Principles of Combat

The Principles of Combat are the basic Rules of the game, and will explain how to undertake all basic and advanced game actions - such as attacking or moving.

This section contains all of the Rules that govern resolving actions in a Battle, from moving and attacking, to Tactical Statuses and Reactions. The section that follows, The Rules of Battle, covers when these actions are resolved and in what order - as well as detailing any unique Rules that occur in the Phases of a Turn.

This section is broken down into two discrete parts: Basic Principles and Advanced Principles. Basic Principles covers making attacks and moving Models, as well as the Model Characteristics and Model Types required to resolve such actions. Advanced Principles covers Tactical Statuses, Reactions, Psychic Powers and more advanced Rules for Models that use the Vehicle Type, and Models that use the Flyer Sub-Type.

Characteristics

This section presents all of the Rules for recording and understanding the Characteristics used to represent Models, Units and Weapons.

Characteristics are sets of values attached to Models and Wargear and determine how effective they are in a Battle. Models and Wargear have different sets of Characteristics and some Types modify which Characteristics are used by certain Models. Every Model and item of Wargear will have a Profile that lists all of the Characteristics needed and the numbers associated with those Characteristics.

All Characteristics are represented by a single number, indicating how powerful they are - with higher numbers indicating a greater ability and referred to as their ‘value’. In some cases this value may be shown not as a number, but as another Characteristic - this second Characteristic is referred to as the Reference Characteristic.

For example, the Strength Modifier Characteristic of a chainsword (a Weapon) might be listed as ‘S’ rather than a number. This indicates that the Strength Modifier Characteristic of that Weapon is the same as the Strength Characteristic of the Model that has it.

In these cases the Current Value of the Reference Characteristic is considered the Base Value of the Characteristic whose value is to be determined (when the Current Value of the Reference Characteristic changes, so too does the Base Value of the Characteristic it determines). No Characteristic may have a value less than 0.

The value shown for a Characteristic as part of a Model or Wargear profile is known as its ‘Base Value’ - this can be modified during gameplay by Special Rules and attacks, this modified value is referred to as its ‘Current Value’. Certain Characteristics, such as Movement and Wounds, will have additional effects when reduced to a value of 0. This will be noted and explained in the Rules for that Characteristic.

The exception to these Rules are a Sub-Type of Characteristic referred to as Saving Throws, the most common of these being Armour Saves. Saving Throws are represented by a number indicating the minimum result needed to succeed on a Test using that Save, and as such lower numbers are more valuable. In addition, Saving Throws will usually have a ‘+’ symbol after their numerical value to distinguish them from other Characteristics.

Maximum and Minimum Characteristic Values

When modifying most Characteristics there are specific limits to the degree to which they can be modified. These limits vary depending on whether a Player is attempting to increase or decrease the Characteristic and the type of Characteristic being modified.

In all cases a modifier cannot change the value of a Characteristic to a negative value or to a fractional value. If a modifier would adjust the value of a Characteristic below 0, then that Characteristic is instead changed to a Current Value of 0, while if a modifier would leave a Characteristic at a fractional value, then the Current Value of the Characteristic is rounded down to the nearest whole integer.

However, when increasing a Characteristic it may be increased above its Base Value and can be increased to any value, with no upper limit. In practice there will be few occasions where an increase above a value of 10 applies a substantial benefit to rolls, but it is possible for most Characteristics. For certain types of Characteristics, most notably Saving Throws, these limits do not apply. In these cases, specific Rules will be presented to explain what the limits for those Characteristics are.

Model Characteristics

Most Models use the same set of Core Characteristics, all defined below. Some Models have alternative Characteristics - most notably Models with the Vehicle Type, the most common of these are defined in this section, while rarer examples will be defined as part of the Rules that introduce them.

Core Characteristics

The following Core Characteristics are used to undertake all the most common actions that form the Age of Darkness Rules, and will be referred to in every Phase and Turn of a Battle. Almost every Model in the game uses these Core Characteristics, though Models with certain Types may either remove or replace certain of these Characteristics (see the Rules for Types for more details).

All Core Characteristics are represented by a single number, and higher values always indicate a more powerful ability. During a Battle, Core Characteristics are primarily used to resolve Tests.

• 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).
• 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.

Damage Characteristics

The following sub-type of Characteristic is used to represent a Model’s ability to sustain damage without being destroyed. The two most common Damage Characteristics are those used to represent this for Models with and without the Vehicle Type.

• 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.
• Hull Points (HP) – The Hull Points Characteristic is primarily used to determine a Model with the Vehicle Type’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 Hull Points Characteristic is reduced to 0 that Model is removed from play as a Casualty, see the Rules for Destroyed Vehicles here.

Advanced Characteristics

The following Sub-Type of Characteristics are only used for Models with certain Types, and cover the Rules for Tactical Statuses, Psychic Powers and other Special Rules. These Characteristics will tend to have a higher Base Value than Core Characteristics, though a higher value still indicates a more powerful ability, and are meant to set the Target Number for Checks rather than Tests.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Saving Throws

Saving Throws are a sub-type of Characteristic not used by all Types. Unlike most other types of Characteristics, Saving Throws represented by a lower value are better than Saving Throws represented by a higher value. All Saving Throws are recorded as a single number followed by a ‘+’ sign.

• 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.
• Cover Save (COV) – A Cover Save is used to negate wounds that would normally ignore or bypass an Armour Test. Few Models will have a Cover Save Characteristic, but other Rules may grant them one temporarily - such as Area Terrain. When a Model’s Cover Save is at its minimum value of ‘-’, that Model may not make Cover Tests.

Wargear Characteristics

In the same manner as Models, certain types of Wargear also have Characteristics. The only type of Wargear item to have Characteristics in the Core Rules are Weapons, though in future publications other types of Wargear with Characteristics may be introduced.

Weapons are split into two main categories: Ranged and Melee, which use slightly different sets of Characteristics, all defined as follows. Some Weapons may have additional or alternative Characteristics - these will be defined as part of the Rules that introduce them.

The following Characteristics apply to Ranged Weapons. For more details on Ranged Weapon Characteristics and the Rules that govern them, see the Rules for Shooting Attacks.

• 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 arc 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.

The following Characteristics apply to Melee Weapons. For more details on Melee Weapon Characteristics and the Rules that govern them, see the Rules for Melee Attacks.

• 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.
• 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 or Penetrating Hit from a Weapon are 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.

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.

Core Types

Core Types are those provided by the Core Rules and detail the most common Types available. Future publications may add further Types to the game, these would follow all the Rules for Types but would not be referred to as ‘Core Types’.

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.

Cavalry

Cavalry use their fast speed to strike deep into enemy territory and escape before their opponent is able to react. This type includes units mounted on bikes, jetbikes, land speeders and even traditional cavalry mounted on riding beasts.

The following Rules apply to all Models with the Cavalry Type:

• When making a Fall Back Move for a Model with the Cavalry Type, that Model moves a distance equal to the Initiative Characteristic of the Model plus the total of two Dice rolled and added together.
• Models with the Cavalry Type may not make use of any Cover Save granted by Terrain Features or Areas of Terrain.

Paragon

Mightiest of all the Emperor’s creations and the greatest warriors and generals of their age, the Primarchs of the Space Marine Legions epitomise the dark ages of the Horus Heresy. These colossi of war were powerful beyond the capabilities of any mortal warrior or steel-forged automata - for their only equal was another of their own kind.

The following Rules apply to all Models with the Paragon Type:

• Any Hits inflicted by a Model with the Paragon Type, as part of either Shooting Attacks or in close combat, are allocated by the attacking Model’s Controlling Player and not the Controlling Player of the Target Unit.
• Models with the Paragon Type may join and leave a Unit that includes Models with the Infantry Type, and Models with the Infantry Type may join and leave a Unit that includes one or more Models with the Paragon Type.
• Models with the Paragon Type may Embark and Disembark upon Models with the Transport Sub-Type.
• A Model with the Paragon Type may Issue and Accept Challenges.
• The Controlling Player of a Unit that includes one or more Models with the Paragon Type may use the Characteristics of one of those Models to resolve any Characteristic Checks made for that Unit.
• In Step 1 of the Resolution Sub-Phase, when deciding how many Models a Player controls in a Combat, a Model with the Paragon Type counts as a number of Models equal to that Model’s Base Wounds Value.

Automata

The steel warriors of the Mechanicmn are unlike any other force in the galaxy, unflinching automatons of logic engrams and gears. Though far more rugged than even the Emperor’s Legiones Astartes, they are bound to the unchanging dictates of their programming and lack the tactical flexibility of flesh and blood warriors.

The following Rules apply to all Models with the Automata Type:

• Models with the Automata Type cannot gain any Tactical Statuses and are considered to automatically pass any Check made to avoid gaining a Tactical Status.
• When targeting a Unit that includes any Models with the Automata Type, the effects of the Poisoned (X) Special Rule only trigger on a Wound Test with a result of a ‘6’ before modifiers are applied, regardless of the value of X for that variant of the Special Rule.
• A Unit that includes one or more Models with the Automata Type may not make Reactions.

Core Sub-Types

Core Sub-Types are those provided by the Core Rules and detail the most common Sub-Types available. Future publications may add further Sub-Types to the game, these would follow all the Rules for Sub-Types but would not be referred to as ‘Core Sub-Types’. In all cases, Sub-Types are presented after the base Type in brackets. For example, a Legion Cataphractii Terminator Sergeant has the following base Type and Sub-Types: Infantry (Sergeant, Heavy).

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.

Champion

At the front of any charge and the heart of any defensive line are an army’s champions. These warriors stand ever ready to accept the challenge of their foes and inspire their allies.

The following Rules apply to all Models with the Champion Sub-Type:

• A Model with the Champion Sub-Type may Issue and Accept Challenges.

Specialist

Some warriors are renowned not purely for their skill at arms, but for the specific skills they bring to the aid of their fellows. Such warriors move among the ranks as they are needed, taking up position to use their abilities to the greatest advantage amid the shifting tide of battle.

The following Rules apply to all Models with the Specialist Sub-Type:

• A Model with the Specialist Sub-Type may join and leave Units.

Sergeant

The humble sergeant stands as one of the greatest weapons in the arsenals of any army. Skilled in war and in leadership, each sergeant is the beating heart of their unit and the cornerstone upon which victory is built.

The following Rules apply to all Models with the Sergeant Sub-Type:

• The Controlling Player of a Unit that includes one or more Models with the Sergeant Sub-Type may use the Characteristics of one of those Models to resolve any Characteristic Check made for that Unit.

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.

Light

Light troops are equipped and trained to fight on the move, pausing only briefly and trusting to speed over cover or heavy armour. Many armies will make use of such warriors as scouts, but they also serve as harassers and pursuit troops.

The following Rules apply to all Models with the Light Sub-Type:

• A Unit that includes only Models with the Light Sub-Type gains a +2 modifier to its Initiative when determining how far that Unit may Rush (this bonus stacks with other bonuses to Rush distance).
• A Unit that includes only Models with the Light Sub-Type may make Shooting Attacks after having Rushed, but makes all such Shooting Attacks as Snap Shots. Models or Weapons that cannot attack as Snap Shots may not make attacks.

Skirmish

Intended to scout enemy positions and screen the advance of heavier units. Skirmishers rely on speed and use of cover to survive rather than heavy armour. Such troops rarely fare well when pitted in open battle against true shock infantry.

The following Rules apply to all Models with the Skirmish Sub-Type:

• A Unit that includes only Models with the Skirmish Sub-Type has a Unit Coherency range of 3" rather than 2".

Transport

From armoured transports, to fleet orbital shuttles and even more esoteric modes of travel, mounting infantry atop faster moving transports is an ancient tactic. The best transports offer a safe haven for fragile infantry as well as a means to traverse even the most difficult terrain at speed.

