Forgeworld Great Crusade/Horus Heresy - Rumours and development from 2011 onwards

[Lleman]

Since this subject has been broached for quite a time now, there's no reason not to open a thread solely dedicated to the subject at hand, viz. what is FW brewing up regarding a GC/HH model production and potentially a book or series thereof.

Starting with an excerpt from Simon Egan answering my questions about it upon GD UK '11:

i'll be honest, i'm not tring to cover things up, there is no pre-heresy or Horus Heresy book or release scheduled yet. We're slowly adding bits from the old stuff, the heresy stuff, but there's nothing planned yet. But yeah, we're talking about it, i mean, everyone in the studio would loooove to work on a Horus Heresy book or material, but we've got too much to do, too many projects running at the time to do it. But once all that is done, well, there could be something, but you know it's all.... so much packed, i'm doing Minotaurs bits and accessories for tanks, but it's in between stuff, so yeah, a complete HH thing, that would need much more time

...and complementing in much more certain terms with another GDUK Forgeworld seminar attendee's report:

Having had a chat to a few FW designers and gone to a couple of design seminars, I asked many questions, and the following is what I remember:

GW are ok with the FW team doing a proper Pre-Heresy set of books, and apparently the more positive feedback given about the current armours and dreadnoughts, the more likely this would come out sooner rather than later.

It was spoken of by the FW guys as more of a foregone conclusion than an uncertainty. I figure they know what a huge seller it would be..

Primarchs were mentioned (and brought up by the designers, not me..), but not necessarily to be modeled, more likely books would deal with Astartes and the varied Crusade Fleets.

FW will end up making more Pre-Heresy items, including more vehicles & Terminator Armours.

Seems promising, and the recent and steady amount of 30K stuff that's been produced was definitely a good and serious hint at that.
Other inquisitive Crusade/Heresy-fans' reports and forays most welcome.

[CPK]

im so happy that FW might be doing these things. I'm hoping for some Jet bikes, and other weird pre-heresy weapons.

[Lleman]

Well, i heard something about Jetbikes, but didn't catch what was said. Can only hope it's something envisioned by the studio... Other 'bits' are definitely planned, even if not scheduled.

[Lleman]

After the Land Raider MKI Proteus/Armoured Proteus and the Deimos pattern MkIc Rhino, Forgeworld grants us with this wonderfully made Deimos Predator. Comes in both Destructor and Annihilator variants to satisfy all needs.
Looping the loop more than twenty years later one could say.

Deimos pattern Predator

Now, is there any need for these pre-Heresy vehicles to pop up in the current IA9/10 context (as well as the MkII to V marks of armour)? Not really, one could argue, for all forces involved in the Badab War used otherwise 'common' armour whichever the relics they held in their armoury (no specific mention thereof throughout both volumes of Imperial armour). So, even if there are no (divulgated) plans for a pre-Heresy/Heresy publication/add-on as of yet, things seems certainly to point in that definite direction.
Saving my gleeful squeals for that day. ^^

[Tronzor]

It might happen down the road, but I think FW is really just picking up on the demand that exists through other channels, ebay, trading forums, 3rd party resellers, etc. There is a premium market for these products and they know it. Whether we will see a full scale HH type launch remains to be seen. It's not unreasonable, but I'm not yet holding my breath. That being said, I liked the MK1 Rhino and LR, that Predator is just awesome. I'd happily buy one if I didn't have a ton of unbuilt stuff under my hobby desk right now.

[Aesaar]

Holy crap, that thing is gorgeous. They actually managed to make it look like a proper battle tank, rather than the IFV feel the current one has. Still wish they had given it a lower profile, but it genuinely looks better.

[Pocktio]

Timing! Soooo getting two of those instead of Chaos predators I needed. Gonna make my army look abfab.

[Lleman]

[ignoring the mindless spambot-like post]

I think FW is really just picking up on the demand that exists through other channels, ebay, trading forums, 3rd party resellers, etc. There is a premium market for these products and they know it.

