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| Clearly DOW got this one right |
Time to discuss a controversial rules discussion in the new Space Marine Codex. Can apothecaries purchase special equipment in the new Space Marine Codex?
Why is this important? Well who wouldn't want 5 Grav guns on a bike command squad with feel no pain?
As a heads up... it is about to get all RAW up here.
Lets go back in time to 5th edition codex space marines. Back then Space Marines had command squads which could take special equipment.
5th edition command squads consisted of 4 veterans and an apothecary for 115 points (yes I still remember that). The rules clearly stated that any veteran could purchase anything off of the list. The apothecary was never a veteran and therefore could not buy equipment. HOWEVER, a company champion could purchase equipment, for the same reason I am about to discuss.
Fast forward to 6th edition. The command squad entry consists of 5 veterans. Note that an apothecary is not included into the unit's cost. The cost is for 5 veterans. This is important. When buying equipment, it says "ANY veteran can purchase X for Y points". It also says "Any Veteran can be upgraded to an apothecary for Z points". Given the apothecary was a veteran, when the veteran purchased the equipment, he gets to keep his grav gun. In addition, there is no language saying that an apothecary is forbidden from purchasing equipment. Finally, there is no language saying that an apothecary replaces his equipment for his unique wargear. Therefore, since he a) was a veteran, b) could purchase equipment, and c) being an apothecary does not get rid of equipment then we is allowed to have a grav gun.
Still not convinced? Well lets take a look at a classic, upgrading a Ork Boy to a Nob with a shoota and Power Klaw. Ork Boyz have the option of taking either a shoota or a slugga and a choppa. When a boy is upgraded to a Nob, he keeps whatever equipment he is given, in addition being able to buy a power klaw. The purchase happens at the same time and was re-affirmed by a GW FAQ saying that it is perfect legal. Once again, there is no vocabulary saying they can't.
Still not convinced? Well lets take a look at Grey Knight Paladins apothecary. It clearly says you upgrade any paladin to become an apothecary for 75 points. However the apothecaries equipment replaces the shooting weapon. However it does not prohibit what close combat weapon they can purchase. Therefore, a paladin apothecary can have any close combat weapon as it is not restricted and the purchase happens at the same time.
Finally, assuming you are still not convinced, Dark Angels Black Knight Command Squad falls into the same rules. Because the apothecary is an upgrade to any black knight, along with the standard being an upgrade to any black knight, it is completely possible to have a black knight with a bolter banner, an apothecary, and a grenade launcher. Why? Because all of the purchases happen at the same exact time and nothing is replaced by upgraded to character status.
Therefore, there are numerous current examples which are identical to this current situation.