Legiones Astartes – Vheren Ashurhaddon
HQ Vheren Ashurhaddon was born in the maze of tunnels below the surface of Cthonia, where he was recruited into the Luna Wolves after Horus Lupercal took control of his Legion. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled fighter, his zeal and dedication on the field of battle winning him the respect of his brethren. | ||
- Vheren Ashurhaddon 205 pts
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | Ld | Sv | Base | |
| Vheren Ashurhaddon (base: 32mm) | |||||||||||
| Vheren Ashurhaddon | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 10 | 2+ | 32mm |
- 1 Vheren Ashurhaddon
- The Axe Serpentis
- Banestrike Fusilade
- Basic close combat weapon
- Frag grenades
- Krak grenades
- Melta bombs
- Panoply of the Void
The First ReaverVheren Ashurhaddon is acknowledged by Horus Lupercal as the first of his Reavers, a warrior ever on the attack and always pushing forwards. There were many that would follow in his footsteps, emulating his skills and doctrines, calling themselves reavers in honour of the many trophies he had taken on the field of battle. A single Reaver Attack Squad may be selected as part of the same choice as Vheren Ashurhaddon. A unit selected in this manner is considered a ‘Retinue Squad’ and Vherren Ashurhaddon is referred to as the Retinue Squad’s Leader for the purposes of this special rule. The Retinue Squad does not use up a Force Organisation slot and is considered part of the same unit as Vheren Ashurhaddon. The Retinue Squad must be deployed with Vheren Ashurhaddon deployed as part of the unit and Vheren Ashurhaddon may not voluntarily leave the Retinue Squad during play. A Reaver Attack Squad selected in this manner gains the Line Unit Sub-type. Note that no model may select more than one Retinue Squad as part of the same choice, even if more than one option for such a unit is available.Warlord: Blood and HonourA youth lived in the dark heart of Cthonia taught Vheren the value of loyalty and determination – for while skill waned and fury abated, the loyalty of those that fought at his side never wavered. Always he sought to earn the respect of those warriors at his back, pushing himself to the limits of endurance on the field of battle to serve as an example, and in return he expected that they would give their all in the prosecution of his commands. If chosen as the army’s Warlord, Vheren Ashurhaddon automatically has Blood and Honour as his Warlord Trait and may not select any other.Blood and Honour – When a Wound is allocated to Vheren Ashurhaddon by his controlling player (but not if the Wound is allocated to him by the attacking player due to the Precision Shots (X) or Precision Strikes (X) or Sniper special rules), while there are still other models in the same unit that the Wound could be allocated to, then all failed Invulnerable Saves made for Vheren Ashurhaddon may be re-rolled. Furthermore, while Vheren Ashurhaddon is part of a unit that includes a majority of models without the Character Sub-type, then all models in the unit gain the Stubborn special rule as long as Vheren Ashurhaddon is part of the unit. In addition, an army with Vheren Ashurhaddon as its Warlord may make an additional Reaction during the opponent’s Movement phase as long as Vheren Ashurhaddon has not been removed as a casualty. The Axe SerpentisA perfectly balanced Carsoran pattern power axe that is said to have been crafted by Horus for his personal armoury from the melted down weapons of Cthonia’s vanquished gang leaders. It was presented to Vheren Ashurhaddon by the Warmaster himself in recognition of the First Reaver’s valiant effort to hold the gates of the great Tower of Ullanor while Horus and the Justaerin fought their way up to the pinnacle of that great edifice. The Axe Serpentis is counted as a ‘Power’ weapon for those rules that affect such weapons.
Banestrike FusiladeVheren Ashurhaddon carries a pair of bolt pistols modified by his own hand to fire the deadly banestrike bolt, which the Sons of Horus made use of during the Horus Heresy to breach the power armour of those they had once called brother. The Banestrike Fusilade is considered a single weapon with the following profile and is counted as a ‘Bolt’ weapon for those rules that affect such weapons.
