Forces of the Taghmata – Archmagos Draykavac
UNIT COMPOSITION: 1 DRAYKAVAC
200 PointsPts
Though he would become one of the most reviled of the Dark Mechanicum, Draykavac was an all but unknown figure before the civil war of the Warmaster’s betrayal sundered the Imperium. This bestially masked and black-robed magos served as the chief military emissary of the Forge World of Cyclothrathe and the foremost field commander of its Taghmata, answerable only to the sinister and hidden tribunal which ruled his lightning-wracked world. At the head of Cyclothrathe’s vast Taghmata and allied knights, he cut a bloody swathe across the Imperium.
| LD | CL | WP | IN | |||||||||||
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | LD | CL | WP | IN | SAV | INV | |
| Draykavac (⌀40mm) | 10 | 9 | 9 | 12 | ||||||||||
| Draykavac (⌀40mm) | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 2+ | 4+ |
| Draykavac on Abeyant (⌀60mm) | 10 | 10 | 9 | 12 | ||||||||||
| Draykavac on Abeyant (⌀60mm) | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 12 | 2+ | 4+ |
WARGEAR
- Frag grenades
- Paragon blade
- Graviton gun
- Cortex controller
- Machinator array
TRAITS
- Traitor
- Archimandrite
- Cybertheurgist
- Heterodox
SPECIAL RULES
Draykavac
- Feel No Pain (5+)
- Comptroller (2)
- Battlesmith (4)
- Master of Machines
- Firing Protocols (2)
- Liquifractor Onslaught
- Legacy of Cunning
- Cybertheurgic Rites
Draykavac on Abeyant
- Bulky (7)
- Feel No Pain (5+)
- Comptroller (2)
- Command Throne
- Battlesmith (4)
- Master of Machines
- Firing Protocols (2)
- Liquifractor Onslaught
- Legacy of Cunning
- Explodes (6+)
- Cybertheurgic Rites
TYPE
- Draykavac: Infantry (Command, Unique)
- Draykavac on Abeyant: Infantry (Command, Unique, Antigrav)
OPTIONS
- Draykavac on Abeyant must have one of the following options selected for it at no additional cost in Points:
- Graviton Gun
- Rotor Cannon
- Conversion beamer
- Meltagun
SPECIAL RULES
Liquifractor Onslaught
This arcane device is of unknown origin and likely one of many artefacts created hy Draykavac himself In this case its purpose is to project a gout of caustic fluids upon the foe, dissolving armour and putrefying flesh in moments.
This Gambit allows Draykavac to attack first with the Liquifractor.While a Model with this Special Rule is engaged in a Challenge, its Controlling Player may select the following Gambit:
Liquifractor Onslaught: If this Gambit is selected, then the Controlling Player must roll an additional Dice in the Focus Step and discard the Dice with the highest result before determining the total. However, in the Strike Step the Model for which this Gambit was selected may make a Shooting Attack with the profile listed below before either Model makes any attacks (the Shooting Attack must target the other Model in the Challenge, with all wounds inflicted allocated to that Model, and is automatically in Line of Sight and counts as a Range of 1).
| Ranged Weapon | |||||||
Ranged Weapon | R | FP | RS | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Liquifractor | |||||||
| Liquifractor | 1 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 1 | Phage (T & S), Poisoned (2+), Breaching (4+) | - |
Legacy of Cunning
The history of the Horus Heresy oft mentions the campaigns of Archmagos Draykavac, one of the most active generals of the traitorous factions of the Mechanician. He led assaults on numerous worlds and participated in a number of key conflicts, conceiving of grand plans that could well have tipped the war in Horus’ favour. However, these plans most often proved to be failures and Draykavac’s true genius was revealed to he in the conception of foolproof escape plans that ensured he always lived to fight another day.
A Model with this Special Rule can be removed from play without the Opposing Player scoring Victory Points.In the Effects Sub-Phase of the End Phase in any Turn where the Controlling Player of a Model with this Special Rule is the Active Player, that Player may choose to activate this Special Rule. This Special Rule may not be activated if the Model with this Special Rule is Locked in Combat.
When this Special Rule is activated a Cool Check must be made for the Model with this Special Rule, applying the following modifiers:
- +1 to the Check’s result for each enemy Unit with one or more Models within 12" of the Model with this Special Rule.
- +1 to the Check’s result for each Tactical Status, other than Routed, that the Model with this Special Rule has.
- -2 to the Check’s result if the Model with this Special Rule has the Routed Tactical Status.
If the Check is successful, then the Model with this Special Rule is immediately removed from play, but does not count as a Casualty and no Player may score or lose any Victory Points for the removal of that Model. If the Check is failed then there is no further effect and this Special Rule can be activated in later Turns.
Cybertheurgic Rites
Archmagos Draykavac has the following Cybertheurgic Rites:- Overcharged Reactors
- Programming Interrupt
- Scrap-code Infection
This datasheet has High Command Battlefield Role. Full list of Forces of the Taghmata units sharing same Battlefield Role follows:
Leadership (LD) – The Leadership Characteristic is primarily used to resolve Checks to determine when a Unit will stand its ground or flee. For more details see the Combat Resolution Rules. When a Model’s Leadership Characteristic reaches 0, any Check it is used to determine the Target Number for automatically fails with no Dice rolled. However, a Unit that includes one or more Models with a Leadership of 0 but uses a Model with a higher value to make a Panic or Leadership Check suffers no penalties.
Cool (CL) – The Cool Characteristic is primarily used to resist Statuses. For more details see the Rules for Tactical Statuses. When a Model’s Cool reaches 0, any Check it is used to determine the Target Number for automatically fails with no Dice rolled. However, a Unit that includes one or more Models with a Cool of 0 but uses a Model with a higher value to make a Cool Check suffers no penalties.
Willpower (WP) – The Willpower Characteristic is primarily used for Checks made for Psychic Attacks or Powers. For more details see the Rules for Psychic Powers. When a Model’s Willpower Characteristic reaches 0, any Check it is used to determine the Target Number for, automatically fails with no Dice rolled. However, a Unit that includes one or more Models with a Willpower of 0 but uses a Model with a higher value to make a Willpower Check suffers no penalties.
Intelligence (IN) – The Intelligence Characteristic is primarily used for Checks to activate certain Wargear items and Rules. When a Model’s Intelligence Characteristic reaches 0, any Check it is used to determine the Target Number for automatically fails with no Dice rolled. However, a Unit that includes one or more Models with an Intelligence of 0 but uses a Model with a higher value to make an Intelligence Check suffers no penalties.
Movement (M) – The Movement Characteristic is primarily used to determine how far a Model can move during the Movement Phase, with higher values denoting an ability to move further (see Moving Units). If a Model’s Movement Characteristic is reduced to 0, then the Controlling Player may not move, Rush or otherwise change the Model’s position on the Battlefield regardless of any other Rules that may affect it until its Movement is changed to a value greater than 0.
Weapon Skill (WS) – The Weapon Skill Characteristic is primarily used to determine a Model’s ability to attack during a Combat in the Assault Phase, with a higher value making it both easier for the Model to make attacks and more difficult for opponents to do so (see Melee Hit Tests). If a Model’s Weapon Skill is reduced to 0 then that Model cannot make attacks in a Combat (if the Hit Test could have triggered a variable Special Rule, then that Rule is considered to automatically fail to activate as part of the Test). Enemy Models whose attacks target a Model with Weapon Skill 0, or a Unit whose majority Weapon Skill is 0, treat the Target Model as though it had a Weapon Skill of T to determine the Target Number for any Hit Tests required.
Ballistic Skill (BS) – The Ballistic Skill Characteristic is primarily used to determine a Model’s ability to make attacks during a Shooting Attack, with a higher value making it easier to succeed at attacks (see Ranged Hit Tests). If a Model’s Ballistic Skill is reduced to 0 then that Model cannot make Shooting Attacks, even if no Hit Test is required or it would have otherwise automatically succeeded due to the use of a Special Rule.
Strength (S) – The Strength Characteristic is primarily used to determine the effectiveness of Wound Tests inflicted by Melee Weapons, with a higher value making it easier to inflict wounds. If a Model’s Strength Characteristic is reduced to 0 then any Wound Tests made that would use that Characteristic or for any Melee Weapon automatically fails and no Dice are rolled for it (if the Wound Test could have triggered a variable Special Rule, then that Rule is considered to automatically fail to activate as part of the Test).
