Legiones Astartes – Leman Russ
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PRIMARCH

Of all of the Primarchs of the Legiones Astartes, few were as legend-shrouded or as little understood as Leman Russ, master of the Space Wolves and lord of the icy death world of Fenris. To some, he was no more than a savage and bestial chieftain gifted the power of a god; one of the Emperor’s ‘monsters’ as terrifying and inhuman in his own way as the horror-obsessed Night Haunter or the blood-bedecked berserker Angron. To others he was an incomparable warlord, ferocious beyond measure, but also faultlessly loyal, as unwavering in battle as adamant, and as coldhearted to his foes as the killing frost that shrouded his world’s winters.

Both opinions, perhaps, were true to some measure, but neither told the full tale. For though as undoubtedly as savage as Leman Russ was, and no matter how much the beast marked him as it did not his brothers, he was also wise beyond his Legion’s barbaric appearances and self-aware to a degree few guessed at, which made him doubly dangerous.

  • Leman Russ 450 pts
The Wolf King of Fenris, The Lord of Winter and Ruin, Primarch of the Space Wolves
M WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Base
Leman Russ (base: 40mm)
Leman Russ 8 8 6 7 6 6 7 7 10 2+ 40mm
Unit Composition
  • 1 Leman Russ
Wargear
  • The Armour Elavagar
  • The Axe of Helwinter
  • The Sword of Balenight
  • Scornspitter
  • Frag grenades
Unit Type
Special Rules
  • Legiones Astartes (Space Wolves)
  • Master of the Legion
  • Howl of the Death Wolf
  • Counter-attack (2)
  • Loyalist
  • Warlord: Sire of the Space Wolves

Howl of the Death Wolf

Once per battle, Leman Russ’ controlling player may declare the use of this special rule at the start of their turn. For the duration of that player turn only, all friendly models with the Legiones Astartes (Space Wolves) special rule gain a bonus of +1 to their Movement Characteristic and any enemy units that include one or more models with the Legiones Astartes (Space Wolves) special rule must take an immediate Pinning test.

Warlord: Sire of the Space Wolves

First and foremost, Leman Russ was a warlord; like some barbarian king of ancient myth he strode into battle at the head of his army, proving to all who followed him that he feared nothing, be it man or xenos, warp-spawned horror or self-proclaimed god. He was then to his Legion a paragon of what they should strive to be, just as much as he was their commander and their liege lord. He was a being they would have rather died for than disappoint or be shamed before.

If chosen as the army’s Warlord, Leman Russ automatically has the Sire of the Space Wolves Warlord Trait and may not select any other Warlord Trait.

Sire of the Space Wolves – All models with the Legiones Astartes (Space Wolves) special rule in the same army as Leman Russ gain a bonus of +1 to their Strength for the duration of any turn in which such a unit successfully Charges an enemy unit. In addition, an army with Leman Russ as its Warlord may make an additional Reaction in the opposing player’s Assault phase as long as Leman Russ has not been removed as a casualty.

The Armour Elavagar

The warplate of Russ is a suit of unique artificer power armour whose origins can be traced back to the mysterious period of bitter warfare which shrouds much of the Legion’s history in the decades after the Primarch took over the VIth, and is accounted for now within the Legion’s chronicles by obscure metaphor and strange and macabre allegories impenetrable to outsiders. Within its shell are strange exothermic field generators, otherwise unknown of in the Imperium’s arsenal of technology, which bleed energy, specifically heat and kinetic potential, from their surroundings when triggered, with the effect of creating an aura of murderous chill around the Primarch at will. It is this effect which gives the armour its name to the Fenrisians —‘Elavagar’— a wave of killing frost.

The Armour Elavagar confers a 2+ Armour Save and a 4+ Invulnerable Save (which is increased to 3+ against Flame, Melta and Plasma type weapons of any kind). In addition, enemy models in base contact with Leman Russ suffer a penalty of -1 To Hit him in an assault (to a maximum of 6+) on any turn in which Leman Russ makes a successful Charge.

The Axe of Helwinter

Russ’ favoured axe, though less strange and potent than his darkly-fabled blade, was no less a weapon of great beauty and lethality. It was a frost axe, a prince among its kind, its edge made with the kraken teeth of the mighty beast, which gave the axe its name; a legendary menace slain by Russ himself before the coming of the Emperor to Fenris. Its murderous edge was further amplified by a disruption field generator which was a masterwork in its own right, so that a well-placed blow could split the armour plate of a battle tank.

