Legiones Astartes – Khenetai Occult Cabal
- Khenetai Occult Cabal 145 Points
UNIT COMPOSITION: 1 KHENETAI BLADEMASTER, 4 KHENETAI BLADE
• May include up to 5 additional Khenetai Blades at +24 Points per ModelThe Khenetai Occult served as the guardians of the Prosperine Cults as well as their reliquaries and sanctums. The foremost warriors of the Khenetai formed cabals of ‘blades’, sublimely skilled warriors who had honed their psychic powers to be at one with their sword mastery. Their dual swords were shaped from single sheets of psychocrystalline infused ceramite and gilt, with sigils said to correspond to the wielder’s secret names and the deeds they had performed. In battle, the Khenetai fought with a unified precision that made them seem like a single warrior manifested many times, rather than a group of individual fighters.
| LD | CL | WP | IN | |||||||||||
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | LD | CL | WP | IN | SAV | INV | |
| Khenetai Blademaster (⌀32mm) | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | ||||||||||
| Khenetai Blademaster (⌀32mm) | 7 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 3+ | - |
| Khenetai Blade (⌀32mm) | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | ||||||||||
| Khenetai Blade (⌀32mm) | 7 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 3+ | - |
WARGEAR
- Paired Achea Force Swords
- Bolt pistol
- Frag grenades
- Krak grenades
TRAITS
- [Allegiance]
- Thousand Sons
- Psyker
- Khenetai
SPECIAL RULES
- Warriors of the Khenetai
TYPE
- Khenetai Blademaster: Infantry (Sergeant)
- Khenetai Blade: Infantry
OPTIONS
- The Khenetai Blademaster may have its bolt pistol exchanged for one item from the Legion Pistols list.
- For every five Models in this Unit, one Model in this Unit may have its bolt pistol exchanged for one of the following:
- Hand flamer +5 Points per Model
- Æther-fire pistol +10 Points per Model
WARGEAR
Paired Achea Force Swords
Each Khenetai wields a pair of Achean force swords in perfect unison. In concert with their fellows, no foe can stand before them, as they are laid low in a storm of charged blades.
| Melee Weapon | |||||||
Melee Weapon | IM | AM | SM | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Paired Achea Force Swords | |||||||
| Paired Achea force swords | I | +1 | +1 | 3 | 1 | Breaching (5+) | Psychic |
SPECIAL RULES
Warriors of the Khenetai
One of many lesser cults within the Prosperine Arcana, the Khenetai were few in number but renowned for the dedication and skill of the blademasters that filled their ranks. Unlike other warriors of the Thousand Sons, they focused their power inwards, using it to boost their prowess with the blade beyond the capability of any ordinary warrior.
Khenetai Blade Occult Models have a specific Prosperine Arcana.A Unit that includes Models with this Special Rule cannot have a Prosperine Arcana selected for it. Instead, they have the Khenetai Prosperine Arcana. This follows all the Rules for Prosperine Arcana.
All Models in a Unit with the Khenetai Prosperine Arcana gains the following benefits:
- The Bladeweaving Psychic Reaction
- The Mindsong of Blades Psychic Power
- The ‘Khenetai’ Trait
BLADEWEAVING
(Psychic Reaction, Blessing)
Trigger: The Reactive Player may choose to declare a Bladeweaving Psychic Reaction in the Assault Phase, at the start of Step 4 of the Charge Process, if the Active Player declares a Charge targeting a Unit that includes at least one Model with the Khenetai Trait.
Cost: The Reactive Player must spend 1 point of their Reaction Allotment to declare a Bladeweaving Psychic Reaction. This cost is paid if the Willpower Check is successful. If the Willpower Check fails, the cost is not paid.
Focus: The Focus of this Psychic Reaction must be a Model with the Khenetai Trait under the Reactive Player’s control, and must be a part of the Unit targeted by the Charge that triggered this Psychic Reaction.
Target: The Target Unit must be the Unit that is the target of the Charge that triggered the Reaction.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Reaction last until the end of the Fight Sub-Phase in which it was declared.
Process
(Psychic Reaction, Blessing)
Fighting with minds linked, each warrior utilises their paired blades to deflect strikes intended for themselves, but also their fellows, weaving an impenetrable net of empowered blades around themselves.
This Psychic Reaction allows the Unit to gain an Invulnerable Saving Throw against Volley and Melee Attacks.Trigger: The Reactive Player may choose to declare a Bladeweaving Psychic Reaction in the Assault Phase, at the start of Step 4 of the Charge Process, if the Active Player declares a Charge targeting a Unit that includes at least one Model with the Khenetai Trait.
Cost: The Reactive Player must spend 1 point of their Reaction Allotment to declare a Bladeweaving Psychic Reaction. This cost is paid if the Willpower Check is successful. If the Willpower Check fails, the cost is not paid.
Focus: The Focus of this Psychic Reaction must be a Model with the Khenetai Trait under the Reactive Player’s control, and must be a part of the Unit targeted by the Charge that triggered this Psychic Reaction.
Target: The Target Unit must be the Unit that is the target of the Charge that triggered the Reaction.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Reaction last until the end of the Fight Sub-Phase in which it was declared.
Process
- Once the Focus and Target Unit have been decided, the Controlling Player of the Focus must make a Manifestation Check.
- If the Manifestation Check is successful, then all Models in the Unit that is the target of the Blessing gain a 5+ Invulnerable Saving Throw against any wounds inflicted.
- If the Manifestation Check fails then there is no further effect.
MINDSONG OF BLADES
(Psychic Power, Blessing)
Trigger: The Active Player may choose to Manifest the Mindsong of Blades Psychic Power in the Assault Phase, at the start of the Declare Weapons and Set Initiative Steps Step of a Combat that includes a Unit with at least one Model with the Khenetai Trait.
Focus: The Focus of the Power must be a Model with the Khenetai Trait that is part of a Unit that is in the Combat.
Target: The Target Unit must be the Unit that the Focus is part of.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Power last until the end of the Fight Sub-Phase being resolved.
