Why the new Space Marine codex is so important for our hobby

Hi everyone !

I have been very busy working on completing my army for a Grand Tournament this weekend so not much time for blogging. The hours so quickly pass by while painting and I like to play nice looking armies. I told myself though I need to dedicate some time to write a serious article about 40k. You might not believe it but I can easily spend eight hours or more writing what I consider to be a good article. I'm not really into bashing GW, the hobby or other people so I try hard to focus on subjects that I feel passionate about and want to spend the time to do it right.

I am playing in a GT this weekend and took the time to research every army that will be there. As is often typical the vast majority is some flavor of power armor and I am cool with that fact. If you stop to think about it in many ways Necrons are kind of an exotic power armor army... In the past that seemed to be common knowledge but probably not as much so now for whatever reason(s). There has been some huge changes to the game over say the past three years. Some of the veterans have left and to me it feels like there has been a huge influx of new players. New players and veterans are both the life blood of the hobby - it is what it is for whatever reasons.

Historically vanilla Space Marines (e.g., Ultramarines, White Scars, Raven Guard, Imperial Fists, Crimson Fists, etc.) have been one of the most popular armies. A lot of players have stuck with these armies over the years through each new edition. Not everyone wants to jump on the band wagon each time a new codex rolls out. The fourth edition Space Marine codex written by Graham McNeil was a very powerful codex and highly customizable much like the fourth edition Chaos Space Marine codex. There was a lot of backlash on the Internet back then as is always the case with any very powerful army that is released. If we jump forward in time the fifth edition Dark Angels codex was an attempt by certain parties within GW to fix Space Marines... It was an awfully horrid codex and only with the advent of the Dark Angels FAQ that allowed Deathwing to finally be able to take the 3++ stormshield did the army come back en vogue.

I know some people don't like Space Marines in general but on the other hand this codex is in many ways the life blood of the game. The money spent by consumers for Space Marines funds many other armies... It is the proverbial cash cow. To me that is something you don't want to screw around with either. Space Marines are intended to be an army that is easy for beginners to pick up, learn how to play, collect and paint. For many many years power armor was all I played and I was a very vocal advocate in favor of Space Marines. I still am for sure.

So now here we are in sixth edition. It seems to me that Chaos Space Marines are very popular again, more so than the new Dark Angels. So I ask myself as a hobbyist what are the good things we collectively as players can take from each of these two new codices. In my opinion they both have more flavor now and as a hobbyist that is what is most important to me. As a competitive gamer I want to avoid building new armies that have only one or two competitive builds. So there should be a balance. A codex should also pass the test of time... That is it should still be competitive when the next new edition is released. Orks pass this test while eldar fail. While some might hate on Grey Knights and Space Wolves they have both stood up well going into sixth edition so far.

There are obviously lots of new codices to be released for sixth edition and it's too early to clearly determine what is the new direction for the game. Sure we all know that flyers and the Aegis defense line are strong along with allies but that is in and of itself is not everything plus it's quite obvious as well. Generally speaking it seems like the overall power level has been toned down a few notches. That is fine but I wouldn't be willing to bet yet that will be the general trend... Like I said its still too early.

Getting back to the main topic of Space Marines in general - I would like to see a new codex that is like what I said above... It should be an army that is easy for new players to learn how to play, collect and paint. Somehow the developers should design it so that you can play a wide variety of different chapters that are all fun and interesting. If only say Salamanders are competitive then it will overall fail. The same can be said more specifically about the various choices for units and their new special rules. I think it's safe to say most of us don't want to see a handful of undercosted over powered units... You know what I am talking about in this specific regard. To me that could be quite a daunting task and it's very important it is done very well however the developers choose to go about meeting these goals.

That is all I have to say on this subject for now. I'd love to build a new Imperial Fists army and that would be a brand new venture for me. Excitement, passion and interest are what keep me in the hobby... That is not going to change.

Daemons and such.....

