Death Guard
The Death Guard are foulness made manifest. They are a vision of unnatural corruption, of nobility, courage and strength perverted into nightmarish foulness and diseased might. Cities, worlds, even entire systems rot at their touch, the power of Nurgle spreading inexorably wherever the Death Guard raise their flyblown banners.
Contents
Books
| Book | Kind | Edition | Version | Last update |
 Death Guard | ||||
| Death Guard | Index | 10 | December 2024 | |
 Grotmas Calendar: Death Guard - Flyblown Host | ||||
| Grotmas Calendar: Death Guard - Flyblown Host | Expansion | 10 | May 2025 | |
 Munitorum Field Manual | ||||
| Munitorum Field Manual | Expansion | 10 | 2.3 | March 2025 |
 Legends Field Manual | ||||
| Legends Field Manual | Expansion | 10 | 2.1 | March 2025 |
 Balance Dataslate | ||||
| Balance Dataslate | Rulebook | 10 | March 2025 | March 2025 |
 Boarding Actions | ||||
| Boarding Actions | Expansion | 10 | 1.0 | October 2024 |
 Horus Heresy Legends: Adeptus Astartes | ||||
| Horus Heresy Legends: Adeptus Astartes | Datasheet | 10 | September 2024 | |
| Legends: Heretic Astartes | ||||
| Legends: Heretic Astartes | Datasheet | 10 | September 2024 | |
| Horus Heresy Legends: Heretic Astartes | ||||
| Horus Heresy Legends: Heretic Astartes | Datasheet | 10 | September 2024 | |
| Legends: Death Guard | ||||
| Legends: Death Guard | Datasheet | 10 | September 2024 | |
FAQ
Index: Death Guard
| Q: | If I have Infected an objective marker, what happens if my opponent gains control of that objective marker then loses it? |
| A: | That objective marker is still Infected, but does not come under your control again. If you regain control of that objective marker (i.e. because your Level of Control over that objective marker is greater than your opponent’s at the end of a phase), while you control that objective marker, because it is Infected, it has the Nurgle’s Gift ability. |
| Q: | Do POXWALKERS returned by the Curse of the Walking Pox ability in the Fight Phase get to fight if they are returned within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units? |
| A: | No, they were not present in the Select Targets step when the unit was selected to fight. |
| Q: | Does MORTARION’s Lord of the Death Guard ability ignore other models’ abilities that affect the damage of his weapon (e.g. a C’tan Shard of the Void Dragon’s Necrodermis ability)? |
| A: | Yes. |
Army Rules
Nurgle’s Gift (Aura)
The Death Guard are carriers of countless infections and contagions, each a gift from Nurgle. Whenever they march to war, they contaminate all around them, overwhelming their victims’ immune systems and undoing metallic bonds, alien psychic materials and all manner of other components, rendering even armoured vehicles vulnerable.
If your Army Faction is DEATH GUARD, while an enemy unit is within Contagion Range of this unit, subtract 1 from the Toughness characteristic of models in that enemy unit. Contagion Range changes over the course of the battle, as shown below.CONTAGION RANGE
Plague Company
Detachment Rule
If your Army Faction is DEATH GUARD, you can use this Plague Company Detachment rule.Spread the Sickness
To the Death Guard, spreading Nurgle’s gifts goes beyond the beings they fight – even the landscapes they tread upon they seek to corrupt, cultivating Nurgle’s garden as widely as possible.
During the Declare Battle Formations step, select one of the Sicknesses below. Until the end of the battle, all units from your army with the Nurgle’s Gift ability gain the selected Sickness.- Skullsquirm Blight (Aura): While an enemy unit is within Contagion Range of this unit, worsen the Ballistic Skill and Weapon Skill characteristics of weapons equipped by models in that enemy unit by 1.
- Rattlejoint Ague (Aura): While an enemy unit is within Contagion Range of this unit, worsen the Save characteristic of models in that enemy unit by 1.
- Scabrous Soulrot (Aura): While an enemy unit is within Contagion Range of this unit, worsen the Leadership and Objective Control characteristics of models in that enemy unit by 1 (to a minimum of 1).
If you control an objective marker at the end of your Command phase and a DEATH GUARD unit from your army is within range of that objective marker, that objective marker is said to be Infected and remains under your control even if you have no models within range of it, until your opponent controls it at the start or end of any turn. In addition, while an objective marker is Infected and under your control, it has the Nurgle’s Gift ability as if it were a unit from your army (so enemy units within Contagion Range of it will have their characteristics modified).
Stratagems
If you are using the Plague Company Detachment rule, you can use these Plague Company Stratagems.FERRIC BLIGHT
1CP
Plague Company – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The spreading rust of the Ferric Blight can reduce armour of all kinds to nothing.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase or the Fight phase.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot or fight this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes an attack, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1. If the target of that attack is within Contagion Range of an Infected objective marker you control and a Critical Wound is scored for that attack, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 2 instead.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot or fight this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes an attack, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1. If the target of that attack is within Contagion Range of an Infected objective marker you control and a Critical Wound is scored for that attack, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 2 instead.
SANGUOUS FLUX
1CP
Plague Company – Battle Tactic Stratagem
Bleeding sores erupt all over enemies afflicted by the Sanguous Flux, the wounds never clotting or healing.
WHEN: Fight phase.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD unit from your army that has not been selected to fight this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, weapons equipped by models in your unit have the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability. While your unit is within range of an Infected objective marker you control, those weapons have the [SUSTAINED HITS 2] ability instead.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD unit from your army that has not been selected to fight this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, weapons equipped by models in your unit have the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability. While your unit is within range of an Infected objective marker you control, those weapons have the [SUSTAINED HITS 2] ability instead.
DISGUSTINGLY RESILIENT
2CP
Plague Company – Battle Tactic Stratagem
Those favoured by Nurgle are inured to pain, their rotting bodies shrugging off all but the most traumatic damage with ease.
WHEN: Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of that enemy unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack is allocated to a model in your unit, subtract 1 from the Damage characteristic of that attack.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of that enemy unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack is allocated to a model in your unit, subtract 1 from the Damage characteristic of that attack.
GIFTS OF DECAY
1CP
Plague Company – Epic Deed Stratagem
Nurgle is a generous god, and through worship and devotion his followers can gain mighty rewards as they spread sickness in his name.
WHEN: Your Command phase.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD model from your army.
EFFECT: Your model regains up to D3 lost wounds. If your model’s unit is within Contagion Range of an Infected objective marker you control, your model regains up to 3 lost wounds instead.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD model from your army.
EFFECT: Your model regains up to D3 lost wounds. If your model’s unit is within Contagion Range of an Infected objective marker you control, your model regains up to 3 lost wounds instead.
BOILBLIGHT
1CP
Plague Company – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
The strange lumps that form on victims of Boilblight – also known as Nurgle’s Fruit, Lumpen Splatter or the Crawling Pustulence – are easy to spot at a distance for the Death Guard.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD unit from your army, and one enemy unit within Contagion Range of that unit.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a weapon equipped by a DEATH GUARD model from your army targets that enemy unit, that weapon has the [HEAVY] and [IGNORES COVER] abilities.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD unit from your army, and one enemy unit within Contagion Range of that unit.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a weapon equipped by a DEATH GUARD model from your army targets that enemy unit, that weapon has the [HEAVY] and [IGNORES COVER] abilities.
CLOUD OF FLIES
1CP
Plague Company – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
With a thrumming roar, a thick cloud of daemon flies whirls around the Death Guard and obscures them from the enemy’s sight.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of that enemy unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, your unit has the Stealth ability.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of that enemy unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, your unit has the Stealth ability.
