The Legio Imprint

Home , Andy Chambers, Battlefleet Gothic, Black Library, Deathwatch (comics), Games Day, Golden Demon

Issue 2 – Summer 2012

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Includes Resources and Information on the Occulis Terribilis

The Nemean Campaign With Index Astartes Articles for the Steel Dogs, the Lions of Alba, and the Heralds of Light

Painting and Modelling Articles

And An Interview with Author Aaron Dembski- Bowden

Introduction & Contents

This is the second issue of the Legio Imprint, the Introduction & Contents 1 B&C’s semi-regular attempt to show the board members all the stuff they miss by hiding in their Interview: Aaron Dembski -Bowden 2 particular corners of the forum – and show off some THE EYE OF TERROR new stuff into the bargain. An Introduction to the Eye of Terror 6 This issue focuses around the Eye of Terror, the centre The Black Crusades 12 for so many of the events of 40K (especially power- Beast Marines Tutorials 17 armoured events). There’s a lot to the Eye of Terror, A Guide to Creating Mutations 23 and no e-zine could really be up to the task. Still, the Renegade Chapters 26 B&C did its best, with fluff articles, modelling Paths of Glory: Chaos Legion Rules 34 tutorials, painting tutorials, special rules, and a fully realized campaign with background, scenarios and The Making of Magmatrax 41 advice for adapting it to your needs. There’s also an The Astartes Praeses 47 exclusive interview with Black Library luminary Codex: Exorcists 55 Aaron Dembski-Bowden, where he talks about the Codex: Iron Hands 60 inner workings of the Black Library. THE NEMEAN CAMPAIGN The issue is divided into two major sections. First is The Steel Dogs 68 the Eye of Terror section, which provides background The Heralds of Light 79 information on the Eye and many of its denizens. There’s an exploration of just what the Eye of Terror The Lions of Alba 88 is, overviews of the Black Crusades and the Astartes Going on a Lion Hunt: 97 Praeses, and a variety of Eye-related modelling The Nemean Campaign articles. There are also three different sets of special The Battle of Jamshyd’s World 105 rules – one for the various Chaos Legions and one each for the Exorcists and Iron Hands Chapters – both of Aftermath 112 whom make their homes near the Eye. Credits & Acknowledgements 115

Second is the Nemean Campaign section, which covers a B&C-created campaign around the Eye of Terror – a war prompted by honour, pride, and vengeance. Heady stuff – and all created on the B&C. In addition to the background articles on the Chapters and the campaign, there’s also a complete set of scenarios, a battle report, and a guide to adapting the campaign for your purposes.

There’s lots of original fluff, original ideas, original interpretations and original artwork, and even what you’ve already seen before has been polished and added to. Hopefully you’ll enjoy reading it as much as the team enjoyed producing it. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard on this and to all of you who will now read it. THE EYE OF TERROR Octavulg – Editor

One of the Black Library’s most popular authors and one of the B&C’s most prolific luminaries, A D-B graciously agreed to answer some questions after the application of sufficiently gratuitous flattery. His answers are interesting and provide insight into both the Black Legio Library and Games Workshop. Armour 9 landed on the doorstep. What is the process of Imprint writing and researching a It occasionally includes stuff that's not novel for the Black Library? yet published, though you tend to have Um. I'll cover that later. If I do it to be in GWHQ to get a look at that. now, I'll have to write "See Question But I saw the Blood Angels codex ages 1" about four times. before it hit the shelves, for example. And I saw the photocopied pages of the You’ve mentioned a GW next codex release, like, months and Archive in the past. Could months ago. That's a rarity, but it's nice you explain it to us? to pretend you're as cool as the Design Studio guys for a few minutes while Sure. On a practical level, dealing you read that stuff. with the archive goes a little like this:

To: Are Black Library novels [email protected] included in the Archive? From: Yeah. Though we get all of them for [email protected] free, anyway – don't usually need to ask. Interview: Dear whomever gets this email, Does the archive give you Aaron I need X information for novel Y. Can access to super-secret you send everything they have in the archives about it? Ta. background material no one Dembski- else sees? Then, the very next day you get a Not so much. It gives you access to Bowden chunky A2-sized envelope with a stuff no one has seen in a long time whole bunch of colour photocopies (Black Legion Chaplains and relating to everything you asked for. Techmarines with Spawngoads... Dreadnoughts called 'Chuck'...), and it I'm usually aware of exactly what I'll gives you an occasional glance at need, so I'll list off specific references something unreleased if it pertains to like "I know Slaves to Darkness has your project. some jazz on the old units Chaos Marines used in the 80s... Can you That said, the Horus Heresy meetings send me a copy of those pages?" are the exception that proves (okay, completely breaks) this rule. In those, Essentially, the archive is everything we're sat around a table with Alan by Games Workshop and its subsidiaries Merrett, the overseer of Games (Black Library and Forge World) Workshop's entire intellectual property. Librarium have published. F’rex, for the novel And he's not just the IP manager; this I'm working on right now, I wanted to is also the guy that invented most of Staff and see what Forge World had done on the Horus Heresy's events as we know the Marines Errant –- because there's them today. So at HH meetings, we're A D-B a vague subplot where the Night able to see any relevant new codices Lords are essentially hanging out while they're still basically printed with the Red Corsairs when Huron Word.docs, and we're the ones has a crack at killing the Chapter off deciding the Imperium's history. [Yes, this interview was a while ago. That's... I mean, Jesus, even typing that Sorry, A D-B – Ed]. A day later, to explain it feels cool. When you're sat colour photocopies from Imperial in the room, it's absolutely killer. The

other guys are a bit cooler and more discussing the (thankfully, collected about the whole thing. I can almost always very positive) barely remember my name at the time, reviews I get there. But a lot of though. writers really don't much care, and they're probably right in How much older material is feeling that way. Reviews by contained in them (like the your Average Joe can range from 'insightful' to 'missing the Starchild theory, for point by a ball-aching mile', and example)? all too often, it's the latter. Everything, ever. Again, while I've been more Though, as I recall from my tender fortunate than luck should allow, youth, the Starchild cra– uh, “theory”, it's a general thing inherent in wasn't exactly widespread. the semi-anonymous and opinionated nature of online Could you walk us through the reviews. Look at any Amazon editorial process on a Black review of a TV show, book or movie that you like. Now check Library novel? out all the people that missed the The full deal goes like this: point by a bajillion miles.

1. Synopsis pitch. Yeah, exactly. It's not always 2. First draft. sane, let alone valid. 3. Editor feedback, usually storyline- based and typo catching. Black Library is like any other 4. Second draft. publisher, in that its editors and 5. Copy editor gets it; catches typos staff have opinions of their own. and stuff. You've got mass-marketed, 6. Lore reader gets it; sends back hugely advertised stuff that a lot feedback on any background of them might think simply Our subject in both his forms – discrepancies. sucks, and you've got lesser DaemonPrinceDargor 7. Production turn it into a formatted known authors that they really .pdf file. wish would break out of the pack. everything is as good as it can be, but 8. Final edit, where you check it over it's not exactly a disaster if it's not. again yourself. The most boring I will say this: in the past, BL haven't That has nothing to do with Back part. You're usually sick of the sight had a great record with heavily Library's production, really. It's of it by now. advertising certain authors. In recent inherent in all types of media. 9. Print. memory, they made a fuss out of a couple of authors in particular who've You might be reading this and thinking ended up receiving very mediocre I'm very sceptical. I'm really not. I'm Does a negative or positive just honest. reaction to a book get noticed reviews. They do notice that, but they also know reviews are fleeting. Give at the Black Library? something an amazing cover and a How detailed a plot/concept Okay, now I need to tread carefully. great blurb, and it'll attract a lot of are you given to work with? Like any career situation, what you interest no matter what previous novels I assume it's the same for all the other know isn't always what you can safely the author has done. That's just the authors, but I'm never given anything say. I'll try to be brief and to the point. nature of the game in any publishing, to work with in that sense. I pitch ideas but especially licensed fiction. The and wait for a reply. The notable My gut instinct answer is that Yes, it's fanbase orbits the concepts, not the noticed, and No, it doesn't really have exception was Helsreach, when the authors. At least, that's how it goes at first few releases for the Space Marine that much impact. Online reviews are first. Battles series were loosely chosen by often not exactly well-considered or to the standards once kept by professional editors. Nick Kyme briefed me on that So, yeah, they notice. But no – like any by saying "How about a novel focusing critics. That's not to say they're other publisher – things sell whether worthless – I spend an insane amount on Helsreach?" and left it at that. they're great or just average; it's of time reading my own reviews (very marketing that decides as much as I always choose what I want to do, in unprofessional of me), and on forums anything. They work hard to ensure the sense that I'll email my editor Nick

Kyme and say "I wanna do this", and the imaginary distinction of "Codex thing going on, too. Though it's usually he'll always say "Finish what you're Canon" being a different tier of truth to just used to congratulate Graham on doing first, then send me a synopsis." "Black Library Canon" and "Forge whatever award he's won that week. World Canon" is a fallacy. GW brass Is there any official instruction don't see it like that. It's all just people Does the Black Library telling stories in the setting, whether in for what to do when you run a novel or on the tabletop – the discourage you from exploring into really big gaps in the fluff difference is that the Dev Studio will certain themes, such as (like how Chapters are often give more of a framework for the religion, romance, or the full founded, or what colour Ork setting as a whole, and the novels offer depths of the horror of the 41st blood is this week)? more specific, focused frameworks on Millennium? certain factions. But canon is... well, This is a tough one. We're not allowed to show explicit sex, it's not what it is in other licenses. obviously. You have to be verrrrrrry

I guess this is different for every cautious with some aspects of In my less witty moments, I call it author. I consider myself bound to the romance, too, and I once got in trouble "loose canon". codices, but I don't consider myself for a daemon saying "My kind will beholden to any other author's work. rape your holy world, mortal", or Yeah, I'm priceless. Like, it's my choice if I want to something like that. acknowledge their work in mine (and But there's a consensus, of course. vice versa), and if I do it, I think it's I'm using 2011 to shop my non-40K Sometimes, something is established because their perception of the setting work around (if I can find the time) and shouldn't be conflicted. Something matches mine, or they add something and while I'll always love writing for I'm pretty proud of is the feedback I great to the shared universe. But I've 40K, it's great not to be second- tend to get regarding my attitudes to run across a few instances where I guessing every scene where something the established source material. I stick could've referenced another author's mature happens. GW has a varied to it because I love it, and I know it novel and chose not to, because I didn't demographic (which falsely translates from 20 years of reading and playing like the work, or I felt it wasn't really as "BL fans are mostly kids", which is it, since I was a tiny little goober with a in-line with my views on 40K. And wrong), and although I hate it, copy of Space Crusade. that's something that, to a degree, sometimes BL seems to cater for the everyone involved in the Intellectual lower age range of that demographic. Ultimately, the fans can judge what Property will do. In codices, it's called That said, legally, they probably have they like, and what they consider retconning. The erasing of former to. It can feel a bit stifling sometimes, "truth". Sometimes it'll be Forge ideas, or simply not mentioning them yeah. World's consensus that becomes the again. main one; sometimes the Dev Studio's;

sometimes Black Library's. It all What inspires you to write What you've got to bear in mind is that depends on the topic and how it's about the armies you have? – love it or hate it – Games Workshop's presented. Write what you love. Luckily, I love a attitude to the setting really is that lot. "Everything is true and nothing is true". When gaps or clashes occur in To what extent do the authors I try not to write what I play, though. the sourcebooks, some people will work together? There's an immensely annoying – and consider it lazy, while others will 'get We don't, really. No more than any completely invented – trope where it' in the sense that a lot of the time, other authors all working for the same sometimes authors of licensed fiction this is simply how GW want things to publisher. I have nothing but love for will big up their favourite factions just be. My 40K isn't going to be exactly Chris Wraight and Matt Farrer, and we to make them look better than X, Y and the same as your 40K, and that's a talk over email, but we don't work Z other factions. It's patently nonsense, statement that every single 40K fan can together in the sense that we're always but it makes a great soundbite, and it's say to another fan with absolute, going over our facts as a pack. Projects something instinctively childish, complete, 100% surety. Some people are rarely related enough to make it malevolent, and plausible if you have consider that a flaw. Others, like GW, necessary, and we're all confident in no respect for the person you're a feature. our respective grasps of the setting. insulting when you say it. We tend to

think the worst of people we dislike, Canon doesn't really apply to 40K the The guys I talk to most are Dan Abnett, after all. So I try to avoid that by way it does to Star Wars, because the Nick Kyme and Jim Swallow, and it's simply not writing about the Black setting itself is founded to give people not usually about work with any of Legion. the chance to make their own stories, them. When work comes into it, it's battles, crusades, wars, and so on. It's almost always Horus Heresy related. That'll change in time, and I'm sure my not canon in that sense, which is why We have a pretty active group email reviews will say "OMG ADB made BL 4

the best when really Failbaddon is a plenty of time. and the storyline was killer. Really, loser", but whatever. I'd argue that if you're not going to get much better you use that many capitals in a In less local news, obviously I'd love to than that. sentence, you need to be punched in have done something big in the sense the spine, anyway. And don't put 'Fail' of either one of the big events or the Ultimately, I like human characters in in anything like that. It's chimpish. most popular legions (Blood Angels at 40K, and I love how they contrast to Signus Prime; Space Wolves at the Astartes. That's what makes Space What aspects of the Heresy Prospero) but I joined the team very Marines in this setting so rich and late, and they were understandably interesting for me: their strange, would you most like to write taken by then. But getting to do a awkwardly loyal distance from the about? Blood Angel, Dark Angel or humans they were never given a I wanted to detail how it all began, and Ultramarine novel would be absolutely chance to be. There wasn't a lot of that show a different perception of Lorgar amazing. I doubt that's specific to me – in Legion, but enough to tease and and the Word Bearers at their lowest it's surely the kind of thing any 40K make for great reading. ebb, before they became the fan would say. charismatic crusaders of the Heresy. I Will you be including a Squat was lucky enough to do that when I What’s your favourite Black in your next book, or are you pitched The First Heretic. I'd also like to carry on with that, showing the Library book? Why? saving it for a special Word Bearer Legion really coming into Legion, by Dan Abnett. occasion? its own with the assaults on Calth, This may not be a popular opinion, but Terra, and whatever else they did in the Quite simply, it's brilliant, brilliant sci- I always thought they were a bit stupid, Age of Darkness. I'd love to do a novel fi. The revelations meant nothing to me anyway. Those trikes, man. Gah. about the War in the Webway, though (and really, I think people place too if I ever do, it'll be a million years much importance in them as truth, I miss Genestealer cults, though. Those away (I'm just saying I like the when they don't really seem to be at were rad. concept, not that I have plans). My all), but it was beautifully written, and next HH novel will almost definitely I love the characters. It also bled a 30K And on that suspiciously pro-Hive be a World Eater novel, and that's feel, rather than a 40K one, and I don't Mind note, the interview concluded. something I've always wanted to get a think it's unfair to say that not all of the My eternal thanks to A D-B for doing hold of. Doing that is almost a dream HH series has necessarily nailed that. this, and I hope you all enjoyed it. A D- come true. It should go without saying, It's an important part of the theme, and B’s novel Void Stalker is out now, and but I'm saying it anyway, that I'd like one that can end up pretty difficult to I don’t know why you haven’t bought it to do a Night Lords novel at some do. The characters were unique and yet. point. But the series is young. There's fascinating, the prose was awesome,

What is the Eye of Terror? Geography The Eye of Terror dominates the The Eye of Terror was the result of this north-west of the galaxy. It is the tumult.11 A rupture at its very heart heart of Chaos in our universe. spews forth raw Warp energy into our Twenty thousand light years across,1 universe,12 and this energy makes the The Eye of and visible from ten thousand light region violently unstable. Daemons can years away,2 it was born in the final safely manifest within the confines of Terror years of the Dark Age of Strife, the Eye,13 and the reality-twisting heralding the birth of the Imperium,3 effects of the Warp have resulted in brought into being by the Fall of the space and time being deformed in alien Eldar. and terrifying ways.

The Fall of the Eldar There are a variety of different worlds Explanations vary for the Eldar’s fall. within the Eye. The Crone Worlds are Some sources say they fell into Chaos the original core worlds of the Eldar worship when they discovered it Empire, and the Eldar must still mine through their use of warpgates.4 them today in order to build soul stones.14 They also hold many artefacts Others say that they turned to the 15 worship of Chaos when they grew of pre-Fall Eldar Civilization. Some, like Belial IV, are inhabited only by complacent and bored in their 16 supremacy over the galaxy.5 ghosts. Others have become daemon Whatever the reason, across the Eldar worlds, where screeching warpspawn caper through the graveyard of a great Empire, those who felt the pull of 17 Chaos in their souls fell dead and their civilization. An souls were subsumed into the being known as Slaanesh.6 This catastrophe Many of the inhabited worlds within blew the Warp Storms around Earth the Eye of Terror are Daemon Worlds, Introduction found toward the heart of the Eye of away and reshaped the Warp, 18 to the Eye of allowing humanity to return to the Terror. Daemon Worlds have been galaxy.7 Slaanesh, meanwhile, corrupted by Chaos, and are now Terror annihilated the majority of the Eldar shaped by the whims of whatever Chaos power controls them, heedless pantheon – Khaine survived as 19 scattered fragments at the core of of physical laws. Worlds with Craftworlds,8 the Laughing God surfaces of living flesh; flat worlds; night worlds where no light is ever survived by concealing himself in the 20 Webway where his Harlequins lurk to seen; worlds with fire for skies; this day,9 and a few sources say Isha, oceans and rivers of blood or where the 21 Goddess of Healing, was taken as a moons and stars scream. Tales of prisoner and bride by Nurgle, trapped

in his garden forever as a victim of his 11 by various plagues and pathogens.10 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third Edition, Mk II Octavulg 12 Renegades, Space Marine Second Edition 13 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Fourth 1 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third Edition Edition, Mk II 14 Codex: Eldar, Fourth Edition 2 Warhammer 40,000, Fourth Edition 15 Ibid 3 Realms of Chaos: Slaves to Darkness 16 Codex: Eye of Terror 4 Ibid 17 Codex: Eldar, Fourth Edition 5 Codex: Eldar, Fourth Edition 18 Renegades, Space Marine Second 6 Realms of Chaos: Slaves to Darkness Edition 7 Ibid 19 Codex: Chaos Daemons 8 Codex: Eldar, Fourth Edition 20 Renegades, Space Marine Second 9 Ibid Edition 10 Codex: Chaos Daemons 21 Warhammer 40,000, Third Edition

7 these horrors are brought back to the Eye to this day.27 They are bolstered by may be a response to emotions and Imperium by the crews of Inquisitorial more recent traitor Space Marines, actions in our universe. null-ships,22 or dragged from captured formerly of the Adeptus Astartes,28 Daemons are created from the prisoners and tomes by the Ordo fallen Imperial Guard regiments and accumulated energy of a Chaos power Malleus. Daemon Worlds are as varied cultists,29 and the arcane forces of the – more capable and larger powers can 39 as the powers of Chaos – the only Dark Mechanicus and Traitor Titan thus create more daemons. Some constant is the insanity behind them. Legions.30 small Chaos powers elect to stabilize themselves by taking daemonic form, The Fringe Worlds along the edge of But the Eye’s most numerous trading the chance at more power for 40 the Eye lead a precarious existence. inhabitants are Daemons, and to the certainty of continued existence. The Eye of Terror is not stable, and so understand them, one must understand Daemons are reflections of the powers they may be drawn in or expelled from the Warp. that created them – Khorne’s are it without warning. Worlds closer to bloodthirsty, Slaanesh’s depraved, the edge of the Eye may even be What is the Warp? Nurgle’s pestilent, and Tzeentch’s something observers might recognize 41 The Warp is a parallel reality to our mercurial. The gods’ most favoured as normal, though often they are own – Chaos is the Warp, and the servants will be rewarded with more simply dead worlds, uninhabited even 31 and more power – indeed, on some Warp is Chaos. Human ships travel by the creatures of Chaos. worlds, Greater Daemons are across the galaxy by entering the Warp, 42 where the distance to their destination worshipped as gods themselves. Eldar Craftworlds are even known to 32 is shorter, then returning to realspace. be drawn into the eye by physical or Most of the time, Daemons do not The natural ebb and flow of the Warp metaphysical forces – Maugan Ra’s concern themselves with humanity. can make travel easier or more difficult home world of Altansar was drawn 33 They are occupied participating in wars 23 by speeding or slowing ships. Warp into the Eye itself, and Ulthwé is between the Chaos powers and other 24 storms are created by these natural trapped in its orbit. daemons within the Warp and the Eye movements and tides, coming together 34 of Terror, wars prompted by obscure, What Lives There? and breaking apart over time. Older incomprehensible or even ridiculous sources suggest that warp storms are 43 motivations. The Chaos powers can The inhabitants of the Eye are no the powers of Chaos, accumulations of reclaim the energies committed to a better, as twisted and malformed as the power grown large enough to achieve worlds they live on. Billions of mutants 35 particular daemon at any time, sentience. As powers grow larger, ensuring the loyalty of their followers inhabit various daemon worlds, they can protect themselves from the screaming tormented praises to gods as (though, treacherous as such creatures natural flow of the Warp and maintain 44 25 are, betrayal is still possible). mad as their worshippers. their existence.36 Emotions also feed 37 the powers of Chaos, and the use of Daemons cannot generally manifest Perhaps the most infamous of the psychic powers creates disturbances Eye’s inhabitants are those who once 38 themselves in our universe – the walls and currents in the Warp. Indeed, served the Imperium. The Eye of between universes must be weakened much of the ebb and flow of the Warp Terror provides a haven for the by a warp storm or the beliefs and treacherous and the black-hearted. rituals of cultists in order to allow a 45 Most prominent of these are the Traitor daemon entrance to our world. Alternatively, daemons can possess Legions, who fled there in the wake of 27 Renegades, Space Marine Second the Horus Heresy. The twisting mortals, committing a portion of their Edition influence of the Warp twists time such 28 power to controlling the mind and Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Fourth 46 that many of the original Legionaries spirit of their host. Some mortals Edition still survive to nurse their hatred of the 29 succumb to this willingly, while others 26 Codex: Eye of Terror Imperium. Indeed, ships fleeing 30 Horus’ defeat at Terra still arrive in the Adeptus Titanicus 31 Realms of Chaos: Slaves to Darkness 32 Warhammer 40,000, Fifth Edition 39 Realms of Chaos: Slaves to Darkness 33 Warhammer 40,000, Third Edition 40 Ibid 22 Warhammer 40,000, Fourth Edition 34 Realms of Chaos: Slaves to Darkness 41 Codex: Chaos Daemons 23 Codex: Eldar, Fourth Edition 35 Ibid 42 Renegades, Space Marine Second 24 Renegades, Space Marine Second 36 Ibid Edition Edition 37 Realms of Chaos: Slaves to Darkness, 43 Ibid 25 Codex: Eye of Terror Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third 44 Codex: Chaos Daemons 26 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Fourth Edition, Mk II 45 Realms of Chaos: Slaves to Darkness Edition 38 Codex: Chaos Daemons 46 Ibid

are left trapped as witnesses to the horrors their body commits.47 Conclusion Cadia – The Fortress World that Talented psykers such as the Librarians Thus is the Eye of Terror – a twisted secures the eponymous Gate. Home to of the Adeptus Astartes can project realm of twisted creatures serving the famous Cadian regiments, and the their minds into the Warp in the form site of much of the action of the 13th twisted purposes. It is here that the 65 of a “subtle body” or “mist flesh”, like death of mankind waits, and here from Black Crusade. the mirror of a daemon projecting its which our darkest urges march forth to psychic existence into our physical destroy us. Caliban (Ruins) – The destroyed realm. Such a journey is hazardous in former home world of the Dark 66 the extreme, for injury to the subtle Notable Worlds and Sites Angels, on the northern edge of the body is suffered by the physical body Eye.67 Agripinaa – An Adeptus Mechanicus and to die whilst in the Warp is to be Fortress World located south-east of 68 condemned to damnation and torment 54 Chincare – A rogue system where a 48 Cadia, Agripinaa produces munitions at the claws of daemons. 55 creature of Chaos was destroyed by for the Cadian Gate. 69 Inquisitor Eisenhorn.

Just as daemons struggle to maintain Altansar – This Craftworld is home to their physical form in our material Citadels of Flesh – A Daemon World Maugan Ra, Exarch of the Dark realm, the immaterial realm is in the eastern Eye of Terror.70 Reapers.56 He guided them in an anathema to mortal beings. For an escape from the Eye of Terror during ordinary man to even look upon the th Cylia – A Daemon World near the the 13 Black Crusade, though they are Warp is to jeopardize his sanity. centre of the Eye.71 Starships are encased in protective now mistrusted by other Eldar due to their lengthy time within the Eye.57 shields known as Gellar fields 58 Dhegh – A Daemon World near the generated by ancient engines from the Altansar is now located near Terra. 72 centre of the Eye. fabled Dark Age of Technology, and these fields are all that prevent Warp The Arx Gap – An alternate exit from 59 Eidolon – A world in the northern Eye creatures from consuming those who the Eye of Terror in the north-east, 73 the Arx Gap is less stable than the of Terror. A former Eldar Maiden sail the swirling energies of the 60 49 Cadian Gate. Abaddon escaped World, now the site of constant battles Immaterium. Even the best Gellar 74 through here to start the Gothic War.61 between the four Chaos powers. fields have been known to fail without explanation, leaving crews to be turned Belial IV – A Crone World in the east Fool’s Paradise – An Imperial Guard into gibbering maniacs and devotees of 75 world of note, but also apparently the dark and terrible influences.50 of the Eye on which can be found an Eldar relic – a black crystal sword site of Alpha-grade Daemonic 76 62 encounters. It is only thanks to the mutants known forged from the energy of death. as Navigators that mankind can travel The Forbidden Vault – A Daemon the Warp. Navigators possess a third Belis Corona – A dead world on the World in the western Eye of Terror.77 eye in the centre of their forehead Imperial side of the Cadian Gate which 63 which enables them to look upon the supports massive naval dockyards. Fulgrim’s World – Daemon World of Warp.51 Every Navigator perceives the the Emperor’s Children Primarch and Warp differently and any attempt to The Benighted – A Daemon World in the western Eye of Terror.64 describe what they see is futile for it requires colours and shapes beyond 65 52 Codex: Eye of Terror mortal comprehension. Navigators 54 66 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third “The Unforgiven”, Index Astartes I are treated with fear and suspicion for 67 Edition, Mk II Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third it is said that to look in a Navigator’s 55 Codex: Eye of Terror Edition, Mk II Warp Eye is to invite madness and 56 68 death.53 Codex: Eldar, Fourth Edition Ibid 57 Ibid 69 Codex: Eye of Terror 58 Warhammer 40,000, Fifth Edition 70 Warhammer 40,000, Fifth Edition 47 Codex: Chaos Daemons 59 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third 71 Ibid 48 Graham McNeill, A Thousand Sons Edition, Mk II 72 Ibid 49 Warhammer 40,000, Fourth Edition 60 Codex: Eye of Terror 73 Codex: Eye of Terror 50 Codex: Chaos Daemons 61 Battlefleet Gothic 74 Bloodquest 51 “Space Fleet”, White Dwarf #140 62 Codex: Eye of Terror 75 Codex: Imperial Guard, Fifth Edition 52 Codex: Chaos Daemons 63 Ibid 76 Warhammer 40,000, Fifth Edition 53 “Space Fleet”, White Dwarf 140 64 Warhammer 40,000, Fifth Edition 77 Ibid

The Eye of Terror – Colrouphobic the goal of questing Emperor’s Kdask’s Labyrinth – A Daemon Medusa – The home world of the Iron Children. Location unknown.78 World in the south-west of the Eye of Hands,91 Medusa lies on the north-west Terror.84 edge of the Eye.92 Helix – A Daemon World near the centre of the Eye of Terror.79 L’Oquis – A Crone World in the Nemesis Tessera – Site of a fortress 85 western Eye of Terror. built to guard against the denizens of Il-Kaithe – A Craftworld near the the Eye of Terror. Nemesis Tessera is 80 south-west of the Eye of Terror. The Loathsome Orb – A Daemon now under the control of the 86 Constantly battling against the forces World in the southern Eye of Terror. Inquisition.93 of Chaos, their colours are purple and green. They are famous for the talents Mahr’douk – A Guard world of note The Perilous Stair – A Daemon 81 87 of their Bonesingers. to the south-west of the Eye. World near the centre of the Eye.94

Infinitum – A Daemon World near the Medrengard – Home to the Iron Plague Planet – The new home of the 82 centre of the Eye. Warriors, Medrengard is a bleak slave Death Guard, it was remade in the 88 world in the north-east of the Eye and image of Barbarus by Mortarion.95 Kathalon – A Daemon World ruled by is dominated by physically impossible Sickness and pestilence are the norm, 89 Vangash’hagash the Ever-Bloody, it fortifications. It lies close enough to and the clouds bring death, prompting takes the form of a burning lake the edge of the Eye that it can the population to pray to Nurgle for crossed with bridges of iron and bone, sometimes be mapped as outside – relief.96 and is the site of an endless battle which may just be a product of the 90 between the forces of Khorne and Eye’s unpredictability Planet of Sorcerers – New home of 83 Tzeentch. the Thousand Sons. Saturated with magic and volcanically active, it is

84 Warhammer 40,000, Fifth Edition 91 “The Iron Hands”, Index Astartes III 85 Ibid 92 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third 78 “Children of the Emperor”, Index 86 Ibid Edition, Mk II Astartes I 87 Codex: Imperial Guard, Fifth Edition 93 Codex: Eye of Terror 79 Warhammer 40,000, Fifth Edition 88 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third 94 Warhammer 40,000, Fifth Edition 80 Ibid Edition, Mk II 95 “The Lost and the Damned”, Index 81 Codex: Eldar, Fourth Edition 89 “Bitter and Twisted”, Index Astartes Astartes III 82 Warhammer 40,000, Fifth Edition I 96 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third 83 Codex: Chaos Daemons 90 Warhammer 40,000, Fourth Edition Edition, Mk II

covered in monolithic sorcerer’s Skalathrax – A freezing daemon Viest – Plague world in the northern towers, the tallest of which is the world covered in black cities.104 Site of Eye of Terror.112 Tower of the Cyclops.97 From the the battle of Skalathrax, where Khârn’s Tower, Magnus can peer through the actions shattered the World Eaters and Volscar – A Guard world of note, Warp across the Imperium, directing Emperor’s Children and earned him the almost within the southern Eye of the raids of his Legion toward targets title “The Betrayer”.105 Terror.113 98 which particularly interest him. Thracian Primaris – A Hive World of World of Immortal Sorrows – Crone Purgatrex – A Daemon World in the twenty-two billion with five Ramilies World ruled by Slaaneshi Daemon north of the Eye of Terror.99 Star Forts and eight million PDF Prince Elyssar’sirath, where daemons defending it.106 Capital of the Helican torment the souls of fallen Eldar in a 100 Rubicon Straits – An anomaly. sub-sector.107 massive golden forest beside rivers made from the tears of Eldar Scelus – A Dead World in the west of Titan of Pain – Daemon World near children.114 the Eye, Scelus is the former home of the centre of the Eye of Terror.108 101 the Sons of Malice. Xana II – Renegade Forge World. Tzix – Daemon World in the south of Produces the Hell Talon, Hell Blade,115 Sentinel Worlds – Anomalous worlds the Eye of Terror.109 and the Idolator-class escort.116 in the south-west of the Eye, 102 quarantined due to alien artefacts. Ulthwé – An Eldar Craftworld that Yme-Loc – Eldar Craftworld near the wears the colours of mourning (black Eye of Terror.117 Known as talented Sicarus – Daemon world base of and yellow) due to being trapped in artists, they frequently make use of Lorgar and centre of Word Bearer orbit around the Eye of Terror.110 heavy grav-tanks and Titans. Their 103 operations. Currently located near the western colours are grey and orange.118 edge of the Eye.111

97 “Masters of Forbidden Knowledge”, 104 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third Index Astartes IV Edition, Mk II 98 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third 105 Ibid Edition, Mk II 106 Codex: Eye of Terror 99 Warhammer 40,000, Fifth Edition 107 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third 112 Warhammer 40,000, Fifth Edition 100 Codex: Eye of Terror Edition, Mk II 113 Codex: Imperial Guard, Fifth Edition 101 Ibid 108 Warhammer 40,000, Fifth Edition 114 Codex: Chaos Daemons 102 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third 109 Ibid 115 Imperial Armour: Apocalypse Edition, Mk II 110 Codex: Eye of Terror 116 Battlefleet Gothic 103 “The Dark Apostles”, Index Astartes 111 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third 117 Codex: Eldar, Fourth Edition IV Edition, Mk II 118 Ibid

The Black Crusades are the fury of Chaos unleashed upon the Imperium. Led by fell champions, they strike down the righteous and harry the godly. In this article, Strike Captain Lysimachus unearths information on known Black Crusades The Eye of and provides some thoughts on their general nature. Introduction damage to avert the attack, with Dorn It is the nature of Chaos that infighting making his last stand on the bridge of Terror the Chaos Battleship Sword of and rivalry keep the Chaos Space 1 Marines from permanently uniting. Sacrilege. However, once or twice in a millennium, a truly great Champion of If this account refers to a general Black Chaos arises in the Eye of Terror. Crusade, or specifically to one of Through his implacable will and the Abaddon's Black Crusades is unclear, favour of the Ruinous Powers, this but a date is not given other than it was 'soon after' the disappearance of Champion welds together an unsteady 2 alliance between the infernal regions of Corax. The Primarch of the Raven the Eye of Terror and sallies forth Guard is known to have disappeared approximately one year after the 2nd against the Imperium. 3 Founding (ca. 21.M31). Even if one How the Champion brings such a allows 50 to 60 years to be 'soon' in ‘Black Crusade’ together will depend Imperial terms, this would still place on his nature and his patron God. Some this Black Crusade 700 years before use manipulation, others extortion, the date given for Abaddon's First while others dominate or intimidate. Black Crusade, suggesting that it must Whatever the method, the Champion have been a separate event. must use all of the considerable powers at his disposal. Abaddon’s First Black The Black Crusade – 781.M314 Unsurprisingly for the servants of After years of inactivity following the Crusades Chaos, a Black Crusade can vary Scouring, Abaddon suddenly erupted wildly in terms of the size and back into the Imperium at the head of a composition of Traitor forces. diabolical horde.5 Since the Imperial Depending on the Champion’s goals defences at the Cadian Gate were not and objectives, such a force can range yet established he was able to easily from a few hundred renegade Astartes rampage around Imperial space.6 to a dark tide of countless thousands of Chaos worshippers. During this time Abaddon assaulted the by Tower of Silence on Uralan and, after The Black Crusades of Abaddon the being led into the crypts below it by a Strike Despoiler are some of the most golden-skinned stranger, recovered the momentous events in the history of the daemon sword Drach'nyen.7 Abaddon Captain Imperium and yet, other than his two was eventually forced to withdraw most recent, relatively little is known after a bitter battle against the of these cataclysmic wars. Below is a Lysimachus time line recording the known 1 “Emperor’s Fist”, Index Astartes Crusades of both Abaddon and several other mighty chaotic war leaders. Volume II 2 Ibid. 3 The Death of a Primarch – “Claws of the Raven”, Index Astartes Volume IV 4 c.30.M31 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third An unnamed Black Crusade that Edition, Mk II threatened to engulf Cadia. Before the 5 Ibid Crusade could properly begin, Rogal 6 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Second Dorn and three companies of Imperial Edition Fists assaulted the Chaos anchorage in 7 the Pelenos Belt and did enough Ibid

combined strength of several Titan Legions and Space Marine Chapters.8

After this the Cadian Gate was fortified, and the naval port of Bellis Corona and the fortress on Nemesis Tessera were created.9 Further to this, the Astartes Praeses program was begun and the Liber Astartes, compiled in M.37, listed twenty Chapters that were founded over the following centuries.10

Abaddon’s Second Black Crusade – 597.M3211 This war lasted only five years, but was stymied assaulting Cadia, the path of attack reaching fewer than 1000 light years from the Eye of Terror.12

The Host of Tallomin – Undated13 This apparently took place during the Age of Apostasy (though the exact date is unknown) and was led by a Daemon Prince named Tallomin. The "Wolf Warriors" were involved in Tallomin’s defeat and destruction.14

Abaddon’s Third Black 15 Crusade – 909.M32 A longer campaign than Black Legionaire – Firenze Abaddon’s previous Crusade, Traitor forces went about three- adamantium. Impervious to quarters of the way from the Eye of Abaddon’s Fourth Black bombardment, it was destroyed by a Terror towards Armageddon.16 Crusade – The Devastation of single blow from Drach’nyen when Abaddon led a charge against it. El’Phanor – c.001.M3417 Though the Citadel fell in less than a 8 Abaddon attacked and destroyed the day, nine-tenths of Abaddon’s forces Ibid 18 9 Citadel of Kromarch on El'Phanor. were killed in the attack and Abaddon Ibid 10 The Citadel only had a single gate – was repelled by the Imperial Ibid three meters thick and made of 19 11 counterattack. Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third Edition, Mk II 12 16 The Tide of Blood – Undated Ibid Ibid 13 Liber Chaotica: Khorne. Though 17 Ibid. The Second Edition and first Led by the Daemon Prince, Doombreed, this Crusade was basically undated, the Crusades mentioned in Third Edition Chaos Codices imply that a declaration of war against the Liber Chaotica are presented in this occurred during the first Black 20 Adeptus Astartes. The Warhawks and chronological order. Crusade, but this source specifically 14 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third dates it as the fourth. Edition, Mk II 18 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, 19 Ibid. 15 Ibid Second Edition 20 Liber Chaotica: Khorne

Marines Exemplar engage Hellaynnea’s Horde – Lord Tybault

Venerators Chapters were "lost" as a the Cadian Gate with only a small Abaddon’s Sixth Black 26 result of the Black Crusade, though retinue, but the swarms of mutants on Crusade – 901.M3631 Doombreed was defeated.21 Its date is the worlds he targeted in Adriada’s This Crusade took a similar path to the unknown. Gloom (to the south-west of the Eye) Fifth, and came even closer to Fenris.32 provided him with many new recruits. One source does date a “Bloodtide” to Abaddon’s Seventh Black 034.M38,22 but this may be a Forty-three Imperial Guard regiments Crusade – The Ghost War – recurrence of the phenomenon were involved,27 and the Crusade 811.M3733 associated with the Bloodthirster ended only when the 13th Mordant 23 Chaos fleets flooded out past Cadia but Ka’jagga’nath, and its placement in Regiment slew Jihar in battle – only to then disappeared, giving the Crusade the Liber Chaotica would suggest be subject to Exterminatus due to 28 its name. Raids continued for years, otherwise. concerns of Chaotic taint. and Abaddon succeeded in reclaiming the artefact known as the Hand of The Black Crusade of Jihar Abaddon’s Fifth Black Darkness.34 the Lacerator – 599.M3624 Crusade – 723.M3629 Jihar the Lacerator was a follower of This attack reached approximately Imperial records of this Crusade are Slaanesh whose very presence caused 15,000 light years from the Eye.30 somewhat confusing. One star map the Warp to scream, driving those who shows the attack path going almost due heard it insane.25 Jihar slipped through east from the Eye, out to as far as 20,000 light years away, the furthest 26 Ibid 21 Ibid 27 Ibid 31 Ibid 22 Warhammer 40,000, Fifth Edition 28 Ibid 32 Ibid 23 Codex: Grey Knights 29 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third 33 Ibid. 24 Tactica Imperialis Edition, Mk II 34 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, 25 Ibid 30 Ibid Second Edition

from the Eye that Abaddon ever struck, 165.M37,43 when Abaddon ravaged the Tarantis star nova, destroying the but this same source includes the Battle world of Antecanis in order to deprive whole system.54 of Mackan, a planet south of the Eye.35 the Imperial shipyards at Cancephalus of workers.44 The Black Crusade ended at At Mackan, Abaddon led a charge of Schindelgeist, although Abaddon fled Khorne Berzerkers into a heavily Abaddon’s Tenth Black with two of the Blackstones.55 It took fortified Blood Angels position and Crusade – The Conflict of eight years to finally cleanse the although only a handful of Berzerkers 45 Gothic Sector of the last raiders and survived, they overran the position and Helica – 001.M39 traitors.56 the Blood Angels were unable to The tenth Black Crusade flooded out recover the bodies of their comrades.36 on the opposite side of the Eye to the The First Armageddon War – Cadian Gate, attacking Helica and the 57 46 444.M41 Abaddon’s Eighth Black capitol world, Thracian Primaris. The 37 Chaos assault was fatally delayed when This Crusade was led by Angron and Crusade – 999.M37 the Iron Warriors attacked the Iron was repelled only by the combined Little is known of this Crusade except Hands on Medusa.47 efforts of Logan Grimnar of the Space 58 that it only reached about 500 light Wolves and a full Company of the 38 59 years south-southwest of the Eye. Abaddon’s Eleventh Black fabled Grey Knights.

