Whilst hardly the toughest of units, for a mono Slaanesh army, this is now your linebreaker, capable of delivering a knockout blow to your opponents forces if played right. All wrapped up in one, at least to me, ugly package.
Games Workshops ‘fiendishly’ ugly model. I’m so funny.
Swift and deadly
Coming in at 105 points basic for 3 Fiends, the unit does seem like a big initial investment. But when the unit has 9 wounds between them, its not too bad of a thing. What’s better is the Strength 4 the unit comes with, meaning that any non rending wounds will have a better effect on enemy units than the average Strength 3 of most Slanneshi models.
The key part of this though is the delivery system. Being Beasts, Fiends can move 12″ and aren’t slowed by terrain in the slightest. Add a D6+ 3 run move and a 3D6 charge range (which can be re-rolled thanks to Fleet) and they will be competing with Seekers of Slannesh as the fastest models in your army.
Its something I’m tempted to use as a one two punch, letting the main army advance up the board, whilst Seekers and Fiends go up the flanks, confident they can keep up. That, or send them ahead as advance scouts, to wreak havoc on the enemy lines, confident they can keep them busy whilst the rest of your army (which won’t be far behind) catches up.
Fiends of Slannesh conversion by DrunkenBoxer on Dakka Dakka
Dazed and Confused
I haven’t even gotten to the best part of them yet either. Though a little reliant on the right circumstances, unless your opponent is Initiative 6 or better, even if charging a unit in cover you will be striking, at the very least, simultaneously, thanks to Soporific Musk.
A unique special rule that means that any unit charged by Fiends will strike at -5 Initiative in combat. Its perfect for ganging up on one unit, as this will affect the entire combat, meaning that friendly units will also get its benefit.
I’ve even seen a somewhat sneaky interpretation of their rule too. As any unit reduced to Initiative 0 cannot attack that turn, most units will be unable to strike back in the first turn you charge them, which is a great is a great way to demolish a large number of the games best assault units. I wouldn’t use the tactic myself, but its something you can perhaps exercise when playing a very competitive person.
Slannesshi artwork from the Daemons Codex
So there you have it- a unit with a trick in its tail, Fiends of Slannesh are a great way of adding versatility to a force. Though a little squishy compared to the other gods’ elite units, they do enough to justify their inclusion in any Slannesshi force. The only problem for me is finding an alternative model!
Fiends of Slannesh are available exclusively from Games Workshop for £15.50
