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Well, I'm pretty sure all players agree on this.

Chain swords are normal CCW.

Yes.

But do they have to be?

Could it not be, that some magical chainsword be blessed with powerful attributes which allow it to act as a power weapon?

In the space marine codex, it says, 'typically a sword or axe, but sometimes otherwise.' [well, actually it goes through all the other posible weapons.]

anyway, I realise there is an actual entry for chainswords [I do believe] but could I be right in saying it's possible under WYSIWYG?

now I don't ask this as, "to your oponent maybe." I mean from an official position. [like,a tournament?]

Captain Solon wrote: [I do believe] but could I be right in saying it's possible under WYSIWYG?]

Ok , so tell us what you have in mind for that

I think there's a certain freedom of modeling. While power weapons in general seem to be some kind of normal blade with cables to it for Imperial units, it might very well be possible to have a power-chainsword. Space Wolf Frost Blades are power weapons and they are chainswords - they work with dragonteeth or something like that.

So, there's a precedence for chained weapons being powerweapons. The most important thing is, though, that your opponent must be able to clearly see what weapon in your army is a normal CCW and what weapon is powered. So, for example, saying Sergeant Primus' chainsword is a normal CCW while Sergeant Secundus' equal-looking chainsword is powered might cause confusion and will probably cause some problems with the TO.

In short: I'd model/paint the chainsword in a way that it clearly separates itself from normal chainswords. Make the teeth shine in blue or green, paint really obvious ornate gold inscriptions on blade and hilt, maybe add some kind of extra-super power cable thingy to it, you get the idea. Then point it out you opponent before the game and you should be fine.

Meh, nevermind I got ninja'd. Just make sure it's distinguishable.

well, I was originally going to run 4 Tacs with CCW, but then I thought they'd be better off with Power weapons [the sergeants.] however, the first sergeant I have has a chainsword already, and I don't want to pull it off. [had some irritating experiences.]

just make them easily distinguishable from other chainswords that are chainswords. paint them blue with little lightning bolts to signify their powered status while the other ones are just normal chainswords. add cables going from a hip powerplant or back power source. the more you differentiate them, the less likely someone is going to have a problem. there is no "official" tournament position. MOST tournaments require WYSIWIG and require counting chainswords as chainswords; the more you do to make it look NOT like a chainsword, the more likely it is that the TO will be fine with it.

So far none of the answers here are correct from a RAW standpoint.

Consider two things:

WYSIWYG only applies to Characters. Yes, this includes upgrade characters. However, even with Characters:

WYSIWYG still allows for wargear not modeled on the character, as long as 1) you pay for it, and 2) you let your opponent know pre-game what's what.

So, the RAW answer is, yes, a chainsword could be a power sword. In fact, a toothpick with a dead ladybug jammed on it could be a power sword, as long as you tell your opponent before the game what it is, and pay the proper amount of points for the upgrade.

Anything beyond this is nothing more than common courtesy.

Should you model a power sword or make the power sword distinguishable somehow? Yeah, it'd be courteous to do so. Do you have to, RAW? Nope.

SaintHazard wrote:So far none of the answers here are correct from a RAW standpoint.

*snip*

Do you have to, RAW? Nope.

except that he's also asking about it in regards to tournament play. while you're correct that WYSIWIG applies to characters, most tournies extend the rule to ALL models simply to avoid arguments. if he truly wants to tourny-proof his army, calling a chainsword a power weapon isn't going to cut it without additional effort beyond list building.

He is asking the question in YMDC. Expect a RAW answer.

No, I want a Fluffy Bunny riding unicrons answer!

In any case, it's a Tournament, the TO can ban Pink Models if he wants. Asking here isn't going to help, he needs to ask the TO.

Gwar! wrote:No, I want a Fluffy Bunny riding unicrons answer!

there was only one unicron and he was destroyed by the power of awesome 80's rock and the matrix of leadership. the planet eater would not allow a fluffy bunny to ride him.

Gwar! wrote:No, I want a Fluffy Bunny riding unicrons answer!

Must...resist...:


Anyway, I would answer the question that I really don't fel it matters-it doesn't give you any more bonuses than otehr CC weapon, you could potentially have your marine swinging around an Elephant if you want. But, not a TO, so don't take my word as Gospel.

In that case, can my Space Marine sergeant have a set of power brass knuckes?

daedalus wrote:In that case, can my Space Marine sergeant have a set of power brass knuckes?

Is it visible on the model?
Is it a power weapon?
have you paid the points for it?

Then, yes.