6th edition independent characters and unit durability

A little thought on 6th ed and CC. There are certainly ways in which CC was nerfed but I'd say CC still has it's advantages. However, the role of characters in CC changed quite drastically. With the new wound allocation system you can greatly increase the durability of a unit. The key is moving into base contact with the right initiative group, so that you can maximize the amount of wounds you get to take on the character.

Whereas before players would just try to bypass Gazzy's 2++ by attacking the squad, if you chuck him in a squad of meganobz and position him right, THSS termies will realize that they aren't the kings they used to be. Similarly, you can increase the durability of glasshammer units like incubi by throwing in a shadowfield or Urien Rakarth. Bikes will probably be pretty popular nowadays as that +1 toughness makes you survive power fists without ID. Necrons probably pull this trick off best:

HQ1: Necron Overlord (90), Warscythe (10), Sempiternal weave (15), Phase shifter (45), Mindshackle scarabs (15) = [175]

HQ2: Necron Overlord (90), Warscythe (10), Sempiternal weave (15), Phase shifter (45), Mindshackle scarabs (15) = [175]

HQ3: Royal Court = [40]

Cryptek (25), Harbinger of Eternity (0), Chronometron (15)

HQ4: Royal Court = [40]

Cryptek (25), Harbinger of Eternity (0), Chronometron (15)

Elite1: 10 Lychguards (10*40), Warscythes (0) = [400]

It's just freaking expensive. The biggest problem is when your opponent has multiple initiative groups. Generally you'll probably see a single fist and then i4 marines. I'd try to block out the i4 marines, but with 2 characters you can ofcourse block out both. You can also force a challenge or make him not strike at all. MSS are really good in challenges. Ofcourse, your opponent should be trying to add as many initiative steps into combats as possible, possibly with an i5 character, i4 marines and a fist. Characters are still a good counter to many popular units (like THSS and mass power weapon squads). I got so excited I decided to write a list.

HQ1: Necron Overlord (90), Warscythe (10), Sempiternal weave (15), Phase shifter (45), Mindshackle scarabs (15) = [175]

HQ2: Necron Overlord (90), Warscythe (10), Sempiternal weave (15), Phase shifter (45), Mindshackle scarabs (15) = [175]

HQ3: Royal Court = [90]

3 Crypteks (2*25), Harbinger of Eternity (0), Chronometron (15), 2 Harbingers of Storm (0)

HQ4: Royal Court = [90]

3 Crypteks (2*25), Harbinger of Eternity (0), Chronometron (15), 2 Harbingers of Storm (0)

Elite1: 10 Lychguards (10*40), Warscythes (0), transport 1 = [400]

Troops1: 5 Immortals (5*17) = [85]

Troops2: 5 Immortals (5*17) = [85]

Troops3: 5 Immortals (5*17) = [85]

Troops4: 5 Immortals (5*17) = [85] 

Troops5: 5 Warriors (5*13) = [65]

FA1: 5 Scarabs (5*15) [75]

FA2: 5 Scarabs (5*15) [75]

 

HS1: 3 Spyders (3*50), gloom prism (15) = [165]

HS2: Annihilation Barge (90) = [90] 

HS3: Annihilation Barge (90) = [90]  

Transport1: Night Scythe (100), Elite1 = [100]

Total = [1845]