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Hi All,

I am currently putting together the Coldstar and understand it can now take all manner of guns, not just the staple which it came with last edition.

Just in case I want to start a small force, which loadout would Dakka recommend?

I will pick the codex up in the next few weeks but any interim help would be greatly appreciated.

No, I am not going to download the codex off the internet - for obvious reasons.

4 fusions is going to be the standard competitive loadout. anything that allows him to advance and shoot (because you want to use that 20" advance) that also uses his excellent BS2+ is useful.

the_scotsman wrote:
4 fusions is going to be the standard competitive loadout. anything that allows him to advance and shoot (because you want to use that 20" advance) that also uses his excellent BS2+ is useful.

Second the above loadout. Though if you can I would recommend you magnetise the weapons as GW is going for "balance" in 8th edition so who knows what could happen in the next chapter approved etc.

Well it really depends what you want to do with him.

He comes with:
High output Burst Cannon & Missile Pod

He can take up to four weapons from this list (replacing the items above to do so):
AFP, Burst Cannon, Flamer, Fusion Blaster, Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle

He can also take up to four systems (replacing the items above to do so).
Support systems are mostly the same. Early Warning doesn't have a minus to hit. Multi-Tracker requires 5 models in the unit. No more Stimulant. Iridium gives you a 2+ save.

The key is perhaps the Sept and Traits you want to take and how those interact.

T'au gets Overwatch on 5s, which with CDS and burst cannons sounds fun.
Vi'orla lets you run and gun without penalty, which is awesome for fusion blasters.
Bork'an gives 6" to RF and Heavy weapons - goes well with plasma rifles.
FSE gives reroll 1s to wound, which again would be good when tank hunting with plasma or fusion.

And then there are some warlord traits that do similar things, which frees up the Sept you might choose.

So...get some magnets!

I am running my coldstar with a high output burst cannon, airburst frag (Supernova Launcher), and 2 CIB.

It's just the most dakka you can put on a commander. My ghostkeels are going to have fusion on lockdown.

Magnets. That's what you should arm him to foolproof of you from GW's random changes.

 Xenomancers wrote:
I am running my coldstar with a high output burst cannon, airburst frag (Supernova Launcher), and 2 CIB.

It's just the most dakka you can put on a commander. My ghostkeels are going to have fusion on lockdown.

Can't take CIB on Coldstar.

Why can't he take CIB? It is a ranged weapon. Is there an asterisk somewhere?

Asterisk on page 89

 Crimson Devil wrote:
Asterisk on page 89

Ahh the randomly assigned asterisk. Good catch guys. Which I had found it before I customized my coldstar last-night!!! I guess this gives you an actual reason to include a standard commander.

 Daedalus81 wrote:
Well it really depends what you want to do with him.

He comes with:
High output Burst Cannon & Missile Pod

He can take up to four weapons from this list (replacing the items above to do so):
AFP, Burst Cannon, Flamer, Fusion Blaster, Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle

He can also take up to four systems (replacing the items above to do so).
Support systems are mostly the same. Early Warning doesn't have a minus to hit. Multi-Tracker requires 5 models in the unit. No more Stimulant. Iridium gives you a 2+ save.

The rules says replace the Burst or Missile pod for 2 extra weapons and then take a further 2 giving you a total of 5 weapons not up to 4. Coldstar cannot take 2+ Iridium but can still take Stimulant due to a rarely used rule that says any missing wargear from the codex my be brought from the index.

Pottsey wrote:

The rules says replace the Burst or Missile pod for 2 extra weapons and then take a further 2 giving you a total of 5 weapons not up to 4. Coldstar cannot take 2+ Iridium but can still take Stimulant due to a rarely used rule that says any missing wargear from the codex my be brought from the index.

I see why you might read it like that, but no. He will get four weapons. It will be FAQ'd otherwise.

And if there is anything I think GW should never have done it's that stupid index carry over sheet.

 Daedalus81 wrote:

Pottsey wrote:

The rules says replace the Burst or Missile pod for 2 extra weapons and then take a further 2 giving you a total of 5 weapons not up to 4. Coldstar cannot take 2+ Iridium but can still take Stimulant due to a rarely used rule that says any missing wargear from the codex my be brought from the index.

I see why you might read it like that, but no. He will get four weapons. It will be FAQ'd otherwise.

And if there is anything I think GW should never have done it's that stupid index carry over sheet.

