Newbie, prospective NeoTerra lists (200 + 300)

[Elric of Grans]

I currently have Project: Icestorm and have decided to build towards a NeoTerra force. I thought planning out a 200 and 300 point list I would like to build towards would be a good start (so I can proxy models to experiment and eventually buy what I want to add). I was hoping experienced players could point out any oversights in them. I have not yet played with a sectorial, so I am largely guessing on how the link team plays on the table.

A couple of comments on why I have not used certain options:
* Auxilia: I recognise they would be good, and I would like to use them, but the current models are kind of ugly. I will wait until they get new sculpts.
* Bolts: I felt that Fusiliers were a better option since they were cheaper, especially at 300 points when I add a TAG to the list.
* Machinist/Trauma-Doc: both seem like awful specialist options. So-so models too.
* Swiss Guard: Seems a sweet unit, but waaaaay too expensive. I would probably field one at 300 points if I did not use a TAG.

200 points, 4 SWC

---

5-man Fusilier Link (Combi Rifle, Light Grenade Launcher, Hacker, Forward Observer, Paramedic)
Hexa (MULTI Sniper Rifle)
Aquila Lieutenant
Bulleteer Armbot (Heavy Shotgun)
Bulleteer Armbot (Spitfire)

The Fusiliers have three specialists and a special weapon. They move towards objectives and do their thing. The Hexa provides long-range support, probably entirely through AROs once he gets a good position. The two Armbots are quick, scary units to draw attention away from everything else, and hopefully each take out a key target while they do it. The Aquila is an obvious Lt, but I do not think there is really any choice here.

298 points, 6 SWC

---

5-man Fusilier Link (Combi Rifle, Light Grenade Launcher, Hacker, Forward Observer, Bipandra/Doctor)
Hexa (MULTI Sniper Rifle)
Aquila Lieutenant
Squalo (HMG + Heavy Grenade Launcher)
Bulleteer Armbot (Heavy Shotgun)
Pathfinder Dronbot

This builds on the concept of the first list, upgrading the Paramedic to Bipandra. The Squalo provides long-range firepower and will draw the opponent's attention (potentially supported by the Forward Observer Fusilier). The Dronbot is mostly to fill points, to be honest: I could not find a better choice.

As an aside, I was thinking of using some of my 40K models to proxy the REMs until I can get them. Is a 35mm base (eg Tyranid Warrior) the right size?

[Errhile]

Having recently faced two Swiss Guards (ML variant) in a NeoTerra list I must say they are really, really nasty.

As for Tyranid Warriors - can't really say, but in N3, it is, I think, more important to have models with proper base size than height. Definitely you should get your hands on some Silhouette templates though. Personally, I printed them from the CB's marker file and glued them onto some thick cardboard. Works excellent.

[tdc]

Drones are either 40mm or 55mm depending on which type (Bulleteer/Pathfinder/Mulebots are all 55mm the rest of the Dronbots are 40mm)


A few points to think about

Bipandra is so-so. You're paying a lot for not necessarily very much extra. (Especially in comparison to the TraumaDoc)
If the hacker uses supportware he will drop out of the link (it's a long order that isn't a movement order)

The light grenade launcher would be better suited to be something else, especially in the 300 point list where you have a better version of it on the TAG.

Hexa are great

[Elric of Grans]

Wow, the drones are bigger than I thought! So far, I have only seen S1 and S2 models (not seen any REMs or TAGs yet).

By dropping the Light Grenade Launcher and Bipandra, I could slot in a Spitfire on a Bolt or Hexa, but filling up to 10 orders from there gets pretty difficult. If I also dropped the Squalos for a Swiss Guard HMG I could perhaps get a four-man Bolt Link (incl. Spitfire), but it just does not have a very interesting profile.

I played around with the list a fair bit and eventually came to realise that your REALLY need Auxilia! The Deva would also be really good to have, but Auxilia are a key unit. I just hate the models! Perhaps I should forget about NeoTerra for the moment and just focus on Vanilla, until at least the Auxilia get new models (perhaps with HS N3?).

[tdc]

Auxilia are good... but they aren't a necessity. And the same goes for getting 10 orders. Some go for 15+ orders, but you can play with 9-10 easy enough. Quality over quantity .

Knowing how to use your models, and planning ahead will win you more games than just having a load of models

[TanKoL]

If you play ITS, you (sadly) need a LOT of orders
A list alone won't win you an ITS tournament, but a lack of orders will definitely make you lose it
15+ orders is a must for any competitive ITS list ... and that's why I'm not a fan of ITS

[tdc]

That's simply not true. The number of orders "needed" is very much dependant on the missions. And even then you can compete with a single group.

(This comes from playing with and against single order groups in competitive ITS).

Some missions can be easier, some harder. All depends on what you have and what you're facing and what the mission/classifieds are.

[Claudius Sol]

As a regular winner/high placer in ITS events, I wouldn't worry too much about orders as long as you have 10 regular orders minimum at the start. One combat group should be all you need to be able to perform well. More orders could make things easier, but then you're sacrificing some quality for quantity.

[Darek_CTR]

Quantity has a quality all its own.

[CowboyCactus]

Quantity has a quality all its own.

Found the Ariandna player!