Legiones Astartes – Alpharius
PRIMARCH Of all the Primarchs of the Legiones Astartes, Alpharius is without doubt the most steeped in mystery, legend, contradiction and deliberate falsification. Some even claim that the Alpha Legion has more than one Primarch, though it is entirely possible that this belief is itself but a part of an elaborate misdirection on the part of Alpharius, intended to further his Legion’s goals. The Primarch of the Alpha Legion shrouds himself in mystery, often moving unseen even amongst the ranks of his own Legion. However, when the time comes to cast off the cloak of misdirection, Alpharius is as awe-inspiring a being as any of the Primarchs of the Legiones Astartes. Clad in armour forged in the manner of some terrifying beast of Ancient Terran myth and armed with a fearsome panoply of weapons of unknown provenance, Alpharius bestrides the battlefield like a figure from legend. Like the hydra he and his Legion take as their symbol, in battle Alpharius fights by repeated attacks from multiple and unexpected quarters. None can predict where or how the Primarch will strike, what weapons he will bring to bear or which of his many different forces will fight at his side. | ||
- Alpharius 465 pts
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | Ld | Sv | Base | |
| Alpharius (base: 40mm) | |||||||||||
| Alpharius | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 2+ | 40mm |
- 1 Alpharius
- The Pythian Scales
- The Pale Spear
- The Hydra’s Spite
- Three venom spheres
- Frag grenades
Insidious MastermindAlpharius is perhaps the most devious commander in the Imperium, with a labyrinthine mind able to both predict the actions of others with uncanny precision and manipulate his foes into unwittingly doing as he wishes, often sealing their own doom in the process. At the start of any turn in which Alpharius’ controlling player is the Active player and Alpharius is on the battlefield (including when Embarked on a model with the Transport Sub-type or Building), the controlling player may grant one of the listed special rules to all models in the army with the Legiones Astartes (Alpha Legion) special rule (including Alpharius) that do not also have the Vehicle Unit Type, until the start of the controlling player’s next turn as the Active player. Each of the listed special rules may only be selected once per battle:
Everywhere and NowhereOf all the Primarchs there was none as unpredictable as Alpharius, for he could appear at almost any location and arrive by almost any means without warning. Those that studied his methods would find no pattern to help predict his actions or scheme by which his preferences could be defined, and in many cases would swear that the Primarch could not be a single entity, given his ability to appear at any location with such ease. At the start of the battle before any models are deployed, Alpharius may be given any one of the following special rules: Infiltrate, Scout or Deep Strike. Alpharius’ controlling player may select up to three friendly units composed entirely of models with the Legiones Astartes (Alpha Legion) special rule to receive the same special rule granted to Alpharius by Everywhere and Nowhere.Warlord: Sire of the Alpha LegionFew among his brothers truly knew Alpharius, the last of all the Emperor’s Primarchs to rejoin the Imperium. Tall tales, rumours and outright lies spoke of a variety of flaws and gifts possessed by the last Primarch and none knew what to expect from him. When the war began, his enemies would spend much time attempting to sort truth from the lies, finding out only too late that Alpharius was no less a master of war than any of his brothers. If chosen as the army’s Warlord, Alpharius automatically has the Sire of the Alpha Legion Warlord Trait and may not select any other Warlord Trait.Sire of the Alpha Legion – At the start of the battle, after all models from all armies have been deployed, including units deployed using the Infiltrator special rule and after any Scout moves have been made, Alpharius’ controlling player may select up to three friendly units composed entirely of models with the Legiones Astartes (Alpha Legion) special rule. The selected units may be redeployed to any position in the controlling player’s Deployment Zone or placed into Reserves. In addition, an army with Alpharius as its Warlord may declare a single Phase at the start of any turn in which Alpharius’ controlling player is the Reactive player, gaining an additional Reaction in the chosen Phase as long as Alpharius has not been removed as a casualty. The Pythian ScalesAlthough frequently recorded as entering battle in the semblance of a regular member of his Legion, Alpharius —or perhaps an individual carrying that name— is also known to have led his Legion to war armoured in sinister and baroque reptilian-styled armour whose stature left no doubt in the mind of onlookers that a bloody-handed Primarch had entered the fray. This armour, faceless and fashioned after the shadowed mythic age of Ancient Terra was known as the Pythian Scales, and could turn aside blade, energy blast and alchemical attack with equal ease. The Pythian Scales provide Alpharius with a 2+ Armour Save and a 4+ Invulnerable Save. In addition, if Alpharius is the only model in his unit when declared as the target of an attack, Hits caused by that attack with a weapon with the Fleshbane or Poisoned (X) special rules gain no benefit when rolling To Wound and are resolved using the standard rules (if an attack with the Poisoned (X) or Fleshbane special rules that targets Alpharius has no Strength Characteristic, then treat it as Strength 1)The Pale SpearThis was one of a number of strange and esoteric weapons associated with the Primarch and rumoured to be a xenos artefact whose forging predated even the rise of the Eldar. This double-bladed spear flickered seemingly out of phase with the material universe when wielded, emitting an eerie and otherworldly howling, and was able to pierce any physical defence it encountered without impediment, ripping them apart at the molecular level. Against living matter, it inflicted hideously gaping, bloodless wounds as the flesh where it struck dissolved into oily smoke. The weapon listed here is counted as a ‘Power’ weapon for those rules that affect such weapons.
