So recapping from last week, I've been thinking more and more about how to do a Tyranid MSU style list. Previously I hadn't considered this a viable tactic outside of a mechanized force; the very efficiency of the concept is based around loading up small squads with special weapons (usually meltaguns) and shoving them into armed transports, often las/plas Razorbacks and Chimeras.
Tyranids obviously can't replicate this, but we do have one analog; Mycetic Spores. A good portion of our codex can buy them as transports, and while they have terrible Ballistic Skill and worse range, they can put out an impressive number of shots even unupgraded. Their lack or range can be mitigated by two factors; upgraded weaponry and their protection from deepstrike mishaps. Upgraded weaponry (I'd recommend the TL deathspitter) provides enough shots that the low BS ceases to become an issue as well as increasing the threat range. Mishap protection allows them to appear more or less at will - you can choose the armor facing you want to land closest to, and almost every vehicle in the game has at least one AV of 10.
There are two other points also worth considering. Spores aren't going to be cracking open Land Raiders, but they do expand the number of Force Org. slots that can harass light vehicles. They also allow a single unit to hit multiple targets. Both of these are real advantages and can free up our Heavy Support and Elite slots.
I've relied on all of the above advantages before, but not in a list built around them. Hopefully I'll be able to get in a few more tests over the coming weeks.
Hey Ben, it's Aaron with a name change! www.rarkthorshold.blogspot Copyright and a desire for some originality made me think a change in name was a good idea.
ReplyDeleteThe other cool thing about the Mycetic Spores is the fact that they are monstrous creatures in combat. They may not be all that good at it, but it still makes me think twice about charging it.
In addition, it has several wounds, which means it can take some fire. Or require a S8 or higher weapon to double it out, but that's a shot NOT fired on a Carnifex or Trygon.
Overall, I have to say that the Mycetic Spores make everything a lot more scary and can be a pain on their own. In my mind, 2 thumbs up.
In all fairness, I'm unsure about how viable they're going to be in the face of Grey Knights. The Inquisitorial/Coteaz style lists aren't any scarier than Mech Guard, but the Warp Quake ability pretty thoroughly neutralizes a Tyranid reserve strike. I've been trying to think of a decent response, but no luck yet.
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