Clarification for some rules/descriptions which prehaps should be in the Errata? Developer comment?

By Abhoth, in Dark Heresy Rules Questions

Plasma Weapons and Melta-Weapons are currently to weak: Therefore add a quality to all plasma/melta weapons Called Furnace: Super-heated plasma (essentially the stuff suns are made off) adds an extra 1d10 to the damage roll.


The Omnisian Chain Power Axe in the Inquisitors Hand book is vastly underpowed compared to other weapons, given the fluff describes it as a “weapon of unparalleled design” with no equal I would think it would do more. Therefore increase the damage from a pathetic 2D5+5 to a reasonable 2D10+5.


Concerning Corruption points: Originally, T.S. Luikart dished out Corruption Points in Purge the Unclean for acts of immorality. He later admitted that the Corruption rules hadn't been completely written at that time, and that this concept needs to be handled differently. Since we know that Corruption points can only come from Warp-tainted sources. Should therefore insanity tests handle acts of extreme evil?

These questions have been culled from other posters (except for the chain power axe that one is all mine). Sorry to the developers if these are in the errata already, but I didnt see them anywhere in there.

The Omnisian Chain Power Axe in the Inquisitors Hand book is vastly underpowed compared to other weapons, given the fluff describes it as a “weapon of unparalleled design” with no equal I would think it would do more. Therefore increase the damage from a pathetic 2D5+5 to a reasonable 2D10+5.

Actually, 2D5+5 is already quite a bit better than your average power weapon - it's got almost two times the power sword's chances for Righteous Fury (19/100 instead of 1/10).

from france

2d10 seems too much form me. 1d10+5 is more resonable. after that you can add other qualities to the weapon or removing the unyealdy

I've yet to weigh in on the plasma weapon situation having not actually had any employed in any of my games. They do seem weak at a glance though.

The damage seems fine to me as well. 2d5+5 has a better minimum damage than 1d10+5, as well as the mentioned increased chance of open ended damage rolls.

I definitely think there should be insanity tests for extreme acts of cruelty and other heinous actions.

Cifer said:

The Omnisian Chain Power Axe in the Inquisitors Hand book is vastly underpowed compared to other weapons, given the fluff describes it as a “weapon of unparalleled design” with no equal I would think it would do more. Therefore increase the damage from a pathetic 2D5+5 to a reasonable 2D10+5.

Actually, 2D5+5 is already quite a bit better than your average power weapon - it's got almost two times the power sword's chances for Righteous Fury (19/100 instead of 1/10).

When I was first given an Omnisian Axe i balked at the 2d5 + 5 as well, but since I've begun using it, it is a lot more powerful than the average power weapon. My GM actually went out and bought d5's so I end up rolling Righteous Fury a good majority of my attacks. Unfortunately I don't always confirm on the second WS roll.

Ok, that is a little more than intended - as far as I know, a D5 is only considered to invoke Fury when the D10 that is used for it comes up with a 10.

Cifer said:

Ok, that is a little more than intended - as far as I know, a D5 is only considered to invoke Fury when the D10 that is used for it comes up with a 10.

Yeah, otherwise they would have likely said that a 9 or 10 causes it on a d5 roll.

Guys your missing the point completely about the Omnisian chain power axe, its a Chain weapon AND a power weapon and the weapon is TOTALLY UNSUPRASSED BY ANY OTHER MELEE WEAPON, its the MOST dangerous melee weapon in the calaxian sector according to the ffulff, its also a 2handed weapon.

A great weapon (normal two handeed sword or axe) does 2d10 a normal everyday primitive 2 handed weapon. The Omnisian Power Chain Axe has its power field, the chain weapon and the mysterous of its singualr metalic construction. It really should be doing 2d10+5 AT LEAST imho..

But anyway (im hopping its ok to say this) but according to the developers (via email) the damage of the Omnissian power chain axe is going to be upgraded in a future Inquisitors handbook errata.

I have to agree that the Axe is way underpowered. Look at the eviscerator which is a CRUDE power/chain weapon. It does 2D10+3 Pen 5 verses 2D5+5 Pen 6 for the axe which is described as pretty much the best that can be made and having no equal in power weapons.

Lets compair damages

Min Max Avg

Eviscerator 5 23 14 <--- crude power/chain weapon with scarce availability and costing 750 credits.

Omnisian Axe 7 15 11 <--- weapon with no equal, so special it has no availability or cost listed.

You do the math.

Abhoth said:

Guys your missing the point completely about the Omnisian chain power axe, its a Chain weapon AND a power weapon and the weapon is TOTALLY UNSUPRASSED BY ANY OTHER MELEE WEAPON, its the MOST dangerous melee weapon in the calaxian sector according to the ffulff, its also a 2handed weapon.

Except that it isn't a Chain Power Axe. It's not a chain weapon at all - it's a moderately significant power axe.

You appear to have gotten the wrong end of the stick in a serious way.

