First post in a while, but I hope there are many more to come.
I recently won a couple of eBay auctions and I’m looking forward to receiving 9 Adeptus Arbites models soon. I’ve been eyeing these models since I played 2nd Edition of 40k. They’ve been “out of print” for a LONG time so I’m happy to pick up several because I really like how they look.
I was thinking of fielding them as Inquisition Acolytes with Carapace Armour, but I recently started thinking of fielding them as Astra Militarum veterans with the “Grenadier Doctrine” which equips them all with carapce armour. I could still attach an Inquisitor as an Independent Character to either. Here’s how they compare.
| Inquisitional Acolytes | Astra Militarum Veterans | |
| Unit Type | Elites | Troops |
| WS | 3 | 3 |
| BS | 3 | 4 |
| Leadership | 8 | 7 (8 with sergeant) |
| Points for 10 models | 80 points | 75 points |
The biggest difference is how they play in the rules: As Inquisitional Acolytes, they are elites rather than troops, so they lose the “objective secured” special rule. And Inquisition Acolytes can’t take Orders. But, the Inquisition has access to nicer toys like Boltguns for all, and Storm Shields.
Their transports are a little different too. An advantage to the Inquisition Chimera is that it’s 10 points cheaper, and can have 5 units fire its fire point instead of the AM which only has two. The AM has the lasgun arrays, but they aren’t very special.
| Inquisition Chimera | Astra Militarum Chimera | |
| Base Cost | 55 | 65 |
| Searchight | 1 | 0 (included) |
| Dozer Blade | 5 | 5 |
The Inquisition Chimera could also have Psybolt ammo for 5 points more, which could make it very dangerous with two heavy bolters firing three S6 AP4 shots each!
I suppose I have to choose first though. Inquisition doesn’t have access to grenade launchers for some reason, so I’ll have to modify that model. And If they have bolters they have to be Inquisition. An Inquisition Acolyte with carapace armour and a boltgun is 9 points. A Tactical Squad Space Marine is 14! Perhaps if I run them as Inquisition I’ll probably give most of them storm bolters. Only 11 points each then!
Or, as Astra Militarum veterans, I’d have to remove their bolters and give them lasguns or shotguns.
Hmmm… decisions, decisions…
