Warhammer 40K Tabletop Thread XXXVIII: toy soldiers r srs bsns

[Borgh]

Currently attempting to buy a Sister's box and I'm fairly sure some datacentre somewhere has just caught fire. They seem to be quite popular just going by that.

[Cheesegear]

Currently attempting to buy a Sister's box and I'm fairly sure some datacentre somewhere has just caught fire. They seem to be quite popular just going by that.

They sold out in AU in less than 20 minutes.

[Avaris]

Currently attempting to buy a Sister's box and I'm fairly sure some datacentre somewhere has just caught fire. They seem to be quite popular just going by that.

Fairly certain they went in the UK in about 20 mins. I got one, but kind of hate having supported this release model. I’m ok with the idea of a limited edition starter box, but only if it is released alongside the main release: I made the decision to get a limited edition codex a long time ago, and I like the models in the set, but this is not a thing to encourage. I’m going to send some constructive criticism to GW customer services I think: probably won’t do anything, but worth a shot!

(This is yet another reason why I plan to buy/wish I had shares in GW. If I started an email with ‘I am one of your shareholders’ it might get somewhere!)

[Borgh]

Fairly certain they went in the UK in about 20 mins.

Yea, I added to cart at 11:03, then did not even get to checkout and at 11:20ish the site went down completely. Fun times.

[Blackhawk748]

Yea, I added to cart at 11:03, then did not even get to checkout and at 11:20ish the site went down completely. Fun times.

Probably because everyone is certain that they underproduced this set like crazy and are fighting to get it. Its the Cannonness all over again. Didn't they do like 3 runs for her?

[Avaris]

Probably because everyone is certain that they underproduced this set like crazy and are fighting to get it. Its the Cannonness all over again. Didn't they do like 3 runs for her?

They’ve specifically said it’s limited release, and the special edition codex means they can’t easily make more (as books are printed abroad generally).

[Wraith]

Some close-up details of the new Sisters, for those of us who are not sufficiently plugged into the Matrix in order to complete an order in 0.3 seconds.

I *really* like the flip-down visor and the shaven-headed Battle Sister; the former just looks cool, and the latter is a nice departure from the previous models, who were depicted as feminine almost to a fault (as in, the brassieres, corsets and the likes have all been toned down for more varied looks). They're even painted one of the Cannoness variants as a PoC, which is a very small but nicely inclusive touch.

The text of the article also mentioned a unit called a Zephyrim which I don't think I recognise. Is that one of the new tanks, or a sneaky preview of something else?

[Selpharia]

I expect Zephyrim to be alternate builds off of Seraphim, probably some kind of melee version. Small armies tend to have a ton of dual-builds, and given that Seraphim can’t really have heavy weapon options, melee is the natural place to go.

[Squark]

Some close-up details of the new Sisters, for those of us who are not sufficiently plugged into the Matrix in order to complete an order in 0.3 seconds.

I *really* like the flip-down visor and the shaven-headed Battle Sister; the former just looks cool, and the latter is a nice departure from the previous models, who were depicted as feminine almost to a fault (as in, the brassieres, corsets and the likes have all been toned down for more varied looks). They're even painted one of the Cannoness variants as a PoC, which is a very small but nicely inclusive touch.

The text of the article also mentioned a unit called a Zephyrim which I don't think I recognise. Is that one of the new tanks, or a sneaky preview of something else?

My first guess for Zephyrim would be an alternate option in the Seraphim kit.

[Wraith]

I expect Zephyrim to be alternate builds off of Seraphim, probably some kind of melee version.

I had honestly forgotten that Seraphim weren't a melee option. I must have been remembering the Sister Superior with the sword & plasma pistol combo and thinking that they were all an Assault Marines-esque unit.

I was quietly hope for a Land Speeder-like skimmer, perhaps. Never mind!

[LeSwordfish]

I was wondering if Zephyrim would be heavy-weapon seraphim. That would be a bit more interesting than just having pistol/sword and pistol/pistol variants.

