pnkdth

Very expensive plastic cows and goats with hours upon hours invested in building and painting them, it needs to be said. On a whole though, I agree, spiralling downwards doom and gloom seems premature since there are several small(er) factions who seem to be ignored only get brought back into the light. In terms of rules, I think BoC has one of the cooler tomes out there. All they need is a bit of a refresher model-wise and they'll be up to snuff again. I wouldn't be surprised to see BoC get a wave of releases similar to FEC/Sylvaneth during 4th (or late 3rd if 4th is further down the line than the rumours suggest). Looking at the model range of AoS the factions in my most dire need of new models are BoC/Skaven/Ogors. All of these factions have models dating quite a ways back into WHFB. And with the Chorf hints... I'm going to be on a very weird cocktail of hopium, copium, and hypium.

I think BoC is going to see a renewal similar to FEC. Morghur or something like it as their centre-piece along with some fresh units to either add to or replace ageing sculpts. I fully expect some units to be retired though.

Copium and flextape ads, my friend.

And it has also been mentioned that lots of the TOW stuff can easily be used for AoS. Already seen people buzzing over the TK bits for SBGL (I also think we'll see plenty of them sneaking their way in DoT armies). The Bret release is perfect for those who want more restrained design for their CoS army, i.e. wanting a more balanced look in terms of detail since the new CoS models are packed with details which can create an issue where every part of the army keeps shouting for attention. On in other words, more options for different kinds themes and aesthetics. Win-win my book.

Different categories would be pretty nice. Like Best Vehicle, Best Monster, Best Character model, etc etc etc. Showcasing a wider aspect of the hobby feels better than simply "best mini" since the various minis look good in different ways. From a GW perspective it would also tell them which minis are being appreciated in different categories.

I am not concerned with that at all. The realms is a big place so there's room for lots of variation. If someone see an opportunity to create an AoS army using TOW units we should applaud and encourage it. The setting of AoS is huge and not entirely defined which makes it exciting. No one has the right to police what is and isn't AoS. I'm so done with AoS versus TOW/WHFB discussions, in general, since I think it is irrelevant. At worst, the discussion have become very gatekeepy and bitter. Sure, some WHFB fans acted poorly (and some still do) but if the AoS community continues the cycle is on, in the general sense, us. In a lot of ways I'm just tired of "us versus them" thinking that seems to be more and more common. No matter what there's always someone who has to go on a long rant about 40k/marines/LRL/etc. I just don't care anymore. The hobby is supposed to be fun and an expression of our creativity. Edit: I think I might have been misinterpreted the question. As for looking more AoS or WHFB I think it will come down how they're modelled/painted. I'll let my original post stand so no one gets confused and people can enjoy my rash reply.

This is why I've been saying from the get-go that TOW will be an amazing addition to AoS. I can see these as perfect kitbashes for SBGL/NH. I can also see Tzeentch loving the heck of these. The TOW release just keeps getting better and better.

It is very difficult to reinvent an established setting. Especially when lots of people are sitting on pretty big collections now. They've gradually introduced different kinds of armour (gravis, phobos, etc) in addition to the primaris stuff (and they're probably not done as far that goes either). Doing something more extreme would risk alienating a huge part of their customers and the design of the marines is extremely recognisable. I do not think GW would ever risk something like that unless something drastic happens. They'd be better off expanding Custodes/Grey Knights line. Alternatively, have the adeptus mechanicus invent some new spicy teetering on the brink of tech heresy robotic marines.

And potentially missing the mark with a new design of marines would be disastrous for GW. Risking to upset existing fans in order to appease people who, probably, won't invest in marines regardless of how they look is not an option. Also, asking for a marine refresh would be asking for even more marines releases for years to come.

That's a different case, mainly because of the lack of armour. In those cases there needs to be more options on the sprue.

We can only hope. The further way those people are from the hobby the better. Thankfully, they're mostly a vocal minority who has nothing better to do than to stir things up.

It is also refreshing to see a non-stereotypical vampire. She really got that corpse-like, Necrach, appearance. I am not saying all AoS vampires are boring but the majority of them looks pretty much how you expect vampires to look in fantasy. To see something with a definite connection to Nehekhara is a breath of fresh air. With the arrival of more TK bits being readily available I can finally revive a personal project I've been wanting to do. TOW is going to be a really useful for inspiration even if not interested in the game itself. For CoS players the new bret line is going to be perfect.

I think it looks reptilian. With a pronounced lower jaw, however, it is too "brutal" to be Seraphon. My guess is CSM. I do not think it is Kroot since their design tend to be closer to a snapping turtle (more beaky). Also, could be something KB related since it has a certain cruelty and viciousness to it not unlike other KB beasties. Copium says BoC though.

It will probably happen at some point (like the new TK bone dragon). The advantage of a GW game is that they are able to play the long game. Ideally anyways

It is a massive advert for the game. Even though it might not be a direct funnel (as in all of them) there are definitely people who will start to consume both lore and gameplay vids. Channels like PancreasNoWork, for example, is probably notice an upswing in views since he taps into both. In the end it is going benefit fantasy tabletop in general (AoS especially since is a continuation of the setting) because a new game lives and dies on remaining in the minds of people. TOW definitely got that going for it. This is why I am so hoping for a successful AoS game which makes people wanna nerd out on the setting and get into it.

He wants the system to succeed. A general donation would not indicate support for TOW.

After seeing that mini I am so hoping for a Dark Mechanicum codex. That stuff could go wild in the best of ways.

Suddenly I feel like creating a Tau and marine army just to annoy people. Edit: For the greater good of the imperium, I suppose.

New armies are fun, however, there are factions in the game right now who should not have to wait for a range refresh. Ogors, Skaven, and Beastmen in particular comes to mind. Fyreslayers also deserve a proper wave of new minis to fully realise the faction. Expand on other cities, build on the cosmopolitan and multi-racial/factional collaborations that makes CoS so interesting. Though this is probably a loooooong way ahead, if ever. Then focus on new factions in whatever order. Chorfs, Shadow Elves, etc, etc.

I can already tell this is going to look awesome.

Lovecraft is just a single author and cosmic horror as a genre has grown into so much more. The man is long gone but the mythos he created still capture many people's imagination. There is a cosmic void between engaging in the mythos and endorsing his personally held beliefs. In short, I'd love to see where you take this.

Exactly, I like how I can immediately figure out what kind of unit the Shaggoth is just by looking at this. Since each rule is universal you do not have to return to the battletome every time, know every other battletome inside out, to understand/remember what different units do. I have no strong feeling either way though. In my ideal world there would be hybrid system, i.e. bespoke rules when necessary. With a strong foundation of USRs it also makes erratas and changes work more seamlessly. In other words, [ insert "why not both?" meme here ]

Not going to lose my head over deeds. I have plenty of D6s. It looks like a bit of extra you be used tactically + there will be more options. Same for the delusions (which thankfully stayed) which adds even more tactical advantage. For now I haven't seen anything that breaks my faith in the book. Just need a little bit more to chew on (huehuehue).

Yepp, the meeting in question was probably just finalising the design based on previous work. However, claiming it is going from draft to final design in a single day will generate a lot more attention. Or it could be as simple as something getting lost in translation, "a full day meeting to finalise the rules" became "create the final rules in a day" as word got passed around.

I preferred it when items where in-book specific and the generic items were priced per army. I have very little experience with 8-9th since I think they changed the game in the wrong direction after 7th. All the randomness (magic and charges, for example) didn't fit with their particular rank and file combat system very well. The good news is that TOW seem to be making changes in, mostly, the right places to make things less so.