Range
Str
AP
The Axe of Helwinter
-
+2
2
Melee, Sunder, Reaping Blow (1), Master-crafted

The Sword of Balenight

A weapon of truly ancient mystery, the sword of Russ has gone by many names. To the Remembrancers of the Great Crusade, it is called ‘Balenight’ —a name itself a commonplace derivation of the High Terran ‘Maledica Nocterum’— a dark legend carried during the Age of Strife where it passed through the hands of warlords and tyrants one after the other. But, to the Wolves of Fenris, it has always been ‘Mjalnar’ —the fang of the Wolf King— taken in battle as a blood-bought prize of victory. Ultimately, the Sword of Balenight is a weapon of unknown origin, a thing of terror and blood against which no armour can stand, as the sword’s silver-white blade inexplicably darkens as it kills, first to the deep red of heart’sblood, and then to a fathomless, glittering black.

Range
Str
AP
The Sword of Balenight
-
+1
2
Melee, Murderous Strike (4+), Brutal (2), Fearsome Ruin, Master-crafted

Fearsome Ruin: Any unit which suffers one or more casualties from a weapon with this special rule and makes a Morale check during the Assault phase must roll an additional D6 for that Check and keep the two highest dice to determine the result.

Scornspitter

Once simply a Legion bolter, Scornspitter had been re-worked by no lesser hand than the Primarch Vulkan to form an outsized but perfectly balanced pistol suitable for the hand of the Wolf King. Though Russ and his Legion often stood apart from their fellows during the Great Crusade, this gift was one of honour, given after the two Primarchs’ Legions fought the bitter campaign at San Katos together, and Russ held it and its giver in high regard.

The weapon listed here is counted as a ‘Bolt’ weapon for those rules that affect such weapons.
Range
Str
AP
Scornspitter
12"
4
3
Assault 3, Rending (6+)
Rapid Fire Weapons

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.

RangeSAPType
Bolter24"45Rapid Fire
Twin-linked

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.
Melee Type
Weapons with the Melee type can only be used in close combat.
Brutal (X)

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.
Rending (X)

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.
Gets Hot

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

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.

RangeSAPType
Plasma blaster18"74Assault 2, Rending (4+), Gets Hot
Heavy Weapons

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.

RangeSAPType
Reaper autocannon36"74Heavy 2, Rending (6+), Twin-linked
Breaching (X)

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.
Deflagrate

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).
Pistol Weapons

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.

RangeSAPType
Volkite serpenta10"55Pistol 2, Deflagrate
Ignores Cover

This weapon fires ammunition that cheats an enemy of their shelter.

Cover Saves and Damage Mitigation rolls granted by the Shrouded special rule cannot be taken against Wounds or Hull Point damage caused by weapons with the Ignores Cover special rule. This includes Cover Saves granted by Reactions and other special rules as well as Cover Saves conferred by terrain.
Sniper

Sniper weapons are precision instruments, used to pick out a target’s weak points.

If a weapon has the Sniper special rule, or is fired by a model with the Sniper special rule, all Wounds inflicted by its attacks are ‘Precision Shots’. Wounds from Precision Shots are allocated against a model (or models) of the attacking player’s choice in the target unit, as long as it is in range and line of sight of the firer, rather than following the normal rules for Wound allocation. Note that Snap Shots can never be Precision Shots and attacks with the Blast or Template rules may never benefit from the effects of the Sniper special rule.
Pinning

Coming under fire without knowing where the shots are coming from, or having ordnance rain down from the skies, can shake the resolve of even the bravest warriors, making them dive flat and cling to whatever cover presents itself.

If a non-Vehicle unit suffers one or more unsaved Wounds from a weapon with the Pinning special rule, it must take a Leadership test once the firing unit has finished its Shooting Attacks for that Phase. This is called a Pinning test. If the unit fails the Test, it is Pinned. As long as the Test is passed, a unit can be called upon to take multiple Pinning tests in a single turn, but only once for each unit shooting at them.

