What I want to see from GW in 2018

Just spitballing the biggest opportunities (as I see it) for GW to deliver some real winners this year.

1- Plastic Sisters of Battle: I think this is #1 on a lot of peoples lists. It just needs to happen already. Its 2018 GW. Just do it. The people want it. It will help your image. You can't get rid of them. Might as well upgrade them..

2- A complete edition of 40k: This may ACTUALLY HAPPEN. For like the first time EVER. We are on track to get a codex for every existing major faction in the game, as well as several new factions/subfactions. I would not be surprised if by Q3 or Q4, every present range has an updated 40k codex for 8th edition.

3- An official list building app for 40k: This should have happened at release. Should have happened again after CA. IT NEEDS TO EXIST. I like battlescribe, don't get me wrong, but it is prone to errors due to the fact it is community made and run. A professional and official app would be much more accomodating. It would also provide a standard format for TOs to rally around EVERYWHERE!

4- Specialist Games Relaunches- GW Have been doing this and it has been AWESOME. I need to play more Blood Bowl
myself and still have to get Necromunda. But the models are AWESOME and people seem to really enjoy it. So the next ones I want to see are Mordheim and Battlefleet Gothic. I would TOTALLY jump in head first for both these games, and both the Video Games have been well received. Enough so even that BFG Armada is getting a sequel.

5- More Plastic Heresy- The Battle of Calth and Burning of Prospero kits are GREAT, but there still needs to be a few things to TRULY make 30k accessible. Namely, plastic Deimos Rhinos. I would really like to see plastic MkII and some other plastic vehicles (Fire Raptor, SM Super Heavies, etc. etc.) Plastic Solar Auxilia would also be AMAZING

6- Updated Characters- There are SOOOOOO many characters that still use SUPER outdated models. Eldar Pheonix Lords, Dark Angels, Blood Angels, and Space Wolves Characters. Tigurius. Thraka. Fabius Bile. Abaddon. Some of these are from 2nd Edition. DANTE- LORD COMMANDER OF THE BLOOD ANGELS AND REGENT OF IMPERIUM NIHILUS HAS A 2nd ED MODEL! Its time to upgrade these guys.

7- Weapon upgrade sprues- Kinda tired of each codex having fewer and fewer unit option because it didn't come in the box that unit as sold. Really REALLY cuts down on conversions AND tactical flexibility. And can kill potential thematic armies. Power lances are disappearing essentially. Its disheartenting. A way around this is just to simply sell a small $10 sprue of various power weapons and guns for us with a multitude of armies. A generic Space Marine one could be used by all Imperial SM factions, GK, CSM and all their subfactions AS SOLD. A more generic one could reach even wider.

8- Rogue Traders in 40k- With keyword and micro factions, I just think there is a GOLDEN opportunity to bring these SUPER ICONIC characters from the lore onto the tabletop. And so much potential for crazy rules associated with them.

9- Some love for "minor" 40k factions- Kinda in line with above. Keywords make anything possible. I wouldn't mind White Dwarf articles (eventually collected into Chapter Approved or an index of sorts) surrounding some classic minor factions. Feral Orks, Kroot Mercenaries, the Lost and the Damned. And a chance for some new ones even. A good way to port in Necromunda gangs or Arbites too.

10- Enforcers back in Necromunda- Speaking of the Boys in Blue, this one is purely personal as they are the Gang I have and love. The fact they aren't in Newcramunda is what has kept me out of that game thus far. Arbites/Enforcers are SUPER AWESOME and are easily placed in Necromunda AND 40k, so likely a kit that will sell well.

11- More Free Peoples stuff for AoS- I'm tired of seeing Sigmarines. There is so much more to humanity than just them. Plus Stormcast have to be recruited from somewhere. Great crossover for Mordheim with kits too.

12- More Ork Stuff- These too have tooooooooooo many old models. The Old Foe deserves more than GW has given them over the past several years. Its time they fix that. Everyone loves to see orks in the game and on the table. They need to reward the people who do bring them and encourage more to start. They are the greatest hobbyist army there is IMO.

13- Gue'la- Tau human auxilia. The Genestealer Cult upgrade set for Imperial Guard showed this is really possible. They have been in the lore for a while. It owuld be great to really see them on the battlefield alongside their fishface overlords.

Sorry there is not a lot of AoS stuff on the list. I am not tapped into that side of things enough to really say what I want or need. Really trying to work on my Lizardmen this year, but I am setting them up mostly to play WHFB 8th edition, 9th Age and KoW and not so much AoS. I really want to get Shadespire and the Warhammer Quest games, but that is for another day.