The Hydra’s SpiteA weapon recorded as in use by several highly ranked members of the Alpha Legion – whether this was one weapon or a series of similar prototypes is unknown, but its efficacy in battle is undeniable. A high powered plasma weapon, the Hydra’s Spite did not suffer from many of the shortcomings common to Imperial plasma technology and may well have incorporated xenos components. The weapon listed here is counted as a ‘Plasma’ weapon for those rules that affect such weapons.
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Rapid Fire weapons are very common and usually come in the form of semi-automatic rifles. Their versatility means they can be fired as effectively when a squad is advancing as when taking single, long-ranged shots.
A model armed with a Rapid Fire weapon can make two attacks at a target up to half the weapon’s Maximum Range away. Alternatively, it can instead make one attack at a target over half the weapon’s range away, up to the weapon’s Maximum Range.If a unit attacking with Rapid Fire weapons is found to be partially within half range of the target, the firing models within half range make two attacks, while those further away make one attack.
Models that attack with Rapid Fire weapons in the Shooting phase cannot Charge in the ensuing Assault phase.
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These weapons are grafted to the same targeting system for greater accuracy.
When attacking with a weapon that has this special rule, the controlling player may re-roll all failed To Hit rolls.+1 Charge Bonus: Engaged models that Charged this turn get +1 Attack this turn. Models in units that made a Disordered Charge do not get this bonus.
+1 Two Weapons: Engaged models with two single-handed weapons (often a Melee weapon and/or Pistol in each hand) get +1 Attack. Models with more than two weapons gain no additional benefit; you only get one extra attack.
Other Bonuses: Models may have other special rules and Wargear that confer extra attacks.
This weapon is very large, and more than a little clumsy, making swift blows all but impossible to achieve.
A model attacking with this weapon Piles-in and fights at Initiative step 1, unless it has the Dreadnought Unit Type or Monstrous sub-type.The mightiest weapons only reach their full potential when wielded in pairs, as they require an entirely different battle stance from that of more commonplace weapons.
A model fighting with this weapon does not receive +1 Attack for fighting with two weapons unless it is armed with two or more Melee weapons with the Specialist Weapon rule. The additional weapon does not have to be the same weapon as the one used to attack, but it must have the Specialist Weapon rule in order to grant an additional Attack for fighting with two weapons.Some weapons strike with such force that they cause terrible wounds that can lay low even the most formidable combatant.
When a model is allocated a Wound inflicted by a weapon with this special rule, it does not suffer only one Wound but instead suffers a number of Wounds equal to the number in brackets associated with the specific variant of this special rule, with all of the Wounds inflicted using the same AP and special rules as that of the initial Wound. Roll to save against each Wound inflicted separately, but note that Wounds caused in excess of a given model’s remaining Wounds do not spill over to other models and are lost. This special rule has no effect on models that do not have a Toughness value.Some weapons and warriors strike in a flurry of blows, tearing flesh asunder in a series of brutal strikes.
If a model has the Shred special rule, or is attacking with a Melee weapon that has the Shred rule, it re-rolls failed To Wound rolls in close combat.Similarly, if a model makes a Shooting Attack with a weapon that has the Shred rule, it re-rolls its failed To Wound rolls.
Some weapons can inflict critical strikes against which no armour can protect.
If a model has the Rending special rule, or is attacking with a Melee weapon that has the Rending special rule, there is a chance that their close combat attacks will strike a critical blow. For each To Wound roll equal to or higher than the value listed, the target automatically suffers a Wound, regardless of its Toughness. The controlling player may choose to resolve these Wounds at AP 2 instead of the weapon’s normal AP value.Similarly, if a model makes a Shooting Attack with a weapon that has the Rending special rule, a To Wound roll of equal to or greater than the listed value wounds automatically, regardless of Toughness, and is resolved at AP 2.
