Unit of the Week: Deimos Pattern Relic Predator

[Jolemai]

Welcome to part five of the Blood Angels Unit of the Week Series!

Following the release of the 8^th edition Codex, there is no better time to discuss all the units we have access to. Each week a different unit will appear, with the idea being that we discuss how best to use that model on the battlefield. Where part one will focus on the unique BA units and part two will focus on BA units that are new to this edition of the Codex, part three will discuss how to get the best use the generic units from the past that are still with us (and that many of us have in our armies still), and part four will discuss the Legends units that we still own and love. Finally, part five will be dedicated to the reinforcements from Forge World.

Note, this isn't to lament any nerfs, etc, from previous editions; the rules are as they are so try to unlock its potential for those who wish to use them all the same. Similarly, this thread is only for using the option being discussed; it matters not if you feel something is a better choice as such comments aren't constructive to the topic and shall be removed.

Without further ado, here's this week's entry:

Deimos Pattern Relic Predator

Relic Predator, punkfish

What are you thoughts here folks? How best would you use a Deimos Predator?

• To compliment a list, or to build a list around? Will the beta rules affect your list(s)?
• Will you be running multiple units?
• What Wargear Options are you taking and does the above affect how you run them? Are you taking the optional ones?
• Are you buffing this unit? If so, how?
• Stratagems of note?

Over to you.

Please note that the Baal Predator and Predator will be discussed elsewhere.

Edited October 23, 2021 by Jolemai

[Jolemai]

Should you want your model on display here (or on another thread from the series), then submit a photo here please.

[Jolemai]

Surely someone has used one of these gorgeous models in at least 8th edition? Or has thoughts on how to run one?

 

It's a Predator with 12 wounds (middle bracket becomes 3-6), that sits in the Elties section and has a "relic tax" (needs something else in that battlefield role, but gains access to the Relic of Ancient Glory stratagem). Predator autocannon, twin lascannon, and the sponson options are covered in the Predator section, however, you can have heavy flamer sponsons with these if you wish.

 

Four other turret choices

• Plasma Destroyer - 36" STR 7, AP -3, D:2, Heavy 2D3
• Infernus Cannon - 8" STR 5, AP -1, D:2, Heavy 2D6 (automatically hit)
• Magna-melta Cannon - 24", STR 10, AP -4, D:D6, Heavy D3 (usual melta rules pre-codex SM update)
• C-beam Cannon - 72", STR 6, AP -3, D:3, Heavy 1 (can't move, for each 24" add +2 str +D3 damage. If a model dies, the unit takes a further 2D6 STR 6 AP 0 D1 hits)

Pretty sure there's a niche in our faction for all that. Plus, the models are gorgeous.