New Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard) Codex cover & leaks

We've had our first looks at the new Imperial Guard, and their shiny new name the "Astra Militarum."

Why Astra Militarum? I'm guessing it's because it'd be really tough to copyright the name "Imperial Guard."

Without further ado, here's the Codex cover (these shots snagged from facebook)

It looks nice, and is very much in keeping with the 6th Edition theme of iconic character front & center. I think the new name is a bit silly, but part of that stems from my feeling that the term Imperial Guard is so entrenched in the setting. Also their "high gothic" name is Departmento Munitorum, unless this book retcons that. Guess we won't know til we see inside.

For me, the most exciting leaked shot is the new Tempestus Scions. I believe these are the new Storm Trooper unit, which makes me wonder what'll happen to Kasrkins.

 They're clearly meant to look like an elite unit. I just hope the fluff matches the crunch, since Stormtroopers tend to be an ablative unit. They have chic angular armor that's akin to what you'd see on a Fantasy Empire general, so there might be some conversion potential there too. I like the look of the sergeant, but I'm not sold on the helmet. I think with a few spikes & greenstuff he'd be an excellent cultist leader too.

The Taurox has been getting a fair bit of scorn. I like it though. I don't think it's as boxy as everyone thinks it is. The tread wheels are a little silly to me, but at the same time I can't wait to see the first Orky conversion

The only other image I've seen so far is the release page. The only real revelations are that the Tempestus Scions appear to be $35 for 5 minis (I'm not a fan of the fact that they added the command sprue into the box) and that the Militarum Tempestus will be a codex supplement.h ow will they play? what'll be their schtick? we won't know until the codex comes out.

~Muninn