Toughness (T) – The Toughness Characteristic is primarily used as part of Wound Tests, with a higher value making it harder for attacks to inflict wounds on a Target Unit or Model. If a Model is reduced to 0 Toughness then all Wound Tests made targeting it are automatically successful and no Dice are rolled (if the Wound Test could have triggered a variable Special Rule, then that Rule is considered to have been automatically activated as part of the Test).
Wounds (W) – The Wounds Characteristic is primarily used to determine a Model’s capacity for receiving Damage during a Battle, with a higher value allowing a Model to sustain more damage before it is removed from play. When a Model’s Wounds Characteristic is reduced to 0 that Model is Removed as a Casualty, see the Rules for Casualties here.
Initiative (I) – The Initiative Characteristic is primarily used to determine the order in which Models make attacks during Combat, with Models with a higher Initiative Value making attacks before those with lower values. For more details, see the Set-up Move Distance for the Assault Phase. When a Model’s Initiative Characteristic is reduced to 0, then that Model will generally be forced to attack after other Models, but suffers no other penalty.
Attacks (A) – The Attacks Characteristic is primarily used to determine the number of attacks a Model may make in a Combat, with the value of the Characteristic indicating the number of attacks that can be made (see Melee Hit Tests). When a Model’s Attacks Characteristic is reduced to 0 then that Model may not make any attacks as part of a Combat.
Armour Save (SAV) – An Armour Save is used to attempt to negate wounds suffered by a Model. When a Model’s Armour Save is at its minimum value of ‘-’, that Model may not make Armour Tests.
Invulnerable Save (INV) – An Invulnerable Save is used to negate wounds that would normally ignore or bypass an Armour Save. When a Model’s Invulnerable Save is at its minimum value of ‘-’, that Model may not make Invulnerable Tests.
Range (R) – This Characteristic determines the maximum distance, in inches ("), at which attacks may be made with a Weapon. A Weapon with Range 0 or ‘-’ may not make attacks as part of a Shooting Attack.
Firepower (FP) – This Characteristic is used to determine how many Dice are rolled when making attacks with this Weapon. A Weapon with a Firepower Characteristic of 0 may not be used to make attacks of any kind.
Ranged Strength (RS) – This Characteristic is used only during Wound Tests or Armour Penetration Tests for attacks made using ranged Weapons. If a Weapon has a Strength Characteristic of ‘0’ or then any Wound Tests made for it automatically fail and no Dice are rolled (if the Wound Test could have triggered a variable Special Rule, then that Rule is considered to automatically fail to activate as part of the Test).
Armour Penetration (AP) – This Characteristic is used to determine if a Model Hit by attacks made with a Weapon may make an Armour Test. Like Saving Throws, lower values are more valuable for this Characteristic. When modifying the Armour Penetration Characteristic the same Rules are used as those for modifying Saving Throws.
Damage (D) – This Characteristic determines how the Wounds or Hull Points Characteristic of a Target Model that fails a Saving Throw after sustaining a wound from a Weapon is modified. A Weapon with a Damage Characteristic of 0 cannot inflict Damage on a Model, regardless of the Weapon’s other Characteristics or Special Rules.
Rules and Special Rules
The term Rule refers to any instructions that allow Players to resolve game actions as part of a Battle, covering all of the interactions between Models and Units (such as moving, Shooting and making Assaults). All of the material in the Principles of Combat, Rules of Battle and Battles in the Age of Darkness sections of this book are considered to be Rules. Special Rules modify how a Rule works, but do not present new basic game instructions, and in this book are mostly found in the Armoury of the Age of Darkness section. In all cases, Special Rules take precedence over Rules where the two present differing instructions.
Traits
Traits are a special kind of Characteristic, one which all Models have but which confers no inherent Rules or benefit on its own. Instead, Traits are used by other Special Rules and effects to target specific Models and apply benefits or penalties. The most common Traits are those for Allegiance and Faction, which are possessed by almost all Models. Allegiance requires that each Model have either the Loyalist or Traitor Trait, and most Models will gain one or more Traits based on the Army List from which they were selected.For example, a Legionary selected from the Imperial Fists Faction and selected as part of a Loyalist Army would have the Loyalist and Imperial Fists Traits. On their own these Traits have no effect on the Model’s Characteristics, Points cost or other features, but Rules that target Imperial Fists or Loyalist Models will apply their effects to the Model.
In addition to Models, Weapons can also have Traits. These are usually different to those possessed by Models, but are used for the same purposes. Weapons will commonly have Traits that define the type of Weapon it is or a specific type of usage. For example, a bolt pistol has the following Traits: Assault, Bolt. These identify which ‘family’ of Weapons it belongs to for any Rules that might only affect ‘Bolt’ Weapons and notes that it can be used for attacks where only ‘Assault’ Weapons may be used.
While they appear similar to Characteristics, it is important to note that Traits never have a ‘value’ attached to them. Furthermore, Traits cannot be modified in any way by another Special Rule or effect during a Battle, unless a Rule specifically states it affects a Trait.
Shooting Attacks
A Shooting Attack is the process by which a Unit makes a coordinated series of attacks targeting an enemy Unit.In order to make a Shooting Attack for a Unit that has been selected during the Attack Sub-Phase, as part of a Reaction or for any other Rule or Sub-Phase that requires a Shooting Attack to be made, the following procedure must be followed:
As part of the Rules for conducting a Shooting Attack, the term ‘Attacking Unit’ will be used to refer to the Unit whose Models will be making attacks as part of that Shooting Attack, while the term ‘Attacking Player’ will be used to identify the Player that controls the Attacking Unit. The term ‘Target Unit’ will be used to refer to the Unit that is selected as the Target Unit for the Shooting Attack.
Blast (X)
Some weapons trade precision for indiscriminate destruction, high explosive impacts that can devastate a wide area. From artillery shells to high energy blasts, such weapons are popular tools of destruction on the battlefields of the Horus Heresy.
Attacks made with the Blast (X) Special Rule use a Blast Marker to determine how many Hits are caused.When making attacks with a Weapon that has the Blast (X) Special Rule, before any Hit Tests are made, a Blast Marker must first be placed to determine how many Hits may be inflicted by the attack. The Player making the attack must place the Blast Marker indicated in brackets as part of the Special Rule so that the hole in the middle is entirely over the Base of any one Model in the Target Unit. Once the Blast Marker has been placed, the Player making the attack must make a Hit Test for the attack, and each Model from the Target Unit that is fully or partially under the Blast Marker will suffer 1 Hit if the Hit Test is successful.
Hits on Other Units
If any Models from Units other than the Target Unit are fully or partially covered by the Blast Marker, then a new Fire Group must be created for those Hits and set to one side. Continue resolving the Shooting Attack on the original Target Unit, and once that Shooting Attack has been completely resolved begin a new Shooting Attack to resolve those additional Fire Groups generated for Units other than the original Target Unit.
If any Models from Units other than the Target Unit are fully or partially covered by the Blast Marker, then a new Fire Group must be created for those Hits and set to one side. Continue resolving the Shooting Attack on the original Target Unit, and once that Shooting Attack has been completely resolved begin a new Shooting Attack to resolve those additional Fire Groups generated for Units other than the original Target Unit.
If the Hit Test is unsuccessful then no Hits are inflicted and the Player making the attack must make a Scatter Roll for the Blast Marker. Once a Scatter Roll has been made for the Blast Marker and it has been moved, one Hit is inflicted on a Unit for each Model from that Unit that is wholly or partially covered by the Blast Marker.
Hits can be scored on both friendly and enemy Units by attacks using the Blast (X) Special Rule. Hits inflicted by Weapons with the Blast (X) Special Rule are allocated in the same manner as other Hits, regardless of which actual Models were under the Blast Marker and the Blast Marker may not be used to inflict Hits on specific Models.