A unit that is affected by any of the following conditions does not take Pinning tests, and if called upon to do so is considered to automatically pass them:
  • The unit is locked in combat.
  • The unit is already Pinned (the unit remains Pinned, but takes no further Tests).
  • The unit is composed entirely of Vehicle models.
  • The unit is Embarked on a Transport Vehicle.
  • The target unit is affected by the Fearless special rule.
A unit that has become Pinned cannot Move, Run or Charge. It can only fire Snap Shots if it attacks during the Shooting phase and cannot make Reactions in any Phase. At the end of its following turn, the unit returns to normal and the unit is free to act as normal from then on. Whilst it is Pinned, a unit is affected normally by enemy actions (for example, it takes Morale checks as normal). If the unit is forced to move, for example if it has to Fall Back, it returns to normal immediately. If assaulted, the unit will fight as usual, but because they are not set to receive the Charge, enemy units do not receive the Initiative penalty for assaulting a unit in Difficult Terrain, even if the unit is in Difficult Terrain. If a unit becomes Pinned during a Charge, then that Charge automatically fails. Units that are locked in combat cannot be Pinned and do not take Pinning tests.
Bolt Weapons

A branch of weaponry now commonplace among the ranks of the Legiones Astartes, bolt weapons are based on a robust Terran design, refined from the weapons used during the Emperor’s battles to conquer Old Earth. These brutally efficient weapons fire a caseless, self-propelled and mass reactive munition, more akin to a miniature rocket than a simple bullet and easily capable of eviscerating most foes against which the Space Marines of the Imperium find themselves matched. Such was the success of these weapons that they would eventually come to replace the more complex Martian weapons that had once dominated the arsenals of the Legiones Astartes.

All weapons listed here are counted as ‘Bolt’ weapons for those rules that affect such weapons.
Range
Str
AP
Type
Bolt pistol
12"
4
5
Pistol 1
Bolter
24"
4
5
Rapid Fire
Combi-bolter
24"
4
5
Rapid Fire, Twin-linked
Kraken bolter
30"
4
4
Rapid Fire
- Tempest rounds
18"
3
6
Assault 3, Ignores Cover
- Scorpius rounds
24"
5
4
Assault 1, Breaching (4+)
Nemesis bolter
72"
5
5
Heavy 1, Rending (5+), Sniper, Pinning
Heavy bolter
36"
5
4
Heavy 4
Gravis bolt cannon
48"
5
4
Heavy 6, Twin-linked
Gravis heavy bolter battery
48"
5
4
Heavy 8, Twin-linked
Avenger bolt cannon
36"
6
3
Heavy 7
Armourbane (X)

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.
Blast Markers and Templates
Some weapons are so powerful that they don’t just target a single model or unit, but have an ‘area effect’ which might encompass several different models or units. To better represent these circumstances, Horus Heresy – Age of Darkness games use a series of different Blast markers and templates:
  • A ‘Small’ Blast marker (3" in diameter).
  • A ‘Large’ Blast marker (5" in diameter).
  • A ‘Template’ (a teardrop-shaped template roughly 8" long).
A number of weapons are even more powerful, able to obliterate entire squads in a single shot. These apocalyptic weapons use even bigger markers and templates, which include:
  • 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).
All of these templates and Blast markers can be purchased separately.

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.
Army List
Datasheets collated

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Frag Grenades

This class of grenade contains only a small explosive charge, and is intended primarily to disorientate and distract the foe while closing on a fixed position.

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.
Counter-attack (X)

Troops with this skill believe attack to be the best form of defence. If assaulted, they spring forward themselves and ferociously counter-attack the charging enemy.

If a unit contains at least one model with this special rule, and that unit is Charged, every model with the Counter-attack special rule gains a number of additional Attacks equal to the value in brackets listed as part of this special rule. If no value is listed then the unit gains +1 Attack.

If, when Charged, the unit was already locked in combat or has made the Hold the Line Reaction, the Counter-attack special rule has no effect.
Poisoned (X)

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.
Invulnerable Saves
Some warriors are protected by more than physical armour. They may be shielded by force fields or have a constitution that can shrug off hits that would destroy a tank. Models with Wargear or abilities like these are allowed an Invulnerable Saving Throw.

Invulnerable Saves are different to Armour Saves in that they may always be taken whenever the model suffers a Wound, or, in the case of Vehicles, suffers a Penetrating Hit or Glancing Hit – the Armour Piercing value of attacking weapons has no effect on an Invulnerable Save. Even if a Wound, Penetrating Hit or Glancing Hit ignores all Armour Saves, an Invulnerable Saving Throw can still be taken.
Master-crafted

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.
Large Blast
Large Blast weapons use the 5" Blast marker, but otherwise obey all the rules for Blast weapons.
Sunder

Some weapons strike with enough force to make a mockery of anything except the most reinforced of armoured shells.

