Special Rules

What Special Rules do I have?

If a given model or unit has any special rules, they will be listed on its Army List entry or unit profile. It is also possible for a model or unit to acquire further special rules during the course of the game due to the weapon it is using, the result of Psychic Powers, mission special rules or other specific situations. Where this is the case, the rule that governs this situation will make this clear.

Most of the more commonly used special rules in Horus Heresy – Age of Darkness are listed here, but this is by no means an exhaustive list. Many troops and weapons have their own unique special rules, which are detailed in their Army List entry, profile or Faction specific book.

Variable Special Rules

Some special rules include a value in brackets as part of their description – for example, Furious Charge (3). This indicates a special rule the effects of which can vary from instance to instance, and in most cases in this compendium will be listed with an X as the value for reference purposes – for example, Furious Charge (X). This X is known as the variable value and each special rule will detail what effect this variable value has for the rule in question.

In all cases, each instance of a variable special rule is considered a separate special rule and discrete from all other instances of that special rule. These separate special rules do not stack their effects, unless specifically noted in that special rule.

Armourbane (X)

This weapon has been crafted with one aim in mind – to pierce the hides of armoured vehicles.

If a model or weapon has this special rule, it rolls an additional D6 for armour penetration when targeting a Vehicle model, or, when targeting a model with the Automata or Dreadnought Unit Type, re-rolls all failed rolls To Wound instead. These effects apply to both Shooting Attacks and close combat attacks.

Some instances of the Armourbane special rule may include a qualifier after the rule in brackets, for example Armourbane (Melta) or Armourbane (Melee). These variant rules are described below:

Armourbane (Melta): A model or weapon with this Armourbane special rule only gains the benefits of the Armourbane special rule when at half range or less. If the attack is more than half its Maximum Range away, it gains no benefit from the Armourbane special rule. If a weapon with this version of Armourbane also has the Blast special rule, measure the distance to the centre of the Blast marker after it has scattered. If this is half the weapon’s range or less, then all Hits are counted as having the Armourbane special rule, otherwise the Hits are resolved as if they did not have the Armourbane special rule.

Armourbane (Melee): A weapon or model with this version of the Armourbane special rule only gains the benefits of the Armourbane special rule when attacking in close combat.

Armourbane (Ranged): A weapon or model with this version of the Armourbane special rule only gains the benefits of the Armourbane special rule when making Shooting Attacks.

Assault Vehicle

This vehicle is specifically designed to disgorge troops into the thick of the action.

Passengers Disembarking from Access Points on a Vehicle with this special rule can Charge on the turn they do so (including when forced to make an Emergency Disembarkation) unless the Vehicle arrived from Reserves that turn.

Barrage

Barrage weapons lob shells high into the air, landing them in the midst of the foe.

All Barrage weapons use Blast markers and consequently use the rules for Blast weapons, as indicated by their profile, with the following exceptions:

Barrage weapons can fire indirectly. This means they can fire at a target that they do not have line of sight to, as long as the target is beyond their Minimum Range (if applicable). When firing indirectly, the Ballistic Skill of the firer is not subtracted from the scatter distance; unless a Hit is rolled on the Scatter dice, the Blast marker always scatters a full 2D6". If a Barrage weapon has line of sight to its target it can fire directly, even if the target is within its Minimum Range.

Note that any Hits inflicted upon Vehicles by an Attack using the Barrage special rule are always resolved against the Vehicle’s Side Armour Value.

Multiple Barrages

If a unit fires more than one shot with the Barrage special rule, they fire together, as follows:

The Barrage weapon closest to the target unit fires first. Place the Blast marker over the target, then roll for scatter as described earlier. Once the first marker is placed, roll a Scatter dice for each other Barrage weapon shot fired by the unit. If an arrow is rolled, place the marker in the direction indicated so that it is next to and touching the edge of the first marker placed (see diagram below). If a Hit is rolled, the firing player places the marker so that it touches any part of any marker in the group that has already been placed. Note that it is perfectly fine if some markers are placed overlapping one another (including being directly over the top of a previous marker).

Once all of the markers are in place, add up the number of Hits and roll To Wound for these Hits. To determine Cover Saves, always assume the shot is coming from the centre of the first Blast marker that was placed in the Multiple Barrage.

Apocalyptic Barrage

An Apocalyptic Barrage follows all of the rules for a Barrage weapon, but uses the clover-shaped Apocalyptic Barrage marker. Before the marker is placed, the attacker is allowed to rotate the marker about its centre to maximise the number of models that could potentially be hit. Place the marker and roll for scatter in the same way you would for a Barrage. If the marker scatters, be careful to maintain the same orientation as you move it.