Panoply of the VoidVheren Ashurhaddon takes to the field clad in a suit of armour crafted from unknown materials originating from Cthonia’s underworld that can blind even the most sophisticated targeting auguries or auspex arrays. The Panoply of the Void grants Vheren Ashurhaddon a 2+ Armour Save and 4+ Invulnerable Save. In addition, any attacks made by enemy models as part of a Shooting Attack that target Vheren Ashurhaddon or the unit he has joined (as long as that unit is composed of no more than 6 models after Vheren Ashurhaddon has joined it), count the range to Vheren Ashurhaddon or his unit as 3" further than the actual range between the two units. This special rule does not affect determining whether Vherren Ashurhaddon or models in the same unit are Hit by Blast markers or weapons with the Template special rule. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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 |
Relentless warriors are strong of arm – nothing can slow their implacable advance.
Relentless models can shoot with Heavy or Ordnance weapons, counting as Stationary, even if they moved in the previous Movement phase. They are also allowed to Charge in the same turn they fire Heavy, Ordnance, or Rapid Fire weapons.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.
Instant Death: 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.
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.This class of grenade encompasses a variety of shaped charges, plasma detonators and crude bombs, all intended to disable armoured vehicles.
The controlling player may choose to have a model with krak grenades that is Engaged or otherwise in base contact during the Assault phase with a Building or Fortification, or a model with the Vehicle, Dreadnought or Automata Unit Type, inflict one automatic Str 6, AP 3 Hit on the target in Initiative Step 1 instead of attacking normally. Any model in a unit that is chosen to inflict Hits using krak grenades may not otherwise attack or make use of any other special rule or item of Wargear that inflicts Hits or Wounds on a model in the same Assault phase (but may participate in Sweeping Advances as normal).Many warriors live and die according to the principle of ‘death before dishonour’. Seldom do such warriors take a backward step in the face of danger.
When a unit that contains at least one model with this special rule takes Morale checks or Pinning tests, the unit ignore any negative Leadership modifiers. If a unit is both Fearless and Stubborn, the unit uses the rules for Fearless instead.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.
A carefully placed explosive charge can easily doom even the most heavily armoured vehicle, but are difficult to attach accurately in the heat of combat.
A weapon with this special rule may only be used to attack models of the Vehicle, Dreadnought or Automata Unit Types, any model with a Movement Characteristic of 0 or ‘-’, or Buildings or Fortifications. Furthermore, a model that is chosen to attack with a weapon with this special rule during the Assault phase may only make a single attack in the Fight sub-phase, regardless of its Attacks Characteristic and any bonus attacks from Charging or other special rules.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 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.Many of the galaxy’s marksmen are able to single out enemy leaders or soldiers with particularly powerful weapons and snipe them with unerring accuracy.
If a model with this special rule, or attacking with a weapon with this special rule, rolls equal to or higher than the value in brackets when making a To Hit roll as part of a Shooting Attack, that shot is a ‘Precision Shot’. For example, if a model with the Precision Shots (4+) special rule rolls a 4 or higher when making a To Hit roll, then that attack is a Precision Shot.Wounds from Precision Shots are allocated against a model (or models) of the attacking player’s choice in the target unit, as long as the target model is in range and line of sight of the attacking model, rather than following the normal rules for Wound allocation.
Note that Snap Shots and shots from weapons that scatter, or do not roll To Hit, can never be Precision Shots.
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.
If you re-roll a 2D6 or 3D6 roll, you must re-roll all of the dice, not just some of them, unless the rules specify otherwise. Any modifiers that applied to the first roll also apply to the re-roll.
If two or more special rules combine to the effect that all failed and all successful dice results would have to be re-rolled, do not re-roll any dice; simply use the original result(s) instead.
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.
This datasheet has HQ Battlefield Role. Full list of Legiones Astartes units sharing same Battlefield Role follows:
The galaxy is replete with swordsmen and blade-masters who can pick out an enemy from a crowd and land a blow on them, even amidst the swirling chaos of hand-to-hand combat.