In either case, against Vehicles each Armour Penetration roll of equal to or greater than the listed value allows a further D3 to be rolled, with the result added to the total Strength of the attack. These Hits are not resolved at AP 2, but are instead resolved using the weapon’s AP value.
For example, a model with the Rending (5+) special rule that rolls To Wound against a non-Vehicle model will wound automatically on the roll of a 5+, and the attacking player has the choice of using an AP value of 2 instead of the AP value of their weapon.
Some weapons rely not on the speed of their wielder, but on their sheer length or cunning design to inflict harm upon the foe before they can react.
A model making attacks as part of an Assault using a weapon with this special rule, adds the value of (X) that is included as part of this special rule to its Initiative Characteristic. If a model has more than one weapon with this special rule then that model only increases the value of its Initiative by the value of the special rule on the weapon whose profile is used by that model to attack during the Fight sub-phase. A weapon that is not used to attack does not modify the model’s Initiative Characteristic – models that may attack with more than one weapon, or models claiming the bonus for having a second weapon, may only add the value of the highest variant of this special rule and do not add the values together.For example, a model attacking as part of an Assault with a weapon that has the Reach (1) special rule increases its Initiative by +1.
These melee weapons are sheathed in disruption fields that allow them to cleave armour as though it were paper and annihilate flesh or bone with ease. They are both difficult to master, for a single mis-stroke can lead to catastrophe in a close packed melee, and expensive to manufacture and maintain, and so are mostly found only in the hands of the finest warriors in the Legiones Astartes.
All weapons listed here are counted as ‘Power’ weapons for those rules that affect such weapons. A model that is eligible to select a power weapon may take any of the weapons included in this Profile.Range | Str | AP | Type | |
| Power sword | - | User | 3 | Melee, Rending (6+) |
| Power axe | - | +1 | 2 | Melee, Unwieldy |
| Power maul | - | +2 | 3 | Melee |
| Power lance | - | +1 | 3 | Melee, Reach (1) |
Although technically operated on the same principle, the following weapons are far rarer and more difficult to master than the more common power weapons. They count as a ‘Power’ weapons, but may not be selected by a model eligible to claim a generic power weapon.
When a model has two lightning claws, that model gains +2 Attacks instead of the usual +1 Attack for using an additional weapon in combat.
Range | Str | AP | Type | |
| Power fist | - | x2 | 2 | Melee, Unwieldy, Specialist Weapon |
| Gravis power fist | - | 9 | 2 | Melee, Brutal (3) |
| Thunder hammer | - | x2 | 2 | Melee, Unwieldy, Brutal (2), Specialist Weapon |
| Lightning claw | - | User | 3 | Melee, Shred, Rending (6+), Specialist Weapon |
Some weapons are fuelled by unstable power sources and risk overheating with each shot – often to the detriment of their wielder.
When firing a weapon that Gets Hot, roll To Hit as normal. For each unmodified To Hit roll of 1, the firing model immediately suffers a single Wound with an AP value equal to that of the weapon that was used to attack (Armour Saves, Invulnerable Saves and Feel No Pain rolls can be taken, but not Cover Saves or Shrouded rolls) – this Wound cannot be allocated to any other model in the unit. A Vehicle instead rolls a D6 for each roll of a 1 To Hit. If this roll results in a 1 or 2, the Vehicle suffers a Glancing Hit.Assault weapons either fire so rapidly or indiscriminately that they can be fired while a warrior is moving.
A model attacking with an Assault weapon makes the number of Attacks indicated on its profile regardless of whether the bearer has moved or not. A model carrying an Assault weapon can make a Shooting Attack with it in the Shooting phase and still Charge in the Assault phase.
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These are heavy, man-portable weapons that typically require reloading between each shot or bracing to counter their recoil.
When making a Shooting Attack, a model with a Heavy weapon attacks the number of times indicated. If a model equipped with a Heavy weapon moved in the preceding Movement phase, they can only make Snap Shots with that Heavy weapon during the Shooting phase. Note that weapons with the Blast special rule cannot fire Snap Shots. Models that make Shooting Attacks with Heavy weapons in the Shooting phase cannot Charge in the ensuing Assault phase.
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Some weapons are capable of breaching armour with a terrifying ease, whether by specially designed munitions, careful targeting or sheer brute power.
