Genestealer Cults – Purestrain Genestealers
MELEE WEAPONS | RANGE | A | WS | S | AP | D | |
| Cult claws and talons | |||||||
| Cult claws and talons | Melee | 4 | 2+ | 4 | -2 | 1 | |
ABILITIES
CORE: Deep Strike, Infiltrators
FACTION: Cult Ambush
Swift and Deadly: This unit is eligible to declare a charge in a turn in which it Advanced.
UNIT COMPOSITION
- 5-10 Purestrain Genestealers
| 5 models | 75 |
| 10 models | 150 |
KEYWORDS: INFANTRY, GREAT DEVOURER, PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS
FACTION KEYWORDS:
STRATAGEMS
EVASIVE VANGUARD
1CP
Biosanctic Broodsurge – Strategic Ploy
BIO-HORROR REVELATION
1CP
Biosanctic Broodsurge – Strategic Ploy
STIMULATED BIO-SURGE
1CP
Biosanctic Broodsurge – Battle Tactic
GENE-TWISTED MUSCLE
1CP
Biosanctic Broodsurge – Battle Tactic
HYPER-METABOLIC VIGOUR
1CP
Biosanctic Broodsurge – Battle Tactic
COMMAND RE-ROLL
1CP
Boarding Actions – Epic Deed
BA
INSANE BRAVERY
1CP
Boarding Actions – Epic Deed
BA
EXPLOSIVE CLEARANCE
1CP
Boarding Actions – Battle Tactic
BA
COUNTER-OFFENSIVE
2CP
Boarding Actions – Strategic Ploy
BA
A DARK NETWORK
1CP
Brood Brother Auxilia – Strategic Ploy
SYMBIOTIC DESTRUCTION
1CP
Brood Brother Auxilia – Battle Tactic
COMMAND RE-ROLL
1CP
Core – Battle Tactic
C
INSANE BRAVERY
1CP
Core – Epic Deed
C
RAPID INGRESS
1CP
Core – Strategic Ploy
C
GO TO GROUND
1CP
Core – Battle Tactic
C
HEROIC INTERVENTION
1CP
Core – Strategic Ploy
C
COUNTER-OFFENSIVE
2CP
Core – Strategic Ploy
C
TUNNEL CRAWLERS
1CP
Host of Ascension – Strategic Ploy
COORDINATED TRAP
2CP
Host of Ascension – Battle Tactic
PRIMED AND READIED
1CP
Host of Ascension – Battle Tactic
RETURN TO THE SHADOWS
1CP
Host of Ascension – Strategic Ploy
A DEADLY SNARE
1CP
Host of Ascension – Strategic Ploy
HUNTING GROUNDS
1CP
Infestation Swarm – Strategic Ploy
HYPERADRENAL REFLEXES
1CP
Infestation Swarm – Battle Tactic
PERVASIVE DREAD
1CP
Infestation Swarm – Strategic Ploy
OUTFLANK
1CP
Infestation Swarm – Strategic Ploy
LED BY
This unit can be led by the following unit:
DETACHMENT ABILITY
A Perfect Ambush
Hypermorphic Fury
Integrated Tactics
Half-Glimpsed Shadows
DEEP STRIKE
Some units make their way to battle via tunnelling, teleportation, high-altitude descent or other extraordinary means that allow them to appear suddenly in the thick of the fighting.
During the Declare Battle Formations step, if every model in a unit has this ability, you can set it up in Reserves instead of setting it up on the battlefield. If you do, in the Reinforcements step of one of your Movement phases you can set up this unit anywhere on the battlefield that is more than 9" horizontally away from all enemy models. If a unit with the Deep Strike ability arrives from Strategic Reserves, the controlling player can choose for that unit to be set up either using the rules for Strategic Reserves or using the Deep Strike ability.- Unit can be set up in Reserves instead of on the battlefield.
- Unit can be set up in your Reinforcements step, more than 9" horizontally away from all enemy models.
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.
Invulnerable Saves
Whether shielded by force fields, enveloped in mystical energies or simply possessed of preternatural senses and lightning-fast reflexes, some warriors are protected by more than mere physical armour.
