Warhammer 40K: Tyranid Lictors Get Some Nasty Upgrades
The Lictors are sneaking their way onto the tabletop very soon. These hidden killers are ready to strike fear into the enemy’s mind!
We’ve known that the Lictor organisms for the Tyranids are getting some new models as well as a pair of new update to their ranks. The Neurolictor and the new Deathleaper are bringing some extra tools to the Hive Mind’s arsenal and it’s time for some mind games.
Tyranids are known for their endless swarms and giant monsters, but these are far from their only tools of war. Whispers around the camp tell of murderous assassins that melt into the shadows, spawned to sow terror in the ranks, and unfortunately for tale-tellers… the stories are true.
The Send In The Lictors
This is our first real look at the Neurolictor’s stats and skills. First up it’s worth calling out the 4+ invulnerable save right off the bat! When you combine that with all it’s core abilities it’s going to be hard to drop quickly and will take some dedicated firepower to kill it. Seven wounds is nothing to sneeze at! However, what really makes this creature nasty are it’s other abilities. It causes a Battle-shock test to an enemy unit within 12″ of this model during the Tyranid player’s Command phase. That might not seem like much but it’s those out of sequence checks that can spoil your opponent’s plans. Additionally, the Neurolictor has Psychological Saboteur which not only makes it harder to be hit but it also makes a target unit easier to wound!
I really wasn’t expecting much from this new Lictor-strain but now with Von Ryan’s Leapers, the new Lictor model and Deathleaper I’m starting to think a Lictor Vanguard might actually be good at shocking the enemy’s backline.
And speaking of Deathleaper did you know that he’s got a new 3+ save? Because he does now! Must be the fleshy trench coat. Anyhow, if you do decide to take the Tyranid Vanguard Onslaught as your Detachment you’ll also get access to a stratagem that will be pretty handy for Deathleaper:
The Vanguard Onslaught gives Tyrands the ability to fall back and still charge. Being able to yank up to two Vanguard Invader units out of combat only to have them come screaming back in a more favorable spot on your turn seems pretty good! Leave close combat, soften the target up with some shooting and then re-engage for the kill — or ignore that target for a better one (or steal an objective, or…well, you get the idea).
It’s also worth noting how all the various Lictor bio-forms work together. Again, it’s these combos (making the leadership -1, forcing multiple Battle-shock tests, falling back and charging) that make this seem like it could be a very viable hit-and-run army. If you’re a fan of sneaky saboteurs then keep an eye out for the new Lictors and these deadly friends!
Lictors, man! Lictors could be ANYWHERE!