When rolling To Wound for a model that has the Breaching (X) special rule, or is attacking with a weapon that has the Breaching (X) special rule, for each To Wound roll equal to or higher than the value listed in brackets, the controlling player must resolve these wounds at AP 2 instead of the weapon’s normal AP value. This rule has no effect on models that do not have Wounds, such as models with the Vehicle Unit Type.For example, a model with the Breaching (5+) special rule that rolls To Wound and rolls a result of ‘5’ or higher, the Wound inflicted gains an AP of ‘2’ regardless of the AP value listed on the weapon’s profile. Note that a weapon that has both the Breaching (X) and the Gets Hot special rules always uses the base AP of the weapon when rolls of ‘1’ To Hit inflict Wounds on the attacking model.
The ancient volkite weaponry employed by the armies of Terra in the earliest years of the Great Crusade fired arcing blasts of energy rather than solid projectiles.
After normal attacks by this weapon have been resolved, count the number of unsaved Wounds caused on the target unit. Immediately resolve a number of additional automatic Hits on the same unit using the weapon’s profile equal to the number of unsaved Wounds – these can then be saved normally. Models in the targeted unit must still be in range in order for these additional Hits to take effect. These additional Hits do not themselves inflict more Hits and do not benefit from any other special rules possessed by the attacking model, such as Preferred Enemy (X) or Precision Strikes (X).Pistols are light enough to be carried and fired one-handed.
A model attacking with a Pistol weapon makes the number of Attacks indicated on its profile regardless of whether the bearer has moved or not. A model carrying a Pistol weapon can make a Shooting Attack with it in the Shooting phase and still Charge in the Assault phase. A Pistol weapon also counts as a close combat weapon in the Assault phase. In addition, all models with two Pistol type weapons can attack with both in the same Shooting phase. This follows the normal rules for shooting.
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This weapon has been crafted with one aim in mind – to pierce the hides of armoured vehicles.
If a model or weapon has this special rule, it rolls an additional D6 for armour penetration when targeting a Vehicle model, or, when targeting a model with the Automata or Dreadnought Unit Type, re-rolls all failed rolls To Wound instead. These effects apply to both Shooting Attacks and close combat attacks.Some instances of the Armourbane special rule may include a qualifier after the rule in brackets, for example Armourbane (Melta) or Armourbane (Melee). These variant rules are described below:
Armourbane (Melta): A model or weapon with this Armourbane special rule only gains the benefits of the Armourbane special rule when at half range or less. If the attack is more than half its Maximum Range away, it gains no benefit from the Armourbane special rule. If a weapon with this version of Armourbane also has the Blast special rule, measure the distance to the centre of the Blast marker after it has scattered. If this is half the weapon’s range or less, then all Hits are counted as having the Armourbane special rule, otherwise the Hits are resolved as if they did not have the Armourbane special rule.
Armourbane (Melee): A weapon or model with this version of the Armourbane special rule only gains the benefits of the Armourbane special rule when attacking in close combat.
Armourbane (Ranged): A weapon or model with this version of the Armourbane special rule only gains the benefits of the Armourbane special rule when making Shooting Attacks.
Certain items can only be used once, so a general must choose wisely when to do so.
A weapon or ability with this special rule can only be used once during the course of a battle. Once a weapon with the One Use or One Shot special rule has been used to attack, it is no longer counted as a weapon and may not be destroyed (for example, by rolls on the Vehicle Damage table) or repaired by any other rule or effect.- A ‘Small’ Blast marker (3" in diameter).
- A ‘Large’ Blast marker (5" in diameter).
- A ‘Template’ (a teardrop-shaped template roughly 8" long).
- A ‘Massive’ Blast marker (7" in diameter).
- An ‘Apocalyptic’ Blast marker (10" in diameter).
- An ‘Apocalyptic Barrage’ marker (a clover-shaped set of five overlapping markers, each 5" in diameter).
- A ‘Hellstorm’ (a teardrop-shaped template roughly 16" long).
The templates and Blast markers are used as a way of determining how many models have been hit by an attack that has an area of effect or a blast radius. When an attack uses a template or Blast marker, it will explain how the template is positioned, including any kind of scatter that might occur (scatter is discussed further later in this section). To work out the number of Hits, you normally need to hold the template or Blast marker with its central hole over an enemy model or a particular point on the battlefield, and then look underneath (or through, if using a transparent template) to see how many models lie partially or completely underneath. Various special rules and weapon effects will provide additional details on the specific use of templates when making attacks with those special rules or weapons.
