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Forces of the Taghmata – Magos on Abeyant
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Magos on Abeyant
UNIT COMPOSITION: 1 MAGOS ON ABEYANT
130 PointsPts

The most ambitious Magos create abeyants, seeking both to emulate and impress their mentors and gain an advantage on the battlefield. Lesser than those created by their masters, each such device was still a potent artefact of the Mechanicum’s lore and artifice, as well as an expression of the unique skills of the magos that forged it. In battle they served as ponderous command platforms that allowed a magos to support the strategy dictated by their master and to command the warriors that made up their own retinue.

LD CL WP IN
M WS BS S T W I A LD CL WP IN SAV INV
Magos on Abeyant (⌀60mm) 9 9 8 9
Magos on Abeyant (⌀60mm) 6 4 5 5 6 4 2 3 9 9 8 9 2+ 5+
WARGEAR
  • Frag grenades
TRAITS
  • [Allegiance]
  • [Mechanicum]
  • Cybertheurgist
SPECIAL RULES
  • Feel No Pain (5+)
  • Comptroller (2)
  • Battlesmith (3)
  • Explodes (6+)
  • Bulky (7)
  • Implacable Advance
  • Master of Machines
  • Officer of the Line (2)
  • Firing Protocols (2)
  • Command Throne
TYPE
  • Infantry (Command, Antigrav, Heavy)
OPTIONS
  • This Model may have any number of items from the Mechanicum Wargear list and any items from the Mechanicum Magos Wargear list selected for it.
  • This Model may have any number of items from the Cybertheurgic Rites list selected for it.
  • This Model may have one item from the Mechanicum Melee Weapons list selected for it.
  • This Model may have one item from the Mechanicum Pistols list selected for it.
  • This Model may have one item from the Mechanicum Ranged Weapons list selected for it.
  • If no item from the Mechanicum Ranged Weapons list is selected for this Model, then one of the following options may be selected for it:
  • Conversion beamer
    +30 Points
  • Phased plasma-fusil
    +15 Points
  • Irad-cleanser
    +20 Points
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:
  1. Select Target Unit.
  2. Check Target.
  3. Declare Weapons.
  4. Set Fire Groups.
  5. Select Fire Group To Resolve.
  6. Make Hit Tests.
  7. Make Wound Tests.
  8. Select Target Model.
  9. Make Saving Throws & Damage Mitigation Tests.
  10. Select Next Fire Group.
  11. Remove Casualties.
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 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 [Allegiance] Trait is used in the following Forces of the Taghmata datasheets:

High Command
Troops
Transport

The [Mechanicum] Trait is used in the following Forces of the Taghmata datasheets:

High Command
Troops
Transport

The Cybertheurgist Trait is used in the following Forces of the Taghmata datasheets:

High Command
Command
• Arcuitor Magisterium
• Magos
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:
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.
If Models with multiple variants of this Special Rule are part of the same Unit, then the values of X do not stack and only the highest value is used.
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.
Activating the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule does not limit the Acting Model or the Target Model when moving or attacking in the same Turn.
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.
Augury Scanner

This energy scanning device pierces weather, camouflage and obscuring smoke, alerting the user and their squadmates to the concealed presence of enemy troops in the vicinity, allowing attacks to be directed more effectively.

Augury scanners allow attacks to ignore Shrouded Damage Mitigation Tests.

When a Shooting Attack made by a Unit that includes any Models with an augury scanner inflicts any Hits (excluding Hits from attacks made as Snap Shots), Shrouded Damage Mitigation Rolls cannot be made against those Hits.
Cognis-signum

The cognis-signum is an advanced array of sensory devices, cogitator-assisted communications and telemetry arrays. Installed into a purpose-modified suit of armour, these enable the wearer to coordinate battlefield data with blinding speed.

A cognis-signum allows more accurate attacks to be made with Barrage Weapons.

