| Brood Brother |
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Joined: Tue Oct 25, 2005 10:11 pm
Posts: 515
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Hey folks. I'm still very fond of this fleet list, and I think this approach is an exceptionally valuable one for BFG to adopt (a CG heavy list is totally missing at the moment, would've liked Demiurg/Squats [a Dwarf Archetype] to take those reigns, but development really does indicate they want something different, and Salamanders are fairly close to the Dwarf Archetype, so it fits nicely from a simple "I think this'd be neat perspective. Not to mention that I'd obviously think my idea was valuable!  !)
Anyhow. CG heavy. I think it's interesting in that:
1- No other fleets really do this (Orks are anomalous, obviously!)
2- It's a potentially appealing one
3- It fits fluffwise
4- It's a good excuse to allow Space Marine players to try a 'Dominion Fleet' (fluffwise), but without going with the travesty that was the original Dominion Fleet List
This, I find, makes perfect sense. The IN recognises that Grand Cruisers simply aren't as much use as they once were. Grand cruisers are often relegated to patrol duties or 'heavy hitting' points (line breakers, if you will), and Marines favour both of these, certainly those overseeing Domains of their own. The description of the Salamanders as a chapter certainly indicates they'd have close ties not just to humans on Nocturne, but to the surrounding systems/Subsectors/Sector in general.
Even if it is only sending one squad of Marines to liase with an entire Subsector's military, given the Salamanders' independent training and self reliance: they'd be the perfect ones for the job to go out and be a 'One Marine per ship' type chapter, literally dispersing massive portions of their ability to aid humanity.
Not to mention that playing with a CG/CL fleet is an interesting prospect in itself!
As for the N'bel's hammer.
I like the idea of the ship. If you imagine a the CG 'profile' but translated to a BB hull, then scale the weapons, armour and technology appropriately, you have it about right. The N'bels hammer, in this manner, would be more of an 'oddity' in the world-view of 40k than anything, even the Seditio Opprimere.
Why? Well, it'd be supremely advanced and well kept technology, and it wouldn't be under Ad Mech control! Gasp! Shock! Horror!
But, they Salamanders aren't a chapter known for being religiously fanatical about the Codex. Indeed, they sided with Russ and Dorn when it almost came to blows again in accepting the Codex (ie they weren't for it). They are, however, a seemingly loyal chapter. They revere the Emperor, they respect humanity. They're fully dependable, and unlike a vast portion of Marine Chapters, they endeavour to work efficiently and pleasantly with all other aspects of the Imperium...be they Sisters Hospitaller, Ecclessiarchy, Inquisition, Adeptus Arbites, Imperial Guard etc etc.
Whilst their relations with the Ecclessiarchy may be strained due to their good relations with the Mechanicus, it seems to me that the Salamanders are in one of the better positions of the Chapters; They're well respected by everyone. Even the Ultramarines can't say that. Why? Well, it is abit suspicious, those Ultramarines over there in Ultramar sitting in their own little house...
The Salamanders, whilst protective and helpful in their domain come across more as partners and aids rather than 'rulers'.
Certainly: having their Chapter Monsatery on the moon Promethus rather than on the planet is a good sign of this.
The only real issue is the somewhat cloudy and speculative/spurious calls that they've been helping folks who don't deserve it (namely the Black Dragons who seem to have abnormally pure Geneseed...).
Anyhow, I digress. The point was; the N'bel's hammer is an immensely potent vessel. Certainly one of the most advanced in the Imperium. Why is it allowed? Well, the Salamanders probably prove they use it with care and good cause. They're well known for taking good care of things, so the Mechanicus can trust them with using and caring for Tech Relics.
How to represent all this in the game?
1- I'm not a fan (at present!) of the broadside torps proposal. A nice idea, but it feels a spot too much like 'because we can' rather than 'because it's appropriate'
2- A complete load of: Nova Cannon, Launch Bay, Weapons Battery and Lances. The only things it's missing are BC and Torps!
3- Mounting what it does on it's frame is truly impressive for an Imperial Vessel. 4 Shields, 6+ Armour, Speed 20cm, buckets of weapons and a Nova Cannon!
4- It's a relic from the 'good days'. It was built solidly, and it's been maintained. Expensive, and essentially just a 'super Oberon', it is from the days when Space Marines had to do alot more things than they do now (fight fleet battles, for instance).
5- Given all that, it's a tough cookie, but I'm happy with no Torps/BCs as it remains a heavy assault ship (it has to close), it will likely have to stay close to any BBs/VBBs/GCs.
I'm still tempted to detail the Grand Assault Cruiser, which is simply a refitted Grand Cruiser. Launchbays + Broadside Bombardment Cannons, but not alot of change otherwise. Perhaps actually specifying it as one of the Salamander's 'VBBs' would be interesting.
Anyhow, now I'm just rambling, and probably making less sense than when I begun!
_________________
"Number 6 calls to you
The Cylon Detector beckons
Your girlfriend is a toaster"
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