Attacks with this special rule may re-roll failed Armour Penetration rolls against Vehicles and Buildings (both with Shooting Attacks and in close combat) and re-roll Glancing Hits, in an attempt to instead get a Penetrating Hit, but the second result must be kept.
Torrent (X)

This weapon fires massive gouts of flame, gas or lethal fluids across the battlefield.

A weapon with this special rule is treated like any other Template weapon, but when firing it in the Shooting phase, place the template so that the narrow end is placed within a number of inches equal to the value in brackets listed as part of this special rule. The wide end must then be aligned so that it is no closer to the firing model than the narrow end.

For example, a weapon with the Torrent (18) special rule must place the narrow end of the template at a point within 18" and the wide end no closer to the firing model than the narrow end.
Plasma Burn

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:

Armour Saves
If a model has an Armour Save Characteristic of 6+ or better on its profile, then a further dice roll may be made to see if the armour prevents the Wound. This is called an Armour Saving throw, or Armour Save.

To take an Armour Save, roll a D6 and compare the result to the Armour Save Characteristic of the model that has been allocated the Wound. If the dice result is equal to or higher than the model’s Armour Save Characteristic, the Wound is negated. If the result is lower than the Armour Save Characteristic, the model suffers a Wound. This means that, unlike most Characteristics, an Armour Save is better if it is a lower number.
Roll To Hit (Close combat)
Once it has been determined which models must make attacks in a given Initiative step, the controlling player makes To Hit rolls for those models.

To make a To Hit roll, roll a D6 for each attack a model gets to make and compare the WS of the attacking model to the WS of the target unit. Then, consult the To Hit chart below to find the minimum result needed on a D6 To Hit.

As the chart below shows, if the target’s WS is half or less than that of the attacker’s, they are hit on a 2+; lower than the attacker’s but more than half, they are hit on 3+; if the target’s WS is equal to the attacker’s, they are hit on 4+; if it is higher but not twice the attacker’s, they are hit on 5+; and if it is twice or more than the attacker’s, then they are hit only on a 6+.

UNITS WITH MULTIPLE WEAPON SKILLS
Some units contain models with different Weapon Skills. Whilst each model in such a unit rolls To Hit using its own Weapon Skill, Attacks made against such a unit are resolved using the Weapon Skill of the majority of the engaged enemy models. If two or more Weapon Skill values are tied for majority, use the highest of those tied values.

Owning Player, Opposing Player and Controlling Player
Sometimes a rule will ask the owning, opposing or controlling player to make an action or decision of some kind. The owning player is always the player who ‘owns’ the model in question – the one who has the model in their army. The opposing player is always their opponent. The controlling player is always the player in current command of that model – there are some special rules which can force models to switch sides during the course of the game.
Master of the Legion

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.
Loyalist

Whether pledged to the Emperor himself as the rightful leader of Mankind or to the dream of the Imperium that he intended to create, some warriors swore to fight and die for the Loyalist cause and no other.

A model with this special rule may only be included in an army that has the Loyalist Allegiance.
Morale Checks
Morale represents the grit and determination of warriors on the battlefield. Morale checks are a specific kind of Leadership test.

Similar to other Leadership-based tests, Morale checks (also sometimes referred to as Morale tests) are taken by rolling 2D6 and comparing the total to the unit’s Leadership value.

If the total is equal to or less than the unit’s Leadership Characteristic, the test is passed and the unit does not suffer any ill effects.

If the total is higher than their Leadership Characteristic, the test is failed and the unit will immediately Fall Back.

Some units have special rules pertaining to Morale checks that are detailed in their Army List or Army List entry. For example, some units might always pass Morale checks, while others might always pass all Leadership tests. This difference is subtle, yet important. A unit that always passes Morale checks still has to test when hit by an attack with the Pinning special rule, while a unit that always passes all Leadership tests wouldn’t.
Reaping Blow (X)

Only when outnumbered in the press of the melee, can these weapons be wielded to the greatest effect.

If a model is in base contact with more than one enemy model in the Initiative step in which they fight, they gain a number of Attacks equal to the value of X as noted in the variant of the special rule (if no value of X is included then count the value of X as 1).
Warlord Traits
Your Warlord is a potent force upon the battlefield. Not only are they a mighty hero, with all the skills and renown you might expect from the leader of a great army, but over the course of a long career they will also have picked up specialised abilities, which we refer to as ‘Warlord Traits’. Each Warlord has one Warlord Trait, chosen during army selection, from the list of Core Warlord Traits (or another list of Traits made available as part of that model’s Allegiance or Faction) and noted on the player’s Army List or roster. Some special rules attached to certain Factions or models may allow a Warlord to select Warlord Traits other than those presented in the Core list – such rules will specifically note which other Traits may be selected.
Murderous Strike (X)

Some weapons are so cruel of form or powerful in aspect that a well-placed strike can slay even the toughest opponent.