A unit takes a Hit for each model that is fully, or even partially, underneath the template or Blast marker. Remember that a model’s base is counted as being part of the model itself, so all a template or Blast marker has to do to cause a Hit is to cover any part of the target’s base.
This class of grenade contains only a small explosive charge, and is intended primarily to disorientate and distract the foe while closing on a fixed position.
A unit that includes at least one model with frag grenades makes attacks at its normal Initiative Step during an Assault after it has successfully Charged through Difficult Terrain or Dangerous Terrain, but still suffers any penalties to Charge rolls imposed by Difficult Terrain or Dangerous Terrain when resolving a Charge through Difficult Terrain or Dangerous Terrain.Many are the weapons and creatures whose merest caress is fatal.
If a model has this special rule, or is attacking with a Melee weapon that has this special rule, they always Wound on a 2+ in close combat.Similarly, if a model makes a Shooting Attack with a weapon that has this special rule, they always Wound on a 2+.
In either case, this special rule has no effect against Vehicles or Buildings.
There are many virulent and lethal poisons in the Age of Darkness. It is simplicity itself to adapt such toxins for battlefield use. It does not matter whether they coat blades or bullets, or are secreted by alien monstrosities – all are lethal.
If a model has the Poisoned special rule, or is attacking with a Melee weapon that has the Poisoned special rule, it always Wounds on a fixed number (generally shown in brackets), unless a lower result would be required, when attacking in close combat. In addition, if the Strength of the wielder (or the Poisoned weapon) is higher than the Toughness of the victim, the wielder must re-roll failed rolls To Wound in close combat.Similarly, if a model makes a Shooting Attack with a weapon that has the Poisoned special rule, it always Wounds on a fixed number (generally shown in brackets), unless a lower result would be required. If no number is shown in brackets, the rule is Poisoned (4+).
Unless otherwise stated, Poisoned weapons are treated as having a Strength of 1. The Poisoned special rule has no effect against Vehicles.
This weapon is particularly heavy and requires both hands to wield.
A model attacking with this weapon never receives +1 Attack for fighting with two Melee weapons.Some blows can slay an enemy outright, no matter how hardy they may be.
If a model suffers an unsaved Wound from an attack with this special rule, it is reduced to 0 Wounds and is removed as a casualty.Some weapons are lovingly maintained artefacts, crafted with skills now lost. Though the exact form of master-crafting varies, it is always considered to be the pinnacle of the weaponsmith’s art.
Weapons with the Master-crafted special rule allow the bearer to re-roll one failed roll To Hit per turn with that weapon.Scouts are always in the vanguard of the army. Unnoticed by the enemy, they range ahead of the main force.
After both sides have deployed (including Infiltrators), but before the first player begins their first turn, a unit containing at least one model with this special rule can choose to redeploy. If the unit is Infantry, Artillery, Dreadnought or Automata, each model can redeploy anywhere entirely within 6" of its current position. If it is any other Unit Type, each model can instead redeploy anywhere entirely within 12" of its current position. During this redeployment, Scouts can move outside the owning player’s Deployment Zone, but must remain more than 9" away from any enemy unit. A unit that makes a Scout redeployment cannot Charge in the first Game Turn. A unit cannot Embark or Disembark as part of a Scout redeployment.If both sides have Scouts, roll off; the winner decides who redeploys first. Then alternate redeploying Scout units one at a time. If a unit with this special rule is deployed inside a Dedicated Transport, it confers the Scout special rule to the Transport (though a Disembarkation cannot be performed as part of the redeployment). Note that a Transport with this special rule does not lose it if a unit without this special rule is Embarked upon it. Having Scout also confers the Outflank special rule to units of Scouts that are kept as Reserves.
Many armies employ reconnaissance troops who sit concealed for days, just waiting for the right moment in which to strike.
You may choose to deploy units that contain at least one model with this special rule last, after all other units (friend and foe) have been deployed. If both players have such units and choose to do so, the players roll off and the winner decides who goes first,then alternate deploying these units.Units that Infiltrate in this way can be set up anywhere on the battlefield that is more than 9" from any enemy unit, as long as no deployed enemy unit can draw line of sight to them. This includes in a Building, as long as the Building is more than 9" from any enemy unit. Alternatively, they can be set up anywhere on the battlefield more than 12" from any enemy unit, even in plain sight.
If a unit with Infiltrate deploys inside a Dedicated Transport, the same rules apply when deploying their Transport.