Process
(Psychic Power, Blessing)
This psychic technique is unique to the Khenetai Cult, one of hundreds of lesser cults that flourished in the short span of Magnus’ rule over Prospero. In battle these warriors forged a link between themselves and their weapons, performing feats of martial splendour that even the most well-trained warriors could not match.
This Psychic Power grants paired Achea force swords the Precision (5+) Special Rule.Trigger: The Active Player may choose to Manifest the Mindsong of Blades Psychic Power in the Assault Phase, at the start of the Declare Weapons and Set Initiative Steps Step of a Combat that includes a Unit with at least one Model with the Khenetai Trait.
Focus: The Focus of the Power must be a Model with the Khenetai Trait that is part of a Unit that is in the Combat.
Target: The Target Unit must be the Unit that the Focus is part of.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Power last until the end of the Fight Sub-Phase being resolved.
Process
- Once the Focus and Target Unit have been decided, the Controlling Player of the Focus must make a Manifestation Check.
- If the Manifestation Check is successful, then all paired Achea force swords that Models in the Target Unit have gain the Precision (5+) Special Rule.
- If the Manifestation Check fails then there is no further effect.
Leadership (LD) – The Leadership Characteristic is primarily used to resolve Checks to determine when a Unit will stand its ground or flee. For more details see the Combat Resolution Rules. When a Model’s Leadership Characteristic reaches 0, any Check it is used to determine the Target Number for automatically fails with no Dice rolled. However, a Unit that includes one or more Models with a Leadership of 0 but uses a Model with a higher value to make a Panic or Leadership Check suffers no penalties.
Cool (CL) – The Cool Characteristic is primarily used to resist Statuses. For more details see the Rules for Tactical Statuses. When a Model’s Cool reaches 0, any Check it is used to determine the Target Number for automatically fails with no Dice rolled. However, a Unit that includes one or more Models with a Cool of 0 but uses a Model with a higher value to make a Cool Check suffers no penalties.
Willpower (WP) – The Willpower Characteristic is primarily used for Checks made for Psychic Attacks or Powers. For more details see the Rules for Psychic Powers. When a Model’s Willpower Characteristic reaches 0, any Check it is used to determine the Target Number for, automatically fails with no Dice rolled. However, a Unit that includes one or more Models with a Willpower of 0 but uses a Model with a higher value to make a Willpower Check suffers no penalties.
Intelligence (IN) – The Intelligence Characteristic is primarily used for Checks to activate certain Wargear items and Rules. When a Model’s Intelligence Characteristic reaches 0, any Check it is used to determine the Target Number for automatically fails with no Dice rolled. However, a Unit that includes one or more Models with an Intelligence of 0 but uses a Model with a higher value to make an Intelligence Check suffers no penalties.
Movement (M) – The Movement Characteristic is primarily used to determine how far a Model can move during the Movement Phase, with higher values denoting an ability to move further (see Moving Units). If a Model’s Movement Characteristic is reduced to 0, then the Controlling Player may not move, Rush or otherwise change the Model’s position on the Battlefield regardless of any other Rules that may affect it until its Movement is changed to a value greater than 0.
Weapon Skill (WS) – The Weapon Skill Characteristic is primarily used to determine a Model’s ability to attack during a Combat in the Assault Phase, with a higher value making it both easier for the Model to make attacks and more difficult for opponents to do so (see Melee Hit Tests). If a Model’s Weapon Skill is reduced to 0 then that Model cannot make attacks in a Combat (if the Hit Test could have triggered a variable Special Rule, then that Rule is considered to automatically fail to activate as part of the Test). Enemy Models whose attacks target a Model with Weapon Skill 0, or a Unit whose majority Weapon Skill is 0, treat the Target Model as though it had a Weapon Skill of T to determine the Target Number for any Hit Tests required.
Ballistic Skill (BS) – The Ballistic Skill Characteristic is primarily used to determine a Model’s ability to make attacks during a Shooting Attack, with a higher value making it easier to succeed at attacks (see Ranged Hit Tests). If a Model’s Ballistic Skill is reduced to 0 then that Model cannot make Shooting Attacks, even if no Hit Test is required or it would have otherwise automatically succeeded due to the use of a Special Rule.
Strength (S) – The Strength Characteristic is primarily used to determine the effectiveness of Wound Tests inflicted by Melee Weapons, with a higher value making it easier to inflict wounds. If a Model’s Strength Characteristic is reduced to 0 then any Wound Tests made that would use that Characteristic or for any Melee Weapon automatically fails and no Dice are rolled for it (if the Wound Test could have triggered a variable Special Rule, then that Rule is considered to automatically fail to activate as part of the Test).
Toughness (T) – The Toughness Characteristic is primarily used as part of Wound Tests, with a higher value making it harder for attacks to inflict wounds on a Target Unit or Model. If a Model is reduced to 0 Toughness then all Wound Tests made targeting it are automatically successful and no Dice are rolled (if the Wound Test could have triggered a variable Special Rule, then that Rule is considered to have been automatically activated as part of the Test).
Wounds (W) – The Wounds Characteristic is primarily used to determine a Model’s capacity for receiving Damage during a Battle, with a higher value allowing a Model to sustain more damage before it is removed from play. When a Model’s Wounds Characteristic is reduced to 0 that Model is Removed as a Casualty, see the Rules for Casualties here.
Initiative (I) – The Initiative Characteristic is primarily used to determine the order in which Models make attacks during Combat, with Models with a higher Initiative Value making attacks before those with lower values. For more details, see the Set-up Move Distance for the Assault Phase. When a Model’s Initiative Characteristic is reduced to 0, then that Model will generally be forced to attack after other Models, but suffers no other penalty.
Attacks (A) – The Attacks Characteristic is primarily used to determine the number of attacks a Model may make in a Combat, with the value of the Characteristic indicating the number of attacks that can be made (see Melee Hit Tests). When a Model’s Attacks Characteristic is reduced to 0 then that Model may not make any attacks as part of a Combat.
Armour Save (SAV) – An Armour Save is used to attempt to negate wounds suffered by a Model. When a Model’s Armour Save is at its minimum value of ‘-’, that Model may not make Armour Tests.