[hamishspence]

I had honestly forgotten that Seraphim weren't a melee option.

In past editions, bolt pistols counted as close combat weapons during assaults. It's only 8e that handles them differently.

[LansXero]

They're even painted one of the Cannoness variants as a PoC, which is a very small but nicely inclusive touch.

You mean the one who looks like Terry Crews in a He-Man cosplay? Nothing against inclusiveness, but the paint job (or the sculpt?) makes her look like a black man, not a black old lady.

Also, whats a PoC? We have blue humans now? Im brown, and have friends ranging from reddish tan, yellow to eggplant-black, and everyone just refers to each other as such without much issue. I always thought being sensitive about skin was mostly a north-american thing.

[Wraith]

Also, whats a PoC? We have blue humans now? Im brown, and have friends ranging from reddish tan, yellow to eggplant-black, and everyone just refers to each other as such without much issue. I always thought being sensitive about skin was mostly a north-american thing.

Britain is typically the same, but it's a predominantly American forum and for the moment I forgot which was preferred. As a straight white male, I try my best not to presume what people of other ethnicities prefer to be called without first asking them.

Although referring to her as the black Cannoness when she mostly has a red colour scheme might have caused confusion, given that the Cannonness with mostly black robes has white skin. Colours are hard.

[Avaris]

I was wondering if Zephyrim would be heavy-weapon seraphim. That would be a bit more interesting than just having pistol/sword and pistol/pistol variants.

Rumour engine has them as Seraphim with bolt pistols and power swords

[Blackhawk748]

Some close-up details of the new Sisters, for those of us who are not sufficiently plugged into the Matrix in order to complete an order in 0.3 seconds.

I *really* like the flip-down visor and the shaven-headed Battle Sister; the former just looks cool, and the latter is a nice departure from the previous models, who were depicted as feminine almost to a fault (as in, the brassieres, corsets and the likes have all been toned down for more varied looks). They're even painted one of the Cannoness variants as a PoC, which is a very small but nicely inclusive touch.

The text of the article also mentioned a unit called a Zephyrim which I don't think I recognise. Is that one of the new tanks, or a sneaky preview of something else?

The Imagifier looks good and the Dialogus is an improvement (not like it could be anything else) the Hospitaler looks fine. Never had an issue with the old model.

I don't like the shaven head but thats cuz at this level of detail she just looks like a Guardsmemn head. but whatever. Im more concerned about the number of Special Weapons in the box and the number of Helmets.

Zephyrim didn't exist before in literally any context. So its new.

Got a closer look at he new Hero unit. Hate it more. It looks so freaking dumb. Im gonna just sit here and hope in vain that they bring back one of the older Uniques to let people who aren't Order of Our Martyred Lady actually get something.

[Drasius]

Probably because everyone is certain that they underproduced this set like crazy and are fighting to get it. Its the Cannonness all over again. Didn't they do like 3 runs for her?

They did, and then made her available to order as a web store only thing due to demand.

In past editions, bolt pistols counted as close combat weapons during assaults. It's only 8e that handles them differently.

It gave any model a second ccw for +1 attack, the way 8th handles it is better in a lot of ways for anyone with a special pistol or who is str 3.

Im gonna just sit here and hope in vain that they bring back one of the older Uniques to let people who aren't Order of Our Martyred Lady actually get something.

If you can't be trusted to pick the best colour scheme, you can't be trusted with special characters ;)

[Cheesegear]

I always thought being sensitive about skin was mostly a north-american thing.

My South African girlfriend disagrees. I think that's as much as I can say on this forum.

[Blackhawk748]

If you can't be trusted to pick the best colour scheme, you can't be trusted with special characters ;)

Black and Red is overdone. White and Blue or pure silver is great. But honestly, why? Why do none of the other Orders have Uniques? Like...why is this hard? Take the thing that the Order does, make someone who is good at that. Done.