Attacks with this special rule cause Instant Death on a To Wound roll equal to or greater than the number listed in brackets associated with the specific rule. Roll any viable Saves against this Instant Death-causing Wound separately and before any other Wounds the attack inflicts.
Flame Weapons

Among the most ancient of weapons employed within the ranks of the Legiones Astartes, flame has always been a potent weapon against creatures that lurk in darkness. Many of the Space Marine Legions consider the cleansing power of flame a key part of their arsenal, and indeed the ability of these weapons to rout the enemy from fortified positions has proven pivotal in any number of battles.

All weapons listed here are counted as ‘Flame’ or ‘Flamer’ weapons for those rules that affect such weapons.
Range
Str
AP
Type
Hand flamer
Template
3
-
Pistol 1
Flamer
Template
4
5
Assault 1
Toxiferran flamer
Template
4
5
Assault 1, Poisoned (3+), Rending (6+)
Heavy flamer
Template
5
4
Assault 1
Flamestorm cannon
Template
6
4
Heavy 1, Torrent (18")
Melta Weapons

Capable of focusing microwave beams to such a fierce heat that even the sturdiest of armour runs like water, melta weapons are among the most fearsome anti-tank weapons available to the warriors of the Emperor. The origins of this technology are unknown, for it was in common use among the armies of Old Earth, Mars and Jupiter long before the Emperor unified Sol. However, it has been in use within the Legiones Astartes since their inception and every Legion bears examples of this venerable and fearsome weapon.

All weapons listed here are counted as ‘Melta’ weapons for those rules that affect such weapons.
Range
Str
AP
Type
Meltagun
12"
8
1
Assault 1, Armourbane (Melta)
Multi-melta
24"
8
1
Heavy 1, Armourbane (Melta), Twin-linked
Gravis melta cannon
24"
8
1
Heavy 2, Armourbane (Melta), Twin-linked
Magna-melta cannon
36"
8
1
Heavy 3, Armourbane (Melta), Twin-linked
Cyclonic melta lance
18"
8
1
Heavy 4, Armourbane (Melta)
Siege melta array
12"
8
1
Heavy 5, Armourbane (Melta), Twin-linked
Melta cutters
6"
8
1
Heavy 3, Armourbane (Melta)
Melta blast-gun
36"
8
1
Heavy 4, Armourbane (Melta)
Plasma Weapons

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

The Armour Elavagar

The warplate of Russ is a suit of unique artificer power armour whose origins can be traced back to the mysterious period of bitter warfare which shrouds much of the Legion’s history in the decades after the Primarch took over the VIth, and is accounted for now within the Legion’s chronicles by obscure metaphor and strange and macabre allegories impenetrable to outsiders. Within its shell are strange exothermic field generators, otherwise unknown of in the Imperium’s arsenal of technology, which bleed energy, specifically heat and kinetic potential, from their surroundings when triggered, with the effect of creating an aura of murderous chill around the Primarch at will. It is this effect which gives the armour its name to the Fenrisians —‘Elavagar’— a wave of killing frost.

The Armour Elavagar confers a 2+ Armour Save and a 4+ Invulnerable Save (which is increased to 3+ against Flame, Melta and Plasma type weapons of any kind). In addition, enemy models in base contact with Leman Russ suffer a penalty of -1 To Hit him in an assault (to a maximum of 6+) on any turn in which Leman Russ makes a successful Charge.

The Axe of Helwinter

Russ’ favoured axe, though less strange and potent than his darkly-fabled blade, was no less a weapon of great beauty and lethality. It was a frost axe, a prince among its kind, its edge made with the kraken teeth of the mighty beast, which gave the axe its name; a legendary menace slain by Russ himself before the coming of the Emperor to Fenris. Its murderous edge was further amplified by a disruption field generator which was a masterwork in its own right, so that a well-placed blow could split the armour plate of a battle tank.

