Open forum is the column where we (you the readers and your editor) discuss rules interpretation, clarification, revisions, new rules, necessary rules, or anything else that needs to be dealt with in Warhammer 40K. We will bring up questions, problems and issues and open them to the readership for feedback. So send in your questions and concerns!

PLAYERS DIRECTORY

If you would like to be listed in a Warhammer 40K players directory so that other players can contact you for GAMING or whatever please send your name and either address or phone number (your choice) and an S.A.S.E. by October 1, 1992 and I will put together a list so we can all contact each other directly.

BACK ISSUES

I've combined issues #1 and #2 into a single 20 page issue that will be available when issue #6 comes out (probably early October). If you want a copy send $3.00 plus $0.50 postage and I will send it with your subscription copy of #6. Sent separately it will be $3.00 plus $1.00 postage.

SCALING FROM EPIC SCALE TO 40K SCALE

Inquisitor #2 had an article on scales in 40K. It gave a complicated formula for converting Epic dimensions to 40K dimensions. We've been working on the scales more and have come up with simpler numbers for converting from Epic to 40K scale. Since the Epic Titans are a different scale than the vehicles there are two conversion numbers. For vehicles, multiply any Epic dimension by 5.25 to get its 40K equivalent. For Titans multiply by 6.1 to get 40K dimensions. For the larger Ork Battle Fortresses (Skullhamma, Gibletgrinda) this is the minimum enlargement. Because they are built to the whims of Ork Mekboyz these vehicles can be larger, up to about seven times Epic scale.

BATTLE MANUAL

Coming soon to a game store near you is Games Workshop's new Warhammer 40,000 Battle Manual with revised weapon rules, new simplified close combat rules, revisions and clarifications of the grenade types as well as weapons templates and status counters. This book makes many needed changes to the weapons rules, including many that we have all been asking for over the years.

Hurray! Bravo! Great job Rick and friends! Thanks from all of us. I suggest that all players adopt these weapons changes as soon as you can get your hands (or claws as the case may be) on this book.

Some of the highlights include:

Shooting

A -1 "to hit" modifier when firing from a vehicle moving at "fast" speed, including vehicle mounted weapons. Speed related "to hit" modifiers only go to -2 maximum. Deviation has been simplified-roll to hit as normal, a hit catches everything completely under the template, while a miss deviates with the possibility of exciting dud shots. Grenades are no longer slow weapons and range is based on thrower's strength. A model must be on overwatch to be able stand and fire against charging troops. Follow Fire is now called sustained fire and weapons can jam and then be repaired.

Weapons

Shuriken Pistol has -2 save mod. All Flamers have a cone shaped template and hit automatically. Melta Guns are no longer slow weapons. Assault Cannon is not a slow weapon and can explode! Auto Cannon has sustained fire. Cyclone no longer hits automatically on salvo fire. Imperial Heavy Bolter has Hellfire ammo. Heavy Plasma Gun no longer has sustained fire. Missile Launchers have only six types of ammo; Antiplant, Blind, Frag, Krak, Melta and Plasma.

Support Weapons

Distortion Cannon and Rapier are slow weapons, while the Tarantula is not. All three weapons have a 4" move. Distortion Cannon deviates twice, automatically. Thudd Gun remains slow but now has a 72" range and can fire speculative (indirect) shots.

Weapons apparently no longer available:

Grenade Launcher (This may reappear later as a mortar.)
Neuro Disruptor
Sawn-off Shotgun
Digital Needle Gun and Flamer
Knockout Grenades
Melta Grenades (available as missiles only)

The following weapons are covered in the appropriate Army Lists and are not included in the book.
Eldar Ancient Weapons
Ork Kustom weapons
Terminator Grenade Harness
Terminator Captain's Grenade Launcher
Barbed Strangler

UPCOMING ARTICLES

Scouts, Recon Squads, Terminator Squad types - Any ideas, theories or suggestions are welcome.