That may certainly be, yes, for the financial argument never sneaks too far away, but it primarily greatly stems from a good part of the studio taking great pleasure and interest in (re-)producing oldschool/Heresy era stuff with the complete assent from their GW parent (Merrett mainly). At least that's what derives from most discussions people have had with the relevant studio members.

[Tronzor]

Sadly here in Canada, I do not have the opportunity to chat these folks up

I think we'll see it, but I wonder whether it's more like a 2013-2014 timeframe for release. They will do it in waves, but if the rumors surrounding 6th edition are true, I don't know that GW would want FW poaching their new release schedule. That's the only that makes me think this is further off than the immediate future. I'll be lining up with my credit card in hand when that happens though.

[Lleman]

Ah well, starving a lot these days (granted, the command squad minis and the MkIV assault marines are a boon, but still...). That is, until Harry, the ever reliable rumour-monger (yes, rumours... don't start shivering) teased us with this. Read on and be delighted, possibly, even though that would go against what the FW team formerly said about their working on such things.

tl;dr

There are three Heresy books coming .... the first one later this year.
...and yes you are quite right there are some big and exciting things coming with them.

Horus Heresy book, first in a series, based around Isstvan III. To be announced at Games Day (...though not sure whether that's UK or USA).

[Ramrod]

I'll repeat what I said on IRC. I hope to never see a mini of the Emperor. However, I'll take one of each Primarch, please.

[Inquisitor Lok]

:o that would be pretty cool. And i would easily buy a set of the primarchs no questions about it ahah.

[Lleman]

Well, it seems we finally have it all confirmed. (check the FW Goodies thread )

[SilverTabby]

Something that could potentially be Angron has been sighted.

I'd be interested in Primarchs to paint, but still think they should never ever hit the battlefield...

[Lleman]

Well, if GW/FW doesn't make primarchs minis, you can always hit the Kabuki Models' line, but that's not really the same if you want to play the FW fanboy. ^^

[Lleman]

A few days old news, but news nonetheless from the BoLS lounge:

the short of it:
-The series will cover the Heresy itself; no set number of books yet;
-The series won't be part of the IA series; basic 6th ed rules will be used but might not be compatible with regular 40K (see below);
-Legions are evidently in, possibly covered in batches as well as 'other forces' (although xenos won't be focused on);
-Primarchs are in in both models and rules form (did i just hear someone swoon?).[/QUOTE]

Alan did indicate the the Horus Heresy books will not be part of the Imperial Armour line. While he wouldn't elaborate it could mean the rules will not be compatible with standard 40K games

Each book will focus on a specific thread of the campaign toward terra, culminating in a final book which will be the battle for terra itself.

There will be new rules for the Legion standard, and will not use "Legion Tactics" (ala Chapter Tactics) variation based on special character, but will instead be edited in some way based on simply nominating the Legion you're using.

Books will contain expanded fluff for the 2-3 Legions contained within and campaign rules for playing out a particular series of battles with "benchmark" missions that are historic.

[Inquisitor Lok]

New Video is up.


So it seems the first book is called Betrayal and will be released at the UK Gamesday (no idea when that is :P ) And if i were to guess from the video, it will focus on the Emperors Children, Luna Wolves/ Sons of Horus, World Eaters (Im 90% Sure thats what the white scheme on the contemptor was?)

[Lleman]

Yup.

Games Day UK
Sunday 23rd September will see thousands of you descend on the NEC in Birmingham for Games Day UK. Games Day is first and foremost a celebration of the Games Workshop hobby and a chance to meet, and chat to, the famous faces of the Design Studio, Black Library and Forge World. Licensed partners such as Fantasy Flight Games and THQ also join us at Games Day to showcase their fantastic games and products.

Each year’s show also features a multitude of amazing participation games that you can dive into and take part in, from quick skirmishes to vast battles, as well as a massive sales area. It’s here that Games Day attendees will be able to get hold of pre-release copies of The Horus Heresy Book I: Betrayal for the very first time.

