Goatboy’s 40k Thoughts: What I Want From Chapter Approved
Goatboy here again and while the FAQ is underwhelming – I think the upcoming Chapter Approved could almost be a new edition.
Beyond points, beta Codexes, and locked in rules updates – I think Chapter Approved could genuinely be looked at as something more akin to Warhammer 40k – 8.5 Edition. I have read rumors and other thoughts – but without any real concrete evidence, these all seem like pipe dreams/nightmares. Instead, let’s think about the things they probably should have in the book.
All Your Base
First of all, Chapter Approved needs to provide a full base size list for all the models in 40k – just like Age of Sigmar got. I know a lot of people are grumbling about having to update their model’s bases – but if you are not set up on the proper base, then you are cheating your opponent. Think about it – if the unit is designed to be on a bigger base then it is designed to be played that way. Yes, you lose some attacks on larger sized units (Ork Boyz), but that is how it is supposed to be played. It is the same when you are trying to utilize a foot print for a game-winning teleport. Having smaller bases on models that are supposed to be on bigger bases is just not cool. There are plenty of 3rd party additions to help add on to your base and having Chapter Approved with official base sizes will be a good thing. It just means you are playing on an even table with models as designed.
Out With the Index…
After that, I would love the book to have a list of units that are from the Index books – but pointed/listed correctly for the books they are missing from. This could provide all range from actual units like Captain on a Bike to just listing the options available to specific characters for each faction. I think there are a lot of units that could use this with points tweaks. It would be a huge thing and be a way for GW to keep these units allowed and finally retire the Index books. Plus if they somehow release an army builder with this new book, they could add in all the extra “units” in there as a way to sell using that program. This also leads me into relooking at things like the Assassins or the Inquisitors and putting them into the book with update points/rules/abilities. I want Chapter Approved to be a must-have book and filling it with extra things beyond some small rules changes/points updates is just not that interesting.
Core Rules Reprint
I would also like a truly updated set of rules to replace your rulebook. Think about how many changes we have had and how the big rulebook from the Dark Imperium box set is invalid. I am pretty sure will see a new rulebook in whatever upcoming 40k starter box refresh we will see (I am guessing Sisters vs. Chaos of some sort) – but having it in a simple paperback book would be pretty awesome. Just getting everything in one book will be huge and let you only have to carry a few things when you play – depending on the mix of armies you bring to the table top. I miss those mini rulebooks you would get from the starter sets of yore so having more of it repeated would be a great thing.
New Generic Strategems
I think some more updated all army Stratagems would be another big bonus. I like the Cover strat we have, and I am sure there are some others you could think of for armies. Beyond the Rerolls, leadership buffs, and assault based interruptions – what other things do you think they could have? Maybe a default psychic counter spell of sorts might be useful? Or something like too tough to die sort of thing to give Feel No Pain to a unit. I know some things might be too powerful to just give a blanket ability too – but I am sure we could think of others to help mitigate some of the alpha strike craziness we have seen from time to time.
Rules Tweaks
Speaking about Deep Strike – I am not sure what to do about it. I think it hurts a lot of armies and while it is probably needed it might need to be relooked at. Maybe some kind of Command Points you can burn to try and get a first turn Deep Strike in? Perhaps a return to not being able to assault in the first turn of deep striking? I think 40k right now has a problem with the levels of extreme – whether it is assault or shooting – these swings in damage potential is pretty dang deadly. I don’t know how to fix that without significant rule changes.
Speaking of rule changes – the rumors point to the -1 hit abilities of certain legions/chapters/etc. going away. I think that mixed with the amount of rerolling is causing a lot of slow down in the game. How many times have you watched your opponent roll 40+ dice only to reroll all the ones? It takes awhile to get through that plus the extra bit of wounding and any reroll’s you have there. I get the feeling the reroll auras become too much and would have rather seen something more akin to AOS and its Command Abilities or other Auras like +1 to Attack or to wound. I think the game should be more punishing to bad dice rolls as they are needed to let some underdogs get a chance to win.
I just want Chapter Approved to be more then what we got last time. The experimental rules were ok, but the “open” play Land Raiders were a bit of a bust. It is the same with the Missions not being nearly as exciting or balancing as you would like. I know I am a Matched game player – but I do miss some of the old style missions where you had one objective to fight for, and there wasn’t all this check boxing a score sheet to see if you somehow got a win. I think it is from me hitting 40 this year with two small children – thinking be hard.
What do you want the new book to bring ya? Are you excited about the Beta Sisters codex? What about the locked in-game rules that are no longer Beta? How about all those rumored point changes and updates? Is this still the best edition of the game?
