Legiones Astartes – Mhara Gal Dreadnought
ELITES First encountered during the Battle of Ithraca amidst the catastrophe on Calth, the Shadow Crusade which ravaged Ultramar confirmed the existence of this twisted monster and its kin, an enemy unlike anything the Loyalists had faced. In form it was undeniably Contemptor Dreadnought in origin, its fire-blackened armour running like molten wax as its plates cracked open to pour out blood and choking black flames. The bounds of reality bent and buckled around the machine-creature, the ground itself seeming to shudder, flesh blistering and metal burning with black empyreal fire at its passing. Cultic writings record it as the ‘Mhara Gal’ —a complex Colchosian allegorical phrase translated as “…that which was blessed, but now stands beyond the sight of the gods" and claims this first travesty to have been one of the original Gal Vorbak dismembered and shattered, but clinging to life after the apocalyptic battle on Isstvan V. These writings describe this fallen killer as having “failed its oath to the Eightfold path" and being “punished with life beyond death". | ||
- Mhara Gal Dreadnought 240 pts
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | Ld | Sv | Base | |
| Mhara Gal Dreadnought (base: 60mm) | |||||||||||
| Mhara Gal Dreadnought | 8 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 10 | 2+ | 60mm |
- 1 Mhara Gal Dreadnought
- Warpfire cannon
- Tainted claw with in-built boltspitter
- Legiones Astartes (Word Bearers)
- It Will Not Die (5+)
- Rampage (2)
- Shroud of Dark Fire
- Accursed
- Pathfinder
- Move Through Cover
- Traitor
- A Mhara Gal Dreadnought may replace its Warpfire cannon and/or Tainted claw and in-built boltspitter with one of the following:
- - Greater boltspitterFree
- - Gravis melta cannonFree
- - Gravis autocannonFree
- - Warpfire cannonFree
- - Gravis lascannon +10 points
- - Tainted claw with in-built boltspitterFree
Shroud of Dark FireThe atomantic reactor which once powered the Mhara Gal has since twisted and warped to become a thing of ravaging darkness, burning with coal-black fire from the depths of the Empyrean. Such is the baleful power of this force, it shrouds the Mhara Gal Dreadnought in a guttering conflagration that leaks from the rends in its armour and belches from the ventilation stacks on its back, waxing as the nightmarish war machine kills, and waning to shadowed embers when it is at rest. Even the solar heat of plasma fire is muted and consumed on contact with this dark radiance, and flesh withers and crumbles to dust. Any Hit allocated to a model with this special rule from a Plasma, Flame, Melta or Volkite weapon has its Strength reduced by -1. In addition, a model with this special rule gains a 5+ Invulnerable Save and should it suffer an unsaved Wound with the Instant Death special rule is not immediately removed as a casualty, but instead loses D3 Wounds instead of one for each unsaved Wound with the Instant Death special rule inflicted on it. If a model with this special rule loses its last Wound or Hull Point, but before it is removed as a casualty, all models both friendly and enemy within D6+6" suffer an automatic Hit at Strength 8 and with an AP of -.AccursedA baleful vortex of empyreal forces is centred upon the accursed Mhara Gal, like a moving sinkhole on the face of reality incarnated into its twisted form, and the echoes of this tormenting force drive even its allies away from it in reeling horror. The radiations of fear and horror that the war machine generates are particularly abhorrent to psykers and even daemonkind, who must shun this warp abomination lest the black fire at its core consume their soul-stuff. All models with the Daemon Unit Type and/or Psyker or Corrupted Sub-type must reduce their Toughness and Strength by -1 while they are within 6" of a model with this special rule. Models that also have this special rule are immune to its effects. | ||
This datasheet has Elites Battlefield Role. Full list of Legiones Astartes units sharing same Battlefield Role follows:
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 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 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.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 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 |
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.
- 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.
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 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.
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 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.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.Some warriors are skilled at moving over broken and tangled terrain.
A unit that contains only models with this special rule suffers no penalty for moving or charging through Difficult Terrain.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.
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.Emitting a devastating beam of coherent energy, these weapons can engulf multiple targets in a single blast. Sweeping across the battlefield in a continuous beam of ravening destruction, the destructive power of such a burst can only be halted by the sturdiest of obstructions or most mighty of war machines.
When the weapon with this special rule is used to make a Shooting Attack, draw a 1" wide line from the end of the gun barrel up to the listed range of the weapon – this is the beam area. The initial target for the weapon (the model in the beam area closest to the attacking model) must be an enemy model.- All models (friend and enemy) caught in the beam area (excepting the firing model) suffer a Hit with the listed profile of the weapon, except models with the Flyer Sub-type which cannot be affected or targeted.
