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One of my favorite parts of the IK codex is the ability to spend command points on additional warlord traits, similar to purchasing extra relics. Should this become a standard strategem for every army?

In my opinion, no.

Those extra warlord traits are there to help give personality (and tactical options/variability) to the otherwise low model count (and all the attendant constraints that go with that). Those problems just don't exist in most armies, and I think it's a mistake to bake that in.

It's much easier to predict and control balance when you only have to look at the variability between 4-8 models. As model count increases, so does the variability and the potential for synergies that otherwise abuse things.

It's only dumb luck that ability hasn't been abused in some terrible way. Warlord traits are really meant to be used in isolation and not stacked on top of each other until you have a single god-hammer model.

Slamguinius may be bad, but he's nothing compared to previous editions that allowed some of these stacking shenagians.

Rocmistro wrote:
In my opinion, no.

Those extra warlord traits are there to help give personality (and tactical options/variability) to the otherwise low model count (and all the attendant constraints that go with that). Those problems just don't exist in most armies, and I think it's a mistake to bake that in.

It's much easier to predict and control balance when you only have to look at the variability between 4-8 models. As model count increases, so does the variability and the potential for synergies that otherwise abuse things.

100% this, I would even go so far as saying actually the Imperial Knights one should require a lance (the +6CP Superheavy detachment) too unlock.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 ChargerIIC wrote:
It's only dumb luck that ability hasn't been abused in some terrible way. Warlord traits are really meant to be used in isolation and not stacked on top of each other until you have a single god-hammer model.

Slamguinius may be bad, but he's nothing compared to previous editions that allowed some of these stacking shenagians.

It's not dumb luck the strategum specifically prohibits stacking.

One, and only one, warlord trait per army. Knights are a weird exception and it should stay that way.

No, but I do think the warlord traits should come on cards to aid in actually remembering the things - ditto relics

Well, I think it would be cool if we were able to customise out characters more by buying them extra abilities, but if they're not restricted to the Warlord, they shouldn't be called 'Warlord Traits' anymore...

 Crimson wrote:
Well, I think it would be cool if we were able to customise out characters more by buying them extra abilities, but if they're not restricted to the Warlord, they shouldn't be called 'Warlord Traits' anymore...

well I understand why they shifted to "one relic per character" I did kinda like the old days when you could customize a character with several relics. sure it lead to power builds but the idea to have a character who felt heavily customized is a good one

Wouldn't mind if GK non NDK characters were given traits they could use, when they are not a warlord. Maybe it would make them worth taking. a GK GM costs like a Custodes biker capting only without the bike.

I think two traits on one guy is a bit much, but I would love to see secondary HQ traits that complemented the warlord ones in some small way and were usuable on their own for once your warlord was dead. A few simple traits for detachments having at least two required HQ that you could pick for the second HQ, something like this maybe?

Second in Command: The first mortal wound per turn suffered by your Warlord must be allocated to this unit immediately if it is within 3" of your Warlord. If your Warlord dies, this unit gains +1 Leadership and all units within 3" may use its Leadership instead of their own when making morale checks.

Passing off MWs may be a little OP but I made this up in the bathtub.

 ChargerIIC wrote:
It's only dumb luck that ability hasn't been abused in some terrible way. Warlord traits are really meant to be used in isolation and not stacked on top of each other until you have a single god-hammer model.

Slamguinius may be bad, but he's nothing compared to previous editions that allowed some of these stacking shenagians.

Well good thing then that nothing in game allows stacking warlord traits nor relics on characters? Both are 1 per model. Even when you can buy more warlord traits.

BrianDavion wrote:

 Crimson wrote:
Well, I think it would be cool if we were able to customise out characters more by buying them extra abilities, but if they're not restricted to the Warlord, they shouldn't be called 'Warlord Traits' anymore...

well I understand why they shifted to "one relic per character" I did kinda like the old days when you could customize a character with several relics. sure it lead to power builds but the idea to have a character who felt heavily customized is a good one

Except that was only ever Smashbane basically. Otherwise people were taking names characters for the guaranteed Warlord traits or extra abilities they had.

I don't think 2 relics per Character is anything game breaking, but now we have the issue where all the relics are essentially free, so now suddenly you're considered stupid if you don't take the Aquila for free when it's easily a 25+ point item.