A unit that deploys using these rules cannot Charge in their first turn.
Having Infiltrate also confers the Outflank special rule to units of Infiltrators that are kept as Reserves.
Some units make their way to battle via tunnelling, teleportation, flying, or some other extraordinary means which allows them to appear in the thick of the fighting.
A unit made up entirely of models with this special rule may perform a Deep Strike Assault. Certain Faction or unit special rules may present other options for the deployment of units with the Deep Strike special rule.If the Vehicle moved before its passengers got aboard, it cannot move further that turn (including pivoting on the spot). If the Vehicle did not move before its passengers got aboard, it can move as normal after they have Embarked. In either case, a Vehicle cannot Ram in a turn that a unit Embarks upon it.
Certain plasma weapons are designed not just to break the target with the sheer power of its initial strike, but also to burn and short-circuit the internal workings exposed. The superheated matter emitted by plasma cannons serves ideally for this purpose, continuing to sear and burn long after impact.
If the target of a weapon with this special rule is a model with the Vehicle Unit Type and that model loses one or more Hull Points as the result of an attack from this weapon, roll a D6. On a 4+, the target model loses an additional D3 Hull Points with no Cover Saves, Invulnerable Saves or Damage Mitigation rolls allowed.This datasheet has Primarch Battlefield Role. Full list of Legiones Astartes units sharing same Battlefield Role follows:
The greatest commanders of the Space Marine Legions are all but peerless in their strategic and tactical abilities. The genecraft of the Emperor that created them, honed by individual talent and the experience of countless battles, has sharpened their acumen to a preternatural degree.
The Master of the Legion special rule grants the following benefits:- Rites of War: If a Detachment with the Legiones Astartes Faction includes at least one model with the Master of the Legion special rule then that Detachment may select a single Rite of War. Rites of War are presented in the Legiones Astartes Rites of War section.
- The Few and the Proud: An army may only include a maximum of one model with this special rule per 1,000 points. This counts across all Detachments of an army. Thus, an army that totals at least 1,000 points may include only a single model with the Master of the Legion special rule, and an army that totals at least 2,000 points may include up to two models with the Master of the Legion special rule, etc.
- Retinue: A model with this special rule may also include a Legion Command Squad, Legion Cataphractii Command Squad or Legion Tartaros Command Squad as part of the same Force Organisation slot as the model with the Master of the Legion special rule.
So strong of mind is this warrior that the powers of the Warp have little grasp upon them.
Models with the Adamantium Will special rule gain an Invulnerable Save against any Wound inflicted by a weapon with the Force or Psychic Focus special rules and Wounds inflicted by Perils of the Warp – the value of this Save is indicated in brackets after the rule. For example, a model with Adamantium Will (5+) gains a 5+ Invulnerable Save against any Wound inflicted by a weapon with the Force or Psychic Focus special rules and Wounds inflicted by Perils of the Warp. If, for any reason, the Adamantium Will special rule is presented without a value in brackets then consider the rule to be Adamantium Will (5+).Bolstered by their ultimate faith in their goal, the crusader is tireless, sweeping from one foe to the next in a battle that never ends.
A unit that contains at least one model with this special rule rolls an extra dice when making Sweeping Advances and discards the lowest scoring dice before determining the result.Many of the galaxy’s warriors train hard to overcome a particular foe, allowing them to predict the enemy’s battle-stances and thus land a blow or shot with greater ease.
This rule is presented as Preferred Enemy (X) where X identifies a specific type of foe. If the special rule does not specify a type of foe, then everyone is a Preferred Enemy of the unit. A unit that contains at least one model with this special rule re-rolls failed To Hit and To Wound rolls of 1 if attacking its Preferred Enemy. This applies both to Shooting Attacks and close combat attacks.If a model with this rule makes an attack against a mixed unit which has one or more models to which their Preferred Enemy rule pertains, but is not entirely composed of such models, it may still benefit from the effects of Preferred Enemy for all attacks made against that unit. For example, a model with Preferred Enemy (Independent Characters) may re-roll failed To Hit and To Wound rolls of 1 against all of the models in a unit which has been joined by an Independent Character.
Some warriors are skilled in the swift and deadly arts of guerilla warfare, relying on ambush and surprise to take their opponents unaware. These warriors are deadly on the attack, but must press this advantage to overcome more heavily equipped foes.