Some models have an invulnerable save listed on their datasheet. Each time an attack is allocated to a model with an invulnerable save, the controlling player must choose to use either that model’s Save characteristic or its invulnerable save, but not both. If a model has more than one invulnerable save, it can only use one of them – choose which it will use.Unlike armour saving throws (which use a model’s Save characteristic), invulnerable saving throws are never modified by an attack’s Armour Penetration characteristic, but otherwise follow the normal rules for saving throws.
- Invulnerable Save: Never modified by an attack’s AP.
- The controlling player can choose to use either a model’s invulnerable save or its Save characteristic.
Before selecting targets for this weapon, select one of its profiles to make attacks with.
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.
The keyword is used in the following Genestealer Cults datasheets:
Characters
Dedicated Transports
Fortifications
The INFANTRY keyword is used in the following Genestealer Cults datasheets:
Characters
Battleline
Other
Characters
Some models have the CHARACTER keyword. These models can make Heroic Interventions in Charge Phase and are not easy targets in the Shooting Phase (see Look out, Sir, rule). If your Warlord has the CHARACTER keyword he may be able to have a Warlord Trait (see Warlord Trait section on model’s faction page).Note that CHARACTERS cannot use their Aura Abilities while %000015069performing actions%.
The CHARACTER keyword is used in the following Genestealer Cults datasheets:
Characters
The GREAT DEVOURER keyword is used in the following Genestealer Cults datasheets:
Characters
Dedicated Transports
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.
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.
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.
Saving Throw
The player controlling the target unit then makes one saving throw. By default, this will be an armour saving throw using their model’s Save (Sv) characteristic, but some models have invulnerable saves that can be used instead (see below). To make an armour saving throw, roll one D6, then modify the result by the Armour Penetration (AP) characteristic of the attack. For example, if the attack has an AP of -1, then 1 is subtracted from the saving throw.If the result is greater than or equal to the Save characteristic of the model the attack was allocated to, then that saving throw is successful and the attack sequence ends. Otherwise, that saving throw fails and that model suffers damage.
An unmodified saving throw of 1 always fails. A saving throw can never be improved by more than +1.
- Saving Throw: Roll one D6 and modify by the attack’s AP. If the result is less than the Save of the model being rolled for, the saving throw is failed and that model suffers damage. Otherwise, that attack is saved.
- An unmodified saving throw of 1 always fails.
- A saving throw can never be improved by more than +1.
Advance Moves
When a unit Advances, make an Advance roll for that unit by rolling one D6. Add the result in inches to the Move characteristic of each model in that unit until the end of the phase. Each model in that unit can then make an Advance move by moving a distance in inches less than or equal to this total, but no model can be moved within Engagement Range of enemy models. A unit cannot shoot or declare a charge in the same turn that it Advanced.- Advance Move: Models move up to M+D6".
- Cannot move within Engagement Range of any enemy models.
- Units that Advance cannot shoot or charge this turn.
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.
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.
COMMAND RE-ROLL
1CP
Boarding Actions – Epic Deed Stratagem
A great commander can bend even the vagaries of fate and fortune to their will, the better to ensure victory.
WHEN: Any phase, just after you have made a Hit roll, a Wound roll, a Damage roll, a saving throw, an Advance roll, a Charge roll, a Desperate Escape test, a Hazardous test, or just after you have rolled the dice to determine the number of attacks made with a weapon, for an attack, model or unit from your army.
TARGET: That unit or model from your army.
EFFECT: You re-roll that roll, test or saving throw.
TARGET: That unit or model from your army.
EFFECT: You re-roll that roll, test or saving throw.
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.
INSANE BRAVERY
1CP
Boarding Actions – Epic Deed Stratagem
Indifferent to their own survival, these warriors hold their ground against seemingly impossible odds.
WHEN: Battle-shock step of your Command phase, just after you have failed a Battle-shock test taken for a unit from your army.
TARGET: The unit from your army that Battle-shock test was just taken for (even though your Battle-shocked units cannot normally be affected by your Stratagems).
EFFECT: Your unit is treated as having passed that test instead, and is not Battle-shocked as a result.
TARGET: The unit from your army that Battle-shock test was just taken for (even though your Battle-shocked units cannot normally be affected by your Stratagems).
EFFECT: Your unit is treated as having passed that test instead, and is not Battle-shocked as a result.
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).
