Sanguinary Guard rules problem (6th edition)

[Horst]

So, I'm building some new sanguinary guard, and a few of them have axes on the model.

The question is, how do we handle this in 6th edition? According to the BA codex, they are "Power Glaives", which are defined by the codex as Master-Crafted power weapons.

Does that mean that ones that look like axes are counted as master crafted axes, and ones that are swords are master crafted swords? Thats kinda the direction I'm leaning towards, but does the "master crafted" part make it a unique weapon? The FAQ replaces lemartes master-crafted crozius with a master crafted power maul, so if we follow this example then master crafted power weapons count as what they look like.

The thread on Dakka seems to be pretty back and forth. It would help me to know how our group is going to play this, for my army at least. I'd hate to assault a group of terminators, thinking I have axes, when I really have swords, because of unclear (in my opinion) rules.

[sonofsanguinius]

If you read page 23 in the Blood Angels Codex labeled Equipment the argument becomes very cut and dry.

It states specifically: ...When an item is unique, it is detailed in the relevant entry of its owner, and where an item is not unique, it is detailed in the wargear section.

A good example of this is the Axe Mortalis, a potent weapon wielded by commander Dante. As such its rules are detailed in Dante's entry...

Since both the Axe Mortalis and the Glaive Encarmine follows the above statement they are therefore considered unique weapons. Defaulting to the unique power weapons rule meaning they are AP3 and user strength and initiative.

This is further emphasized by the power weapons rule itself where it states the condition. 'If the weapon has no further special rules.' Since that condition is not met you do not proceed to look at the weapon type since Master-crafted and two handed are indeed additional special rules.

Furthermore the FAQ for Lemartes argues towards this point because it changes the precedent. And they wanted to specify exactly what they wanted his weapon to be. Same with Kharne. Gorechild is very obviously a unique weapon but they wanted it to be something specific and so FAQ'd it.