If a Fire Group includes multiple attacks made with the Blast (X) Special Rule, do not place multiple Blast Markers. A single Blast Marker is placed using the Rules detailed above, and a Hit Test is made for each attack in that Fire Group. For each successful Hit Test, one Hit is inflicted for each Model from the target Unit that is fully or partially under the Blast Marker. If any Hit Tests are unsuccessful then, after any Hits made by successful Hit Tests are counted, a single Scatter Roll is made for the Blast Marker, regardless of the total number of unsuccessful Hit Tests. For each Hit Test that was unsuccessful, one Hit is inflicted on a Unit for each Model from that Unit that is wholly or partially covered by the Blast Marker after the Scatter Roll has been resolved.
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.
Frag grenades can be used to make attacks during the Volley Step.When making Volley Attacks during Step 4 of the Charge Procedure with a Unit that includes at least one Model with frag grenades, the Controlling Player may choose to make a single attack with a frag grenade instead of making a normal Shooting Attack using the following profile:
| Ranged Weapon | |||||||
Ranged Weapon | R | FP | RS | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Frag Grenades | |||||||
| Frag Grenades | 6 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 1 | Blast (3") | Assault |
The [Mechanicum] Trait is used in the following Forces of the Taghmata datasheets:
Elites
Troops
Support
Transport
Fast Attack
The Cybertheurgist Trait is used in the following Forces of the Taghmata datasheets:
Troops
Infantry
Infantry units include all types of foot soldiers. Infantry are fairly slow moving, but can cross almost any terrain and make the best use of cover to avoid enemy fire.
Infantry is the most basic Type, and is applied to most Models in the game. A Model with the Infantry Type uses the Core Rules without modification, gaining neither benefit nor penalty. Models with the Infantry Type may Embark and Disembark upon Models with the Transport Sub-Type.Command
Representing the elite of any army, commanders oversee the disposition of their troops, set strategy for the coming battle and often stand at the forefront of the conflict. The actions of such heroes can change the tide of battle in an instant.
The following Rules apply to all Models with the Command Sub-Type:- A Model with the Command Sub-Type may join and leave Units.
- A Model with the Command Sub-Type may Issue and Accept Challenges.
- The Controlling Player of a Unit that includes one or more Models with the Command Sub-Type may use the Characteristics of one of those Models to resolve any Characteristic Checks made for that Unit.
Combat Initiative Score – A Model’s Combat Initiative score is the combined value of that Model’s current Initiative Characteristic and the Initiative Modifier Characteristic of the Weapon used to make attacks for that Model. It determines in which Initiative Step attacks may be made for that Model.
Initiative Step – A Combat Round is made up of Initiative Steps, each of which has a value assigned to it to show the order in which they are resolved. In each Initiative Step, Models whose Combat Initiative score is equal to the value of the Initiative Step may make attacks. Initiative Steps are always resolved in descending order, from highest to lowest. As such, Initiative Step 10 is resolved before Initiative Step 9. Models removed from Combat before the Initiative Step in which they can attack lose the opportunity to make attacks.
Feel No Pain (X)
Some warriors are so inured to pain and suffering that nothing but the most grievous of hurts will slow their onslaught. The only way to stop such a berserk is to hit them again and again until at last they fall, the toll of their hurts far more than any mortal warrior should be capable of bearing.
Feel No Pain (X) is a Damage Mitigation Test that may be taken in addition to a Saving Throw.A Model with the Feel No Pain (X) Special Rule gains a Feel No Pain Damage Mitigation Test that may be used in Step 9 of the Shooting Attack process or Step 8 of the Initiative Step of the Fight Sub-Phase process to discard wounds allocated to the Model. A Damage Mitigation Test may be made after and in addition to a Saving Throw. The Target Number for a Feel No Pain Damage Mitigation Test is the value of X attached to the specific variant of the Special Rule.
Comptroller (X)
The armies of the Mechanicum are made of a host of terrors, from hulking automata to gruesome fusions of man and machine. Yet, while these war engines are capable of immense destruction, it is the tech-priests and magi of the Taghmata that direct them, and without these frail human components the Taghmata has little strategic unity or focus.
If a Model with this Special Rule is part of a Unit then it can score more Victory Points for holding an Objective.The number of Victory Points scored when a Unit that includes a Model with this Special Rule controls an Objective is increased by the value of X attached to this variant of the Special Rule. This Special Rule has no effect and no bonus Victory Points are scored if any of the following are true:
- The Unit controlling the Objective includes any Models with a different Faction to that of the Model with this Special Rule.
- The majority of Models in the Unit controlling the Objective have the Command, Specialist or Champion Sub-Types.
Battlesmith (X)
An army without war engines is easy prey for the foe, and without specially trained warriors to repair those machines they will soon fail in the face of the Horus Heresy’s fury. Battlesmiths are charged with seeing to the care of the metal behemoths that lead every assault, keeping them operational and ensuring their guns never fall silent.
A Model with the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule can repair Vehicles, Automata and other mechanical Units.In the Controlling Player’s Movement Phase as the Active Player, when a Model with the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule has been selected, but either before or after it has been moved, the Controlling Player of that Model may activate this Special Rule. Once activated, the Controlling Player of the Model with the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule, hereafter referred to as the ‘Acting Model’, must select one friendly Model within 6" of the Acting Model. The Model selected must have the Vehicle, Automata or Walker Type and is hereafter referred to as the ‘Target Model’. Once a Target Model has been selected, the Player controlling the Acting Model must make an Intelligence Check for the Acting Model.
If the Check, is failed there is no further effect, but if the Check is passed then the Player controlling the Acting Model may select one of the following options:
- Repair – The Target Model gains a number of Wounds or Hull Points equal to the value of X in the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule variant possessed by the Acting Model. This cannot increase the Target Model’s Wounds or Hull Points above its Base Value.
- Restore – A number of Statuses equal to the value of X in the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule variant possessed by the Acting Model may be removed from the Target Model.
Master of Machines
The Magi of the Mechanicum are well versed in the vagaries of automata, and in many cases can operate alongside them more easily than they can more conventional units.
A Model with this Special Rule can join Units of Automata.A Model with this Special Rule may join a Friendly Unit that includes Models with the Automata Type.
Firing Protocols (X)
By skill, technological aid or sheer brute strength, this warrior is capable of making use of more than one weapon when engaging the foe at range. Though far from efficient, such an assault is capable of overwhelming the foe with sheer firepower.
A Model with the Firing Protocols (X) Special Rule may attack with more than one ranged Weapon.A Model with the Firing Protocols (X) Special Rule that makes attacks as part of a Shooting Attack, may make attacks with a number of Weapons equal to the value of X attached to the specific variant of the Firing Protocols (X) Special Rule. The Model must have more than one Ranged Weapon to make use of this Special Rule and may not use the same Weapon more than once in the same Shooting Attack.
Cortex Controller
This device allows the wielder to witness the battlefield through the senses of the battle-automata under their command, and direct them accordingly.
Cortex controllers allow Automata to make Reactions.A Unit that includes any Models with the Automata Type can ignore the restriction on making Reactions imposed by the Automata Type while it includes one or more Models with a cortex controller.
Servo-arm
Many mechanically-minded combatants take to the battlefield bearing additional mechanical arms mounted upon their armour, or even upon their body itself to aid repairs to armoured vehicles.
A Model with a servo-arm repairs additional Wounds or Hull Points when using the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule.Each time the Controlling Player of a Model with a servo-arm selects the Repair option when activating the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule for that Model, increase the number of Hull Points or Wounds gained by the Target Model by +1.
Initiative Modifier (IM) – This Characteristic is applied as a modifier to a Model’s Initiative Characteristic to determine that Model’s Combat Initiative. A Weapon with an Initiative Modifier of 0 forces the Model attacking with it to set their Combat Initiative to a value of 0. Furthermore, a Weapon with an Initiative Modifier of ‘1’ imposes no modifier to the Initiative Characteristic of a Model.
Attacks Modifier (AM) – This Characteristic is applied as a modifier to a Model’s Attacks Characteristic to determine how many Dice are rolled when making attacks with this Weapon. A Weapon with an Attacks Modifier Characteristic of 0 may not be used to make attacks during the Fight Sub-Phase. Furthermore, a Weapon with an Attacks Modifier of ‘A’ imposes no modifier to the Attacks Characteristic of a Model.