EXPLOSIVE CLEARANCE
1CP
Boarding Actions – Battle Tactic Stratagem
A well-placed explosive munition in confined shipboard spaces can cause bloody carnage.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase.
TARGET: One unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.
EFFECT: Select one model in your unit that is equipped with a weapon with the [BLAST] ability. Until the end of the phase, when determining how many models are in the target unit for the purpose of that ability, include models that are not visible to the attacking model. In addition, attacks made with that weapon can be allocated to models that are not visible to the attacking model.
TARGET: One unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.
EFFECT: Select one model in your unit that is equipped with a weapon with the [BLAST] ability. Until the end of the phase, when determining how many models are in the target unit for the purpose of that ability, include models that are not visible to the attacking model. In addition, attacks made with that weapon can be allocated to models that are not visible to the attacking model.
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.
COUNTER-OFFENSIVE
2CP
Boarding Actions – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
In close-quarters combat, the slightest hesitation can leave an opening for a swift foe to exploit.
WHEN: Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has fought.
TARGET: One unit from your army that is within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units and that has not already been selected to fight this phase.
EFFECT: Your unit fights next.
TARGET: One unit from your army that is within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units and that has not already been selected to fight this phase.
EFFECT: Your unit fights next.
The ASTRA MILITARUM keyword is used in the following Genestealer Cults datasheets:
Characters
Fortifications
Other
and others...
The VEHICLE keyword is used in the following Genestealer Cults datasheets:
Characters
Fortifications
Other
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.
A DARK NETWORK
1CP
Brood Brother Auxilia – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Forewarned of the enemy's sudden onset by spies in their ranks or by the Brood Brothers' own strategos, the cult’s faithful evade potential catastrophe.
WHEN: Reinforcements step of your opponent’s Movement phase, just after an enemy unit is set up on the battlefield from Reserves.
TARGET: One ASTRA MILITARUM or unit from your army (excludingMONSTERS and VEHICLES) within 12" of that enemy unit.
EFFECT: Your unit can make a Normal move of up to 6".
TARGET: One ASTRA MILITARUM or unit from your army (excluding
EFFECT: Your unit can make a Normal move of up to 6".
SYMBIOTIC DESTRUCTION
1CP
Brood Brother Auxilia – Battle Tactic Stratagem
As the Broodmind coordinates their timing, martial and insurrectionist comrades target their chosen victims in volleys of mutually supportive firepower.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase.
TARGET: One ASTRA MILITARUM and one unit from your army that have not been selected to shoot this phase.
EFFECT: Select one enemy unit that is visible to both of those selected units and within range of at least one ranged weapon from each of those units. Until the end of the phase, models in those units can only make attacks that target that enemy unit (and only if it is an eligible target). When doing so, each time such a model makes an attack, re-roll a Wound roll of 1.
TARGET: One ASTRA MILITARUM and one unit from your army that have not been selected to shoot this phase.
EFFECT: Select one enemy unit that is visible to both of those selected units and within range of at least one ranged weapon from each of those units. Until the end of the phase, models in those units can only make attacks that target that enemy unit (and only if it is an eligible target). When doing so, each time such a model makes an attack, re-roll a Wound roll of 1.
Re-rolls
Some rules allow you to re-roll a dice roll, which means you get to roll some or all of the dice again. If a rule allows you to re-roll a dice roll that was made by adding several dice together (e.g. 2D6, 3D6, etc.) then, unless otherwise stated, you must re-roll all of those dice again.You can never re-roll a dice more than once, and re-rolls happen before modifiers (if any) are applied. Rules that refer to the value of an ‘unmodified’ dice roll are referring to the dice result after any re-rolls, but before any modifiers are applied.
- Unmodified Dice: the result after re-rolls, but before any modifiers.
- A dice can never be re-rolled more than once.
- You must re-roll all dice if several need adding together (e.g. 2D6).
- Re-rolls are applied before any modifiers.
COMMAND RE-ROLL
1CP
Core – Battle Tactic Stratagem
A great commander can bend even the vagaries of fate and fortune to their will, the better to ensure victory.
WHEN: Any phase, just after you make an Advance roll, a Charge roll, a Desperate Escape test or a Hazardous test for a unit from your army, or a Hit roll, a Wound roll, a Damage roll or a saving throw for a model in that unit, or a roll to determine the number of attacks made with a weapon equipped by a model in that unit. If you are using fast dice rolling, this Stratagem can still be used after rolling multiple rolls or saving throws at once.
