Armoury of the Age of Darkness
Books
| Book | Kind | Edition | Version | Last update |
 Age of Darkness Rulebook | ||||
| Age of Darkness Rulebook | Rulebook | 3 | 1.1 | October 2025 |
CORE SPECIAL RULES
Special Rules are more complicated additions to the Core Rules presented prior to this. They deal with more niche situations or specific exceptions to the Core Rules that allow Models and Units to properly fill the roles they have on the Battlefield. Not all Units or Models will have Special Rules, and some will have more than one, but proper use of Special Rules on the Battlefield can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
Note that in all cases a Special Rule overrides a Rule - meaning that if the Rules state one thing, but a Special Rule contradicts them, then the Special Rule is followed where applicable. All Rules prior to this section are considered to be Rules and not Special Rules, unless specifically noted otherwise.
The following comprise the core Special Rules, used by Models from any and all Factions. Other publications may present additional Special Rules for use with certain Faction or Units. These Special Rules are treated in the same manner as the Special Rules presented here.
In all cases, the Special Rule will indicate how it uses the value X in play and what values Players can expect to see. Once X has been replaced on a specific Model’s profile, that is considered a specific variant of the Special Rule, counting as a separate Rule. As such, Shred (3+) and Shred (5+) are considered different Special Rules, both variants of the Shred (X) Special Rule. No Model may have more than one variant of a given variable Special Rule; if another Rule or effect would grant a Model another variant of a Special Rule that Model already has then it retains the variant with the most favourable value of X (as decided by the Controlling Player). The values of X for any variable Special Rules are never combined and do not stack under any circumstances. Furthermore, no Hit, wound or Unsaved Wound can benefit from the effects of any Special Rule more than once.
Note that in all cases a Special Rule overrides a Rule - meaning that if the Rules state one thing, but a Special Rule contradicts them, then the Special Rule is followed where applicable. All Rules prior to this section are considered to be Rules and not Special Rules, unless specifically noted otherwise.
The following comprise the core Special Rules, used by Models from any and all Factions. Other publications may present additional Special Rules for use with certain Faction or Units. These Special Rules are treated in the same manner as the Special Rules presented here.
Variable Special Rules and the Value of X
Many of the Special Rules found in this section have ‘(X)’ appended to them, such as ‘Shred (X)’. This indicates that the Special Rule is a Variable Special Rule, where the value of X can change from case to case, allowing the Special Rule to represent a number of different situations and circumstances. On actual Models, such Special Rules will replace the value X with another value - for example a Model might have the following Special Rules: Shred (4+) and Impact (Strength).In all cases, the Special Rule will indicate how it uses the value X in play and what values Players can expect to see. Once X has been replaced on a specific Model’s profile, that is considered a specific variant of the Special Rule, counting as a separate Rule. As such, Shred (3+) and Shred (5+) are considered different Special Rules, both variants of the Shred (X) Special Rule. No Model may have more than one variant of a given variable Special Rule; if another Rule or effect would grant a Model another variant of a Special Rule that Model already has then it retains the variant with the most favourable value of X (as decided by the Controlling Player). The values of X for any variable Special Rules are never combined and do not stack under any circumstances. Furthermore, no Hit, wound or Unsaved Wound can benefit from the effects of any Special Rule more than once.
Armourbane
Heavy beams and armour-piercing cannon rarely inflict superficial damage, but always blast and break the hull of their target. Such weapons are superior tank killers, their sheer power prized over lesser weapons when the objective is to apply maximum damage without concern for finesse.
A Weapon with the Armourbane Special Rule counts Glancing Hits as Penetrating Hits.When making Armour Penetration Tests for an attack with this Special Rule, a result that is equal to, or greater than, the target Armour Value inflicts a Penetrating Hit. A Weapon with this Special Rule can never inflict a Glancing Hit, and any Rule that would force them to do so instead inflicts a Penetrating Hit.
Assault Vehicle
Some vehicles are designed to deploy assault troops directly into the heart of combat. Whether by means of assault ramps or other methods, they allow the troops aboard to disembark in fighting order and engage the foe without delay.
A Vehicle with this Special Rule allows Models to Disembark and Charge without penalty.A Unit that is Disembarked from another Model that has the Assault Vehicle Special Rule may have a Charge declared for it in the Charge Sub-Phase of the same Player Turn without being forced to make a Disordered Charge.
Auto-repair (X)
Some vehicles are either fitted with sophisticated auto-repair systems, or are simple enough in construction that their crew can effect repairs in the field. Such vehicles are able to shrug off minor damage that would otherwise reduce the fighting ability of their war machine.
A Model with this Special Rule has a bonus to Repair Tests to remove Statuses.If the Active Player makes a Repair Test in the Statuses Sub-Phase of the End Phase for a Model with the Vehicle Type with this Special Rule, they ignore the usual Target Number of 6. Instead, the value of X attached to the variant of this Special Rule is used as the Target Number for that Repair Test. For example, a Model with the Auto-repair (4+) Special Rule would pass any Repair Tests made for it on the result of a 4 or higher.
Barrage (X)
Long range artillery fire is the terror of any infantry advance, striking its targets no matter what cover they seek or where they attempt to take shelter.
A Weapon with this Special Rule may be used to attack Target Units out of Line of Sight.If a Unit for which a Shooting Attack is made includes any Models with one or more Weapons with this Special Rule, then in Step 2 of the Shooting Attack process they may ignore the restriction on requiring Line of Sight to a Target Unit. If a Player uses this Special Rule to declare a Shooting Attack on a Unit that the attacking Unit cannot draw a Line of Sight to, then in Step 3 of the Shooting Attack process that Player may only declare attacks with Weapons that have this Special Rule.
If a Weapon with this Special Rule and the Blast (X) Special Rule is used to attack a Unit without Line of Sight to that Unit, then no Hit Test is made and an Indirect Scatter Roll must be made for the Blast Marker placed as part of the attack. If such a Weapon makes more than a single attack then a separate Indirect Scatter Roll is made for each attack. When making an Indirect Scatter Roll for such an attack, the number of Dice rolled alongside the Scatter Dice is determined by the value of X for the Weapon with the Barrage (X) Special Rule, the value of these Dice is then totalled to find the distance the attack Scatters.
Battlesmith (X)
An army without war engines is easy prey for the foe, and without specially trained warriors to repair those machines they will soon fail in the face of the Horus Heresy’s fury. Battlesmiths are charged with seeing to the care of the metal behemoths that lead every assault, keeping them operational and ensuring their guns never fall silent.
A Model with the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule can repair Vehicles, Automata and other mechanical Units.In the Controlling Player’s Movement Phase as the Active Player, when a Model with the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule has been selected, but either before or after it has been moved, the Controlling Player of that Model may activate this Special Rule. Once activated, the Controlling Player of the Model with the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule, hereafter referred to as the ‘Acting Model’, must select one friendly Model within 6" of the Acting Model. The Model selected must have the Vehicle, Automata or Walker Type and is hereafter referred to as the ‘Target Model’. Once a Target Model has been selected, the Player controlling the Acting Model must make an Intelligence Check for the Acting Model.
If the Check, is failed there is no further effect, but if the Check is passed then the Player controlling the Acting Model may select one of the following options:
- Repair – The Target Model gains a number of Wounds or Hull Points equal to the value of X in the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule variant possessed by the Acting Model. This cannot increase the Target Model’s Wounds or Hull Points above its Base Value.
- Restore – A number of Statuses equal to the value of X in the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule variant possessed by the Acting Model may be removed from the Target Model.
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.
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.
Bulky (X)
Transport vehicles are designed to balance armour and capacity, attempting to mount the most protection without compromising how many warriors they can carry. Yet, some warriors are plated in such imposing armour or even spawned in such an aberrant nature that they occupy far more space than any regular fighter. Such warriors are mighty in both power and stature, but prove more difficult to ferry into battle.
Models with the Bulky (X) Special Rule take up more space on Transport Models.A Model with the Bulky (X) Special Rule does not use up 1 Point of Transport Capacity when it Embarks on a Model with the Transport Sub-Type. Instead it uses up a number of points of Transport Capacity equal to the value of X attached to the variant of the Bulky (X) possessed by that Model.
Critical Hit (X)
Whether by dint of superior skill or exemplary wargear, some warriors are better able to place strikes on enemy weak points. Such attacks can fell even the most powerful foes with a single well-placed shot.
Attacks made with the Critical Hit (X) Special Rule have a chance to automatically cause a wound and inflict 1 extra point of Damage.When any Hit Test is made for an attack with the Critical Hit (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 Critical Hit (X) Special Rule, then if a Hit is inflicted by that Hit Test, that Hit becomes a ‘Critical Hit’.
A Critical Hit automatically inflicts a wound without any Dice being rolled, counting as the roll of a ‘6’ for any variable Special Rules that might be triggered by a Wound Test, and increases the Damage Characteristic of the Hit by +1.
Deep Strike
Deep strike deployments are usually conducted en-masse and at a distance from the enemy, lest the attacking force be destroyed in detail as it lands.
The Deep Strike Special Rule allows a Unit to enter play anywhere on the Battlefield.A Unit that includes only Models with the Deep Strike Special Rule that enters play from Reserves may make a Deep Strike instead of deploying as described in the Reserves Rules. No more than one Unit may attempt a Deep Strike in a given Player Turn. The Unit attempting a Deep Strike may have another Unit without the Deep Strike Special Rule Embarked upon it if the Deep Striking Unit includes Models with the Transport Sub-Type (note that some Missions may allow more Units to attempt a Deep Strike in the same Player Turn. This will be specifically noted in the Mission Special Rules section of that Mission). Note that in Missions where the Reserves Mission Special Rule is not in use, the Deep Strike Special Rule has no effect. Furthermore, Units may not make use of the Deep Strike Special Rule during the first Battle Turn, even if they enter play from Reserves.
To perform a Deep Strike, the Active Player must declare an Eligible Unit that has entered play from Reserves in the Reserves Sub-Phase as the Deep Striking Unit. The Active Player must then select one Model from that Unit and place it anywhere on the Battlefield. This Model must be placed at least 1" away from any enemy Model, Battlefield Edge or piece of Impassable Terrain. Once this first Model has been placed, the remaining Models in the Unit must be placed within Unit Coherency with at least one other Model in the same Unit and within 6" of the first Model placed. No Models may be placed within 1" of an enemy Model, any Battlefield Edge or a piece of Impassable Terrain. Any Models that cannot be placed using these Rules must be Removed as a Casualty immediately. This deployment must take place during the Reserves Sub-Phase, and a Unit that deploys as a Deep Strike may not move in the Move Sub-Phase of the same Player Turn or have a Charge declared for it in the Charge Sub-Phase of the same Player Turn, but may make Shooting Attacks as normal. A Unit that is Embarked on a Model that is deployed as part of a Deep Strike may Disembark during the Move Sub-Phase of the same Player Turn, but may not make any move other than the move made to Disembark and may not have a Charge declared for it in the Charge Sub-Phase of the same Player Turn.
Enemy Units may declare Intercept Reactions against a Unit deployed as part of a Deep Strike, but not Reposition Reactions.
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.
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.
Duellist’s Edge (X)
Some weapons are designed for use in personal challenges rather than the vulgar press of battle. Often light and perfectly balanced, they provide a key edge in duels and bouts of honour.
A Weapon with the Duellist’s Edge (X) Special Rule grants a bonus to Focus Rolls in Challenges.In Step 3 of the Challenge Sub-Phase, the Focus Step, if a Player has declared that the Model under their control will use a Weapon with the Duellist’s Edge (X) Special Rule or has the Duellist’s Edge (X) Special Rule, then that Player gains a bonus equal to the value of X on the Focus Roll.
Eternal Warrior (X)
Some warriors are either so preternaturally tough, so bitterly intransigent or so favoured by fortune that they can survive almost any attack. Devastating close combat strikes and huge explosions all fail to bring down this warrior in a single hit and only repeated attacks can end their rampage.
A Model with this Special Rule takes less Damage from attacks.When a Model with the Eternal Warrior (X) Special Rule is allocated an Unsaved Wound, the Damage of the Unsaved Wound is reduced by the value of X attached to the specific variant of the Eternal Warrior (X) Special Rule. The effects of this Special Rule cannot reduce the Damage of an Unsaved Wound to less than 1, regardless of the value of X.
Expendable (X)
Whether forsaken as oathbreakers or simply deemed beneath their superiors’ notice, there are some warriors for whom death offers neither glory nor honour.
A Player scores less Victory Points when they destroy a Unit that includes only Models with this Special Rule.The number of Victory Points scored by the opponent when a Unit that includes only Models with this Special Rule is entirely Removed as Casualties, for example, as part of the Vanguard (X) Special Rule, First Strike (X) or Slay the Warlord (X) Mission Special Rules, is reduced by the value of X, to a minimum of 1. If a Unit includes Models with different variants of this Special Rule, then the lowest value of X that was present on any Model in the Unit at the start of the Player Turn in which the last Model in the Unit is Removed as a Casualty is used to determine the effect of this Special Rule on that Unit.
Note that, if, at the start of any Player Turn a Unit includes any Models that do not have this Special Rule, then this Special Rule has no effect on that Unit for the duration of that Player Turn regardless of how many other Models in the Unit may have any variant of this Special Rule.
Explodes (X)
Volatile fuel, overpowered reactors or dangerous munitions can cause some war engines to explode when destroyed. Such explosions can prove devastating to friend and foe alike.
A Model with this Special Rule can explode and cause Hits to nearby Models and Units.Before a Model with the Explodes (X) Special Rule is Removed as a Casualty, the Controlling Player must roll a Dice. If the result of that roll equals or exceeds the value of X attached to this variant of the Explodes (X) Special Rule, the Model explodes. Every Unit with one or more Models within 6" of an exploding Model suffers a number of Hits equal to the Base Wounds Characteristic or Base Hull Points Characteristic of the exploding Model. Each such Hit has a Strength of 8, an AP of ‘-’ and a Damage of 1. Once all Hits caused by this Special Rule have been resolved, the Model with the Explodes (X) Special Rule is Removed as a Casualty as normal.
Fast (X)
Fleet of foot, genetically enhanced or technologically boosted, some warriors are simply faster than their peers. Such warriors can swiftly reach the most advantageous positions on the battlefield and carry the fight to the foe before they can react.
A Unit that only includes Models with the Fast (X) Special Rule gains a bonus to Rush and Charge Moves.When the Player controlling a Unit that is composed entirely of Models with the Fast (X) Special Rule elects to have that Unit Rush, add the value of X attached to the specific variant of Fast (X) to the distance the Unit can move. Likewise, when a Unit composed entirely of Models with the Fast (X) Special Rule is required to make a Charge Move, add the value of X attached to the specific variant of the Fast (X) Special Rule as a positive modifier to the Charge Roll. In any situation where a Unit includes Models with two or more variants of the Fast (X) Special Rule, the lowest possible modifier is used.
Fear (X)
Some warriors exude such a terrifying aura that even those hardened by war and death are apprehensive in their presence. Whether this is due to a reputation for cruelty or brutal slaughter or the result of some technological device or psychic glamour makes little difference in the effect it has on the battlefield. Wise commanders will seek to keep their distance and engage such fearsome enemies at range rather than risk their wrath.
Models near an enemy Model with the Fear (X) Special Rule must reduce their Advanced Characteristics.When any Model from a Unit is within 12" of an enemy Model with the Fear (X) Special Rule, all Models in that Unit must reduce their Leadership, Willpower, Cool and Intelligence Characteristics by the value of X. This negative modifier is removed as soon as no Models in a given Unit are within 12" of any Model with the Fear (X) Special Rule. If a Unit would be affected by multiple instances of the Fear (X) Special Rule, the value of X is not stacked and instead the single highest value is used as a negative modifier.
Feel No Pain (X)
Some warriors are so inured to pain and suffering that nothing but the most grievous of hurts will slow their onslaught. The only way to stop such a berserk is to hit them again and again until at last they fall, the toll of their hurts far more than any mortal warrior should be capable of bearing.
Feel No Pain (X) is a Damage Mitigation Test that may be taken in addition to a Saving Throw.A Model with the Feel No Pain (X) Special Rule gains a Feel No Pain Damage Mitigation Test that may be used in Step 9 of the Shooting Attack process or Step 8 of the Initiative Step of the Fight Sub-Phase process to discard wounds allocated to the Model. A Damage Mitigation Test may be made after and in addition to a Saving Throw. The Target Number for a Feel No Pain Damage Mitigation Test is the value of X attached to the specific variant of the Special Rule.
Firing Protocols (X)
By skill, technological aid or sheer brute strength, this warrior is capable of making use of more than one weapon when engaging the foe at range. Though far from efficient, such an assault is capable of overwhelming the foe with sheer firepower.
A Model with the Firing Protocols (X) Special Rule may attack with more than one ranged Weapon.A Model with the Firing Protocols (X) Special Rule that makes attacks as part of a Shooting Attack, may make attacks with a number of Weapons equal to the value of X attached to the specific variant of the Firing Protocols (X) Special Rule. The Model must have more than one Ranged Weapon to make use of this Special Rule and may not use the same Weapon more than once in the same Shooting Attack.
Force (X)
By force of will a trained battle-psyker can channel the eldritch power of the Warp into their weapons and magnify their power greatly. Such power can come at a great cost, and if the psyker’s control wavers, they may be devoured by the very power they sought to chain.
A Weapon with this Special Rule may double a Characteristic with a Willpower Check, but may suffer Perils of the Warp.When selected to be used as part of a Combat or Shooting Attack, a Willpower Check may be made for the Model that will use this Weapon to make attacks. If it is successful then the Characteristic listed as X is doubled (if that Characteristic is AP, then the AP is instead changed to AP 2). If a double is rolled when making this Willpower Check then the Model using the Weapon to make attacks suffers Perils of the Warp.
Hatred (X)
Hatred can be a force as potent as any munition, driving troops to fight harder and more ferociously. The Horus Heresy would stoke old hatreds and spawn many new ones, granting canny commanders ample opportunity to set troops against their chosen foes.
The Hatred (X) Special Rule grants bonuses against enemies of a specific Faction, Type or Trait.When Locked in Combat, or Engaged in a Challenge, with any enemy Models that have the Type or Trait that is the value of X, then all Models with this variant of the Hatred (X) Special Rule gain a bonus of +1 to all Wound Tests made in that Combat.
Heavy (X)
Some weapons are so heavy that, while they can be fired on the move, are more powerful when properly braced and made ready before shooting. Warriors on the battlefield must use their judgement to decide when speed is required and when the full firepower of their arsenal must be unleashed.
Weapons with the Heavy (X) Special Rule gain +1 to a Characteristic when Stationary.When making a Shooting Attack with a Weapon that has the Heavy (X) Special Rule, a modifier of +1 is added to a Characteristic if the Model with that Weapon is part of a Unit that remained Stationary in the Controlling Player’s previous Movement Phase. If the Characteristic listed is AP, then instead it improves the AP by one Step (see the Rules for modifying Saves and AP). The value of X in the specific variant of the Heavy (X) Special Rule determines which Characteristic gains the +1 modifier.
Heedless
Among the tumult of battle, some warriors take no stock in tactical considerations and focus solely upon the murderous arts demanded of them.
A Unit that includes any Models with this Special Rule cannot claim Objectives.A Unit that includes any Models with this Special Rule cannot Control or Contest any Objective Marker - this overrides any other Rule or Special Rule that may apply to the Unit regardless of the source of the Rule or effect.
Impact (X)
Some warriors are trained or equipped to make the most of the force of a charge. When they slam into enemy ranks, it is with the force of a thunderbolt.
On a successful Charge, a Model with the Impact (X) Special Rule temporarily increases a Characteristic by 1.If a Unit that includes any Models with the Impact (X) Special Rule or any Models that have any Weapons with the Impact (X) Special Rule, and that Unit makes a successful Charge, then this Special Rule is triggered. Once triggered, until the end of that Assault Phase, when making Melee Attacks for Models in that Unit, each Model or Weapon that is selected for one of those Models, that has a variant of this Special Rule gains a modifier of +1 to any Characteristics that is the value of X.
Infiltrate (X)
Some warriors are skilled at infiltrating enemy lines. When battle commences the foe will find such warriors almost upon them, ready to fight even before the first shot is fired.
Models with the Infiltrate (X) Special Rule can deploy outside of their Deployment Zone.At the start of a Mission, when deploying Units, the Controlling Player of a Unit that is composed entirely of Models with the Infiltrate (X) Special Rule may choose to deploy that Unit outside of that Player’s Deployment Zone. That Unit may be deployed anywhere that is either in the Controlling Player’s Deployment Zone or outside of the Opposing Player’s Deployment Zone and is at least a number of inches equal to the highest value of X attached to any variant of the Infiltrate (X) Special Rule in that Unit away from any enemy Model.