Enhancements
If you are using the Plague Company Detachment rule, you can use these Plague Company Enhancements.
Saturated as he is with Nurgle’s contagious blessings, merely to stand before this warlord is to be assailed by an oppressive aura of plague. DEATH GUARD model only. Add 3" to the range of the bearer’s Aura abilities (including Nurgle’s Gift). |
This warrior is surrounded by a cloud of dreaded plague flies that harass the Death Guard’s enemies and feed on their sanity. DEATH GUARD model only. While an enemy unit is within Contagion Range of the bearer, each time that unit fails a Battle-shock test, roll one D6: on a 2-5, that unit suffers 1 mortal wound; on a 6, that unit suffers D3 mortal wounds. |
When this pathogen finds a victim – whether organic or machine – it rapidly replicates, causing horrific damage before burning out. DEATH GUARD model only. Add 1 to the Strength and Attacks characteristics of the bearer’s melee weapons. While the bearer is within range of an Infected objective marker you control, add 2 to the Strength and Attacks characteristics of the bearer’s melee weapons instead. |
The strains of the zombie virus carried by the Death Guard slowly but surely break mortals around them, sapping their strength and dexterity before consuming them utterly. DEATH GUARD model only. Each time the bearer’s unit is selected as a target of an enemy unit’s charge, until the end of the phase, subtract 2 from Charge rolls made for that enemy unit. |
Flyblown Host
As the Death Guard stride inexorably towards their foes, the battlefield thrums and buzzes with the wingbeats of a trillion swollen flies. Bloated and mutated Plague Marines march beneath a pathogenic haze, striding forward slowly and purposefully, unleashing precise salvoes of diseased projectiles. The obscuring swarms foul the foe’s return fire, and whatever clots of contagion their desperate shots manage to clear away are filled moments later by yet more hovering vermin. Amidst the droning miasma, the Death Guard stride on, at one with the crawling and buzzing horror surrounding them. As the horrifying cloud washes over the enemy, their warriors retch and claw at their skin. The Plague Marines exploit the distraction ruthlessly, cutting down their stricken foes and leaving nothing but rotting corpses in their wake.
Detachment Rule
Verminous Haze
A cloud of winged insects descends over Mortarion’s pathogenic sons, obscuring their malodorous ranks and shielding them from the eyes and augurs of the enemy. Beneath thrumming storms of fat-bodied flies, Plague Marines stride towards their wavering foes until they are close enough to unleash punishing volleys of killing fire.
DEATH GUARD INFANTRY units (excluding POXWALKERS units) from your army that are not embarked within a TRANSPORT have the Scouts 5" and Stealth abilities.Enhancements
Festering swarms follow this champion to battle, and the drone of a billion flies invigorates his warriors’ rotting bodies, lending them fresh focus. DEATH GUARD INFANTRY model only. Ranged weapons equipped by models in the bearer’s unit have the [ASSAULT] ability. |
The buzzing swarms respond to this champion’s will, sweeping down upon his chosen target, their crawling, biting and droning enfeebling the horrified foe. DEATH GUARD INFANTRY model only. Each time a model in the bearer’s unit makes an attack that targets a unit that is within Contagion Range of one or more DEATH GUARD units from your army, re-roll a Wound roll of 1. |
With a hacking prayer to Nurgle, this warrior calls upon the swarm. Buzzing clumps of plague‑bearing flies settle upon his bloated form and vomit streams of rejuvenating contagion into festering wounds. DEATH GUARD INFANTRY model only. At the end of each phase, the bearer regains all of its lost wounds. |
When this diseased pilgrim marches to sites of festering putrescence, Nurgle’s blessings manifest in a buzzing clot of darkness that falls like an enshrouding fog over them and their disciples. DEATH GUARD INFANTRY model only. While the bearer’s unit is within range of one or more objective markers that you control, that unit can only be selected as the target of a ranged attack if the attacking model is within 18". |
Stratagems
NAUSEATING PAROXYSMS
1CP
Flyblown Host – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
The contagion borne by the Death Guard and their attendant swarms of winged vermin triggers bouts of sickness and convulsion in those they encounter.
WHEN: Start of the Fight phase.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD INFANTRY unit from your army that is within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units.
EFFECT: Select one enemy unit within Engagement Range of your unit. That unit must take a Battle-shock test, subtracting 1 from the result.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD INFANTRY unit from your army that is within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units.
EFFECT: Select one enemy unit within Engagement Range of your unit. That unit must take a Battle-shock test, subtracting 1 from the result.
VERMIN CLOUD
1CP
Flyblown Host – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The storm of insectile contagion sweeps forward, dragging the Death Guard in its wake. None will escape the Plague God’s embrace.
WHEN: Fight phase.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD INFANTRY unit from your army that has not been selected to fight this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in this unit makes a Pile-in or Consolidation move, it can move up to 6" instead of up to 3".
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD INFANTRY unit from your army that has not been selected to fight this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in this unit makes a Pile-in or Consolidation move, it can move up to 6" instead of up to 3".
EYE OF THE SWARM
1CP
Flyblown Host – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
The vermin swarms intensify as the Death Guard close in upon the enemy. As their foes clutch and tear their crawling skin, pitiless Plague Marines unleash volleys of point‑blank fire into their tormented foes.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD INFANTRY unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, ranged weapons equipped by models in your unit (excluding Blast weapons) have the [PISTOL] ability.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD INFANTRY unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, ranged weapons equipped by models in your unit (excluding Blast weapons) have the [PISTOL] ability.
DRONING HORROR
1CP
Flyblown Host – Battle Tactic Stratagem
Clouds of droning daemon flies sweep across the battlefield to envelop the enemies of the Death Guard. As their victims claw and scratch at the seething swarms, Mortarion’s sons pick off their targets at leisure.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD INFANTRY unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes a ranged attack, re-roll a Hit roll of 1. If that attack targets a unit within half range, you can re-roll the Hit roll instead.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD INFANTRY unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes a ranged attack, re-roll a Hit roll of 1. If that attack targets a unit within half range, you can re-roll the Hit roll instead.
ENERVATING ONSLAUGHT
1CP
Flyblown Host – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Swathed in a buzzing cloak of pathogenic decay, Nurgle’s chosen crash into the foe, disease dealing death as surely as fist, maul and blade.
WHEN: Your Charge phase, just after a DEATH GUARD INFANTRY unit from your army makes a Charge move.
TARGET: That DEATH GUARD INFANTRY unit.
EFFECT: Select one enemy unit within Engagement Range of your unit (excluding MONSTERS and VEHICLES). Roll one D6 for each model in your unit that is within Engagement Range of that unit, adding 1 to the result if that model is not a CULTIST or POXWALKER model: for each 5+, the selected enemy unit suffers 1 mortal wound (to a maximum of 6 mortal wounds).
TARGET: That DEATH GUARD INFANTRY unit.
EFFECT: Select one enemy unit within Engagement Range of your unit (excluding MONSTERS and VEHICLES). Roll one D6 for each model in your unit that is within Engagement Range of that unit, adding 1 to the result if that model is not a CULTIST or POXWALKER model: for each 5+, the selected enemy unit suffers 1 mortal wound (to a maximum of 6 mortal wounds).
