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Here is another Fandex; Codex: Space Marines. Loyalist this time!


Here, I've aimed to be able to reflect most Codex: Astartes adherent Chapters, using a combination of Chapter Tactics and (hopefully) viable units to allow players to create a wide range of viable and characterful Space Marine armies.
Players can thereby create armies to reflect any of the main Space Marine Chapters and most core play-styles.

Ultimately, however, the main aim is make all units viable choices, in order to provide a customisable, characterful Space Marine Codex, that allows a wide range of competitive and viable armies.

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There are 5 new units in the Codex (only 1 of which has never been mentioned in fluff):
- Warleader Bannus
- Stalker Veteran Squad
- Deathwatch Kill Team
- Land Speeder Tempest
- Fireraptor Gunship

As well as the Predator Retributor and Terminator Command Squad.

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Also, please check out my other 2 Fandex's:
- Codex: Eldar
- Codex: Chaos Space Marines

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All feedback, comments and constructive criticism is welcome and will be considered.
Please feel free to also post any army lists or experiences with the Codex.

Thanks, [Just] Dave.

Squee!

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Beat me to the punch, hehe.

Right, the Codex has been uploaded.

Please check it out, enjoy it and provide feedback.

Thanks, Dave.

-----------------------------------

Chris' and 'PimpHand: Very smooth, thanks guys. Hope you like it.

Marik': Sorry man, I wait for no-one!


-----------------------------------

Four notes:
1 - The 'dex will be updated for 6th Edition once I've read through the rules and as may be required.
2 - A ranged-orientated Chapter Tactic hasn't been included, as this may (probably should) be the direction GW takes Dark Angels and I don't want to out-shoot the shooty-Chapter. If the Dark Angels aren't taken in the shooty-direction, then a suitable Chapter Tactic will be added.
3 - Sniper Rifle's have been changed in this Codex (not a perfect solution, mind), if they're fixed in 6th Edition, then they'll be changed suitably.
4 - I had previously created & uploaded rules the Adeptus Custodes, which I've also attached below in case anyone wants to create a pre-heresy army.

While I've abandoned the project after the embargo of last year, I was working on a unified Space Marine fandex capable of representing any chapter. If you're interested I can send what I've got to you, and you can see if there's anything you'd like to steal.

Combat Tactics: Pass, or Fail? Why would passing a morale test benefit from ATSKNF?

pg 5: "arrive from a via Drop Pod Assault (i.e. In a Drop Pod)." redundant 'a' or 'via'.

pg 30: "only one affect may be applied to each individual ranged attack." - Effect <3

Despite the changes made to tactical marines, I'd still allow something like a combi-weapon for each special weapon they purchase. They simply don't have the flexibility to be anything but power-armoured objective holders, as you said, even now. All I used them for before was combat-squadded heavy weapon+melta, all I'll use them for now is the same; an extra 6-8 bolter hits over 4 turns won't change a game that often.

I like the scouts. I am going to poop out many shoots with them. Scoutspam might be TOO viable; A few test-runs also reveals that having 3-5 different to-wound rolls to make gets heavy tedious.

Shotguns would play better if the Manstopper was within 8" - sort of a concession for being just out of assault range.

Heavy Bolters could use range 54 or 60, as I think you're overvaluing their cost-benefit ratio in terms of MEQ wounds or av11/10 results over 6 turns (as right now it is almost none, compared to a missile launcher which is almost 3). Also, Heavy Bolters get no love from the tactics, which makes me infinities sad.

No relentless for termies?

Haha, the Chapter Champion's rule 'Come at me Bro'.

Priceless.

Lysander is listed as having a 3+ save, even though he has Terminator Armour. I think you've also mixed up the profiles for the Special Ammunition, it lists the Storm Bolter as a pistol and the Bolt Pistol as Assault 2.

Props on the changes to Drop Pods.

Why has combat tactics been changed to automatically passes from automatically fail a leadership test?

This incarnation effectively gives every unit in the book a form of stubborn and fearless combined, leaving out the bad parts of each. It also makes 'Perseverance, Experience' chapter tactic useless as stubborn doesn't help at all if you automatically pass leadership tests.

