeed the case.