Units deployed using the Infiltrate (X) Special Rule are deployed at the same time as other Units under a Player’s control, unless the specific Rules of a given Mission state otherwise. The Infiltrate (X) Special Rule only has an effect when deploying Units before the start of the First Turn of a Battle, and Units deploying onto the Battlefield after the First Turn has begun gain no benefit from this Special Rule. A Unit that is deployed outside of the Controlling Player’s Deployment Zone by means of this Special Rule may not have a Charge declared for it in the First Battle Turn.
Light Transport
Some transports are made to carry a lighter cargo, and the bulkiest of troops cannot make use of them in combat.
Models with this Special Rule cannot carry Models with the Bulky (X) Special Rule.Models that have any variant of the Bulky (X) Special Rule may not Embark on a Model that has this Special Rule.
Limited (X)
Some weapons carry only a severely limited stock of munitions. Often intended as weapons of last resort, used at the correct point they can turn the tide of battle.
A Weapon with the Limited (X) Special Rule can only be used to attack a limited number of times per Battle.A Weapon with the Limited (X) Special Rule may only be used to make attacks as part of a Shooting Attack or Combat a number of times equal to the value of X attached to the specific variant of the Special Rule. Each time it is used to make attacks, the Firepower Characteristic or Attacks Modifier Characteristic of the Weapon is not modified by this Special Rule, only the number of times it may be selected in a given Battle.
Line (X)
Some units are drilled to hold the ground captured by the vanguard. Vigilant and steadfast, they are vital assets in any battle, standing sentinel over the vital objectives captured in any assault and holding back the foe’s counter-assault.
A Unit of Models with this Special Rule can control Objectives more easily and scores more Victory Points from controlling an Objective.If a Unit that Controls an Objective includes a majority of Models with the Line (X) Special Rule then, whenever the Controlling Player scores Victory Points for Controlling that Objective, an additional number of Victory Points equal to the value of X are scored. For example, a Unit of 10 Models, of which the majority have the Line (3) Special Rule, hold an Objective worth 1 Victory Point, when the Controlling Player scores Victory Points for that Objective, they would score a total of 4 Victory Points.
Furthermore, the value of X is added to the Tactical Strength of a Model that has that Special Rule to determine its ability to Control Objectives (see Core Mission Primary Objectives).
Move Through Cover
Pathfinders and scouts are vital parts of any army, able to lead troops through even the worst terrain at speed. Cunning generals will seek to use such troops to outflank and outmanoeuvre the foe.
The Move Through Cover Special Rule allows the penalties of terrain to be ignored.A Unit that includes at least one Model with the Move Through Cover Special Rule ignores the effects of Difficult Terrain and Dangerous Terrain. If called upon to take a Dangerous Terrain Test then such a Unit is assumed to automatically pass without any Dice being rolled.
Officer of the Line (X)
Some officers are not renowned for their skills in combat or for the great glories they have won, but rather for their steadfast leadership and skill in logistics. Often unassuming and under-appreciated, it is these warriors that hold the armies of the Imperium together and only the most foolish general will overlook them in favour of more vainglorious officers.
Models with this Special Rule allow more Auxiliary Detachments to be included in an Army.If a Model with this Special Rule is selected to fill a Command Slot in any Detachment in the Crusade Force Organisation Chart, then the Controlling Player may select a number of Auxiliary Detachments equal to the value of X in the specific variant of this Special Rule instead of just one.
Ordnance (X)
Huge artillery cannon and vast laser weapons are commonly employed as the primary armament of the greatest war machines of the Imperium. These weapons are devastating when properly braced and prepared for firing - more than capable of destroying smaller war engines in a single blast.
Weapons with the Ordnance (X) Special Rule double the value of a Characteristic when Stationary.When making a Shooting Attack with a Weapon that has the Ordnance (X) Special Rule, a modifier of x2 is applied to a Characteristic if the Model with that Weapon is part of a Unit that remained stationary in the Controlling Player’s previous Movement Phase (if that Characteristic is AP, then the AP is instead changed to AP 2). The value of X in the specific variant of the Ordnance (X) Special Rule determines which Characteristic gains the x2 modifier.
Outflank
Whether by stealth or sheer speed, some warriors approach the battlefield from unexpected directions. Such an attack can derail even the most well-laid plans and upend the strategies of any general, turning the tide of battle.
A Unit of Models with the Outflank Special Rule can enter play from outside of Deployment Zones.A Unit made up entirely of Models with this Special Rule that enters play from Reserves may do so from any point on the Battlefield Edge. The Unit may not enter play from any point that is within the Opposing Player’s Deployment Zone or within 7" of any enemy Model.
Note that a Unit Embarked on a Model with the Outflank Special Rule does not need to have the Outflank Special Rule in order for the Model it is Embarked upon to benefit from it. A Model that enters the Battlefield from a point outside of the Controlling Player’s Deployment Zone by means of this Special Rule, and any Units Embarked on such a Model, may not have a Charge declared for them in the Player Turn on which they enter play.
Panic (X)
Some weapons are so terrifyingly potent that their use instils abject fear in even the most strong-willed warriors. In the face of such wanton power the target can only flee or prepare for death, for few would live to tell of the true horrors of the Age of Darkness once they were unleashed on the battlefield.
Weapons and other attacks that have the Panic (X) Special Rule have a chance of inflicting the Routed Status on the Target Unit.If a Shooting Attack made for a Weapon or Model with this Special Rule inflicts one or more wounds on a Target Unit, regardless of whether any Damage is inflicted, that Target Unit must make a Leadership Check in the Morale Sub-Phase of the same Player Turn. If this Check is failed then all Models in the Unit gain the Routed Status, if the Check is passed then there is no further effect. The value of X attached to this Special Rule is applied as a negative modifier to the Leadership Characteristic of Models in the Target Unit when making Checks caused by an attack with this Special Rule. If the attack includes multiple Weapons with different versions of this Special Rule the modifiers do not stack - use only the greatest modifier.
Phage (X)
Vile toxins, exotic radiation and all-consuming chemical agents all sap the abilities of warriors in the field even as they kill them. Most terrible are the effects of phosphex, choking the life and strength from those it touches, or the fleshcorroding properties of the dreaded life-eater virus.
Unsaved Wounds with the Phage (X) Special Rule reduce a Characteristic by 1.If an attack made for a Weapon or Model with this Special Rule inflicts one or more Unsaved Wounds on a Target Unit, then once the Shooting Attack or Initiative Step in which the Unsaved Wound was inflicted has been completely resolved, all remaining Models in the Unit that was the target of the attack must reduce the Characteristic that is the value of X for that variant of the Phage (X) Special Rule by 1 for the remainder of the Battle. Models in a Unit may have any number of different Characteristics reduced by 1 by the Phage (X) Special Rule, but no individual Characteristic may be reduced by more than 1 by the Phage (X) Special Rule no matter how many Unsaved Wounds with any variant of that Special Rule are allocated to Models in that Unit.
Pinning (X)
The crack of the sniper’s rifle or the burst of heavy artillery, both signal a sudden and indiscriminate death and send infantry scurrying for cover. Such weapons are meant as much to pin the foe in place as to kill them, breaking up advancing ranks of troops and shattering defensive formations.
Weapons and other attacks that have the Pinning (X) Special Rule have a chance of inflicting the Pinned Status on the Target Unit.If a Shooting Attack made for a Weapon or Model with this Special Rule inflicts one or more wounds on a Target Unit, regardless of whether any Damage is inflicted, that Target Unit must make a Cool Check in the Morale Sub-Phase of the same Player Turn. If this Check is failed then all Models in the Unit gain the Pinned Status, if the Check is passed then there is no further effect. The value of X attached to this Special Rule is applied as a negative modifier to the Cool Characteristic of Models in the Target Unit when making Checks caused by an attack with this Special Rule, if the attack includes multiple Weapons with different versions of this Special Rule the modifiers do not stack - use only the greatest modifier.
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.
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.
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.
Reaping Blow (X)
Whether by skill or the merits of a weapon’s design, some warriors are capable of sweeping strikes that scythe through the ranks of the foe.
If a Model with this Special Rule is outnumbered, it gains extra attacks.If a Model is outnumbered in Combat and either has this Special Rule or is made to attack with a Weapon that has this Special Rule, then that Model gains a bonus to its Attacks Characteristic equal to the value of X attached to the variant of this Special Rule it has access to. To be considered outnumbered, the total number of Friendly Models Locked in the same Combat must be less than the total number of Enemy Models Locked in the same Combat - Models with the Bulky (X) Special Rule count as a number of Models equal to the value of X in the variant of the Bulky (X) Special Rule that Model has. This Special Rule has no effect during the Challenge Sub-Phase, and no Model that is Engaged in a Challenge may gain additional Attacks due to this Special Rule.
Rending (X)
Some weapons cleave flesh with ease, inflicting terrible wounds that no mortal toughness can resist. Though of less use against armour and steel, such munitions are capable of tearing bloody holes in the ranks of advancing infantry and stalling any attack in its tracks.
With a Weapon that has the Rending (X) Special Rule, there is a chance that a Hit Test may result in an automatic wound.When any Hit Test is made for an attack with the Rending (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 Rending (X) Special Rule, then if a Hit is inflicted by that Hit Test, that Hit becomes a ‘Rending Hit’.
When required to make a Wound Test for a Rending Hit, no Dice are rolled and the Wound Test succeeds automatically regardless of the Weapon’s Strength or the Target’s Toughness. The Wound Test is treated as if the result had been ‘6’ for the purposes of any Rules that would be triggered on certain results of a Wound Test. Wounds caused by a Rending Hit use the AP and Damage Characteristics of the Weapon used to make the attack and retain any Special Rules that Weapon had.
If the Target Unit for an attack made with a Weapon that has this Special Rule includes any Models with the Vehicle Type, then this Special Rule has no effect.
Shock (X)
Blasts of exotic radiation, malignant scrap-code or other targeted attacks can render the systems of complex war engines vulnerable without penetrating their armour. While such weapons are less likely to leave their target as a broken ruin, the deleterious effects of their attacks can render even the most powerful war machines impotent.
Weapons with the Shock (X) Special Rule have a chance of inflicting Statuses on Vehicles even if it does not penetrate their armour.When making a Hit Test for a Weapon with this Special Rule against a Target Unit that includes any Models with the Vehicle Type or Walker Type, the result of the Hit Test before any modifiers are applied must be checked. If any Hit Test for a Weapon with the Shock (X) Special Rule results in a ‘5’ or ‘6’ before any modifiers are applied, then all Models with the Vehicle Type or Walker Type in the Target Unit gain a Status at the end of Step 11 of the Shooting Attack process or Step 10 of the Initiative Step process. The Status gained is indicated by the value of X attached to that variant of the Shock (X) Special Rule. If the Model already has the stated Status or the attack would apply the Status multiple times there is no additional effect and this Special Rule never causes a Model to lose Wounds or Hull Points. Hits inflicted by a Weapon with this Special Rule must still have Wound Tests or Armour Penetration Tests made for them, and are not discarded if they trigger this Special Rule.
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.
Shrouded (X)
Billowing clouds of smoke or fields of electromagnetic interference can hide warriors from the foe’s sight. That which cannot be struck, cannot be harmed and needs not the protection of heavy and encumbering armour.
Shrouded (X) is a Damage Mitigation Test that may be taken in addition to a Saving Throw.A Model with the Shrouded (X) Special Rule gains a Shrouded Damage Mitigation Test that may be used in Step 9 of the Shooting Attack process to discard Wounds allocated to the Model. A Damage Mitigation Test may be made after and in addition to a Saving Throw. The Target Number for a Shrouded Damage Mitigation Test is the value of X attached to the specific variant of the Special Rule. A Shrouded Damage Mitigation Test may not be made against wounds inflicted by a Melee Weapon.
Skyfire
Most combat aircraft fly at such speeds that regular weaponry is hard pressed to track or hit them. Only cannon and beams specifically designed to strike such swift targets have any hope of landing hits upon them by any means other than sheer luck.
Attacks made with the Skyfire Special Rule ignore penalties when attacking Flyers.A Hit Test made for a Weapon with the Skyfire Special Rule ignores any rule that would require attacks made targeting an enemy Unit that contains any Models with the Flyer Sub-Type to be made as Snap Shots. Instead such an attack makes a normal Hit Test using the Ballistic Skill of the attacking Model - this includes attacks made as part of any Reaction. A Unit that includes any Models with any Tactical Status may not benefit from the effects of this Special Rule.
Stun (X)
Some weapons are designed not only to kill and main, but also to shock and disorient the foe. Such weapons may rely on blinding flares, bursts of enervating energy or even subtle poisons to slow and disable the enemy, but their effects are the same. Debilitated and vulnerable, warriors struck by such weapons become easy prey.
Weapons and other attacks that have the Stun (X) Special Rule have a chance of inflicting the Stunned Status on the Target Unit.If a Shooting Attack made for a Weapon or Model with this Special Rule inflicts one or more Hits on a Target Unit, that Target Unit must make a Cool Check in the Morale Sub-Phase of the same Player Turn. If this Check is failed then all Models in the Unit gain the Stunned Status and if the Check is passed then there is no further effect. The value of X attached to this Rule is applied as a negative modifier to the Cool Characteristic of Models in the Target Unit when making Checks caused by an Attack with this Special Rule, if the attack includes multiple Weapons with different versions of this Special Rule the modifiers do not stack - use only the greatest modifier.
Support Unit (X)
Following behind frontline forces and providing fire support to overcome especially dug-in foes, some units are not equipped for holding positions or seizing ground, and instead focus their attention on aiding their allies.
A Unit that contains Models with this Special Rule scores fewer Victory Points for Controlling Objective Markers.A Unit that includes any Models with the Support Unit (X) Special Rule may only ever score a maximum number of Victory Points equal to the value of X for Controlling an Objective, regardless of the Value of that Objective, or any other Special Rules Models in that Unit might have (such as the Line (X) Special Rule).
Suppressive (X)
A hail of enemy gunfire serves to keep any warrior’s head down, and some weapons are designed specifically to suppress the foe. Only the most steadfast of troops will continue the advance when all they can hear is the whistle and crack of gunshots and the screams of the fallen.
Weapons and other attacks that have the Suppressive (X) Special Rule have a chance of inflicting the Suppressed Status on the Target Unit.If a Shooting Attack made for a Weapon or Model with this Special Rule inflicts one or more Hits on a Target Unit, that Target Unit must make a Cool Check in the Morale Sub-Phase of the same Player Turn. If this Check is failed all Models in the Unit gain the Suppressed Status, and if the Check is passed then there is no further effect. The value of X attached to this Rule is applied as a negative modifier to the Cool Characteristic of Models in the Target Unit when making Checks caused by an Attack with this Special Rule, if the attack includes multiple Weapons with different versions of this Special Rule the modifiers do not stack - use only the greatest modifier.
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.
Vanguard (X)
Warriors trained to break the foe’s lines are often at the forefront of their host, but are ill-suited to holding ground in the face of an enemy counter-attack.
A Unit that includes Models with this Special Rule scores fewer Victory Points for controlling Objectives, but can score Victory Points for destroying enemy Units that hold Objectives.A Unit that includes a majority of Models with the Vanguard (X) Special Rule may only ever score 1 Victory Point for Controlling an Objective, regardless of that Objective’s value. However, the Player that controls a Unit that includes a majority of Models with the Vanguard (X) Special Rule gains Victory Points equal to the value of X in the Vanguard (X) Special Rule, in addition to any Victory Points scored for controlling an Objective, whenever either of the following two statuses are fulfilled:
- If an attack made for a Unit that includes a majority of Models with the Vanguard (X) Special Rule causes the last Model in an enemy Unit that is Controlling or Contesting an Objective to be Removed as a Casualty.
- If a Unit that includes a majority of Models with the Vanguard (X) Special Rule has at least one attack made for it in a Combat that results in one or more enemy Units that had at least one Model within 3" of an Objective at the start of that Assault Phase either Falling Back from Combat or being Massacred.
Note that the Vanguard (X) Special Rule may only be used to score Victory Points once per Objective per Player Turn - no matter how many enemy Units were Controlling or Locked in Combat near that Objective.
OTHER SPECIAL RULES
Aegis of Pain
The Thallax of the Ordo Reductor are not automata, but rather living organisms reduced to little more than a nervous system and bound to an iron body. The cruel procedure that creates them grants them new power on the battlefield, but also leaves them tormented eternally by pain, with only the cybertheurgic limiters placed on their cortex preserving the last fragments of their sanity. When these limiters are deactivated, the Thallax can unleash their full power, but at the cost of a torment so terrible that their screams resound across the battlefield.
A Unit made up of Models with the Reductor Trait gain bonuses when they have Cybertheurgic Statuses.All Models in a Unit composed entirely of Models with this Special Rule and the Reductor Trait gain the Fear (1) Special Rule while any Models in that Unit also have one or more Cybertheurgic Statuses. If a Unit that includes any Models with this Special Rule already has any variant of the Fear (X) Special Rule, then this Special Rule has no effect and does not stack with or otherwise improve any existing variant of the Fear (X) Special Rule that any Model in the Unit has.
Aflame (X)
Some weapons are wreathed in flame emitted from small projectors, or burn with otherworldly fire, stirring a primaeval aversion in even the boldest warriors.
A Weapon with this Special Rule causes additional modifiers to a Target’s Leadership Characteristic.If a Melee Attack made for a Weapon or Model with this Special Rule inflicts one or more wounds on a Target Unit, regardless of whether any Damage is inflicted, until the end of the Phase, that Unit is considered to be ‘aflame’. If the Controlling Player of a Unit that is aflame is required to make a Leadership Check during that Phase for a Combat that includes that Unit, the value of X on this Special Rule is applied as an additional negative modifier to the Leadership Characteristic being used for that Check.
Armour-breaker (X)
Some weapons are designed to crack armour and deal massive damage to internal components of armoured fighting vehicles. Few tanks can withstand the firepower of such weapons for long.
Attacks made with the Armour-breaker (X) Special Rule can sometimes inflict an extra point of Damage.When any Armour Penetration Test is made for an attack or Model with the Armour-breaker (X) Special Rule, and it results in a Penetrating Hit - roll a Dice. If the result of that Dice roll is equal to or greater than the value of X attached to this variant of the Armour-breaker (X) Special Rule, then the Damage Characteristic of that Penetrating Hit is increased by 1. Note that the Armour-breaker (X) Special Rule may only be triggered by an Armour Penetration Test and has no effect when making a Wound Test.
Battle Meditation
To the devotees of the Myrmidax Cult a duel between champions is the apex of wisdom, pitting one combatants’ knowledge of battle against another. Such contests are the ultimate form of meditation to such warriors, to be sought after and relished. When engaged in such a duel a Myrmidon will put forth their utmost effort, ignoring even the worst of injuries in order to claim victory and the wisdom it will bring.
A Model with this Special Rule gains bonuses when engaged in a Challenge.A Model with this Special Rule gains the Feel No Pain (6+) Special Rule when engaged in a Challenge. If the enemy Model in the same Challenge has a Weapon Skill Characteristic equal to or greater than that of the Model with this Special Rule then the Model with this Special Rule instead gains the Feel No Pain (5+) Special Rule. If the Model with this Special Rule already has a variant of the Feel No Pain (X) Special Rule then this Special Rule has no effect and does not stack with or improve the existing variant of the Feel No Pain (X) Special Rule.
Bitter Duty
Some warriors are marked by the dire weaponry they bear or the grim tactics in which they are trained. These dour cohorts are shunned by their brethren, whether out of respect for their burden or from fear of their rage.
Models with this Special Rule may not join Units that do not also have this Special Rule.A Unit that includes any Models with this Special Rule can only join Units or be joined by other Models with this Special Rule.
Combi
Some weapons feature multiple weapons systems linked to the same trigger. Often each weapon will have a specific role, but in extremis, both can be fired simultaneously, blasting the foe with a variety of deadly munitions.
A Weapon with this Special Rule can fire multiple profiles simultaneously.Each time a Model makes a Shooting Attack with a Weapon Profile with this Special Rule, the Controlling Player can select another Profile from the same Weapon with this Special Rule and make attacks with it as part of the same Shooting Attack. Note that if that Profile also has the Limited (X) Special Rule, this does not allow it to be selected to make attacks more than the number of times equal to the value of X on that Special Rule.
Command Throne
By dint of advanced communication gear, cybertheurgic skill or simply a loud and commanding voice, some leaders are able to keep better control over the warriors under their command.
A Model with this Special Rule can reduce the costs of Reactions declared by the Controlling Player.If a Reaction is declared for a Unit that includes a majority of Models with any variant of the Mechanicum Trait, then the Controlling Player of the Reacting Unit may choose to make an Intelligence Check for any one Friendly Model with this Special Rule that is on the Battlefield - referred to here as the ‘Commanding Model’. The following modifiers are applied to the Commanding Model’s Intelligence Check:
- If the Reacting Unit is not in Line of Sight of the Commanding Model, modify the result of the Check by +4.