Instead of making a Shooting Attack with a Model with a cognis-signum, the Controlling Player may instead make an Intelligence Check. If the Check is passed, the Controlling Player may select a single enemy Unit within Line of Sight of the Model with a cognis-signum. The next time the selected enemy Unit is targeted by a Shooting Attack that includes any Weapons with the Barrage (X) Special Rule during the current Shooting Phase, the Controlling Player may make Hit Tests for the attacks that have the Barrage (X) Special Rule as normal, ignoring the limitations of the Barrage (X) Special Rule if the Unit making the Shooting Attack is without Line of Sight to the Target Unit. If the Check is not passed, the cognis-signum has no effect this turn.
Cyber-familiar

Utilised by Techmarines and the adepts of the Mechanicum, cyber-familiar is a term that encompasses a variety of semi-autonomous devices such as servo-skulls and other smaller drone units tied into the direct neural control of their operator. These are an extension of their master’s will and provide them with a host of additional senses and capabilities.

Cyber-familiars grant a bonus to Intelligence Checks.

The Controlling Player of a Model with a cyber-familiar can modify the results of Intelligence Checks made for that Model by -2.
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.
Glancing Hits – A Glancing Hit inflicts no Damage, however for each Glancing Hit, the attacking Player must roll once on the Vehicle Damage Table in Step 11 of the Shooting Attack process or Step 10 of the Initiative Step process (Players may find it useful to place a marker to remind them of this).
Armourbane

Heavy beams and armour-piercing cannon rarely inflict superficial damage, but always blast and break the hull of their target. Such weapons are superior tank killers, their sheer power prized over lesser weapons when the objective is to apply maximum damage without concern for finesse.

A Weapon with the Armourbane Special Rule counts Glancing Hits as Penetrating Hits.

When making Armour Penetration Tests for an attack with this Special Rule, a result that is equal to, or greater than, the target Armour Value inflicts a Penetrating Hit. A Weapon with this Special Rule can never inflict a Glancing Hit, and any Rule that would force them to do so instead inflicts a Penetrating Hit.
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.
Detonation

Designed to be carefully attached to a target and blast precise holes in the thickest armour, these cumbersome devices are ill-suited to open war. However, when a vulnerable target can be isolated in battle, there are no better tools for piercing its protection.

Weapons with this Special Rule can only attack Vehicles and immobile Models.

A Weapon or attack with this Special Rule may only be selected during Step 2 of any Combat in the Fight Sub-Phase if the Unit making attacks is only Locked in Combat with enemy Units composed of Models with the Vehicle Type and Models with a Movement Characteristic of ‘0’ or ‘-’. If a Unit is Locked in Combat with any enemy Units that include any Models that do not have the Vehicle Type or a Movement Characteristic of ‘0’ or ‘-’ then no Model may use a Weapon or other attack that has this Special Rule.

A Weapon or other attack with this Special Rule may also be used to make attacks targeting a Model with the Building Type or a Terrain Piece that has a Toughness or Armour Characteristic.

Melta bombs

Melee Weapon
Melee Weapon
IM
AM
SM
AP
D
Special Rules
Traits
Melta bombs
Melta bombs
-3
1
9
2
4
Armourbane, Detonation
-
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.

Rad grenades

Ranged Weapon
Ranged Weapon
R
FP
RS
AP
D
Special Rules
Traits
Rad grenades
Rad grenades
8
1
4
3
1
Poisoned (2+), Phage (T)
Rad
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.
Mechanicum Wargear
  • - Cortex controller
    +10 points
  • - Augury scanner
    +10 points
  • - Cognis-signum
    +15 points
  • - Cyber-familiar
    +20 points
  • - Servo-arm
    +15 points
  • - Melta bombs
    +10 points
  • - Rad grenades
    +20 points
  • - Nuncio-vox
    +10 points
COMBAT – A Combat is a reference to two or more Units conducting an ongoing struggle, where at least one Model from each Unit is in Base-to-Base Contact. Outside of the Assault Phase, a Combat is considered one entity and no other Unit may move through it or end a move within 1" of any Model in the Combat. No Unit in a Combat may be the target of any Shooting Attack.

The Cybernetica Trait is used in the following Forces of the Taghmata datasheets:

High Command
Command
• Magos
Troops
Transport
Heavy Transport
Rad Furnace

Most of the creations of the Mechanicum draw their power from atomantic or fusion reactors, but some few rely instead on so-called rad furnaces. These devices are based on ancient technology that burns far stronger than modem reactors, but floods the area with deadly radiation, rendering them useless for most applications. However, in battle the deleterious effect on radiation on the enemy becomes a benefit rather than a drawback - though it means that only the most extensively augmented magi can accompany such units into battle.