All Models with the Transport Sub-Type are bound by a set of Rules regarding how they operate:

• All Models with the Transport Sub-Type have a Transport Capacity Characteristic, which determines the maximum number of Models that can Embark upon it - one Model per point of Transport Capacity, unless another Rule states otherwise.
• Only Models with the Infantry or Paragon Type may Embark or Disembark upon a Model with the Transport Sub-Type.
• A Unit may only Embark on a Model with the Transport Sub-Type if all Models in the Embarking Unit have the same Faction as the Model with the Transport Sub-Type.
• A Model with the Transport Sub-Type may only have a single Unit Embarked upon it at any one time (Models with the Specialist Sub-Type, Command Sub-Type or Paragon Type that have joined a Unit are considered part of that Unit and may Embark alongside it).
• A Unit may not be partially Embarked on a Model with the Transport Sub-Type - either all Models or no Models in a Unit may be Embarked on a given Model.
• If a Model with the Transport Sub-Type has a Unit Embarked upon it, the Embarked Unit is not considered part of the same Unit. The two remain separate Units for all purposes.

Unit Coherency

To be in Unit Coherency all Models in a Unit must be no more than 2" measured horizontally or 6" vertically from at least one other Model that is in the same Unit. In addition, all Models in a given Unit must form one contiguous group while also maintaining Unit Coherency, and even if the Models retain Coherency may not split into separate groups. When measuring distance to determine if a Unit is in Unit Coherency, all distances are measured Base-to-Base (see the Rules for Measuring).

The example pictured above shows a Unit of Salamanders in Unit Coherency - all of the Models form one contiguous group with no more than 2" between each Model and at least one other member of the same Unit.

A Unit must remain in Unit Coherency while on the Battlefield. All Models in a Unit that is being moved must end that move in Unit Coherency - if they cannot then they may not be moved. When removing Models from a Unit, Models may be removed in a manner that means the Unit will no longer be in Unit Coherency, however, note this may lead to penalties being applied - see the Rules for Out of Coherency below.

Joining and Leaving Units

A Model with the Command or Specialist Sub-Type, or the Paragon Type, may join and leave Units during a Battle - this is the only exception to the Rule that Models in a Unit must remain part of that Unit. A Model that cannot move for any reason, has the Routed Status, is Locked in Combat, or that is Embarked on any other Model may not join or leave any Unit. A Model may only join a Unit if all Models in the Unit it is joining have the same Type as that Model, joining and Leaving a Unit occurs during the Movement Phase and is conducted as follows:

Joining a Unit

To join a Unit, a Model with the Specialist or Command Sub-Type, or the Paragon Type, must be in Unit Coherency with the Unit that it is to join at the end of the Move Sub-Phase of the Movement Phase. Then the Controlling Player need only declare that it has joined the Unit, at which point that Model is considered part of the Unit. There is no limit to the number of Models that can join a given Unit in a single Phase. If a Unit is joined by one or more Models, it may not Move further in the same Phase.

A Model that joins a Unit will gain any and all Tactical Statuses affecting that Unit - but will not gain the effects of any Special Rules possessed by other Models in that Unit. Likewise, if the joining Model is under the effects of any Tactical Statuses, then all other Models in the Unit it has joined will gain the same Statuses - but will not gain any Special Rules possessed by the joining Model.

Leaving a Unit

To leave a Unit that it is part of, a Model with the Specialist or Command Sub-Type, or the Paragon Type, must remain in Unit Coherency with the Unit it is part of until the Unit is selected to move during the Move Sub-Phase. When the Unit is selected, the Controlling Player may declare that any or all Models in that Unit with the Specialist, or Command Sub-Types, or the Paragon Type, may leave the Unit. At this point any Models that the Controlling Player wishes to have leave the Unit must be moved, and must end that move out of Coherency with the Unit that those Models are leaving. If, after moving, the Models leaving the Unit are out of Coherency with the Unit they began the Phase part of, then they are now treated as a separate Unit - but may not be selected in the same Movement Phase to make further moves. If multiple Models are leaving the same Unit and any arc in Coherency with each other after having moved, then those Models must form a new Unit. Once any Models that the Controlling Player has declared will leave the Unit have moved, then the Unit that was originally selected may be moved. Note that if a Model leaves a Unit while under the effects of a Tactical Status, it remains under the effect of that Status once it has left the Unit.

Joining or Leaving Units in Reserves

Whilst a Model with the Specialist or Command Sub-Types or Paragon Type is in Reserve the Controlling Player may have it join or leave any Unit they control that is also in Reserves during the Start Phase of each Turn. The usual restrictions apply to which Units may or may not be joined. This must be declared to all other Players and cannot be changed until the following Battle Turn. If a Model joins a Unit in Reserves then if a Reserves Roll is made to bring the Unit it has joined into play, its result counts for any Models that have joined that Unit and they arc not rolled for separately. Any number of Models with the Specialist or Command Sub-Type or Paragon Type may join or leave the same or different Units in the Start Phase, and Models with either the Specialist or Command Sub-Type or Paragon Type may both leave and join Units in the same Phase while in Reserves. A Unit that has been joined by Models that were not part of it at the start of the Battle which enters Reserves remains a single Unit and those Models that have joined remain part of the Unit unless the procedure described in this Rule is used to remove them.

Recording Distances

In the Age of Darkness Rules all distances are measured in inches. These distances are often abbreviated in the following manner: X", where X is the number of inches. As such a distance of six inches will be noted in the Rules as 6". On occasion, Players may encounter larger distances recorded as feet instead of inches, in this case the distance is abbreviated as: X’, where X equals the number of feet. So the notation 4’ would indicate a distance of four foot, or 48 inches.

Who Can Measure When?

While many Rules will call for specific Players to make measurements at set points in the Battle, there is no limit to when or how often any Player may measure any distance on the Battlefield. As such, at any point during the Battle any Player may choose to measure the distance between any two Models or any two points on the Battlefield without reason or a Rule requiring them to do so.

Measuring the Distance Between Models

Where a Model being measured to or from does not have a Base, then distances to and from that Model must be measured to the centre mass, or hull, of the Model. Models without Bases will almost always be of the Vehicle Type, and for such Models the centre mass is defined as the edge of the hull (see Vehicles and Damage) - not the furthest edge of a Weapon barrel, wingtip or other extremity of the Model.


Some Markers, such as Objective Markers, will be modelled on Bases of varying sizes or represented by solid tokens and these form an exception to the regular Rules. When measuring the distance between a Marker of any kind and another point Marker or Model, measure from the centre of the Marker’s Base or the centre of the token used to represent the Marker.

Measuring the Distance Between Points on the Battlefield

When measuring between two points on the Battlefield that are not Models, Terrain Pieces or a Marker of some sort, then distances must be measured from the exact point. When measuring to the exact point, obstructions such as Bases, Impassable Terrain or Areas of Terrain arc ignored and do not change the position to which any distances are measured if they overlap the position of the point in question.

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.

Area Terrain only obstructs Line of Sight if the line passes through more than 3" of an Area of Terrain - except for Heavy Area Terrain, which always obstructs Line of Sight, and Light Area Terrain, which never blocks Line of Sight. Models that do not have the Vehicle Type do not obstruct Line of Sight regardless of their size. Models that are Embarked on another Model, in Reserves or otherwise not on the Battlefield never have Line of Sight to any other Model. Note that if a Model has Line of Sight to another Model, then that Model must have Line of Sight to the first Model, and that a Model is always considered to have Line of Sight to itself and is always considered to be in range of itself while it is on the Battlefield.

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.

Rolling Dice

Most actions taken by a Player during an Age of Darkness Battle will involve rolling Dice to decide upon the success of that action. When the Rules refer to ‘Dice’ in the context of Battles in the Age of Darkness games, this indicates a six-sided Dice, with each side of the Dice displaying a different number from 1 to 6 (sometimes the Rules will refer to ‘Scatter Dice’, these are still six-sided dice, but with specific symbols instead of numbers - Rules for which are found here). Sometimes a Player may have standard Dice where a single face replaces a single number (usually 1 or 6) with a decorative icon, in these cases that icon is read as the missing number and Players should make it plain to their opponent when they are using such Dice.

Cocked Dice Examples

The uppermost face on this Dice is not obvious and more than one face could be used to determine the result - it is classed as a Cocked Dice and must be Re-rolled.

While this Dice is slightly askew, one of its faces is obviously uppermost and can be easily read. It is not a Cocked Dice and should be used as is to determine the roll’s result.

Scatter Dice

Scatter Dice are a special case and use a number of unique Rules when rolled. These Dice are used for determining random directions when an attack is deviating from the original target point. Primarily this occurs as part of a Scatter Roll or an Indirect Scatter Roll.

Scatter Rolls

A Scatter roll is made by rolling a single Scatter Dice and a single standard Dice and requires a target point be designated (For attacks using the Blast (X) Special rule this will be the centre point of the Blast Marker). Once a Scatter Dice is roiled it must be left in the position it rests at and not moved, as the orientation of the Scatter Dice is important to interpreting its result. Once rolled the uppermost face of the Scatter Dice will either be showing an arrow or a ‘HIT’ icon. If it is showing an arrow then the direction in which the arrow points as the Dice lays is the ‘Direction of Scatter’, while if it shows the ‘HIT’ icon the Direction of Scatter is shown by a small arrow of chevron included as part of that dice face. The target point must then be moved a number of inches equal to the result of the standard Dice rolled in the Direction of Scatter decided by the Scatter Dice.

Tests & Checks

There are two main types of roll that are made while resolving a Battle: Tests and Checks. While other types of roll do exist, they are only used for a single specific purpose, while Tests and Checks cover the vast majority of Dice rolling in a Battle.

Where a roll is considered a Test or a Check it will be noted in that roll’s name. For example, a Panic Check is a type of Check, while a Hit Test is a type of Test. Rolls other than Tests or Checks will be fully described as part of those Rules that require their use.

Characteristic Tests

Some Rules will call for a Characteristic Test, referring to it by the name of the Characteristic to be Tested - Strength Test, Initiative Test, etc. These Tests follow a set procedure as noted here. Characteristic Tests and Characteristic Checks are very different and should not be confused in play.

A Characteristic Test uses a specific Characteristic as the Target Number of the Test, always the Characteristic named when the Test is called for. For example, a Strength Test uses a Model’s Strength Characteristic as the Target Number of the Test. One Dice is rolled for each Model required to take the Characteristic Test and the result of that Dice roll compared to the Target Number to decide if it was successful.

Unlike a regular Test, a Characteristic Test is successful if the result of the Dice roll is equal to or less than the Target Number and is failed if the result of the Dice roll is higher than the Target Number.

Note that Characteristic Tests cannot be made for the Leadership, Cool, Intelligence and Willpower Characteristics - these Characteristics use Characteristic Checks instead.

Batch Rolling

Often, Tests will be made for a number of Models at the same time. It is perfectly permissible to make each Test individually, rolling one Dice at a time to determine its result. However, for large groups of Models it is often preferred to roll all of the Dice at once and then sort the rolled Dice into those that have failed and those that have succeeded - do note that Dice rolled as part of a Test must only be rolled as a batch when all of the Dice being rolled have the same Target Number and are being rolled for Models which all have the same Characteristic values and Weapons. Where groups of Models have different Characteristic values, Target Numbers or Weapons the Dice rolled for them should be rolled separately so it is easy to sec which Dice relate to which Model.

For example, when making Shooting Attacks with a Unit of ten Legionaries including seven Models with BS 4 and bolters, two Models with BS 4 and a plasma gun and one Model with BS 5 and a plasma pistol the Dice would need to be rolled in three batches. This means that all successes can be easily tied to the Model/Weapon which inflicted them for any further Tests needed.

