Codex: The Galactic Empire (WH40K House Rules)

[Brother-Captain Gaius]

I guess I'm not contributing much to this thread, but just one question.. are there official Astartes stats for Dark Heresy anywhere, yet?

Yes. There is one in The Inquisitor's Handbook.

[Darth Hoth]

the various "planetary" militias that may or may not still exist. There are SEctor Rangers, mercenary forces and other private armies (like House Tagge I believe or to a lesser extent Xizor's thuggery

The presence of local forces appears to vary; some worlds have only Imperial troops that fill both police and military/defence functions, while others do appear to have at least a gendarmerie/militarised police. The only state that I can think of right away as having demonstrated military capabilities would be Aargau, which hosted a ground manoeuvre when Princess Leia and Darth Vader visited it, and it was supposedly neutral (some kind of special status within the Empire at least, so it might not be representative).

and I believe COMPNOR has its own military as well

Yes, CompForce, the Empire's Waffen-SS. Supposedly more died in training than pulled through, so it sounds almost like something out of 40k itself. Of course, there is a rather big chance the propagandists who penned the Imperial Sourcebook exaggerated their losses. Still, their training is probably rather extreme, and they are fanatically loyal to Palpatine and the New Order. Their troops have torso protection, helmets, and armoured lower legs. For armaments, probably similar to the Army, though that is guesswork on my part.

The largest are probably the Clone/Stormtroopers as they're basically Palpy's primary force, but I dont think they're large enough that they can easily overwhelm the rest combined (Such as Army/Navy) or even conquer the galaxy whole (People may be gulled by Palpy, but things seem to be against him easily dominating things militarily hence the Death Star project.) They are probably also the best trained (though even there this will vary depending on era, as you get non-Fett clone sources and even non-clone troops being pulled in in later eras.) and certainly best equipped troops, and the only ones wearing full-body armor.

It could go either way, depending on interpretation; some fluff (the original VD, most prominently) lists the Stormies as crack troops, who are fewer in numbers than the Army and called in for the toughest assignments, whereas Army grunts do most of the legwork and provide garrisons (incidentally, this fits with their dual naming as "Imperial Marines"). Of course, this is not the image conveyed by the vast majority of EU sources, where (excepting the Zahn books and WEG) Stormies are shown as the default Imperial troopers, and I suppose the majority material takes precedence.

Info on Navy troopers is rarer. They're supposed to be well trained, and staioned on all ships (alongside stormies in unkonwn numbers - presumably since they serve dual roles their numbers come from standard crew complenents) but as a rule carry lighter arms (blaster pistols or compact carbines/rfiles like the E-11)

Navy troops always struck me as serving a security/shore patrol role, rather than marines launching into the fighting. They might be used to repel boarders, but otherwise they would see little combat, especially not groundside (except perhaps when protecting Navy installations, like on Endor).

[The Dark]

If I were writing it, I'd be tempted to do an Imperial Codex similar to Chaos, having the Army and the Stormtroopers as parallel lists that can use some of each other's units (i.e. have Stormtroopers as an unlimited Units choice in the ST list, and a 0-1 Units choice in the Army list).

[His Divine Shadow]

Not to take this thread OT but does anyone have any idea how a Dark Trooper would compare to your average Space Marine? I believe in stature the Dark Trooper is Space Marine sized anyway.

[Darth Hoth]

Taken at their very most extreme, Phase III Dark Troopers: are Force-sensitive with rudimentary training; can fly for extended periods; have ubertough armour (I do not think there is any specific example to calculate from, but they are immune to lightsabres); advanced sensors; assault cannon (automatic energy weapon, probably antitank grade at least from scaling); two detonite-head missile launchers with large magazines (NEGtW&T has it at "apparently limitless supply" or some such hyperbole); superstrength (though again, nothing specific); and I seem to recall them having energy shields, though I am not certain on that (this is all off the top of my head; I shall check the relevant books when I have them available). Whereas Space Marines have enhanced reaction speeds, resilience, strength, senses, &c; ubertough armour; and a variety of weapons.

A battle between the two would probably be heavily slanted towards the Dark Trooper in anything but an absurd situation (e.g., Myrkr-style plants sabotaging his sensors while the Marine is laying out traps à la Joe Rambo, only each loaded with vortex grenades . . . ). It depends a little on what gear the Marine has, but overall a Dark Trooper should have heavier firepower, be at least as well protected and be more manoeuvreable.

