List-Fu: Stelek's Ravenwing #1

CoolMiniOrNot - Zubr

If I was going to run a Ravenwing biker list, this is absolutely where I'd look to begin. I've been hoping that there was a competitive biker build coming in the Dark Angel codex (I haven't had a proper look at one yet), and this in my mind makes a very solid start.

2000pts Stelek's Ravenwing #1 - Initial Concept

1 Sammael on Jetbike, Warlord
6 bikes, 2 plasma guns, meltabombs; and an attack bike with a multimelta
6 bikes, 2 plasma guns, meltabombs; and an attack bike with a multimelta
6 bikes, 2 plasma guns, meltabombs; and an attack bike with a multimelta
6 bikes, 2 plasma guns, meltabombs; and an attack bike with a multimelta
6 bikes, 2 plasma guns, meltabombs; and an attack bike with a heavy bolter
6 bikes, 2 plasma guns, meltabombs; and an attack bike with a heavy bolter

When going for a maxed out generalist marine troop choice, I think Stelek's basic load out of plasma, multi-melta/heavy-bolter, melta bombs and twin-linked bolters contained within multiple mobile and (relatively) durable troop units is the way to go. It's similar in many ways to what I'm working on for my mech Space Wolves with Imperial Guard list, of course in a different format (bikers instead of mech), but the aims are comparable.

One benefit of the Ravenwing over vanilla bikers I can initially see is the addition of hit-and-run. After the initial I10 impact hit, in combat a biker isn't much more than a T5 marine - i.e not very good! At least hit-and-run gives them a chance to get out and back to a coordinated move and shoot role with the rest of the army.

And as I'm sure anyone else who's read the codex or the internet since the release will already know, there may be an interesting opportunity to play with the banner of devastation (or bolter-banner), given the relentless nature of the bikes. Just not on a biker command squad...

CoolMiniOrNot - Yaroslav

As with all marines, a great deal of the survivability of the bikers against low AP weapons depends a lot on cover saves (including self generated ones, which is nice). However, given how powerful the Helldrake can be post FAQ, and given the low model count of this type of elite army, I would definitely take these flying BBQ monsters (and Rune Priest assisted Imperial Guard Colossi, Eldrad powered Tau gun lines, etc. too - just any mid-strength AP3+ cover ignoring weapons) into account when building the army and selecting allies.

Anyway, there are some kinks to work out, but a very interesting start none the less!