Chimera Transport: Difference between revisions
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In all seriousness, the Chimera is a fantastic asset with several uses. Most of the time it functions as a heavily armed, armored taxi, moving troops to and from hot points and/or objectives. If needed they can serve as moving barriers, blocking lines of sight while they engage the enemy. A third use is that they can just [[DISTRACTION CARNIFEX|forget about all that maneuvering and focus on engaging targets at medium and short range]] as their infantry squads [[Metal_Boxes|throw even more firepower into the mix.]] | In all seriousness, the Chimera is a fantastic asset with several uses. Most of the time it functions as a heavily armed, armored taxi, moving troops to and from hot points and/or objectives. If needed they can serve as moving barriers, blocking lines of sight while they engage the enemy. A third use is that they can just [[DISTRACTION CARNIFEX|forget about all that maneuvering and focus on engaging targets at medium and short range]] as their infantry squads [[Metal_Boxes|throw even more firepower into the mix.]] | ||
The Chimera can mount a variety of weapons to support the squads they carry. The most common and famous weapon associated with the Chimera is the [[Multilaser]], a rapid-firing heavy weapon that is very effective against infantry and light vehicles. This weapon can be replaced with either a [[Bolter|Heavy Bolter]] or [[Flamer|Heavy Flamer]]. Meanwhile, the standard hull-mounted [[Heavy Bolter]] can also be replaced with a [[Heavy Flamer]]. Forge World gives the Chimera even more blasty power with the ability to replace the main gun with an [[Autocannon]], turning it into a different breed of threat altogether and according to the 40k wiki (not lexicanum, the other one), the Kronus schenanigans in Dark Crusade resulted in the discovery of how to mount a Predator turret with Predator autocannon on a Chimera. Each side of the tank features a row of three Lasgun turrets that embarked passengers may fire at enemy squads. The top of the passenger compartment can open, too, so the rest of the squad can join in the merry shooty fun (no longer true in 8th). For added punch against vehicles it can mount a Hunter-Killer Missile, though this option is rarely taken due to the BS of 4+. Finally, the Chimera can choose from either an auxiliary Heavy Stubber or a Storm Bolter for only 2 points for either option. Because the Chimera tends to move around a lot while fighting close to the enemy the Storm Bolter is probably the slightly better option, and due to the low cost there really isn't any reason not to take one. | The Chimera can mount a variety of weapons to support the squads they carry. The most common and famous weapon associated with the Chimera is the [[Multilaser]], a rapid-firing heavy weapon that is very effective against infantry and light vehicles. This weapon can be replaced with either a [[Heavy Bolter|Heavy Bolter]] or [[Heavy Flamer|Heavy Flamer]]. Meanwhile, the standard hull-mounted [[Heavy Bolter]] can also be replaced with a [[Heavy Flamer]]. Forge World gives the Chimera even more blasty power with the ability to replace the main gun with an [[Autocannon]], turning it into a different breed of threat altogether and according to the 40k wiki (not lexicanum, the other one), the Kronus schenanigans in Dark Crusade resulted in the discovery of how to mount a Predator turret with Predator autocannon on a Chimera. Each side of the tank features a row of three [[Lasgun]] turrets that embarked passengers may fire at enemy squads. The top of the passenger compartment can open, too, so the rest of the squad can join in the merry shooty fun (no longer true in 8th). For added punch against vehicles it can mount a [[Hunter-Killer Missile]], though this option is rarely taken due to the BS of 4+. Finally, the Chimera can choose from either an auxiliary [[Heavy Stubber]] or a [[Storm Bolter]] for only 2 points for either option. Because the Chimera tends to move around a lot while fighting close to the enemy the Storm Bolter is probably the slightly better option, and due to the low cost there really isn't any reason not to take one. | ||
The Chimera is not without weaknesses. Assembly instructions show its tow hook mounts right to the door in the back. Either this is a load bearing door or the Chimera isn't able to tow more than a ford focus without tearing itself a new one. Its Heavy weapons suffer -1 to hit when the vehicle has moved, and to be fair, Chimeras generally move a lot. It is also poor in melee combat, having only 3 S6 melee attacks that hit on a 6+. Finally, while the Chimera is a very well-rounded vehicle, a wise commander must realize that the Chimera is ''not'' a tank or close assault vehicle, and should take steps to ensure that it does not bite off more than it can chew. | The Chimera is not without weaknesses. Assembly instructions show its tow hook mounts right to the door in the back. Either this is a load bearing door or the Chimera isn't able to tow more than a ford focus without tearing itself a new one. Its Heavy weapons suffer -1 to hit when the vehicle has moved, and to be fair, Chimeras generally move a lot. It is also poor in melee combat, having only 3 S6 melee attacks that hit on a 6+. Finally, while the Chimera is a very well-rounded vehicle, a wise commander must realize that the Chimera is ''not'' a tank or close assault vehicle, and should take steps to ensure that it does not bite off more than it can chew. | ||
Revision as of 23:57, 26 July 2021
Maybe you were looking for METHUL BAWKSES?
