Decisions, Decisions

I have had a problem with the Necron codex since I first opened it, and that is the number of cool options in this book. I'll admit that this is a good problem to have considering that a lot of the complaints about some of the aging Codexes (Codices?) is that they are only competitive in one or two builds. This was certainly the case with the Necrons before their update! The issue is compounded by the fact that I have been collecting Necrons for years and have an overabundance of models that I have an inescapable craving to use, and yes, I've been buying the new model kits like a madman. With the introduction of the new FAQs I have even harder choices to make, specifically when it comes to the Headquarters section of the Force Organization Chart.

With the FAQ making Anrakyr the Traveller a bit less exciting, since he can't use his Mind in the Machine ability from inside the Catacomb Command Barge, I don't have as hard of a time deciding not to bring him. Still, that leaves Nemesor Zahndrekh, Vargard Obyron, and Imotekh the Stormlord. I'm even re-evaluating my stance on old Orikan the Diviner since it turns out that his Temporal Snares ability works in conjunction with Writhing Worldscape. This makes any game that features the Dawn of War deployment extremely risky during the first turn, and won't be a picnic for any opponent that relies on rapid movement early in the game. Last but not least is the Destroyer Lord, who when Deep Striking with some Canoptek Wraiths (particularly when they are brought in by Nemesor Zahndrekh into the perfect position) can be absolutely devastating on his own. Add Mindshackle Scarabs to make him even more brutal. Imotekh doesn't really require explanation; he brings Night Fighting, potential for devastating Lightning Strikes, and as time goes on I find myself more and more excited about the Staff of the Destroyer. His Bloodswarm Nanoscarabs even prompted me to pick up some Flayed Ones which are testing rather well so far, which made me have to further reconfigure my lists. Imotekh is actually a great example of what I'm talking about, here. He has great synergy with so many different units, even in the HQ section, that it's hard to decide on what to take. Do you bet that people are going to reserve many of their units to avoid the lightning and so pair him with Nemesor Zahndrekh? Do you use him as a central part of your army build in a more close combat/ short-ranged shooting army that will benefit from advancing under the cover of darkness? Whatever decision you make here will greatly effect the optimal loadout for your Royal Courts and the composition of the rest of your army.