TARGET: That unit or model from your army.
EFFECT: You re-roll that roll, test or saving throw. If you are using fast dice rolling, select one of those rolls or saving throws to re-roll.
TARGET: That unit or model from your army.
EFFECT: You re-roll that roll, test or saving throw. If you are using fast dice rolling, select one of those rolls or saving throws to re-roll.
INSANE BRAVERY
1CP
Core – Epic Deed Stratagem
Indifferent to their own survival, these warriors hold their ground against seemingly impossible odds.
WHEN: Battle-shock step of your Command phase, just before you take a Battle-shock test for a unit from your army.
TARGET: That unit from your army.
EFFECT: Your unit automatically passes that Battle-shock test.
RESTRICTIONS: You cannot use this Stratagem more than once per battle.
TARGET: That unit from your army.
EFFECT: Your unit automatically passes that Battle-shock test.
RESTRICTIONS: You cannot use this Stratagem more than once per battle.
RAPID INGRESS
1CP
Core – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Be it cunning strategy, potent technology or supernatural ritual, there are many means by which a commander may hasten their warriors’ onset.
WHEN: End of your opponent’s Movement phase.
TARGET: One unit from your army that is in Reserves.
EFFECT: Your unit can arrive on the battlefield as if it were the Reinforcements step of your Movement phase, and if every model in that unit has the Deep Strike ability, you can set that unit up as described in the Deep Strike ability (even though it is not your Movement phase).
RESTRICTIONS: You cannot use this Stratagem to enable a unit to arrive on the battlefield during a battle round it would not normally be able to do so in.
TARGET: One unit from your army that is in Reserves.
EFFECT: Your unit can arrive on the battlefield as if it were the Reinforcements step of your Movement phase, and if every model in that unit has the Deep Strike ability, you can set that unit up as described in the Deep Strike ability (even though it is not your Movement phase).
RESTRICTIONS: You cannot use this Stratagem to enable a unit to arrive on the battlefield during a battle round it would not normally be able to do so in.
Benefit of Cover
Shattered ruins and twisted wreckage afford much-needed shelter from enemy salvoes. Even heavily armoured warriors unfazed by small arms fire are thankful for such cover when foes bring their biggest guns to bear.
Models can sometimes gain a measure of protection from terrain features. The rules below detail the conditions under which a terrain feature confers the Benefit of Cover on a model.Each time a ranged attack is allocated to a model that has the Benefit of Cover, add 1 to the saving throw made for that attack (excluding invulnerable saving throws). Models with a Save characteristic of 3+ or better cannot have the Benefit of Cover against attacks with an Armour Penetration characteristic of 0. Multiple instances of the Benefit of Cover are not cumulative – a model cannot benefit from this rule more than once at any one time.
- Benefit of Cover: Add 1 to armour saving throws against ranged attacks.
- Does not apply to models with a Save of 3+ or better against attacks with an AP of 0.
- Multiple instances are not cumulative.
GO TO GROUND
1CP
Core – Battle Tactic Stratagem
Seeking salvation from incoming fire, warriors hurl themselves into whatever cover they can find.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Shooting phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.
TARGET: One INFANTRY 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, all models in your unit have a 6+ invulnerable save and have the Benefit of Cover.
TARGET: One INFANTRY 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, all models in your unit have a 6+ invulnerable save and have the Benefit of Cover.
Charge Bonus
Many warriors thunder headlong into combat, using the impetus of their charge to bring swift death to their foes.
Each time a unit makes a Charge move, until the end of the turn, that unit has the Fights First ability.HEROIC INTERVENTION
1CP
Core – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Voices raised in furious war cries, your warriors surge forth to meet the enemy’s onslaught head-on.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Charge phase, just after an enemy unit ends a Charge move.
TARGET: One unit from your army that is within 6" of that enemy unit and would be eligible to declare a charge against that enemy unit if it were your Charge phase.
EFFECT: Your unit now declares a charge that targets only that enemy unit, and you resolve that charge as if it were your Charge phase.
RESTRICTIONS: You can only select a VEHICLE unit from your army if it is a WALKER. Note that even if this charge is successful, your unit does not receive any Charge bonus this turn.