- Units with any models in the beam area receive a number of Hits equal to the number of their models caught in the path of the beam; casualties are removed from affected units using the normal rules for removing casualties.
- If a Terrain piece, Building, model with the Vehicle Unit Type or any model with 6 or more Wounds is in the beam area, the attack is blocked and its line of effect will go no further than that model. The blocking model will, however, suffer 1+D3 separate Hits, rather than just 1.
- If a model with the Vehicle Unit Type and the Transport Sub-type suffers a Penetrating Hit from a weapon with this special rule, each unit Embarked on it suffers D6 Str 4 AP - Hits with the Deflagrate special rule, in addition to any other effects. Any Wounds caused are allocated by the controller of the target unit.
Some warriors are specially trained to bypass the most dangerous hazards of the battlefield, or adapted to ignore the dangers they present.
A unit with at least one model with this special rule automatically passes Dangerous Terrain tests.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") |
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) |
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 |
For some warriors, being outnumbered is not a cause for despair, but a call to set about their foes with a berserk counter-attack.
At the start of any Fight sub-phase, models with the Rampage special rule gain a number of Attacks equal to the value listed in brackets if outnumbered by enemy models (including the effects of the Bulky special rule) – count all models locked in the combat, not just those models that are engaged. If the value in brackets is randomly determined by rolling dice, then roll once for each such variant of the Rampage special rule present in the unit to determine the number of Attacks that may be made, applying the result to all models with that variant for the current phase. For example, a model with the Rampage (D3) special rule that is outnumbered by the enemy in close combat receives D3 additional Attacks in that Fight sub-phase.A model that has made a Disordered Charge that turn receives no benefit from Rampage.
‘Volkite’ is an arcane Martian term for a variety of powerful ray weapons whose origins date back to the Age of Strife. Possessed of considerable killing power surpassing most armaments of their size, volkites were difficult to manufacture, even for the most able of the Mechanicum’s forges, and the demands of the Great Crusade swiftly overwhelmed supply of them. Once relatively common within the fledgling Legions, they had fallen largely from favour by the time of the Horus Heresy, and been superseded by the far more flexible and utilitarian Terran bolter. Those few that remained in service were the purview of only a few specialised units at the outbreak of the conflict.
All weapons listed here are counted as ‘Volkite’ weapons for those rules that affect such weapons.Range | Str | AP | Type | |
| Volkite serpenta | 10" | 5 | 5 | Pistol 2, Deflagrate |
| Volkite charger | 15" | 5 | 5 | Assault 2, Deflagrate |
| Volkite caliver | 30" | 6 | 5 | Heavy 3, Deflagrate |
| Volkite culverin | 45" | 6 | 5 | Heavy 5, Deflagrate |
| Volkite dual-culverin | 45" | 6 | 5 | Heavy 6, Deflagrate, Twin-linked |
| Volkite falconet | 45" | 7 | 5 | Heavy 8, Deflagrate, Twin-linked, Pinning |
| Volkite saker | 25" | 6 | 5 | Heavy 6, Deflagrate |
| Volkite macro-saker | 45" | 6 | 5 | Heavy 8, Deflagrate |
| Volkite carronade | 45" | 8 | 3 | Heavy 1, Heavy Beam, Deflagrate |
| Volkite cardanelle | 45" | 7 | 5 | Heavy 12, Deflagrate, Pinning |
In the dark corners of the galaxy, there are creatures that heal at a terrifying speed.
At the end of each of your turns, roll a D6 for each of your models with this special rule that has less than its starting number of Wounds or Hull Points, but that has not been removed as a casualty or destroyed. On a roll equal to or greater than the number in brackets associated with the special rule, that model regains a Wound, or Hull Point, lost earlier in the game. For example, a model with It Will Not Die (5+) would regain a lost Wound on the roll of a 5 or more.In the name of the Warmaster Horus, a vast host took up arms against those they had once called brothers – some driven by a lust for power and others by a misguided desire for justice. Regardless of the cause they held dear, there could be no turning back for these warriors, only victory or damnation.
A model with this special rule may only be included in an army that has the Traitor Allegiance.TRUE BELIEVERS
A model with this special rule may never have its Leadership Characteristic modified below a value of 6. Furthermore, if one or more models with this special rule are part of a combat that results in a draw, then a side that includes one or more models at the end of the Fight sub-phase with this special rule is counted as having won the combat by 1 point. If both sides include models with this special rule then the combat remains a draw.
Models with this special rule gain access to unique Wargear options (see The Armoury of the Word Bearers).
