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Am I crazy for wanting to try this Mech Guard list?


++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium - Astra Militarum) [104 PL, 11CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points)

Detachment Command Cost

Regimental Doctrine: Gunnery Experts, Pyromaniacs

+ Stratagems +

Tank Ace [-1CP]

+ HQ +

Tank Commander [12 PL, 240pts]: Lascannon, Plasma Cannons, Turret-mounted Demolisher Siege Cannon

Tank Commander [12 PL, 240pts]: Lascannon, Plasma Cannons, Turret-mounted Demolisher Siege Cannon

Tank Commander [12 PL, 240pts]: Lascannon, Plasma Cannons, Turret-mounted Demolisher Siege Cannon, Warlord

+ Troops +

Infantry Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Laspistol

Infantry Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Laspistol

Infantry Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Laspistol

Infantry Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Laspistol

+ Elites +

Bullgryns [5 PL, 105pts]
. Bullgryn: Grenadier Gauntlet, Slabshield
. Bullgryn: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield
. Bullgryn Bone 'ead: Grenadier Gauntlet, Slabshield

Bullgryns [5 PL, 105pts]
. Bullgryn: Grenadier Gauntlet, Slabshield
. Bullgryn: Grenadier Gauntlet, Slabshield
. Bullgryn Bone 'ead: Grenadier Gauntlet, Slabshield

+ Heavy Support +

Manticore [8 PL, 155pts]: Augur array, Full Payload, Heavy Bolter, Hunter-Killer Missile

Manticore [8 PL, 155pts]: Augur array, Full Payload, Heavy Bolter, Hunter-Killer Missile

+ Dedicated Transport +

Chimera [5 PL, 90pts]: Heavy Flamer, Heavy Flamer, Track guards

Chimera [5 PL, 90pts]: Heavy Flamer, Heavy Flamer, Track guards

Chimera [5 PL, 90pts]: Heavy Flamer, Heavy Flamer, Track guards

Chimera [5 PL, 90pts]: Heavy Flamer, Heavy Flamer, Track guards

Chimera [5 PL, 90pts]: Heavy Flamer, Heavy Flamer, Track guards

Chimera [5 PL, 90pts]: Heavy Flamer, Heavy Flamer, Track guards

++ Total: [104 PL, 11CP, 2,000pts] ++

Created with BattleScribe (https://battlescribe.net)

With so many vehicles you might consider using jury rigged repairs which works on every vehicle. Pyromaniacs only works for flamers. Some support like a tech priest enginseer, master of ordnance isnt bad either.

I'd personally do the following:
- Drop a couple of Chimera and use the points leftover to get a Primaris Psyker. Merge the Bullgryns into one squad so the PPs power will affect them all at once.
- I don't really think you need 3 Tank Commanders. I would drop one, and change another to a full-plasma Executioner. The range bonus and reliable damage output may work better than the D6 damage Demolisher.
- As P5 recommended, JRR may be a better choice than Pyromaniacs.
- You already have a good number of blast weapons, I don't think you'd need the Grenadier Gauntlets.

Here's a quick edit with what I suggest:


++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium - Astra Militarum) [108 PL, 9CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points)

Detachment Command Cost

Regimental Doctrine: Gunnery Experts, Jury-rigged Repairs

+ Stratagems +

Tank Ace [-1CP]

+ Agents of the Imperium +

Inquisitor [4 PL, -2CP, 70pts]: 4) Mental Interrogation, 6) Castigation, Alpha-Class Psyker, Digital Weapons, Force sword, Formidable Resolve, Needle Pistol, Ordo Malleus, Psyker, Stratagem: Arbiter of the Emperor's Will

+ HQ +

Tank Commander [12 PL, 240pts]: Lascannon, Plasma Cannons, Relic: Kurov's Aquila, Turret-mounted Demolisher Siege Cannon, Warlord

Tank Commander [12 PL, 240pts]: Lascannon, Plasma Cannons, Turret-mounted Demolisher Siege Cannon

Tank Commander [12 PL, 240pts]: Lascannon, Plasma Cannons, Turret-mounted Demolisher Siege Cannon

+ Troops +

Infantry Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Chainsword, Laspistol

Infantry Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Chainsword, Laspistol

Infantry Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Chainsword, Laspistol

Infantry Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Chainsword, Laspistol

+ Elites +

Bullgryns [5 PL, 105pts]
. Bullgryn: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield
. Bullgryn: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield
. Bullgryn Bone 'ead: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield

Bullgryns [5 PL, 105pts]
. Bullgryn: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield
. Bullgryn: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield
. Bullgryn Bone 'ead: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield

