Dawn Eaters-An All Primaris Homebrew Chapter (Advice Greatly Wanted)

Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you:

No adverts like this in the forums anymore.
Times and dates in your local timezone.
Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance.
Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely.
Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net.

If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

**JNAProductions**

So, as one might be able to guess from the title, I want to work on an all Primaris homebrew chapter.

But I'm kinda at a loss as where to start making a nicely balanced custom chapter.

Anyone done this before, or got any advice?

**Slayer-Fan123**

Special Ammo is basically Deathwarch's gimmick. Not even Custodes get it on their weapons but the Watch Masters do.

You can do a homebrew but it doesn't make sense via fluff, and the concept is terrible in terms of crunch. It's the ultimate idea of having your cake and eating it too.

**Valkyrie**

Yeah what the guy above said, you'll have to really pick one or the other.

**JNAProductions**

Pick one or the other what?

I get it’s not the fluffiest, but then again, a lot of fluff is garbage in 40k.

But mechanically, what’s the issue? I mean, I’ve barely proposed anything, so I struggle to see what’s flawed yet.

**Zelse**

JNAProductions wrote:
Pick one or the other what?

I get it’s not the fluffiest, but then again, a lot of fluff is garbage in 40k.

But mechanically, what’s the issue? I mean, I’ve barely proposed anything, so I struggle to see what’s flawed yet.

He means pick either deathwatch as-is or make a custom space marine chapter without SIA.

**Slayer-Fan123**

JNAProductions wrote:
Pick one or the other what?

I get it’s not the fluffiest, but then again, a lot of fluff is garbage in 40k.

But mechanically, what’s the issue? I mean, I’ve barely proposed anything, so I struggle to see what’s flawed yet.

Mechanically there's a few things going on.
1. Deathwatch Primaris go in, losing their main Chapter bonuses for whatever reason. Don't ask.
2. They then go in receiving Special Ammo, and then a Lieutenant bonus against a certain Force Org if requirements are met.

That's the main tradeoff is you lose your Chapter bonuses, no matter how meh the bonuses are. Here's the kicker though: the Special Ammo is what makes the Deathwatch Mission Tactics work, NOT the other way around. If I could trade Mission Tactics for Raven Guard or Ultramarines or even Iron Hands Chapter Tactics, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Simple as that.

If you could lose your Chapter Tactic for Mission Tactics not get the Special Ammo, you'd never do it.

**JNAProductions**

Okay. That makes sense.

Ditch the Deathwatch stuff.

**Slayer-Fan123**

JNAProductions wrote:
Okay. That makes sense.

Ditch the Deathwatch stuff.

Unfortunately it really IS a balance mechanic, all things considered. You know how badly I wanted to use various FW Characters with my Deathwatch but simply can't? Lias lists would basically be the most amazing thing ever. Well kinda. Huron spamming Mortal Wounds and granting another CP all while buffing your campers? Awesome.

**JNAProductions**

Okay, edited the title, since I'll be ditching Deathwatch mechanics.

If I want them to focus on close combat and short-ranged firefights, what would be a good idea? I kinda want to do Reivers, but unfortunately, they're not good.

**Crimson Devil**

The best way to make a DIY Chapter is to answer "Who" they are first. "What" they are, and what rules best represent that comes later.

**Slayer-Fan123**

JNAProductions wrote:
Okay, edited the title, since I'll be ditching Deathwatch mechanics.

If I want them to focus on close combat and short-ranged firefights, what would be a good idea? I kinda want to do Reivers, but unfortunately, they're not good.

Reivers need the same price cut Intercessors are going to receive, -1AP on their blades, and then WEAPONS OPTIONS FOR THEIR DAMN SERGEANTS.