Deathwatch Overkill (Deathwatch vs Genestealer cult board game) - 40k rules, free download pg1

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**MajorTom11**

beast_gts wrote:
MajorTom11 wrote:
I actually wonder if a stealer could even infect a machine dominant cyborg...

Yes - there's infected tech-priests in one of the Cain novels.

True! Though, honestly, this is GW, until they say it outright this time anything could change right... and my argument would be dependent on whether or not he was lower cast a bit cyborged or higher ranked mostly machine.

**Bottle**

gorgon wrote:

Still weird to me that they reversed "Neophytes" and "Acolytes" from the old fluff. Wonder what their reasoning was?

Yes that is odd! I don't have much source material on the old Genestealer cults, but I can see in my Necromunda Outlander book that Neophytes have the WS boost (4) and BS nerf (2) whereas the Acolytes have the standard human 3,3 and a chance of being Pyschic (Wyrd).

I've just ordered the 2nd Edition Tyranid codex off eBay, am I going to have to read the sections on Genestealer cults and switch the words around in my head throughout? Definitely confusing!

**gorgon**

MajorTom11 wrote:
One thing I have never heard of in the fluff though is multi species broods, it always seems to be one species.

Well, each cult is really nothing more than a family. Some family members share the genetics (Hybrids, Purestrains), and some just "marry in" (Brood Brothers). But it's really all about a certain bloodline just like most families.

Regarding implantation into cyborgs, etc., we may be able to assume that a Purestrain wouldn't implant into a lifeform it sensed to be incapable of having children. Procreation is the goal.

**Tyran**

MajorTom11 wrote:
I actually wonder if a stealer could even infect a machine dominant cyborg... I mean... if the... bits... aren't there to breed, can the brain has been heavily segmented and is reliant on cybernetics for the actual thought process, what can the stealer phage actually take over really. It is blocked both mentally and physically I would imagine???

Same goes for Orks now with their current reproductive fluff, it seems to me it may be too unique a reproductive method for a stealer to infect them. There is no mating drive or paternal affection to leverage either, an ork reproduces like we shed skin cells. On the other hand, I suppose arguments could be made that the Tyranids are so genetically skilled they accounted even for this method of reproduction when designing the stealer phage.

Even discounting those two, it still leaves a ton of potential 'allies' via brood brotherhood, PDF, IG, Arbites, Civ, even inquisition, assassin and naval. That's just human... Abhumans, Eldar, dark eldar, Tau and a ton of others would be 'eligible'.

One thing I have never heard of in the fluff though is multi species broods, it always seems to be one species.

Genestealers hijack the host's reproductive method. While there is no mating drive or paternal affection, the spore based reproductive method could be hijacked, which could mean lots of hybrids. Also the Ork natural loyalty to big green things could be abused, after all there would be few things as big and green as an Ork hybrid.

That being said, IIRC the fluff notes that Orks have a natural tendency to find and exterminate such infestations.

As for the infected Mechanicus, it is important to note that she had very little mechanical augmentation for a tech priest.

**MajorTom11**

gorgon wrote:
MajorTom11 wrote:
One thing I have never heard of in the fluff though is multi species broods, it always seems to be one species.

Well, each cult is really nothing more than a family. Some family members share the genetics (Hybrids, Purestrains), and some just "marry in" (Brood Brothers). But it's really all about a certain bloodline just like most families.

Regarding implantation into cyborgs, etc., we may be able to assume that a Purestrain wouldn't implant into a lifeform it sensed to be incapable of having children. Procreation is the goal.

Yep agree with that (purestrain avoiding non-viable implantations) -

For the cult multi species thing, I meant ork/tau/human hybrids inside the same cult, theoretically possible I suppose, but never done that i know of. As you say, they would all technically be in the same family even if the marry-ins are different species from each other.

**AndrewGPaul**

They wouldn't be marrying in, though. Disregarding the unlikelihood of them meeting at the best of times, a Tau isn't going to have reproductive urges for an Ork.