[Manticoran]

I think GWS has hard times making things that are good, let alone things that are good that do specific things.

[Cheesegear]

Like...why is this hard? Take the thing that the Order does, make someone who is good at that.

Lysander gives a wave.
It's harder than you think.

Second, if they don't have a model for it, they can't produce rules for it.

[Wraith]

Like...why is this hard? Take the thing that the Order does, make someone who is good at that. Done.

*Hollow, bitter laughter coming from the Grey Knights, Iron Hands, Imperial Fists and pretty much every Traitor Astartes faction about to appear in Faith & Fury*

[Cheesegear]

*Hollow, bitter laughter coming from the Grey Knights, Iron Hands, Imperial Fists and pretty much every Traitor Astartes faction about to appear in Faith & Fury*

Draigo & Voldus are fantastic Grey Knights, it's just that what Grey Knights do, doesn't win games.
Iron Father Feirros is a fantastic Iron Hand.

Lysander is terrible in every facet. Even in the fluff, he's a bad Imperial Fist, that's fine. You may as well say that Uriel Ventris is a bad Ultramarine (how, given everything Guilliman's said and done since he's been back, Ventris might have just been the best Ultramarine the entire time. Agemman [who!?] even says so in the short story where Graham McNeill fires several shots at Matt Ward. That being said, McNeill saying that Ventris is the best, is equally as bad as Ward saying Sicarius is the best*). That being said, Lysander's abilities don't even match his fluff, either. Pedro Kantor makes a better Lysander, somehow.

Tor Garadon making a unit BS2+rr1 is exactly what Imperial Fists want. Except that 140 Points is a bit much. Mostly 'cause GW vastly overcosted having a S12 Thunder Hammer Power Fist that he rarely uses, because he's too busy being in a gunline handing out BS2+ to Heavy weapons that don't move forwards and never get into Melee. That being said, he could hang out with Assault Centurions (like everyone else). But what do Assault Centurions need BS2+ for? They have Hurricane Bolters which have a ****tillion shots, and Flamers don't roll to hit.

Kharn is great a World Eater.
Lucius is terrible at Emperor's Child (please give ECs a 40K version of Eidolon, they'll be very happy, I promise. You would even be able to sell the model to Loyalist players, 'cause that's what ECs should look like. If you brought out a Captain model with Jump Pack and Thunder Hammer [no Storm Shield though, Chaos don't get those], the model would almost literally fly off shelves...****. I think I just talked myself into buying an Eidolon model to make a Deathwatch Captain out of....Oh that would look so cool...Oooh God damn it, I'm going to do it aren't I? **** ).

*That being said, the most recent book featuring Sicarius, Knights of Macragge is pretty good, even if it is written by Nick Kyme.

[Wraith]

fantastic Grey Knights

Counterpoint: Castellan Crowe.

Iron Father Feirros is a fantastic Iron Hand.

That one was more along the lines of, it took them **32 years** between inventing Iron Hands and finally getting a good character for them. I'm sure that the Night Lords, Iron Warriors and Alpha Legion would agree, even though they're only from 1993 rather than 1987!

"Take the thing that makes them good, and make a character that does that" is excellent advice for a rule designer, and yet GW either fail it 3 times out of 5 (If we're being REALLY generous and including Justicar Thawn and Master Mordrak from yesteryear) or it takes them over three decades to get there.

[Cheesegear]

Counterpoint: Castellan Crowe.

...I forgot he even existed.

[LansXero]

Counterpoint: Castellan Crowe.



That one was more along the lines of, it took them **32 years** between inventing Iron Hands and finally getting a good character for them. I'm sure that the Night Lords, Iron Warriors and Alpha Legion would agree, even though they're only from 1993 rather than 1987!

"Take the thing that makes them good, and make a character that does that" is excellent advice for a rule designer, and yet GW either fail it 3 times out of 5 (If we're being REALLY generous and including Justicar Thawn and Master Mordrak from yesteryear) or it takes them over three decades to get there.

