Rules Query (Eldar)

[Mythweaver]

D'Narb and I have had a few discussions regarding Warlocks and their use as a Retinue.

Rules As Written, see below, indicate that they are not in fact a Bodyguard but a separate, independent unit that shares an HQ slot with a Farseer.

5th Edition Rules, p. 48
"Some Codex books allow you to field characters together with a special unit that they cannot leave during the game. (which is normally called a 'Retinue', 'Bodyguard' or similar) Where this is the case, the character counts as an upgrade character until all other models of the unit are killed...

Eldar Codex, p. 60
Under the Heading of Farseer
"Warlocks: For each Farseer in the army, you may include a squad of 3-10 warlocks. This unit and the Farseer are a single HQ choice".

What are your thoughts?

Internet consensus says that they are used as a retinue, at least according to lists and battle reports. But as Jon says, it is an arguable point.

[redshirt2375]

Well it states you can take a "squad" of 3-10 which to me would mean it's a seperate unit.

I was always under the impression that the Warlocks work the same as the SM Command Squad/Honour Guard in that you can take one for each commander but that it was a serperate unit that didn't take up a slot.

In my Dark Eldar codex it explicitly states that the incubi are a retinue that can only be taken with a Archon/ite or Dracon/ite.
I know for the Tyranids it also states the same thing for the Tyrant(sp?) guard.

[Mythweaver]

That opens up a whole new can of worms, or should I say snakes!

After Jon pointed it out to me, I have to agree with both of you. I am still interested in Matt's view or anyone elses for that matter.

[thesanityassassin]

I have always played them as a separate squad, which can be used away from the Farseer if necessary, and that he was still an independent character joining them.

All of the books that are released the same era as Eldar are clear at pointing out "retinues", and there is nothing to suggest to me that Warlocks are such. I've purchased a Jetbike farseer and a unit of foot warlocks that go the other way before.

I know internet consensus seems to disagree, but that only makes sense to me based on what I read.

[Mythweaver]

Fantastic, I like anything that provides more options. It makes assaults alittle more dangerous for the Farseer but I can live with that.

Thanks to Jon, Randy and Matt for the clarification.