40K Deep Thought: Different Rules for Classic & Primaris?
Is the new Datasheet for an upcoming Primaris Marine a taste of what’s to come?
As you all probably know by now, something really different showed up this week. A Primaris Marine datasheet that is very different what we have seen before:
Which as you can see has some key differences from the current ones:
And They Shall Know No… oh never mind
The introduction of an Intercessor Sergeant Weapon’s list is nice, but to me the BIG one is the introduction of “Angels of Death” as an ability replacement for “And They Shall Know No Fear”. Some are speculating that this is just a swap-out, probably coming in the new Space Marine codex, that is out there in the mist just ahead.
But it’s a BIG DEAL to take away “And They Shall Know No Fear” from Marines. How big of a deal? They have had the rule in every codex since the 3rd edition codex of 1998. Yes, for 21 years and through 6 codexes the rule has been a byword for the Adeptus Astartes.
A Forked Path?
But there is another alternative that datasheet opens up. It is equally possible that the new Space Marine codex could see GW begin to separate the Classic Marine and Primaris ranges not only via miniatures, but rules as well.
Hello future
If that were true, we could see Classic Marines soldier on with ATSKNF, while the Primaris range moves to the new “Angels of Death”. What would this look like? Who knows? On the surface, ATSKNF is a morale booster meant to represent the never say die attitude of the Astartes. Perhaps the Classic marines understand they are the last of a dying breed and grimly fight on, with full knowledge of their impending doom – modern day Thunder Warriors in a way. While the Primaris have something different to define them – say something more offensively focussed.
Youngster, let me tell you what it was like back in the day!
A Good Idea?
A better question is why? I think at the end of the day – starting to subtly differentiate the 2 lines may be the best solution going forward for GW. Give the old players with Classic armies rules that let them really feel like the grizzled heroes they are, who will fight towards their own extinction – if it advances the cause of the Emperor. It doesn’t get more noble and grimdark than that. But offer the newer players something ruleswise to reflect their forces being equipped with the latest and greatest the Mechanicum can produce, to lay low mankind’s enemies, even if they don’t have centuries of experience under their belts.
In the end we will have to wait and see what GW has in store for both lines of the Astartes, but I think it’s an intriguing possibility.
~How would you write two special rules to best define the Classic and Primaris forces on the tabletop?
