Theory on Vanguard Veterans

[L30n1d4s]

I have heard several people say this now, and I tend to agree, both based on what we have seen from the Index and based on what GW has done in the past: I think the new SM Codex will include new Vanguard Veterans (and a new Primaris Jump Pack Captain to lead them). I think they will be analogous to Sternguard and Terminators in that you will get new Primaris Models for them, but that GW will allow you to use either the new or old models, and they will also get some significantly buffed rules from the (very mediocre) showing they have here in the Space Marine Index.

 

Specifically, I am guessing that the new Vanguard Veteran units will all have required Jump Packs (otherwise, they would compete with Bladeguard as elite foot sloggers melee troops), they will get access to one of three options for each model: 1) dual Lightning Claws; 2) Thunder Hammer/Storm Shield; or 3) Heirloom Weapons (almagamized version fo PWs that are 4A WS3+ S5 AP-2 Dmg1, with "Sustained Hits 1" built in) and Heirloom Pistols (Pistol, Assault, 18" 1A S5 AP-2 Dmg1).

 

I am also guessing that they will get a special rule analogous to their Sternguard cousins that, once per game, lets them fight twice in the Fight phase. USR-wise, they would have Deep Strike (due to Jump Packs) and Scouts 9", to represent their versatility as melee veterans. Finally, I am guessing the new Primaris Jump Captain would be designed to synergize with them, giving the unit Rites of Battle (for a Free Strat) and +1Dmg for melee weapons on the charge, plus some nice close combat capability of his own.

 

Obviously, this is all supposition (dare I say wish-listing), but I think it lines up with how GW does business (they follow patterns when they release things, and if Sternguard work, then why not do the same thing with Vanguard), it kind of explains the lackluster effort on VV in the Index if it is true (i.e. they will replaced in just a month or two anyway with new models/rules), and it falls in line with GW trying to replicate classic models, like Terminators/Sternguard, in the new Primaris scale.

 

We'll see, I could be completely wrong, but I think there is a strong chance that this will actually happen.

Edited June 10, 2023 by L30n1d4s

[Kallas]

You're almost certainly right that GW is going to be releasing new Jump Pack Primaris.

 

21 minutes ago, L30n1d4s said:

GW will allow you to use either the new or old models

If Sternguard are an example, then no. They'll have fewer options and the old options won't be present.

[Blindhamster]

sternguard will get more options once the mpk comes out, almost guarantee it, much how intercessors were literally just 10 dudes with bolters on initial release via index in 8th

[Captain Idaho]

To be honest, Intercessors still are 10 dudes with bolters. They got accessories to attach onto bolters and some Sergeant weapons.

 

I reckon they'll be some Sergeant weapon at best, but nothing for the Sternguard squad themselves. The reason I say this is the Terminator squad has weapons that are intended but not present in the new kit.

 

As for Vanguard... I think GW are in a position where they have to stick to Heirloom weapons like Chosen/Possessed as otherwise Vanguard make Bladeguard obsolete. They're essentially just Bladeguard anyway, in concept. Guys with swords and shield could always be built etc. Once they're Primaris like Bladeguard, the point of them being separate just feels... pointless.