Poll: What would you Like to See in an Allies Supplement for Warhammer 40.000?

OK. I am going to lean far out into the rumour-sphere on this one. But it’s something that had me thinking for a while, so I thought I write a post about it and throw you guys and girls a question. Allies in Warhammer 40K. Specifically, the 40K allies supplement rumoured to be released by Games Workshop next summer. Assuming it comes to pass, what would you like to see covered?

The 40k Allies Supplement: A Puzzle of Rumours

I enjoy following the latest rumours making the rounds on sites like Faeit212.

One fairly consistent rumour over the past few months calls for a 40K supplement in the Summer of 2013, which will be dedicated to allies. The new allied-rules of Warhammer 40K 6th Edition certainly offer the opportunity to add not only allies from other Warhammer 40K Codexes, but possibly also smaller forces from such a supplement.

Three leads make such a supplement quite likely (in my humble opinion).

• It is rumoured to coincide with the make-over of Tau Empires. They would – for obvious reasons – be the ideal army to showcase the versatility of (expanded) allies.

Tau Codex early next year.

Kroot and other existing allies are there, however they are limited. There appears to be an “Allies” supplement which will be out about the same time and include many more options.

•  The (disputed) 2013 Summer Release list with mentions of “Imperial Agents”

281047530110208 Imperial Agents Obsideo Assassin RE
281049111440209 Imperial Agents Deathwatch Kill Team PL 
281049230140202 Imperial Agents Deathwatch Librarian RE

•  There seems to be some sort of 40K supplement planned according to more recent release-schedule rumours. It would, last but not least, fit the pattern of ‘Storm of Magic‘ released in the year after Warhammer Fantasy Battle 8th Edition.

APR: High Elves
MAY: Tau
JUN: Summer wave (40k, supplement book for 40k)
JUL: Lizardmen
AUG: Mystery Box

So… What if?

Rumours are still rumours. But, let’s run with this one for a moment.

I think an allies supplment – or ‘Codex: Allies’ – could be a great way to explore some of the smaller factions, races and parties in the Warhammer 40K universe. Those, which likely do not call for a codex (and a full line of miniatures) on their own.

There are three types of allies that seem possible.

#1 – Minor Xenos Races

If the allies concept is launched with a new Codex for the Tau, possibly even written to showcase the versatility of the Tau Empire in using allies, adding more minor Xenos races in the vein of Kroot and Vespids is an obvious choice.

There are certainly a few fan favourites out there: Demiurg, Nicassar, Barghesi Shapeshifters. Some even fancy Eldar Exodites (though I think that’s a long shot).

#2 – Imperial Agents and Sub-Factions

There is no doubt that the 40K background for the Imperium is incredibly rich and detailed. It is also chock-full of things people have long wanted to see in the game.

If the leaked 2013 release list is not simply a hoax, Death Watch and new variations of Imperial Assassins could make an appearance.

What else? Adeptus Mechanicus units? Imperial Cults?

#3 – Mercenaries and Pirates

Mercenaries, Freebooterz, Pirates and Corsairs. This one is more a catch-all category for things that might not fit comfortably into the above. Unlike Dogs of War in Warhammer Fantasy, the 40K universe has fewer scope for mercenaries. Mainly due to its immense, epic scale of things, which makes fighting for “gold” seem too trivial by far.

And the mercenaries that exist in the current background tend to be firmly tied to an existing faction: Ork Freebooterz, Eldar Corsairs or Kroot Mercs.

Mercenaries could of course, similar to the Henchmen entry in the Grey Knights Codex, by motley crews of just about everything. A Rogue Trader leader, renegade psykers, the odd-Xenos tag-along, etc.. .

Would you welcome 40K ‘Dogs of War’?

The PinsofWar Allies Poll! What would you like to see?

I am looking forward to your opinions.

Leave a comment!

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