If a model with this special rule, or attacking with a weapon with this special rule, rolls equal to or higher than the value in brackets when making a To Hit roll as part of a melee attack, that hit is a ‘Precision Strike’. For example, if a model with the Precision Strikes (4+) special rule rolls a 4 or higher when making a To Hit roll, then that attack is a Precision Strike.Wounds from Precision Strikes are allocated against a model (or models) of the attacking player’s choice in the target unit, as long as that model is engaged in combat with the attacking model’s unit, rather than following the normal rules for Wound allocation.
Mighty heroes go where they are needed, being at the forefront of the most vital charges and leading their troops to victory.
Independent Characters can join other units. They cannot, however, join units that contain Vehicles, Dreadnoughts, Automata or any model with the Monstrous sub-type (unless the Independent Character also has that Unit Type or sub-type). They can join other Independent Characters though to form a powerful multi-character unit.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.Some warriors are skilled in the swift and deadly arts of guerilla warfare, relying on ambush and surprise to take their opponents unaware. These warriors are deadly on the attack, but must press this advantage to overcome more heavily equipped foes.
In a turn in which a model with this special rule Charges into combat, it adds a bonus to its Initiative Characteristic until the end of the Assault phase. The bonus added to the model’s Initiative is equal to the value in brackets after the special rule; for example, a model with Sudden Strike (2) adds a bonus of +2 to its Initiative.A model that has made a Disordered Charge that turn receives no benefit from Sudden Strike (X).
Template weapons shoot clouds of fire, gas or other lethal substances, rather than shells or bullets. They are excellent for killing enemy troops in cover, as the payload simply flows over intervening obstacles to assail the foe behind.
Template weapons are indicated by having the word ‘Template’ for their range instead of a number. Instead of rolling To Hit, simply place the template so that its narrow end is touching the base of the firing model, or the end of the firing weapon’s barrel for Vehicle models without bases, and the rest of the template covers as many models in the target unit as possible, without touching any other friendly models (including other models from the firing model’s unit). Any models fully or partially under the template are hit. Against Vehicles, the template must be placed to cover as much of the Vehicle as possible without touching a friendly model. The position of the firer is used to determine which armour Facing is hit. A Template weapon never hits the model firing it.Template weapons have the Ignores Cover and Wall of Death special rules. Wounds inflicted by Template weapons are allocated following the normal rules.
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.Some warriors, by dint of raw talent, genetic manipulation or long experience of the battlefield’s terrors, are hardened against the rigours of war. Such warriors prove much harder for the foe to bring low.
For the purposes of whether or not attacks of a Strength twice this model’s Toughness value inflict Instant Death, this model’s Toughness is increased by X, where X is the value in brackets after the name of this special rule. If, for any reason, this special rule does not provide a value, then consider the value of X to be 1. This special rule does not alter the scores needed by To Wound rolls or any other Test or Check.MERCILESS FIGHTERS
During a turn in which a unit made up entirely of models with the Legiones Astartes (Sons of Horus) special rule successfully Charges, or are successfully Charged, the Strength of all Melee attacks made against any model in that unit that does not have the Vehicle Unit Type suffers a modifier of -1. Models with the Vehicle Unit Type and this special rule instead inflict an additional 3 Hits (for a total of 1D6+3 Hits, or 2D6+3 if the Vehicle has the Super-heavy Sub-type) on units composed of models that do not have the Vehicle Unit Type when conducting a Ramming attack.
Models with this special rule gain access to unique Wargear options (see The Armoury of the Sons of Horus).
A Sons of Horus Allied Detachment may use the Dark Emissary Legiones Consularis upgrade as detailed in The Armoury of the Sons of Horus section.
A Warlord with this special rule may select a Warlord Trait from the Sons of Horus Warlord Trait list.
The Axe Serpentis
A perfectly balanced Carsoran pattern power axe that is said to have been crafted by Horus for his personal armoury from the melted down weapons of Cthonia’s vanquished gang leaders. It was presented to Vheren Ashurhaddon by the Warmaster himself in recognition of the First Reaver’s valiant effort to hold the gates of the great Tower of Ullanor while Horus and the Justaerin fought their way up to the pinnacle of that great edifice.
