InfestedKerrigan Posted August 4, 2019 Report Share Posted August 4, 2019 The Space Marines, the Emperor’s avenging Angels of Death, are undeniably the most iconic faction in Warhammer 40,000, their imagery as integral to the universe as the Imperial Aquila, and we’re about to enter a golden new age for the Adeptus Astartes… Well, it appears that Marneus Calgar is not the only Space Marine to have crossed the Rubicon Primaris. Chief Librarian Tigurius of the Ultramarines and Kor’sarro Khan of the White Scars have followed in his mighty footsteps and have been reimagined as stunning new miniatures. You may be wondering what that cool new war machine is. Well, it’s called an Invictor Tactical Warsuit! Whereas a Dreadnought serves as a front-line brawler or mobile heavy weapons platform, this lightly armoured walker is often found fighting alongside units from a Vanguard strike force on recon missions. The Invictor Tactical Warsuit is designed with sound-dampening materials, enabling it to move at great speed with minimal noise output in support of the living pilot’s Vanguard brethren. In fact, it can even set up alongside them in concealed deployment! And yes, that totally is a pistolised heavy bolter strapped to its hip! The list of terrifying things that might be sneaking up on you in the dark corners of the 41st Millennium has just got longer. All of the Primaris Vanguard units that featured in Shadowspear are also set to receive their own kits very soon. Indeed, the mystery of the ‘las fusils’ mentioned on the Eliminators’ Apocalypse datasheet that a few eagle-eyed among you spotted will also be revealed! But what about the cool-looking tank? Well, that’ll be the Impulsor. We know that you’ve been after a dedicated transport for your Primaris Space Marines, and this is the answer! We’ll have more on these units over the coming weeks, so stay tuned. The Space Marines are also set to receive a new codex. Not just any codex, mind, but the best codex we’ve ever made, a tome worthy of Roboute Guilliman himself! First of all, the datasheets included in the book will be available to all the First Founding Chapters and their successors, so whichever Space Marine Chapter(s) hold your allegiance, you’ll be able to use the full spectrum of units available to the Adeptus Astartes – even if you’re a Blood Angels, Space Wolves or Dark Angels player! To suggest that an Imperial Fist and a White Scar fight in the same way is nearly heresy – and the new codex and codex supplements really lean into the distinct identities of each Chapter to ensure they work on the tabletop the way they do in the lore. Codex: Space Marines has everything you need to play with an army of gene-enhanced super-soldiers, and each of the supplements offers you additional, Chapter-specific datasheets and thematic rules that emphasise their unique heritage and the genetic legacy of their Primarch. One iconic feature of all Space Marines is the sheer physical brutality with which they tear into the Emperor’s foes once combat is joined. To help facilitate this on the tabletop, the universal traits of the Space Marines have been combined into a new catch-all ability called Angels of Death, which incorporates the usual suspects – And They Shall Know No Fear and Bolter Discipline – as well as this cheeky little number… Cool, huh? And before you ask, yes, as Adeptus Astartes, the Grey Knightsand Deathwatch will also receive this updated ability, so if purging Daemons and xenos is your thing, you’re still covered! “But what about us?” we hear you (dis)loyal fans of the Traitor Legions cry, “We love hitting things in combat too!” Well, you’re right… In fact, you’re so right that you’re also getting Shock Assault! Chaos Space Marines, Death Guard and Thousand Sons may be ‘Heretic’ Astartes, but they’re still Space Marines and they fight with the same brutal fury of their loyalist kin. That’s not even all – Codex: Space Marines also has extensive rules for Successor Chapter Tactics to support the creation of your own Chapter of Space Marines. Whether you’ve always had a particular theme in mind for your Chapter that you’d like to represent on the battlefield, or simply wish to enhance your favoured play style, you can be your own Chapter Master. Simply pick two Successor Tactics from the long list of awesome choices included in the codex and you’re good to go! 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestRider Posted August 4, 2019 Report Share Posted August 4, 2019 Updated Special Characters: Pretty cool. Primaris Transport: Decent. Full kits for the various Vanguard Primaris: Excellent. Space Marine Scout Sentinel: What the WTF. That's the most idiotic Model I've seen since I don't know when. It's like they took the worst parts of ClickyTech and Exo-Squad and rolled them in leftover Primaris bits. The fluff for it is just as bad, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfestedKerrigan Posted August 4, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2019 Yeah, mixed feelings on Invictus. I think we will see lots of Grey Knight conversions coming out of it. I'd enjoy using it as a base for all dreads, at least the center portion. The