My GM is being a bit of an ass about this. via the deathwatch paragraph. He argues that even with the helmets auto senses and dark sight trait marines still cannot see in the dark, when there is no light. In cases where our sight is obscured by smoke or some other warp sorcery I can see his point, as it is not the darkness that we try to pierce.

Largely I just want to show him how retarded he is about not letting us see in the dark after we've both read the Salamanders Tome of Fire trilogy, in which there are multiple examples of Astartes utilizing their helms multiple lenses to discern the dangers within the darkness. Halp pls?

Auto-senses: The Space Marine gains the Dark Sight
Trait, and Heightened Senses (+10 to relevant Tests) for Sight
and Sound. Input filtering provides immunity to photon flash
grenades and stun grenades. Note that these benefits only
apply whilst the Space Marine is wearing his helmet, and the
benefits from the Auto-senses stack with the benefits of the
Space Marine’s Lyman’s Ear and Occulobe implants (meaning
that Space Marines have a +20 to Sight- and Sound-based
Awareness Tests). Additionally, the Auto-Senses make the
Called Shot Action into a Half Action.

Darkness
Weapon Skill Tests made in darkness are regarded as
Hard (–20), while Ballistic Skill Tests are regarded as Very
Hard (–30). While a Character is concealed by darkness,
Concealment Skill Tests are Routine (+20).

DARK SIGHT

A creature with this trait sees normally even in areas of total darkness, and never takes a penalty for fighting in areas of dim or no lightning.

Pg. 130.

So he's violating the explicit rules.

Thank the Emperor for stubborn Commisars.

bogi_khaosa said:

A GM's prerogative.

Alex

It seems an odd use of rule zero. Space marines can and do see in total darkness in the background.

GM has final say, but I wouldn't call a GM without any players a GM.

"My Astartes can't see in total darkness but only in low-light conditions? I'm outta here!"

Alex

I couldn't suspend disbelief that advanced helmets like that don't negate mundane darkness.

House rules are best established before a game starts. And if the best the GM can do is make it dark...heh.

There are other ways to be atmospheric in a game other than the current lighting situation. If that's his concern it should be a minor one.

Stannis Ravensight said:

ZULU ZULU ZULU ZULU!!!