The Axe Serpentis is counted as a ‘Power’ weapon for those rules that affect such weapons.Range | Str | AP | ||
| The Axe Serpentis | - | User | 2 | Melee, Sudden Strike (1), Murderous Strike (6+) |
Banestrike Fusilade
Vheren Ashurhaddon carries a pair of bolt pistols modified by his own hand to fire the deadly banestrike bolt, which the Sons of Horus made use of during the Horus Heresy to breach the power armour of those they had once called brother.
The Banestrike Fusilade is considered a single weapon with the following profile and is counted as a ‘Bolt’ weapon for those rules that affect such weapons.Range | Str | AP | ||
| Banestrike Fusilade | 10" | 5 | 4 | Pistol 4, Breaching (6+) |
Basic close combat weapon
Range | Str | AP | ||
| Basic close combat weapon | - | User | - | Melee |
Panoply of the Void
Vheren Ashurhaddon takes to the field clad in a suit of armour crafted from unknown materials originating from Cthonia’s underworld that can blind even the most sophisticated targeting auguries or auspex arrays.
The Panoply of the Void grants Vheren Ashurhaddon a 2+ Armour Save and 4+ Invulnerable Save. In addition, any attacks made by enemy models as part of a Shooting Attack that target Vheren Ashurhaddon or the unit he has joined (as long as that unit is composed of no more than 6 models after Vheren Ashurhaddon has joined it), count the range to Vheren Ashurhaddon or his unit as 3" further than the actual range between the two units. This special rule does not affect determining whether Vherren Ashurhaddon or models in the same unit are Hit by Blast markers or weapons with the Template special rule.Vheren Ashurhaddon is acknowledged by Horus Lupercal as the first of his Reavers, a warrior ever on the attack and always pushing forwards. There were many that would follow in his footsteps, emulating his skills and doctrines, calling themselves reavers in honour of the many trophies he had taken on the field of battle.
A single Reaver Attack Squad may be selected as part of the same choice as Vheren Ashurhaddon. A unit selected in this manner is considered a ‘Retinue Squad’ and Vherren Ashurhaddon is referred to as the Retinue Squad’s Leader for the purposes of this special rule. The Retinue Squad does not use up a Force Organisation slot and is considered part of the same unit as Vheren Ashurhaddon. The Retinue Squad must be deployed with Vheren Ashurhaddon deployed as part of the unit and Vheren Ashurhaddon may not voluntarily leave the Retinue Squad during play. A Reaver Attack Squad selected in this manner gains the Line Unit Sub-type. Note that no model may select more than one Retinue Squad as part of the same choice, even if more than one option for such a unit is available.A youth lived in the dark heart of Cthonia taught Vheren the value of loyalty and determination – for while skill waned and fury abated, the loyalty of those that fought at his side never wavered. Always he sought to earn the respect of those warriors at his back, pushing himself to the limits of endurance on the field of battle to serve as an example, and in return he expected that they would give their all in the prosecution of his commands.
If chosen as the army’s Warlord, Vheren Ashurhaddon automatically has Blood and Honour as his Warlord Trait and may not select any other.Blood and Honour – When a Wound is allocated to Vheren Ashurhaddon by his controlling player (but not if the Wound is allocated to him by the attacking player due to the Precision Shots (X) or Precision Strikes (X) or Sniper special rules), while there are still other models in the same unit that the Wound could be allocated to, then all failed Invulnerable Saves made for Vheren Ashurhaddon may be re-rolled. Furthermore, while Vheren Ashurhaddon is part of a unit that includes a majority of models without the Character Sub-type, then all models in the unit gain the Stubborn special rule as long as Vheren Ashurhaddon is part of the unit. In addition, an army with Vheren Ashurhaddon as its Warlord may make an additional Reaction during the opponent’s Movement phase as long as Vheren Ashurhaddon has not been removed as a casualty.