Invulnerable Save (INV) – An Invulnerable Save is used to negate wounds that would normally ignore or bypass an Armour Save. When a Model’s Invulnerable Save is at its minimum value of ‘-’, that Model may not make Invulnerable Tests.
Range (R) – This Characteristic determines the maximum distance, in inches ("), at which attacks may be made with a Weapon. A Weapon with Range 0 or ‘-’ may not make attacks as part of a Shooting Attack.
Firepower (FP) – This Characteristic is used to determine how many Dice are rolled when making attacks with this Weapon. A Weapon with a Firepower Characteristic of 0 may not be used to make attacks of any kind.
Ranged Strength (RS) – This Characteristic is used only during Wound Tests or Armour Penetration Tests for attacks made using ranged Weapons. If a Weapon has a Strength Characteristic of ‘0’ or then any Wound Tests made for it automatically fail and no Dice are rolled (if the Wound Test could have triggered a variable Special Rule, then that Rule is considered to automatically fail to activate as part of the Test).
Armour Penetration (AP) – This Characteristic is used to determine if a Model Hit by attacks made with a Weapon may make an Armour Test. Like Saving Throws, lower values are more valuable for this Characteristic. When modifying the Armour Penetration Characteristic the same Rules are used as those for modifying Saving Throws.
Damage (D) – This Characteristic determines how the Wounds or Hull Points Characteristic of a Target Model that fails a Saving Throw after sustaining a wound from a Weapon is modified. A Weapon with a Damage Characteristic of 0 cannot inflict Damage on a Model, regardless of the Weapon’s other Characteristics or Special Rules.
Rules and Special Rules
The term Rule refers to any instructions that allow Players to resolve game actions as part of a Battle, covering all of the interactions between Models and Units (such as moving, Shooting and making Assaults). All of the material in the Principles of Combat, Rules of Battle and Battles in the Age of Darkness sections of this book are considered to be Rules. Special Rules modify how a Rule works, but do not present new basic game instructions, and in this book are mostly found in the Armoury of the Age of Darkness section. In all cases, Special Rules take precedence over Rules where the two present differing instructions.
Traits
Traits are a special kind of Characteristic, one which all Models have but which confers no inherent Rules or benefit on its own. Instead, Traits are used by other Special Rules and effects to target specific Models and apply benefits or penalties. The most common Traits are those for Allegiance and Faction, which are possessed by almost all Models. Allegiance requires that each Model have either the Loyalist or Traitor Trait, and most Models will gain one or more Traits based on the Army List from which they were selected.For example, a Legionary selected from the Imperial Fists Faction and selected as part of a Loyalist Army would have the Loyalist and Imperial Fists Traits. On their own these Traits have no effect on the Model’s Characteristics, Points cost or other features, but Rules that target Imperial Fists or Loyalist Models will apply their effects to the Model.
In addition to Models, Weapons can also have Traits. These are usually different to those possessed by Models, but are used for the same purposes. Weapons will commonly have Traits that define the type of Weapon it is or a specific type of usage. For example, a bolt pistol has the following Traits: Assault, Bolt. These identify which ‘family’ of Weapons it belongs to for any Rules that might only affect ‘Bolt’ Weapons and notes that it can be used for attacks where only ‘Assault’ Weapons may be used.
While they appear similar to Characteristics, it is important to note that Traits never have a ‘value’ attached to them. Furthermore, Traits cannot be modified in any way by another Special Rule or effect during a Battle, unless a Rule specifically states it affects a Trait.
Pistol
Compact and deadly, pistols are ideal weapons in close quarters. They lack the sheer range of larger weapons, but can be brought to bear with impressive speed and are no less deadly than their larger counterparts.
A Model may attack with two Weapons that have the Pistol Special Rule.During Step 3 of any Shooting Attack, a Player may choose to have a Model under their control make attacks with two Weapons rather than one if both Weapons have the Pistol Special Rule.
Bolt pistol
| Ranged Weapon | |||||||
Ranged Weapon | R | FP | RS | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Bolt pistol | |||||||
| Bolt pistol | 12 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 1 | Pistol | Assault, Bolt |
Shooting Attacks
A Shooting Attack is the process by which a Unit makes a coordinated series of attacks targeting an enemy Unit.In order to make a Shooting Attack for a Unit that has been selected during the Attack Sub-Phase, as part of a Reaction or for any other Rule or Sub-Phase that requires a Shooting Attack to be made, the following procedure must be followed:
As part of the Rules for conducting a Shooting Attack, the term ‘Attacking Unit’ will be used to refer to the Unit whose Models will be making attacks as part of that Shooting Attack, while the term ‘Attacking Player’ will be used to identify the Player that controls the Attacking Unit. The term ‘Target Unit’ will be used to refer to the Unit that is selected as the Target Unit for the Shooting Attack.
Blast (X)
Some weapons trade precision for indiscriminate destruction, high explosive impacts that can devastate a wide area. From artillery shells to high energy blasts, such weapons are popular tools of destruction on the battlefields of the Horus Heresy.
Attacks made with the Blast (X) Special Rule use a Blast Marker to determine how many Hits are caused.When making attacks with a Weapon that has the Blast (X) Special Rule, before any Hit Tests are made, a Blast Marker must first be placed to determine how many Hits may be inflicted by the attack. The Player making the attack must place the Blast Marker indicated in brackets as part of the Special Rule so that the hole in the middle is entirely over the Base of any one Model in the Target Unit. Once the Blast Marker has been placed, the Player making the attack must make a Hit Test for the attack, and each Model from the Target Unit that is fully or partially under the Blast Marker will suffer 1 Hit if the Hit Test is successful.
Hits on Other Units
If any Models from Units other than the Target Unit are fully or partially covered by the Blast Marker, then a new Fire Group must be created for those Hits and set to one side. Continue resolving the Shooting Attack on the original Target Unit, and once that Shooting Attack has been completely resolved begin a new Shooting Attack to resolve those additional Fire Groups generated for Units other than the original Target Unit.