Checks

In order to make a Check, the rolling Player rolls two Dice and compares the total of the two results against a Target Number. If the combined result of the two rolled Dice is equal to or lower than the Target Number then the Check has been passed, but if the combined result of the two Dice is higher than the Target Number then the Check has been failed.

The Target Number for most Checks is determined by one of the Characteristics of the Model for which the Check is made (only Cool, Willpower, Intelligence or Leadership may be used for Characteristic Checks), unless stated otherwise the Target Number for a Check will be the value of the noted Characteristic, though some Rules may apply additional modifiers or use a fixed value instead of a Characteristic.

Modifiers For Tests And Checks

Just as with Characteristics, rolls and their results can be modified by various Game and Special Rules, temporarily altering the number of Dice rolled, the results of individual Dice or the result of the roll when totalled. In all cases a Rule will specifically instruct Players on both when to apply a modifier to a roll and what form that modifier will take, but a number of specific Rules are used when applying modifiers to rolls in different ways.

Modifying Individual Dice

The most common modifiers will add or subtract a fixed number from the result of each individual Dice rolled. Such modifiers will either reference the specific Type of roll to which they apply or state the value of the modifier to be applied, for example:

‘+1 to all Hit Tests made as part of this attack’ or ‘+1 to all Dice rolled as part of this action.’

In this case both modifiers instruct the Player to add one to the value of each individual Dice that is rolled and note the duration of the modifier. Some modifiers may also call for the result of a Dice to be divided or multiplied, and these will also specify the type of roll to which they apply, though it is rare for these modifiers to be applied to Test or Check results and more common for simple rolls. In all cases the modifier will also indicate how the result should be divided or multiplied, for example:

‘Halve (divide by 2) the result of the Dice rolled to determine how much Damage is inflicted by this attack’or ‘Double (multiply by 2) the result of the Dice rolled to determine how much Damage is inflicted by this attack’.

In this case both modifiers instruct the Player to divide or multiply the result of a single Dice rolled to determine a number and note the duration of the modifier.

The value of a modifier of this type is applied directly to the result of a Dice. As such, a Dice rolled that results in a ‘4’ on its uppermost face to which a +1 modifier is applied would have its result changed to ‘5’. Modifiers of this type cannot modify the result of a Dice to a value greater than ‘6’ or less than ‘1’, where a modifier would do so it simply changes the result to ‘1’ or ‘6’ as appropriate. Where multiple modifiers are applied to the result of a Dice at the same time, modifiers that add to the Dice’s result are applied first, followed by any that reduce it. Furthermore, if the roll could potentially trigger a variable Special Rule, then only the natural result of the roll is considered for that purpose and the modified result may not be used to trigger such Rules.

Modifying Roll Totals

Some Rules may require that the total result of a roll, such as a Check, be modified, usually by adding or subtracting a fixed value from the total to determine the Final Total. Such modifiers will either reference the specific type of roll to which they apply or state the value of the modifier to be applied, for example:

‘-2 to Leadership Checks made in this Battle Turn’ or ‘-2 to the total of this roll only.’

In this case both modifiers instruct the Player to subtract two from the total result of all Dice combined after it has been totalled and notes when and where the modifier applies.

The value of a modifier of this type is not applied to any individual Dice, but to the total result of all Dice rolled after it has been totalled. As such, if two Dice are rolled for a Check and result in a ‘2’ and a ‘4’ and a -2 modifier is to be applied to the roll total, then first the Dice would be totalled to ‘6’ and then the modifier would be applied, making the Final Total of the roll ‘4’. Modifiers of this type cannot change the Final Total of a roll to less than 0, and any modifiers that would do so simply reduce the Final Total to 0 instead. Where multiple modifiers are applied to the total of a roll at the same time, modifiers that add to or subtract from the total result of the roll are applied first, then any modifiers that multiply the total result and modifiers that divide the total result are applied last.

Modifying the Number of Dice Rolled

Some modifiers do not change the result of Dice or roll totals, but instead change the number of Dice rolled. This has different effects for Tests and Checks, but such modifiers will reference the specific type of roll to which they apply and state the number of Dice added or removed from the roll, for example:

‘Make three additional Hit Tests as part of this attack’ or ‘When making any Leadership Checks in this Phase, roll an additional Dice as part of that Check.’

Both of these modifiers add additional Dice to rolls, though both arc of different types, with the modifier specifying the type of roll and duration of the modifier.

When modifying a Test, any Dice added are simply rolled as normal and their results noted in the same manner as other Dice rolled as part of that Test. Similarly, if a modifier to the number of Dice rolled as part of a Test is negative, then simply roll that many fewer Dice - but note that such a modifier cannot reduce the number of Dice rolled below one, and any modifiers that would do so simply reduce the number of Dice rolled to one instead. When modifying a Check any additional Dice are added to the roll and rolled as normal, but before determining the total of the roll Dice must be discarded until only two remain - these two are used to determine the Final Total of the roll. The Player that rolled may choose which Dice to discard. No modifier may remove Dice from a Check, a minimum of two Dice are always rolled.

As with other Tests, any Dice whose result equals or exceeds the Target Number has succeeded and inflicts a wound on the Target Unit. Wounds with different Strength, AP or Damage values should be resolved separately in order to streamline the Wound Test process.

Saving Throws

Wounds inflicted on a Model will cause Damage, reducing the Model’s Wounds Characteristic and possibly removing it from play as a Casualty. However, before any Damage is inflicted, wounds can be negated by means of Saving Throws. A Model may have one Saving Throw made for each wound inflicted on it, with a successful Saving Throw causing that wound to be discarded - however, only one Saving Throw may be made for any given wound that has been inflicted on a Model, regardless of how many Saving Throws a Model may have.

If a Model has any Saving Throws available they will be listed either on that Model’s profile as Characteristics or detailed by any Special Rules that apply to the Model. A Saving Throw will normally be listed as a numerical value followed by a ‘+’ symbol, for example, an Armour Save of ‘4+’. The value listed as part of any Saving Throw is the Target Number for the associated Test. The various types of Saving Throw available are in this section, indicating when they may be made and any additional Rules that apply to that type of Saving Throw.

Armour Tests

Armour Saves are listed as a Characteristic on each Model’s Profile.

Once a Model has one or more wounds, the Controlling Player may make an Armour Test for that Model if possible. An Armour Test that is successful will cause the wound for which it is made to be discarded. A Model may not have an Armour Test made for it if:

• The Model has an Armour Save Characteristic of ‘-’.
• The AP value of the wound for which the Armour Test is being made is equal to or lower than the Model’s Armour Save Characteristic.
• A Special Rule or other effect attached to the wound specifies that it ignores Armour Tests or that no Armour Test may be made.
• An Armour Test may not be made to discard a Penetrating Hit.

One Armour Test may be made for each wound inflicted on a Model, but Armour Tests for wounds with different Strengths, AP, Damage values or Special Rules must be rolled separately so that all Players know which wound is being affected by a given Armour Test. To make an Armour Test, roll a number of Dice equal to the number of wounds with the same Strength, AP and Special Rules that have been inflicted on the Model being rolled for. These Dice are rolled as a Test, with the Model’s Armour Save Characteristic as the Target Number. As with other Tests, any Dice whose result equals or exceeds the Target Number has succeeded. A success causes the wound for which the Test was made to be discarded with no further effect, while a failure means the wound remains and must be converted into Damage. A Player may choose not to make an Armour Test even if one is available, usually with the intent of taking a superior Cover or Invulnerable Saving Throw.

Cover Tests

Cover Saves are granted by Terrain and Special Rules and are not listed as a Characteristic on a Model’s Profile.

If a Model cannot have an Armour Save made for it, or the Controlling Player chooses not to make an Armour Test, but has access to a Cover Save then that Saving Throw may be made instead of an Armour Test or an Invulnerable Test. A Cover Test is resolved in exactly the same manner as an Armour Test. Cover Tests are normally provided by certain types of Battlefield Terrain, but may also be granted by certain Special Rules. Note that Cover Tests are not affected by the AP value of a wound, however a Model may not have a Cover Test made for it if:

• A Special Rule or other effect attached to the wound specifies that it ignores Cover Saves or that no Cover Test may be made.
• The attack is being made as part of a Combat during the Fight Sub-Phase, or a Challenge in the Challenge Sub-Phase.
• A Cover Test may be taken to discard a Penetrating Hit, if one is available to the Model.

Invulnerable Tests

Invulnerable Saves are listed as a Characteristic on each Model’s Profile, and can also be applied by Special Rules or Wargear.

If a Model cannot have an Armour Test or Cover Test made for it, or the Controlling Player chooses not to make an Armour Test or a Cover Test, but has access to an Invulnerable Save then that Saving Throw may be made instead of an Armour Test or a Cover Test. An Invulnerable Test is resolved in exactly the same manner as an Armour Test. Note that Invulnerable Tests are not affected by the AP value of a wound, however a Model may not have a Invulnerable Test made for it if:

• A Special Rule or other effect attached to the wound specifies that it ignores Invulnerable Tests or that no Invulnerable Test may be made.
• An Invulnerable Test may be taken to discard a Penetrating Hit if one is available to the Model.

No more than one Saving Throw of any kind may be made for a given wound or Penetrating Hit. If more than one type of Saving Throw is available then the Controlling Player must select one Saving Throw to make, and may not make any other Saving Throws for that wound or Penetrating Hit - if multiple wounds of the same value or Penetrating Hits are to be resolved then the same type of Saving Throw does not have to be used to resolve them, but this may prove easier and quicker in practice.

Resolving Damage

Once all possible Saving Throws have been made, any remaining wounds are considered unsaved wounds. Unsaved wounds reduce the Wounds Characteristic of the Model to which they were allocated by a value equal to the Damage value of the unsaved wound. If that would reduce the Wounds Characteristic to 0 then the Model must be Removed as a Casualty and any remaining damage is lost - it cannot be applied to any other Model in the same Unit.

Removing Models as Casualties

A Model whose Wounds Characteristic is reduced to 0 or less must be Removed as a Casualty by that Model’s Controlling Player. The removal of Models from a Unit may trigger Tactical Status Checks.

Tactical Statuses represent the morale of troops on the Battlefield, and can be key to controlling the enemy’s options during a Battle.

In the chaos and confusion of battle, troops can easily become demoralised, disoriented or simply terrified by the violence unleashed against them. To represent these effects during an Age of Darkness Battle, various Statuses can be imposed on the Models that make up a Unit, each representing a different brand of Battlefield confusion.

A Status is a Rule that does not inflict wounds or Hits upon a Model or Unit, and whose effects last until a Check is passed to remove the Status. A Status affects all Models in a Unit, and if one Model in a Unit gains a Status so do all other Models in the same Unit. A Status will always be identified as a Status by the Rules that establish and describe it, a Rule that does not explicitly state it is a Status is not a Status. A Model may be affected by multiple Statuses at the same time - except for the Routed Status. If any Models in a Unit gain the Routed Status then all Models in the Unit immediately lose all other Statuses and their effects end.

Each separate Status has its own Rules for how and when it can be inflicted upon Models in a Unit, but share a number of other common Rules and effects. All Statuses remain in effect until the Controlling Player makes a successful Check to remove the Status. In the Statuses Sub-Phase of the End Phase, the Active Player may select each Unit under their control that includes any Models with one or more Statuses, and then makes a Check for each Status that the Unit is under the effect of. This is a Cool Check for each Status other than Routed, and a Leadership Check for the Routed Status. If that Check is failed then the Status being rolled for remains in play for another Battle Turn. If the Check is passed then the Status being rolled for is removed from all Models in the Unit.

