Building an Autarch

[Sonikgav]

Considering the fact they want to push the Autarch as Master of multiple paths, it seems very odd to me that GW make it very difficult to actually equip an Autarch with more than (i assume) randomly chosen loadout. Last release was the Biker, this time its the Hawk Wings.

Im trying to build an Autarch with Jump Generator and Reaper Launcher but i have a distinct feeling getting either of those pieces is going to be a pain. I havent seen inside the boxes but i know they're resin and i assume they're cast to the Model? I want this guy to look like an Autarch, not a Dark Reaper with a Warp Spider Backpack.

Not to start another 'Why arent there plastic Aspect Warriors' rant but can anyone give me any ideas?

[Houghten]

Warp Spiders are single-piece; getting the backpack off is going to be a nightmare and a half.

Dark Reapers are marginally less nightmarish; the launcher is separate, but you'll need to get clever with the arms.

[Sonikgav]

Hmm, there is the old Autarch model that GW still seem to have on their site but it seems very static

It says its in 6 parts but every image ive found of it online is in the exact same pose with the exact same gear so. It may be that its just a recast of one of the old metal models that had all the parts that needed to line up to fit correctly. Still, might be my best bet.

[Houghten]

Oh, I had assumed that one was discontinued when the plastic one came out. Yes, its backpack is a separate part, although I regret to report it's not in as many separate pieces as you think: the head, torso, legs and scenery are all one bit. The two unaccounted-for parts are options not shown in the picture: a right arm with shuriken pistol and a backpack with banners.

And yes, it's a recast of the metal model of same.

[Sonikgav]

In that case thats perfectly fine.

I think ill get the New Plastic one, buy one of these purely for the backpack and then a spare Launcher from the 2 Boxes of Reapers im planning on getting.

[David Crossley]

Considering the fact they want to push the Autarch as Master of multiple paths, it seems very odd to me that GW make it very difficult to actually equip an Autarch with more than (i assume) randomly chosen loadout. Last release was the Biker, this time its the Hawk Wings.

Im trying to build an Autarch with Jump Generator and Reaper Launcher but i have a distinct feeling getting either of those pieces is going to be a pain. I havent seen inside the boxes but i know they're resin and i assume they're cast to the Model? I want this guy to look like an Autarch, not a Dark Reaper with a Warp Spider Backpack.

Not to start another 'Why arent there plastic Aspect Warriors' rant but can anyone give me any ideas?

Yeah, the 'Single pose, single loadout' plastic clampacks are a really poor choice for any unit with variable options tbh. The Farseer lacks a Witchblade option, and the new Autarch lets you build one specific loadout. I guess the days of the space marine commander box are over sadly.

[Cpt Codpiece]

I know it may seem expensive, but if like me you bought the autarchs when thwy came out to cover all bases, you get all options, wings, fusion gun, reaper, jump pack, scorpon sword.

Id say grab the scorpion helm autarch, and use him with plastic body. That way you get the failcast jump pack (so its light and wont fall over..... Unlike metal one) and the reaper launcher. Then you can use plastic body with scorpion helm... Or clip blasters off for no upgrade.

[completeHook]

Forgeworld do a missile launcher as part of a Corsair upgrade pack, it isn't a million miles from how the Dark Reapers missile launchers look.

14001

http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Warhammer-40000/Eldar/ELDAR-CORSAIR-HEAVY-WEAPONS.html

If it was me and I wasn't using Corsairs I probably use one of the backpacks on the Autarch as well, either as is or you at least have a nifty looking base for your jump generator.

[Sonikgav]

Hmm... i actually like the look of those. Not sure about the Banners but those would essentially give me any options i wanted when it came to the Autarch.

Might pick these up and see if i can add the weapons to the new Plastic Autarch. The Backpack (probably without the 'wings') could make a decent 'Autarch Special' Jump Generator too.

[Cpt Codpiece]

The autarch missile is spot on though, worth buying for the part if you intend on using it..... Thinking about it though it may have been on the wing autarch...... :(

Also those aint banners. They are pre swooping hawk wings, taken straight from the rogue trader book art.

[Sonikgav]

Yeah i figured that but on an Autarch that isnt using Wings.... Banners ;)

Yeah ill probably look to get those at some point. Got alot of this list to collect and whatever makes it easier. This would be far better than trying to convert my own launcher.

