Legiones Astartes – Mortarion
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PRIMARCH

The shadowed and sinister Mortarion was Primarch and Commander of the Death Guard Legion. Raised upon a nightmare world of fell secrets and necromantic horror where humans were hunted like animals, the darkness that surrounded him seeped into his soul and would never leave him. Fiercely driven and relentless, the reaper-Primarch led his Legion to become wrathful liberators, spectres of death and judgment to whom no battlefield was insurmountable and no foe too terrible to face.
With lies and half-truths did Horus sway Mortarion to his cause, and the price that he and his Legion would pay for their role in the Horus Heresy would be nightmarish beyond imagining.

  • Mortarion 425 pts
The Pale King, Master of the Death Guard, the Traveller, Dread Liberator of Barbarus
M WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Base
Mortarion (base: 40mm)
Mortarion 7 7 6 7 7 7 5 6 10 2+ 40mm
Unit Composition
  • 1 Mortarion
Wargear
  • The Barbaran Plate
  • Silence
  • The Lantern
  • 7 phosphex bombs
  • Frag grenades
Unit Type
Special Rules
  • Legiones Astartes (Death Guard)
  • Master of the Legion
  • Bulky (6)
  • It Will Not Die (4+)
  • Fear (2)
  • Adamantium Will (3+)
  • Hatred (Psykers)
  • Shadow of the Reaper
  • Preternatural Resilience
  • Traitor
  • Warlord: Sire of the Death Guard

Shadow of the Reaper

Mortarion is a terrifying, almost spectral figure, who despite his size and bearing is able to go unseen almost at will and attack from an unexpected quarter.

So long as Mortarion is not Embarked on any model, in Reserves, locked in combat or part of a unit with the Retinue or Deathshroud Retinue special rules, in the player’s Shooting phase in lieu of making a Shooting Attack, Mortarion may be redeployed by his controlling player, this counts as an alternative form of Movement and cancels the benefits of the Legiones Astartes (Death Guard) special rule when used.

If this option is used then Mortarion is removed from the battlefield, leaving any unit that he was part of. The controlling player must then redeploy Mortarion to any point on the battlefield that is within 10" of his original position, as long as there is space for his model and the chosen position is not within 3" of an enemy model. He may not be placed within Impassable Terrain or inside a Vehicle or Building. This is not counted as a move as such, and the intervening terrain does not affect him in any way. Mortarion may Charge normally in a turn that he is redeployed in this way, but counts as making a Disordered Charge if doing so.

Preternatural Resilience

Mortarion’s resilience and stamina are legend, and it has been said that of all the Primarchs none were more able to shrug off injury and torment as he, and of all none had endured more in their lives before the Emperor had reclaimed them.

Any Hits allocated to Mortarion with the Poisoned (X), Rending (X) or Fleshbane special rules only affect Mortarion on a D6 roll of a 6 instead of their usual effect. While Mortarion has joined a unit, this special rule has no effect

Warlord: Sire of the Death Guard

Mortarion was renowned amongst the Primarchs for the implacable advance of his Legion, a slow and steady encroachment that could not be stopped or turned aside by dangerous ground or enemy action. The foe was left with the choice of cowering in their boltholes until the Death Guard arrived at their doorstep or sallying forth to die upon the guns of Mortarion’s warriors.

If chosen as the army’s Warlord, Mortarion automatically has the Sire of the Death Guard Warlord Trait and may not select any other Warlord Trait.

Sire of the Death Guard – All friendly units composed entirely of models with the Legiones Astartes (Death Guard) in the same army as Mortarion, including Mortarion himself, ignore all penalties to their Leadership caused by the Fear and Shell Shock (X) special rules and when locked in combat suffer no penalty to their Leadership Characteristics due to casualties suffered during an assault. In addition, an army with Mortarion as its Warlord may make an additional Reaction in the opposing player’s Assault phase as long as Mortarion has not been removed as a casualty.

The Barbaran Plate

Mortarion’s war panoply is of his own design, fusing power armour technology with his own lore. It is designed not only to protect him in battle but augment his own singular physiology and environmental needs, synthesising trace elements of the poisonous vapours of his home world to mix with the air he breathes.