**migooo**

thought if a cult Spans multiple planets, then its theoretically possible to have a multi species cult.

Im not sure by marriage exactly but by implantation by the Broodlord?

but if they are just a big inbred family i need to model Power pitchforks on t some aberrents

**Tyran**

I'm pretty sure Genestealer Cults don't inbred, as it would defeat on of the main purposes of implantation, which is getting new cultists.

**MajorTom11**

AndrewGPaul wrote:
They wouldn't be marrying in, though. Disregarding the unlikelihood of them meeting at the best of times, a Tau isn't going to have reproductive urges for an Ork.

You never know lol!

Just to be clear (though I think you knew) marry-ins = DNA raped by Genestealer, brainwashed and turned into sex-puppet slave drone.

**gorgon**

MajorTom11 wrote:
gorgon wrote:
MajorTom11 wrote:
One thing I have never heard of in the fluff though is multi species broods, it always seems to be one species.

Well, each cult is really nothing more than a family. Some family members share the genetics (Hybrids, Purestrains), and some just "marry in" (Brood Brothers). But it's really all about a certain bloodline just like most families.

Regarding implantation into cyborgs, etc., we may be able to assume that a Purestrain wouldn't implant into a lifeform it sensed to be incapable of having children. Procreation is the goal.

Yep agree with that (purestrain avoiding non-viable implantations) -

For the cult multi species thing, I meant ork/tau/human hybrids inside the same cult, theoretically possible I suppose, but never done that i know of. As you say, they would all technically be in the same family even if the marry-ins are different species from each other.

Yeah, I think it's theoretically possible on a planet with multiple higher-level lifeforms inhabiting it. It's the Genestealer bloodline that ties them together. But then how often do we see said lifeforms peacefully inhabiting the same planet in the 41st millenium? When it happens, you just get carnage and slaughter and the laughter of thirsting gods until only one is left standing.

**angelofvengeance**

MajorTom11 wrote:
AndrewGPaul wrote:
They wouldn't be marrying in, though. Disregarding the unlikelihood of them meeting at the best of times, a Tau isn't going to have reproductive urges for an Ork.

You never know lol!

Just to be clear (though I think you knew) marry-ins = DNA raped by Genestealer, brainwashed and turned into sex-puppet slave drone.

I feel this video from Futurama is somewhat relevant when it comes to interspecies relations (outside of genestealers I mean)

Spoiler:

**migooo**

Tyran wrote:
I'm pretty sure Genestealer Cults don't inbred, as it would defeat on of the main purposes of implantation, which is getting new cultists.

An Agri world with very isolated communities?...

**Kanluwen**

gorgon wrote:
Kanluwen wrote:
Souleater wrote:
Kanluwen wrote:
First we have Tau players wanting our Guard formations for Gue'vasa and now we have Genestealer Cults doing the same thing.

Great. Just great. I fully expect the next Guard book to be even worse because of that.

GSC had 'Brood Brothers' aka PDF aka IG (aka AM) twenty odd years ago...

PDF have as much in common with the IG as a backwoods Sheriff has with Delta Force, if we're talking about the "common thinking" of the concept.

AGAIN, you're looking for a level of granularity that isn't there in the rules for the game. When people build "PDF" armies, they use the AM codex. Because it's EASILY the closest thing...platoons, Chimeras, Russes, heavy weapons teams, etc.

Besides, even in the fluff there are crappy IG regiments and outstanding PDFs, like the Ultramar Auxilia.

Almost like how I said "common thinking" of the concept, rather than "it's a strict rule that PDFs suck and Guard are awesome"?

And if we really want to talk about "a level of granularity that isn't there in the rules for the game", it's important to note the comment I replied to.
PDFs != Guard/AM. They're two distinct entities. You don't call a Space Marine a Sister of Battle, do you?

Nostromodamus wrote:
I really hope you didn't equate IG with Delta Force just then...

He undoubtedly meant "Megaforce."

