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Under the old codex every bike could replace the twin-linked boltguns with an Astartes Grenade launcher, including the Sgt (rules specified "bikers", not which kind).

But with the new Codex seems like it is no longer an option. Page 174 states:

"Up to three Scout Bikers may replace their bike's twin-linked boltguns with an Astartes grenade launcher"

Which makes me think that since there is a specific profile called "Scout Biker" and then "Scout Biker Sergant", the Sgt can no longer take the grenade launcher.

It seems the same as the entries for the Tactical Squad saying "One Space Marine may..." and the Sgt not being able to take a heavy weapon.
Other units that let regular guys and/or the Sgt take an upgrade seem like they don't specifically mention the profile affected, like the regular scout squad stating "Any model may replace his boltgun with...".

So what do you guys think:

Can a minimum squad of 1 sgt and 2 bikers take 3 grenade launchers or not?

If the rule specifies "Scout Biker" then only Scout Bikers can take them. Not the Sgt.

 Happyjew wrote:
If the rule specifies "Scout Biker" then only Scout Bikers can take them. Not the Sgt.

That's what I'm thinking.

I guess I need to pick up another Scout Bike, although I might as well just make it an even 5 if I am going to do that.

Might be a translation gone wrong, but in my older codex it worked that way already ...

While I agree with Happyjew, the argument could be made that a Scout Biker Sargent is a Scout Biker. This is supported by the language of the Company Veterans Squad in the Dark Angels codex (different codex, different author and may not be relevant). There are a few lines that read "one veteran may..." while the unit is comprised of "Veteran Space Marines" and "Veteran Sargent".

If we fallow the logic that a Scout Biker Sargent is not a Scout Biker then neither a Veteran Space Marine nor a Veteran Sargent is a Veteran.

Its a RAI not a RAW discussion now, and you need to speak with your gaming group or TO about this.

 DJGietzen wrote:
While I agree with Happyjew, the argument could be made that a Scout Biker Sargent is a Scout Biker. This is supported by the language of the Company Veterans Squad in the Dark Angels codex (different codex, different author and may not be relevant). There are a few lines that read "one veteran may..." while the unit is comprised of "Veteran Space Marines" and "Veteran Sargent".

If we fallow the logic that a Scout Biker Sargent is not a Scout Biker then neither a Veteran Space Marine nor a Veteran Sargent is a Veteran.

Its a RAI not a RAW discussion now, and you need to speak with your gaming group or TO about this.

By the same token, is a Space Marine Sargent a Space Marine and can he take a Heavy Weapon?

I've never seen a Heavy or Special Weapon Sargent in a tactical squad. But that could also be because he could be taking something better instead, not because it's not legal.

I would probably just bump the size up to 5 and avoid the problem that way and have more flexibility with the squad, but it did have me scratching my head a bit.

 DJGietzen wrote:
While I agree with Happyjew, the argument could be made that a Scout Biker Sargent is a Scout Biker. This is supported by the language of the Company Veterans Squad in the Dark Angels codex (different codex, different author and may not be relevant). There are a few lines that read "one veteran may..." while the unit is comprised of "Veteran Space Marines" and "Veteran Sargent".

If we fallow the logic that a Scout Biker Sargent is not a Scout Biker then neither a Veteran Space Marine nor a Veteran Sargent is a Veteran.

Its a RAI not a RAW discussion now, and you need to speak with your gaming group or TO about this.

There's an army list entry in the DA FAQ, which doesn't state what you say. Perhaps it was corrected to avoid this discussion?

 B0B MaRlEy wrote:
There's an army list entry in the DA FAQ, which doesn't state what you say. Perhaps it was corrected to avoid this discussion?

Partly. There were also issues with the exact numbers, but regardless - what was printed in the DA Codex no longer applies. If you need an FAQ precedent, the BA FAQ still holds Sanguinary Novitiates as not being able to take the same upgrades as the Honour Guard unit they're part of.

 d-usa wrote:


By the same token, is a Space Marine Sargent a Space Marine and can he take a Heavy Weapon?

I've never seen a Heavy or Special Weapon Sargent in a tactical squad. But that could also be because he could be taking something better instead, not because it's not legal.

That may be because its just a bad idea to waste 2 upgrade slots for one upgrade ie. I could get a combi weapon AND a special or heavy per 5 or waste the slot availability and only take a SW or HW on sarge. I am thinking you are over reading the situation, HIWPI is to allow it in a game but check before an event, though I doubt anyone would give you a problem.

 d-usa wrote:
Under the old codex every bike could replace the twin-linked boltguns with an Astartes Grenade launcher, including the Sgt (rules specified "bikers", not which kind).

But with the new Codex seems like it is no longer an option. Page 174 states:

"Up to three Scout Bikers may replace their bike's twin-linked boltguns with an Astartes grenade launcher"

Which makes me think that since there is a specific profile called "Scout Biker" and then "Scout Biker Sergant", the Sgt can no longer take the grenade launcher.

It seems the same as the entries for the Tactical Squad saying "One Space Marine may..." and the Sgt not being able to take a heavy weapon.
Other units that let regular guys and/or the Sgt take an upgrade seem like they don't specifically mention the profile affected, like the regular scout squad stating "Any model may replace his boltgun with...".

So what do you guys think:

Can a minimum squad of 1 sgt and 2 bikers take 3 grenade launchers or not?

No. Is there confusion in this? You pointed out the reasons way. You'll have to +1 a scout biker. To get 3 a.g.launchers