Any Legion Praetor, Legion Cataphractii Praetor or Legion Tartaros Praetor with this special rule may select the Burning Lore upgrade, and any models with both the Legiones Astartes (Word Bearers) and the Legiones Consularis special rules gain access to the Diabolist upgrade – see The Armoury of the Word Bearers for details.
A Warlord with this special rule may select a Warlord Trait from the Word Bearers Warlord Trait list.
Boltspitter
The Word Bearers applied their blasphemous theories not only to their creed and bodies, but also to their weapons. The workings of the so-called ‘warpfire’ weapons defy all conventional wisdom, indeed they should not function at all. Yet, in battle these weapons emit a searing burst of ætheric fire with a scream that can drive warriors to panic and dismay.
All weapons listed here are counted as ‘Bolt’ weapons for those rules that affect such weapons.Range | Str | AP | ||
| Boltspitter | 24" | 4 | 5 | Rapid Fire |
Warpfire cannon
The Word Bearers applied their blasphemous theories not only to their creed and bodies, but also to their weapons. The workings of the so-called ‘warpfire’ weapons defy all conventional wisdom, indeed they should not function at all. Yet, in battle these weapons emit a searing burst of ætheric fire with a scream that can drive warriors to panic and dismay.
Any model with the Legiones Astartes (Word Bearers) special rule may exchange a plasma pistol for a Warpfire pistol for +5 points per model; a plasma gun or plasma blaster for a Warpfire blaster for +5 points per model; or a plasma cannon or Gravis plasma cannon for a Warpfire cannon for +5 points per model.All weapons listed here are counted as ‘Plasma’ weapons for those rules that affect such weapons.
Range | Str | AP | ||
| Warpfire cannon | 36" | 6 | 4 | Heavy 1, Blast (3"), Breaching (4+), Pinning |
Tainted claw
Once proud weapons and relics of the Great Crusade polluted by the accursed practices of the fallen Word Bearers, who took a perverse pride in bearing the tainted relics of their former allegiance into battle against those of their kin who remained loyal.
Any model with both the Character Sub-type and the Legiones Astartes (Word Bearers) special rule may exchange a power weapon for a Tainted blade, Tainted axe or Tainted maul for +10 points each:Range | Str | AP | ||
| Tainted claw | - | 9 | 2 | Melee, Brutal (2), Murderous Strike (5+) |
The atomantic reactor which once powered the Mhara Gal has since twisted and warped to become a thing of ravaging darkness, burning with coal-black fire from the depths of the Empyrean. Such is the baleful power of this force, it shrouds the Mhara Gal Dreadnought in a guttering conflagration that leaks from the rends in its armour and belches from the ventilation stacks on its back, waxing as the nightmarish war machine kills, and waning to shadowed embers when it is at rest. Even the solar heat of plasma fire is muted and consumed on contact with this dark radiance, and flesh withers and crumbles to dust.
Any Hit allocated to a model with this special rule from a Plasma, Flame, Melta or Volkite weapon has its Strength reduced by -1. In addition, a model with this special rule gains a 5+ Invulnerable Save and should it suffer an unsaved Wound with the Instant Death special rule is not immediately removed as a casualty, but instead loses D3 Wounds instead of one for each unsaved Wound with the Instant Death special rule inflicted on it. If a model with this special rule loses its last Wound or Hull Point, but before it is removed as a casualty, all models both friendly and enemy within D6+6" suffer an automatic Hit at Strength 8 and with an AP of -.A baleful vortex of empyreal forces is centred upon the accursed Mhara Gal, like a moving sinkhole on the face of reality incarnated into its twisted form, and the echoes of this tormenting force drive even its allies away from it in reeling horror. The radiations of fear and horror that the war machine generates are particularly abhorrent to psykers and even daemonkind, who must shun this warp abomination lest the black fire at its core consume their soul-stuff.
All models with the Daemon Unit Type and/or Psyker or Corrupted Sub-type must reduce their Toughness and Strength by -1 while they are within 6" of a model with this special rule. Models that also have this special rule are immune to its effects.Greater boltspitter
The Word Bearers applied their blasphemous theories not only to their creed and bodies, but also to their weapons. The workings of the so-called ‘warpfire’ weapons defy all conventional wisdom, indeed they should not function at all. Yet, in battle these weapons emit a searing burst of ætheric fire with a scream that can drive warriors to panic and dismay.
All weapons listed here are counted as ‘Bolt’ weapons for those rules that affect such weapons.Range | Str | AP | ||
| Greater boltspitter | 48" | 5 | 4 | Heavy 6, Twin-linked |