Welcome to a new segment here on Spikey Bits, where I go over some rules clarifications and “gotchas” for 5th Edition.
I realize that there may only be less than a year left for this rules set, but there is still tons of time for gaming!
Not to mention there are a few big tournaments left to attend as well. So let’s get to it shall we?
Today im going to chat a little about the Space Marine Special Rule “and they shall know no fear” (ATSKNF).
This rule pretty much is the icing on the cake as far as setting Space Marines apart from any other race (you know, lol, besides their 3+ save and other awesome stats).
Most players know that because of this rule Marines can in fact rally when under 50% strength, and are not wiped out when caught by a sweeping advance after losing combat (but instead suffer from the “no retreat” rule).
BUT what a lot of players don’t know is the fun doesn’t stop there. Marines become super-motivated when they rally, ignoring the normal restrictions on movement and firing.
According to the rules a Marine with ATSKNF rallys he can essentially consolidate 3″, make his normal 6″ move, AND fire any weapons as if he did not move.
Lets take a look at why, and keep in mind this is just RAW with no hint of WAAC wordsmithing.
On page 51 of the Space Marine codex under the ANSKNF heading: “Space Marines automatically pass all tests to regroup……. Usually troops that regroup cannot move normally and always count as moving whether they do or no, but THESE RESTIRCTIONS do not apply to models subject to this special rule.
Upon further review with several TO’s this morning Marines can only move the 3″ consolidation and be allowed to fire heavy weapons.
Thanks to everyone for pointing this out, and I am sorry that I got one small part of the article wrong.
Now flip to page 46 of the main rule book in the Regrouping Section; second paragraph under the bulleted points:
“If a unit successfully passes its leadership test it stops falling back and regroups (automatic for marines see above). The unit can immediately move up to 3″ (describes consolidation). Once a unit has regrouped, it cannot otherwise move during the movement phase (see above), but otherwise behaves as normal (shooting, launching assaults, etc).”
Wow so regrouping is pretty good for marines, they can basically move up to 9 inches, (3″ of that ignores cover cause it’s a consolidate) and fire heavy weapons as well???
All for the low low price of 18-20-ish points ea depending on flavor, lol.
There is another way this benefits Codex Marines even more, I’ll get into that next time -MBG
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About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at the Las Vegas Open, each of which attracts thousands of players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the 2011 Adepticon 40k Team Tournament. He was even featured for his painting in issue #304 of Games Workshop’s White Dwarf Magazine.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