I have no idea how to translate all that into game mechanics, of course . . .

[Ford Prefect]

You just tweak some Tau battlesuit rules. Energy based assault cannons, missile launchers, tough armour, a statline including superstrength, and the option (as I recall) for energy shields. The actual statline for the Tau Crisis Suit is a considerable abstraction, but it would suit for a Phase III Dark Trooper.

[Darth Hoth]

I would not know what the Tau work like in-game; I quit tabletop 40k before they were added

[Ryan Thunder]

Well, I'll start with the Imperial Army.

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Line Squad                     55 POINTS 
         WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv
Trooper   2  2 3 3 1 3 1  6 4+
Sergeant  3  3 3 3 1 3 1  7 4+

UNIT COMPOSITION
- 7 troopers
- 1 sergeant 

UNIT TYPE
- Infantry 

WARGEAR
- Field armour
- Blaster rifle
- Concussion grenades

OPTIONS
- Any model may replace his blaster rifle with a light repeating blaster. (free)

                         Range S AP  Type       Notes
Blaster rifle            30”   5  5  Rapid Fire
Light repeating blaster  24"   4  5  Assault 2

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Heavy Weapons Squad            75 POINTS 
         WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv
Trooper   2  2 3 3 1 3 1  6 4+
Sergeant  3  3 3 3 1 3 1  7 4+

UNIT COMPOSITION
- 7 troopers
- 1 sergeant 
- 2 heavy repeating blasters

UNIT TYPE
- Artillery

WARGEAR
- Field armour
- Blaster carbine

                         Range S AP  Type       Notes
Blaster carbine          18”   3  5  Assault 1
Heavy repeating blaster  48"   6  3  Heavy 4

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Sharpshooter Squad                              75 POINTS 
                      WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv
Sharpshooter           2  3 3 3 1 3 1  7 4+
Sharpshooter Sergeant  3  4 3 3 1 3 1  7 4+

UNIT COMPOSITION
- 7 troopers
- 1 sergeant

UNIT TYPE
- Artillery

WARGEAR
- Field armour
- Light repeating blasters

That's all for now. These aren't going to take up Force Organization choices on their own, I'm gonna get to platoons once I've defined the different squads.

[open_sketchbook]

I think that BS2 is a little low (untrained conscripts and Orks have BS2) and S5 blasters is a little high (Heavy Bolters are S5. They fire explosive rockets the size of a coke bottle) That profile is just all over the place and wouldn't be terribly effective, in my opinion.

[born in shadow]

Your sharpshooters seem to be...oddly named. If they are sharp shooters, why do they have such a short ranged, assault weapon? I'd think they'd have some sort of precision weapon.

Also, I don't see why anyone in their right mind would take the light repeating blaster over the blaster rifle on their line troopers. You may be at Assault 2, but you'd have shorter range and less power. It's not like you WANT those line troopers moving towards the enemy either

Though I'll say that Tau Battlesuits would probably be a good base for Dark Troopers (the stage 3 ones at least).

Also, I would suggest just saying frag grenades rather than listing concussion grenades as frag equivalents. Just easier to read the statblocks that way

-Aaron, going back to check

[Ryan Thunder]

Gah. This is what I get for writing stuff at 2 AM.

Code: Select all

Line Squad                     55 POINTS 
         WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv
Trooper   2  2 3 3 1 3 1  6 4+
Sergeant  3  3 3 3 1 3 1  7 4+

UNIT COMPOSITION
- 7 troopers
- 1 sergeant 

UNIT TYPE
- Infantry 

WARGEAR
- Field armour
- Blaster rifle
- Concussion grenades

OPTIONS
- Any model may replace his blaster rifle with a light repeating blaster. (free)

                         Range S AP  Type       Notes
Blaster rifle            24”   3  5  Rapid Fire
Light repeating blaster  24"   3  5  Heavy 2

Code: Select all

Heavy Weapons Squad            75 POINTS 
         WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv
Trooper   2  2 3 3 1 3 1  6 4+
Sergeant  3  3 3 3 1 3 1  7 4+

UNIT COMPOSITION
- 7 troopers
- 1 sergeant 
- 2 heavy repeating blasters

UNIT TYPE
- Artillery

WARGEAR
- Field armour
- Blaster carbine
- Concussion grenades

                         Range S AP  Type       Notes
Blaster carbine          18”   3  5  Assault 1
Heavy repeating blaster  48"   6  3  Heavy 4

