Okay, since the forum itself seems to be a bit on a slow boat (going in circles) right now, I'll try to add something bit more constructive.

What about a new (house rule) formation: the infamous Space Marine Pile Formation.

Any suggestion as to mechanics? I suggest at least some form of Immunity to Psychology (other than a stationary form of frenzy perhaps) and a nullification of enemy outnumbering bonuses. Further ideas?

Alex

PS Why the heck hasn't this been included already (according to the sheets)?

ak-73 said:

The game itself seems like it is on the slow boat right now.

What exactly do you mean by the Pile?

If it is what I am thinking off, it really isn't a valid tactical formation (Former Marine Infantryman and MOUT Instructor here)

Baradiel said:

http://www.cold-moon.com/40k/Miniatures/Mortant7th/PaintedV6/40kCompendium.jpg
http://www.johnsibbick.com/images/fantasy-im/war.jpg
http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Codex:_Space_Marines_%283rd_Edition%29

A true classic last stand formation. I figured that if we have defensive stances, this one should not be missed out.

Alex

I was certain it was the formation i always used to transport my marines from tabletop to tabletop. big pile on a shoebox.

Ahh, the classic "One grenade to kill them all" formation. I love artists, and their typical lack of tactical sense or attention to detail. The SM with shins bigger than their thighs, the weapons that fire caseless ammo with shells fling from them, the scaled pictures of a SM that is less then 7 feet tall even while fully armored, the WWII atmospheric style dog fights in space complete with sound effects, the barrels of bolters that have to be at least 2 inches in diameter. The list is never ending.

Dagda said:

Just to clarify my outlook: we're dealing with a setting in which there are people called 'Alpharius Omegon'.

Do we really want to get into realism here? I mean who is next - Doc Savage?

Even those that think these covers are over the top might agree that some kind of last stand formation would be nice. Ideally after the total group wound points would below a certain percentage... hmmm....

Alex

ak-73 said:

After all, in the bling-bling light of the real world there is no place for silly names...

Kage

Kage2020 said:

Sure, Kage2020 , but resorting to Flashy (Gordony) names all over is one the ten sure tell-tale signs of Pulp Fiction.

And if you wanna take it there, then let's have a look at the sizes of some weapons. Or people with staffs that have huge thorns all over - how practical and realistic is that? And so on and so on and so on.

The setting is full of exaggerations and downright nonsense , made only part of the setting for effect. There has been no effort made to make the game look realistic, but only to make it filled with over-the-top drama.

I like this over-the-toppiness. But I consider the setting nonsensical from a realism pov all across the board. Don't you too?

Alex