A Model with a rad furnace reduces the enemy’s Toughness while Locked in Combat.

Any Model, friendly or enemy, that is part of a Combat that includes one or more Models with a rad furnace must reduce its Toughness Characteristic by 1 while a part of that Combat in the Fight Sub-Phase. This reduction is not cumulative with the effects of the Phage (X) Special Rule. Models with a rad furnace, the Automata Type or the Cybernetica Trait are unaffected and do not reduce their Toughness Characteristic. Additionally, a Unit that is composed of a majority of Models with rad furnaces does not reduce any Characteristics due to the effects of the Phage (X) Special 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.
Mechanicum Magos Wargear
  • - Rad furnace
    +20 points
  • - Machinator array
    +20 points
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.

Difficulty:2Range:12"

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.

Difficulty:3Range:12"

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.

Difficulty:4Range:18"

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.

Difficulty:4Range:18"

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:

High Command
Command
• Magos
Heavy Assault
• Ursarax Cohort
Troops
War Engine
Transport
Heavy Transport
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.

Difficulty:2Range:12"

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.

Difficulty:4Range:12"

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:

High Command
Command
• Magos
Troops
Support
• Thallax Cohort
War Engine
Transport
Heavy Transport
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.

Difficulty:3Range:24"

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.

Difficulty:3Range:6"

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:

High Command
Command
• Magos
Troops
War Engine
Transport
Heavy Transport
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.

Difficulty:2Range:6"

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 Lacrymacrta Traits:
  • 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
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.
Pistol

Compact and deadly, pistols are ideal weapons in close quarters. They lack the sheer range of larger weapons, but can be brought to bear with impressive speed and are no less deadly than their larger counterparts.

A Model may attack with two Weapons that have the Pistol Special Rule.

During Step 3 of any Shooting Attack, a Player may choose to have a Model under their control make attacks with two Weapons rather than one if both Weapons have the Pistol 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.
Overload (X)

Some weapons are almost as dangerous to the wielder as to the foe. Supercharged powerpacks can explode in combat or volatile munitions can jam or even detonate, all of which can prove deadly to those charged with deploying such weapons.

Weapons with this Special Rule may inflict Hits on the Models making Shooting Attacks with them.

When the Controlling Player declares that attacks will be made for a Model using a Weapon or profile that has the Overload (X) Special Rule, any Hit Tests made for those attacks that result in a number that is equal to or less than the value of X attached to the variant of the Overload Special Rule that the Weapon had, before any modifiers are applied to the roll, are Misfires.

For Weapons that do not make Hit Tests, such as Weapons with the Template Special Rule, instead roll a number of dice equal to the Firepower Characteristic of the Weapon used to make the attack after the attack has been declared and the number of Models hit is determined. Each Dice that results in a number equal to or less than the value of X attached to the variant of the Overload Special Rule that the Weapon had creates a Misfire. This does not affect the number of Hits on the Target Unit created by this attack.

For each Misfire, the Unit for which the Hit Tests were made suffer a Hit - these Hits must form a new Fire Group or Strike Group, referred to as the ‘Misfire Group’.

Once the current Shooting Attack and any Reactions triggered by it have been fully resolved, the Misfire Group must be resolved. A Misfire Group is resolved in the same way as any other Fire Group or Strike Group, using the Profile of the Weapon used for the Fire Group or Strike Group it was created from. Wounds, Glancing Hits or Penetrating Hits from this Misfire Group are allocated by the Controlling Player, and must be allocated to a Model that made attacks as part of the Fire Group or Strike Group that generated the Misfire Group. If a Hit from a Misfire Group is generated by an attack made by a Model with the Vehicle Type, then it is resolved against the lowest Armour Value from all of the Model’s facings.

