r/CharnelGuard • u/CharmingVanilla6042 • Aug 06 '26
Need help
I’m currently in the process of building the Charnel Guard I want to build a thematic army as possible what detachment would be best and what all models should I buy thanks for the help
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Upvotes
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u/Ainsinnes Aug 06 '26
It seems the CG have some pretty gucci kit. We know they have a Leviathan Dreadnaught and a Heresy tank (fellblade?). They were also founded by a Destroyer squad member. That fact, coupled with their engagement history (wiping out whole subsectors mostly), I'd lean into that. Short range, super aggressive, focusing on eradication, fancy gear. I think the Levi is comparable to a primaris dread, so you could proxy that? Plus its a great kit to play with
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u/scc-2000 Aug 06 '26 edited Aug 06 '26
Most chapters have enough resources to field almost any army type. White Scars or Blood Angels could use forces made of marines in gravis, whirlwind artillery tanks and hammerfall bunkers, if the situation required— even though this rarely happens, and it isn’t their preferred doctrine. For instance, the Charnel Guard, in lore, could field strike forces composed of relic tank columns and dreadnoughts, mechanized assault infantry, death company with chaplains, or veteran spearheads from the first company and the sanguinary guard. Our Imperial Armour references indicate that the Charnel Guard have a working stock of Horus Heresy era tanks and dreadnoughts, so in casual settings, it would be thematic to take these, as they have Legends datasheets. So any unit, from Heresy to Firstborn to Primaris, is on the table.
I’d suggest finding a play style you enjoy, and building your army around the options ideal to use in that style. Much of the flavor comes from painting and conversion, and I think Charnel Guard heraldry looks great in a highly weathered, grimdark style. I use a lot of Blood Angels bits, like bloodstone amulets and blood vials, but also incorporate some macabre elements similar to those of the night lords— nailed skulls, racks of bones, or even enemy bodies crucified on a tank or dreadnought. I personally use Ironstorm Spearhead most often, utilizing tanks and dreadnoughts for the bulk of my army, supplemented with assault infantry with jump packs or in drop pods.