Once the final position of the marker has been determined, roll a number of dice equal to the number of attacks on the weapon’s profile. So, for example, with a weapon with the type ‘Heavy 4, Apocalyptic Barrage’, you would roll four dice. Each dice roll corresponds to a ‘strike’ on one of the circles on the Apocalyptic Barrage marker. For example, each roll of a 2 indicates a strike on circle number 2. Resolve the strikes as for a Multiple Barrage, as if each were a Barrage attack that had landed on that circle and hit all the models underneath it. To determine Cover Saves, always assume the shot is coming from the centre of the entire Apocalyptic Barrage marker.

Battle-hardened (X)

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.

Blind

This attack looses a brilliant flare of light, searing the sight of the victim and forcing them to fight blind for a few moments.

Any unit hit by one or more models or weapons with this special rule must take an Initiative test at the end of the current Phase. If the Test is passed, there is no further effect. If the Initiative test is failed, all models in the unit are reduced to Weapon Skill 1 and Ballistic Skill 1 until the end of their next turn. Should the attacking unit hit themselves, they automatically pass the Test. Any model that does not have an Initiative Characteristic (for example, Vehicles, Buildings, etc) is unaffected by this special rule.

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)).

Chosen Warriors

Trusted lieutenants or paragons of martial virtue, these warriors let no challenge go unanswered in the heat of battle.

A model with this special rule may issue and accept Challenges as if it had the Character type. Note that this does not allow a model with this special rule to use any other special rules associated with the Character type.

Concussive (X)

Some weapons are designed to leave any foe that manages to survive their strike disoriented and easy to slay.

A unit that suffers one or more Wounds, regardless of whether those Wounds are Saved or otherwise discounted, from a weapon with this special rule must take a Leadership test at the end of the Shooting phase (if the attacks were inflicted as part of a Shooting Attack), or the current combat (if the attacks were inflicted as part of a Melee attack). If the test is failed then that unit’s WS is reduced by the value in brackets listed as part of the special rule until the end of the following Assault phase (if no value is listed then reduce the target unit’s WS by -1).

No matter how many times a unit has taken saved or unsaved Wounds from an attack with the Concussive special rule, it may only be forced to take one Leadership test because of it. If a single unit has been the target of several Concussive attacks with different values and fails the Leadership test, then it suffers the effects of the highest single modifier among those attacks – the effects do not stack or otherwise become cumulative.

Counter-attack (X)

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

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

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

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.

Crusader

Bolstered by their ultimate faith in their goal, the crusader is tireless, sweeping from one foe to the next in a battle that never ends.

A unit that contains at least one model with this special rule rolls an extra dice when making Sweeping Advances and discards the lowest scoring dice before determining the result.

Cumbersome

Whether due to its inherent weight, shape or because it was never meant for use in combat, this weapon proves difficult to wield even for the most accomplished of warriors.

A model using a close combat weapon with this special rule can only ever make a single attack at WS 1 in an Assault phase, regardless of their profile or any bonus or other special rule.

Deadly Cargo

Some payloads pose as much danger to the vehicle carrying them as they do to the enemy.

If a Vehicle with this special rule takes Hull Point damage from any source, including both Penetrating Hits and Glancing Hits, but is not destroyed, roll a D6. On a 6, the Vehicle suffers an Explodes result on the Vehicle Damage table.

Duellist’s Edge (X)

Some weapons have such a fine balance that they leap and spin in their wielder’s hands like living things, eager to spill the blood of the foe.

When fighting in a Challenge, the user of this weapon gains a bonus to their Initiative value equal to the value in brackets after the rule when making attacks with this weapon. If there is no value in brackets after a given instance of this special rule, then assume the value is 1 (thus adding +1 Initiative to that model).

Eternal Warrior

Some heroes refuse to be laid low, even by what would be mortal wounds to lesser warriors.

If a model with this special rule suffers an unsaved Wound from an attack that inflicts Instant Death, it only reduces its Wounds by 1, instead of automatically reducing its Wounds to 0.

Exoshock (X)

Each blast from this weapon that pierces its target’s armour sets off a chain reaction of secondary explosions.

If this weapon successfully scores a Penetrating Hit on a target, roll a D6. If the result of that roll is equal to or higher than the value in brackets after the rule, a second automatic Penetrating Hit is inflicted on the same target against which Cover Saves may not be taken. For example, a weapon with the Exoshock (4+) special rule would inflict a second Penetrating Hit on the score of a 4+. This second Penetrating Hit does not gain the effects of any other special rules, and cannot trigger additional Hits.

