Scion Melta Strike?

So I'm sure that I'm not the only one currently thinking this, but the new Tempestus Scions have offered Imperial Guard an interesting opportunity to join the alpha strike class of lists.

So it's pretty much a forgone conclusion that the new Astra Militarum Tempestus Scions are the replacement for the current Imperial Guard Stormtroopers. While I can't say I'm thrilled with the name, the reduction in points and the ability to take Scions in a Platoon format means that a few new opportunities have presented themselves. Drop plasma and drop melta are standing tactics with Space Marines, and very soon they're probably going to apply to the new Astra Militarum (AM).

Considering getting 10 meltas on the board in a deep striking format with Space Marines costs you between 615-820 points (including combi-meltas), getting the same amount of special weapons on with a platoon of Scions for only 395 points is a bargain if ever there was one. Bumping that up to plasma, including pistols for the Sergeants is just over 500 points. So that's 14 Deep Striking BS4 plasma weapons for just over 500 points in ONE SINGLE ELITES SLOT. Sure it's a lot for 4 alpha strike squads, but with AM units looking to be even cheaper than they are now, you'll surely be able to squeeze these guys in and manage to field a solidly competetive army. Fleshing the squads out to the full 10 man quota also means a sizeable force of AP3 weaponry (from the stock standard hellguns) popping up in inconvenient places. Not to mention their use as a counter-strike force, dropping behind enemy deep strikers, and packing the punch to clean them up.

Of course the standard risks apply as with any Deep Striking strategy, however blanket Move Through Cover removes any damage that might be done by dropping into terrain. In fact it means that dropping into area terrain, then going to ground when fired upon simply to be a nuisance is a plausable option. The above is made easier if the current Astropath option remains available. If not, there's always the omnipresent Comms Relay to make your life a little bit easier.

All in all I believe this is a strategy worth considering. It has its weaknesses, as do they all, but given the opportunity I'll certainly be giving it a try.

Will you be using the new Scions? The Volley Gun looks interesting. We'd love to hear from you so, please leave your comments below.

As always, make good choices,
Spicerack