Hits, wounds or Casualties inflicted upon a Unit as a result of this Special Rule do not cause Leadership or Cool Checks, and Hits inflicted as part of a Misfire Group do not trigger any Special Rules that take effect as a result of a certain value on a Hit Test.
ENGAGED
A Model is Engaged if either:
  • That Model is in Base Contact with an enemy Model in the same Combat.
  • That Model is no more than 2" from another Model in the same Unit which is in Base Contact with an enemy Model.
Precision (X)

On the battlefields of the Horus Heresy, precision proves far more valuable than wanton carnage, allowing attacks to be placed on the most valuable targets and not the chaff of the enemy army. Whether through well-honed skill or artfully crafted weapons, warriors capable of such feats are highly sought after in any host.

Attacks made with the Precision (X) Special Rule are allocated by the Attacking Player, not the Defender.

When any Hit Test is made for an attack with the Precision (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 Precision (X) Special Rule, then if a Hit is inflicted by that roll, that Hit becomes a ‘Precision Hit’.

These Precision Hits must form a separate Fire Group or Strike Group. Wound Tests are made as normal for Precision Hits and cause Precision wounds. In Step 8 of the Shooting Attack process or Step 7 of the Initiative Step sequence, when selecting a Target Model for a Fire Group or Strike Group that is made up of Precision wounds, the Target Model is not selected using the normal Rules. Instead the attacking Player chooses which Model in the Target Unit will be the Target Model, and may select any Model that is a part of that Unit.

Note that Models Engaged in a Challenge cannot use this Special Rule to allocate Hits to any Model other than the enemy Model that is Engaged in the same Challenge and that any attacks which are made as Snap Shots, or for Weapons or attacks that have either the Blast (X), Barrage (X), Template or Reaping Blow (X) Special Rules, may never trigger the Precision (X) Special Rule no matter what the result of the Hit Test is.
Shred (X)

Designed to rip and tear flesh, some weapons are fearsome and intimidating tools of warfare. Whether by the gnashing teeth of a chainblade or the jagged edges of flechette ammunition, these weapons scythe great holes in the lines of even the toughest of infantry and the largest of warriors.

Attacks made with the Shred (X) Special Rule can sometimes inflict an extra point of Damage.

When any Wound Test is made for an attack with the Shred (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 Shred (X) Special Rule, then if a wound is inflicted by that Wound Test, the Damage Characteristic of that wound is increased by 1. Note that the Shred (X) Special Rule may only be triggered by a Wound Test and has no effect when making an Armour Penetration Test.
Armour-breaker (X)

Some weapons are designed to crack armour and deal massive damage to internal components of armoured fighting vehicles. Few tanks can withstand the firepower of such weapons for long.

Attacks made with the Armour-breaker (X) Special Rule can sometimes inflict an extra point of Damage.

When any Armour Penetration Test is made for an attack or Model with the Armour-breaker (X) Special Rule, and it results in a Penetrating Hit - roll a Dice. If the result of that Dice roll is equal to or greater than the value of X attached to this variant of the Armour-breaker (X) Special Rule, then the Damage Characteristic of that Penetrating Hit is increased by 1. Note that the Armour-breaker (X) Special Rule may only be triggered by an Armour Penetration Test and has no effect when making a Wound Test.
Power Weapons

These melee weapons are sheathed in disruption fields that allow them to cleave armour as though it were paper and annihilate flesh or bone with ease. They are both difficult to master, for a single mis-stroke can lead to catastrophe in a close packed melee, and expensive to manufacture and maintain, but are commonplace amongst the metal war-engines of the Mechanicum.

If a Model has a power weapon as part of its Wargear, you can select one of the following for that Model to have:
  • Power sword
  • Power axe
  • Power maul
  • Power lance
Melee Weapon
Melee Weapon
IM
AM
SM
AP
D
Special Rules
Traits
Power sword
Power sword
I
A
S
3
1
Breaching (6+)
Power
Power axe
Power axe
-1
A
+1
3
1
Breaching (5+)
Power
Power lance
Power lance
+1
A
S
3
1
Precision (6+)
Power
Power maul
Power maul
-1
A
+2
3
1
Breaching (6+)
Power
Thunder hammer
Thunder hammer
-2
A
+3
2
2
-
Power
Power fist
Power fist
-3
A
+4
2
2
-
Power
Scyllax combat array
Scyllax combat array
I
A
S
3
1
Breaching (5+)
Power
Domitar fists
Domitar fists
-1
A
+1
3
2
Breaching (5+), Armourbane
Power
Pair of power blades
Pair of power blades
I
A
S
3
1
Breaching (5+), Shred (5+)
Power
Pair of Ursarax claws
Pair of Ursarax claws
I
+3
S
3
1
Breaching (6+)
Power
Pair of Ursarax fists
Pair of Ursarax fists
-2
A
+2
2
2
-
Power
Gyges siege claw
Gyges siege claw
I
A
+5
3
3
Armour-breaker (5+), Breaching (5+)
Power
Paired Gyges siege claws
Paired Gyges siege claws
I
A
+6
3
4
Armour-breaker (5+), Breaching (5+)
Power