In the same light, Calgar's special Chapter Tactic – 'Astartes Embodied' has lost its importance, although it is still useful.

Thanks for the feedback guys, the 'dex has been updated with corrections as required; sadly I don't have proof-readers like GW - which is where you guys come in!

deathstreak2000 wrote:Why has combat tactics been changed to automatically passes from automatically fail a leadership test?

This incarnation effectively gives every unit in the book a form of stubborn and fearless combined, leaving out the bad parts of each. It also makes 'Perseverance, Experience' chapter tactic useless as stubborn doesn't help at all if you automatically pass leadership tests.

In the same light, Calgar's special Chapter Tactic – 'Astartes Embodied' has lost its importance, although it is still useful.

It's a typo.

AlmightyWalrus wrote:Lysander is listed as having a 3+ save, even though he has Terminator Armour. I think you've also mixed up the profiles for the Special Ammunition, it lists the Storm Bolter as a pistol and the Bolt Pistol as Assault 2.

Props on the changes to Drop Pods.

Thanks man, appreciated. I'm quite happy with that too, I must admit.

Technically Lysander would still have a 2+, but it is a mistake and will be changed, as will the Special Ammunition.

Painbiro wrote:Haha, the Chapter Champion's rule 'Come at me Bro'.

Priceless.

Cheers man. I liked the play on 'uphold the honour of the chapter' too!

VI th legion wrote:No relentless for termies?

Whoops; will be ammended.

chrisrawr wrote:Combat Tactics: Pass, or Fail? Why would passing a morale test benefit from ATSKNF?

pg 5: "arrive from a via Drop Pod Assault (i.e. In a Drop Pod)." redundant 'a' or 'via'.

pg 30: "only one affect may be applied to each individual ranged attack." - Effect <3

Yep, these are all mistakes/typos and will be changed, thanks.

Despite the changes made to tactical marines, I'd still allow something like a combi-weapon for each special weapon they purchase. They simply don't have the flexibility to be anything but power-armoured objective holders, as you said, even now. All I used them for before was combat-squadded heavy weapon+melta, all I'll use them for now is the same; an extra 6-8 bolter hits over 4 turns won't change a game that often.

I think you're somewhat right, but now they can provide additional uses on top of the basic objective holding or heavy weapons provision.
As a basic unit, they were never going to be spectacular or filled to the brim with special weapons, but they can now provide a level of tactical flexibility beyond most other basic units. I don't think they've needed a massive change, but I feel my changes to combat tactics has simply helped the tactical squad and basic Marine be a more viable and effective model.
CSM's and Grey Hunters are more capable in assault, Tactical Marines are now more capable at range.

I like the scouts. I am going to poop out many shoots with them. Scoutspam might be TOO viable; A few test-runs also reveals that having 3-5 different to-wound rolls to make gets heavy tedious.

Thanks. I agree that they may be too good, but their cost has been increased to be equal with Tactical Squads, whilst they suffer a bit from a lack of Combat Tactics and moderate fragility, which I hope should help balance them somewhat.

Shotguns would play better if the Manstopper was within 8" - sort of a concession for being just out of assault range.

Maybe, but the emphasis on the shotgun is being able to shoot & assault and close-range, which manstopper helps emphasise. I don't think shotguns needed a serious change to be useful, hence manstopper.

Heavy Bolters could use range 54 or 60, as I think you're overvaluing their cost-benefit ratio in terms of MEQ wounds or av11/10 results over 6 turns (as right now it is almost none, compared to a missile launcher which is almost 3). Also, Heavy Bolters get no love from the tactics, which makes me infinities sad.

Trust me, I'm really not over-valuing their worth! Without a total overhaul - which would need to work with other Codices - I think it's difficult to make Heavy Bolters truly worthwhile, so this is intended to be a relatively subtle change that helps make them a little better, particularly considering their low cost and how many squads - such as Tactical Marines - operate best at 12-24".

AlexHolker wrote:While I've abandoned the project after the embargo of last year, I was working on a unified Space Marine fandex capable of representing any chapter. If you're interested I can send what I've got to you, and you can see if there's anything you'd like to steal.