Crusade – 301.M3948 The Dominion of Fire – Mid- Abaddon’s Thirteenth Black 39 This attack headed east of the Eye, but 60 M38 failed to make it as far as the Crusade – 999.M41 Angron led an army of fifty thousand Seventh.49 The most recent of Abaddon’s attacks Berzerkers out of the Eye of Terror and on the Imperium opened with an they rampaged over three dozen star Abaddon’s Twelfth Black outbreak of plague zombies spread by systems for nearly two hundred years.40 derelict ships launched from the Eye of Crusade – The Gothic War – 61 They were followed by numerous other 50 Terror. These were followed by warbands and it took four Space 139-160.M41 Chaos Space Marine raids, growing in Marine Chapters, two Titan Legions Abaddon and his forces sneaked out of force and coupled with an outbreak of and over 30 Imperial Guard regiments the Eye of Terror via the Arx Gap, heretical cults lead by a figure around seven centuries to cleanse all after a three year campaign of raids to matching the description of Cypher.62 the worlds across the 70 Sectors that silence Imperial monitoring stations.51 fell during this time.41 He then attacked the Gothic Sector The full force of the Cadian Regiments from his flagship, the Planetkiller.52 was mustered on Cadia in preparation Using the artefacts the Hand of for what seemed an inevitable Abaddon’s Ninth Black 53 Crusade –573.M3842 Darkness and the Eye of Night, he onslaught. This assembly turned into was able to capture and corrupt open warfare when the Volscani The only known engagement of this Blackstone Fortresses, of which three regiment attacked their brothers, killing Crusade is recorded as taking place in in concert were able to turn the much of the Cadian command 63 structure. 35 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third When the Chaotic forces finally arrived Edition, Mk II 43 Warhammer 40,000, Fifth Edition. in strength, the Imperial Navy fought a 36 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third Since it is contradicted by at least one Edition, Mk I source, which is consistent with 37 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third several other sources itself, this date 54 Codex: Eye of Terror Edition, Mk II may well be in error. 55 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third 38 Ibid 44 Ibid Edition, Mk II 39 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Fourth 45 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third 56 Battlefleet Gothic Edition. This campaign is not Edition, Mk II 57 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third specifically titled a Black Crusade, but 46 Ibid Edition, Mk II is significantly larger than the the First 47 Ibid 58 Liber Chaotica: Khorne War for Armageddon, which is titled as 48 Ibid 59 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third such, suggesting it should be included. 49 Ibid Edition, Mk II 40 Ibid 50 Ibid 60 Codex: Eye of Terror 41 Ibid 51 Ibid 61 Ibid 42 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third 52 Battlefleet Gothic 62 Ibid Edition, Mk II 53 Ibid 63 Ibid

15 desperate battle which only delayed the inevitable. The Chaos forces established themselves in the Cadian system, and have yet to be dislodged.64

The forces of Chaos came close to breaking the Cadian Gate and devastated the surrounding systems, including the total destruction of Macharia, a world in the Cadian system.

This Crusade is still ongoing, in that the game’s timeline has not yet advanced past 999.M41.65

The Black Crusade of Vulkarth – Undated This crusade evidently involved the Adeptus Astartes and multiple incursions, but beyond that nothing is known.66

Analysis Achaeus the Kinslayer, Warlord of Khorne – Cheexsta There are five general points of interest which can be drawn Abaddon’s Black Crusades ravaged cosmopolitan. from what we know about Black massive tracts of the Imperium. Crusades (some of which Games Finally, the Black Crusades seem to Workshop has been kind enough to Third, the Black Crusades vary widely vary in organization. The Dominion of explicitly tell us). in type. The Gothic War was chiefly Fire was as much an infestation as a focused on naval engagements, and coordinated military campaign. First, and most obvious, is that not all seemed to rely mostly on raiding rather Meanwhile, the 13th Black Crusade Black Crusades are led by Abaddon. than attempting to seize territory. The was dedicated to pursuing specific Indeed, they do not always seem to be First War for Armageddon focused on objectives. Even the organized led by people (or things) of particular attacking a single planet on its surface. campaigns have disorganized hangers- influence or note – sometimes a bunch And many of the other Black Crusades on along for the easy ride out of the of Chaos adherents just decide to go on were total wars involving planetary and Eye. Of course, this is Chaos. a rampage. interplanetary warfare. Organized and under the control of one leader would defeat the point. Second, the Crusades vary in scale. Fourth, the Black Crusades can vary in The First War for Armageddon and composition – Angron’s excursions Strike Captain Lysimachus is a much- Abaddon’s Tenth Black Crusade seem to be dominated by the forces of noted presence in the Liber Astartes, targeted single systems, while the Khorne (unsurprisingly), while and serves as a Lexicanium in the Dominion of Fire and several of Abaddon’s Crusades are more Librarium.

64 Ibid 65 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Fourth Edition 66 Codex: Space Marines, Third Edition

Beastmen may have fallen into obscurity in modern 40K, but many older players still remember them, and they still loom large in Fantasy. In this series of tutorials, horrain and Firefighter X created excellent techniques for making power-armoured Beastmen – surely some of the The Eye of most fearsome denizens of the Eye of Terror. Introduction Terror There are two tutorials in this article. Despite their marked similarities, there are some notable distinctions, so both have been included. horrain’s tutorial seems to produce Beastmarines with an emphasis on the ‘marine’ (as befitting his loyalists), while Firefighter X’s produces ones with an emphasis on ‘beast’ (as befitting his Khornates). Firefighter X’s uses more tools and parts and is somewhat more complicated, while horrain’s is simpler. And, of course, it is very possible to blend both approaches.

Beastmen, for those unfamiliar with them, are genetically-divergent humans who are fiercely loyal to the Imperium, but due to their appearance are treated with suspicion. And, of course, there are enough renegade Beastmen to further confuse matters. Though not very bright, loyalist Beastmen are dedicated and tough (much like Ogryns), driven to atone for their deformities through service to the Emperor. They are technically not mutants, since their genetic quirks breed true, but rather are abhumans like Ogryns or Ratlings. However, they are still more variable in form than those two subspecies.

Beastmen were originally available as part of Imperial Guard armies, and were (briefly) available again thanks to a White Dwarf article in third edition that offered alternate doctrines to represent genetically enhanced (or deviant) Guard Beast regiments. They also made appearances in the ranks of the Lost and the Damned (as goat-headed mutants). Marines As horrain put it: “Basically, these are Beastmen in power armour, but due to the nature of their existence they have to salvage the majority of their war gear and thus look pretty beaten-up. Glad we got that clear.”

From the Work of Horrain and

Firefighter Horrain’s Beastmarines do their best to look intimidating. And succeed. X

horrain’s Tutorial For this you will need: -A complete Beastman model, either a Gor or Bestigor -A complete Space Marine from the belt up (head, torso halves, arms and backpack). -Additional gubbins for added excitement and character -A razor saw, knife or other cutting implement and plastic cutters

Step 1: Once you have your sup plies collected, you need to cut the Beastman in half, just below the nipple (see picture).

When I do this step I like to use a razor saw, since it lets me be quite accurate about where I make the cut. If you use a knife, be careful – the plastic is pretty thick and you risk doing yourself an injury. [Firefighter X used a Dremel cutting blade. An effective option, if riskier – Ed].

Step 2: Once you have the

top of the Step One: Before (L) and After (R) torso cut off, you'll want to remove what remains of its overly- pronounced shoulders. For this I used a pair of plastic cutters.

Step 3: Next you want to start shaping the back of the body section. The basic goal is to round off the back so from the model’s belt it goes straight up, and curves Step Two in to meet the front of the model toward the top. The

idea is to make a rounded ball joint similar to that on the standard Space Marine legs. Leave the front of the model alone for now.

Step 4: Next up is to grab a standard marine torso, both front and back. We need to cut off the belt and the stomach, but leave Step Three the chest. This is because the Beastman model already has a belt, and two looks weird. [But so stylish – Ed]

The front of the torso should end up looking like Step Four the image to the left. Note that you’ll need to cut the back torso part as well as the front.

Once you have your torso shaped you can start trimming the body's front section to match the torso’s shape. This step is pretty hard to capture in photos – the process is basically trimming the body until it fits smoothly with the torso. The end result should look something like the image to the right.

Step 5: Now once that's all done you can go ahead and glue the body to its base and glue the torso together and then to the body. Because the marine torso Step Four is largely untouched, the standard Marine arms and backpack should fit with no issue. For this model, I used regular arms from the Space Wolves sprue, but you can also use arms from either the Gor or Bestigor kits, as the scale between the Step Five two sets of arms is pretty much identical.

Once you have attached your arms and backpack your model should look similar to this. Step 6: Now we run into our first problem – you'll notice a large gap between the model’s spine, and the backpack. We can't leave our Beastmarine in this state, because it’s pretty ugly (and/or comical, depending on your outlook on life). This is where the extra credit gubbins come in handy.

Personally I like to glue a shield in this gap, as it looks pretty cool, and helps bring them back to their Fantasy roots. One of my Wolf Guards is carrying his combi-weapon in this void. You could also use a variety of pouches or grenades.

In this case I have used a square shield from the WFB goblin kit.

Step 7: Now the last stage, here we need to give this guy a head. On the Gor kit you'll notice a bunch of different Step Six horns, unfortunately using all of them is pretty tricky, as there are two main types, the straight horns, and the ones shaped like rounded goat horns.

The problem with the rounded horns is that they are tricky to fit due to the marine shoulder pads, so I tend to not use them unless the pose allows. You'll more than likely need to only use the straight horns.

This guy is the leader for my Long Fang squad, so I have used Bestigor parts over the standard Gor.

You should now have a Beastmarine. Congratulations, and thanks for reading. Step Seven horrain maintains a website at www.horrain.com. This was his first tutorial.

horrain’s Beastmarines

Firefighter X’s Tutorial My idea originally came from horrain’s tutorial. I took his ideas and expanded on them, changing some things and making them my own.

Tools: - Dremel with cutting blade, grinder, & sander wheel. -Super glue & Zap Kicker -double sided file (flat/rounded) -clippers/cutters (heavy and normal) -pin vice (for drilling) -pin rod -X-Acto knife with new blade

Parts: -Bestigor Champion body (any Bestigor body will do) -Bestigor arms & axe haft -Berzerker torso, shoulder pads, backpack, & bolt pistol. Tools -Ork Nob Choppa arm -Ravenwing Banner flag -Wooden toothpick (glaive handle)

Step 1: Using the Dremel, saw the Bestigor body in half, about 1-2 mm above the belt line.

It should end up looking like this:

Step 2: Using your clippers, file, and knife trim down the rest of the waistline. Be careful here – get it as close Parts to the top of the Bestigor's belt as you can. Also remove any fantasy items from the model that you don't want

Step One (like pouches and weapons that are moulded onto the mini). Pay special attention to the Bestigor's leg and armour details. You want to preserve them.

Step Two

Step 3: Glue the Berzerker torso together and, using your knife, remove the entire "belt" from the model. Leave the round Khorne icon at the front of the model.

Step 4: Use the Dremel grinding bit to dig out the rest of the Bestigor’s waistline and dig a groove in the front of the belt buckle (to make room for the Khorne icon you saved on the Berzerker torso earlier). Follow this up with the Dremel sander bit. The goal here is to get the waistline smooth and flat. Step Three Step 5: You should be left with two halves that look similar to this after you clean up the mini. [Firefighter X’s original tutorial suggested choosing either Marine arms or Beastman arms. This tutorial assumes you will use Beastman arms – the procedure for Marine arms is identical to that in horrain’s tutorial – Ed.] Step Four

Step Five (A)

Dryfit the Beastman arms to make sure they fit, then drill out holes in the Bestigor hands and clip away the axe handle.

Step 6: Step Five (B) Position them on whatever you will be using for use for the new glaive handle. Use clippers or a Dremel sanding bit to cut away the shoulder pads to make room for attaching the Berzerker pads. Follow the mould line on the inside of the Bestigor arm when trimming.

Step Six

Step 7: At this point use your clippers and remove the ponytail from the Bestigor head.

Step 8: Clip the chainaxe head and pommel away from the hand, preserving the finger details. Drill out a hole for the toothpick to slide through the whole hand. Attach the pommel to the end of the new handle.

Step 9: Position the axe arm & the bolt pistol arm where you Step Seven

want them. Glue on the axe head. Drill the pistol barrel holes out (it Step Eight pleases Khorne, and you don’t want a cranky Blood God). If you have an uneven join between the Berzerker torso and the Bestigor legs, use some bitz (such as pouches or holsters) to mask it. Glue the horns to the Bestigor head, attach the backpack, attach the head, and go collect some skulls!

Firefighter X is a keen World Eaters player. He reconciles killing, maiming and burning with Step Nine firefighting through a firm separation of his work and home lives.

Some Other Beastmarines

Mutations are the gifts and curses of the Chaos Gods. However, the infinite variety and twisted imagination of daemonically inspired physical deformity can be somewhat tricky for mere mortals to accurately portray. Pig of Sparta takes on this challenge with a collection of mutation tutorials and some The Eye of discussion of inspiration for great mutations. Terror Introduction as it is now quite easy to combine kits Blessings of the dark gods or the from various armies in both the 40K stigmata of the damned; many and and Fantasy ranges produced by varied are the ‘gifts’ that those in the Games Workshop. For example; the service of Chaos may find bestowed Chaos Mutations sprue, the Possessed upon them, either as a result of Chaos Space Marine sprues and even exposure to the Warp in places such as parts from the Chaos Spawn kit can be the Eye of Terror, or more directly as a used to bestow heads, arms, tentacles sign of their patron god’s favour. and even legs and torsos touched by the Warp upon your models with Dangerous are the roads these men minimal effort. walk, for while the gifts of the gods may seem bountiful, the denizens of Some ‘cool’ mutations garnered from a the Immaterium ultimately care not for variety of sources are described below, their mortal playthings. One mutation as an indication of how easy they will often leads to more, and they are often be to create; they have been given as random as they are beneficial. difficulty ratings using the following Countless aspiring champions of Chaos scale: have ended their existence as one of the pitiful, mewling messes of flesh Easy: These mutations are generally Mutatis known as Chaos Spawn, their bodies quick and easy to create and require overcome by the changes wrought little modelling skill to achieve. upon by their patron. Mutandis: Intermediate: These mutations require Nevertheless mutations are signs of a little more time and patience to A Guide to favour and promise, and for the most produce, generally due to the part are welcomed. To the servants of involvement of green stuff or painting Creating the Emperor of Mankind, however, techniques. As with all hobby there is no clearer indication of how far techniques, using green stuff may take Mutations a man has fallen from His light than a little practice to get ‘right’. the mark of the mutant. Advanced: These mutations are likely Gifts of the Gods to be the most labour intensive or complicated ones, although that Mutations are generally purely shouldn’t dissuade you from giving cosmetic in current editions of 40K, them a try. and so with a few exceptions they will have no influence on the way Safety Note: Creating many of these by miniatures are used in game. However mutations require the use of a hobby they are still a great way to knife, sculpting tool, razor saw or Pig of individualise the miniatures in your hobby drill. Care should be taken when army as well as allowing you to let using sharp tools of this nature and all your imagination, converting and cuts should be made on a stable, Sparta painting skills shine. protected and level surface, away from the body. For those looking for the quickest and easiest ways to model mutations, kit-

bashing and cut-and-paste converting ‘Crusty’ Armour are probably the best ways to go. Easy – often associated with the Quick and easy should not be followers of Nurgle, even ceramite interpreted as less impressive, though, plating is not immune to the corrosive

23 and decaying effects of his virulent Alternatively you could use green stuff paper clip or other thin, pointed object contagions. to sculpt a hood or cowl to allow the to poke a small hole in roughly the skull to float disconcertingly in mid- centre of each boil. You can even This is a very easy mutation to show: air. You could also use small balls of ‘burst’ some or all of the boils by using apply small amounts of super glue to green stuff to add eyeballs for a truly the paper clip to open them up from the the miniature in a random pattern, hole in the centre. before dipping it in some modelling sand. Tap off the excess sand and allow the glue to dry before undercoating.

Horned Armour Easy – Many a Champion of Chaos has been pleased to find bestial horns emerging from his body.

To recreate this mutation on your miniatures, take the part of the miniature you desire to have a horn burst forth from and drill a hole in it Skull Head – GooseDaMoose using a pin vice. Score the edges of the Sores – Fallout1983 hole using a modelling knife, before disturbing look. If you’re confident inserting a trimmed down horn of your with green stuff you could try sculpting To make sores, smooth the green stuff choice. flames coming from the eye sockets or onto the surface below before using the even the whole head. paper clip to make uneven holes in it.

Skull Head

Easy – disturbing to say the least. This Boils and Sores Soul Armour warrior’s flesh has peeled from his face Intermediate – those who are infected Intermediate – while not strictly a and head, leaving nought but a by Nurgle’s plagues often exhibit mutation, suits of armour worn by the grinning skull exposed. All the better symptoms of their maladies in the form followers of the dark gods have been to terrify his enemies. of weeping sores and boils. observed to contain what appear to be A very easy mutation to effect, simply the bound souls of those slain by the select a skull you like the look of and Both of these mutations begin as small wearer, allowing him to enjoy their using guitar string, green stuff, parts balls of green stuff, placed on the area torment for as long as he lives. from the Tomb Kings or Undead of the miniature that you wish them to fantasy ranges or even scrap sprue, erupt from, but they are made using To ‘bind’ souls into a suit of armour, create a spinal column ‘neck’ to join different methods. begin by smoothing a layer of green the skull to the torso of your miniature. stuff onto the areas you wish them to For boils, use a sculpting tool to divide be visible. Once you have done this, the ball of green stuff into three parts. use a pointed sculpting tool, paper clip Then blend the edges of the green stuff or the tip of a hobby knife to create a into the surface below, before using a pair of eyes, followed by a mouth in suitable tortured expressions. Simply repeat until the whole of the area is filled with tortured souls.

Daemonic Visage Intermediate – either through possession or exposure to the warping nature of Chaos, the faces of many warriors take on aspects, features and skin tones of their patron’s daemons.

This mutation can be achieved either using a head from one of the various types of daemon miniatures Skull Head – Pig of Sparta Boils – Fallout1983 (Bloodletters or Daemonettes will be

the easiest to use) or using the heads Finally, use the knife to make some with their insectoid features. The from the Possessed Marine sprue. cuts into the armour or flesh to make it Tyranid range also offers possibilities look as though the gemstone is (especially older Tyranids). bursting through it. Sources of Inspiration The above examples are but a tiny fraction of ways you can personalise your Chaos Space Marines with mutations. Further inspiration can be found in a variety of places: from the novels of the Black Library, to the Warhammer 40,000 Rogue Trader Rulebook (with its notorious random mutation tables); from the hallowed halls of the Bolter and Chainsword to an internet image search. Daemonic Visage – Pig of Sparta Many feel that for sheer alien Bejewelled Armour – John Thompson Alternatively you could use one of the twistedness there has been little to match the models of the Rogue Trader many helmetless Space Marine or Chaos Space Marine heads, or possibly era. While they can be hard to come by even those from the Warriors of Chaos Beast Marines in these times, the Stuff of Legends or Chaos Marauder frames. Simply Occasionally the body of a Chaos website provides pictures from old GW paint the desired head to reflect the worshipper may be completely catalogues that can provide inspiration. miniature's allegiance. For example red reformed by his patron god, taking on a Old White Dwarfs are also a good tones would signify Khorne, pallid twisted parody of both beast and man. source of ideas. tones Slaanesh, rotting greens for Nurgle and blue/grey tones for horrain’s Beast Marines have been One thing to remember is that Tzeentch. discussed elsewhere in this issue, but mutations don’t have to be big – no- they aren’t the limit of the possible eyes is just as effective a mutation as a mutations available. giant daemon head or a tail. Another is Bejewelled Armour/Flesh that mutations don’t just have to be Intermediate – most commonly The Fantasy Skaven range holds some organic – becoming living metal or associated with the followers of interesting possibilities – Stormvermin stone is still weird and chaotic. A Slaanesh, dazzling gemstones emerge and Rat Ogres both have potential. remarkable amount can be done with from armour plates and flesh. Likewise, the Lizardmen range has colours alone – bright yellow people Sauruses, Kroxigors and Salamanders. simply aren’t normal. Place a small ball of green stuff in the The Ork and Goblin range can provide place where you want the gem to be. deformed and twisted arms by the Keep your mind open and you’ll be Then, using a sculpting tool; smooth score, and the various Undead ranges amazed at how much you can do with the edges of the ball into the surface can provide lots and lots of rot and simple concepts, skills, and tools. beneath to create a ‘bump’. putrefaction. Ultimately, by its very nature Chaos is random but inspired. The only real Next, using the tip of a sharp hobby In 40K, the Dark Eldar range is also limit to mutating models is your knife, ‘draw’ the shape of the gem into adding more strange and twisted imagination. the green stuff. Hold the knife at an creatures to serve the Haemonculi, and angle from the centre of the gem those could serve equally well as Pig of Sparta is a noted modeller and outwards so that you push the mutated servants of Chaos. Kroot are painter on the B&C. He lives in the surrounding armour up slightly, this sufficiently alien, and Vespids even UK, and enjoys long walks on the edge also helps to produce a rounder shape more so – both would provide good of the abyss in which the Devourer of to the gem as well. mutation fodder, especially the Vespids Worlds dwells.

The Horus Heresy was the single most significant event in the history of the human race, and the Legions who betrayed their oaths of allegiance to The Emperor acquired an infamy that shall never fade. But do not be fooled into thinking that all the descendants of those who remained loyal have done so The Eye of themselves. Here you shall learn of the renegade Chapters and Terror rogue Astartes that plague those they were created to protect. Introduction succumbed to Chaos since the Heresy.2 In the wake of the successes of the This suggests that almost five per cent Great Crusade the Imperium of Man of marine Chapters have turned was born. It seemed like an age of new renegade. Whilst this is a huge hope, and yet it very nearly died in its improvement on the Heresy, it still infancy as it was torn apart by the civil seems surprisingly high. Given that war that would become known as the Marines are meant to be heavily Horus Heresy. Under Warmaster Horus indoctrinated, the resources invested in fully half of the Adeptus Astartes, the their creation and the threat that they Emperor’s champions of mankind, fell pose if they turn renegade, it may seem to Chaos. In the aftermath of the surprising to some that the Imperium almighty siege of Terra the battered continues to support the existence of remnants of the Traitor Legions fled to Space Marines when approximately the great Warp storm known as the Eye one Chapter in twenty will rebel. of Terror. Enemies Within Seven years after the death of Horus, in What must be borne in mind is the accordance with the Ultramarine extent of the threat of Chaos and its Primarch Roboute Guilliman’s corrupting influence. We have no solid Threats teachings in the Codex Astartes, the figures but, given their far lower level old Legions were broken into Chapters. of indoctrination and discipline plus Each would be limited to one thousand their wider experience of vices, it to the marines and would be completely seems reasonable to assume that the autonomous. Even if an individual level of betrayal in the Imperial Guard, Imperium: Chapter was corrupted, any internecine Imperial Navy and other branches of struggle would be weighted in favour the Imperium must be even higher than Renegade of the Imperium since the vast majority that of the Adeptus Astartes. The of Space Marines would be untainted.1 Imperium operates on a vast scale. If it Chapters is necessary to create twenty Chapters The galaxy is a vast place and the and expect that one will rebel and three lumbering mechanisms of the Adeptus of the others be required to exterminate Administratum have been known to the rogue Chapter in order to obtain the misplace records of entire armies and net gain of the fighting strength of planets for years or even centuries. For sixteen Chapters then the High Lords many in the Imperium the notion that of Terra may very well consider this an an entire Chapter of the celebrated and acceptable loss. heroic Space Marines could renege on by their oaths of allegiance is virtually Another factor to consider is that the unthinkable. When it does happen, no Imperium itself is draconian in its Inquisitor doubt the Inquisition and other Space compliance standards. Whilst many Marine Chapters swiftly limit the renegade Chapters ultimately end up in Kravin spread of information. For this reason the service of Chaos it is likely rare for no complete records exist, but secret a loyal Chapter to abruptly abandon its Inquisitorial archives suggest fully 50 duties. Often the Imperium itself Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes have rejects them. The Steel Cobras were declared renegade because their

1 Codex: Space Marines, Fifth Edition 2 Codex: Space Marines, Fourth Edition

veneration of the Emperor as a snake “misfortunes” plagued the Chapter, probable that this erasure of records god was deemed too deviant from the resulting in the deaths of most of the will include the elimination of loyal Ecclesiarchy’s orthodoxy. The Sons of Chapter’s senior officers (including all Imperial personnel involved in the Malice were forced to fight Adeptus of its Apothecaries) and leaving fewer extermination process. Sororitas forces in self-defence after an than a hundred marines alive. To their Inquisitor deemed their victory rituals credit, the survivors have resolved to Other sources record that as of the 26th Founding a total of 63 Chapters have been “lost”. 13 have been lost in the Warp, 21 have suffered irrevocable battle losses, 9 have suffered gene-seed failure, 4 Inquisitorial purge, and 16 have been lost in “other circumstances”.6 How these numbers relate to the 50 Chapters mentioned above is unclear. Some of those believed lost in the Warp may have in fact turned renegade, while the fact that only four are listed as being subject to Inquisitorial purge suggests that some may have fallen victim to other forces such as those of the Ecclesiarchy or other Space Marine Chapters keen to be seen as hard on renegades.

Squad Bhagat of GooseDaMoose’s Sons of Malice engage Orks At the end of the forty-first millennium there are at least a dozen traitor Chapters at 3 heretical. die with honour, but in such dire large in the galaxy. Notable known circumstances and knowing that they Chaos Chapters include the following: Imperial politics are ruthless and a had been betrayed by forces of the Chapter Master must be wise for the Imperium they could have turned Sons of Malice – Founded to guard the sake of his Chapter. Whilst the renegade and sought refuge in the dark Imperium against the denizens of the 4 Chapters of the Unforgiven have corners of the galaxy. Eye of Terror, they became a earned the ire of would be allies as a Of the 50 lost chapters, we are told that significant force in Abaddon’s 13th result of their tendency to abandon a dozen have been exterminated and Black Crusade.7 5 their commitments in pursuit of their erased from all records. Whether their own agenda, and the Space Wolves’ erasure from all records is indicative of Violators – Followers of Slaanesh, the clashes with the Inquisition have seen particularly extreme heresy is unclear. Violators are active in both the Eye of them called mutants and heretics, the The reasons may well be more Terror and the Maelstrom.8 First Founding Chapters have so far pragmatic – so long as a Chapter is at had the strength of reputation and large, Imperial authorities need access Extinction Angels – Allies of the influence to stand up to their enemies. to information on the potential threat, Black Legion in the Eye of Terror.9 once the threat is exterminated the On the other hand, after Captain Saul erasure of all records is the final step in of the Celestial Lions attempted to the extermination. Given the 6 Codex: Space Marines, Third Edition prevent the extermination of the Imperium’s ruthlessness it is highly 7 Codex: Eye of Terror population of Khattar by the forces of 8 Inquisitor Apollyon a succession of Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Third 4 “Emperor’s Shield”, White Dwarf Edition, Mk II; Codex: Eye of Terror; 249; Armageddon Website Material Daemon World 3 “Rogue Sons”, Index Astartes IV 5 “Rogue Sons”, Index Astartes IV 9 Codex: Eye of Terror

into numerous warbands;19 and others Daemon Prince23 (a status virtually Warp Ghosts – Allies of Abaddon the have been absorbed by the Traitor exclusive to dedicated worshippers of Despoiler’s forces.10 Legions. For example many of the Chaos) and the Violators are known to surviving members of the Emperor’s be dedicated to the worship of Steel Cobras – Driven into exile for Swords have been adopted by the Slaanesh. Huron Blackheart has religious unorthodoxy.11 Alpha Legion.20 pledged the services of his followers, Mutation alone can eradicate a the Red Corsairs, to the Dark Powers Blood Gorgons – A Cursed Founding Chapter, such as in the case of the in return for unspeakable rewards. The Chapter who continue to act as Flame Falcons. The mutation itself did Beasts of Annihilation have gone so far guardians of the Bastion Sector. They not harm the marines, but it prompted as to welcome widespread daemonic have been known to instigate the Chapter’s destruction by the Grey possession, an extreme practice even insurrections to destabilize Imperial Knights. Chaos makes many enemies for renegade marines.24 worlds. 12 for itself and sometimes the Imperium is saved the trouble of hunting its own Mercenaries – Some renegade Angels of Ecstasy – Formerly the Sons wayward forces – the renegade Steel Chapters apparently hire their services of Ulthunas,13 they are likely followers Hearts were destroyed in battle by the in battle to those who can pay. The of Slaanesh. forces of the Eldar Craftworld of Damned Company of Lord Caustos Lugganath in 801.M41.21 was declared traitorous by the Ordo Angels of Flame – During a lengthy Xenos on flimsy circumstantial campaign in the region of the Ghoul The fate of many renegades is simply evidence. They now survive as soldiers Stars, they became the most recent unknown. The vast expanse of the of fortune. 25 Chapter to turn traitor.14 galaxy and the many dangers it contains mean that a large number of Reavers – Without the support of Skulltakers – Formerly the Berserkers forces, both renegade and loyalist, will Imperial resources traitor marines must of Charadon. The Skulltakers polish fight and die with no witnesses to either enter into pacts to obtain their armour with the powdered bones record their fate. supplies from industrial worlds within of their enemies.15 Chaos controlled regions, trade with Renegade Beliefs and Motives other renegades and xenos, or steal Company of the Shadow – Formerly In the eyes of the Imperium what was once granted freely to them the Death Falcons. The Death Falcons “renegade”, “Chaos” and “daemon by the Imperium. Many choose the were turned to Chaos by an ancient worshipper” are just different labels for latter option and become reavers and beast that rose from the depths of the those who must be purged, but there pirates preying upon Imperial shipping primary hive on their recruiting world lanes. 16 are as many different ideologies as of Bastonbeil. there are renegade forces. Examples of the different ideologies include: Despite their considerable resources Thunder Barons – Infamous within the Maelstrom the Red Corsairs 17 “madmen”. Full Chaos Worship – Many are a major threat to Imperial shipping Chapters, of course, have fallen into and supply depots which they raid as Terror Lords – On the Hive World of the worship of major or minor powers much for the pleasure of wanton Fulcrum three marines of the Chapter destruction as for plunder.26 Other 18 of Chaos. slew almost an entire PDF company. renegades known to engage in piracy are Adharon's Reavers27 and the The Sons of Malice believe in a patron 28 Of the rest, some like the Silver Guards being called Malice. While this Brotherhood of Darkness. and Sons of Vengeance have splintered presumably originates from their primitive native culture the entity Unorthodox Imperials – Renegade 10 Ibid which now answers to the name Malice status is not completely incompatible 11 “Rogue Sons”, Index Astartes IV is a chaos god/daemonic entity.22 with worship of the God-Emperor. The 12 Emperor’s Mercy; Flesh and Iron; Blood Angels successor Chapter the Blood Gorgons Hakanor’s Reavers are led by their 13 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Fourth former Chapter Master who is now a 23 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Fourth Edition Edition 14 Ibid 24 Ibid 15 Ibid 19 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Fourth 25 “Rogue Sons”, Index Astartes IV 16 Ibid Edition 26 Ibid 17 Soul Drinkers Omnibus; Daemon 20 Ibid 27 Imperial Armour VII: Siege of Vraks World 21 Battle Missions Volume III 18 Battle Missions 22 “Rogue Sons”, Index Astartes IV 28 Battle Missions