The Barbaran Plate provides a 2+ Armour Save and a 4+ Invulnerable Save.

Silence

A massive two-handed battle scythe with a blade span as long as most human warriors are tall, ‘Silence’ —to give it the macabre nickname favoured by its wielder— is accounted as one of the most fearsome blades wielded by any Primarch. Since Mortarion’s finding, there have been dark whispers that the blade is of xenos-tainted origin, and some familiar with the legend of the Death Guard Primarch’s early life believe it to be none other than the weapon of the terrible creature that once named himself Mortarion’s ‘father’.

The weapon listed here is counted as a ‘Power’ weapon for those rules that affect such weapons.
Range
Str
AP
Silence
-
+1
2
Melee, Instant Death, Sunder, Two-handed,
Reaping Blow (2)

The Lantern

A drum-barrelled energy blaster of unknown origin, the ‘Lantern’, is Mortarion’s preferred sidearm.

The weapon listed here is counted as a ‘Plasma’ weapon for those rules that affect such weapons.
Range
Str
AP
The Lantern
18"
8
2
Assault 1, Sunder
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.
Number of Attacks
Each engaged model makes a number of Attacks (A) as indicated on its Characteristics profile, plus the following bonus attacks:

+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.
Melee Type
Weapons with the Melee type can only be used in close combat.
Unwieldy

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.
Specialist Weapon

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.
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.
Shred

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.
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.
Reach (X)

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.
Power Weapons

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
Bulky (X)

This creature is so massive, it takes up an inordinate amount of space in any vehicle or building it enters.

Bulky models count as a number of models equal to the value X in brackets after the rule’s name for the purposes of Transport Capacity and whether a given unit outnumbers another in combat.

For example, a unit comprised of five models all of which have the Bulky (3) special rule, would count as 15 models when attempting to Embark on a Transport Vehicle or when deciding if they outnumber an enemy unit (see, for example, Rampage (X)).
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
One Use/One Shot

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.
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.
Fleshbane

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.
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.
Two-handed

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.
Crawling Fire

Phosphex, sometimes known as the ‘crawling fire’, seeks out and extinguishes life with a terrifying hunger.

After the Blast marker for a weapon with this special rule is placed, the attacking unit’s controlling player may move the marker up to 2" in any direction so long as this would cover more models than it previously would have.
Lingering Death

Many of the terrible weapons unleashed during the Horus Heresy tainted the very worlds they were used to conquer, poisoning the soil and burning the sky, leaving only calamity in their wake.

When a Blast weapon with this rule is used, after the attack is resolved leave the Blast marker in play for the rest of the game and mark it with a counter of some kind. This area is now treated as Dangerous Terrain for all models with a Toughness value.
Phosphex bomb

Range
Str
AP
Phosphex bomb
6"
5
2
Assault 1, One Use, Blast (3"), Poisoned (3+), Crawling Fire, Lingering Death

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.
Instant Death

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.
The Legiones Astartes (X) Special Rule
The various Legions are differentiated by means of the Legiones Astartes (X) special rule. When assembling a Legiones Astartes army, a single variation of the Legiones Astartes (X) special rule is chosen and no unit in the Primary Detachment may include any models with a different variation of this special rule. All special rules, Wargear options and Rites of War that apply to that version of the Legiones Astartes (X) special rule may be used by the army where appropriate, as defined by those rules and options.

Other Detachments in the army, such as Allied Detachments or Lords of War Detachments, may have a different version of the Legiones Astartes (X) special rule. In which case no models in the same Detachment may have a different version of the Legiones Astartes (X) special rule to the one chosen for that Detachment. Models within a non-Primary Detachment are affected by all the special rules for the version of the Legiones Astartes (X) special rule chosen for them, as well as access to any Wargear options and special units.
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.
Shell Shock (X)

Some weapons produce such a weight of fire that any target pummelled by their attack is left dazed and stunned.

Pinning tests taken due to an attack or weapon with this special rule are made with a penalty to Leadership Characteristic equal to the value listed as part of the special rule.