The Jumpening: 2k Blood Angels all Jump Infantry List (x2)

Like I said in my last post about an All Dreadnought list, I really like Gimick lists right now (I mean, who runs 80 Death Riders?) With that in mind, I messed around on Battlescribe and came up with two All Jump Infantry lists. The first one is a little more casual and the second a little more competitive IMO, but both are generally just cool fluffy lists.

What is really nice about these lists is the capitalize on what I think it the most important, but largely unrecognized stat in 8th edition- Movement. Its what made those 80 Death Riders surprisingly REALLY GOOD.

The Jumpening 1- 2000 points, 5 CP, 14/15 KP, 14 Drops

Vanguard Det- +1  CP
HQ: Lemartes- 129: Warlord: Soulwarden
Elites: Company Ancient- 84: Jump Pack, Powerfist
Elites: Company Champion- 68: Jump Pack, Combat Shield, Bolt Pistol, Master-Crafted Powersword
Elites: Sanguinary Novitiate- 60: Jump Pack, Bolt Pistol, Chainsword
Elites: Death Company (10)- 216: Jump Packs, 9 x Bolter & Chainsword, 1 x Thunderhammer
Fast Attack: Assault Squad (10)- 259: Jump Packs Sarge w/ Inferno Pistol & Power Fist, 2 x Melta gun, 2 x Eviscerators

Vanguard Det- +1 CP
HQ: Commander Dante- 215
HQ: The Sanguinor- 170
Elites: Company Veterans (2)- 56: Jump Packs, Sarge w/ Powerfist & BP, Veteran w/ Plasma Gun & BP
Elites: Sanguinary Ancient- 99: Angelus Boltgun, Power Fist
Elites: Sanguinary Guard (5)- 189: 3 x Encarmine Sword, 2 x Encarmine Axe, 4 x Angelus Boltgun, 1 x Inferno Pistol
Elites: Sanguinary Guard (5)- 185: 4 x Encarmine Sword, 1 x Encarmine Axe, 4 x Angelus Boltgun, 1 x Inferno Pistol
Fast Attack: Inceptor Squad (3)- 135: Assault Bolters
Fast Attack: Inceptor Squad (3)- 135: Assault Bolters

I mean, what is there to say about this. Jump Infantry with Character auras. All the cool toys I could bring. Run at the enemy and punch them hard. Like I said in the opening... casual.

The Jumpening 2- 2000 points, 6 CP, 14 KP, 14 Drops

Supreme Command Det- +1 CP
HQ: Captain- 129: Jump Pack, Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer; Warlord: Soul Warden, Relic: The Veritas Vitae
HQ: Captain- 129: Jump Pack, Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer
HQ: Sanguinary Priest- 87: Chainsword, Hand Flamer, Jump Pack

Vanguard Det- +1 CP
HQ: Astorath the Grim- 143
HQ: Lemartes- 129
Elites: Company Ancient- 73: Hand Flamer, Jump Pack
Elites: Death Company (10)- 261: Jump Packs, 9 x Bolter & Chainsword, 1 x Thunder Hammer
Elites: Death Company (10)- 261: Jump Packs, 9 x Bolter & Chainsword, 1 x Thunder Hammer
Fast Attack: Inceptor Squad (3)- 135: Assault Bolters

Vanguard Det- +1 CP
HQ: The Sanguinor- 170
Elites: Sanguinary Ancient- 99: Powerfist, Angelus Boltgun, Relic: Standard of Sacrifice
Elites: Sanguinary Guard (5)- 185: 4 x Encarmine Sword, 1 x Encarmine Axe, 4 x Angelus Boltgun, 1 x Inferno Pistol
Elites: Sanguinary Guard (4)- 154: 2 x Encarmine Sword, 2 x Encarmine Axe, 3 x Angelus Boltgun, 1 x Inferno Pistol
Fast Attack: Inceptor Squad (3)- 135: Assault Bolters

So this second list is a little more tooled up IMO. Basically its two attack groups, the Death Co and the Sanguinary Guard, each supported by an Ancient, an Inceptor Squad and a Thunder Hammer Jump Captain. Sanguinary Priest goes where ever I think the added S bonus is needed most, though I think it will be most devastating with the Death Company, but playing will really tell me where is best.

One thing to note in both these lists: DEATH CO CAN TAKE BOLTERS AND CHAINSWORDS. ALWAYS DO THIS. Bolt Pistols ONLY pay off after something like 5 or 6 rounds of locked combat. Your DC should never be in combat that long. Or at least, they rarely should. Take the extra range and firepower the bolters provide and remember, you no longer need a pistol to gain the +1 A in combat. Chainsword does that on its own.