Knights of Blood continue to fight The Relictors raided the Diamedes against Hive Fleet Leviathan and Archive, killing the Inquisition assisted in the defence of the Baal garrison and stealing a powerful chaos system against the daemon armies of artefact. This incident and subsequent Ka’Bandha, despite being declared conflict with Inquisition forces during renegade as a result of their actions the 13th Black Crusade led to them whilst subject to a reckless battle being declared Excommunicate frenzy.29 The Soul Drinkers believe Traitoris. A Grey Knights force themselves to be true loyalists purged the Relictors Chapter star fort. betrayed by a corrupt Imperium; The few hundred surviving Relictors encounters with a Tzeentchian escaped further Imperial retribution by Daemon Prince mean that their actual fleeing into the Eye of Terror. loyalty is probably more complex Whether they have now succumbed to than even they realise.30 the taint of Chaos or still pursue their own agenda in defence of mankind is Xenos Corruption – Although the unknown.32 most pervasive corrupting influence in the Imperium is the lure of the Renegade Locations Chaos Gods the Inquisition must also The Eye of Terror – The heart of be on alert for the malign influence of Chaos activity in the galaxy is the Eye the other races of the material galaxy. of Terror, the vast warp storm which has dominated Segmentum Obscurus The Cell-kin of the Technetium Rift Relictor by -JK- since the time of the Great Crusade. reproduce by infecting other creatures Whilst it offers sanctuary to all with their own DNA causing the enemies of the Imperium it is hosts to mutate into new Cell-kin. The The Relictors, originally named the dominated by the fallen Legions and enhanced physiology of the Space Fire Claws, were founded as part of the daemonic entities making it difficult Marines grants them some resistance Astartes Praeses. When Librarian for a renegade Chapter to retain its but the Cell-kin were still able to Decario slew the Tzeentchian distinctive identity and autonomy. corrupt members of a Subjugators Champion known as The Excoriator Nonetheless there are renegade strike force. Most of the afflicted were with his own Daemon weapon the Chapters operating in and around the granted the Emperor’s Mercy but some Relictors saw the potential power that Eye of Terror. of the corrupted marines escaped and could be harnessed from the artefacts are still at large.31 of the enemy. The planets on the The Violators are worshippers of

fringes of the Eye of Terror were good Slaanesh and followers of Abaddon the The C’Tan known as “The Deceiver” th hunting grounds for forbidden Despoiler. During the 13 Black and Eldar Farseers habitually knowledge and relics but inevitably the Crusade they landed on the Cadian manipulate other factions in the galaxy Relictors became the subject of military prison world of Saint to their own ends and might engineer Inquisitorial scrutiny. Josmane’s Hope. Although they were events so that a loyal Chapter is initially greeted as liberators they declared Renegade. Although the Relictors were forced to proceeded to enslave the inmate

surrender their precious relics and their population. Some inmates were Own Agenda – The autonomy of the ally the radical Inquisitor De Marche reportedly taken as recruits; the fate of Space Marines and the lengthy history was executed as a heretic the Chapter the rest is probably best left unknown. of many Chapters means that it is not escaped Excommunication. They were The Imperial forces subsequently uncommon for Chapters to have sentenced to a century long penitent destroyed St Josmane’s Hope to developed their own agendas. The crusade. The entire Chapter was prevent the planet’s further use as a desire or necessity to recover lost 33 deployed in the 3rd War for staging area. relics, apprehend wayward battle Armageddon and might have been able brothers or honour obligations to other to restore its prestige in the eyes of the Abaddon’s 13th Black Crusade Imperial organisations such as the Imperium. invasion of the Cadian Sector gave the Navigator houses can bring a Chapter into conflict with other Imperial forces. Unfortunately they would or could not 32 abandon their hunt for relics. They “Chapter Approved: Relictors”, 29 Codex: Blood Angels, Fifth Edition eventually abandoned Armageddon White Dwarf 295 30 Soul Drinkers Omnibus and took their Ramilies Star Fort deep 33 “Death by a Thousand Cuts”, White 31 “Rogue Sons”, Index Astartes IV into the Eye of Terror. Dwarf 287; Codex: Eye of Terror

During the 13th Black Crusade the bombing earned him a formidable new Extinction Angels attacked the enemy in Grand Master Mordrak of the Adeptus Mechanicus stronghold of Grey Knights.40 Demios Binary alongside Abaddon’s Black Legion. They overwhelmed the After the Primarch Lorgar’s Daemon defending Skitarii forces allowing the World of Sicarus in the Eye of Terror forces of Chaos to defile the sacred the Word Bearers’s most important forges of the Mechanicus. Although base is the factory world of Ghalmek the Black Templars subsequently within the Maelstrom.41 The Alpha liberated Demios Binary the Extinction Legion also have a significant presence Angels are believed to still be active in within the Maelstrom, but their modus the depths of the planet. 36 operandi means that they are less interested in overt power struggles. Imperial command received unconfirmed reports of the Warp The Violators maintained a four Ghosts fighting Imperial forces in the hundred strong garrison on Torvendis, Agripinaa sector during the 13th Black a Daemon World in the Maelstrom. Crusade. Clues including similarities Their harvest of potential recruits on St in livery suggest that the Chapter has Josmane’s Hope may have been subsequently fragmented into several necessary to replace casualties suffered warbands, including the Death when their stronghold on Torvendis Mongers, the Bleak Brotherhood and was assaulted by the forces of the One of Hakanor’s Reavers by Muskie the Apocalypse Company. 37 Khornate Daemon Prince Ss'll Sh'Karr.42 Sons of Malice an opportunity to The Maelstrom – It is not solely out reclaim their lost home world of of vanity that Huron Blackheart calls Lesser Warp Storms – There are Scelus. When a Space Marine Chapter himself the “Lord of the Maelstrom”. many less infamous warp storms which rebels and abandons its home world it The Red Corsairs have built a offer sanctuary to those willing to is usually those unfortunates left significant empire within the traffic with the followers of Chaos. To behind who bear the brunt of the initial Maelstrom. From the world of New the galactic south, in the Segmentum punishment. Following the Badab the Tyrant commands an army Tempestus, lie the Storms of excommunication of the Sons of of traitor marines, human reavers and Judgement and the Vortex of Despair. Malice, the Inquisition determined that xenos mercenaries said to be equal in On the Eastern Fringe the Ultima the barbaric cannibalistic practices and power to the Traitor Legions of old. 38 Segmentum is plagued by the denizens blood rituals that had led to the Here he hosts the Skull Harvest, a of the Perfidian Gap, Heart of excommunication stemmed from the tournament which attracts many Darkness, The Dark Maw and Van grisly rites of the feral natives of warbands and ambitious aspiring Grothe’s Rapidity.43 Scelus. In a planet-wide campaign of warlords.39 The Tyrant jealously genocide the Cadian 331st almost guards his power and does not tolerate Realspace – The warp is not the only completely exterminated the native 34 rivals. place where the servants of the population. Such action not only Emperor are loathe to tread. The serves as a warning to any who might When the Company of the Shadow enhanced physiology of Space Marines consider deviating from their divinely attacked the planet Mortain, the Tyrant enables them to survive in a wide ordained duty but severs a Chapter’s ordered his ships to bombard the planet variety of environments that would be link with its logistical, cultural and and eradicate his rivals. Unbeknown to inimical to normal human life such as spiritual roots, eradicating any doubts him the Company of the Shadow had asteroid belts and death worlds. The as to the terribleness of their crime. already been forced to retreat to their Steel Cobras are now based beneath That the Sons of Malice fought home world of Bastonbeil by the the ammonia seas of Tukaroe VII. The towards their home world despite the intervention of the Grey Knights and Imperium is aware of their presence, fact that it had for all practical so instead of eliminating his rivals the but believes that anything less than a purposes been obliterated shows the full Chapter of Space Marines will be powerful symbolic significance of a insufficient to drive the Steel Cobras Chapter’s home world. 35 36 “Death by a Thousand Cuts”, White Dwarf 287 37 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Fourth 40 Codex: Grey Knights Edition; Codex: Eye of Terror 41 Dark Creed 34 “Rogue Sons”, Index Astartes IV 38 Codex: Grey Knights 42 Daemon World 35 Ibid 39 Heroes of the Space Marines 43 Codex: Daemons

from their fortified bunkers on the seabed.44

Finally, many renegades become nomads, roaming the space lanes using either the space fleets granted to them by the Imperium or one of the many space hulks that litter the galaxy. With the loss of their home world of Scelus the Sons of Malice now use the ancient vessel named the Labyrinth as their meeting place and venue for their sacred rituals. The Unholy Harbinger is one of the most notorious space hulks and has been home to traitor marines from numerous factions including the Black Legion, Death Guard, Sons of Vengeance and the Pyre. Having been encountered in the Gothic War it was most recently reported in the Cadian sector during the 13th Black Crusade.45 The Nurgle- worshipping Lords of Decay operate from the space hulk Monolith of Woe, last sighted in the Mentieth Sector46 and the Brokenback is home to the Soul Drinkers.47

DrudgeDreadnought’s Flawless Host Renegade Organisation Legion – The Alpha Legion may well believed to be a dozen Space Marine a band of former Word Bearers who still be operating as a cohesive force Chapters which have reneged on their have abandoned the worship of the although the secretive nature of their oaths of allegiance to the Emperor but Chaos pantheon as a whole in order to chain of command makes this still operate at the Chapter level. dedicate themselves entirely to uncertain. Many Word Bearers and Khorne.48 Iron Warriors still owe ultimate Warbands – Whilst a few Legions and allegiance to their daemon Primarchs Chapters have the discipline or strength Just as a Chapter is divided into and operate on a large scale under their of purpose to operate cohesively most companies and strike forces warbands Dark Apostles/Warsmiths, and eventually fragment. Warband is a can operate on several levels. The Red Abaddon long ago reunited the bulk of catch all term for the ad-hoc Corsairs consist of a core warband the Black Legion. Most Legions, formations in which these renegade built around the remnants of the Astral however, have fragmented due to a marines operate. Claws with additional forces drawn combination of internal political power from other renegade forces and their struggles and mutation and madness Khârn’s “betrayal” on Skalathrax own splinter groups such as the Claws amongst their members – which does tipped the World Eaters over the of Lorek.49 not prevent their cooperation on precipice into anarchy and the legion matters of mutual concern. was irretrievably divided into hundreds Space Marine companies are fiercely of warbands. 5 Gene-seed markers loyal to their captains and trust them Chapter – As noted above, at the end indicate that the Flawless Host is a implicitly, so it is not unheard of for a of the forty-first millennium there are splinter group of the Emperor’s full company to break with the rest of Children.6 Individual Dark Apostles of the Word Bearers may adopt 44 48 “Rogue Sons”, Index Astartes IV distinctive names or variations of Imperial Armour VI: Siege of Vraks 45 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Fourth heraldry for their personal hosts, with Volume II; Imperial Armour VII: Siege Edition the Apostles of Minthras6 being a of Vraks Volume III 46 Ibid possible example, and in some cases 49 Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Fourth 47 Soul Drinkers Omnibus these forces may split entirely from Edition their parent legion – The Sanctified are

31 its Chapter and turn renegade. The isolated parts of the planet three development of only a single model Blood Disciples are the former 8th hundred years after his death.52 range for the core game it was Company of the Emperor’s Wolves necessary to establish some kind of who, after being believed to be lost in Whilst a Marine may lack the strength internal conflict that could account for the Warp, returned to real space as a to rise to power amongst his fellows, Imperial titans fighting one another and chaos warband.50 even the weakest is more than a match so the Horus Heresy was born. for unaugmented humans. Many Warbands are often more fragile than Marines thus find their way into the Realms of Chaos: Slaves to Darkness traditional Chapters or Legions, since ranks of the Lost and the Damned, expanded on the premise of Adeptus they are often bound together only by a becoming leaders amongst the hordes Titanicus with the first detailed account mix of ambition and intimidation, of mutants and heretics.53 of the key events of the Horus Heresy rather than ties of brotherhood. Whilst and introduced the forces of Khorne a loyalist Marine will only ever serve The Evolution of Traitor and Slaanesh. one Chapter, a renegade may fight in a Marines in the History of succession of warbands, going Realms of Chaos: The Lost and the wherever the rewards are greatest. The Warhammer 40,000 Damned completed the official Chaos Black Brethren of Eyreas was a Black The current background material for pantheon with details of the followers Legion warband, but during the Siege Traitor Space Marines has evolved in a of Nurgle and Tzeentch. of Vraks it was absorbed into the series of jumps approximately World Eaters warband the Skulltakers corresponding to the editions of the 1993–1998 Codex Imperialis & when its leaders were killed by Lord Warhammer 40,000 game. The key Codex: Chaos, Second Edition Zhufor of the Skulltakers, himself a stages can be described as follows. The second edition of Warhammer former sergeant of the Storm Lords 40,000 contained three books: Chapter.51 1987–1993: Rogue Trader/Slaves to Rulebook, Wargear and Codex Darkness/The Lost and the Damned Imperialis. The latter was a book Individuals or Squads – Marines are In 1987 Games Workshop released purely of background material conditioned to function as part of the Rogue Trader, the book that was the establishing for new players the key Chapter organisation. Isolated from the seed of what was to become the now features of the game’s setting. Second attention of Chaplains and contact with vast Warhammer 40,000 universe. It Edition was the first to feature a their brethren, individuals or squads on described Space Marines and many of dedicated codex for each army. long tours of duty can succumb to their alien enemies, but made no doubts about the rewards that they mention of traitor Marines. Indeed, Codex: Chaos established the character receive for a lifetime of duty and with all its talk of psycho- of the key Chaos Legions. It took the service. indoctrination a reader might assume original four Legions from the Realm that there was no such thing as a traitor of Chaos books and expanded the Such was the case with Sergeant Space Marine. background to the Horus Heresy Constantinius of the Sons of narrative of half of the known legions Guilliman. Left to oversee the planet of 1988 saw Games Workshop launch turning to Chaos. It also introduced a Nova Terra he eventually overthrew Adeptus Titanicus, a game based on cast who were to become long-running the planetary government, which had combat between Imperial Titans. villains including Abaddon the become tainted by a Genestealer cult, Although the principal focus of this Despoiler, Khârn the Betrayer, and seized power. Renaming the planet game was not Space Marines and Ahriman and Huron Blackheart. Constantinium, he renounced his Games Workshop’s commercial aim allegiance to his Chapter and slew any was apparently to counter the threat Interestingly, in the Designer’s Notes who opposed him, including members from the rival game Battletech it was to Andy Chambers acknowledged that of his own squad. Nova Terra plunged prove one of the most significant steps “Chaos” included a very broad range into an age of anarchy. Although he in the history of Traitor Marines. of forces. For that codex they had was eventually slain by Imperial decided to focus on Chaos Space forces, his followers still hold out in Rather than develop a standalone Marine Legion raiding forces of the background universe they decided that kind that would sally from the Eye of this new game could be fitted into the Terror. In addition to the Traitor existing universe established in Rogue Legion forces an army that included Trader. In order to justify the Huron Blackheart had special rules

50 allowing it access to loyalist Space Ibid Marine wargear to represent the fact 51 52 Imperial Armour VI: Siege of Vraks Codex: Chaos Space Marines, Fourth that the Tyrant’s forces were Volume II; Imperial Armour VII: Siege Edition comprised of recently turned Space 53 of Vraks Volume III Codex: Eye of Terror Marines instead of the ancient legionnaires from the time of the

Heresy. The book also included players were disappointed by the loss appendices with Chaos Cult and of the Legion specific rules and the Daemon Army lists. sudden emergence of a large number of renegade forces not previously 1998–2004 Codex: Chaos Space featured in the game background. Marines, Third Edition, Mk I and the Index Astartes articles. Question Everything Third Edition marked a reboot of the The number of diverse sources which entire rules system and introduced a contribute to the ever growing new streamlined philosophy aimed at a Warhammer 40,000 universe mean younger target market. The first Chaos that apparent contradictions are codex under this regime cut away commonplace. Sometimes, such as much of the material from the previous with the introduction of new unit types book in favour of traitor Space in the game, these are clearly retcons – Marines. the latest Codex Blood Angels introduced the Sanguinary Guard, and Codex: Eye of Terror, released to despite being new in a real-world support the 2003 summer campaign, sense the in-universe history of this re-introduced the idea of Chaos as a unit can be traced all the way back to broader mix of forces with its army list the time of the Primarch and thus it for “The Lost and the Damned” – a has now always been. mix of mutants, traitor guardsmen and chaos marines whilst the forces listings th On other occasions, such as with the for the 13 Black Crusade contained a relatively young Tau Empire a new mix of traitor Legions, Chapters, codex may represent a small but Warbands, Imperial Guard, Titan significant step forward of the in- Legions, Navy fleets etc. These universe timeline and so include fresh renegade Chapters were fleshed out the additions to that faction’s armed White Dwarf article Index Astartes: forces. Often Games Workshop does Rogue Sons. not clarify what is and is not now “official” and instead cites the fact that 2004–2007 Codex: Chaos Space these represent in-universe Marines, Third Edition, Mk II perspectives. This was the first true Legion codex, with special background material and Despite the already published account rules for each of the nine traitor of the Relictors’ excommunication and legions. Although Huron Blackheart purging in their Chapter Approved did not make an appearance the Red article, Games Workshop included the Corsairs were featured in the colour Relictors in Codex: Space Marines section – modern day reavers drawn (5th edition) as an example of a from multiple Chapters. loyalist Chapter; albeit one that is noted as being under scrutiny from the 2007–Present Codex: Chaos Space Inquisition. Marines, Fourth Edition Like Chaos itself, the focus of Codex For the purposes of this article I Chaos Space Marines is always decided that the account of the unpredictable and always changing. Relictors’ excommunication was too Whilst the core rules contained the good to omit so I have assumed that classic cult Marines such as Berzerkers the listing in the latest Space Marines and Plague Marines the background codex represents either their status in material was focused very much upon Brother of Darkness by Muskie the 41st millennium just prior to the the introduction of many post-Heresy events of the Chapter Approved article Inquisitor Kravin is not Batman. He renegade Chapters and warbands and or the fact that not everyone in the can just pass for him in a dim light. the introduction of Chaos icons Imperium is aware yet of their Nor is he the pro-Alpha Legion enabled players to create squads excommunication. Inquisitor whose current whereabouts dedicated to a particular god without being full cult Marines. Many existing are unknown. Certainly not.

As some may already be aware, the most recent Chaos Space Marines codex was not entirely loved. The Paths of Glory project is a B&C attempt to add back some of what people missed most – the lack of legion-specific rules and characters. In this article are three characters and nine sets of special rules to help players better represent their The Eye of favourite legions on the tabletop. the Paths of Glory, the Chaos Terror Introduction equivalent to the Chapter Tactics. A The Paths of Glory Project, or “Codex notable difference between the Paths of Excommunicatus” as we called it, was Glory and the Chapter Tactics was the part of the larger Codex Levelling lack of a rule that the Paths of Glory Project. The goal with the larger would replace. The Chapter Tactics project was to bring a number of rule allows Space Marine players to codices in line with Codex: Space lose the Combat Tactics rule, replacing Marines, including the various Space it with the Chapter Tactics rule of Marine codices (Black Templars, whatever special character they include Blood Angels PDF, Dark Angels, and in their army. The Chaos Space Space Wolves), Codex: Chaos Space Marines had no such mechanism. In Marines, and both of the Inquisition place of a rule to be replaced by the codices (Daemonhunters and Witch Path of Glory, we decided that the Hunters). As far as the Chaos Space Chaos Space Marine Legions would Marines codex was concerned, many see limitations on the units and players perceived the codex as being wargear they could and could not take. weak in a number of areas. One of the areas that players tended to dislike was On that note, enjoy the rules. the inability to represent the various Legions. Where Paths of the previous two editions had Glory: allowed players to represent Chaos each of the Legions, the latest codex had Legion shifted to a warband Rules concept. While the Chapter Tactics concept used in Codex: Space Marines was viewed as imperfect by By many players, we decided that Brother it provided a decent model Tyler and that could be adapted to the Chaos Space B&C Marines.

Members The result was

Daemon Prince – Greyall

SPECIAL RULES

THE EMPEROR’S CHILDREN Path of Glory: The only units that may be taken in an Emperor's Children army are those that have or can take the Mark or Icon of Slaanesh, and all units must take a Mark or Icon of Slaanesh. The only Icons available in an Emperor's Children army are the Personal Icon and the Icon of Slaanesh. Any model may exchange its lascannon for a blastmaster for +20 pts. Any model may exchange its heavy bolter for a sonic blaster for +5 pts. Note that twin-linked lascannons and heavy bolters are exchanged for twin-linked blastmasters and twin-linked sonic blasters. If more than one character in your army has the Path of Glory special rule, you must choose which version will apply.

LUCIUS THE ETERNAL FULGRIM’S CHAMPION, THE SOULTHIEF, SCION OF CHEMOS

Refer to Codex: Chaos Space Marines, with the addition of the Emperor’s Children Path of Glory special rule.

THE IRON WARRIORS Path of Glory: Any Chaos Lord and Aspiring Champion that is not equipped with Terminator Armour or a Jump Pack/Wings may take a servo-arm for +15 points. The servo-arm grants the model one power fist attack in assault. No unit may take a Mark of Chaos. The only Icon available to Iron Warriors units is the Icon of Chaos Glory. Khorne Berserkers, Plague Marines, Thousand Sons, and Noise Marines may not be taken in an Iron Warriors army. The Iron Warriors player may select one ruins terrain piece on the table and apply the Bolster Defences rule to it (see Codex: Space Marines, page 71). All Iron Warriors infantry models add +1 to their armour penetration rolls whenever they hit a building (both at range and in close combat). If more than one character in your army has the Path of Glory special rule, you must choose which version will apply.

GRATION KEHRAK IRON BREAKER, WARSMITH OF THE TENTH GRAND COMPANY

During the Great Crusade Kehrak was known as Graius and served the Fourth Legion as a Techmarine. He coupled his training in technoarcana with the siege warfare at which his legion excelled, and by the time of the Horus Heresy was a senior member of his order. When the Warmaster was defeated by the Emperor of Mankind, Graius fled into the Eye of Terror with the rest of his legion.

In the years that followed he subjected himself to the attentions of the Dark Mechanicus, and the results of their experiments in coupling the power of the Warp with technology are evident in his physiology. As his Warp-forged enhancement progressed, he emerged as a champion of his legion, assuming the name Gration Kehrak. He participated in Abaddon’s Tenth Black Crusade, joining the rest of the Iron Warriors in their ill-fated attack on the Iron Hands’ home world of Medusa. Though the attack and the Black Crusade ultimately failed, Kehrak slew Venerable Warleader Memnos of the Raukann Clan Company in single combat, gaining the sobriquet “Iron Breaker”. The Raukann have sworn vengeance upon Kehrak.

Kehrak later defeated his Warsmith, Thoon, in battle on Medrengard, becoming the new leader of the Tenth Grand Company. He immediately embarked upon a series of raids against Imperial holdings, focusing his efforts on several secret Adeptus Mechanicus fortresses and stealing whatever weapons and experiments he could. Kehrak’s flagship was an Infidel-class raider he arrogantly christened the Iron Breaker. The vessel has since been fitted with a number of weapons that appear to be unique, either the result of Dark Mechanicus archaeotech, stolen Adeptus Mechanicus experiments, or some combination of the two.

A number of Iron Warrior Techmarines have exhibited a limited ability to form their limbs into weapons, much like the dreaded Traitor sub-cult known as Obliterators. Kehrak may be the foremost of these, and his body has been correspondingly enhanced with Warp-forged augmetics. Though not as physically formidable as the more common Obliterators, his cunning and leadership, as well as his expertise at siege warfare, make Warsmith Kehrak a fearsome opponent.

Only one image of Warsmith Kehrak exists, taken during the Black Crusade engagement against the Iron Hands. It shows Warleader Memnos striking a mighty blow that knocks Kehrak back and sunders his helmet. The destruction of his helmet

35 reveals a face and head with few or no organic components remaining. Whether Kehrak has yet become wholly machine is a matter of speculation.

Path of Glory: Kehrak uses the Iron Warriors Path of Glory special Kehrak WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv rule. 200 pts 6 5 4 4 3 5 3 10 2+

Unit Composition: Wargear: Special Rules: Warp-forged Augmetics: • 1 (Unique) • Artificer armour • Path of Glory Formerly a Techmarine • Power weapon • Fearless during the Great Crusade, Unit Type: • Frag and krak • Warp-forged Augmetics Warsmith Kehrak has • Infantry grenades • Independent Character subjected himself to • Bolster Defences extensive modification at • Blessing of the Dark the hands of the adepts of Mechanicus the Dark Mechanicus. Enhanced by arcane means, Kehrak has the Feel No Pain ability. In addition, at the start of each game turn he can morph his body to be equipped with one of the following: power fist, lascannon, multi-melta, plasma cannon, combi-bolter. Further to this, Warsmith Kehrak has a 5+ invulnerable save.

Bolster Defences: See Codex: Space Marines, page 71.

Blessing of the Dark Mechanicus: If Kehrak is in base contact with a damaged vehicle during the Shooting phase, he can attempt to repair it instead of firing. Roll a D6. If the result is 5 or more, then either a Weapon Destroyed result or Immobilised result (owning player’s choice) will be repaired. If a Weapon Destroyed result is repaired, that weapon can be fired in the following Shooting phase. Kehrak cannot repair if gone to ground or falling back.

THE NIGHT LORDS Path of Glory: A Night Lords army may not include any Marks of Chaos, Plague Marines, Noise Marines, Khorne Berzerkers, or Thousand Sons. The only Icon available in a Night Lords army is the Icon of Chaos Glory. Raptors may be taken as a Troops choice in a Night Lords army. All infantry and jump infantry units in your army gain the ability to outflank. If more than one character in your army has the Path of Glory special rule, you must choose which version will apply.

LORD-CAPTAIN GORSAMETH RAPTOR LORD, TERROR OF KHAI-ZAN, EXALTED CHAMPION OF CHAOS

Gorsameth achieved infamy during the Khai-Zhan Uprising in 968.M41. When the agri-world of Khai-Zhan erupted in rebellion, the Chaos rebels were supported by a force of Night Lords Space Marines led by Exalted Champion Gorsameth. Though only a small number of the Night Lords – Firenze traitor Space Marines took part in the fighting, the effect of their presence was out of all proportion to their numbers. These warriors capitalized on the fear their

presence engendered in the loyalist forces, striking from the shadows and disappearing rapidly, leaving the dismembered bodies of the defenders to terrify the remaining Imperial troops.

The Night Lords fought in small groups to bolster the effectiveness of their cultist allies. Gorsameth focused his efforts in the capitol city of Vogen, leading the force of Night Lords Space Marines that landed in the palace courtyard and secured the city. As the fighting in the battle focused around the Arbites precinct house, Exalted Champion Gorsameth led the surprise counter-assault that held up Imperial forces. When the Imperial Fists 5th and 9th companies arrived on Khai-Zhan, however, Gorsameth fought some delaying actions and then withdrew his forces. Throughout the Khai-Zhan Uprising Exalted Champion Gorsameth was a source of fear for the Imperial forces. Swooping out of the darkness on his raptor wings and joined by similarly equipped warriors, his powered claws cut a bloody swathe in the brave defenders. His nightmarish visage and coruscating armour were the last things seen by scores of Imperial Guardsmen and Planetary Defence Force troopers. Later evaluation of the Khai-Zhan Uprising determined that the involvement of the Night Lords was intended to divert Imperial forces from elsewhere, with other Night Lords forces taking advantage of the disruption to attack the neglected worlds.

Imperial chroniclers are uncertain about the role Gorsameth plays within what remains of the Night Lords – though he was referred to as Exalted Champion by the forces on Khai-Zhan, a Lord-Captain Gorsameth was noted in Imperial dispatches for his ferocious raids against Imperial holdings during the thirty-fifth millennium. Whether Gorsameth has lost his rank as the ferocity so typical of Raptors becomes more pronounced or if he has simply chosen to restrain himself for some unknowable dark purpose is uncertain.

Path of Glory: Gorsameth uses the Night Lords Path of Glory special rule. Gorsameth WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv 165 pts 6 5 4 4 3 5 4 10 3+ Terror Attack: Gorsameth revels in terrorizing his foe Unit Composition: Wargear: Special Rules: before launching an attack • 1 (Unique) • Power armour • Path of Glory from an unexpected quarter • Nightmare Talons • Fearless Unit Type: • Frag and krak • 5+ Invulnerable Save and then fading back into • Jump Infantry grenades • Independent Character the shadows. Gorsameth • Jump pack • Lords of the Night and any unit he joins may • Terror Attack Hit and Run and may Outflank. Any enemy unit within 12" of him when he appears on the table must take a Pinning Test at -1 Ld. In addition, any unit he charges suffers a -1 Ld modifier for the duration of the assault. These modifiers are not cumulative.

Lords of the Night: Gorsameth and any unit he joins are Fearless as the universal special rule.

Nightmare Talons: Lord-Captain Gorsameth is equipped with the Nightmare Talons, a pair of ancient claws from the days of the Great Crusade. The Nightmare Talons count as a pair of master-crafted lighting claws (bonus attack included in profile above).

THE WORLD EATERS Path of Glory: Sorcerers, Thousand Sons, Plague Marines, and Noise Marines may not be taken in a World Eaters army. All units in a World Eaters army must have or take a Mark or Icon of Khorne. The only Icons that may be taken are the Icon of Khorne and Personal Icons. All non-vehicle models have the Furious Charge universal special rule. If more than one character in your army has the Path of Glory special rule, you must choose which version will apply.

KHÂRN THE BETRAYER BLESSED OF THE BLOOD-GOD, BETRAYER OF SKALATHRAX

Refer to Codex: Chaos Space Marines, with the addition of the World Eaters Path of Glory special rule.

THE DEATH GUARD Path of Glory: A Death Guard army may not include any Chaos Space Marines, Noise Marines, Khorne Berzerkers, Thousand Sons, Chaos Bikers, Chaos Raptors, or Obliterators. Independent characters may only be included if they take the Mark of Nurgle. The only Icon available in a Death Guard army is the Icon of Nurgle, and all units that can take it must do so. Chosen Chaos Space Marines, Chaos Terminators, Possessed Chaos Space Marines and Chaos Havocs must be upgraded to Plague Marine units for +50 points per squad. These units all become Fearless and benefit from Feel No Pain. If more than one character in your army has the Path of Glory special rule, you must choose which version will apply.

TYPHUS HERALD OF NURGLE, HOST OF THE DESTROYER HIVE

Refer to Codex: Chaos Space Marines, with the addition of the Death Guard Path of Glory special rule.

THE THOUSAND SONS Path of Glory: A Thousand Sons army may not include any Chaos Lords, Chosen Chaos Space Marines, Possessed Chaos Space Marines, Chaos Space Marines, Plague Marines, Noise Marines, Khorne Berzerkers, Chaos Bikers, Chaos Raptors, Obliterator Cults, or independent characters without the Mark of Tzeentch. All units in the army that may take the Mark of Tzeentch must take that mark.

Chaos Terminators and Chaos Havocs must be upgraded to Thousand Sons Cult units for +40 points per squad. Terminator Champions and Aspiring Champions in these squads may be upgraded to Aspiring Sorcerers for +25 points, replacing their close combat weapon/power weapon with force weapons. Aspiring Champions must be given one of the Psychic powers listed for Aspiring Champions in the Thousand Sons entry. Thousand Sons Chaos Terminators and Chaos Havocs have the Mark of Tzeentch, a 4+ Invulnerable save (including the Mark of Tzeentch), are Fearless, Slow and Purposeful, have Inferno Bolts, and suffer from the Sorcerer Commands special rules in the same way as Thousand Sons squads.

Sorcerers may use up to two Psychic powers per player turn. Any Sorcerer may be upgraded to a Sorcerer Lord for +25 points. Sorcerer Lords are Fearless and may choose an additional Psychic power. Sorcerer Lords may use up to three Psychic powers per player turn. The only Icon available in a Thousand Sons army is the Icon of Tzeentch (though none of the units that may take that icon need it due to the Rubric upgrade). If more than one character in your army has the Path of Glory special rule, you must choose which version will apply.

AHRIMAN EXILE OF THE THOUSAND SONS, MASTER OF SORCERY

Refer to Codex: Chaos Space Marines, with the addition of the Thousand Sons Path of Glory special rule.

THE BLACK LEGION The Black Legion embraces all aspects of Chaos and a flexible approach to warfare. A Black Legion army uses the standard Chaos Space Marine codex rules and army list without modification.

ABADDON THE DESPOILER WARMASTER OF CHAOS, THE ABANDONED ONE

Refer to Codex: Chaos Space Marines, with the addition of the Warmaster special rule.

Warmaster: Abaddon is seen as the successor to Horus and is Warmaster of the Chaos Space Marine Legions. If Abaddon is in your army, then the standard Codex: Chaos Space Marine rules and army list are used without modification – no Path of Glory may be chosen.

THE WORD BEARERS Path of Glory: A Word Bearers army may include a Dark Apostle. No unit may take a Mark of Chaos as an option (units that have a Mark of Chaos listed in their special rules may be taken). All units in the army that do not have the Fearless special rule are Stubborn. If more than one character in your army has the Path of Glory special rule, you must choose which version will apply.

DARK APOSTLES HIGH PRIESTS OF CHAOS, FAVORED OF THE GODS

Dark Apostles are the fallen Chaplains of the Word Bearers, the only such to Dark Apostle – madscuzzy remain within the Traitor Legions. The leaders of the Word Bearers, it is by the will of the Dark Apostles that the hordes of Lorgar’s fallen Legion march forth to war, and by their will alone that such a war shall cease.

Word Bearer armies are shaped by the whims of their Apostles, and it is not uncommon for Word Bearer forces to adopt formations, armaments, and strategies that seem insane to the outside observer. Sometimes these whims prove prescient and provide the faithful hordes with victory, while at other times they lead only to destruction.

The political machinations of the Dark Apostles have been known to pit Word Bearer against Word Bearer, but far more often they are united against the Imperium of Man, working to tear down the faith that was once theirs. The swarming multitudes of cultists and daemons that accompany any force of Word Bearers are given impetus by the blasphemies of the Dark Apostles, and the fanaticism they provide to their followers make them some of the Imperium’s most dangerous enemies.

Accursed Crozius: An Accursed Crozius is a power weapon and personal icon. The Accursed Crozius may have a daemon bound within for 15 pts. A Daemon-Bound Accursed Crozius is a daemon weapon that also acts as a personal icon.

Favoured of the Gods: The Dark Apostle has a 4+ invulnerable save. Dark Apostle WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv 145 pts 6 5 4 4 3 5 3 10 3+ Path of Glory: A Dark Apostle uses the Word Unit Composition: Wargear: Special Rules: Bearers Path of Glory • 1 (Unique) • Accursed Crozius • Path of Glory special rule. • Power armour • Fearless Unit Type: • Bolt pistol • Favored of the Gods

• Infantry • Frag and krak grenades • Independent Character Demagogue: All Word • Demagogue Bearers within 6" of the • Litanies of Hate Dark Apostle gain the Fearless special rule.

Litanies of Hate: On a player turn in which he assaults, a Dark Apostle and all members of any squad he has joined can re- roll failed rolls to hit.

Options: May replace bolt pistol with a plasma pistol for 15 pts May take one of the following: Twin-linked bolter for 5 pts, Combi-weapon for 10 pts. May take Melta Bombs for 5 pts May instead replace all wargear with Terminator armour, Accursed Crozius, and a twin-linked bolter for 15 pts, or a combi- weapon for 20 pts

THE ALPHA LEGION Path of Glory: An Alpha Legion army may not include any Plague Marines, Noise Marines, Khorne Berzerkers, or Thousand Sons. No Marks or Icons may be taken except for the Icon of Chaos Glory. All Chaos Lord, Chaos Sorcerer, Chaos Space Marine, and Chaos Havoc units gain the Infiltrate ability (except those in Terminator armour or for which a Dedicated

Transport has been purchased). If more than one character in your army has the Path of Glory special rule, you must choose which version will apply.

THE HYDRA THE ENEMY UNKNOWN

In the aftermath of countless uprisings fomented across the millennia by the traitorous Alpha Legion, agents of the Inquisition have again and again discovered the shadowy hand of a powerful and cunning enemy. Whispered of by cultists, traitors and heretics alike, this foe is known only as the Hydra.

Despite the efforts of many Imperial investigators, nothing more has ever been uncovered of this warrior’s identity beyond that he is a Space Marine clad in the dark blue armour of the twentieth Legion; and any descriptions given by those few witnesses who claim to have seen him on the battlefield are vague and contrary. Nameless, faceless, and ever hidden in the darkness; the Hydra’s weapons are subterfuge and deception, his armour guile and misdirection.