fluff, though, rolls eyes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestRider Posted August 4, 2019 Report Share Posted August 4, 2019 13 minutes ago, InfestedKerrigan said: Yeah, mixed feelings on Invictus. I think we will see lots of Grey Knight conversions coming out of it. I'd enjoy using it as a base for all dreads, at least the center portion. The fluff, though, rolls eyes. Give it an enclosed cockpit and a better main gun than a Twin Stubber, and it could be alright. As-is, tho, I just can't abide it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfestedKerrigan Posted August 4, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2019 5 minutes ago, WestRider said: Give it an enclosed cockpit and a better main gun than a Twin Stubber, and it could be alright. As-is, tho, I just can't abide it. Twin Stubber with hip mounted heavy bolter lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 4, 2019 Report Share Posted August 4, 2019 19 hours ago, InfestedKerrigan said: The Space Marines are also set to receive a new codex. Not just any codex, mind, but the best codex we’ve ever made, a tome worthy of Roboute Guilliman himself! First of all, the datasheets included in the book will be available to all the First Founding Chapters and their successors, so whichever Space Marine Chapter(s) hold your allegiance, you’ll be able to use the full spectrum of units available to the Adeptus Astartes – even if you’re a Blood Angels, Space Wolves or Dark Angels player! To suggest that an Imperial Fist and a White Scar fight in the same way is nearly heresy – and the new codex and codex supplements really lean into the distinct identities of each Chapter to ensure they work on the tabletop the way they do in the lore. Codex: Space Marines has everything you need to play with an army of gene-enhanced super-soldiers, and each of the supplements offers you additional, Chapter-specific datasheets and thematic rules that emphasise their unique heritage and the genetic legacy of their Primarch. So are they rolling the DA codex, the BA codex, and the SM codex into a single codex? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfestedKerrigan Posted August 4, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2019 The Adeptus Astartes! Brace yourself… this is a big one. If you saw our highlights of the exclusive Warhammer Preview that took place after yesterday’s Apocalypse mega-battle, you’ll know the Space Marines are resurgent and better than ever! In fact, the new codex, the first wave of supplements and some shiny new miniatures will be up for pre-order NEXT WEEKEND! Let’s break down what you can look forward to… Codex: Space Marines – Indomitus Edition If your love of Space Marines is absolute, make sure you get hold of the Indomitus Edition of the new codex. Not only does it have all the amazing new content of the standard hardback edition (more on that below), but it’s bound in a premium-quality, soft-touch cover and comes with gilt-edged pages and a black ribbon marker. And that’s just the book… The Indomitus Edition comes presented in a specially designed box that’s covered in embossed details, along with loads of awesome, exclusive content, such as: A numbered certificate, hand-written by Roboute Guilliman himself,* inviting you to join his Indomitus Crusade. A double-sided poster featuring a galaxy map that shows the Space Marine homeworlds and crusade fleets on one side, and 103 examples of Space Marine Chapters with their colour schemes and Chapter icons on the other. 10 metal Space Marine Company coins (great for Objective Markers), each featuring a Company number on one side and the Company Captain’s honorific on the reverse. 124 cards for easy reference during a game, divided into three sets: Set 1 – 49 cards (36 Tactical Objectives, 13 psychic powers) Set 2 – 48 cards (38 Stratagems, 3 Combat Doctrines, 7 Litanies of Battle) Set 3 – 27 Chapter Tactics (8 Chapter Tactics, 19 Successor Tactics) The Indomitus Edition is strictly limited to 800 copies, so don’t miss out. Seriously – calibrate your chronometer, get your parents or partner to kick you out of bed, do whatever you need to do to make sure you’re online and ready to pre-order this incredible set! Codex: Space Marines The new codex features the most exhaustive background and bestiary for the Space Marines that we’ve ever compiled into a single book. The origins and purpose of the Primaris Marines have also been covered in intimate detail, including their creation by the genius of Belisarius Cawl and their role within the Indomitus Crusade, as well as their integration within the existing Chapters and creation of new Chapters through the Ultima Founding. On the battlefield, the army-wide abilities of the Space Marines have been overhauled, leading to a wealth of expanded rules. There are customisable Successor Chapter Tactics, two psychic disciplines, Litanies of Faith that can be bellowed forth by the Chaplains and more besides! Codex: Space Marines will be available in hardback and digital formats. Datacards: Space Marines As even the lowliest Chapter serf knows, the Space Marines are equipped with the finest wargear Mankind can provide to