A couple of noob questions, from a old veteran.

[Mozza Zoktavir]

So, as many of you will know 40k isn't my main game, but it is one of the game's that got me into this hobby. So I think it's time I put some effort back into the old bird, you know build more stuff, play more games.

I have a couple of questions regarding the current rule set and would like all your expertise to answer them.

1. Are Deathwatch Killteams still usable? If so who by? And are the rules in WhiteDwarf still current?

2. How do I make a rocking codex space marine Captain / Chapter Master?
I have some thoughts already ala Pilsbury but would like some input.

3. Can any two handed or exceptionally large weapon represent a relic blade?

Mozza.

[KingTiger]

1. Are Deathwatch Killteams still usable? If so who by? And are the rules in WhiteDwarf still current?
I'll have to sorta pass on that one, I haven't heard anything 100% official saying they are illegal now, but I can't be sure since its been a long time since I have seen them and there rules, in the meantime counts as Sternguard could make a nice replacement
2. How do I make a rocking codex space marine Captain / Chapter Master?
I have some thoughts already ala Pilsbury but would like some input.
some I like are
1: Captain with Jump pack, relic blade, arti armour, and storm shield
(could also just take 2xClaws, or 1 claw and shield)
2: Captain/master on bike, relic blade, arti armour, storm shield and hellfire rounds
(power sword could save some points, but I prefer that extra strength)
3: Chapter master, Terminator armour, 2xLightning claw (relentless means your shooting attack becomes the bombardment, even when on the move)
3. Can any two handed or exceptionally large weapon represent a relic blade?
the fluff says sword or axe, but I don't see why you can't have relic Spears, halberd, giant maces, as long as it looks ornate and impressive anything should do really.

[Mozza Zoktavir]

Whats relentless and where did you get that from matey?

On the Captain, I was gonna go for Relic Blade, Storm Shield & Bike ala Pilsbury. You can't take Hellfire shells as far as I am aware cus you have to swap your weapos for the Relic Blade and SS.

Mozza.

[KingTiger]

Whats relentless and where did you get that from matey?
page 102 of the marine codex, terminator armour, combined with page 76 of the main rulebook, relentless Universal special rule

On the Captain, I was gonna go for Relic Blade, Storm Shield & Bike ala Pilsbury. You can't take Hellfire shells as far as I am aware cus you have to swap your weapos for the Relic Blade and SS.
when you purchase a bike your also purchasing a twin-linked boltgun for free with the bike, these weapons cannot be replaced no matter what you take for your character, so you keep them even with blade and shield, and can load them with Hellfire shells which can be taken cus there wargear not weapons
:D

[Jade Phoenix]

An honour guard deploying from drop pod with rapid firing bolters and aux grenade launchers all fired at once can cause a big mess with horde armies.

[Stan]

I would argue that its always good to keep the army general in theme with the ethos of the army. As much as there are cheesy options available i think a character designed to work with the army fits better, and you get a better feel for. of course if terminator armour assault is your thing then you cant go wrong with your plan, or a fast assaulting army works great with the cheesy captain on bike aka pils!!!!

[Mozza Zoktavir]

I also think it's important to keep in theme for the army, therefore at the minute I'm looking like this for my two main dudes.

Chapter Master: Limited Edition Gamesday Captain with Relic Hammer? (or ThunderHammer), Storm Shield, Artificer Armour, Digital Weapons and Spare Shrike Jump Pack to raven him up a bit and maintain maneouverabilty. Ooh & Hellfire Shells (Cheers Kingtiger)

CM will prolly accompany a squad of Vanguard with all the usual and deepstrike from t'ut sky's.

Captain: On a heavily modded Raveny Bike with Relic Blade, Custom Wing Type Storm Shield, Arti Armour, Digital Weapons & Hellfire Shells again.

If only I could find a way to put the Chapter Banner (+1 Attack) on a bike with the Super Captain.....

Mozza.

[Jade Phoenix]

Dont forget that if the Chapter Master joins the vanguard then they can no longer perform the heroic intervention.

[KingTiger]

Chapter Master: Limited Edition Gamesday Captain with Relic Hammer? (or ThunderHammer), Storm Shield, Artificer Armour, Digital Weapons and Spare Shrike Jump Pack to raven him up a bit and maintain maneouverabilty. Ooh & Hellfire Shells (Cheers Kingtiger)
just remember Hellfire shells can only be fired from boltguns, thats why I suggested it for the biker, it cannot be fired from a combi weapon, storm bolter, or bolt pistol, as technically by the letter of the rules none of these weapons are Boltguns.

although technically after reading the bike profile bikes have Bolters, not Boltguns, so by the letter of the rules cannot be used on bikes either, but I think this is where we apply some common sense to the rules.

[Mozza Zoktavir]

I'm pretty sure boltgun refer's to the standard bolter.

But I think I found references in a GW faq regarding combi weapons saying that combi's, storm bolters and bolt pistols all counted for purposes of Hellfire shells.

But can't find that now, so I may have dreamt it or it wasn't official - Doh!

Mozza.