If, for any reason, a given instance of this rule does not have a value in brackets after the special rule, assume the value is 6+.

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.

Fearless

Fearless troops never give up and seldom make full use of cover – even if it would be wiser to do so.

Units with one or more models with the Fearless special rule automatically pass Pinning tests, Regroup tests and Morale checks. In addition, models with the Fearless special rule ignore the effects of the Fear special rule.

However, units containing one or more models with the Fearless special rule cannot use any Reactions that grant a Cover Save, Armour Save or Invulnerable Save, and cannot choose to fail a Morale check due to the Our Weapons Are Useless special rule. If a unit has become Pinned and then gains the Fearless special rule, all the effects of being Pinned are immediately cancelled.

Feel No Pain (X)

Whether through force of will, bionic augmentation or foul sorcery, this warrior can still fight despite fearsome wounds.

When a model with this special rule suffers an unsaved Wound, it can make a special Feel No Pain roll to avoid being Wounded (this is a special Saving Throw which is made after unsaved Wounds are suffered).

Feel No Pain rolls may not be taken against unsaved Wounds that have the Instant Death special rule.

Roll a D6 each time an unsaved Wound is suffered. On a result that is equal to or greater than the value in brackets, the unsaved Wound is discounted – treat it as having been saved. On any other result the Wound is taken as normal.

For example, a unit with the special rule Feel No Pain (5+) would need to score a 5 or 6 in order to discount a Wound inflicted upon it.

This is a Damage Mitigation roll – any model may make only a single Damage Mitigation roll of any type for any given Wound.

Fleet (X)

Preternaturally agile, these warriors can cover ground more quickly than their plodding foes.

A unit composed entirely of models with this special rule gains a bonus to all Run moves, any distance moved as part of a Reaction and as a modifier to all rolls made to determine Charge Distances equal to the value in brackets listed after the special rule. For example, a unit composed entirely of models with the Fleet (2) special rule would add +2 to all Run moves it makes, +2 to all distances moved as part of a Reaction and add a +2 modifier to any Charge Moves made.

If a unit is composed entirely of models with this special rule, but the models have different versions of this special rule, then the unit must use the lowest Fleet value included in the unit (for example, a unit of ten models in which nine models have Fleet (2) and one model has Fleet (4) would use the Fleet (2) special rule).

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.

Force

Force weapons are charged by the psychic might of the wielder, turning them from mere physical tools to mystical weapons of incredible potency.

Any Psyker with a weapon or ability with this special rule may choose to make a Psychic check before making any attacks with that weapon or resolving the ability. If the Check is successful then the Strength value of any attacks made is doubled. If the Check is failed then Perils of the Warp is resolved targeting the unit containing the model that failed its Check. If the Psyker survives Perils of the Warp then it may attack as normal.

Firing Protocols (X)

Those warriors or war engines equipped with multiple weapons often incorporate sophisticated tracking systems, or have received advanced training to allow them to wield them all simultaneously on the battlefield.

When making a Shooting Attack, a model with this special rule may attack with a number of different weapons equal to the value of this special rule. This rule does not allow a single weapon to be attacked with more than once, and only applies if the model is equipped with more than one weapon. For example, as part of a single Shooting Attack, a model with the Firing Protocols (2) special rule may attack with up to two different weapons.

Furious Charge (X)

Some warriors use the impetus of the charge to fuel their own fury.

In a turn in which a model with this special rule Charges into combat, it adds a bonus to its Strength Characteristic until the end of the Assault phase. The bonus added to the model’s Strength is equal to the value in brackets after the special rule, for example a model with Furious Charge (2) adds a bonus of +2 to its Strength.

A model that has made a Disordered Charge that turn receives no benefit from Furious Charge.

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.

Gets Hot and Re-rolls

If a model has the ability to re-roll its rolls To Hit (including because of BS 6+ or the Twin-linked special rule), a Wound is only suffered if the To Hit re-roll is a 1; it may also re-roll Gets Hot results of 1 for weapons that do not roll To Hit.

Graviton Pulse

Some weapons crush their targets, cracking bones and rupturing organs.

