The Word Bearers are the most devout of all the Dark Gods’ servants, taking pride in their favoured status as servants of Chaos. They raise their damned standards high and march beneath cursed icons, bellowing catechisms of hate at the foe as cultist war drums beat out a heart-pounding thunder. The advance of the Word Bearers is a terrifying sight even before they invoke the daemonic pacts that conjure their fiendish allies from the warp.
This section contains all of the datasheets that you will need in order to fight battles with your Chaos Space Marine miniatures. Each datasheet includes the characteristics profiles of the unit it describes, as well as any wargear and abilities it may have. Some rules are common to several Chaos Space Marine units – these are described below and referenced on the datasheets.
Books
| Book | Kind | Edition | Version | Last update |
 Chaos Space Marines | ||||
| Chaos Space Marines | Codex | 9 | Indomitus 1.1 | January 2023 |
 The Balance Dataslate | ||||
| The Balance Dataslate | Rulebook | 9 | Q2 2023 | April 2023 |
 World Eaters | ||||
| World Eaters | Codex | 9 | Indomitus 1.0 | March 2023 |
 Boarding Actions: Cult Of The Arkifane | ||||
| Boarding Actions: Cult Of The Arkifane | Datasheet | 9 | March 2023 | |
| Games Workshop: Vashtorr The Arkifane | ||||
| Games Workshop: Vashtorr The Arkifane | Datasheet | 9 | March 2023 | |
| Army of Renown: Cogs of Vashtorr | ||||
| Army of Renown: Cogs of Vashtorr | Datasheet | 9 | March 2023 | |
 Imperial Armour: Compendium | ||||
| Imperial Armour: Compendium | Index | 9 | Indomitus 1.9 | February 2023 |
| Arks of Omen: Angron | ||||
| Arks of Omen: Angron | Expansion | 9 | February 2023 | |
 Munitorum Field Manual 2023 Mk I | ||||
| Munitorum Field Manual 2023 Mk I | Expansion | 9 | January 2023 | |
 Thousand Sons | ||||
| Thousand Sons | Codex | 9 | Indomitus 1.2 | January 2023 |
 Kill Team: Moroch – Traitor Guardsman Squad | ||||
| Kill Team: Moroch – Traitor Guardsman Squad | Datasheet | 9 | September 2022 | |
| Kill Team: Annual 2022 – Gellerpox Datasheets | ||||
| Kill Team: Annual 2022 – Gellerpox Datasheets | Datasheet | 9 | September 2022 | |
 Warhammer Legends: Chaos Space Marines | ||||
| Warhammer Legends: Chaos Space Marines | Datasheet | 9 | July 2022 | |
| Power Rating Update 2022 | ||||
| Power Rating Update 2022 | Rulebook | 9 | March 2022 | |
| Eldritch Omens | ||||
| Eldritch Omens | Boxset | 9 | January 2022 | |
 Death Guard | ||||
| Death Guard | Codex | 9 | Indomitus 1.1 | June 2021 |
 Index Hereticus: The Fallen | ||||
| Index Hereticus: The Fallen | White Dwarf | 9 | May 2021 | |
 Warhammer Legends: Forge World | ||||
| Warhammer Legends: Forge World | Index | 9 | 1.0 | December 2020 |
 Imperium Nihilus: Vigilus Ablaze | ||||
| Imperium Nihilus: Vigilus Ablaze | Expansion | 8 | Indomitus 1.0 | July 2020 |
 Warhammer Quest: Blackstone Fortress – Escalation | ||||
| Warhammer Quest: Blackstone Fortress – Escalation | Boxset | 8 | August 2019 | |
| Warhammer Quest: Blackstone Fortress | ||||
| Warhammer Quest: Blackstone Fortress | Boxset | 8 | November 2018 | |
FAQ
Index: Imperial Armour: Compendium
| Q: | Is the second part of the Decimator’s soulburner petard’s ability affected by abilities that cause wound rolls of a specific number to fail (e.g. the Transhuman Physiology Stratagem)? |
| A: | No. Designer’s Note: In this case, this is because the soulburner petard’s ability does not require the wound roll to be successful. |
Expansion: Imperium Nihilus: Vigilus Ablaze
| Q: | When paying Command Points to upgrade a Detachment into a Specialist Detachment, is the Relic they are able to give to a CHARACTER in addition to the Relic they would typically get from their Warlord’s faction? |
| A: | No. The Relic(s) listed within a Specialist Detachment can be given to a CHARACTER from your army instead of one from your Warlord’s codex. Don’t forget, however, that many codexes contain Stratagems that enable you to gain additional Relics. |
| Q: | If Huron Blackheart is your Warlord, what Warlord Trait does he have? Codex: Chaos Space Marines says he must have the Eternal Vendetta Warlord Trait, but Imperium Nihilus: Vigilus Ablaze says he must have the Reaver Lord Warlord Trait. |
| A: | If Huron Blackheart is your Warlord and he has the Raiders from the Maelstrom Renegade Trait from Imperium Nihilus: Vigilus Ablaze, he must have the Reaver Lord Warlord Trait, otherwise he must have the Eternal Vendetta Warlord Trait. |
Codex: Chaos Space Marines
| Q: | If a model with the Liber Hereticus Relic manifests the Cursed Earth psychic power, does the size of the aura increase from 6" to 12"? |
| A: | No. Cursed Earth is an aura and does not have a range as such, so this psychic power is not affected by the Liber Hereticus Relic. |
The <LEGION> Keyword
All TRAITORIS ASTARTES units are drawn from one of the Legions. When you include a unit with the <LEGION> keyword in your army, you must nominate which Legion it is from and then replace the keyword in every instance on its datasheet with the name of your chosen Legion. This could be one of the Legions detailed in a Warhammer 40,000 publication, or one of your own design.
Example: If you include a Chaos Lord in your army, and you decide they are from the Night Lords Legion, their <LEGION> keyword becomes NIGHT LORDS and their Lord of Chaos ability reads ‘While a friendly NIGHT LORDS CORE unit is within 6" of this model, each time a model in that unit makes an attack, re-roll a hit roll of 1.’
If your army is Battle-forged, you cannot include units from two different Legions in the same Detachment.
The World Eaters, Thousand Sons, Death Guard and Emperor’s Children Legions
You cannot select World Eaters, Thousand Sons or Death Guard when nominating which Legion a unit is from. KHORNE, TZEENTCH and NURGLE units cannot be from the Emperor’s Children Legion. If a unit is from the Emperor’s Children Legion it must be upgraded to have the Mark of Slaanesh; if a unit already has the SLAANESH keyword or it cannot have the Mark of Slaanesh, you must instead replace every instance of CHAOS UNDIVIDED on that unit’s datasheet with SLAANESH (units without the CHAOS UNDIVIDED Faction keyword instead gain the SLAANESH Faction keyword). Note that
Chaos Space Marine Datasheets
Many Chaos Space Marines units described in this section can be fielded in Death Guard, Thousand Sons or World Eaters armies even though you cannot normally replace the <LEGION> keyword with either DEATH GUARD, THOUSAND SONS or WORLD EATERS.You can choose for any <LEGION> unit (excluding KHORNE, SLAANESH and TZEENTCH units) from the Imperial Armour Compendium to be from the Death Guard Legion. If you do:
- Replace that unit’s <LEGION> keyword with DEATH GUARD.