So widely spread across the breadth and history of the Imperium are the hints and clues of the Hydra’s machinations that some Inquisitors have suggested that he cannot be one individual, that there must be many Hydras, and perhaps even that the title is in fact part of the hidden rank structure of the Alpha Legion Command. Whatever the truth may be, when bloodshed, heresy and rebellion bubble forth from the dark underbelly of the realm of Man, all too often it is the shadowy hand of the Hydra that guides them.

Path of Glory: The Hydra uses the Alpha Legion Path of Glory The Hydra WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv special rule. 145 pts 6 5 4 4 3 5 3 10 3+

Fortunate Son: The Unit Composition: Wargear: Special Rules: Hydra has eluded death • 1 (Unique) • Power weapon • Path of Glory • Power armour • Fearless or Imperial capture on Unit Type: • Bolt pistol • Fortunate Son numerous occasions • Infantry • Frag and krak grenades • Surprise Attack! where it seemed • Hidden in Plain Sight impossible. He has a 5+ • From the Darkness invulnerable save.

Hidden in Plain Sight: The cunning leaders of the Alpha Legion are notoriously difficult to identify. On many occasions Imperial warriors have thought an enemy officer eliminated, only to discover too late that they have made a grave mistake. The Hydra gains the ‘Retinue’ rule when he joins any unit of Chosen Chaos Space Marines, Chaos Space Marines, or Chaos Havocs.

From the Darkness: If the Hydra (and any unit he has joined in reserve) choose to outflank, roll a dice when he enters play to see where he may be deployed. On a roll of 1 the Hydra and his unit enter play from the short table edge to the owning player’s left, on a 2 they enter play from the short table edge on the owning player’s right, and on a 3-6 they enter play from any table edge the Alpha Legion player wishes. This may even be his opponent’s table edge.

Surprise Attack!: An army that includes the Hydra can re-roll the dice when attempting to seize the initiative.

Brother Tyler would like to thank the many B&C members who Alpha Legionnaire – Apologist helped create these rules.

When I first became a Lexicanium, Vincent Hudon’s Magmatrax tutorial was being saved for a B&C e-zine. This would appear to be one, and so its time has definitely come. Magmatrax was an impressive model, though I’m still unsure whether Magmatrax is the rider or the mount. Boltman’s tutorial on creating Magmatrax The Eye of offers valuable insight into the process that goes into making a Golden Demon winning model, and we thank him for it. Terror Introduction That's the best way to learn and I promised when I started this improve. Frankly, the Juggernaut was project that should my Juggernaut way over my skills. Had I seen the end project prove successful at the result beforehand, I would not have Golden Demons, it would be worth believed I could ever paint that. But writing a tutorial about it. Little did I with frequent questions asked to the know this project would eat over 400 resident painters at the Bolter & hours in 14 weeks. Most of these Chainsword and my favourite artists at hours were spent looking at the Cool Mini or Not, I improved my model, adjusting the pose, revisiting skills, and there is no reason you the colour scheme, and learning how cannot do so yourself. to paint each element, taking two or three attempts for each new thing. I Try hard, repaint it as much as you did not take many step-by-step need to get it right, don't just finish pictures on how to paint each your model and hope to improve on the element as I was walking in the dark next one. If you really are serious myself, trying to nail the effect I about painting a terrific model, step it wanted. And when I did, it was up! You won't learn much by doing already painted... your next rank and file trooper which you've already done before. Challenge The Making Within a year of starting the hobby, I yourself! I have no background in art, went from "applying paint" to so if I did it, you certainly can elevate of converting and painting a model that your skills to the next level too. I'm not would win the 2004 Canadian Slayer a big time Golden Demon artist, I'm Magmatrax Sword. I wasn't half the painter I am the underdog who worked really hard. now before I started this project. It Magmatrax, Champion of Khorne is was a very long process, but as Jason the result of 25% talent, 75% hard Richards himself (an amazing Artist work. Skill, I believe anyone can and Gentleman) told me at Toronto improve. The online community helped Games Day 2004, once you know me learn, now I'm returning the favour. how to paint certain things, you just do it, and it's much faster. This The Concept article is therefore meant to be more I wanted to make a Golden Demon- By of a walkthrough of my endeavours winning model. How? What to do? So into making a Golden Demon-class I went online, and since I started the Boltman model. It is a long read, but true to hobby I've been collecting pictures of my form as I wanted it to be fantastic miniatures. What made a thorough. winning model? Is there a recipe to winning a Golden Demon? Yes and no. My wish is that this will serve as a Through reading articles by my source of inspiration to everyone, to favourite artists such as Cyril Abati, demystify the whole Golden Demon Victor Hardy and Allan C, chatting elite painting thing. I am not a long- with multiple-GD winners like Mark time great artist. I wish to inspire Mosler (Anthraxus) and even the others into believing that with a little judges at Games Day, I determined bit of talent and a LOT of hard work what vague guidelines I was going to and dedication, it can be achieved. adhere to. Just undertake a project that's much higher than your current skill level.

Magmatrax in all his glory

The most valuable thing I discovered is identifiable. As Mark Mosler said, Termagant, for instance, has less that your entry must be original. Sad to "You see Magmatrax and the model potential than a Tyranid Warrior. Not say, your interpretation of a Green punches you right in the face!" You because bigger is better, but because, Typhus model will have a hard time don't need flashiness, but an attention- in my opinion, the warrior has more scoring well, even if it's magnificently grabber was what I wanted, I wanted potential for you to "show off". Of painted, simply because there have people to remember my piece. course, you want to make something been so many submitted already. Don't you like, not what you think the judges go for the usual GW colour scheme, Not all models are created equal. will like. However, I'm a fan of the and/or convert it to make it a new, Though it is true a simple model can safer tactic, the "in your face big flashy never seen model. I wanted my model win the judges over with the purity of thingy" models that draw attention. to stand out, make it something new its lines, I feel it's a toss-up when it This is not to suggest this is the only and different, though clearly comes to appeal to the judges. A way, but if your model is impressive

and draws attention with the wanted to use certain conversion, it's that much less you nice bits I had seen, and have to rely on your painting to pull I had a vision of off. Archaon's chest piece as a rider on a more Conversion: Make your model your dynamic Juggernaut, in own, make it unique. It doesn't have to a more prowling be completely redone like my posture. This was my Juggernaut, but the more different the basic concept. better. I bought some Blu-tac Freehand: Incorporate some freehand (the blue gum used to painting, something to show you can hang poster), browsed paint without lines and borders. This for various suitable bitz helps make the model your own, and and ordered them. Since shows you've spent effort on it. my skills in sculpting Magmatrax is not just a Juggernaut, it's were limited, I was the one with the magma scales effect going to use bitz as on its armour. Freehand further much as I could before having to resort I had never seen much work done with personalizes your model. to sculpting my own. I then discovered Juggernauts in GD competitions, and that Blu-tac was a dream come true to now I know why. Though I felt the Flawless: I've heard that sometimes temporarily hold pieces while you model had a lot of potential, I realized models are very close and often given work on the posture, so I used plenty of that the sculpt was horrible, with 1st, 2nd or 3rd based on which has the it to get the feel of the model, and see asymmetric parts, and badly sculpted fewest mistakes. This can be a big time how the parts could be matched. finer features. I spend many hours just sink, but if you can have someone else filing away excess and sculpting minor scrutinize your model for flaws you Conversion add-ons to try and make the model might have missed, you're that much symmetrical. Even so, some things I The list of bitz I used: couldn't pull off, like how the closer.  Juggernaut model Juggernaut's neck collar has 3 spikes  Archaon’s Torso Realistic Expectations: Ditch that. If which are not evenly spaced. The  Grimgor’s left arm (WHFB you cannot reach higher than you aim, collar wasn't actually straight, but that I Orc Warboss) you'd better aim very high. Think of a fixed with GS. The model was not a great idea, then think about how you  Obliterator legs (the walking simple case of cleaning the mould would redo it if you had already done it version) lines, but throughout it all, I still loved once. Think of other good ideas, then  Berserker head, shoulder pads the look of the sculpt. pick your favourite. Make sure it's  Skull belt buckle from a ambitious. If you don't win, you'll have regular Chaos marine torso Archaon's chest turned out a perfect fit, learned a heck of a lot at least, and end  Chaos Champion backpack the cape having a curve that married up a much better painter in the end.  Ork Choppa arms itself with the Juggernaut's rear right  Marneus Calgar’s right Power leg perfectly. The Rider was going to A friend to consult with goes a long Fist be bigger, but I wanted him to look like way. Preferably, one who knows  $8 Wal-Mart Jewellery chain he was leaning on the Juggernaut a bit, painting miniatures. For painting tips  Old guitar strings reeling for the impending jump of the and opinions, and support on those  A few skulls from the Undead Beast unto its prey. To accomplish long weeks where I was getting a little sprue that, the Juggernaut's body had to be much lower than usually mounted on discouraged, my gratitude goes to  Round Toothpicks its legs, to keep the Rider low. The Mark Mosler, multiple Golden Demon front left leg would have to be cut and winner. Watch out for this guy, I smell Tools I used: a joint added to fit the prowling pose, a sword in his future too.  Modelling vice and complement the cape flowing on  Jeweller’s saws The Model the other side. I decided to have the  Two-part epoxy legs angled in a triangular fashion, I wanted to paint a Juggernaut. I  Superglue wider at the base, to help accentuate thought the model had a lot of  Various files, hobby knives, the feel of the model being grounded potential, though let down by a very and sculpting tools and ready to jump. This also made the static pose and being a difficult sculpt  A Dremel juggernaut wider and more imposing. to modify. I thought the rider was just  Green stuff The head had to become horizontal to boring, and could be spiced up too. I  Paper clips keep with my concept, and at that point

I found two horns that were just as I wanted it glued perfectly curved to make the inside the clutched Juggernaut look meaner. fist, to make it look like the rider was So piece by piece, I would convert a holding the chain. part and return to the Blu-tac master assembly to check for fit. Needless to The head was a lot of say I had to rebuild the Blue-tac work, mainly because assembly numerous times as it was the Stock Juggernaut sagging with each fit check. I started model doesn't have a with the legs, first drilling multiple neck. I cut the neck holes in the legs and body, and off, saving the neck inserting half a dozen paper clip rods collar with three on each of the shoulder joint. With a spikes to glue back on gob of Green Stuff, I would stick a the body. I then completed leg to the body, press to drilled a hole in the give the right angle, and use lots of body in the middle of Blue-tac to hold the position while the the collar, and one at cables close by were of same length, GS cured. The front left leg was sawed the back of the head underneath the but restricted in a smaller space. above the claw, then each part was Collar of Khorne on the head. I then drilled, a continuous brass rod inserted used a brass rod (well mine was iron It's all in the little details. I'll mention it on each side of the new gap, and glued wire) cut to proper size to join head here, but through the painting process with epoxy. I could then slightly bend and body. when it became time for the eyes I the rod to position the claw, having decided the stock models were too checked rod length before gluing. Once I actually positioned the head lower small. I therefore cut myself a piece of happy, I made a rubber joint-type than the body, to emphasize the plastic sprue, drilled only 2 mm connection with GS where there was prowling pose of the Juggernaut. through an end and bevelled the plastic now a new gap, just like the leg joints Again, I would refer to the Blue-Tac around it, like this picture shows. The on a regular Marine model. master assembly time and time again to slightly spherical tip of the drill bit adjust the position. I epoxy glued the would make a perfect rivet-type stamp The three remaining legs would simply rod in the head, then once dry, made to make bigger eyes out of GS, which I need to be positioned with paper clips final adjustments and glued the other then stuck over the tiny original like I did the first one, each time end of the rod in the body. Next was Juggernaut eyes. checking that the Obliterator legs I was time to make a neck. I made a few going to use would fit well in between. sketches, tried on This left me with a big ugly surface spare green stuff, and between the front legs and a gap at the then put a gob on the head of the Jugger, between the legs. neck, working from The front and rear legs were also under the model. farther apart that the original model. I came up with the idea of adding fur to I sculpted wires and cover these areas, which would also tie such, continuing what in with the pelt on Archaon's body. little was suggested Thanks to Nexus's green stuff fur by that very small part tutorial. I practiced on spare green of a neck provided stuff, and then sculpted fur on the with the model. Once Juggernaut model – it was a handy dry, I bent guitar filler which did not need to be a strings to a proper symmetrical feature, and it was easy to shape, guitar strings cover large areas. being very stiff, I did not have to worry The rider had to be holding onto the about losing the

Juggernaut, so I glued in each end of a shape, and I used Boltman’s Juggernaut Eye-Stamp (Patent Pending) jewellery chain, which each had a green stuff to tack bigger link. I then green stuffed a link them to the head and to the Juggernaut's collar. A strand of the body. I made sure to give the guitar Checking with the Obliterator legs, the the chain would be glued on the fur strings a different bend, being more original saddle was much too small and and the Power Fist would then be glued curved on the left side of the Jugger, deep. I simply filled the original gap on top, but the other end was left loose, since that leg was leaning forward, the with GS, and texture the surface like a

I used a broken piece off the obliterator legs, and quickly of cork to press on the realized that it was a perfect match. On putty and make the left side the leg was open outwards, texture to work with which worked well with my in the painting stage. Champion's pose, turned to the left side and holding that huge axe. The spacing Later, when the between the obliterator legs was also a Juggernaut was very good fit for the Juggernaut width finished and it was and required no bending. I simply filed time to paint the base, off the fleshy bits from the legs, using I went back with some once again my mighty rotary tool to putty to exploit a grind away. I also sculpted treads recess in the rock to underneath the boots, in case the GD make a little pool of judges would look. lava emptying itself a

The Base little lower (back right Now this is where countless checks side). I also added A with blue-tac took place to assert the few skulls to tie in pose of the champion as each element leather seat, with a diamond-shaped with Khorne and fill an otherwise was gradually glued in. I used the pattern on the sides. I glued on tiny simple base. The area I had left rotary tool to grind away Archaon's metallic studs made out of cylindrical untouched in the alcove for lava felt shoulder armour, peeping from under pewter flash from another model. I like it could be improved. I decided to the pelt. Starting with the Right made sure to round the surface with a simulate bubbling, thick lava, and shoulder, this was a very long grind file before each cut was made in the found that the little ball on the back of and check procedure, until I could fit a pewter flash rod, to make a better a SM where you glue on a backpack complete Berserker shoulder pad. painting surface later on. was just right for the task. I also used a Remember to use a mask, pewter

round plastic ball on a leftover sprue particles are bad for you! I then cut off The Base for a bigger bubble, and some rigs cut an Orc arm at the elbow, pinned it in I wanted the Juggernaut standing atop from a smoke launcher nozzle. The the Torso, and pinned the other end to the battlefield, looking at the puny smallest burst bubbles were made with Marneus' power fist, previously drilled mortals soon to be crushed. I found a a grenade clip, cut in half thickness- between the thumb and fingers to insert natural rock, whose size and shape wise. Very small, be sure to hold them the chain form the Juggernaut s neck. I suited my model well. It had a down when you cut them, or you’ll also had to cut off the ammo clip from cleavage cut, too, from which I could have them bounce out of your sight and the bolter that was in the way of my exploit the recess underneath to show lose them. Juggernaut's right leg. Nothing was off my previously acquired glowing glued at this step, just using blue-tac lava-effect. I had to pin the juggernaut The Rider whenever necessary for the parts to to the rock somehow though, for The Champion is where I realized how hold while I fit them. I went back to solidity. I couldn't drill through the handy it is to carefully select bitz. I cut the torso and legs, drilling each, and rock, but I figured I could add features pinning with a piece of rod, cut to with Milliput, a two part putty which is more like clay, whereas green stuff is more plastic.

I added gobs of Milliput on the rock to improve its features and make it match the Juggernaut's pose better. I needed an outcrop for the front left leg to stand on. I also needed a little extra thickness for some legs to be able to place pins in the base for solidity between model and base. I did so for both right legs, as the rock was thinner on that side. I pinned the Juggernaut paws, and pressed it in the wet Milliput to leave an imprint, but removed the model, which was going to be painted separately. On the extra putty features,

45 length, then glued, and finally bent to transition. Filing down the plastic knife while it dried,) I finished the appropriate angle. I also drilled a hole and axe would have lost the facets of connection with the body with GS. in the obliterator legs and glued a paper the weapons. I added a toothpick tip on The backpack was then stamped on a clip in the saddle. This pin and hole top for good spiky measure, and gob of GS stuck on the back fur, and would allow me to pit the champion on another knife blade at the bottom of the removed for the GS to dry. A paperclip the juggernaut at the same place every axe handle, to make it a handier was used as a pin, but the backpack time I put it on for fit. weapon for a rider to wield. I finally kept separate for painting. super glued one end of a cheap Torso and legs now being one, I could jewellery chain on the axe head, Finally the head, another focal point. I glue the right arm onto the torso wrapped it around and brought it down really liked the Berserker head I used, underneath the shoulder pad with to the bottom of the pole for looks. and didn’t feel major conversion was epoxy, and let dry overnight, champion Now I had chains and fur on both the in order. I simply added a few on the juggernaut. Then I worked on rider and mount, which helped toothpick spikes on the head for a little sculpting a midsection between torso emphasize the cohesion of the model. more cohesion with the Juggernaut s and legs, and came up with GS trims spikes. I glued the head in a forward with studs made in the same fashion as Next was the left shoulder pad. Since position, and then sculpted a collar our the Juggernaut s eyes, to keep them the there was going to be too much of GS with stamped studs, and that was exact same size. grinding involved, I tried a new it! To this point the complete approach: only adding the visible part conversion took about 50 hours. The left arm was trickier. I knew it was of the shoulder pad. It proved tricky to going to be something the viewer looks match to the fur, and in the end, I only Vincent Hudon (AKA Boltman) won the at instinctively, so it had to be suitably used a little bit of a pad, stuck in there 2004 Slayer Sword with Magmatrax, impressive. I oversized the weapon with GS which I sculpted the missing and has won a number of Golden with an Orc knife as the main blade parts to smooth the pad with the fur Demon’s since (deserving every one, extension, and reversed part of an Orc line. I drilled underneath again for a too). Our publication of his tutorial is axe to complete the other side. Since pin to attach the axe arm with. Once long overdue. the plastics were thicker than Grimgor the arm was glued (using epoxy and a s axe, I used green stuff to ease the profusion of Blu-tac to hold in place

The Astartes Praeses stand on the border of the Eye of Terror, protecting it from the foul monsters that lurk in the Warp and their servants who wait for any opportunity to crush the worlds of man. This article summarizes the information we know about them – scant The Eye of though it may be. Introduction The Chapter was based on the world of 3 The Eye of Terror is a dark and hellish Torva Minoris (though other sources Terror give their home world as Neutra, place; full with heretics, traitors and 4 madmen. Many Space Marines who south-west of the Eye of Terror), and have spat on their oaths to the Emperor they were until recently known as the have made their home here, along with Fire Claws. They served loyally until legions of mortal soldiers and Titans of on a Chaos-hunting mission under the Dark Mechanicus. Each of these Inquisitor DeMarche, where one of factions owes their allegiance to the their Librarians defeated a prince of Warmaster Abaddon, gene-son of the Chaos with his own daemon weapon. arch-traitor Horus. This use of Chaos to so successfully destroy Chaos and the honeyed words To counter this threat, over the many of the Librarian and Inquisitor millennia since the Horus Heresy, the DeMarche convinced the Fire Claws’ Imperium has founded various Chapter Master that the tools of Chaos Chapters with the specific purpose of could still be put to uses that would 5 guarding the space around the Eye; serve the Imperium. and, when necessary, destroying any threat that emerges from its hellish Under the guidance of DeMarche, the depths. Collectively these Chapters are Fire Claws sought Chaos relics – and known as the Astartes Praeses. found them. It was in this time that they became known as the Relictors. The Records, as patchy as they are, indicate Soon enough, other Chapters came to twenty such Chapters, though they are know of their methods, and the Astartes not all named. It must be noted that one Relictors were forced to submit by four Chapter is known to have been Space Marine Chapters, a group of Praeses destroyed by the forces of Chaos, Inquisitors, and an Imperial Battleship. whilst another has been branded De Marche was executed, and the Excommunicate Traitoris; leaving the Relictors sent on a century of penitent 6 total count of the Praeses Chapters at crusading. 18 at the time of the 13th Black Crusade.1 Presented below is what is Even on that Crusade and during the known of the Chapters of the Astartes War for Armageddon, the Relictors still seized every opportunity to Praeses. 7 retrieve Chaotic weaponry. The by 2 Relictors remained firm in their belief Relictors that Chaos could be used for good The Relictors are perhaps the most purposes, and calamity loomed over Octavulg famous of the Astartes Praeses – they their heads.8 It eventually struck when are certainly the ones we know the they attacked an Inquisitorial force and most about. They were created in the protecting a powerful weapon in the Twenty-First Founding, and are thus a Diamedes Archive. This and other Ferrus Cursed Founding Chapter (their Curse conflicts caused the Inquisition to seems unknown – their gene-seed is Manus believed to be mixed between the Dark Angels and the Ultramarines, but to 3 Ibid what purpose is unclear). 4 Codex: Space Marines, Fifth Edition

5 IA: Relictors 6 Ibid 1 Anthony Reynolds, Dark Creed, 74 7 Ibid 2 IA: Relictors; Codex: Eye of Terror 8 Ibid

47 declare them excommunicate, and the to their home world of Grey Knights purged their Fortress- Sabatine,12 which is located in Monastery, forcing the remains of the the east of the Segmentum Chapter into flight. Pacificus.13

Codex: Space Marines, Fifth Edition, The Consuls have an unusual however, says only that the Inquisition Chapter structure, was suspicious that the Relictors were maintaining two Chapter developing “an unhealthy fascination Masters rather than one.14 with tainted artefacts”.9 Whether this is One master leads campaigns, a retcon or simply an example of in- while the other coordinates universe ignorance is undetermined. the defence of their home Likewise, it is unclear if the Relictors world and the Eye of Terror.15 are the excommunicate Chapter mentioned in Dark Creed, or whether This structure is duplicated in principle elsewhere in the Chapter – the Consuls place two Space Marines in command of each world; known as the White Consul by Apologist Proconsul and the Coadjutor. Proconsuls Marines Exemplar22 are veteran warriors who are being prepared for the rank of The Marines Exemplar were heavily involved in the 13th Black Crusade, Captain. Only a warrior who 23 has served as a Proconsul may deploying nine companies. They first rise to command a company of served under the overall command of Space Marines. Coadjutors are Logan Grimnar, but after the loss of their Chapter Master in combat they warriors recently raised to the 24 rank of Battle-Brother, sent out withdrew from Grimnar's command.

to understand the people the 25 Consuls are sworn to protect.16 Their home world is Necris, and the This has led to the Consuls Chapter has served under the command of Captain Raoul since Chapter Master commanding armies of regular 26 troops when defending their Maxim Absolon went missing. Necris Relictor on Snowscape by Artekus local region.17 is located in the extreme south-east of the Segmentum Tempestus, a position that refers to some other, unknown The current masters are Cymar Xydias which raises questions about how they 18 maintain their duties to the Astartes Chapter. and Titus Valens. The Chapter was 27 involved in the 12th19 and 13th Black Praeses. 10 20 White Consuls Crusades, and was severely hurt by 28 battles against the Word Bearers and Subjugators The White Consuls are a Second 21 Founding successor of the Necrons. The Subjugators are thought to belong to the Twenty-Third or Twenty-Fourth Ultramarines – they are thus the oldest 29 known Chapter of the Astartes Founding. They are direct and Praeses.11 They are organised zealous in their prosecution of the according to the Codex Astartes, 12 Anthony Reynolds, Dark Creed, 34 except for a few minor details. 13 Codex: Space Marines, Fifth Edition Similarly to their parent Chapter, the 14 Deathwatch: Rites of Battle 22 Codex: Eye of Terror Ultramarines, the White Consuls have 15 Ibid 23 Ibid influence over a cluster of planets close 16 Anthony Reynolds, Dark Creed, 34 24 White Dwarf 283 17 Deathwatch: Rites of Battle 25 Codex: Space Marines, Fifth Edition 18 Anthony Reynolds, Dark Creed, 75 26 White Dwarf 283 9 Codex: Space Marines, Fifth Edition 19 Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 27 Codex: Space Marines, Fifth Edition 10 Codex: Eye of Terror 20 Codex: Eye of Terror 28 Codex: Eye of Terror 11 Codex: Space Marines, Fifth Edition 21 Anthony Reynolds, Dark Creed 29 Deathwatch: Rites of Battle

members of the Astartes Praeses.

General Observations The most evident thing about the Astartes Praeses is that they appear to have been created over time – the Relictors and Subjugators are both products of later Foundings, and it is unlikely they were the only ones. It seems likely that Imperial defences around the Eye have gotten stronger over time.

Second, we can note two things – first, that being close to the Eye does not make you a member of the Astartes Praeses (the Iron Hands, for example, do not seem to be). Nor does being far

Marines Exemplar by Lord Tybault away seem to preclude membership (the Marines Exemplar are on the other enemy, routinely wiping out enemies The Excoriators deployed eight side of the Imperium, though that may root and branch.30 companies in the 13th Black Crusade.38 be error as opposed to intent).

Finally, we can note that dedication is They were relatively uninvolved in the Night Watch39 13th Black Crusade, fielding only three evidently not required – only some of 31 They deployed eleven companies to the the Astartes Praeses committed forces companies. They have a number of th 13 Black Crusade, suggesting they are to fight against the 13th Black Crusade, other recorded engagements – they not Codex-adherent.40 Their home were involved (along with the Sons of and of those the Subjugators only world is Silence, to the north of the committed three companies. This Antaeus) in fighting against Eldar 41 Eye of Terror. They were one of the seems more than a little odd, and pirates in the Third Inter-Guild Wars of Chapters that contributed forces to the the Inca Sector,32 and were victims of explanations are hard to conceive of – Zeist Campaign at the request of it’s possible the missing Astartes an alien race known as the Cell-Kin, Marneus Calgar.42 who slowly turn infected creatures into Praeses Chapters were engaged, but 33 were some of the many who slipped other Cell-Kin. The infection was Iron Talons43 purged, but some twenty Marines are through the cracks; or that they were 34 Assisted the White Consuls against the deployed on the other side of the Eye; still at large. Their home world is 44 Xenax, located in the east of the Word Bearers. or fighting some other Chaotic threat. 35 Still, their absence is notable. Segmentum Solar, and they divide 45 most of their efforts between that Others region and the Eye of Terror.36 The Crimson Scythes, Brothers Octavulg and Ferrus Manus are Penitent, and Knights Unyielding are Lexicanii and Liberites, who were 37 all listed in the novel Dark Creed as depressed to discover that the Astartes Excoriators Praeses are evidently publicity-shy.

30 Ibid 38 Ibid 31 Codex: Eye of Terror 39 Codex: Eye of Terror 32 IA: Cursed Founding 40 Ibid 33 “Rogue Sons”, Index Astartes IV 41 Codex: Space Marines, Fifth Edition 34 Ibid 42 Ibid 35 Codex: Space Marines, Fifth Edition 43 Anthony Reynolds, Dark Creed, 29 36 Deathwatch: Rites of Battle 44 Ibid, 31 37 Codex: Eye of Terror 45 Ibid, 75

How to Paint Relictors by Midian

Step 1

Basecoat the armoured areas Adeptus Battlegrey. Wash the whole thing with a heavy wash of Badab Black. Step 1

Step 2

Overbrush the armour with Adeptus Battlegrey. Overbrushing is essentially drybrushing, but with a wet brush. Quick highlights with Codex Grey – highlight everything except the darkest areas.

Step 2

Apply fine highlights to the top edges with Fortress Grey. Basically, anything at the top of the figure – top of helmet, top of shoulder pads, toes etc.

Step 3

Glaze the whole lot with Badab Black, watered down until it is virtually see through. Before painting it on, gently dab the brush on a piece of tissue (use the stuff you get for the kitchen, not toilet tissue) to take out the excess water out of the brush.

If it takes more than a few seconds to dry on the figure, you've got too much watered paint on the brush. Hit the tissue again and carry on.

At this stage I painted everything else Chaos Black and gave the moulded tactical arrow a coat of Fortress Grey.

Step 3

Step 4

Basecoat Boltgun Metal, highlight with Chainmail, edge highlight Mithril Silver, wash with Badab Black.

Step 5

Basecoat Scorched Brown. Layer a 60/40 mix of Scorched Brown/Dark Flesh, leaving Scorched Brown in the recesses. Edge highlight with thinned Dark Flesh.

Step 6

These two are the same process except for the base colour. Basecoat the skulls with Dheneb Stone and the parchment with Bleached Bone. Wash with Devlan Mud.

Highlight the skulls with Dheneb Stone and the parchment with Bleached Bone. Add Skull White to Dheneb Stone to highlight the skulls, add Skull White to Bleached Bone to highlight the parchment.

Using thinned down Chaos Black, paint thin lines on the parchment to represent text.

Step 7

Basecoat Red Gore. Layer Blood Red over the top, leaving Red Gore in the recesses. c

On the lenses, leave some Red Gore showing at the back. Add a tiny spot of Skull White at the back of each lens for reflection points. Step 7

Step 8

Edge highlight the black areas with a 50/50 mix of Chaos Black/Adeptus Battlegrey.

Step 9

Paint a circle and square with thinned Fortress Grey (see picture 1b), then fill in. Go over the grey with thinned Skull White. You'll probably need 3 or 4 thin layers to get it smooth.

Tidy up the shape with thinned Chaos Black and add the eye, nose and teeth.

Step 8

Step 10 Step 9 Water down Scorched Brown (approx 10/1 water/Scorched Brown) and glaze around panel lines, joints and anywhere else dirt would collect.

Do the same with Catachan Green, then with Bestial Brown. Overall, there are around 15 layers of colour glazed on.

Step 10

Step 11

Base – I've washed the sand with Brown Ink then drybrushed it with Khemri Brown then Kommando Khaki.

Paint the rim Scorched Brown and add static grass to taste.

Midian is most well known for his DIY army, the Sword Bearers. His only distractions from his Chapter are the Black Legion and occasionally some Dark Angels. We still haven’t figured out why he did a Relictors tutorial, but it certainly is a nice one.

Step 11

If the Grey Knights are the Imperium’s premier daemon hunters, the Exorcists are a close second. Through possession and exorcism they strengthen themselves, all so they can destroy the horrific creatures that spill forth from the Warp across the Imperium. Here, Exorcists player Brother Tyler presents expanded Fifth Edition rules for the The Eye of Exorcists Chapter. History transforming aspirants into full battle- Terror The Exorcists were created in the 13th brothers. Due to the rigors of this (Dark) Founding. The gene-seed used procedure, the Chapter maintains two to create them is unknown, classified extra companies of Scouts, for a total by a special Bull Absolute issued by an number of twelve companies in the Inquisitorial representative at the time Chapter. of the Chapter’s founding. Despite this secrecy, there are rumours that the The Exorcists are largely a “Codex” gene-seed of the Exorcists can be Chapter, adhering closely to the traced back to the Grey Knights, dictates of the Codex Astartes written though there is no known evidence to by the Ultramarines Primarch, Roboute corroborate this. Guilliman. The primary exceptions to this are the Chapter’s organization into The Chapter’s creation was supervised twelve companies versus the normal by elements of the Ordo Malleus and ten and the Chapter’s proficiency at included the ritual binding of minor combating the daemons of Chaos, daemonic creatures to the recruits, excelling at this over other Chapters. followed by their exorcism. While The Chapter has often demonstrated some subjects died or required tactical flexibility and adaptability Codex: termination due to the damage suffered exemplifying the teachings of the in the possession, the majority survived Codex Astartes. Exorcists the procedure. Reconstructive surgery was required for those who suffered One other notable aspect of the damage or mutation, and corrective Exorcists Chapter is the presence of psychotherapy for those who suffered Orisons, or sub-cults, within the psychological damage. Those that Chapter. Each of these Orisons is adept survived the daemonic possession at a certain specialty, and Exorcists therapy were then trained in the use of battle-brothers may be members of the 666 verses of the Liber Exorcismus multiple Orisons. Each Orison (Book of Exorcisms) and the methods maintains a book of lore in which the of combating the daemons of Chaos. specialized knowledge of the Orison is preserved and taught; and membership By After the Chapter performed in an Orison is not a prerequisite to successfully in field tests against access the Orison’s book of lore – any Brother Daemons, it was developed to a full battle-brother of the Chapter may Chapter and granted at least limited consult any Orison’s book of lore. Tyler autonomy. The level of the Chapter’s Membership in one or more Orisons is autonomy and its current relationship considered to be a high honour within with the Ordo Malleus remain the Chapter. Known Orisons include and the unknown, though several facilities of the Enochian Guard, many of the the Ordo Malleus are known to exist on members belonging to the 1st Members the Exorcists’ home world of Banish. Company; the Obelisk Thelemus, to The Chapter’s fortress monastery is which many of the Chapter’s of the known as the Basilica Malefex, though Devastators and Techmarines belong; the majority of the Chapter is on and the Broken Tower, which is B&C continuous active service throughout composed almost entirely of members the whole of the Imperium. of the Chapter’s Librarium.

To this day, the daemonic possession therapy continues to be a central aspect of the Chapter’s process in

• The Thirteenth Black Crusade of • Avasi (participated in the Badab Abaddon the Despoiler [999.M41] War) Daemon Hunters (ten companies) • Baeliastus (participated in the Badab The relationship between the War) Exorcists and the Grey Knights has been the subject of much Exorcists Fleet • Belloch (killed in the Battle of debate. The Exorcists have an extensive long- Shavra, the Badab War) range Chapter fleet, including three • Gebruah (possibly killed in the Some players have speculated that battle barges, which is considered to Battle of Shavra, the Badab War) the Chapter is like the Grey be an unusually high number of such • Rauth (“Watcher”, seconded to Knights and is composed entirely vessels for a Chapter of the Adeptus Deathwatch) of psykers. Included in this speculation is the use of Nemesis Astartes. This large fleet provides the Force Weapons, the signature Chapter with great mobility in its Titles weapon of the Grey Knights, by continuous actions, the Chapter It is worth noting that some of the the Exorcists. The Chapter’s operating throughout the breadth of Exorcists battle-brothers displayed in inclusion in Codex: Space Marines the Imperium instead of being Imperial Armour Volume Ten: The and the rules provided for Silas confined to a specific area. Badab War – Part Two bear titles that Alberec in the Badab War book don’t appear to be standard to the contradict this. • Punisher (Battle Barge) Adeptus Astartes, and others have titles

• Redeemer (Battle Barge) that are variations on typical titles, The relationship between the Exorcists and the Grey Knights is • Captain Augusta (Strike Cruiser) none of which are explained. For unclear. While the short story • Eternal Defiance (Strike Cruiser) example, Veteran Sergeant Kahl bears “Headhunted” indicates that the • Hand of Glory (Strike Cruiser) the title of “Inceptus”, Terminator Exorcists were created using the • Hunter (Strike Cruiser) Rabelias bears the title of “Lector”, and gene-seed of the Grey Knights and both Idris and Karsweltus have the title that they have very similar Exorcists Battle-Brothers of “Almoner”. training, the Badab War book says only that the gene-seed of the Though popular, the Exorcists haven’t Exorcists is a closely guarded received much attention from Games Appearance secret. The Exorcists are one of Workshop. Despite this, a number of When first presented in the original the few Chapters that is allowed to members of the Chapter have been Index Astartes article on the Badab retain some knowledge of the Grey named in various sources, including War, the Chapter had a yellow scheme. Knights as Codex: Grey Knights Battlefleet Gothic, the Badab War, The Third War for Armageddon re- describes how the Exorcists are and a Black Library anthology. imagined the Chapter in a dark red known to send some of their scheme. A few minor changes have aspirants to Titan. How widespread the knowledge of the • Enoch Trismegistus (first Chapter occurred since then, though the basic Grey Knights is within the Master according to Chapter legend) scheme is shown below. The shoulder Exorcists Chapter is unknown. • Captain Leitz (participated in the pad rims appear to be black regardless Gothic War) of company affiliation. • Captain Silas Alberec (Captain of Campaigns of the Exorcists the 3rd Company during the Badab War) • The Aschen War (The Vanquishing • Venerable Sybra (dreadnought, died of the Horned God) [307.M40] (3rd in the Aschen War) Company known to have participated, • Malachite (librarian, killed the possibly entire Chapter) Horned God in the Aschen War) • The Twelfth Black Crusade of • Castor Machen (librarian, Abaddon the Despoiler (The Gothic participated in the Relief of War) [151.M41] Stonekraal) • The Relief of Stonekraal [740.M41] • Idris (Sergeant, participated in the (3rd Company) Badab War) • The Badab War [908-912.M41] (2nd, • Kahl (Veteran Sergeant and Initiate 3rd, 5th, 6th, 11th Companies, half of of the Enochian Guard, participated 1st Company, under command of in the Badab War) Captain Silas Alberec of the 3rd • Rabelias (Terminator assigned to the Company) bodyguard of Silas Alberec, • The Third War for Armageddon participated in the Badab War) [999.M41] (entire Chapter) • Karsweltus (Apothecary, participated in the Badab War)

Special Characters You must use one of the following special characters in order to use these rules in your games of Warhammer 40,000.

