I'm starting a game playing a devestator Marine.

Looking at the signature wargear talent (which I susspect I'll want to take eventually) I don't necessarily see a lot that I'd want.

Would it be legal as written to use the 20 points from signature wargear to upgrade the standard bolter with a motion sensor (assuming that the character had sufficient renown) rather than getting an additional item? Along the same line of thought, is upgrading the Heavy bolter to a Master quality weapon 40 points (double the requisition of a heavy bolter) or just 20 points (the difference between the requisition of a "common" heavy bolter and master heavy bolter).

Or perhaps it would be better for me to ask if there has been any information on this issue from FFG or if there is any frequently used practice to use signature wargear requisition points to upgrade rather than replace one's gear . Looking at the text it seems to me that the answers to my two above questions are "no" and "40".

Also I realize from reading the forum a bit that the Heavy Bolter numbers seem a bit too strong (from the look I've given the rules outside of play it certainly seems that that position has some merit) and I don't wish to see that point disputed here. I'm not looking to get an inappropriately powerful character, I'm trying to find a signature wargear item for my character to aspire to be worthy of (and upgrading his gun is certainly something that the character would want, regardless of the effects that this would have on the story - the character doesn't know his job is to tell a good story, he thinks he's supposed to be a space marine). So in addition to people's takes on the use of the signature wargear talent to trick out one's heavy bolter, I'd like to hear other Ideas for signature wargear appropriate for an overly pious Dark Angel Devestator.

You could spend the 20 req to upgrade either the quality level or to put a motion predictor on there without any issue. And for the master level, you could have both.

Siranui said:

I think that's the most reasonable choice, but I don't get that impression from the text.

p.126 "Select one item from the armory...with a requisition cost of 20 or less. This requisition may include upgrades and or craftsmanship modifiers in its calculation"

That reads to me like I'd have to choose a specific item and pay its requisition. It makes no allowances for upgrading an item that I already posses.

That is correct. Much as you'd like to, you can't use the Talent to just upgrade something that you normally get as standard equipment.

Not just because a Masterwork HB is more than 20 requisition, but also because it requires a level of reknown that a starting character does not possess.

I think it would just be best to ignore Signiature Wargear until you have better choice to pick from (or can upgrade the bog standard weapons), ie lthe Respected Renown level.

It would be a mean GM in my opinion who did not allow wargear picks to be used to upgrade standard equipment. I'd even allow it to be used to modify the quality of equipment obtained through specialist careers (ie the Champion's power sword) if it was purchased at the same time as the career was entered.

YGMMV.

Obviously there are renown requirements. That rather went without saying.

Siranui said:

Actually I made a point of saying it in the first post. Mr Pact and Mr Borithan just didn't read carefully.

So, are there no suggestions on what would be a good choice if the heavy bolt gun can't be chosen?

Not sure it helps with your character specifically, but in my game our Salamander Devastator took Signature Wargear to get a Flamer. This is story-line one that he brought with him to the Deathwatch and is his "personal" weapon. It was very fitting for the character, and a good use of the Talent IMHO.

Now for you, as a GM I'd likely let you upgrade an existing weapon assuming you met those requirements. Another item you might bring up with your GM is allowing you to take something like a Power Sword with it (very Dark Angel-ish). Again, an item you brought with you as a symbol of your chapter. It wouldn't be allowed RAW but I don't think its out of the question really.

Take Signature Wargear for an item you would normally spend Req on. You require Signature Wargear talent to get the Signature Wargear (Master) - which is WAY worth it.

As a GM I would certainly allow Signature Wargear to be taken for an Upgraded weapon from your base loadout, considering the Upgraded Weapon to cost an amount less equal to the unmodified weapon's cost. Most people play this game for fun, and the Signature Wargear talents are a lot of fun, they add character to your specific Space Marine as to what he prefers to use.

The thing is, Sig Wargear as I understand it is replaced and "overwritten" by Signature Wargear (Master), so you won't have your "signature" wargear for much more than a rank anyway before you get something much more useful and powerful. I might even say wait until you get up to Rank 2 to even buy Signature Wargear and then buy it in one fell swoop along with the Master version.