While it might get a FAQ later, right now it is very clearly allowed 5 weapons. Coldstar is worded differently from the other 2 commanders.

Pottsey wrote:

While it might get a FAQ later, right now it is very clearly allowed 5 weapons. Coldstar is worded differently from the other 2 commanders.

Sure - i'd just tread carefully since the article mentioned 4 hard points - people having to remove glued weapons isn't worth the possible temporary benefit.

 Daedalus81 wrote:

Pottsey wrote:

While it might get a FAQ later, right now it is very clearly allowed 5 weapons. Coldstar is worded differently from the other 2 commanders.

Sure - i'd just tread carefully since the article mentioned 4 hard points - people having to remove glued weapons isn't worth the possible temporary benefit.

That's with the Earth Caste created mag`nets.

Thanks for the feedback guys and gals.

Seems a bit of a hot potato.

I'm planning an eventual Tau list and will most likely kit my Coldstar out as below

High Output Burst Cannon, Fusion Blaster, Supernova Launcher with Advanced targeting system and Shield generator.

Planning a Vior'la sept so he'll be able to advance for a 40" move and still fire all his guns at BS 2+. The extra -1AP on all his guns from ATS is a bonus.

For 159 points he'll be an excellent hunter and in Malestrom can even be moved insanely quickly to capture unguarded objectives.

 NurglesR0T wrote:
I'm planning an eventual Tau list and will most likely kit my Coldstar out as below

High Output Burst Cannon, Fusion Blaster, Supernova Launcher with Advanced targeting system and Shield generator.

Planning a Vior'la sept so he'll be able to advance for a 40" move and still fire all his guns at BS 2+. The extra -1AP on all his guns from ATS is a bonus.

For 159 points he'll be an excellent hunter and in Malestrom can even be moved insanely quickly to capture unguarded objectives.

I like that build. I sub the fusion for a burst cannon just to keep the positioning more simple. Also insanely cheap for that killing power.

Pottsey wrote:

 Daedalus81 wrote:

Pottsey wrote:

The rules says replace the Burst or Missile pod for 2 extra weapons and then take a further 2 giving you a total of 5 weapons not up to 4. Coldstar cannot take 2+ Iridium but can still take Stimulant due to a rarely used rule that says any missing wargear from the codex my be brought from the index.

I see why you might read it like that, but no. He will get four weapons. It will be FAQ'd otherwise.

And if there is anything I think GW should never have done it's that stupid index carry over sheet.

While it might get a FAQ later, right now it is very clearly allowed 5 weapons. Coldstar is worded differently from the other 2 commanders.

You keep saying this and you are 100% wrong. Every commander in every codex edition has 4 hard points. You can have 4 weapons. Stop trying to cheat.

notredameguy10 wrote:

Pottsey wrote:

 Daedalus81 wrote:

Pottsey wrote:

The rules says replace the Burst or Missile pod for 2 extra weapons and then take a further 2 giving you a total of 5 weapons not up to 4. Coldstar cannot take 2+ Iridium but can still take Stimulant due to a rarely used rule that says any missing wargear from the codex my be brought from the index.

I see why you might read it like that, but no. He will get four weapons. It will be FAQ'd otherwise.

And if there is anything I think GW should never have done it's that stupid index carry over sheet.

While it might get a FAQ later, right now it is very clearly allowed 5 weapons. Coldstar is worded differently from the other 2 commanders.

You keep saying this and you are 100% wrong. Every commander in every codex edition has 4 hard points. You can have 4 weapons. Stop trying to cheat.

Amen

Pottsey wrote:

 Daedalus81 wrote:

Pottsey wrote:

The rules says replace the Burst or Missile pod for 2 extra weapons and then take a further 2 giving you a total of 5 weapons not up to 4. Coldstar cannot take 2+ Iridium but can still take Stimulant due to a rarely used rule that says any missing wargear from the codex my be brought from the index.

I see why you might read it like that, but no. He will get four weapons. It will be FAQ'd otherwise.

And if there is anything I think GW should never have done it's that stupid index carry over sheet.

While it might get a FAQ later, right now it is very clearly allowed 5 weapons. Coldstar is worded differently from the other 2 commanders.

I say don't be an arse and keep it to 4 weapons. It's VERY obviously intended to be that way.

