Only War - Fantasy Flight

[-Volsung-]

Greetings lowly cannon fodders,

 

I just finished reading the Only War rulebook by Fantasy Flight games.

 

It is probably one of the best written codex/rulebook I have ever read, and is extremely insightful on the 40k world and the Imperial Guards. The quality of writing in this book makes almost all of the GW codexes seem like pre-school writing. A great product overall.

 

If anyone is looking for a way to introduce new players to the world and hobby, especially if they are of an RPG background, I highly recommend this book. 

 

http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_minisite.asp?eidm=201

[Nicodemus Doloroso]

Thanks!

 

Fantasy Flight makes fantastic products. I have yet to play something of theirs that isn't awesome. Might have to check this out just for the fluff aspect if not to play.

[WarriorFish]

I play a bit of Dark Heresy myself - as a Guardsman of course - and I was interested in this, but there's only so much free time in the World (sadly). It might be worth it for the background and that, how much new stuff does it have? For example I am well versed in the usual 40k lore from rulebooks and codices etc since 2nd Edition so is it worth me getting if I'm unlikely to play the game?

[-Volsung-]

I play a bit of Dark Heresy myself - as a Guardsman of course - and I was interested in this, but there's only so much free time in the World (sadly). It might be worth it for the background and that, how much new stuff does it have? For example I am well versed in the usual 40k lore from rulebooks and codices etc since 2nd Edition so is it worth me getting if I'm unlikely to play the game?

 

From what I've read, the new things have to do with the scenario storyline of the Only War game itself, a bit like the Jericho Reach lore for Deathwatch.

 

There's a new traitor faction called the Severan Dominate, who are basically non-chaos Imperial rebels themed after Republican Rome. They worship the Emperor, but they are in a power struggle against the High Lords, ultimately deciding to secede from the Imperium. I am rather intrigued by their lore.

 

http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130216084312/warhammer40k/images/2/2d/SeverusXIII.jpg

 

http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130820185914/warhammer40k/images/e/e4/Severan_Dominate_Trooper.png

 

The scenarios are pretty well written, so if not for gaming, it could provide some interesting campaign ideas. Like I said, the quality of the writing is what got me, definitely a contrast in comparison to the standard Games Workshop codices.

[Warhawk Shizu]

If you simply like reading fluff etc it is well worth the buy I find. Me and my group has only had a brief foray into it (as we are busy with other games) but the core book as well as the Hammer of the Emperor expansion is fantastic. Tons of new info and pieces on practically all the major regiments as every major regiment seems to be getting a writeup. Then there is a detailed equipment section. And of course, my favourite... make your own regiment!^^ It is a great starting point for inspiring 40k armies I find.

 

Then there are all the random things, a overview of common medals, a randomly issued wargear table (everything you ask for wargear for your mission there is a chance the order gets messed up and you recieve someones dirty uniforms) and much more.

 

In my option the best of the "Core" books for any of FFG warhammer RPGs.

 

PS: The art is at times mindblowing!

[WarriorFish]

I do like Roman stuff too... very intriguing thanks for that Volsung :)

[Idlem]

I haven't played the game, but I picked up the book just for inspiration and fluff. It is also an amazing tool for those who want to create their own regiment PnP style. The only thing that bugs me is that there is a ton of art for female guardsmen and it taunts me that I have a severe lack of diversity in my squads now.

[-Volsung-]

You're most welcomed, all.

 

Indeed the female artwork for Only War is quite notable.

 

None of that overly-sexualized femme fatale look. If anyone want inspiration for what "realistic" looking Imperial Guardswoman would look like, these examples would be it. 

 

Here are some links:

 

Cadian Guardswomen:

 

http://static1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130604170938/warhammer40k/images/5/55/Cadian_Cmdr_female.jpg

 

http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130212005109/warhammer40k/images/f/fe/CadianShockTrooper2.jpg

 

Mordian Guardswomen:

 

http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130210224407/warhammer40k/images/8/8f/Mordian_Iron_Guard_female_trooper_2.jpg

 

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mHCRrfHHFWQ/UdZ_JRWPctI/AAAAAAAAAN4/Tq5IOhxCvu8/s600/450769_sm-Only%2520War,%2520The%2520hardships%2520of%2520war.jpg

 

I'm especially a fan of the Mordian guardswomen. Never been a Mordian fan at all, but now seeing that clean-cut look, reminds me of those US marine recruitment brochures where you see the men and women in full dress blues. Most impressive.

[WarriorFish]

Nice new artwork too, looks like the reasons to buy are increasing... Technically it would violate my "no new 40k" vow though, despite not being a model. Maybe something for after our new codex?