MYPHITIC INVIGORATION
1CP
Flyblown Host – Battle Tactic Stratagem
Daemon flies are drawn to and invigorated by the foul miasmas surrounding Myphitic Blight‑haulers. In the vicinity of these malodorous constructs, the swarms gather in densities great enough to form a living barrier to the foe’s attacks.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD INFANTRY unit from your army that is within 6" of one or more friendly MYPHITIC BLIGHT-HAULER units and that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, if the Strength characteristic of that attack is greater than the Toughness characteristic of this unit, subtract 1 from the Wound roll.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD INFANTRY unit from your army that is within 6" of one or more friendly MYPHITIC BLIGHT-HAULER units and that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, if the Strength characteristic of that attack is greater than the Toughness characteristic of this unit, subtract 1 from the Wound roll.
Boarding Actions
Introduction
Within the following pages you will find numerous Boarding Actions Detachments that can be used in your Boarding Actions games. Each lists which units you can include in your army, any modifications to those units’ army rule as presented in their Codex or Index, a Detachment rule unique to that Detachment, and a number of Enhancements and Stratagems that you can use.ARMY FACTION
A keyword that will be shared by all units in your army.
MUSTERING RULES
Which units you are allowed to include in your army.
FORMING BOARDING SQUADS
Any additional rules that will apply in the missions Form Boarding Squads step. Note that not all Detachments will have these.
RULES ADAPTATIONS
Some units will be unable to use certain abilities in Boarding Actions battles. Where this is the case, these units and their relevant abilities will be listed here.
A keyword that will be shared by all units in your army.
MUSTERING RULES
Which units you are allowed to include in your army.
FORMING BOARDING SQUADS
Any additional rules that will apply in the missions Form Boarding Squads step. Note that not all Detachments will have these.
RULES ADAPTATIONS
Some units will be unable to use certain abilities in Boarding Actions battles. Where this is the case, these units and their relevant abilities will be listed here.
ARMY RULE
Due to the distinct nature of close-quarters battle in Boarding Actions, most army rules require some modifications to their effects. Where this is the case, these will be described here.
DETACHMENT RULE
Each faction will have a number of different Detachments to choose from, each with its own Detachment rule to reflect the unique fighting methods of such forces.
ENHANCEMENTS
Further Enhancements that you can give to CHARACTER models from your army, beyond those(Boarding Actions Enhancments), will be found here.
STRATAGEMS
Additional Stratagems that you can use, in addition to those (Boarding Actions Stratagems), will be found here.
Due to the distinct nature of close-quarters battle in Boarding Actions, most army rules require some modifications to their effects. Where this is the case, these will be described here.
DETACHMENT RULE
Each faction will have a number of different Detachments to choose from, each with its own Detachment rule to reflect the unique fighting methods of such forces.
ENHANCEMENTS
Further Enhancements that you can give to CHARACTER models from your army, beyond those(Boarding Actions Enhancments), will be found here.
STRATAGEMS
Additional Stratagems that you can use, in addition to those (Boarding Actions Stratagems), will be found here.
Vectors of Decay
The Death Guard are well-practised in shipboard warfare and punishing boarding actions. Spearing deep in the enemy vessel like the tendrils of some nightmare parasite, they spread corruption and entropy through foes and mechanical systems alike.
Mustering a Boarding Patrol
You can include up to one of the following units:- DEATH GUARD CHAOS LORD
- DEATH GUARD TERMINATOR SORCERER
- LORD OF CONTAGION
- LORD OF VIRULENCE
- MALIGNANT PLAGUECASTER
- TYPHUS
- BIOLOGUS PUTRIFIER
- DEATH GUARD ICON BEARER
- FOUL BLIGHTSPAWN
- NOXIOUS BLIGHTBRINGER
- PLAGUE SURGEON
- TALLYMAN
- DEATH GUARD CULTISTS* (10 models)
- PLAGUE MARINES (5, 7 or 10 models)
- POXWALKERS* (10 models)
You can include up to one of each of the following units:
- BLIGHTLORD TERMINATORS (5 models)
- DEATH GUARD CHAOS SPAWN (2 models)
- DEATHSHROUD TERMINATORS (3 models)
Forming Boarding Squads
POXWALKERS and DEATH GUARD CULTISTS units do not split into separate units in the Form Boarding Squads step.Rules Adaptations
- The BIOLOGUS PUTRIFIER model loses the Explosive Maladies ability.
- The DEATH GUARD CHAOS LORD model loses the Desiccation Conduit ability.
- The DEATH GUARD CHAOS SPAWN unit loses the Regenerating Monstrosities ability.
- The DEATH GUARD TERMINATOR SORCERER model loses the Pestilent Familiar ability.
- The LORD OF CONTAGION model loses the Abundance of Sickness ability.
- The PLAGUE SURGEON model loses the Tainted Narthecium ability.
- The TALLYMAN model loses the The Seven-fold Chant ability.
- The TYPHUS model loses the Tire Eater Plague ability.
Slow Decay
Steady and inexorable, the dark gifts of the Plague God seep from the Death Guard to corrupt all.
Units from your army with the Nurgle’s Gift ability retain that ability and gain this one.When measuring your units’ Contagion Range, Walls and closed Hatchways are ignored. In addition, Contagion Range changes over the course of the battle as shown below, instead of as specified in the Nurgle’s Gift ability.
|
Detachment Rule
Sevenfold Offerings
Seven by seven the enemy fall, reaped like blighted crops or rotted from within. Seven by seven their souls are offered up to the Lord of Pestilence.
For every seven enemy models that have been destroyed, add 2" to the Contagion Range of units from your army. Note that any increase to the Contagion Range of units from your army as a result of this rule does not take place while a unit from your army is attacking. In such an event, the increase will take effect after such a unit has finished making its attacks.Enhancements
Foul Constitution Rancid with might, feverish with unclean power, this warriors diseased body is as unnaturally resilient as it is unfeeling of pain. Each time an attack is allocated to the bearer, subtract 1 from the Damage characteristic of that attack. |
Fountaining Filth Bloated fit to burst with noxious corruption, this champions straining body is like an overfilled pressure vessel ready to explode like a diseased warhead. When the bearer is destroyed, before removing it from the battlefield, select one enemy unit within Engagement Range of the bearer and roll one D6: on a 2-3, that enemy unit suffers 1 mortal wound; on a 4-5, that enemy unit suffers 2 mortal wounds; on a 6, that enemy unit suffers 3 mortal wounds. |
Stratagems
CHINKS IN THE ARMOUR
1CP
Vectors of Decay – Battle Tactic Stratagem
Even the slightest weakness is enough for the foulness of the Death Guard to find a way in.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase or the Fight phase.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot or fight this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes an attack that targets a unit within Contagion Range of one or more units from your army, a Critical Hit is scored on an unmodified Hit roll of 5+, instead of only a 6.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot or fight this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes an attack that targets a unit within Contagion Range of one or more units from your army, a Critical Hit is scored on an unmodified Hit roll of 5+, instead of only a 6.
GROTESQUE DEMISE
1CP
Vectors of Decay – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Many of the plague weapons and revolting diseases unleashed by the Death Guard inflict endings so hideous that the mere sight of them is enough to send unharmed enemies fleeing in horror.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase or the Fight phase, just after a DEATH GUARD unit from your army (excluding CULTISTS and POXWALKERS units) has shot or fought.
TARGET: That DEATH GUARD unit.
EFFECT: Select one enemy unit that had one or more models destroyed as a result of those attacks. That enemy unit must take a Battle-shock test.
TARGET: That DEATH GUARD unit.
EFFECT: Select one enemy unit that had one or more models destroyed as a result of those attacks. That enemy unit must take a Battle-shock test.
INFESTATION
1CP
Embarked Regiment – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
The taint left by the servants of Nurgle is not easily scoured from the stuff of realspace.
