We all know that mechanized forces supposedly rule the current 5th edition 40k landscape. The inability of Tyranids to field a mechanized army has often been cited as a reason they are not competitive. Why more people don't recognized other non-mechanized armies like BA jumpers, bike armies, foot IG, whatever the hell it is Tau do these days, foot BT, etc etc as being viable alternatives to mech I'll never understand, but that is a whole different argument for a different day. I'd like to briefly raise a point today, instead, about the Tyranids' true answer to the mechanized force- the Tervigon.
Think I'm smoking crack? The Tervigon isn't a vehicle or a transport, you say? Let's jump in the deep end and see what we can hash out.
The closest thing Tyranids have ever had to a true transport (ignoring Genestealer cult armies, of course) to date has been the Mycetic Spore. Being basically, a living drop pod and, therefore, subject to all of the drawbacks of a pod, I wouldn't consider it a transport in the traditional sense. The loss of the ability to move after deployment, removes any mobility advantage of the typical transport and once it lands, you can't get back in to gain sweet gooey shelter from bullets. So, for the sake of argument, I won't be considering this a transport option for nids.
Instead, think of the Tervigon in terms of a transport- it essentially carries scoring dudes around inside of it and only offers a minimal offensive capabilities of its own. It has a cargo of troops within it that it is protecting. Sounds a lot like a transport to me. Moreover, this unit is a lot more survivable than most transports are. Does it take 6 successful missile hits to kill your Rhino? Yeah, I didn't think so. Now I'll admit that it is more vulnerable to small arms fire than your average vehicle, but seriously, when was the last time you wounded a T6 3+ save Monstrous Creature with lasguns or bolters anyway? Really this should only be a minor issue, as you should have a wall of other T6 beasties backing you up, drawing fire away from your Tervigons.
Before I open this thought up to the group, here are a few things to consider:
Movement- Transports will, on average, be able to move slightly faster than a Tervigon (9.5" average move on the run), but don't forget that this guy (or is it a lady or even an it?) is capable of crapping out troops up to 6" away, still able to move, as opposed to 2" and static after a cruising speed move for normal transports. If we consider the threat range of a transport, then, as 14", by the same token troops disembarking from a Tervigon can reach out and touch somebody 6" spawning distance + 6" Termagant move + 3.5" run move, or a total of 15.5" up to 18" away (though as little as 13" on a bad day). Shit, you can even assault if you need to, giving you a 6" spawn + 6" move + 6" charge, for 18" of total fun, making these guys the John Holmes of Tyranid troops (yes, so maybe that would only be 14", but the important thing is that it's bigger than you).
Better still, your Tervigon can move through cover without losing much speed and without having to worry about getting immobilized. You don't even need to buy him a dozer blade, but that would be pretty kick ass. Long story short, a Tervigon has similar to better movement capabilities compared to a transport.
Points Cost- The cost of a base Tervigon is 160 points. Tooled up with catalyst, adrenal glands, and toxin sacs, it will run you 195 points. Don't forget that for this cost, you are also getting "free" termagants. You should generally spawn 10.5 of them per turn and I believe that statistically, each Tervigon will generally spawn 2 broods before experiencing the miracle of menopause and ceasing to bear young. That means you're getting 21 troops, a 105 point value, absolutely free. I know it's a bit of an apples and oranges comparison, but consider that a squad of 10 IG vets with 3 meltas will run you 155 points in a Chimera. The Tervigon transport stacks up pretty favorably from a points perspective.
Psychic Powers- Does your transport have these? Well of course not, BA have one of the only Pysker vehicles in the game. The ability to buff your troops psychically isn't offered by any other transport. Not to mention that this acts as a key synapse creature and can even fuck up enemy psychic powers. Let's see your wave serpent pull that off.
Shooting- Here the Tervigon is a little lackluster, but a S5 large blast or 4 shot weapon is still a nice anti-infantry option that can even be deployed against light armor in a pinch.
Durability- As I mentioned earlier, here is where the Tervigon really shines. It should prove to be more durable than most AV11/12 vehicles, ensuring that it will make it to the enemy lines to disgorge it's cargo. Don't forget that rather than spamming tank hulls to screw with your opponents target priority, there's a pretty good chance you're spamming T6 bodies.
Assault- Sure you can't expect to do much more than tarpit an enemy unit with a Tervigon, but regular transports sure as shit can't assault. Side note- how cool would a walker transport be.... Don't forget that as a MC, tank punching becomes really scary from these guys, netting results similar to 3 melta shots- melta vets take note.
Scoring- The Tervigon can be, and your transport only is if it's got troops inside it. Consider that you're spawning 2 or more broods (or 1 if your luck sucks), and you're getting a minimum of 2 scoring units for the price of 1. Blue light special on scoring units in aisle 5.
Tank Shock- Tervigon can't do it, but neither can a lot of other transports. It would be nice to be able to do this, but the disadvantage is somewhat mitigated by the ability of the Tervigon to assault.