ensure their success in battle – and you should be too! Thankfully, the Space Marine Datacards set has you covered, as it includes 36 Tactical Objectives, 38 Stratagems, 13 psychic powers, seven Litanies of Battle and three Combat Doctrines to help you keep track of all the in-game effects. Codex Supplements: Ultramarines and White Scars Codex: Space Marines enables you to field armies belonging to any Chapter (or even one of your own creation). However, if you seek to take your dedication to the First Founding Chapters (and their successors) to the next level, that’s where the codex supplements come in… The enormous background sections of each supplement will bring a new level of depth, with detailed breakdowns of Chapter organisation and iconography, as well as their full history and a bestiary of their unique Characters and units. The codex supplements will also include all of their associated Chapter’s named Characters and other units – such as Chief Librarian Tigurius, Kor’sarro Khan and a Khan on Bike – along with bespoke relics, psychic powers, Warlord Traits and many other abilities that help to define their character. The first two codex supplements in the upcoming range – which are also available to pre-order next weekend – are for the noble Ultramarines and fiercely proud White Scars. Both supplements will be available as a Collector’s Edition (with fantastic full-cover art), standard hardback and in a digital format. If you’re picking up one, or both, of the codex supplements, don’t forget to grab the accompanying Datacards. Each set features all of their Chapter’s bespoke Tactical Objectives and Stratagems, as well as the seven psychic power cards from the Indomitus discipline (Ultramarines) and Stormspeaking discipline (White Scars). Of course, no release would be complete without dice – show your allegiance to the Ultramarines and White Scars with their Chapter-specific dice sets! New and New(ish) Miniatures! To celebrate the launch of their codex supplements, the Ultramarines and White Scars will each be receiving an incredible new miniature of a legendary hero from their respective Chapters who have now crossed the Rubicon Primaris. Welcome the new Chief Librarian Tigurius and Kor’sarro Khan (the latter accompanied by an ancient Chogorian cyber berkut called Anzuq). We could rant and rave about how awesome they are, but in this case it seems more appropriate to let the models themselves do the talking – behold! But that’s not all – remember this guy from the Wake the Dead boxed set? Well, as of next weekend, you’ll be able to order this awesome Primaris Lieutenant with Power Sword separately! On the topic of new miniatures, you’ll soon be able to upgrade the Mk X Tacticus and Gravis power armour of your White Scars Primaris models and kit them out in Chapter-specific transfers with the aptly named White Scars Primaris Upgrades and Transfers set! With the excitement palpable, we managed to corral together some of the most fanatical Space Marines fans (some of whom were writers and miniatures designers responsible for developing the new Space Marines books and miniatures), to speak with them about why they love the Emperor’s Finest so much. What a glorious time to be alive! If you’re a fan of the mighty Adeptus Astartes, prepare to enter a new golden age. All of these fantastic new books, cards, dice and miniatures – and of course the mighty Indomitus Edition – will be available to pre-order next weekend. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfestedKerrigan Posted August 4, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2019 "customisable Successor Chapter Tactics" -Build a bear workshop is back?! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestRider Posted August 5, 2019 Report Share Posted August 5, 2019 3 hours ago, paxmiles said: So are they rolling the DA codex, the BA codex, and the SM codex into a single codex? Sounds like they're going back to the 3rd Ed Model, where the BA, DA, and SW Dexes had their unique Units, and then a bunch of entries for stuff like Predators and what-not that everyone has that just said "See Codex Space Marines for this Unit." It has its pluses and minuses, but on the whole, I liked that system. 3 hours ago, InfestedKerrigan said: "customisable Successor Chapter Tactics" -Build a bear workshop is back?! Sounds like it. Hopefully they're a bit better balanced than they were last time. 5 hours ago, InfestedKerrigan said: Twin Stubber with hip mounted heavy bolter lol Now, this version, I would use XD 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Glacius Posted August 5, 2019 Report Share Posted August 5, 2019 "Reach for the sky....there's a snake in my boot!" look out, its sheriff Woody! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfestedKerrigan Posted August 5, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2019 Enhanced Chapter Tactics As we revealed last weekend, the Space Marines are about to re-enter the Era Indomitus with renewed vigour and boltguns blazing! As well as some shiny new miniatures, the Adeptus Astartes will be freshly augmented by additional rules and abilities thanks to the most awesome edition of Codex: Space Marines to date. We’ll be taking a closer look at what lies within its hallowed pages every day this week. First up, it’s the new Chapter Tactics… Before we focus on some of the changes to the existing Chapter Tactics, it’s worth mentioning the Crimson Fists – fresh from their recent appearance in White Dwarf’s Index Astartes – are also in the new codex! That’s right, Pedro Kantor’s famously stoic Chapter now joins their fellow Imperial Fists successors, the Black Templars, as one of the eight featured Chapters in the book, complete with their own tactics… To make the most of this powerful Chapter Tactic, fielding multiple small units of Crimson Fists is the way to go. Units of five Intercessors equipped with your bolt rifle of choice will do you especially proud. With careful target priority, many of your Crimson Fists units will be hitting on a 2+, which is a massive deal – especially if you have a Captain nearby for those handy re-rolls to hit, making their precision even more lethal. The chance of an additional hit on a roll of 6 is a nice perk too – especially when firing the new and improved stalker bolt rifle. That’s a potential 4 wounds from a single shot! Next up, we have their fellow Imperial Fists successors, the Black Templars. The subtle change to their ability to re-roll failed charge rolls – namely the freedom to re-roll just one of the dice if desired – will have a significant effect on the average charge distance rolled. Furthermore, the ability to ignore mortal wounds, be it from psychic powers or deadly weaponry, is a welcome new addition to their Chapter Tactics and indicative of their fiery determination. Successful charges in your second turn, after disembarking from a Rhino or Land Raider Crusader, should be no problem at all! We’ve seen the Imperial Fists’ two legendary successors, now we’ll look at the First Founding Chapter itself… As you can see, the Imperial Fists still deny the enemy the effects of cover, but they can also score additional hits with bolt weapons. Centurion Devastators or Aggressors with boltstorm gauntlets are therefore excellent choices to bolster your mighty Sons of Dorn. The enemies of the Imperial Fists can expect to face punishing salvos with nowhere to hide. It’s time to see the archetypal adepts of the Codex Astartes… The Ultramarines Chapter Tactic remains as versatile as ever, bolstering the effectiveness of And They Shall Know No Fear with an extra pip of Leadership, and granting them the powerful ability to Fall Back and still gun down their foes. However, a crucial change to all Chapter Tactics in the codex is that they now apply not merely to Infantry, Bikers and Dreadnoughts, but to ALL UNITS in a Space Marines Detachment!* This means that even Ultramarines vehicles engaged in melee can simply pull back from combat and blow the offending assailants away! This strategy is especially useful with a flamer-toting vehicle, such as a Land Raider Redeemer, as they won’t even suffer the penalty to hit! That’s a pretty sneaky “practical” trick for an Ultramarine… The Chogorian Sons of the Great Khan are up next. If you thought the White Scars were swift as the wind before, now they’re EVEN FASTER! The ability to Advance and charge grants them the equivalent of a 3D6 charge range, and models equipped with Assault weapons – such as Intercessors with auto bolt rifles – can fire at full accuracy even as they do so. White Scars Bikers are also now free to stay on the move, all the while firing their Heavy weapons with no penalties to their hit rolls. They take mobile warfare to a whole new level, just as you imagine they would! We’ve covered speed, now for some stealth… At ranges of over 12”, Raven Guard essentially always count as being in cover, and if they’re already in cover they’ll also be harder to hit, unless they’re a vehicle. This gives the Raven Guard a huge advantage in the early stages of the battle by heavily restricting anything but the closest incoming firepower. Of course, vehicle smoke launchers and the smoke grenades used by Infiltrators can hamper the aim of enemy units further still! With the right combination of units, you’ll be able to control the game, forcing your opponent to engage you at close range – right where you want them! The Sons of Vulkan already had a powerful Chapter Tactic on account of the re-rolls offered by their masterwork wargear, so how that it possibly get any better? Well, in addition to their vehicles now benefitting from those incredibly handy re-rolls to hit and wound, the saving throws of Salamanders units will be unimpeded by those pesky -1 AP weapons… nasty! Five-man Tactical Squads armed with a single special or heavy weapon are great options here, both for re-rolls to their hardest-hitting weapon and their increased survivability. Last, but by no means least, are the cybernetically enhanced Iron Hands… In addition to effectively ignoring a sixth of their wounds lost, the Iron Hands are deadly accurate when firing Overwatch and their vehicles will fight at full capacity until they’re all but destroyed. If your opponent is trying to pick off your Repulsor Executioner before it can wreak havoc on their army with