- That unit gains the BUBONIC ASTARTES and NURGLE keywords.
- That unit can be from one of the seven Plague Companies, and so also gains the <PLAGUE COMPANY> keywords.
- That unit loses the ‘Let the Galaxy Burn’ ability.
You can choose for any <LEGION> unit (excluding KHORNE, NURGLE and SLAANESH units) from the Imperial Armour Compendium to be from the Thousand Sons Legion. If you do:
- Replace that unit’s <LEGION> keyword with THOUSAND SONS.
- That unit gains the ARCANA ASTARTES and TZEENTCH keywords.
- That unit can be from one of the nine Great Cults, and so also gains the <GREAT CULT> keyword.
- That unit loses the ‘Let the Galaxy Burn’ ability.
You can choose for any <LEGION> unit (excluding NURGLE, SLAANESH and TZEENTCH units) from the Imperial Armour Compendium to be from the World Eaters Legion. If you do:
- Replace that unit’s <LEGION> keyword with WORLD EATERS.
- That unit gains the BUTCHER ASTARTES and KHORNE keywords.
- If that unit has the CHAOS UNDIVIDED keyword, it loses that keyword even if it is not given a Mark of Khorne.
- That unit loses the ‘Let the Galaxy Burn’ ability.
Abilities
A unit’s datasheet will list all the abilities it has. Certain abilities that are common to many units are only referenced on the datasheets rather than described in full. These are described below.
Daemon Engine
Ensorcelled war machines animated through the malevolent sentience of a possessing daemon, these iron-wrought abominations resist the most powerful attacks, and their sigil-inscribed hulls can regenerate as if they were living flesh.
- This model has a 5+ invulnerable save.
- In your Command phase, this model regains 1 lost wound.
Warp Strike
Chaos Space Marines launch their deadly assaults from all directions. Whether utilising ancient teleporter technologies corrupted by the Ruinous Powers, employing arcane forces to breach the warp directly, or launching warriors equipped with archaic jump packs to descend on pillars of warp-tainted fire, these fell warriors strike into the very heart of battle.
During deployment, you can set up this unit in blasphemous reserves instead of setting it up on the battlefield. If you do so, then 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" away from any enemy models.Malicious Volleys
To a warrior of the Heretic Astartes the boltgun is far more than a weapon - it is a symbol of his anger, the instrument of his vengeance and the bringer of death to his foes.
Instead of following the normal rules for Rapid Fire weapons, models in this unit shooting Rapid Fire bolt weapons make double the number of attacks if any of the following apply:- The shooting model’s target is within half the weapons range.
- The shooting model is INFANTRY and its unit Remained Stationary in your previous Movement phase.
- The shooting model is a TERMINATOR or BIKER model.
Let the Galaxy Burn
Drawing upon countless years of festering bitterness and hate, Chaos Space Marines attack with a ferocity that is terrible to behold. Whether annihilating the foe at range or butchering them without mercy at close quarters, there is no aspect of death unknown to these traitors. Unencumbered by stultifying doctrines, they are capable of adapting their murderous priorities with horrifying ease, and there are no limits to the levels of devastation they will unleash to vent their anger.
If every unit from your army has the TRAITORIS ASTARTES keyword (excluding models with the AGENT OF CHAOS or UNALIGNED keyword) and every <LEGION> unit from your army (excluding ABADDON THE DESPOILER) is from the same Legion, this unit gains the following rules:- Each time a model in this unit shoots with a flame weapon, when determining how many attacks are made with that weapon this phase, add 2 to the result (e.g. a model shooting with a flamer makes D6+2 attacks).
- This unit gains a bonus (see below) depending on which wanton act it is engaged in, as follows:
- During the first battle round, your army (and every unit from it) is engaged in Wanton Destruction.
- During the second battle round, your army (and every unit from it) is engaged in Wanton Massacre.
- At the start of the third battle round, select either Wanton Massacre or Wanton Slaughter; until the end of that battle round, your army (and every unit from it) is engaged in the wanton act you selected.
- During the fourth and subsequent battle rounds, your army (and every unit from it) is engaged in Wanton Slaughter.
Wanton Destruction
With skills honed in vast, bloody wars against the most heavily armoured or dug-in opposition, Chaos Space Marines punish such enemies with malicious barrages of utter destruction.
While this unit is engaged in Wanton Destruction, each time a model in this unit makes an attack with a Heavy, Rapid Fire or Grenade weapon, an unmodified hit roll of 6 scores 1 additional hit.Wanton Massacre
Barbarous firefights and the indiscriminate slaying of foes have been notorious hallmarks of the Heretic Astartes wars for millennia.
While this unit is engaged in Wanton Massacre, each time a model in this unit makes an attack with a Rapid Fire, Assault or Pistol weapon, an unmodified hit roll of 6 scores 1 additional hit.Wanton Slaughter
Close assaults are the favoured tactics of many traitors, coupling murderous short-ranged firepower with the unrestrained slaughter of hand-to-hand execution.
While this unit is engaged in Wanton Slaughter, each time a model in this unit makes an attack with an Assault, Pistol or melee weapon, an unmodified hit roll of 6 scores 1 additional hit.
Servants of the Abyss
This ability has no effect unless your army includes Martial Legacy
If your army is Battle-forged, then when this unit is included in a Detachment, increase that Detachment’s Command Cost by 1CP.Weapon Definitions
Some rules in this Codex refer to ‘bolt weapons’, ‘flame weapons’, ‘melta weapons’ or ‘sonic weapons’ For the purposes of such rules, the definitions of these weapons can be found below:
Bolt Weapons
A bolt weapon is any weapon whose profile includes the word ‘bolt’ (e.g. boltgun, combi-bolter, heavy bolter, etc.), any Relic that replaces a bolt weapon, and the Talon of Horus (shooting). For the purposes of combi-flamers, combi-meltas and combi-plasmas, rules that apply to bolt weapons only apply to the ‘boltgun’ profile of such combi-weapons (or the ‘boltgun’ profile of Relics that replace such combi-weapons).Melta Weapons
A melta weapon is any weapon whose profile includes the word ‘melta’ (meltagun, multi-melta, melta tendril, etc.), any Relic that replaces a melta weapon, and any magma cutters. For the purposes of combi-meltas, rules that apply to melta weapons only apply to the ‘meltagun’ profile of combi-meltas (or the ‘meltagun’ profile of Relics that replace combi-meltas).Flame Weapons
A flame weapon is any weapon whose profile includes the word ‘flame’ (flamer, baleflamer, heavy flamer, etc.), any Relic that replaces a flame weapon, and the Tyrant’s Claw (shooting). For the purposes of combi-flamers, rules that apply to flame weapons only apply to the ‘flamer’ profile of combi-flamers (or the ‘flamer’ profile of Relics that replace combi-flamers).Detachment Rules
- CHAOS SPACE MARINES Detachments gain the Champions of Chaos, Mere Mortals and Slaves to Darkness abilities.
