Psykers in the Astra Militarum
Psykers are an often overlooked element of the guard. They should however I think be an ‘auto include’.
Having psykers not only boosts you offensively, it crucially allows you to negate enemy attacks. Guard psyker options (the Astra Telepathica) have the same principle strengths as the Guard and the same approach should be used. Cheap and plentiful! They are particularly useful as guard BS is generally so poor, so the ability to apply damage with Smite without wounding or hitting roll’s is especially powerful. Understanding each of the three Astra Telepathica options is important when planning and using the Guard. |
Primaris Psyker
40pts (28pts model + 12pts compulsory force stave)
HQ Detachment Slot
HQ Detachment Slot
- Simple vanilla psyker. Knows two powers (+ Smite)
- Only one Pyschic test per turn (offensive in own phase, defensive in opponents) - no different to standard psyker in any army.
- CHARACTER
Astropath
15pts (15pts model - replace 6pt telepathica stave with 0pt laspistol)
Elite Detachment Slot
|
Wyrdvane Psykers
24pts (3x models at 8pts per model - equipment is 0pts)
Elite Detachment Slot
Elite Detachment Slot
- Psychic tests or ‘deny the witch’ on 1D6 + squad size bonus (+1 - 3 models, +2 - 6+ models)
- Knows one power and Smite
- Smite, needing 5+ to cast is most effective power. With squad bonus a basic Wyrdvane Unit works on 4+. Higher cast cost powers proportionately harder.
- INFANTRY
Using Pyskers
Using this information above we can build a cheap, effective psychic force by using forces for what they each do best.
Example:
Mind Storm Team: 165pts (approx 1 Leman Russ!)
3x Primaris Pysker
3x Astropath
- Astropaths - three of these allow you to use all three Astra Telepathica powers each turn for 45 points. This also gives you three ‘deny the witch’ attempts in your opponent's turn. As a character it cannot be targeted unless closest unit, so embed alongside your forces allowing your aura effect to benefit them.
- Primaris Pysker - your ‘Smite team’!! Deploy amongst units to benefit from character rule regarding being targeted
- Wyrdvane Pykers - Budget Smite team - note that as infantry can be targeted.
Example:
Mind Storm Team: 165pts (approx 1 Leman Russ!)
3x Primaris Pysker
3x Astropath