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Hi guys,

Having a small problem understanding the rules for attack distribution when a model is armed with a normal weapon and a special weapon (Power Fist & Bolt Pistol, etc).

In the rule book it states:
"These models gain 1 additional attack. All of their attacks including their bonus attack benefit from the special weapons bonus. Power firsts, thunder hammer, and lightening claws are an exception to this. Only a second power first, thunder, or lightening claw can confer a bonus attack "

This means that a character also armed power fist get 1 additional attack, which is used at 1 Initiative. However a power weapon gives 1 bonus attack which can be distributed amongst all his attacks. Of course the double strength conferred by the PF is useful, but only being used for 1 attack almost seems like a waste of points. This becomes even more confusing, as in the BT codex (yes I'm collecting Black Templars) allows you to buy 1 Lightening claw at 25 points. The rules written above make this item a huge waste of points.

This problem first came into view when I fielded my tech marine, armed with the servo-harness. Giving him 2 power first attacks on top of his generic attacks, allowing him to attack with 5 attacks (included the +1 from the plasma cutter) at double the strength. This seemed pretty OP, however I recall hearing someone mentioning how a Tech Marine can be fitted out to be immense.

To rub salt into the wound a employee of games workshop mentioned that ALL special weapon attacks are combined. This was the initial seed which sent me off in this confusion.

If anyone can shine some light on this topic I would be very grateful.

Many thanks,
Odinson

First; The following deals only with 1-handed ccw.
2 normal ccw: +1 attack
1 special ccw (not PF, LC, or TH) + 1 normal ccw: +1 attack, all attacks use special ccw bonuses/penalties
2 identical special ccw: +1 attack
2 different special ccw: no bonus attack, must choose which ccw to use, and you do not get the other weapons bonuses/penalties.
3+ ccw: has been debated in the past, and I really do not want to open that can of worms again.

Second; IIRC the servo harness allows you to make a special CC attack, however, you don't get any bonuses other than what are mentioned (ie, set str, power weapon, strikes at Initiative "x" , etc).

This means, that if you field a tech marine with a servo-harness and PF, the 2 weapons do not stack.

Odinson wrote:This means that a character also armed power fist get 1 additional attack, which is used at 1 Initiative. However a power weapon gives 1 bonus attack which can be distributed amongst all his attacks. Of course the double strength conferred by the PF is useful, but only being used for 1 attack almost seems like a waste of points. This becomes even more confusing, as in the BT codex (yes I'm collecting Black Templars) allows you to buy 1 Lightening claw at 25 points. The rules written above make this item a huge waste of points.

First off...all attacks made are made with the special weapons rules in mind. So say a Sgt (base attacks 2 and a bolt pistol) with a power fist will make 2 attacks at Int 1 with double his strength and ignore armour saves. The same Sgt with a Lightning Claw will make 2 attacks at normal Int, rerolls failed to wound and ignore armour saves. The Sgt with a power weapon will make 3 attacks (gets the bonus from the bolt pistol) and attacks at normal initiative and ignores armour saves.

Just remember that the special weapons "typicially" turn the total number of attacks into that special weapon. There are a few exceptions, but they will be described as such in there entry. If your model has more than one special weapon then you will have to decide which weapon is being used by the model during that turn.

Also note that the servo harness simply grants 2 extra attacks at S8 with Initiative 1 and the power weapon rule - they don't make all his attacks like that

Thanks for the replies guys, really helpful. All of this confusion because of a GW employee, he should feel sorry for himself.

Cheers all,
Odinson