- If all Models in the Reacting Unit are more than 12" from the Commanding Model modify the result of the Check by +2.
- If the Reacting Unit includes a nuncio-vox or command vox relay then modify the result of the Check by -1.
If the Check is Successful then the Reaction declared has its cost reduced by 1 (to a minimum of 0). If the Check is failed then the Unit that includes the Commanding Model suffers Cybertheurgic Feedback.
Once a Reaction has had its cost reduced due to the effects of this Special Rule no further rolls may be made by any Models with this Special Rule to reduce the cost of any further Reactions made in the same Player Turn.
Compact
Some automata are designed to facilitate transport on the various armoured conveyors available to the armies of the Imperium. Some are flexible enough to fit through apertures intended for smaller beings, some are created so they can be folded into a compact travel mode and others are simply small.
A Model with this Special Rule may Embark or Disembark from a Transport, even if its Type would normally stop it from doing so.A Model with this Special Rule may Embark and Disembark from a Model with the Transport Sub-Type as though it had the Infantry Type. This does not replace its existing Type or grant it any other benefits of the Infantry Type, nor allow it to interact with other Rules or Special Rules that target or affect the Infantry Type.
Comptroller (X)
The armies of the Mechanicum are made of a host of terrors, from hulking automata to gruesome fusions of man and machine. Yet, while these war engines are capable of immense destruction, it is the tech-priests and magi of the Taghmata that direct them, and without these frail human components the Taghmata has little strategic unity or focus.
If a Model with this Special Rule is part of a Unit then it can score more Victory Points for holding an Objective.The number of Victory Points scored when a Unit that includes a Model with this Special Rule controls an Objective is increased by the value of X attached to this variant of the Special Rule. This Special Rule has no effect and no bonus Victory Points are scored if any of the following are true:
- The Unit controlling the Objective includes any Models with a different Faction to that of the Model with this Special Rule.
- The majority of Models in the Unit controlling the Objective have the Command, Specialist or Champion Sub-Types.
Firestorm
Many units within the Legion conduct warfare at pointblank distances, blasting their foes with a deluge of short ranged firepower.
A Model with this Special Rule does not have to make Volley Attacks as Snap Shots.When a Model with this Special Rule makes Volley Attacks, it is not required to fire Snap Shots. In addition, after making Volley Attacks in Step 4 of the Charge Procedure, a Unit containing any Models with this Special Rule is not required to make a Charge Roll in Step 5. If the Controlling Player chooses not to make a Charge Roll in Step 5 of the Charge Procedure then the Charge Procedure ends immediately.
Gun Emplacement
Mounted on a static cruciform carriage, this emplacement provides a stable firing platform for the armoured turret above.
A Model with this Special Rule has special restrictions that apply when ranges are measured to and from it.The hull of a Model with this Special Rule is only considered to be the central turret. The outriggers that form the gun carriage are ignored for all purposes.
Impact Reactive Doors
Many drop pods have doors or hatches designed to release via explosive bolts upon landing, either allowing their passengers to disembark as swiftly as possible or for built-in weaponry to be unleashed upon nearby foes.
A Model with this Special Rule must be deployed with its doors open.When a Model with this Special Rule is Deployed, any doors on the Model must be opened to their full extent. Any Unit Embarked upon a Model with this Special Rule must Disembark in the Move Sub-Phase immediately following the Reserves Sub-Phase in which it was Deployed. Any Model that cannot Disembark from the Model with this Special Rule in that Move Sub-Phase is Removed as a Casualty.
Furthermore, once a Unit has Disembarked from a Model with this Special Rule, no Models may Embark upon that Model with this Special Rule for the duration of the Battle.
Ranges or Line of Sight from this Model must be measured from the central hull, including for Disembarkation. The doors are ignored for all purposes.
Implacable Advance
The wargear of many Legiones Astartes warriors and war machines incorporates a variety of targeting and stabilisation systems, enabling larger weaponry to be brought to bear even at close ranges.
Models with this Special Rule can make Volley Attacks with other Weapons.The Controlling Player of a Model with this Special Rule treats all Ranged Weapons such a Model has that do not have any variant of the Heavy (X) Special Rule or Ordnance (X) Special Rule as having the Assault Trait.
Independent Fire
Whether by means of advanced targeting cogitators or by merit of numerous crew, each tasked with manning a separate gun, some armoured vehicles are capable of targeting numerous foes simultaneously. The hail of fire such vehicles can project far outweighs the lack of focus in their volleys.
Models with this Special Rule can shoot at multiple targets at full Ballistic Skill.When making multiple Shooting Attacks in the same Shooting Phase, a Model with this Special Rule and the Vehicle Type does not have to make all attacks as Snap Shots.
Legio Armsmen
The Secutarii are trained to fight as a screening force for the titans of their legio, and are inured to the many hardships of fighting on the same battlefield as a walking god of war.
Models with this Special Rule gain benefits when fighting alongside a friendly Titan.A Unit composed entirely of Models with this Special Rule ignores all penalties applied by the Titan War Horn (X) Special Rule. Furthermore, while a friendly Titan is on the Battlefield, all Models with this Special Rule add a modifier of +1 to their Leadership Characteristic. However, whenever a friendly Titan is Removed as a Casualty or otherwise destroyed then all Units that include any Models with this Special Rule must make an immediate Panic Check.
Limited Autonomy
Some automata include only a very limited cybernetica cortex, capable of processing only a limited set of instructions without outside input. Such automata are generally assigned as assistant units to magi or tech-priests or restricted to very specific duties. Despite these limitations, the specialised abilities of such units often make them indispensable on the battlefield.
Models with this Special Rule need a commander to move or attack.A Unit that includes any Models with this Special Rule that does not also include a Model with the Command Sub-Type or Sergeant Sub-Type, may not move in the Movement Phase, make Shooting Attacks in the Shooting Phase or Charge in the Assault Phase - but fights as normal if charged or part of an ongoing Combat.
Macro-auspex
Specialised auspexes designed to efficiently target larger war engines at great distances are often fitted to the largest titan weapons. These devices allow the long range duels of such gargantuan engines to be conducted at distances too great for most targeting units, but are less use when targeting smaller, closer enemies.
When not attacking Titans, Knights or Super-heavies, a Weapon with this Special Rule must make Snap Shots.If the target of a Shooting Attack is not a Unit entirely composed of Models with the Titan, Knight or Super-heavy Sub-Type or other Models with a Base Wounds Characteristic of 10 or more, then all attacks made for a Weapon with this Special Rule must be made as Snap Shots.
Master of Machines
The Magi of the Mechanicum are well versed in the vagaries of automata, and in many cases can operate alongside them more easily than they can more conventional units.
A Model with this Special Rule can join Units of Automata.A Model with this Special Rule may join a Friendly Unit that includes Models with the Automata Type.
Medic (X)
Some specialists are trained in field medicine and carry specialist equipment, from a simple satchel of bandages and pain suppressants to the complex narthecium devices carried by Legion apothecaries. If able to tend to the injured in time, such warriors can be returned to the battle, enabling them to fight on.
This Special Rule determines the difficulty of any Recovery Tests made due to other Reactions or Special Rules.If a Unit includes one or more Models with the Medic (X) Special Rule, then certain other Special Rules, Reactions or Gambits may allow the Controlling Player to make Recovery Tests for other Models in the same Unit. Note that the Medic (X) Special Rule does not allow Recovery Tests to be made, but simply establishes the Target Number for such Tests - Recovery Tests may only be made if another Special Rule, Reaction or Gambit allows them (see, for example, the Medic! Advanced Reaction).
Recovery Tests
A Recovery Test is made when one or more Unsaved Wounds are allocated to a Model, and is resolved by rolling a Dice and comparing the result to the value of ‘X’ in the variant of the Medic (X) Special Rule. If there is more than one variant of the Medic (X) Special Rule present in a Unit, then the Controlling Player chooses which is used to determine the Target Number, if the Recovery Test is successful then a single Unsaved Wound allocated to the Model has its Damage reduced by 1 (to a minimum of 0). If a Recovery Test is failed, then any Unsaved Wounds allocated to the Model are resolved as normal.
A Recovery Test is made when one or more Unsaved Wounds are allocated to a Model, and is resolved by rolling a Dice and comparing the result to the value of ‘X’ in the variant of the Medic (X) Special Rule. If there is more than one variant of the Medic (X) Special Rule present in a Unit, then the Controlling Player chooses which is used to determine the Target Number, if the Recovery Test is successful then a single Unsaved Wound allocated to the Model has its Damage reduced by 1 (to a minimum of 0). If a Recovery Test is failed, then any Unsaved Wounds allocated to the Model are resolved as normal.
Melta (X)
The beams of energy generated by melta weaponry dissipate over long ranges. When used at close quarters, however, their effect on armoured vehicles is devastating.
This Special Rule increases the amount of Damage against Vehicles when Shooting Attacks are made within a specific range.If at least one Model in a Unit with the Vehicle Type that is targeted by a Shooting Attack made by a Model using a Weapon with this Special Rule is within a range equal to or less than the value specified by X, that attack has the Armourbane Special Rule and the Damage of Penetrating Hits caused by that attack is doubled.
Orbital Assault Vehicle
Drop pods and other dedicated orbital assault vehicles are intended for one purpose only - to deliver warriors and equipment from orbiting spacecraft to battlefields on a planet’s surface. Once deployed they play little further part in the battle, serving only to support the onslaught of their passengers.
A Model with this Special Rule must Deep Strike.A Model with this Special Rule must be Deployed onto the Battlefield using the Deep Strike Special Rule and is treated as though it has that Special Rule. It may never be deployed without using the Deep Strike Special Rule, regardless of any other Rule or Mission, and if forced to do so it is immediately reduced to 0 Hull Points.
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.
Phased Refractor Shields
Leveraging the powerful atomantic reactors of their combat automata, the Tech-priests of the Mechanicum calibrate the refractor fields protecting them to repulse enemy fire with greater efficiency. This has little effect on close range attacks, the frenzied strikes of melee, but allows bolt and blast to be repelled more effectively.
A Model with this Special Rule improves their Invulnerable Save against Shooting Attacks.When the Controlling Player of a Model with this Special Rule chooses to make an Invulnerable Save for that Model against a wound generated by a Shooting Attack, that Invulnerable Save is improved by one step. For example, a Model with a 6+ Invulnerable Save Characteristic and this Special Rule that makes an Invulnerable saving throw against a wound inflicted by a Shooting Attack would have its Invulnerable Save Characteristic improved to a 5+ for that roll.
Power Hungry
Some weapons can drain even the reserves of titan reactors, their destructive power so vast that they must be reserved for the perfect shot. For lesser war engines such weapons would be impractical, but for the towering war-engines of the Mechanicum such devices are often the only means to fell a foe of equal stature.
A Weapon with this Special Rule makes other Weapons attack as Snap Shots when used.If a Weapon with this Special Rule is used as part of a Model’s Shooting Attack, then all other Weapons used in that or any other Shooting Attack made by that Model in the same Phase, must attack as Snap Shots. If other Shooting Attacks have already been made in the same Phase by a Model with a Weapon that has this Special Rule and those attacks were not made as Snap Shots, then a Weapon with this Special Rule may not be fired in the same Shooting Phase. Furthermore, a Weapon with this Special Rule may not be used to attack as part of any Shooting Attack made as part of any Reaction.
Rapid Tracking
Some weapons feature augmented motility and enhanced targeting systems, able to track and lock onto fast moving targets with ease.
Weapons with this Special Rule are better able to utilise it for intercepting new arrivals on the Battlefield.Each time a Model makes a Shooting Attack as part of the Intercept Advanced Reaction, its Controlling Player can select a Weapon with this Special Rule for that Shooting Attack, even if it is not a Defensive Weapon.
Reinforced Structure (X)
The largest of war machines are constructed so that lesser weapons can cause only minor damage to their armoured hulls. Such behemoths can only be brought down by the largest calibre of weaponry and have little fear of the chaff of the battlefield.
A Model with this Special Rule suffers less Damage from most Weapons.A Model with this Special Rule reduces the Damage of all Hits inflicted by Weapons that do not have the Strategic Trait or the Ordnance (X) Special Rule by the value of X attached to that variant of this Special Rule. This cannot reduce the Damage of a Hit below 1.
Repair Automata
Created for the singular purpose of repairing and rebuilding other devices and engines of war, these automata can accomplish feats similar to those of their masters. When deployed en masse they are more than capable of performing routine maintenance and even complex repairs in the field.
A Unit that includes Models with this Special Rule may attempt to repair certain Models as if it was a single Model with the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule.A Unit that includes one or more Models with this Special Rule may be used to activate the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule as if it was a single Model with that Special Rule. When activating the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule for a Unit that includes one or more Models with the Repair Automata Special Rule, select one Model in the Unit with the Repair Automata Special Rule to be the Acting Model and determine the value of X for this use of the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule based on the number of Models in the Unit with the Repair Automata Special Rule using the table below:
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Repair Crew (X)
Unlike lesser war machines, a titan does not need to rely on the assistance of other warriors for its repairs, for within the metal hull of each such engine resides a dedicated repair crew.
A Model with the Repair Crew (X) Special Rule can repair itself.In the Controlling Player’s Start Phase, during the Effects Sub-Phase they may choose to activate this Special Rule. Once activated, the Controlling Player of a Model with the Repair Crew (X) Special Rule, may restore a number of Hull Points equal to the value of the variant of this Special Rule possessed by a Model to any one of that Model’s Profiles. If the value of the variant of this Special Rule is greater than the number of lost Hull Points on the chosen Profile then the excess Hull Points may not be transferred to another Profile and cannot increase the value of the chosen Profile’s Hull Point Characteristic above its Base Value.
This Special Rule can restore Hull Points to a Profile that has been Crippled, and if a Profile is restored to one or more Hull Points then it is no longer Crippled.
Activating the Repair Crew (X) Special Rule does not limit the Model with that Special Rule when moving or attacking in the same Turn.
Rite of Pure Thought
Tech thralls are granted a number of technological enhancements to boost their strength and toughness, but also have several of their higher functions burnt out and neutered. This serves to dull their reactions to pain, fear and discomfort and render them dependent on the direction of their callous masters. While this does make them more durable on the field of battle, it also makes them slow to react to the changing face of battle.
A Model with this Special Rule may not make Reactions or Volley Attacks and suffers other limitations.A Model with this Special Rule may never make Reactions of any kind, make Volley Attacks or select any options other than Hold, Fall Back or Consolidate in the Resolution Sub-Phase. A Unit composed of a majority of Models with this Special Rule does not take Leadership Checks due to Models lost to a Shooting Attack, but does still make Checks due to the Panic (X) Special Rule. Furthermore, when Locked in Combat, no Combat Resolution Points are scored by any Player when a Model with this Special Rule is Removed as a Casualty.
Shield-breaker (X)
Whether by means of a barrage of shots, or a concentrated beam, certain weapons are capable of punching through several layers of void shields at once. In battles between titans such weapons are highly valued for their ability to lay bare the weakness of a foe.
A Weapon with this Special Rule can collapse more than one Void Shield with a single attack.A Weapon with this Special Rule that successfully collapses a void shield (either from the Void Shields (X) or Titan Void Shield Array (X) Special Rules), collapses a number of void shields equal to the value of X attached to the specific variant of this Special Rule that it has instead of just 1.
Shock Ram
The shock ram focusses a field of arc energy into the frontal plating of an armoured vehicle, making it more deadly when ploughing through the ranks of the enemy. Such devices are power hungry in the extreme, and while effective are considered a dead end technology by most magi.
A Vehicle with this Special Rule inflicts more damage when it moves through enemy Units.When a Model with this Special Rule and the Vehicle Type moves through an enemy Unit, the number of Hits inflicted is increased from D6 to D6+3. Furthermore, if the Reactive Player declares a Death or Glory Reaction with a Vehicle that has this Special Rule as the target, then the Vehicle with this Special Rule gains a 6+ Invulnerable save against all Hits inflicted as part of that Reaction.
Shot Selector
Some weapons are designed to feed from multiple small magazines loaded with specialist ammunition. The most common of these are the Tempest and Scorpius rounds commonly issued to Seeker Squads, but many other Legion forces may utilise even more esoteric and specialised ammunition.
Weapons with this Special Rule gain one optional additional Special Rule when used to attack.When a Shooting Attack is made that includes one or more Weapons with this Special Rule, at the start of Step 3 of the Shooting Attack procedure, the Attacking Player can select one of the following Special Rules for all Weapons with this Special Rule to gain until the end of this Shooting Attack:
- Panic (1)
- Breaching (4+)
- Suppressive (2)
Slow and Purposeful
Many warriors are steady but sure, slow to advance but no less deadly for it.
Models with this Special Rule cannot Pursue fleeing enemy Units.In Step 4 of the Resolution Sub-Phase, a Player that has won Combat cannot choose for a Unit that includes any Models with this Special Rule to Pursue, and must instead select another eligible option for that Unit.
Titan Void Shield Array (X)
Titans are equipped with an almost impenetrable array of energy shields. These relics from ancient times are known as void shields, and provide a defence against light enemy fire. Their only weakness is that to protect a war engine the size of a Titan, the energy bubble cannot cover the closest ranges.
A Model with this Special Rule gains an extra layer of defence against Shooting Attacks.A Model with this Special Rule has a number of void shields equal to the value of X. While a Model with this Special Rule still has void shields, each time that Model suffers a Hit from a Shooting Attack it must be allocated to the void shields. Once all void shields have collapsed, any remaining Hits from Shooting Attacks must be allocated to the Titan Profile targeted by the attack.
A void shield has an Armour Value of 13, and any Glancing Hit or Penetrating Hit inflicted on it will cause that void shield to collapse. Regardless of the Damage value of a Hit it may not collapse more than one void shield, and once a Hit has collapsed a void shield or failed an Armour Penetration Test made against one it is discarded.
If, in the Effects Sub-Phase of the Controlling Player’s End Phase, a Titan has any collapsed void shields, the Controlling Player may roll a Dice for each collapsed void shield. Any Dice whose result is equal to or higher than the target number restores one void shield - with the target number decided by checking the [Crew] Trait of the Titan using the table below:
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Titan War Horn (X)
All titans mount massive arrays of vox emitters, which can be used to broadcast a deafening blast of sound. Though the exact sound emitted varies from legio to legio, the sheer volume at which it is projected is enough to shatter glass and burst eardrums. It is a warning to both friend and foe - no corner of the battlefield is now safe, for the gods of battle stalk it.
Models near a Model that activates the Titan War Horn (X) Special Rule must reduce their Advanced Characteristics.Once per Battle, the Controlling Player of a Model with this Special Rule may choose to activate it in the Effects Sub-Phase of the End Phase of their Turn. When any Model from a Unit is within 24" of any part of a Model that has activated this Special Rule, all Models in that Unit must reduce their Leadership, Willpower, Cool and Intelligence Characteristics by the value of X. This negative modifier is removed as soon as no Models in a given Unit are within 24" of any Model with the Titan War Horn (X) Special Rule. If a Unit would be affected by multiple instances of this Special Rule or the Fear (X) Special Rule, the value of X is not stacked and instead the single highest value is used as a negative modifier. Once activated, the effects of this Special Rule last until the Effects Sub-Phase of the Controlling Player’s next Start Phase, or until the Titan is removed from play for any reason.
Void Shields (X)
Some especially large vehicles are equipped with almost impenetrable shields of energy, akin to those used on Titan god-engines, relics from ancient times known as void shields.
A Model with this Special Rule ignores Penetrating Hits as long as it still has active void shields.A Model with this Special Rule has a number of void shields equal to the value of X. While a Model with this Special Rule still has void shields, each time that Model suffers a Penetrating Hit as a result of a Shooting Attack, reduce the Damage of that Penetrating Hit to ‘0’ and reduce the number of void shields this Model has by 1. If the number of void shields a Model has is reduced to 0, this Special Rule has no further effect during that battle.
PSYCHIC DISCIPLINES
Psychic Disciplines are a collection of abilities that include both Psychic Weapons and Psychic Powers or Reactions. These can only be used by Models with the Psyker Trait - Models that do not have the Psyker Trait cannot have attacks made for them with Weapons that have the Psychic Trait and cannot be used to Manifest a Psychic Power. However, Models that have the Psyker Trait do not automatically gain any Psychic Weapons or Psychic Powers. In all cases, if a Model has or can gain access to Psychic Weapons or Psychic Powers, it will be noted on their Army List Profile.
The following are the Core Disciplines, with each of these Disciplines presenting a set of psychic abilities and other Special Rules. These may be made available to Models of any Faction as part of their Army List Profile. Future publications may present additional Psychic Weapons and Psychic Powers.
The following are the Core Disciplines, with each of these Disciplines presenting a set of psychic abilities and other Special Rules. These may be made available to Models of any Faction as part of their Army List Profile. Future publications may present additional Psychic Weapons and Psychic Powers.