For example, a unit that is forced to take a Pinning test by an attack made using a weapon with the Shell Shock (2) special rule, suffers a penalty of -2 to their Leadership Characteristic when resolving that Test.
Embarking
A unit can Embark onto a Vehicle by moving each model to within 2" of its Access Points in the Movement phaseDangerous Terrain tests should be taken as normal. The whole unit must be able to Embark – if some models are out of range, the entire unit must stay outside. When the unit Embarks, remove it from the table and place it aside, making a note that the unit is being transported. If the players need to measure a range involving the Embarked unit (except for its shooting), this range is measured to or from the Vehicle’s hull.

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.

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.
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.
Psychic Focus
Before making any To Hit rolls with this weapon, the Psyker must make a Psychic check. If the Check is passed, then the Psyker may attack as normal using the profile shown for this weapon. If the Check is failed, then the Psyker suffers Perils of the Warp, and if the model is not removed as a casualty then it may attack as normal but may not use this weapon.
Adamantium Will (X)

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+).
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).
Retinue

Many of the most famous and powerful commanders went to war with a dedicated cadre of bodyguards and adjutants. These guardians served both to protect their master in the heat of battle, preserving his life against all threats, and as a vital reserve of skilled warriors to press the attack at the most crucial moment.

A Legion Command Squad, Legion Cataphractii Terminator Command Squad or Legion Tartaros Command Squad may only be selected as part of a Detachment that includes at least one model with the Master of the Legion special rule. A unit selected in this manner is considered a ‘Retinue Squad’ and the model with the Master of the Legion special rule is referred to as the Retinue Squad’s Leader for the purposes of this special rule (if the Detachment includes more than one model with the Master of the Legion special rule then the controlling player selects one as the unit’s Leader). The Retinue Squad does not use up a Force Organisation slot and is considered part of the same unit as the model selected as its Leader. The Retinue Squad must be deployed with the model selected as its Leader deployed as part of the unit and the Leader may not voluntarily leave the Retinue Squad during play. A Legion Command Squad, Legion Cataphractii Terminator Command Squad or Legion Tartaros Command Squad may not be selected as part of an army without a Leader.
Legion Standard

Each Space Marine Legion maintains the ancient military tradition of the battle standard being a rallying point and spur to glory. These icons vary greatly from Legion to Legion depending on their particular martial culture. Be they a tattered flag that has weathered the shot and shell of a hundred battlefields, a burning steel standard, or a trophy rack bedecked with the heads of slain xenos, it is in the shadow of such banners and icons that battles are won or lost.

All of the controlling player’s units with the Legiones Astartes (X) special rule within 6" of a friendly model with a Legion standard are considered to have a Leadership Characteristic of 10 when resolving Morale checks or Pinning tests (but not Psychic checks). In addition, all models in a unit that includes a Legion standard gain the Line Sub-type as long as they remain part of that unit – this benefit is lost immediately if the model with the Legion standard is removed as a casualty.
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
Fear (X)

Some beings are so monstrous or alien that they can force their foes to recoil in horror.

All enemy models within 12" of a model with this special rule must reduce their Leadership by the value in brackets after the special rule when taking any Morale checks, Regroup or Pinning tests. For example, a unit with the special rule Fear (2) would reduce the Leadership of all enemy models within 12" by 2.

Enemy units that are locked in combat are only affected by this modifier if they are locked in combat with the unit that causes Fear. This modifier is not cumulative, and any given unit can only be affected by a single instance of the Fear special rule at a time. This will always be the highest single modifier among those applicable.

A model that causes Fear is not itself immune to Fear, and will still suffer a penalty to its Leadership if within range of an enemy unit that has the Fear special rule.
Disordered Charge
In certain situations, a Charge may be deemed to be Disordered. The most common occurrence of this is when a Charging unit contacts more than one enemy unit, or when a special rule or item of Wargear dictates that a Charge is Disordered. A unit making a Disordered Charge does not gain the +1 Charge Bonus to its number of Attacks usually gained from a Charge, or any other bonus granted by special rules that require the unit or model to have successfully Charged an enemy unit.
Locked in Combat
If a unit has one or more models in base contact with an enemy model (for any reason), then it is locked in combat. The unit is considered to be locked in combat as soon as an enemy model is moved into base contact with any model in that unit and remains locked in combat until there are no enemy models remaining in base contact with any model that is part of that unit. Units that are locked in combat must attack and be attacked in the next Fight sub-phase, resolving the combat as per the standard rules. Units are no longer locked in combat if, at the end of any Phase, they no longer have any models in base contact with an enemy model.

