Thoughts on "Counts as" Primaris units

[Halandaar]

Hi all,

 

First off, I just want to say that I do really like the Primaris range and it's my intention to build a full army of them at some point (I have the models from Dark Imperium, but nothing else at the moment). The thing is though, I'm really not keen on the big discrepancy in scale/style between the Primaris and the older Astartes models, so I'm really reluctant to mix them in the same force, even though this is the best way to use them from a rules perspective.

 

Anyway, I've recently been building up a Dark Angels successor force, making use of existing Tactical, MKIII and MKIV kits, along with obviously bikers and Terminators and all those cool DA models. I'm going Plasma-heavy, just because DA, and I've subsequently been thinking about whether it's feasible to have some counts-as Primaris units built from the older kits for inclusion in this force (and perhaps my Blood Angels successors too). Chiefly i'm thinking about Plasma-Inceptors and Hellblasters, because DA. Statline wise the only real difference is the extra wound, which is something Honour Guard already have, so it's not as if normal sized marines can't be a bit tougher. The real issue is their gear.

 

So, after all that rambling, essentially what I'm asking is whether anybody has explored the idea already and has examples; do Hellblaster arms look ridiculous on Oldstartes bodies? Or is a better way to represent them to use something like the Mars Pattern Plasma Cannons? Regarding Inceptors, how about a Moritat/Destroyer-style unit of jump pack gunslingers with Plasma weapons?

 

Would be grateful to hear any thoughts or see any examples you might have!

[Kinstryfe]

Imho, both old-Marines-as-primaris and primaris-as-old-Marines only really work if you're running a force that only contains one type, not both. Once you're mixing it up, I feel that it will /usually/ have the /potential/ to be confusing for your opponent. Especially for units that could, theoretically, be either. Captains, Lieutenants, Librarians could confuse because they look just like your Astartes and Primaris troops. If you absolutely must try it in the same army, I would recommend considering using the old 25mm bases for old marines and 32mm bases for primaris. I'd even say to go further and build up higher bases for primaris, so they're tall enough to look the part.

 

That said, if primaris arms fit old bodies, that's a good way to do it. Things like the primaris jump pack things instead of traditional packs may help to drive home what the models are as well. The important thing is getting them to look obviously enough like the primaris to make it minimally confusing. Do that, and you're golden.

[Halandaar]

The important thing is getting them to look obviously enough like the primaris to make it minimally confusing. Do that, and you're golden.

 

I agree that minimising the potential for confusion is really important, and that's what I hope to achieve. I don't want to field a unit that counts as Hellblasters but just looks like a Plasma Cannon Devastator Squad, I need it to look like something else. 

 

That said, rule of cool is king and gaming concerns are, to me, pretty much secondary.

[Blindhamster]

just run them as regular squads, is honestly what I'd say.

I really dislike the idea of mixing the two types from a rules perspective whilst using just the one type from a model perspective. But that's just me of course.

[Wargamer]

I'm actually doing this the other way around when my parts arrive - using converted Reivers as Space Marine Scouts.

I do like the new models, but I'm not entirely sold on their rules.

[RikuEru]

Interceptors could be hard to differentiate from regular squads with - maybe if you give them longer bolters, with a small shield to represent the additional wound?

 

The Hellblasters can be easily done. Just give a squad of five marines all plasma guns. Maybe in Mk3 armor (not necessarily helmet, if you want to mix) for the additional wound?

(Reminiscing old HH era squads)

 

And to mark them for your opponent as counts-as-primaris, give them different squad markings than regular squads have.

Or specially marked helmets - all in bone white - a la Deathwing Armor - so they are hardier, more specialized veteran squads fluffwise!?)

[Halandaar]

I'm actually doing this the other way around when my parts arrive - using converted Reivers as Space Marine Scouts.

 

I do like the new models, but I'm not entirely sold on their rules.

 

Great idea, I'm not really fond of the Scout models myself. I'd be interested to see how those turn out for you.

 

And to mark them for your opponent as counts-as-primaris, give them different squad markings than regular squads have.

Or specially marked helmets - all in bone white - a la Deathwing Armor - so they are hardier, more specialized veteran squads fluffwise!?)

 

Actually, doing different coloured helmets is a pretty nice way of visually calling out which squads are "counts as" and which aren't. Even if i come up with good model solutions, I may still do this just for extra clarity.

[Wargamer]

I'm waiting on parts from Anvil, so picks won't be here until Jan / Feb. ;)

[Race Bannon]

If I were to use old-as-Primaris, I would use a piece that is specific to those units and keep it consistent.  To me, as Primaris Marines have the same helmet, then that it where I would go - find a style not in the GW range and go gang-busters.  Maybe even paint the helmet a certain style, color or marking.  Heck, maybe use a special backpack?

 

So, although the models between old and "Primaris" Marines are the same size, there is a visual representation that differentiates them which is not small (like a purity seal), or requires some point of view (like a shoulder pad).