Editing Lion El'Jonson (section)

====30k The Lion Vs other Primarchs: Heresy 2.0====

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Primarch fighting has significantly changed in the new edition. The sweeping changes to the Weapon Skill system really put those with lower scores at a huge disadvantage. While the changes to universal special rules mean that characters can often bring more attacks (like with Rage and Rampage) or newer tricks (Brutal) to the table that they never could before.

This means that Primarch vs Primarch fighting is more likely to actually resolve itself within the duration of the game, rather than taking turns whittling off small numbers from each other.

Also, because Overwatch Reactions are now done at full ballistic skill, shooting will likely play a more significant role. However, for the sake of brevity, there should be no need to include them unless they make a meaningful difference to the outcome.

Although it will not be used to calculate the outcomes below, if you want to go Primarch hunting take the Firewing Rite of War as it gives you a straight +1 to hit in both combat and at range (against units containing a priority target), and +1 attacks in melee.

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'''Horus vs Lion:'''
:Lion with the Wolf Blade ''(hits on MC 4+)'': 3.75 hits, 2.18 AP2 wounds + 1.62 AP3 wounds, '''0.99 unsaved wounds''' ''(0.73 against 3++, 0.27 against 2+)'', which is reduced to 0.66 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
:Horus with Worldbreaker ''(hits on MC 4+)'': 3.75 hits, 3.125 rounds, '''2.875 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 2.54 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.

:Horus wins- Horus wipes the floor with the Lion, having a 3++ and not being able to be hit on anything better then a 4+(In melee). He has more wounds and being able to swap between his str10 Brutal(2) maul and his talon, the Lion doesn’t stand a chance.
::The Deathwing subtype does not work against Horus' ability to only be hit on a flat 4+.
:::If anyone is interested: the Lion Sword causes '''1.04 unsaved wounds''' which is better on its own without the benefit of any extra attacks resulting from Reaping Blow. This means the Wolf Blade is actually the more practical choice as his attack value aught to increase when Horus has his retinue squad.
:The Lion beats Horus at range, yes you are still trying to get through that 3++ but Horus has no access to AP2 ranged attacks, so will have to get through the Lions 2+ save; stay at range for as long as possible to try and soften him up a bit before charging, as the Lion does want to be the one charging Horus.


'''Fulgrim vs Lion:'''
:Lion with the Lion Sword & Deathwing subtype ''(hits on MC3+)'': 4.88 hits, 4.07 wounds, '''1.35 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.02 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND
::Lions Choler +1 attack ''(hits on MC3+)'': 5.55 hits, 4.62 wounds, '''1.54 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.21 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
::Lions Choler +2 attacks ''(hits on MC3+)'': 6.22 hits, 5.18 wounds, '''1.72 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.39 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
:Fulgrim with the Laer Blade (Initiative 9, +2 attacks). 4.75 hits, 3.98 wounds, '''1.73 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.4 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
::Fulgrim, charging with the Laer Blade (Initiative 10, +3 attacks). 5.25 hits, 4.375 wounds, '''1.93 unsaved wounds''' which is reduced to 1.60 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.

:Fulgrim wins- Both brothers have a Master-crafted, Fleshbane sword, and wound each other the same way. The Lion is more accurate, but because of his higher initiative Fulgrim has more attacks, even though they hit less often. This fight boils down to the fact that Fulgrim has a better save in melee.
::A few assumptions have been made here. The Emperor's Children Legiones Astartes trait allows their models to fight at one initiative step higher, this is NOT the same as +1 to their initiative characteristic (the same way that Unwieldy weapons do not lower Initiative either, they just fight at Initiative step one). However Fulgrim does get a +1 Initiative bonus in challenges from ''Duelist Edge'' and from charging with ''Sudden Strike''.
::Fulgrim is slightly easier to shoot at though. He only has a 4++ invulnerable save outside of melee, and Primarch reactions cannot be denied by his ''Tactical Excellence'' rule.
:::If Fulgrim takes the Fireblade, he loses ''Duelist Edge'', and therefore one bonus attack, and only wounds on a 3+. Resulting in '''1.00 unsaved wounds''' per phase, and will lose.
:::If the Lion uses the Wolf Blade, and can trigger Reaping Blow for extra attacks, his damage potential increases to '''1.55 unsaved wounds''', increased to '''1.72''' and '''1.89''' when triggering Lion's Choler. This still works out as a loss because Fulgrim strikes before the Lion.