its murderous main gun, they’re in for quite a challenge! With their augmented Chapter Tactics and the additional Attacks generated by the new Shock Assault ability,** the Space Marines are set to become a dominant force on the gaming table once again. Be sure to check back every day this week as we continue our previews of what awesome new rules content lies within the new codex, and grab yourself a Start Collecting! Space Marines set to help kick-off or bolster your Adeptus Astartes collection. If you haven’t already signed up to our newsletter, do it now to make sure your finger is on the pulse with all the latest news. * OK, so not Servitors. Being essentially braindead, they don’t really understand battlefield tactics, bless ’em! ** If you’re a fan of the Blood Angels, Space Wolves, Dark Angels, Grey Knights or Deathwatch, don’t worry – you can look forward to official rules updates coming soon via free PDF download. And remember, you Heretic Astartes players out there will also be gaining Shock Assault for your units in a similar update! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Rock Posted August 5, 2019 Report Share Posted August 5, 2019 Not sure how I feel about those Crimson Fists rules. On the one hand, the "at least 5 models more" instead of "at least double" is a hard nerf, especially against all these new primaris units that get fielded in multiples of three. I've been finding that fielding MSUs of Crimson Fists stuff is all well and fine, it's fluffy and characterful, but it makes the units so fragile that a lot of the benefit of the chapter tactic is being outweighed by the army's lack of staying power. Until they do something to address the fact that power armor really isn't worth a crap anymore, with the prevalence of AP -1 or better weaponry, that fragility is going to stay in place. And 40k being what it is, if I go second, it's very easy to lose at least two of those MSUs before they even get a chance to shoot. At least giving all vehicles a value for the equation instead of just dreadnoughts makes them a bit better at it. But the extra hit on a die roll of 6 is... kinda nice? I guess? I dunno how often it will come into play. Hopefully there are some things to be revealed soon that will improve my complaints. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestRider Posted August 5, 2019 Report Share Posted August 5, 2019 I really like that they expanded them to include Vehicles, and most of the changes look great. The Crimson Fists ones are a definite nerf; I suspect it was mostly intended to compensate for how good the old version was on Characters and would be on Vehicles, but yeah, that hits basically all their Squads hard unless you're going up against outright Hordes. The only other thing I'd really change would be to add letting White Scars Land Speeders benefit from the Bike part of the trait, so they could actually be effective mobile firepower platforms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfestedKerrigan Posted August 5, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2019 4 minutes ago, WestRider said: I really like that they expanded them to include Vehicles, and most of the changes look great. The Crimson Fists ones are a definite nerf; I suspect it was mostly intended to compensate for how good the old version was on Characters and would be on Vehicles, but yeah, that hits basically all their Squads hard unless you're going up against outright Hordes. Like Crimson Fists mortal enemy and the validation for their fluff, the Space Orks? 😀 4 minutes ago, WestRider said: The only other thing I'd really change would be to add letting White Scars Land Speeders benefit from the Bike part of the trait, so they could actually be effective mobile firepower platforms. Perhaps that, and more, will be in their Mini-dex? I'm sure we will see stratagems for them that reflect such. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestRider Posted August 5, 2019 Report Share Posted August 5, 2019 3 minutes ago, InfestedKerrigan said: Like Crimson Fists mortal enemy and the validation for their fluff, the Space Orks? 😀 It fits the fluff, but it's a definite nerf in the game as it's usually played on the tabletop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Rock Posted August 5, 2019 Report Share Posted August 5, 2019 So after more coffee and a bit of math, it turns out that it actually boosts the output of full size squads, since you no longer need to be shooting at a 20 man squad, only 15. I forget where the tipping point is, either 6 or 7 man squads. Where it really hurts is the MSUs that I've been fielding this whole time; basically, it's encouraging me to start fielding full size squads. Which is just as well, because until they fix power armor, like I said, MSUs tend to fall apart pretty easily. I just don't have the models I need right now to be doing that effectively. And yeah, it was awfully powerful on characters. Giving it to vehicles is nice. It's hard to say, but I have a feeling that their bonus is going to start strong at the beginning of the game and then taper off rapidly as casualties mount on both sides, which is kind of lame, given the