Models with the Vehicle Type that do not have a Cool or Leadership Characteristic do not make a check to remove Statuses, but can instead make a Repair Test in the Statuses Sub-Phase. One Repair Test can be made by the Active Player for each Model with the Vehicle Type under their control that has one or more Statuses. A Repair Test is made with a single Dice and a Target Number of ‘6’, with each successful Repair Test allowing the Controlling Player to remove one Status from the Model for which the Repair Test was made.

The following effects are applied to all Models that are affected by any Status, in addition to the specific effects of that Status:

• A Unit that includes any Models affected by any Status that makes a Charge always counts that Charge as Disordered.
• A Unit that includes any Models with any Status that is Locked in Combat makes attacks as normal, but all Models in the Unit must set their Combat Initiative to 1, regardless of the Models’ Initiative Characteristics, Weapons or any other modifiers.
• A Unit that includes any Models affected by any Status cannot hold, claim or contest an Objective.
• A Unit affected by any Tactical Status may never gain any benefit from being Stationary, even if the Models in that Unit do not or are unable to move.
• Models with the Vehicle Type can be affected by all Statuses except Routed. As such Models do not have a Cool Characteristic, they cannot fail a Cool Check and Statuses can only be applied to them by specific Rules or the result of a roll on the Vehicle Damage Table. Once a Model with the Vehicle Type has gained a Status, it can only be removed by a Model with the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule or through Repair Tests.
• A Unit that includes any Models with a given Status that would gain that same Status again suffer no additional effect - the Status remains and is neither enhanced nor removed from the Models in that Unit.

Pinned

The Pinned Status reflects a Unit that has been forced to take cover in the face of overwhelming firepower or the sudden crack of a sniper’s rifle.

The Pinned Status is primarily inflicted as part of the effects of the Pinning (X) Special Rule, but may also be applied by specific Special Rules.

The following Rules apply to any Unit that includes one or more Models that have the Pinned Status:

• The Controlling Player of a Unit that includes any Models that are Pinned may not choose to have that Unit move, Rush or Charge in any Phase and any effect that would force them to move or Charge has no effect.
• A Unit that includes any Models with the Pinned Status that is Locked in Combat makes any Pile-in Moves as normal, but may not choose to Pursue or Disengage during the Resolution Sub-Phase.

Suppressed

The Suppressed Status reflects a Unit that is distracted and confused by heavy enemy fire, environmental effects or psychological warfare.

The Suppressed Status is primarily inflicted as part of the effects of the Suppressive (X) Special Rule, but may also be applied by specific Special Rules.

The following Rules apply to any Unit that includes one or more Models that have the Suppressed Status:

• The Controlling Player of a Unit that includes any Models that are Suppressed must make all attacks in any Shooting Attacks declared for that Unit as Snap Shots.

Stunned

The Stunned Status reflects a Unit rendered insensible or stopped in its tracks by the sheer force of an impact, explosion or other battlefield event.

The Stunned Status is primarily inflicted as part of the effects of the Stun (X) Special Rule, but may also be applied by specific Special Rules.

The following Rules apply to any Unit that includes one or more Models that have the Stunned Status:

• The Controlling Player of a Unit that includes any Models that are Stunned may not declare any Reactions for that Unit.

Routed

The Routed Status reflects a Unit that has suffered such a catastrophic reversal that it must fall back from the front line in order to regroup and recover.

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 on page 251).
• The Controlling Player of a Unit that loses Combat must take a Leadership Check for that Unit in the Resolution Sub-Phase (see page 272 for more details) 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.

Reactions

Reactions allow the Reactive Player to take limited actions during the Active Player’s Turn.


To represent the fast-paced nature of war during the Horus Heresy, the Age of Darkness Rules use Reactions. These are actions that a Player may make during the Opposing Player’s Turns in an attempt to thwart their onslaught and turn the Battle in their favour. Each Turn grants only a limited number of Reactions, which must be used wisely to secure victory.

Reactions may only be used by the Reactive Player - that is the Player that is not currently resolving their Player Turn. A Unit controlled by a Player currently resolving their Player Turn, the Active Player, may never make a Reaction of any kind.

Reactions are actions that interrupt the usual flow of play, and can be extremely powerful in Battle. As such, there are a number of key restrictions with regards to their use. These are covered in the Rules presented in this section, but are highlighted here for easy reference:

• The Reactive Player has a Reaction Allotment of 1 in each Turn - this may be increased by other Special Rules.
• No Unit may make more than one Reaction in any Turn.
• A Unit that is Stunned, Routed or Locked in Combat may never make a Reaction.

A Reaction may be made with any Unit controlled by the Reactive Player, though in a number of situations a Special Rule or Status may deny a Unit the opportunity to react. The most common such Statuses where a Unit may not make a Reaction are:

• It is Stunned.
• It is Routed.
• It is Locked in Combat.
• It has already made a Reaction in the current Player Turn.
• The Controlling Player has no points remaining in their Reaction Allotment.
• Another Special Rule specifically states they may not.

Using Reactions

When making Reactions, all armies, regardless of Faction or size, may choose to use any or all of the Core Reactions as presented in this rulebook during a Battle. Certain armies may gain access to additional Reactions due to Faction rules or Special Rules. No matter how many different Reactions an Army has to choose from, it may still only make a number of Reactions per Turn equal to its Reaction Allotment. Most Reactions may only be played in a specific Phase, and in opposition to a specific action taken by the Active Player. In all cases, the Rules for each Reaction will detail when and how they are used. A given Reaction may be used as many times as a Player wishes, so long as that Player has not exhausted their Reaction Allotment for the Phase - but no individual Unit may make more than one Reaction in any one Turn.

Shooting Attacks made as part of a Reaction may not be made without Line of Sight, including with Weapons with the Barrage (X) Special Rule or other Weapons or Special Rules that otherwise ignore Line of Sight, and models with the Vehicle Type may only attack with Defensive Weapons. Shooting Attacks made as part of a Reaction do not cause Leadership Checks due to casualties or wounds inflicted upon enemy Units, this includes both Leadership Checks due to a Unit having suffered 25% casualties or from the Panic (X) Special Rule. Hits or wounds inflicted as part of a Shooting Attack made as a Reaction do not inflict Status Checks of any kind and cannot inflict any Tactical Status on the Target Unit.

When making a Shooting Attack as part of a Reaction, the Reacting Unit is considered to be Stationary, and may attack with Weapons of any type as though Models in that Unit had not moved. A Shooting Attack made as part of a Reaction does not limit the actions of the Reacting Units in future Turns or Phases regardless of the Weapons used to attack with, although any Weapons with the Limited (X) Special Rule or special abilities that may only be used once are considered to have been expended if used as part of a Reaction. Similarly, Units that make moves or undertake other actions as part of a Reaction suffer no penalty or drawback in later Phases or Turns for doing so.

Any Reaction that allows a Unit to move using its Initiative Characteristic rather than its Movement Characteristic to determine the distance moved, may not be used by Units that include any Models with either no Initiative Characteristic (such as most Models with the Vehicle Type) or an Initiative Characteristic of 0. In addition, Reactions that allow a Move based on Initiative use the Unit’s or Model’s unmodified Initiative and are not affected by Difficult Terrain (but must still take Dangerous Terrain Tests as normal).

Movement Phase: Reposition

This Reaction allows the Reactive Player to move a Unit when an enemy Unit ends its move within 12".

Trigger: The Reactive Player may declare a Reposition Reaction in Step 2 of the Move Sub-phase process, if an enemy Unit ends a move within 12" and in Line of Sight of a Unit under the Reactive Player’s Control.

Cost: The Reactive Player must spend 1 point of their Reaction Allotment to declare a Reposition Reaction - this cost paid as soon as the declaration is made.

Target: The Target Unit is always the Unit whose move triggered the Reaction. Once the cost has been paid, the Reactive Player must select one Unit under their control that is within 12" and has Line of Sight to the Target Unit - that Unit is the Reacting Unit.

Process

1. Once a Reposition Reaction has been declared, the Active Player must completely resolve the Target Unit’s movement.
2. Once the Target Unit has finished its move, the Reactive Player may move the Reacting Unit. When making this move, each Model in the Reacting Unit may move a number of inches up to the Base Value of its Initiative Characteristic.
3. Once the Reacting Unit has completed this move, the Movement Phase continues as normal.

Shooting Phase: Return Fire

This Reaction allows the Reactive Player to make a Shooting Attack for a Unit that is the target of an enemy Shooting Attack.

Trigger: The Reactive Player may declare a Return Fire Reaction in the Shooting Phase, during Step 3 of the Shooting Attack sequence of any Shooting Attack made by the Active Player.

Cost: The Reactive Player must spend 1 point of their Reaction Allotment to declare a Return Fire Reaction - this cost paid as soon as the declaration is made.

Target: The Target Unit is always the Unit whose Shooting Attack triggered the Reaction. The Reacting Unit is always the Unit that was the target of the Shooting Attack that triggered the Reaction.

Process

1. Once a Return Fire Reaction has been declared, the Active Player must resolve all remaining Steps of the Shooting Attack process as normal, up to the start of Step 11.
2. Before resolving Step 11, the Reactive Player makes a Shooting Attack with the Reacting Unit (including with any Models that have been reduced to 0 Wounds and before any Panic Checks are taken) targeting only the Target Unit.
3. Once the Shooting Attack made as part of this Reaction has been completely resolved, including removing any Casualties, the Players must then finish resolving Step 11 of the original Shooting Attack that triggered the Reaction.

Advanced Reactions

The following Advanced Reactions are available to any Player, regardless of Faction or Allegiance. Advanced Reactions use up points from a Reactive Player’s Reaction Allotment as normal and obey all other restrictions placed upon Reactions, unless it is specifically noted otherwise in their description. Note that Nullify is both an Advanced Reaction and a Psychic Reaction (see page 213).

Intercept

This Advanced Reaction allows a Unit to attack Units moving into play from Reserves.

Trigger: The Reactive Player may declare an Intercept Reaction whenever the Active Player brings a Unit into play from Reserves or Aerial Reserves. The declaration is made as soon as the Model is placed on the Battlefield, before any Moves or actions are resolved.

Cost: The Reactive Player must spend 1 point of their Reaction Allotment to declare an Intercept Reaction - this cost paid as soon as the declaration is made.

Target: The Unit entering play from Reserves or Aerial Reserves is always the Target Unit of this Reaction. After declaring this Reaction, the Reactive Player must select one Unit under their control, this Unit must be able to draw a Line of Sight to at least one Model in the Target Unit. The selected Unit is the Reacting Unit.

Process
Once an Intercept Reaction has been declared, the Reactive Player may make a Shooting Attack for the Reacting Unit, targeting only the Target Unit. All attacks made as part of this Shooting Attack must be made as Snap Shots and Models with the Vehicle Type may only attack with Defensive Weapons.

Evade

This Advanced Reaction allows a Unit to attempt to avoid an enemy Charge by moving.

Trigger: The Reactive Player may declare an Evade Reaction at the end of Step 4 of a Charge declared by the Active Player that targets a Unit entirely composed of Models with the Light Sub-Type or Cavalry Type.

Cost: The Reactive Player must spend 1 point of their Reaction Allotment to declare an Evade Reaction - this cost paid as soon as the declaration is made.

Target: The Unit that is the target of the Charge that triggered this Reaction is the Reacting Unit, while the Unit making that Charge is the Charging Unit.

Process

1. After ail Volley Attacks have been made by both the Reacting Unit and the Charging Unit, the Reactive Player may make a move for each Model in the Reacting Unit.
2. Each Model in the Reacting Unit may be moved a number of inches equal to its Initiative Characteristic and must end the Move in Unit Coherency with another Model from the same Unit.
3. If this move would leave all Models in the Reacting Unit outside of the Charging Unit’s maximum possible Charge Range then the Charge has failed and no Combat is resolved. Otherwise, the Charge proceeds as normal.

