beastmasters as a subfaction?

it just sort of appears like a really missed opportunity with the codex. i think it would do a lot to make the beast units actually useful, and right now we have a whole chunk of models that really have no role.


beast master = Hq
razorwing flock = fast attack
clawed fiend = fills a basic troop slot (instead of fast attack)
ur-ghul = fills an elite slot
khymerae = fast attack

i mean a jazzed up beast master would make for a decent Hq unit and this would offer a way to give them their own set of obsessions that could in turn make these useful units.

were not losing anything by taking them out of the court and these are all units that would benefit from unique obsessions (and some fluffy wargear/ artifacts for beast masters)

I really like this idea, especially the moving of Ur-ghuls to beasts instead of CotA. I'd put Khymerae as the troop choice (sold in packs of 2), clawed fiends in the elites. Then you could really branch it out with heavy supports (wyches on beasts). Move them all to plastic and you have a great addition to DE.

i like that a bit better, good call.

I've been thinking for a long time that the wych cults could get a heavy support in the form of a beast :/ I mean they bread tyranid hybrids for sport so why not anything else that's huge and usable on the battlefield?

Three subfactions is a lot already, and cramps list design enough.

If Beasts were a fourth one, it would mean either they wouldn't be taken (similar to current) or they would have to displace one of the other three subfactions to fit into a list.

Having some slot diversity and plastic models would be neat though.

I like the idea someone posted in another thread of making Beastmasters into Blades for Hire. I'd also make them an HQ and beef up their aura and stats a little. Gives us an extra HQ option that can be taken in any Drukhari detachment without losing the obsession which helps with list building. I'd also change the matched play restrictions to max 3 Beast units per Beastmaster and switch Khymerae to Troops and Clawed Fiends to Elites.

I agree wholeheartedly with making them all blades for hire. It would add abjure amount of flexibility to list construction in a codex with pretty strict detachment requirements. Would be much appreciated

I’ve been a proponent of the blades for hire idea for a long time, and I urge everyone to write into GW faq address with this suggestion. It would be a very simple change for them to make.

40kfaq@gwplc.com

Really love my Beasts, and Clawed Fiends are great for dealing with things like Terminators and Primaris Marines.

I think the idea of having "Blades of Hire" would work better for something like Kill Teams in the future. Would love to run a Beast Master and his alien monsters in a tiny skirmish. Really would give the feel of hunting the opponent.