 All right picked up the Daemon codex last week.  As a matter of fact I have been getting them on my iPad so I can drag them with wherever I go.  Picked up the last three that way.  I really wish they would release the 6th edition rule book this way, of course it would probably cost $120...
 Anyway after perusing it I sort of like it and would definitely be interested in running a daemon army.  They do have a few drawbacks.  They sure could use some grenades, they are also a close combat army in a shooting edition and I am going to have to assemble and paint a ton of them (or have a ton of them assembled and painted) and there sure is a ton of random stuff not to mention all the book keeping.  However they are very different than the other army I own right now, Grey Knights.  They can also be very fast which I usually like in all my armies. Finally as I was poking around in the basement I found a box I had got in a trade a while ago full of half assembled and primered daemons.  Bingo!
  As for what I like about the new codex.  I like the Slaanesh units they are fast and cheap and all have rending and a ton of attacks.  I like all the greater daemons, I like soul grinders and they are even pretty decent now.  I can see having a lot of stuff hitting you turn two for some fun with some soul grinders and other things mopping up with some small troop squads coming in later.  Anyway here is what I found in the box assembled that I am going to use in my first battle.  Please remember this is not an optimized list by any means and just what was there.

Keeper of Secrets Level 3 2 x Greater, 1 x Lesser Gifts 270

Karanak 120

Herald of Khorne on Juggernaut, Locus of Wrath, Lesser Gift 135

4 Fiends 140

5 Flamers 115

15 Bloodletters, Banner of Blood, Reaper w/Lesser Gift 185

10 Daemonettes, Alluress w/Lesser Gift 105

20 Pink Horrors 180

5 Hounds of Khorne 80

6 Screamers of Tzeentch 125

Soul Grinder w/Slaanesh, Phlegm 180

Soul Grinder w/Slaanesh, Phlegm 180

I know it isn't the best but I am just interested in seeing how it does.  I may swap out the herald of Khorne for Tzeentch Herald on a disc but will see.  I still have 35 points left to play with.  Hopefully will post a report later this week.

All right I know I should be posting more.....

  All right I know I told myself I would post more but there just seems to be a lack of time for anything hobby related.  Real life is really kicking my ass now.  Lot of stuff at work and home.  Anyway I haven't been posting as I have very little to report.  I have played maybe three games in four weeks since I last posted.  Two against Brian Crew one of which I used my old Mordrak list from fifth which pretty much instantly reminded me why I don't use it anymore.  The second one was a better game but we failed to finish it as I got a call from school that my boy was sick.  The third game was with Matt Grage and his Space Wolves and in that game Matt's dice were so appalling it really wasn't worth writing up.
  One thing I have learned though is how unfamiliar with sixth I still am.  I really need to get a better handle on the rules before Adepticon.  Of course I am not sure if I am going to Adepticon as I may be promoted to lieutenant and have to start attending school on April 15th, or depending on how many affirmative action people are put ahead of me I may start on the 29th, who knows.
  The second thing I have also figured out is there will probably be no new army this year. The wife and I will be buying a new house this year most likely in June.  As much as I want to build a DA army I don't see it happening this year.  I will be happy to just go to the ATC this year.  (Al I am going don't get worried).  That means GKs for sure at Adepticon and more than likely at the ATC unless I borrow some one else's army.  Oh well at least I am not stuck with Templars or something like that.  I will try and get some lists up for some feedback.  Here is the one I am running as of now:

Coteaz
Grand Master w/Rad and Psykotroke Grenades and 3 Skulld
5 Paladins 3 Halberds, 2 Hammers, 2 Cannons
10 Man Strike Squad Ammo, 2 Cannons, Hammer
6 Deathcult Assassins
4 Henchman in Razorback w/Ammo & Light
4 Henchman in Razorback w/Ammo & Light
Storm Raven w/TLLC and TLMM & Light
Crusader w/MM, Ammo & Light
Dread w/AC, SB, Ammo & Light
Dread w/2 x TLAC, Ammo & Light

Comes to 1850

Trying to keep mobile and not get pinned down in an area.  Have been running the Assassin and the Master in the LRC.  Sometimes Coteaz goes there of the Paladins are deep striking if not he goes with them.  Often times one of the small henchman squads goes in the Raven for late turn objective grabs, while the AC dread will hitch a ride in the Raven or accompany the LRC as it works it's way up field.  I probably dont have enough long range shooting and would struggle against large hordes but have been just been experimenting with what I have painted at the moment.  Anyway hope to post some more soon.

Dark Angels are Here! and well eh..... (also another battle report)

All right the Dark Angel Codex has finally come out and I have had it for 3 days already.  I have been charged by my ATC team mates with coming up with an army to bring to the tournament in August.  However I can not at the moment find any inspiration.  Now the codex is not bad by any stretch of the imagination I just can't find my muse.  For one thing a lot of the new stuff is either over priced or not super effective.  I really wanted to use the new flyers but they were like well that is either underpowered or over priced.  I also wanted to use a vengeance but once again I was not impressed.  I also wanted to build an all ravenwing force but then I would play a heldrake and watch him just own me..(God forbid two heldrakes!)
So it looks like I am heading towards the Deathwing again.  Or maybe actually gasp... a force with actual green marines in it.  Well I will have to sit down and post ideas after I brainstorm for a bit.  Anyone else looking at the DAs any thoughts would be greatly welcomed and/or stolen....