+ Heavy Support +

Manticore [8 PL, 150pts]: Full Payload, Heavy Bolter, Hunter-Killer Missile

Manticore [8 PL, 150pts]: Full Payload, Heavy Bolter, Hunter-Killer Missile

+ Dedicated Transport +

Chimera [5 PL, 80pts]: Heavy Flamer, Multi-laser, Track guards

Chimera [5 PL, 80pts]: Heavy Flamer, Multi-laser, Track guards

Chimera [5 PL, 80pts]: Heavy Flamer, Multi-laser, Track guards

Chimera [5 PL, 80pts]: Heavy Flamer, Multi-laser, Track guards

Chimera [5 PL, 80pts]: Heavy Flamer, Multi-laser, Track guards

Chimera [5 PL, 80pts]: Heavy Flamer, Multi-laser, Track guards

++ Total: [108 PL, 9CP, 2,000pts] ++

Created with BattleScribe

I get your basic idea of using the Manticore as backline bombards, the LR TC as close support, and the Chimera to facilitate rapid movement for your troops to ObSec. It's really good in my mind. However, you really don't need Pyromaniacs and JRR will help you a LOT more in the long run. Also, it is highly recommended to always take at least one unit capable of using Deny The Witch to avoid the enemy stomping you every Psychic phase.

I tried to honor your list as best I can while fitting in a Psyker to accomplish this so I made him an Inquisitor instead of replacing one of your Tank Commanders. This has the added benefit of Inquisitors Unquestioned Wisdom ability, allowing Imperium units within 6" to use his Leadership of 9. On top of that, by using the Stratagem Arbiter of the Emperor's Will, you can grant him the Warlord Trait Formidable Resolve, which adds 1 to his Leadership (for a total of 10!) and extends the aura range of Unquestioned Wisdom by an additional 6" (to a total of 12"!)

The idea with him is to embed him in one of the Chimera with whatever squad (his Authority of the Inquisition allows him to embark on any Imperium Transport model that he can fit in) you want and move him up the field with your Infantry. Depending on positioning, you could manage to make his now 12" aura cover most if not all of you forward units capturing points, granting a Leadership 10 to all those unit! This is incredibly useful in an IG army where they will drop like flies in the combat phases and flee in the Moral phase.

You can swap his Ordo freely before battle based on your opponent to maximize that benefit as well. I gave him a Force sword because it goes well with Digital Weapons, but you can play with his gear pretty freely.

Oh right, I also switched the Bullgryns to Mauls because you'll really want them to intercept the quick assault units that try to charge your forward objectives. The Mauls are rather great melee weapons with the Bullgryns natural strength and Avalanch of Muscle. The Grenade Gauntlets unfortunately don't have a non-blast option so they just aren't that helpful for the interceptor position you need the Bullgryn to fulfill.

And I gave your warlord Kurov's Aquila to facilitate some extra CP regen, because that's always pretty useful. If you find your Tanks dying to quickly, I'd recommend looking into a Techmarine as well. Each will grant you a free slot of Servitors as well. Servitors aren't great, but you can load two up with Heavy Weapons for fire support and as long as they stick to the Techpriest, they'll shoot as well as any Guardsmen.

 SergentSilver wrote:
Here's a quick edit with what I suggest:


++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium - Astra Militarum) [108 PL, 9CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points)

Detachment Command Cost



Regimental Doctrine: Gunnery Experts, Jury-rigged Repairs

+ Stratagems +

Tank Ace [-1CP]

+ Agents of the Imperium +

Inquisitor [4 PL, -2CP, 70pts]: 4) Mental Interrogation, 6) Castigation, Alpha-Class Psyker, Digital Weapons, Force sword, Formidable Resolve, Needle Pistol, Ordo Malleus, Psyker, Stratagem: Arbiter of the Emperor's Will

+ HQ +

Tank Commander [12 PL, 240pts]: Lascannon, Plasma Cannons, Relic: Kurov's Aquila, Turret-mounted Demolisher Siege Cannon, Warlord

Tank Commander [12 PL, 240pts]: Lascannon, Plasma Cannons, Turret-mounted Demolisher Siege Cannon

Tank Commander [12 PL, 240pts]: Lascannon, Plasma Cannons, Turret-mounted Demolisher Siege Cannon

+ Troops +

Infantry Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Chainsword, Laspistol

Infantry Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Chainsword, Laspistol

Infantry Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Chainsword, Laspistol

Infantry Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Chainsword, Laspistol

+ Elites +

Bullgryns [5 PL, 105pts]
. Bullgryn: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield
. Bullgryn: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield
. Bullgryn Bone 'ead: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield

Bullgryns [5 PL, 105pts]
. Bullgryn: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield
. Bullgryn: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield
. Bullgryn Bone 'ead: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield

+ Heavy Support +

Manticore [8 PL, 150pts]: Full Payload, Heavy Bolter, Hunter-Killer Missile

Manticore [8 PL, 150pts]: Full Payload, Heavy Bolter, Hunter-Killer Missile

+ Dedicated Transport +

Chimera [5 PL, 80pts]: Heavy Flamer, Multi-laser, Track guards

Chimera [5 PL, 80pts]: Heavy Flamer, Multi-laser, Track guards

Chimera [5 PL, 80pts]: Heavy Flamer, Multi-laser, Track guards

Chimera [5 PL, 80pts]: Heavy Flamer, Multi-laser, Track guards

Chimera [5 PL, 80pts]: Heavy Flamer, Multi-laser, Track guards

Chimera [5 PL, 80pts]: Heavy Flamer, Multi-laser, Track guards

++ Total: [108 PL, 9CP, 2,000pts] ++

Created with BattleScribe

I get your basic idea of using the Manticore as backline bombards, the LR TC as close support, and the Chimera to facilitate rapid movement for your troops to ObSec. It's really good in my mind. However, you really don't need Pyromaniacs and JRR will help you a LOT more in the long run. Also, it is highly recommended to always take at least one unit capable of using Deny The Witch to avoid the enemy stomping you every Psychic phase.

I tried to honor your list as best I can while fitting in a Psyker to accomplish this so I made him an Inquisitor instead of replacing one of your Tank Commanders. This has the added benefit of Inquisitors Unquestioned Wisdom ability, allowing Imperium units within 6" to use his Leadership of 9. On top of that, by using the Stratagem Arbiter of the Emperor's Will, you can grant him the Warlord Trait Formidable Resolve, which adds 1 to his Leadership (for a total of 10!) and extends the aura range of Unquestioned Wisdom by an additional 6" (to a total of 12"!)

The idea with him is to embed him in one of the Chimera with whatever squad (his Authority of the Inquisition allows him to embark on any Imperium Transport model that he can fit in) you want and move him up the field with your Infantry. Depending on positioning, you could manage to make his now 12" aura cover most if not all of you forward units capturing points, granting a Leadership 10 to all those unit! This is incredibly useful in an IG army where they will drop like flies in the combat phases and flee in the Moral phase.

You can swap his Ordo freely before battle based on your opponent to maximize that benefit as well. I gave him a Force sword because it goes well with Digital Weapons, but you can play with his gear pretty freely.

Oh right, I also switched the Bullgryns to Mauls because you'll really want them to intercept the quick assault units that try to charge your forward objectives. The Mauls are rather great melee weapons with the Bullgryns natural strength and Avalanch of Muscle. The Grenade Gauntlets unfortunately don't have a non-blast option so they just aren't that helpful for the interceptor position you need the Bullgryn to fulfill.

And I gave your warlord Kurov's Aquila to facilitate some extra CP regen, because that's always pretty useful. If you find your Tanks dying to quickly, I'd recommend looking into a Techmarine as well. Each will grant you a free slot of Servitors as well. Servitors aren't great, but you can load two up with Heavy Weapons for fire support and as long as they stick to the Techpriest, they'll shoot as well as any Guardsmen.

I really like your changes and input. Thanks. I'm ganna give it a try next time I'm able to play a game.

Thoughts on dropping a Chimera to add Plasma guns to the infantry, track guards to the LR TC, and Auger Arrays to the Manticore for the Hunter Killer missile?

Marshall Ragnar wrote:

I really like your changes and input. Thanks. I'm ganna give it a try next time I'm able to play a game.

Thoughts on dropping a Chimera to add Plasma guns to the infantry, track guards to the LR TC, and Auger Arrays to the Manticore for the Hunter Killer missile?

Not a bad idea by any stretch. Most likely you will have one or two Infantry Squads sitting on back objectives from the first turn, so having a Chimera for each isn't really necessary. This also allows you to introduce a Techpriest or Master of Ordinance to your list. I chose Techpriest as even though JRR covers a lot of Vehicle healing, I believe you will get more from him with your (non-Support) Vehicle heavy list, but they cost the same so they can switch freely. I also gave the Techpriest a relic to improve his survivability since the enemy will want him out of play.

On Guardsmen, the Plasma won't do a ton, but they should help take down a couple medium enemies. Best selection out of the choices though, unless your opponent is Vehicle heavy in which case you'll want melta.
As for the Auger Arrays, it certainly doesn't hurt, but I think there are plenty of ways to reroll a failed attack roll. Might just be in SM though.

