Ophydian Destroyers
The new Ophydian Destroyers kit contains 3 Destroyers and a Plasmacyte. The Destroyers resemble nothing so much as a cross between Canoptek Wraiths and Flayed Ones. Between their claws and hyperphase weapons they’re looking very choppy!
Weapon and Model Options
Like the Skorpekh’s, Ophydian Destroyers are locked in terms of build. Two sport hyperphase threshers and Ophydian claws. The thresher & claws models are virtual whirlwinds of destruction for light infantry and will put a dent in regular Space Marines. Due to the special rules, Ophydians throw out 3 thresher attacks at AP-3 D2 and 3 claws at AP-1 D1. Or they can switch the order of attack for 2 thresher and 4 claws. Between Hardwired for Destruction and WS 3+ few of the attacks will miss. Wounding with S4 is 50/50 against marines, so it will be touch and go.
The third model in and Ophydian Destroyer’s unit takes 2 hyperphase reap-blades. While they have the same chances to hit, they’re even more lethal than hyperphase threshers. Strength 6 strikes generates more wounds against heavy infantry and Damage 3 kills even Gravis and Terminator armored marines with each strike.
Including the Plasmacyte for your Ophydians limits them to deploying on the board. While boosting their Strength and Toughness is worthwhile, being unable to use Tunneling Horror makes them less effective Skorpekhs. Leave the Plamacyte at home except under very special circumstances.
In the Battle
Ophydians prosper best when under a Dynasty that lets you get a bonus on the charge. The bonus helps make a charge more possible on the turn they tunnel into play. You’ll be looking at Novokh and their added AP helps as well. On the other hand, the rules allow for custome dynasties. Taking Butchers as your Dynastic Tradition nets you a +1 to charge. Meanwhile, that lets you take Relentlessly Expansionist (incredibly good!) for a free 6″ Normal Move before play begins.
Whatever your other choices, Ophydian Destroyers make the second leg of a triad for a Destroyer Cults army. They fill the fast attack slot and are quite deadly on the offense. Unite them under a Lokhust or Skorpekh Lord for the United in Destruction aura and run them with their brethren.
On the downside, Skorpekhs are tougher and stronger at the same cost, so Ophydians only beat them out when you’re tight on Elite slots or need Tunneling Horrors. Likewise Canoptek Wraiths are tougher, faster, have shooting options, and a 4+ invulnerable save. There’s a lot to like there. The Ophydians compare better due to improved AP and tunneling. It is all about the tunneling!
The choice, as always, is up to you.
Join us over the next few days as we dig into the new releases for the week. Last week’s review can be found here. By the way, the Hexmark Destroyer makes a good relay for Command Protocols, especially when Protocol of the Hungry Void is in effect.
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