TARGET: One unit from your army that is within 6" of that enemy unit and would be eligible to declare a charge against that enemy unit if it were your Charge phase.
EFFECT: Your unit now declares a charge that targets only that enemy unit, and you resolve that charge as if it were your Charge phase.
RESTRICTIONS: You can only select a VEHICLE unit from your army if it is a WALKER. Note that even if this charge is successful, your unit does not receive any Charge bonus this turn.
COUNTER-OFFENSIVE
2CP
Core – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
In close-quarters combat, the slightest hesitation can leave an opening for a swift foe to exploit.
WHEN: Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has fought.
TARGET: One unit from your army that is within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units and that has not already been selected to fight this phase.
EFFECT: Your unit fights next.
TARGET: One unit from your army that is within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units and that has not already been selected to fight this phase.
EFFECT: Your unit fights next.
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.
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.
The BATTLELINE keyword is used in the following Genestealer Cults datasheets:
TUNNEL CRAWLERS
1CP
Host of Ascension – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
The cult can expertly assail seemingly impregnable enemy positions.
WHEN: Your Movement phase.
TARGET: One unit from your army that is arriving using the Deep Strike ability this phase.
EFFECT: Your unit can be set up anywhere on the battlefield that is more than 6" horizontally away from all enemy units, or more than 3" horizontally away if your unit has the BATTLELINE keyword.
RESTRICTIONS: A unit targeted by this Stratagem is not eligible to declare a charge in the same turn.
TARGET: One unit from your army that is arriving using the Deep Strike ability this phase.
EFFECT: Your unit can be set up anywhere on the battlefield that is more than 6" horizontally away from all enemy units, or more than 3" horizontally away if your unit has the BATTLELINE keyword.
RESTRICTIONS: A unit targeted by this Stratagem is not eligible to declare a charge in the same turn.
COORDINATED TRAP
2CP
Host of Ascension – Battle Tactic Stratagem
A tenet of guerrilla warfare is the concentration of even inferior firepower to inflict maximum harm.
WHEN: The start of your Shooting phase or the start of the Fight phase.
TARGET: Two units from your army that have not been selected to shoot or fight this phase.
EFFECT: Select one enemy unit (if this Stratagem is used in the Fight phase, that enemy unit must be within Engagement Range of both of your units). Until the end of the phase, each time a model in either of your units makes an attack, it can only target that enemy unit (and only if it is an eligible target for that attack), and when resolving that attack, add 1 to the Wound roll.
TARGET: Two units from your army that have not been selected to shoot or fight this phase.
EFFECT: Select one enemy unit (if this Stratagem is used in the Fight phase, that enemy unit must be within Engagement Range of both of your units). Until the end of the phase, each time a model in either of your units makes an attack, it can only target that enemy unit (and only if it is an eligible target for that attack), and when resolving that attack, add 1 to the Wound roll.
PRIMED AND READIED
1CP
Host of Ascension – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The broodkin have been trained and equipped for this moment, with weapons readied for Ascension.
WHEN: Your Shooting phase or the Fight phase.
TARGET: One units 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, a Critical Hit is scored on an unmodified Hit roll of 5+, instead of only a 6.
TARGET: One units 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, a Critical Hit is scored on an unmodified Hit roll of 5+, instead of only a 6.
RETURN TO THE SHADOWS
1CP
Host of Ascension – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
With their task of drawing the oppressors' fire complete, the surviving cultists melt away, ready to strike again.
WHEN: Your opponent's Shooting phase, just after an enemy unit has shot.
TARGET: One INFANTRY unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit's attacks.
EFFECT: Remove your unit from the battlefield and place it into Strategic Reserves.
TARGET: One INFANTRY unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit's attacks.
EFFECT: Remove your unit from the battlefield and place it into Strategic Reserves.
A DEADLY SNARE
1CP
Host of Ascension – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
An enemy's fervour to strike down the faithful of the cult can be turned against them, luring the foe into a region laced with hidden traps and primed explosives.
WHEN: Your opponent’s Charge phase, just after an enemy unit declares a charge.
TARGET: One INFANTRY unit from your army that was selected as a target of that charge.