It's saw-toothed... that doesn't mean that it's a chain weapon, just that the blade itself is serrated and toothed (possibly in the pattern of a cog? It is a Mechanicus weapon afterall...).

It's described as having "no equal amongst power weapons ". Not "unsurpassed by any other melee weapon" - that's a different statement altogether. As power weapons go, it's really quite good (on par with the Power Longsword, by being more reliable, and surpassed in terms of raw damage only by the Power Fist), though something of an exaggeration (I'd like to see it compare to a Thunder Hammer - a real Thunder Hammer... the kind that punches through the heaviest vehicle armour and that you need Terminator Armour to wield because the impact shocks will knock you backwards otherwise).

No, the stats don't quite match the description... but the discrepancy isn't anywhere near as bad as you're suggesting. As for their rarity and pricelessness... that's a cultural matter, and nothing else.

Plasma weapons, as it is, have 1 extra point of damage and 1 extra point of Penetration over Bolt weapons and loose out on alot of ammo capacity and the Tearing trait. Plasma weapons definitely need a boost.

Melta Weapons I'm good with. Potential for a load of damage and the ability to blow through Astartes power armour cleanly.

N0-1_H3r3 said:

Abhoth said:

Guys your missing the point completely about the Omnisian chain power axe, its a Chain weapon AND a power weapon and the weapon is TOTALLY UNSUPRASSED BY ANY OTHER MELEE WEAPON, its the MOST dangerous melee weapon in the calaxian sector according to the ffulff, its also a 2handed weapon.

Except that it isn't a Chain Power Axe. It's not a chain weapon at all - it's a moderately significant power axe.

You appear to have gotten the wrong end of the stick in a serious way.

It's saw-toothed... that doesn't mean that it's a chain weapon, just that the blade itself is serrated and toothed (possibly in the pattern of a cog? It is a Mechanicus weapon afterall...).

It's described as having "no equal amongst power weapons ". Not "unsurpassed by any other melee weapon" - that's a different statement altogether. As power weapons go, it's really quite good (on par with the Power Longsword, by being more reliable, and surpassed in terms of raw damage only by the Power Fist), though something of an exaggeration (I'd like to see it compare to a Thunder Hammer - a real Thunder Hammer... the kind that punches through the heaviest vehicle armour and that you need Terminator Armour to wield because the impact shocks will knock you backwards otherwise).

No, the stats don't quite match the description... but the discrepancy isn't anywhere near as bad as you're suggesting. As for their rarity and pricelessness... that's a cultural matter, and nothing else.

So how does any of that nullify the comparison I listed between the the Axe and the Eviscerator? I was comparing them as they are both supposedly power weapons (though the Eviscerator is a combo weapon and is listed under chain weapons). It actually looks to me that the person who wrote the stats forgot that it was also a 2handed weapon (great weapon) and made the stats based off a 1 handed weapon.

As to it being a cultural thing for it being unavailable... yes in the description it has justification for this. However it also says that it has no equal among power weapons. Yet the standard power sword is a better weapon. Yes the axe has higher min damage the sword has a small increas in average damage 1/2 point, it is one handed and balanced vs two handed and unwieldy for the axe. Even with the increased chance of fury I would rather have the sword.. So now we have a discrepancy... what to do. :)

As I said looks obvious to me that the person who wrote the stats for it forgot that it was a 2hd (great) weapon.

N0-1_H3r3 said:

Abhoth said:

Guys your missing the point completely about the Omnisian chain power axe, its a Chain weapon AND a power weapon and the weapon is TOTALLY UNSUPRASSED BY ANY OTHER MELEE WEAPON, its the MOST dangerous melee weapon in the calaxian sector according to the ffulff, its also a 2handed weapon.

Except that it isn't a Chain Power Axe. It's not a chain weapon at all - it's a moderately significant power axe.

You appear to have gotten the wrong end of the stick in a serious way.

It's saw-toothed... that doesn't mean that it's a chain weapon, just that the blade itself is serrated and toothed (possibly in the pattern of a cog? It is a Mechanicus weapon afterall...).

It's described as having "no equal amongst power weapons ". Not "unsurpassed by any other melee weapon" - that's a different statement altogether. As power weapons go, it's really quite good (on par with the Power Longsword, by being more reliable, and surpassed in terms of raw damage only by the Power Fist), though something of an exaggeration (I'd like to see it compare to a Thunder Hammer - a real Thunder Hammer... the kind that punches through the heaviest vehicle armour and that you need Terminator Armour to wield because the impact shocks will knock you backwards otherwise).

No, the stats don't quite match the description... but the discrepancy isn't anywhere near as bad as you're suggesting. As for their rarity and pricelessness... that's a cultural matter, and nothing else.

