Unit of the Week: Caestus Assault Ram

[Jolemai]

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

Following the release of the 9^th edition Supplement, 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:

Caestus Assault Ram

What are you thoughts here folks? How best would you use an Assault Ram?

• To compliment a list, or to build a list around? Will the beta rules affect your list(s)?
• Will you be running multiples?
• How are you buffing this unit? Will it babysit anything?
• Are you making use of Hover Jet?
• Stratagem synergy or note?

Over to you

[Jolemai]

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

[Majkhel]

Forgot we can actually use that one

 

It's kinda similar to Storm Raven and probably to be used similarly. Except the gunboat function.
- smaller transport capacity (10 Infantry and no dread unfortunately)
- worse shooting - less weapon options, too many 2D3 shots. Also the missiles have strange profiles - neither anti-horde nor anti-tank/elite
- costs a bit more compared to bare-bones SR
- BUT it has 20W !

Sadly with current edition being what it is, it's role for me is limited only to being a fast transport.
A firstborn transport that relies basically on it's number of wounds and -1 to hit to survive long enough to deliver it's cargo. Much depends on who goes first, but with 20W it has imo better chances to survive then the SR. If we manage to get an Invulnerable save on it (from Librarian), even better. Any shooting that it brings is rather a bonus than something that could be relied upon due to uncertain number of hits. 

Cargo: Obviously firstborn and no JPs to increase numbers.
- VanVets with SSs to be dropped in the middle and stay there being annoying?
- DC?
- 3 Assault Centurions with a basic Sanguinary Priest? Or Corbulo?
With that costly a transport, I can see that I'm being prone to maximising the effect of the cargo which perhaps is a mistake.

Edited November 8, 2021 by Majkhel