Pandabeer wrote:

Pottsey wrote:

 Daedalus81 wrote:

Pottsey wrote:

The rules says replace the Burst or Missile pod for 2 extra weapons and then take a further 2 giving you a total of 5 weapons not up to 4. Coldstar cannot take 2+ Iridium but can still take Stimulant due to a rarely used rule that says any missing wargear from the codex my be brought from the index.

I see why you might read it like that, but no. He will get four weapons. It will be FAQ'd otherwise.

And if there is anything I think GW should never have done it's that stupid index carry over sheet.

While it might get a FAQ later, right now it is very clearly allowed 5 weapons. Coldstar is worded differently from the other 2 commanders.

I say don't be an arse and keep it to 4 weapons. It's VERY obviously intended to be that way.

RAI vs RAW

 carldooley wrote:

Pandabeer wrote:

Pottsey wrote:

 Daedalus81 wrote:

Pottsey wrote:

The rules says replace the Burst or Missile pod for 2 extra weapons and then take a further 2 giving you a total of 5 weapons not up to 4. Coldstar cannot take 2+ Iridium but can still take Stimulant due to a rarely used rule that says any missing wargear from the codex my be brought from the index.

I see why you might read it like that, but no. He will get four weapons. It will be FAQ'd otherwise.

And if there is anything I think GW should never have done it's that stupid index carry over sheet.

While it might get a FAQ later, right now it is very clearly allowed 5 weapons. Coldstar is worded differently from the other 2 commanders.

I say don't be an arse and keep it to 4 weapons. It's VERY obviously intended to be that way.

RAI vs RAW

Yay that old debate haha.

Either way people play it, is it really worth putting that extra gun on it? Would the points be better spent elsewhere ?

I'm sure I can come up with another place to magnetize a weapon. The head joint is where I was thinking. And I was thinking 5 plasma rifles and an ATT.

**edit**

notredameguy10 wrote:
You keep saying this and you are 100% wrong. Every commander in every codex edition has 4 hard points. You can have 4 weapons. Stop trying to cheat.

How long have you played this game? I remember a time that the hardpoints were only for weapons, the suit systems didn't take up a hard point. . .
and don't mention such a thing to anyone who has used or seen a hazard suit.

lastly, be thankful that he is only giving it 5 weapons. By my count (by RaW), a coldstar can equip 6. 2 for the missile pod, 2 for the burst cannon, and 2 additional ones as well.

 carldooley wrote:
I'm sure I can come up with another place to magnetize a weapon. The head joint is where I was thinking. And I was thinking 5 plasma rifles and an ATT.

**edit**

notredameguy10 wrote:
You keep saying this and you are 100% wrong. Every commander in every codex edition has 4 hard points. You can have 4 weapons. Stop trying to cheat.

How long have you played this game? I remember a time that the hardpoints were only for weapons, the suit systems didn't take up a hard point. . .
and don't mention such a thing to anyone who has used or seen a hazard suit.

lastly, be thankful that he is only giving it 5 weapons. By my count (by RaW), a coldstar can equip 6. 2 for the missile pod, 2 for the burst cannon, and 2 additional ones as well.

Been playing since 4th edition.

And sorry, but Me and just about every person at my gaming club would refuse to play someone who pulls a stunt like this. ITs 100% obvious to any Tau player its 4 total hard points. If you want to cheat go ahead, you are not gonna be allowed to play in any tournament and good luck finding others to play against in friendly games.

notredameguy10 wrote:
And sorry, but Me and just about every person at my gaming club would refuse to play someone who pulls a stunt like this. ITs 100% obvious to any Tau player its 4 total hard points. If you want to cheat go ahead, you are not gonna be allowed to play in any tournament and good luck finding others to play against in friendly games.

I'm sorely tempted to descend to name calling.
P. 93 of the current Tau Codex under Wargear options.

*This model may replace its high-output burst cannon and\or missile pod with two options from the Ranged Weapons and\or Support Systems lists.
*This model may take two additional items from the Ranged Weapons and\or Support Systems lists.

by my understanding of the RaW, this means that I may choose to replace both its equipped weapons with 4 weapons or support systems then choose an additional two. (And considering that GW is a company that sells models and not rules, if I asked for clarification from a GW employee, which way do you think they would hop? the way that sells more kits, as you can only get a single plasma rifle from most suits, and such a loadout would mean an additional 5 suits sold.)

