This picture is just used for the post and obviously not the actual Predator Mauler.I have finally decided on the Soul Reapers Predator variant. I feel that his fits with the up-close and in you face style of the Soul Reapers. I will probably magnetize the weapons mounts so I can use the same chassis as my Baal in my counts as BA force.
The Predator Mauler was created during the Karpathian campaign to act in close support of Rhino borne Soul Reapers Marines. After the initial assault on the Phosgene Refineries the Imperial forces counterattacked with a massive column of mechanized infantry. Normally this would not have been a problem for the experienced Soul Reapers, but the area around the refineries has a constant thick layer of sulfurous fog across the landscape combined with the phosphorous smog visibility was grim.
The fighting was pointblank and the Chimera of the defending forces in proved more than a match for the Rhinos transporting the Reapers. No matter how many times they tried the Soul Reapers just could not break through the Imperial armored wall. What was needed was a tank capable of killing armor with enough firepower to deal with infantry.
As fate would have it the Soul Reapers had brought along a contingent of Dark Mechanicus to refit and collect from the Phosgene refineries. Skriari the DM Priest in charge of the contingent came up with the idea of rearming the Soul Reapers Predator tanks completely with Reaper Autocannons. He went about fitting a pair of Reaper Autocannons in the turret and a single one in each sponson. The turret mounted Reapers were renamed the Mauler Autocannon by Skriari. He quickly refitted twenty or so Predators to this new configuration.
Three hours later the Soul Reapers had broken through the Imperial lines and were wreaking havoc on the poor Karpathian defense forces. Lord Krug was so impressed that he decided to keep this new Predator variant in his arsenal. It was designated the Mauler after its turret armament.
Point value:
130
FA-13, SA-11, RA-10
Unit type:
Tank
Wargear:
Turret mounted Mauler Autocannon
Sponson mounted Reaper Autocannons
Smoke Launchers
Search light
Options:
(Look in page 100 in the Predator entry for anything without points listed)
Dozer blade
Extra Armor
Daemonic Possession
Dirge Caster
May take one of the following:
Pintle mounted Heavy Bolter 15
Pintle mounted twin linked bolter
Havoc Launcher
Mauler Autocannon:
Range-36
Strength-7
AP-4
Type-Heavy 4, Twin-linked, Rending
Str 7 Heavy 4 twin-linked! That is plenty of dakka dakka. Me likey! :)
ReplyDeleteLoving the Karpathian campaign touch.
You have hit a home run with this one. First off, the background is excellent. However, what I really like is the fact that you stuck to the current -Chaos Fluff- and made the weapons autocannons. As Chaos can't seem to use "modern" Space Marine technology, this seems to fit the bill.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys, I am glad you approve! With it being outfitted with Reaper AC's it is brutal and short ranged, which is Mags was harping for.
ReplyDeleteMags, I may have to put a reference to your Hounds of Hati in the Soul Reapers background/fluff, that is if you don't mind.
Jim, not a problem. I would not only not mind, but I think it would be rather cool to be in your mini-dex.
ReplyDeleteKool, I'll add something to the next background bit I add to the Soul Reapers fluff blog.
ReplyDeleteBTW I updated the Soul Reapers IA today on the other blog. Check it out if you are interested.
Ehdan the Well of Souls
That, good sir, is an excellent piece of homebrew. Kudos!
ReplyDeleteThanks TKE, I'll take that as high praise indeed!
ReplyDelete-Jim
Good update my friend,
ReplyDeleteBeing superior in almost every way to a baal (except not fast) for the same cost seems a bit wrong. I'd suggest removing the rending from the turret weapon.
ReplyDeleteGunn Bot, thanks for the feedback.
ReplyDeleteWhile on the surface it may seem to be much better, don't forget the Baal is also a Scouting vehicle. That plus the Fast rules still makes the Baal slightly better overall.
The Baal with Hvy bolters can still pump out more fire on the move.
In the end I think the harder hitting Mauler, balances out with the faster, shootier, scouting Baal.