Core Disciplines
The following Psychic Disciplines may be found as options in Army Lists of any Faction. A Discipline may include a number of Psychic Weapons, Psychic Reactions and/or Psychic Powers. A Model that has a specific Discipline gains all of the Psychic Powers and Psychic Weapons listed for that Discipline and gains the Trait for that Discipline. Future publications may introduce additional Disciplines - these will only be available to specific Models as noted in the Rules for additional Disciplines.Biomancy
Biomancers are the masters of flesh-craft, the ability to empower and enhance living creatures. They can harden flesh till it can resist bolt and blade like armour, or swell muscle till even the lowliest recruit can tear apart the foe with ease. Those that train in these arts are often bellicose and intransigent warriors, unwilling to turn aside from the simplest and most straightforward solutions. When a biomancer sets forth to war, those in their path tremble.
A Model with the Biomancy Discipline gains the following benefits:- The Impact (Strength) Special Rule.
- The Biomantic Rage Psychic Power.
- The Biomantic Slam Psychic Weapon.
- The ‘Biomancer’ Trait.
Biomantic Slam
(Psychic Weapon)Channelling the power of the Warp itself, a trained biomancer can rend steel and smash ceramite with their bare hands. Such is their fury that neither warriors of flesh, nor engines of iron can stand before them.
| Melee Weapon | |||||||
Melee Weapon | IM | AM | SM | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Biomantic Slam | |||||||
| Biomantic Slam | 3 | 1 | 12 | 2 | 2 | Armourbane, Force (Damage) | Melee, Psychic |
Biomantic Rage
(Psychic Power, Blessing)Those blessed by the powers of biomancy are temporarily remade, their physiques swollen and warped for strength and resilience far beyond the merely human. It is not only their strength that swells, but also their rage. Under the effects of a biomancers influence even the most veteran warriors are lost to fury and bloodshed.
This Power is used in the Charge Sub-Phase to add a bonus to a Unit’s Strength and Toughness.Trigger: The Active Player may choose to Manifest the Biomantic Rage Psychic Power in the Charge Sub-Phase, at Step 4 of the Charge process before any Unit makes a Volley Attack.
Focus: The Focus of the Power must be a Model with the Biomancer Trait under the Active Player’s control, and must be either part of the Unit making a Charge or within 18" and with Line of Sight to one or more Models in that Unit.
Target: The Target Unit must be the Unit currently selected and in the process of making a Charge.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Power last until the end of the current Assault Phase.
Process
- Once the Focus and Target Unit have been decided, make a Manifestation Check.
- If the Manifestation Check is successful, then no Volley Attack may be made for the Target Unit, but all Models in the Target Unit gain a bonus of +2 to their Strength and Toughness Characteristics.
- If the Manifestation Check fails then there is no further effect.
Pyromancy
Pyromancy is the essence of destruction and death. It is havoc given form, gleeful and wanton in its profligacy. On the battlefield a pyromancer is a walking engine of chaos, sowing doom with every step and reaping a toll of lives with each gesture. They serve no purpose other than to kill the enemy. Those that train as pyromancers are ever eager for the fight, but see no other path than the complete and utter destruction of the foe. To a pyromancer there is no such thing as collateral damage, and only when there is naught before them but ash does their ardour cool.
A Model with the Pyromancy Discipline gains the following benefits:- The Explodes (4+) Special Rule.
- The Wildfire Psychic Weapon.
- The Conflagration Psychic Weapon.
- The ‘Pyromancer’ Trait.
Wildfire
(Psychic Weapon)With a snap of their fingers or sweep of their arms, a pyromancer can cause the very air to ignite in a storm of flame hot enough to burn flesh and sear metal.
| Ranged Weapon | |||||||
Ranged Weapon | R | FP | RS | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Wildfire | |||||||
| Wildfire | 18 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 1 | Panic (1), Blast (5"), Force (Strength) | Ranged, Psychic |
Conflagration
(Psychic Weapon)In the heart of a melee, a pyromancer cares not for the subtle interplay of blades, and instead simply sows flame and cinder with wild abandon.
| Ranged Weapon | |||||||
Ranged Weapon | R | FP | RS | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Conflagration | |||||||
| Conflagration | -1 | 6+D3 | 5 | 4 | 1 | Deflagrate (5) | Melee, Psychic |
Telekinesis
Telekinesis is the art of defence, of invisible force that binds and protects. On the battlefield a Telekine is immovable and implacable, tenacious in their duty to their comrades and the cause of victory. They command invisible force to shield their allies from harm, deflecting even the most formidable bombardment, or to slow the foe and hold them in place so that others might destroy them. Patient and determined warriors, many telekines are students of strategy as well as simple destruction and are considered among the more stable of their kind.
A Model with the Telekinesis Discipline gains the following benefits:- The Shrouded (4+) Special Rule.
- The Force Barrier Psychic Reaction.
- The Immovable Force Psychic Weapon.
- The‘Telekine’ Trait.
Force Barrier
(Psychic Weapon)An invisible shield that no blast or beam can penetrate, by means of this power a telekine keeps their allies safe from harm and confounds the brute tactics of the foe.
This Power can be used in either the Shooting or Assault Phase and grants a Shrouded Damage Mitigation Test.Trigger: The Reactive Player may choose to declare a Force Barrier Psychic Reaction in either the Assault Phase, at the start of Step 4 of the Charge Process, or in the Shooting Phase, at the start of Step 3 of a Shooting Attack made by the Active Player.
Cost: The Reactive Player must spend 1 point of their Reaction Allotment to declare a Force Barrier Psychic Reaction - this cost paid as soon as the declaration is made.
Focus: The Focus of this Psychic Reaction must be a Model with the Telekine Trait under the Reactive Player’s control, and must be a part of the Unit targeted by the Charge or Shooting Attack that triggers this Psychic Reaction.
Target: The Target Unit must be the Unit that is the target of the Shooting Attack or Charge that triggered the Reaction.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Reaction last until the end of the Sub-Phase in which it was declared.
Process
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Reaction last until the end of the Sub-Phase in which it was declared.
Process
- Once the Focus and Target Unit have been decided, make a Manifestation Check.
- If the Manifestation Check is successful, then all Models in the Target Unit gain a 3+ Shrouded Damage Mitigation Test against any wounds inflicted during a Volley or Shooting Attack.
- If the Manifestation Check fails then there is no further effect.
Immovable Force
(Psychic Weapon)By force of will a telekine can bind the foe with invisible chains, leashing them to the spot and making them easy prey for allied guns.
| Ranged Weapon | |||||||
Ranged Weapon | R | FP | RS | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Immovable Force | |||||||
| Immovable Force | 18 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 1 | Pinning (2), Force (Firepower) | Ranged,, Psychic |
Divination
By means of the fickle powers of the Warp, a Diviner parts the veil of time to glimpse what might be. By this power they guide their attacks and those of their allies, ensuring they strike home when and where they are most needed. Taciturn and secretive, diviners are obsessed with the consequences of each action, lest they taint the very future they seek to create. In battle they stalk key foes and critical struggles, seeking the perfect moment for them to change the flow of the battle at the point of a single well-placed blade or bolt.
A Model with the Divination Discipline gains the following benefits:- The Duellist’s Edge (2) Special Rule.
- The Every Strike Foreseen Gambit.
- The Foresight’s Blessing Psychic Power.
- The ‘Diviner’ Trait.
Every Strike Foreseen
Every Strike Foreseen – If this Gambit is selected, the Controlling Player must make a Willpower Check for the Model using this Gambit. If the Check is successful then in the Strike Step of the Challenge any Flit Tests made for this Model are successful on a result of 2+ regardless of the Weapon Skill Characteristics of the Models involved in the Challenge. If the Willpower Check is not successful then Flit Tests are made as normal. Note that this Willpower Check cannot inflict Perils of the Warp.Foresight’s Blessing
(Psychic Power, Blessing)In a glance, a diviner can sense where to direct fire to best harm the foe. It matters not if the foe hides, flees or stands defiant, for their future has already been decided.
This Power is used as part of a Shooting Attack to grant a Unit the Precision (5+) Special Rule.Trigger: The Active Player may choose to Manifest the Foresight’s Blessing Psychic Power in the Shooting Phase, at Step 4 of any Shooting Attack made by the Active Player.
Focus: The Focus of the Power must be a Model with the Diviner Trait under the Active Player’s control, and must be either part of the Unit making the Shooting Attack or within 18" and with Line of Sight to one or more Models in that Unit.
Target: The Target Unit must be the Unit currently selected and in the process of making a Shooting Attack.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Power last until the end of the Shooting Attack being resolved.
Process
Focus: The Focus of the Power must be a Model with the Diviner Trait under the Active Player’s control, and must be either part of the Unit making the Shooting Attack or within 18" and with Line of Sight to one or more Models in that Unit.
Target: The Target Unit must be the Unit currently selected and in the process of making a Shooting Attack.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Power last until the end of the Shooting Attack being resolved.
Process
- Once the Focus and Target Unit have been decided, make a Manifestation Check.
- If the Manifestation Check is successful, then all Models in the Target Unit gain the Precision (5+) Special Rule.
- If the Manifestation Check fails then there is no further effect.
Telepathy
Telepaths are masters of the invisible realms of thought and emotion, and when they go to war no armour can stay their wrath. The foe’s every flaw and fear is laid bare before them, to be exploited in combat in the cause of victory. In battle they deal not in blood and death, but in terror and confusion, controlling the enemy rather than simply slaughtering them. Telepaths are arrogant and domineering warriors, for there is no secret that can be hidden from them.
A Model with the Telepathy Discipline gains the following benefits:- The Fear (1) Special Rule.
- The Mind-burst Psychic Power.
- The Cursed Whispers Psychic Weapon.
- The ‘Telepath’ Trait.
Mind-burst
(Psychic Power, Curse)Brute force stimulation of terror within the psyche of the foe can be more devastating than any artillery bombardment. By means of such tools does the telepath steer the foe to defeat.
This Power is used in the Movement Phase and can force the target to Fall Back or become Routed.Trigger: The Active Player may choose to Manifest the Mind-burst Psychic Power in the Movement Phase, when selecting a Unit under their control that includes at least one Model with the Telepath Trait to move and before any move is made for that Unit.
Focus: The Focus of the Power must be a Model with the Telepath Trait that is part of the Unit that was selected to move.
Target: The Target Unit must be a Unit under the control of the Reactive Player with at least one Model within 18" of the Focus and with Line of Sight to the Focus. The target may not be a Unit that is Locked in Combat or otherwise ineligible to be the target of a Shooting Attack and may not include any Models with the Vehicle Type.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Power are resolved immediately.
Process
- Once the Focus and Target Unit have been decided, the Target Unit’s Controlling Player makes a Resistance Check for that Unit.
- If the Resistance Check is failed, then all Statuses are removed from all Models in the Target Unit, and then the Target Unit must immediately make a Fall Back Move. Once that Fall Back Move has been resolved, a Leadership Check must be made for the Target Unit by its Controlling Player, this Check may not be modified by any effect or Special Rule. If the Leadership Check is successful, then there is no further effect, if it is unsuccessful then all Models in the Target Unit gain the Routed Status.
- If the Resistance Check succeeds then there is no further effect to the Target Unit.
- Regardless of whether the Resistance Check succeeds or fails, the Unit that includes the Focus of this Psychic Power may not make a move or Rush in this Movement Phase.
Colossus
Acastus knights were among the largest classes of knights in existence, their Thrones Mechanicum pushing human capabilities for machine interface and their massive bulk causing them to operate more akin to the massive constructs of the Titan Legios than their knightly peers.
A Model with the Colossus Special Rule changes elements of the Knight Sub-Type regarding bases, Line of Sight, Firing Arcs and Armour Facings.A Model with both the Knight Sub-Type and the Colossus Special Rule is not required to have a base, and when measuring for that Model, all distances are measured to and from the Model’s Hull. A Model with both the Knight Sub-Type and the Colossus Special Rule does block Line of Sight in the manner of other Vehicles. Additionally, when determining Front and Rear Firing Arcs and Armour Facings for a Model with both the Knight Sub-Type and the Colossus Special Rule, draw an imaginary line along the centre of the Model, from left to right or right to left, equally dividing the front and rear portions of the Model.
Cursed Whispers
(Psychic Weapon)Subtle manipulation of the foe’s fear can leave them confused and distracted, chasing ghosts even as the telepath’s allies draw close.
| Ranged Weapon | |||||||
Ranged Weapon | R | FP | RS | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Cursed Whispers | |||||||
| Cursed Whispers | 18 | 2D6 | 3 | - | 1 | Stun (-) | Ranged, Psychic |
Thaumaturgy
Thaumaturgy is the scholar’s art, a discipline dedicated to understanding and calming the fury of the Warp. In battle, these warriors seek to restore that which the Warp has undone and to contain the worst excesses of its manifestations. Surpassing the stumbling skills of the surgeon, they can return the dead to life and banish the unnatural back to the depths of the Warp. Yet, these cautious warriors are ever mindful of the cost of any use of the ætheric powers at their command, and only set forth their true power when no other choice remains. Of all the clades of the Imperium’s psykers, thaumaturges are the most knowledgeable, an obsession that in this Dark Age has seen them grow in importance.
A Model with the Thaumaturgy Discipline gains the following benefits:- The Hatred (Psykers) Special Rule.
- The Resurrection Psychic Reaction.
- The Tranquillity Psychic Power.
- The ‘Thaumaturge’ Trait.
Resurrection
(Psychic Reaction, Blessing)The ultimate art of the thaumaturge, and one they are loath to employ in any but the most dire of situations. Only at the very point of death can it be halted, and only with great risk can it be reversed. Thus, only the most valued warriors are deemed worthy of such an invidious salvation.
This Power can be used in the Shooting Phase and can return a single Casualty to the Unit with all Wounds restored.Trigger: The Reactive Player may choose to declare a Resurrection Psychic Reaction in the Shooting Phase, at the start of Step 11 of any Shooting Attack made by the Active Player.
Cost: The Reactive Player must spend 1 point of their Reaction Allotment to declare a Resurrection Psychic Reaction - this cost paid as soon as the declaration is made.
Focus: The Focus of this Psychic Reaction must be a Model with the Thaumaturge Trait and under the Reactive Player’s Control, and must be a part of the Unit targeted by the Shooting Attack that triggers this Psychic Reaction.
Target: The Target Unit must be the Unit that is the target of the Shooting Attack that triggered the Reaction.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Reaction are resolved immediately.
Process
- Once the Focus and Target Unit have been decided, make a Manifestation Check.
- If the Manifestation Check is successful then, before any Models in the Target Unit are Removed as Casualties, the Controlling Player of the Target Unit must select one Model being Removed as a Casualty and roll a Dice. If the Dice roll for the chosen Model is equal to or higher than a ‘4’, then that Model is not Removed as a Casualty and is returned to play in Unit Coherency with its Unit and with its Wounds Characteristic set to its Base Value, as listed on that Model’s profile. This Psychic Reaction has no effect on Models that do not have a Wounds Characteristic and if the result of the Manifestation Check causes Perils of the Warp, then this instance of Perils of the Warp is resolved after any Models are returned to the Unit.
- If the Manifestation Check fails then there is no further effect.
Tranquillity
(Psychic Power, Curse)It takes a rare talent to seal the breaches in the Warp that other psykers create, yet on the battlefields of the Horus Heresy this can mean the difference between victory and defeat. For if the Warp is calmed, then the enemy’s psykers find their power withered and lessened.
This Power is used in the Start Phase and makes it harder for the Target Unit to use Psychic Powers, Psychic Reactions or to attack with Psychic Weapons.Trigger: The Active Player may choose to Manifest the Tranquillity Psychic Power in the Effects Sub-Phase of the Start Phase.
Focus: The Focus of the Power must be a Model with the Thaumaturge Trait and must be controlled by the Active Player.
Target: The Target Unit must be a Unit under the control of the Reactive Player with at least one Model within 18" of the Focus and with Line of Sight to the Focus. The Target Unit must include at least one Model with the Psyker Trait.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Power last until the start of the Active Player’s next Turn as the Active Player.
Process
- Once the Focus and Target Unit have been decided, the Target Unit’s Controlling Player makes a Resistance Check for that Unit.
- If the Resistance Check is failed, then all Models in the Target Unit suffer a penalty of -2 to their Willpower Characteristic when attempting to Manifest any Psychic Power or Psychic Reaction. If any Model in the Target Unit makes attacks with a Weapon that has the Psychic Trait, then the Strength Characteristic of all Hits inflicted is reduced by 1.
- If the Resistance Check succeeds then there is no further effect.
Model
A Model is a single gaming piece - usually representing one warrior or war machine on the Battlefield. A Model is the smallest category of gaming element referred to by the Rules - with Units composed of one or more Models, Detachments composed of one or more Units, and Armies composed of one or more Detachments. Some larger Models may contain multiple elements arranged on a single Base, but these are counted as a single Model as they are still a single playing piece that is moved as a single element by the Controlling Player.
Faction
Faction is a type of Trait that refers to the various forces that fought during the Horus Heresy. Each Model in an Army must belong to one of these Factions. Examples of Factions include: each of the Space Marine Legions (Ultramarines, Sons of Horus, etc.), the Legio Custodes, the Sisters of Silence and the Mechanicum. A given Detachment will usually only include Models from one Faction (though an Army may include Models from more than one Faction) and certain Special Rules only affect Models with a certain Faction.
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.
Impact (X)
Some warriors are trained or equipped to make the most of the force of a charge. When they slam into enemy ranks, it is with the force of a thunderbolt.
On a successful Charge, a Model with the Impact (X) Special Rule temporarily increases a Characteristic by 1.If a Unit that includes any Models with the Impact (X) Special Rule or any Models that have any Weapons with the Impact (X) Special Rule, and that Unit makes a successful Charge, then this Special Rule is triggered. Once triggered, until the end of that Assault Phase, when making Melee Attacks for Models in that Unit, each Model or Weapon that is selected for one of those Models, that has a variant of this Special Rule gains a modifier of +1 to any Characteristics that is the value of X.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Disembarking
Disembarking covers the Rules for moving Units ‘out’ of Transports.During the Move Sub-Phase of the Movement Phase, when a Player selects a Model with the Transport Sub-Type that they control, the Player may choose to Disembark a Unit Embarked upon that Model (as long as that Unit did not Embark in the same Movement Phase). A Unit may only Disembark before the Model it is Embarked upon has moved or after it has finished moving, not part way through a Unit’s move. Once a Unit has Disembarked from a Model that has moved in that Move Sub-Phase, the Model it was Embarked upon may not move any further that same Phase. Conversely, a Model that has not yet moved, but from which a Unit has Disembarked, may still move as normal.
Player Turn
A Player Turn is defined as one cycle through the Turn Sequence with the same Player acting as the Active Player in each Phase. Once a Player Turn has been completed, a new one is begun with the other Player taking the role of Active Player.
Repair Tests
One Repair Test can be made by the Active Player for each Model with the Vehicle Type under their control in the Statuses Sub-Phase. A Repair Test is made by rolling a single Dice and with a Target Number of ‘6’. Some Special Rules may allow more Dice to be rolled for a given Model with the Vehicle Type or change the Target Number, any such Special Rules will note their effects and how they are to be applied. Each successful Repair Test allows the Controlling Player to remove one Status from the Model for which the Repair Test was made.
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.
Line of Sight
Some Rules will ask Players to determine Line of Sight between two Models or a Model and a point on the Battlefield, checking whether one Model can ‘see’ another. Most often this is part of an attack, as a Model must have Line of Sight to its target in order to make any attack.To determine Line of Sight, use a tape measure or other device to determine if an unbroken straight line can be drawn between the first Model and its target. If a piece of Terrain, Model with the Vehicle Type or other obstruction breaks the line between those two Models then there is no Line of Sight, if the line is unobstructed then both Models have Line of Sight to each other.
When determining if a Model has Line of Sight to a Unit, it only needs to have Line of Sight to one Model that is part of that Unit. This does not grant that Model Line of Sight to any other Models in the Unit that are otherwise hidden and does not affect how or to which Models wounds or Hits can be assigned.
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.
Blast Marker
A Blast Marker is a round Marker of a specific diameter used to determine which Models have been hit by certain types of attack and other effects. The standard size for a Blast Marker is a 3" diameter Marker, but 5" (Large) and 7" (Massive) are also used. Blast Markers and the Rules for using them are presented here.
Automata
The steel warriors of the Mechanicum are unlike any other force in the galaxy, unflinching automatons of logic engrams and gears. Though far more rugged than even the Emperor’s Legiones Astartes, they are bound to the unchanging dictates of their programming and lack the tactical flexibility of flesh and blood warriors.
The following Rules apply to all Models with the Automata Type:- Models with the Automata Type cannot gain any Tactical Statuses and are considered to automatically pass any Check made to avoid gaining a Tactical Status. However, if a Unit that contains any Models with the Automata Type also includes any Models that do not have the Automata Type, that Check must be made using the Characteristics of one of the Models that does not have the Automata Type and is not automatically passed.