Thunder hammer

Melee Weapon
Melee Weapon
IM
AM
SM
AP
D
Special Rules
Traits
Thunder hammer
Thunder hammer
-2
A
+3
2
2
-
Power

Power fist

Melee Weapon
Melee Weapon
IM
AM
SM
AP
D
Special Rules
Traits
Power fist
Power fist
-3
A
+4
2
2
-
Power

Chainfist

Melee Weapon
Melee Weapon
IM
AM
SM
AP
D
Special Rules
Traits
Chainfist
Chainfist
-3
-1
+6
2
2
Armourbane, Shred (6+)
Chain

Chainsword

Melee Weapon
Melee Weapon
IM
AM
SM
AP
D
Special Rules
Traits
Chainsword
Chainsword
I
A
S
5
1
Shred (6+)
Chain

Chainaxe

Melee Weapon
Melee Weapon
IM
AM
SM
AP
D
Special Rules
Traits
Chainaxe
Chainaxe
-1
A
+1
5
1
Shred (6+)
Chain

Heavy chainsword

Melee Weapon
Melee Weapon
IM
AM
SM
AP
D
Special Rules
Traits
Heavy chainsword
Heavy chainsword
-1
A
+2
4
1
Shred (6+)
Chain

Heavy chainaxe

Melee Weapon
Melee Weapon
IM
AM
SM
AP
D
Special Rules
Traits
Heavy chainaxe
Heavy chainaxe
-2
A
+3
4
1
Shred (6+)
Chain
Mechanicum Melee Weapons
  • - Power weapon
    +10 points
  • - Thunder hammer
    +15 points
  • - Power fist
    +15 points
  • - Chainfist
    +10 points
  • - Chainsword
    Free
  • - Chainaxe
    Free
  • - Heavy chainsword
    +5 points
  • - Heavy chainaxe
    +5 points

Bolt pistol

Ranged Weapon
Ranged Weapon
R
FP
RS
AP
D
Special Rules
Traits
Bolt pistol
Bolt pistol
12
1
4
5
1
Pistol
Assault, Bolt
Deflagrate (X)

Exotic beam weapons of arcing energy or sequential explosions triggered by the death of the first victim, some weapons cause not a single casualty, but a slew of them. Such weapons are wielded with grim efficiency against close packed formations of troops on the battlefields of the Horus Heresy. The most well-known examples are the volkite weapons of Mars, but many others are known.

Unsaved Wounds inflicted by attacks with the Deflagrate (X) Special Rule can cause additional Hits.

At the end of Step 9 of the Shooting Attack process for any Fire Group or Strike Group that includes Weapons with the Deflagrate (X) Special Rule, create a new Fire Group or Strike Group that must then be selected in Step 10 and resolved. This new Fire Group or Strike Group includes a number of Hits equal to the number of Unsaved Wounds caused by the Fire Group or Strike Group that triggered its creation. These Hits all have a Strength equal to the value of X attached to the variant of the Deflagrate (X) Special Rule possessed by Weapons in the preceding Fire Group or Strike Group, an AP of a Damage of 1 and no Special Rules.