Psychic Weapons

Psychic Weapons are Weapons that can only be used to attack by Psykers.

The most common forms of psychic ability encountered on the Battlefield are those that act in a manner akin to more conventional Weapons. In these Rules they are treated exactly as other Weapons, with the same Characteristics as any other attack, and can be both ranged and melee. The only difference between Psychic Weapons and other Weapons is that they are not normally represented by a physical component on a Model. Psychic Weapons will have the Psychic Trait to identify them. Note that some other Weapons make use of the Psyker Trait, but as they do not have the Psychic Trait are not Psychic Weapons per se.

If a Weapon has the Psychic Trait then a Model must also have the Psyker Trait in order to make attacks with that Weapon. A Psyker may make Shooting Attacks using any ranged Psychic Weapon available to it (or more than one if that Model has a Rule that allows more than one Weapon to be used during a Shooting Attack), or during the Assault Phase a Psyker may attack using a Psychic Weapon with the Melee Type. In close combat, a Psychic Weapon with the Melee Type does count for deciding if a Model has more than one Weapon, and obeys all of the usual restrictions. However, a Psychic Weapon can never be destroyed or otherwise removed from a Model unless a Rule specifically targets a Psychic Weapon.

Unless otherwise stated there are no additional requirements, Tests or Checks needed to make an attack using a Psychic Weapon - other than the Psyker Trait. However, many Psychic Weapons may have additional Special Rules that require a Test or Check in order to make an attack. In all cases, the Rules for this will be covered by the Special Rule itself.

Psychic Reactions

Psychic Reactions are special actions that can be used by Psykers during the Opposing Player’s Turn.

Psychic Reactions are Psychic Powers that can only be used as a Reaction in the Opposing Player’s Player Turn. They follow all of the Rules noted for Psychic Powers as well as the Rules for Reactions (sec page 204) - the most obvious of these restrictions is that Psychic Reactions can only be used when the Controlling Player is the Reactive Player. As with other types of Reaction, a Psychic Reaction may only be used when ‘triggered’ by an action taken by the Active Player and will require 1 or more Reaction Points be spent before they can be resolved. Each Psychic Reaction will list when it may be used and what costs must be paid for that use.

Much like Psychic Powers, a Psychic Reaction can be a Blessing or a Curse. However, some Psychic Reactions may not use the Rules for Blessings or Curses and simply apply an effect that requires a ‘Psyker’ in a different manner. In such cases, the Psychic Reaction will present all the Rules needed to apply it in play. For an example of such a Psychic Reaction, see Nullify on page 209.

Manifesting Psychic Blessings

In order to Manifest a Psychic Blessing, the Controlling Player must first declare the use of the Psychic Power or Reaction and identify the Model that is using the Psychic Power or Psychic Reaction - known as the Focus. Then the Focus’ Controlling Player must make the target known to all Players, using the Rules provided as part of that Psychic Power or Psychic Reaction. The target of a Blessing must always be a friendly Model or Unit - a Blessing may not be used to target a non-friendly Model or Unit and such Models never gain any benefit from the Blessing even if otherwise caught within its area of effect.

Once the target for the Blessing has been selected, the Controlling Player must make a Willpower Check - known as the Manifestation Check. The Target Number for this Check is the Current Value of the Willpower Characteristic of the Focus. If the Psychic Power or Psychic Reaction is being used by a Unit rather than a specific Model, then the Controlling Player must nominate one Model in the Unit to be the Focus. If more than one Unit is affected by the Psychic Power or Psychic Reaction then no additional Checks are made. If the Willpower Check is passed then all Target Units are affected. If it is failed then none are affected.

If the Willpower Check is successful then the effects of the Psychic Power or Reaction are applied as noted in its Rules. If the Willpower Check is failed then the effects of the Psychic Power or Psychic Reaction are not applied. Some Psychic Powers or Psychic Reactions may list additional effects that must be applied if the Willpower Check is failed when manifesting a Blessing.

Note that if the Willpower Check is failed then this is still counted as having used a Psychic Power or Psychic Reaction, and no Model in that Unit may use any further Psychic Powers or Psychic Reactions in the same Player Turn.

Manifesting Psychic Curses

In order to Manifest a Psychic Curse, the Player must first declare the use of the Psychic Power or Reaction and identify the Model that is using the Psychic Power or Psychic Reaction - known as the Focus. Then the Focus’ Controlling Player must make the target known to all Players, using the Rules provided as part of that Psychic Power or Psychic Reaction. The target of a Curse must always be an enemy Model or Unit - a Curse may not be used to target a friendly Model or Unit.

Once the target for the Curse has been selected, the Controlling Player of the Target Unit must make a Willpower Check for the Unit - known as the Resistance Check. If the Target Unit consists of a single Model then the Target Number for the Check is the Current Value of the Willpower Characteristic of that Model. If the Target Unit contains more than one Model then the current Willpower of the Model with the lowest Willpower Characteristic is used - unless the Unit includes one or more Models with the Sergeant Sub-Type, Command Sub-Type or Paragon Type, in which case the Controlling Player may select one of these Models and use the current Willpower Characteristic of that Model as the Target Number for the Check. If more than one Unit is targeted by the Psychic Power or Psychic Reaction, then a separate Willpower Check is made for each Unit, with those for which the check is failed being affected and those for which the check is passed not being affected.

If the Willpower Check is successful then the Psychic Power or Psychic Reaction is considered to have failed and it has no further effect. If the Willpower Check is failed then the effects of the Psychic Power or Psychic Reaction are applied as noted in the Rules for that Psychic Power or Psychic Reaction. Some Psychic Powers or Psychic Reactions may list additional effects that must be applied even if the Check made for the Target Unit succeeds. These will be noted in the Rules for that Psychic Power or Psychic Reaction.

Note that if the Willpower Check for the Target Unit succeeds then this is still counted as having used a Psychic Power or Psychic Reaction, and no Model in the Unit that used the Psychic Power or Psychic Reaction may use any further Psychic Powers or Psychic Reactions in the same Player Turn.

Perils of the Warp

When rolling doubles to manifest a Psychic Power or Psychic Reaction, Perils of the Warp can trigger and inflict Statuses or Wounds on the Focus.

Common to all forms of psychic ability is the possibility of the Warp’s power rebelling and wreaking havoc on the Psyker and their allies. This is represented by the Perils of the Warp Special Rule. The effects of the Perils of the Warp Special Rule are applied to the Unit that includes the Focus of the Psychic Power or Reaction if a Willpower Check made as a Manifestation Check or Resistance Check for a Psychic Power or Psychic Reaction results in ‘doubles’. In this case, doubles refers to a natural, unmodified result where both Dice rolled as part of the Check and selected to determine the final result show the same number on their uppermost face. Where other Rules specify that a Unit should have the effects of Perils of the Warp applied to it, that rule will detail how and when this will occur.

Note that both Resistance and Manifestation Checks both automatically succeed on a result of two ‘1’s and automatically fail on a result of two ‘6’s. However, this does not stop them from also triggering Perils of the Warp. A Manifestation Check or Resistance Check that rolls a double 1 or 6 does trigger Perils of the Warp unless another Rule specifically states otherwise.

Applying Perils of the Warp

If a Unit is instructed to suffer the effects of Perils of the Warp, then the following Rules are used to determine what effects that Unit suffers.

If the Perils of the Warp are caused by a Player having rolled a result of doubles on a Willpower Check result made as a Manifestation or Resistance Check, using the number shown on both Dice of the Check’s result with the Perils of the Warp Table to determine the effect.

For example, a Player rolls two Dice for a Manifestation Check, with both Dice showing ‘4’s and a final result of 8 for the Check. The Check is successful, but as doubles were rolled the Unit that includes the Power’s Focus suffers Perils of the Warp - as two ‘4’s were rolled, the Controlling Player of the Focus checks the entry on the Perils of the Warp Table for a ‘4’ and must apply Ætheric Feedback to the Unit that includes the Focus.

For Perils of the Warp not caused by Willpower Checks, roll a Dice and compare the result of that roll to the table.

For example, a Special Rule requires a Player to apply Perils of the Warp to a Unit, but not as the result of a Check. That Player rolls a single Dice, resulting in a ‘6’ and must then check the entry for a ‘6’ on the Perils of the Warp Table and must apply Warp Rupture to the Unit targeted by the Special Rule.

Vehicles and Units

Vehicles always form a Unit of one Model and cannot be joined by other Models.

A Model with the Vehicle Type always operates as a Unit of a single Model and may never join, be joined by other Models or otherwise be incorporated into Units with other Models of any Type. Unlike other Rules, this Rule is not overridden by Special Rules and if any Rule or Special Rule would force a Model with the Vehicle Type to join or otherwise be part of a Unit then that Rule or Special Rule is ignored.

Vehicles and Tactical Statuses

Vehicles can gain some Statuses, but can only remove them with Repair Tests or through the Battlesmith Special Rule.

Models with the Vehicle Type can be affected by all Statuses except Routed. As such Models do not have a Cool Characteristic they cannot fail a Cool Check and Statuses can only be applied to them by specific Rules or the result of a roll on the Vehicle Damage Table. Furthermore, as Models with the Vehicle Type do not have a Cool Characteristic, they can only remove Statuses by means of the Battlesmith (X) Special Rule (see page 326) or a Repair Test made in the Statuses Sub-Phase.

Repair Tests

One Repair Test can be made by the Active Player for each Model with the Vehicle Type under their control in the Statuses Sub-Phase. A Repair Test is made by rolling a single Dice and with a Target Number of ‘6’. Some Special Rules may allow more Dice to be rolled for a given Model with the Vehicle Type or change the Target Number, any such Special Rules will note their effects and how they are to be applied. Each successful Repair Test allows the Controlling Player to remove one Status from the Model for which the Repair Test was made.

Vehicles in the Movement Phase

Vehicles move in the same manner as other Models, with exceptions for Terrain and moving through other Units.

As with all other Models in the Horus Heresy - Age of Darkness Rules, Vehicles have a Movement Characteristic which defines the maximum number of inches they may move on the Battlefield. In most situations Vehicles are moved in exactly the same manner as other Models (see page 244) and can end a move facing in any direction. However, unlike other Models, Vehicles may not move vertically in Terrain or on Terrain Pieces in order to ascend levels.

Due to the rules for Arcs of Fire (see page 218) it is important to be clear on which direction a Model with the Vehicle Type is facing, as this can affect both which enemy Units can be attacked by that Model and how enemy Models attack it. As such, Models with the Vehicle Type can choose to Pivot around the central point of their hull in the Movement Phase, which does not count as Moving. When selected during the Movement Phase a Unit consisting of a Model with the Vehicle Type may choose to Pivot instead of Moving - that Model may then be turned to face any direction as long as it does not end the pivot within 1" of any enemy Model. A Pivot does not count as Moving and the Model with the Vehicle Type is considered to have remained Stationary.

Vehicles and Terrain

Models with the Vehicle Type are affected by the Terrain Rules in the same manner as all other Models, with a few exceptions.

Models with the Vehicle Type may not move vertically in Terrain or on Terrain Pieces in order to ascend levels.

Models with the Vehicle Type do not suffer wounds from failed Dangerous Terrain Tests. If a Dangerous Terrain Test is failed for a Model with the Vehicle Type, then that Model suffers 1 Point of Damage (no Armour Penetration Test is made). No Saving Throws or Damage Mitigation Tests of any kind may be made against this Damage.

