The latest mini-dex from Games Workshop was released just a few hours ago. The Militarum Tempestus is in essence a storm trooper codex, with Commissars, Tempestus Command Squads and more. Lets just jump right in and take a closer look at this new release.
First off, lets tackle Mini-Dexes as a whole. Mini-dexes were rumored almost a year ago at this point, and they have developed and evolved over time since their first introductions. This is the first real mini-dex to include completely new models (even though the models will also be used in the Astra Militarum codex next week). This is significant, because in this mini-dex, we are seeing for the first time some new wargear that other codices might see as well, as well as the new unit types (Tempestus Command Squad).
The Militarum Tempestus codex has quite a lot of background in it, from who they are, training, tools, and individual regiments of the Ordo Tempestus. There is also background on Commissars, which are included in the codex as an HQ choice, and a good account of what was supposed to be a rescue mission ahead of Hive Fleet Leviathan.
As with any mini dex, what most people are interested in the meat of the codex.
Militarum Tempestus
First off, the Militarum Tempestus can be fielded as an army in its own right. Battle Brothers are very much any Imperial army, including Grey Knights. Allies of Convenience fall to just eldar, with desperate going to Dark Eldar and Tau.
In the HQ selections we have Commissars, and Militarum Tempestus Command Squads, followed by Scions in troops, and Valkryie's as fast attack.
Orders may be given by the Tempestus Command Squads, and they have a very nice array of orders to give. As an Imperial Guard player, I greatly appreciate how these orders will work for me. They are the following.....
Directed Firestorm: Twin linked
Autonomous Fire Sanctioned: Preferred Enemy
Close Assault Doctrine Sanctioned: Crusader
Advance on Target: Fleet
Suppression Doctrine Sactioned: Sniper (las weapons)
Elimination Protocol Sanctioned: Rending (all weapons fired)
That is a deadly array of orders for the Tempestus. The last one that gives rending really looks to be my number one pic at first glance.
There are also a full set of Warlord Traits as well, and of interest, there are no relics in this codex. As for the Warlord traits, they are decent, with one that adds 6" to laspistols and hotshot lasguns. Over-all decent to very good Warlord Traits.
Wargear. There are some new things here to look at, and even though they have different names to them, they do a lot of the same things as other equipment. The Augur Array for instance is a 25pt beacon for deepstriking within 6" for vehicles. The Hot-Shot Volley gun is also nice, as its salvo 2/4 S4 AP3. Other interesting things for vehicles include Fire Barrels, Recovery Gear, and Relic Plating.
Commissars. Cheap. I mean really Inquisitor style cheap. 25pts. Its really hard to not go wrong with a leader at that point cost. Of course you can upgrade to a Lord Commissar as well.
Tempestus Command Squads
4 Scions with a Tempestor Prime, with which the 4 Scions can swap out their hot shot guns for special weapons. They also can give orders, and take a Taurox Prime as a dedicated transport
Scions,
These are your old storm troopers, although priced better. Two can take special weapons out of these 5 man teams, and of course the Taurox Prime is your dedicated transport.
Taurox Prime
We have discussed this vehicle a lot. Its grown on me, and the prime is a fast vehicle, which really starts to live up to the hype. Great Weapon options as well, with its Taurox Battle Cannon/missile launcher/ gatling Cannon, along with its secondary gun a twin-linked hot-shot volley gun. twin linked autocannon. The Taurox prime really can amass quite a bit of fire suppression, or take down light armour with ease. Versatile and fast.
Valkyrie
Not a dedicated transport, but is instead a Fast Attack choice. You can take a squadron.
Formations
While I like these listed out, it does feel like these are very limited as a allied force. As your primary detachment there is also the limited options that make this mini-dex difficult to field. However, all you have to do is look towards the next section to see where in my opinion this codex starts to shine for the tabletop..... Two formations are included.
Airborne Assault Formation
1 Commissar
1 Militarum Tempestus Command Squad
3 Militarum Tempestus Scion Squads
4 Valkryies
single reserve roll, split fire upon insertion and re-rolling scatter.
Ground Assault Formation
1 Commissar
1 Militarum Tempestus Command Squad
3 Militarum Tempestus Scion Squads
4 Taurox Primes
single reserve roll with re-rolls, and twin-linked ranged weapons when disembarking.
So yes, over-all I really like this release. It will add a lot of flexibility on how to field Scions, and definitely can a lot to a list. It will be interesting to see how the Astra Militarum will use Scions (we know they will be an elite choice for Tempestus Platoons).