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Just a simple idea for a unit that exists within the fluff who lacks rules for, but who I thought would be cool to include as a new unit choice for the Imperial Guard. Model-wise, I'd imagine one might use the Mordian Guardsmen painted black to represent the rank-and-file Cadets. The question, of course, would be whether the Imperial Guard really need any more units at this point. Hopefully, what I've come up here bring something new to the table in a way the current Guard can't really do.


Cadet Training Squad

Having completed their education in the Schola Progenium, potential Commissars are formed into squads and placed into an Imperial Guard regiment where they will continue their training in battlefield conditions on how to live and die alongside the troops, under the watchful eye of a senior Commissar. Cadets fight with a courage and dedication uncommon even to the greatest Guardsmen, though this may be in part due to the knowledge that they will be summarily executed should they falter in the cause. Nonetheless, the Cadets serve as an inspiration to the fellow Guardsmen they serve alongside.

Model stats


Unit details


Options


Designer's Notes:
- In terms of role, I was thinking that the Cadets could be used as an objective holder, close combat unit or a source of Boltgun fire.
- For Militarum Tempestus, the Cadets also serve as a source of longer-ranged fire; with Lasguns and Boltguns being able to fire up to 24 inches versus the Hot-shot lasguns' 18 inches.
- Also note that the Cadets are able to take Taurox Primes (as opposed to regular Tauroxes) as Dedicated Transports.

I don't have enough experience with the new rules to say much about it yet; you might consider an upgrade that sims Aura of Discipline-- "Fear What Comes Behind" or something to represent the fact that _that many commissar-lites_ are behind/nearby might stiffen some troops' spines who aren't too clear on whether or not the newbs can shoot them legally yet. But mainly I was just grinning and wondering if you'd read the post-"retirement" Cain novel and if it was the inspiration.

Someone has just finished reading Commissar Cain i see

I feel that instead of their own squad, they should be a royal court/Warlock type unit for the Lord Commissar, which can split up and put into different infantry squads.

They would act as mini-Commissars, but without the ability to shoot people but with the ability throw in an extra character type model into a unit on the cheap.

They should be cheap basic, like what you have there, but make them characters and have the ability to split off and join units at deployment. Give them access to Melee Weapons but not special weapons, apart from a Bolt Pistol and Krak Grenades, special weapons require training the Commissariat doesn't give.

A fun little unit, i like what you have.

Agreed with Alex, I think they would be better if you could distribute them among several squads, maybe with a leadership buff or some such.

Also, is the 10 point bolter upgrade for the whole unit or for each cadet.

One thing to consider is to have an option to have some/all of them buy special weapons, to give a little extra weight of special weapons fire, or to add hotshot volley guns to non-tempatus squads.

They might also need an option to buy carapace, if they want to roll with grenadiers.

Thanks for the feedback. In all honesty, I haven't read the Ciaphas Cain books at all. I just stumbled upon the Commissar article on the wiki page and thought it was an interesting idea.

For clarification, the 10 point upgrade is for the entire unit.

Also, I like the idea of allowing them to take Hot-shot volley guns. It makes lots of sense, given their links to the Militarum Tempestus. As for taking more Special weapons than other squads, how many would be a sensible option? And what role would it serve in the grand scheme of things?

As for why I didn't give an option for the Cadets to take Carapace armour is to help differentiate them from Veterans (who can) and because the regular Commissars can't normally do this anyway. How crucial do you guys think is the need for them to have this option?

Also, while the idea of making them a retinue for Lord Commissars is somewhat interesting. However, it doesn't quite fit the fluff best I can tell and would serve quite a different role. I can certainly see the potential for such a unit as well - perhaps also containing the Cadets once I get the basic Training Squad locked down.

Ok. What I was saying was that some cadets could take special weapons, then join a veteran Squad, meaning the squad has 4 special weapons.

Fair point about the carapace differentiation.

Maybe 2 special weapons in the squad selected from the Tempatus Scion list.

Having spent two multi-page threads thrashing out Sororitas Novices, I heartily approve this concept. Exalt! And three specific comments:

1) BS:4 is a little high for what are still inexperienced troops, albeit extremely well trained. I'd say BS:3.

2) I prefer them as a single squad, as in your original post, rather than as characters to break out among other squads. A cadet squad captures the "field trip" feel that the commissars-to-be are getting blooded as part of their final training.

3) I agree 100% with IsawaBrian's idea that the squad's unique special rule should replicate somehow the effects of a Commissar -- that they're a morale booster. Having them be better at charging than other IG goes against their strengths (ranged shooting). Considering how a Lord Commissar would likely deploy these guys in practice, I remember the NKVD machinegunners stationed behind regular Red Army troops in WWII and think, what about
- regular Imperial Guard unit within 12" of Cadets fails Morale Test
- Before IG can run, Cadets fething shoot them (snapshots)
- Guard unit gets to re-roll Morale Test. If it fails again, it flees for real this time (the Cadets don't keep shooting until they're all dead or back in the line).
Grimdark?