Stuff they didn't fix

[DarkLink]

So, Space Marines are out and they're awesome. And I'm totally going to brag that I've advocated this exact Chapter Tactics system for literally years now, as an improvement over the last codex's special character only Chapter Tactics and as a means to compress other SM codices into one big book with little loss.

But there are some things that still baffle me about the codex. In particular, Sternguard can take Storm Bolters for 5pts each. But, their special ammo does not work with Storm Bolters. So, basically, you're paying a lot of points to lose the number one reason to actually take Sternguard in the first place. WTF, GW? This was a problem in the last codex, were you guys not paying attention?

[interrogator_chaplain]

I'm thinking it might be because of Assault 2, ignores cover or AP3, etc. etc. Might be a little too much. You get 10 together with Storm Bolters, 20 Assault 2, AP3 shots and you'd be dropping MEQ wayyy to quick. You've got Centurions for that.

I don't think it's that big a blow not to include SB's in the group.

[DarkLink]

As if there isnt already plenty of ap3 options out there. They dont gain as much as you seem to think. One extra shot at longer rang is good, but for 27pts each they'd better be good. Regardless, why do you pay to downgrade?

[Houghten]

Orks wonder the same thing about their 'ard cases.

[Katharon]

People seem to underestimate the regular old bolt round so much...and also, matching a ten man unit of Sternguard all with stormbolters and Lyzander proved hilarious for me during 5th edition.

But yeah, it doesn't make logical sense -- but its meant to keep people from abusing the special ammunition rules with stormbolters.

[pauljc]

It's because the game isn't just about 'what's better'. It's about options and choice. I am quite certain many folk can come up with tactical uses for Storm bolters. Such as shooting a poop load of regular bolt rounds to thin out a squad before a charge.

[SaveModifier]

I always thought that the specialist ammo does seem to be more of a few shots thing, load up the rounds and use precise targetting to utilise this expensive and rare ammunition effectivly against the right targets, which wouldn't really work with the storm of fire from a Storm Bolter, so fluff-wise, it seems fine to me, I've just assembled by Sterguard and given the sergeant a storm bolter because it looks awesome.

[Kaptain Badrukk]

TBH i see both points on this one.
SB would have to cost more than 5pts, because let's be honest Kraken rounds alone would be abusive.
BUT (correct me here) they're now cheaper than combis? Which gives you a different choice for the unit's use i guess.

On the other hand, you can see the moment in the armory clearly

Brother Steve - Sternguard and Brother Tony - Techmarine are preparing Steve's gear for deployment.
Steve "Ok, got all my special bolt rounds, got my ornate bolter, got anything a bit shootier Tony?"
Tony "Hmmmmm........ *roots around in big crate* stormbolter?"
Steve "Hoorah! now i'll really be able to kick xenos proboscis!!"
Tony "Ok, there you go. I'll need your ornate bolter and all your special ammo back."
Steve "Sure here you..... Hey wait, what?"
Tony "I'll need your ornate bolter and all your special ammo back."
Steve "But why? I mean surely i'll kill more xenos if i could use this stormbolter WITH the special ammo."
Tony "You know, I'd never thought of that. I'll check the Codex............"
*Steve waits impatiently as Tony goes over his data slate.*
Tony "Sorry man, Codex says no."
Steve "But..."
Tony "CODEX says NO!"
Steve "Fine, take your stupid stormbolter back, Jerk."
Tony "NEXT!"

[Mr Mystery]

Well, that and Storm Bolters have a higher rate of fire. They'd likely burn through their special ammo too quick.

Some of it is hand loaded you know, meaning they're a liability to Storm Bolter.

[Kaptain Badrukk]

Meh, my mental image made me smile more, so i'm sticking with it.
In my head it's like the line for a school canteen, with all the ultramarines jostling each other......