Re: [Epic] Space Marine Chapters

From: sauron1 <sauron1_at_...>
Date: Tue, 06 May 1997 04:44:36 -0700

David Lado wrote:
>
> >I have a question concerning Space Marine chapters.
> >According to GW fluff, SM chapters have roughly 1000 fighting men, but if
> >you consider the huge amount of IG troops available, these numbers are
> >ridiculous.
> >Ex: Every planet recruits 1% of its population. "Fluffing", Davin VII had
> >7 billion people (so it had an army of 70 million soldiers !). Could you
> >imagine what a 1000 space marine force could do on a planet like this?
> >NOTHING!!! Maybe destroy a few HQ's and then be completely wiped out!
> >When you read the battle for Armageddon, 3 chapters led the liberation of
> >the planet against the sprawling ork army of Ghazgull. Great! 3000 marines
> >against a few million crazed green-skins.
>
> Actually, if you get a chance to play the boardgame "Battle for Armagedon",
> you can get a feel for the fluff of the SMs. At the height of the battle,
> the IG may have about 30 regiment sized units representing militia, regular,
> and armor units as well as a few specialized units, such as a titan legion
> and assault regiment. During the game, 3 legions of SMs arrive, each
> represented by a single counter. Their stats are good, but they are not
> even the best in the IG army. Still, they have good attack stats, good
> defense stats and fast movement, and their apperance gives the IG some
> much needed offensive punch with the enough mobility to get most anywhere
> in one turn.
>
> The result actually follows the feel of the fluff rather well. Even though
> the marines add nothing in terms of numbers (3 units here or there doesn't
> make a difference), and their stats are not spectacular (though they are
> good), they still have a tremendous impact (plus, their commander kicks ass).
> They have enough offensive punch to break through the enemy lines and
> enough defensive power to hold the line, and their excellent speed means
> you will find some marines at the front of every IG offensive. So you
> end up with a situation quite like the e40k fluff, with a small bunch
> of marines that seem to find themselves in the midst of every important
> battle on the front. Likewise, you never see them operating on their own,
> since you always want IG units around to bolster their numbers and soak up
> casualties.
>
> I'm not saying it's realistic, but the fluff is internally consistent with
> the kind of "grand strategy" concieved of in the game.

sauron1 writes; The analogy is very mutch like WWII Tank units.Quickly
brought to a danger point,fast hard attack,followed by a withdrawl to a
refit zone while slower larger infantry heavy units with artillery
support replaces them on the gainned/regainned ground.The names
have changed but the tactics haven't.Lindle Hart developed thease tactics
in the 20's.Demonstratted them on Salisbery plain in 1928. And watched
others use them in the 40's.Elite fast attack units have existted
evesince. sauron1
Received on Tue May 06 1997 - 11:44:36 UTC