Instead of rolling To Wound normally with this weapon, any model without the Vehicle, Dreadnought or Automata Unit Type that suffers a Hit from a weapon with this special rule must instead roll under their Strength on a D6 or suffer a Wound (a roll of a ‘6’ always counts as a failure). If a Graviton Pulse weapon also has the Blast type, then leave the Blast marker in place after resolving all Wounds, or otherwise mark the area. This area now counts as both Difficult Terrain and Dangerous Terrain until the start of the next turn of the player that made the attack.

Guided Fire

Whether by advanced technology or arcane influence, some attacks are able to reach their target no matter what obstacles obscure them.

Any attacks made using a weapon with this special rule do not require line of sight, but must still be within range.

Hammer of Wrath (X)

Many warriors hurl themselves headlong into combat, seeking to crush or trample the foe.

If a model with this special rule ends its Charge Move in base contact with an enemy model, it makes a number of additional attacks equal to the value in brackets listed as part of this special rule. These attacks hit automatically and are resolved at the model’s unmodified Strength with AP-. These attacks do not benefit from any of the model’s special rules (such as Furious Charge, Rending, etc.). These attacks are resolved during the Fight sub-phase at Initiative step 10, but do not grant the model an additional Pile-in Move.

If a model with this special rule Charges a Vehicle of any kind or a Building, the hits are resolved against the Armour Value of the Facing the charging model is touching. If the model is in contact with two or more Facings, the player controlling the target model chooses a Facing upon which the attacks are resolved. If a model with this special rule Charges a Building or Vehicle that is a Transport, the hits are resolved against the Building or Vehicle, not the unit Embarked within the Building or Vehicle.

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.

Hit & Run

Some troops employ a flexible battle stance, engaging the foe at close quarters one moment, before peeling off to strike with renewed vigour the next.

A unit that contains at least one model with this special rule that is locked in combat can choose to leave close combat at the end of any Assault phase. If the unit wishes to do so, it must take an Initiative test.

If the Test is failed, nothing happens and the models remain locked in the fight.

If the Test is passed, choose a direction – then roll 2D6 and add the unit’s Movement Characteristic to the result. As long as the distance rolled, in inches, is sufficient to allow the entire unit to move over 1" away from all of the enemy units they are locked in combat with, the unit breaks away from combat and must immediately move a number of inches in the chosen direction equal to the 2D6 + Movement result, ignoring the models they were locked in combat with. No Sweeping Advance rolls are made. Enemy units that are no longer locked in combat immediately Consolidate a number of inches equal to their Initiative.

A Hit & Run Move is not slowed by Difficult Terrain, but does trigger Dangerous Terrain tests as normal. It may not be used to move into base contact with enemy units, and models instead stop 1" away. If there are units with this rule on both sides who wish to disengage, roll off to determine who goes first and then alternate disengaging them. If the last of these ends up no longer in combat, it Consolidates instead.

Independent Character

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.

Special Rules

When an Independent Character joins a unit, it might have different special rules from those of the unit. Unless specified in the rule itself (as in the Stubborn special rule), the unit’s special rules are not conferred upon the Independent Character, and the Independent Character’s special rules are not conferred upon the unit. Special rules that are conferred to the unit only apply for as long as the Independent Character is with them.

Independent Characters and Infiltrate

An Independent Character without the Infiltrate special rule cannot join a unit that is being deployed using the Infiltrate special rule. However, if a unit composed entirely of models with the Infiltrate special rule is deployed without making use of any of the benefits of the Infiltrate special rule, then an Independent Character without the Infiltrate special rule may join that unit during deployment.

Independent Characters and Ongoing Effects

Sometimes, a unit that an Independent Character has joined will be the target of a beneficial or harmful effect, such as those bestowed by the Blind special rule, for example. If the Independent Character leaves the unit, both the Independent Character and the unit continue to be affected by the effect, so you’ll need to mark the Independent Character accordingly.

Conversely, if an Independent Character joins a unit after that unit has been the target of an ongoing effect (or joins a unit after they themselves have been the target of an ongoing effect), benefits and penalties from that effect are not shared.

Infiltrate

Many armies employ reconnaissance troops who sit concealed for days, just waiting for the right moment in which to strike.

You may choose to deploy units that contain at least one model with this special rule last, after all other units (friend and foe) have been deployed. If both players have such units and choose to do so, the players roll off and the winner decides who goes first,then alternate deploying these units.

Units that Infiltrate in this way can be set up anywhere on the battlefield that is more than 9" from any enemy unit, as long as no deployed enemy unit can draw line of sight to them. This includes in a Building, as long as the Building is more than 9" from any enemy unit. Alternatively, they can be set up anywhere on the battlefield more than 12" from any enemy unit, even in plain sight.