If any Models from Units other than the Target Unit are fully or partially covered by the Blast Marker, then a new Fire Group must be created for those Hits and set to one side. Continue resolving the Shooting Attack on the original Target Unit, and once that Shooting Attack has been completely resolved begin a new Shooting Attack to resolve those additional Fire Groups generated for Units other than the original Target Unit.
If the Hit Test is unsuccessful then no Hits are inflicted and the Player making the attack must make a Scatter Roll for the Blast Marker. Once a Scatter Roll has been made for the Blast Marker and it has been moved, one Hit is inflicted on a Unit for each Model from that Unit that is wholly or partially covered by the Blast Marker.
Hits can be scored on both friendly and enemy Units by attacks using the Blast (X) Special Rule. Hits inflicted by Weapons with the Blast (X) Special Rule are allocated in the same manner as other Hits, regardless of which actual Models were under the Blast Marker and the Blast Marker may not be used to inflict Hits on specific Models.
If a Fire Group includes multiple attacks made with the Blast (X) Special Rule, do not place multiple Blast Markers. A single Blast Marker is placed using the Rules detailed above, and a Hit Test is made for each attack in that Fire Group. For each successful Hit Test, one Hit is inflicted for each Model from the target Unit that is fully or partially under the Blast Marker. If any Hit Tests are unsuccessful then, after any Hits made by successful Hit Tests are counted, a single Scatter Roll is made for the Blast Marker, regardless of the total number of unsuccessful Hit Tests. For each Hit Test that was unsuccessful, one Hit is inflicted on a Unit for each Model from that Unit that is wholly or partially covered by the Blast Marker after the Scatter Roll has been resolved.
Initiative Modifier (IM) – This Characteristic is applied as a modifier to a Model’s Initiative Characteristic to determine that Model’s Combat Initiative. A Weapon with an Initiative Modifier of 0 forces the Model attacking with it to set their Combat Initiative to a value of 0. Furthermore, a Weapon with an Initiative Modifier of ‘1’ imposes no modifier to the Initiative Characteristic of a Model.
Attacks Modifier (AM) – This Characteristic is applied as a modifier to a Model’s Attacks Characteristic to determine how many Dice are rolled when making attacks with this Weapon. A Weapon with an Attacks Modifier Characteristic of 0 may not be used to make attacks during the Fight Sub-Phase. Furthermore, a Weapon with an Attacks Modifier of ‘A’ imposes no modifier to the Attacks Characteristic of a Model.
Strength Modifier (SM) – This Characteristic is applied as a modifier to a Model’s Strength Characteristic to determine the Strength used to make Wound Tests in Combat. A Weapon with a Strength Modifier Characteristic of 0 automatically fails any Wound Tests during the Fight Sub-Phase and no Dice are rolled (if the Wound Test could have triggered a variable Special Rule, then that Rule is considered to automatically fail to activate as part of the Test). Furthermore, a Weapon with a Strength Modifier of ‘S’ imposes no modifier to the Strength Characteristic of a Model.
Fall Back – All Models in the Unit gain the Routed Status if they did not already have it. Units with the Routed Status must then make an immediate Fall Back Move.
LOCKED IN COMBAT – If the Assault Sequence ends and at least one Target Unit has neither been forced to Fall Back or been entirely Removed as Casualties, then the Units involved remain in place with at least one Model from each Unit in Base-to-Base Contact with an enemy Model. These Units are ‘Locked in Combat’ and may not be selected or moved in the Movement Phase or selected to make Shooting Attacks in the Shooting Phase. They may be selected during the Fight and Challenge Sub-Phases of the Assault Phase by the Active Player, but may not make a Charge or otherwise be selected in the Charge Sub-Phase.
Detonation
Designed to be carefully attached to a target and blast precise holes in the thickest armour, these cumbersome devices are ill-suited to open war. However, when a vulnerable target can be isolated in battle, there are no better tools for piercing its protection.
Weapons with this Special Rule can only attack Vehicles and immobile Models.A Weapon or attack with this Special Rule may only be selected during Step 2 of any Combat in the Fight Sub-Phase if the Unit making attacks is only Locked in Combat with enemy Units composed of Models with the Vehicle Type and Models with a Movement Characteristic of ‘0’ or ‘-’. If a Unit is Locked in Combat with any enemy Units that include any Models that do not have the Vehicle Type or a Movement Characteristic of ‘0’ or ‘-’ then no Model may use a Weapon or other attack that has this Special Rule.
A Weapon or other attack with this Special Rule may also be used to make attacks targeting a Model with the Building Type or a Terrain Piece that has a Toughness or Armour Characteristic.
Krak grenades
| Melee Weapon | |||||||
Melee Weapon | IM | AM | SM | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Krak grenades | |||||||
| Krak grenades | -3 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 2 | Detonation | - |
The [Allegiance] Trait is used in the following Legiones Astartes datasheets:
Infantry
Infantry units include all types of foot soldiers. Infantry are fairly slow moving, but can cross almost any terrain and make the best use of cover to avoid enemy fire.
Infantry is the most basic Type, and is applied to most Models in the game. A Model with the Infantry Type uses the Core Rules without modification, gaining neither benefit nor penalty. Models with the Infantry Type may Embark and Disembark upon Models with the Transport Sub-Type.Sergeant
The humble sergeant stands as one of the greatest weapons in the arsenals of any army. Skilled in war and in leadership, each sergeant is the beating heart of their unit and the cornerstone upon which victory is built.
The following Rules apply to all Models with the Sergeant Sub-Type:- The Controlling Player of a Unit that includes one or more Models with the Sergeant Sub-Type may use the Characteristics of one of those Models to resolve any Characteristic Check made for that Unit.
The Word Bearers Trait is used in the following Legiones Astartes datasheets:
Shred (X)
Designed to rip and tear flesh, some weapons are fearsome and intimidating tools of warfare. Whether by the gnashing teeth of a chainblade or the jagged edges of flechette ammunition, these weapons scythe great holes in the lines of even the toughest of infantry and the largest of warriors.