Moving Through Other Units

Models without the Vehicle Type do not impede, restrict or limit the distance a Model with the Vehicle Type may move. This means that, unlike other Models, Models with the Vehicle Type may move through other Units that are composed of Models that do not have the Vehicle Type.

In order to count as having ‘moved through’ a Unit, the path of travel taken by the Model with the Vehicle Type must cross the base of at least one Model from a Unit. However, a Model with the Vehicle Type may not end its move on top of any Model or in Base Contact with any enemy Model in the Movement Phase. Furthermore, a Model with the Vehicle Type may not move through other Models with the Vehicle Type or through Terrain Features.

If a Model with the Vehicle Type moves through a friendly Unit composed of Models that do not have the Vehicle Type then this has no effect, and the Models in the Unit moved through arc not moved or otherwise affected. If a Model with the Vehicle Type moves through an enemy Unit composed of Models that do not have the Vehicle Type then once the Model with the Vehicle Type has finished its move and its final location decided, each enemy Unit composed of Models that do not have the Vehicle Type that was moved through takes D6 Strength 6 Hits with an AP of ‘-’, allocated by the Target Unit’s Controlling Player. Note that such a move may trigger the Death or Glory Advanced Reaction.

Moving through other Units does not impede or limit a Model with the Vehicle Type from attacking in other Phases, Disembarking or Embarking Units or performing any other game action.

Vehicles in the Shooting Phase

Vehicles can attack with all of their Weapons, targeting different enemy Units, but are limited by the fire arcs of their Weapons when selecting targets.

When a Model with the Vehicle Type is used to make a Shooting Attack (see page 247), it uses the Ballistic Skill Characteristic shown on its profile and makes any attacks with the same Rules as any other Model, but with a few adjustments:

• A Model with the Vehicle Type may attack with all Weapons the Model has as part of a Shooting Attack as long as those Weapons are in Range and Line of Sight of the Target Unit.
• A Model with the Vehicle Type that is selected to make a Shooting Attack by the Active Player may have its Weapons divided between different targets, making more than one Shooting Attack (though each Weapon may be used in only one Shooting Attack in a given Phase).
• Each Weapon that a Model with the Vehicle Type has is limited in the arc from which a Target for that Weapon may be selected.*

*If a Weapon from a Model with the Vehicle Type will be used as part of a Shooting Attack and that Weapon is found to he out of arc before any attacks are made - in that the selected Target Model is not within the bounds of that Fire Arc - then that Weapon may not be used to attack as part of that Shooting Attack. However, remember that a given Weapon may only make attacks as part of a single Shooting Attack in the Shooting Phase.

Attacking Multiple Target Units

In the Shooting Phase, when the Active Player selects a Unit composed of a single Model with the Vehicle Type with which to make a Shooting Attack, they may choose to divide that Model’s Weapons between multiple Shooting Attacks at different targets.

If the Active Player chooses to make more than one Shooting Attack for that Model targeting different enemy Units, then all of the attacks made in each of those Shooting Attacks must be made as Snap Shots (see page 194). Furthermore, each Shooting Attack made must target a different Unit than all of the other Shooting Attacks made for the attacking Model in this Shooting Phase.

To make multiple Shooting Attacks with the same Model that has the Vehicle Type, the Active Player must follow these steps:

• When the Active Player selects a Unit composed of a single Model with the Vehicle Type, the Active Player must declare if they will make multiple Shooting Attacks with all Attacks made as Snap Shots, or a single Shooting Attack without penalty. No targets are declared in this Step.
• If the Active Player chooses to make multiple Shooting Attacks as Snap Shots, then they must now declare the Target Unit for the first Shooting Attack, along with which Weapons will be used in that Shooting Attack. If the Active Player chooses not to make multiple Shooting Attacks then the Shooting Attack process continues normally as described on page 247.
• If the Active Player has chosen to make multiple Shooting Attacks, once the first Shooting Attack is completely resolved, with all attacks made as Snap Shots, then one or more additional Shooting Attacks may be made. Each additional Shooting Attack may only use Weapons which have not yet been used to make attacks in any Shooting Attack in that Shooting Phase and must target a different Unit than all previous Shooting Attacks made for the attacking Model in that Shooting Phase. All attacks made in any additional Shooting Attack must be made as Snap Shots.

Additional Shooting Attacks may continue to be made until either all Weapons available to the attacking Model have been used to attack or the Active Player chooses to stop making Shooting Attacks.

Defensive Weapons and Battle Weapons

All Weapons that a Model with the Vehicle Type has will be either Defensive Weapons or Battle Weapons. Throughout these Rules, when a rule refers to ‘all Weapons’ or simply ‘Weapons’ without any further qualifiers, then this means that both Battle and Defensive Weapons may be used. When a Shooting Attack is limited to only Defensive Weapons or non-Defensive Weapons (Battle Weapons), it will specifically state this.

Defensive Weapons – All Weapons on a Model with the Vehicle Type that have a Strength Characteristic of 6 or less are Defensive Weapons. Other Weapons may also be specifically designated as Defensive Weapons on their profile. When a Player chooses to have a Model with the Vehicle Type attack multiple different Units in the same Shooting Phase, Defensive Weapons do not have to make their attacks as Snap Shots.

Battle Weapons – All Weapons on a Model with the Vehicle Type that have a Strength greater than 6 and that are not Pintle Mounted or otherwise designated specifically as Defensive Weapons are Battle Weapons.

Vehicle Firing Arcs and Weapon Mounts

Unlike most Models, which can make Shooting Attacks at any target to which they can draw Line of Sight, Models with the Vehicle Type are more restricted in how they can target an enemy. Each of the Weapons that a Model with the Vehicle Type has may only be used to attack targets in one or more Firing Arcs - specific zones from which targets may be selected if they are within Line of Sight. The various Arcs of Fire in Horus Heresy - Age of Darkness are detailed as follows:

Firing Arcs

Centreline – The Centreline Arc is determined by drawing two imaginary lines along the sides of the Model’s hull extending out past the front of the Model as shown in the diagram below. The space between the two lines is the Centreline Arc. Unless otherwise noted the Centreline Arc always extends from the Model’s front, but if specified in the Model’s profile, it can instead/also extend from the Model’s rear.


Sponson – The Sponson Firing Arc is determined by drawing an imaginary line along the centre of the Model, from front to rear, as shown in the diagram below. The left hand side is the Left Sponson Arc and the right hand side is the Right Sponson Arc, with Sponson Weapons only capable of attacking targets in the Firing Arc that they are physically in. Unless otherwise specified, any Model with Sponson Weapons will have one left sponson and one right sponson.

Weapon Mounts

A Model’s profile will note what type of mount a Weapon has, with each type of mount allowing a Vehicle to fire those Weapons into one or more Firing Arcs as shown:

Hull (Arc) Mounted – Hull (Arc) Mounted Weapons will always specify a single Firing Arc and may only attack targets in that Firing Arc. The different Hull arcs are: Front, Rear, Left and Right. Some Units may specify Side as an arc - this means both Left and Right arcs.

For example, a Land Raider Carrier has a Hull (Front) Mounted twin heavy bolter - this Weapon may only attack targets in the Front Firing Arc.

Turret Mounted – Turret Mounted Weapons may attack targets in any Hull arc (Front, Left, Right or Rear) without restriction.

Centreline Mounted – Centreline Mounted Weapons may only attack targets in the Centreline Firing Arc.

Sponson Mounted – Sponson Mounted Weapons are usually in pairs, one on each side of a Vehicle (the Model’s profile will note if this is not the case) and may attack targets in the appropriate Sponson Firing Arc (either left or right). Sponson Mounted Weapons are always counted as Defensive Weapons regardless of the Weapon’s Characteristics.

Pintle Mounted – Pintle Mounted Weapons may attack targets in any Firing Arc without restriction, and arc always counted as Defensive Weapons and as having the Assault Trait regardless of the Weapon’s Characteristics.

Co-axial (X) Mounted – Co-axial Mounted Weapons will be linked to another Weapon, specified by the value of X attached to the Mount Rule. A Co-axial Mounted Weapon may only attack targets in the same Firing Arcs as the Weapon to which it is linked. Furthermore, a Co-axial Mounted Weapon must always be used to attack the same target as the Weapon to which it is linked - if it cannot then it may not be used to attack.

Vehicles and Damage

Shooting Attacks may target Models with the Vehicle Type, determining Line of Sight, Range and making Hit Tests as normal. However, when determining if a Model can draw Line of Sight to or determining the Range to a Model with the Vehicle Type, Line of Sight and Range must be determined from the Base edge of the attacking Model to the hull of the Model with the Vehicle Type - not including wings, gun barrels or other projections from the main bulk of the Model.


Once Line of Sight and Range have been established, the Player making the attack must determine which Armour Facing (Front, Side or Rear) will be the target of the attack. To determine which Facing an attack targets, draw two imaginary lines through the corners of the Vehicle to show its Facings and then draw a direct line from the attacking Model to the Target Model, with the point where the line touches the Target Model determining the Facing targeted by the attack.


In the example pictured above, one Salamander can only draw Line of Sight to the right Side Facing of the Iron Warriors Spartan and must attack that facing. However, the other Salamander can draw Line of Sight to both the right Side and Rear Facings. The Player Controlling the Spartan chooses which Facing will be the target of the attack and in this case chooses the side.

If an attack could target two or more different Facings of a Target Model (if the line drawn strikes the Target Model at an intersection between two facings, for example), the Controlling Player of the Model with the Vehicle Type must choose which Facing will be the target of any attacks. An attack may only ever target a single Facing. In most cases all Hits inflicted by an Attack will target the same Facing, but where an attack results in Hits on more than one Facing these must be resolved separately against the Armour Value of that Facing (see Splitting Fire Groups on page 249 for more details).

In any situation where a Model is hit by a Weapon or attack which fires indirectly or does not otherwise require Line of Sight to its target, Flits are always resolved against the Side Armour Value. The direction a turret is facing on a Model that is the target of an attack has no bearing on what arc of that Model is targeted.

Template and Blast Weapons

If a Model with the Vehicle Type is even partially under a Template or Blast Marker, it is hit on the Facing that the attacking Model draws a Line of Sight to. If the Line of Sight could be drawn to multiple Facings, then the Hit is resolved against the Side Armour.

Resolving Damage

Once all Armour Penetration Tests have been resolved, the following effects are applied to the Model based on the results:

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).
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.

Removing Vehicle Models as Casualties

When a Model with the Vehicle Type is reduced to 0 Hull Points, that Model is Removed as a Casualty in the same manner as other Models. However, Players may choose to use the optional Wrecked Vehicles Special Rule to represent the broken hulks of destroyed vehicles.

Vehicles in the Assault Phase

Vehicles cannot Charge or make attacks in Combat, but can be Charged and attacked by enemy Units.

Models with the Vehicle Type must abide by a number of restrictions in the Assault Phase, which are listed below:

• A Model with the Vehicle Type may not have a Charge declared for it.
• A Model with the Vehicle Type may not make attacks during the Fight Sub-Phase.
• A Model with the Vehicle Type cannot lock enemy Units in Combat and cannot be Locked in Combat by an enemy Unit.

Those exceptions to this Rule will specifically note this in the Rules for that Sub-Type of Vehicle.

Charging a Vehicle

A Unit may declare a Charge targeting a Unit that includes a Model with the Vehicle Type during the Charge SubPhase. The Charge Move is conducted in the same way as for Charging other enemy Units. Models with the Vehicle Type may make Reactions to a Charge declared for an enemy Unit as normal and may make attacks in Step 4 (Make Volley Attacks) of the Charge Procedure if they have any appropriate Weapons.

