Deathwing Defensive Stratagems - When to use them.

[Get Thokt]

Seems that I have a lot of time on my hands these days. Anyway, I've been looking at what defensive stratagems are available to Deathwing Knights and I've picked up on 3. Please do mention if there any more.

 

With that, I have made a quick summary in which scenario is best to use that particular stratagem. This is based on the condition that your Deathwing Knight unit is a full sized unit with Storm Shields. So... onto the stratagems lol.

 

Transhuman Physiology [2CP]

(Wounds rolls of 1-3 fail)

• Strength is 6+ in Shooting Phase.

• Strength is 8+ in Fight Phase.

 

Stand Firm [1CP]

(+1 Toughness)

• Strength is 3-5 in Shooting Phase.

• Never use in Fight Phase unless unable to use Fortress of Shields, Strength is 3-5.

 

Fortress of Shields [1CP]

(-1 to Wound rolls in Fight Phase)

• Strength is 3-7 in Fight Phase.

 

Stand Firm & Fortress of Shields [2CP]

(+1 Toughness and -1 to Wound rolls)

• Strength is 4-7.

 

If I've made any mistakes feel free to correct me. I hope this helps all our Dark Angel brethens!

 

Also if anyone knows if it is possible to use bold, underline or italic settings, that'll help make everything easier to read. Thanks!

Edited April 21, 2020 by Get Thokt

[G8Keeper]

The only thing I've spotted there is an overlap in the fight phase between Transhuman Physiology and Stand Firm & Fortress of Shields. Against strength 8+ I think Transhuman is still better than the combo. 

[Get Thokt]

Good call!

[Skywrath]

Personal experience speaking, but never ever charge an Imperial Knight with your Deathwing Knights. No amount of defensive stratagems will work when they explode. The Knight Castellan has 2d6 to their explosion roll, which is a sure bet it will go off. Of course in that game, the opponent at first didn't get the roll required for it to go off (he rolled 2 1's,s) but then it went off anyway after he rerolled the result. 

 

As for your question - when to use the abilities.

 

1.Stand Firm - When I'm in melee with either a unit that has a similar statline as the Knight with a lot of attacks. Wulfen would be a good example of that.  

2.Transhuman Physiology - As G8Keeper said - when I'm in combat with something that has over s8 attack. So an Imperial Knight, basically.

3.Fortress of Shields - When I need survivability for a charge to go off - think Aggressors/Centurions in Overwatch. 

 

Not a defensive stratagem, but the Ancient with Pennant of Remembrance gives the terminators a Feel no Pain. Just thought I might include that in the list, as most of the time that will be the way to go.

 

I'm still honestly baffled that the DWK don't have an extra wound with the amount of extra things they have on top of regular terminator armor. 

Edited April 21, 2020 by Knight-Master Skywrath

[Angel of Solitude]

Get Thokt - thanks for this list, it will be really helpful for when I finally get to play again!

 

Regarding Fortress or Shields, it can only be used in the Fight phase - so couldn’t be used against overwatch during the Charge phase.

[G8Keeper]

Just be careful with placement of the ancient with the Pennant of Remembrance,if I recall correctly it's models within 6" not units, so best get that daisy chain going with someone other than the Knight Master.

 

I guess offense is the best form of defence though, so don't forget all of the wonderful things you can do to ensure the kill.

 

P.S.

 

A Watcher in the Dark is a worthwhile take for the mere 5pts if you are facing any psykers. That 3+ ignore the first power against them can be amazing. I forget its name, but the Deathwing warlord trait to simply not allow 1 psychic power per game can mean the difference between victory and defeat, jinx and doom come to mind.