EFFECT: Roll one D6: on a 2-4, that enemy unit suffers D3 mortal wounds; on a 5+, that enemy unit suffers 3 mortal wounds.
TARGET: One INFANTRY unit from your army that was selected as a target of that charge.
EFFECT: Roll one D6: on a 2-4, that enemy unit suffers D3 mortal wounds; on a 5+, that enemy unit suffers 3 mortal wounds.
A Perfect Ambush
Host of Ascension Detachment
The insidious broodkin of the cult lurk hidden within the shadows, tirelessly tracking their enemies as predatory beasts stalk their prey. Only when their position is perfect do they strike. Worming into the fight from hidden tunnels, ducts and sewers, they rise to engulf their victims in a hail of unexpected firepower and a flurry of stabbing blades and raking talons.
Each time a unit from your army is set up on the battlefield as Reinforcements, until the end of your next Fight phase, weapons equipped by models in that unit have the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] and [IGNORES COVER] abilities.Integrated Tactics
Brood Brother Auxilia Detachment
Coordinating with their militant allies via stolen vox equipment or signalling with cult icons, the insidious broodkin engulfs the hated foe in overlapping fields of fire.
Each time an ASTRA MILITARUM unit from your army (see below) is selected to shoot, you can select one enemy unit within 18" of and visible to that unit. If you do, until the end of the phase, models in that ASTRA MILITARUM unit can only target that enemy unit (and only if it is an eligible target) and that enemy unit is caught in overlapping fire. While an enemy unit is caught in overlapping fire, each time a model from your army targets that enemy unit with a ranged attack, add 1 to the Hit roll.Army List
Datasheets collatedCharacters
Battleline
Fortifications
Other
Cult Ambush
Genestealer Cults keep their fighting strength carefully hidden from their oppressors until the glorious Day of Ascension arrives. When they finally emerge to fight, it is after long years of meticulous planning, and with an intimate knowledge of the battlefield that grants them a tactical advantage. Even as battle rages, reinforcements slip from the shadows or spill up from the dark places below, called to war by the Broodmind.
If your Army Faction is , each time a unit with this ability is destroyed, roll one D6, adding 1 to the result if it is the first or second battle round. On a 5+, add a new unit to your army identical to your destroyed unit, in Cult Ambush, at its Starting Strength, with all of its wounds remaining and any [ONE SHOT] weapons those models are equipped with considered as not having been shot. Then place one Cult Ambush marker* anywhere on the battlefield that is more than 9" horizontally away from all enemy units (if this is not possible, no marker is placed). You can set up that unit on the battlefield using a Cult Ambush marker as described below or, if it has the Deep Strike ability, in the Reinforcements step of one of your Movement phases you can set up that unit anywhere on the battlefield that is more than 9" horizontally away from all enemy units.If an enemy model (excluding AIRCRAFT) ends any kind of move within 9" of a Cult Ambush marker you placed, that Cult Ambush marker is removed from the battlefield. At the end of the Reinforcements step of your opponents next Movement phase, for each of your Cult Ambush markers still on the battlefield, you can select one unit from your army that is in Cult Ambush and set up that unit using that Cult Ambush marker. To do so, set that unit up on the battlefield more than 9" horizontally away from all enemy units, with at least one model in that unit touching that Cult Ambush marker and all other models placed wholly within 3" of that Cult Ambush marker (that Cult Ambush marker is then removed from the battlefield).
CHARACTERS that are attached to a unit with this ability are not returned alongside that unit should it return to the battlefield as described above (only the Bodyguard unit returns).
* A circular 32mm diameter marker should be used for Cult Ambush Markers.
Designer’s Note: Each time a unit with this ability is destroyed, it triggers all rules that apply when a unit is destroyed. For example, if a rule awards a player 1 VP each time an enemy unit is destroyed, and a unit with this ability is destroyed, returned using this ability then subsequently destroyed again, it would award the opponent 2VP.
INFILTRATORS
Many armies employ reconnaissance units who can sit concealed, waiting for the right moment to strike.
During deployment, if every model in a unit has this ability, then when you set it up, it can be set up anywhere on the battlefield that is more than 9" horizontally away from the enemy deployment zone and all enemy models.HUNTING GROUNDS
1CP
Infestation Swarm – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Genestealers on the hunt are relentless, squirming through hatches before they have even half opened.