Attacks made with the Shred (X) Special Rule can sometimes inflict an extra point of Damage.When any Wound Test is made for an attack with the Shred (X) Special Rule, if the result of the Dice roll, before any modifiers are applied, is equal to or greater than the value of X attached to this variant of the Shred (X) Special Rule, then if a wound is inflicted by that Wound Test, the Damage Characteristic of that wound is increased by 1. Note that the Shred (X) Special Rule may only be triggered by a Wound Test and has no effect when making an Armour Penetration Test.
Breaching (X)
Designed to pierce the armour worn by heavy infantry, some weapons have gained a fearsome reputation on the battlefields of the Floras Heresy. While many such weapons are rare or temperamental in use, the sheer power of their attacks more than makes up for this.
With a Weapon that has the Breaching (X) Special Rule there is a chance that a Wound Test may result in the Wound ignoring Armour Saves.When any Wound Test is made for an attack with the Breaching (X) Special Rule, if the result of the Dice roll, before any modifiers are applied, is equal to or greater than the value of X attached to this variant of the Breaching (X) Special Rule, then if a wound is inflicted by that Wound Test, that wound becomes a ‘Breaching Wound’.
A Breaching Wound is always treated as having an AP Characteristic of 2 regardless of the Characteristics of the Weapon used to make the attack.
Combat Initiative Score – A Model’s Combat Initiative score is the combined value of that Model’s current Initiative Characteristic and the Initiative Modifier Characteristic of the Weapon used to make attacks for that Model. It determines in which Initiative Step attacks may be made for that Model.
Initiative Step – A Combat Round is made up of Initiative Steps, each of which has a value assigned to it to show the order in which they are resolved. In each Initiative Step, Models whose Combat Initiative score is equal to the value of the Initiative Step may make attacks. Initiative Steps are always resolved in descending order, from highest to lowest. As such, Initiative Step 10 is resolved before Initiative Step 9. Models removed from Combat before the Initiative Step in which they can attack lose the opportunity to make attacks.
COMBAT – A Combat is a reference to two or more Units conducting an ongoing struggle, where at least one Model from each Unit is in Base-to-Base Contact. Outside of the Assault Phase, a Combat is considered one entity and no other Unit may move through it or end a move within 1" of any Model in the Combat. No Unit in a Combat may be the target of any Shooting Attack.
ENGAGED
A Model is Engaged if either:
A Model is Engaged if either:
- That Model is in Base Contact with an enemy Model in the same Combat.
- That Model is no more than 2" from another Model in the same Unit which is in Base Contact with an enemy Model.
Precision (X)
On the battlefields of the Horus Heresy, precision proves far more valuable than wanton carnage, allowing attacks to be placed on the most valuable targets and not the chaff of the enemy army. Whether through well-honed skill or artfully crafted weapons, warriors capable of such feats are highly sought after in any host.
Attacks made with the Precision (X) Special Rule are allocated by the Attacking Player, not the Defender.When any Hit Test is made for an attack with the Precision (X) Special Rule, if the result of the Dice roll, before any modifiers are applied, is equal to or greater than the value of X attached to this variant of the Precision (X) Special Rule, then if a Hit is inflicted by that roll, that Hit becomes a ‘Precision Hit’.
These Precision Hits must form a separate Fire Group or Strike Group. Wound Tests are made as normal for Precision Hits and cause Precision wounds. In Step 8 of the Shooting Attack process or Step 7 of the Initiative Step sequence, when selecting a Target Model for a Fire Group or Strike Group that is made up of Precision wounds, the Target Model is not selected using the normal Rules. Instead the attacking Player chooses which Model in the Target Unit will be the Target Model, and may select any Model that is a part of that Unit.
Note that Models Engaged in a Challenge cannot use this Special Rule to allocate Hits to any Model other than the enemy Model that is Engaged in the same Challenge and that any attacks which are made as Snap Shots, or for Weapons or attacks that have either the Blast (X), Barrage (X), Template or Reaping Blow (X) Special Rules, may never trigger the Precision (X) Special Rule no matter what the result of the Hit Test is.
Penetrating Hits – For each Penetrating Hit result, the target Unit suffers 1 Penetrating Hit. If available, any Saving Throws or Damage Mitigation Rolls may be made to discard the Penetrating Hit in the appropriate Step of the attack process (see the Rules for Shooting Attacks or Melee Attacks). If not discarded due to a Saving Throw or Damage Mitigation Roll the Model will lose a number of Hull Points equal to the Damage Characteristic of the Penetrating Hit, which is decided by the Characteristics of the Weapon used to inflict the Penetrating Hit in the same manner as wounds.
Glancing Hits – A Glancing Hit inflicts no Damage, however for each Glancing Hit, the attacking Player must roll once on the Vehicle Damage Table in Step 11 of the Shooting Attack process or Step 10 of the Initiative Step process (Players may find it useful to place a marker to remind them of this).
The Death Guard Trait is used in the following Legiones Astartes datasheets:
The Thousand Sons Trait is used in the following Legiones Astartes datasheets:
Overload (X)
Some weapons are almost as dangerous to the wielder as to the foe. Supercharged powerpacks can explode in combat or volatile munitions can jam or even detonate, all of which can prove deadly to those charged with deploying such weapons.
Weapons with this Special Rule may inflict Hits on the Models making Shooting Attacks with them.When the Controlling Player declares that attacks will be made for a Model using a Weapon or profile that has the Overload (X) Special Rule, any Hit Tests made for those attacks that result in a number that is equal to or less than the value of X attached to the variant of the Overload Special Rule that the Weapon had, before any modifiers are applied to the roll, are Misfires.
For Weapons that do not make Hit Tests, such as Weapons with the Template Special Rule, instead roll a number of dice equal to the Firepower Characteristic of the Weapon used to make the attack after the attack has been declared and the number of Models hit is determined. Each Dice that results in a number equal to or less than the value of X attached to the variant of the Overload Special Rule that the Weapon had creates a Misfire. This does not affect the number of Hits on the Target Unit created by this attack.