Well here is another quick battle report from the Christmas break gaming marathon.   This was written up by my opponent and I am too lazy to rewrite it.

His List

HQ - Sorcerer, level 3, spell familiar (both took all telepathy powers)
HQ - Sorcerer, level 3, spell familiar
a Warpsmith has been making an appearance in place of one of the Sorcerers from time to time

El - Helbrute,multimelta
El - Helbrute, plasma cannon

Tr - 10 CSM, 2 plasmaguns, CCW, vets
Tr - 10 CSM, Lascannon, plasmagun, CCW, vets
Tr - 10 CSM, 2 meltaguns, combi-melta,meltabomb, CCW, vets, rhino, havoc

Fa - Heldrake, bale flamer

Hv - Maulerfiend, tendrils
Hv - Forgefiend, ectoplasma head
Hv - Defiler, power scourge Hereto referred to as Django because the scourge looks like he just broke his chains and he's got 6 million weapons and attacks

My List
Coteaz
Grand Master w/Rad and Psychotroke
5 Paladins two hammers and two psycannons
10 Strikes Ammo, Hammer 2 Psycannons
7 Assassins
5 Warriors in Psyback w/searchlight
10 Interceptors Ammo, Hammer 2 Psycannons
Land Raider w/Ammo and searchlight
Dreadknight w/teleporter and incinerator


We rolled up Big Guns Never Tire which meant I had 6 scoring units and Hammer n Anvil deployment. First turn was nightfight and I was going first.

Top of 1

All I had in front of me was a Land Raider full of assassins, 5 walking Paladins with Coteaz hiding behind the LR and 3 cowering henchmen in a psyback. I should have charged forward with 2 dreads, the Maulerfiend, the meltagun rhino squad and Django, but I didn't. I was to worried about the outflanking Interceptors, Dreadknight and Strike squad so I hunkered down on a hill behind a large sphinx and hoped my one Lascannon could take out the Land Riaider. It didn't and my turn stunk.

Bottom of 1

Nothing moves. The Land Raider fires two lascannons and blows the multimelta Helbrute sky high.

Top of 2.

WTF! It was dark out! How did he see my Helbrute. Damn Imperial searchlights. I realize my mistake from turn one and decide to charge a turn late and without a Helbrute and the rhino which is behind my army behind the hill. Basically the Maulerfiend gets invisibility cast on it and moves up to a ruin near the Land Raider and Paladins. The last Helbrute follows along.

Bottom of 2

10 Interceptors, 10 Strikes and a teleporting Dreadknight come in behind my army where I have a rhino with 10 guys who need to meltagun the Land Raider. The Strikes blow up the rhino. The Land Raider shoots the Helbrute, doesn't kill it and just makes it madder. The Paladins shoot at the Invisible Maulerfiend and get one penetrating hit. I fail my 2+ cover save and Greg rolls a 6 to detonate the Maulerfiend.

Rest of game - Highlights

I am hopelessly out maneuvered, outgunned and losing models fast. I am already crying that I lost this game on deployment. On turn 3 I get the Heldrake in and it proceeds to kill 10 Strikes and 10 Interceptors over 3 turns. Nothing can stop it and there is no escape from the Heldrakes wrath. I then realize what all the excitement on the Internet is about. This thing is great, right now, against an elite 3+ save army, which put 20 guys in my backfield who can't hurt It. Just to keep things in perspective.

The Forgefiend activates the daemonforge and strips the remaining hull points off the Land Raider.

The Dreadknights jumps from unit to unit and avoids Django in combat by hiding in challenges I have to accept, but eventually the DK runs out of challenges and an invisible Django cuts down the Dreadknight.

We have very little left on the board at the end. We tie on objectives, but Greg has First Blood and Warlord to get the victory.

The game went very fast I out manuvered Fred but the stupid heldrake came on and I had no answer for it.  Luckily my remaining warriors were so far back and the drake ran out of time to get them.  Another highlight was my Warlord going down to three hits from an exploding vehicle rolling three ones...