Chaos review...Troops part 2

The second option for Chaos troops is a throwback to the halcyon days of the Eye of Terror. Well it seems that way. That was a little supplement that gave players the option to run Chaos infused/traitor Imperial Guard. Well a version of that can be run with the new rules for allies, or it can just be run with this codex.

The Cultists have been added as a second troop choice for the Chaos Marines. These are the fallen, traitor, corrupted or just plain crazy humans that follow the Chaos gods. That or they are crazy and like being bad. They can be used a few different ways and have some upgrades to help them fit different battlefield roles.

They have typical 40K human stats: WS, BS, strength, toughness and initiative 3, 1 attack and wound, leadership 7 and a 6+ save. They have a Champion attached and he is the same but comes with +1 attack and +1 leadership. The unit comes equipped with close combat weapons and auto pistols ( 12” S3 AP-) which are just renamed laspistols. They come in a squad size of nine plus the Champion for a bargain basement cost of a paltry 4 bits. You can also add up 25 more guys to the squad at a cost of +4 points per guy.

Now the Cultists are not without some upgrades. Now these are not true traitor Imperial Guard. These are more crazy humans that follow Chaos. They can choose to swap their autopistol for an autogun (lasgun with a different name) for +1 point per model. They can also add a flamer for +5 points per every 10 models in the squad. They can also add a heavy stubber (36“ S4  AP- Heavy) for +5 points per every 10 models in the squad.

The model looks really good, but the gun stats are drek!

Then they can also add Marks to bolster their abilities. These Marks act just like they do for every one else in the codex. They are not lesser just because they are stuck on boring old humans. These are at a bit of a reduced cost compared to the rest of the Codex: Khorne +2/ model, Tzeencth +1/ model, Nurgle +2/model and Slaanesh +1/ model.

There are no transport options for this unit, but is that really an issue?

Wait! The unit Champion can purchase a shotgun for +2 points. Why is this an option? Is it due to the Dark Vengeance boxed set guy with a shotgun (along with a super lame mask and coat). Who thinks this is a good use of two points? If the squad could take shotguns then maybe it might be a viable choice. One guy with a shotgun is just stupid and not remotely worth it.

Here we have a cheap mandatory and scoring unit. If you are a more “toys than boys” player then use two squads of Cultists for your troops and then spend all the extra points on the goodies you want. There is also the 10 man squad that camps on a backfield objective and hopes the enemy doesn’t get to them. You could make them follows of Khorne and run them across the board in a blood fuelled craze. They could be given a 6++ save. Wait! This is pants on head retarded. The ability to make them toughness 4 with the help of Nurgle could help with survival against small arms fire. Being tough is never bad. Then again, if they have Slaanesh infused initiative 4 they can strike along with the ever popular Marines and that could actually help them in close combat combat (along with a bit of luck too). 

There is also the ability to run a squad of thirty with three flamers. This gives them a chance to actually hit something and gives them a little Overwatch buff as well. There are several builds and uses for Cultists on the table, and that is always a good thing for a troop choice.

I like the inclusion of this unit. Now, I doubt I would ever take them due to the number of models to buy and paint. I also think they should have come armed with the autogun to start. It just seems like that would make more sense, but who am I right? The writers have a reason for giving them pistols and knives to start. Right? 

Anyway…….I think a fat 30 man squad with three flamers is a nice troop choice. Sure they are not going to win a lot or probably kill a lot, but they will form a nice big cheap irritation. I doubt I’d add any marks either. I like these guys cheap and expendable just the way the Primordial Annihilator intended.