For each Misfire, the Unit for which the Hit Tests were made suffer a Hit - these Hits must form a new Fire Group or Strike Group, referred to as the ‘Misfire Group’.
Once the current Shooting Attack and any Reactions triggered by it have been fully resolved, the Misfire Group must be resolved. A Misfire Group is resolved in the same way as any other Fire Group or Strike Group, using the Profile of the Weapon used for the Fire Group or Strike Group it was created from. Wounds, Glancing Hits or Penetrating Hits from this Misfire Group are allocated by the Controlling Player, and must be allocated to a Model that made attacks as part of the Fire Group or Strike Group that generated the Misfire Group. If a Hit from a Misfire Group is generated by an attack made by a Model with the Vehicle Type, then it is resolved against the lowest Armour Value from all of the Model’s facings.
Hits, wounds or Casualties inflicted upon a Unit as a result of this Special Rule do not cause Leadership or Cool Checks, and Hits inflicted as part of a Misfire Group do not trigger any Special Rules that take effect as a result of a certain value on a Hit Test.
Template
Template weapons shoot clouds of fire, gas or other lethal substances, rather than shells or bullets.
Weapons and attacks with the Template Special Rule use the Flame Template to determine how many Models they Hit.When making attacks for a Weapon or other effect that has the Template Special Rule, or otherwise uses a Template, no Hit Tests are made for the attack. Instead, when directed to make Hit Tests for such an attack, a single Template is placed to determine how many Hits are generated. A Template must be placed so that its narrow end is touching the Base of the Model, the edge of a Model’s Hull (if it has the Vehicle Type) or other point being used to make the attack, and so that no part of the Template covers or touches a friendly Model’s Base, Hull or otherwise would inflict Hits on a friendly Model. Within these restrictions, the Player making the attack may place the Template in an orientation of their choosing as long as at least one Model from the original Target Unit remains under the Template. If the Template cannot be placed under these restrictions, such as if it cannot be placed without covering or touching friendly Models, then no attack may be made.
Once the Template has been placed, a number of Hits using the profile of the Weapon or effect are inflicted on the Target Unit equal to the number of Models touched or covered by the Template. If the Weapon or attack has a Firepower Characteristic greater than 1 then only a single Template is placed, but the number of Hits inflicted per Model touched or covered by the Template is equal to the Firepower Characteristic of the attack or Weapon. If more than one enemy Unit has Models that are touched or covered by the Template in its final position, then Hits are inflicted on all such Units as noted above, Hits on Units other than the original target form a new Fire Group that must be placed to one side and used to resolve a separate Shooting Attack on the additional Target Unit once all attacks and Fire Groups from the original Shooting Attack have been fully resolved. When resolving Armour Penetration Tests for Hits inflicted by a Weapon with this Special Rule, the position of the Model that was used to make the attack is used to determine which Armour Facing is used.
Note that the Rules require a Template to be placed in Base Contact with the Model being used to make the attack, but this Model is not counted as having been Hit by the attack and does not stop the attack from being made. However, this only applies to the individual Model being used to make the attack, not to other Models in the same Unit.
Weapons with this Special Rule will have their Range Characteristic as Template’. This does not count as a value of ‘0’ or ‘-’. If a Rule requires a number for the Range Characteristic then all Weapons and attacks with this Special Rule are considered to have a Range Characteristic of ‘8’.
OTHER TEMPLATES
In some rare cases a Weapon may use a different Template than the standard Flame Template, in these cases the Template Rule may be expressed with a bracketed section stating which Template must be used when attacking with that Weapon. Otherwise, the Rules for its use are unchanged from those noted under the Template Special Rule, with the exception of the Range Characteristic it is considered to have.
An example of this is the use of the Hellstorm Template for certain very large Weapons. In this case the Rule would be expressed as ‘Template (Hellstorm)’ and the attack would be resolved using the Template Special Rule, but placing the larger Hellstorm Template. Weapons with the Template (Hellstorm) Special Rule are considered to have a Range Characteristic of ‘16’ when a Rule requires such weapons to have a numbered Range Characteristic.
In some rare cases a Weapon may use a different Template than the standard Flame Template, in these cases the Template Rule may be expressed with a bracketed section stating which Template must be used when attacking with that Weapon. Otherwise, the Rules for its use are unchanged from those noted under the Template Special Rule, with the exception of the Range Characteristic it is considered to have.
An example of this is the use of the Hellstorm Template for certain very large Weapons. In this case the Rule would be expressed as ‘Template (Hellstorm)’ and the attack would be resolved using the Template Special Rule, but placing the larger Hellstorm Template. Weapons with the Template (Hellstorm) Special Rule are considered to have a Range Characteristic of ‘16’ when a Rule requires such weapons to have a numbered Range Characteristic.
Deflagrate (X)
Exotic beam weapons of arcing energy or sequential explosions triggered by the death of the first victim, some weapons cause not a single casualty, but a slew of them. Such weapons are wielded with grim efficiency against close packed formations of troops on the battlefields of the Horus Heresy. The most well-known examples are the volkite weapons of Mars, but many others are known.
Unsaved Wounds inflicted by attacks with the Deflagrate (X) Special Rule can cause additional Hits.At the end of Step 9 of the Shooting Attack process for any Fire Group or Strike Group that includes Weapons with the Deflagrate (X) Special Rule, create a new Fire Group or Strike Group that must then be selected in Step 10 and resolved. This new Fire Group or Strike Group includes a number of Hits equal to the number of Unsaved Wounds caused by the Fire Group or Strike Group that triggered its creation. These Hits all have a Strength equal to the value of X attached to the variant of the Deflagrate (X) Special Rule possessed by Weapons in the preceding Fire Group or Strike Group, an AP of a Damage of 1 and no Special Rules.
Poisoned (X)
Poison is a subtle weapon, relying not on brute strength to bring harm to the foe, hut on its own insidious bite. Though some consider it a dishonourable tool, there are many that are willing to make use of it in the name of victory.
