GlynG wrote:
I disagree that Valkyries should be considered the iconic transport for Storm Troopers or that the list designers should forcibly restrict them in this fashion. Storm Troopers have always been riding Chimeras, since at least as far back as the 2nd edition Imperial Guard Codex in 1996. The Valkyrie was only invented around 2002 and it was never intended to replace the Chimera, but to provide another option, either of which may be used depending on preference and circumstance.
One could justifiably argue the most iconic transport for Black Templars is a Land Raider Crusader, yet that didn’t prevent the Black Templars list from being able to also still field Rhinos, Razorbacks and regular Land Raiders.
The background from the Armageddon Codex states on the Steel Legions that "a far higher proportion than normal are Mechanised Infantry, and it's not uncommon for over 90% of a regiment to be made up of such units.” I think in a list purportedly themed around the Steel Legion it is particularly ironic and unfortunate that the mechanised option for the unit was left out.
FWIW, a new member like myself agrees with GlynG here.
The Valk is not the iconic Storm Trooper transport - but one of them. There are many IG books/pieces of fluff in Codices out there, from the mid 90's onwards, describing ST and Chimera's.
Admittedly, Valks weren't around then, but lets not be complete revisionists.
The missing option of ST in Chimera's is more an oversight IMO, rather than excluded for whatever game balance or fluff reason. That the Cadians can currently get ST's in Chimera's doesnt exclude that the Steel Legion can't have them.
Its also cheaper for the new player to acquire Chimera's, or good proxies, rather than via Valks. And who knows how long Aeronautica will last in the FW catalogue...
The Cadian list is still different enough to have its own flava
if you give the SL list the ST's in Chimera's. Also provides some spiffy paint scheme's for the Chimera's, ST wouldnt like to have the same coloured transports as the normal grunts!
Tee