Strength Modifier (SM) – This Characteristic is applied as a modifier to a Model’s Strength Characteristic to determine the Strength used to make Wound Tests in Combat. A Weapon with a Strength Modifier Characteristic of 0 automatically fails any Wound Tests during the Fight Sub-Phase and no Dice are rolled (if the Wound Test could have triggered a variable Special Rule, then that Rule is considered to automatically fail to activate as part of the Test). Furthermore, a Weapon with a Strength Modifier of ‘S’ imposes no modifier to the Strength Characteristic of a Model.
Penetrating Hits – For each Penetrating Hit result, the target Unit suffers 1 Penetrating Hit. If available, any Saving Throws or Damage Mitigation Rolls may be made to discard the Penetrating Hit in the appropriate Step of the attack process (see the Rules for Shooting Attacks or Melee Attacks). If not discarded due to a Saving Throw or Damage Mitigation Roll the Model will lose a number of Hull Points equal to the Damage Characteristic of the Penetrating Hit, which is decided by the Characteristics of the Weapon used to inflict the Penetrating Hit in the same manner as wounds.
Fall Back – All Models in the Unit gain the Routed Status if they did not already have it. Units with the Routed Status must then make an immediate Fall Back Move.
LOCKED IN COMBAT – If the Assault Sequence ends and at least one Target Unit has neither been forced to Fall Back or been entirely Removed as Casualties, then the Units involved remain in place with at least one Model from each Unit in Base-to-Base Contact with an enemy Model. These Units are ‘Locked in Combat’ and may not be selected or moved in the Movement Phase or selected to make Shooting Attacks in the Shooting Phase. They may be selected during the Fight and Challenge Sub-Phases of the Assault Phase by the Active Player, but may not make a Charge or otherwise be selected in the Charge Sub-Phase.
Poisoned (X)
Poison is a subtle weapon, relying not on brute strength to bring harm to the foe, hut on its own insidious bite. Though some consider it a dishonourable tool, there are many that are willing to make use of it in the name of victory.
A Weapon with the Poisoned (X) Special Rule has a chance to cause a wound regardless of the target’s Toughness.When making Wound Tests for Hits that have the Poisoned (X) Special Rule, if the result of any Dice rolled is equal to or greater than the value of X attached to the specific variant of this Special Rule then a wound is caused automatically, regardless of the Toughness Characteristic used to determine the Target Number. A Hit that has this Special Rule may still inflict a wound by passing a Wound Test as normal, instead of using this Special Rule, but never inflicts more than 1 wound if it would both pass the Wound Test and trigger the Poisoned (X) Special Rule. Wounds caused using the Poison (X) Special Rule retain the AP and Damage of the Weapon and Saving Throws and Damage Mitigation Tests may be made to discard them as normal. The Poisoned (X) Special Rule has no effect on Models that have the Vehicle Type, and limited effect on Models with the Automata or Walker Types.
Phage (X)
Vile toxins, exotic radiation and all-consuming chemical agents all sap the abilities of warriors in the field even as they kill them. Most terrible are the effects of phosphex, choking the life and strength from those it touches, or the fleshcorroding properties of the dreaded life-eater virus.
Unsaved Wounds with the Phage (X) Special Rule reduce a Characteristic by 1.If an attack made for a Weapon or Model with this Special Rule inflicts one or more Unsaved Wounds on a Target Unit, then once the Shooting Attack or Initiative Step in which the Unsaved Wound was inflicted has been completely resolved, all remaining Models in the Unit that was the target of the attack must reduce the Characteristic that is the value of X for that variant of the Phage (X) Special Rule by 1 for the remainder of the Battle. Models in a Unit may have any number of different Characteristics reduced by 1 by the Phage (X) Special Rule, but no individual Characteristic may be reduced by more than 1 by the Phage (X) Special Rule no matter how many Unsaved Wounds with any variant of that Special Rule are allocated to Models in that Unit.
Nuncio-vox
A nuncio-vox is a beacon and communications array that allows constant coordination with other elements of an army, allowing a commander a measure of control and the ability to direct their forces, even during the most chaotic battles.
Nuncio-vox allow Units to remove Statuses in the Start Phase.If a Unit includes one or more Models with a nuncio-vox, and there are one or more friendly Models on the Battlefield with the Command Sub-Type, then the Controlling Player may activate the nuncio-vox during the Start Phase of their Player Turn as the Active Player. When activated, the Controlling Player may make a Check to remove a single Tactical Status from all Models in the Unit that includes the nuncio-vox. This Check is made using the Characteristics of any one friendly Model on the Battlefield, chosen by the Controlling Player (using Cool, unless attempting to remove Routed, in which case Leadership is used). A nuncio-vox may only be activated once per Turn, and each friendly Model on the Battlefield with the Command Sub-Type may only be used once per Start Phase as part of this Rule.
Machinator Array
A more complex system akin to the common servo-arm, the machinator array is a semi-autonomous repair system. Unlike the servo-arm this system is not directly controlled by the wielder and instead works to a fixed set of orders, making it less useful as a weapon of war, but vastly more potent as a device for repair and maintenance under fire.
A Model with a machinator array can use the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule twice in the same Turn.Each time the Controlling Player of a Model with a machinator array chooses to make use of the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule for that Model, it may be used twice - with each usage of the Special Rule targeting the same or different target Units as chosen by the Controlling Player and may apply different effects (all targets chosen must be valid targets). If a player chooses to apply the effects of a Machinator Array and makes two Battlesmith actions, then neither of those actions may be modified by the effects of a servo-arm and use only the full base value of the Model’s Battlesmith (X) Special Rule to determine their effect.
Cybertheurgic Rite: Overcharged Reactors
The most basic of the Cybertheurgist’s arts allowed them to boost the output of the reactors that powered the various machines in their charge. While such manipulation ran the risk of burning out actuators, voiding cortex chips or crippling electrical relays, it also proved a significant boost to combat prowess.
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Restrictions: The Target Unit for this Cybertheurgic Rite must be a friendly Unit that is not Locked in Combat and includes only Models with the Automata, Walker or Vehicle Types or the Cybertheurgist Trait. This Cybertheurgic Rite may not target a Unit that includes any Models with the Super-heavy or Knight Sub-Types.
Effect: When Invoked, this Cybertheurgic Rite grants all Models in the Target Unit one of the following Cybertheurgic Statuses, chosen by the Controlling Player (all Models must be granted the same Status): Quicken, Fortify or Guide.
Duration: The Cybertheurgic Status granted by this Cybertheurgic Rite is automatically removed in the Controlling Player’s next Start Phase and after the Cybertheurgic Status is removed the Target Unit suffers Cybertheurgic Feedback.
Cybertheurgic Rite: Cogitator Purge
In the terrible darkness of the Horus Heresy many among the ranks of the Mechancum swiftly found ways to use their arcane knowledge to undo the works of those of their kin they now called enemy. The subtle data-djinn used to empower a machine could also be turned against it, forcing servos past their tolerance, burning out circuitry and overcharging weapons systems.
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Restrictions: The Target Unit for this Cybertheurgic Rite must be an enemy Unit that is not Locked in Combat and includes only Models with the Automata, Walker or Vehicle Types or the Cybertheurgist Trait.
Effect: When this Cybertheurgic Rite is Invoked, all Models in the Target Unit immediately lose all Cybertheurgic Statuses they have. If any Cybertheurgic Statuses are removed due to the use of this Cybertheurgic Rite, then the Target Unit suffers Cybertheurgic Feedback and if more than one Cybertheurgic Status is removed then the number of wounds inflicted on the Unit by Cybertheurgic Feedback is increased to 2 Wounds for each Model in that Unit.
Duration: This Cybertheurgic Rite is resolved immediately.
Cybertheurgic Rite: Chastise the Machine Spirit
Some tech-priests focussed their skills not on the manipulation of technology on a grand scale, but on the subtle control of hand cogitator and optic relay. In war, such adepts could confound the enemy by debilitating key wargear mid-battle, leaving the foe shorn of the technology they relied on.
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Restrictions: The Target Unit for this Cybertheurgic Rite must be an enemy Unit that is not Locked in Combat. This Cybertheurgic Rite may not target a Unit that includes any Models with the Paragon Type or Super-heavy Sub-Type.