[Cpt Codpiece]

Are you uk based? Ill see if i have a spare launcher from my massed autarchs :) i have every one in metal (limited, scorpion helm, feathers banshee head and yriel) if i have 2 ill hit you up :)

[Sonikgav]

Nah its cool. Ill sort something out. I dont know when im going to get around to actually building this lol

[Dave Mcturk]

i find that with a bit of bodging vehicle weapons [plenty spare with eldar vehicles] can be turned into infantry weapons by 'adding' the bit you need to a modified shuricat off a guardian or DA - plenty of them as well !

my kitbashed maugan ra carries a slightly shortened shuricat - the same ones i mount onto gjb when required

and my 'heavy' reaper exarches all have a 'proper' EML head on their weapons [except tempest launchers - i use some bits off a wave serpent to give them a dual barrel]

at the end of the day as longf as its visual and the oppo knows what it is ! :cool:

[Da Gargoyle]

Do you not have a Dark Reaper set? The exarch in that comes with three weapons choices, one of which is the Reaper Launcher. It is the least likely choice you would give your DR Exarch given the missile launcher and Tempest Launcher options. If the current set remains resin it would make it lightweight also. If you have not bought a reaper set maybe now is the time, you get a squad of reapers which are good value in the latest Dex, you get a bit for your autarch and additions to your bitz box. As the lads above advised, you can also order the Autarch with the fusion gun, the kit comes with the scorpion warp generator which is sleek enough to look like a back pack if you didn't want it in a game.

[Anggul]

The Warp Spider Exarch's warp jump generator is separate to allow the dual deathspinners to be inserted. You could use that.

[Archon Charybdis]

The exarch in that comes with three weapons choices, one of which is the Reaper Launcher. It is the least likely choice you would give your DR Exarch given the missile launcher and Tempest Launcher options.

I wouldn't say that at all, honestly I'd probably never buy the other options when I could just take the Starshot option on the Reaper Launcher anyway. No need to pay for the EML for a non-AP3 blast and one shot Skyfire option that I'll never use since the rest of the squad is geared for shooting non-flying vehicles and power armor. I used to take the Tempest Launcher back in the 4th ed codex, but now that the squad serves a dual purpose of marine killing and anti-armor, I'd rather not spend so many points to limit my options.

[aj_letchford]

I can confirm the 2 resin autarch packs come with everything you need.( i have a banshee mask autarch with warp jump generator and fusion gun)
the banshee mask swooping hawk wing one comes with a reaper laucher for one hand. and the mandiblaster one has the generator.
the parts are completely interchangeable, it seems gw wanted you to mix them up.
they also both come with flag back options and shuriken pistols.
really cool kits I'm glad they are still available

[Sonikgav]

I wouldn't say that at all, honestly I'd probably never buy the other options when I could just take the Starshot option on the Reaper Launcher anyway. No need to pay for the EML for a non-AP3 blast and one shot Skyfire option that I'll never use since the rest of the squad is geared for shooting non-flying vehicles and power armor. I used to take the Tempest Launcher back in the 4th ed codex, but now that the squad serves a dual purpose of marine killing and anti-armor, I'd rather not spend so many points to limit my options.

Yeah id agree. I wasnt even interested in either of the Exarch options. The only reason you would take the EML is because you want to get Skyfire and if you do youre wasting the rest of your squad. Tempest is ok but the rest of your army should be able to do anti-infantry far better.

As it turns out i was mistaken about a couple of Rules so i think my 'Dilemma' is now simpler as im gonna be running a Bike with a Reaper Launcher (Just slap on a Missile Launcher somewhere) but by all means if you have tips/tricks for using/equipping/converting an Autarch.

For what its worth i sat down and worked out what i think are the better, and relatively cheap options for an Autarch. You can add extras and make them more expensive but i feel these are the minimal combos to make an effective Leader.
...and yes i gave them silly names.

WindReaper - Bike, Reaper Launcher - 110
Added Toughness and AP3 Weaponry with the Jetbike benefits
Warp Reaper - Warp Generator, Reaper Launcher - 105
Most Mobile weapon platform but blocks Flickerjump if teamed with Spiders
Warp Dragon - Warp Generator, Fusion Gun - 90
Mobile tank hunter but carries the risk of 'Warping out'
FireHawk - Wings, Fusion Gun - 95
No Jetpack move but carries less risk than the Warp version
Screaming Spear - Bike, Lance, Banshee Mask - 100
Can work solo but best run with Spears to help them deny overwatch and cause fear
The Leroy - Wings, Firesabre, Banshee Mask - 120
Solo Assault/Countercharge Melee option

As i said, theres room for Mandiblasters, Chainsabres, Fusion Pistols and the like. I just think these are the core worth building from.

[Cpt Codpiece]

I would be tempted by the screaming spear version or the leroy :) (i was until this dex in the slow process of making the banshee ex into a fem autarch for this set up).

Inmay have to look into the bike version myself :)

[Sonikgav]

I would be tempted by the screaming spear version or the leroy :) (i was until this dex in the slow process of making the banshee ex into a fem autarch for this set up).

Inmay have to look into the bike version myself :)

The Screaming Spear is tempting for just 100 points but he has a habit of getting bogged down. If your charge isn't great then he's gonna struggle but pick your targets well and he should be ok (i like picking on Tau Stealth Suits). This is the reason i prefer him at the head of a unit of Spears. Adding 3 or 4 of them means theres enough extra damage output to wipe out Marines or even risk throwing them at Monstrous creatures (Tyranid ones without Inv Saves anyway) but alone he makes a good job of Artillery pieces, especially if you give him Faulchu's Wing.