Units that are locked in combat cannot move in any other Phase or make Shooting Attacks for any reason. Similarly, models cannot choose to target units locked in combat with Shooting Attacks for any reason. Blast markers and templates cannot be deliberately placed such that they cover any models locked in combat, but they may end up there after scattering and will then cause Hits on any units or models they contact as normal.

Units that are locked in combat do not take Morale checks or Pinning tests caused by Shooting Attacks, and cannot be Pinned.
Impassable Terrain
Some terrain is simply so inhospitable, so dangerous that it cannot be traversed at all. Unless noted otherwise in their special rules, models cannot enter, cross, move into or move through Impassable Terrain – they must go around. The exceptions to this rule are typically units equipped with Jump Packs, or of the Skimmer or Flyer types which may move over, but not end their move, in Impassable Terrain.
It Will Not Die (X)

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.
Traitor

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.
Hatred (X)

In the far future, hatred is a powerful ally.

This rule is presented as Hatred (X) where X identifies a specific type of foe. If the special rule does not specify a type of foe, then the unit has Hatred against everyone. This can refer to a Faction or a specific unit.

For example, Hatred (Mechanicum) means any model of the Mechanicum Faction, whilst Hatred (Thallax) means only Thallax. A model striking a Hated foe in close combat re-rolls all failed To Hit rolls during the first round of each close combat.

The effects of this special rule only apply when a unit that has it begins an Assault phase not locked in combat and then either Charges or is Charged by an enemy unit. If an enemy unit Charges this unit when it is already locked in combat then that does count as a new ‘first’ turn of combat for the effects of Hatred.

The Barbaran Plate

Mortarion’s war panoply is of his own design, fusing power armour technology with his own lore. It is designed not only to protect him in battle but augment his own singular physiology and environmental needs, synthesising trace elements of the poisonous vapours of his home world to mix with the air he breathes.

The Barbaran Plate provides a 2+ Armour Save and a 4+ Invulnerable Save.

Silence

A massive two-handed battle scythe with a blade span as long as most human warriors are tall, ‘Silence’ —to give it the macabre nickname favoured by its wielder— is accounted as one of the most fearsome blades wielded by any Primarch. Since Mortarion’s finding, there have been dark whispers that the blade is of xenos-tainted origin, and some familiar with the legend of the Death Guard Primarch’s early life believe it to be none other than the weapon of the terrible creature that once named himself Mortarion’s ‘father’.

The weapon listed here is counted as a ‘Power’ weapon for those rules that affect such weapons.
Range
Str
AP
Silence
-
+1
2
Melee, Instant Death, Sunder, Two-handed,
Reaping Blow (2)

The Lantern

A drum-barrelled energy blaster of unknown origin, the ‘Lantern’, is Mortarion’s preferred sidearm.

The weapon listed here is counted as a ‘Plasma’ weapon for those rules that affect such weapons.
Range
Str
AP
The Lantern
18"
8
2
Assault 1, Sunder
Legiones Astartes (Death Guard)
All models with this special rule are subject to the following provisions:

REMORSELESS
A model with this special rule that does not have the Cavalry Unit Type or Artillery Unit Sub-type ignores any modifiers or restrictions on moving during the Movement phase (including modifiers imposed by Terrain or restrictions from rules such as Pinning which would normally stop them from moving) as long as the model does not Run or make use of another alternative form of Movement such as ‘activating’ a jump pack, Disembarking or deploying via Deep Strike. Furthermore, as long as the model has not Run or used another alternative form of Movement in the controlling player’s Movement phase, it is counted as Stationary when making Shooting Attacks until the start of the controlling player’s next turn. This special rule does not affect whether or not a model may make a Charge, and does not allow models with the Vehicle Unit Type to ignore the effects of an Immobilised result on the Vehicle Damage table (but does allow a model with the Vehicle Unit Type to move even when under the effect of the Crew Stunned result on the Vehicle Damage table).

The Reaper’s Arsenal
Models with this special rule gain access to unique Wargear options (see The Armoury of the Death Guard).

