So you want to play 30k; you’ve got your Betrayal at Calth and the red books. But now what legion should you play?
This is arguably the most important decision you’re going to make when you play this game. It will have more effect on your army building than anything in the world and that’s why deciding on a legion and the color scheme is one of the most important aspects of 30k, arguably more so than in 40k.
Your Legion and You: Subverting Traditional Legion Archetypes
“Of course Simon. Obviously. “ But it’s not nearly so obvious as one might think, because often times we are hidebound by what we believe legions must be. But we have to remember, Legions are made up of over 150,000 marines, and it would stand to reason that there would be quite a bit of variance within a given legion.
For example, lets look at Bob. Bob really likes the Night Lords color scheme and their sense of justice. Unfortunately, he is not so fond of the sadism that runs rampant throughout the legion, nor that they happened to turn traitor. But, this does not mean Bob should not play Night Lords, quite the opposite in fact. As Bob reads through Conquest again, he notes a blurb about Loyalist Night Lords, and thinks back to the Crimson Sons referenced in Massacre. An idea begins to formulate in Bob’s head and he realizes that he can absolutely play the VIII legion still.
Perhaps his praetor is a Terran Veteran, who still believes in the old days, and has recruited those with a similar mindset. Perhaps this is why they stay loyal, or the massacre at Istvaan made the warriors realize they had gone too far. The great thing is legion rules and war gear can still be used. For example, Bob wants his Praetor to have Trophies of Judgment, but finds the commonly accepted flayed skin cloaks or body parts to be something his Praetor would be against. Instead, he puts a half crucified Astartes upon his back, with something labeling him as a traitor.
This is something that can be done in every legion, and in regards to canon, you’re not deviating far at all. Another example is you have Amit and the 5th company of the Blood Angels, or the 22nd chapter of the Ultramarines, who embody a darker, less pristine version of their legions. The thing you have to remember when building your legion is the sky is the limit. Even color schemes are flexible, to a degree (Black Veteran Fists, references to multiple XX legion Schemes), so if you want your Iron Hands assault army, or a fast Death Guard army, go ahead.
Forge World has created such a rich and flavor sandbox for us to play in, and in all likelihood your legion will fit. Are there limits? Of course. But they are a bit looser than we often seem to think, despite 30k being a “historical” game. Next time, we’ll look at a Salamanders force who are not happy about Istvaan.
Good luck and good gaming!
Simon
Simon has been an avid fan of the Heresy since he found Horus Rising in a Barnes and Noble and took it home. At the time, he had no idea what Warhammer was, nor that he would become so entrenched the lore. An avid Ultramrines player, he has recently started a second force of the IX legion. Simon is a member of The Forgotten Legion 30k, a gaming club located in Texas and focused exclusively on the Horus Heresy. You can follow his personal blogs, as well as The Forgotten Legion 30k, using the links below.
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