'''Russ vs Lion:'''
:Lion with the Lion Sword & Deathwing subtype ''hits on MC3+)'': 4.88 hits, 4.07 wounds, '''2.03 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.70 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND
:Russ with the Sword of Balenight: 4.25 hits, 3.54 wounds ''(doubled before saves)'', '''3.29 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 2.95 at the end of the next turn thanks to IWND.
::Russ charging with the Sword of Balenight (+1 WS due to Legion trait): 6.22 hits, 5.18 wounds ''(doubled before saves)'', '''4.93 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 4.60 at the end of the next turn thanks to IWND.
::Russ using Counter-Attack the Sword of Balenight: 5.25 hits, 4.375 wounds ''(doubled before saves)'', '''4.125 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 3.8 at the end of the next turn thanks to IWND.

:Russ wins: they have the same statline but Russ gets the extra attack for having two weapons, and although he hits less often than Angron his sword has Brutal(2), so every wound has to be saved twice.
::Because Primarchs do not have the infantry unit type, instead of being able to Run, Snapfire and Charge, Russ gains +1 Weapon Skill on any turn he charges, thanks to the Space Wolves Legion Astartes trait. This means he charges at WS9 and hits WS8 on 3+. Also, with that additional -1 to hit means that the Lion will only strike him on a 6+ unless he starts with the Deathwing subtype active. Things only revert to normal in the following turn, but by then the Lion is nearly dead.
::It's not much better charging against Russ due to his Counter-Attack, but at least Russ doesn't get the the crazy modifiers in that case.
::Also, while it might be tempting to just sit 18" away and snipe with the Fusil Actineaus, Russ's Armour gets boosted against plasma to 3++, so it only causes about 0.43 unsaved wounds when fully resolved and leaves the Lion dangerously vulnerable to a charge in the following turn.

'''Alpharius vs Lion:'''
:Lion with the Lion Sword & Deathwing subtype ''(hits on MC 2+)'': 5.97 hits, 3.98 wounds ''(S7 rather than Fleshbane)'' '''1.99 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.69 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
:Alpharius ''(hits on 5+)'': 1.99 hits, 1.66 wounds, '''0.58 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 0.25 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.

:Lion wins. Although Alpharius ignores Fleshbane, weapons are only strength 1 if they did NOT have a strength characteristic before. ''(This is NOT the same as Mortarion's rule)'' Meaning the Lion still hits at MC WS8 S7. Alpharius still has his own Fleshbane, but he hits on 5+ thanks to the difference in WS. He hits too few times and the Lion's reroll on saves really helps him.
:Alpharius can give himself ''Preferred Enemy'' once per battle to increase his output, it doesn't really change the outcome.

'''Corax vs Lion:'''
:Lion with the Lion Sword & Deathwing subtype ''(hits on MC 2+)'': 5.97 hits, 4.97 wounds '''2.48 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 2.15 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND
:Corax ''(hits on 5+)'': 2.33 hits, 1.74 wounds, '''0.62 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 0.29 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND
::Corax ''(charging +1 attack, with Rage [4], 12 attacks total)'': 3.99 hits, 2.99 wounds, '''1.24 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 0.92 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.

:Lion wins- same initiative and number of attacks. Corax can hit and run to gain a LOT more attacks but the difference in WS really hurts Corax here.

:Primarchs cannot be negatively affected by characteristic penalties from Blind, so it doesn't come into play. Whether from Corax's melee or Lion's shooting/overwatch.

'''Vulkan vs Lion:'''
:Lion wins- the Lion does manage to out damage Vulkan.

'''Lorgar vs Lion:'''
:Lion with the Lion Sword & Deathwing subtype ''(hits on MC 2+, Feel No Pain is negated)'': 5.97 hits, 4.97 wounds '''2.48 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.98 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
:Lorgar ''(hits on MC 5+)'': 2.22 hits, 1.85 wounds ''(doubled before saves)'', '''1.60 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.27 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.

:Lion wins- Lorgar has the lowest WS and base attacks of any Primarch, but thanks to his Brutal (2) weapon and improved IWND (4+) he is able to put up a surprisingly respectable challenge. 
::Psychic powers don't really help Lorgar here. Because of Adamantium Will (3+), Lorgar needs to do it with buffs, rather than psychic attacks and none of the standard disciplines do anything to really adjust how much they wound each other eithe, as the Lion Blade really doesn't care about Lorgar's Toughness.
:::The Diabolism and Anethema discipline does not really help Lorgar. The strength and toughness bonuses granted by the ''Dark and Terrible'' power do not affect their abilities to wound each other. While Hammer of Wrath (3) is still negligible.