- TRAITORIS ASTARTES units in CHAOS SPACE MARINES Detachments gain the Legion Traits ability.
- Troops units in CHAOS SPACE MARINES Detachments gain the Objective Secured ability.
Champions of Chaos
The mightiest champions of Chaos are selfish and jealous lords who do not willingly share power.
You can include a maximum of one CHAOS LORD, one DAEMON PRINCE and one Dark Commune unit in each CHAOS SPACE MARINES Detachment in your army.Mere Mortals
Hordes of expendable Chaos Cultists flock to battle at their masters’ bidding, their cheap lives oiling the grinding gears of ambition.
- You cannot include more CULTISTS units than TRAITORIS ASTARTES CORE INFANTRY units in each CHAOS SPACE MARINES Detachment in your army.
- A CULTISTS CHARACTER model cannot be your WARLORD if your army contains any HERETIC ASTARTES CHARACTER models.
Legion Traits
Each Traitor Legion, Renegade Chapter and Chaos warband has been uniquely twisted by the Ruinous Powers, and all have perfected their own methods of slaughter and destruction.
All TRAITORIS ASTARTES units (excluding CULTISTS and AGENT OF CHAOS units, and units described in the Slaves to Darkness rule - see below) with this ability, and all the models in them, gain a Legion Trait provided every <LEGION> unit from your army (excluding AGENT OF CHAOS and UNALIGNED units) is from the same Legion. The trait gained depends upon which Legion they are from.If your Legion does not have an associated set of Legion rules, you must instead select Legion rules for your army to use (see below).
Slaves to Darkness
Some traitors have given themselves entirely to the service of the Dark Gods, and they are so lost to damnation that they barely resemble the warriors they once were.
- Always have the Elites battlefield role.
- Must replace all of their Faction keywords with: CHAOS, KHORNE, HERETIC ASTARTES, TRAITORIS ASTARTES, <LEGION>
- Gain the Let the Galaxy Burn ability.
- Must be upgraded to have the Mark of Khorne.
- Never gain a Legion Trait.
- Always have the Elites battlefield role.
- Must replace all of their Faction keywords with: CHAOS, TZEENTCH, HERETIC ASTARTES, TRAITORIS ASTARTES, <LEGION>
- Gain the Let the Galaxy Burn ability.
- Must be upgraded to have the Mark of Tzeentch.
- The Aspiring Sorcerer knows Smite and one psychic power from the Dark Hereticus discipline instead of any of the psychic disciplines listed on its datasheet.
- Never gain a Legion Trait.
- Always have the Elites battlefield role.
- Must replace all of their Faction keywords with: CHAOS, NURGLE, HERETIC ASTARTES, TRAITORIS ASTARTES, <LEGION>
- Gain the Let the Galaxy Burn ability.
- Must be upgraded to have the Mark of Nurgle.
- Lose the BUBONIC ASTARTES keyword.
- Never gain a Legion Trait.
- Always have the Troops battlefield role if every unit in their Detachment (excluding AGENT OF CHAOS and UNALIGNED units) is from the EMPEROR’S CHILDREN Legion.
- Never gain a Legion Trait unless every unit in their Detachment (excluding AGENT OF CHAOS and UNALIGNED units) is from the EMPEROR’S CHILDREN Legion.
Legions
If your Legion does not have any associated Legion rules (e.g. you wish it to represent a force of your own invention), select the Legion from the following list whose character, fighting style and battlefield strategies best match that of your own Legion: Black Legion, Word Bearers, Night Lords, Iron Warriors, Alpha Legion, Red Corsairs, Creations of Bile. Write down your selection on your army roster when you muster your army. Your Legion then uses all the Legion rules of the Legion you selected, and for the purposes of these Legion rules, all <LEGION> units from your army are considered to have the keyword of your selected Legion (e.g. if you selected Black Legion, all <LEGION> units from your army are considered to have the BLACK LEGION keyword, and therefore gain the Black Crusaders Legion Trait and have access to the Black Legion Warlord Traits, Stratagems and Relics). Note that named characters that belong to the Legion you selected still belong to that Legion, and any abilities they have that use that Legions keyword will not apply to units from another Legion (e.g. when using
LEGION TRAITS
All <LEGION> units in Legion Detachments (excluding CULTISTS units and units described in the Slaves to Darkness rule - see above) will gain a Legion Trait, as presented in following sections. You will find there the Legion Trait associated with each Legion. Note that each trait only applies if every unit from your army has the TRAITORIS ASTARTES keyword (excluding models with the AGENT OF CHAOS or UNALIGNED keyword) and every <LEGION> unit from your army (excluding AGENT OF CHAOS units) is from the same Legion. Note that ABADDON THE DESPOILER will only gain a Legion Trait if every <LEGION> unit in your army is from the Black Legion.
CHAPTER APPROVED SECONDARY OBJECTIVES
Each Legion has an associated Legion Secondary Objective. If every unit from your army is from the same Legion (excluding UNALIGNED models, ABADDON THE DESPOILER and TRAITORIS ASTARTES models with the AGENT OF CHAOS keyword), you can, if you are playing a matched play battle that instructs you to select secondary objectives (e.g. a mission from the Eternal War mission pack in the Warhammer 40,000 Core Book), select the associated Legion Secondary Objective to be one of them. Like all other secondary objectives, each Legion Secondary Objective has a category, and they follow all the normal rules for secondary objectives (for example, when you select secondary objectives, you cannot choose more than one from each category, you can score no more than 15 victory points from each secondary objective you select during the mission, etc.).
WARLORD TRAITS
Each Legion has a table of Legion Warlord Traits. If a TRAITORIS ASTARTES <LEGION> CHARACTER model gains a Warlord Trait, they can select a Warlord Trait from the relevant Legion Warlord Trait (or you can randomly select one by rolling a D6) instead of a Chaos Space Marines Warlord Trait.
STRATAGEMS
Each Legion has several associated Legion Stratagems. If your army includes a Legion Detachment (excluding Auxiliary Support, Super-heavy Auxiliary and Fortification Network Detachments), then you will gain access to the relevant Legion Stratagems.
RELICS OF CHAOS
Each Legion has several associated Legion Relics of Chaos. If your army is led by a TRAITORIS ASTARTES <LEGION> WARLORD, you can give one relevant Legion Relic of Chaos to a TRAITORIS ASTARTES <LEGION> CHARACTER model from your army instead of giving them a Chaos Space Marines Relic of Chaos. You can only give a Relic to a CULTISTS CHARACTER model from your army if that Relic specifically says so. Named characters (such as
Note that some Relics replace one of the models existing items of wargear. Where this is the case, you must, if you are using points values, still pay the cost of the wargear that is being replaced. Write down any Relics of Chaos your models have on your army roster.
