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Hello there. Recently I posted an inquiry on this board, but at the time I was far too new to the new rules to properly put it forth. As I have begun to learn the new rules, my idea seems even more possible. So, here we go....

I want a heavy infantry SM Chapter. Oh, they have their heavy vehicles and such, but heavy infantry is their specialization. From boarding actions of ships and space stations, storming of space hulks, to underground complexes. They specialize in “bug hunts” and situations of overwhelming firepower aka zone mortalis situations. Just like you wouldn't want to fight a biker war with the White Scars, this is the Chapter that others sent to for “Kill Team”-style encounters extreme environments like vacuum, rad-wastes and biohazards. Sort of like loyalist Death Guard, before turning traitor. They have a tactical bias toward heavy infantry, and I represent this by having one of the codex-compliant tactical squads in each Battle Company replaced by Sternguard Veterans. Similarly, one of the codex-compliant Reserve Tactical Companies replaced by Sternguard Veterans.

Analysis of Codex Compliant Chapter Composition Discounting Scouts
Tactical Marine 44%
Assault Marine 18%
Devastator Marine 18%
Sternguard Veteransi 5%
Vanguard Veterans 5%

Analysis of Proposed Chapter Composition Discounting Scouts
Tactical Marine 30%
Assault Marine 18%
Devastator Marine 18%
Sternguard Veteransii 19%
Vanguard Veterans 5%

So, ladies and gentlemen, how do I capitalize on this?
Thoughts on special configurations, like flamer for assault? Formations that would be awesome? Optimizations! Initial thoughts echo the Death Guard and their trinity of bolter, melta and flamer to minimize supply issues. Anyone have a response? Am I overlooking other issues. I'd love to have this go on and get feedback and such. I don't think there is a chapter out there I've heard of specialized for this kind of work!

With sternguard veteran numbers equivalent to those of Assault and Devastator units, the style could be to configure these Sternguard as assault troopers.

Hy!

What you propose is, for me at least, the amalgam of the Templars and Salamanders.
Black Templars got the dedication and numbers to maintain an infantry heavy Chapter and the Salamanders got the aptitude for the heat weapons (flamer, melta happy guys).

So for in-game representation I would suggest Salamander chapter tactics, with a little BT fluff sprinkle on it , or if you want to represent the extreme-toughness of you Chapter the Iron Hands tactics would be good (army wide 6+ FnP ).
The beauty of the unique Chapter is that you could change your CT between battles.

This chapter exists. Its called Crimson Fists with scoring Sternguard units.

When I hear "Space Marine heavy infantry," I think Terminators (and now, Centurions). Space Marines are already heavy infantry, and there are many chapters that reflect this style of play (as mentioned, a Pedro Fists army would fit the proposed chapter pretty well). I just don't see Sternguard as any "heavier" than Tactical Marines - they have better and more versatile firepower, but don't strike me as true "heavy infantry" in a Space Marine context.

Maybe I'm getting hung up on terminology - the proposed chapter config sounds perfectly legit, and could be represented by Pedro (or Salamanders, depending on what you want to emphasize). I'd take a look at Assault Centurions though - yes, they're not incredibly competitive, but they can have hurricane bolters, flamers, meltas, and giant drills on a huge-ass exosuit. Sounds like heavy infantry to me.

 Order Knight wrote:
Hy!

What you propose is, for me at least, the amalgam of the Templars and Salamanders.
Black Templars got the dedication and numbers to maintain an infantry heavy Chapter and the Salamanders got the aptitude for the heat weapons (flamer, melta happy guys)..

Salamander tactics. Hmmm. I hadn't really thought of that. Lemme pull up a copy of the Salamanders and take a looksee...




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Where are the rules for Salamanders? I've never seen a codex for them. I know they are melta fans but that is it.

Salamanders are in the new codex: space marines.