Blitzer Assault Squads

Blitzer Assault Squads are elite close-combat specialists utilised exclusively by the Halcyon Wardens Legion. These formidable warriors are chosen from the Vth Legion's penultimate close-combat specialists, utilised as the tip of the spear, to strike a blow against their foes and sowing chaos and confusion amongst the ranks of the enemy. These deadly Astartes were but a pre-cursor to the main phalanx of a planetary assault that would inevitably follow, and often made all the difference in breaking a stalemate to help fracture an enemy's defences.

Background
While the Halcyon Wardens were defined for many by their role as the Emperor's shield, they were quite ready to serve as His sword. The Blitzer Assault marines were defined by this readiness. They drew on the oldest traditions of the Vth Legion, though their tactical role had been long since modified by their Primarch Alexandros to support the methods of the Halcyon Wardens. Armed for close combat, they were used typically to sow disorder among enemy formations, allowing the phalanx of their brethren to roll over all who stood in their way. At other times, or in the hands of more hot-blooded commanders, they were the tip of the Legion's sword-thrusts, descending to eliminate high priority targets with explosive violence.

On battlefields where phalanxes would struggle to operate, the Blitzers retained their usefulness, often leading rapid assaults to fracture an enemy army. Like the Athenoi, they counted among their number several of the Legion's most celebrated companies, including Irvin Ruel's Katigoi.

Unit Composition

 * 1 Sergeant
 * 4-14 Blitzers

Unit Type

 * Jump Infantry

Wargear

 * Power Armour
 * Eskut-Pattern Shotgun w/Flechette & Solid Rounds
 * Bolt Pistol
 * Chainsword/Combat Blade
 * Jump Pack
 * Frag & Krak Grenades

Optional Wargear
Any Blitzer Legionary may exchanged their Chainsword/Combat Blade for one of the following:


 * Heavy Chainblade
 * Charnabal Sabre
 * Power Weapon

For every five Blitzers in a squad, one may exchange their Eskut-pattern Shotgun for one of the following:


 * Flamer
 * Meltagun
 * Plasma Gun

The entire unit may take the following:


 * Combat Shields
 * Melta-Bombs

Optional Wargear (Sergeant Only)
The Sergeant may exchange their Chainsword/Combat Blade for one of the following:


 * Lightning Claw
 * Power Fist
 * Thunder Hammer

The Sergeant may also exchange their Chainsword/Combat Blade and Bolt Pistol for the following:


 * Pair Lightning Claws

The Sergeant may also take any of the following:


 * Dragonfire Rounds
 * Melta Bombs
 * Artificer Armour