(Indirect) Death from Above

The Vilniaus 39th is reinforced by a squad of mortars

A hobby update this time - this week I’ve worked on a Heavy Weapon Squad equipped with mortars. Really a fun kit to put together - each team almost feels like a mini diorama.

But why, I hear you ask? It’s true, that this unit isn’t exactly popular, despite being lowered to just 50 points in the latest Munitorium Field Manual. But there is a ‘method behind the madness’ here.

In reality, I’m unlikely to use it as a cohesive squad much, at least in a competitive setting. An auto-include continues to be Lord Solar Leontus at 2k points especially in competitive games, with a command squad and infantry squad for improved order range and a bit of survivability.

Both the command squad and the infantry squad can take a mortar, not only giving them some offensive utility as they normally hide safely on the home objective, but also an easier way to access stratagems such as Fields of Fire which - assuming the mortars score at least a hit, provides additional pip of armour penetration.

Combined with other units like a Leman Russ Exterminator, that could be a useful killer combo for tougher enemy units that just need to die. I’m looking forward to trying it out.

Meanwhile, in the Crusade league I’ve joined, I may well field them as a squad, as that’s just a lot more fluffy. Mortars providing supporting fire for the infantry and tanks? Sign me up, that sounds like fun!