Yeah, you can if you want man.
As I've said - and like with my CSM Codex - I only want Chapter Tactics to have a relatively subtle effect, to help players really theme their armies rather than almost force it upon them or without going overboard; therefore there are no-to-few restrictions, with the bulk of the customisation coming from the army list.
Basically, what I'm trying to say is - although I don't know how you designed yours - I can't guarantee I'll use any of your ideas, no offence intended. I just had a simple design ethos behind Chapter Tactics that I know many others may not follow with their own works.
Again, you can send it to me if you want, I certainly won't complain. thanks.

so if i take a 5 man assault sqaud i get a free las/plas razorback.... sweet lol, me thinks this was not the intention

Not quite. You'd still have to pay 35pts to upgrade it, so it's 135pts base. And it isn't a troops choice, like with BA. Nonetheless, I'll change this slightly...

Just Dave wrote:Not quite. You'd still have to pay 35pts to upgrade it, so it's 135pts base. And it isn't a troops choice, like with BA. Nonetheless, I'll change this slightly...

Tis not what your dex says, to be fair im putting this up to close that loophole, something along the lines of "may take a Razorback for free, any upgrades must be paid as normal" otherwise i just take a razorback lasplas for free

I like most of this though to be fair, LS storms as dedicated is such a no brainer dont know why GW didnt do it lol

I also really like the way you made sarges like mini characters again, it alows me to customise a littl more.

No problem man, I appreciate the feedback either way and as you can imagine, I'm only too happy to prevent any abuse!
I think it's open to interpretation whether it includes upgrades, but either way I'm about to update the 'dex and will include this change.
Thanks for the feedback!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Some 6th Edition Rumours may somewhat impinge upon some of my changes...

Whitehat wrote:Rapid Fire weapons may now can shoot at long range while moving.

Jump Infantry get a free strike at I10 when they charge into combat

FNP drops to 5+ Save.

Just Dave wrote:No problem man, I appreciate the feedback either way and as you can imagine, I'm only too happy to prevent any abuse!
I think it's open to interpretation whether it includes upgrades, but either way I'm about to update the 'dex and will include this change.
Thanks for the feedback!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Some 6th Edition Rumours may somewhat impinge upon some of my changes...

Whitehat wrote:Rapid Fire weapons may now can shoot at long range while moving.

Jump Infantry get a free strike at I10 when they charge into combat

FNP drops to 5+ Save.

You pretty much had these anyway in some form or other so its not much of a leap thankfully, with a bit of luck maybe someone in GD will see this and will ahem "borrow" a few ideas, this is the same reason i made my DW codex, so with a bit of luck someone saw it and possibly took a few ideas on.

In my DW dex i also had "sternguard" terminators, so i agree this is a solid idea, i also added plasmablasters (TL plasmaguns) as an option for shooty termies and IC in termy armour, have you considered this?

Loving your Codex so far, we seem to think a lot alike in terms of unit naming and new unit additions. Few questions for ya though.

1) What made you name the Terminator Squad a Terminator Storm Squad?

2) Do you think changing the Storm Shield is going to cause issues between users of this Codex and of other Marine codecies that also have Storm Shields?

3) Where did you get inspiration for Warleader Bannus other than just knowing his name? I ask due to the fact that I'm currently making an Iron Hands Codex and would love to have any added information on any named figures within the Iron Hands.

Just Dave wrote:

AlexHolker wrote:While I've abandoned the project after the embargo of last year, I was working on a unified Space Marine fandex capable of representing any chapter. If you're interested I can send what I've got to you, and you can see if there's anything you'd like to steal.

Yeah, you can if you want man.
As I've said - and like with my CSM Codex - I only want Chapter Tactics to have a relatively subtle effect, to help players really theme their armies rather than almost force it upon them or without going overboard; therefore there are no-to-few restrictions, with the bulk of the customisation coming from the army list.
Basically, what I'm trying to say is - although I don't know how you designed yours - I can't guarantee I'll use any of your ideas, no offence intended. I just had a simple design ethos behind Chapter Tactics that I know many others may not follow with their own works.
Again, you can send it to me if you want, I certainly won't complain. thanks.