Here's the new list:


++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium - Astra Militarum) [105 PL, 8CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points)

Detachment Command Cost

Regimental Doctrine: Gunnery Experts, Jury-rigged Repairs

+ Stratagems +

Imperial Commander's Armoury [-1CP]: 1 additional Heirloom of Conquest

Tank Ace [-1CP]

+ Agents of the Imperium +

Inquisitor [4 PL, -2CP, 70pts]: 4) Mental Interrogation, 6) Castigation, Alpha-Class Psyker, Digital Weapons, Force sword, Formidable Resolve, Needle Pistol, Ordo Malleus, Psyker, Stratagem: Arbiter of the Emperor's Will

+ HQ +

Tank Commander [12 PL, 245pts]: Lascannon, Plasma Cannons, Relic: Kurov's Aquila, Track guards, Turret-mounted Demolisher Siege Cannon, Warlord

Tank Commander [12 PL, 245pts]: Lascannon, Plasma Cannons, Track guards, Turret-mounted Demolisher Siege Cannon

Tank Commander [12 PL, 245pts]: Lascannon, Plasma Cannons, Track guards, Turret-mounted Demolisher Siege Cannon

+ Troops +

Infantry Squad [3 PL, 60pts]
. 8x Guardsman: 8x Lasgun
. Guardsman W/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Sergeant: Chainsword, Laspistol

Infantry Squad [3 PL, 60pts]
. 8x Guardsman: 8x Lasgun
. Guardsman W/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Sergeant: Chainsword, Laspistol

Infantry Squad [3 PL, 60pts]
. 8x Guardsman: 8x Lasgun
. Guardsman W/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Sergeant: Chainsword, Laspistol

Infantry Squad [3 PL, 60pts]
. 8x Guardsman: 8x Lasgun
. Guardsman W/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Sergeant: Chainsword, Laspistol

+ Elites +

Bullgryns [5 PL, 105pts]
. Bullgryn: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield
. Bullgryn: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield
. Bullgryn Bone 'ead: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield

Bullgryns [5 PL, 105pts]
. Bullgryn: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield
. Bullgryn: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield
. Bullgryn Bone 'ead: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield

Tech-Priest Enginseer [2 PL, 35pts]: Relic: The Deathmask of Ollanius

+ Heavy Support +

Manticore [8 PL, 155pts]: Augur array, Full Payload, Heavy Bolter, Hunter-Killer Missile

Manticore [8 PL, 155pts]: Augur array, Full Payload, Heavy Bolter, Hunter-Killer Missile

+ Dedicated Transport +

Chimera [5 PL, 80pts]: Heavy Flamer, Multi-laser, Track guards

Chimera [5 PL, 80pts]: Heavy Flamer, Multi-laser, Track guards

Chimera [5 PL, 80pts]: Heavy Flamer, Multi-laser, Track guards

Chimera [5 PL, 80pts]: Heavy Flamer, Multi-laser, Track guards

Chimera [5 PL, 80pts]: Heavy Flamer, Multi-laser, Track guards

++ Total: [105 PL, 8CP, 2,000pts] ++

Created with BattleScribe

I like the augur array idea, to reroll one failed hit roll for the HKM. But, if you If you take a master of ordnance you can reroll hit rolls of 1, when the target is more than 36" away. The master of ordnance also has an artillery strike, D6 shots, which can be upgraded to 6 shots with a 1CP stratagem. And he is a character, you could give him kurovs aquila, for CP farming.

 p5freak wrote:
I like the augur array idea, to reroll one failed hit roll for the HKM. But, if you If you take a master of ordnance you can reroll hit rolls of 1, when the target is more than 36" away. The master of ordnance also has an artillery strike, D6 shots, which can be upgraded to 6 shots with a 1CP stratagem. And he is a character, you could give him kurovs aquila, for CP farming.

I've already got Kurovs Aquila in there on a TC. It's the only Relic those TC can take and it's much better protected there for the most part. I did mention that a Master of Ordinance is an option instead of the Techpriest, and I gave my main reason for choosing the Techpriest. Other than that, if a MoO with Kurov's Aquila was sitting in the back with two Manticore, I would fully expect the enemy to somehow insert a unit right next to them and kill him off in the first two turns. His army list is very mobile, but doesn't have much in the way of combating alpha strikers if they go right for the backline. If he didn't mind taking off some of the Track Guards, I would highly recommend a MoO and some pintle mounted Storm Bolters on those Manticore as an extra defensive weapon.