Chapter Masters

Im not impressed with the current rules for the Chapter Master in the new Space Marine Codex... though, this is actually the first time they have included rules for a generic Master in a codex. A long while back, they included a list of upgrades for a Chapter Master in an old White Dwarf. I havnt gone digging though the pile of magazines yet, so Im not updating any of those. What Ive got here is a homebrewed list of options, some will be more useful then others...

In order to keep things from getting too messy, only one Chapter Master using these rules is allowed per army.

The steps for using these Experimental Rules are easy. First, drop the point cost of the Chapter Master in the codex to 100pts. He loses the Orbital Bombardment special rule. This does not apply to any of the special characters.

Second, choose one ability from the following lists, and pay the point cost listed. Entries listed with a * replace Combat Tactics for all models in the army. All stat upgrade choices only affect the Chapter Master's stats.

25 point list
-Orbital Bombardment (as codex, yes, I know.)
-Master at Arms: +1WS, +1A
-Master Marksman: +1BS, may replace bolt pistol and chainsword for a heavy weapon at the cost listed in the Devastator entry.
-Strike from the Sky: Honor Guard and Command Squads may take jump packs for +10pts a model.
-Rites of Battle*: All friendly Space Marine models on the table may use the Chapter Master's LD for all tests aside from Psychic Tests.

50 point list
-Masterful Deployment*: Your reserves get +1 to roll, -OR- your opponent's reserve rolls get -1. You also may reroll the die when attempting to seize the initive.
-Perfect Timing*: +1 initive and you may reroll all reserve rolls (including successful ones)
-No Surrender, No Retreat*: All Space Marine models are Stubborn.
-Quick as Thought*: All Space Marine models gain Fleet.
-Rapid Redeployment*: All dedicated transports may Outflank.
-Armored Rage: Predators may be taken as squadrons of 1-2 vehicles.
-Hold Your Ground*: Any Space Marine unit may take a LD test during the enemy shooting phase, if successful, they gain Feel No Pain for that shooting phase, but may not move during their following movement phase.

Obviously this is not a complete list, Id like to at least double it. What I need now is for people to chime in on whats overvalued, whats too cheap, and most importantly, what to add!

Master Apothecary

Finally getting off my butt and writing this up... what do you think? He is there to enhance a squad, not be "uber" on his own. Points might be a bit high for what you get, but Id rather he be overpriced then under.

HQ CHOICE-
SPACE MARINE MASTER APOTHECARY.....100 pts
WS4 BS4 S4 T4 W2 I4 A2 Ld10 Sv3+

Unit type:
Infantry

Wargear:
Power Armor
Boltgun or Bolt Pistol
Frag and Krak Grenades
Narthicium
Chainsword

Special Rules:
And They Shall Know No Fear.
Combat Tactics
Independent Character

Options:
Replace Boltgun with:
-Plasma Pistol...+15 pts
-Stormbolter...+3 pts
Replace Chainsword with:
-Power Weapon...+15 pts
May have one of the following:
-Jump Pack...+25 pts
-Space Marine Bike...+35 pts

Experimental Rules: First Sergeants

In the modern military, the First Sergeant (the Shirt) is a very important person to nearly all enlisted folk. A good Shirt can and will bend over backwards to ensure that each and every one of their troops are being taken care of properly. A bad Shirt can totally destroy moral with neglect of the troops, trying to run the unit from behind the commander, or just plain being incompetent. Ive had both types during my time in, and at one point the Shirt was both cases at the same time. So, what is a First Sergeant supposed to be doing? They are the voice of the enlisted to the commander.

But what about in 40k, where Imperial Guardsmen are tossed into the maw of war in their millions? I think there is still a role for the Shirt, though not exactly the same as modern times.

The First Sergeant is the most senior sergeant in an IG company, and its his job to ensure that every soldier understands their role in a mission. The Captain will usually give the company a rough overview of the plan, but it falls to the First Sergeant to explain the specifics to the assembled squad leaders and specialists.

Up to one Infantry or Command Squad veteran sergeant in an IG army may be upgraded to the First Sergeant for +20pts. The army MUST be lead by a Senior Officer (the junior officers are not experianced enough to work well with a First Sergeant, and Heroic Senior Officers are too busy to keep an enlisted person informed). The Senior Officer grants an additional +1LD up to a max of LD10 when other units use his LD with a vox-caster, as long as the First Sergeant is alive.

For the Adeptus Astartes, the First Sergeant is usually the "heir apparent" in a company, the Space Marine that everyone expects to take over when the current captain falls in battle. Typically this is the Sergeant of the first Tactical squad, but it is not unknown for it to be a different squad, or even from the Assault or Devastator squads.

Up to one Command Squad, Tactical Squad, Assault Squad, or Devastator Squad Sergeant in a Space Marine force may be upgraded to the First Sergeant for +10pts. The army must have a Captain in it, though this may be one of the special character Captains. The First Sergeant may use the Captains LD from anywhere on the table, as long as he is alive.

What do you all think?

*EDIT* Tightened up the restrictions of choice for the Space Marines, and lowered the cost.