In a turn in which a model with this special rule Charges into combat, it adds a bonus to its Initiative Characteristic until the end of the Assault phase. The bonus added to the model’s Initiative is equal to the value in brackets after the special rule; for example, a model with Sudden Strike (2) adds a bonus of +2 to its Initiative.A model that has made a Disordered Charge that turn receives no benefit from Sudden Strike (X).
Understood only by the secretive Tech-Priests of Mars, these weapons unleash projectiles of super-heated plasma capable of melting both armour and flesh with equal ease. Kept contained by temperamental magnetically sealed flasks, the plasma that feeds these weapons is as dangerous to the wielder as to the foe and deadly leaks or even explosions are far from unknown. Yet, such is the destructive power of these weapons that even the risk of such detonations does not outweigh their value.
All weapons listed here are counted as ‘Plasma’ weapons for those rules that affect such weapons.Range | Str | AP | Type | |
| Plasma pistol | 12" | 7 | 4 | Pistol 1, Breaching (4+), Gets Hot |
| Plasma gun | 24" | 7 | 4 | Rapid Fire, Breaching (4+), Gets Hot |
| Plasma cannon | 36" | 7 | 4 | Heavy 1, Blast (3"), Breaching (4+), Gets Hot |
| Gravis plasma cannon | 36" | 7 | 4 | Heavy 1, Large Blast (5"), Breaching (4+), Gets Hot |
| Plasma blaster | 18" | 7 | 4 | Assault 2, Breaching (4+), Gets Hot |
| Executioner plasma destroyer | 60" | 7 | 4 | Heavy 1, Large Blast (5"), Rending (4+) |
| Hellfire plasma cannonade | ||||
| - (Sustained fire) | 36" | 7 | 4 | Heavy 6, Breaching (4+) |
| - (Maximal fire) | 36" | 8 | 4 | Heavy 1, Rending (4+), Gets Hot, Large Blast (5") |
| Omega plasma array | ||||
| - (Sustained fire) | 36" | 7 | 4 | Heavy 8, Breaching (4+), Twin-linked |
| - (Maximal fire) | 36" | 9 | 4 | Heavy 2, Rending (4+), Gets Hot, Plasma Burn, Twin-linked |
Preternaturally agile, these warriors can cover ground more quickly than their plodding foes.
A unit composed entirely of models with this special rule gains a bonus to all Run moves, any distance moved as part of a Reaction and as a modifier to all rolls made to determine Charge Distances equal to the value in brackets listed after the special rule. For example, a unit composed entirely of models with the Fleet (2) special rule would add +2 to all Run moves it makes, +2 to all distances moved as part of a Reaction and add a +2 modifier to any Charge Moves made.If a unit is composed entirely of models with this special rule, but the models have different versions of this special rule, then the unit must use the lowest Fleet value included in the unit (for example, a unit of ten models in which nine models have Fleet (2) and one model has Fleet (4) would use the Fleet (2) special rule).
Note that the minimum roll needed To Wound is always at least 2. When rolling To Wound, there is no such thing as an automatic Wound and a roll of 1 always fails.
Each weapon has its own Strength Characteristic, which is given in its profile or in the description of the weapon. The following are examples of weapons and their Strength Characteristics:
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The Pythian Scales
Although frequently recorded as entering battle in the semblance of a regular member of his Legion, Alpharius —or perhaps an individual carrying that name— is also known to have led his Legion to war armoured in sinister and baroque reptilian-styled armour whose stature left no doubt in the mind of onlookers that a bloody-handed Primarch had entered the fray. This armour, faceless and fashioned after the shadowed mythic age of Ancient Terra was known as the Pythian Scales, and could turn aside blade, energy blast and alchemical attack with equal ease.
The Pythian Scales provide Alpharius with a 2+ Armour Save and a 4+ Invulnerable Save. In addition, if Alpharius is the only model in his unit when declared as the target of an attack, Hits caused by that attack with a weapon with the Fleshbane or Poisoned (X) special rules gain no benefit when rolling To Wound and are resolved using the standard rules (if an attack with the Poisoned (X) or Fleshbane special rules that targets Alpharius has no Strength Characteristic, then treat it as Strength 1)The Pale Spear
This was one of a number of strange and esoteric weapons associated with the Primarch and rumoured to be a xenos artefact whose forging predated even the rise of the Eldar. This double-bladed spear flickered seemingly out of phase with the material universe when wielded, emitting an eerie and otherworldly howling, and was able to pierce any physical defence it encountered without impediment, ripping them apart at the molecular level. Against living matter, it inflicted hideously gaping, bloodless wounds as the flesh where it struck dissolved into oily smoke.