Volkite serpenta

Ranged Weapon
Ranged Weapon
R
FP
RS
AP
D
Special Rules
Traits
Volkite serpenta
Volkite serpenta
10
2
5
5
1
Pistol, Deflagrate (5)
Assault, Volkite

Plasma pistol

Ranged Weapon
Ranged Weapon
R
FP
RS
AP
D
Special Rules
Traits
Plasma pistol
Plasma pistol
- Sustained fire
- Sustained fire
12
1
6
4
1
Pistol, Breaching (6+)
Assault, Plasma
- Maximal fire
- Maximal fire
12
1
7
4
1
Pistol, Breaching (5+), Overload (1)
Assault, Plasma
Mechanicum Pistols
  • - Bolt pistol
    Free
  • - Volkite serpenta
    +5 points
  • - Plasma pistol
    +10 points

Volkite charger

Ranged Weapon
Ranged Weapon
R
FP
RS
AP
D
Special Rules
Traits
Volkite charger
Volkite charger
15
2
5
5
1
Deflagrate (5)
Assault, Volkite

Maxima bolter

Ranged Weapon
Ranged Weapon
R
FP
RS
AP
D
Special Rules
Traits
Maxima bolter
Maxima bolter
18
3
4
5
1
-
Assault, Bolt
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.

Meltagun

Ranged Weapon
Ranged Weapon
R
FP
RS
AP
D
Special Rules
Traits
Meltagun
Meltagun
12
1
8
2
3
Melta (6)
Melta
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
Template

Template weapons shoot clouds of fire, gas or other lethal substances, rather than shells or bullets.

Weapons and attacks with the Template Special Rule use the Flame Template to determine how many Models they Hit.

When making attacks for a Weapon or other effect that has the Template Special Rule, or otherwise uses a Template, no Hit Tests are made for the attack. Instead, when directed to make Hit Tests for such an attack, a single Template is placed to determine how many Hits are generated. A Template must be placed so that its narrow end is touching the Base of the Model, the edge of a Model’s Hull (if it has the Vehicle Type) or other point being used to make the attack, and so that no part of the Template covers or touches a friendly Model’s Base, Hull or otherwise would inflict Hits on a friendly Model. Within these restrictions, the Player making the attack may place the Template in an orientation of their choosing as long as at least one Model from the original Target Unit remains under the Template. If the Template cannot be placed under these restrictions, such as if it cannot be placed without covering or touching friendly Models, then no attack may be made.

Once the Template has been placed, a number of Hits using the profile of the Weapon or effect are inflicted on the Target Unit equal to the number of Models touched or covered by the Template. If the Weapon or attack has a Firepower Characteristic greater than 1 then only a single Template is placed, but the number of Hits inflicted per Model touched or covered by the Template is equal to the Firepower Characteristic of the attack or Weapon. If more than one enemy Unit has Models that are touched or covered by the Template in its final position, then Hits are inflicted on all such Units as noted above, Hits on Units other than the original target form a new Fire Group that must be placed to one side and used to resolve a separate Shooting Attack on the additional Target Unit once all attacks and Fire Groups from the original Shooting Attack have been fully resolved. When resolving Armour Penetration Tests for Hits inflicted by a Weapon with this Special Rule, the position of the Model that was used to make the attack is used to determine which Armour Facing is used.

Note that the Rules require a Template to be placed in Base Contact with the Model being used to make the attack, but this Model is not counted as having been Hit by the attack and does not stop the attack from being made. However, this only applies to the individual Model being used to make the attack, not to other Models in the same Unit.

Weapons with this Special Rule will have their Range Characteristic as Template’. This does not count as a value of ‘0’ or ‘-’. If a Rule requires a number for the Range Characteristic then all Weapons and attacks with this Special Rule are considered to have a Range Characteristic of ‘8’.

OTHER TEMPLATES
In some rare cases a Weapon may use a different Template than the standard Flame Template, in these cases the Template Rule may be expressed with a bracketed section stating which Template must be used when attacking with that Weapon. Otherwise, the Rules for its use are unchanged from those noted under the Template Special Rule, with the exception of the Range Characteristic it is considered to have.

An example of this is the use of the Hellstorm Template for certain very large Weapons. In this case the Rule would be expressed as ‘Template (Hellstorm)’ and the attack would be resolved using the Template Special Rule, but placing the larger Hellstorm Template. Weapons with the Template (Hellstorm) Special Rule are considered to have a Range Characteristic of ‘16’ when a Rule requires such weapons to have a numbered Range Characteristic.
Panic (X)

Some weapons are so terrifyingly potent that their use instils abject fear in even the most strong-willed warriors. In the face of such wanton power the target can only flee or prepare for death, for few would live to tell of the true horrors of the Age of Darkness once they were unleashed on the battlefield.

