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One of the biggest problems with the current CSM codex, besides being designed for two editions previous, is a distinct lack of synergy between units within the codex. Most of the synergy comes from the ability for characters to grant Fearless to units.

Another problem lies in the Icons. While powerful, the best ones are as expensive as a Loyalist chapter banner, while only affecting one unit. As I result, I propose to kill two birds with one stone: making the Icons more useful while increasing the potential synergy between units in the CSM codex.

The following units may take an Icon of Chaos: Khorne Berserkers, Noise Marines, Plague Marines, Thousand Sons, Chaos Chosen, Chaos Terminators

Icon of Chaos: Only one Icon of Chaos may be taken per detachment. Friendly units from the Chaos Space Marines Faction within 12" of the Icon may re-roll failed Fear, Pinning, and Morale tests. In addition, units from the Chaos Space Marines Faction and Chaos Daemons Faction that Deep-Strike within 12" of the Icon only scatter D6"

Icon of Vengeance (25 points): May be taken by any unit that can take an Icon. Friendly units from the Chaos Space Marine Faction within 12" of the Icon have the Fearless and Hatred: Armies of the Imperium special rules.

Icon of Wrath (30 points): May only be taken by units with the Mark of Khorne. Friendly units from the Chaos Space Marine Faction within 12" of the Icon that have the Mark of Khorne of the Icon have the Furious Charge special rule and may re-roll their charge distances in the Assault Phase.

Icon of Despair (30 points): May only be taken by units with the Mark of Nurgle. Friendly units from the Chaos Space Marine Faction within 12" of the Icon that have the Mark of Nurgle have the Fear special rule. Enemy units within 12" of the Icon have a -2 penalty to their Leadership.

Icon of Excess (35 points): May only be taken by units with the Mark of Slaanesh. Friendly units from the Chaos Space Marine Faction within 12" of the Icon that have the Mark of Slaanesh have the Feel No Pain special rule.

Icon of Flame (35 points): May only be taken by units with the Mark of Tzeentch. Friendly units from the Chaos Space Marine Faction within 12" of the Icon that have the Mark of Tzeentch have the Ignores Cover rule for their ranged weapons.

I feel that these changes both give players more of a reason to take certain Icons and to give more synergy both within the army and to its natural ally, Chaos Daemons.

Any comments or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

EDIT: At suggestion of Grimskul, I have changed the Icon of Flame.

I would allow vanilla csm, raptors, bikers, warp talons and possessed the ability to carry a banner ( and any other units that are currently allowed )

I like what you've done with all the icons EXCEPT the icon of flame. A spell familiar is only 15 pts and allows me to re-roll ANY failed psychic powers.
I can field 2 sorcerer's each with a spell familiar. They both re-roll any failed psychic tests and don't have to stay within 12" of each other. The Icon as you have it costs more than 2 spell familiars and can only be carried by a MoT unit.
Honestly, people would be even less likely to carry an icon of flame than they are now.

I think the Icon of Flame would be better off giving ignores cover to ranged attacks made by units with the Mark of Tzzentch.

KhorneontheCobb wrote:I would allow vanilla csm, raptors, bikers, warp talons and possessed the ability to carry a banner ( and any other units that are currently allowed )

I like what you've done with all the icons EXCEPT the icon of flame. A spell familiar is only 15 pts and allows me to re-roll ANY failed psychic powers.
I can field 2 sorcerer's each with a spell familiar. They both re-roll any failed psychic tests and don't have to stay within 12" of each other. The Icon as you have it costs more than 2 spell familiars and can only be carried by a MoT unit.
Honestly, people would be even less likely to carry an icon of flame than they are now.

Thanks for the feedback.

Since loyalists can only take chapter banners on Honor Guard, I wanted to preserve the "eliteness" of the banner/icon by only giving it to the dedicated cult troops and elite units. However, all the units you listed would receive a significant buff from the various cult banners.

I do agree that the Icon of Flame needs work; I was trying to tie it into the sorcerous aspect of Tzeentch. Fortunately, someone has a better idea for it:

Grimskul wrote:I think the Icon of Flame would be better off giving ignores cover to ranged attacks made by units with the Mark of Tzzentch.

I think this is a great revision; it would definitely give people a reason to take the Mark of Tzeentch and make Thousand Sons much more powerful.