'''Magnus vs Lion:'''
:Lion with the Lion Sword & Deathwing subtype ''(hits on MC 2+)'': 5.97 hits, 4.97 wounds '''2.48 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 2.15 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND
:Magnus ''(hits on 5+, the Lion's save is increased to 3++ against Force Weapons)'': 2 hits, 1.66 wounds ''(activating Force for S12)'', '''0.333 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 0 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND

:Lion wins- if Magnus just uses his basic gear he will straight up lose. Magnus does have his choice of every psychic powers to try and turn things to his favour, but that is not likely this edition, the Lion's Adamantium Will (3+) gives him an effective defense against any psychic wounds Magnus throws at him. The standard disciplines don't provide any powers that influence the fight here.

'''Mortarion vs Lion:''' (Wolf Blade as Mortarion can only be effected by Fleshbane on a 6)
:Lion with the Wolf Blade & Deathwing subtype ''(hits on MC 2+)'': 5.97 hits, 3.48 AP2 wounds + 1.99 AP3 wounds, '''2.07 unsaved wounds''' ''(1.74 against 4++, 0.33 against 2+)'' which is reduced to 1.57 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
:Mortarion: 2 hits, 1.67 wounds, '''0.58 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 0.25 at the end of next turn thanks to IWND.

:Lion wins. Despite detractors claiming that the Wolf Blade is a pathetic weapon, it does really well here <u>though it does get complicated.</u> It causes AP2 wounds on a 3+ while rerolling 1s, and creates a separate pool of AP3 wounds on a result of 2. These get saved separately and added together to create the final figure.
:Mortarion's lower WS and fewer attacks means.he does nowhere near the Lion's output in damage.

'''Guilliman vs Lion:'''
:Lion with the Lion Sword & Deathwing subtype ''(hits on MC 2+)'': 5.97 hits, 4.97 wounds, '''2.23 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.90 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
::Lions Choler (+1 attack): 6.81 hits, 5.67 wounds, '''2.58 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 2.25 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
::Lions Choler (+2 attacks): 7.64 hits, 6.37 wounds, '''2.93 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 2.60 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
:Guilliman (Sword) ''(hits on MC 5+)'': 2.56 hits, 2.27 wounds, '''0.89 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 0.55 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
::Guilliman (Sword, round 2 and beyond) ''(hits on MC 5+, rerolling 1s)'': 2.94 hits, 2.62 wounds, '''1.05 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 0.72 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
:Guilliman (Fist) ''(hits on MC 5+)'': 2.56 hits, 2.12 wounds, '''1.88 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.54 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND
::Guilliman (Fist, round 2 and beyond) ''(hits on MC 5+, rerolling 1s)'': 2.94 hits, 2.43 wounds, '''2.20 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.87 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND

:Lion wins- Guilliman has a slightly lower WS so he hits on master-crafted 5+ but can also re-roll all to hit rolls of 1 after the first round of combat. ''Shred'' on the Sword allows for more wounds than the Fist, but ''Brutal (2)'' creates more saves for the Lion to deal with.
:Ultimately even with all those rerolls, Guilliman struggles to land a solid blow on his brother ''(rerolling 1s on a 5+ is still only 0.05 of a hit)'' while the Lion only gets angrier when he takes more wounds.

'''Angron vs Lion:'''
:Lion with the Lion Sword ''(hits on MC 2+, FnP is negated)'': 5.97 hits, 4.97 wounds, '''2.48 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 2.15 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
::Lions Choler (+1 attack): 6.81 hits, 5.67 wounds, '''2.83 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 2.5 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
::Lions Choler (+2 attacks): 7.64 hits, 6.37 wounds, '''3.18 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 2.84 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
:Angron: 3.5 hits, 3.41 wounds, '''1.45 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.11 at the end of next turn thanks to IWND.
::Angron (+1 Attack): 4 hits, 3.8 wounds, '''1.69 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.36 at the end of next turn thanks to IWND.
::Angron (+2 Attacks): 4.5 hits, 4.375 wounds, '''1.93 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.60 at the end of next turn thanks to IWND.
::Angron (+3 Attacks): 5 hits, 4.86 wounds, '''2.18 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.84 at the end of next turn thanks to IWND.
::Angron (+4 Attack): 5.5 hits, 5.34 wounds, '''2.42 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 2.09 at the end of next turn thanks to IWND.
:::Angron charging (with base attack allowance): 6.75 hits, 6.56 wounds, '''3.03 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 2.69 at the end of next turn thanks to IWND.