Word Bearers
Brazenly extolling their corrupted faith in the Chaos Gods’ supremacy and the dark majesty of the warp, the Word Bearers proselytise with bolter, blade and blood sacrifice. In armour the colour of gory, ritual offerings, etched with sigils that flare with the empyrean’s power, these fanatical diabolists spread the malignant power of the Dark Gods, opening the way for legions of daemonic entities.
The Word Bearers march to war for the glory of the Chaos pantheon, stirred into a rapturous state of fanaticism by promises of unholy porter in return for the offering of battlefield sacrifices.
- Each time a model with this trait makes a melee attack, if that model’s unit made a charge move, was charged or performed a Heroic Intervention this turn, you can re-roll that attack’s hit roll.
- Each time a model with this trait would lose a wound as the result of a mortal wound, roll one D6: on a 5+, that wound is not lost.
Lorgar’s sons are driven to venerate the empyrean through vile words and unspeakable deeds. Dark rituals, undertaken at carefully divined sites of power, praise the Chaos Gods and draw the power of the warp to a world.
Exalt the Dark Gods (Action): One WORD BEARERS INFANTRY unit from your army can start to perform this action at the end of your Movement phase if it is wholly within 6" of the centre of the battlefield. WORD BEARERS PSYKER units can attempt to manifest psychic powers while performing this action without this action failing. If the unit performing this action is a WORD BEARERS ICON, WORD BEARERS DARK APOSTLE or WORD BEARERS MASTER OF POSSESSION unit, this action is completed at the end of your turn; otherwise, it is completed at the start of your next Command phase. In either case, the action is only completed if the unit performing it is still wholly within 6" of the centre of the battlefield and no enemy units (excluding AIRCRAFT units) are wholly within 6" of the centre of the battlefield.
At the end of the battle, score 2 victory points if your Exalt the Dark Gods tally is 1; score 5 victory points if that tally is 2; score 9 victory points if that tally is 3; score 15 victory points if that tally is 4 or more.
Word Bearers Warlord Traits
| D6 | WARLORD TRAIT |
| 1 | THE VOICE OF LORGAR This warlord speaks with the authority of his Primarch; when he commands, others follow without question or hesitation.
|
| 2 | EXALTED POSSESSION This warlord shares his flesh with a particularly powerful daemon. Physically stronger and faster than mere mortals, he venerates the Chaos pantheon with this union.
|
| 3 | DAEMONIC WHISPERS Insidious voices seeping form the empyrean promise boons to this warlord, but such power must be earned. Each time this WARLORD chants a prayer that is heard, completes an action or psychic action, or manifests a psychic power, roll one D6: if the result is greater than the current battle round number, you gain 1 Command point. |
| 4 | MASTER OF THE UNION This warlord leads his daemonic brethren with fearsome influence, drawing forth the unholy emotions of the corrupted. In your Command phase, you can select one friendly WORD BEARERS DAEMONKIN unit within 6" of this WARLORD. Until the start of your next Command phase:
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| 5 | DIABOLIST This warlord etches diabolical incantations into his armour and skin to channel the protection of the warp.
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| 6 | HATE-FUELLED DEMAGOGUE Raw vitriol and inspirational oratory spill from this warlord’s cracked lips, irrefutable rhetoric tinged with daemonic malice. His commands stoke the hatred in his minions’ hearts to incandescent levels. In your Command phase, you can select one friendly WORD BEARERS unit within 6" of this WARLORD. Until the start of your next Command phase:
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Word Bearers Stratagems
The sites the enemy deem valuable must be cast down and despoiled in the name of the Dark Gods. Only the foolish would stand between the Word Bearers and their unholy task.
Fervent mortal followers flock to the champions of the Word Bearers, damning their souls seeking promises of dark power.
- You can re-roll charge rolls made for that unit.
- Each time a model in that unit makes a melee attack, you can re-roll that attack’s hit roll.
There is no greater way to venerate Chaos than to bond mortal with daemon. When battle is joined, the daemons within such warriors can burn through their soul, boosting their unholy power.
Never will the outrage in beloved Monarchia be forgiven; the idols toppled there by Guillimans sons will be reforged from their bones.
With gruesome offerings and ritualised promises, the Word Bearers seek the protection of their infernal masters.
When the warp provides, a price must always be paid...
The leaders of the Word Bearers guide their Legion in matters of faith as much as war.
- Add 1 to the Leadership characteristic of that PRIEST model.
- That PRIEST model gains the following ability: ‘Dark Council: Each time this model chants a prayer, you can re-roll the dice to determine if that prayer is heard.’
Diabolical wards of protection can turn aside the enemy’s blows.
Word Bearers Relics
EIGHTFOLD-CURSED CROZIUS Once a rod of office amongst Lorgars first Chaplains, this weapon is said to have been first used for its true purpose to crush the skull of a White Scars Praetor. It still bears the indelible stains of that first treacherous kill to this day. WORD BEARERS model with accursed crozius, accursed weapon or power maul only. This Relic replaces an accursed crozius, accursed weapon or power maul and has the following profile:
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CROWN OF THE BLASPHEMER This artefact draws the attention of warp entities to the wearer: blades are turned aside by invisible hands, and volleys of bullets are snatched away at the last moment. WORD BEARERS model only. This Relic can be given to a CULTISTS model.
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MALEFIC TOME This unholy book was stitched together from the flayed skins of a dozen mortal psykers, their horror emanating from every inch of its parchment. The tome is inscribed with true names and daemonic hierarchies that offer the bearer insights into the powers of the warp. WORD BEARERS PSYKER model only.
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EPISTLE OF LORGAR When a priest reads aloud this hallowed epistle from the Book of Lorgar, the very air turns metallic and the words summon dark blessings from the immaterium. WORD BEARERS PRIEST model only.
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ASHEN AXE A malefic nexus for the warp’s denizens, foes of the Word Bearers find themselves unable to flee the Ashen Axes blows, as invisible claws seem to root them to the spot. In truth, their minds are assailed by the entities, who circle impatiently for the soul feast the Ashen Axe will deliver. WORD BEARERS model with power axe, exalted power axe, daemonic axe, axe of dismemberment or accursed weapon only. This Relic replaces a power axe, exalted power axe, daemonic axe, axe of dismemberment or accursed weapon and has the following profile:
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THE ARMOUR DIABOLUS This ancient battle plate is etched with a thousand and one dark runes of vengeance. Should the wearer’s blood flow into one of these graven sigils, it glows white hot and the infidels who dealt the blow burst into warpflame. WORD BEARERS model only.