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Sharpshooter Squad                          75 POINTS 
                      WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv
Sharpshooter           2  3 3 3 1 3 1  7 4+
Sharpshooter Sergeant  3  4 3 3 1 3 1  7 4+

UNIT COMPOSITION
- 7 troopers
- 1 sergeant

UNIT TYPE
- Artillery

WARGEAR
- Field armour
- Light repeating blasters
- Concussion grenades

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Engineering Squad                           65 POINTS 
             WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv
Trooper       2  2 3 3 1 3 1  6 4+
Sharpshooter  2  3 3 3 1 3 1  7 4+

UNIT COMPOSITION
- 7 troopers
- 1 sergeant

UNIT TYPE
- Artillery

WARGEAR
- Field armour
- Blaster rifles
- Concussion grenades
- Thermal detonators

OPTIONS
- The unit may include a portable sensor array for +5 points.  It has the Acute Senses special rule.

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Repulsorlift Squadron (Heavy Support) 200 POINTS
             BS F  S  R  Type
Fighter Tank  2 12 12 10 Tank, Fast

UNIT COMPOSITION
- 2 fighter tanks

UNIT TYPE
- Vehicle Squadron

WARGEAR
- twin-linked laser cannons
- pintle-mounted beam cannon
- twin-linked missile launchers

SPECIAL RULES
- Repulsors
                                             Range S AP Type    Notes
Laser cannon                                 48"   9  2 Heavy 1
Beam cannon                                  36"   5  4 Heavy 3
Missile launcher (Thermal detonator warhead) 48"   8  3 Heavy 1

Repulsors allow a craft to traverse difficult terrain without needing to take a difficult terrain test.  Use within reason, of course; this won't help you crash through a building.

Better?

[Ford Prefect]

Honestly, those Sharpshooters need to have sniper rifles of some kind, so they are actual Sharpshooters.

[Ryan Thunder]

Honestly, those Sharpshooters need to have sniper rifles of some kind, so they are actual Sharpshooters.

You'll have to take that one up with the Imperial Army, I'm afraid. It's all their fault. XD

Well, according to Wookiepedia, anyways.

And, good grief, the Sharpshooters and Engineers are artillery units. Should be "Infantry".

[born in shadow]

I'm groovin' on the list so far

Though those tanks look a little cheap for their points...but they are thin on armor, so I guess I could see it. Hm. And seriously, take some liberties and give the sharp shooters sniper rifles!

-Aaron, eager to see Dark Troopers of any stage

[Teleros]

Does the Engineering squad need a little tweaking (trooper / sharpshooter stats vs trooper / sergeant in list for example). As for the Repulsorlift rules, you could probably just copy whatever the rules are for Eldar grav-tanks etc (can't remember off-hand, haven't poked around in the Eldar codex in months).

[open_sketchbook]

I disagree. Use the heavier Tau tanks as a basis. Eldar vehicles are a little more like a fighter jet with a turret in much of the fluff. (I mean, it's sealed for high-altitude travel and can deep strike in Apocalypse while acting as a flyer for a turn)

[Ryan Thunder]

Heavier Tau tanks can actually fly over buildings, though. Other than being able to avoid some difficult terrain and float over water, Imperial repulsor tanks behave like groundhuggers.

I'll give the sharpshooters the option to give any models sniper rifles for +5 points per model.

[NecronLord]

Heavier Tau tanks can actually fly over buildings, though. Other than being able to avoid some difficult terrain and float over water, Imperial repulsor tanks behave like groundhuggers.

What? Only if you're counting them as leman-russes. A land speeder, and the occasional ancient Imperial grav tank work just like Tau tanks.

[Connor MacLeod]

[quote="Ryan Thunder"]Heavier Tau tanks can actually fly over buildings, though. Other than being able to avoid some difficult terrain and float over water, Imperial repulsor tanks behave like groundhuggers.
[quote]

Those tanks aren't exactly a very good analogue to Imperial tanks (except maybe the Clone Wars era "fighter tanks") because they're more of a slower moving, heavier gunship with some tank qualities (more heaivly armerd and armored.) And this is true of largely most "hover tanks" - they're nowhere near as massive as a Russ. And no Star Wars repuslortank I am aware of coudl really reach any great heights (certainly not fly) - only lighter vehciles like Hoverscouts could do that (and those were more like airspeeders)

[Ryan Thunder]

Heavier Tau tanks can actually fly over buildings, though. Other than being able to avoid some difficult terrain and float over water, Imperial repulsor tanks behave like groundhuggers.