- When targeting a Unit that includes any Models with the Automata Type, the effects of the Poisoned (X) Special Rule only trigger on a Wound Test with a result of a ‘6’ before modifiers are applied, regardless of the value of X for that variant of the Special Rule.
- A Unit that includes one or more Models with the Automata Type may not make Reactions.
Walker
These massive engines of war are unlike the soulless warriors of the Mechanicum, for at their heart rests a mortal warrior whose instincts and experience guides their steel body on the field of battle.
The following Rules apply to all Models with the Walker Type:- When targeting a Unit that includes any Models with the Walker Type, the effects of the Poisoned (X) Special Rule only trigger on a Wound Test with a result of a ‘6’ before modifiers are applied, regardless of the value of X for that variant of the Special Rule.
- A Model with the Walker Type may attack with all Weapons they have in each Shooting Attack they make, including as part of a Reaction. Note that this does not allow Weapons that do not have the Assault Trait to be used to attack as part of a Volley Attack.
- In Step 1 of the Resolution Sub-Phase, when deciding how many Models a Player controls in a Combat, a Model with the Walker Type counts as a number of Models equal to that Model’s Base Wounds Value.
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.
Wound Tests
Once a Unit has one or more Hits inflicted on it, whether a Rule has dictated their application or they have been inflicted as part of a Shooting Attack or Combat, a Wound Test must be made to resolve those Hits. The Rules presented here cover only the process of making Wound Tests and resolving their effects; See rules regarding inflicting Hits as part of a Shooting Attack or Combat.
A Wound Test must be made for each Hit inflicted on a Unit, but Wound Tests for Hits with different Strengths, AP values or Special Rules must be rolled separately so that all Players know which Hit is being resolved by a given Wound Test. The order in which differing Wound Tests are made is decided by the Player making the attacks (see the Rules for Shooting Attacks and the Fight Sub-Phase).
To make a Wound Test, roll a number of Dice equal to the number of Hits with the same Strength, AP, Damage and Special Rules that have been inflicted on the Model being rolled for. These Dice are rolled as a Test, using the Wound Table shown here to compare the Hit’s Strength and the Model’s Toughness to determine a Target Number for the Test.
A Wound Test must be made for each Hit inflicted on a Unit, but Wound Tests for Hits with different Strengths, AP values or Special Rules must be rolled separately so that all Players know which Hit is being resolved by a given Wound Test. The order in which differing Wound Tests are made is decided by the Player making the attacks (see the Rules for Shooting Attacks and the Fight Sub-Phase).
To make a Wound Test, roll a number of Dice equal to the number of Hits with the same Strength, AP, Damage and Special Rules that have been inflicted on the Model being rolled for. These Dice are rolled as a Test, using the Wound Table shown here to compare the Hit’s Strength and the Model’s Toughness to determine a Target Number for the Test.
As with other Tests, any Dice whose result equals or exceeds the Target Number has succeeded and inflicts a wound on the Target Unit. Wounds with different Strength, AP or Damage values should be resolved separately in order to streamline the Wound Test process.
Characteristics and Modifiers
Characteristics can be modified by various Rules and Special Rules, temporarily altering the Base Value of that Characteristic, with the modified value referred to as its Current Value. If no modifiers have been applied to a given Characteristic then its Current Value is the same as its Base Value. The most common modifiers will add or subtract a fixed number from the Characteristics Base Value for a set duration, though some modifiers may multiply or divide the Base Value.If a Rule calls for a modifier to be applied to a Characteristic that has already been modified, then that modifier is applied to the Current Value, not the Base Value. Modifiers that add or subtract a fixed value to the Characteristic do so to the Current Value and modifiers that multiply or divide the Characteristic multiply or divide the Current Value. Where multiple modifiers are applied to a Characteristic at the same time, any modifiers that multiply the Characteristic and/or modifiers that divide the Characteristic are applied first, then any modifiers that add to or subtract from the Characteristic are applied last.
Designer’s Note
Where any Rules call for multiple modifiers of different kinds to be applied to a value, they are always applied in the following order: multiplication then division, then addition and finally subtraction.
Where any Rules call for multiple modifiers of different kinds to be applied to a value, they are always applied in the following order: multiplication then division, then addition and finally subtraction.
Some modifiers may simply ‘set’ the Current Value of a Characteristic to a specific value instead of modifying the Current Value or Base Value. Such modifiers override all other modifiers and are always applied last, replacing the modified Current Value with the set value.
For example, a Model’s Strength Characteristic has a Base Value of 4 on its Unit Profile.
- If this Characteristic has a modifier of ‘+1’ applied to it, its Current Value would become 5.
- If it had modifiers of both ‘+3’ and ‘-1’ applied to it then its Current Value would be 6.
- If it had a modifier of ‘x2’ applied to it then its Current Value would be 8.
- If it had a modifier of ‘x2’ and ‘+1’ applied to it then its Current Value would be 9.
- If a modifier set its value to ‘2’, then its Current Value would be 2.
- If it had a modifier of ‘x2’ and ‘+1’ applied to it and another modifier also set its value to ‘2’, then its Current Value would be 2.
Transport Capacity – This Characteristic is only used to determine how many Models may Embark upon a Model (see the Transport Rules). Most Models with the Vehicle Type will have a Transport Capacity of 0/-, which simply means that no Models may Embark upon that Model.
Embarking
Embarking covers the Rules for moving Units ‘into’ transports.When selected during the Move Sub-Phase of the Movement Phase, the Controlling Player may have a Unit Embark on a friendly Model that has the Transport Sub-Type. The Model upon which the Unit is attempting to Embark must have a Transport Capacity high enough for all Models in the Unit to Embark - if the Transport Capacity is not high enough then any attempt to Embark is automatically unsuccessful.
To Embark upon a Model with the Transport Sub-Type, a Unit must end or begin the Move Sub-Phase with all Models in the Unit within 2" of any point on a Facing on that Model that has an Access Point.
Transport
From armoured transports, to fleet orbital shuttles and even more esoteric modes of travel, mounting infantry atop faster moving transports is an ancient tactic. The best transports offer a safe haven for fragile infantry as well as a means to traverse even the most difficult terrain at speed.
All Models with the Transport Sub-Type are bound by a set of Rules regarding how they operate:- All Models with the Transport Sub-Type have a Transport Capacity Characteristic, which determines the maximum number of Models that can Embark upon it - one Model per point of Transport Capacity, unless another Rule states otherwise.
- Only Models with the Infantry or Paragon Type may Embark or Disembark upon a Model with the Transport Sub-Type.
- A Unit may only Embark on a Model with the Transport Sub-Type if all Models in the Embarking Unit have the same Faction as the Model with the Transport Sub-Type.
- A Model with the Transport Sub-Type may only have a single Unit Embarked upon it at any one time (Models with the Specialist Sub-Type, Command Sub-Type or Paragon Type that have joined a Unit are considered part of that Unit and may Embark alongside it).
- A Unit may not be partially Embarked on a Model with the Transport Sub-Type - either all Models or no Models in a Unit may be Embarked on a given Model.
- If a Model with the Transport Sub-Type has a Unit Embarked upon it, the Embarked Unit is not considered part of the same Unit. The two remain separate Units for all purposes.
Reserves
Various Rules will allow or require Players to place Units in Reserves. Reserves is an area outside of the bounds of the Battlefield - Models that are in Reserves may not be selected or attacked during any Player’s Turn, but do not count as having been Removed as Casualties. Models that are in Reserves should be kept near the Battlefield, but separate from any Models Removed as Casualties and must be made known to all other Players in the game.While Units are in Reserves, the Controlling Player may freely declare that Units in Reserves have Embarked upon another friendly Unit that is in Reserves if the Unit would normally be capable of doing so. Likewise, Models in Reserves that are capable of joining or leaving Units may join or leave a friendly Unit that is also in Reserves freely by means of the Controlling Player declaring it is so.
Entering Battle From Reserves
In the Reserves Sub-Phase of the Active Player’s Movement Phase, each Unit that the Active Player has in Reserves must take a Reserves Test. See Rules for taking Reserves Test and moving Models into play from Reserves.
Entering Reserves from the Battlefield
A Unit may only enter Reserves from the Battlefield if a Special Rule allows it to do so. Where this is the case, the Special Rule in question will detail how this is accomplished. The only Core Rules that allow Models to enter Reserves from the Battlefield are those for Models with the Flyer Sub-Type.
In general Models may not move ‘off of the Battlefield’, and moving to the Battlefield Edge does not allow a Unit to enter Reserves.
Mission Special Rules
The Core Missions make use of a number of Mission Special Rules. These are Special Rules that only apply during a Mission that lists them and supersede certain aspects of the Core Rules or add new options to play. The Mission Special Rules used in the Core Missions are detailed here.
Battle Turn
A Battle Turn is defined as all Players having resolved a single Player Turn as the Active Player (thus there are usually two Player Turns in each Battle Turn). In general a Battle is measured in Battle Turns to allow all Players to have the same number of Player Turns as the Active Player and so an equal chance to interact with the Mission, accumulate Victory Points and win. In general, Player Turns within a Battle Turn will always follow the same order - in that one Player will always take the role of the Active Player first in each Battle Turn.
Impassable Terrain
Models may not move into or onto Impassable Terrain.Unless noted otherwise in their Special Rules, Models cannot enter, cross, move into or move through Impassable Terrain - they must go around. The exceptions to this Rule include Models with the Antigrav or Flyer Sub-Types which may move over, but not end their move in, Impassable Terrain.
Unit Coherency
To be in Unit Coherency all Models in a Unit must be no more than 2" measured horizontally or 6" vertically from at least one other Model that is in the same Unit. In addition, all Models in a given Unit must form one contiguous group while also maintaining Unit Coherency, and even if the Models retain Coherency may not split into separate groups. When measuring distance to determine if a Unit is in Unit Coherency, all distances are measured Base-to-Base (see the Rules for Measuring).
A Unit must remain in Unit Coherency while on the Battlefield. All Models in a Unit that is being moved must end that move in Unit Coherency - if they cannot then they may not be moved. When removing Models from a Unit, Models may be removed in a manner that means the Unit will no longer be in Unit Coherency, however, note this may lead to penalties being applied - see the Rules for Out of Coherency below.
Removed as a Casualty
A Model Removed as a Casualty is directly removed from the Battlefield, without disturbing the position of any other Model or Terrain Piece. Once removed from the Battlefield it should be placed in a location distinct from Models in Reserves and outside the bounds of the Battlefield. Once Removed as a Casualty a Model may not be returned to the Battlefield and all Rules or effects targeting or originating with that Model end immediately and have no further effect. No Rule or effect may draw Line of Sight or Range to a Model that has been Removed as a Casualty for any reason. If a Model with the Transport Sub-Type is Removed as a Casualty while Models are Embarked upon it, then before the Model with the Transport Sub-Type is removed all Models Embarked upon it must immediately make an Emergency Disembarkation.A number of Rules, including Tactical Statuses and Victory Conditions are triggered by the removal of Models as Casualties, and as such all Players should be made aware of any Models that are Removed as Casualties. Furthermore, any Player may request to see which Models have been Removed as Casualties by any Player at any point during the Battle.
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).
Defensive Weapons – All Weapons on a Model with the Vehicle Type that have a Strength Characteristic of 6 or less are Defensive Weapons. Other Weapons may also be specifically designated as Defensive Weapons on their profile. When a Player chooses to have a Model with the Vehicle Type attack multiple different Units in the same Shooting Phase, Defensive Weapons do not have to make their attacks as Snap Shots.
Intercept
This Advanced Reaction allows a Unit to attack Units moving into play from Reserves.Trigger: The Reactive Player may declare an Intercept Reaction whenever the Active Player brings a Unit into play from Reserves or Aerial Reserves. The declaration is made as soon as the last Model from the Unit is placed on the Battlefield and has made any moves it is permitted to make when it enters play.
Cost: The Reactive Player must spend 1 point of their Reaction Allotment to declare an Intercept Reaction - this cost paid as soon as the declaration is made.
Target: The Unit entering play from Reserves or Aerial Reserves is always the Target Unit of this Reaction. After declaring this Reaction, the Reactive Player must select one Unit under their control, this Unit must be able to draw a Line of Sight to at least one Model in the Target Unit. The selected Unit is the Reacting Unit.
Process
Once an Intercept Reaction has been declared, the Reactive Player may make a Shooting Attack for the Reacting Unit, targeting only the Target Unit. All attacks made as part of this Shooting Attack must be made as Snap Shots and Models with the Vehicle Type may only attack with Defensive Weapons.
Movement Phase: Reposition
This Reaction allows the Reactive Player to move a Unit when an enemy Unit ends its move within 12".Trigger: The Reactive Player may declare a Reposition Reaction in Step 2 of the Move Sub-phase process, if an enemy Unit ends a move within 12" and in Line of Sight of a Unit under the Reactive Player’s Control.
Cost: The Reactive Player must spend 1 point of their Reaction Allotment to declare a Reposition Reaction - this cost paid as soon as the declaration is made.
Target: The Target Unit is always the Unit whose move triggered the Reaction. Once the cost has been paid, the Reactive Player must select one Unit under their control that is within 12" and has Line of Sight to the Target Unit - that Unit is the Reacting Unit.
Process
- Once a Reposition Reaction has been declared, the Active Player must completely resolve the Target Unit’s movement.
- Once the Target Unit has finished its move, the Reactive Player may move the Reacting Unit. When making this move, each Model in the Reacting Unit may move a number of inches up to the Base Value of its Initiative Characteristic.
- Once the Reacting Unit has completed this move, the Movement Phase continues as normal.
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.
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.
Buildings
Buildings are similar to immobile Transport Vehicles.Buildings are a special Type of Model, and are bound by the following Rules:
- Buildings are not, and cannot be, controlled by any Player.
- Buildings may be targeted by Shooting Attacks and Charges.
- Buildings have the Armour, Transport Capacity and Hull Points Characteristics.
- Buildings may never be moved by either Player, and no Rule, Special Rule or other effect can move or re-deploy a Building.
- All Glancing Hits inflicted on a Building inflict 1 point of Damage and no roll on the Vehicle Damage Table is ever made for a Building.
- Buildings are all considered to have the Transport Sub-Type and any Player may Embark a Unit onto a Building, but only one Unit may be Embarked on a Building at any one time.
Terrain Pieces
Terrain Pieces block Line of Sight.Terrain Pieces are physically represented by a Model, but do not have Profiles or Characteristics - they may not be targeted by attacks or affected by any Rule or other effect unless a Special Rule specifies otherwise. Some Terrain Pieces may have Bases, but these are ignored for the purposes of measuring distances or adjudicating the placement of Models - other Models may be placed on top of a Terrain Piece Base, and never count as being in Base Contact with a Terrain Piece.
Some Terrain Pieces may have additional Special Rules - in all cases these will be detailed by the Special Rule itself.
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).
Destroyed & Removed as Casualties
Throughout these Rules the terms ‘Destroyed’ and ‘Removed as Casualties’ have been used to refer to Models and Units that have been taken out of play by enemy action - usually as the result of a Shooting Attack or Combat. Units that are ‘Destroyed’ or entirely ‘Removed as Casualties’ are often used as a means for the Opposing Player to score Victory Points and thus win a Battle. The two terms can be used interchangeably, but most often the term ‘Removed as Casualties’ is used to refer to the removal of an entire Unit that was composed of multiple Models, while ‘Destroyed’ is more commonly used to refer to the removal of a single Model or a Unit that was composed of a single large Model, such as a tank.
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.
Vanguard (X)
Warriors trained to break the foe’s lines are often at the forefront of their host, but are ill-suited to holding ground in the face of an enemy counter-attack.
A Unit that includes Models with this Special Rule scores fewer Victory Points for controlling Objectives, but can score Victory Points for destroying enemy Units that hold Objectives.A Unit that includes a majority of Models with the Vanguard (X) Special Rule may only ever score 1 Victory Point for Controlling an Objective, regardless of that Objective’s value. However, the Player that controls a Unit that includes a majority of Models with the Vanguard (X) Special Rule gains Victory Points equal to the value of X in the Vanguard (X) Special Rule, in addition to any Victory Points scored for controlling an Objective, whenever either of the following two statuses are fulfilled:
- If an attack made for a Unit that includes a majority of Models with the Vanguard (X) Special Rule causes the last Model in an enemy Unit that is Controlling or Contesting an Objective to be Removed as a Casualty.
- If a Unit that includes a majority of Models with the Vanguard (X) Special Rule has at least one attack made for it in a Combat that results in one or more enemy Units that had at least one Model within 3" of an Objective at the start of that Assault Phase either Falling Back from Combat or being Massacred.
Note that the Vanguard (X) Special Rule may only be used to score Victory Points once per Objective per Player Turn - no matter how many enemy Units were Controlling or Locked in Combat near that Objective.
First Strike (X): If a Player causes one or more enemy Units to have all of their remaining Models Removed as Casualties (Units that Fall Back off the Battlefield count for this purpose) in their first Player Turn as the Active Player, then that Player scores Victory Points. The number of Victory Points scored is equal to the value of X attached to this Secondary Objective.
| HIGH COMMAND – The highest ranked officers of an Army. |
Slay the Warlord (X): If an enemy High Command Choice is Removed as a Casualty for any reason before the end of the Battle, the Opposing Player scores Victory Points. The number of Victory Points scored is equal to the value of X attached to this Secondary Objective (this may only be scored once per Battle, regardless of the number of qualifying Units Removed as Casualties).
Rush
A Unit that makes a Rush may not make Shooting Attacks or Charge, but moves further.When the Active Player selects a Unit under their control to move in the Move Sub-Phase, they may declare that the Unit will Rush. A Unit that Rushes may not make Shooting Attacks in the Shooting Phase of the same Player Turn or have a Charge declared for it in the Assault Phase of the same Player Turn. All Models in a Unit that Rushes add the value of that Model’s Initiative Characteristic to the value of its Movement Characteristic when determining how many inches a Model that Rushes may move.
Note that a Player may only choose to have a Unit Rush when Moving that Unit during the Move Sub-Phase or Reserves Sub-Phase of a Player Turn where they are the Active Player. Units may not Rush as part of any Reaction that allows them to make a Move, or have a Rush declared for them in any Phase or Sub-Phase other than the Move Sub-Phase or Reserves Sub-Phase.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Damage Mitigation Tests
Damage Mitigations Tests are similar to Saving Throws, and follow all the same Rules for making them - except that a Model may have one Saving Throw and one Damage Mitigation Test made for each wound inflicted on it. Damage Mitigation Tests are only ever granted to a Model by Special Rules and do not appear as a Characteristic, the Special Rule that grants a Model a Damage Mitigation Test will indicate the Target Number for that Test and will state under what circumstances it may be taken.
Saving Throws
Wounds inflicted on a Model will cause Damage, reducing the Model’s Wounds Characteristic and possibly removing it from play as a Casualty. However, before any Damage is inflicted, wounds can be negated by means of Saving Throws. A Model may have one Saving Throw made for each wound inflicted on it, with a successful Saving Throw causing that wound to be discarded - however, only one Saving Throw may be made for any given wound that has been inflicted on a Model, regardless of how many Saving Throws a Model may have.If a Model has any Saving Throws available they will be listed either on that Model’s profile as Characteristics or detailed by any Special Rules that apply to the Model. A Saving Throw will normally be listed as a numerical value followed by a ‘+’ symbol, for example, an Armour Save of ‘4+’. The value listed as part of any Saving Throw is the Target Number for the associated Test. The various types of Saving Throw available are in this section, indicating when they may be made and any additional Rules that apply to that type of Saving Throw.
Perils of the Warp
When rolling doubles to manifest a Psychic Power or Psychic Reaction, Perils of the Warp can trigger and inflict Statuses or Wounds on the Focus.Common to all forms of psychic ability is the possibility of the Warp’s power rebelling and wreaking havoc on the Psyker and their allies. This is represented by the Perils of the Warp Special Rule. The effects of the Perils of the Warp Special Rule are applied to the Unit that includes the Focus of the Psychic Power or Reaction if a Willpower Check made as a Manifestation Check or Resistance Check for a Psychic Power or Psychic Reaction results in ‘doubles’. In this case, doubles refers to a natural, unmodified result where both Dice rolled as part of the Check and selected to determine the final result show the same number on their uppermost face. Where other Rules specify that a Unit should have the effects of Perils of the Warp applied to it, that rule will detail how and when this will occur.
Note that both Resistance and Manifestation Checks both automatically succeed on a result of two ‘1’s and automatically fail on a result of two ‘6’s. However, this does not stop them from also triggering Perils of the Warp. A Manifestation Check or Resistance Check that rolls a double 1 or 6 does trigger Perils of the Warp unless another Rule specifically states otherwise.
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.
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.