The weapon listed here is counted as a ‘Power’ weapon for those rules that affect such weapons.Range | Str | AP | ||
| The Pale Spear | - | User | 1 | Melee, Armourbane, Instant Death, Two-handed |
The Hydra’s Spite
A weapon recorded as in use by several highly ranked members of the Alpha Legion – whether this was one weapon or a series of similar prototypes is unknown, but its efficacy in battle is undeniable. A high powered plasma weapon, the Hydra’s Spite did not suffer from many of the shortcomings common to Imperial plasma technology and may well have incorporated xenos components.
The weapon listed here is counted as a ‘Plasma’ weapon for those rules that affect such weapons.Range | Str | AP | ||
| The Hydra’s Spite | 18" | 8 | 3 | Assault 2, Rending (4+), Master-crafted |
LIES AND OBFUSCATION
A model with this special rule is always considered to be 2" further away than it actually is when measuring range to it from any enemy model for the purpose of resolving a Shooting Attack, Charge or any Reaction declared by an enemy model or unit (this is cumulative with any other modifiers to range imposed by special rules, such as Night Fighting, or Wargear).
Models with this special rule gain access to unique Wargear options (see The Armoury of the Alpha Legion).
A Legion Centurion may choose to select the Saboteur upgrade as an option for the Legiones Consularis special rule, as detailed in The Armoury of the Alpha Legion section.
A Warlord with this special rule may select a Warlord Trait from the Alpha Legion Warlord Trait list.
An exotic variant of the more commonplace grenades employed by the Space Marines. These advanced weapons contain toxinimpregnated crystalline splinters that have been darkly claimed to be based on xenos technology.
Any model with the Legiones Astartes (Alpha Legion) special rule and the Character Unit Sub-type may take one venom sphere for +10 points per model. Venom spheres are a weapon with the following profile:Range | Str | AP | ||
| Venom spheres | 8" | 1 | - | Assault 6, Poisoned (3+), One Shot |
Alpharius is perhaps the most devious commander in the Imperium, with a labyrinthine mind able to both predict the actions of others with uncanny precision and manipulate his foes into unwittingly doing as he wishes, often sealing their own doom in the process.
At the start of any turn in which Alpharius’ controlling player is the Active player and Alpharius is on the battlefield (including when Embarked on a model with the Transport Sub-type or Building), the controlling player may grant one of the listed special rules to all models in the army with the Legiones Astartes (Alpha Legion) special rule (including Alpharius) that do not also have the Vehicle Unit Type, until the start of the controlling player’s next turn as the Active player. Each of the listed special rules may only be selected once per battle:- The Fleet (2) special rule
- The Preferred Enemy (Everything) special rule
- The Sudden Strike (1) special rule
Of all the Primarchs there was none as unpredictable as Alpharius, for he could appear at almost any location and arrive by almost any means without warning. Those that studied his methods would find no pattern to help predict his actions or scheme by which his preferences could be defined, and in many cases would swear that the Primarch could not be a single entity, given his ability to appear at any location with such ease.
At the start of the battle before any models are deployed, Alpharius may be given any one of the following special rules: Infiltrate, Scout or Deep Strike. Alpharius’ controlling player may select up to three friendly units composed entirely of models with the Legiones Astartes (Alpha Legion) special rule to receive the same special rule granted to Alpharius by Everywhere and Nowhere.Few among his brothers truly knew Alpharius, the last of all the Emperor’s Primarchs to rejoin the Imperium. Tall tales, rumours and outright lies spoke of a variety of flaws and gifts possessed by the last Primarch and none knew what to expect from him. When the war began, his enemies would spend much time attempting to sort truth from the lies, finding out only too late that Alpharius was no less a master of war than any of his brothers.
If chosen as the army’s Warlord, Alpharius automatically has the Sire of the Alpha Legion Warlord Trait and may not select any other Warlord Trait.Sire of the Alpha Legion – At the start of the battle, after all models from all armies have been deployed, including units deployed using the Infiltrator special rule and after any Scout moves have been made, Alpharius’ controlling player may select up to three friendly units composed entirely of models with the Legiones Astartes (Alpha Legion) special rule. The selected units may be redeployed to any position in the controlling player’s Deployment Zone or placed into Reserves. In addition, an army with Alpharius as its Warlord may declare a single Phase at the start of any turn in which Alpharius’ controlling player is the Reactive player, gaining an additional Reaction in the chosen Phase as long as Alpharius has not been removed as a casualty.