[-Volsung-]

So I just finished skimming the Hammer of the Emperor Supplement. Not as well written as the Core Rulebook, but still a ton of good information

 

In terms of Regiment information and fluff lore, here's what's included in both rulebook and supplement:

 

Core Rulebook:

 

- Cadian Shock Troop

- Catachan Jungle Fighters

- Death Korp of Krieg

- Elysian Drop Troops

- Maccabian Janissaries (new and unique to the game)

- Mordian Iron Guard

- Tallarn Desert Raiders

- Vostroyan Firstborn

 

- Ogryn (misc.)

- Ratlings (misc.)

- Creating a Regiment (misc.)

 

Hammer of the Emperor:

 

- Armageddon Steel Legion

- Attilan Rough Riders

- Brontian Longknives (new and unique to the game, I think...)

- Death Riders of Krief (special regiment for Death Korp)

- KASRKIN (special regiment for Cadian)

- Last Chancers

- SCINTILLAN FUSILIERS(new and unique to the game)

- Tanith First and Only

- Valhallans

 

 

From what I notice, the rulebook is up to date with Dark Vengeance, which is interesting.

 

Of note, the 5th edition IG codex doesn't even mention the Kasrkins once, and in this supplement, the Kasrkins are described as "grenadiers" acting as special force troop. Also, I notice a fluff change where Kasrkin are picked out during their Whiteshield service, but have to go through normal Guardsmen tours before being enrolled for Kasrkin training. This makes more sense, but I guess it overrides my previous understanding that Kasrkin are picked, "Space Marine style" from adolescence and trained to be Kasrkins. 

 

Also, of particular interest for me are the Scintillan Fusiliers.  These guardsmen seem based off of Revolutionary War Continental American soldiers, and the resulting look is pretty elegant and still fairly 40K

 

Here's some artwork:

 

http://static3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130603054651/warhammer40k/images/6/6a/Scintillan_Fusilier_Master_of_Ordnance2.jpg

 

http://static3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130603054336/warhammer40k/images/3/34/Scintillan_Fusilier_trooper.jpg

 

http://static2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130603054605/warhammer40k/images/8/82/Scintillan_Fusilers_charge.jpg

 

 

Oh, and this is a good image too:

 

http://0-media-cdn.foolz.us/ffuuka/board/tg/image/1358/83/1358835604728.jpg

 

From my understanding, it is actually very rare for IG to be a "purist" force where it's all cadians, or all catachans. More often than not, a entire Imperial army on the march is more like a Medieval army than a World War 2 army, meaning it would be a very colorful arrangement of troops (Space marines from DIFFERENT chapters, Knights, Titans, tanks, IG regiments) from countless worlds in their different attires. 

[-Volsung-]

EDIT: I also noticed that many of these regiments (that is, the non-Games Workshop ones) have the information from Only War on the 40K wiki page (where the images are linked from)

 

If any of these interest you, the information on the Wiki page is consistent, if not the exact phrasing, as from the Only War rulebook, minus only a few RPG-related details (like individual soldier's attitude, and the role the regiment plays in the conflict surrounding the RPG storyline)

[WarriorFish]

I think I've encountered the Janissaries in my DH game....

 

Thanks for taking the time to write out a summary of contents Volsung, it is very much appreciated :D

[Warhawk Shizu]

A very spot on summary Volsung. All the regiments also comes with fantastic artwork and they keep reappearing throughout the book. Some of the artwork is really mind blowing, like the Steel Legion Trooper with a flamer. the female Mordian and my favourites, the Fusiliers. Though allow me to arrest you, they are not strictly based off American Civil War soldiers. They are simply based of the late 18th/napoleonic era uniforms. While the colour scheme is similar it reminds me even more of contemporary french troops (same colours), and there lion iconografy and "we art better then thau" posh personality is certainly much more "british" if I may be so rude XD

 

But that aside I completely agree they are a fantastic regiment. Also I think another piece of very interesting information from a fluff point of view is the armoury section though, as perhaps said before. In there you find loads of very spesific information on stuff like the power setting of a lasgun, the different types of lasguns etc. Pretty cool stuff^^

 

Ohh and have you actually started playing it Volsung? Would love to hear about that if you have. My group found it a very enjoyable game for the scenario we did.

[-Volsung-]

Hah, tis really nothing. Just as simple as copying the table of contents. Glad to be service, if it helps!

Uunfortunately ever since I started grad school, haven't had time for any RPG or 40K. Can't wait for free time so I can paint!

But otherwise, nothing like a lore-stuffed rulebook for bedside reading! They can never take that from me!