Effect: When this Cybertheurgic Rite is Invoked, all Models in the Target Unit gain one of the following Tactical Statuses: Stunned or Suppressed (All Models in the Unit must gain the same Tactical Status, chosen by the Player that Invoked this Cybertheurgic Rite). If this Cybertheurgic Rite is unsuccessfully Invoked then the Unit that includes the Focus suffers Cybertheurgic Feedback.
Duration: This Cybertheurgic Rite is resolved immediately.
Cybertheurgic Rite: Programming Interrupt
The most powerful cybertheurgists were capable not only of boosting the prowess of their charges, but also of implanting temporary programming shunts. These were intended to allow even simple automata to react with more haste to the changing nature of the battlefield, though at the risk of damage to their internal systems.
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Restrictions: The Target Unit for this Cybertheurgic Rite must be a friendly Unit that is not Locked in Combat and includes only Models with the Automata or Vehicle Types or the Cybertheurgist Trait. This Cybertheurgic Rite may not target a Unit that includes any Models with the Super-heavy or Knight Sub-Types.
Effect: When Invoked, this Cybertheurgic Rite grants all Models in the Target Unit one of the following Cybertheurgic Statuses, chosen by the Controlling Player (all Models must be granted the same Status): Quicken, Fortify or Guide. If the Target Unit makes a Reaction in the Controlling Player’s next Turn as the Reactive Player following a successful Invocation of this Cybertheurgic Rite it does not cost a point of that Player’s Reaction Allotment, but instead the Cybertheurgic Status granted by this Cybertheurgic Rite is removed.
Duration: If the Cybertheurgic Status granted by this Cybertheurgic Rite is not removed in order to make a Reaction, then it is automatically removed in the Controlling Player’s next Start Phase. Immediately after the Cybertheurgic Status granted by this Cybertheurgic Rite is removed the Target Unit suffers Cybertheurgic Feedback.
The Lacrymaerta Trait is used in the following Forces of the Taghmata datasheets:
Heavy Assault
Troops
War Engine
Transport
Heavy Transport
Recon
Cybertheurgic Rite: Flesh-knit Protocols
While the vast majority of the servants of the Lacrymaerta are flesh rather than steel, the complex web of implants and augmetics that enslaves them allows their masters to employ Cybertheurgy on them. Though it is more difficult to coax the same performance from sinew and bone, the effect in battle can be worth the difficulty. Sadly, the flesh of servitors and thralls rarely survives the ministrations of their masters, fortunately it is considered easily replaceable.
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Restrictions: The Target Unit for this Cybertheurgic Rite must be a Friendly Unit that is not Locked in Combat and includes only Models with the Lacrymaerta Trait.
Effect: When Invoked, this Cybertheurgic Rite grants all Models in the Target Unit one of the following Cybertheurgic Statuses, chosen by the Controlling Player (all Models must be granted the same Status): Quicken or Fortify.
Duration: The Cybertheurgic Status granted by this Cybertheurgic Rite is automatically removed in the Controlling Player’s next Start Phase and after the Cybertheurgic Status is removed the Target Unit suffers Cybertheurgic Feedback.
Cybertheurgic Rite: Omega Protocols
With calculated disregard for terror and pain inflicted on their own charges, the priests of the Lacrymaerta have been known to intentionally push their servants past tolerance when battle threatens to overwhelm them. The explosive demise of units whose end was inevitable may yet take some few of the enemy with them - a worthy trade in the eyes of the flesh-smiths of the Lacrymaerta.
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Restrictions: The Target Unit for this Cybertheurgic Rite must be a friendly Unit that includes only Models with the Lacrymaerta Trait, is affected by at least one Cybertheurgic Status and that is Locked in Combat with one or more enemy Units.
Effect: When this Cybertheurgic Rite is Invoked, all Models in the Target Unit immediately lose all Cybertheurgic Statuses they have. If any Cybertheurgic Statuses are removed then the Target Unit suffers Cybertheurgic Feedback - if any Models in the Target Unit are Removed as Casualties then all other Units in the same Combat (friendly and enemy) suffer two Hits at Strength 6, with an AP of 5 and a Damage of 1 for each Model Removed as a Casualty in the Target Unit. Models Removed as Casualties due to this Rite are not counted for the purpose of Combat Resolution.
Duration: This Cybertheurgic Rite is resolved immediately.
The Reductor Trait is used in the following Forces of the Taghmata datasheets:
Troops
Support
War Engine
Transport
Heavy Transport
Recon
Cybertheurgic Rite: Deactivate Limiters
The cybernetic creations of the Ordo Reductor had always been more complex engines than simple automata, blending the nervous system of a living being with a cold skeleton of metal. When the priests of the Ordo Reductor let slip the limiters of the Thallax’s reactors it boosted the output of their metal frames, but tormented the living nerves with searing pain, often seeing them loose terrible screams as they were driven into a frenzy.
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Restrictions: The Target Unit for this Cybertheurgic Rite must be a friendly Unit that is not Locked in Combat and includes only Models with the Reductor Trait.
Effect: When this Cybertheurgic Rite Invoked it grants all Models in the Target Unit one of the following Cybertheurgic Statuses, chosen by the Controlling Player (all Models must be granted the same Status): Quicken, Fortify or Guide.
Duration: The Cybertheurgic Status granted by this Cybertheurgic Rite is automatically removed in the Controlling Player’s next Start Phase and after the Cybertheurgic Status is removed the Target Unit suffers Cybertheurgic Feedback.
Cybertheurgic Rite: Unseal the Portal
The priests of the Ordo Reductor know well the arts of lock and bolt, there are few doors or portals whose mechanisms they cannot subvert. If they can force a passage to any fortress’ gate then they have no need of cannon or drill to pierce its protections, and those that cower inside must face their wrath without the protection of the tall walls or tank’s gullet.
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Restrictions: The Target Unit for this Cybertheurgic Rite must be a Building, Fortification or a Unit that is not Locked in Combat and is composed of a single Model with the Vehicle Type.
Effect: When Invoked, all Models Embarked on the Target Unit must immediately make an Emergency Disembarkation and the Target Unit suffers Cybertheurgic Feedback.
Duration: This Cybertheurgic Rite is resolved immediately.
The Myrmidax Trait is used in the following Forces of the Taghmata datasheets:
Troops
War Engine
Transport
Heavy Transport
Recon
Cybertheurgic Rite: Fury of Ages
The adepts of the Myrmidax have always been some of the most ancient of the creeds of Mars, and within the data-engrams of their remote storage was kept the centuries of accumulated wisdom, the bitterness of defeat and the glory of victory. The tech-priests of that order could loose that ancient data to boost the prowess of their warriors and suffuse their augmetics with the fury of warriors long dead.
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Restrictions: The Target Unit for this Cybertheurgic Rite must be a Friendly Unit that includes only Models with the Myrmidax Trait. This Cybertheurgic Rite may target Units that are Locked in Combat.
Effect: When this Cybertheurgic Rite is Invoked, it grants all Models in the Target Unit one of the following Cybertheurgic Statuses, chosen by the Controlling Player (all Models must be granted the same Status): Fortify or Guide.
Duration: The Cybertheurgic Status granted by this Cybertheurgic Rite is automatically removed in the Controlling Player’s next Start Phase and after the Cybertheurgic Status is removed the Target Unit suffers Cybertheurgic Feedback.
Cybertheurgic Rites
The following Cybertheurgic Rites may be selected for any Model with the Cybertheurgist Trait:- Overcharged Reactors+5 Points
- Cogitator Purge+10 Points
- Chastise the Machine Spirit+25 Points
The following Cybertheurgic Rite may only be selected for an Archmagos or Archmagos on Abeyant:
- Programming Interrupt+20 Points
The following Cybertheurgic Rites may only be selected for a Model with both the Cybertheurgist and
- Flesh-knit Protocols+5 Points
- Omega Protocols+15 Points
The following Cybertheurgic Rites may only be selected for a Model with both the Cybertheurgist and Reductor Traits:
- Deactivate Limiters+5 Points
- Unseal the Portal+20 Points
The following Cybertheurgic Rite may only be selected for a Model with both the Cybertheurgist and Myrmidax Traits:
- Fury of Ages+5 Points
Critical Hit (X)
Whether by dint of superior skill or exemplary wargear, some warriors are better able to place strikes on enemy weak points. Such attacks can fell even the most powerful foes with a single well-placed shot.
