Have you seen this unit/units? Part 11

The raw recruits of the Space Wolves are known as (something) Claws. They come in the form of Blood, Swift and Sky. Unlike other Astartes, the Wolves do not place their rookies in scout squads. They go through the trouble of giving them power armor and throwing them out to learn how to fight proper. If they are brash and fool hardy, as they supposedly are, then they die. No big whoop for the Wolves. If they temper their rage and brash attitude then they are welcomed into the Fang and will eventually become something else (if they live that long). However, it seems the newest members of the Space Wolves fail to make the tabletop and will never achieve their place as warriors of the Fang.



"We look bad ass! Why are we being passed over?!?!"

The (something) Claws all have the standard Space Wolf/ Space Marine rules and come armed with frag/ krak grenades, bolt pistols or bolt pistols and close combat weapons. They all have the same stats of WS 3, BS 3, strength, toughness and initiative 4, 1 wound, leadership 8 and a 3+ save. They also have the special rules of Berserk Charge and Headstrong.

Berserk Charge- gives these blokes +2 attacks on the charge instead of the usual +1. That is fairly awesome as more attacks are always good.

Headstrong- means that without proper leadership (character, HQ or Wolf Guard) that they cannot shoot if within 6” of an enemy. They must pass the shooting phase in preparation of charging. This is not as stellar and they need a sitter if you want them to shoot instead of just standing there doing nothing in the shooting phase.

These guys come in troops as Blood Claws, and two fast attack choices; Swift Claws and Sky Claws.

Blood Claws cost the same points as Grey Hunters. They run in squads of 5-15. They can also take the same special weapons (plasma, melta and flamer) for the same costs as Grey Hunters. If they run at full squad size they may take a second special weapon for free. One Claw can also grab a plasma pistol. They can grab Rhinos, Razorbacks and Drop pods for transport.

Swift Claws are the Space Wolf bikers. They cost the same as “vanilla” bikers and run in squads of 3-10. This squad can take one special weapon (plasma gun, plasma pistol, melta, flamer), a power weapon or a powerfist, they may purchase melta bombs and can take a single attack bike with a heavy bolter or a multi-melta.

Sky Claws are jump infantry and cost the same as their “vanilla” jump pack brothers. Their squad size can be 5-15. They can also purchase one special weapon no matter what the squad size (plasma gun, plasma pistol, melta, flamer), a power weapon or a powerfist and one may have Mark of the Wulfen.

I didn't think I would find photos let alone ready to use Sky Claw models.

Well there they are the newest members of the Space Wolves in their units and with their options. Why are all these guys universally passed over?

First are the WS and BS of 3. Who wants Marines that fight and shoot as well or poorly as the basic Guardsman? Having BS 3 is irritating as half the time (mostly) your shots miss. However; having Marines that get hit on 3+ by other Marines (the gold standard for comparison), in close combat, is terrible. Nobody wants their power armor super dudes getting punched easier by other power armor super dudes. This is what will happen with the Blood Claws and Sky Claws (who are dedicated fast assault unit that fights average is just laughable).

Second, at least when looking at Blood Claws, they compete with Grey Hunters. Grey Hunters rock for those few that do not yet know. They cost the same amount of points as Blood Claws and can purchase the same special weapons at the same points cost. Sure they only have one extra attack when charging, but they are WS 4. That alone makes them a better choice than Blood Claws. The Grey Hunters can also shoot freely within 6” and have that wonderful BS 4. Not to mention they come armed with a bolter along with a bolt pistol and close combat weapon. So, being a bit better armed and definitely better at range and close combat for the same points makes Grey Hunters a better choice.

Swift Claws looked to passed on because…well I’m not sure. The twin-linked bolters on the bikes will mitigate the BS 3. maybe Space Wolves don’t like bikes? Maybe it is because people want to instead use GIANT FREAKING WOLF CALVARY! I guess if you want to spend the points on a sizable bike unit, you look at the points....and scrap it for GIANT FREAKIN" WOLF CALVARY! People love Thunderwovles and the silliness/ greatness they bring to the table. Bikes be damned! Take those bike points and roll them into calvary wolves. I guess this might be why Swift Claws (and all other fast slot choices) are passed over.

How do we make the (something) Claws more usable? Well they are inferior to Grey Hunters as a troops choice, yet cost the same. Why not shave a few points off them? The WS and BS loss as well as the Headstrong rule should lower their cost. Sure the two extra attacks on the charge are cool, but not that cool. The same can be said for the Sky and Swift Claws. Why not shave even just a couple points off them. Less points,even a few might make people interested in them. Plus let Sky Claws of ten, or more, members take two special weapons. Other than that I can not see a way to make these guys appealing.

And why is it that the Wolves are the only chapter to entrust rookies with power armor, jump packs and bikes? Why give the good stuff to guys you think aren't going to, and in some cases hope to, make it back from the battle?