Range
Str
AP
The Axe of Helwinter
-
+2
2
Melee, Sunder, Reaping Blow (1), Master-crafted

The Sword of Balenight

A weapon of truly ancient mystery, the sword of Russ has gone by many names. To the Remembrancers of the Great Crusade, it is called ‘Balenight’ —a name itself a commonplace derivation of the High Terran ‘Maledica Nocterum’— a dark legend carried during the Age of Strife where it passed through the hands of warlords and tyrants one after the other. But, to the Wolves of Fenris, it has always been ‘Mjalnar’ —the fang of the Wolf King— taken in battle as a blood-bought prize of victory. Ultimately, the Sword of Balenight is a weapon of unknown origin, a thing of terror and blood against which no armour can stand, as the sword’s silver-white blade inexplicably darkens as it kills, first to the deep red of heart’sblood, and then to a fathomless, glittering black.

Range
Str
AP
The Sword of Balenight
-
+1
2
Melee, Murderous Strike (4+), Brutal (2), Fearsome Ruin, Master-crafted

Fearsome Ruin: Any unit which suffers one or more casualties from a weapon with this special rule and makes a Morale check during the Assault phase must roll an additional D6 for that Check and keep the two highest dice to determine the result.

Scornspitter

Once simply a Legion bolter, Scornspitter had been re-worked by no lesser hand than the Primarch Vulkan to form an outsized but perfectly balanced pistol suitable for the hand of the Wolf King. Though Russ and his Legion often stood apart from their fellows during the Great Crusade, this gift was one of honour, given after the two Primarchs’ Legions fought the bitter campaign at San Katos together, and Russ held it and its giver in high regard.

The weapon listed here is counted as a ‘Bolt’ weapon for those rules that affect such weapons.
Range
Str
AP
Scornspitter
12"
4
3
Assault 3, Rending (6+)
Legiones Astartes (Space Wolves)
All models with this special rule are subject to the following provisions:

BESTIAL SAVAGERY
A unit made up entirely of models with the Infantry Unit Type and the Legiones Astartes (Space Wolves) special rule that chooses to Run in the Movement phase may still make a Shooting Attack in the Shooting phase, and declare a Charge in the Assault phase of the same turn – but any Shooting Attacks made in the same turn as that in which a unit with this special rule has Run are made as Snap Shots. Units that cannot Run (such as Legion Cataphractii Terminators) or models that do not have the Vehicle or Infantry Unit Type instead gain +1 WS on any turn in which they successfully Charge, even if that Charge is considered Disordered. Models with the Vehicle Unit Type and this special rule that make Ram Attacks increase the Strength of any Hits inflicted as part of that attack by +1, to a maximum of 10.

Vaults of Morkai
Models with this special rule gain access to unique Wargear options (see Armoury of the Space Wolves).

Lords of Winter
Any Legion Centurions, Legion Cataphractii Centurions and Legion Tartaros Centurions with this special rule may not select the Chaplain, Librarian or Primus Medicae Consul upgrades. Instead, these models gain access to the Pack Thegn, Speaker of the Dead and Caster of the Runes upgrades.

Wolves of Fenris
A Warlord with this special rule may select a Warlord Trait from the Space Wolves Warlord Trait list.
Howl of the Death Wolf
Once per battle, Leman Russ’ controlling player may declare the use of this special rule at the start of their turn. For the duration of that player turn only, all friendly models with the Legiones Astartes (Space Wolves) special rule gain a bonus of +1 to their Movement Characteristic and any enemy units that include one or more models with the Legiones Astartes (Space Wolves) special rule must take an immediate Pinning test.
Warlord: Sire of the Space Wolves

First and foremost, Leman Russ was a warlord; like some barbarian king of ancient myth he strode into battle at the head of his army, proving to all who followed him that he feared nothing, be it man or xenos, warp-spawned horror or self-proclaimed god. He was then to his Legion a paragon of what they should strive to be, just as much as he was their commander and their liege lord. He was a being they would have rather died for than disappoint or be shamed before.

If chosen as the army’s Warlord, Leman Russ automatically has the Sire of the Space Wolves Warlord Trait and may not select any other Warlord Trait.

Sire of the Space Wolves – All models with the Legiones Astartes (Space Wolves) special rule in the same army as Leman Russ gain a bonus of +1 to their Strength for the duration of any turn in which such a unit successfully Charges an enemy unit. In addition, an army with Leman Russ as its Warlord may make an additional Reaction in the opposing player’s Assault phase as long as Leman Russ has not been removed as a casualty.
© Vyacheslav Maltsev 2013-2024