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In the Militarum Tempestus Scions troop data sheet (page 94 in Astra Militarum), it says, “For every five models in the unit, up to two other Tempestus Scions may replace their hot-shot lasgun with a flamer, meltagun, plasma gun, ...”

I would interpret this as you can’t take special weapons if you have only 5 models because it says 2 OTHER models may take special weapons. You have to take 5 models before you can have 2 more with special weapons. This also means you can’t take 4 special weapons in a 10 man squad.

Based off of other people’s comments on squad recommendations on various online forums, most people assume that for every 5 models 2 of those can take special weapons. So you can take 4 special weapons in a 10 man squad. BattleScribe also seems to support this idea.

Does anyone know the correct interpretation?
Thanks.

You have to read the options together:

*One Tempestus Scion may replace their hot-shot lasgun with a hot-shot laspistol and a vox-caster.
*For every fivemodels in the unit, up to two other Tempestus Scions may replace their hot-shot lasgun with a flamer, meltagun, plasma gun, grenade launcher or hot-shot volley gun.

The 'two other Tempestus Scions' is in reference to the Tempestus Scion who takes the first option.

4-8 Scions + Sgt = up to two special weapons.
9 Scions + Sgt = up to four special weapons.

Makes sense! Thanks for clearing that up!