Attacks made with the Critical Hit (X) Special Rule have a chance to automatically cause a wound and inflict 1 extra point of Damage.When any Hit Test is made for an attack with the Critical Hit (X) Special Rule, if the result of the Dice roll, before any modifiers are applied, is equal to or greater than the value of X attached to this variant of the Critical Hit (X) Special Rule, then if a Hit is inflicted by that Hit Test, that Hit becomes a ‘Critical Hit’.
A Critical Hit automatically inflicts a wound without any Dice being rolled, counting as the roll of a ‘6’ for any variable Special Rules that might be triggered by a Wound Test, and increases the Damage Characteristic of the Hit by +1.
Shock (X)
Blasts of exotic radiation, malignant scrap-code or other targeted attacks can render the systems of complex war engines vulnerable without penetrating their armour. While such weapons are less likely to leave their target as a broken ruin, the deleterious effects of their attacks can render even the most powerful war machines impotent.
Weapons with the Shock (X) Special Rule have a chance of inflicting Statuses on Vehicles even if it does not penetrate their armour.When making a Hit Test for a Weapon with this Special Rule against a Target Unit that includes any Models with the Vehicle Type or Walker Type, the result of the Hit Test before any modifiers are applied must be checked. If any Hit Test for a Weapon with the Shock (X) Special Rule results in a ‘5’ or ‘6’ before any modifiers are applied, then all Models with the Vehicle Type or Walker Type in the Target Unit gain a Status at the end of Step 11 of the Shooting Attack process or Step 10 of the Initiative Step process. The Status gained is indicated by the value of X attached to that variant of the Shock (X) Special Rule. If the Model already has the stated Status or the attack would apply the Status multiple times there is no additional effect and this Special Rule never causes a Model to lose Wounds or Hull Points. Hits inflicted by a Weapon with this Special Rule must still have Wound Tests or Armour Penetration Tests made for them, and are not discarded if they trigger this Special Rule.
Breaching (X)
Designed to pierce the armour worn by heavy infantry, some weapons have gained a fearsome reputation on the battlefields of the Floras Heresy. While many such weapons are rare or temperamental in use, the sheer power of their attacks more than makes up for this.
With a Weapon that has the Breaching (X) Special Rule there is a chance that a Wound Test may result in the Wound ignoring Armour Saves.When any Wound Test is made for an attack with the Breaching (X) Special Rule, if the result of the Dice roll, before any modifiers are applied, is equal to or greater than the value of X attached to this variant of the Breaching (X) Special Rule, then if a wound is inflicted by that Wound Test, that wound becomes a ‘Breaching Wound’.
A Breaching Wound is always treated as having an AP Characteristic of 2 regardless of the Characteristics of the Weapon used to make the attack.
Melta (X)
The beams of energy generated by melta weaponry dissipate over long ranges. When used at close quarters, however, their effect on armoured vehicles is devastating.
This Special Rule increases the amount of Damage against Vehicles when Shooting Attacks are made within a specific range.If at least one Model in a Unit with the Vehicle Type that is targeted by a Shooting Attack made by a Model using a Weapon with this Special Rule is within a range equal to or less than the value specified by X, that attack has the Armourbane Special Rule and the Damage of Penetrating Hits caused by that attack is doubled.
Pinning (X)
The crack of the sniper’s rifle or the burst of heavy artillery, both signal a sudden and indiscriminate death and send infantry scurrying for cover. Such weapons are meant as much to pin the foe in place as to kill them, breaking up advancing ranks of troops and shattering defensive formations.
Weapons and other attacks that have the Pinning (X) Special Rule have a chance of inflicting the Pinned Status on the Target Unit.If a Shooting Attack made for a Weapon or Model with this Special Rule inflicts one or more wounds on a Target Unit, regardless of whether any Damage is inflicted, that Target Unit must make a Cool Check in the Morale Sub-Phase of the same Player Turn. If this Check is failed then all Models in the Unit gain the Pinned Status, if the Check is passed then there is no further effect. The value of X attached to this Special Rule is applied as a negative modifier to the Cool Characteristic of Models in the Target Unit when making Checks caused by an attack with this Special Rule, if the attack includes multiple Weapons with different versions of this Special Rule the modifiers do not stack - use only the greatest modifier.
Graviton gun
| Ranged Weapon | |||||||
Ranged Weapon | R | FP | RS | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Graviton gun | |||||||
| Graviton gun | 18 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 1 | Blast (3"), Breaching (6+), Shock (Pinned), Pinning (1) | Graviton |
Heavy (X)
Some weapons are so heavy that, while they can be fired on the move, are more powerful when properly braced and made ready before shooting. Warriors on the battlefield must use their judgement to decide when speed is required and when the full firepower of their arsenal must be unleashed.
Weapons with the Heavy (X) Special Rule gain +1 to a Characteristic when Stationary.When making a Shooting Attack with a Weapon that has the Heavy (X) Special Rule, a modifier of +1 is added to a Characteristic if the Model with that Weapon is part of a Unit that remained Stationary in the Controlling Player’s previous Movement Phase. If the Characteristic listed is AP, then instead it improves the AP by one Step (see the Rules for modifying Saves and AP). The value of X in the specific variant of the Heavy (X) Special Rule determines which Characteristic gains the +1 modifier.
Army List
Datasheets collatedElites
Troops
Support
War Engine
Transport
Heavy Transport
Fast Attack
Lords of War
Antigrav
Whether equipped with antigrav repulsors or empowered by some esoteric, psychic art, this unit is able to skim above the ground. While incapable of true flight, this does allow it to avoid any of the hampering effects of the prevailing terrain, gliding over obstacles that would ensnare or entangle more conventional troops.
The following Rules apply to all Models with the Antigrav Sub-Type:- A Unit that includes only Models with the Antigrav Sub-Type may ignore the effects of any and all Terrain it passes over during movement, including passing over Impassable Terrain without penalty or restriction. However, such Units may not begin or end their movement in Impassable Terrain, and if beginning or ending their movement in Dangerous Terrain must take Dangerous Terrain Tests as normal.
- A Unit that includes only Models with the Antigrav Sub-Type may ignore both friendly and enemy Models and Units when moving. However, when moving over a friendly Unit all Models with the Antigrav Sub-Type must end their move at least 1" away from all Models that are not part of the same Unit, or if moving over an enemy Unit, must end their move at least 1" away from any enemy Model.
Explodes (X)
Volatile fuel, overpowered reactors or dangerous munitions can cause some war engines to explode when destroyed. Such explosions can prove devastating to friend and foe alike.
A Model with this Special Rule can explode and cause Hits to nearby Models and Units.Before a Model with the Explodes (X) Special Rule is Removed as a Casualty, the Controlling Player must roll a Dice. If the result of that roll equals or exceeds the value of X attached to this variant of the Explodes (X) Special Rule, the Model explodes. Every Unit with one or more Models within 6" of an exploding Model suffers a number of Hits equal to the Base Wounds Characteristic or Base Hull Points Characteristic of the exploding Model. Each such Hit has a Strength of 8, an AP of ‘-’ and a Damage of 1. Once all Hits caused by this Special Rule have been resolved, the Model with the Explodes (X) Special Rule is Removed as a Casualty as normal.
Transport Capacity – This Characteristic is only used to determine how many Models may Embark upon a Model (see the Transport Rules). Most Models with the Vehicle Type will have a Transport Capacity of 0/-, which simply means that no Models may Embark upon that Model.
Bulky (X)
Transport vehicles are designed to balance armour and capacity, attempting to mount the most protection without compromising how many warriors they can carry. Yet, some warriors are plated in such imposing armour or even spawned in such an aberrant nature that they occupy far more space than any regular fighter. Such warriors are mighty in both power and stature, but prove more difficult to ferry into battle.
Models with the Bulky (X) Special Rule take up more space on Transport Models.A Model with the Bulky (X) Special Rule does not use up 1 Point of Transport Capacity when it Embarks on a Model with the Transport Sub-Type. Instead it uses up a number of points of Transport Capacity equal to the value of X attached to the variant of the Bulky (X) possessed by that Model.
