New FAQ: PotMS
The first thing I’d like to cover from the new Black Templar FAQ is potential of Power of the Machine Spirit. It’s something not a lot of people are talking about, but seeing as Templars can equip Vindicators and Predators with PotMS, I think it deserves a little attention.
Vindicators have always been good platforms for PotMS but now they’re great platforms for it. They now have slightly improved accuracy with BS4. They are also immune to being stunned and shaken (assuming you also take Extra Armor). But the real benefit is increased mobility and effective range. PotMS Vindicators can now move 12″ and fire the demolisher cannon. This effectively makes the range of the demolisher 36″ which only the Blood Angel Vindicator can match.
The downside to the Vindicator is cost and side armor vulnerability. Despite its increased effective range, it still needs to advance to engage most enemies which exposes that AV11 side armor. Starting Turn 2, Vindicators become very vulnerable, and apart from immunity to stunned/shaken, do not like vehicle damage results. I think realistically a player can expect 2 shots from each Vindicator before it is combat ineffective. That’s 80pts per shot, so you better make them count.
But there might be a better option. Predators. Until this new FAQ putting PotMS on Preds was just a waste. Even with twin-linked Lascannons, BS2 isn’t going to hit very often. But now we have BS4 PotMS (except for the Drop Pod which still has BS2) and I think PotMS might be worth taking for Predators.
My first choice would be the Las/HB Pred. Like the Vindicator, this configuration has duality. Unlike the Vindicator, this configuration can utilize that duality in the same shooting phase. While the heavy bolters engage infantry or light tanks, the twin-Lascannon engages heavier armor. This tank also doesn’t need to advance to be effective which means it’s more survivable than the Vindicator. At 165pts with Extra Armor, protecting that side armor is a good thing. Also, PotMS allows this Pred to be ‘fast’… well, sort of. If need be this Pred can move 12″ and fire the twin-Las, hopefully into side armor or to negate a cover save, even if it’s stunned. Or, it can move 6″ and fire it’s full complement of heavy bolters. You get the idea. I will be testing this configuration this week, but at this point in theory, I’m really liking it.
My second choice is the Tri-Las Predator. This configuration with PotMS and Extra Armor clocks in at 180pts. This is the same cost as a Blood Angel Tri-Las with very similar capabilities, however it can’t be completely suppressed. The ability to split fire can still be useful, but generally it’s better to fire everything at a vehicle to make sure it’s destroyed. For this reason, while I think PotMS could work with the Tri-Las, I’m not sure it’s worth it.
I don’t consider the Auto/Las suitable for PotMS. The Autocannon or a single Lascannon isn’t really worth splitting off against another target, nor do I think the same weapons are great for moving 12″. This configuration is best left without the upgrade and the same goes for the Dakka Pred.
The LRC has always been a good choice for Templars and now it’s an even better choice with the ability to move 12″ and shoot, and split fire. I think the LR Godhammer is now viable if you can utilize both its firepower and transport capacity.
The nice thing about PotMS is that it costs nothing in terms of real money to play test, so I encourage people to try these configurations. Maybe they’ll fit well into your lists and play-style.