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BALEFUL ICON This icon bears an eight-pointed star so saturated in the blood of loyalists that it is forever stained with the taint of treachery. Word Bearers feel its toxic aura much as a sun worshipper feels the kiss of a summer day upon their skin. Those who seek to harm the faithful will instead find their muscles shuddering in revulsion, and even the Adeptus Astartes are drained of their righteous anger in its presence. WORD BEARERS model only. The bearer has the following ability:Baleful Icon (Aura): While a friendly WORD BEARERS INFANTRY unit is within 6" of the bearer, each time a melee attack is made against that unit, your opponent cannot re-roll the hit roll, cannot re-roll the wound roll and cannot re-roll the damage roll. |
Specialist Detachments
Cult of the Damned
The existence of the Dark Gods is a closely kept secret, but those who have seen the blasphemous power they can offer will often give their lives to sample it for themselves. Led into battle by devout warlords and Dark Apostles that preach the word of Chaos, such devotees fight in a state of religious frenzy.
If your army is Battle-forged, you can use the Specialist Detachment Stratagem below:
1CP | ||
CULT OF THE DAMNED Specialist Detachment Stratagem Dark Apostles gather large groups of mortal followers, damning their souls with promises of power. Use this Stratagem when choosing your army. Pick a Chaos Space Marine Detachment from your army to be a Cult of the Damned Specialist Detachment. DARK APOSTLES, DARK DISCIPLES and | ||
WARLORD TRAIT
If a CULT OF THE DAMNED CHARACTER is your Warlord, you can give them the following Warlord Trait.
EXULTANT PREACHER
Screaming praise to the Dark Gods, this leader drives his troops forward with hysterical fervour.
You can re-roll charge rolls for friendly CULT OF THE DAMNED units while they are within 6" of your Warlord.RELICS OF CHAOS
If your army includes any Cult of the Damned Specialist Detachments, you can give the following relic to a CULT OF THE DAMNED CHARACTER from your army.
INFERNO TOME
Flames lick at the pages of this ancient book, but the parchment never burns. The most damning truths are said to be inscribed within - revelations from insane prophets and visions of oracles whose eyes burned out while trying to pen what they saw. Only those whose zeal outweighs their caution can attempt to read from the flaming pages. With the correctly spoken words, these flames blast forth, incinerating the foe.
PRIEST model only. This Relic can be given to a CULTISTS model.- The bearer knows one additional prayer from the Prayers to the Dark Gods.
- Each time the bearer chants a prayer, if it is heard, the closest enemy unit within 18" of and visible to the bearer suffers D3 mortal wounds.
| STRATAGEMS If your army includes any Cult of the Damned Specialist Detachments, you can use Command Points (CPs) to use the following Stratagems:
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Daemonkin Ritualists
Those who consort with warp entities – or act as hosts for a malign being – are sometimes known as Daemonkin. When they gather together, they wage war as if it were a religious experience, working grim rituals with the flesh and blood of the foe to call down the favour of the Dark Gods.
If your army is Battle-forged, you can use the Specialist Detachment Stratagem below:
1CP | ||
DAEMONKIN RITUALISTS Specialist Detachment Stratagem When gathered together in large groups, the powers of those who have given their bodies to a Daemon from the warp are amplified. Use this Stratagem when choosing your army. Pick a Chaos Space Marine Detachment from your army to be a Daemonkin Ritualists Specialist Detachment. DARK APOSTLES, DARK DISCIPLES, MASTERS OF POSSESSION, POSSESSED and | ||
WARLORD TRAIT
If a DAEMONKIN RITUALISTS CHARACTER is your Warlord, you can give them the following Warlord Trait.
SHEPHERD OF THE TRUE FAITH
This skilled firebrand drives his followers to ever greater acts of violence.
Each time you roll an unmodified wound roll of 6 for an attack made with a melee weapon by a friendly DAEMONKIN RITUALISTS unit within 6" of your Warlord, that attack inflicts 1 mortal wound on the target in addition to the normal damage.RELICS OF CHAOS
If your army includes any Daemonkin Ritualists Specialist Detachments, you can give the following relic to a DAEMONKIN RITUALISTS CHARACTER from your army.
This daemonic stave whispers forbidden secrets, searing the ears of nearby unbelievers and driving them insane with true revelations of Chaos.
Model equipped with force stave, staff of possession or Commune stave only. This Relic can be given to a CULTISTS model. This Relic replaces a force stave, staff of possession or Commune stave and has the following profile:WEAPON | RANGE | TYPE | S | AP | D |
| Burning Rod | |||||
| Burning Rod | Melee | Melee | +3 | -2 | D3 |
Abilities: Each time the bearer fights, after the bearer has resolved all of its attacks, select one enemy unit that was hit as a result of those attacks but was not destroyed. Roll 3D6: if the result is greater than or equal to the Leadership characteristic of that enemy unit, that enemy unit suffers 3 mortal wounds. | |||||
| STRATAGEMS If your army includes any Daemonkin Ritualists Specialist Detachments, you can use Command Points (CPs) to use the following Stratagems:
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Devastation Battery
A devastation battery is assembled whenever a Chaos Lord’s prey locks themselves away within a seemingly impregnable fortification. In a furious storm of heavy weapons fire, the fools are disabused of that notion, their prized defences laid open and the Chaos marksmen moving in for the kill.
If your army is Battle-forged, you can use the Specialist Detachment Stratagem below:
1CP | ||
DEVASTATION BATTERY Specialist Detachment Stratagem When enemy fortifications or armoured forces must be brought low, many Chaos Lords will gather their most destructive followers together to focus their tremendous firepower. Use this Stratagem when choosing your army. Pick a Chaos Space Marine Detachment from your army to be a Devastation Battery Specialist Detachment. <LEGION> CHAOS LORDS, WARPSMITHS, HAVOCS and OBLITERATORS in that Detachment gain the DEVASTATION BATTERY keyword. | ||
WARLORD TRAIT
If a DEVASTATION BATTERY CHARACTER is your Warlord, you can give them the following Warlord Trait.
ARMOUR BANE
Adept at meeting and stopping enemy sallies, this warrior instinctively knows how to blunt an armoured counter-attack.
Re-roll wound rolls of 1 for attacks made by friendly DEVASTATION BATTERY units that are within 6" of your Warlord if the target is a VEHICLE.RELICS OF CHAOS
If your army includes any Devastation Battery Specialist Detachments, you can give the following relic to a DEVASTATION BATTERY CHARACTER from your army.
Used by the greatest battery commanders to augment their forces, this multi-lensed scanner unit is bound with the spirit of a Daemon who excelled at spotting mortal weaknesses. The scanner digests and distributes advanced targeting information to nearby units with supernatural speed.
At the start of your Shooting phase, pick a friendly DEVASTATION BATTERY unit within 6" of the bearer. Enemy units do not receive the benefit of cover against that unit’s weapons this phase.| STRATAGEMS If your army includes any Devastation Battery Specialist Detachments, you can use Command Points (CPs) to use the following Stratagems:
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Host Raptorial
Those of the Chaos hordes that have become obsessed with the power of flight will form together into formations of airborne killers known as Hosts Raptorial. Comprised largely of Raptors and Warp Talons, they scream down from on high to launch close-quarters attacks on their earthbound foes.