Command Throne
By dint of advanced communication gear, cybertheurgic skill or simply a loud and commanding voice, some leaders are able to keep better control over the warriors under their command.
A Model with this Special Rule can reduce the costs of Reactions declared by the Controlling Player.If a Reaction is declared for a Unit that includes a majority of Models with any variant of the Mechanicum Trait, then the Controlling Player of the Reacting Unit may choose to make an Intelligence Check for any one Friendly Model with this Special Rule that is on the Battlefield - referred to here as the ‘Commanding Model’. The following modifiers are applied to the Commanding Model’s Intelligence Check:
- If the Reacting Unit is not in Line of Sight of the Commanding Model, modify the result of the Check by +4.
- If all Models in the Reacting Unit are more than 12" from the Commanding Model modify the result of the Check by +2.
- If the Reacting Unit includes a nuncio-vox or command vox relay then modify the result of the Check by -1.
If the Check is Successful then the Reaction declared has its cost reduced by 1 (to a minimum of 0). If the Check is failed then the Unit that includes the Commanding Model suffers Cybertheurgic Feedback.
Once a Reaction has had its cost reduced due to the effects of this Special Rule no further rolls may be made by any Models with this Special Rule to reduce the cost of any further Reactions made in the same Player Turn.
Conversion beamer
| Ranged Weapon | |||||||
Ranged Weapon | R | FP | RS | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Conversion beamer | |||||||
| Conversion beamer | |||||||
<15 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | Heavy (RS), Blast (3") | Conversion | |
15-30 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 2 | Heavy (RS), Blast (3") | Conversion | |
Suppressive (X)
A hail of enemy gunfire serves to keep any warrior’s head down, and some weapons are designed specifically to suppress the foe. Only the most steadfast of troops will continue the advance when all they can hear is the whistle and crack of gunshots and the screams of the fallen.
Weapons and other attacks that have the Suppressive (X) Special Rule have a chance of inflicting the Suppressed Status on the Target Unit.If a Shooting Attack made for a Weapon or Model with this Special Rule inflicts one or more Hits on a Target Unit, that Target Unit must make a Cool Check in the Morale Sub-Phase of the same Player Turn. If this Check is failed all Models in the Unit gain the Suppressed Status, and if the Check is passed then there is no further effect. The value of X attached to this Rule is applied as a negative modifier to the Cool Characteristic of Models in the Target Unit when making Checks caused by an Attack with this Special Rule, if the attack includes multiple Weapons with different versions of this Special Rule the modifiers do not stack - use only the greatest modifier.
Player
A Player is the actual person moving Models and making rolls, the Player of the game. Battles will include more than one Player, and the Rules will often refer to the Active Player (the Player currently taking their Player Turn) and the Reactive Player (the Player not currently taking their Player Turn, and thus only allowed to interact with the game through Reactions) in order to differentiate between them. Sometimes the Rules will also refer to the Controlling Player, that is the Player that Controls the Unit, Model or other game element the Rule is referring to.
The Traitor Trait is used in the following Forces of the Taghmata datasheets:
Elites
Troops
Support
Transport
Fast Attack
The Archimandrite Trait is used in the following Forces of the Taghmata datasheets:
Troops
War Engine
Transport
Heavy Transport
Recon
The Heterodox Trait is used in the following Forces of the Taghmata datasheets:
Unique
Among the warriors and war machines of the Horus Heresy there are many whose names are known throughout the galaxy. Such heroes, prototypes and icons are rare, and though their power can tip any battle in their favour, they can only be in one place at a time.
The following Rules apply to all Models with the Unique Sub-Type:- An Army may not include more than a single instance of a given Model with this Sub-Type. For example, if Model A and Model B both have the Unique Sub-Type then a single Army could include one of Model A and one of Model B, but no more than one of either Model.
- A Model with the Unique Sub-Type or a Unit composed entirely of Models with the Unique Sub-Type may not have any options other than those included on its Army List Profile selected for them.
Theurgika Maximus
A Model with this Special Rule may use two Cybertheurgic Rites per Turn.A Unit that includes a Model with this Special Rule may have two Cybertheurgic Rites Invoked for it per Turn - but each Rite must be Invoked in a different Phase and the Model with this Special Rule must be the Focus of both Rites. Furthermore, a Model with this Special Rule ignores restrictions based on Faction Trait when having Cybertheurgic Rites selected for it.
Cybertheurgic Status: Null
A Model under the effect of this Cybertheurgic Status gains no bonuses or penalties - but when Null is applied to any Model in a Unit then all other Cybertheurgic Statuses on all Models in that Unit are discarded and the Unit suffers Cybertheurgic Feedback immediately regardless of whether any Cybertheurgic Statuses are discarded. If a Model in a Unit would gain another Cybertheurgic Status while any Models in that Unit have the Null Cybertheurgic Status (other than another instance of Null) then it does not gain that Cybertheurgic Status, all Models in the Unit discard Null and the Unit suffers Cybertheurgic Feedback.Cybertheurgic Rite: Scrap-code Infection
Unleashed with abandon in the opening moments of the Martian Civil War, scrap-code is one byproduct of unsanctioned research. A scourging data djinn capable of aggressively blanking cogitator units and even disorienting biological entities, it swiftly became a commonplace hindrance on the battlefields of the Horus Heresy.
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Restrictions: The Target Unit for this Cybertheurgic Rite must be an enemy Unit that includes at least one Model with a Cybertheurgic Status other than Null and that is not Locked in Combat.
Effect: When this Cybertheurgic Rite is Invoked, all Models in the Target Unit gain the Null Cybertheurgic Status.
Duration: The Cybertheurgic Status granted by this Cybertheurgic Rite is automatically removed in the Target Unit’s Controlling Player’s next Statuses Subphase. If the Cybertheurgic Status is removed during the Statuses Sub-Phase, rather than due to the effects of the Null Cybertheurgic Status, then the Target Unit suffers Cybertheurgic Feedback in that Statuses Sub-Phase.
Liquifractor Onslaught
This arcane device is of unknown origin and likely one of many artefacts created hy Draykavac himself In this case its purpose is to project a gout of caustic fluids upon the foe, dissolving armour and putrefying flesh in moments.
This Gambit allows Draykavac to attack first with the Liquifractor.While a Model with this Special Rule is engaged in a Challenge, its Controlling Player may select the following Gambit:
Liquifractor Onslaught: If this Gambit is selected, then the Controlling Player must roll an additional Dice in the Focus Step and discard the Dice with the highest result before determining the total. However, in the Strike Step the Model for which this Gambit was selected may make a Shooting Attack with the profile listed below before either Model makes any attacks (the Shooting Attack must target the other Model in the Challenge, with all wounds inflicted allocated to that Model, and is automatically in Line of Sight and counts as a Range of 1).
| Ranged Weapon | |||||||
Ranged Weapon | R | FP | RS | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Liquifractor | |||||||
| Liquifractor | 1 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 1 | Phage (T & S), Poisoned (2+), Breaching (4+) | - |
Legacy of Cunning
The history of the Horus Heresy oft mentions the campaigns of Archmagos Draykavac, one of the most active generals of the traitorous factions of the Mechanician. He led assaults on numerous worlds and participated in a number of key conflicts, conceiving of grand plans that could well have tipped the war in Horus’ favour. However, these plans most often proved to be failures and Draykavac’s true genius was revealed to he in the conception of foolproof escape plans that ensured he always lived to fight another day.
A Model with this Special Rule can be removed from play without the Opposing Player scoring Victory Points.In the Effects Sub-Phase of the End Phase in any Turn where the Controlling Player of a Model with this Special Rule is the Active Player, that Player may choose to activate this Special Rule. This Special Rule may not be activated if the Model with this Special Rule is Locked in Combat.
When this Special Rule is activated a Cool Check must be made for the Model with this Special Rule, applying the following modifiers:
- +1 to the Check’s result for each enemy Unit with one or more Models within 12" of the Model with this Special Rule.
- +1 to the Check’s result for each Tactical Status, other than Routed, that the Model with this Special Rule has.
- -2 to the Check’s result if the Model with this Special Rule has the Routed Tactical Status.
If the Check is successful, then the Model with this Special Rule is immediately removed from play, but does not count as a Casualty and no Player may score or lose any Victory Points for the removal of that Model. If the Check is failed then there is no further effect and this Special Rule can be activated in later Turns.