If a unit with Infiltrate deploys inside a Dedicated Transport, the same rules apply when deploying their Transport.

A unit that deploys using these rules cannot Charge in their first turn.

Having Infiltrate also confers the Outflank special rule to units of Infiltrators that are kept as Reserves.

Infiltrate and Scout

If a unit has both the Infiltrate and Scout special rule, that unit can deploy as per the Infiltrate special rule and then redeploy as per the Scout special rule.

Independent Characters and Infiltrate

An Independent Character without the Infiltrate special rule cannot join a unit of Infiltrators during deployment, and vice versa.

Ignores Cover

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

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

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.

Lance

The terror of tank commanders, a lance weapon fires a concentrated beam of energy that can bore through any armour, regardless of thickness.

Weapons with the Lance special rule count Vehicle Armour Values that are higher than 12 as 12.

Legiones Astartes (X)

The Space Marines of the Emperor’s Legions are genetically engineered, psycho-indoctrinated warriors with superhuman abilities, and minds and souls tempered for war. Each of the Legions has its own idiosyncrasies and character – the product of their gene-seed and the unique warrior cultures fostered by their masters.

Any unit with this special rule will have a number of additional special rules and abilities specific to their ‘named’ Legion, all of which will be defined in other Horus Heresy – Age of Darkness publications. A Space Marine unit may only have one such ‘named’ rule, e.g., Legiones Astartes (Sons of Horus). Space Marine units from a different Legion may only be included in an army using an Allied Detachment and in conjunction with the Allies in the Age of Darkness chart.

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.

Master-crafted

Some weapons are lovingly maintained artefacts, crafted with skills now lost. Though the exact form of master-crafting varies, it is always considered to be the pinnacle of the weaponsmith’s art.

Weapons with the Master-crafted special rule allow the bearer to re-roll one failed roll To Hit per turn with that weapon.

Monster Hunter

The Great Crusade allowed many of the Emperor’s warriors to hone the skills needed to topple mighty monsters and towering automatons.

A unit that contains at least one model with this special rule re-rolls all failed To Wound rolls against Dreadnoughts, Automata and Primarch models as well as any unit with the Monstrous sub-type.

Move Through Cover

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.

Murderous Strike (X)

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

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

Night Vision

Some warriors can see almost as clearly in the darkness as they can in daylight.

A unit that contains at least one model with this special rule ignores the effects of Night Fighting and no model may make Shrouded rolls to negate Wounds inflicted by their attacks.

Pinning

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

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

A unit that is affected by any of the following conditions does not take Pinning tests, and if called upon to do so is considered to automatically pass them:

• The unit is locked in combat.
• The unit is already Pinned (the unit remains Pinned, but takes no further Tests).
• The unit is composed entirely of Vehicle models.
• The unit is Embarked on a Transport Vehicle.
• The target unit is affected by the Fearless special rule.

A unit that has become Pinned cannot Move, Run or Charge. It can only fire Snap Shots if it attacks during the Shooting phase and cannot make Reactions in any Phase. At the end of its following turn, the unit returns to normal and the unit is free to act as normal from then on. Whilst it is Pinned, a unit is affected normally by enemy actions (for example, it takes Morale checks as normal). If the unit is forced to move, for example if it has to Fall Back, it returns to normal immediately. If assaulted, the unit will fight as usual, but because they are not set to receive the Charge, enemy units do not receive the Initiative penalty for assaulting a unit in Difficult Terrain, even if the unit is in Difficult Terrain. If a unit becomes Pinned during a Charge, then that Charge automatically fails. Units that are locked in combat cannot be Pinned and do not take Pinning tests.

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.

Power of the Machine Spirit

The interface between this vehicle’s advanced machine spirit and its fire control mechanisms allows the crew to target foes with incredible accuracy.

A Vehicle with this special rule may attack different targets with each Ranged weapon it is permitted to fire during any Shooting Attack.

Precision Shots (X)

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.

Rad-phage

One of the terrors of Old Night, rad-phage weaponry was created to corrupt and poison, to reduce a powerful foe to an impotent and pitiable wreck.

A model which loses one or more Wounds to an attack with this special rule and survives has its Toughness value reduced by -1 for the rest of the battle. This effect is not cumulative with other attacks using the Rad-phage special rule, but can be stacked with other special rules that also reduce the Toughness Characteristic of the target. Note that this special rule can never reduce a model to a Toughness value of less than 1.