Sent. Even if you don't have any use for most of it, you may be interested in little things like the Damocles Command Rhino as a dedicated transport for retinueless Captains, or Baal-pattern engines (shoot as if a Fast vehicle, but can't move Flat Out) as standard for Rhino chassis vehicles.

As ever, all feedback and (preferably constructive) criticism is welcome.

Formosa wrote:

Just Dave wrote:Some 6th Edition Rumours may somewhat impinge upon some of my changes...

Whitehat wrote:Rapid Fire weapons may now can shoot at long range while moving.

Jump Infantry get a free strike at I10 when they charge into combat

FNP drops to 5+ Save.

[Preferred enemy:] Reroll hits in CC & Shooting AND Rerolls 1 to wound.

You pretty much had these anyway in some form or other so its not much of a leap thankfully, with a bit of luck maybe someone in GD will see this and will ahem "borrow" a few ideas, this is the same reason i made my DW codex, so with a bit of luck someone saw it and possibly took a few ideas on.

In my DW dex i also had "sternguard" terminators, so i agree this is a solid idea, i also added plasmablasters (TL plasmaguns) as an option for shooty termies and IC in termy armour, have you considered this?

Yeah, but that these changing may render some of mine 'null' is a bit annoying and more effort.
I had previously applied for a job vacancy of assistant Games Designer at GW - after having produced the Eldar 'dex - but was turned down. Either way, they had access to my Chaos and Eldar 'dexes, but I really don't believe they'll use any of the ideas within, as may become evident with the upcoming official Chaos Space Marine Codex.
As I said, I'm not holding my breath that they'll borrow any ideas.

Tbh I didn't design Storm Squads so that they would be "Sternguard Terminators", but rather to improve Terminators whilst fitting with their general role. I felt the ordinary Storm Bolter armed Terminator had too low a ranged damage output for 40pts, so needed an improvement, with the other main consideration being to allow Combat Tactic to work w/ relentless (therefore re-roll hits).
In my opinion, special ammunition makes sense with the Terminators usual role; often operating in isolation (such as in Space Hulks) or teleporting into the heart of the enemy. Therefore I feel they'd warrant the ability to deal with a multitude of enemies.

Marik Law wrote:Loving your Codex so far, we seem to think a lot alike in terms of unit naming and new unit additions. Few questions for ya though.

1) What made you name the Terminator Squad a Terminator Storm Squad?

2) Do you think changing the Storm Shield is going to cause issues between users of this Codex and of other Marine codecies that also have Storm Shields?

3) Where did you get inspiration for Warleader Bannus other than just knowing his name? I ask due to the fact that I'm currently making an Iron Hands Codex and would love to have any added information on any named figures within the Iron Hands.

Thanks man, much appreciated!

1) I felt that it shouldn't just be a 'Terminator Squad', due to the presence of other Terminator Squads (it'd be like having a 'Space Marine Squad', rather than 'Tactical Squad' IMHO), whilst I felt Storm Squad fitted with their roles and simply sounded cool.

2) Possibly, yes, but that's a risk I'm willing to take. If I had my way or was GW, I'd ERRATA it so universal squads (such as Terminator, Tactical, Sternguard etc) were the same as in the Space Marine/this 'dex. However, I do believe the only existing units really damaged by this are BA's more pricey Assault Termies, Space Wolves Thundercav and Draigo, with Thundercav and Draigo already being good enough IMHO. BT's and DA's already need a change...
Either way, I felt it needed to change and that such a change has to come at some point or another.
It's kind of similar to how I felt the need to change Harlequins for my Eldar Codex, although Dark Eldar have Harlies themselves.

3) I'm afraid that - like with the Fireraptor - all I really know of Bannus is what was said on Lexicanum. There were several reasons inspirations behind him however.
With the Iron Hands lacking a character, Dreadnoughts being so popular and people often wanting a Dreadnought HQ, I wanted a Dreadnought character and the Iron Hands were an obvious choice.
The Brazen Blade is named after the Iron Hands successor Chapter, the Brazen Claws, and inspired by a Dark Angels Dreadnought that won silver(?) in Golden Demon a few years ago (picture spoilered below).
His abilities are to make him a force multiplier, as SM characters should be IMHO, whilst remaining unique and separate from Bjorn in abilities. His rules are largely a combination of a Venerable Dreadnought's and Chaplain's (think Iron Father), whilst Indomitable Fury reflects the Iron Hands' typical demeanour.
Should you want to, you're welcome to include him in your Iron Hands 'dex if you were to reference this Space Marine 'dex.