If your army is Battle-forged, you can use the Specialist Detachment Stratagem below:
1CP | ||
HOST RAPTORIAL Specialist Detachment Stratagem When large numbers of Raptors and Warp Talons convene, they form screeching packs of airborne killers, plunging down from the skies to strike the weakest points in the foe’s lines. Use this Stratagem when choosing your army. Pick a Chaos Space Marine Detachment from your army to be a Host Raptorial Specialist Detachment. <LEGION> JUMP PACK units in that Detachment gain the HOST RAPTORIAL keyword. | ||
WARLORD TRAIT
If a HOST RAPTORIAL CHARACTER is your Warlord, you can give them the following Warlord Trait.
THE TIP OF THE CLAW
This warlord insists on leading his assault troops from the front, always seeking to be the first to draw the blood of the foe.
Add 2 to charge rolls made for friendly HOST RAPTORIAL units while they are within 6" of your Warlord.RELICS OF CHAOS
If your army includes any Host Raptorial Specialist Detachments, you can give the following relic to a HOST RAPTORIAL CHARACTER from your army.
The wearer of this viciously bladed jump pack is able to swoop low over the enemy, slicing off limbs and opening veins as he passes.
Roll a D6 for each enemy unit that was moved across by the bearer in the Movement or Charge phase. On a 4+, that unit suffers D3 mortal wounds.| STRATAGEMS If your army includes any Host Raptorial Specialist Detachments, you can use Command Points (CPs) to use the following Stratagems:
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Soulforged Pack
The demented creations of Heretic Astartes Warpsmiths are often goaded to war by their creators. Those twisted engineers of war find great satisfaction in seeing their mechanical menageries drive home one thunderous charge after another, each infernal engine covered in splatters of gore by battle’s end.
If your army is Battle-forged, you can use the Specialist Detachment Stratagem below:
1CP | ||
SOULFORGED PACK Specialist Detachment Stratagem Warpsmiths and Lords Discordant often gather their deranged creations together into packs before sending them forth to strike the enemy lines like a thunderbolt. Use this Stratagem when choosing your army. Pick a Chaos Space Marine Detachment from your army to be a Soulforged Pack Specialist Detachment. WARPSMITH and DAEMON ENGINE units in that Detachment gain the SOULFORGED PACK keyword. | ||
WARLORD TRAIT
If a SOULFORGED PACK CHARACTER is your Warlord, you can give them the following Warlord Trait.
MASTER OF THE SOULFORGES
Barking scrapcode and lashing with mechatendrils, this warrior drives his deranged creations forward into the foe.
Add 2" to the Move characteristic of friendly SOULFORGED PACK DAEMON ENGINES while they are within 6" of your Warlord.RELICS OF CHAOS
If your army includes any Soulforged Pack Specialist Detachments, you can give the following relic to a SOULFORGED PACK CHARACTER from your army.
Imbued with a daemonic sentience of their own, these parasitic tendrils lash out viciously at anything within reach.
Model with mechatendrils only. The Mecha-serpents replace the bearer’s mechatendrils and have the following profile:WEAPON | RANGE | TYPE | S | AP | D |
| Mecha-serpents | |||||
| Mecha-serpents | Melee | Melee | +1 | -1 | 2 |
Abilities: Each time the bearer fights, it can make 1 (and only 1) attack with this weapon for each enemy model within 1" of the bearer. | |||||
| STRATAGEMS If your army includes any Soulforged Pack Specialist Detachments, you can use Command Points (CPs) to use the following Stratagems:
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Fallen Angels
The Fallen hail from the time when a vast swathe of the First Legion went renegade, and they have been a deadly threat to the Imperium ever since. The Dark Angels consider them the worst of all possible foes, for not only do they conceal an empire-shattering secret, they are also next to impossible to catch.
Fallen Angels is a Specialist Detachment.When the Fallen gather in numbers, the machinations of Cypher gain incredible momentum.
A Fallen Angels Specialist Detachment is a Vanguard Detachment that contains only:
- FALLEN units
- Sorcerer units
- Chaos Rhino units
Sorcerer units in a Fallen Angels Specialist Detachment:
- Have their <MARK OF CHAOS>, HERETIC ASTARTES and <LEGION> Faction keywords replaced with the IMPERIUM and FALLEN Faction keywords.
- Have their Death to the False Emperor ability replaced with the Fallen Angels ability (see the Fallen datasheet in Codex: Chaos Space Marines).
Chaos Rhino units in a Fallen Angels Specialist Detachment:
- Have their <MARK OF CHAOS>, HERETIC ASTARTES and <LEGION> Faction keywords replaced with the IMPERIUM and FALLEN Faction keywords.
- Have their Transport section replaced with the following: ‘This model has a transport capacity of 10 FALLEN INFANTRY models. It cannot transport JUMP PACK models.’
If CYPHER is included in a Fallen Angels Specialist Detachment, he gains the following ability:
AGENT OF DISCORD (AURA)
Cypher’s disruptive influence and unpredictable actions are the bane of any sane commander, amplified by the presence of large numbers of his fellow Fallen.
While an enemy unit is within discord range of this model, that unit and any models it contains cannot make use of any abilities, Warlord Traits or Relics that allow your opponent to receive or be refunded Command points.While this model is within 12" of:
- Less than 10 other FALLEN ANGELS models, this ability has a discord range of 12".
- 10-19 other FALLEN ANGELS models, this ability has a discord range of 18".
- 20 or more other FALLEN ANGELS models, this ability has a discord range of 24".
RELICS
If your army includes a FALLEN ANGELS Specialist Detachment, you can, when mustering your army, give the following Relic to a FALLEN ANGELS model from your army, instead of one from another source.
CALIBAN STEEL BLADE
This ancient blade was forged on lost Caliban and exemplifies that world’s cruelty and beauty in equal measure.
Model equipped with a force sword only. This Relic replaces a force sword and has the following profile:WEAPON | RANGE | TYPE | S | AP | D |
| Caliban steel blade | |||||
| Caliban steel blade | Melee | Melee | User | -3 | D3 |
Abilities: Each time an attack is made with this weapon, on a wound roll of 6+, that attack has a Damage characteristic of D6. | |||||
FALLEN ANGELS STRATAGEMS
If your army includes a FALLEN ANGELS Specialist Detachment, you have access to these Stratagems and can spend CPs to use them.
Having hidden from the Unforgiven for millennia, the Fallen are adept at passing unseen.
Many Fallen have never forgiven the betrayal they perceive themselves to have suffered at the hands of the sons of the Lion.