Those tanks aren't exactly a very good analogue to Imperial tanks (except maybe the Clone Wars era "fighter tanks") because they're more of a slower moving, heavier gunship with some tank qualities (more heaivly armerd and armored.) And this is true of largely most "hover tanks" - they're nowhere near as massive as a Russ. And no Star Wars repuslortank I am aware of coudl really reach any great heights (certainly not fly) - only lighter vehciles like Hoverscouts could do that (and those were more like airspeeders)

Exactly. This is why I made them fast Tanks that can ignore difficult terrain, rather flying tanks that the Skimmer vehicle type is used to represent. They can travel over water, and maybe avoid tank traps. But they can't fly over buildings, like Skimmer-type vehicles can.

[Connor MacLeod]

Exactly. This is why I made them fast Tanks that can ignore difficult terrain, rather flying tanks that the Skimmer vehicle type is used to represent. They can travel over water, and maybe avoid tank traps. But they can't fly over buildings, like Skimmer-type vehicles can.

I dont know WHAT they're capable of moving over, that's partt of my point. I've never heard of them going over water though (If repulsorcraft could float, for example, why didn't Luke keep his X-wing out of the bog that way?)

If you're going to cover this I suggest doing some research into the topic. Odds are hovertanks/repuslortanks behave more like really really fast, heavily armed and armored landspeederS (And therefore have similar terrain limitations.)

[Ryan Thunder]

Exactly. This is why I made them fast Tanks that can ignore difficult terrain, rather flying tanks that the Skimmer vehicle type is used to represent. They can travel over water, and maybe avoid tank traps. But they can't fly over buildings, like Skimmer-type vehicles can.

I dont know WHAT they're capable of moving over, that's partt of my point. I've never heard of them going over water though (If repulsorcraft could float, for example, why didn't Luke keep his X-wing out of the bog that way?)

Good point. I was basing their behaviour off of what came to mind first, which was video games, such as Battlefront II and Empire at War.

If you're going to cover this I suggest doing some research into the topic. Odds are hovertanks/repuslortanks behave more like really really fast, heavily armed and armored landspeederS (And therefore have similar terrain limitations.)

I think we're having some kind of disconnect here. Landspeeders on the tabletop that I'm familiar with ignore terrain altogether and generally behave more like how I'd expect Rebel snowspeeders to play.

[Ryan Thunder]

Alright, given what's going on with Connor here, I'm going to post a unit I intend on using in the list. We can then discuss an appropriate statline and options for that unit.

So, for starters, the IFT-T, or "fighter tank".

It seems to me to be deserving of the Fast Tank designation. Given the behaviour of repulsor vehicles such as Luke's speeder on Tatooine, and the behavior we see in games, it looks like it shouldn't have much difficulty with obstructions under 50 cm in height. Of course, a giant Leman Russ probably wouldn't, either. After some thought, I believe its safe to say it still takes difficult terrain tests, as it doesn't hover much higher than a tank would, and I've never seen any indication that it can "jump" high enough to avoid obstacles that a Leman Russ couldn't simply run over.

It probably would be considered "heavily armoured" yes, but we can't have Land Raiders buzzing around at 24" a turn, now, can we? Especially when this is like a light tank...

[born in shadow]

it looks like it shouldn't have much difficulty with obstructions under 50 cm in height...I believe its safe to say it still takes difficult terrain tests, as it doesn't hover much higher than a tank would, and I've never seen any indication that it can "jump" high enough to avoid obstacles that a Leman Russ couldn't simply run over.

Agreed. I haven't seen anything in SW that says their repulsor lift tanks are able to go more than a bit off the ground, game play or otherwise.

It probably would be considered "heavily armoured" yes, but we can't have Land Raiders buzzing around at 24" a turn, now, can we? Especially when this is like a light tank...

Also true. I suppose you could go the route Battlefront 2 did and have them with a glaring weak area. Like 14, 12, 10 armor or something, though now that I realize it's a light tank your all around armor of 12 makes more sense to me

-Aaron, waiting for his friend to show up

[Ford Prefect]

It probably would be considered "heavily armoured" yes

Relative to what? And for that matter, based on what?