Really nice questions - pleasure to answer, thanks man!

AlexHolker wrote:Sent. Even if you don't have any use for most of it, you may be interested in little things like the Damocles Command Rhino as a dedicated transport for retinueless Captains, or Baal-pattern engines (shoot as if a Fast vehicle, but can't move Flat Out) as standard for Rhino chassis vehicles.

Thanks, I'll give it a look through and see if anything catches my eye, although there's a lot to read through, so it could take me a while...

By the way - someone mentioned this at some point, somewhere - Storm Talon's will be added when the WD is no longer for sale, as I don't want to be screwing over GW.

Just Dave wrote:By the way - someone mentioned this at some point, somewhere - Storm Talon's will be added when the WD is no longer for sale, as I don't want to be screwing over GW.

This is what I'm doing as well. Blank page for now, update when the official PDF is released.

Nice

ok a thought accured and dont hate me for asking... but could we possibly have an inquisitor as a 0-1 option, mainly for fluff reasons lol

Formosa wrote:ok a thought accured and dont hate me for asking... but could we possibly have an inquisitor as a 0-1 option, mainly for fluff reasons lol

I'm afraid I don't intend to add this, no.

Ultimately however a fandex is completely unofficial, so if you wanted to use Inquisitors you could just ask your opponent...

Shouldn't Land Raider Godhammer be Land Raider Phobos?

Also, in the description of vortex of doom it says that avenger is a psychic shooting attack.

I assume in the vanguard veteran entry the:

All models may be equipped with any of the following: Meltabombs – 5pts
Jump Pack – 6pts

part means per model.

RAW you can't take more than 1 attack bike for a bike squadron, since you can't have 10 space marine bikers, because one of them is automatically a space marine biker sergeant.

I'm also wondering why the missile sponsons are more expensive than lascannons on a predator annihilator.

Whirlwind, I think the missile names are:

Incendiary castellan Missiles: Range: 12-60” – Strength: 5 – AP: 5 – Ordnance 1, Barrage, Large Blast, Ignores Cover.

Vengeance castellan Missiles: Range: 12-60” – Strength: 6 – AP: 4 – Ordnance 1, Barrage, Large Blast, Vehicles hit by Vengeance Missiles are struck on the rear armour.

On the chaplain:

*Liturgies of Hate: During the owning player’s turn, the Chaplain and any unit he leads may re-roll any failed to-hit roll.

Does this mean he allows only one re-roll? And it even applies to shooting?

Unfortunately vendreads still seem overpriced...

Now about the stalker veterans:

..single-model units or monstrous creatures selected from the HQ slot...

wouldn't almost all MCs be single-model units anyway? Not sure but I think they are, unless they are fex broods.

Also. I love the deathwatch kill team rules

Good codex, keep it up!

EnormousName wrote:Shouldn't Land Raider Godhammer be Land Raider Phobos?

Dang. I thought there was another name for the Land Raider - and Lexicanum didn't have it - I'll edit that as well; thanks man!

Also, in the description of vortex of doom it says that avenger is a psychic shooting attack.

Good spot. Has been edited.

I assume in the vanguard veteran entry the:

All models may be equipped with any of the following: Meltabombs – 5pts
Jump Pack – 6pts

part means per model.

Correct! This has been clarified in the 'dex.

RAW you can't take more than 1 attack bike for a bike squadron, since you can't have 10 space marine bikers, because one of them is automatically a space marine biker sergeant.

Another good spot; has been edited.

I'm also wondering why the missile sponsons are more expensive than lascannons on a predator annihilator.

It's the same with all the Predators; it's to encourage the 'pattern' Predators; such as the Tri-las, which is the classic annihilator.