Stratagems by Phase
CAKOSPARK PRATTLE (Cogs of Vashtorr – Strategic Ploy)
ASPIRING LORD (Chaos Space Marines – Requisition)
GIFTS OF CHAOS (Chaos Space Marines – Requisition)
TROPHIES OF THE LONG WAR (Chaos Space Marines – Requisition)
APOSTLE OF THE DARK COUNCIL (Word Bearers – Requisition)
CULT OF THE DAMNED (Specialist Detachment)
DAEMONKIN RITUALISTS (Specialist Detachment)
DEVASTATION BATTERY (Specialist Detachment)
HOST RAPTORIAL (Specialist Detachment)
SOULFORGED PACK (Specialist Detachment)
FALLEN ANGELS (Specialist Detachment – Requisition)
INFERNAL TELEPORTARIUM (Cult of the Arkifane – Boarding Actions – Strategic Ploy)
Battle Round
CHORUS OF THE TRUE FAITH (Chaos Space Marines)
DAEMON IN THE MACHINE (Cult of the Arkifane – Boarding Actions – Strategic Ploy)
HEXAGRAMMATIC WARD (Word Bearers – Wargear)
BLASPHEMOUS MACHINES (Chaos Space Marines – Epic Deed)
TIDE OF TRAITORS (Chaos Space Marines – Strategic Ploy)
FANATIC ZEALOTRY (Word Bearers – Battle Tactic)
ILL-O’-THE-WILL IMPULSE (Cult of the Arkifane – Boarding Actions – Strategic Ploy)
FELL PRAYERS (Chaos Space Marines – Epic Deed)
SOULS OF THE DEVOTED (Chaos Space Marines)
RELENTLESS DEVASTATION (Chaos Space Marines – Strategic Ploy)
SHIPBOARD INSURRECTION (Chaos Space Marines – Boarding Actions – Strategic Ploy)
STUPEFYING HAZE (Chaos Space Marines – Boarding Actions – Strategic Ploy)
VICIOUS DESCENT (Chaos Space Marines)
FOUL ALTERATIONS (Cogs of Vashtorr – Strategic Ploy)
EXCESSIVE CRUELTY (Chaos Space Marines (Slaanesh) – Strategic Ploy)
WARP-BORN FORESIGHT (Chaos Space Marines (Tzeentch) – Strategic Ploy)
PUNISHING VOLLEY (Chaos Space Marines)
ARKIFANE’S WRATH (Cult of the Arkifane – Boarding Actions – Strategic Ploy)
FELL PRAYERS (Chaos Space Marines – Epic Deed)
THE GREAT SORCERER (Chaos Space Marines (Tzeentch) – Epic Deed)
THE GREAT SORCERER (Chaos Space Marines – Boarding Actions – Epic Deed)
MALEVOLENT COVENANT (Word Bearers – Epic Deed)
SCORN OF SORCERY (Chaos Space Marines (Khorne) – Strategic Ploy)
SCORN OF SORCERY (Chaos Space Marines – Boarding Actions – Strategic Ploy)
FELL PRAYERS (Chaos Space Marines – Epic Deed)
WALL-BREAKERS (Chaos Space Marines)
CONTEMPT OVER CAUTION (Chaos Space Marines – Strategic Ploy)
DAEMON SHELLS (Chaos Space Marines – Wargear)
SKYSHRIKE MISSILE (Chaos Space Marines – Wargear)
UNENDING DESTRUCTION (Chaos Space Marines – Strategic Ploy)
DAEMONFORGE (Chaos Space Marines – Battle Tactic)
MURDEROUS PERFECTION (Chaos Space Marines (Slaanesh) – Battle Tactic)
VETERANS OF THE LONG WAR (Chaos Space Marines – Battle Tactic)
WRATH OF THE CHOSEN (Chaos Space Marines – Battle Tactic)
ETERNAL HATRED (Chaos Space Marines – Boarding Actions – Battle Tactic)
HATRED ETERNAL (Chaos Space Marines – Battle Tactic)
MASTER’S GUIDANCE (Cogs of Vashtorr – Battle Tactic)
CURSED DESPOILERS (Word Bearers – Battle Tactic)
COGITATED FATES (Cogs of Vashtorr – Battle Tactic)
FORGE SURGE (Cogs of Vashtorr – Battle Tactic)
EYE OF THE AUSPEX (Cult of the Arkifane – Boarding Actions – Battle Tactic)
SHROUD OF FLIES (Chaos Space Marines (Nurgle) – Strategic Ploy)
FIRE FRENZY (Chaos Space Marines – Epic Deed)
INFERNAL ENGINE (Chaos Space Marines – Wargear)
WINDS OF THE WARP (Chaos Space Marines – Strategic Ploy)
WITHOUT A TRACE (Fallen Angels – Battle Tactic)
LUMENBLINK (Cult of the Arkifane – Boarding Actions – Battle Tactic)
GLITCHCURSE (Cogs of Vashtorr – Epic Deed)
GRANDFATHER’S BLESSINGS (Chaos Space Marines (Nurgle) – Battle Tactic)
SMOKESCREEN (Chaos Space Marines – Wargear)
GIFTS OF THE PLAGUE GOD (Chaos Space Marines – Boarding Actions – Battle Tactic)
HEXAGRAMMATIC WARDS (Chaos Space Marines – Word Bearers – Boarding Actions – Wargear)
LUMENBLINK (Cult of the Arkifane – Boarding Actions – Battle Tactic)
FELL PRAYERS (Chaos Space Marines – Epic Deed)
INFERNAL ENGINES (Chaos Space Marines)
VICIOUS DESCENT (Chaos Space Marines – Strategic Ploy)
FELL PRAYERS (Chaos Space Marines – Epic Deed)
DAEMONFORGE OVERDRIVE (Chaos Space Marines)
VESSELS FOR THE NEVERBORN (Chaos Space Marines)
INFERNAL ENGINE (Chaos Space Marines – Wargear)
DAEMONFORGE (Chaos Space Marines – Battle Tactic)
DEATH TO THE FALSE EMPEROR! (Chaos Space Marines – Battle Tactic)
FURY OF KHORNE (Chaos Space Marines (Khorne) – Battle Tactic)
MURDEROUS PERFECTION (Chaos Space Marines (Slaanesh) – Battle Tactic)
VETERANS OF THE LONG WAR (Chaos Space Marines – Battle Tactic)
WRATH OF THE CHOSEN (Chaos Space Marines – Battle Tactic)
ETERNAL HATRED (Chaos Space Marines – Boarding Actions – Battle Tactic)
HATRED ETERNAL (Chaos Space Marines – Battle Tactic)
MASTER’S GUIDANCE (Cogs of Vashtorr – Battle Tactic)
REVERED HOSTS (Word Bearers – Battle Tactic)
VENGEANCE FOR MONARCHIA (Word Bearers – Battle Tactic)
ANCIENT ENMITY (Fallen Angels – Battle Tactic)
DAEMONFORGE OVERDRIVE (Chaos Space Marines)
VESSELS FOR THE NEVERBORN (Chaos Space Marines)
INFERNAL ENGINE (Chaos Space Marines – Wargear)
DAEMONFORGE (Chaos Space Marines – Battle Tactic)
DEATH TO THE FALSE EMPEROR! (Chaos Space Marines – Battle Tactic)
FURY OF KHORNE (Chaos Space Marines (Khorne) – Battle Tactic)
MURDEROUS PERFECTION (Chaos Space Marines (Slaanesh) – Battle Tactic)
VETERANS OF THE LONG WAR (Chaos Space Marines – Battle Tactic)
WRATH OF THE CHOSEN (Chaos Space Marines – Battle Tactic)
ETERNAL HATRED (Chaos Space Marines – Boarding Actions – Battle Tactic)
HATRED ETERNAL (Chaos Space Marines – Battle Tactic)
MASTER’S GUIDANCE (Cogs of Vashtorr – Battle Tactic)
REVERED HOSTS (Word Bearers – Battle Tactic)
VENGEANCE FOR MONARCHIA (Word Bearers – Battle Tactic)
ANCIENT ENMITY (Fallen Angels – Battle Tactic)
FELL PRAYERS (Chaos Space Marines – Epic Deed)
TERRIFYING PHENOMENA (Chaos Space Marines – Strategic Ploy)
TERRIFYING PHENOMENA (Chaos Space Marines – Boarding Actions – Strategic Ploy)
DARK PACT (Word Bearers – Epic Deed)
RITUAL OFFERINGS (Chaos Space Marines – Strategic Ploy)
RITUAL OFFERINGS (Chaos Space Marines)
TERROR STRIKE (Chaos Space Marines)
Stratagems
If your army includes any CHAOS SPACE MARINES Detachments, you have access to these Stratagems, and can spend CPs to use them. When one of these Stratagems instructs you to select a unit from your army, replace all instances of <LEGION> on that Stratagem (if any) with the name of the Legion that your selected unit is drawn from.
