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So i've got myself a bloodthirster...made out of a Balrog, but i keep getting told that your not allowed to use Lord of the Rings models in 40k tournaments...
i'm just wondering where all these people are getting this idea, can anyone help?

Unfortunately this is a license problem - GW can't officially allow LotR models to be mixed with 40K or fantasy.

This only applies at GW run tournies though - the indies (generally) don't have the same problem.

And since GW runs almost nothing anymore, you should be good to go!

soo i got a genghis con coming up in febuary do you think they'll have a problem with it??

Good Lord, man, don't ask us! Ask the folks at Genghis Con whether it'll be okay.

For all we know, they've declared it a crime to use plastic figures in their tournaments!!

If anyone gives you any problems, pick em up like a bowling ball and throw them through the window. I personally don't see why some TO's throw such a hissy fit over it (I'm not talking about just GW tourneys...sad).

CrashUSAR wrote: I personally don't see why some TO's throw such a hissy fit over it (I'm not talking about just GW tourneys...sad).

There's a couple of reasons.

The more common is that tournies that are given prize support from GW are required to follow GW's tournament requirements.

The other is that some TO's fall into the habit of following the GW way of doing things, simply because 'that's the way it's done'...

Also, if you think GW's Lawyers are bad, try dealing with Tolken/New Lines...

As far as the question about Genghis Con here in Denver they have not release an FAQ yet on rules. You can try going to the hosting team's forums to see what they say http://40kwreckingcrew.aceboard.com/index.php?login=331128

If I remember their answer to it correctly they cannot legally take pictures of your army if it contains LotR stuff in it and show it in any of their publications. Some will let you, but simply not take any pictures of it at all. But, the most common response is to not let you as they might get in trouble if pictures start showing up on the internet of it.

Well wouldnt it be fine to use the Balroq, if he altered it enough so it no longer falls under the copy right/licensing BS? Or would it really not matter?

It's still the property of a different license. It's like altering a picture of Mario to look more like a Halo master sergeant then putting him in a battle scene to promote an upcoming game.

n0t_u wrote:If I remember their answer to it correctly they cannot legally take pictures of your army if it contains LotR stuff in it and show it in any of their publications. Some will let you, but simply not take any pictures of it at all. But, the most common response is to not let you as they might get in trouble if pictures start showing up on the internet of it.

I've used the following guy at the GW bunker more than a few times:


There's never been a problem using one of these guys in this manner at GW store. It's just that they can't use this or any other LoTR model in their promo photographs.

Of course, this is all meaningless if your TO disagrees. Contact your TO. In fact, take a pic of your model, and send it along to them.

BlueDagger wrote:It's still the property of a different license. It's like altering a picture of Mario to look more like a Halo master sergeant then putting him in a battle scene to promote an upcoming game.

Never thought of it that way. That honestly makes sense

Gwar! wrote:Also, if you think GW's Lawyers are bad, try dealing with Tolken/New Lines...

Gah! I done seen a ghost!

KingCracker wrote:

BlueDagger wrote:It's still the property of a different license. It's like altering a picture of Mario to look more like a Halo master sergeant then putting him in a battle scene to promote an upcoming game.

Never thought of it that way. That honestly makes sense

hmmm.... my new sly marbo is Master Plumber Chief!

Speaking as a former head rules judge at Baltimore Games Day tournaments, and the company line as explained to me there. Yes, you can use LotR models/bits in 40K/Fantasy. However, the licensing agreement prohibits them (GW) from taking any pictures of such items and displaying them, so no pics of the army for WD or online, etc. COulda sworn that particular licensing agreement died tho, and if it has, I have no idea what took it's place.

This is the internet - it's quite possible that it's simply the inertia from having once been a rule means people keep hearing about it and repeating it despite it long since having become defunct.