A Weapon with the Poisoned (X) Special Rule has a chance to cause a wound regardless of the target’s Toughness.When making Wound Tests for Hits that have the Poisoned (X) Special Rule, if the result of any Dice rolled is equal to or greater than the value of X attached to the specific variant of this Special Rule then a wound is caused automatically, regardless of the Toughness Characteristic used to determine the Target Number. A Hit that has this Special Rule may still inflict a wound by passing a Wound Test as normal, instead of using this Special Rule, but never inflicts more than 1 wound if it would both pass the Wound Test and trigger the Poisoned (X) Special Rule. Wounds caused using the Poison (X) Special Rule retain the AP and Damage of the Weapon and Saving Throws and Damage Mitigation Tests may be made to discard them as normal. The Poisoned (X) Special Rule has no effect on Models that have the Vehicle Type, and limited effect on Models with the Automata or Walker Types.
Alchem Caster
A specific addition to the Tartaros-derived plate worn by the Deathshroud of the XIVth Legion, these wrist-mounted projectors are loaded with various highly caustic and toxic compounds to be unleashed upon the enemy in the close press of assault.
| Ranged Weapon | |||||||
Ranged Weapon | R | FP | RS | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Alchem Caster | |||||||
| Alchem caster | Template | 1 | 3 | - | 1 | Template, Pistol, Poisoned (2+) | Assault |
Æther-fire pistol
| Ranged Weapon | |||||||
Ranged Weapon | R | FP | RS | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Æther-fire pistol | |||||||
| Æther-fire pistol | 10 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 2 | Pistol, Breaching (6+) | Assault, Psychic |
Warpfire pistol
| Ranged Weapon | |||||||
Ranged Weapon | R | FP | RS | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Warpfire pistol | |||||||
| Warpfire pistol | 12 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | Pistol, Breaching (5+), Shred (6+) | Assault, Plasma |
Legion Pistols
- - Plasma pistol+5 points
- - Hand flamer+5 points
- - Volkite serpenta+5 points
- - Alchem caster1+5 points
- - Æther-fire pistol2+10 points
- - Warpfire pistol3+15 points
1 This item can be selected for a Model with the Death Guard Trait.
2 This item can be selected for a Model with the Thousand Sons Trait.
3 This item can be selected for a Model with the Word Bearers Trait.
Army List
Datasheets collatedFaction Rules
• Wargear
Frag Grenades
This class of grenade contains only a small explosive charge, and is intended primarily to disorientate and distract the foe while closing on a fixed position.
Frag grenades can be used to make attacks during the Volley Step.When making Volley Attacks during Step 4 of the Charge Procedure with a Unit that includes at least one Model with frag grenades, the Controlling Player may choose to make a single attack with a frag grenade instead of making a normal Shooting Attack using the following profile:
| Ranged Weapon | |||||||
Ranged Weapon | R | FP | RS | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Frag Grenades | |||||||
| Frag Grenades | 6 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 1 | Blast (3") | Assault |
Player
A Player is the actual person moving Models and making rolls, the Player of the game. Battles will include more than one Player, and the Rules will often refer to the Active Player (the Player currently taking their Player Turn) and the Reactive Player (the Player not currently taking their Player Turn, and thus only allowed to interact with the game through Reactions) in order to differentiate between them. Sometimes the Rules will also refer to the Controlling Player, that is the Player that Controls the Unit, Model or other game element the Rule is referring to.
This datasheet has Elites Battlefield Role. Full list of Legiones Astartes units sharing same Battlefield Role follows:
Elites
Trait: Psyker
Many of the Rules for psychic abilities will only be usable by a ‘Psyker’. A Psyker is any Model that has the Psyker Trait on their profile. As with all Traits, the Psyker Trait grants no Rules to a Model in and of itself, nor does it grant any Psychic Weapons, Powers or Reactions, it simply allows a Model to make use of Rules that require a Psyker in order to function, or as a trigger for Rules that target Psykers. For a Model to gain one or more Psychic Weapons, Powers or Reactions, they must either be listed on their profile or selected as options during Army Selection.
Invulnerable Tests
Invulnerable Saves are listed as a Characteristic on each Model’s Profile, and can also be applied by Special Rules or Wargear.If a Model cannot have an Armour Test or Cover Test made for it, or the Controlling Player chooses not to make an Armour Test or a Cover Test, but has access to an Invulnerable Save then that Saving Throw may be made instead of an Armour Test or a Cover Test. An Invulnerable Test is resolved in exactly the same manner as an Armour Test. Note that Invulnerable Tests are not affected by the AP value of a wound, however a Model may not have a Invulnerable Test made for it if:
- A Special Rule or other effect attached to the wound specifies that it ignores Invulnerable Tests or that no Invulnerable Test may be made.
- An Invulnerable Test may be taken to discard a Penetrating Hit if one is available to the Model.
No more than one Saving Throw of any kind may be made for a given wound or Penetrating Hit. If more than one type of Saving Throw is available then the Controlling Player must select one Saving Throw to make, and may not make any other Saving Throws for that wound or Penetrating Hit - if multiple wounds of the same value or Penetrating Hits are to be resolved then the same type of Saving Throw does not have to be used to resolve them, but this may prove easier and quicker in practice.
Characteristic Checks
The most common type of Check is the Characteristic Check, often separately named for the Characteristic to be checked (e.g., Leadership Check, Intelligence Check, Cool Check or Willpower Check).When a Characteristic Check is made for an individual Model, then the Target Number for the Check is always equal to the value of the Characteristic of the same name possessed by the Model. For example, the Target Number of a Willpower Check made for a Model with Willpower 7 would be 7.
When a Characteristic Check is made for a Unit rather than an individual Model, the Target Number for the Check is equal to the value of the Characteristic of the same name possessed by the Model with the lowest Characteristic of the same name in the Unit. For example, the Target Number of a Leadership Check made for a Unit that includes Models with Leadership Characteristics of 6, 8 and 10 would be 6 - the lowest of the available Characteristic values. Note that if the Unit includes a Model with the Sergeant or Command Sub-Types then that Model’s Characteristic may always be used instead of any other Model’s.
