Now I realize that the Imperial Fists are lower down on the priority list, since the channel also features the Ultramarines, Red Scorpions, Blood Angels, and Space Wolves but, as my chosen Chapter, I'm curious to see what can be done to create a fun and unique Imperial Fist army.
I would like to propose some models that could be used as the theme to create such a force: Centurions. Now, Centurions are very costly, so it is a bit difficult to create a force that can maximize their potential but I have some ideas how they might be used. Firstly, I would suggest having more than the minimum 3 in a unit. With each model being powerful and expensive, the unit's abilities drop drastically once they begin taking casualties; having four or five or even six in a unit allows it to function for longer before losing effectiveness. That also is why my next suggestion is important: having an Apothecary. Being able to potentially bring back killed models extends the unit's life expectancy. Now, unfortunately, with the Centurion models being so expensive, it would be difficult (and probably foolhardy) to try to mix both Devastator and Assault-type Centurions in the same force so it's better to focus on one or the other.
In my battles with them, I've been amazed at how much firepower a large unit of Devastator Centurions can muster. I have a mix of weapon options on mine, mostly just to cut down on costs, but it is sometimes helpful to have a variety of profiles especially since they can fire at different targets. In my unit of 5, I have six Lascannons, two Missile Launchers, four Heavy Bolters, and three Hurricane Bolters, more than enough firepower to deal with anything that gets too close. Now, the big problem is that they're going to draw a lot of attention so it is important to have other things in the force that can distract the opponent. Dreadnoughts are a good option, as they require the same types of weapons that the opponent would like to use on the Centurions, but as the Space Wolves force has some, they might not be preferred. Using Flyers such as the Stormtalons, therefore, may be a better option as they would keep the unique theme of the force. Also, the Rhinos and Tactical Squad that Striking Scorpion already has would make for a good screening force.
Assault Centurions are, I think, a bit easier to use, partially because they are less expensive. But, they ideally require transport to reach contact with the enemy. A Stormraven is one idea but the Blood Angles already use one so that may not be desired (I personally got a Stormeagle to transport mine). So another idea would be to use a Land Raider, which I believe is currently not used with any force. One of the idiosyncrasies with the Assault Centurions is that they're not that great in melee combat; Assault Terminators with Thunderhammers are probably better. The benefit of using Centurions is the increased firepower they bring: with Meltaguns, Flamers, and Hurricane Bolters, they bring a surprising amount of firepower for a supposedly 'melee-focused' unit.
Anyways, I just wanted to share some of my experiences and ideas for what could make a unique and interesting force for the channel. Use them how you would like and keep up the good work!
Thanks for the post. I hope to revamp the Fists quite soon. I need to redo a lot of the basing for the marines to 32mm. I like the Centurions...but they seem expensive and often the opponent tries to destroy them first. Assault centurions are a good idea. Thanks for all the ideas...I'm still working on a list so any ideas are welcome:)
They are indeed expensive and that is their main drawback. The Centurions can be kept out of line of sight for the first turn, since they can move and shoot without penalty; with the Rhinos, you could try putting them in front to block LOS. It is also handy if you can keep them in cover for the armor bonus.
Very good idea using the Rhinos to block LOS! If have like 3 or 4 of them I could literally hide the whole army behind them. Good cover if I don't go first!:)