Below are my goals and the structure of 40K: Ultima Edition a fan-edition based largely on 9th edition but designed to not only be the best edition of 40k ever, but the last edition players will ever need. Ultima edition will be more customisable than any prior official edition and will (eventually - I want to stay true to the responsibilities of my day-job!) have codexes, codex supplements as in-depth as the current Space Marine supplements for every subfaction, and other game expansions of every stripe for all 4(!) ways to play Warhammer 40,000.
To this end it would be foolish of me not to be open to suggestions or feedback from you! Please feel free to comment on what you would like to see in Ultima Edition or in your faction's Ultima Codex.
Here is my plan for the structure of the Main Rulebook
FOUR Ways to Play!
Open War:
This is the most basic type of rules. They are the easiest to learn, teach, and keep track of, and are a good set of rules to use when experimenting with unofficial data sheets or other unofficial rules. There are also expansion rules in Open War for players who want a larger variety of game mechanics and/or more random or dynamic gameplay.
Rapid Strike
This set of rules provide an additional layer of restrictions to facilitate fair play for players who may be familiar with the game but not each other. Where possible, an emphasis on easy and fast game set up has been made.
Trial of Warlords
This set of rules provide further restrictions than rapid strike rules in order to eliminate any and all unintended or unnecessary variances in gameplay. This is the game mode for players who want an emphasis placed on generalship as much as possible.
Crusade
This set of rules is for players who desire an additional layer of realism in their games, and want the focus of gameplay to be the narrative interactions between the armies and the battlefield.
Game Rules, Terrain Rules, Mustering Rules, Missions, and Warzones for All Four Types of Games - and All Five Types of Rulesets are Completely Interchangeable!
In Ultima edition, players are welcome to play entirely within a single game type, but are encouraged to experiment with combining rulesets from different game types to find their ideal way to play. For example, players who prefer the structure of Rapid Strike game rules are able to use detailed and immersive Crusade terrain rules. Hypothetically, there are 20 different game modes to be had by combining all 20 rule sets (4 for each of the 5 ruleset types) and these rule sets will be designed to combine seamlessly for easy interchangeability.
An Edition of Limitless Growth and Experimentation
Ultima edition will allow for greater flexibility in creating campaigns and missions than ever before, and be open for gamers to add to in ways in which they see fit. Eventually, I dream of a site where players can upload their own rulesets to Ultima edition and allow it to grow beyond what I could ever do alone, providing gamers with truly limitless ways in which to enjoy games of Warhammer 40,000.