consistent nature of the other chapter traits. Anything that comes in 10 man units is going to be in good shape; if I field a full 10 man unit, I don't get the bonus. If I field a 5 man MSU, I get it until I kill one guy. If I field a 3 man, I get it until I kill two. It's fluffy, but it's pretty situational, and I'm not sure how much I like that. When you consider what the others get, it's really not all that great. +1 LD on Smurfs? One reroll to hit and wound PER UNIT and negating -1 AP for Salamanders? Seems like Crimson Fists kinda get the short end of the stick on this one. It's kind of silly, when you think about it... they fight so much harder when they're outnumbered, but if they start winning, they lay off a bit. Kinda dumb. Oh well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 5, 2019 Report Share Posted August 5, 2019 5 hours ago, InfestedKerrigan said: ** If you’re a fan of the Blood Angels, Space Wolves, Dark Angels, Grey Knights or Deathwatch, don’t worry – you can look forward to official rules updates coming soon via free PDF download. And remember, you Heretic Astartes players out there will also be gaining Shock Assault for your units in a similar update! Does this mean that GW is planning to reduce my DA to a free pdf? Or do they mean they'll be updating our existing codex with a free pdf? I'm trying to figure out if I need to save up to buy a new codex or if I can continue buying models I don't really need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfestedKerrigan Posted August 5, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2019 @Sgt. Rock combat squads. You take your 10 stock, and msu if it makes sense to do so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestRider Posted August 6, 2019 Report Share Posted August 6, 2019 2 hours ago, paxmiles said: Does this mean that GW is planning to reduce my DA to a free pdf? Or do they mean they'll be updating our existing codex with a free pdf? I'm trying to figure out if I need to save up to buy a new codex or if I can continue buying models I don't really need. I suspect you're going to want to save up, but I don't know for sure. Option 1 is def not happening, tho. At most, this is going to be a "get you by" kind of update pdf, and there will be a new DA Dex (which probably requires the SM Dex) along before too long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfestedKerrigan Posted August 6, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 6, 2019 Create Your Own Chapter! Have you ever wanted to be your own Chapter Master, creating a mighty strike force of Adeptus Astartes in your own image and in the colours of your choosing? Of course you have – but how cool would it be if you were able to choose their Chapter Tactics as well? Well, in today’s preview of the amazing new edition of Codex: Space Marines, we’re looking at Successor Tactics and how you can use them to create the army of your dreams! Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to choose your own Successor Tactics, let’s take a quick look at what it means to be a successor Chapter… Successor Chapters In the wake of the Horus Heresy, the original Space Marine Legions were disbanded, their fighting strength reformed into dozens of smaller Chapters. One Chapter from each Legion – known as its First Founding Chapter – kept the original Legion’s name and home world. The others were known as successor Chapters, and would eventually establish new home worlds across the Imperium. This act was known as the Second Founding. In the 10,000 years since, there have been many subsequent Foundings, resulting in the creation of over a thousand successor Chapters, all of which share the same genetic material and Primarch primogenitor as their parent Chapter. The most recent was the Ultima Founding, which consisted entirely of Primaris Marines. Many of the successor Chapters share similar, even identical, martial practices to their First Founding Chapter – especially those of Ultramarines genetic stock, who tend to strictly adhere to the tactical teachings of Roboute Guilliman’s Codex Astartes. Yet there are others whose fighting traditions diverge radically according to the preferences of their founding Chapter Master, the nuances of their home or recruitment worlds, or to meet the needs of a particularly defining campaign. Let’s look at how you can field successor Chapters on the battlefield. Choosing Your Chapter This is the bit where you get to shape the future of the 41st Millennium by creating your own Space Marine successor Chapter! To do so, you need to choose a name, Chapter icon and colour scheme. Unless you’d prefer the knowledge of their genetic heritage to remain unknown (a fate shared by the Blood Ravens), you should also choose a First Founding Chapter to be your successor’s parent Chapter. Another fun part about introducing a new Chapter to the grim darkness of the far future is creating its own history. Which planet is their home world, and in which Segmentum is it located? Is it situated beyond the Cicatrix Maledictum, in the Imperium Nihilus? Who is their Chapter Master, and what relics of the Chapter does he wield? Were they gifts from fellow