Space Wolf Terminators Discussion and Tactica Part 2

     Welcome back to Space Wolf Terminators discussion and tactica part 2!
      If you haven't read part one, check that out first http://spacewolflordsblog.blogspot.com/2015/01/terminators-discussion-and-tactica.html, most of the meat of the post as well as my favorite ways to equip terminators,  discussions about terminators in general and our two more alluring terminator formations were covered there. I wont be going into depth about regular power weapons. We all know their effectiveness.
     Ok now, I obviously didn't cover every way to equip terminators in the last post. I covered mostly clawed terminators and TH/SS terminators. Other toys we wolf players have access to are, of course, Frost weapons! Frost weapons equipped in the main hand are sweat and cheap-5 points a pop you get a power weapon for +1 str.  Thats actually not bad from some perspectives, our Nilla Marine cousin's terminators cost 40 points for a power weapon and storm bolter. At 38 points we can have a terminator that stays cheaper but is more effective at cc. Perhaps something to consider. One could also go for the "terminator +1" load out, Frost weapon and combi weapon for 43 points. At 3 points more than our cousins we get a terminator with a combi shot and some extra punching power. If you took CoF (which I will always bring up when talking about Wolf Guard) you get +1WS as well). This makes the terminators just THAT MUCH MORE versitle than our cousins for only 3 points. Again not terrible and maybe something to consider. You can also (through the FAQ/Errata) equip a SS/Frost axe... meh its 48 points. Just take the hammer. I personally like Frost blades because I feel they look cool and are fluffy to equip. Of course doing something from a visual standpoint can't really be called tactics but, ultimately, they're my toys and sometimes I just run them the way I want to for the sake of fun.
     Another way a Wolf player might equip his termis is Stormshield/Wolfclaw. Lets examine this, 48 points for a 2+3++ WS5 +1STR shred model. Thats kinda hot I wont lie. In fact, it brings up the main weakness of clawed terminators to begin with= relying on a 5++ to get to combat and start shredding. This will cost 1 attack though but, in all honesty, if you chose CoF your hitting more often against TEQs and MEQs (which are the basis by which all things 40k are usually judged) and your shredding the wounds to likely make up the difference while protecting you 48 point investment better. Not a bad call and Ill give this one my stamp of approval as a solid tactic.
     Did I forget Chainfists? No, Im just not a huge fan of them. I know they're popular for cracking open some Landraiders, so I'll give them a talk. Its 15 points to throw a CF on your termi. This is a pricey option to say the least and you cannot protect your 15 point investment with a stormshield. A way I've read about is CF/WC which is a neat concept. STR+1 AP3 shred or STRX2 AP2 armorbane unwieldy. You keep your extra attack from having 2 specialist weapons and you make your termi strong at killing MEQs TEQs and vehicles alike! The downside, your paying 63 points for a one wound model with only a 2+5++!!! Look, Im never one to put too much emphasis price, and as you read my posts you'll learn I gear my wolves to the teeth but even I consider this a point sink when you consider how much easier he is to kill VS a TH/SS termi for 15 less points.Guys (and girls), take the TH/SS. your nearly as good against vehicles, just as strong against MEQs and TEQs, better at killing MCs or characters and much more survivable than a termi with a CF. My 2 cents..
     Powerfists. 5 points cheaper than chainsfists but suffer more from not having the armorbane. They basically fill a role of discount CF or hammer. See chainfists above and just take a shield and hammer. If you absolutely need the other arm open take the hammer or the CF for 5 more points and do the job right.
     Alright onto ranged weapons, starting with combis. Probably the most popular and competitive loadout in most peoples eyes, you can't really go wrong here. Flamer, melta, plasma. They all have their uses and it really depends on what you want to do and your delivery system for your termis. deepstriking or drop podding 10 termis with melta or plasma shots is dirty and likely to wipe out or seriously cripple any unit. Having a combi flamer is great for overwatch or killing a high number of grots or gaunts or something else you don't want to be tied up by for too long. At 5 points, if your gonna rock a non-heavy ranged weapon- and you have the points, upgrade it to a combi weapon. It wont disappoint.
        What about a stormbolter and a stormshield? At 33 points this actually isn't too bad. You pay 2X+ the cost of a Grey Hunter but your much more durable, have the option to take a combi weapon for 5 points, and have WS5 (CoF). Ultimately your cc will suffer but the termi will have staying power, about the same shooting ability (better if you upgraded to a combi wep) and fight slightly better than a GH with more survivability.
 Onto the heavys. Believe it or not, I like all 3 options. Im a fan of flamer weapons. They do work and pull their weight. They're not the most popular but I will stand by it when I say, I've NEVER been disappointed that I brought one. Cyclone missile launchers are great, they have the versatility to do a blast and perhaps cause a few wounds or a high strength shot for vehicles all while leaving both your termis hands open for weapons like TH/SS or twin claws. Not a bad option just a pricey one. Bring one on your Void Claws, consider leaving it at home for other units. Assault cannons are the POO. 4 rending STR6 shots on a relentless model will force saves on MEQs and TEQs all day while threatening vehicles/MCs and making up for the low-volume-fire-to-points problem that terminators suffer from. They're not the most popular option but maybe they should be. I'm a fan.

     Mixing and matching weapon options is a popular tactic. Many players want their termis to be ready for any and every challenge their opponent throws at them. Common loadouts might look like TH/SS leader, combi plasma with power axe, Combi plasma with a chain fist, combi melta with wolf claw, and an assault cannon/cyclone missiles and combi flamer with a powerfist/chainfist/wolfclaw/power wep. Dont be afraid to mix it up but personally I focus my terminators to either be cc (TH/SS or twin claws or claw and shield) maybe with a heavy weapon or shooty/cc with all combi plasmas or meltas and claws or frost blades and an assault cannon. On occasion, if I know I'm playing orks or nids or guard, Ill throw a combi flamer in there. Honesty 9/10 times they're just cc termis- I have to keep it real with my readers. Thats my playstyle and the style I feel SW Terminators are most effective.
     Additionally I should note that, using CoF, your Pack Leader is most likely going to end up in a challenge. Equip him accordingly. I always give him a stormshield ALWAYS and usually a Thunderhammer or Wolf Claw-two great weapons for getting up close and cozy with characters.

     This concludes my posts about WGT! We've talked about loadouts, transports, viability and more. The rest such as target priority and battlefield positioning depend on you as a player and your situation on the table. I will cover these topics someday soon in their own posts. Did I leave anything out? Do you agree with me? Do you disagree? How do you prefer to run your Terminators? As always leave your feedback and opinions in the comments and keep them respectful. We can learn together! I do not/will not claim that my word is law nor do I claim my way is among the best or most competitive. I understand and accept that my opinions regarding cc units and units like terminators are not necessarily shared by most players in 7th and that is fine. This is how I choose to play and Ive had success doing as such. I hope to Have helped or inspire you in any way and thank you for reading.
                                                  May the dice gods roll in your favor and Russ be with you!
                                                                                                     Jorvar