WHEN: Start or end of any turn, when an enemy unit attempts to Seize an objective marker you have Secured.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD unit from your army (excluding CULTISTS and POXWALKERS units) within Contagion Range of that objective marker.
EFFECT: Roll one D6: on a 5+, until the end of your next turn, that objective marker remains Secured by your army and you are considered to control it, regardless of how many enemy models are within range of it.
RESTRICTIONS: You can only use this Stratagem once per battle round.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD unit from your army (excluding CULTISTS and POXWALKERS units) within Contagion Range of that objective marker.
EFFECT: Roll one D6: on a 5+, until the end of your next turn, that objective marker remains Secured by your army and you are considered to control it, regardless of how many enemy models are within range of it.
RESTRICTIONS: You can only use this Stratagem once per battle round.
SEEPING CORROSION
1CP
Vectors of Decay – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Crawling tendrils of foulness spread through the voidship at the touch of the Death Guard, poisoning and rotting luckless foes.
WHEN: Your Movement phase, when a DEATH GUARD unit from your army (excluding CULTISTS and POXWALKERS units) attempts to open a Hatchway.
TARGET: That DEATH GUARD unit.
EFFECT: Select one enemy unit within 1" of your unit and on the opposite side of that Hatchway from your unit, and roll one D6: on a 2-4, that enemy unit suffers 1 mortal wound; on a 5+, that enemy unit suffers 2 mortal wounds. Until the end of the phase, if an enemy unit attempts to prevent that Hatchway from being opened, when rolling off, you can re-roll your result.
TARGET: That DEATH GUARD unit.
EFFECT: Select one enemy unit within 1" of your unit and on the opposite side of that Hatchway from your unit, and roll one D6: on a 2-4, that enemy unit suffers 1 mortal wound; on a 5+, that enemy unit suffers 2 mortal wounds. Until the end of the phase, if an enemy unit attempts to prevent that Hatchway from being opened, when rolling off, you can re-roll your result.
Unclean Uprising
Under the corrupting influence of Nurgle’s worshippers, voidships can sicken just like living bodies. Corridors awash with chanting, diseased cultists, chambers and vital systems clogged by rancid entities and plague-spawned filth, even the most redoubtable warship can sicken and die.
Mustering a Boarding Patrol
You can include up to one of the following units:- DEATH GUARD CHAOS LORD
- DEATH GUARD TERMINATOR SORCERER
- LORD OF CONTAGION
- LORD OF VIRULENCE
- MALIGNANT PLAGUECASTER
- TYPHUS
- BIOLOGUS PUTRIFIER
- DEATH GUARD ICON BEARER
- FOUL BLIGHTSPAWN
- NOXIOUS BLIGHTBRINGER
- PLAGUE SURGEON
- TALLYMAN
- DEATH GUARD CULTISTS (10 models)
- POXWALKERS (10 models)
- DEATH GUARD CHAOS SPAWN (2 models)
Forming Boarding Squads
- POXWALKERS units do not split into separate units in the Form Boarding Squads step.
Rules Adaptations
- DEATH GUARD CULTISTS units can perform the Secure Site Tactical Manoeuvre as if they had the BATTLELINE keyword.
- The BIOLOGUS PUTRIFIER model loses the Explosive Maladies ability.
- The DEATH GUARD CHAOS LORD model loses the Desiccation Conduit ability.
- The DEATH GUARD CHAOS SPAWN unit loses the Regenerating Monstrosities ability.
- The DEATH GUARD TERMINATOR SORCERER model loses the Pestilent Familiar ability.
- The LORD OF CONTAGION model loses the Abundance of Sickness ability.
- The PLAGUE SURGEON model loses the Tainted Narthecium ability.
- The TALLYMAN model loses the The Seven-fold Chant ability.
- The TYPHUS model loses the The Eater Plague ability.
Slow Decay
Steady and inexorable, the dark gifts of the Plague God seep from the Death Guard to corrupt all.
Units from your army with the Nurgle’s Gift ability retain that ability and gain this one.When measuring your units’ Contagion Range, Walls and closed Hatchways are ignored. In addition, Contagion Range changes over the course of the battle as shown below, instead of as specified in the Nurgle’s Gift ability.
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Detachment Rule
Relentless Spread
Like a virus seeking fresh hosts, the unclean worshippers of the Plague God spill through the ships corridors on the hunt for untainted souls.
Each time a DEATH GUARD unit from your army makes a Consolidation move:- It can move up to D3+3" instead of up to 3".
- If it cannot end that move within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units that are visible to it (and in Unit Coherency), it can still make that Consolidation move, and when doing so can move in any direction.
Enhancements
Pox-Bearer This foul champion is a living vector for the spread of the walking plague, a suppurating nexus of filthy unlife that cannot be cleansed. Once per battle, at the end of your Movement phase, the bearer can use this Enhancement. If it does, select one friendly POXWALKERS unit within 9" of and visible to the bearer; return up to D3+2 destroyed models to that unit. |
Hand of Nurgle Foul and foetid is the touch of this blessed being, seeping filth and rust-blooming fungi spilling from everything they lay their hands upon. In your Command phase, select one objective marker that you control and is within range of the bearer. Roll one D6: on a 2+, that objective marker is Secured by your army |
Stratagems
POX FLARE
1CP
Unclean Uprising – Battle Tactic Stratagem
Like fever heat bursting into unclean flame, the diseases infesting these Poxwalkers flare with sudden infectious vitality.
WHEN: Fight phase.
TARGET: One POXWALKERS unit from your army that has not been selected to fight this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of melee weapons equipped by models in your unit by 1.
TARGET: One POXWALKERS unit from your army that has not been selected to fight this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of melee weapons equipped by models in your unit by 1.
PATH OF PESTILENCE
1CP
Unclean Uprising – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Long have lurking cultists planned the uprising and prepared the route for their plague-blessed masters to process to victory.
WHEN: Your Movement phase.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD CULTISTS unit from your army that has not been selected to move this phase and is not within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units.
EFFECT: Select one closed Hatchway within 1” of your unit. Your unit can attempt to operate that Hatchway.
RESTRICTIONS: Until the end of the turn, your unit cannot attempt to operate a Hatchway again.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD CULTISTS unit from your army that has not been selected to move this phase and is not within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units.
EFFECT: Select one closed Hatchway within 1” of your unit. Your unit can attempt to operate that Hatchway.
RESTRICTIONS: Until the end of the turn, your unit cannot attempt to operate a Hatchway again.
THE DEAD RISE
1CP
Vectors of Decay – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
What appeared moments before to be a mere carrion heap suddenly lurches into foul and grinning unlife.
WHEN: Your Movement phase, at the start of the Reinforcements step.
TARGET: One POXWALKERS unit from your army that is in Reserves.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, your unit has the Deep Strike ability.
RESTRICTIONS: You can only use this Stratagem once.
TARGET: One POXWALKERS unit from your army that is in Reserves.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, your unit has the Deep Strike ability.
RESTRICTIONS: You can only use this Stratagem once.
SHAMBLING ONSLAUGHT
1CP
Unclean Uprising – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Relentless, untiring, the plague-rotted hordes press forward in a tide of grasping hands, stinking bodies and gnashing, splintered teeth.
WHEN: Your opponent's Movement phase, just after an enemy unit is selected to Fall Back.
TARGET: One POXWALKERS unit from your army within Engagement Range of that enemy unit.
EFFECT: After that enemy unit ends that Fall Back move, if your unit is not within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units, your unit can make a Normal move.
TARGET: One POXWALKERS unit from your army within Engagement Range of that enemy unit.
EFFECT: After that enemy unit ends that Fall Back move, if your unit is not within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units, your unit can make a Normal move.
