Warhammer 40k : can a chaplain or commander START the game attached to unit?

Question

in 4th ed rules, i read that an independent character must start the game alone but can join a unit during a moving phase.

i read a rumor that now for 5th ed. an IC can start the game already attached to a unit as long as you tell your opponent before the game begins that they are indeed attached. whether it be on the table or in reserve.

is this true? and will people not need retinues anymore?

thanks for any help. :)

Answer 1

Yes, you can attatch before the game- for example- chaplain in terminator armor can join a termie squad and all deepstrike as one, etc.

Answer 2

Independent characters can start the game with a retinue/bodyguard (in which case they behave as a unit in their own right) or on their own or attached to another unit.  If they begin the game attached to another unit, they deploy as if they were part of that unit in all respects and you should make it clear to your opponent before the game starts to which unit they are attached.

Answer 3

Indepent character can start alone, attached to another compatible (Terminators if in Terminator armor) squad, or (and I like best) you can assemble a free command squad for the HQ unit.