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Hello all, quick question about power scourges and CSM terminators. Can they wield them? A friend I play with rather frequently says they cannot, that a power scourge is only for walkers, how ever I can't find anything in the CSM codex to support this, the way I see it, if my termies can take power weapons, why not take a power scourge if appropriately modeled. I could easily just be overlooking this so if someone could direct me to where it says power scourges can only be taken by walkers it would be greatly appreciated, specific page numbers would be fantastic.

You won't find anything saying that they can only be taken by walkers. In order to take them for Terminators, though, you need a rule that says that they can take them...

Helbrute entry: Page 97

DannyboyDTFM wrote:
Hello all, quick question about power scourges and CSM terminators. Can they wield them? A friend I play with rather frequently says they cannot, that a power scourge is only for walkers, how ever I can't find anything in the CSM codex to support this, the way I see it, if my termies can take power weapons, why not take a power scourge if appropriately modeled. I could easily just be overlooking this so if someone could direct me to where it says power scourges can only be taken by walkers it would be greatly appreciated, specific page numbers would be fantastic.

Just because a weapon has the word 'Power' in its name, it doesn't mean that it is a 'Power Weapon'. The BRB tells you what the various types of Power Weapon are on pg 61.

In response to XT-1984's post, while I don't have my dex handy, I believe that entry only gives the profile for the weapon and the flail USR. To insaniac, why would I need a special rule to take a specific type of power weapon with a squad of termies? In the entry it says you can take a power weapon, not a power sword, axe, lance, or maul, so why would a power scourge not be a viable option? To Dra'al, the most recent printing of the BRB came out well before the most recent CSM dex, certainly GW can't be expected to print a new one every time a new codex, and within said BRB it says that rules printed in a code take precedence over the rules in the BRB. Example, GK have a plethora of gear that isn't in the BRB eg nemesis weapons, psibolts, ect... Since the power scourge is fully detailed in the CSM codex and there are no rules stating that it isn't a power weapon, hence the name " power scourge", and nothing in the codex or the FAQ that says it can only be taken by walkers, why the hell shouldn't I be able to equip it to any model that can take power weapons? I know Dra'al days that just because it's called a power scourge doesn't make it a power weapon, but really? That's just ridiculous, that's like saying you can't expect a washing machine to clean your clothes. I don't want to start a huge debate if it can be avoided, I just want a clear answer on this, I have sent an email to GW on the subject and if they ever reply I will be sure to post it here in full.

DannyboyDTFM wrote:
In the entry it says you can take a power weapon, not a power sword, axe, lance, or maul, so why would a power scourge not be a viable option.

Where in the rules for power weapons does it say that a power scourge is a type of power weapon? It doesn't. Just because it has the word 'power' in its name does not make it a power weapon.

DannyboyDTFM wrote:
. To insaniac, why would I need a special rule to take a specific type of power weapon with a squad of termies? In the entry it says you can take a power weapon, not a power sword, axe, lance, or maul, so why would a power scourge not be a viable option?

Because the 'Power Weapon' category includes swords, axes, lances and mauls, not scourges.


And just FYI, paragraphs are your friend. Please don't ignore your friends.

I have to ask you, dannyboy:
In the chaos space marine book, terminator section, why do I have the option to change my power weapon for a power fist?

By your logic I can already have any weapon with the word power in it thanks to the fact terminators come auto-equipped with power weapons. I would simply be able to state that the power fist is that weapon and not have to pay any additional cost. By your logic I could stick a power klaw on there, which is a weapon that humans do not even use on the field and has no mention in the chaos codex what-so-ever, simply because it also has the word power in it. The very fact that we have an option to upgrade to a power fist, for a cost, highlights the fact that not all weapons with power in their name are classified as 'power weapons.'

If it helps think of these weapons with power in their name, but not directly listed under the power weapon option, as 'specialized power weapons.' They have a huge advantage over standard power weapons, usually in the form of additional special rules, and that is taken into account when it tells you the cost of upgrading to one of these weapons. Unless permission is given to use one of these specialized weapons, and the cost paid for, you can not put it on the field.

The terminators do not have the option to upgrade to a power scourge.

DannyboyDTFM wrote:
That's just ridiculous, that's like saying you can't expect a washing machine to clean your clothes. .

Actually, it's more like saying that if I buy washing powder, I should be able to walk out of the store with a washing machine...

Sharing part of a name does not make them the same thing.

Power Scourge is not a power weapon. Power weapons are listed in the BRB quite clearly. Sword, axe, maul, or lance. If you modeled a scourge on your Terminator it would play as a Power Maul.

I still don't entirely agree, however the general consensus is clear. Thanks to every one for their input and apologies for my syntax, the last time I posted it was late and I was full of liquor.

Good luck to everyone in their next game.

Is it a weapon option in the csm termie section? NO.

is it a weapon option on a defiler? Yes.

Terminators can't use them simple dimple.

Power weapons , power scourges are two distinctly different weapons, as per the brb.
To say the brb was written before the csm dex would indicate the writer of the csm dex
Didn't consider any of thebrb rules.

DannyboyDTFM wrote:
I still don't entirely agree, however the general consensus is clear. Thanks to every one for their input and apologies for my syntax, the last time I posted it was late and I was full of liquor.

Good luck to everyone in their next game.

As others have pointed out, the main rulebook has a section that tells you what a power weapon is, and all the different power weapons available. Just because a power scourge has the word power in its name does not make it a power weapon.

Not only would that make a "power fist" a power weapon, but a heavy flamer would be a "heavy" weapon because its name and assault cannons would be assault weapons because they say assault in the name.

If you look at the profiles of the weapons I listed, you will see that the name has nothing to do with making a weapon what it is.

If you have the option to take a "power weapon" then you must choose one from the list on page 61 of the rulebook.