The Dreadening: 2k Blood Angel Dreadnought List

So between life and work and 8th edition in general (don't get me its not bad, but I personally liked the mechanics of 7th more) I sometimes find it hard to motivate myself to make armies and lists lately.

Which is why I have started making gimmick lists. And here is one I am ALL about and can actually WORK Towards. I actually own 80% of this already and will likely pick up what missing next month to pull this off.

I give you "The Dreadening". An ALL DREADNOUGHT ALL THE TIME list.

The Dreadening- 1998 Points, 5 CP, 2 Detachments, 11 KP, 10 Drops

Vanguard Detachment- +1 CP
HQ: Librarian Dreadnought (187)- Force Halberd, Furioso Fist, Meltagun, Smoke Launchers
Elites: Furioso Dreadnought (154)- 2 x Furioso Fists, Meltagun, Storm Bolter, Magna Grapples
Elites: Contemptor Dreadnought (165)- Dreadnought CCW, Combi-Bolter, Kheres Pattern Assault Cannon
Elites: Relic Deredo Dreadnought (237)- Anvillus Autocannon Battery, Twin Heavy Bolter, Atomantic Pavaise
Heavy Support: Mortis Dreadnought (109)- 2 x Twin Heavy Bolters, Smoke Launchers
Heavy Support: Relic Leviathan Dreadnought (334)- Cyclonic Melta Lance, Storm Cannon Array, 2 x Heavy Flamer
Dedicated Transport: Lucius Pattern Dreadnought Drop Pod (80)

Vanguard Detachment- +1 CP
HQ: Chaplain Venerable Dreadnought (174)- 2 x Dreadnought CCW, 2 x Stormbolter, Smoke Launchers; Warlord- Relic: The Veritas Vitae, Trait: Soul Warden
Elites: Death Company Dreadnought (194)- 2 x Blood Talons, Heavy Flamer, Meltagun, Magna Grapples
Elites: Death Company Dreadnought (189)- 2 x Blood Talons, Heavy Flamer, Meltagun, Smoke Launchers
Elites: Furioso Dreadnought (175)- Frag Cannon, Furioso Fist, Heavy Flamer, Smoke Launchers

Tactically, I think this for the most part is pretty obvious. Go punch things with Dreadnoughts. But there are a few subleties.

First of all, the Mortis and Deredo pait up and stay together. Ranged firebase with an I save from the Deredo's Atomantic Pavaise. I may switch the heavy bolters to auto cannons on the Mortis (dropping magna grapples and a heavy flamer someplace to do it) BUT for now that heavy 12 is nice.

The Fragioso in the past was the clear choice to put into a drop pod, but the new 9" deep strike rules rule that out. SOOOO instead, he is a very situational beast. Most often plan is to leave him in my backfield, relatively close to my firebase, as a sweeper if you will. He is my ANTI Deepstriker now. And for people without DS, I'll just march him forward with my attack force.

The Leviathan is the NEW candidate for the Lucius Pattern Drop Pod. Big tough guy with the ability to take down most vehicles in a single turn with his cyclonic lance and storm cannon and tough to wipe out in return. Plus, just such a COOOOL model.

Main attack force consists of the Chaplain and 2 DC dreads in one group and the Librarian, Contemptor and Furioso in another. Run forward and tear things apart. The Chaplain and DC dreads are for attacking higher model count, weaker targets while the Lib and crew go after smaller, tougher nuts to crack (all ideally)

Chaplain is the Warlord OVER the Librarian for two reasons
1- He comes with an Invulnerable Save
2- I can give him soul warden, giving him the ability to deny the which IN ADDITION to having that naturally in my Librarian dread.
3- If he is primarily chasing infantry, he is less likely to encounter things that can hurt him.

Over all, it just seems FUN and fluffy to do, so I want to make it happen.

Successor Chapters, Warlord Traits, Relics, and the Tradition of "Counts As"

Successor Chapters are a core tenant of playing Space Marines. They allow us, the hobbyists, to create our own unique individual forces with their own paint schemes. It keeps Space Marines interesting. Without them we would be stuck with only:

-Ultramarines (blue)
-Raven Guard (black)
-Blood Angels (red)
-Dark Angels (green)
-Imperial Fists (yellow)
-Salamanders (green)
-Space Wolves (grey)
-Iron Hands (black)
-White Scars (white)

Not very exciting in both terms of character and color.