Chapter Tactics If your army includes an Exorcists character, all units in your army lose the Combat Tactics special rule. Instead, when facing Daemons (Daemon Princes, Possessed Chaos Space Marines, Obliterators, any vehicle with Daemonic Possession, summoned greater or lesser Daemons, Daemonhosts, Mandrakes, Kheradruakh the Decapitator, the Avatar, and all units from Codex: Chaos Daemons), all of these units except Scout and Scout Bike squads benefit from the Furious Charge USR when charging Daemon models and are Fearless when engaged in Assault with any Daemon models. Any of these units that start their Movement phase within 12” of a Daemon model must pass a Ld test or suffer from the Rage USR. If more than one character in your army has the Chapter Tactics special rule, you must choose which version will apply.

CAPTAIN SILAS ALBEREC COMMANDER OF THE THIRD COMPANY, WIELDER OF THE HELLSLAYER, KEEPER OF VIGILS

Use Silas Alberec as he is presented in Imperial Armour Volume Ten: The Badab War – Part Two (page 179), adding the Chapter Tactics included in this article.

DIETRICH LEONHART OUTER GUARDIAN OF THE LIBRARIUM

The psykers of the Librarium serve a pivotal role in the Exorcists Chapter. In addition to screening aspirants for psychic potential, the Librarians of the Exorcists are responsible for conducting the daemonic possession therapy and training against the daemonic that set the Exorcists apart from other Chapters. The Chapter depends upon its Librarians in order to ensure that no corruption survives within the battle-brothers.

Unlike other Chapter neophytes, those who possess psychic potential are not subjected to the daemonic possession therapy, for the threat of possessing an untrained psyker with a daemonic entity is too great. Instead, these aspirants are taken into the Librarium for testing and training. Those that survive become Lexicanii, the most junior grade of Librarian.

The Librarians also work closely with the Apothecaries of the Chapter to screen battle-brothers against the threat of re- possession by daemonic entities. All battle-brothers are thoroughly tested upon returning from any engagements with the daemonic, and those that are found to harbour some taint are ritually cleansed and purified – or terminated.

Epistolary Leonhart was recruited from a feral world six decades ago. Quickly demonstrating his potential as a psyker and being taken into the Librarium, he survived the rigors of the psykana rituals and has since proven himself as a potent mystic warrior within the Chapter. He currently serves as the Outer Guardian of the Librarium, protecting Chapter rituals from daemonic incursion through his skill at detecting and banishing Dietrich Leonhart WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Daemons. 190 pts 5 4 4 4 2 4 2 10 2+

Destroy Daemon: This Unit Composition: Psychic Powers: Special Rules: psychic power may be • 1 (Unique) • Destroy daemon • And They Shall Know used at the beginning of • Any one of the No Fear any Assault phase. If the Unit Type: following powers: • Combat Tactics • Infantry Smite, Force Dome, • Chapter Tactics test is passed, any to hit Machine Curse, • Independent Character or to wound rolls made Wargear: Quickening, Null Zone, • Psyker by Leonhart against • Terminator armour The Avenger, Might of • Epistolary Daemons may be re- • Force weapon Ancients, The Gate of rolled for the rest of the • Storm shield Infinity, Vortex of turn. You must accept Doom the result of the second roll.

ACTON IDOMENES SWORD BEARER, CHAPTER CHAMPION OF THE EXORCISTS

Sergeant Idomenes has served the Chapter for almost a century, earning numerous honours for his valour. In the Cleansing of Anruil in 982.M41, he selflessly threw himself between his injured Chapter Master and a greater daemon. Though the creature removed Idomenes’ right arm with a stroke of his hell-forged axe, Idomenes’ action allowed the Chapter Master time to recover and re-enter the fray, resulting in the destruction of the daemon. In recognition for his valour, Idomenes was appointed the Sword Bearer and granted the privilege of bearing the Blade of Enoch, an ancient weapon recovered from the Eye of Terror by the Exorcists’ first Chapter Master, Enoch Trismegistus.

As the Sword Bearer, it is Idomenes’ responsibility to serve as the Exorcists Chapter Champion and to represent the Chapter Master’s interests with the Captains of the Exorcists Chapter, often joining their companies in battle and leading squads. He has performed these duties with distinction for almost two decades.

If an Honour Guard is included in the army, then the Chapter Champion must be replaced with Sergeant Idomenes for +30 points. If there is no Honour Guard, then one Tactical squad in the army may replace its Space Marine Sergeant with Sergeant Idomenes for +67 points.

Blade of Enoch: The Blade of Enoch counts as a relic blade. In addition, the blade is inscribed with runes inimical to Daemons and will always wound Daemons on a roll of 4+, unless Idomenes would normally roll better. Against possessed vehicles the weapon confers 2D6 +Strength Acton Idomenes WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv for armour penetration. +30/+67 5 4 4 4 1 4 3 10 2+ Exemplar: The Sword Unit Composition: Wargear: Special Rules: Bearer is an exemplar • 1 (Unique) • Artificer armour • And They Shall Know of the Chapter’s warrior • Combat shield No Fear cult and is an Unit Type: • Blade of Enoch • Combat Tactics inspiration to his battle- • Infantry • Boltgun • Chapter Tactics brothers. Idomenes and • Frag and krak • Honour or Death any unit he has joined grenades • Exemplar always re-roll failed Morale and Pinning Tests.

Collecting an Exorcists Army The Exorcists follow the teachings of the Codex Astartes; and they demonstrate tactical flexibility and adaptability. As such, don’t feel constrained to any particular army composition when collecting an Exorcists army. Any army that you can create with Codex: Space Marines is justifiable. The Chapter has two additional Scout companies, so Scouts in an Exorcists army would not be inappropriate, but this isn’t a requirement by any stretch of the imagination.

Designer’s Notes Previously, there were a number of issues with the Exorcists Chapter due to inconsistencies between various sources, but these issues are largely reconciled in Imperial Armour Volume Ten: The Badab War – Part Two. This article considers the Badab War information on the Exorcists canon. Players desiring to learn more about the Chapter should read that book.

I was largely satisfied with the background given for the Chapter in the Badab War book, and I’m a fan of the Exorcists special character, Silas Alberec and his rules. There was, however, one area in which I was dissatisfied, and that was the rules for the Exorcists Chapter, or rather, the lack thereof. The known background information provides an ability that no other Chapter of the Adeptus Astartes has, and that is excellence at fighting the daemons of Chaos. We’re not just talking about the Exorcists being marginally better than other Chapters – they are remarkable in comparison to other Space Marines when it comes to killing Daemons (though not as good as Grey Knights). Alberec confers a special rule to the army, but that rule is based on him and is not necessarily an “Exorcists” rule in the way that Chapter Tactics would be considered to be rules for the Chapter. More importantly, that rule isn’t about daemons. The rules and characters presented herein are intended to fill the gap between what the background material supports and representation of that background material on the table top.

Going back to the Third War for Armageddon fluff we have several important elements. First is the Chapter's training in the tools of the exorcist; second is the heightened levels of aggression Exorcists Space Marines exhibited; and third is the Chapter's alignment with the Ordo Malleus and the Grey Knights.

With regard to the training in/with the tools of the exorcist, I've basically combined that with the aggression described above in the selection of Chapter Tactics that utilize universal special rules representative of the effects described for the Exorcists in combat with daemons. In addition, the Exorcists characters presented in this article have weapons and abilities drawn from Codex: Daemonhunters (which is now obsolete due to the release of Codex: Grey Knights).

The previous version of this article included rules for Chapter Master Leopoldus Kane (who I made up without any source material). However, the imagery of Kane was too close to that of Silas Alberec, the official Exorcists character that is presented in Imperial Armour Volume Ten: The Badab War – Part Two. So I’ve removed Kane from these rules and recommend that fans of the Exorcists buy the Badab War book.

Leonhart represents a typical Epistolary within the Exorcists Chapter, focused more on combating the daemonic threat than his counterparts in other Chapters. The Destroy Daemon librarian psyker power is from Codex: Daemonhunters. It replaces one of the other psyker powers normally available to librarians. Other than that, he is a standard Epistolary in Terminator armour. For players desiring to represent any other Exorcists librarian with the Destroy Daemon psyker power, I recommend discussing the matter with your opponent. Simply replacing one of the normal librarian psyker powers with Destroy Daemon doesn’t have much of an impact unless you’re facing a Chaos Daemons army, so most players will agree. If you’re facing a Chaos Daemons army, you might offer to compensate through +5 or +10 points.

Idomenes represents one of the premier Veteran Sergeants within the Chapter. He also fulfils a dual role as the Chapter Champion, somewhat similar to the Emperor’s Champion of the Black Templars. The Blade of Enoch combines a relic blade with an anointed weapon from Codex: Daemonhunters. I looked at the Daemonbane ability of Nemesis force weapons as well as the Daemonic Feud result for daemonblades (both found in Codex: Grey Knights), but decided that both of those were too potent. Also, I didn’t want to infringe too much on the Grey Knights and Ordo Malleus, despite the relationships that the Exorcists have with both of those organizations. Idomenes provides a low-cost upgrade character that will enable players to use the Exorcists’ Chapter Tactics.

The rules in this article follow the Codex: Space Marines convention of tying the Chapter Tactics to characters, but you might get permission to use the special rules for the Exorcists without taking any of the special characters (if you’re lucky). Discuss the matter with your opponents to see what they will allow.

Brother Tyler is an Administrator, an Exorcists player, and a DIY rules creator. He also has been known to talk to females and occasionally get outside and see the sun, despite scurrilous rumours to the contrary regarding the Exorcist – Colrouphobic administrative staff of the B&C.

Known for their hatred of weakness, the Iron Hands have stood faithfully against the enemies of the Imperium for centuries. Whether from within or without, they have shown no mercy to those who would bring destruction to mankind. As a Chapter, the Iron Hands continually strengthen and improve themselves mentally and The Eye of physically. They see only frailties in their own genetically modified bodies and increasingly mechanize them to become the perfect Terror warrior. Blending man and machine, they combine the unyielding body with the unyielding mind. History never acted against the Iron Hands. It Following the Massacre at Istvaan V, is speculated that they do not see this the Iron Hands vowed never again to flaw as a threat to the Imperium, but as fail in their duty due to any physical or a useful tool. The Iron Hands’ quelling mental shortcoming. This has of the Contqual Subsector has developed into a hatred (and some demonstrated the brutal effectiveness might whisper fear) of weakness of any of this Chapter’s tactics and Contqual kind. Whether this is due to a flaw in remains one of the most loyal and their gene seed or by some other cause vigilant systems in the Imperium is unknown. It is controlled in part by today. During this campaign, the Iron frequent bionic enhancement. As an Hands were subjected to the Codex: Iron Hands Space Marine ages, he unimaginable influences of Chaos, yet continually undergoes procedures to not a single Iron Hands Space Marine Iron replace the weak, hated flesh with the failed in his duty due to mental pure strength of metal. This process weakness – a testament to their skill Hands begins early, as the initiate has his left and resolve. hand removed and replaced with a bionic one upon induction into the Details of the Iron Hands Chapter. The ultimate goal of any Iron The Librarium’s Comprehensive Hands Space Marine is to become a History of the Iron Hands maintains Dreadnought – combining the resolute lists of Chapter members, ships, and mind of the Iron Hands Space Marine battles too long to reproduce here. with the ultimate mechanical body. Titles This hatred has further developed into The Iron Hands are one of the more a near fanatical worship of the unusual Chapters in organization. Iron mechanical that rivals that of the Fathers combine the role of Chaplain Adeptus Mechanicus. Indeed, the close and Techmarine, and hold an influence relationship between the Iron Hands greater than either. The Chapter and the Cult Mechanicus is frowned Council directs the Chapter, steering it By upon by more Codex Chapters and is through events (though some, possibly alarming to the Ministorum – who see conflicting, sources, suggest that the these beliefs as a direct threat to their Iron Hands have Chapter Masters). Bannus own authority. This has led to a And, of course, each Clan Company is number of conflicts between the an independent formation of roughly and the Ecclesiarchy and the Iron Hands that equivalent strength to a Battle have resulted in bloodshed on more Company. Members than one occasion. Consequently, the Chapter is frequently the subject of Appearance of the Inquisitorial investigation. The Iron Hands endure the situation with barely The Iron Hands have a black scheme controlled disdain. with an insignia of a white clawed B&C hand. Their armour often includes Despite these flaws, the Inquisition has metal, bionics, or Mechanicus insignia.

Special Characters These Iron Hands Special Characters are intended only for use in Iron Hands armies. You may not combine these special characters or Chapter Tactics with any of the special characters or Chapter Tactics in Codex: Space Marines.

Chapter Tactics If your army includes an Iron Hands character, all units in your army lose the Combat Tactics special rule. Instead, because of the extensive bionics employed by the Chapter, all units have a 6+ invulnerable save and all independent characters benefit from the Feel No Pain universal special rule.

WARLEADER BANNUS MEMBER OF THE CHAPTER COUNCIL, LEADER OF THE KAARGUL CLAN COMPANY

Bannus served as captain of his clan company for many centuries, nearly losing his life on the industrial world of Kaladrone, he was saved by the legendary Iron Father Paullian Blantar. Eventually Bannus was interred within an ancient dreadnaught sarcophagus and now serves as one of the most respected figures in the Iron Hands Chapter, a voice of great wisdom on the Great Council and a war leader of supreme skill. Bannus is an HQ selection. Bannus WS BS S Front Side Rear I A 225 points 6 5 6 13 12 10 4 2 Refractor Field: This power field generator Unit Composition: Wargear: Special Rules: provides Bannus with a • 1 (Unique) • Kheres assault cannon • Chapter Tactics 5+ invulnerable save. • Master-crafted • Old and Wise Unit Type: chainfist with built-in • Venerable Venerable: Bannus is a • Vehicle (Walker) storm bolter Venerable Dreadnought • Refractor field and benefits from the • Searchlight Venerable special rule • Smoke launchers (see Codex: Space Marines for details).

Old and Wise: An army that includes Warleader Bannus may re-roll the dice when attempting to seize the initiative (see “Surprise Attack!” in Codex: Space Marines for details).

Dedicated Transport: Warleader Bannus may select a drop pod as a dedicated transport.

Kheres Assault Cannon: Warleader Bannus is equipped with one of the rare Kheres assault cannons. The Kheres assault cannon uses the following profile:

Range Str. AP Type 24” 6 4 Heavy 6, Rending

The room had filled with smoke following the exchange of fire. The sulfur was stinging her eyes and making it difficult to breath. The wound in her side made it impossible to walk – much less stand, so she clawed her way across the floor to her Godwyn-Deaz patterned bolter. It lay just out of reach, wrested from her grip by the first rounds impacting her body. The rest of her squad and the Emissary were dead, so the Sister of Battle could count on no one else – she was all alone now. As she felt the comforting feel of the grip in her hand, a heavy, black boot pinned her weapon to the floor. She looked up to see the cold, mechanical face of the Iron-Father looking down at her and she could see the disgust in his expression. “Such weakness.” he said. “I...” He was interrupted by another Iron Hands Space Marine entering the room. If he was surprised by the carnage, he did not show it. “The Council demands a report on the negotiations with the Ministorum.” “Tell them...” he looked back down at the Sister struggling to free her weapon. “Tell them it went as well as expected.” Then he raised his bolt pistol....

IRON-COMMANDER KARDAN STRONOS LORD OF MEDUSA, PALADIN OF THE MACHINE-GOD

Kardan Stronos is an HQ selection. Kardon Stronos WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv 175 points 6 5 4 4 3 5 3 10 3+ Iron Gauntlet: The Iron Gauntlet is a power fist with Unit Composition: Wargear: Special Rules: a built in auxiliary grenade • 1 (Unique) • Power armour • And They Shall Know launcher. • Iron Halo No Fear Unit Type: • Iron Gauntlet • Combat Tactics Special Issue Ammunition: • Infantry • Power weapon • Chapter Tactics Kardan Stronos has access to • Bolter • Independent Character Special Issue Ammunition • Special Issue • Rites of Battle (see Codex: Space Marines Ammunition for details). • Frag and Krak grenades Rites of Battle: Kardan Stronos benefits from the Rites of Battle special rules (see Codex: Space Marines for details).

Command Squad: Kardan Stronos counts as a Captain and you may select a Command Squad in the normal manner.

IRON FATHER SARLOCK ARCHITECT OF PURITY

Sarlock is an HQ selection.

Sarlock WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Axe Mechanicus: The 135 points 5 5 4 4 3 5 3 10 3+ Axe Mechanicus is a master-crafted power Combat Servitor WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv weapon. 10 points each 4 3 3 4 1 3 1 8 4+

Blessing of the Unit Composition: Wargear: Special Rules: Omnissiah: Iron-Father • 1 Sarlock (Unique) • Power armour • And They Shall Know • 0-4 Combat Servitors • Mechanicus Protectiva No Fear Sarlock benefits from the • Servo-arm • Combat Tactics Blessing of the Omnissiah Unit Type: • Axe Mechanicus • Chapter Tactics special rule, except that he • Infantry • Bolt Pistol • Independent Character needs a 6+ instead of a 5+ • Frag and Krak • Blessing of the to make a successful repair grenades Omnissiah (see Codex: Space • Liturgies of Iron Marines for details). • Scion of Mars Mechanicus Protectiva: This gift from the Adeptus Mechanicus provides Iron-Father Sarlock with a 4+ invulnerable save.

Liturgies of Iron: Iron-Father Sarlock benefits from the Liturgies of Battle special rules (see Codex: Space Marines for details).

Scion of Mars: If you include Iron-Father Sarlock in the army, then Techmarines selected for your army do not count against your Elites allowance and Servitors (including Combat Servitors) count as scoring units.

Servitors: Any unit of Servitors joined by Sarlock does not have to test for Mind Lock (see Codex: Space Marines for details).

Combat Servitors: Iron-Father Sarlock may select up to four Combat Servitors at 10 points each as a retinue, and these Combat Servitors do not prevent him from joining other units. Each Servitor takes up one space in a transport and is armed with close combat implants (counts as a power weapon). If Iron-Father Sarlock is killed, then his Combat Servitors will deactivate and are also removed from play.

Dedicated Transport: Iron-Father Sarlock may select a Rhino, Razorback or Drop Pod as a dedicated Transport.

LIBRARIAN MADEUS SCRIPTOR FERRIC

Madeus is an HQ selection. Madeus WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv 195 points 5 4 4 4 2 4 2 10 2+ Mechanicum Psykanus: In addition to functioning Unit Composition: Wargear: Special Rules: as a psychic hood, the • 1 (Unique) • Terminator armor • And They Shall Know Mechanicum Psykanus has • Mechanicum Psykanus No Fear Unit Type: • Force weapon • Combat Tactics the unique ability of • Infantry • Storm shield • Chapter Tactics allowing a psyker to • Independent Character commune with the • Epistolary Machine Spirit of any vehicle in the army. This special ability is activated at the beginning of the player's turn and requires a successful Psychic Test. This ability also counts as one of his powers for the game turn. Any single Iron Hands vehicle within line-of-sight may be affected (including Speeders and Dreadnoughts). The effect of this ability varies depending on the vehicle:

 If the vehicle does not have the Machine Spirit ability, then it gains the ability until the beginning of your next turn.  If the vehicle has the Machine Spirit ability, then the vehicle may ignore Crew Shaken/Stunned damage results until the beginning of your next turn.

Epistolary: Madeus is an Epistolary (see Codex: Space Marines for details).

Psychic Powers: Smite, Machine Curse, Might of the Ancients (see Codex: Space Marines for details).

IRON-MASTER MENESTUS MASTER OF THE FORGE, ARCHON OF THE MACHINE-GOD Menestus is an HQ selection. Menestus WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv 180 points 4 5 4 4 2 4 2 10 2+ Auspex: No enemy infiltrators may set up Unit Composition: Wargear: Special Rules: within 24" of Menestus. • 1 (Unique) • Artificer armour • And They Shall Know Likewise, enemy scouts • Servo-harness No Fear using their pre-game Unit Type: • Conversion field • Combat Tactics moves may not come • Infantry • Signum • Chapter Tactics within 24" of Menestus. • Bolt Pistol • Apostle of the  Digital weapons Omnissiah Conversion Field: The • Auspex • Bolster Defences conversion field is a • Frag and krak • Independent Character rare technological grenades • Lord of the Armory artefact that provides • Orbital Strike Menestus with a 3+

invulnerable save.

Apostle of the Omnissiah: Menestus benefits from the Blessing of the Omnissiah special rule (see Codex: Space Marines for details) and may re-roll one failed repair roll per turn.

Orbital Strike: Menestus may call down an orbital bombardment once per game (see Codex: Space Marines for details).

BROTHER GAUMECH PRIEST OF THUNDER AND FLAME One Thunderfire Cannon may replace its Techmarine Gaumech WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Gunner with Brother 70 points 4 5 4 4 3 4 3 10 2+ Gaumech.

Unit Composition: Wargear: Special Rules: Krak Munitions: Brother • 1 Gaumech (Unique) • Artificer armour • And They Shall Know Gaumech has access to • 1 Thunderfire Cannon • Servo-harness No Fear special anti-tank munitions • Conversion field • Combat Tactics for his Thunderfire Cannon Unit Type: • Signum • Chapter Tactics (in addition to the normal • Artillery • Bolt Pistol • Blessing of the rounds). When firing this • Auspex Omnissiah type of ammunition, the • Frag and Krak • Bolster Defences Thunderfire Cannon has the grenades following profile:

Range Str. AP Type 60” 8 2 Heavy 1+D3

BROTHER SERGEANT TELAMON EXEMPLAR OF STEEL One Tactical Squad may replace its Sergeant with Telamon WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Telamon. +50 points 5 4 4 4 1 4 3 9 2+ Bonded: Brother Telamon Unit Composition: Wargear: Special Rules: has been bonded to his suit • 1 (Unique) • Terminator armor • And They Shall Know of Terminator Armour. • Power weapon No Fear This armour so inspires his Unit Type: • Storm bolter • Combat Tactics squad that they always • Infantry  Chapter Tactics benefit from the Preferred • Bonded Enemy USR. Because he • Feel No Pain is permanently bonded to his Terminator Armour, Telamon is capable of making a Sweeping Advance when required.

Iron Hands Optional Rules While special characters can provide a lot of variation for a Space Marine army, Refractor Field they have their limitations. These optional rules are available to better represent Any Dreadnought, Venerable the Clan Companies of the Iron Hands Dreadnought or Ironclad Dreadnought may be equipped An Iron Hands army abides by the advantages and limitations of the The Flesh with a refractor field that provides is Weak and Clans of Medusa special rules. a 5+ invulnerable save for +20 points.

The Flesh is Weak: The Iron Hands venerate the mechanical over the flesh and Master-Crafting treat Dreadnoughts and Terminator armour differently than other Chapters. The Any Dreadnought, Venerable Iron Hands prefer to distribute this equipment throughout the Chapter – Dreadnought or Ironclad believing it provides greater inspiration to the Space Marines around them. Dreadnought may master-craft its close combat weapon(s) for +5  Venerable Dreadnoughts may only be chosen as HQ selections. Any points. This includes seismic unit with at least one model within 12" of a Venerable Dreadnought hammers and chainfists. may re-roll any Morale or Pinning Checks. Orbital Bombardment Any Venerable Dreadnought may  Iron Hands Dreadnoughts and Venerable Dreadnoughts may never select Orbital Bombardment for replace their DCCW with another weapon, but may upgrade the storm +25 points (see page 52 of Codex: bolter if desired. Space Marines for details).

 Any Sergeant equipped with a storm bolter and either a power weapon Thunder Hammer or a power fist may exchange his power armour and grenades for Any Sergeant may replace his bolter and/or his bolt pistol with a Terminator armour at no cost. Because the armour is distributed this thunder hammer for +30 points. way, Iron Hands armies may not select any Terminator Squads or Terminator Assault Squads. Digital Weapons Any Techmarine or Sergeant may  Any unit equipped with one or more suits of Terminator armour (or be equipped with digital weapons joined by an independent character in Terminator armour) benefits from for +10 points. the Stubborn Universal Special Rule as described in the Universal Special Rules of the main rule book. Units that include or are joined by Auxiliary Grenade Launcher any models in Terminator armour may not make a Sweeping Advance Any Iron-Father, Techmarine or Master of the Forge may select an (but may Consolidate), Infiltrate or Move through Cover even if the auxiliary grenade launcher for majority of models in the unit would normally be able to do so. +15 points.

Clans of Medusa: Over time, the Iron Hands have moved away from the Power of the Machine Spirit standard Codex doctrine and now have more in common with the native clans Any Iron Hands Predator may that they recruit from. Instead of the normal Codex organization, the Iron Hands benefit from the Power of the are organized into clan companies. Machine Spirit special rule for +25 points (see page 81 of Codex: Space Marines for details).  An Iron Hands army may not select Chaplains, but may select Iron- Fathers (see below). Conversion Beamer Any Iron Hands Techmarine may  As a precaution against weakness and corruption, detachments are often replace his servo-harness and led by two officers. Armies of 1000 points or more must include two bolter with a conversion beamer HQ selections. for +20 points.

 The Iron Hands have far more Techmarines than normal for a Space Marine Chapter. You may take up to three Techmarines for each Elite selection in your army.

 Since each Clan Company determines its own hierarchy, you may select a Command Squad for any HQ (including Venerable Dreadnoughts) – not just Captains.

 An army using these rules still uses the Iron Hands Chapter Tactics.

New Units

IRON-FATHER

The Iron Hands differ from other Chapters in the complete lack of Chaplains. They have been replaced in part by the Iron- Fathers, who combine some of the attributes of a Chaplain with those of an elite Techmarine. They exhort against the dangers of weakness and corruption, fuelling their battle-brothers' hatred and directing it against the enemy. Like all Techmarines, Iron-Fathers are trained in the secrets of the mechanical on Mars and pay homage to the Machine God. Because of this, the Ecclesiarchy refuses to gift the Iron-Fathers with the Rosarius. Instead, the Iron-Fathers are provided with the Mechanicus Protectiva – a powerful artefact from the Cult Iron-Father WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Mechanicus. The Iron- 100 points 5 4 4 4 2 4 2 10 3+ Fathers are also masters in bionic enhancement, Combat Servitor WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv and without them it 10 points each 4 3 3 4 1 3 1 8 4+ would be impossible to perform the routine Unit Composition: Wargear: Special Rules: bionic upgrades that are a • 1 Iron-Father • Power armor • And They Shall Know hallmark of this Chapter, • 0-4 Combat Servitors • Mechanicus Protectiva No Fear or even to maintain them. • Servo-arm • Independent Iron-Fathers lead by Unit Type: • Power weapon Character example and will be • Infantry • Bolter or bolt pistol • Liturgies of Iron found at the forefront of • Frag and krak  Blessings of the any fighting. Like the grenades Omnissiah Chaplains of other • Combat Tactics Chapters, they are among • Chapter Tactics the most skilled of

warriors. For this reason, it is not unusual for an Iron-Father to be accompanied by a bodyguard of Combat Servitors mono-tasked with his protection.

Options:  May replace his power weapon with a thunder hammer or relic blade for +15 points  May replace his bolter or bolt pistol with o a storm bolter for +3 points o a combi-flamer, -melta, or -plasma for +10 points o a plasma pistol for +15 points.  May take digital weapons for +10 points  May take 0-4 Combat Servitors at +10 points each  May take up to 4 Combat Servitors for +10 points each

The Iron-Father is an HQ selection.

Mechanicus Protectiva: This gift from the Adeptus Mechanicus provides the Iron-Father with a 4+ invulnerable save.

Blessing of the Omnissiah: The Iron-Father benefits from the Blessing of the Omnissiah special rules, except that he needs a 6+ instead of a 5+ to make a successful repair (see Codex: Space Marines for details).

Liturgies of Iron: The Iron-Father benefits from the Liturgies of Battle special rule (see Codex: Space Marines for details).

Dedicated Transport: The Iron-Father may select a Rhino, Razorback or Drop Pod as a dedicated Transport.

Servitors: Any unit of Servitors joined by an Iron-Father does not have to test for Mind lock (see Codex: Space Marines for details).

Combat Servitors: An Iron-Father may select up to four Combat Servitors as a retinue, and these Combat Servitors do not

prevent him from joining other units. Each Servitor takes up one space in a transport and is armed with close combat implants (counts as a power weapon). If the Iron-Father is killed, then his Combat Servitors will deactivate and are also removed from play.

Designer’s Notes When Anthony Reynolds wrote the original Index Astartes article on the Iron Hands a decade ago, he captured the imaginations of many Warhammer 40,000 players the world over. This article was among the best ever written and inspired me (like so many others) to build and play Iron Hands armies ever since. Today, players still flock to the banner of the Iron Hands and many of these players wish to recapture the character that Mr. Reynolds established for the Chapter two editions ago. These alternate rules are the final product of the passions and efforts of those fans. Throughout the entire project, we tried to remain as faithful to the background material as possible. This was not an easy task, given that a lot of conflicting information has been published since the original article. To give credit where credit is due, we used names from many of these sources for the special characters in this project. This seemed a fitting salute and tribute to the writers who helped give the Iron Hands the depth and character that they enjoy today.

You will notice that these rules are in two distinct parts. The first half of these rules is designed to function within the limitations of the Space Marine codex in much the same manner as for other Chapters – i.e. special characters and Chapter Tactics. Although there are limitations, much of the character that the Iron Hands had in 3rd edition can be represented with the special characters alone. The rules provided in the first section also make it possible to field the Iron Hands as a largely Codex force – since more recent material seems to imply that this Chapter is now more Codex in organization than in previous editions. So players wishing to represent an Iron Hands army including Terminator Squads (for example) may do so if desired. The second section or optional rules are provided to Iron Hand by madscuzzy represent the more divergent and unique character that the Iron Hands enjoyed in the original Index Astartes article. The Iron-Father is an icon of the Iron Hands and no set of rules would be complete without him. Additional rules were also included to better imply the close relationship that the Iron Hands have with the Adeptus Mechanicus – something that was consistently absent in the official rules sets.

The new codices for the Space Marines, Blood Angels and Space Wolves have all introduced new and unique units for their respective armies, so it seemed appropriate that the Iron Hands' optional rules were given similar treatment. A number of units were discussed and developed, but only one made the final cut. Such is the price when developing unofficial rules. Throughout this project, special attention was given to ensure that the rules remained very conservative. The reasons were many, but the most significant reason was keeping the rules 'opponent-friendly'. Introducing unofficial rules to your friends or to other players in pickup games can be met with some scepticism. Whenever possible, rules were 'borrowed' from other sources – even if they were less than ideal. This way, opponents can quickly glance at the rules and have a reasonable grasp of them before deciding whether or not to play against them. I strongly encourage using these rules – with the special characters alone and with the optional rules also. While we cannot assure that they are perfect, we did strive to make them as balanced as possible.

As I noted earlier, this project is the culmination of three years of effort and would not have been possible without the contributions of many Iron Hands fans. They are too numerous to name, but they know who they are and a heartfelt thanks goes out to all of them.

Bannus is a Moderator and Iron Hands player, who can most often be found in the Index Astartes sub-forum.

CHAPTER NAME………………. STEEL DOGS FOUNDING……………………… 8TH The CHAPTER WORLD………….. KELL FORTRESS MONASTERY...... CAVES OF Nemean CANEM GENE SEED (PREDECESSOR). IMPERIAL Campaign FISTS KNOWN DESCENDANTS……... NONE

We are the Emperor’s hounds, to lie at the Emperor’s feetWe – areCommander the Emperor’s Simeon hounds, Ward, to On lie Fealty at the Emperor’s feet – Commander Simeon Ward, On Fealty The Steel Dogs were created in the Emperor's benevolence would guide Eighth Founding to serve as part of the Kell, as in the centuries before they Astartes Praeses on the northern border arrived. They founded their Fortress- of the Eye of Terror. Greatly honoured Monastery in tunnels on Kell's moon, by such an important responsibility, the Avren, and interacted with the planet fledgling Chapter took their duties as a only in emergencies or when sacred charge from the Emperor. They recruiting. saw their mission and even their home world as sanctified by Him on Earth – The Astartes Praeses are the watchmen the Emperor had shown them the way on the walls of the Imperium, and the and given them the tools to carry out Steel Dogs were ever-conscious of the The Steel His word, and they worked ceaselessly responsibilities of their position. Other to be worthy of such an honour. Over Chapters have the freedom to pursue Dogs the centuries and millennia following glory, to seek out enemies, and to the Chapter's founding, reports embrace the challenge of the fight, but returned to Terra of pirate bands the Astartes Praeses have no such hunted down, heretical covens rooted luxury – at least, not in the minds of out, and Chaos raids driven off in the Steel Dogs. The proper place of a ferocious space battles. On dozens of Steel Dog was to die defending the worlds, the Steel Dogs died so that the Imperium from those who would do it people of the Imperium might live in harm, not to win glory and honour and safety, each of them thanking the a place in history. This belief was Emperor for the opportunity to fall in reflected in the Chapter's recruitment, His service and that of humanity. They and where other Chapters took the by dedicated themselves to serving the greatest warriors from their home Imperium and its people, and their worlds, the Steel Dogs took those Octavulg dedication was rewarded with victories whose strength lay in their humility and accolades. and dedication to duty.

The Chapter's home world of Kell was While these policies served the Chapter their particular pride. Though many well for many centuries, the Steel Dogs Chapters would have remade the world eventually noticed that their in their own image, the Steel Dogs recruitment intake was declining. recognized that the planet had endured Where once they might have taken a the corrupting forces of Chaos for hundred aspirants, they would now millennia without ill effect. Any world take fifty – and those numbers were which could do so when the Eye of sinking ever lower. It soon became Terror loomed in its sky should not be clear that while the recruits were as meddled with. Indeed, being entrusted physically strong and capable as with such a prize was an honour to the before, their spiritual strength was Chapter as much as to the planet. The lacking. The tests of character and Steel Dogs thus trusted that the morality which ensured that only the

worthy and the pure became Space was unthinkable – morality imposed cycle than they had in the previous Marines of the Emperor were as would be no morality at all. It was three. The successful aspirants were effective as ever – it was the people impossible to abandon their home rewarded with feasts and celebration who had changed. These weaknesses world for another – it would be a stain lasting almost a month, before did not stem from the tendrils of Chaos on their honour, a violation of the duty beginning the process of becoming a – the people of Kell had not abandoned with which the Emperor had charged Space Marine. the Emperor. The population had them. To reward weakness by taking simply turned away from the self- those not worthy of being Space A full five years later, the Tenth sacrifice, humility, and strength of Marines would be an even greater Company’s Strike Cruiser slipped into spirit the Chapter demanded. Boys stain. But something had to be done. orbit above a small, feudal world longed to be Space Marines so that With heavy hearts, the Steel Dogs whose name has since been lost to they could earn glory and be mighty resolved that if the weakness of the time. Battle-hardened, the Scouts warriors, not so they could serve the people was all there was, then that was aboard were now stronger, faster, and Emperor and protect Mankind. They what they would use. more deadly than any normal man. wished to be masters, not servants. They were proud of the victories they In the Chapter's next recruitment cycle had won, and confident of their The Chapter was disturbed by this. The things were different. The tests of strength as only the young can be. That people of Kell had seemingly morality and purity were gone. All evening, the Captain of the Tenth abandoned the Emperor-sanctified those who were strong enough, quick assembled them in the hold of their ideals by which the Chapter lived. enough and deadly enough were Strike Cruiser, where he exhorted them Debate raged over what to do. To welcomed into the Scout Company. with tales of their victories and told intervene in the lives of the population The Chapter took more recruits in one them of the glories that awaited them as the Emperor’s finest. He told them of the importance of the Adeptus Astartes to the Imperium, of their superiority to the mortal defenders of humanity. He spoke of the Great Crusade, when Marines had lead, and mortals had followed. And when their souls were full of pride, he told them that as a sign of the Emperor’s trust in them, the planet below would be theirs for the next month, for it had been lax in its service to the Imperium. It was up to the new Steel Dogs to return the population to the path of righteousness, using whatever methods they thought fit. The Scouts would receive the final surgeries to activate their Black Carapaces over the next three days, and on the fourth day they would descend to the world below to show the people what it meant to be a Space Marine.