Sons Of Barbarus
A Warlord with this special rule may select a Warlord Trait from the Death Guard Warlord Trait list.
Power Scythes

These unique power weapons are used to great effect by the Death Guard, wielded in great sweeping arcs lopping off limbs and slicing apart the foe with ease. Many among the grim Legion of Mortarion favoured them as much for the fear inspired by their form as for the carnage they inflicted upon the foe.

Any model with both the Character Sub-type and the Legiones Astartes (Death Guard) special rule may exchange a power weapon for a power scythe for no additional cost.

The weapon listed here is counted as a ‘Power’ weapon for those rules that affect such weapons.
Range
Str
AP
Type
Power scythe
-
+2
3
Melee, Rending (6+), Two-handed, Reaping Blow (1)
Deathshroud Retinue
A Deathshroud Terminator Squad may be selected as a Retinue Squad in a Detachment that includes at least one model with both the Master of the Legion and Legiones Astartes (Death Guard) special rules, instead of as an Elites choice. A unit selected as a ‘Retinue Squad’ must have one model with both the Master of the Legion and Legiones Astartes (Death Guard) special rules from the same Detachment selected by the controlling player as the Deathshroud Terminator Squad’s Leader for the purposes of this special rule. A Deathshroud Terminator Squad selected as a Retinue Squad does not use up a Force Organisation slot and is considered part of the same unit as the model selected as its Leader. A Deathshroud Terminator Squad selected as a Retinue Squad must be deployed with the model selected as its Leader deployed as part of the unit and the Leader may not voluntarily leave the Retinue Squad during play. One Deathshroud Terminator in a Deathshroud Terminator Squad selected as a Retinue may exchange their power scythe for a Legion standard and power weapon for +15 points.
Shadow of the Reaper

Mortarion is a terrifying, almost spectral figure, who despite his size and bearing is able to go unseen almost at will and attack from an unexpected quarter.

So long as Mortarion is not Embarked on any model, in Reserves, locked in combat or part of a unit with the Retinue or Deathshroud Retinue special rules, in the player’s Shooting phase in lieu of making a Shooting Attack, Mortarion may be redeployed by his controlling player, this counts as an alternative form of Movement and cancels the benefits of the Legiones Astartes (Death Guard) special rule when used.

If this option is used then Mortarion is removed from the battlefield, leaving any unit that he was part of. The controlling player must then redeploy Mortarion to any point on the battlefield that is within 10" of his original position, as long as there is space for his model and the chosen position is not within 3" of an enemy model. He may not be placed within Impassable Terrain or inside a Vehicle or Building. This is not counted as a move as such, and the intervening terrain does not affect him in any way. Mortarion may Charge normally in a turn that he is redeployed in this way, but counts as making a Disordered Charge if doing so.
Preternatural Resilience

Mortarion’s resilience and stamina are legend, and it has been said that of all the Primarchs none were more able to shrug off injury and torment as he, and of all none had endured more in their lives before the Emperor had reclaimed them.

Any Hits allocated to Mortarion with the Poisoned (X), Rending (X) or Fleshbane special rules only affect Mortarion on a D6 roll of a 6 instead of their usual effect. While Mortarion has joined a unit, this special rule has no effect
Warlord: Sire of the Death Guard

Mortarion was renowned amongst the Primarchs for the implacable advance of his Legion, a slow and steady encroachment that could not be stopped or turned aside by dangerous ground or enemy action. The foe was left with the choice of cowering in their boltholes until the Death Guard arrived at their doorstep or sallying forth to die upon the guns of Mortarion’s warriors.

If chosen as the army’s Warlord, Mortarion automatically has the Sire of the Death Guard Warlord Trait and may not select any other Warlord Trait.

Sire of the Death Guard – All friendly units composed entirely of models with the Legiones Astartes (Death Guard) in the same army as Mortarion, including Mortarion himself, ignore all penalties to their Leadership caused by the Fear and Shell Shock (X) special rules and when locked in combat suffer no penalty to their Leadership Characteristics due to casualties suffered during an assault. In addition, an army with Mortarion as its Warlord may make an additional Reaction in the opposing player’s Assault phase as long as Mortarion has not been removed as a casualty.
© Vyacheslav Maltsev 2013-2024