Everyone knows Monoliths are the heavy hitters of the Necron codex, but what about the often overlooked other options from the Heavy Support section of the codex?
Tomb Spyders and Heavy Destroyers seem fairly reasonable on paper. A tough monstrous creature and a super fast weapons platform seem to be just what the doctor ordered. Or is it?
Tomb Spyder
Pros: Tough, can generate free scarab bases, monstrous creature attacks, greater return capability for wiped out squads, fearless, squads of 3, acts independently
Cons: Slow, 3+ armor, fearless, not "Necron"
Spyders are not really a unit that lends itself to "tricks" and tend to be more of a support unit. The ability to generate a scarab base is a great way to have a couple extra wounds (or one high power shot) to absorb. However, I think the best ability they have is the extended We'll Be Back distance for wiped out squads. 12" can cover two or three squads that can act as kamikaze units and dive into the enemy lines, yet still come back after being wiped.
Despite being monstrous creatures, I find they tend to be weak close combat units against non-vehicles. just a couple power weapon attacks and the spyder falls. Also, the prevalence of power fists, means the scarabs are going to fall quickly to normal attacks, and the fist will finish off the spyder. Fearless can also be a problem in combat, a 5+ save is not going to let the scarabs last long against a heavily lost combat. Giving them a staff of light may be the better option, but keeping them away from combat units with such a short ranged gun can be trouble.
Heavy Destroyers
Pros: High strength gun, longest range in the codex (tied with normal gauss cannon), base toughness 5, highly mobile, "Necron", one of two necron ap2 weapons
Cons: Single shot weapons, expensive, no invulnerable save, only 3+ armor, max squad of 3
Heavy destroyers also don't lend themselves to "tricks" and are pretty simple. They don't have the longest range, so keeping them away from las cannon fire is really not going to happen. I haven't had much luck with my destroyers, preferring monolith's myself. I am working on a list now that runs 3 full squads to see if numbers helps their odds.
~What benefits have you seen with taking spyders or heavy destroyers over monoliths? Has anyone had any luck using them? Let's see if we can come up with some current situations where they would come in handy. Does anyone have any ideas for lists using these two that have good results?