Cybertheurgic Rites
Archmagos Draykavac has the following Cybertheurgic Rites:- Overcharged Reactors
- Programming Interrupt
- Scrap-code Infection
Rotor cannon
| Ranged Weapon | |||||||
Ranged Weapon | R | FP | RS | AP | D | Special Rules | Traits |
| Rotor cannon | |||||||
| Rotor cannon | 24 | 3 | 3 | - | 1 | Heavy (FP), Suppressive (1) | Auto |
Line of Sight
Some Rules will ask Players to determine Line of Sight between two Models or a Model and a point on the Battlefield, checking whether one Model can ‘see’ another. Most often this is part of an attack, as a Model must have Line of Sight to its target in order to make any attack.To determine Line of Sight, use a tape measure or other device to determine if an unbroken straight line can be drawn between the first Model and its target. If a piece of Terrain, Model with the Vehicle Type or other obstruction breaks the line between those two Models then there is no Line of Sight, if the line is unobstructed then both Models have Line of Sight to each other.
When determining if a Model has Line of Sight to a Unit, it only needs to have Line of Sight to one Model that is part of that Unit. This does not grant that Model Line of Sight to any other Models in the Unit that are otherwise hidden and does not affect how or to which Models wounds or Hits can be assigned.
Characteristic Checks
The most common type of Check is the Characteristic Check, often separately named for the Characteristic to be checked (e.g., Leadership Check, Intelligence Check, Cool Check or Willpower Check).When a Characteristic Check is made for an individual Model, then the Target Number for the Check is always equal to the value of the Characteristic of the same name possessed by the Model. For example, the Target Number of a Willpower Check made for a Model with Willpower 7 would be 7.
When a Characteristic Check is made for a Unit rather than an individual Model, the Target Number for the Check is equal to the value of the Characteristic of the same name possessed by the Model with the lowest Characteristic of the same name in the Unit. For example, the Target Number of a Leadership Check made for a Unit that includes Models with Leadership Characteristics of 6, 8 and 10 would be 6 - the lowest of the available Characteristic values. Note that if the Unit includes a Model with the Sergeant or Command Sub-Types then that Model’s Characteristic may always be used instead of any other Model’s.
In most cases if a Check is passed then there is no further effect, while failure will often result in the Model for which the Check is made being affected by the Rule which called for the Check. Unlike Tests, Checks must be rolled one at a time and should not be rolled in batches in order to avoid confusion over which Dice refer to which Check.
Characteristics and Modifiers
Characteristics can be modified by various Rules and Special Rules, temporarily altering the Base Value of that Characteristic, with the modified value referred to as its Current Value. If no modifiers have been applied to a given Characteristic then its Current Value is the same as its Base Value. The most common modifiers will add or subtract a fixed number from the Characteristics Base Value for a set duration, though some modifiers may multiply or divide the Base Value.If a Rule calls for a modifier to be applied to a Characteristic that has already been modified, then that modifier is applied to the Current Value, not the Base Value. Modifiers that add or subtract a fixed value to the Characteristic do so to the Current Value and modifiers that multiply or divide the Characteristic multiply or divide the Current Value. Where multiple modifiers are applied to a Characteristic at the same time, any modifiers that multiply the Characteristic and/or modifiers that divide the Characteristic are applied first, then any modifiers that add to or subtract from the Characteristic are applied last.
Designer’s Note
Where any Rules call for multiple modifiers of different kinds to be applied to a value, they are always applied in the following order: multiplication then division, then addition and finally subtraction.
Where any Rules call for multiple modifiers of different kinds to be applied to a value, they are always applied in the following order: multiplication then division, then addition and finally subtraction.
Some modifiers may simply ‘set’ the Current Value of a Characteristic to a specific value instead of modifying the Current Value or Base Value. Such modifiers override all other modifiers and are always applied last, replacing the modified Current Value with the set value.
For example, a Model’s Strength Characteristic has a Base Value of 4 on its Unit Profile.
- If this Characteristic has a modifier of ‘+1’ applied to it, its Current Value would become 5.
- If it had modifiers of both ‘+3’ and ‘-1’ applied to it then its Current Value would be 6.
- If it had a modifier of ‘x2’ applied to it then its Current Value would be 8.
- If it had a modifier of ‘x2’ and ‘+1’ applied to it then its Current Value would be 9.
- If a modifier set its value to ‘2’, then its Current Value would be 2.
- If it had a modifier of ‘x2’ and ‘+1’ applied to it and another modifier also set its value to ‘2’, then its Current Value would be 2.
Routed
The Routed Status can be inflicted by any of the following:
- As part of the effects of the Panic (X) Special Rule.
- If a Unit has had 25% or more of the Models that were part of that Unit at the start of a Shooting Attack Removed as Casualties due to that Shooting Attack, then the Controlling Player must pass a Leadership Check for that Unit or it gains the Routed Status (see the Rules for Panic in the Morale Sub-Phase
- The Controlling Player of a Unit that loses Combat must take a Leadership Check for that Unit in the Resolution Sub-Phase and if the Check is failed then the Unit gains the Routed Status.
- Other Rules may also apply the Routed Status, these Rules will specify how and when this occurs.
The following Rules apply to any Unit that includes one or more Models that have the Routed Status:
- The Controlling Player of a Unit that includes any Models that are Routed must make all Shooting Attacks for that Unit as Snap Shots.
- The Controlling Player of a Unit that includes any Models that are Routed may not declare any Reactions for that Unit.
- A Unit with the Routed Status may not move in the Move Sub-Phase of the Movement Phase - any effect that would force them to move or Rush in the Movement Phase has no effect.
- In the Rout Sub-Phase of the Movement Phase, a Unit that includes any Models with the Routed Status must Fall Back.
- Any Models that have the Routed Status and move into contact with any point on the Battlefield Edge that is within the Controlling Player’s Deployment Zone stop moving, and any Models that have the Routed Status and begin the Rout Sub-Phase in contact with any point on the Battlefield Edge that is within the Controlling Player’s Deployment Zone remain Stationary.
- If a Unit that includes one or more Models with the Routed Status enters contact with an edge of the Battlefield within the Controlling Player’s Deployment Zone as part of a Fall Back Move, a Leadership Check must be made for that Unit once all Models in the Unit have completed their moves. If that Leadership Check is failed, then all Models in the Unit are immediately removed from play as Casualties. However, if that Leadership Check is passed then the Unit remains in play and all Models in the Unit lose the Routed Status, but gain the Suppressed Status.
- In the Assault Phase Charges may not be declared for a Unit that includes any Models with the Routed Status and any Rule or effect that would otherwise force such a Unit to make a Charge has no effect.
- A Unit that includes any Models with the Routed Status in the Resolution Sub-Phase of the Assault Phase must always Fall Back at the end of that Sub-Phase.
Designer’s Note
Astute readers will have noted that a Unit under the Reactive Player’s control that loses Combat and gains the Routed Status will be forced to Fall Back from that Combat and will then have to Fall Back a second time in the Controlling Player’s following Movement Phase. This is entirely intentional, and is intended to avoid Units ‘ping-ponging’ in and out of Combat. Players whose Units have been Routed will benefit from the fact that they must halt at the Battlefield Edge, stopping them running to their doom, and the fact that being attacked while Routed does not result in the immediate removal of the Routed Unit, nor stop them from shooting. Furthermore, the various Liber books will present additional options and Wargear that will allow Players the opportunity to mitigate or remove Statuses outside of the Statuses Sub-Phase.
Astute readers will have noted that a Unit under the Reactive Player’s control that loses Combat and gains the Routed Status will be forced to Fall Back from that Combat and will then have to Fall Back a second time in the Controlling Player’s following Movement Phase. This is entirely intentional, and is intended to avoid Units ‘ping-ponging’ in and out of Combat. Players whose Units have been Routed will benefit from the fact that they must halt at the Battlefield Edge, stopping them running to their doom, and the fact that being attacked while Routed does not result in the immediate removal of the Routed Unit, nor stop them from shooting. Furthermore, the various Liber books will present additional options and Wargear that will allow Players the opportunity to mitigate or remove Statuses outside of the Statuses Sub-Phase.