Moved vs Stationary
In order to have moved, one or more Models in a Unit must end the Movement Phase in a different position than that which they started the Phase. A Model cannot be ‘moved’ in such a fashion that it ends its ‘move’ in the same position as it began the move. In cases where the distance a Model has been moved is important to a Rule, only the distance between that Model’s position at the start of the Movement Phase and its position at the end of the Movement Phase is counted. When determining this distance, if the direct line between a Model’s starting position and current position passes through an Area of Impassable Terrain or other obstacle through which a Model cannot move, then count the distance of the Model’s path of movement around the obstacle rather than the direct line between its start and end positions. If, when a Player has the option of moving a Unit, they choose not to move any of the Models in that Unit, and no Models in the Unit otherwise change position on the Battlefield, other than to pivot in place, then that Unit is considered to be Stationary.
Turn
A Battle is split into a number of Turns. Once the last Turn of a Battle has been completely resolved, the Battle ends. In general, when used without a qualifier, the term Turn refers to Battle Turns.
CHARGE – A ‘Charge’ is a special type of multi-stage move made during the Assault Sequence. Unlike a normal move, Models moved as part of any Step of a Charge may end the move in Base Contact with an enemy Model.
Bulky (X)
Transport vehicles are designed to balance armour and capacity, attempting to mount the most protection without compromising how many warriors they can carry. Yet, some warriors are plated in such imposing armour or even spawned in such an aberrant nature that they occupy far more space than any regular fighter. Such warriors are mighty in both power and stature, but prove more difficult to ferry into battle.
Models with the Bulky (X) Special Rule take up more space on Transport Models.A Model with the Bulky (X) Special Rule does not use up 1 Point of Transport Capacity when it Embarks on a Model with the Transport Sub-Type. Instead it uses up a number of points of Transport Capacity equal to the value of X attached to the variant of the Bulky (X) possessed by that Model.
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.
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.
Difficult Terrain
Difficult Terrain slows down Models moving through it.Tangled or otherwise restrictive Terrain is considered Difficult Terrain. Note that an Area of Difficult Terrain does not grant a Cover Save unless it is within a zone of Area Terrain.
Dangerous Terrain
Dangerous Terrain can inflict wounds on Models.Dangerous Terrain follows all the Rules for Difficult Terrain and, in addition, any Model that enters, leaves or moves through an Area of Dangerous Terrain must make a Dangerous Terrain Test. This Test must be made immediately when a Model moves into an Area of Dangerous Terrain or begins a move while within an Area of Dangerous Terrain.
Dangerous Terrain Tests
To take a Dangerous Terrain Test, the Player controlling a Model that has moved into or through an Area of Dangerous Terrain must roll a Dice. On a result of ‘1’, that Model suffers a wound with an AP of 2 and a Damage Characteristic of 1. No Armour Save, Cover Save or Damage Mitigation Roll may be made to discard this wound, but Invulnerable Saves may still be made.Once a Dangerous Terrain Test has been made for a given Model in a Phase, then no further Dangerous Terrain Tests are taken for that same Model in the same Phase, regardless of whether it enters further Areas of Dangerous Terrain.
| COMMAND – The line officers of an Army. |
Detachment
A Detachment is a gaming element composed of one or more Units. The composition of a given Detachment is decided by the Controlling Player during Army selection based on the Force Organisation Chart being used for that Army. A Detachment’s main function is in the selection of an Army, and during an individual Battle imposes only limited restrictions for the Models and Units that are part of that Detachment. Any restrictions imposed on Units during a Battle based on the Detachment it was selected as part of will most often be due to interactions between Units of different Factions.
Auxiliary Detachments
An Army can include any number of Auxiliary Detachments, depending on the number and type of Command Choices selected.An Army may include any number of Auxiliary Detachments. The number available in any Army is determined by the number of Command Force Organisation Slots that have been filled, with each such Slot filled allowing a single Auxiliary Detachment to be taken. A Player may also choose to include an Auxiliary Detachment for one or more of the High Command Force Organisation Slots available to them, gaining one Auxiliary Detachment for each High Command Slot selected, but any High Command Slots selected in this manner no longer grant the Player an Apex Detachment. All Auxiliary Detachments are linked to other Detachments, usually either Primary or Allied Detachments, which determines which Army List and Faction must be used by the Auxiliary Detachment.
Routed
The Routed Status can be inflicted by any of the following:
- As part of the effects of the Panic (X) Special Rule.
- If a Unit has had 25% or more of the Models that were part of that Unit at the start of a Shooting Attack Removed as Casualties due to that Shooting Attack, then the Controlling Player must pass a Leadership Check for that Unit or it gains the Routed Status (see the Rules for Panic in the Morale Sub-Phase
- The Controlling Player of a Unit that loses Combat must take a Leadership Check for that Unit in the Resolution Sub-Phase and if the Check is failed then the Unit gains the Routed Status.
- Other Rules may also apply the Routed Status, these Rules will specify how and when this occurs.
The following Rules apply to any Unit that includes one or more Models that have the Routed Status:
- The Controlling Player of a Unit that includes any Models that are Routed must make all Shooting Attacks for that Unit as Snap Shots.
- The Controlling Player of a Unit that includes any Models that are Routed may not declare any Reactions for that Unit.
- A Unit with the Routed Status may not move in the Move Sub-Phase of the Movement Phase - any effect that would force them to move or Rush in the Movement Phase has no effect.
- In the Rout Sub-Phase of the Movement Phase, a Unit that includes any Models with the Routed Status must Fall Back.
- Any Models that have the Routed Status and move into contact with any point on the Battlefield Edge that is within the Controlling Player’s Deployment Zone stop moving, and any Models that have the Routed Status and begin the Rout Sub-Phase in contact with any point on the Battlefield Edge that is within the Controlling Player’s Deployment Zone remain Stationary.
- If a Unit that includes one or more Models with the Routed Status enters contact with an edge of the Battlefield within the Controlling Player’s Deployment Zone as part of a Fall Back Move, a Leadership Check must be made for that Unit once all Models in the Unit have completed their moves. If that Leadership Check is failed, then all Models in the Unit are immediately removed from play as Casualties. However, if that Leadership Check is passed then the Unit remains in play and all Models in the Unit lose the Routed Status, but gain the Suppressed Status.
- In the Assault Phase Charges may not be declared for a Unit that includes any Models with the Routed Status and any Rule or effect that would otherwise force such a Unit to make a Charge has no effect.
- A Unit that includes any Models with the Routed Status in the Resolution Sub-Phase of the Assault Phase must always Fall Back at the end of that Sub-Phase.
Designer’s Note
Astute readers will have noted that a Unit under the Reactive Player’s control that loses Combat and gains the Routed Status will be forced to Fall Back from that Combat and will then have to Fall Back a second time in the Controlling Player’s following Movement Phase. This is entirely intentional, and is intended to avoid Units ‘ping-ponging’ in and out of Combat. Players whose Units have been Routed will benefit from the fact that they must halt at the Battlefield Edge, stopping them running to their doom, and the fact that being attacked while Routed does not result in the immediate removal of the Routed Unit, nor stop them from shooting. Furthermore, the various Liber books will present additional options and Wargear that will allow Players the opportunity to mitigate or remove Statuses outside of the Statuses Sub-Phase.
Astute readers will have noted that a Unit under the Reactive Player’s control that loses Combat and gains the Routed Status will be forced to Fall Back from that Combat and will then have to Fall Back a second time in the Controlling Player’s following Movement Phase. This is entirely intentional, and is intended to avoid Units ‘ping-ponging’ in and out of Combat. Players whose Units have been Routed will benefit from the fact that they must halt at the Battlefield Edge, stopping them running to their doom, and the fact that being attacked while Routed does not result in the immediate removal of the Routed Unit, nor stop them from shooting. Furthermore, the various Liber books will present additional options and Wargear that will allow Players the opportunity to mitigate or remove Statuses outside of the Statuses Sub-Phase.
Pursue – Roll a single Dice for each Unit that has been chosen to Pursue. Each Model in a Pursuing Unit must move a number of inches equal to their Initiative Characteristic, added to the result of the Dice rolled for the Unit that Model is part of, directly towards the nearest enemy Model from a Unit that has made a Fall Back Move from the selected Combat. If any Model from the Unit that is Pursuing ends its move in Base Contact with an enemy Model, then it is considered to have made a successful Charge and is Locked in Combat with the Unit that includes that enemy Model.
In the example pictured above the Unit marked in green has beaten the Unit marked in yellow. The yellow marked Unit has Fallen Back, while the green marked Unit will Pursue. The red marked Unit was not a part of the Combat. All Models in the green marked Unit must move directly towards Models in the yellow marked Unit when making their Pursue Move and cannot move towards Models in the red Marked Unit even though it is closer.
Hold – All Models in a Unit that Holds must make an immediate Pile-in Move and if any of its Models are in Base Contact with an enemy Model, the Unit remains Locked in Combat.
Disengage – A Unit that Disengages must make an immediate Disengage Move. To make a Disengage Move, the Controlling Player of the Unit must move each Model in the Unit a distance equal to the Model’s Movement Characteristic. This move can be made in any direction, as long as each Model moving is moving away from any enemy Models that are part of the Combat the Model is Disengaging from. If the Model cannot move without moving closer to such an enemy Model then a Disengage Move may not be made for the Unit that Model belongs to and the Unit must instead Hold (see above). Each Model moved must end its move in Unit Coherency with at least one other Model from the same Unit and may not end the move in Base Contact with any enemy Model. If, for any reason, a Unit ends a Disengage Move with any Models in that Unit out of Unit Coherency or in Base Contact with an enemy Model, then all Models in the Unit gain the Routed Status.
Models making a Disengage move can freely move through all enemy Models that are Locked in the same Combat. This is an exception to the normal Rules for moving that state a Model cannot move through any area within 1" of an enemy Model or any Model Locked in Combat. If any Models making a Disengage Move from a Combat would end their move less than 2" from an enemy Model still Locked in that Combat, extend the Disengage move by the minimum amount needed for that Model to end its Move more than 2" from any enemy Model. Models making a Disengage Move have the distance they Move reduced as normal by Terrain and must take Dangerous Terrain Tests as normal.
Models making a Disengage move can freely move through all enemy Models that are Locked in the same Combat. This is an exception to the normal Rules for moving that state a Model cannot move through any area within 1" of an enemy Model or any Model Locked in Combat. If any Models making a Disengage Move from a Combat would end their move less than 2" from an enemy Model still Locked in that Combat, extend the Disengage move by the minimum amount needed for that Model to end its Move more than 2" from any enemy Model. Models making a Disengage Move have the distance they Move reduced as normal by Terrain and must take Dangerous Terrain Tests as normal.
Pinned
The Pinned Status is primarily inflicted as part of the effects of the Pinning (X) Special Rule, but may also be applied by specific Special Rules.
The following Rules apply to any Unit that includes one or more Models that have the Pinned Status:
- The Controlling Player of a Unit that includes any Models that are Pinned may not choose to have that Unit move, Rush or Charge in any Phase and any effect that would force them to move or Charge has no effect.
- A Unit that includes any Models with the Pinned Status that is Locked in Combat makes any Pile-in Moves as normal, but may not choose to Pursue or Disengage during the Resolution Sub-Phase.
Checks
In order to make a Check, the rolling Player rolls two Dice and compares the total of the two results against a Target Number. If the combined result of the two rolled Dice is equal to or lower than the Target Number then the Check has been passed, but if the combined result of the two Dice is higher than the Target Number then the Check has been failed.The Target Number for most Checks is determined by one of the Characteristics of the Model for which the Check is made (only Cool, Willpower, Intelligence or Leadership may be used for Characteristic Checks), unless stated otherwise the Target Number for a Check will be the value of the noted Characteristic, though some Rules may apply additional modifiers or use a fixed value instead of a Characteristic.
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.
Rending (X)
Some weapons cleave flesh with ease, inflicting terrible wounds that no mortal toughness can resist. Though of less use against armour and steel, such munitions are capable of tearing bloody holes in the ranks of advancing infantry and stalling any attack in its tracks.
With a Weapon that has the Rending (X) Special Rule, there is a chance that a Hit Test may result in an automatic wound.When any Hit Test is made for an attack with the Rending (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 Rending (X) Special Rule, then if a Hit is inflicted by that Hit Test, that Hit becomes a ‘Rending Hit’.
When required to make a Wound Test for a Rending Hit, no Dice are rolled and the Wound Test succeeds automatically regardless of the Weapon’s Strength or the Target’s Toughness. The Wound Test is treated as if the result had been ‘6’ for the purposes of any Rules that would be triggered on certain results of a Wound Test. Wounds caused by a Rending Hit use the AP and Damage Characteristics of the Weapon used to make the attack and retain any Special Rules that Weapon had.
If the Target Unit for an attack made with a Weapon that has this Special Rule includes any Models with the Vehicle Type, then this Special Rule has no effect.
Critical Hit (X)
Whether by dint of superior skill or exemplary wargear, some warriors are better able to place strikes on enemy weak points. Such attacks can fell even the most powerful foes with a single well-placed shot.
Attacks made with the Critical Hit (X) Special Rule have a chance to automatically cause a wound and inflict 1 extra point of Damage.When any Hit Test is made for an attack with the Critical Hit (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 Critical Hit (X) Special Rule, then if a Hit is inflicted by that Hit Test, that Hit becomes a ‘Critical Hit’.
A Critical Hit automatically inflicts a wound without any Dice being rolled, counting as the roll of a ‘6’ for any variable Special Rules that might be triggered by a Wound Test, and increases the Damage Characteristic of the Hit by +1.
Ranged Hit Tests
Ranged Hit Tests include all Hit Tests made outside of Combat or at a distance further than Base-to-Base Contact. Ranged Hit Tests are normally part of a Shooting Attack which details how to select targets. The Rules in this section are focussed only on the process of rolling Hit Tests.When making a Ranged Hit Test for any Model, roll a number of Dice equal to the Firepower Characteristic of any one Weapon that the Model has (or when instructed roll all of the Dice for attacks made using the same Ballistic Skill and for identical Weapons - a grouping known as a Fire Group - see the Rules for the Shooting Phase for more details). These Dice are rolled as a Test, using the Ranged Hit Test Table and the attacking Model’s Ballistic Skill to determine the Target number for the Test.
RANGED HIT TEST TABLE
The following table is used to determine the Target Number for Ranged Hit Tests:
*Some Rules may require Ranged Hit: Tests to be made as Snap Shots, such Hit Tests use this row to determine their Target Number.
Where a number is shown, that is the Target Number of the Ranged Hit Test. For other entries, use the following Rules to resolve the Hit Test:
F (Fail) – If the table shows an ‘F’ then no Dice are rolled and the Test automatically fails to Hit, applying any effects a miss would normally apply to the attacking Model. For Weapons with the Rending (X) Special Rule, a result of F does not trigger the Rending (X) Special Rule.
A (Automatic) – if the table shows an ‘A’ then no Dice are rolled and the Test automatically succeeds as if the Dice’s natural result had been a ‘6’, applying all effects that such a result would normally apply. In addition, such an attack also applies all of the effects of a Critical Hit (see the Critical Hit (X) Special Rule).
CX+ (Critical Hit) – If the table shows a ‘CX+’, then the Target Number of the Ranged Hit Test is 2+, but if the roll results in a value equal to or greater than the value of ‘X’ then the Hit gains the effects of the Critical Hit (X) Special Rule.
The following table is used to determine the Target Number for Ranged Hit Tests:
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Where a number is shown, that is the Target Number of the Ranged Hit Test. For other entries, use the following Rules to resolve the Hit Test:
F (Fail) – If the table shows an ‘F’ then no Dice are rolled and the Test automatically fails to Hit, applying any effects a miss would normally apply to the attacking Model. For Weapons with the Rending (X) Special Rule, a result of F does not trigger the Rending (X) Special Rule.
A (Automatic) – if the table shows an ‘A’ then no Dice are rolled and the Test automatically succeeds as if the Dice’s natural result had been a ‘6’, applying all effects that such a result would normally apply. In addition, such an attack also applies all of the effects of a Critical Hit (see the Critical Hit (X) Special Rule).
CX+ (Critical Hit) – If the table shows a ‘CX+’, then the Target Number of the Ranged Hit Test is 2+, but if the roll results in a value equal to or greater than the value of ‘X’ then the Hit gains the effects of the Critical Hit (X) Special Rule.
As with other Tests, any Dice whose result equals or exceeds the Target Number has succeeded and inflicts a Hit on the Target Unit.
Barrage (X)
Long range artillery fire is the terror of any infantry advance, striking its targets no matter what cover they seek or where they attempt to take shelter.
A Weapon with this Special Rule may be used to attack Target Units out of Line of Sight.If a Unit for which a Shooting Attack is made includes any Models with one or more Weapons with this Special Rule, then in Step 2 of the Shooting Attack process they may ignore the restriction on requiring Line of Sight to a Target Unit. If a Player uses this Special Rule to declare a Shooting Attack on a Unit that the attacking Unit cannot draw a Line of Sight to, then in Step 3 of the Shooting Attack process that Player may only declare attacks with Weapons that have this Special Rule.
If a Weapon with this Special Rule and the Blast (X) Special Rule is used to attack a Unit without Line of Sight to that Unit, then no Hit Test is made and an Indirect Scatter Roll must be made for the Blast Marker placed as part of the attack. If such a Weapon makes more than a single attack then a separate Indirect Scatter Roll is made for each attack. When making an Indirect Scatter Roll for such an attack, the number of Dice rolled alongside the Scatter Dice is determined by the value of X for the Weapon with the Barrage (X) Special Rule, the value of these Dice is then totalled to find the distance the attack Scatters.
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.
Reaping Blow (X)
Whether by skill or the merits of a weapon’s design, some warriors are capable of sweeping strikes that scythe through the ranks of the foe.
If a Model with this Special Rule is outnumbered, it gains extra attacks.If a Model is outnumbered in Combat and either has this Special Rule or is made to attack with a Weapon that has this Special Rule, then that Model gains a bonus to its Attacks Characteristic equal to the value of X attached to the variant of this Special Rule it has access to. To be considered outnumbered, the total number of Friendly Models Locked in the same Combat must be less than the total number of Enemy Models Locked in the same Combat - Models with the Bulky (X) Special Rule count as a number of Models equal to the value of X in the variant of the Bulky (X) Special Rule that Model has. This Special Rule has no effect during the Challenge Sub-Phase, and no Model that is Engaged in a Challenge may gain additional Attacks due to this Special Rule.
The Flyer Sub-Type
The following Rules are exceptions to the Core Rules that always apply to a Model with the Flyer Sub-Type at all times during a Horus Heresy Battle:- Whilst on the Battlefield, a Model with the Flyer Sub-Type does not block Line of Sight or the Movement of any Model.
- When moving a Model with the Flyer Sub-Type, ignore all Terrain effects and Rules. However, a Model with the Flyer Sub-Type may still not end a move in or on Impassable Terrain, a Terrain Feature or a Building.
- Models with the Flyer Sub-Type may move through Models with the Vehicle Type, but never inflict Hits on enemy Units they move through and are never eligible to be the Target of the Death or Glory Advanced Reaction.
- No Model of any kind may join a Unit that includes a Model with the Flyer Sub-Type.
- A Model with the Flyer Sub-Type can never gain any Tactical Statuses and ignores any Rules that would force it to do so.
- A Model with the Flyer Sub-Type may never be Locked in Combat or attacked in any way during the Assault Phase and may not be targeted by attacks made using a Melee Weapon.
- A Model with the Flyer Sub-Type may never make a Reaction of any kind, unless that Reaction specifically states it may be made by Models with the Flyer Sub-Type - but can be targeted by Reactions.
- When a Player is instructed to roll on the Vehicle Damage Table for a Model with this Sub-Type, no roll is made. Instead, the Model loses a single Hull Point.
Stunned
The Stunned Status is primarily inflicted as part of the effects of the Stun (X) Special Rule, but may also be applied by specific Special Rules.
The following Rules apply to any Unit that includes one or more Models that have the Stunned Status:
- The Controlling Player of a Unit that includes any Models that are Stunned may not declare any Reactions for that Unit.
Line (X)
Some units are drilled to hold the ground captured by the vanguard. Vigilant and steadfast, they are vital assets in any battle, standing sentinel over the vital objectives captured in any assault and holding back the foe’s counter-assault.
A Unit of Models with this Special Rule can control Objectives more easily and scores more Victory Points from controlling an Objective.If a Unit that Controls an Objective includes a majority of Models with the Line (X) Special Rule then, whenever the Controlling Player scores Victory Points for Controlling that Objective, an additional number of Victory Points equal to the value of X are scored. For example, a Unit of 10 Models, of which the majority have the Line (3) Special Rule, hold an Objective worth 1 Victory Point, when the Controlling Player scores Victory Points for that Objective, they would score a total of 4 Victory Points.
Furthermore, the value of X is added to the Tactical Strength of a Model that has that Special Rule to determine its ability to Control Objectives (see Core Mission Primary Objectives).