Arch-Contaminators
Spearheading assaults onto enemy voidships or digging in to defend the most vital of their own plague ships’ systems and chambers, these chosen of Mortarion are as indomitable as they are foul. No foe can long endure their feculent ferocity.
Mustering a Boarding Patrol
You can include up to two of the following units (duplicates are not allowed):You can include up to one of each of the following units:
- BLIGHTLORD TERMINATORS (5 models)
- DEATH GUARD CHAOS SPAWN (2 models)
- DEATHSHROUD TERMINATORS (3 models)
Rules Adaptations
- BLIGHTLORD TERMINATORS units can perform the Secure Site Tactical Manoeuvre as if they had the BATTLELINE keyword.
- The DEATH GUARD CHAOS SPAWN unit loses the Regenerating Monstrosities ability.
- The DEATH GUARD TERMINATOR SORCERER model loses the Pestilent Familiar ability.
- The LORD OF CONTAGION model loses the Abundance of Sickness ability.
- The TYPHUS model loses the The Eater Plague ability.
Slow Decay
Steady and inexorable, the dark gifts of the Plague God seep from the Death Guard to corrupt all.
Units from your army with the Nurgle’s Gift ability retain that ability and gain this one.When measuring your units’ Contagion Range, Walls and closed Hatchways are ignored. In addition, Contagion Range changes over the course of the battle as shown below, instead of as specified in the Nurgle’s Gift ability.
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Detachment Rule
Inescapable Corruption
The combined plague blessings of so many champions of the Plague God is universally contagious, a dreadful omnirot that infests flesh, metal and even the minds and souls of its victims.
Each time an enemy unit is selected to perform a Tactical Manoeuvre, if that unit is within Contagion Range of one or more units from your army, that enemy unit must take a Leadership test. If that test is failed, that Tactical Manoeuvre has no effect (that enemy unit is still eligible to shoot and declare a charge this turn as normal).In addition, in your Command phase, roll one D6 for each objective marker that is within Contagion Range of one or more units from your army and is Secured by your opponent’s army: on a 5+, that objective marker is no longer Secured by your opponent’s army.
Enhancements
Miasmic Odour An omnipresent reek of decay wreathes this dark champion, mingling with swarms of parasitic plague flies and turgid clouds of infectious spores. Add 3" to the Contagion Range of the bearer. |
Disgusting Reinvigoration Grotesque maws and stabbing probosces burst from this champions bloated form to consume and corrupt the very life essence of their victims. Each time the bearer destroys an enemy model with a melee attack, roll one D6: on a 5+, the bearer regains one lost wound (to a maximum of two lost wounds per phase). |
Stratagems
ALLIES OF ENTROPY
1CP
Arch-Contaminators – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
The foul vitality that flows through these warriors is slow to depart, even in extremis.
WHEN: Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit is destroyed, if that model has not fought this phase, roll one D6: on a 4+, do not remove the destroyed model from play; it can fight after the attacking unit has finished making its attacks, and is then removed from play.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit is destroyed, if that model has not fought this phase, roll one D6: on a 4+, do not remove the destroyed model from play; it can fight after the attacking unit has finished making its attacks, and is then removed from play.
SEED OF CORRUPTION
1CP
Arch-Contaminators – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Like infectious spores contaminating their victim, the warriors of the Death Guard teleport into battle then dig in as their foulness slowly spreads around them.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD TERMINATOR unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.
EFFECT: If your unit was set up on the battlefield this turn, it can perform a Tactical Manoeuvre this phase as if it was not set up on the battlefield this turn.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD TERMINATOR unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.
EFFECT: If your unit was set up on the battlefield this turn, it can perform a Tactical Manoeuvre this phase as if it was not set up on the battlefield this turn.
CORROSIVE CURSE
1CP
Arch-Contaminators – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Mere proximity to these repulsive plague champions is enough to see vital systems rust and crumble as the taint of Chaos consumes them.
WHEN: Start of your Shooting phase.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD TERMINATOR unit from your army that is not within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units.
EFFECT: Select one objective marker within Contagion Range of and visible to your unit. That objective marker is Secured by your army.
RESTRICTIONS: You can only use this Stratagem once and, until the end of the turn, your unit is not eligible to shoot or declare a charge.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD TERMINATOR unit from your army that is not within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units.
EFFECT: Select one objective marker within Contagion Range of and visible to your unit. That objective marker is Secured by your army.
RESTRICTIONS: You can only use this Stratagem once and, until the end of the turn, your unit is not eligible to shoot or declare a charge.
CLOUD OF FLIES
1CP
Arch-Contaminators – Battle Tactic Stratagem
Plague flies engulf these warriors in a storm of buzzing wings and pustulent bodies, soaking up incoming enemy fire and obscuring the Death Guard elite from the foe.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit's attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the turn, each time an attack targets your unit, subtract 1 from the Hit roll.
TARGET: One DEATH GUARD unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit's attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the turn, each time an attack targets your unit, subtract 1 from the Hit roll.
Objective Markers
Objective markers represent objects of tactical or strategic import that both sides are attempting to secure, such as valuable artefacts, vital supplies or communications nodes. If a mission uses objective markers, it will state where they are located on the battlefield. These can be represented using any suitable marker, but we recommend using round markers that are 40mm in diameter.When setting objective markers up on the battlefield, place them so they are centred on the point specified by the mission. When measuring distances to and from objective markers, measure to and from the closest part of them. Models can move over objective markers as if they were not there, but they cannot end a move on top of an objective marker.
At the start of the battle, each objective marker on the battlefield is said to be contested, and so is not controlled by either player. To control an objective marker, a player will first need to move models within range of it. A model is within range of an objective marker if it is within 3" horizontally and 5" vertically of that objective marker.
Every model has an Objective Control (OC) characteristic listed on its datasheet. To determine a player’s Level of Control over an objective marker, add together the OC characteristics of all the models from that player’s army that are within range of that objective marker. A player will control an objective marker at the end of any phase or turn if their Level of Control over it is greater than their opponent’s. If both players have the same Level of Control over an objective marker, that objective marker is contested.
- A model is within range of an objective marker if within 3" horizontally and 5" vertically.
- Level of Control: Add together the OC characteristics of all of a player’s models within range of the objective marker.
- An objective marker is controlled by the player with the highest Level of Control over it (in a tie, it is contested).
- Models cannot end a move on top of an objective marker.
Nurgle’s Gift (Aura)
The Death Guard are carriers of countless infections and contagions, each a gift from Nurgle. Whenever they march to war, they contaminate all around them, overwhelming their victims’ immune systems and undoing metallic bonds, alien psychic materials and all manner of other components, rendering even armoured vehicles vulnerable.
If your Army Faction is , while an enemy unit is within Contagion Range of this unit, subtract 1 from the Toughness characteristic of models in that enemy unit. Contagion Range changes over the course of the battle, as shown below.CONTAGION RANGE
Engagement Range
Engagement Range represents the zone of threat that models present to their enemies. While a model is within 1" horizontally and 5" vertically of an enemy model, those models – and their units – are within Engagement Range of each other.Models cannot be set up or end a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move within Engagement Range of any enemy models. If for any reason a model cannot meet this condition, that model is destroyed.
- Engagement Range: Within 1" horizontally and 5" vertically.
- Models cannot be set up or end a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move within Engagement Range of any enemy models.
Spread the Sickness
Plague Company Detachment
To the Death Guard, spreading Nurgle’s gifts goes beyond the beings they fight – even the landscapes they tread upon they seek to corrupt, cultivating Nurgle’s garden as widely as possible.