The Chimera Armored Transport is the Imperial Guard's main troop carrier, capable of transporting troops on the battlefield and giving them fire support.
Unlike the Rhino Transport of the Space Marines, the Chimera is no mere APC. Instead it is an Infantry Fighting Vehicle, meaning that it both carries a squad while also functioning as that squad's principal weapons system. To this end the Chimera is rather heavily armed for something that isn't actually a tank, having about as much firepower as 2 heavy weapons teams combined, depending on loadout. Because it adds both survivability and flexibility to an army that otherwise tends to be sluggish, the Chimera is a ubiquitous presence that finds a home in many Imperial Guard Army Lists. If a Soviet BMP, a Mark IV tank, and a Bradley engaged in a steamy three-way, the Chimera would be the offspring.
Overview
The Chimera is one of the most important vehicles in the Imperial Guard's arsenal: it is a fast moving, amphibious vehicle capable of traversing terrain that even a Leman Russ would find impossible to cross (swamps, marshes and even the occasional river). When the enemy neglects to defend these positions because of their perceived inaccessibility, they can expect a squadron or two of Chimeras in their flanks or rear.
In all seriousness, the Chimera is a fantastic asset with several uses. Most of the time it functions as a heavily armed, armored taxi, moving troops to and from hot points and/or objectives. If needed they can serve as moving barriers, blocking lines of sight while they engage the enemy. A third use is that they can just forget about all that maneuvering and focus on engaging targets at medium and short range as their infantry squads throw even more firepower into the mix.
The Chimera can mount a variety of weapons to support the squads they carry. The most common and famous weapon associated with the Chimera is the Multilaser, a rapid-firing heavy weapon that is very effective against infantry and light vehicles. This weapon can be replaced with either a Heavy Bolter or Heavy Flamer. Meanwhile, the standard hull-mounted Heavy Bolter can also be replaced with a Heavy Flamer. Forge World gives the Chimera even more blasty power with the ability to replace the main gun with an Autocannon, turning it into a different breed of threat altogether and according to the 40k wiki (not lexicanum, the other one), the Kronus schenanigans in Dark Crusade resulted in the discovery of how to mount a Predator turret with Predator autocannon on a Chimera. Each side of the tank features a row of three Lasgun turrets that embarked passengers may fire at enemy squads. The top of the passenger compartment can open, too, so the rest of the squad can join in the merry shooty fun (no longer true in 8th). For added punch against vehicles it can mount a Hunter-Killer Missile, though this option is rarely taken due to the BS of 4+. Finally, the Chimera can choose from either an auxiliary Heavy Stubber or a Storm Bolter for only 2 points for either option. Because the Chimera tends to move around a lot while fighting close to the enemy the Storm Bolter is probably the slightly better option, and due to the low cost there really isn't any reason not to take one.
The Chimera is not without weaknesses. Assembly instructions show its tow hook mounts right to the door in the back. Either this is a load bearing door or the Chimera isn't able to tow more than a ford focus without tearing itself a new one. Its Heavy weapons suffer -1 to hit when the vehicle has moved, and to be fair, Chimeras generally move a lot. It is also poor in melee combat, having only 3 S6 melee attacks that hit on a 6+. Finally, while the Chimera is a very well-rounded vehicle, a wise commander must realize that the Chimera is not a tank or close assault vehicle, and should take steps to ensure that it does not bite off more than it can chew.
The Steel Legions of Armageddon, one of the chief manufacturing planets for the Chimera, are fully mechanized and can move across the ash wastes of their home world at frightening speeds. Like most other Imperial vehicles, the Chimera can be built with a wide variety of powerplants utilizing virtually any common energy source. Generally described as having two electric engines, one in each side, which allows for more transport space and the ability to provide extra armour for the crew.
