Should TOs go out of their way to allow Sisters of Silence and Custodes into 40k events?
Disclaimer: This article operates under the assumption that GW will not release rules in 40k for these models, ever.
Hello everyone! PeteyPab here with an editorial article about the models that are taking the 40k world by storm. The Legio Custodes, and Sisters of Silence have been factions in the fluff that players have wanted rules and models for since the dawn of time (like 30ish years). This move is another blockbuster hit release from GW and I would say that at the rate GW is going we are on the cusp of a golden era of 40k. Age of Sigmar is already experiencing a renaissance of sorts, and 40k is sure to follow. Gw is listening to players and releasing key fun factions that shake up both the hobbying world, and competitive world. There is a dark side however, and that is, GW still seems to be stuck on certain archaic parts of their rules which may be very frustrating to players.
Exhibit A 
Before you go into the “but they can ally as imperium and I can take them!” blah blah blah argument, sadly that is not the case. Just check out the rules here. I’ll wait for you….
Is your jaw back in place? If you missed the part where they can’t be taken in regular games of 40k because the models are so gorgeous, let me help you out. Those symbols at the top of the dataslate in the middle. Those are faction symbols. Which means each of these units are their own faction and therefore cannot be taken in any detachments except for a Combined Arms Detachment. But they are Elites choices so… you ge the idea. I don’t want to beat this argument to death, since that is not the point of this article. The point of this article is… what are event organizers going to do about it?
This release is a very popular release. Imperium players are coming out of the woodwork and getting into 40k. The hobby is growing, and imagine the looks on their faces when they buy, build, and paint their models only to show up at an event and find out that they cannot take them because unbound lists are not allowed.
I know what some of you are thinking. “Just don’t play at 40k tournaments! Those are unfun anyways!”. Whoa, hold on there tiger. Remember, everyone should have the option to play these models in whatever setting they want. Besides, casual games are not the issue here. You are allowed to house rule and morph the game however you want in your friend’s garage. That is ok, everyone enjoys this game differently and I envy the players who have small play groups and are not worried about not getting a chance to use their amazing new models. Which brings me to potential solutions.
So how do we deal with this conundrum? First off, we have to identify the one most important thing. Do NOT allow unbound 40k in tournaments just for these two units. Imperium players have a lot of influence in the 40k community (there are just sooo many of them). Don’t give in to the pressure, and remember, unbound carries a negative stigma and creates an entirely new uncharted meta which coud have a negative effect on event attendance. So sorry, unbound is not allowed. Here are some solutions I think make the most sense.
- Make a separate detachment for both factions that allows 0-3 elite choices, with no further benefits.
- Allow them as Elites choices for all/certain imperium factions.
- Allow them as unbound choices, but only in games where 30k is also allowed, and only in 30k armies.
- Wait for GW
- Not allow them at all
I am interested to read what you guys think. Obviously, I am a writer for Frontlinegaming but this is not an official ITC release. As a matter of fact I think it is important for all Tournament Organizers to think about the potenital ramifications of allowing, or disallowing these models.