WHEN: Your Movement phase, just after a GREAT DEVOURER unit from your army opens a Hatchway.
TARGET: That GREAT DEVOURER unit.
EFFECT: Your unit can make a Normal move of up to 3", provided at least one of its models ends that move on the opposite side of that Hatchway from when your unit opened it.
TARGET: That GREAT DEVOURER unit.
EFFECT: Your unit can make a Normal move of up to 3", provided at least one of its models ends that move on the opposite side of that Hatchway from when your unit opened it.
The datasheets using GREAT DEVOURER keyword can be found in the following Factions:
Xenos: Genestealer Cults, Tyranids.The GREAT DEVOURER keyword is used in the following datasheets:
Characters
Battleline
HYPERADRENAL REFLEXES
1CP
Infestation Swarm – Battle Tactic Stratagem
Goaded by the biostimulants surging through their bodies, these warrior organisms evade their enemies'attacks with unbelievable swiftness.
WHEN: Fight phase, just after an enemy unit has selected its targets.
TARGET: One GREAT DEVOURER 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, models in your unit have a 4+ invulnerable save.
TARGET: One GREAT DEVOURER 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, models in your unit have a 4+ invulnerable save.
PERVASIVE DREAD
1CP
Infestation Swarm – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
With the death of their leader, the surviving prey feel an ominous sense of doom press down upon them, heightened by subtle psionic assault.
WHEN: Fight phase, just after the enemy WARLORD is destroyed (and is not returned to the battlefield) by a GREAT DEVOURER unit from your army.
TARGET: That GREAT DEVOURER unit.
EFFECT: In your opponent’s next Command phase, each enemy unit on the battlefield must take a Battle-shock test, subtracting 1 from the result. This Stratagem cannot cause a unit to take two Battle-shock tests in the same phase.
TARGET: That GREAT DEVOURER unit.
EFFECT: In your opponent’s next Command phase, each enemy unit on the battlefield must take a Battle-shock test, subtracting 1 from the result. This Stratagem cannot cause a unit to take two Battle-shock tests in the same phase.
Half-Glimpsed Shadows
Infestation Swarm Detachment
Possessed of alien cunning and unnatural stealth, Genestealers are able to fade back into the shadows or crawl across ceilings or under deck-plates, the better to evade notice by their prey.
Each time a ranged attack targets a GREAT DEVOURER unit from your army, if the attacking model is not within 6" of that unit, subtract 1 from the Hit roll.BIO-HORROR REVELATION
1CP
Biosanctic Broodsurge – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Face to face with hideous genetic monstrosities, their full horror can shake even the most stoic soul.
WHEN: Start of your opponent's Shooting phase.
TARGET: One ABERRANTS, BIOPHAGUS or PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS unit from your army.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an enemy unit within 9" of your unit is selected to shoot, it must take a Leadership test, subtracting 1 from the result. If that test is failed, until the end of the phase, each time a model in that enemy unit makes an attack that targets your unit, subtract 1 from the Hit roll.
TARGET: One ABERRANTS, BIOPHAGUS or PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS unit from your army.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an enemy unit within 9" of your unit is selected to shoot, it must take a Leadership test, subtracting 1 from the result. If that test is failed, until the end of the phase, each time a model in that enemy unit makes an attack that targets your unit, subtract 1 from the Hit roll.
STIMULATED BIO-SURGE
1CP
Biosanctic Broodsurge – Battle Tactic Stratagem
Triggered by xenos bio-stimms flooding their bodies, when the cult’s predators spring their trap, the jaws close inescapably.
WHEN: Your Charge phase.
TARGET: One ABERRANTS, BIOPHAGUS or PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS unit from your army that has not declared a charge this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time your unit declares a charge, if the closest eligible enemy unit is selected as one of the targets of that charge, add 1 to the Charge roll for each selected target of that charge (including the closest eligible enemy unit), to a maximum of +3.
TARGET: One ABERRANTS, BIOPHAGUS or PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS unit from your army that has not declared a charge this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time your unit declares a charge, if the closest eligible enemy unit is selected as one of the targets of that charge, add 1 to the Charge roll for each selected target of that charge (including the closest eligible enemy unit), to a maximum of +3.