Now yes there are 3 Successor Chapters in main GW rules, that do have their own rules
-Black Templars
-Crimson Fists
-Flesh Tearers

Now when you look at the new SM FAQ or in the new BA or DA codex, you find something interesting.

JAN 2018 SM FAQ

Restrictions on Successor Chapter access to Warlord Traits and Relics. Say what?

The way the rules are written, the only was to access things for Ultramarines is to ACTUALLY play Ultramarines. Same for any other founding chapter.

EG- Dark Angels have NO RULES for ANY SUCCESSOR. So lets say you want to play as the Angels of Absolution. They are essentially DA, just bone colored instead of green. But the DA codex relics specifically state the relics are ONLY for DA with the exception of 1 blade.

Why? What difference does it make on the rules? None! IT IS JUST A PAINT SCHEME!!!!!

It is a concept that has LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG existed in 40k: "Counts As". When the difference is merely what color you painted your marines, what is the problem? There is no current rules existing saying things HAVE TO be painted in any particular manner, so why base other rules on this condition?

And besides, are you really going to tell me those Praetors of Orpheus are different than Ultramarines? Or those Angels Encarmine or Angels Sanguine aren't near IDENTICAL to Blood Angels? No. You aren't. Because they are soooooooo close you might as well treat them the same, less GW release TOO many rules with TOO much details and little minute changes. They even practically have the SAME NAME. BLOOD, SANGUINE, ANGELS!

Clearly I can't use any Blood Angel Warlord Traits or Relics. Not Blood Angely enough...

Heck, successors should be able to use CHARACTER PROFILES since they have none of their own.

Things that don't have rules "borrow" the rules of something that does to closely approximate their own characters. Don't have a chapter master? Use the rules of your parent chapter. Chances are they are similar, or at least they fit the theme and feel of your force and its rules given they share a common chapter tactic!

I get that Black Templars and Crimson Fists don't have access to Imperial Fists. It makes sense? BUT ONLY BECAUSE THEY HAVE THEIR OWN RULES. That is the difference. They have been fleshed out. If you are playing them, then yeah, it stands to reason you can't use the parent chapter. They can't use yours after all.

This is where GW is getting it WRONG. And if their intent wasn't to make it as their rules suggest, and to prohibit only successors WITH RULES, they need to clarify it.

Sorry we have gone through all the trouble to make schemes and lore for all these armies just to discourage you from actually playing them- Sincerely GW 

The FAQ and codices should say something like "Successor chapters may use parent chapter characters, relics and warlord traits provided they have no unique chapter tactic, characters, relics or warlord traits of their own. IE if you play a successor chapter that has a unique character in your list from that successor chapter, you may not access parent chapter Warlord Traits or Relics unless otherwise noted. Note, characters used in such way are representative of similarly armed individuals with similar abilities and efforts should be taken to make the model representative of your chosen successor chapter in appearance"

A little wordy but not too hard to say or comprehend IMO.

For FW Characters, I think they should be a little more flexible for now, maybe add "You may use X-chapter chapter tactics, warlord traits and relics provided your list does not contain other characters from X-chapter" or something like that, just because it is unlikely they will get fully fleshed out chapters any time soon.

You may be sitting there saying "Why is this even a discussion? I wouldn't prevent someone playing the Sons of Guilliman or their own homebrew chapter from using Ultramarine stuff."

Problem is THERE ARE PEOPLE DOING JUST THAT. AND THAT IS WHAT INFURIATES ME. Even if GW is being pathetically dumb about it, we don't have to be. There has been counts as forever, and with the new keywords, it should be just as easy to do counts as now.

I have an even bigger problem with people saying they would allow it in a friendly game but not in a tournament. Really? At least the guy who is against full time has a leg in the rules to stand on, even if they are being obtuse about it. But to only allow it or ban it when it suits you strikes me as purely ruling for your own advantage. If you are afraid someone can beat you because of a warlord trait and your only method of preventing them from using it is saying "Your paint scheme isn't correct, so you can't use that. Nana-nana-boo-boo," then you should be looking at your own list and playing ability over your opponent's.

It's poor sportsmanship. But people can and will be pedantic about it so long as the rules are written in the way they currently are.

Please, don't be one of those people. Celebrate an individuals creativity and let them play successors or homebrews without rules as their parent chapter.

So long as at the beginning they are clear what chapter theirs represents, and they are not using 1 scheme to represent 2 different chapters, it won't have ANY EFFECT WHATSOEVER on your ability to play the game. So let them enjoy their hobby.