Previous infos mentioned it'd focus on the Isstvan episode, hence the forces displayed here.
Also, looks like the character in the final MkII's eyelenses is Angron.

[Inquisitor Lok]

I had read that people thought it was Ferrus Manus in the lens & it kinda would make sense to have 1 loyalist legion in the book, not to mention if it does take place during the events at Istvaan than the Iron Hands would be rather prominent (during the dropsite massacre at least)

[Ewokz]

The dropsite should probably be part 2, as it allows them to field the three loyal legions together. Plus, those 3 legions were limited to small engagements after the massacre so I seems only natural for them to focus on the one big battle they took part in during the heresy. After those two events in the Istavaan system they can focus on numerous other actions across the galaxy, such as Ultramar, Prospero etc. to cover the rest of the legions.

Pretty much makes sense to cover the Deathguard, Luna wolves and Emperors children in book one, and then follow up with the Salamanders, Iron hands and Ravenguard in book 2. Then expand into the rest of the heresy, much like the books did.

One thing I can say; the loyalists vs the traitors in the first book will be amazing, I love the idea of them holding the ruined palace against their former brothers for as long as possible. Only flaw I could see with it was how the hell they managed to survive with Angron roaming around. Guess the book will cover that

[Pocktio]

New game mode 'Get shanked by a primarch'

[Ramrod]

Yeah, but you won't be able to play cause you're only allowed to own Lorgar, the crybabiest Primarch.

[Lleman]

@ Lok: well, time will tell but that pair of pauldrons looked very much like the now official shape painted all throughtout the 'Visions of...' series.

[Lleman]

HO HO! Look what we've got here. Angron, no less. I can't wait for Mortarion and Fulgrim though... and for GDUK to catch a glimpse of the lot.
I'd wager those Primarchs models will be in the 40mm scale, just like the Kabuki Models 'Knights' series.

[Bowkers]

Which one am I looking forward to...oh yeah.. Curze!!

[AridMonk]

I hope Mortarion is available on the day. Will paint the SHIT out of that.

[Inquisitor Lok]

New video description is out


I spot some very nice looking vehicles and models (COUGH COUGH JET BIKES COUGH COUGH) unless whatever new chaos models that are announced are unbelievably awesome... i think my monies going to FW first xD Just the book itself looks amazing and i have no doubt that the models will be equally impressive. I'm jealous of you folks across the pond that are going to GDUK!

[Exetus]

I'm pissed that my leave ends the day of GDUK and that I can't stay for an extra day, thus will be traveling, seeing as I'm here in the UK now. *cries*

[RGilbert26]

Lok, im more interested in the pre-heresy Terminator armour

[Pocktio]

Oh yeah. Oh yeah oh yeah oh yeah. Give give give giveeeee!!!!!!

[Gorb]

I sincerely hope I have money for GDUK.

[Lleman]

*giggles insanely*
Okay guys, you know where i'll be heading as soon as the gates open. If the garlicky smells isn't enough to follow my trail, meet me at the FW commercial stand.

Also OMGz i think i spotted a Stormbird!!! And that WE Fellblade (the old Hercules pattern???) is gorgeous...

[Sword_Monkey]

How much will people pay me to enter a painting competition at GD with one of the new Cataphract pattern terminators and to use the dipping method?

[Pocktio]

Do we get to choose the currency in which we pay you?

I nominate skittles as currency.

[Lleman]

Sometimes you get infos by indirect means, (or you can be led to believe there are some...).
Checking Aaron Dembski-Bowden's blog about he and some (well-known) friends of his building their HH armies, a line slipped a little info that confirmed a suspicion and alas makes Lleman a sad space puppy:

The Space Wolves will have a longer wait than most Legions when it comes to bitz from Forge World, given that the next rulebook looks like Isstvan V[...]

QQ
That, however, means more legion specific bits given the number of legions implicated in the Drop Site Massacre which haven't been covered in the Betrayal-related release windows.