Rage (X)

Bloodlust is a powerful weapon on the battlefield, spurring a warrior to hack their foes apart in a flurry of mindless carnage.

In a turn in which a model with this special rule Charges into combat, it gains a number of Attacks equal to the value of X for Charging, rather than +1. A model that has made a Disordered Charge that turn receives no benefit from Rage.

Rampage (X)

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.

Relentless

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.

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.

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.

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.

Scout

Scouts are always in the vanguard of the army. Unnoticed by the enemy, they range ahead of the main force.

After both sides have deployed (including Infiltrators), but before the first player begins their first turn, a unit containing at least one model with this special rule can choose to redeploy. If the unit is Infantry, Artillery, Dreadnought or Automata, each model can redeploy anywhere entirely within 6" of its current position. If it is any other Unit Type, each model can instead redeploy anywhere entirely within 12" of its current position. During this redeployment, Scouts can move outside the owning player’s Deployment Zone, but must remain more than 9" away from any enemy unit. A unit that makes a Scout redeployment cannot Charge in the first Game Turn. A unit cannot Embark or Disembark as part of a Scout redeployment.

If both sides have Scouts, roll off; the winner decides who redeploys first. Then alternate redeploying Scout units one at a time. If a unit with this special rule is deployed inside a Dedicated Transport, it confers the Scout special rule to the Transport (though a Disembarkation cannot be performed as part of the redeployment). Note that a Transport with this special rule does not lose it if a unit without this special rule is Embarked upon it. Having Scout also confers the Outflank special rule to units of Scouts that are kept as Reserves.

Infiltrate and Scout

If a unit has both the Infiltrate and Scout special rules, that unit can deploy as per the Infiltrate special rule and then redeploy as per the Scout special rule.

Shrouded (X)

The source of the darkness around these warriors matters not – only a lucky shot has any chance of piercing the shroud that hides them from view.

When a model with this special rule suffers an unsaved Wound, Glancing Hit or Penetrating Hit, it can make a special Shrouded roll to ignore it (this is not a Saving Throw and so can be used against attacks that state that ‘no Saves of any kind are allowed’). Shrouded rolls may not be taken against Melee Attacks, against attacks with the Ignores Cover special rule or for models (excluding models with the Primarch Unit Type) with the Fearless special rule.

Roll a D6 each time an unsaved Wound, Glancing Hit or Penetrating Hit is suffered by a model with this special rule. On a result that is equal to or greater than the value in brackets, that unsaved Wound, Glancing Hit or Penetrating Hit is ignored. On any other result, the Wound, Glancing Hit or Penetrating Hit is applied as normal. For example, a unit with the special rule Shrouded (6+) would need to score a 6 in order to ignore a Wound, Glancing Hit or Penetrating Hit inflicted upon it.

If on any unit this rule is presented simply as Shrouded, without a value in brackets, then count it as Shrouded (6+).

This is a Damage Mitigation roll – any model may make only a single Damage Mitigation roll of any type for any given Wound, Glancing Hit or Penetrating Hit.

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.

Strafing Run (X)

This vehicle is designed as a ground attack craft, the spread and convergence distance of its weapons keyed to maximise carnage on the foes below.

When making a Shooting Attack at any unit without the Flyer sub-type, this Vehicle increases its Ballistic Skill by the value indicated as part of the special rule. For example, a Vehicle with the Strafing Run (2) special rule would increase the model’s Ballistic Skill by +2 when making Shooting Attacks targeting any unit without the Flyer sub-type.

Multiple Templates

If a unit is firing more than one shot with the Template type, resolve each shot, one at a time, as described above, determining and recording how many Hits are scored by each template. Once the number of Hits from all templates has been determined, roll To Wound as normal.

Wall of Death

Template weapons can fire Snap Shots at any non-Flyer target. If a Template weapon fires as a Snap Shot, it automatically inflicts D3 Hits on the target unit, resolved at its normal Strength and AP value, as long as the target unit either has at least one model within 8" or if the target unit is resolving a Charge against the unit making the Shooting Attack. If the weapon is also a Hellstorm weapon then it instead inflicts D6 Hits.

Hellstorm Weapons

Hellstorm weapons have the word ‘Hellstorm’ instead of a range on their weapon profile. Hellstorm weapons use the Hellstorm template, but otherwise obey the rules for other Template weapons.

Torrent (X)

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

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

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

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.

Twin-linked Template Weapons

Twin-linked Template weapons are fired just like a single weapon, but must re-roll failed To Wound rolls and Armour Penetration rolls.

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.

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.