Basically I'm trying to figure out a reasonable array of equipment for my players. Going off the wargame rules space marines typically tote around a Bolter, Bolt pistol, Frag and Krak grenades, a combat knife, and an obscene amount of ammo.

There is an apothecary character in the group who wants to carry a bolter and chainsword. Would he be able to carry a pistol as well? What about an assault marine? What array of weapons could he carry?

There's no hard and fast rules. A bolter, pistol, chainsword, combat knife and grenades strikes me as being absolutely fine. Remember that rifles haves slings for when they aren't in use.

Some people have tried formal systems, such as only 'five hands worth' of stuff (pistol = one hand, boltgun =2, melee weapon = one hand), but I don't think that's strictly required, just so long as players are sensible.

Yeah, no strict rules, just use your common sense/intuition. Five "hands worth" seems about right though. If a character buys Mag-Locks, you might let them get away with more than if they didn't have them.

Boltgun, bolt pistol, chainsword seems well within reason. Combat Knife probably doesn't even take up really any room, since you could strap it just about anywhere. As long as the character has obvious places for things, i.e. right hip, left hip, back, knife strapped to arm or chest.

We had this topic several times before and this was my final house rule:

Standard kit:
- Pistol (Bolt, Plasma, Melta, Web, etc.)
- Combat Knife
- Grenades (6x)

Additional Kit:
- Heavy Weapon or Basic Weapon
- Hand Weapon (Sword, Axe, Club or any type) or Basic Weapon

So basically 5 hands and sound judgement...

Examples:

Tactical Kill Marine:
- Bolt Pistol
- Combat Knife
- Grenades (3x Krak, 3x Frag)
- Boltgun
- Stalker Boltgun (Mag Lock)

Devastator Marine:
- Missile Launcher
- Plasma Pistol
- Combat Knife
- Boltgun (Maglock)
- 2 Extra Missiles (instead of grenades)

The Marine Boltgun while big for a normal man is relatively small for a Marine, it lacks a but stock so is about the size of their upper leg, not that much bigger as the bolt pistol so I would allow most marines to carry an extra basic weapon.

Santiago said:

Yup, I guess you could easily use maglocks to carry them on the upper leg. Or spring hooks and leather holsters as the poor man's solution, though that won't look nearly as cool.

And I really like the kit idea.

Lynata said:

incidentally pg 157 the actual dipole maglock section does imply that maglocks are common and free. its the dipole part that you pay requisition for. so personally I wont give extra carry capacity for dipole maglocks.

Charmander said:

I do, too - in general. A basic boltgun holster however would likely make the Marine look like he's carrying some kid's school bag on his leg. ;P

Narkasis: Good spotting! Thanks for pointing this out - I did indeed miss that normal maglocks don't even require requisition.

Have them blu-tack all the equipment they want to use onto a miniature representing their character. The point at which people start to laugh is the point at which the limit has been reached.

Battybattybats said:

Best. Idea. Ever.

Heroic 25mm scale sort of hampers that idea, but it's amazing enough that I don't care.

Didn't they try that with the 54mm Inquisitor miniatures?

And yes, amazing idea.

Siranui said:

Absolutely. this should be official

How is everyone handling missiles? The book says that Frag and Krak missiles are included standard with a missile launcher, is that a full "clip" of each? And if so, how is that transported?

arcticintel said:

If I recall correctly from my way-back-Space Marine miniatures, the missile guy has a short clip of rockets (3 in a row) that can be attached to the miniature itself, like on the backpack. You could also use maglock to attach them to your legs. Also, some missile launcher patterns come with an entire magazine instead of just a single shot pre-loaded in the tube.

Found a reference pic!

Yea, the launcher comes with a backpack autoloader that I'm assuming holds 8 rounds, the specified clip size. But if you get one clip of each, your still running around with another 8 missiles somewhere.

An autoloader? How the hell is that going to work - or is it some sort of servo-arm? *blinks*

Anyways, yeah, now I see the issue, 8 missiles is a bit much. But hey ... two on each thigh, another two on each foot? Or maybe those missiles are simply way smaller than those on the pictures, would at least explain why there are so many in the "magazine". In that case I'd just maglock the clip somewhere.

It's more or less like a giant clip for the launcher by my best guess.

Servo Arm with the backpack:

Lul. Okay, that clears this up I guess - thanks for posting the pic, my oldschool Marine minis didn't have such crazy stuff.

Funny this. I was thinking of making a picture graph of all the places upon a space marine where they might equip or store their gear. And the penalties they might encounter... say if they think they can get away with carrying 2 heavy weapons. If I get it made up I might upload it.