Suppressed
The Suppressed Status is primarily inflicted as part of the effects of the Suppressive (X) Special Rule, but may also be applied by specific Special Rules.
The following Rules apply to any Unit that includes one or more Models that have the Suppressed Status:
- The Controlling Player of a Unit that includes any Models that are Suppressed must make all attacks in any Shooting Attacks declared for that Unit as Snap Shots.
Template
A Template is a type of Marker of irregular shape, unlike Blast Markers which are always circular. The most common type of Template is the teardrop shaped Flame Template, which is used like a Blast Marker to determine which Models are hit by certain attacks. Templates and the Rules for using them are presented here.
Falling Back
A Unit with the Routed Status may not be moved during the Move Sub-Phase, but must instead make a Fall Back Move during the Rout Sub-Phase. Other Rules may also require a Unit to make a Fall Back Move, those Rules will detail when such a move must be made.To make a Fall Back Move, the Controlling Player of the Unit that is falling back moves each Model in the Unit a distance equal to the total of the Current Value of the Model’s Initiative Characteristic added to the result of a Dice roll (roll one Dice once for all Models in the same Unit and add the same result to each Model’s individual Initiative Characteristic) directly towards the nearest point on the Battlefield Edge that is within that Player’s Deployment Zone. If the Mission in use does not define a Deployment Zone for that Player, then Models move towards the closest Battlefield Edge instead.
Models making a Fall Back Move have the distance they move reduced as normal by Terrain and, unlike in a normal move, must move around obstacles or obstructions in a specific manner. When a Unit’s path is obstructed while making a Fall Back Move, the Controlling Player must always determine a Line of Movement that allows the Model to move as far as possible towards the target point on the Battlefield Edge. The Controlling Player must end the move of any Model in Unit Coherency if possible, but all Models must move the full distance possible which may force the Controlling Player to place Models so that they are no longer in Unit Coherency. Note that a Unit that ends its move out of Unit Coherency while it has the Routed Status never gains the Suppressed Status. Models making a Fall Back Move may not end that move within 1" of any enemy Model. If no other Line of Movement, other than one that would leave a Model making a Fall Back Move within 1" of an enemy Model, is available then the Model making a Fall Back Move must end that move early at the furthest point it can reach in the direction of the Battlefield Edge whilst also remaining at least 1" from any enemy Model.
If any Model in a Unit that is Falling Back moves into Base Contact with any point on the Battlefield Edge within the Controlling Player’s Deployment Zone, then that Model must end its movement at the point where it entered contact with the Battlefield Edge. Once all Models in a Unit that includes one or more Models which have entered contact with a Battlefield Edge that is within the Controlling Player’s Deployment Zone as part of a Fall Back Move have finished their moves, a Leadership Check must be made for that Unit. If that Leadership Check is failed, then all Models in the Unit are immediately Removed as Casualties. However, if that Leadership Check is passed then the Unit remains in play and all Models in the Unit lose the Routed Status, but gain the Suppressed Status.
Combat Round – A Combat Round is a single pass through all Initiative Steps used in a given Combat. In each Fight Sub-Phase a given Combat resolves a single Combat Round, and if any Models remain Locked in Combat then further Combat Rounds are resolved in later Player Turns.
Consolidate – All Models in the Unit may move a number of inches equal to their Initiative Characteristic in any direction, but must end this move in Unit Coherency and at least 2" from any enemy Model. The distance moved as part of the Consolidate option cannot be modified by Terrain - but Dangerous Terrain Tests are made as normal.
Massacres
Sometimes, a Combat Round may result in all Models under one Player’s control being Removed as Casualties, leaving the surviving Units no longer Locked in Combat. This is referred to as a Massacre. Any Unit or Units that remain after a Massacre may be selected during the Resolution Sub-Phase, but do not use the normal Combat Resolution process and instead skip to Step 4 and must Consolidate.Note that it is not considered a Massacre if all Models that are part of a Unit in the Fight Sub-Phase are Removed as Casualties, but a Model that was taking part in a Challenge is ‘returned’ to that Unit at the start of the Resolution Sub-Phase. In such a case the Combat Resolution Process is resolved as normal, retaining all Combat Resolution Points scored as a result of Casualties inflicted during the Fight Sub-Phase and Challenge Sub-Phase.
The Reductor Trait is used in the following Forces of the Taghmata datasheets:
Troops
Support
War Engine
Transport
Heavy Transport
Recon
Fear (X)
Some warriors exude such a terrifying aura that even those hardened by war and death are apprehensive in their presence. Whether this is due to a reputation for cruelty or brutal slaughter or the result of some technological device or psychic glamour makes little difference in the effect it has on the battlefield. Wise commanders will seek to keep their distance and engage such fearsome enemies at range rather than risk their wrath.
Models near an enemy Model with the Fear (X) Special Rule must reduce their Advanced Characteristics.When any Model from a Unit is within 12" of an enemy Model with the Fear (X) Special Rule, all Models in that Unit must reduce their Leadership, Willpower, Cool and Intelligence Characteristics by the value of X. This negative modifier is removed as soon as no Models in a given Unit are within 12" of any Model with the Fear (X) Special Rule. If a Unit would be affected by multiple instances of the Fear (X) Special Rule, the value of X is not stacked and instead the single highest value is used as a negative modifier.
Feel No Pain (X)
Some warriors are so inured to pain and suffering that nothing but the most grievous of hurts will slow their onslaught. The only way to stop such a berserk is to hit them again and again until at last they fall, the toll of their hurts far more than any mortal warrior should be capable of bearing.
Feel No Pain (X) is a Damage Mitigation Test that may be taken in addition to a Saving Throw.A Model with the Feel No Pain (X) Special Rule gains a Feel No Pain Damage Mitigation Test that may be used in Step 9 of the Shooting Attack process or Step 8 of the Initiative Step of the Fight Sub-Phase process to discard wounds allocated to the Model. A Damage Mitigation Test may be made after and in addition to a Saving Throw. The Target Number for a Feel No Pain Damage Mitigation Test is the value of X attached to the specific variant of the Special Rule.
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.
Limited (X)
Some weapons carry only a severely limited stock of munitions. Often intended as weapons of last resort, used at the correct point they can turn the tide of battle.
A Weapon with the Limited (X) Special Rule can only be used to attack a limited number of times per Battle.A Weapon with the Limited (X) Special Rule may only be used to make attacks as part of a Shooting Attack or Combat a number of times equal to the value of X attached to the specific variant of the Special Rule. Each time it is used to make attacks, the Firepower Characteristic or Attacks Modifier Characteristic of the Weapon is not modified by this Special Rule, only the number of times it may be selected in a given Battle.
The [Mechanicum] Trait is used in the following Forces of the Taghmata datasheets:
Elites
Troops
Support
Transport
Fast Attack
Nuncio-vox
A nuncio-vox is a beacon and communications array that allows constant coordination with other elements of an army, allowing a commander a measure of control and the ability to direct their forces, even during the most chaotic battles.
Nuncio-vox allow Units to remove Statuses in the Start Phase.If a Unit includes one or more Models with a nuncio-vox, and there are one or more friendly Models on the Battlefield with the Command Sub-Type, then the Controlling Player may activate the nuncio-vox during the Start Phase of their Player Turn as the Active Player. When activated, the Controlling Player may make a Check to remove a single Tactical Status from all Models in the Unit that includes the nuncio-vox. This Check is made using the Characteristics of any one friendly Model on the Battlefield, chosen by the Controlling Player (using Cool, unless attempting to remove Routed, in which case Leadership is used). A nuncio-vox may only be activated once per Turn, and each friendly Model on the Battlefield with the Command Sub-Type may only be used once per Start Phase as part of this Rule.
Roll (Re-Roll)
The term Roll indicates when one or more Dice are to be picked up by a Player and rolled onto the Battlefield or other flat surface and the results noted to resolve an attack or Special Rule. The result of a Roll is determined by reading the uppermost face on the Dice after it has come to rest. Each individual action that requires a Roll will detail how many Dice are to be Rolled and how the results are to be interpreted. Sometimes a Rule may allow for one or more Dice to be Re-rolled, this means the Dice indicated may be Rolled again after it has come to rest, and the new result replaces the first result - no single Dice may ever be Re-rolled more than once.
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.Command
Representing the elite of any army, commanders oversee the disposition of their troops, set strategy for the coming battle and often stand at the forefront of the conflict. The actions of such heroes can change the tide of battle in an instant.
The following Rules apply to all Models with the Command Sub-Type:- A Model with the Command Sub-Type may join and leave Units.
- A Model with the Command Sub-Type may Issue and Accept Challenges.
- The Controlling Player of a Unit that includes one or more Models with the Command Sub-Type may use the Characteristics of one of those Models to resolve any Characteristic Checks made for that Unit.
Specialist
Some warriors are renowned not purely for their skill at arms, but for the specific skills they bring to the aid of their fellows. Such warriors move among the ranks as they are needed, taking up position to use their abilities to the greatest advantage amid the shifting tide of battle.
The following Rules apply to all Models with the Specialist Sub-Type:- A Model with the Specialist Sub-Type may join and leave Units.
Champion
At the front of any charge and the heart of any defensive line are an army’s champions. These warriors stand ever ready to accept the challenge of their foes and inspire their allies.
The following Rules apply to all Models with the Champion Sub-Type:- A Model with the Champion Sub-Type may Issue and Accept Challenges.
Heavy (X)
Some weapons are so heavy that, while they can be fired on the move, are more powerful when properly braced and made ready before shooting. Warriors on the battlefield must use their judgement to decide when speed is required and when the full firepower of their arsenal must be unleashed.
Weapons with the Heavy (X) Special Rule gain +1 to a Characteristic when Stationary.When making a Shooting Attack with a Weapon that has the Heavy (X) Special Rule, a modifier of +1 is added to a Characteristic if the Model with that Weapon is part of a Unit that remained Stationary in the Controlling Player’s previous Movement Phase. If the Characteristic listed is AP, then instead it improves the AP by one Step (see the Rules for modifying Saves and AP). The value of X in the specific variant of the Heavy (X) Special Rule determines which Characteristic gains the +1 modifier.
Ordnance (X)
Huge artillery cannon and vast laser weapons are commonly employed as the primary armament of the greatest war machines of the Imperium. These weapons are devastating when properly braced and prepared for firing - more than capable of destroying smaller war engines in a single blast.
Weapons with the Ordnance (X) Special Rule double the value of a Characteristic when Stationary.When making a Shooting Attack with a Weapon that has the Ordnance (X) Special Rule, a modifier of x2 is applied to a Characteristic if the Model with that Weapon is part of a Unit that remained stationary in the Controlling Player’s previous Movement Phase (if that Characteristic is AP, then the AP is instead changed to AP 2). The value of X in the specific variant of the Ordnance (X) Special Rule determines which Characteristic gains the x2 modifier.
Titan
The following Rules apply to all Models with the Titan Sub-Type:- Models with this Sub-Type are not affected in any way by Difficult Terrain or Dangerous Terrain, and may pass through Impassable Terrain as long as they do not end a Move on or within an area of Impassable Terrain.
- When making multiple Shooting Attacks in the same Shooting Phase, a Model with this Sub-Type does not have to make all attacks as Snap Shots.
- A Model with this Sub-Type is limited on when and which Reactions may be made for it, see Titans and Reactions.
- The Rules for applying Damage to a Model with this Sub-Type vary from those used with other Models with the Vehicle Type, see Titans and Damage.
- The Rules for Shooting Attacks and Combats that involve Titans are changed as noted in Titans and the Shooting Phase and Titans and the Assault Phase sections.
- If a Model with this Sub-Type has a Transport Capacity, then it may transport any number of Units, so long as the number of Models in the transported Units does not exceed the Vehicle’s Transport Capacity.
- A Model with this Sub-Type cannot gain any Tactical Statuses or Cybertheurgic Statuses.
- A Model with this Sub-Type cannot be affected by any Psychic Weapon, Psychic Reaction or Psychic Power.
- A Model with this Sub-Type may not be targeted by the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule.
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.
Super-heavy
From the lumbering Baneblade tanks of the Imperial Army to the destructive power of the Legiones Astartes Falchion, all of the war machines that fall into this category are huge armour-clad constructions that each wield enough firepower to destroy an entire army.
The following Rules apply to all Models with the Super-heavy Sub-Type:
- Models with this Sub-Type are not affected in any way by Difficult Terrain or Dangerous Terrain, but may still neither pass through nor end their move in Impassable Terrain.
- A Model with this Sub-Type always gains any benefits for having remained Stationary when making Shooting Attacks, regardless of whether the Model moved in the preceding Movement Phase or the distance moved. This does not count if the Model has Rushed in the Preceding Movement Phase.
- When making multiple Shooting Attacks in the same Shooting Phase, a Model with this Sub-Type does not have to make all attacks as Snap Shots.
- A Model with this Sub-Type may only make Reactions in response to actions undertaken by Units that contain one or more Models with the Paragon Type, Super-heavy Sub-Type, Knight Sub-Type* or Titan Sub-Type*.
- When a Player is instructed to roll on the Vehicle Damage Table for a Model with this Sub-Type, no roll is made. Instead, the Model loses a single Hull Point.
- If a Model with this Sub-Type has a Transport Capacity, then it may transport any number of Units, so long as the number of Models in the transported Units does not exceed the Vehicle’s Transport Capacity.
*See Liber Questoris for more details on these Unit Sub-Types.
Armourbane
Heavy beams and armour-piercing cannon rarely inflict superficial damage, but always blast and break the hull of their target. Such weapons are superior tank killers, their sheer power prized over lesser weapons when the objective is to apply maximum damage without concern for finesse.
A Weapon with the Armourbane Special Rule counts Glancing Hits as Penetrating Hits.When making Armour Penetration Tests for an attack with this Special Rule, a result that is equal to, or greater than, the target Armour Value inflicts a Penetrating Hit. A Weapon with this Special Rule can never inflict a Glancing Hit, and any Rule that would force them to do so instead inflicts a Penetrating Hit.
Deep Strike
Deep strike deployments are usually conducted en-masse and at a distance from the enemy, lest the attacking force be destroyed in detail as it lands.
The Deep Strike Special Rule allows a Unit to enter play anywhere on the Battlefield.A Unit that includes only Models with the Deep Strike Special Rule that enters play from Reserves may make a Deep Strike instead of deploying as described in the Reserves Rules. No more than one Unit may attempt a Deep Strike in a given Player Turn. The Unit attempting a Deep Strike may have another Unit without the Deep Strike Special Rule Embarked upon it if the Deep Striking Unit includes Models with the Transport Sub-Type (note that some Missions may allow more Units to attempt a Deep Strike in the same Player Turn. This will be specifically noted in the Mission Special Rules section of that Mission). Note that in Missions where the Reserves Mission Special Rule is not in use, the Deep Strike Special Rule has no effect. Furthermore, Units may not make use of the Deep Strike Special Rule during the first Battle Turn, even if they enter play from Reserves.
To perform a Deep Strike, the Active Player must declare an Eligible Unit that has entered play from Reserves in the Reserves Sub-Phase as the Deep Striking Unit. The Active Player must then select one Model from that Unit and place it anywhere on the Battlefield. This Model must be placed at least 1" away from any enemy Model, Battlefield Edge or piece of Impassable Terrain. Once this first Model has been placed, the remaining Models in the Unit must be placed within Unit Coherency with at least one other Model in the same Unit and within 6" of the first Model placed. No Models may be placed within 1" of an enemy Model, any Battlefield Edge or a piece of Impassable Terrain. Any Models that cannot be placed using these Rules must be Removed as a Casualty immediately. This deployment must take place during the Reserves Sub-Phase, and a Unit that deploys as a Deep Strike may not move in the Move Sub-Phase of the same Player Turn or have a Charge declared for it in the Charge Sub-Phase of the same Player Turn, but may make Shooting Attacks as normal. A Unit that is Embarked on a Model that is deployed as part of a Deep Strike may Disembark during the Move Sub-Phase of the same Player Turn, but may not make any move other than the move made to Disembark and may not have a Charge declared for it in the Charge Sub-Phase of the same Player Turn.
Enemy Units may declare Intercept Reactions against a Unit deployed as part of a Deep Strike, but not Reposition Reactions.
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.
Battlesmith (X)
An army without war engines is easy prey for the foe, and without specially trained warriors to repair those machines they will soon fail in the face of the Horus Heresy’s fury. Battlesmiths are charged with seeing to the care of the metal behemoths that lead every assault, keeping them operational and ensuring their guns never fall silent.
A Model with the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule can repair Vehicles, Automata and other mechanical Units.In the Controlling Player’s Movement Phase as the Active Player, when a Model with the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule has been selected, but either before or after it has been moved, the Controlling Player of that Model may activate this Special Rule. Once activated, the Controlling Player of the Model with the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule, hereafter referred to as the ‘Acting Model’, must select one friendly Model within 6" of the Acting Model. The Model selected must have the Vehicle, Automata or Walker Type and is hereafter referred to as the ‘Target Model’. Once a Target Model has been selected, the Player controlling the Acting Model must make an Intelligence Check for the Acting Model.
If the Check, is failed there is no further effect, but if the Check is passed then the Player controlling the Acting Model may select one of the following options:
- Repair – The Target Model gains a number of Wounds or Hull Points equal to the value of X in the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule variant possessed by the Acting Model. This cannot increase the Target Model’s Wounds or Hull Points above its Base Value.
- Restore – A number of Statuses equal to the value of X in the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule variant possessed by the Acting Model may be removed from the Target Model.
Panic (X)
Some weapons are so terrifyingly potent that their use instils abject fear in even the most strong-willed warriors. In the face of such wanton power the target can only flee or prepare for death, for few would live to tell of the true horrors of the Age of Darkness once they were unleashed on the battlefield.
Weapons and other attacks that have the Panic (X) Special Rule have a chance of inflicting the Routed Status on the Target Unit.If a Shooting Attack made for a Weapon or Model with this Special Rule inflicts one or more wounds on a Target Unit, regardless of whether any Damage is inflicted, that Target Unit must make a Leadership Check in the Morale Sub-Phase of the same Player Turn. If this Check is failed then all Models in the Unit gain the Routed Status, if the Check is passed then there is no further effect. The value of X attached to this Special Rule is applied as a negative modifier to the Leadership Characteristic of Models in the Target Unit when making Checks caused by an attack with this Special Rule. If the attack includes multiple Weapons with different versions of this Special Rule the modifiers do not stack - use only the greatest modifier.
Void Shields (X)
Some especially large vehicles are equipped with almost impenetrable shields of energy, akin to those used on Titan god-engines, relics from ancient times known as void shields.
A Model with this Special Rule ignores Penetrating Hits as long as it still has active void shields.A Model with this Special Rule has a number of void shields equal to the value of X. While a Model with this Special Rule still has void shields, each time that Model suffers a Penetrating Hit as a result of a Shooting Attack, reduce the Damage of that Penetrating Hit to ‘0’ and reduce the number of void shields this Model has by 1. If the number of void shields a Model has is reduced to 0, this Special Rule has no further effect during that battle.
Titan Void Shield Array (X)
Titans are equipped with an almost impenetrable array of energy shields. These relics from ancient times are known as void shields, and provide a defence against light enemy fire. Their only weakness is that to protect a war engine the size of a Titan, the energy bubble cannot cover the closest ranges.
A Model with this Special Rule gains an extra layer of defence against Shooting Attacks.A Model with this Special Rule has a number of void shields equal to the value of X. While a Model with this Special Rule still has void shields, each time that Model suffers a Hit from a Shooting Attack it must be allocated to the void shields. Once all void shields have collapsed, any remaining Hits from Shooting Attacks must be allocated to the Titan Profile targeted by the attack.
A void shield has an Armour Value of 13, and any Glancing Hit or Penetrating Hit inflicted on it will cause that void shield to collapse. Regardless of the Damage value of a Hit it may not collapse more than one void shield, and once a Hit has collapsed a void shield or failed an Armour Penetration Test made against one it is discarded.
If, in the Effects Sub-Phase of the Controlling Player’s End Phase, a Titan has any collapsed void shields, the Controlling Player may roll a Dice for each collapsed void shield. Any Dice whose result is equal to or higher than the target number restores one void shield - with the target number decided by checking the [Crew] Trait of the Titan using the table below:
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Armour (Front, Side, Rear) – This Characteristic will often be presented with various separate Sub-Characteristics, one for each of the Model’s Facings (see the Vehicles and Damage). Each of these Sub-Characteristics is used to determine the effect of a Model’s armour and how hard it is to defeat. When any Armour Sub-Characteristic reaches 0, then any Hit on that facing will result in an automatic Penetrating Hit without any Dice being rolled (if the Hit could have triggered a variable Special Rule, then that Rule is considered to automatically activate as part of the Hit).
