The latest Global Update is upon us, and with it the Imperium Teutonic Battlegroup box too. So, how have these affected those loyal Generals of the Kaiser?
The Imperium were one of the most powerful factions in Armoured Clash, and as such, they have seen a small handful of their Attack Dice pools reduced. Given that the vast majority of Imperium attacks have the Arc quality, there is the potential for these attacks to swing to the extremes. Still, most of the big faction-wide changes have played into existing Imperium strengths that are ripe for tactically-minded Generals to use. Melee units, such as Luftlancer Air Jaegers and Teutonic Armiger Crusaders, are now a more competitive pick in the game. Transport units have been reduced in cost to help facilitate this, and can now be taken as an extra Bolstered option in some Battlegroups.
There’s no better time for new Imperium generals to jump on board with the Imperium Faction Battlegroup, serving as a perfect entry point.
Melee
The Luftlancer Air Jaegers have always been the preeminent fast, light, close-quarters fighting unit of the Imperium forces. Now they have had their points decreased, you can field even more of them in a list. More chances to swoop down upon unsuspecting infantry on objectives, more chances to perform a devastating attack after a timely and skillfully executed Flank Attack, and more chances to deal a fatal strike, then fly off into cover to avoid retribution... I'm sure there are Generals out there already planning what they would do with theirs now that they can fit more into a list.
The other Imperium melee specialists are the heavy-hitting Teutonic Armiger Crusaders. Similar to the Luftlancers, they have had their points reduced. Now that they are more affordable, they are an ideal unit for holding objectives. Given their high Defence and Damage Limits, combined with an increased Attack Dice pool they should be able to fend off the best that any other Faction might send against them.
The Ordo Teutonic and the Gelve Auxiliary Battlegroup
Any sensible Imperium General will be thinking of where these melee points reductions and new transport options would synergise best. The answer, of course, is in the Gelve Auxiliary Battlegroup. There have been a few tweaks to the composition of the elements, now that there is a Teutonic Imperium Commander available to lead the Battlegroup from the Imperium Teutonic Battlegroup box.
One of the few downsides of the different Teutonic Armiger units is their slow speed, especially as it was difficult to get sufficient transports to ferry them to where they needed to be, when they needed to be there. A few important changes have been made to address this problem. The Panzerwagen Armoured Transport have gained the Teutonic trait, allowing them to now be taken in the Gelve Auxiliary Battlegroup. This box contains enough Transport units to carry the infantry you get as the Panzerwagen Armoured Transport can now be taken as an additional Bolstered choice, perfect for getting the newly improved Teutonic Armiger Crusaders up the battlefield and into combat where they earn their pay.
Last but by no means least - Messer Interceptors!
Imperium Generals will have noticed that the Messer Interceptor has not been living up to the second part of its name particularly well. This Global Update has addressed that, seeing its Attack Dice pool against aerial targets go up by roughly a third at all Reinforcement levels. Now, it should be able to sweep the skies clear of any aircraft that threaten its land-bound fellow units. Similarly, both the range and the Attack Dice pool of its Ranged (Heavy) attack have also been increased by a third. Now it truly is a multi-role aircraft, and a valuable addition to any Imperium force.
A 2000-point list
The example Battle-sized list is made from an Imperium Faction Battlegroup Starter Set, the Imperium Teutonic Battlegroup box, and a pair of Messer Interceptors.
An Imperium Faction Battlegroup has been paired with a Gelve Auxiliary Battlegroup. Both are now capable of quick moves up the board. The Luftlancers were always fast in games of Armoured Clash but now they are even harder-hitting. The Sturmwagen Transports are able to preposition the Krupp Field Guns, and also transport either the Scion Grenadier Platoon or the Scion Vierling Heavy infantry. The Scion Heavy Dreirad and Totenkopf Jager Cavalry provide fast-moving scouts to go on the flanks, seize objectives early, or to be sent on a Flank Attack. To provide a heavy punch close in, there are Sturmpanzer Battle Tanks. To round out the Battlegroup, the improved Messer Interceptors guard the skies against aerial threats.
The Gelve Auxiliary Battlegroup is a weighty, well-armoured mass, and one with tremendous offensive output. The Crusaders can rush forwards, conveyed in Panzerwagen Armoured Transports, whilst the Teutonic Armiger Commanders will take the back line, an immovable fulcrum for your forces to rally around. Looming over all of this is the fearsome Sieger Vitruvian Colossus, able to launch devastating attacks on any unit your opponent is foolish enough to leave in range.
Points values correct as of the Imperium v1.03 ORBAT
Whilst the Imperium might have seen a slight reduction in some of their units' firepower, the clever General will see new tactical possibilities available to them. With an emphasis on close-range fights going forward, it is a place where the forces of the Imperium, with competency and resolve, can really show their steel.
For more information regarding the overall changes of this Global Update, read the summary blog.
Explore the latest Imperium releases online or at your FLGS. None nearby? Get your LGS to contact tradesales@occamdistribution.com to discuss stocking Warcradle Studios!
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