It doesnt mean anything though; Jain Zar is the banshiest banshee that ever bansheed. Still crap.

[Cheesegear]

It doesnt mean anything though; Jain Zar is the banshiest banshee that ever bansheed. Still crap.

...But she's got a new hat.

[Blackhawk748]

It doesnt mean anything though; Jain Zar is the banshiest banshee that ever bansheed. Still crap.

Thats more cuz Banshees are bad in the current game, not because she's actually bad. Frankly, its the Ultramarines problem. Ultras have what? 5 Uniques? All the others have...1, maybe 2? If they even have one. Its incredibly annoying particularly when one of the Uniques was almost necessary for how long (Talking about Celestine).

And yes, I know GW is about the worst rules writers in the business, but they don't even try. Like, lets go over the Uniques for Sisters.

Celestine- OoOML
Flying Old Lady- OoOML
Veridyan-OoOML (Doesn't Exist anymore)
Jacobus-Priest
Arch Confessor Kyrinov- Priest (also not an actual Unique anymore and wasn't in 7th either)
Tadeus the Purifier- Priest (Blackstone)
Ephrael Stern- OoOML (never gonna get rules again, cuz reasons)
Cardinal Armadeus Helfire- Priest (No rules since 2nd)
Saint Praxedes- OoOML (No rules since 2nd)
Helena the Virtuous- Prioress of the Convent Sanctorum (no rules since 2nd)

So, of the 10 Uniques that Sisters have had over the years, 4 are Priests, 1 is the Prioress of the whole shebang, and 5 of them are OoOML ad unlike Space Marines, literally no other Sub Faction gets any.

To make matters worse, of the 10 uniques two are brand new (and one seems boring as all hell judging by her very boring sculpt) 6 don't have rules and probably never will again, leaving us with 2. Celestine and Jacobus.

So, in the all of the entire faction, we have two Priests (one from Blackstone), a Living Saint, and one fancy Cannoness who looks bored. They couldn't come up with...oh I don't know...anything for any other sub-faction? At all? Not even a little? Its been 20 years!

Has any other faction had this kind of turnover for their Unique HQs?

[Drasius]

Its been 20 years!

Has any other faction had this kind of turnover for their Unique HQs?

It's been 20 years that sisters have been nigh unsupported.

Tau have no special characters for their subsections that aren't Tau, Orks have one special character who was still metal the last time I looked and have had a few removed over the years, DE have had a large amount of theirs removed (Vect, Lady Malys, Baron Sliscus, Kerudrak(?)) and of the 3 named characters they do have, 1 doesn't really work with any of the three cults or any of their subfactions while the other 2 are locked out of 2 of the 3 sub cults, none of the undivided legions (IW, WB, AL, NL) that aren't Black Legion have had characters.

How long have Iron hands, a freakin first founding legion, had to wait for their special character?

The fact that you've got plastic sisters at all is a verified miracle. Yes, you could have been gifted everything and then some, but you should probably be grateful that we got what we did. Boo hoo, my entire army got all new releases in plastic and everything looks amazing. Why don't I have a larger selection of special characters for all my sub factions? Yes, please ignore that Eldar and CSM (ya know, important factions) have some hugely iconic kits still in finecast and berserkers were released in 1999.

[Avaris]

Regarding special characters, I suspect this is another example of the messed up way GW approaches new releases. The rules exist to support the models, not the other way round.

Basically, the design studio designs a special character. They want it to fit in with the rest of the range, so either they leave symbology off it, or put the ‘generic’ symbols on, which the team will have agreed is OotML. Then once the model is designed the studio painters get a go, and again they want to paint it to match the rest of the army, so OotML again. So by the time the rules writers get to it it has already been flagged as OotML to fit in with the rest of the codex.

Subfactions are added to make players feel they have ‘permission’ to paint their armies in a certain way. They don’t guide the design of the models in any way.