Weapons and other attacks that have the Panic (X) Special Rule have a chance of inflicting the Routed 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 Leadership Check in the Morale Sub-Phase of the same Player Turn. If this Check is failed then all Models in the Unit gain the Routed 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 Leadership 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.

Flamer

Ranged Weapon
Ranged Weapon
R
FP
RS
AP
D
Special Rules
Traits
Flamer
Flamer
Template
1
4
5
1
Template, Panic (1)
Flame
Mechanicum Ranged Weapons
  • - Volkite charger
    +5 points
  • - Maxima bolter
    +5 points
  • - Meltagun
    +15 points
  • - Graviton gun
    +10 points
  • - Flamer
    +5 points
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.

Phased plasma-fusil

Ranged Weapon
Ranged Weapon
R
FP
RS
AP
D
Special Rules
Traits
Phased plasma-fusil
Phased plasma-fusil
24
3
5
3
1
Breaching (5+)
Plasma

Irad-cleanser

Ranged Weapon
Ranged Weapon
R
FP
RS
AP
D
Special Rules
Traits
Irad-cleanser
Irad-cleanser
Template
1
2
5
1
Template, Phage (T), Poisoned (2+), Panic (1)
Rad
Army List
Datasheets collated
High Command
• Archmagos
• Archmagos on Abeyant
Troops
• Tech-priest
Transport
• Mechanicum Termite
Faction Rules
• The Mechanicum Taghmata Army List
• Mechanicum Taghmata Auxiliary Detachments
• Wargear Lists
• High Tech Arcana Rules
• Archimandrite
• Cybernetica
• Lacrymaerta
• Macrotek
• Malagra
• Myrmidax
• Reductor
• Cybertheurgy
• Lacrymaerta Cybertheurgic Rites
• Reductor Cybertheurgic Rites
• Esoteric Cybertheurgic Rites
• Machina Malefica
• Special Rules
• Wargear
• Armoury of the Mechanicum Taghmata

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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.
Heavy

Intended to break the lines of the foe or to hold the most dangerous of positions, heavy troops trade speed and manoeuvrability for indomitable toughness and stubborn tenacity.

The following Rules apply to all Models with the Heavy Sub-Type:
  • A Unit that includes only Models with the Heavy Sub-Type gains a bonus of +1 to its Cool Characteristic for Checks to avoid gaining Tactical Statuses.
  • A Unit that includes any Models with the Heavy Sub-Type may not Rush.
  • A Unit that includes any Models with the Heavy Sub-Type only uses its Movement Characteristic to determine how far it moves as part of a Set-up Move, not Movement and Initiative totalled.
Implacable Advance

The wargear of many Legiones Astartes warriors and war machines incorporates a variety of targeting and stabilisation systems, enabling larger weaponry to be brought to bear even at close ranges.

Models with this Special Rule can make Volley Attacks with other Weapons.

The Controlling Player of a Model with this Special Rule treats all Ranged Weapons such a Model has that do not have any variant of the Heavy (X) Special Rule or Ordnance (X) Special Rule as having the Assault Trait.
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

This datasheet has Command Battlefield Role. Full list of Forces of the Taghmata units sharing same Battlefield Role follows:

COMMAND – The line officers of an Army.
Officer of the Line (X)

Some officers are not renowned for their skills in combat or for the great glories they have won, but rather for their steadfast leadership and skill in logistics. Often unassuming and under-appreciated, it is these warriors that hold the armies of the Imperium together and only the most foolish general will overlook them in favour of more vainglorious officers.

Models with this Special Rule allow more Auxiliary Detachments to be included in an Army.

If a Model with this Special Rule is selected to fill a Command Slot in any Detachment in the Crusade Force Organisation Chart, then the Controlling Player may select a number of Auxiliary Detachments equal to the value of X in the specific variant of this Special Rule instead of just one.
© Vyacheslav Maltsev 2013-2026