Attacking Vehicles in Combat

When a Model resolves a Hit Test in Combat targeting a Model with the Vehicle Type, the target Model is treated as having a Weapon Skill Characteristic of 1. Any Hits scored against a Model with the Vehicle Type in a Combat are resolved against the Model’s Rear Armour regardless of the positions of Models in Combat. These Hits do not result in Wound Tests, but must be resolved using Armour Penetration Tests as described on page 220.

Combat Resolution

A Combat that includes one or more Models with the Vehicle Type is resolved as normal - though unless other Models are present, it is likely that a Model with the Vehicle Type will lose a Combat as it does not attack.

The Controlling Player of a Unit that includes Models with the Vehicle Type may only choose to Hold (see page 273) with that Unit at the end of any Combat (though this does not limit other friendly Units in the same Combat). In the following Movement Phase a Model with the Vehicle Type may Move as normal and is not considered to be Locked in Combat.

Units that still have Models in Base Contact with a Model with the Vehicle Type during their Controlling Player’s Assault Phase may attack it again, just as if they were Locked in Combat, but do not count as having Charged.

Rapid

Whether by means of a superior engine, enhanced fuel mix or other arcane technology, some vehicles are able to apply hursts of speed far in excess of other engines of war.

The following Rules apply to all Models with the Rapid Sub-Type:

• A Model with this Sub-Type may Rush - however the additional distance moved when Rushing is not determined by an Initiative Characteristic, but is always an additional 6".
• When Rushing, a Model with this Sub-Type may make Shooting Attacks, but all Shooting Attacks are made as Snap Shots. A Model with this Sub-Type may not make multiple Shooting Attacks in the same Turn as one where it Rushes.
• A Model with both this Sub-Type and the Transport Sub-Type, that the Controlling Player chooses to have Rush in a Turn, may not Disembark any Models in the same Turn (unless required to make an Emergency Disembarkation by another Rule or Special Rule).

Super-heavy

From the lumbering Baneblade tanks of the Imperial Army to the destructive power of the Legiones Astartes Falchion, all of the war machines that fall into this category are huge armour-clad constructions that each wield enough firepower to destroy an entire army.

The following Rules apply to all Models with the Super-heavy Sub-Type:

• Models with this Sub-Type are not affected in any way by Difficult Terrain or Dangerous Terrain, but may still neither pass through nor end their move in Impassable Terrain.
• A Model with this Sub-Type always gains any benefits for having remained Stationary when making Shooting Attacks, regardless of whether the Model moved in the preceding Movement Phase or the distance moved. This does not count if the Model has Rushed in the Preceding Movement Phase.
• When making multiple Shooting Attacks in the same Shooting Phase, a Model with this Sub-Type docs not have to make all attacks as Snap Shots.
• A Model with this Sub-Type may only make Reactions in response to actions undertaken by Units that contain one or more Models with the Paragon Type, Super-heavy Sub-Type, Knight Sub-Type* or Titan Sub-Type*.
• When a Player is instructed to roll on the Vehicle Damage Table for a Model with this Sub-Type, no roll is made. Instead, the Model loses a single Hull Point.
• If a Model with this Sub-Type has a Transport Capacity, then it may transport any number of Units, so long as the number of Models in the transported Units does not exceed the Vehicle’s Transport Capacity.

*See Liber Questoris for more details on these Unit Sub-Types.

Flyers

The Rules in this section explain how to use aircraft in Age of Darkness Battles.

Models with the Flyer Sub-Type do not operate in the same manner as other Models, thus warranting their own Rules specific to Models with the Flyer Sub-Type. Unlike most Models with the Vehicle Type, the Rules for Models with the Flyer Sub-Type are substantially different to those for other Models and operate outside the bounds of the Core Rules. These Rules are intended to represent high-speed aerial units such as scramjet powered fighters, orbital drop shuttles and bombers, which would not linger in combat airspace over the area represented by the Battlefield. This section details all the Rules specific to the Flyer Sub-Type and their use in a Horus Heresy Battle.

Removing Flyers as Casualties

When a Model with the Flyer Sub-Type has its Hull Points reduced to 0, or is otherwise Removed as a Casualty, it is removed from the Battlefield with no further effect.

Flyers and Characteristics

Flyers use the same Characteristics used by other Models with the Vehicle Type. However, all Models with the Flyer Sub-Type use only a single value for their Armour Characteristic - this value is used to resolve all Armour Penetration Hits inflicted on them regardless of which Facing is attacked.

Flyer Combat Assignments

Unlike other Models, which are placed on the Battlefield and move across it, Models with the Flyer Sub-Type are capable of speeds which make it difficult for them to stay within the bounds of the Battlefield for long. As such they are not deployed like other Models and do not move or make attacks in the same manner as other Models. Instead, Models with the Flyer Sub-Type must have a Combat Assignment selected for them that will bring them onto the Battlefield to accomplish specific goals before returning to Aerial Reserves.

As such, all Models with the Flyer Sub-Type must always begin any Battle in a special type of Reserves referred to as Aerial Reserves. Aerial Reserves operate in exactly the same fashion as Reserves, with the exception that only Rules that specifically reference Aerial Reserves can allow Models to enter or leave Aerial Reserves or otherwise modify or affect Models in Aerial Reserves or any Reserves Rolls made for them.

Advanced Reaction: Combat Air Patrol

This Advanced Reaction allows a Unit composed entirely of Models with the Interceptor Trait that is in Aerial Reserves to attack enemy Flyers moving into play from Reserves.

Trigger: The Reactive Player may declare a Combat Air Patrol Advanced Reaction whenever the Active Player brings a Unit into play from Aerial Reserves.

Cost: The Reactive Player must spend 1 point of their Reaction Allotment to declare a Combat Air Patrol Advanced Reaction - this cost paid as soon as the declaration is made.

Target: For a Combat Air Patrol Advanced Reaction, the Target Model is always the enemy Model that was brought into play from Aerial Reserves and triggered this Reaction.

Process

1. Once declared, the Reactive Player must select one Unit under their control that is in Aerial Reserves and is composed entirely of Models with the Interceptor Trait. This Unit is hereafter referred to as the ‘Reacting Unit’. A Unit including Models with the Flyer Sub-Type may be selected as the Reacting Unit.
2. Once the Target Model has completed the Move associated with its Combat Assignment, but before any Units have Disembarked from the Target Model, the Reactive Player may place the Reacting Unit anywhere on the Battlefield Edge and then move it up a number of inches equal to its Movement Characteristic straight forwards without turning.
3. Once this move is complete, the Reactive Player may make a single Shooting Attack with the Reacting Unit that must target the Target Unit.
4. Once this Shooting Attack has been completely resolved, the Reacting Unit is removed from play and returned to Aerial Reserves.

Combat Assignment: Extraction Mission

A Model assigned an Extraction Mission must have the Transport Sub-Type and may not have any Units Embarked upon it when assigned an Extraction Mission. Once assigned an Extraction Mission in the Reserves Sub-Phase, a Model must be immediately placed onto the Battlefield by its Controlling Player. The Model may be placed anywhere along the Battlefield Edge that is within the Controlling Player’s Deployment Zone. This deployment can trigger the Intercept Advanced Reaction, but any attacks made at the Model are made as Snap Shots.

In the Movement Phase, a Model with an Extraction Mission can be selected and must then move up to a number of inches equal to its Movement Characteristic straight forwards without turning. At this point a Combat Air Patrol can be declared by the Reactive Player. Once any Combat Air Patrol Reactions have been resolved, an eligible Unit that has all of its Models within 2" may Embark upon the Model performing the Extraction Mission, even if that Unit has a Tactical Status that would prevent it from being able to Embark. Note that the Model assigned the Extraction Mission uses the edge of its flying base as an Access Point.

In the Shooting Phase, a Model that has been assigned an Extraction Mission may make Shooting Attacks, but may only attack with Defensive Weapons. At the end of the Controlling Player’s Shooting Phase, the Model assigned an Extraction Mission is removed from play and returned to Aerial Reserves. Any Units Embarked upon the Model assigned an Extraction Mission remain Embarked while this Model is in Aerial Reserves, but any Tactical Statuses the Models in the Embarked Unit have are removed.

Combat Assignment: Strafing Run

Once assigned a Strafing Run in the Reserves Sub-Phase, a Model must be immediately placed onto the Battlefield by its Controlling Player. The Model may be placed anywhere along the edge of the Battlefield Edge that is within the Controlling Player’s Deployment Zone. This deployment can trigger the Intercept Advanced Reaction, but any attacks are not resolved as Snap Shots unless another Rule or Special Rule dictates otherwise.

In the Movement Phase, a Model assigned a Strafing Run can be selected and must then move up to a number of inches equal to no more than half its Movement Characteristic in any direction. At this point a Combat Air Patrol can be declared by the Reactive Player. A Unit Embarked on a Model that has been assigned a Strafing Run may not Disembark, nor may any Unit Embark on a Model that has been assigned a Strafing Run.

In the Shooting Phase, a Model that has been assigned a Strafing Run may make Shooting Attacks with any Weapons it has. At the end of the Controlling Player’s Shooting Phase, the Model assigned a Strafing Run is removed from play and returned to Aerial Reserves.

Embarking and Disembarking

The main function of the Transport Sub-Type is to allow other Units to Embark or Disembark from a Model that has that Sub-Type. Embarking is the Rules term for when a Unit is removed from play to represent it boarding or otherwise getting onto another Model that then carries it, while Disembarking is the Rules term for when that Unit re-enters play by getting off of the Model that was carrying it.

Units can usually only Embark or Disembark during the Movement Phase, and no Unit may both Embark and Disembark in the same Movement Phase. However, if a Model with the Transport Sub-Type is Removed as a Casualty while a Unit is Embarked upon it, then the Embarked Unit must attempt an Emergency Disembarkation even if it had Embarked in the same Phase.

When Embarked upon a Model with the Transport Sub-Type, there are a number of Rules that apply to the Embarked Unit:

• A Unit Embarked on a Model with the Transport SubType may not be targeted by any attack, Special Rule or other effect. They are treated as if they had been removed from play temporarily.
• No Model in a Unit that is Embarked upon another Model may make an attack, Reaction or otherwise take an action.
• All effects generated by a Model, such as the effects of the Fear (X) Special Rule, cease to have any further effect when that Model is Embarked upon another Model.
• If a Unit that has a Status Embarks upon a Model with the Transport Sub-Type then the Model with the Transport Sub-Type is not affected by that Status - but the Embarked Unit retains the Status and may not have any Checks made to remove it until the Unit Disembarks.
• Any attacks, Statuses or other effects that apply to a Model with the Transport Sub-Type have no effect on a Unit Embarked upon it.

Access Points

If any Models in the Embarking Unit are more than 2" from a Facing on the Transport Model that has an Access Point, then no Models can Embark and the Unit remains in play. If all Models in the Embarking Unit are within 2" of a Facing on the Model with the Transport Sub-Type that has an Access Point, then all Models in the Unit are removed from the Battlefield. Players may find it useful to mark or otherwise note which Unit has Embarked on which Model with the Transport Sub-Type and this information should be declared to all Players.

The entire process of Embarkation is resolved during the activation of the Embarking Unit during the Move SubPhase, and as such does not interfere with the activation and movement of the Model the Unit Embarks on. A Model may have Units Embark on it after it has been activated and moved, and also may be activated (if it has not already been activated) and then moved during the Move Sub-Phase after another Unit has Embarked on it.

Disembarking

Disembarking covers the Rules for moving Units ‘out’ of Transports.

During the Move Sub-Phase of the Movement Phase, when a Player selects a Model with the Transport Sub-Type that they control, the Player may choose to Disembark a Unit Embarked upon that Model (as long as that Unit did not Embark in the same Movement Phase). A Unit may only Disembark before the Model it is Embarked upon has moved or after it has finished moving, not part way through a Unit’s move. Once a Unit has Disembarked from a Model that has moved in that Move Sub-Phase, the Model it was Embarked upon may not move any further that same Phase. Conversely, a Model that has not yet moved, but from which a Unit has Disembarked, may still move as normal.