:Lion wins '''under normal circumstances'''. Angron hits like a truck in the first round, and it really starts eating into the Lion's wounds giving him extra attacks, even though Angron picks up attacks as the game continues too. But due to a higher Initiative, much better accuracy, and the save reroll mean that the Lion should be able to claim the win in the third round.
::If Angron charges later in the game, after having built up some attacks then he could potentially wipe the Lion in a single turn. But otherwise the Lion will always be the better combatant.
:The Lion doesn't have to bother with any Hexagrammaton subtype here, as Angron's Butchers Nails count him as WS3 for attacks rolled against him. Meaning the Lion both hits AND wounds on 2+ when using the Lion Sword.


'''Ferrus vs Lion:'''
:Lion with the Lion Sword & Deathwing subtype ''(hits on MC 2+)'': 5.97 hits, 4.97 wounds, '''1.65 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.32 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
::Lions Choler (+1 attack): 6.81 hits, 5.67 wounds, '''1.89 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.56 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
::Lions Choler (+2 attacks): 7.64 hits, 6.37 wounds, '''2.12 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.79 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
:Ferrus Manus ''(hits on MC 5+)'': 2.22 hits, 1.85 wounds, '''2.52 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 2.19 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.

:Ferrus wins- not even close, not at any point. With a 3++ save and Brutal(3) hammer, even with the disadvantage of lower WS, those hits that do land will multiply into so many saves that the Lion can't do much about it.
::The Lion Sword negates Feel No Pain, so it hasn't been included.
::If the Lion uses the Wolf Blade and can trigger ''Reaping Blow'', his potential does actually outstrip the Lion Sword, starting out at '''1.91 unsaved wounds''' for 9 attacks, then increased to '''2.12''' and '''2.32''' for Lions Choler. While his damage output is still lower than Ferrus, he can actually win the fight because he has higher initiative, and can total enough damage to kill the Primarch of the Iron Hands before Forgebreaker hits him in the third round. 

'''Sanguinius vs Lion:'''
:Lion with the Lion Sword & Deathwing subtype ''(hits on MC3+)'': 4.88 hits, 4.07 wounds, '''2.03 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.70 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND
::Lion with the Lion Sword & Deathwing subtype, Sanguinius charged from Deep Strike ''(hits on MC 4+, Sanguinius rerolls failed saves)'': 3.75 hits, 3.125 wounds, '''0.78 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 0.45 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND
: Sanguinius with Blade Encarmine ''(Hits on MC 4+)'': 3.25 hits, 2.88 wounds, '''0.94 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 0.61 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND
:: Sanguinius charging from Deep Strike with Blade Encarmine ''(9 attacks on MC3+)'': 6.22 hits, 5.53 wounds, '''2.26 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.931 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.

:Lion wins- though a few assumptions have to be made here.
::Despite being S7, the shredding Blade Encarmine is more likely to wound against T6 (88%) than the S10 Spear of Telesto (83%) and is even more likely to wound when gaining the +1 to-Wound from his Legion trait. Also Sanguinius only gets his +1WS when charging from Deep Strike, as his wings do not count as a Legion Warhark Jump Pack. So if he charges normally, he should only hit at WS8 (4+).
:Sanguinius hits hard in the first round and due to being able to re-roll all failed INV saves will take little damage in return. After the first round however the Lion starts hitting back faster, with more attacks, and with greater accuracy.

'''Curze vs Lion''':
:Lion with the Lion Sword & Deathwing subtype ''(hits on MC3+)'': 4.88 hits, 4.07 wounds, '''2.03 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.70 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND
::Lions Choler +1 attack ''(hits on MC3+)'': 5.55 hits, 4.62 wounds, '''2.31 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.98 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
:Curze ''(hits on 4+)'': 4 hits, 3 wounds, '''1.25 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 0.92 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
:::Curze charging with Bloody Murder ''(10 attacks, hits on 4+)'': 5 hits, 3.75 wounds, '''1.63 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.29 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
::Curze using Glimpse of Death ''(+1 attack, hits on 4+)'': 4.5 hits, 3.37 wounds, '''1.43 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.10 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.

:Lion wins- even though they have the same WS and Initiative, and Curze has an extra attack for two close combat weapons; without any rerolls to hit, half of them are missed, and only wounding on rerollable 4+. By contrast the Lion remains more likely to hit and wound.
::Curze does get better charge bonuses, but still never really overtakes the Lion at any point. If he Hit and Runs each turn, he's only getting shot in the face each turn too.
::If Curze uses the Glimpse of Death, his output does increase, but not by much. Feel No Pain doesn't work against the Lion Sword either. Risking about 41% chance Perils of the Warp for an extra 0.21 wounds hardly seems worth it.
:::If Curze can outnumber the Lion's unit to gain a +1 to-Wound, it increases his <u>base</u> output by 0.27 wounds per turn, without factoring extra attacks.