Whirlwind, I think the missile names are:

Incendiary castellan Missiles: Range: 12-60” – Strength: 5 – AP: 5 – Ordnance 1, Barrage, Large Blast, Ignores Cover.

Vengeance castellan Missiles: Range: 12-60” – Strength: 6 – AP: 4 – Ordnance 1, Barrage, Large Blast, Vehicles hit by Vengeance Missiles are struck on the rear armour.

AFAIK, Vengeance Missiles are separate to Castellan Missiles I'm afraid.

*Liturgies of Hate: During the owning player’s turn, the Chaplain and any unit he leads may re-roll any failed to-hit roll. Does this mean he allows only one re-roll? And it even applies to shooting?

Another, another good catch. Usually if it was only a single to-hit roll, it would explicitly state that. However, I can see the confusion, so I'll edit this to say "all failed to-hit rolls". But yes, it applies to shooting also, although Deathwatch, Termies and Command Squads are the only units that springs to mind that is skilled at both ranged and close combat.

Unfortunately vendreads still seem overpriced...

I disagree. It's 10pts less than the current Ven. Dread (not much I know, but still). For the 50pts you gain what is effectively Holofields (something Eldar - willingly - pay 30pts for), meaning for about 20pts you gain WS & BS 5 (the latter being particularly beneficial) and a Ld buff; which I'd say is worth it. Particularly at making Ironclads uber-tough. I believe 40pts for it is too little at the least.

Now about the stalker veterans:

..single-model units or monstrous creatures selected from the HQ slot...

wouldn't almost all MCs be single-model units anyway? Not sure but I think they are, unless they are fex broods.

Pretty much, but it's an extra level of clarification and is to cover models such as Crowe, Mephiston and Sanguinor...

Also. I love the deathwatch kill team rules

Good codex, keep it up!

Thanks man. I really appreciate the feedback - very helpful - and kind words; cheers!

As with my previous Fandex's, I'm going to go through and make a series of army lists - be it themed, fluffy or WAAC - to showcase some of the potential builds with the 'dex. So, I figured I'd start with an Imperial Fists Army:

HQ - Captain - Chapter Tactic; Hammer of Terra - Power Sabre, Storm Shield, Company Master; Master of the Siege - 155pts


Elites - Devastator Squad (10-man) - 2 Multimeltas, 2 Missile Launchers 220pts

Elites - Devastator Squad (10-man) - 2 Multimeltas, 2 Missile Launchers 220pts - Hammer of Terra


Troops - Tactical Squad (10-man) - Meltagun, Lascannon - Razorback w/ Twin-linked Assault Cannons 265pts - Hammer of Terra

Troops - Tactical Squad (10-man) - Meltagun, Lascannon - Sergeant w/ Power Weapon - Razorback w/ Twin-linked Assault Cannons 280pts - Hammer of Terra

Troops - Scout Squad (5-man) - 4 Sniper Rifles, Missile Launcher - 112pts

Troops - Scout Squad (5-man) - 5 Sniper Rifles - 105pts


Heavy Support - Vindicator - Siege Shield - 130pts

Heavy Support - Vindicator - Siege Shield - 130pts

Heavy Support - Vindicator - Siege Shield - 130pts


Total: 1747pts

It's not perfect, but should provide a solid base of covering fire and in-your-face nastiness, all themed around the Imperial Fists/Siege Warfare. The Vindicators would rush forwards, with a Combat-Squaded Tactical Squads in Razorbacks in-tow, whilst the Scouts, Devastators and Tactical Squads provide covering fire. Most of the long-ranged units should also be able to benefit from stealth or bolstered ruins also.
I did consider a Librarian w/ Force Dome behind the Vindicators for extra protection, but it could increase the chance of immobilised or weapon destroyed results; neither of which are good results for a Vindie.

Really enjoy the codex, will probably look more closely once 6 ed comes out. However I think i found a small typo, the terminator command squad currently lists "1 Space Marines Terminator, an Apothecary, a Company Champion and a Space Marine Terminator Sergeant" which is only 4 models!

Thanks man, glad you like it!

And no, that's intentional; means you can fit them in Land Raiders and Drop Pods.