Meant what I said, bud.

**Blackhoof**

I like the look of those cultists! Man those are pretty models. I would consider starting a Genestealer Cult army if I didn't already have other projects on my hands.

I also find it hilarious reading the first page, all the naysayers who (with good reason) swore that these rumours were complete bunk hahaha XD

**Gamgee**

You know what else was sworn off? The Kroot Mercenary army rumors from last year. Now every single army except them that was "debunked" has come out. They were rumored at the same time as Deathwatch and other armies from the same source who has so far turned out to be correct about this stuff at least.

We also know from the good Attia that one more army will see release this year. From K'ovir we know the Tau will see one more campaign this year.

Put all the dots together and its looking like when Kroot are coming not if Kroot are coming. I got to get my current Tau stuff done so I can get ready for the Kroot.

**H.B.M.C.**

Plastic Kroothounds would be very nice. Some'a them for the RPG would be wonderful.

**Gamgee**

I'm so exited about the potential for Kroot.

**Mr Morden**

Gamgee wrote:
The Kroot Mercenary army rumors from last year. Now every single army except them that was "debunked" has come out. t.

Sisters say hi!

**streetsamurai**

Gamgee wrote:
You know what else was sworn off? The Kroot Mercenary army rumors from last year. Now every single army except them that was "debunked" has come out. They were rumored at the same time as Deathwatch and other armies from the same source who has so far turned out to be correct about this stuff at least.

We also know from the good Attia that one more army will see release this year. From K'ovir we know the Tau will see one more campaign this year.

Put all the dots together and its looking like when Kroot are coming not if Kroot are coming. I got to get my current Tau stuff done so I can get ready for the Kroot.

No. The GS cult army was first rumored by Hasting on warseer, along with Deathwatch, Harlequins,Mechanicus, the Assasin game and the HH game. He never mentionned Kroots. I'd like to see them as they would fill a theme that is actually pretty much inexistant in 40k (techno-barbarians), but their is no credible rumours that points towrd them.

**Ghaz**

I'd like to see an Arbites force to field against the Cult. Space Police FTW!

**kitch102**

gorgon wrote:
MajorTom11 wrote:
gorgon wrote:
MajorTom11 wrote:
One thing I have never heard of in the fluff though is multi species broods, it always seems to be one species.

Well, each cult is really nothing more than a family. Some family members share the genetics (Hybrids, Purestrains), and some just "marry in" (Brood Brothers). But it's really all about a certain bloodline just like most families.

Regarding implantation into cyborgs, etc., we may be able to assume that a Purestrain wouldn't implant into a lifeform it sensed to be incapable of having children. Procreation is the goal.

Yep agree with that (purestrain avoiding non-viable implantations) -

For the cult multi species thing, I meant ork/tau/human hybrids inside the same cult, theoretically possible I suppose, but never done that i know of. As you say, they would all technically be in the same family even if the marry-ins are different species from each other.

Yeah, I think it's theoretically possible on a planet with multiple higher-level lifeforms inhabiting it. It's the Genestealer bloodline that ties them together. But then how often do we see said lifeforms peacefully inhabiting the same planet in the 41st millenium? When it happens, you just get carnage and slaughter and the laughter of thirsting gods until only one is left standing.

Black Library released a short story in which a Rogue Trader lands on some out of the way, backwater planet, in which Orc mercenaries live peacefully (at least, peacefully for an orc, they more just follow the laws set down by the local governor) alongside the humans of the planet / town. The RT even converses with them, and convinces them fight alongside her. It was a really enjoyable read, I can't remember the title though if anyone wants to know, PM me and I'll dig it out.

As regards multi species inside the same cult, I'd say it's entirely possible. All it takes is for the GSC to come along while 2 sides are fighting and start their own covert operation of infecting individuals from both sides. Those individuals then desert, feeling the psychic call of the brood, and settle down for a different family life to that which they planned for

**Blackhoof**

To be fair Guard rules would be fine Arbites if you got the right models, I would think.