'''Rogal Dorn vs Lion:'''
:Lion with the Wolf Blade & Deathwing subtype ''(hits on MC 3+)'': 4.88 hits, 3.66 wounds, '''1.83 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.5 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
::Lions Choler (+1 attack): 5.55 hits, 4.16 wounds, '''2.08 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.74 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
::Lions Choler (+2 attacks): 6.22 hits, 4.66 wounds, '''2.33 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.99 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
:Rogal Dorn: 3 hits, 2.91 wounds, '''1.21 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 0.87 at the end of next turn thanks to IWND.

:Lion wins- Dorn has the same WS and Dorn can’t be hurt on anything better the a 4+, while he is damaging the Lion on 2+. So this is one fight where using the Wolf Blade is actually the better option, since all eligible wounds will be AP2 and he has the benefit of ''Shred''.
:The Lion's extra attacks, better accuracy and save reroll all help him win here.

'''Khan vs Lion:'''
:Lion with the Lion Sword & Deathwing subtype ''(hits on MC 2+)'': 5.97 hits, 4.97 wounds, '''1.65 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.32 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
::Lions Choler (+1 attack): 6.81 hits, 5.67 wounds, '''1.89 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.56 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
::Lions Choler (+2 attacks): 7.64 hits, 6.37 wounds, '''2.12 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.79 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
:Jaghatai Khan ''(hits on MC 5+)'': 2.22 hits, 1.46 wounds, '''0.49 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 0.15 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
::Jaghatai Khan Charging ''(hits on MC 5+)'': 2.55 hits, 2.12 wounds, '''0.82 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 0.49 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.

:Lion wins- even though the Khan has Hit and Run, the charge bonuses he receive cannot overcome his lower WS and the Lion's invulnerable saves. 
::If the Khan takes his Jetbike, it gives him the Hammer of Wrath (2) rule, which only adds 0.166 unsaved wounds to his charging total (0.98 for the whole charge)

'''Perturabo vs Lion:'''
:Lion with the Lion Sword & Deathwing subtype ''(hits on MC 2+)'': 5.97 hits, 4.97 wounds, '''1.65 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.32 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
::Lions Choler (+1 attack): 6.81 hits, 5.67 wounds, '''1.89 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.56 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
::Lions Choler (+2 attacks): 7.64 hits, 6.37 wounds, '''2.12 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.79 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.
:Perturabo with Forgebreaker Desecrated ''(hits on MC 5+)'': 2.22 hits, 1.85 wounds, '''1.60 unsaved wounds''', which is reduced to 1.27 at the end of the turn thanks to IWND.

:Lion wins- the reduction of the Forgebreaker to Brutal (2) allows the Lion to keep ahead of the saves. Unlike the fight with Horus and the Worldbreaker, the Lion is able to pull out the win thanks to Perturabo's lower WS and fewer attacks which means those hits are rarer.

The Lion is a good all rounder Primarch. He only really loses in places where we expect him to lose, against Horus, Russ, Fulgrim, who are generally agreed to be the best Primarchs in close combat anyway, and against Ferrus Manus with that insane hammer! 

The Lion is able to pull comfortable wins against pretty much everyone else thanks to his higher accuracy and the ability to tailor his Legion trait and weapon to the particular situation.

Beyond straight up Primarch fights, his ability to grant army wide ''Crusader'' is pretty good for a melee force that wants to guarantee sweeping advances, and the extra +1 Leadership is useful too.

The best part is that he now synergises with his Rites of War, which he couldn't do in the last edition. Meaning that he can actually benefit from the various bonuses, such as:
*'''Unbroken Vow''' ''(+1 attack within 12" of objectives when using the Deathwing subtype)'' - this one is quite easy to use and will always benefit him.
*'''Serpents Bane''' ''(+1 to hit and +1 attack against priority targets when using the Firewing subtype)'' effectively gives him the Deathwing bonus against his priority targets while still getting the Firewing benefit.
*'''Eskaton Imperative''' ''(automatically passing dangerous terrain checks, and gaining +1 to wound against anything in Area or Dangerous terrain when using the Dreadwing subtype)'' - the Lion already wounds nearly everything on 2+.

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