During the Declare Battle Formations step, select one of the Sicknesses below. Until the end of the battle, all units from your army with the Nurgle’s Gift ability gain the selected Sickness.- Skullsquirm Blight (Aura): While an enemy unit is within Contagion Range of this unit, worsen the Ballistic Skill and Weapon Skill characteristics of weapons equipped by models in that enemy unit by 1.
- Rattlejoint Ague (Aura): While an enemy unit is within Contagion Range of this unit, worsen the Save characteristic of models in that enemy unit by 1.
- Scabrous Soulrot (Aura): While an enemy unit is within Contagion Range of this unit, worsen the Leadership and Objective Control characteristics of models in that enemy unit by 1 (to a minimum of 1).
If you control an objective marker at the end of your Command phase and a unit from your army is within range of that objective marker, that objective marker is said to be Infected and remains under your control even if you have no models within range of it, until your opponent controls it at the start or end of any turn. In addition, while an objective marker is Infected and under your control, it has the Nurgle’s Gift ability as if it were a unit from your army (so enemy units within Contagion Range of it will have their characteristics modified).
Wound Roll
Each time an attack scores a hit against a target unit, make a Wound roll for that attack by rolling one D6 to see if that attack successfully wounds the target unit. The result required is determined by comparing the attack’s Strength (S) characteristic with the target’s Toughness (T) characteristic, as shown below.
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If the result of the Wound roll is greater than or equal to the required number shown in the table above, then that Wound roll is successful and scores one wound against the target unit. Otherwise, the attack fails and the attack sequence ends.
An unmodified Wound roll of 6 is called a Critical Wound and is always successful. An unmodified Wound roll of 1 always fails. A Wound roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1.
- Critical Wound: Unmodified Wound roll of 6. Always successful.
- An unmodified Wound roll of 1 always fails.
- A Wound roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1.
Sustained Hits
Some weapons strike in a flurry of blows, tearing the foe apart with relentless ferocity.
Weapons with [SUSTAINED HITS X] in their profile are known as Sustained Hits weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, if a Critical Hit is rolled, that attack scores a number of additional hits on the target as denoted by ‘x’.Example: A model makes an attack with a melee weapon with the [SUSTAINED HITS 2] ability. If the Hit roll is an unmodified 6 (a Critical Hit), then that attack scores a total of 3 hits on the target (1 from the successful Hit roll of 6, and 2 from the [SUSTAINED HITS 2] ability).
- [SUSTAINED HITS X]: Each Critical Hit scores ‘x’ additional hits on the target.
Heavy
Heavy weapons are amongst the biggest guns on the battlefield, but require bracing to fire at full effect and are unwieldy to bring to bear at close quarters.
Weapons with [HEAVY] in their profile are known as Heavy weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, if the attacking model’s unit Remained Stationary this turn, add 1 to that attack’s Hit roll.- Add 1 to Hit rolls if the bearer’s unit Remained Stationary this turn.
Ignores Cover
Some weapons are designed to root enemy formations out of entrenched positions.
Weapons with [IGNORES COVER] in their profile are known as Ignores Cover weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, the target cannot have the Benefit of Cover against that attack.Hit Roll
When a model makes an attack, make one Hit roll for that attack by rolling one D6. If the result of the Hit roll is greater than or equal to the attack’s Ballistic Skill (BS) characteristic (if the attack is being made with a ranged weapon) or its Weapon Skill (WS) characteristic (if the attack is being made with a melee weapon), then that Hit roll is successful and scores one hit against the target unit. Otherwise, the attack fails and the attack sequence ends.An unmodified Hit roll of 6 is called a Critical Hit and is always successful. An unmodified Hit roll of 1 always fails. A Hit roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1.
- Hit Roll (Ranged Attack): A hit is scored if the D6 result equals or exceeds that attack’s BS.
- Hit Roll (Melee Attack): A hit is scored if the D6 result equals or exceeds that attack’s WS.
- Critical Hit: Unmodified Hit roll of 6. Always successful.
- An unmodified Hit roll of 1 always fails.
- A Hit roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1.
STEALTH
Some warriors are masters of disguise and concealment.
If every model in a unit has this ability, then each time a ranged attack is made against it, subtract 1 from that attack’s Hit roll.Aura Abilities
Some abilities affect multiple models or units in a given range. These are known as Aura abilities and are tagged with the word ‘Aura’. A model with an Aura ability is always within range of its own Aura ability. A unit can be affected by more than one Aura ability at a time, but if a unit is within range of the same Aura ability more than once, that Aura ability only applies to that unit once.
2. Battle-shock
In this step, you must take a Battle-shock test for each of your units on the battlefield that is Below Half-strength. To do so, roll 2D6: if the result is greater than or equal to the best Leadership characteristic in that unit, the test is passed; otherwise, the test is failed and, until the start of your next Command phase, that unit is Battle-shocked.While a unit is Battle-shocked:
- The Objective Control characteristic of all of its models is 0.
- If it Falls Back, you must take a Desperate Escape test for every model in that unit.
- Its controlling player cannot use Stratagems to affect that unit.
Once you have taken Battle-shock tests for all of your units that require them, your Command phase ends and you progress to your Movement phase.
In this step, if for any reason a unit is forced to take a Battle-shock test for being below its Starting Strength, unless otherwise stated, that unit does not also have to take a Battle-shock test for being Below Half-strength. While a unit is Battle-shocked, all models in that unit are also Battle-shocked.
- Take a Battle-shock test for each unit from your army on the battlefield that is Below Half-strength.
- Roll 2D6: if the result is greater than or equal to the unit’s Leadership, the test is passed. Otherwise, the unit is Battle-shocked until the start of your next Command phase.
- Battle-shocked units have an OC of 0 and their controlling player cannot use Stratagems to affect them.
- Battle-shocked units must take Desperate Escape tests if they Fall Back.
Hazardous
Weapons powered by unstable and dangerous energy sources pose a substantial risk to the wielder every time they are used.
Weapons with [HAZARDOUS] in their profile are known as Hazardous weapons. Each time a unit is selected to shoot or fight, after that unit has resolved all of its attacks, for each Hazardous weapon that targets were selected for when resolving those attacks, that unit must take one Hazardous test. To do so, roll one D6: on a 1, that test is failed. For each failed test you must resolve the following sequence (resolve each failed test one at a time):- If possible, select one model in that unit that has lost one or more wounds and is equipped with one or more Hazardous weapons.
- Otherwise, if possible, select one model in that unit (excluding CHARACTER models) equipped with one or more Hazardous weapons.
- Otherwise, select one CHARACTER model in that unit equipped with one or more Hazardous weapons.
If a unit from a player’s army is selected as the target of the Fire Overwatch Stratagem in their opponent’s Charge phase, any mortal wounds inflicted by Hazardous tests are allocated after the charging unit has ended its Charge move.
Example: A unit of five models make five attacks with ranged weapons with the [HAZARDOUS] ability. After the unit has finished shooting, its controlling player rolls five D6. One of the results is a 1, and so one of those models suffers 3 mortal wounds.
- After a unit shoots or fights, roll one Hazardous test (one D6) for each Hazardous weapon used. For each 1, a model equipped with a hazardous weapon suffers 3 mortal wounds, that must be allocated to the selected model.
Devastating Wounds
Weapons with [DEVASTATING WOUNDS] in their profile are known as Devastating Wounds weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, if that attack scores a Critical Wound, no saving throw of any kind can be made against that attack (including invulnerable saving throws). Such attacks are only allocated to models after all other attacks made by the attacking unit have been allocated and resolved. After that attack is allocated and after any modifiers are applied, it inflicts a number of mortal wounds on the target equal to the Damage characteristic of that attack, instead of inflicting damage normally.Example: An attack made with a Devastating Wounds weapon with a Damage characteristic of 2 scores a Critical Wound. Instead of allocating the attack and making saving throws normally, the target suffers 2 mortal wounds.