**Gamgee**

Awww that sucks about the source. In that case all I can do is hope it happens. Still I think it could be possible with how every other "impossible" army is turning up in the last two years. Not to mention the circumstantial evidence.

**kitch102**

kitch102 wrote:
gorgon wrote:
MajorTom11 wrote:
gorgon wrote:
MajorTom11 wrote:
One thing I have never heard of in the fluff though is multi species broods, it always seems to be one species.

Well, each cult is really nothing more than a family. Some family members share the genetics (Hybrids, Purestrains), and some just "marry in" (Brood Brothers). But it's really all about a certain bloodline just like most families.

Regarding implantation into cyborgs, etc., we may be able to assume that a Purestrain wouldn't implant into a lifeform it sensed to be incapable of having children. Procreation is the goal.

Yep agree with that (purestrain avoiding non-viable implantations) -

For the cult multi species thing, I meant ork/tau/human hybrids inside the same cult, theoretically possible I suppose, but never done that i know of. As you say, they would all technically be in the same family even if the marry-ins are different species from each other.

Yeah, I think it's theoretically possible on a planet with multiple higher-level lifeforms inhabiting it. It's the Genestealer bloodline that ties them together. But then how often do we see said lifeforms peacefully inhabiting the same planet in the 41st millenium? When it happens, you just get carnage and slaughter and the laughter of thirsting gods until only one is left standing.

Black Library released a short story in which a Rogue Trader lands on some out of the way, backwater planet, in which Orc mercenaries live peacefully (at least, peacefully for an orc, they more just follow the laws set down by the local governor) alongside the humans of the planet / town. The RT even converses with them, and convinces them fight alongside her. It was a really enjoyable read, I can't remember the title though if anyone wants to know, PM me and I'll dig it out.

As regards multi species inside the same cult, I'd say it's entirely possible. All it takes is for the GSC to come along while 2 sides are fighting and start their own covert operation of infecting individuals from both sides. Those individuals then desert, feeling the psychic call of the brood, and settle down for a different family life to that which they planned for

Cold Trade by Andy Hoare, page 163 of the "There Is Only War" omnibus. Had to find it, it'd have done my head in otherwise!

**MajorTom11**

Thanks man!

**Accolade**

I'm just sitting here waiting for Necromunda to come back. IMO, that is where the genestealer cult will shine (or perhaps more-so in an inquisi-munda sort of game)

**Gamgee**

I think the Genestealers are pretty good all things considered. If Tyranids had some better anti tank options and could use this to tie up key squads it could be a pretty competitive list. Maybe. Would need some testing.

**MajorTom11**

Buy the box, enjoy them. Show GW there is a market for them, and I am pretty sure it will not be the last we see of the GSC!

**Breotan**

Hell, I'm just looking at a set of Genestealers for Necromunda.

**Yodhrin**

MajorTom11 wrote:
gorgon wrote:
MajorTom11 wrote:
One thing I have never heard of in the fluff though is multi species broods, it always seems to be one species.

Well, each cult is really nothing more than a family. Some family members share the genetics (Hybrids, Purestrains), and some just "marry in" (Brood Brothers). But it's really all about a certain bloodline just like most families.

Regarding implantation into cyborgs, etc., we may be able to assume that a Purestrain wouldn't implant into a lifeform it sensed to be incapable of having children. Procreation is the goal.

Yep agree with that (purestrain avoiding non-viable implantations) -

Hmm, not so sure myself. Certainly in the early stages of the Cult the primary focus would be numerical expansion, but once it had been established for a couple of complete generational cycles the Broodmind might well start directing the Purestrains to infect people based on their utility as well as their potential to procreate - if they had a shot at taking control of a high ranking official who was sterile, or an Enginseer so mechanically augmented children would be impossible but who had access to some restricted area or who possessed valuable knowledge, I doubt they would pass up the chance to expand the Cult's power or insulate it from the authorities.