Besides, there is so much more gank that can be pulled with this garbage pile. Excuse me while I make Longstrike my Warlord so he can gain Strength of Belief and a PEN chip. For the volume of shots they can put out, why use anything other than pathfinders for markerlights. And why would I not put pulse pistols on anything that could take them? And why shake your head at my monat broadside with vectored retro thrusters?

 carldooley wrote:


by my understanding of the RaW, this means that I may choose to replace both its equipped weapons with 4 weapons or support systems then choose an additional two. (And considering that GW is a company that sells models and not rules, if I asked for clarification from a GW employee, which way do you think they would hop? the way that sells more kits, as you can only get a single plasma rifle from most suits, and such a loadout would mean an additional 5 suits sold.)

An employee would not consider any such thing. For one, because there are no customers saying "Yuck this commander can't take more weapons than the other commanders? NO SALE!".

Besides, there is so much more gank that can be pulled with this garbage pile. Excuse me while I make Longstrike my Warlord so he can gain Strength of Belief and a PEN chip. For the volume of shots they can put out, why use anything other than pathfinders for markerlights. And why would I not put pulse pistols on anything that could take them? And why shake your head at my monat broadside with vectored retro thrusters?

- If you want to do something as stupid as making your warlord fully targetable turn 1 - go ahead - free points for me.
- That's kind of the point of Pathfinders - the rest are backup
- Uh, well it costs a point unlike bolt pistols, which are free so if you have the points and think you're going to spend time in combat...great! But you can't shoot it with other weapons. Or did you forget that?

 carldooley wrote:

notredameguy10 wrote:
And sorry, but Me and just about every person at my gaming club would refuse to play someone who pulls a stunt like this. ITs 100% obvious to any Tau player its 4 total hard points. If you want to cheat go ahead, you are not gonna be allowed to play in any tournament and good luck finding others to play against in friendly games.

I'm sorely tempted to descend to name calling.
P. 93 of the current Tau Codex under Wargear options.

*This model may replace its high-output burst cannon and\or missile pod with two options from the Ranged Weapons and\or Support Systems lists.
*This model may take two additional items from the Ranged Weapons and\or Support Systems lists.

by my understanding of the RaW, this means that I may choose to replace both its equipped weapons with 4 weapons or support systems then choose an additional two. (And considering that GW is a company that sells models and not rules, if I asked for clarification from a GW employee, which way do you think they would hop? the way that sells more kits, as you can only get a single plasma rifle from most suits, and such a loadout would mean an additional 5 suits sold.)

Besides, there is so much more gank that can be pulled with this garbage pile. Excuse me while I make Longstrike my Warlord so he can gain Strength of Belief and a PEN chip. For the volume of shots they can put out, why use anything other than pathfinders for markerlights. And why would I not put pulse pistols on anything that could take them? And why shake your head at my monat broadside with vectored retro thrusters?

Again, you are trying to twist the words so you can cheat. Have fun being "that guy". Tau already have a hard enough time and I don't appreciate people like you giving them worse of a name.

He's not twisting words, he has blatantly not read the codex, half of his suggestions arent legal.

 carldooley wrote:
I'm sure I can come up with another place to magnetize a weapon. The head joint is where I was thinking. And I was thinking 5 plasma rifles and an ATT

How long have you played this game? I remember a time that the hardpoints were only for weapons, the suit systems didn't take up a hard point. . .
and don't mention such a thing to anyone who has used or seen a hazard suit.

lastly, be thankful that he is only giving it 5 weapons. By my count (by RaW), a coldstar can equip 6. 2 for the missile pod, 2 for the burst cannon, and 2 additional ones as well.

Just so you know, there was never a time when support systems didnt take up a hard point. Team leaders and Shas'vre rank and above could take hardwired target locks and multi trackers. And the commander in 4th could take unlimited special issue wargear that wasnt a gun (cnc node, iridium armour, vectored thrusters, ejection system, positional relay, stim injector). Thats a bit of a difference. Its also the reason bodyguards were worth taking as they could all have a hardwired multi tracker and then take a 4+ invun or boost bs to 4 while still firing 2 different weapons. You could also only fire a max of 2 weapons on a suit and dual mounting ths same gun without twinlinking only arrived in 6th so firepower overload was severely limited

Also, this coldstar abuse is blatant rules lawyering and is about as close to cheating as you can get. If the people you play with allow it then fine but dont go advising someone do it like its actually an acceptable option.


Ah.. reading your lasr post it appears youre just trolling. Well played sir