In most cases if a Check is passed then there is no further effect, while failure will often result in the Model for which the Check is made being affected by the Rule which called for the Check. Unlike Tests, Checks must be rolled one at a time and should not be rolled in batches in order to avoid confusion over which Dice refer to which Check.
The Psyker Trait is used in the following Legiones Astartes datasheets:
War Engine
Trait
A Trait is similar to a Characteristic, in that it is attached to specific Models, however a Trait has no numerical value attached to it. Unlike Characteristics a Trait has no intrinsic Rules attached to it, but other Rules may operate differently when targeting a Model with a specific Trait.
Hand flamer
| Ranged Weapon | |||||||
Ranged Weapon | R | FP | RS | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Hand flamer | |||||||
| Hand flamer | Template | 1 | 3 | - | 1 | Template, Pistol | Assault, Flame |
The Thousand Sons Trait is used in the following Legiones Astartes datasheets:
Paired Achea Force Swords
Each Khenetai wields a pair of Achean force swords in perfect unison. In concert with their fellows, no foe can stand before them, as they are laid low in a storm of charged blades.
| Melee Weapon | |||||||
Melee Weapon | IM | AM | SM | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Paired Achea Force Swords | |||||||
| Paired Achea force swords | I | +1 | +1 | 3 | 1 | Breaching (5+) | Psychic |
Warriors of the Khenetai
One of many lesser cults within the Prosperine Arcana, the Khenetai were few in number but renowned for the dedication and skill of the blademasters that filled their ranks. Unlike other warriors of the Thousand Sons, they focused their power inwards, using it to boost their prowess with the blade beyond the capability of any ordinary warrior.
Khenetai Blade Occult Models have a specific Prosperine Arcana.A Unit that includes Models with this Special Rule cannot have a Prosperine Arcana selected for it. Instead, they have the Khenetai Prosperine Arcana. This follows all the Rules for Prosperine Arcana.
All Models in a Unit with the Khenetai Prosperine Arcana gains the following benefits:
- The Bladeweaving Psychic Reaction
- The Mindsong of Blades Psychic Power
- The ‘Khenetai’ Trait
BLADEWEAVING
(Psychic Reaction, Blessing)
Trigger: The Reactive Player may choose to declare a Bladeweaving Psychic Reaction in the Assault Phase, at the start of Step 4 of the Charge Process, if the Active Player declares a Charge targeting a Unit that includes at least one Model with the Khenetai Trait.
Cost: The Reactive Player must spend 1 point of their Reaction Allotment to declare a Bladeweaving Psychic Reaction. This cost is paid if the Willpower Check is successful. If the Willpower Check fails, the cost is not paid.
Focus: The Focus of this Psychic Reaction must be a Model with the Khenetai Trait under the Reactive Player’s control, and must be a part of the Unit targeted by the Charge that triggered this Psychic Reaction.
Target: The Target Unit must be the Unit that is the target of the Charge that triggered the Reaction.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Reaction last until the end of the Fight Sub-Phase in which it was declared.
Process
(Psychic Reaction, Blessing)
Fighting with minds linked, each warrior utilises their paired blades to deflect strikes intended for themselves, but also their fellows, weaving an impenetrable net of empowered blades around themselves.
This Psychic Reaction allows the Unit to gain an Invulnerable Saving Throw against Volley and Melee Attacks.Trigger: The Reactive Player may choose to declare a Bladeweaving Psychic Reaction in the Assault Phase, at the start of Step 4 of the Charge Process, if the Active Player declares a Charge targeting a Unit that includes at least one Model with the Khenetai Trait.
Cost: The Reactive Player must spend 1 point of their Reaction Allotment to declare a Bladeweaving Psychic Reaction. This cost is paid if the Willpower Check is successful. If the Willpower Check fails, the cost is not paid.
Focus: The Focus of this Psychic Reaction must be a Model with the Khenetai Trait under the Reactive Player’s control, and must be a part of the Unit targeted by the Charge that triggered this Psychic Reaction.
Target: The Target Unit must be the Unit that is the target of the Charge that triggered the Reaction.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Reaction last until the end of the Fight Sub-Phase in which it was declared.
Process
- Once the Focus and Target Unit have been decided, the Controlling Player of the Focus must make a Manifestation Check.
- If the Manifestation Check is successful, then all Models in the Unit that is the target of the Blessing gain a 5+ Invulnerable Saving Throw against any wounds inflicted.
- If the Manifestation Check fails then there is no further effect.
MINDSONG OF BLADES
(Psychic Power, Blessing)
Trigger: The Active Player may choose to Manifest the Mindsong of Blades Psychic Power in the Assault Phase, at the start of the Declare Weapons and Set Initiative Steps Step of a Combat that includes a Unit with at least one Model with the Khenetai Trait.
Focus: The Focus of the Power must be a Model with the Khenetai Trait that is part of a Unit that is in the Combat.
Target: The Target Unit must be the Unit that the Focus is part of.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Power last until the end of the Fight Sub-Phase being resolved.
Process
(Psychic Power, Blessing)
This psychic technique is unique to the Khenetai Cult, one of hundreds of lesser cults that flourished in the short span of Magnus’ rule over Prospero. In battle these warriors forged a link between themselves and their weapons, performing feats of martial splendour that even the most well-trained warriors could not match.
This Psychic Power grants paired Achea force swords the Precision (5+) Special Rule.Trigger: The Active Player may choose to Manifest the Mindsong of Blades Psychic Power in the Assault Phase, at the start of the Declare Weapons and Set Initiative Steps Step of a Combat that includes a Unit with at least one Model with the Khenetai Trait.
Focus: The Focus of the Power must be a Model with the Khenetai Trait that is part of a Unit that is in the Combat.
Target: The Target Unit must be the Unit that the Focus is part of.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Power last until the end of the Fight Sub-Phase being resolved.
Process
- Once the Focus and Target Unit have been decided, the Controlling Player of the Focus must make a Manifestation Check.
- If the Manifestation Check is successful, then all paired Achea force swords that Models in the Target Unit have gain the Precision (5+) Special Rule.
- If the Manifestation Check fails then there is no further effect.