Chapters (perhaps even their parent Chapter) or hard-earned as battle honours? But that’s not all – with the new codex, you can now decide how they fight in battle, too, by creating your own custom Chapter Tactics for your newly founded successor Chapter. You do this by picking any combination of two Successor Tactics from the 19 listed in Codex: Space Marines. Each Successor Tactic provides your Chapter with a powerful in-game ability – whether you choose a combination that suits a particular narrative you have in mind or simply your favoured devastating battlefield combo is up to you! There are a huge variety of outcomes available, ranging from one extreme to the other. In fact, you can even directly replicate the Chapter Tactic of a First Founding Chapter according to its genetic heritage in the lore, or one on which you’ve chosen to base a successor Chapter of your own creation. If you want your Chapter Tactics to sit somewhere in the middle, by giving a nod to those of your First Founding Chapter without fully committing to them, there are plenty of options. For example, Master Artisans represents one aspect of the Salamanders Chapter Tactics – namely the re-rolls granted by the exceptional craftsmanship of their wargear… …Meanwhile, Stealthy mirrors one of the abilities of the Raven Guard Chapter Tactics. In either of these cases, you’ll still be free to select a second Successor Tactic to add your own narrative or competitive flair and make the Chapter your own. Of course, at the far end of the spectrum is the total freedom to create a Successor Tactic combination of your choice, free from any obligation to a First Founding Chapter. To that end, here’s an example of a Successor Chapter that excels in obliterating their foes with deadly accurate firepower from a distance with their choice of tactics… Alternatively, if you want to go for a more narrative spin, you can base your choice of tactics on your Chapter’s history in the lore (or one you’ve created for them). The Scythes of the Emperor, for example, were nearly annihilated by Hive Fleet Kraken during the Second Tyrannic War and swore vengeance against them. Preferred Enemy (choosing Tyranids as the keyword) would, therefore, be a great option, as would Indomitable for the stoic determination they showed when faced with the numberless hordes of Tyranids. With the arrival of Successor Tactics in the new codex, commanding a Chapter of your own creation has never been easier! We’ll have more on this subject next week as we showcase armies belonging to some Space Marines fans who have created their own Successor Chapters and carefully selected their tactics. Now you’ve read all about how to create your own Chapter, why not download our handy PDF so that you can design your own Space Marine colour scheme? We’ve even updated it so you can add your choice of Successor Tactics to your finished creations. We’d love to see yours on the Warhammer 40,000 Facebook page once it’s filled out. Grab a Start Collecting! Space Marines set and get painting! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Rock Posted August 6, 2019 Report Share Posted August 6, 2019 Why, oh why, did they make the palette test card a .pdf file? A .jpg file would have allowed you to just a paint program to alter it from your computer without having to print a new one every time you wanted to try something new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 6, 2019 Report Share Posted August 6, 2019 That preferred enemy has me picturing itc players that change their preferred enemy at the start of every game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Rock Posted August 6, 2019 Report Share Posted August 6, 2019 Honestly, if I were a TO, I'd require a set list at the beginning of the event for their chapter tactics. Hell, make 'em fill out that little card. If they're going to send it in this direction, the whole "You can do anything you want! Forge the narrative!" Then the tournament scene needs to adapt to that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VonVilkee Posted August 6, 2019 Report Share Posted August 6, 2019 50 minutes ago, paxmiles said: That preferred enemy has me picturing itc players that change their preferred enemy at the start of every game. It is only melee weapons and not all models carry melee weapons... Is it really that broken to switch it up all the time? Technically it also says when the tactic is chosen so that is army list creation. Needs to be printed on the list if some one wants to try so hard to change it see first point and just not worry about it. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Rock Posted August 6, 2019 Report Share Posted August 6, 2019 Not broken, per se. If I run Favored Enemy (Tyranids) and run up against Eldar, the chapter tactic is wasted, so it's not *too* bad. But it's kind of a cheesedick move, and very much against the spirit of the thing. Then again, from what I understand about ITC events and a lot of the people that play at them, narrative means diddly to them. Never been to one, so I can't say for sure, but that's what I've been led to believe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.