In 8th Edition a 73-point Chimera is tougher than a 70-point Taurox, it can carry 2 more models, and it can also take items from the Vehicle Equipment list; meanwhile the Taurox is faster and its weapons are punchier. Both vehicles have their place, so whether you choose one or the other largely comes down to a matter of preference.
The other major use the Chimera finds is as a command vehicle; officers embarked inside can still issue orders. Unfortunately in 8th Edition this is no longer as straightforward as it once was, and requires the use of the 1-CP Mobile Command Vehicle stratagem in each round you wish to do this. Even so, when used effectively this serves the dual purpose of increasing your order radius (since the Chimera is obviously larger than the man shouting orders from the hatch) and also keeping your HQ alive, since Guard HQs are notoriously squishy.
One common trick with Chimeras is to form them into hunting packs after unloading their passengers (Soviet Bronegruppa IN SPACE) and have them roam around the battlefield pissing off targets of opportunity. With two long-ranged, rapid-fire weapons and surprising durability, they can dish out some serious damage, and your opponent will be forced to allocate a disproportionate amount of force to stop them (and in doing so, he is hopefully ignoring even more important targets in your army). Shoving a wall of properly supported Chimeras into your enemy's flank and saying, "Have fun with that!" will be sure to rattle all but the steadiest of opponents.
The Hellhound, Devil Dog, and Bane Wolf are all closely related to the Chimera, and may or may not be either Chimera variants or a different mark of vehicle, depending on who you ask. Back in the days of the old Epic wargame, the Chimera had a few additional variants (details can be read below). Unfortunately, these more obscure variations have yet to be translated to the 40k tabletop. It would be nice if the Imperial Guard had a few more IFVs in their arsenal.
Variants
Chimerro
The camaro Chimerro is a variant of the standard Chimera and is by far, the most basic modification. Armed with an auto-loading hunter-killer missile and a multi-laser. It is used by the Astra Militarum and Skitarii.
As aforementioned, the Chimerro assault vehicles mount a standard hunter-killer missile tube with an autoloader on the side of the standard multi-laser turret. This addition gives the Chimerro a powerful long-range weapon, while the multi-laser still allows it to support its disembarked infantry by mowing down enemy troops.
The Chimerro maintains the full transport capacity of the Chimera and thus can be used to replace Chimeras on a one-for-one basis in Imperial forces. Chimerros can also be organized into Chimero Assault Squadrons, which are then attached to various infantry detachments.
The variant has been tested and approved by veteran regiments of the Astra Militarum and Skitarii, yet GW has not made a up-to-date model for it to be used in a new Edition.
Chimerax
The Chimerax is a more heavily modified assault version of the Chimera utilized by the Astra Militarum and Skitarii, providing Imperial assaults with protection against enemy flyers and troops. It is armed with four autocannons making it the poor man's version of the Hydra Flak Tank.
Because the Chimerax are easily recognizable due to their upgraded turrets that mount four light autocannons, it makes the Chimerax somewhat vulnerable to be spotted and singled out by enemy forces. Nevertheless, these guns allow the Chimerax to lay down a curtain of fire; highly effective at keeping infantry, light skimmers and flyers at bay. However, unlike the Hydra, the Chimerax does not carry the complex tracking and ranging sensors that would make it truly effective at anti-aircraft.
The Chimerax maintains the full transport capacity of the Chimera and thus can be used to replace Chimeras on a one-for-one basis in Imperial forces. Chimerax can also be organized into Chimerax Assault Squadrons, which are then attached to various infantry detachments.
The variant has been tested and approved by veteran regiments of the Astra Militarum and Skitarii, yet GW has not made a up-to-date model for it to be used in a new Edition.
Chimedon
The Thunderer Siege Tank of Chimeras. The Chimedon assault vehicle is the most heavily armed version of the Chimera, destroying enemy vehicles that stand in the way of Imperial advances. It is fielded by the Astra Militarum and Skitarii.
Chimedons have a strengthened turret, allowing it to mount a short-barrelled Battle Cannon, similar to the cannon carried by the Stormhammer. The shells fired by the Chimedon are armor-plated, and can damage enemy tanks and even Titans at medium range.