Death or Glory
This Advanced Reaction allows a Unit that a Vehicle has moved through to attack the Vehicle.Trigger: The Reactive Player may declare a Death or Glory Reaction whenever the Active Player moves through an enemy Unit with a Model that has the Vehicle Type.
Cost: The Reactive Player must spend 1 point of their Reaction Allotment to declare a Death or Glory Reaction - this cost paid as soon as the declaration is made.
Target: For a Death or Glory Reaction, the Target Model is always the enemy Model with the Vehicle Type that triggered this Reaction. The Unit that was being moved through by the Target Unit is considered the Reacting Unit.
Process
- Once declared, the Target Model must temporarily halt its move in Base Contact with one or more Models from the Reacting Unit.
- The Reactive Player must nominate any one Model in the Reacting Unit, referred to hereafter as the Attacking Model. The Attacking Model does not have to be in Base Contact with the Target Model. The Attacking Model may not have the Vehicle Type.
- The Attacking Model may attack with either a Melee or Ranged Weapon, making a number of attacks equal to the Firepower of the selected Ranged Weapon or the Attacks Characteristic of the Attacking Model, modified by the selected Melee Weapon’s Attacks Modifier Characteristic. Whatever form the attack takes, all attacks automatically hit and any Armour Penetration Tests are resolved against the Target Model’s Front Armour.
- If the attack causes the Target Model to be Removed as a Casualty or inflicts the Pinned Status, then the Attacking Model remains in play - otherwise it is immediately Removed as a Casualty with no Saving Throws or Damage Mitigation Tests of any kind allowed. If the Target Model is Removed as a Casualty then no Hits are inflicted due to it moving through an enemy Unit. If it remains in play then such Hits are inflicted as normal.
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.
Suppressive (X)
A hail of enemy gunfire serves to keep any warrior’s head down, and some weapons are designed specifically to suppress the foe. Only the most steadfast of troops will continue the advance when all they can hear is the whistle and crack of gunshots and the screams of the fallen.
Weapons and other attacks that have the Suppressive (X) Special Rule have a chance of inflicting the Suppressed Status on the Target Unit.If a Shooting Attack made for a Weapon or Model with this Special Rule inflicts one or more Hits on a Target Unit, that Target Unit must make a Cool Check in the Morale Sub-Phase of the same Player Turn. If this Check is failed all Models in the Unit gain the Suppressed Status, and if the Check is passed then there is no further effect. The value of X attached to this Rule is applied as a negative modifier to the Cool Characteristic of Models in the Target Unit when making Checks caused by an Attack with this Special Rule, if the attack includes multiple Weapons with different versions of this Special Rule the modifiers do not stack - use only the greatest modifier.
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.
Army List
An Army List is a list of Units and Models that comprise a Faction. It is used by a Player to select an Army in conjunction with a Force Organisation Chart. The Rules governing Army Lists and Army selection are presented in more detail here.
Biomantic Rage
(Psychic Power, Blessing)Those blessed by the powers of biomancy are temporarily remade, their physiques swollen and warped for strength and resilience far beyond the merely human. It is not only their strength that swells, but also their rage. Under the effects of a biomancers influence even the most veteran warriors are lost to fury and bloodshed.
This Power is used in the Charge Sub-Phase to add a bonus to a Unit’s Strength and Toughness.Trigger: The Active Player may choose to Manifest the Biomantic Rage Psychic Power in the Charge Sub-Phase, at Step 4 of the Charge process before any Unit makes a Volley Attack.
Focus: The Focus of the Power must be a Model with the Biomancer Trait under the Active Player’s control, and must be either part of the Unit making a Charge or within 18" and with Line of Sight to one or more Models in that Unit.
Target: The Target Unit must be the Unit currently selected and in the process of making a Charge.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Power last until the end of the current Assault Phase.
Process
- Once the Focus and Target Unit have been decided, make a Manifestation Check.
- If the Manifestation Check is successful, then no Volley Attack may be made for the Target Unit, but all Models in the Target Unit gain a bonus of +2 to their Strength and Toughness Characteristics.
- If the Manifestation Check fails then there is no further effect.
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.
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.
Force (X)
By force of will a trained battle-psyker can channel the eldritch power of the Warp into their weapons and magnify their power greatly. Such power can come at a great cost, and if the psyker’s control wavers, they may be devoured by the very power they sought to chain.
A Weapon with this Special Rule may double a Characteristic with a Willpower Check, but may suffer Perils of the Warp.When selected to be used as part of a Combat or Shooting Attack, a Willpower Check may be made for the Model that will use this Weapon to make attacks. If it is successful then the Characteristic listed as X is doubled (if that Characteristic is AP, then the AP is instead changed to AP 2). If a double is rolled when making this Willpower Check then the Model using the Weapon to make attacks suffers Perils of the Warp.
Biomantic Slam
(Psychic Weapon)Channelling the power of the Warp itself, a trained biomancer can rend steel and smash ceramite with their bare hands. Such is their fury that neither warriors of flesh, nor engines of iron can stand before them.
| Melee Weapon | |||||||
Melee Weapon | IM | AM | SM | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Biomantic Slam | |||||||
| Biomantic Slam | 3 | 1 | 12 | 2 | 2 | Armourbane, Force (Damage) | Melee, Psychic |
Explodes (X)
Volatile fuel, overpowered reactors or dangerous munitions can cause some war engines to explode when destroyed. Such explosions can prove devastating to friend and foe alike.
A Model with this Special Rule can explode and cause Hits to nearby Models and Units.Before a Model with the Explodes (X) Special Rule is Removed as a Casualty, the Controlling Player must roll a Dice. If the result of that roll equals or exceeds the value of X attached to this variant of the Explodes (X) Special Rule, the Model explodes. Every Unit with one or more Models within 6" of an exploding Model suffers a number of Hits equal to the Base Wounds Characteristic or Base Hull Points Characteristic of the exploding Model. Each such Hit has a Strength of 8, an AP of ‘-’ and a Damage of 1. Once all Hits caused by this Special Rule have been resolved, the Model with the Explodes (X) Special Rule is Removed as a Casualty as normal.
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.
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).
Wildfire
(Psychic Weapon)With a snap of their fingers or sweep of their arms, a pyromancer can cause the very air to ignite in a storm of flame hot enough to burn flesh and sear metal.
| Ranged Weapon | |||||||
Ranged Weapon | R | FP | RS | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Wildfire | |||||||
| Wildfire | 18 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 1 | Panic (1), Blast (5"), Force (Strength) | Ranged, Psychic |
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.
Conflagration
(Psychic Weapon)In the heart of a melee, a pyromancer cares not for the subtle interplay of blades, and instead simply sows flame and cinder with wild abandon.
| Ranged Weapon | |||||||
Ranged Weapon | R | FP | RS | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Conflagration | |||||||
| Conflagration | -1 | 6+D3 | 5 | 4 | 1 | Deflagrate (5) | Melee, Psychic |
Shrouded (X)
Billowing clouds of smoke or fields of electromagnetic interference can hide warriors from the foe’s sight. That which cannot be struck, cannot be harmed and needs not the protection of heavy and encumbering armour.
Shrouded (X) is a Damage Mitigation Test that may be taken in addition to a Saving Throw.A Model with the Shrouded (X) Special Rule gains a Shrouded Damage Mitigation Test that may be used in Step 9 of the Shooting Attack process to discard Wounds allocated to the Model. A Damage Mitigation Test may be made after and in addition to a Saving Throw. The Target Number for a Shrouded Damage Mitigation Test is the value of X attached to the specific variant of the Special Rule. A Shrouded Damage Mitigation Test may not be made against wounds inflicted by a Melee Weapon.
Force Barrier
(Psychic Weapon)An invisible shield that no blast or beam can penetrate, by means of this power a telekine keeps their allies safe from harm and confounds the brute tactics of the foe.
This Power can be used in either the Shooting or Assault Phase and grants a Shrouded Damage Mitigation Test.Trigger: The Reactive Player may choose to declare a Force Barrier Psychic Reaction in either the Assault Phase, at the start of Step 4 of the Charge Process, or in the Shooting Phase, at the start of Step 3 of a Shooting Attack made by the Active Player.
Cost: The Reactive Player must spend 1 point of their Reaction Allotment to declare a Force Barrier Psychic Reaction - this cost paid as soon as the declaration is made.
Focus: The Focus of this Psychic Reaction must be a Model with the Telekine Trait under the Reactive Player’s control, and must be a part of the Unit targeted by the Charge or Shooting Attack that triggers this Psychic Reaction.
Target: The Target Unit must be the Unit that is the target of the Shooting Attack or Charge that triggered the Reaction.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Reaction last until the end of the Sub-Phase in which it was declared.
Process
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Reaction last until the end of the Sub-Phase in which it was declared.
Process
- Once the Focus and Target Unit have been decided, make a Manifestation Check.
- If the Manifestation Check is successful, then all Models in the Target Unit gain a 3+ Shrouded Damage Mitigation Test against any wounds inflicted during a Volley or Shooting Attack.
- If the Manifestation Check fails then there is no further effect.
Pinning (X)
The crack of the sniper’s rifle or the burst of heavy artillery, both signal a sudden and indiscriminate death and send infantry scurrying for cover. Such weapons are meant as much to pin the foe in place as to kill them, breaking up advancing ranks of troops and shattering defensive formations.
Weapons and other attacks that have the Pinning (X) Special Rule have a chance of inflicting the Pinned Status on the Target Unit.If a Shooting Attack made for a Weapon or Model with this Special Rule inflicts one or more wounds on a Target Unit, regardless of whether any Damage is inflicted, that Target Unit must make a Cool Check in the Morale Sub-Phase of the same Player Turn. If this Check is failed then all Models in the Unit gain the Pinned Status, if the Check is passed then there is no further effect. The value of X attached to this Special Rule is applied as a negative modifier to the Cool Characteristic of Models in the Target Unit when making Checks caused by an attack with this Special Rule, if the attack includes multiple Weapons with different versions of this Special Rule the modifiers do not stack - use only the greatest modifier.
Immovable Force
(Psychic Weapon)By force of will a telekine can bind the foe with invisible chains, leashing them to the spot and making them easy prey for allied guns.
| Ranged Weapon | |||||||
Ranged Weapon | R | FP | RS | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Immovable Force | |||||||
| Immovable Force | 18 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 1 | Pinning (2), Force (Firepower) | Ranged,, Psychic |
Duellist’s Edge (X)
Some weapons are designed for use in personal challenges rather than the vulgar press of battle. Often light and perfectly balanced, they provide a key edge in duels and bouts of honour.
A Weapon with the Duellist’s Edge (X) Special Rule grants a bonus to Focus Rolls in Challenges.In Step 3 of the Challenge Sub-Phase, the Focus Step, if a Player has declared that the Model under their control will use a Weapon with the Duellist’s Edge (X) Special Rule or has the Duellist’s Edge (X) Special Rule, then that Player gains a bonus equal to the value of X on the Focus Roll.
Tests
A Test is rolling a single Dice with a set Target Number.In order to make a Test, the rolling Player rolls one or more Dice as directed by the situation and Rules in play and compares the result of each individual Dice to a fixed Target Number. Each Dice whose result is equal to or higher than the Target Number has passed the Test and is considered to have succeeded at the Test, while each Dice whose result is lower than the Target Number is considered to have failed the Test.
The Target Number for most Tests is usually determined by the Weapon Skill, Ballistic Skill or Strength Characteristics of a Model for which a Dice is rolled, the exact Target Number and the method by which it is determined will be explained by the Rule which calls for the Test. Likewise, a ‘success’ will have different meanings depending on the Rule which called for the Test - though in most cases will result in Hits or wounds on enemy Models as part of an attack (an attack is a specific type of Test used to determine if ranged strikes or close combat blows connect with or harm their targets, see the Shooting and Combat sections). Often, if a Player succeeds at a Test then they will need to make one or more additional Tests to resolve the Rule or attack - most often resolved as a Hit Test, a Wound Test or a Saving Throw (Saving Throws are a type of Test described here), all of which are types of Test defined later in these Rules.
Every Strike Foreseen
Every Strike Foreseen – If this Gambit is selected, the Controlling Player must make a Willpower Check for the Model using this Gambit. If the Check is successful then in the Strike Step of the Challenge any Flit Tests made for this Model are successful on a result of 2+ regardless of the Weapon Skill Characteristics of the Models involved in the Challenge. If the Willpower Check is not successful then Flit Tests are made as normal. Note that this Willpower Check cannot inflict Perils of the Warp.
Foresight’s Blessing
(Psychic Power, Blessing)In a glance, a diviner can sense where to direct fire to best harm the foe. It matters not if the foe hides, flees or stands defiant, for their future has already been decided.
This Power is used as part of a Shooting Attack to grant a Unit the Precision (5+) Special Rule.Trigger: The Active Player may choose to Manifest the Foresight’s Blessing Psychic Power in the Shooting Phase, at Step 4 of any Shooting Attack made by the Active Player.
Focus: The Focus of the Power must be a Model with the Diviner Trait under the Active Player’s control, and must be either part of the Unit making the Shooting Attack or within 18" and with Line of Sight to one or more Models in that Unit.
Target: The Target Unit must be the Unit currently selected and in the process of making a Shooting Attack.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Power last until the end of the Shooting Attack being resolved.
Process
Focus: The Focus of the Power must be a Model with the Diviner Trait under the Active Player’s control, and must be either part of the Unit making the Shooting Attack or within 18" and with Line of Sight to one or more Models in that Unit.
Target: The Target Unit must be the Unit currently selected and in the process of making a Shooting Attack.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Power last until the end of the Shooting Attack being resolved.
Process
- Once the Focus and Target Unit have been decided, make a Manifestation Check.
- If the Manifestation Check is successful, then all Models in the Target Unit gain the Precision (5+) Special Rule.
- If the Manifestation Check fails then there is no further effect.
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.
Mind-burst
(Psychic Power, Curse)Brute force stimulation of terror within the psyche of the foe can be more devastating than any artillery bombardment. By means of such tools does the telepath steer the foe to defeat.
This Power is used in the Movement Phase and can force the target to Fall Back or become Routed.Trigger: The Active Player may choose to Manifest the Mind-burst Psychic Power in the Movement Phase, when selecting a Unit under their control that includes at least one Model with the Telepath Trait to move and before any move is made for that Unit.
Focus: The Focus of the Power must be a Model with the Telepath Trait that is part of the Unit that was selected to move.
Target: The Target Unit must be a Unit under the control of the Reactive Player with at least one Model within 18" of the Focus and with Line of Sight to the Focus. The target may not be a Unit that is Locked in Combat or otherwise ineligible to be the target of a Shooting Attack and may not include any Models with the Vehicle Type.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Power are resolved immediately.
Process
- Once the Focus and Target Unit have been decided, the Target Unit’s Controlling Player makes a Resistance Check for that Unit.
- If the Resistance Check is failed, then all Statuses are removed from all Models in the Target Unit, and then the Target Unit must immediately make a Fall Back Move. Once that Fall Back Move has been resolved, a Leadership Check must be made for the Target Unit by its Controlling Player, this Check may not be modified by any effect or Special Rule. If the Leadership Check is successful, then there is no further effect, if it is unsuccessful then all Models in the Target Unit gain the Routed Status.
- If the Resistance Check succeeds then there is no further effect to the Target Unit.
- Regardless of whether the Resistance Check succeeds or fails, the Unit that includes the Focus of this Psychic Power may not make a move or Rush in this Movement Phase.
Stun (X)
Some weapons are designed not only to kill and main, but also to shock and disorient the foe. Such weapons may rely on blinding flares, bursts of enervating energy or even subtle poisons to slow and disable the enemy, but their effects are the same. Debilitated and vulnerable, warriors struck by such weapons become easy prey.
Weapons and other attacks that have the Stun (X) Special Rule have a chance of inflicting the Stunned Status on the Target Unit.If a Shooting Attack made for a Weapon or Model with this Special Rule inflicts one or more Hits on a Target Unit, that Target Unit must make a Cool Check in the Morale Sub-Phase of the same Player Turn. If this Check is failed then all Models in the Unit gain the Stunned Status and if the Check is passed then there is no further effect. The value of X attached to this Rule is applied as a negative modifier to the Cool Characteristic of Models in the Target Unit when making Checks caused by an Attack with this Special Rule, if the attack includes multiple Weapons with different versions of this Special Rule the modifiers do not stack - use only the greatest modifier.
Cursed Whispers
(Psychic Weapon)Subtle manipulation of the foe’s fear can leave them confused and distracted, chasing ghosts even as the telepath’s allies draw close.
| Ranged Weapon | |||||||
Ranged Weapon | R | FP | RS | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Cursed Whispers | |||||||
| Cursed Whispers | 18 | 2D6 | 3 | - | 1 | Stun (-) | Ranged, Psychic |
Knight Facings and Arcs
The diagram below shows how a Model with the Knight Sub-Type is divided into its two Armour Facings: Front and Rear. These Armour Facings are determined by drawing an imaginary line along the centre of the Model’s base, from left to right as shown in the diagram below, equally dividing the front and rear halves of the base. On most Models this will involve simply drawing a straight line between the two points where the Model’s base is widest. Models with the Knight Sub-Type also only have two Firing Arcs - Front and Rear - determined in exactly the same way as their Armour Facings.
Hatred (X)
Hatred can be a force as potent as any munition, driving troops to fight harder and more ferociously. The Horus Heresy would stoke old hatreds and spawn many new ones, granting canny commanders ample opportunity to set troops against their chosen foes.
The Hatred (X) Special Rule grants bonuses against enemies of a specific Faction, Type or Trait.When Locked in Combat, or Engaged in a Challenge, with any enemy Models that have the Type or Trait that is the value of X, then all Models with this variant of the Hatred (X) Special Rule gain a bonus of +1 to all Wound Tests made in that Combat.
Resurrection
(Psychic Reaction, Blessing)The ultimate art of the thaumaturge, and one they are loath to employ in any but the most dire of situations. Only at the very point of death can it be halted, and only with great risk can it be reversed. Thus, only the most valued warriors are deemed worthy of such an invidious salvation.
This Power can be used in the Shooting Phase and can return a single Casualty to the Unit with all Wounds restored.Trigger: The Reactive Player may choose to declare a Resurrection Psychic Reaction in the Shooting Phase, at the start of Step 11 of any Shooting Attack made by the Active Player.
Cost: The Reactive Player must spend 1 point of their Reaction Allotment to declare a Resurrection Psychic Reaction - this cost paid as soon as the declaration is made.
Focus: The Focus of this Psychic Reaction must be a Model with the Thaumaturge Trait and under the Reactive Player’s Control, and must be a part of the Unit targeted by the Shooting Attack that triggers this Psychic Reaction.
Target: The Target Unit must be the Unit that is the target of the Shooting Attack that triggered the Reaction.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Reaction are resolved immediately.
Process
- Once the Focus and Target Unit have been decided, make a Manifestation Check.
- If the Manifestation Check is successful then, before any Models in the Target Unit are Removed as Casualties, the Controlling Player of the Target Unit must select one Model being Removed as a Casualty and roll a Dice. If the Dice roll for the chosen Model is equal to or higher than a ‘4’, then that Model is not Removed as a Casualty and is returned to play in Unit Coherency with its Unit and with its Wounds Characteristic set to its Base Value, as listed on that Model’s profile. This Psychic Reaction has no effect on Models that do not have a Wounds Characteristic and if the result of the Manifestation Check causes Perils of the Warp, then this instance of Perils of the Warp is resolved after any Models are returned to the Unit.
- If the Manifestation Check fails then there is no further effect.
Tranquillity
(Psychic Power, Curse)It takes a rare talent to seal the breaches in the Warp that other psykers create, yet on the battlefields of the Horus Heresy this can mean the difference between victory and defeat. For if the Warp is calmed, then the enemy’s psykers find their power withered and lessened.
This Power is used in the Start Phase and makes it harder for the Target Unit to use Psychic Powers, Psychic Reactions or to attack with Psychic Weapons.Trigger: The Active Player may choose to Manifest the Tranquillity Psychic Power in the Effects Sub-Phase of the Start Phase.
Focus: The Focus of the Power must be a Model with the Thaumaturge Trait and must be controlled by the Active Player.
Target: The Target Unit must be a Unit under the control of the Reactive Player with at least one Model within 18" of the Focus and with Line of Sight to the Focus. The Target Unit must include at least one Model with the Psyker Trait.
Duration: If successfully Manifested, the effects of this Psychic Power last until the start of the Active Player’s next Turn as the Active Player.
Process
- Once the Focus and Target Unit have been decided, the Target Unit’s Controlling Player makes a Resistance Check for that Unit.
- If the Resistance Check is failed, then all Models in the Target Unit suffer a penalty of -2 to their Willpower Characteristic when attempting to Manifest any Psychic Power or Psychic Reaction. If any Model in the Target Unit makes attacks with a Weapon that has the Psychic Trait, then the Strength Characteristic of all Hits inflicted is reduced by 1.
- If the Resistance Check succeeds then there is no further effect.