Your right in that it isnt a chain wepaon as well, but your totally wrong that I have the wrong end of the stick its described as a Glaive made of the "FINEST MATERIALS AND USING SECRETS OF TEMPERING AND FIELD GENERATION"-qoute page 136-IHB, so its power field usues secerts not used in any other power weapon and its matierals are of the finest (just look at the materials of the lathe blade to get a idea of how matierals make a difference). A Glaive is a 2handed Axe, the weapon dmg and penetration of ths weapon is no where near what is shuold be and given the description it really SHOULDNT have any equal among melee weapons at all as power weapons are supposedly the apex of melee weapon technology and this weapon represents the apex of that technology.

Blah just saw in the errata that they changed the eviscerator. It now does 1D10+10 tearing damage. So Min is 11 Max 20 Avg ... err any staticians out there can figure out the avg damage of a tearing weapon? As a COMPLETE guess it will be around 17. ... .... .... wow they made it worse!!!! at the cost of 3 points of max damage they made min and avg damage shoot way up....

Take that Adeptus Mechanicus!!

In the secret art of weaponry the Ministorium has it all over the Mechanicus. .... I guess.

llsoth said:

Blah just saw in the errata that they changed the eviscerator. It now does 1D10+10 tearing damage. So Min is 11 Max 20 Avg ... err any staticians out there can figure out the avg damage of a tearing weapon? As a COMPLETE guess it will be around 17. ... .... .... wow they made it worse!!!! at the cost of 3 points of max damage they made min and avg damage shoot way up....

Take that Adeptus Mechanicus!!

In the secret art of weaponry the Ministorium has it all over the Mechanicus. .... I guess.

mmhmmmm...yeah, the Adeptus Mechanicus's primier weapon of technologoical destruction in melee combat should be far mroe dangerous then a **** echlessiary weapon ><. Screw it im definitely going with 2d10+10 (given a completely normal primiteative great weapon does 2d10+and a **** evixcrator gets 1d10+10) for the Omnissian Axe (hopefully the errata change will come out SOON)..

Ilsoth: Avg of 1d10 tearing weapon is 7.15 So Eviscerator do 17 Avg Dam - you guess it right. I think it's appropriate for a huge weapon, so heavy to wield as it can strike unlucky wielder.

Abnoth: Sorry but I cannot search where omnissian axe is described as a two-handed great weapon. It is not described in rules that you must use it with both hands.

Mystificator said:

Ilsoth: Avg of 1d10 tearing weapon is 7.15 So Eviscerator do 17 Avg Dam - you guess it right. I think it's appropriate for a huge weapon, so heavy to wield as it can strike unlucky wielder.

Abnoth: Sorry but I cannot search where omnissian axe is described as a two-handed great weapon. It is not described in rules that you must use it with both hands.

Mystificator sorry for the vaguness but a Glaive (which is the word used to describe the omnissian power axe) is a massive polearm which must be used 2 handed: The text calls this weapon a Omnissian Glaive on page 136 on the Inqusitors hand book (a power pole arm! which qualfies as a great weapon under the rules (that is to say pole arms are great weapons under Dark Heresy).

Definition of a Glaive:

A glaive is a polearm consisting of a single-edged blade on the end of a pole. It is similar to the Japanese naginata and the Chinese Guan Dao. However, instead of having a tang like a sword or naginata, the blade is affixed in a socket-shaft configuration similar to an axe head. Typically, the blade was around 45 cm (18 inches) long, on the end of a pole 2 m (6 or 7 feet) long. Occasionally glaive blades were created with a small hook on the reverse side to better catch riders. Such blades are called glaive-guisarmes.

According to the 1599 treatise Paradoxes of Defense by the English gentleman George Silver, the glaive is used in the same general manner as the quarterstaff, half pike, bill, halberd, voulge, or partisan. Silver rates this class of polearms above all other individual hand-to-hand combat weapons.

i would make the axe 4d5 tearing it might not do as much average damage but think of the rightous fury chance gui%C3%B1o.gif

Sarius said:

i would make the axe 4d5 tearing it might not do as much average damage but think of the rightous fury chance gui%C3%B1o.gif

......oh.....yeah.......that is NASTY....lots of tearing and chunks of flesh.

For those wondering what a Omnissian Axe would look like.. here you go.

http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/amtp.htm

For another take.

http://www.collecting-citadel-miniatures.com/wiki/index.php/Image:Limited_Release_-_Skullz_Adeptus_Mechanicus_Acolyte.jpg

There is also one depicted on page 108 DotDG.

It is the weapon the Enginseers use in Dawn of War.

I think you can see why it might be considered a 2hd/great weapon.

Edit: I would be tempted to make the axe Holy as well you know considering it is suposed to be even harder to get than an actual holy weapon. With the excuse being it is to sacred to EVER sell... unlike normal holy weapons which can end up on the market.

doesnt the axe also have the "Unwieldy" trait, something that is also found on great weapons?

I know the pen is nice on a power weapon, but I find the ability to break weapons a much bigger bonus, something that is lost on a weapon that is not allowed to parry...