That night, as each Marine lay on the cold tables of the ship’s Apothecarion, he dreamed. Guided by the gentle psychic touch of Chapter Librarians, Steel Dogs – Greyall each Scout dreamed of his life as a Space Marine. Some

69 dreamed of training and meditation, viewed with contempt. some of honour and the accumulation Since they are not of glory, and all too many of violence promoted (or even seen Captain Esca Blackblood is unique among the Steel and dominion by force. Only a few as competent by some Dogs. As leader of the Second Company, his service dreamed of service and dying in the commanders), the has been exemplary. But it is his origin that makes him singular – Esca is the only officer in the Chapter defence of Man those who cannot Chapter thus has a who failed the test of morals at the end of his tenure defend themselves. correspondingly smaller as a Scout. pool from which to When the new Space Marines woke draw its specialists and For seven years, Esca served as a damnati in Josen’s from their surgeries, they were officers. The Steel Dogs Squad of the Second Company. When holding an irrevocably divided into two groups. have modified their isolated village outpost during the campaign on Those few who dreamed of defending tactics to compensate. Garibaldi’s World Sergeant Josen and his deputy, the people rose as normal Space The Chapter's battle Brother Shepherd, were both killed by Eldar raiders. Marines, the Angels of Death who are plans still use their Conventional wisdom in the Chapter would have it that a squad of damnati left leaderless should be humanity's most capable guardians. original tactics where forced to follow their last orders until finally relieved Many were not so blessed. They found possible, but they are – Josen’s Squad should have been annihilated. that their will was no longer their own often forced to rely on – arcane devices buried within their the massed infantry of Instead, Esca took command. Seizing his dead skulls and the strictest of chemical the damnati and use Sergeant’s comm array, Blackblood coordinated the conditioning now kept them firmly subtler stratagems to defines of the village and its people, then lead a under the control of their officers. For that hammer blow. counterstrike against the raider base in the nearby their sins, they were to be condemned wastelands. Though many of the Eldar escaped into to an eternity trapped within their own Methods of utilising the the Webway, the destruction of the Webway gate left Garibaldi’s World safe from the Eldar, and minds, released only to fight the damnati on the concluded the campaign successfully. enemies of the Imperium. They would battlefield often bear a never ascend the ranks, only serve and marked resemblance to Victory was sweet, but the dilemma of the victorious die for the Chapter and Mankind, the older combat styles Esca Blackblood was a difficult one for the Chapter. faceless giants in power armour bound of the Space Marine Though skill at arms is no sign of the moral capacity to the will of their commanders. Such Legions, some of which to be a true servant of the Emperor, Blackblood had was the punishment for those who are still preserved gone out of his way to ensure that the village under sought power for themselves, and not within the Codex his squad’s protection was exposed to as little danger for the service of the Emperor and his Astartes. Where modern as possible. Furthermore, it became evident upon inspection that his various control implants had all people. Such is the punishment today. Marines rely on become almost completely non-functional. Esca had extremes of skill and done what his duty to the Emperor demanded without Organisation precision, the ancient compulsion. A true son of the Emperor does not Legions relied as much need to be told to do what is right – he on weight of numbers In light of these circumstances, Esca was reluctantly knows. And those who do not must be and overwhelming confirmed as a sergeant. Despite the nervous view firepower. It is these taken of him by the Chapter command staff, casualties punished for their ignorance. among his superiors and skill at command saw the –Captain Thaddeus Fetladral tactics the Steel Dogs have been forced to young sergeant rise to captain soon enough. Blackblood’s skill and frequently demonstrated Though the Steel Dogs' new embrace. dedication to the good of the Imperium have caused recruitment methods granted them an some in the Chapter to whisper concerns that the influx of new soldiers, it required Supplementing direct Chapter’s methods of selection may be prone to error. adjustments in their methods. confrontation with their However, none have yet dared to air these concerns Originally, the Chapter favoured subtler strategies has publicly. In the mean time, the Second Company and relatively subtle battle plans, relying on allowed the Steel Dogs its captain serve the Emperor with strength and purity equal to that of any other company of the Steel Dogs. deception, surprise and any manner of to continue to engage other dishonourable tactics to counter larger Traitor the often superior numbers of Chaotic formations, but the deal with the increasing number of forces. The Steel Dogs were less Battle Companies are almost threats with correspondingly reduced concerned with immediate glory than constantly reinforced by elements from resources. with the greater duty of defending the the Reserve Companies in order to

Imperium and containing the forces of provide the necessary numbers to Meanwhile, the command staff of the Chaos within the Eye of Terror. support such frontal engagements. This Steel Dogs has become relatively has spread the Chapter thin across their inexperienced due to the smaller cadre The damnati, as those who fail the final areas of responsibility, and they now from which they can be drawn. The test are known, are mistrusted and endure a frenetic pace attempting to Chapter does its best to ensure that all

The Steel Dogs enter the Bunker – slaine69 71 receive superlative instruction to Finally, the Chapter's rank structure SELECTED BATTLES compensate for this, and much of that now includes several deputies and "My strength is as the strength of ten, education involves the specialized art redundancies, such as the resurrection for my heart is pure. My strength is as of commanding the damnati. One of of the position of Lieutenant, which the strength of a hundred, because they the first things Steel Dog officers learn attempts to alleviate some of the did not see me coming. It is better to is how to phrase orders so the damnati difficulties inherent in the Chapter's sacrifice personal honour and win, do what the officer intends – and, officers' relative lack of experience. than sacrifice the honour of the perhaps more importantly, so they do Chapter by losing." not do what the officer does not intend. The Chapter's Cult has evolved greatly – Captain Esca Blackblood There have been several occasions in over time. Initially dedicated to the the Chapter’s history where poorly Emperor as creator of the Imperium The Etherway Engagement phrased orders have granted the and of the Space Marines, the ever- [274.M37] damnati license to turn their weapons present threat of Chaos has clarified in The Dark Eldar are one of the most on their officers – and the damnati the Chapter's mind the perfection of vicious enemies humanity has ever have done so. what the Emperor wrought. Equally, faced. Though others match them for the tendrils of the Great Enemy have capability, few match them for sadism. The presence of the damnati has also warned the Chapter of the dangers of When their presence was reported in provoked several formal organisational even seemingly-innocent changes to the Arc-Royal system but no raiding changes from the Chapter's prior doctrine. Within a few centuries of took place upon the system's planets, methods. First, the damnati are not their founding, the Chapter had the Steel Dogs' Fourth Company was granted the formal rank of Brother – become firmly convinced of two things sent to investigate. Though it took instead, they are simply Marines, and – the perfection of the Emperor and several weeks, eventually a Chapter are only addressed as such. Second, the that which He had sanctified with His scout ship discovered what had drawn Chapter's First Company now serves as approval, and the danger of change, the Dark Eldar forces to the area. Field Police, with a squad seconded to which all too often serves as first each Captain of the Chapter at all innocuous entrance of Chaos. Many The system's cometary cloud held a times. They serve as bodyguards, Dornian successors are conservative by Dark Age of Technology colony ship, watch over the damnati and provide nature, and many fervent in their the Etherway, almost impenetrably each Company with a contingent of devotion to the Emperor, but the Steel armoured and still inhabited. Even reliable and capable soldiers to execute Dogs have become unusually so, barely functional, these ships are still difficult missions. This has resulted in especially as the lights of the Imperium valued prizes for the Adeptus the First Company no longer fighting grow ever dimmer and more twisted Mechanicus, and their inhabitants often as a cohesive formation – its banner dark forces spill forth from the Eye of make excellent recruits for the Imperial has hung furled in the Fortress- Terror. Guard, Marine Chapters, or, if nothing Monastery for centuries, and its else, the ranks of a local Forge World's various ceremonial posts are rarely The damnati have, if anything, driven servitors. The Dark Eldar were still filled. the Chapter further in this direction, as searching for a way in when the Steel the changes they force triggers an Dogs came upon them. Though the Second, the Chapter's Scout Company instinctive defines of the Chapter's Chapter managed to drive off the remains quite separate from the Battle other doctrines. Some Imperial raider's ships, many Dark Eldar Companies. Scouts do not speak to full observers have expressed surprise that remained on the hull of the massive Marines other than their officers, and the Chapter chose to create the damnati vessel. the company rarely deploys alongside rather than die with honour, but this other Chapter forces. This is intended overlooks the third principle which The Chapter was not yet experienced to keep the Scouts from becoming drives the Steel Dogs – their dedication in the use of the damnati, and so the aware of the moral test which lies to their duty as part of the Astartes operation's commander ordered his ahead of them, and so far has proved Praeses. The Chapter sees that duty as Marines into a prolonged hunt across successful. Instead of supporting other a personal charge from the Emperor, the surface of the structure. Its baroque companies, the Scouts serve to deal and as time has gone by and their design and the lack of gravity made the with situations that are not worth the fervency grown, so has their preternaturally quick and subtle Dark commitment of full Marines, deploying willingness to do anything, sacrifice Eldar even more dangerous than usual. in a fashion and circumstances similar anything, destroy anything, so long as Though the damnati served the Chapter to that of the regular companies. Where their duty is fulfilled and the Imperium well in the battle across the Etherway's other Scout companies receive kept safe. The damnati do not represent surface, standing firm where even intensive instruction in the morals of an abandonment of the Chapter's other Space Marines might have their Chapter, the Steel Dogs prefer to beliefs – only demonstrate the extent to hesitated, their tenacity was tempered have the Scout Company officers lead which the Chapter will compromise by inflexibility. The damnati could by example – a recruit should not need those things they hold dear to protect beat the Dark Eldar – until their to be told what is right. that which is even more important.

officers fell, when they would be eliminate the remaining Dark Eldar. the commander finds this balance, the surrounded, outmaneuvered, and Though the Dark Eldar were Steel Dogs triumph. Where he fails, so destroyed. annihilated, many of the damnati and do they. their officers lay dead. The Chapter's Eventually, they were ordered to open high command took stock of this, and The Battle of Thrycross [698.M38] areas on the Etherway's hull. The the Steel Dogs' tactical principles were Triumphs are rare in the histories of the Strike Cruisers then raked remainder of revised, trying to balance the need to Astartes Praeses. Far more common the colony ship's surface with their face dangerous and subtle enemies are pyrrhic victories, desperate last point defence systems. Though not with the inflexibility of the damnati. In stands, and the crushing of rebellions dangerous to full warships, these many ways, each battle the Chapter has which flare up again as soon as the weapons were more than sufficient to faced since has reflected this – where Space Marines have departed. Though it is the Black Crusades which draw the attention of Imperial historians and responses from across the Imperium, the raids and isolated attempts at conquest of various Chaos warbands are a constant thorn in the side of the Imperial forces that defend the Eye of Terror. One of these conquest attempts involved the warband of Khulloth Von Strang, a Slaaneshi prince who had marauded, debauched and depopulated his way through half the outer worlds of the Thrycross system before the Steel Dogs' Fifth Company arrived.

The two forces met in battle on Thrycross itself, a maze of chasms and caverns, and a running battle raged through them. The Fifth Company had begun the battle under- strength and without their usual supporting elements, and the deceptive wiles of the Slaaneshi adherents proved capable of overcoming even the powerful conditioning of the damnati. A handful even attempted to turn their weapons on their officers, though most simply collapsed into catatonia or robotically followed their last orders. Still, the confusion this engendered in the ranks proved fatal to the coordination of the various elements of the Steel Dogs’ assault. Though they dealt fearsome casualties to the Esca Blackblood – slaine69 Chaotic warband, they were driven back toward Thycross'

73 capital. Chaos. While some strife between the intransigence. Regardless of its cause, various constituent nations of the the result was that the Steel Dogs were Finally, Lieutenant Takeshi St. Veir, planet was not uncommon, this was poorly supported against a much larger the senior surviving officer, ordered unprecedented. Equally odd were the force, whose numbers seemed to be the remainder of the company to retreat tactics and methods of their opponent – eternally swelled by traitorous locals to the capital, remaining behind to Grand Captain Inquis Longtooth, who eager to win plunder. challenge the members of the warband led a force of surprisingly well-trained to single combat in a large canyon. and equipped Beastmen reinforced by Though they managed to drive elite Chaos Space Marines. Longtooth's forces back into their The Lieutenant was slightly surprised friendly cities, Aeacid decided that the when six of the Chaotic champions The battles at Port David were studied only solution to their dilemma was to accepted his challenge. Though he by the Chapter for a thousand years strike those enemy cities that lacked defeated the first three, the poison of afterward. Captain Phelan Aeacid of effective garrisons, in hopes of their weapons slowly broke his the Third was perhaps the brightest sparking rebellion and discord within strength, and the blade of the fourth tactical mind the Chapter had seen, and the enemy's ranks, and (if nothing else separated his head from his shoulders. Longtooth a canny opponent. could be done) depriving the enemy of However, even before his lifeless body Longtooth’s forces outnumbered the their base of support by destroying city had slumped into the dust, the walls of Marines by hundreds to one, and infrastructure and forcing Longtooth to the canyon erupted in fire and smoke, massed ground attacks should have either lose support or dedicate and avalanches buried all but a few been suicidal. But Aeacid moved his resources to maintaining them. In the members of the warband. The forces as though they were ghosts, confusion that would result, the Steel remainder of the PDF had planted using his air superiority to move his Dogs might be able to get the upper charges throughout the canyon while troops from deployment to hand. Likewise, a strike against their the Steel Dogs fought the warband, and deployment, always striking where the former allies would revitalize the PDF. the death of St. Veir triggered them, enemy was weakest. Enemy annihilating Von Strang's forces – maneuvering encountered minefields Unfortunately, things proceeded badly. including Von Strang himself. The and booby-traps. Small squads Aeacid was killed by a sniper almost surviving Chaotic warriors were easy mimicked conventional Space Marine immediately upon entering the city. pickings for the PDF and the remainder tactics while larger forces massed Most of the PDF was slaughtered, and of the Fifth Company. Though it cost elsewhere. If the enemy was foolish those who were not either surrendered them greatly, the Steel Dogs had enough to respond, the massed force or switched sides. The remaining Steel discharged their duty. struck the remaining enemy troops and Dogs quickly realized that the situation broke them. Though not as flexible as was untenable, and withdrew, but The Battle of Port David [143.M40] other marines, the superior forces the several squads of damnati were left The world of Port David lies near the Steel Dogs could bring to bear meant behind in the city. Local intelligence edge of the Eye of Terror, and assaults that wherever they struck they were sources later reported seeing two of upon it were frequent. When the Steel victorious. those same damnati serving as Dogs' Third Company responded to a lieutenants in Longtooth's forces. distress call from Port David, they Longtooth’s forces bled, but so did Though the Third Company did its best were expecting something unusual, as Aeacid’s. Each battle cost soldiers that to salvage the situation, all but one of Chaos so often provides, and they were could not be replaced, and the Port the cities surrendered to Longtooth, not disappointed. David PDF was virtually useless, most without even a token fight. The fractured with suspicion and mistrust in Third oversaw the evacuation of the Most assaults on Port David came from the wake of the initial uprisings. last city's population off planet, then offworld, but the most recent assault Indeed, Imperial analysts have since withdrew themselves, leaving Port had been coupled with several of the questioned whether Chaos corruption David in the hands of Longtooth and planet's nation-states siding with was not responsible for much of this Chaos.

How to Paint Steel Dogs by DV8

Step 1

The model is primed with Krylon Grey Primer. This is Step 1 then followed with a dusting of GW Skull White Primer.

The model is basecoated with a 50/50 mix of GW Catachan Green and GW Fortress Grey.

Step 2

Progress amounts of GW Skull White are added to my GW Catachan Green/GW Fortress Grey mix to highlight the model (I went up 3 steps on this model).

Once the highlights were dry, I then mixed a 50//25/25 mix of GW Devlan Mud, GW Catachan Green and GW Fortress Grey, and diluted this as a wash to shade in the crevices/cracks and where armour plates met.

Step 3

The grey shoulder pads and elbow guards are basecoated with GW Codex Grey. This is then highlighted with GW Fortress Grey and given a wash of GW Devlan Mud.

Step 4

Basecoat the joints, chest eagles, and any other silver areas with GW Boltgun Metal. This is then highlighted with Vallejo Air Chrome. The pouches and the purity seal are basecoated with P3 Beast Hide. The base is painted with GW Scorched Brown.

The pouches, purity seal, and any metallic areas are then given a wash of Badab Black.

Step 5

The purity seal and pouches are touched up with P3 Beast Hide. The purity seal wax is basecoated with GW Dark Flesh and then given a highlight of GW Blood Red.

The base is given a drybrush of GW Snakebite Leather, followed by a drybrush of 50/50 GW Snakebite Leather and GW Bleached Bone. The edge is painted with GW Chaos Black.

The Boltgun is glued onto the model, and any black areas are given a thin edge highlight with GW Codex Grey.

Step 6

The helmet lenses are painted with GW Chaos Black. This is then basecoated with Dark Flesh and highlighted with Blood Red and Blazing Orange.

Step 7

The purity seal is highlighted up with GW Bleached Bone, and then GW Skull White. This is followed with a GW Devlan

Step 8 Step 8

Mud wash. Thin lines to represent script are then painted on with a 50/50 mix of GW Scorched Brown and GW Dark Flesh. Step 8

Voila! A completed Steel Dogs Space Marine.

DV8’s impressive miniatures and drawings can be found all across the Bolter and Chainsword. His homepage can be found at www.spacewithinspace.net, and he can be found in the Space Wolves forum (among many other places).

CHAPTER NAME………………. HERALDS OF LIGHT FOUNDING……………………… 8TH The CHAPTER WORLD………….. LUXIA FORTRESS MONASTERY...... THE Nemean WATCH TOWER

Campaign GENE SEED (PREDECESSOR). IMPERIAL FISTS KNOWN DESCENDANTS……... NONE

'We fight the battles others cannot win, we suffer the pain others cannot endure, we face the horrors others cannot withstand.We are the Emperor’s hounds, to lie at the For we are Astartes; this is our duty and Emperor’swe embrace feet it. – – Reclusiarch Commander Sacrifice Simeon Ward, On Fealty

On the first day of the thirty-second countless foes on their way. After two millennium, the historic Third centuries, their initial crusade came to Founding was initiated. The Heresy an end with the First Defence of Luxia. was over, but the Imperium was still This battle saw the entire Chapter struggling, as Abaddon the Despoiler deployed on and above Luxia, a planet had recently launched his first Black cut off from the rest of the Imperium Crusade from the Eye of Terror. And during the Horus Heresy and now so for the first time in history, the High under assault by a large warband of Lords of Terra decreed the founding of Word Bearers. Although they took The completely new Chapters, created with grievous losses, the Heralds were the genetic material of the old Legions. victorious and were recognized as At least one of these Chapters was to heroes and saviours by the Luxian Heralds be drafted into the Astartes Praeses, people. The Luxians had fought tasked with reinforcing Imperial bravely, despite their inferior of Light control in the troubled space of equipment, and they had been fearless Segmentum Obscurus and protecting in the face of the traitors. Impressed, the Imperium from further chaos the Heralds decided that Luxia would invasions from the Eye of Terror. become the Chapter's home world. Chosen because of his Legion's unflinching bravery during the defence Since that time the Heralds have made of Terra and to honour the supreme their name in the fight against Chaos, sacrifice he made for the Imperium, the participating in several operations Chapter was formed from the gene- against emerging Chaos cults, seed of Rogal Dorn's Imperial Fists. including the five year-long campaign against the Breakers of Chains. During By A small cadre of veterans and the Age of Apostasy, the Heralds were specialists from the Imperial Fists were nearly wiped out fighting the traitor Codex given the responsibility of training and hordes taking advantage of the internal leadership, and quickly began power struggle. The Chapter was Grey moulding the first young members of spread thin during the Gothic War the Chapter into the ultimate defenders trying to contain the invading forces, of humanity. They were named the hunting down bands of Raiders who Heralds of Light, for they would bring managed to slip through the Cadian the Emperor's illumination to the Gate. For nearly nine millennia the darkest corners of the galaxy. Gifted Heralds of Light have fought the with the mighty Battle Barge enemies of the Emperor, and Luxia has Imperatorae Tonitrus and several been a bulwark in the defence of the Strike Cruisers from the forges of Imperium. Thirteen of Abaddon’s Mars, the Heralds set sail towards the Black Crusades have poured out from Segmentum Obscurus, slaying the Eye of Terror and every time the 79

Heralds have defiantly stood their hatred for Chaos in all its forms, and it ground. They are as unyielding as a is abhorred for its corrupting touch. lighthouse; a symbol of humanity in a Too often has the influence of chaos, dark tempest. They have felt the full manipulating the minds of men, been brunt of many attacks, suffered witnessed by the Heralds, and often is horrible losses and their morale has the corruption of one man enough to been pushed to the limit. But the throw an entire planet in devastation. Heralds of Light still stand guard, for Falling to the Dark Gods is the they know that they are all that stands greatest betrayal to the Emperor and between the darkness of the Eye and cannot be tolerated. The Ruinous the billions of defenceless Imperial Powers is considered to be the citizens. ultimate threat to the human empire, and the Heralds show no mercy when The cult of the Heralds places great it comes to the annihilation of Chaos. emphasis on humility, self-sacrifice, They have been especially vigorous and loyalty. They see themselves as during the various Black Crusades servants of the Emperor and therefore over the millennia, and this in turn has protectors of humanity. All who live earned them the hatred of many Chaos under the light of the Emperor are worshippers. To them, Luxia is an worthy of their protection, and the intolerable provocation, a torch Heralds are known for their tolerance burning with the flame of the False of both ordinary humans and even Emperor. abhumans. Unlike the majority of Chapters, the Heralds are not Organisation exceedingly proud or self-absorbed, As members of the Astartes Praeses, but humble and reserved. They exist to the duties of the Heralds require them serve mankind, not the other way to frequently fight alongside other around. The Heralds value the splitting Imperial organizations. They have of power in the empire as absolutely gained a reputation for throwing necessary, but they also strongly themselves into combat to support believe that if mankind is to be their allies, occasionally forgoing victorious, the forces of the Imperium comprehensive planning in favour of must work together. Their humbleness providing aid as fast as possible. As a and willingness to collaborate has consequence, the Heralds do not earned them many allies within the always fight on their own terms, Adeptus Astartes and other Imperial having participated in numerous organizations. defensive operations as well as other tasks that are not common for an During their existence, the Heralds Adeptus Astartes Chapter. This have developed a conviction that the approach to combat has proven to be Emperor will one day rise from the very strenuous on the Heralds and the Golden Throne, and unite humanity number of casualties has at times been Herald of Light – Aerion the Faithful against Chaos. This is due to the dangerously high. The Heralds beliefs of the Luxian people, which themselves believe that it is their instilled his men with the same degree over the years have been absorbed by responsibility as Adeptus Astartes to of devotion. Yet, he recognized that to the Heralds own belief system. Their fight the battles others cannot, no be truly flexible one has to be flexible duty is to keep the Imperium safe, until matter how punishing. towards the Codex as well, a belief the Emperor returns and leads them in which has served the Chapter well over a second Great Crusade. The Chapter Whilst they have been known for their the years. Cooperation with allied also venerate the Emperor not as a lack of planning, it is in the heat of organizations has always been God, but as the greatest man the battle the Heralds have gained their important to the Heralds, and to Galaxy has ever seen. Due to their renown. The Heralds have always been effectively work together with another beliefs, the Chapter has a strained a flexible fighting force, able to fighting force, one must be able to take relationship with the Ecclesiarchy. But quickly react to an ever-changing advantage of each other’s strengths. this is typically ignored due to their combat situation and have become They have therefore not specialized cordial relations with other Imperial famous for their ability to adapt and themselves in a single aspect of organizations, and because of their improvise. Alcaeus was a devoted warfare, but strive to excel in all areas unquestionable loyalty to the Emperor. follower of the Codex Astartes and The Heralds of Light bear an intense so that they may better support their

allies. Their reliability and willingness the Emperor to be willing to die in heraldry and name, often representing to cooperate is viewed favourably by battle, and the Chaplains constantly the duties of the Company Captains. both Imperial commanders and citizens preach of self-sacrifice. Only by the This includes the ‘Guardians of the alike. supreme sacrifice of some of the Flame’ of the Second and the ‘Shield greatest Imperial heroes, like Rogal Bearers’ of the Fifth. The First is like In addition to their parent Chapter's Dorn or the Emperor himself, does the in most Chapters the Veteran adherence to the Codex Astartes, the Imperium still stand. It is their resolute Company. The 'Blades of Dorn', as Imperial Fists reluctance to accept the nature that keeps them fighting on they are called, are the most possibility of defeat has also been where others would give up. experienced and skilled warriors the inherited by the Heralds. This can Chapter has to offer. Rarely operating sometimes blind the Heralds to risk, The Heralds are organized along the as a whole company, the Blades are resulting in them fighting on where lines the Codex sets out. Aside from typically spread throughout the other Chapters would fall back or the headquarters staff and support Chapter, where their wisdom can be retreat. The Heralds themselves view it personnel, the Chapter is divided into imparted to the more inexperienced as absolutely necessary for a servant of ten companies each with its own battle-brothers. The second through fifth are the Battle Companies, while the sixth through ninth are the Reserve Companies. The Reserve Companies are currently under- strength due to the ravages of war, and as the Heralds have vowed to never leave Luxia unguarded, they always leave at least one of these companies on Luxia. The tenth is the Scout Company, containing the newly inducted recruits of the Chapter. Like the veterans, they are spread throughout the Chapter, fighting alongside their older brethren.

The Imperatorae Tonitrus is the flagship of the Chapter’s fleet, and has been ever since the Chapter was created. This old and venerable Battle Barge bears the scars of countless battles, and it is one of their most valued assets. It is also the only Battle Barge they possess, and it is only used when needed the most. Instead, the smaller Strike Cruisers are more frequently used as their extra speed is preferred, and there are as many as nine Strike Cruisers in the Chapter’s fleet. These vessels are largely crewed by the naval serfs, men who are fanatically loyal to the Chapter and under the command of only a handful of Adeptus Astartes these men are more than capable of both maintaining and defending the fleet. Unlike many other Chapters, where Serfs are nothing more than servants or slaves, the Heralds acknowledge their Serfs with respect, and to join the Chapter as a Heralds of Light Emperor’s Champion – Greyall Serf is the greatest honour, aside

Herald of Light – Chronophague from becoming one of the Adeptus the Heralds of Light, who arrived to numerous heretical cults had sprung Astartes. The Heralds have been find Juggernauth shrouded in an into existence, causing the planet to fall known to draw their Serfs from both unnatural darkness which obscured into anarchy. The Heralds saw it was the people of Luxia and volunteers their sensor sweeps. Despite the risks up to them to restore the Emperor's from nearby systems. of descending blind, the Heralds light. Chaplain Parthenius himself boarded their Thunderhawk gunships ceremonially relit the holy flames in SELECTED BATTLES and made immediate planetfall using the Temple of the Emperor as The Flame of Hope [435.M36] ancient survey maps from Lightbringer in the capital using a The Age of Apostasy was a time of Juggernauth's entry into the Imperium. torch lit from a brazier in the chapel uproar for the Imperium, and all too aboard the Strike Cruiser which had many cries for aid were lost in a chorus Landing at the capital, Maganlall, they itself been lit from the Flame of the of such pleas. The Governor of found the planet in disarray – forty Emperor atop the Watchtower on Juggernauth thus counted himself days of perpetual night had begun to Luxia. fortunate when his distress call was drive many of the inhabitants insane. answered by the Fourth Company of Some had lost faith in the Emperor and

The Heralds lit their own torches from Throughout the campaign, the Heralds members of the Inquisition, and it was the rekindled flames, and marched of Light showed a reluctance to only through his patience and humility through the streets of Maganlall cooperate that was unusual for them. that catastrophe was averted for the spreading the sacred flame and singing Historians have speculated that they Chapter. praises to the Emperor. Those who had were concerned about possible Alpha fallen to the taint of heresy were Legion infiltration of the loyalist The Massacre at Bhein Morr purged with sacred fire, while behind forces. Whatever the reason, the [148.M41] the Space Marines an army grew. Chapter brought its own support During the darkest years of the Gothic Drawn by the light, the Imperial forces, using Chapter serfs and Luxian War, the Heralds of Light Strike faithful emerged from their refuges and PDF in the field on several occasions. Cruiser Beacon of Strength received a marched behind the marines, They also relieved several officers of distress signal from a deep space fashioning torches of their own. the Kurapcan Hussars, and replaced trading post in the Bhein Morr sub- local PDF general staff with Luxian sector, reporting an attack by pirates. When Maganlall shone with the officers on seven distinct occasions. Emperor's light once again, Captain Upon arriving at the post the Beacon of Icelus despatched these faithful While the campaign was successful, Strength was immediately engaged by citizens as messengers, each bearing a aggrieved parties within the allied a cruiser-sized vessel of unknown class torch lit from the sacred flames. forces and the local PDF filed several and origin. By the time the Heralds Though many fell victim to renegade complaints with the Administratum realized that the attackers were in fact militias, many more reached pro- and the Inquisition. An investigation Fra’al raiders, the Fra’al vessel’s ether Imperial enclaves and over the next was launched to determine whether the cannon had crippled the Strike Cruiser. three months the Heralds of Light Heralds of Light had exceeded their Despite the severe damage to their spearheaded a crusade which swept the mandate by making use of non- vessel and the overwhelming forces planet clean of the darkness of Chaos. Adeptus Astartes forces under their encountered aboard the trading post, With each victory won by the crusade, direct command, and whether they had the Heralds of Light refused to the skies above brightened, and when unjustifiably interfered with the disengage and instead fought to the last the Heralds of Light departed Imperial Guard chain of command. man. The only Imperial forces to Juggernath had been restored to safety survive were the serf crew of one and the light of the Emperor. The investigation took five years, and Hunter-class escort which, having its full findings are on file at the expended its full load of torpedoes, The Chirayathan Controversy Library of Sycorax (section XIV sub was ordered to return news of the [546.M39] CLIX, volumes I to CCCLIX). Suffice incident to Luxia. It is unknown how long it took the to say that it was concluded that the Alpha Legion to raise the Chirayath Heralds of Light had not overstepped The loss of the trading post devastated system in revolt, but when the their authority – many of the officers the regional economy for decades to Chirayans rose, they did so with a relieved of command were indeed come, and local authorities have violence that shocked all observers. tainted by Chaos, and on this occasion expressed concern that the Fra’al may The Heralds of Light responded in the actions of the Heralds had averted be planning some expansion in the force to the uprising, committing potential calamity. Nonetheless, region, emboldened by their successes several companies, and battle raged Chapter Master Quizion was invited to against the Adeptus Astartes. across the planets for months. discuss the findings further with select

Step 1 The model is primed with Krylon Grey Primer. This is then followed with a dusting of GW Skull White How to Paint Heralds of Light Primer. By DV8 A 50/50 mix of Astronomicon Grey and Devlan Mud is applied as a wash (you'll probably want to dilute heavily for this step), followed by Badab Black in the crevices, joints, and where armour plates meet to black line the model. Finally, the armour is feathered back up with GW Skull White.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 2 The kneepad and shoulder pads are basecoated with GW Chaos Black. This is then blended up with a mix of GW Charadon Granite and a touch of Codex Grey.

Step 3

Step 3 The joints and any silver areas are basecoated with GW Boltgun Metal. Any gold areas are basecoated with GW Iyanden Darksun. Pouches, straps and purity seals are given a coat of P3 Beast Hide. The Purity Seal Wax is basecoated with GW Dark Flesh.

The gold surfaces are then given another basecoat, this time with GW Burnished Gold; this is highlighted with a 50/50 mix of GW Burnished Gold and Vallejo Air Chrome. All silver areas are given a highlight with Vallejo Air Chrome.

The purity seals, pouches, straps, and silver areas are given a wash of GW Badab Black. The gold areas are given a wash of GW Devlan Mud. While waiting for this to dry, the base was basecoated with GW Scorched Brown.

Step 4 Touch up any messy areas from the wash (mainly the white armour). Any over- paint from the metallics (such as on the Shoulder Pads) should be corrected. The purity seal, gun strap, and pouches are touched up with P3 Beast Hide. The purity seal wax is given a highlight of GW Blood Red. Any gold areas are given a final highlight with Vallejo Air Chrome.

With the chest area complete, the Boltgun (which should be painted beforehand using the same colour mixes for the silver Step 4 and black) is glued on. Any black areas are given a highlight of GW Codex Grey. The base is given a drybrush of Snakebite Leather, followed by a drybrush of 50/50 Snakebite Leather and Bleached Bone. The edge is painted with Chaos Black.

Step 5

Step 5 The purity seal was highlighted up with Bleached Bone, and then Skull White. This was followed with a Devlan Mud wash. Thin lines to represent script were then painted on with a 50/50 mix of Scorched Brown and Dark Flesh.

Step 6

Step 6 The helmet lenses are painted Chaos Black. A basecoat of P3 Trollblood Base is applied, and is highlighted up by adding Skull White.

Step 7

Step 7 To paint the "star" on the kneepad, first begin by painting two "crosses" with diluted Skull White. A large cross is painted first, and then a smaller one at a 45 degree angle. This will form a guideline, at which point we can fill in the triangles to form the star. Then take diluted Chaos Black to paint the circle in the centre.

Step 8

Step 8 To paint the Chapter iconography, the same kind of principle as the kneepad is applied, blocking in first the geometric shapes and working the detail in. In this instance, the overall shape of the tower is painted first with Codex Grey. The flames are outlined in with P3 Trollblood Base. The grey is then highlighted up to Fortress Grey, and the flames are highlighted up to Skull White. Once these shapes are blocked in, diluted Chaos Black is then taken to touch up any overpaints or messy areas. To define the stones, lines are painted in with Chaos Black, first horizontally to represent the layers, and then vertically to represent the individual bricks and window.

Step 9

Step 9 Voila! A completed Herald of Light Space Marine.