Disembarkation and Shooting or Charging

After Disembarking, Units may be used to make Shooting Attacks in the Controlling Player’s subsequent Shooting Phase, but count as having moved that Turn, and may have a Charge declared for them in the Controlling Player’s subsequent Assault Phase. Note that, unless the Model from which a Unit Disembarked has the Assault Vehicle Special Rule, all Charges declared for Units that have Disembarked in the same Player Turn must be resolved as Disordered Charges.

Embarking, Disembarking and Reactions

A Unit making a Reaction that allows the Unit to be moved may Embark upon a friendly Model with the Transport Sub-Type, but must follow all of the restrictions noted in the Rules for Embarking. However, as a Unit Embarked on another Model is considered to no longer be on the Battlefield, an Embarked Unit may not make a Reaction - and thus a Reaction may never be used to allow a Unit to Disembark. The only exception to this is a Reaction made for another Unit which forces a Target Model to have all Units Embarked upon it to make an Emergency Disembarkation.

Transports, Specialists, Command and Paragons

If a Unit that includes Models with the Specialist and/or Command Sub-Types or the Paragon Type is Embarked on a Model with the Transport Sub-Type, then those Models may not leave that Unit while it is Embarked or on the Turn in which the Unit Disembarks or makes an Emergency Disembarkation. Nor may a Model with the Specialist or Command Sub-Type or the Paragon Type Embark on a Model with the Transport Sub-Type that already has a Unit Embarked upon it with the intent of ‘joining’ the Unit. No Model may join or leave a Unit that is Embarked on another Model.

Removing Transports as Casualties

If a Model with the Transport Sub-Type that has a Unit Embarked upon it must be Removed as a Casualty, then before the Model is removed from the Battlefield the Unit Embarked upon it must first make an Emergency Disembarkation. This Emergency Disembarkation is made before any other effects - such as the Model it was Embarked upon causing Hits or wounds due to its destruction, however, no damage from the attack that caused the Model with the Transport Sub-Type to be Removed as a Casualty is transferred to the Unit Embarked upon it. Once all Models in the Unit Embarked on the Model have made an Emergency Disembarkation and any other effects have been resolved, the Model with the Transport Sub-Type is removed from play.

What Does Your Terrain Count As?

These Rules present Terrain simply as Rules and without reference to specific examples of what those Rules apply to. Due to the wide variety of Terrain in use by Players, it would be extremely difficult for us to indicate which Rules apply to which pieces of scratch built Terrain possessed by the average Player without creating some amount of confusion. As such, these Rules leave the task of defining what each piece of Terrain in a Player’s collection counts as to the Players themselves. The only Rule we apply is that the Players must decide and make known to all Players what each piece of Terrain on the Battlefield counts as before any Models or Objectives are deployed. Where Missions or organised play formats require a preset Terrain layout, what each piece of Terrain counts as should be defined by the Mission Rules or the organisers of the event.

Terrain Types

The Horus Heresy - Age of Darkness Rules feature several main types of Battlefield Terrain: Open Terrain, Terrain Pieces, Area Terrain, Difficult Terrain, Dangerous Terrain, Impassable Terrain and Buildings.

Open Terrain

Open Terrain imposes neither penalty or benefit.

Open Terrain is the Rules term used to refer to any area of the Battlefield that has no Terrain, offering neither penalty or benefit to any Player or Model that occupies it. No additional Rules are needed for Open Terrain and, unless otherwise specified, Special Rules and abilities that affect Terrain do not affect Open Terrain. If the Battlefield incorporates distinct plateaus of raised Open Terrain that sit above the main area of the Battlefield then it is left to Players to agree and designate if these form a separate level.

Terrain Pieces

Terrain Pieces block Line of Sight.

Terrain Pieces are physically represented by a Model, but do not have Profiles or Characteristics - they may not be targeted by attacks or affected by any Rule or other effect unless a Special Rule specifies otherwise. Some Terrain Pieces may have Bases, but these are ignored for the purposes of measuring distances or adjudicating the placement of Models - other Models may be placed on top of a Terrain Piece Base, and never count as being in Base Contact with a Terrain Piece.

Some Terrain Pieces may have additional Special Rules - in all cases these will be detailed by the Special Rule itself.

Area Terrain

Area Terrain grants Cover Saves.

A zone of closely packed Terrain is considered Area Terrain. Any Area Terrain on the Battlefield must have a clearly delineated zone which it covers, as agreed by all Players. As with Terrain Pieces, some Area Terrain may have a Base, but these are ignored for the purposes of measuring distances or adjudicating the placement of Models - other Models may be placed on top of an Area Terrain Base, and never count as being in Base Contact with Area Terrain. When placing a zone of Area Terrain, the Players must define a boundary for that zone of Area Terrain. This can be the Base, if the zone has one, or any other clear boundary point that shows where the Area Terrain begins and ends.

Any Model that is within the boundary of a zone of Area Terrain is eligible for a Cover Save (see page 198) and all zones of Area Terrain are also considered Difficult Terrain. The Cover Save provided by a given zone of Area Terrain is determined by its class, either Light Area Terrain, Medium Area Terrain or Heavy’ Area Terrain, as noted below:

• Light Area Terrain provides a 6+ Cover Save to all Models within its boundaries.
• Medium Area Terrain provides a 5+ Cover Save to all Models within its boundaries.
• Heavy Area Terrain provides a 4+ Cover Save to all Models within its boundaries.

Medium Area Terrain blocks Line of Sight if that Line of Sight passes through more than 3" of an Area of Terrain. Heavy Area Terrain always blocks Line of Sight, Models within Heavy Area Terrain cannot ever draw Line of Sight to any other Models and Models outside of Heavy Area Terrain cannot draw Line of Sight to Models within Heavy Area Terrain. Line of Sight can never be drawn through Heavy Area Terrain, regardless of the distance covered by the Terrain. Light Area Terrain does not block Line of Sight.

Some Areas of Terrain may include multiple levels, such as ruins with more than one floor upon which Models can be placed. These follow all of the usual Rules for Terrain levels, and the floors are all considered as being within the same Area of Terrain - with the exception that Weapons with the Blast (X) and Barrage Special Rules are only required to attack the uppermost floor if the Target Model or point on the Battlefield is on one of the numbered floors or on the Battlefield surface directly under the first Terrain level. This is intended to stop attacks targeting Models distant from any levels within an Area of Terrain being unfairly protected from attack by Weapons with the Barrage Special Rule.

Difficult Terrain

Difficult Terrain slows down Models moving through it.

Tangled or otherwise restrictive Terrain is considered Difficult Terrain. Note that an Area of Difficult Terrain does not grant a Cover Save unless it is within a zone of Area Terrain.

Moving into Difficult Terrain

If a Unit starts a Move outside any Area of Difficult Terrain, but includes Models that could potentially enter an Area of Difficult Terrain, the Player must declare if they want their Unit to enter any Area of Difficult Terrain as part of their move. If the Controlling Player chooses not to enter any area of Difficult Terrain the Unit moves as normal, but no Models in the Unit may enter any area of Difficult Terrain. If the Controlling Player chooses for any Model in the Unit to enter any area of Difficult Terrain, then a modifier of-2 is applied to the Movement Characteristic of those Models only for the duration of that Movement Phase. If the application of this modifier would leave the Unit unable to reach an area of Difficult Terrain it is still applied, even if the Controlling Player alters the Unit’s movement and no longer intends it to enter Difficult Terrain.

Moving within Difficult Terrain

If any Models in a Unit start their move within an Area of Difficult Terrain, then those Models must reduce their Movement Characteristic by -2 during that Movement Phase.

Dangerous Terrain

Dangerous Terrain can inflict wounds on Models.

Dangerous Terrain follows all the Rules for Difficult Terrain and, in addition, any Model that enters, leaves or moves through an Area of Dangerous Terrain must make a Dangerous Terrain Test. This Test must be made immediately when a Model moves into an Area of Dangerous Terrain or begins a move while within an Area of Dangerous Terrain.

Dangerous Terrain Tests

To take a Dangerous Terrain Test, the Player controlling a Model that has moved into or through an Area of Dangerous Terrain must roll a Dice. On a result of T, that Model suffers a wound with an AP of 2 and a Damage Characteristic of 1. No Armour Save, Cover Save or Damage Mitigation Roll may be made to discard this wound, but Invulnerable Saves may still be made.

Once a Dangerous Terrain Test has been made for a given Model in a Phase, then no further Dangerous Terrain Tests are taken for that same Model in the same Phase, regardless of whether it enters further Areas of Dangerous Terrain.

Impassable Terrain

Models may not move into or onto Impassable Terrain.

Unless noted otherwise in their Special Rules, Models cannot enter, cross, move into or move through Impassable Terrain - they must go around. The exceptions to this Rule include Models with the Antigrav or Flyer Sub-Types (see pages 178 and 224 respectively) which may move over, but not end their move in, Impassable Terrain.

Buildings

Buildings are similar to immobile Transport Vehicles.

Buildings are a special Type of Model, and are bound by the following Rules:

• Buildings are not, and cannot be, controlled by any Player.
• Buildings may be targeted by Shooting Attacks and Charges.
• Buildings have the Armour, Transport Capacity and Hull Points Characteristics.
• Buildings may never be moved by either Player, and no Rule, Special Rule or other effect can move or re-deploy a Building.
• All Glancing Hits inflicted on a Building inflict 1 point of Damage and no roll on the Vehicle Damage Table is ever made for a Building.
• Buildings are all considered to have the Transport Sub-Type and any Player may Embark a Unit onto a Building, but only one Unit may be Embarked on a Building at any one time.

Building Armour Values

All Buildings are treated as having only one Facing, and thus have only a single value for Armour, which is used against all attacks, no matter their point of origin.

Buildings in the Horus Heresy

Buildings arc not selected as part of any Army, they arc treated as a type of Terrain. The following profiles can be used to represent Buildings in the Age of Darkness - Players must reach an agreement on which Terrain Models represent Buildings and which profile will be used for them before any Battle is begun.

Attacking Buildings

When determining if a Building can be targeted by a Shooting Attack or Charged and fought in Combat, or affected by a Special Rule, treat the Building as a Vehicle unless it is specifically stated otherwise. When attacking a Building, make Hit Tests and Armour Penetration Tests as if it were a Vehicle. In Combat, Buildings are hit automatically and treated as having a Movement Characteristic of‘0’ and can be attacked with Weapons that have the Detonation Special Rule.

If a Building suffers a Glancing Hit then that Building suffers 1 point of Damage, regardless of the Damage Characteristic of the Hit. If a Building suffers a Penetrating Hit, then that Building suffers Damage equal to the Damage Characteristic of the Hit.

When a Building has its Hull Points Characteristic reduced to 0, it is Removed as a Casualty and replaced by a zone of Medium Area Terrain that is also Difficult Terrain granting a 5+ Cover Save that covers the same area as the Building previously occupied. Any Unit Embarked on a Building that is Removed as a Casualty must immediately Disembark before the Building is removed and must take a Panic Check once the Building has been Removed as a Casualty.

Battlements

The roof spaces of many Buildings arc identified as Battlements. Whilst all Battlements are built on top of a Building, Battlements are not themselves treated as Buildings. Battlements are treated as a zone of Medium Area Terrain that grants a 5+ Cover Save and count as an Access Point for the Building they serve as the roof for.

Victory Points

Unless otherwise agreed by all Players, or stated by a Mission Special Rule, no Victory Points are ever scored when a Building is Removed as a Casualty.