- A Critical Wound inflicts mortal wounds equal to the weapon’s Damage characteristic, instead of any normal damage.
Mortal Wounds
Some attacks are so powerful that no armour or force field can withstand their fury.
Some rules inflict mortal wounds on units. Each time mortal wounds are inflicted on a unit, each of those mortal wounds inflicts one point of damage to that unit, and they are always applied one at a time. Each mortal wound is allocated to a model in the same manner as allocating an attack. Excess damage from mortal wounds is not lost if the damage can be allocated to another model. Instead, keep allocating damage to another model in the target unit until either all the damage has been allocated or the target unit is destroyed.If an attack inflicts mortal wounds in addition to any normal damage, do not make a Wound roll or saving throw (including invulnerable saving throws) against those mortal wounds. If those mortal wounds are inflicted by an attack that has the [PRECISION] ability, the attacking model’s controlling player can allocate those mortal wounds to a CHARACTER model in that unit.
If mortal wounds are being inflicted as a result of the [HAZARDOUS] ability or by an attack with the [DEVASTATING WOUNDS] ability that scored a Critical Wound, each time those mortal wounds are allocated to a model, if that model is destroyed as a result of those mortal wounds, the remaining mortal wounds from that attack are lost, just as with a normal attack.
If, when a unit is selected to shoot or fight, one or more of its attacks can inflict mortal wounds on the target, resolve any normal damage inflicted by the attacking unit’s attacks on that target before inflicting any mortal wounds on that target. If an attack inflicts mortal wounds in addition to any normal damage, but the normal damage is subsequently saved, the target unit still suffers those mortal wounds, as described above.
- Each mortal wound inflicted on a unit causes one model in that unit to lose one wound.
- Unless the source of the mortal wounds is the [HAZARDOUS] ability or an attack with the [DEVASTATING WOUNDS] ability, damage from mortal wounds is not lost if it can be allocated to another model.
- No saving throws can be made against mortal wounds.
- Mortal wounds inflicted by attacks always apply after any normal damage, even if that damage was saved.
Charging with a Unit
Once you have selected an eligible unit to declare a charge, you must select one or more enemy units within 12" of it as the targets of that charge. The targets of a charge do not need to be visible to the charging unit.You then make a Charge roll for the charging unit by rolling 2D6. The result is the maximum number of inches each model in that unit can be moved if a Charge move is possible. For a Charge move to be possible, the Charge roll must be sufficient to enable the charging unit to end that move:
- Within Engagement Range of every unit that you selected as a target of the charge.
- Without moving within Engagement Range of any enemy units that were not a target of the charge.
- In Unit Coherency.
- Charge Roll: 2D6".
- Targets of a charge must be within 12" but do not need to be visible.
- If the distance rolled is insufficient to move within Engagement Range of all targets while maintaining Unit Coherency, the charge fails.
- Cannot move within Engagement Range of any unit that was not a target of the charge.
- If the charge is successful, each model makes a Charge move less than or equal to the Charge roll, and must move into base-to-base contact with an enemy model if possible.
Embark
If a unit makes a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move, and every model in that unit ends that move within 3" of a friendly TRANSPORT model, they can embark within it. A unit cannot embark if it has already disembarked from a TRANSPORT model in the same phase. Remove the unit from the battlefield and place it to one side – it is now embarked within that TRANSPORT model. Unless otherwise stated, units cannot do anything or be affected in any way while they are embarked.- A unit can embark within a friendly TRANSPORT if all of its models end a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move within 3" of that TRANSPORT.
- A unit cannot embark and disembark in the same phase.
The TRANSPORT keyword is used in the following Death Guard datasheets:
Attached Units
Some CHARACTER units have the Leader ability, which lets them merge with other units (known as Bodyguard units) to form an Attached unit.The Starting Strength of an Attached unit is equal to the combined Starting Strengths of all of its units (i.e. the number of models in the Leader unit added to the number of models in the Bodyguard unit). If either the Leader unit or the Bodyguard unit in an Attached unit is destroyed, the Starting Strength of the remaining unit is changed to be equal to its original Starting Strength.
Example: A Primaris Captain (Starting Strength 1) is attached to a unit of Intercessors (Starting Strength 5). This Attached unit has a Starting Strength of 6. If all the Intercessors are destroyed, the remaining Primaris Captain would revert to having a Starting Strength of 1.
For the purposes of rules that are triggered when a unit is destroyed, such rules are still triggered when one of the individual units that made up an Attached unit is destroyed (the Leader or the Bodyguard unit).
Example: If a rule awards you with 1VP each time an enemy unit is destroyed, and you target an Attached unit, you would gain 1VP if the Bodyguard unit is destroyed and 1VP if the Leader unit is destroyed (for a total of 2VP).
SCOUTS
Scouts form the vanguard of many armies. Unnoticed by the enemy, they range ahead of the main force.
Some units have ‘Scouts x"’ listed in their abilities. If every model in a unit has this ability, then at the start of the first battle round, before the first turn begins, it can make a Normal move of up to x", with the exception that, while making that move, the distance moved by each model in that unit can be greater than that model's Move characteristic, as long as it is not greater than x".DEDICATED TRANSPORT models can make use of any Scouts x" ability listed in their abilities, or a Scouts x" ability that a unit that starts the battle embarked within that DEDICATED TRANSPORT model has (provided only models with this ability are embarked within that DEDICATED TRANSPORT model), regardless of how that embarked unit gained this ability (e.g. listed in their abilities, conferred by an Enhancement or by an attached CHARACTER, etc.).
A unit that moves using this ability must end that move more than 9" horizontally away from all enemy models. If both players have units that can do this, the player who is taking the first turn moves their units first.
Example: A unit has the Scouts 6" ability. At the start of the first battle round, the controlling player can make a Normal move with that unit of up to 6".
- Scouts x": Unit can make a Normal move of up to x" before the first turn begins.
- If embarked in a DEDICATED TRANSPORT, that DEDICATED TRANSPORT can make this move instead.
- Must end this move more than 9" horizontally away from all enemy models.
Assault
Assault weapons fire so indiscriminately that they can be shot from the hip as warriors dash forward.
Weapons with [ASSAULT] in their profile are known as Assault weapons. If a unit that Advanced this turn contains any models equipped with Assault weapons, it is still eligible to shoot in this turn’s Shooting phase. When such a unit is selected to shoot, you can only resolve attacks using Assault weapons its models are equipped with.- Can be shot even if the bearer’s unit Advanced.
Pile In
When a unit Piles In, you can move each model in that unit that is not already in base-to-base contact with an enemy model up to 3" – this is a Pile-in move. For a Pile In to be possible, a unit must be able to end these moves within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units and in Unit Coherency. If these conditions cannot be met, no models in the unit can make Pile-in moves this phase and you progress to making melee attacks with that unit. Otherwise, the unit can make Pile-in moves.Each time a model makes a Pile-in move, it must end that move closer to the closest enemy model. If it can also end that move in base-to-base contact with one or more enemy models while still satisfying all of the conditions above, it must do so. The controlling player chooses the order in which to move their models.
- Pile-in Move: Up to 3".
- Every model that moves must end closer to the closest enemy model, and in base-to-base contact with an enemy model if possible. The unit must end in Unit Coherency and within Engagement Range of at least one enemy unit (or no models can Pile In).
