Despoiler Squad

The lovechild between a Breacher and an Assault Marine.

An old type of Space Marine infantry formation, Despoiler Squads were used extensively during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy and was considered as the sister group of the Breacher Siege Squad.

Overview

Frequently employed during boarding actions or trench clearing operations, Space Marine Tactical Squads would sometimes forgo their standard Bolter in favour of a Bolt Pistol with attached Chainblade, Chainsword or a Heavy Chainsword, allowing for greater manoeuvrability in the tight confines of a trench or the cramped walkways of a ship.

Therefore, think of Despoiler Squads as an Assault Marine without the jump pack, or a Breacher Squad that sacrifices defence for balls-out agility and speed.

Due to their hazardous conditions, they all wear Mark III: Iron Armour, although later versions of them would wear the more modern Mark IV: Maximus Armour. And yes, they have nothing to do with a certain armless failure.

Crunch

On the Horus Heresy tabletop, the Despoiler Squad are basically the same as the fluff, Assault Marines without jetpacks. Offers a fine balance between Tacticals and Assault marines. The Sons of Horus seem to really like the Despoilers, creating their own variant called the Reaver, which they are comparable to Legion Veterans with 2 Attacks base, as well as Outflank and Precision shots and strikes. Precision Shots and Strikes lets Reavers pick off sergeants, special and heavy weapons users and apothecaries, which is very useful. Unlike Veterans, they don't come standard with a bolter. Their wargear is assault-oriented: Ranged weapon choices are Bolters/Combi-Weapons with Banestrike shells for AP3 Rending or Volkite chargers for extra wounds (so your longest ranged attack is 18") and one in five can take a special weapon. Any model can have a Chainaxe for just 1pt, or a more expensive Power Weapon or Power Fist. They can also come with a jump pack for an extra 50pts, making them essentially, Assault Marines in all but name.