The Chimedon maintains the full transport capacity, maneuverability and sturdiness granted by its Chimera hull, giving it superb tactical flexibility. However, it always lacks defensive bolters, making the Chimedon vulnerable to infantry assaults. Despite this, the actual model seem to discount the fluff and mounts one anyway. Due to this, Chimedons are not often used to spearhead assaults.
The Chimedon can be used to replace Chimeras on a one-for-one basis in Imperial forces. Chimedons can also be organized into Chimedon Assault Squadrons, which are then attached to various infantry detachments.
The variant has been tested and approved by veteran regiments of the Astra Militarum and Skitarii, yet GW has not made a up-to-date model for it to be used in 8th Edition. However, if your FLGS is okay with homerules, consider suggesting a Chimera with a Taurox Battle Cannon as a counts as Chimedon.
A notable coincidence is that the former medium tank of the Imperial Guard was called the Carnodon, thus, as the Chimedon is effectively to the Chimera as the Razorback is to the Rhino, it could easily be named as a combination of 'Chimera' and 'Carnodon'.
Pegasus
For main page, see here:
The even more aquatic version of the Chimera, but one so modified that it requires its own page. The Pegasus has a really bizarre history/relationship with a couple of vehicles which can be further explained in the main page.
Faction Specific Aspects
Genestealer Cults
With the latest release of the new revamped Genestealer Cult, it seems that certain generations of Genestealers was able to successfully infiltrate even the commanding office of the Imperial Guard (How the upper Imperial authorities and local Imperial paranoia failed to locate THAT kind of Heresy is unknown), and are thus, able to steal some Chimeras and hoard it in the gigantic sewers of an Imperial underhive. A Genestealer Chimera functions the same as a regular Chimera only with Genestealer insignia.
Inquisition
The Inquisition can take chimeras for ten points cheaper, but they lose the mobile command vehicle rule. Loses some of the Imperial Guard vehicle options, but can purchase psybolt ammunition instead to make its heavy bolter(s) and storm bolter more powerful. They look normal from the outside, but open up to something that no one expects.
Rules of Note
There are actually written rules that say this particular Metal Box is also a boat. Its Amphibious rule allows it to move across water terrain. This would mean that it could ram an Ork Submersible, or tank shock a Saharduin squad. Sadly, since nobody uses water terrain, plays apocalypse, or has more than one Saharduin model, Amphibious is a totally useless rule.
Another rule of note is the one that lets you use orders whilst riding in a chimera. This one's actually pretty useful.
Weaknesses
The Chimera's front armor is durable, but its side and rear armor are much more flimsy. While it's generally tougher than a Rhino, it also tends to be a bigger target since the Chimera's weapons are often too big for armies that rely on light armor (Dark Eldar, Orks, etc) to ignore, whereas a Rhino tends to be less of an obvious target. It also has only a single small access point (its rear door), which is such a glaring issue that it gets its own separate subsection.
The Rear Door Paradox
The Chimera's only access point is its (comparatively tiny) rear door. Embarking rules state that every unit about to board a transport has to be within 2 inches of an access point, which means it's very hard (if not impossible) to fit more than 6 or so models into a Chimera during an embarking phase, when the Chimera has room for 12. This is a problem that the METAL BOX and GIANT METAL BOX just don't have, either because they have multiple doors, or because their access point is so big it makes the issue moot.
This doesn't preclude larger units from starting the game already loaded in the Chimera, nor does it stop smaller units from using the damned thing like they pretty much always have, but it does mean that taking an Armored Fist Squad of 10 soldiers can quickly turn into a wonderful impersonation of when a fa/tg/uy tries to unpack and then repack a suitcase. You're generally not getting a larger unit back into the Chimera it disembarked from, so it's probably better for the Chimera to drive off and make new friends while the unit camps the objective. On the other hand, if you're willing to make the sacrifice, you can split your team members of the armored fist (or other) between two or more Chimera. This has its own obvious benefits and costs. But hey, you can always just rely on a Guardsman’s life expectancy to fix the issue for you.
Note that as of 8th edition, embarking only requires models to be within 3" of the vehicle rather than an access point. As a result, the rear door problem isn't a problem any more.
In prior editions the Chimera had a firing point from the top hatch above the troop hold, but in 8th/9th edition this is currently not useable- which is quite a shame, because back then it allowed an embarked squad to add their best weapon to the Chimera's firepower.