Consolidate
After a unit has finished making all of its melee attacks, it Consolidates. Each time a unit Consolidates, you can move each model in that unit that is not already in base-to-base contact with an enemy model up to 3" – this is a Consolidation move. For a Consolidation to be possible, a unit must be able to end these moves within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units and in Unit Coherency. If these conditions cannot be met, then each model in that unit can instead make a Consolidation move towards the closest objective marker, but only if, after doing so, that unit is within range of that objective marker and in Unit Coherency. If these conditions also cannot be met, no models in the unit can make Consolidation moves this phase and that unit’s fight ends.If a unit can end its Consolidation within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units, then each time one of its models makes a Consolidation move, it must end that move closer to the closest enemy model. If it can also end that move in base-to-base contact with one or more enemy models while still satisfying all of the conditions above, it must do so. The controlling player chooses the order in which to move their models.
- Consolidation Move: Up to 3".
- Every model that moves must end closer to the closest enemy model, and in base-to-base contact with an enemy model if possible. The unit must end in Unit Coherency and within Engagement Range of at least one enemy unit if possible.
- If the above is not possible, each model can move towards the closest objective marker, but this must result in the unit being within range of it and in Unit Coherency.
- If the above is also not possible, no models can Consolidate.
Blast
High-explosives can fell several warriors in a single blast, but firing them where your comrades will get caught in the ensuing detonation is simply unwise.
Weapons with [BLAST] in their profile are known as Blast weapons, and they make a random number of attacks. Each time you determine how many attacks are made with a Blast weapon, add 1 to the result for every five models that were in the target unit when you selected it as the target (rounding down). Blast weapons can never be used to make attacks against a unit that is within Engagement Range of one or more units from the attacking model’s army (including its own unit).Example: If a weapon with the [BLAST] ability and an Attacks characteristic of 2D6 targets a unit that contains 11 models, and the roll to determine how many attacks are made is a 9, a total of 11 attacks would be made against that unit.
- Add 1 to the Attacks characteristic for every five models in the target unit (rounding down).
- Can never be used against a target that is within Engagement Range of any units from the attacking model’s army (including its own).
Pistol
Pistols can be wielded even at point-blank range.
Weapons with [PISTOL] in their profile are known as Pistols. If a unit contains any models equipped with Pistols, that unit is eligible to shoot in its controlling player’s Shooting phase even while it is within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units. When such a unit is selected to shoot, it can only resolve attacks using its Pistols and can only target one of the enemy units it is within Engagement Range of. In such circumstances, a Pistol can target an enemy unit even if other friendly units are within Engagement Range of the same enemy unit.If a model is equipped with one or more Pistols, unless it is a MONSTER or VEHICLE model, it can either shoot with its Pistols or with all of its other ranged weapons. Declare whether such a model will shoot with its Pistols or its other ranged weapons before selecting targets.
- Can be shot even if the bearer’s unit is within Engagement Range of enemy units, but must target one of those enemy units.
- Cannot be shot alongside any other non-Pistol weapon (except by a MONSTER or VEHICLE).
Destroyed
Throughout a battle, models will suffer damage and be destroyed. When a model is destroyed, it is removed from the battlefield. When every model in a unit has been destroyed, that unit is destroyed.
Roll-offs
Some rules instruct players to roll off. To do so, both players roll one D6, and whoever scores highest wins the roll-off. If there is a tie for the highest roll, roll off again. Neither player is allowed to re-roll or modify any of the D6 when making a roll-off.
Unit Coherency
A unit that contains more than one model must be set up and end any kind of move as a single group, with all of its models within 2" horizontally and 5" vertically of at least one other model from that unit. While a unit has seven or more models, all of its models must instead be set up and end any kind of move within 2" horizontally and 5" vertically of at least two other models from that unit. This is called Unit Coherency.
If for any reason a model cannot be set up in Unit Coherency, or cannot be set up following any restrictions stated by other rules (e.g. while setting up using the Deep Strike ability), that unit cannot be set up. If a unit cannot end a move in Unit Coherency, it cannot make that move and its models are returned to their previous positions.
At the end of every turn, each player must remove models, one at a time, from any of the units from their armies that are no longer in Unit Coherency, until only a single group of models from each of those units remains in play and in Unit Coherency. Models removed in this way count as having been destroyed, but they never trigger any rules that apply when a model is destroyed.
If for any reason a model cannot be set up in Unit Coherency, or cannot be set up following any restrictions stated by other rules (e.g. while setting up using the Deep Strike ability), that unit cannot be set up. If a unit cannot end a move in Unit Coherency, it cannot make that move and its models are returned to their previous positions.
At the end of every turn, each player must remove models, one at a time, from any of the units from their armies that are no longer in Unit Coherency, until only a single group of models from each of those units remains in play and in Unit Coherency. Models removed in this way count as having been destroyed, but they never trigger any rules that apply when a model is destroyed.
- Unit Coherency: Within 2" horizontally and 5" vertically of:
- One other model from the same unit (in units of 2-6 models).
- Two other models from the same unit (in units of 7+ models).
- At the end of every turn, if a unit is not in Unit Coherency, the controlling player must remove models until that unit is in Unit Coherency again.
Fall Back Moves
When a unit Falls Back, each model in that unit can make a Fall Back move by moving a distance in inches less than or equal to its Move characteristic, and when doing so you can move it within Engagement Range of enemy models, provided it does not end that move within Engagement Range of any enemy models – if this is not possible, that unit cannot Fall Back.
A unit cannot shoot or declare a charge in the same turn that it Fell Back.
Desperate Escape Tests
Unlike when making other types of move, models can move over enemy models when making a Fall Back move as if those enemy models were not there, but you must take a Desperate Escape test for each model that will do so (excluding models that are TITANIC or can FLY) before any models in that unit are moved. In addition, if a unit is Battle-shocked when it is selected to Fall Back, you must take a Desperate Escape test for every model in that unit before any are moved.
Each time you take a Desperate Escape test for a model, roll one D6. For each roll of 1-2, one model from the unit that is Falling Back is destroyed (selected by you). The same model can only ever trigger one Desperate Escape test per phase.A unit cannot shoot or declare a charge in the same turn that it Fell Back.
Desperate Escape Tests
Unlike when making other types of move, models can move over enemy models when making a Fall Back move as if those enemy models were not there, but you must take a Desperate Escape test for each model that will do so (excluding models that are TITANIC or can FLY) before any models in that unit are moved. In addition, if a unit is Battle-shocked when it is selected to Fall Back, you must take a Desperate Escape test for every model in that unit before any are moved.
- Fall Back Move: Models move up to M".
- Units that Fall Back cannot shoot or declare a charge in the same turn.
- Models can move over enemy models when Falling Back, but you must take Desperate Escape tests for them before they do so (excluding models that are TITANIC or can FLY).
- If a Battle-shocked unit is selected to Fall Back, take a Desperate Escape test for every model in that unit.
- Desperate Escape Test: Roll one D6. On a 1-2, one model from that unit is destroyed.
Normal Moves
When a unit makes a Normal move, each model in that unit can move a distance in inches less than or equal to its Move (M) characteristic, but no model can be moved within Engagement Range of any enemy models.- Normal Move: Models move up to M".
- Cannot move within Engagement Range of any enemy models.
Leadership Tests
If a rule requires you to take a Leadership test for a unit, roll 2D6: if the total is greater than or equal to the best Leadership characteristic in that unit, that test is passed. Otherwise, it is failed.
Army List
Datasheets collatedCharacters
Battleline
Dedicated Transports
Fortifications
Contents