Through the long history of the Imperium of Man there have been those who have chosen to stand against their mastersmaster. Many are corrupted by their own greed for power, knowledge, wealth or glory. But most dangerous are those turned to darkness by misplaced pride and honour. Traitors motivated by selfishness will falter to save their The contemptible lives, but those secure in their own righteousness will fight with all the fury and resolve with which they once supported the Nemean Emperor. Among such fallen exemplars stand the Lions of Alba. Campaign Origins Too much stock laid we in our past The Old Master and his Three glories; and in the end, they are but Captains ashes in the march of time. ...And 'tis our fast intent. To shake all - The Champion (The Lions' Fall, Act cares and business from our age; I, Scene IV) Conferring them on younger strengths, while we, unburden'd crawl toward our The Lions of Alba are a relatively death. young Chapter, that contradictory - Chapter Master Leyr (The Lions' Fall, records date to both the 23rd and 24th Act I, Scene I) Founding. Successors to the gene-seed of the noble Rogal Dorn, they made By the beginning of the 40th their home in the galactic northeast, at Millennium, the Lions of Alba had the edge of the region known as the settled into their role protecting the Eye of Terror. outlying sectors around the northern rim of the Eye of Terror. They had In their youth, the Chapter spearheaded been led for nearly five centuries by a crusade to reclaim systems lost to Chapter Master Leyr, a venerable Pride’s Chaos several centuries before. Amidst warrior of campaigns and victories these conquered worlds, they beyond counting. Respected though he Fall: discovered one that had refused to bow was, Leyr had reached an age of more down to its oppressors. The people of than nine hundred years and had The Lions Alba, despite possessing no technology decided that it was time for another, more sophisticated than steel blades more vigorous warrior to lead the of Alba and stone walls, had courageously Lions into battle. On Alba, amongst the waged a war of resistance against the feudal Lords that ruled over the forces of Chaos, but were finally on the populace, succession had ever been a verge of being wiped out. Impressed convoluted affair, riddled with with the tenacity of the locals, the politicking, contention and even Marines intervened, destroying a vast occasional bloodletting; and many of force of traitors in open battle. Days these ‘traditions’ had become part of later, after conducting the necessary the Chapter’s own ways. purity checks on the populace, the by Chapter declared the world as its own Brother-Captain Cordell of the 2nd through right of conquest. Company, a proud but capable soldier, Members was held by many (including himself) Alba became the location of the as the natural and obvious choice to Chapter's Fortress Monastery as well succeed Leyr. However, he had spent of the as the primary source of their recruits. long years away on campaign, and in As a mark of respect to the great his absence Gorinel of the 3rd Liber bravery shown by the common people Company and Rygen of the 4th had of their new home, the Marines took worked to sour the relationship Astartes the name Lions of Alba. Over the between Cordell and the elderly Leyr. following centuries, Alba and its Convinced by the words of his two surrounding systems prospered as subordinates, the ancient Master never before under the Chapter’s declared that a Chapter Conclave watchful eye. would be held to ratify his choice of successor. On hearing of this, Cordell But all golden ages must end... 88

returned with all speed to Alba, sure announce his formal that his time to reign had finally come. retirement. While Leyr Written by the dramatheurge Myrlow and based on When he arrived and discovered his outwardly accepted his fate, eyewitness accounts of scribes and soldiers attached brother Captains’ scheming, the the canny old warrior quietly to Lord Glawster's task force, the play entitled The conclave was riven by arguments and used his influence among the Lions' Fall remains surprisingly popular among the recriminations. The entire Chapter was Chapter’s support staff to worlds surrounding the Alba system, and is still divided and Leyr was once again have a message sent to the performed regularly in festivals or feasts. placed at an impasse. Finally, Rygen, 2nd Company, in which he Despite its controversial subject matter, it has who had a reputation for cunning, apologized for his escaped censure by local Administratum officials stepped forward and declared that he foolishness in alienating and the Ecclesiarchy due to its focus on the heroism would willingly share the mastery of Cordell and revealed the of Captain Cordell and his doomed Company rather the Chapter with his brother Gorinel treachery of the other two than on the fall of his Chapter. and thus heal the schism. While Captains. Cordell, ever Cordell scoffed at the suggestion, Leyr headstrong, set course for When the Lions of Alba first tried to reclaim their was tired and eager to find any solution Alba at once. planet, its forces made it a point to first visit Myrlow's home world of Sachsen and systematically to his problem, even one that was less exterminated all of the dramatheurge's descendants than perfect. He accepted Rygen’s Even as the Strike Cruiser of and relatives for the slander done on their Chapter's proposal, quietly stating that the two the 2nd Company raced honour. Captains would rule jointly when he towards home, Leyr’s stepped down. duplicity had been Horrified by the murder of Leyr, they uncovered. Gorinel, enraged at his rebelliously opened a hole in the Cordell’s reaction was immediate and predecessor’s betrayal and the blockade around Alba and fled with furious. He decried Leyr’s decision as perceived slight against his own Cordell from the ambush. Together, the weakness of an old man and honour, reacted rashly. He stormed to they fought their way to the edge of the demanded that the Chapter name a Leyr’s quarters, drawing his sidearm. system and escaped into the Warp. single successor. Though still bowed With a single bolt shell, Gorinel Gorinel and Rygen immediately by age, Leyr responded angrily, his angrily executed the Marine who had launched a pursuit, declaring Cordell pride enflamed by the insult his officer once been his mentor. As his rage and all his followers to be renegades. A had delivered. Incensed, he ordered in slowly subsided, Gorinel realized that series of running battles followed, a suddenly thunderous voice that if his impulsive action had killed all hope burning across several systems, as the Cordell would not respect his wishes, of reconciliation between himself and two Masters led their forces against the Captain and his men would be Cordell. On hearing of his brother’s Cordell’s. The war between brothers punished, banished from Alba to actions, Rygen immediately insisted raged for several months but eventually wander the stars for a hundred years. that the Chapter be mobilized for played itself out to its only possible An angry curse died on Cordell’s lips, battle, ready to face down the returning conclusion. On Dardelio IV, Cordell quashed by his master’s ire. With his 2nd Company. and his outnumbered forces were head bowed, Cordell silently left the cornered and butchered to the last man. great hall, followed by his men and As Cordell’s Strike Cruiser arrived in

Gorinel and Rygen’s satisfied stares. orbit above Alba, the rest of the Lions’ Fleet moved to encircle the lone vessel. The Imperium Chapter War Cordell stubbornly insisted that he be We have seen the worst of our time: machinations, hollowness, treachery— For the good of us all? If so, I cannot allowed to speak to Leyr, and Gorinel all ruinous disorders. They follow us see it. and Rygen flatly refused. Prideful disquietly to our graves. - Brother-Captain Cordell (The Lions' words and heated recriminations were - Lord-Governor Glawster (The Lions’ Fall, Act III, Scene II) exchanged, followed by challenges and Fall, Act I, Scene II) insults. Who among the gathered

The 2nd Company left Alba with Adeptus Astartes fired first is However, the ponderous weight of the heavy hearts, each one sure that they unknown, but the results were Imperium had already begun to move. would not see their world again for inevitable. For a matter of minutes the Imperial authorities were alarmed by many years. Strangely though, it would skies of Alba were lit as if by a second the reports of what had happened at be only a matter of weeks before they sun as the Chapter turned upon itself. Alba and by the violence spreading would look upon Alba’s green fields across the sub-sector. Lord- once again. Only seventeen days after Though Cordell ranked among the Commander Glawster of the Imperial the conclusion of the conclave, Gorinel greatest commanders the Lions had Navy, an old friend of Leyr, had and Rygen’s patience with the vagaries ever known, his fate would surely have mobilized a task force to investigate of Leyr’s great age worn thin, and the been sealed were it not for the further. Even as the first salvoes were two took control of the Chapter, commanders of several of the fired at Dardelio IV, Glawster’s ships forcing the venerable leader to Chapter’s smaller escort vessels.

89 were quickly closing in. While Gorinel fight back, but Rygen insisted that the companies of the Heralds of Light stolidly ignored the long range hails Lions, weakened by their war against Chapter, had responded to Glawster’s from the Imperial Navy as an their former brothers, must retreat. warning, fallen on the Lions’ world, unwanted and unwarranted intrusion After a moment when it seemed that killed the few impenitent defenders and into Chapter affairs, Cordell sent a last, even more of the Chapter’s blood must plundered the Fortress Monastery. desperate message revealing what he be spilt, Gorinel acquiesced to his Before leaving orbit the Heralds had saw as his brothers’ treachery to their brother’s demands and the Lions delivered the final blow, a pair of Master, their Chapter and the limped away, hiding themselves in a cyclonic torpedoes that had reduced all Imperium. Though Gorinel was able to nearby nebula. Though Glawster’s living things on Alba’s surface to ash. enjoy the momentary satisfaction of ships could not prevent the Lions’ seeing his former rival’s broken corpse escape, the Lord-Commander did not Broken-hearted, the Chapter lamented brought before him, his ignorant and rest. Messages were sent across the the loss of its home, but there proved to proud refusal to respond to Glawster breadth of the sector, appealing for be little time for grief. The fleet’s long would bring ruin to his Chapter. With help to hunt the traitors down. range augurs picked up no less than no reason to believe otherwise, the four separate groups of Imperial ships, Lord-Commander accepted Cordell’s Days later, after completing temporary each approaching at high speed. message as genuine; and when the repairs to their vessels, the Lions Gorinel and Rygen argued again as to ships of his Fleet arrived, it was with quietly made their way back towards whether they should fight or flee, but shields up and weapons armed. Alba, to find that their home, once a once more Rygen prevailed. Even the beautiful jewel in the blackness of impetuous Gorinel was forced to see Even as Gorinel and his forces boarded space, had been reduced to nothing that there was no chance of victory or their vessels, the Adeptus Astartes more than a lifeless rock. The revenge here. With a voice filled with ships came under crippling long range interrogation of the crew of a captured bitter hatred, Gorinel cursed the vile fire from the Navy Fleet. Gorinel’s Navy patrol escort revealed that Imperium and swore that to the very response to this new treachery was to Imperial forces, including three last breath of the very last warrior, the Lions would bring bloody vengeance and damnation upon it for its treachery. With a final howl of grief and denied rage, he turned the Chapter’s fleet to the only heading left open to it – deep into the vast chaotic realm known as the Eye of Terror.

Beliefs Wretched betrayer! Are you bored as you sit upon your golden throne... That you have us crushed like ants? Do you take joy in watching your sons weep? - Brother-Captain Gorinel (The Lions’ Fall, Act IV, Scene III)

More than five hundred years have passed since Alba was cleansed and the Lions were declared renegade, yet in some ways the Chapter has changed very little. The Lions are still characterised by the qualities one would expect of Adeptus Astartes born of the genetic lineage of Rogal Dorn, driven by their uncompromising sense of pride and honour, and grounded by their stubborn determination to endure and persevere. Sadly, such fine qualities Lions of Alba – nurgling6688 have been twisted against the Imperium. The Lions believe themselves betrayed, turned against

without reason by those who should have been their staunchest allies, and The agonizing fire in Brother Boras’ secondary heart had increased to an inferno. The they hate the Imperium and the last blow must have cracked the Black Carapace within his chest and driven shards of it into the flesh beneath. Given enough time, Boras could recover from even such grievous Emperor with all the dedication that wounds, but time he did not have. Even as the Herald of Light rose to a painful crouch, their heritage gives them. This all- his opponent stepped through the gaping hole in the thick plascrete wall that had been consuming hate influences the created moments before by Boras’ heavy form being hurled through the air. thoughts and motivations of every member of the Chapter, each now The renegade was clad in powered armour quartered in yellow and white and carried a willing to commit all manner of long, heavy blade. Though both sword and armour had seen better days, the quality of heinous actions that they would once their manufacture was clearly evident. A name was written across one shoulder, half have considered unthinkable, if it will obscured by dirt and battle damage, but Boras could make out that it ended ‘…GEN’. The bring their goal of vengeance even traitor spoke softly, continuing an argument that had raged even as had their combat. one step closer. “Brother, will you not see it? He has betrayed you, just as surely as He did me.”

Although the Chapter as a whole still Boras snarled under his helmet, but could not reply for his voxcaster had been damaged. fervently believes in Master Gorinel’s Angrily he tore the malfunctioning armour from his head and spat scornfully on the floor oath of retribution against the before his foe. While no acid bubbled in the liquid, thick blood reddened it. Imperium, there is a growing realization among many Marines that “You are the betrayer, heretic! You turned from the light and so He turned from you!” such a goal will never be attained. They know that the Chapter is already The renegade paused, lowering his blade, and casually reached up to remove his own helm, hanging it carefully on his belt. Beneath it, Boras was surprised to see not a warp- lost and that all its actions since the corrupted horror, but rather the face of an Astartes little different in aspect from any of destruction of Alba are nothing more his own brethren. The traitor’s face was stern and proud, yet was marred by an air of than the death throes of a wild beast. weary bitterness. A faint smile crossed his lips at Boras’ words. With every battle, they see more brethren lost, yet the Imperium of “Indeed. Then tell me, brother, how does that explain your current predicament?” Man continues on unhindered. Such hopeless warriors, often led by Master Boras growled angrily and with the last of his strength hurled himself suddenly forward, Rygen, fight on because that is all that combat blade outstretched. Almost effortlessly, the renegade stepped aside and lashed out is left to them. They are utterly with a booted foot, sending Boras tumbling excruciatingly back to the floor. professional, cold where their brothers “I have no time left for this, brother,” said the traitor coldly, raising his long sword. are zealous, determined that when “Will you not renounce Him? There can be no doubt that He has betrayed you.” their inevitable death comes they will have taken the highest possible toll of Boras replied, his voice a pained whisper, “The Emperor… protects.” blood from their betrayers. The renegade stood above him, reversing his blade and raising it for the killing strike. The Chapter still clings to many of its The last thing Boras would ever hear was the quiet reply, given in a voice tinged with a traditions and various special days are mixture of hate, sorrow and hopelessness. remembered; of particular note is the “No… he does not.” Day of the Betrayal, commemorating their 'exile' from Alba, and it is on this day all battle-brothers retake their oath of honour prevents them from Codex structure, adapted for their to bring vengeance on the Imperium. engaging in the wanton pillage and much-reduced numbers. The Lions The Chapter has tried twice to invade slaughter of civilians so common maintain several Battle Companies and and 'reclaim' the now barren Alba among renegade Adeptus Astartes, although these formations are typically system, but has thus far been repulsed. they will attack Imperial worlds for far smaller than in a loyalist Chapter, supplies, war material and potential each still has a comparable proportion Combat Doctrine converts to their cause. Such assaults of Tactical, Assault and Devastator are never hidden with subterfuge, but units. As the Chapter has lost most of What you have charged me with, that are committed openly for all to see the its vehicles in the years since it was have I done; And more, much more. rightful stand taken by the defiant pursued from the Alba system, it has - Brother-Captain Rygen (The Lions' Lions. become necessary to use non- Fall, Act V, Scene III) mechanized stratagems to accomplish Although the Chapter are considered its goals. The reduction of the battle Now based on a handful of ships and traitors by the Imperium at large, they brethren’s numbers has also forced the escort vessels that are all that remain of have not succumbed to the warband Chapter to allow its sergeants a greater the Chapter’s fleet, the Lions survive structure favoured by most renegades level of autonomy, and missions often by raiding systems around the borders and still cling tenaciously to an ad-hoc have to be executed on a squad by of the Eye of Terror. While their sense

The Lions of Alba trace their genetic lineage to the Primarch Rogal Dorn their Apothecaries had a reputation for fastidious precision in the care of the Chapter’s precious gene-seed. Such exacting standards appear to have been continued even since the loss of Alba, as even now more than five centuries later the Lions seem largely untroubled by the countless deviances that plague those Adeptus Astartes who turn from the Emperor’s light.

This is not to say that the Lions are entirely unaffected by the warping properties of the Chaotic region that they have been forced to call home, as some few battle brethren have been cursed by the blighted hand of mutation. Such changes, be they scaled skin, weeping sores or, in a handful of extreme cases, additional eyes or mouths, are viewed with utter disgust and as a sign of deep shame to any warrior unfortunate enough to be so disfigured.

While those Lions who have been affected endure their Lion of Alba – Greyall shame with stoic dignity, they will at the same time attempt to squad basis. these have taken the form of pacts of limit and conceal their corruption by In battle, the Lions are zealous non-aggression or trade, the Chapter’s sealing themselves within their power warriors, full of bitter pride and marines have actually fought beside armour, thereby attempting to protect determination. Marines of the Chapter their renegade brethren on a handful of their brethren from its insidious taint. never voluntarily retreat, and while this occasion. The Lions view any The effectiveness of such efforts is has occasionally snatched victory from agreement with such contemptible open to speculation. defeat, all too often the Chapter has traitors as distasteful in the extreme; suffered instead. The Lions lack the but these pacts are countenanced for Battle-cry resources needed to maintain their the opportunities they bring to strike “For Alba! For vengeance!” assaults and their refusal to cut and run against the hated Imperium. has often resulted in losses that they Strike Captain Lysimachus, Espada can ill afford. Gene-seed Azul, Grey Hunter Ydalir, Ace It is the Emperor who weeps; he Debonair, and Brother-Captain Alecto In recent years, as casualties have cannot save us from ourselves. all contributed to the Lions of Alba. mounted, the Lions have gone so far as - The Champion (The Lion's Fall, Act to make temporary alliances with other IV, Scene III) warbands. While for the most part

How to Paint Lions of Alba by DV8

Step 1A The model is primed with Krylon Grey Primer. This is then followed with a dusting of GW Skull White Primer.

Quartered schemes are always a little trickier, because a precision is required at all stages, and care must be taken that all highlights and shadows make sense, particularly if you have a combination of both warm and cool colours. Here, Step 1A the Lions of Alba feature a quartered white and mustard yellow colour scheme. Both of these colours are a little cooler so what we're going to do is first block in our colours, and then work on the shading and highlighting.

All the yellow areas are blocked in with GW Iyanden Darksun. A 50/50 mix of GW Astronomicon Grey and GW Devlan Mud is applied as a wash (you'll probably want to dilute heavily for this step) over both the white and yellow parts.

Step 1B A second wash of Charadon Granite is applied over both the white and yellow parts, focusing solely where armour plates meet, and where there will be the darkest shadows. This also acts are our "Black Lining" stage, as we can hit up the crevices and joints as well.

Step 1B

Step 2

The yellow armour plates are feathered with GW Iyanden Darksun. This is then highlighted by mixing progressively more GW Skull White into Iyanden Darksun, with a final highlight of about 75/25 GW SKull White to Iyanden Darksun.

The white armour plates are feathered up with GW Skull White.

Step 2

Step 3 Basecoat the joints, chest eagles, and any other silver areas with GW Boltgun Metal. This is then highlighted with Vallejo Air Chrome. The pouches and the purity seal are basecoated with P3 Beast Hide. The base is painted with GW Scorched Brown.

The pouches, purity seal, and any metallic areas are then given a wash of Badab Black.

Step 4 The purity seal, gun strap,

Step 3 and pouches are touched up with P3 Beast Hide. The purity seal wax is basecoated with GW Dark Flesh and then given a highlight of GW Blood Red. The base is given a drybrush of GW Snakebite Leather, followed by a drybrush of 50/50 GW Snakebite Leather and GW Bleached Bone. The edge is painted with GW Chaos Black.

The Boltgun is glued onto the model, and any black areas are given a thin edge highlight with GW Codex Grey.

The helmet lenses are painted with GW Chaos Black. A basecoat of P3 Trollblood Base is applied, and is highlighted up by adding GW Skull White.

Step 4

The deceit and dishonour of the Lions of Alba was an affront to the Steel Dogs and Heralds of Light from the day the Chapter fled into the Eye of Terror. Together, the two loyalist Chapters decided to end the traitors' perfidy by luring the Lions into a trap on the world of Nemea and destroying them. But nothing is ever as simple as it first seems...

Step 5

Step 5 The purity seal was highlighted up with GW Bleached Bone, and then GW Skull White. This was followed with a GW Devlan Mud wash. Thin lines to represent script were then painted on with a 50/50 mix of GW Scorched Brown and GW Dark Flesh.

Step 6

Step 6 Voila! A completed Lions of Alba Space Marine. Decals for the Lions of Alba have been created by the very talented Dracul, and can be found (along with many other excellent decals) at the Bolter and Chainsword.

Brother Against Brother more ancient lineages and greater Relationships between Space Marine responsibilities. Chapters are always complicated. Chapters from the same geneline can When the Lions were excommunicated nonetheless be divided by petty and cast from the Imperium, the The resentments a thousand years gone, and Heralds of Light were foremost among Chapters with every reason to despise those who drove them forth. The Steel Nemean each other can be bound together by Dogs, while they did not take action debts and obligations just as ancient. against the Lions, rejected requests for aid and sanctuary as the Lions fled. Campaign As members of the Astartes Praeses With that, dislike crystallized into and sons of Dorn, the Heralds of Light hatred on both sides. The elder and Steel Dogs were already closer Chapters despised the Lions for than most Space Marine Chapters. bringing disrepute on the name of Over the millennia since their Dorn, while the Lions despised their foundings, their duties had brought elders for the destruction of Alba and them into contact on a variety of their denial of aid. Over the next occasions. The Steel Dogs rescued the centuries, as the Lions raided into the Heralds at the Battle of the Tiku Drift, Imperium to sustain themselves and while the Heralds broke a blockade began to work ever more closely with around the Steel Dogs’ Outpost 241 the forces of the Betrayer, this hatred during the infamous Ranavalona War, only deepened on both sides. It was (which needs no further explanation). cemented at the Second Battle of Alba, When Black Crusades erupted from the where the Lions' attempt to reclaim Eye, both Chapters were at the their former home world was driven forefront of the defence. Each Chapter back by a combined force of five admired the other’s dedication to Chapters, the Heralds of Light and the serving the Emperor and to putting the Steel Dogs among them. Going on a needs of the Imperium before their personal glory. The two even Opportunity Knocks Lion Hunt: cooperated on some tentative punitive Hatred always seeks an outlet, and in missions into the Eye in late M35, the waning years of the 41st The though the Age of Apostasy brought an millennium, the Steel Dogs and end to such excursions amid the furore Heralds of Light agreed that the Lions Nemean of greater concerns. of Alba should be destroyed. Each Chapter committed over a company of Campaign Relations between the two Chapters forces to the task – the Steel Dogs and the Lions of Alba were more committed their Second Company, complicated. Though all were sons of under the newly-promoted Captain Dorn, the Lions’ relationship to their Esca Blackblood, while the Heralds heritage was different than that of the sent their Fourth Company under Steel Dogs and the Heralds of Light. Captain Skaron Cinereal. Both Where the Dogs and Heralds embraced companies were reinforced by reserve by Grey Dorn’s ideals of sacrifice, throwing elements, producing a powerful force themselves into the breach time and more than capable of dealing with a Mage, again in order to preserve the few companies of renegade Space Imperium, the Lions inherited Dorn’s Marines. Together, the two Captains pride and his stubbornness. Where the began planning the destruction of their Allerka Dogs and Heralds were members of the enemy. Astartes Praeses, sworn to the and opposition of Chaos in all things, the Cinereal and Blackblood did not Lions concerned themselves with entirely see eye-to-eye. Where Octavulg matters involving Alba and its regions. Blackblood tempered his honour with Though this meant they faced many of subterfuge and deceit, Cinereal the same enemies as their brothers, the preferred somewhat more direct other two Chapters still saw themselves methods, trusting to tenacity and as separate from (and even superior to) firepower to carry the day. Still, after the Lions of Alba, by reason of their much debate, he came to recognize the

97 wisdom of a conceiving a plan that Lions left their den. The Lions could simple agri-world, with little to tempt would lure the Lions of Alba into the not afford to pass up an opportunity to invaders. That simplicity, reasoned the open and bring them to their acquire such wealth, and the Captains, would protect the planet destruction. After all, even the brave knowledge that they would be seizing from any but the most minimal hunter must sometimes lie in wait. So it from under the noses of former depredations, and half a company of through various contacts with traders comrades would make it even more Heralds of Light would be stationed in and garrisons, rumours were spread, tempting. The only question was when the planetary capital with their creating a story which varied in the the traitors would attack. Thunderhawks in case that reasoning details but that always took one was incorrect. familiar shape. Execution The two Captains used the time in The Steel Dogs would conceal their The rumours told that an ancient which the rumour spread to prepare for Strike Cruiser, the Catulus, on Bahram, Heresy-era supply depot had been the eventual onslaught. The plan was the first moon of the planet. The found on Jamshyd's World, in the simple enough. A fake supply depot moon's minimal gravity would not Nemea system. Since disputes had would be constructed on the southern inconvenience the great ship, but arisen over whether the depot should continent of Jamshyd's World, at some would provide sufficient cover to belong to the Adeptus Mechanicus or distance from the nearest population prevent detection by invaders. to the Space Marines that found it, no centres. A few Chapter serfs and Meanwhile, the Heralds of Light would action had been taken to secure it, each servitors would give the illusion of a keep their Sacrifice in a far orbit side having sworn to destroy any force mostly-abandoned dig site. The around the planet, accompanied by a that moved to do so. The Lions of complex, meanwhile, would be filled squadron of escorts from each Chapter. Alba, despite their isolation in the Eye with traps and secret entrances – of Terror, were careful to maintain though it would appear defensible and Once invaders had appeared and contact with the region surrounding secure, it would be anything but. landed their forces on the planet, the their former home, and so the two Sacrifice and its attendant ships, under Captains were confident that they With the exception of the false the command of Captain Cinereal, would not have long to wait before the complex, Jamshyd's World was a would move to engage the enemy and

Boarding Action – nurgling6688

Mission 1: Crushing Fist The Steel Dogs and Heralds spring the trap, dropping from orbit to rapidly encircle and eradicate their foe. Taking down a renegade warband is never an easy task however, and the cost in lives may leave a bitter aftertaste.

Suggested Forces: 1500pts. The Loyalist forces are sending in their finest troops to eradicate the enemy, and as such only require a single HQ for this mission and may field up to six Elites. However, they are restricted in their heavy armour due to the quick drop and so may only use a single Heavy Support choice. Be sure to set up a single building in the middle of a table quarter, this is the entrance to the equipment cache.

Deployment: If you have access to it, play Planetstrike scenario one with a single bastion. Otherwise, deploy as per the Spearhead rules from the core book. The Lions will automatically receive the table quarter with the building as their deployment zone, and the loyalist forces must take the one opposite of that. The renegades must deploy first, and the loyalists will receive first turn on a 2+. While not required, loyalist deployment via Drop Pod assault is encouraged.

Objectives: The loyalists must kill as many traitor marines as possible, and so receive standard Kill Points for this mission. The Lions receive a single Kill Point for each unit they have alive at the end of the battle and an additional 3 Kill Points if they have a surviving unit inside the building.

If the Loyalists win continue on to scenario 2A, if the Renegades win continue onto scenario 2B. The victor in this scenario scores 2 Victory Points (whoever has the most victory points at the conclusion of the campaign wins). prevent their escape, while the Catulus When the traitors entered orbit, Pride of Alba away from the planet. dropped its forces to harry the enemy however, events took another Unfortunately, they had been unable to on the surface. Once the Steel Dogs unexpected turn. Instead of landing destroy either vessel, though both had landed, under the command of only at the false supply depot, the escort squadrons remained unscathed. Captain Blackblood, the Catulus would traitor forces had landed the majority Though the traitors had certainly had assist the Sacrifice in destroying any of their forces at another location, near the worst of the engagement, there was remaining enemy ships, at which point the tip of the southern continent. no doubt they would return. the task force could turn its attention to Planetary surveys had shown nothing destroying any forces on the planet. of interest at that location, but any It did not take long before the Lions in delay to determine what was going on the false storehouse discovered the With the details agreed upon, the two risked the forces at the false storehouse absence of their orbital support, and it Captains made their preparations, then realizing their mistake. There was no took them even less time before they steeled themselves for a wait that choice but to strike now, and determine discovered that it was empty of might not end for months. However, the enemy's reasons later. With a few valuables (later inspection revealed they did not have nearly so long to simple words from Captain Cinereal, that the Lions lost a full squad to the wait. the two ships sprang into action. various traps within). Grimly determined, they charged the Steel Crushing Fist While the Sacrifice and its squadrons Dogs' entrenchments, desperate to When two Lions of Alba Strike struck at the two traitor cruisers, the break out and reach their fellows Cruisers appeared in system some four Catulus launched the Second Company elsewhere on the continent. months after the initiation of the plan, toward the surface in its drop pods. both Captains were surprised. Even the The Steel Dogs landed almost on top of Unfortunately for them, the Steel Dogs most audacious of the storehouse the enemy, and were swiftly locked in were secure, and had been reinforced rumours had not mentioned enough deadly hand-to-hand fighting. Though by elements of the Heralds of Light. spoils to be worth the Lions risking the Lions were tenacious, the Steel When two Tactical Squads of Heralds such a large portion of their strength. Dogs had the weight of numbers and used secret entrances to outflank the Still, the loyalist forces possessed a the implacability of the damnati on Lions, it only hastened the inevitable. sufficient edge in firepower to be their side. The Lions retreated within Of the sixty Lions who dropped to confident of victory. The Lions moved the false storehouse to lick their seize the storehouse, only three in-system, stopping occasionally to wounds, and the Dogs quickly survived to be taken prisoner. annihilate a mining station or extort entrenched outside the entrances. supplies from a freighter, and the Steel Contact Dogs and the Heralds of Light watched In orbit, the Catulus and Sacrifice were What those three revealed, however, them come. battered, but had succeeded in driving was disturbing. The loyalists' away the enemy Strike Cruisers, now fabrications had, unknown to them, identified as the White Lion and the contained an element of truth – there

Mission 2A: Breakout The Lions, having been forced back into the false storehouse, attempt to break out and reach their fellows to the south.

Suggested Forces: 1250pts. The loyalists have had the opportunity to land further forces, but both sides have taken losses. Many of the elite troops are now needed for the battle in orbit. Play this battle with normal Force Organization requirements.

Terrain: Woods, small ruins, and a broken road leading to the ancient storehouse are all great ways to reflect the rural and weathered area this battle was fought in.

Deployment: Deploy as per the Spearhead rules. The large building from the first scenario should be placed in the Lion’s deployment zone as close to the Lion’s corner of the field as possible. The Lions will deploy first. Either player may place up to half their forces in reserve.

Objectives: The Lions have only one objective- survival. They place one objective in the centre of the loyalist deployment zone, another in the middle of their deployment zone and a third in the back corner of their deployment zone- which should be represented by the large building from Scenario 1.

In addition any HQ units on the board count as objectives. If an HQ unit is still alive, it counts as held by the controlling player- if they are slain leave them on the table to be captured as a normal objective. The player who controls the most objectives at the end of the game wins. If the Lion player moves any of his HQs off the loyalist board edge, they count as two objectives. The victor in this scenario scores 2 Victory Points.

First Turn and Game Length: The players roll off for first turn once all units have been deployed. The game will normally last 5 turns. At the end of turn 5 roll a d6- on a 5+ continue playing for another turn. Continue rolling at the end of each game turn until a 4 or lower is rolled.

Special Rules: Tactical Retreat! All non-vehicle Lion of Alba units have the hit and run special rule.

Stubborn Containment. All non-vehicle loyalist units receive the counter-attack special rule.

was a lost Heresy-era depot on locating and entering the much larger and empowering the traitors, rather Jamshyd's World, one larger than even site to the south. than destroying them. Harsh words the rumors had suggested. The Lions were exchanged before it was agreed had investigated the rumours much To say that the Captains were that, whatever the cost, the Lions could more thoroughly than anticipated, concerned would be an understatement. not be allowed to flee the planet with using resources the prisoners refused to The absurdity of the situation belied the ancient technologies which no divulge, and their investigations had the possible consequences of the Lions doubt lurked within the storehouse. confirmed the presence of such a site. of Alba gaining powerful weapons The smaller force had been sent to from the dawn of the Imperium. The The Steel Dogs and Heralds quickly secure the smaller site – nearly a Imperial plan had lured out the Lions boarded their Thunderhawks to make hundred and fifty Lions were busy of Alba, but now it risked enriching the flight to the real storehouse. In

Mission 2B: Pursuit The loyalists try to run down the escaping enemy before they can reach their fellows to the south.

Suggested Forces: 1500pts. The loyalists have had the opportunity to land further forces, but both sides have taken losses. Many of the elite troops are now needed for the battle in orbit. Play this battle with normal Force Organization requirements.

Terrain: A broken road, hills, and sparse woods all make perfect terrain to run for your life in.

Deployment: The Lions of Alba deploy first, within 6" of the tables centre-line and at least 18" from the short table edges. The Loyalists then deploy their forces within 9" of the long board edges. Any units unable to deploy in this area may be placed in reserves, but will come in from a random board edge- nominate a board edge as '1' and roll a d6, moving counter clockwise for 2, 3, and 4. A result of 5 allows the unit to come in from the board edge of the Lion player’s choice, while a 6 forces them to come in on the edge of the loyalist player’s choice.

Objectives: In this bitter fighting there can be only death. This scenario uses the kill point scenario rules. In addition any heavy support options from the Lions of Alba count as two kill points, as do any loyalist elite units. Finally, any Lion of Alba unit that reaches the short table edge may be removed from play, counting as 0 kill points for either side. The victor in this scenario scores 2 Campaign Victory Points.

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orbit, servitors and serfs desperately storehouse and prepared to attack, even the storehouse, but they were still prepared tanks and speeders whose use as battle was joined again in orbit. surprised by the loyalist attack. The had not been expected, even as sensors battle was brief, but violent, with detected the White Lion and Pride of With their aerial elements committed neither side really gaining the upper Alba approaching again. The forces to the battle in orbit, the strike force hand. The Lions retreated into the already on planet and their newly launched their attack on the Lions. The storehouse when it became clear prepared supporting elements Lions had prepared defensive positions victory was unlikely, but they did so in assembled some distance from the while attempting to gain entrance to good order, and the Dogs and Heralds

Mission 3: Meeting Engagement The loyalists engage the forces at the real storehouse, hoping to wipe them out before they can gain entrance.

Suggested Forces: 1750pts. Both sides have their best and brightest forces available – each may field an additional Elites choice beyond the usual Force Organization chart.

Terrain: Sloping hills or a large building should occupy the centre of the Lions’ deployment zone. Other than some small ruins the loyalist deployment zone should be fairly barren.

Deployment: Deploy both forces as for a pitched battle. Either player may place units in reserve.

Objectives: Place one objective in the middle of the Lions deployment zone. The loyalists place a single objective anywhere within their deployment zone. The victor in this scenario scores 3 Campaign Victory Points.

First Turn and Game Length: Roll for first turn. At the end of the fifth turn, roll a d6. On a 4+ play another turn, otherwise the game ends immediately.

Special Rules: Orbital Bombardment: The loyalist player rolls a d6 for each Lion of Alba unit on the field, on the roll of a 6 they may resolve the following shooting attack on that unit: S9, AP 2, Ordnance Barrage, Large Blast. This attack scatters 3d6" and even on a hit will scatter d6". Any shots placed should be represented by a crater, treated as difficult 5+ area terrain for the rest of the game.

Mission 4: Infiltration The Steel Dogs and Heralds of Light are attempting to infiltrate the storehouse and probe its defences, while the Lions of Alba are attempting to prevent them from relaying information back to their allies.

Suggested Forces: Special The Attacker (Lions of Alba) uses a list of no more than 1000 points. The Defender (Steel Dogs and Heralds) use a list of no more than 500 points, and are limited to HQ, Elites, and Troops.

Terrain: Congested industrial terrain would be appropriate, as would ruins and rocky ground.

Deployment: The Defender sets up his entire army in the centre of the table, anywhere that is more than 18" from any table edges, and at least 24" from the table edge from which they will be trying to escape. At least half the Attacker's units, rounding up, must be placed in Reserves. Attacker units arriving from Reserves may enter the table from either long edge or the Attacker’s short edge.

Objectives: The Defender is attempting to escape the pursuing Attacker forces and reach safety, along with conveying vital information on the defences of the Attacker. The Attacker, of course, is attempting to prevent this. The Defender must get as many models as it can to the departure point. If the Attacker destroys all Defender units before they reach the departure point, the Attacker automatically wins. The departure point is placed on the Defender's short board edge. Victory in this scenario is decided using victory points, and each model that reaches the departure point scores 100 victory points for the defender. The victor in this scenario scores 1 Campaign Victory Point.

First Turn and Game Length: Roll for first turn. At the end of the fifth turn, roll a d6. On a 4+ play another turn, otherwise the game ends immediately.

101 were forced to remain outside, storehouse void shields and primary Even without orbital support, it was preparing themselves for any eventual weapons arrays had been exposed by imperative that the assault on the counterattack. an ancient earthquake, allowing an storehouse proceed. To leave the Lions enterprising assault to destroy them – too long undisturbed was to give them Undermining provided that assault could penetrate the opportunity of unlocking some The loyalists began preparing their the outer level of defences in sufficient powerful secret that might secure their own defences, modifying those the force. victory. With twinges of concern in his Lions had built and creating new ones hearts, Esca ordered his forces into into the bargain. Even as they did so, Even as the assault was planned, the battle. several kill-teams were dispatched with Lions in orbit broke off their attack instructions to locate any weaknesses once again, having suffered severe The assault targeted the northern wall in the storehouse's defences. With damage. Captain Cinereal, who had of the storehouse, planning to smash a frequent reference to ancient plans of been commanding the space battle direct route through to the generators' other Imperial storehouses in the from the bridge of the Sacrifice, primary distribution nodes. Their Codex Astartes, the kill-teams were ordered a pursuit, hoping to destroy the destruction would prevent the able to penetrate the outer level of the Lions' only possible route of escape generators' use for the time being while fortress' defences. from the system. After all, their still allowing for repair in the future. possible capture of the storehouse The loyalist forces had assembled as Most of those sent into the fortress did would be immaterial if their ships much firepower as they could, though not return, cut down in running battles could be destroyed. While a defensible Blackblood was concerned that they with traitor sentries or caught by strategic choice, this left a shocked might be unable to so much as scratch defensive traps in the fortress' Esca Blackblood without air support or the Heresy-era armor which covered architecture. Those who did, however, the possibility of further the structure. Fortunately, millennia of had discovered several weak spots in reinforcements beyond his own men neglect and a lack of proper blessings the storehouse defences – most and the few Heralds of Light seconded had caused the ancient armor to notably, the power generators for the to his command. degrade, and the scouting efforts of the

Mission 5: Undermining Having acquired valuable knowledge of weak points in the Lions of Albas’ defences, the Steel Dogs and Heralds of Light launch an opening raid designed to weaken the Lions’ position and leave them vulnerable to a larger attack.

Suggested Forces: 2000pts Both sides use the normal Force Organization chart. `

Terrain: Use a terrain setup similar to that from the previous mission.