GENE-TWISTED MUSCLE
1CP
Biosanctic Broodsurge – Battle Tactic Stratagem
The raw strength of those infused with the Patriarch’s distilled power is undeniable when directed against the foe’s hulking tools of tyranny.
WHEN: Fight phase.
TARGET: One ABERRANTS, BIOPHAGUS or PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS 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 your unit makes an attack that targets a MONSTER or VEHICLE, add 1 to the Wound roll.
TARGET: One ABERRANTS, BIOPHAGUS or PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS 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 your unit makes an attack that targets a MONSTER or VEHICLE, add 1 to the Wound roll.
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).
HYPER-METABOLIC VIGOUR
1CP
Biosanctic Broodsurge – Battle Tactic Stratagem
Evidence of the bio-horror taint in their veins, the most blessed of a cult exhibit an inhuman swiftness.
WHEN: Fight phase.
TARGET: One ABERRANTS, BIOPHAGUS or PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS 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 your unit makes a Pile-in or Consolidation move, it can move up to 6" instead of up to 3". In addition, it does not need to end that move closer to the closest enemy model, provided it ends it as close as possible to the closest enemy unit.
TARGET: One ABERRANTS, BIOPHAGUS or PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS 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 your unit makes a Pile-in or Consolidation move, it can move up to 6" instead of up to 3". In addition, it does not need to end that move closer to the closest enemy model, provided it ends it as close as possible to the closest enemy unit.
Hypermorphic Fury
Biosanctic Broodsurge Detachment
Little can assuage a Genestealer Cults least Human instincts, behaviours made even more ferocious under provocation. Stimulated by psionic pulses of the Broodmind or fuelled by alchemical concoctions delivered from alien grafts, impulses drive the blessed to acts of increased savagery.
Add 1 to Charge rolls made for ABERRANTS, BIOPHAGUS and PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS units from your army. In addition, each time such a unit is selected to fight, if it made a Charge move this turn, until the end of the phase, add 1 to the Attacks characteristic of melee weapons equipped by models in that unit.EVASIVE VANGUARD
1CP
Biosanctic Broodsurge – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Adaptive and intelligent, the purest of a cult's broods can evade their foes to find new avenues of ingress.
WHEN: Any phase, just after an enemy unit ends a move within 9" of one or more of your Cult Ambush markers, before removing those markers from the battlefield.
TARGET: One PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS unit from your army in Cult Ambush.
EFFECT: Select one of those Cult Ambush markers. You can move that Cult Ambush marker up to 6". If that marker is still within 9" of one or more enemy units, it is removed from the battlefield; otherwise, until the end of the battle, you can only select PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS units from your army to be set up using that Cult Ambush marker.
TARGET: One PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS unit from your army in Cult Ambush.
EFFECT: Select one of those Cult Ambush markers. You can move that Cult Ambush marker up to 6". If that marker is still within 9" of one or more enemy units, it is removed from the battlefield; otherwise, until the end of the battle, you can only select PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS units from your army to be set up using that Cult Ambush marker.
OUTFLANK
1CP
Infestation Swarm – Strategic Ploy Stratagem
Swarms of Genestealers crawl through vents and ducts as they seek to outflank their prey.
WHEN: End of your opponent’s Fight phase.
TARGET: One GENESTEALERS or PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS unit from your army that is wholly within an Entry Zone.
EFFECT: Remove your unit from the battlefield and place it into Strategic Reserves. It will arrive back on the battlefield in the Reinforcements step of your next Movement phase. When doing so, if it was within one of your Entry Zones when it was removed, it must be set up wholly within another one of your Entry Zones. If it was within one of your opponent’s Entry Zones when it was removed, it must be set up wholly within another one of your opponent’s Entry Zones instead. If this is not possible, your unit is destroyed.
TARGET: One GENESTEALERS or PURESTRAIN GENESTEALERS unit from your army that is wholly within an Entry Zone.
EFFECT: Remove your unit from the battlefield and place it into Strategic Reserves. It will arrive back on the battlefield in the Reinforcements step of your next Movement phase. When doing so, if it was within one of your Entry Zones when it was removed, it must be set up wholly within another one of your Entry Zones. If it was within one of your opponent’s Entry Zones when it was removed, it must be set up wholly within another one of your opponent’s Entry Zones instead. If this is not possible, your unit is destroyed.