40K Marines

[CyberShadow]

Well, I dont play 40K, and I certainly dont play Marines. But, the recent Salamanders WD article set me off on a Marine train if thought. The conclusion? I dusted off one of the old home grown chapter descriptions (I will start another thread about them elsewhere - but I have a fair few Chapters, Legion, Craftworlds, Swarms and other organisation in storage), found a copy of the Marine Codex and put together a small starter list.

So, I will post it here. Can I get some feedback, to make sure that it is OK. I have gone for a list with personality, but I dont want it to be over-powerful. Also, not being a player, I dont know how good some of the choices are, and whether certain combinations are no good - for example Purity Seals with a Jump Pack.

I have started with only 500 points. Once I have this painted, I will add another 500. It is not really for gaming, just something to put all of my Imperial Marines to use in.

Chaplain (HQ) (70)
Storm Bolter (5)
Jump Pack (20)
Auspex (2)
Purity Seals (5)
TOTAL: 102 points

Tactical Squad (Troops)
Sergent with close combat and bolt pistol (15)
5x Marine with bolter (5 x 15)
Marine with Heavy Bolter (15 + 5)
TOTAL: 110 points

Tactical Squad (Troops)
Sergent with close combat and bolt pistol (15)
6x Marine with bolter (6x 15)
Marine with Missile Launcher (15 + 10)
TOTAL: 130 points

Dreadnought (Storm Bolter/Close Combat) (Elite) (75)
Twin linked auto-cannon (35)
Extra Armour (5)
Smoke Launchers (3)
TOTAL: 118 points

Attack Bike (Fast Attack) (50)
TOTAL: 50 points

ARMY TOTAL: 510 points

Well, I just realised that I need to lose 10 points, so I will change it (probably lose a Marine and add 5 points of war gear). What do you think? Does it work? Any comments appreciated.

[CyberShadow]

I went back and changed a few things to keep it within 500 points. I lost one Marine from the Launcher squad, and gave Meltas bombs to the Chaplain. He should now be a serious character with a storm bolter, invulnerable save, melta bombs and a power weapons. And still not bad at 107 points. What do you all think of the list in general? My biggest worry is that it will be called cheesy. While I only have two troops choices, which is the minimum, they dont have only five guys in each, and I cant do much else with 500 points. In general, I like the list, and hopefully it will give me a use for all of the Marines that I have collected over the years.

I should also mention, I posted a brief overview of the Chapter (Angels of Wrath) elsewhere. This force is from the 4th company. Chapter colours are codex grey, with dark green shoulder pads/relief/etc

Chaplain (HQ) (70)
Storm Bolter (5)
Jump Pack (20)
Auspex (2)
Purity Seals (5)
Melta Bombs (5)
TOTAL: 107 points

Tactical Squad (Troops)
Sergent with close combat and bolt pistol (15)
5x Marine with bolter (5 x 15)
Marine with Heavy Bolter (15 + 5)
TOTAL: 110 points

Tactical Squad (Troops)
Sergent with close combat and bolt pistol (15)
5x Marine with bolter (5x 15)
Marine with Missile Launcher (15 + 10)
TOTAL: 115 points

Dreadnought (Storm Bolter/Close Combat) (Elite) (75)
Twin linked auto-cannon (35)
Extra Armour (5)
Smoke Launchers (3)
TOTAL: 118 points

Attack Bike (Fast Attack) (50)
TOTAL: 50 points

ARMY TOTAL: 500 points

[Blacksnotling]

It appears to be a good force. My normal marine opponents are normally of the Blood Angel variaty so I don't have a lot of experience of "normal" marines.

The only thing I can see drawing any critasism is the Dreadnaught. Putting one in a 500pt game can be seen as over the top, especially if your opponent plays by the fluff.

[CyberShadow]

OK. So how bad is that, exactly? I doubt that I will ever actually play a game of 40K, so I am not too worried, but I dont want to be a powergamer. What could I take instead? I could go for an Assault squad, I guess. But for 118 points, I wont even get five guys.

Basically what I am asking is - is this so bad, and what would you change?

Thanks

[Blacksnotling]

It isn't a big thig really. Some people play like the fluff is correct. ie in this case a drednaught is so valuable they wouldn't be sent on small missions.
Personally, I allow anything as long as it is withn reason.

If I was going to change anything though, I would proberly add another tactical squad, proberly at the expence of the Dred.

[CyberShadow]

I think that I will keep the Dread at this stage. The next 500 points will add an Assault squad - meaning more Marines, which I like anyway.

[Blacksnotling]

Also consider adding a Rhino or two in your next 500 points. I would avaid a Predator for now, you Drednaught should provide enough firepower for a bit.

[CyberShadow]

I might get a Rhino for the Command squad, but in general I dislike transports, and really want very few (if any) tanks. I have a long-term hatred of tanks in 40K, as I simply dont think that the game is up to it. So, the odd transport and small vehicles such as bikes, etc - but that is it for heavy stuff. More infantry!

[Blacksnotling]

A infantry heavy Space Marine Force is a rare thing these days! nice to see a change.