Deployment: This mission uses the Dawn of War deployment. The Steel Dogs and Heralds of Light (Attacker) may deploy their entire army at the start of the game, though the Lions of Alba (Defender) must abide by the normal limit of 1 HQ and 2 Troop choices.

Additionally, the Defender has deployed minefields to protect his position. He may place D3+3 minefields anywhere within his deployment zone. For each minefield, place a small marker (40mm base is ideal). The mines extend 3” in all directions from the marker. This area counts as both difficult and dangerous terrain, and any units suffering casualties from them must test for Pinning. If the Attacker won the previous mission, he may remove D3 minefields after they are deployed, to represent the attacking forces knowing of the vulnerabilities in the defences.

Fleeing units will flee as normal towards their respective long board edges.

Objectives: Kill Points are used in this mission. Additionally, place a single objective marker anywhere in the Defender’s deployment zone to represent a communication uplink, ammo store, or other objective. Whoever controls this objective at the end gains an additional 3 Kill Points. If the number of Kill Points are tied between both players, then whoever controls the objective wins. If neither side holds the objective, Victory Points are used to break the tie. The victor in this scenario receives 3 Campaign Victory Points.

First Turn and Game Length: Roll for first turn. At the end of the fifth turn, roll a d6. On a 4+ play another turn, otherwise the game ends immediately.

Special Rules: Reserves, Random Game Length, Seize the Initiative, Night Fighting (Turn 1 only), Cities of Death (optional)

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kill-teams ensured that the loyalist the powerful orbital guns of their Final Strike guns found the most vulnerable targets. Strike Cruisers (though their remaining There was only one course open – take Soon, the outer wall was breached, and Rapid Strike Vessels were enough of a the storehouse before the Lions' ships Steel Dogs poured into the storehouse, threat to discourage sallies). Any reached orbit, bombarded the Steel roaring cries to the Emperor and assault would be ruinous. Minor raids Dogs into nothing, and escaped with calling on the traitors to come and crept back and forth across the no- their troops and incalculable quantities fight. man's land in front of the storehouse, of munitions and technology. Many costing little and achieving less. might die in the resulting battle, but Fight they did. The ferocity of the Steel Eventually, the battle in space forced many more would die should the Lions Dogs' onslaught was matched by that events to a head on the ground. escape. of the traitor counterattack, and a bloody stalemate soon ensued. In the On the fourth day of battle, Esca Esca massed his forces, and prepared end, only a flanking maneuver by received word from his forces in space. the final assault. But even as the first Esca's bodyguards (carrying an The Lions had managed to Steel Dog stepped out of the improbable quantity of meltabombs) outmaneuver them, and both sides earthworks, the gates of the storehouse ensured the destruction of the were now racing back to the planet as began to open. Lions of Alba poured distribution nodes. Both Chapters fell swiftly as they could. Though the out, taking up defensive positions amid back, licking their wounds. loyalist forces might arrive in time to the rubble surrounding the fortress. prevent the Lions from escaping with And behind them, most terrifying of An uneasy peace reigned over the field the contents of the storehouse, it was all, walked a God-Machine – a Reaver for a full week. The Lions did not not certain. Titan… attempt to break out, and the loyalists lacked the strength to break in without

Battle – Greyall

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Scenario 6: Final Strike. The loyalists have prepared to launch a final strike on the heart of the Lions of Alba- the ancient cache of imperial technology. This fighting was the most bitter of the war, and drug on for several days before the full weight of their forces came to clash.

Suggested Forces: 3500+pts Choose forces as per the Apocalypse rules up to a maximum value agreed on by both players. No additional strategic assets may be purchased, and the only super-heavy vehicles that may be purchased are Thunderhawks.

Deployment: The player who rolls highest on a d6 may choose to begin deploying first or second. Each player then alternates placing units until all forces have been deployed. For every 4 units in their army, rounding up, a player may place one unit in reserve (which counts as a deployment). They will enter play using the normal reserve rules, rather than the rules from Apocalypse.

Terrain: The Lions receive the Bunkers and Obstacles strategic assets for free. Place these bunkers, razorwire, and traps on the field before deployment. Otherwise the battlefield should be littered with ruins, craters, and a broken roadway leading into the heart of the renegade‘s deployment area.

Objectives: Choose a single bunker or ruin in the Lions of Alba deployment zone- this is the one and only objective in the game. Holding it counts as 9 Kill Points. Otherwise, follow the normal rules for Kill Points. The victor in this scenario gains 6 Campaign Victory points. Whoever has the most Campaign Victory points in total at the end of this scenario wins the campaign.

First Turn and Game Length: On the roll of a 3+, after deployment, the loyalists will take first turn. The game lasts five turns of hard bitter fighting. At the end of turn five, roll a d6 – on a 5+ play a sixth and final turn.

Special Rules: Resources of Old: The Lions have the Vortex Grenade asset for free and may choose an additional Front Line or Space Marine asset for free. This represents the plundered relics and ancient caches they’ve brought back to the world of the forty-first millennium. Additionally, the Lions of Alba player may field a single super-heavy of three structure points or less from the imperial or chaos datasheets.

If the Lion player wishes, The Lion player may sacrifice up to five campaign victory points to field correspondingly larger super-heavies (for example, sacrificing three would allow the player to field a single super-heavy of up to six structure points).

Fury of the Righteous: The Steel Dogs and Heralds of Light are bringing the full weight of their forces to bear in a final push to destroy the Lions of Alba. To represent this they may make use of the Orbital Strike Strategic Asset each turn, and in addition may select one additional Support or Space Marine Strategic Asset.

Heralds of Light – Aerion the Faithful

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depending on whether or not they’re in There are only two objectives on the base-to-base contact. Nearby board, since everything else has been formations can use their Firefight stats flattened. This is a war of annihilation The Battle of to support assaults that are close as much as a battle of maneuver, and enough to them. both sides know it. The possible goals Jamshyd’s in this scenario are as follows: Victory is decided first and foremost World by achieving goals, which depend on Blitzkrieg: The Lions achieve this by the scenario. The winner must achieve capturing the Steel Dogs' by at least two goals, and achieve more communications uplink. The Steel goals than their opponent. If no one Dogs achieve this by capturing the Octavulg has enough goals to win, the tie is storehouse entrance. broken by Victory Points based on the number of enemy formations Take and Hold: This is achieved by destroyed and broken. capturing both the uplink and the gate. Introduction I’ll explain more as the battle report Break Their Spirit: This is achieved Well, the Imprint needed a battle report progresses. by destroying the enemy’s most to be complete, and I was drafted. valuable formation. Since I already had an Epic Steel Dogs I had to adapt the 40K scenario to Epic, force underway, I decided to add some but that was simple enough. I used They Shall Not Pass: Either side Lions and Heralds and do an Epic NetEA (the major international Epic achieves this if there are no unbroken report. organization) lists, using the enemy formations in their half of the Apocrypha of Skaros to represent the table. A quick run-down of how Epic: infantry-heavy tactics of the Steel Armageddon works, for those Dogs, and the Imperial Fists defensive Players check for victory at the end of unfamiliar with it. siege list to represent the Lions. the third and fourth turns. The game Objectives were de-emphasized ends at the end of the fourth turn. Epic: Armageddon is the small-scale compared to the usual Epic game, to version of 40K. Tiny models, more of represent that this was a battle to the The Forces them. It doesn’t work much like 40K, death. however – players alternate actions I planned both forces long in advance, since I had to paint them. each turn, activating units with dice The Scenario rolls against their initiative (which, in Epic, represents their strategic Introduction: The Lions are sallying The Steel Dogs got Esca’s battle abilities). Each activated formation can forth to try and wipe out the Loyalists. company, and the Heralds were choose to take different actions which Their new Titan and tanks will be represented by another half-company. allow them to do different harder to bring to bear should the Since this was a siege, I also took some combinations of moving, shooting, and Imperials gain entrance to the restricted Whirlwinds and Vindicators. Finally, I special actions. confines of the storehouse, and so the took a formation of Land Speeders, Lions disperse and destroy the since the rest of the army was pretty Blast markers, which represent Loyalists now before retreating back unmaneuverable. confusion and attrition, are a big deal into the storehouse to await rescue. in Epic. Shooting, screw ups and losses I figured the Lions should be short on all produce blast markers, and a The Steel Dogs and Heralds of Light, numbers but long on shiny equipment formation that takes too many Blast meanwhile, are trying to break the after looting the storehouse, so I gave Markers is in serious trouble – it Lions and gain entry to the storehouse, them just under a Battle Company in breaks, and is a lot more vulnerable. thus securing the treasures inside and infantry and loaded the rest of the list gaining a safe position to wait for their down with vehicles, a Titan, and some Epic shooting is relatively sparse – ships’ return. fortifications for spice. The Dogs only heavy weapons get to shoot might have more troops, but the Land outside of assaults, and the battlefield’s Scenario: All Steel Dog formations are Raiders and Titan would be tough nuts a lot bigger proportionally. set up within 15cm of their table edge. to crack. This would help whoever I All Lion formations are set up within found to general, since they weren’t Epic Assaults are remarkably similar to 30cm of the storehouse entrance going to get to choose their forces. 40K, only you can shoot as well as hit (which is set up along the Lions’ table people in the face. Almost everyone edge). gets only one attack, which is based on their Firefight or Close Combat stats,

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The Steel Dogs and Heralds of Light: Esca Blackblood’s Demi-Company Tactical Formation with Demi- Company, Supreme Commander, Armoured Support – 625 pts

Lieutenant Kovacs’ Demi-Company Tactical Formation with Demi- Company – 425 pts Whirlwinds – 300 pts Veteran Land Speeders Land Speeder Formation with two Land Speeder Typhoons – 250 pts

Reserve Captain Rhadamanthus’ Demi-Company Tactical Formation with Demi- Company, Commander – 475 pts Vindicators – 225 pts

Total: 2300

The Lions of Alba: Master Gorinel’s Retinue Tactical Formation with Commander – 350 pts Captain Osric’s Retinue Devastator Formation with The Lions of Alba in column on the third moon of Astra Majoris Commander – 225 Tactical Formation – 250 Land Raider Formation – 325 Land Raider Formation – 325 Assault Formation – 150 Lucem Ferre of the Legio Mortis Reaver Titan – 650 Fortifications – 50 Elements of the Sixth and Fourth Companies under Rhadamanthus assembled on Jamshyd’s World

Total: 2325

The Steel Dogs’ Second Company assembled on Avren

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The Battle I commanded the Imperials. My opponent was Mike, who among other things is one of the minds behind Astronomi- con. He’s a gentleman and lots of fun to game with. It was his first real Epic game (which is why he got the Titan). It didn’t slow him down that much, though…

The Field of Engagement Since Epic’s turn structure isn’t divided into ‘one player’s turn, other player’s turn’ like 40K, it can be a bit confusing to keep track of who’s moving and acting. As a rule in this battle report, each new paragraph is a different player.

Deployment The Lions deploy around the gate. The Steel Dogs and Heralds are spread along their edge – the Heralds have the middle, the Whirlwinds are on a rise to the east, while the Land Speeders are behind the river to the west. Mike set his mines up in a line along the eastern side of the field, effectively blocking Kovacs’ men engage the Land Raiders. Note how my Assault Marines are blatantly out of off the route up to the storehouse gate. coherency (since I could have just moved my Rhinos forward a little more and it would have been fine, I’ve managed to not feel too bad about it). Turn 1 Advances3, raking Esca’s formation The Dogs’ Whirlwinds launch a The Steel Dogs win the roll to go first with fire and destroying a Devastator barrage at the Land Raiders charging this turn. Esca's formation uses a unit and a Tactical unit. Due to the toward them, managing to destroy one. March action1 to seize the abandoned vagaries of time, however, its fire was The Loyalists retain, and Kovac’s fortification below the gate. not as effective as could be hoped – Demi-Company moves forward and

even the workings of the Mechanicus engages the Land Raiders in assault. The Lions activate one of their Land degrade after ten thousand years Almost all of the formation is out of Raider formations, which charges underground. [At this point, both of us range, but the Assault units can reach, toward the Steel Dogs’ Whirlwinds, being tired, we got confused over how and do their best to disable the Land heedless of possible danger. The Lions many Turbolaser shots the Reaver got, Raiders close up. Neither side managed retain the initiative,2 and the Reaver and decided it should get half as many to destroy the enemy directly, but the as it was entitled to. We apologize to Assault Resolution roll favored the the crew of the Reaver and to the brave Steel Dogs, especially when combined men who died because the Reaver with the blast markers the Land could not help them enough. I Raiders had already taken, and the 1 A March action lets a formation apologize to Mike, who I suspect would Land Raiders were wiped out as they make three moves (how far that can have dismantled me with a full-strength attempted to withdraw.4 be depends on the units involved). 2 Reaver. – Ed] Normally, in Epic, activations alternate from player to player – however, you can try to take two 4 A formation takes damage when it actions in a row by taking a penalty to 3 An Advance allows the formation to loses an assault, and the Land Raiders your activation roll. make one move and fire once. lost the assault by a lot.

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The Lions’ Devastators Double forward into ruins, firing at the Reserve Captain’s formation with no result.

The Steel Dogs Land Speeders March forward into the crater at the east edge of the board.

Turn 2 The Lions win the roll, and opt to go first. The Land Raiders Sustain Fire6 at the Whirlwinds, The battlefield, just after the Assault Marines moved up. Esca is in the fortification in the lower right, annihilating the lighter Kovacs is in the upper right, and the Whirlwinds are in the upper centre. tanks. Retaining, the Lucem Ferre moves forward, firing at the Reserve Captain’s formation. The Heralds lose three Tactical units and two Rhinos to the punishing barrage.

The Vindicators Advance, blasting at the Land Raiders. Despite high hopes, when the smoke clears, the Land Raiders survive. [Mike failed all his saves. Then he succeeded on all his rerolls. Stupid Land Raiders. – Ed]

The Heralds and Lions face off over the minefield. The Devastators Sustain Fire at Kovacs’ Demi- Company, wiping out the The Lions of Alba seek vengeance – the heavy Demolisher shells, but the skirmishing Assault units. Retaining, the second Land Raider formation rest shrug it off. Master Regan Sustains Fire at the 5 Doubles forward, firing on Kovacs’ Speeders, two of whom are lost despite Tacticals, who lose three Rhinos. The Master Gorinel and his Tactical the cover of the crater. Lions retain and move their Assault formation move forward toward the formation forward, behind the Land cliff edge, opening up on Esca’s troops Kovacs’ Demi-Company Sustains at Raider. in their battered fortification. The the Land Raiders, whose armor is once Lions’ then retain, and their second again impervious. Retaining, The Heralds’ Vindicators Double Tactical Formation does the same as Rhadamanthus’ men follow suit, with forward, firing at the Land Raiders. the first, but between the two only one the same result. One of the Land Raiders succumbs to Tactical unit is destroyed.

Captain Rhadamanthus springs into

5 action. His men Double toward the 6 A Double allows the formation to minefield, firing on the Assault A Sustain Fire action means the move twice, then shoot with a -1 formation. One Assault unit is formation can fire once with a +1 penalty. destroyed. bonus (though it can do nothing else)

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The Lions' Assault formation jumps back toward the gate to secure it from enemy attack.

The Land Speeders Double forward to a point between the Assault formation and the Tacticals, attempting to force the enemy out of position.7

They shoot at the Reaver, but succeed only in knocking down a Void Shield. Finally, Esca's Demi-Company moves its Predators forward and fires at Master Regan’s formation. With the Land Speeders behind them, the Lions are caught in a lethal crossfire, and four of their units are lost.8 The Master’s formation breaks.

In the end phase, Master Regan’s formation attempts to flee, but are trapped against the cliff by the Land Speeders. They are cut down and dispersed. Unfortunately, Esca is unable to reassert control over his formation – they fail to regroup, and do not remove any blast markers.9

Turn 3 The Steel Dogs win the roll and go first. The Land Speeders Sustain Fire at the Lions’ remaining Tactical unit, killing one. Retaining, Esca concentrates his formation’s fire against the same target, killing four Esca’s Demi-Company and the Land Speeders destroy Gorinel’s Retinue and breaking the remaining few Marines. The Lions’ Assault formation attacks money back). That loss is enough to the Land Speeders, looking for break the Land Raiders, who retreat vengeance (and because it was that or toward the safety of the storehouse. move away from the Speeders’ zone of 7 Units in Epic have a “zone of control). The Reaver provides heavy The Vindicators Advance through the control”. Other units cannot enter this, supporting fire, but it is mostly minefield, losing one tank despite their ineffective – each side destroys one Siege Shields10 [Double 1. Of course. – except when assaulting. Land enemy unit. The Assault resolution is Ed.]. Firing at the Devastators, they Speeders have a doubled zone of very close, but the Land Speeders win inflict no appreciable losses. control and so can force other units to by one, which is enough to kill another move away (or assault them) by Assault unit. The last remaining The Devastator's responding Sustained moving next to those units. 8 Assault unit in the formation breaks. Fire has an equally negligible effect. If there are friendly units on the The Lions, angered, retain. The Reaver other side of a target when you shoot moves forward and annihilates the The Heralds of Light move wide at that target, the target gets a -1 Land Speeders in a blaze of around the minefield, unwilling to risk penalty to its save against any hits. destruction. losses in exchange for minimally 9 In the End Phase, broken units effective fire against the Devastators. attempt to rally and units with blast Kovacs Sustains Fire at the Land markers attempt to remove them. I’ve Raiders, and the punishing fusillade only noted when these things DON’T finally manages to penetrate the 10 Whatever the GW game, dangerous happen. Mechanicus’ finest armour (ten terrain is dangerous terrain. thousand year guarantee, or your

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Results, or Lack Thereof Mike and I both agreed that Esca was unlikely to blast apart the Reaver in the moments that remained. We called the game, and determined who had won. The Dogs and Heralds had achieved one objective, having kept their half of the table clear of enemies, but otherwise no goals were achieved. That meant we had to calculate Victory Points.

The Lions were rather battered – the Reaver was at full strength, and the Land Raiders were at half. The Assaults and Tacticals rallied, but were also below half. Everything else was destroyed. The Steel Dogs thus gained 1313 VP.

The Steel Dogs and Heralds, while mauled and walking a lot more than they were used to, fared somewhat better. The Vindicators were still above half and unbroken, as were the Steel Dogs' demi-companies. Rhadamanthus’ formation was below half, but unbroken. The Lions of Alba gained 763 VP.

The Steel Dogs won by 550 VP. The Lions fled back into the storehouse, and the Loyalists survived. However, with the storehouse Rhadamanthus’ battered forces engage Osric’s Devastators still in Lion hands (to The Vindicators Advance and fire at say nothing of In the end phase, the Assault and the Devastators. Retaining, and despite the fully Tactical formations remain broken, the confusion among his men, functional Simon though the Land Raiders recover. The Rhadamanthus pushes forward in an Reaver), this Vindicators fail to regroup. assault on the Devastators. Locked in isn't exactly a hand to hand, battered by Demolisher strategic victory. No one had achieved two goals, so the shells, and overwhelmed in numbers, game continued. the Devastators are annihilated. Calamity averted. Problem unsolved. Captain Osric is slain, and his Artificer Turn 4 Armour taken as a prize by Simon's Thoughts The Lions go first. The Land Raiders Rhadamanthus. Just to be clear: we knew going in this move forward and fire at might well turn into a bloodbath Rhadamanthus and his men, crippling a Further efforts by the Steel Dogs were considered likely to be ineffective. The decided by who killed the most. Those Rhino. Retaining, the Lucem fires at are the vagaries of a 4'x4' table and a the same target, killing two Tacticals Space Marines slowly pulled back, unsure whether to make another assault shortage of plausible objectives for a and another Rhino. scenario. At least it was thematically or to avoid further losses and trust in the hope of their coming support. appropriate. That said, I had a lot of fun, and Mike has been gracious

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enough to claim he did too. Pyrrhic company of victories where little was gained are infantry was my favorite. able to manage a So: post-battle assessment. I was very shallow pleased with all my units, actually. assault on Almost all of them performed when them and they needed to. More Land Speeders butcher are definitely planned, as are more them in hack Whirlwinds and some Predators (in a downs. It normal game, I’d likely cut the Heralds helped a lot and replace them with the that Simon aforementioned, but this was a co- rolled operative effort). boxcars, but even so! The major problems for me were the [Skill. All minefields and the Reaver. Mike put skill. –Ed.] those minefields where it made the most sense, and it certainly worked for The correct him. They're not THAT lethal, but they choice only have to be dangerous once or would have twice to cause problems. been a double move As to the Reaver, even up on the out and long mountaintop it did a number on range whatever it looked at funny. If Mike lascannon had brought it down to help take apart fire. That the larger formations, I might have had wouldn't some serious problems. On the other have hand, up there exposed The generals engage in an impromptu smug-off. he had little them to or no risk of assault. I'd losing it. And have taken since killing some fire, of course, but it would have keep the attackers off the hill and so it would have been worth it and then I could have the enemy weren't able to capitalize on given me an moved up some infantry to support. their very effective shooting which objective, I greatly reduced the defensive forces by think he made While I was able to hold the gate, I the gate. the right needed to be more careful about choice. Mike keeping my zones of control tight. As Simon thinks I underused the Titan by Indeed, even it was the Land Speeders were able to keeping it back at the gate. He may be with it up on the hill it could have done exploit a tiny slot between the ZoC of right. It provided amazing fire support a lot of damage if we’d played its the assault guys guarding the gate and but marching it down the hill where its Turbolasers properly. the infantry to the front. The resulting six dice of Firefight support could have crossfire effect got my infantry at the played a role might have been really Mike’s Thoughts front of the escarpment shot to rags by useful. Next time I'll My thoughts on the game – or "No Blackblood's demi company in the experiment with really don't stupidly overextend bunker. being more yourself!" aggressive with On the upside, I was able to blunt the it. My first mistake was throwing away attack on the gate, despite being the Land Raider unit on a March. outnumbered, and I placed the All in all a fun Having seen how effective a platoon of minefields fairly well. The galaxy's game though, Whirlwinds could be, I really wanted toughest Land Raiders helped quite a and fairly fast these dead. Having already lost the lot here and this time they were Simon despite bunker to Simon's early march move, I properly supported by assault and recording so decided to 'go for them' full bore. This devastator forces. While they folded in much of it. Definitely have to dig up was a mistake as the nearby demi- the end, they lasted long enough to

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hastily-concealed secret exit. The Dogs and Heralds followed it as quickly as Master Gorinel of the Lions of Alba rubbed the bridge of his nose and sighed. they dared, emerging miles away just As a Space Marine, he had the stamina Aftermath as the White Lion slipped into orbit. and energy of a dozen men. Unfortunately, that was not sufficient The Lions had taken all that they could against the troubles of a hundred. carry, and their hastily assembled supply dump was poorly defended. In His protégé was dead, as were many of my old Desolation Angels and see a lightning raid, the Dogs and Heralds his best men. The paltry store of what I've got... annihilated the dump, pulling back to equipment recovered was slightly more the safety of the storehouse just ahead than that expended in the operations on Licking Their Wounds Jamshyd’s World, but ‘slightly’ would not of the Lions’ orbital bombardment. It took several hours for the Steel Dogs restore the Lions to Alba. The Lions fled out system, just ahead and Heralds to regroup. At that point, of the pursuing Imperial Strike they launched another assault on the So now the Lions would retreat into the Cruisers. storehouse. This time, they Eye of Terror yet again, where their numbers would slowly dwindle, worn encountered no resistance – the Lions The Nemean Campaign was over. away by battles against warbands, the were gone, leaving behind only a harsh mutations of the Warp, by the fraction of the treasures the storehouse The Lions retreated to the relative ravages of time, and most damning of all should have held. security of the Eye of Terror. Though by the simple fact that Alba was gone, and would not return, and being a they had gained valuable resources, Dedicated investigation discovered a champion of a dead world was not the they had lost equally valuable Space lure one might expect. Marines, and ensured only that the Esca Blackblood resisted the temptation to Steel Dogs and Heralds of Light strangle Captain Skaron Cinereal, And, of course, now the Chapter was Commander of the Most Glorious Fourth would hunt them wherever possible. indebted to the Dark Mechanicus. They Company of the Heralds of Light, Holder had been eager to recover the Reaver – of the Sacred Chalice of New Ryxx, The Steel Dogs and Heralds, perhaps too eager. They might know Scourge of Zebediah III, and infinitely meanwhile, though they had secured something the Lions did not. And even if pious bastard. a valuable trove for the Imperium, they didn’t, owing favours to technological monsters who had been were taunted by the possibility of the twisted even further by powers beyond It would not do to be impolite to an ally. victory that might have been. Men human comprehension sounded like a were dead, valuable ancient circumstance one might wish to avoid, all Cinereal had been outmaneuvered (albeit weaponry lost, and the Lions had barely). He’d been outwitted (as had they other things considered. all). He had failed in his most important escaped. Possession of the field was task of ensuring the Lions could not and not victory, and both Chapters knew Of course, all the debts in the world did did not escape. And now he was berating it. Esca and Skaron quarrelled over not matter. The Chapter mattered. Alba himself accordingly for his failures – and where the blame lay for the Lions’ mattered. And whatever was needed to those of Esca and Rhadamanthus. escape – indeed, it was only the save them both was whatever would be done. intercession of Rhadamanthus that

Not that Esca was so arrogant as to think kept his fellow Captains from each himself without fault. But he was fairly sure One day, Gorinel knew, Alba would be other’s throats. Though relations theirs once more. And on that day, he that Skaron Cinereal was not the one to between the Chapters were not judge him for it. could rest. harmed (if only because of It was a small consolation that Captain Rhadamanthus’ even-handed report), He was looking forward to it. Rhadamanthus, Commander of the Most the relationship between the Captains Stalwart Sixth Company of the Heralds of certainly was. Their eventual Light, Sword of the Morning and Lord of discharge of this enmity in a duel on Adapting the Campaign the Inward Territories seemed to be almost Phyrenios III during the Eighth Ring There are a number of possible options as tired of Cinereal as Esca was. War is, of course, familiar to the available for adapting the campaign – educated reader. those mentioned here are by no means As Cinereal held forth again on the the limit. The only limit is your unworthiness of these, the Emperor’s All in all, the Lions lost much, but so imagination. And your opponent’s humble servants, Esca eyed him, willingness to put up with your wondering if a pact with the Chaos gods did the Steel Dogs and Heralds of imagination, of course. would be worthwhile if it gave him the Light. In the end, the Nemean power to annihilate Cinereal’s brain. Campaign accomplished little besides ensuring that the feud between the Persistent Units Damnation surely couldn’t be this bad. Lions and their still-loyal brothers There are several methods of using burns brighter than ever. persistent units. The first is to simply make use of the unit experience rules

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in the main rulebook (page 263). to cash in Campaign Victory Points for Tau Simply allow surviving units in each more troops or other advantages. The Tau are certainly canny enough to scenario to pick the appropriate rules use Imperial greed against them. As to accordingly. Replacing Campaign Victory Points luring the Tau into a trap: captured Yet another option is to ignore Ethereal. Real prison. Simple enough. The second is more involved – create Campaign Victory Points altogether, an initial pool of units for each player combining persistent units and victory Inquisition to draw on (somewhere around 4000- effects and determining the winner of I’m sure no Inquisitor has ever 5000 points should suffice). Then the campaign only by victory in the perpetrated a sneaky plot to trap a foe. choose units from that pool for each final scenario. This has the potential to Likewise, I’m certain no Inquisitor has mission. Each successive scenario a keep things tense right up to the final double bluffed an opponent by unit survives gives it access to another minutes – even with an overwhelming pretending to fall for a trap (or fallen veteran skill. However, losses are advantage, a few lucky rolls and good for a trap but escaped due to knowing permanent – models which suffer decisions can allow even the most something his enemy didn’t). Anyone Instant Death are gone for the rest of battered army to triumph. who says otherwise is a heretic. the campaign, and other models which are killed in—game must roll against Adapting for Other Forces Dark Eldar their toughness – if they fail, then they Although the B&C is a power While complicated plans to lure in are gone for the rest of the campaign as armoured forum, we recognize that dangerous foes are not necessarily the well. sometimes our members want to shoot Dark Eldar’s style (why lure when you other people. Thus, we include some could be back at his house, eating his Adding Battlefleet Gothic suggestions for how the campaign family’s souls?), the possibility of Large parts of the campaign take place could work for other races. another force attempting to lure them in space, and playing out those is very with a false prize is very real. Replace possible. The first and last It isn’t difficult. It’s remarkable how the fake storehouse with “fake refugee engagements of the campaign would duplicitous and violent the inhabitants camps” and the real storehouse with both work well with a space of the 41st millennium are. “unknown entrance to nearby hive component. The fleets involved would city” and things work just fine. be relatively small (more than 1000 Chaos Space Marines points a side would definitely expand Adapting this campaign for Chaos Tyranids the scope of the campaign!) but it adds Space Marines is simple enough – Tyranids, unfortunately, are difficult to another dimension. Battlefleet Gothic warbands and legions have plenty of trick – and when you lure them already contains good advice on reasons to hate each other, and are somewhere, they ALL show up. It integrating with planetary assaults and more than willing to perpetrate might, be possible to do something ground campaigns, which I will not convoluted schemes against each other. with a Genestealer Cult. The concept duplicate here (the rules are available Likewise, the confusion of the Heresy would be similar to that involved with free on GW’s website, should you be and Scouring make it a certainty that the Dark Eldar – trying to lure out a interested). ancient supply dumps remain threat that cannot be struck at undiscovered. Chaos Space Marines otherwise. Of course, it requires that You could even run two separate could easily fill the role of either side your opponent have enough parallel campaigns – the initial meeting in this campaign. Genestealers. engagement, several pursuits, perhaps an ambush or two in the rings of a gas Eldar Adapting for Other Games giant. Even if one player is winning on Like Chaos Space Marines, the Eldar Not all our readers play 40K, of course. the ground, will he be able to get out love to scheme. The Eldar work very Some play other games instead (or again afterward… well as the side that lays the trap. additionally). To them, we offer Likewise, since so many Maiden suggestions on adapting the campaign Victory Effects Worlds now lie under Imperial control, for different games. Another option is to provide persistent it is very possible for Eldar to attack an effects based on what player wins Imperial world but to be seeking Kill Team which scenarios. The trick here is not something far different than what their This works well if you want to play to unbalance things so much that the initial strike would suggest, or even for through the campaign but don’t want to winner keeps on winning. One option the treacherous mon-keigh to lure the or can’t paint up entire appropriate is to just have the victories affect the Eldar into a trap by intentionally armies. It’s remarkably easy to adapt final scenario – for example, victory in offending their sensibilities. the campaign for Kill Team in concept Scenario 2 could give the Lions more – simply cast one side as the Brutes troops in Scenario 6. Or allow players and proceed from there. The first several scenarios can be easily adapted

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– instead of playing the whole battle, hopefully provide a good example, but Battlefleet Gothic play a part. as a further demonstration – in the Adapting the campaign for Battlefleet Pursuit scenario, as an example, the Gothic is also remarkably easy. For example, in the first mission the Dogs should have several objectives Supplies can be stored in space as Kill Team must take out an enemy related to destroying enemy easily as on a planet, so the basic commander during the Drop Pod formations, while the Lions have concepts and most of the objectives assault. Perhaps friendly drop pods objectives related to making it to the still work. land and engage enemy Brute Squads? other side of the board. Since Marching In the final mission, rather than engage allows units to really get around, it As an example, the Infiltration scenario the entire enemy army, the Kill Team might make sense to have Lions units can be adapted to work with a few must find and take out the enemy achieve an objective if they’re squadrons of Rapid Strike Vessels. The commander – even as Titans and other unbroken and within 15cm of the table is the area covered by the such units roam the battlefield. In the appropriate board edge – that gives the storehouse sensor net, and once outside pursuit mission, the Kill Team must loyalists a decent chance to stop them. the net the scout force can safely immobilize or destroy several vehicles. Alternatively, perhaps they get an disengage and slip away. Or as another objective for moving a certain number example, the breakout scenario can Alternately, use the framework of the of points off the board – and dead units involve running a blockade out of campaign to come up with entirely new don’t count. several planetary gravity wells (using scenarios, and play those. The the rules for those in BFG) through a cinematic nature of Kill Team lends If playing the entire campaign in Epic, network of asteroid emplacements. itself well to acting out blood feuds all point values should be doubled between angry Space Marines, so the (approximately), but otherwise Conclusion results should be more than adapting the scenarios should be fairly Hopefully we’ve provided you with appropriate. simple. Since this is a war of some helpful ideas to make the annihilation (at least for one side), Nemean Campaign work for you. I Epic: Armageddon slightly limiting the number of hope you’ve enjoyed these articles, and Adapting the campaign for Epic is objectives placed on the board in order the Legio Imprint. Thanks for reading. easy. Simply ensure the players deploy to encourage more destruction might in the appropriate fashion, tailor the be a good idea (especially in the battle Octavulg is a Lexicanium, Liberite, law objectives accordingly, and make sure scenarios. student, and man about town. He also the final battle is appropriately grand. (apparently) edited this Imprint. The scenario in the battle report will

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Credits

Artists: The Bolter & Chainsword would like to state that this electronic Colrouphobic (Cover, pages 7, 10, and 59) magazine is completely unofficial http://www.freewebs.com/studiocolrouphobia/ and in no way endorsed by Games Greyall – (pages 34, 69, 81, 92, 103) Workshop Limited. http://greyall.deviantart.com/ Firenze – (pages 13, and 36) Adeptus Astartes, Blood Angels, http://lazarus-firenze.deviantart.com/ Bloodquest, Cadian, Catachan, the Chaos devices, Cityfight, the slaine69 – (pages 71 and 73) Chaos logo, Citadel, Citadel http://slaine69.deviantart.com/ Device, Codex, Daemonhunters, Chronophague – (page 82) Dark Angels, Dark Eldar, ‘Eavy http://chronophague.deviantart.com/ Metal, Eldar, Eldar symbol devices, Eye of Terror, Fire nurgling6688 – (pages 90 and 98) Warrior, Forge World, Games http://mengelminiatures.blogspot.com/ & http://mengelart.wordpress.com/ Workshop, Games Workshop logo, Genestealer, Golden Aerion the Faithful – (pages 80 and 104) Demon, Gorkamorka, Great http://aerion-the-faithful.deviantart.com/ Unclean One, Inquisitor, the madscuzzy – (pages 39, 65, and 67) Inquisitor logo, the Inquisitor http://www.scuzworks.com/ device, Inquisitor: Conspiracies, Keeper of Secrets, Khorne, Kroot, Lord of Change, Necron, Nurgle, Miniatures: Ork, Ork skull devices, Sisters of DV8, Cigar_of_Nurgle, GooseDaMoose, -JK-, Apologist, Lord Tybault, Battle, Slaanesh, Space Hulk, DaemonPrinceDargor, Cheexsta, Muskie, DrudgeDreadnought, John Thompson, Pig Space Marine, Space Marine of Sparta, Fallout1983, and Artekus. Chapters, Space Marine Chapter logos, Tau, the Tau caste designations, Tyranid, Tyrannid, Production: Tzeentch, Ultramarines, Octavulg, Inquisitor Kravin, Brother Tyler, Strike Captain Lysimachus, Sigismund Warhammer, Warhammer 40k Himself, Aurelius Rex and Brother Argos. Device, White Dwarf, the White Dwarf logo, and all associated Acknowledgements: marks, names, races, race insignia, characters, vehicles, To all the authors and artists, who did sterling work. To Grey Mage and Allerka for locations, units, illustrations and their work on scenarios. To Greyall, Colrouphobic, madscuzzy and Chronophague, images from the Warhammer for last-minute illustrations that don’t look last-minute. To Aurelius Rex, Strike 40,000 universe are either ®, TM Captain Lysimachus, Inquisitor Kravin and Sigismund Himself for invaluable and/or © Copyright Games feedback and proofreading. To Inquisitor Kravin for fearlessly charging ahead in all Workshop Ltd 2000-2012, circumstances. Finally, thanks to Brother Tyler and Inquisitor Kravin, whose variably registered in the UK and other countries around the world. assistance at the eleventh hour helped ensure you’d actually read this. Used without permission. No challenge to their status intended. ...And thanks to the future Mrs. Octavulg, too. All Rights Reserved to their respective owners. Produced by The Bolter & Chainsword.

Copyright © The Bolter & Chainsword 2012. All Rights Reserved. Finally – A quick ‘Hello and we The Bolter & Chainsword Skull emblem are © The Bolter & Chainsword 2012. did follow all the rules!’ to GW Legal if they ever read this.

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