The seething hatred that the Heretic Astartes harbour for the Corpse Emperor and his weakling, thin-blooded Space Marines is a weapon unto itself.
The Daemon Engines of the Chaos Space Marines are driven by a fathomless hatred born of the warp.
The bloodlust of Khorne’s followers is never sated, and is only heightened by the arterial sprays of their enemies’ gore.
Grandfather Nurgle bestows daemonic fecundity upon his faithful servants, sealing their gaping wounds with pulsating growths and replacing their spilt blood with curdling ichor.
Every Legionary harbours a reservoir of bitter hatred and resentment that they can draw upon to destroy their foes utterly.
The desire for perfection that drives Slaanesh’s warriors is such that their fighting skills far exceed those of more blinkered forces - an obsessive drive that leads to superior acts of martial precision.
Veterans of centuries or millennia, the Long War’s most embittered warriors have learnt how best to focus their need for vengeance.
The merciless cruelty of a warband’s greatest warriors is both a deadly threat to their foes and a warning to potential rivals.
The spirits of the most ancient or corrupted Chaos Space Marine war engines can be goaded to fury like wild beasts.
Beseeching the Chaos Gods with fanatical fervour, the profane priests of the Heretic Astartes pray for diabolic boons, promising the vilest of offerings in return for their power.
The unbridled wrath of an enraged Helbrute is a useful tool in the hands of a commander who can direct it.
Those not driven mad by the worship of Tzeentch are gifted with empyric powers to use against the Great Mutators enemies.
- That unit can attempt to manifest one additional psychic power this phase.
- That unit can attempt to perform one psychic action and attempt to manifest one psychic power this phase.
Behind every warband leader are numerous power-hungry warriors who commit atrocities in the name of personal glory.
The Chaos Gods will reward those who prove themselves worthy.
Ancient artefacts have exchanged hands many times, but only the most ambitious champions have the strength to wield them.
Allies are of little concern when a hated foe must be obliterated.
- Models in that <LEGION> unit can target that enemy unit even if that enemy unit is within Engagement Range of other friendly units, provided those other friendly units are all <LEGION> units.
- Each time a model in that <LEGION> unit makes an attack against that enemy unit, you cannot re-roll the hit roll, and on an unmodified hit roll of 1, that attack scores a hit against one friendly <LEGION> unit of your choice within Engagement Range of that enemy unit instead (resolve any attacks against friendly units after resolving any attacks that hit that enemy unit).
Chaos Space Marines are not easily diverted from their obsessive need to kill, and can accomplish their battlefield goals without having to relent in their acts of destruction.
The wrath of Chaos Space Marines is inescapable.
Those unfortunate enough to be taken alive by Chaos Cultists only serve as fuel for their fanatical devotions.
- That CULTISTS unit automatically passes Morale tests.
- Each time a model in that CULTISTS unit makes a melee attack, add 1 to that attack’s hit roll.
Like the deity they worship, the warriors of the Blood God despise psykers, and their sheer hatred can quell the sorceries of foes.
With an incessant drone, a feculent swarm of immaterial flies enshrouds Nurgle’s devotees, obscuring their repulsive forms.
In the presence of Chaos Space Marines, gheist-like spirits moan and blood seeps from metal and rock, preying on the foes’ worst fears and driving them insane with terror.
- Your opponent cannot select that unit for the Insane Bravery Stratagem, and cannot use any rule that would allow them to re-roll a Morale test for that unit.
- If that unit fails a Morale test, any action it is performing immediately fails.
The galaxy is filled with countless pathetic wretches hiding in the shadows and waiting for their opportunity to give themselves willingly to Chaos for the chance to win power and glory.
Slaanesh’s chosen delight in inflicting torment and cruelty, and they persecute terrified foes with renewed vigour.
Skyborne traitors strike without warning or mercy, catching the enemy unawares and eviscerating their formations before they can coordinate a counter-attack.
Those in thrall to Tzeentch are gifted with a measure of foresight, allowing them to scry the enemy’s myriad futures and pinpoint exactly where they will strike.
Some Heretic Astartes move almost faster than the eye can follow, leaving flickering trails of warpfiame in their wake.
Crafted on tainted forge worlds and infused with warp energy, these shells release a mind-sickening scream as they are launched, voicing a craving to consume the soul of their target.
- Add 6" to the Range characteristic of all bolt weapons models in that unit are equipped with.
- Each time a model in that unit makes a ranged attack with a bolt weapon, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
The furnace at the heart of the Daemon Engine burns to incandescent levels as it channels the energies of the warp into its metal frame, daemon flesh and cursed iron flowing like filthy wax as ragged wounds reknit.
Skyshrike missiles are designed to eliminate the foe’s aerial assets by unleashing a sigil-scrawled payload that shreds armour and ruptures vital systems.
Whether unleashing warp-fume canisters from hull-mounted launchers, sickly smoke from blood-burning embrasures or some other malign artifice, Chaos Space Marines' thrice-cursed vehicles can screen their acts of vengeance from the enemy.
Marks of Chaos
Each time you upgrade a unit, its Power Rating is increased by the amount shown in the Marks of Chaos table below. If you are playing a matched play game, or a game that uses a points limit, then the points value of that unit is also increased by the amount shown in the same table. Make a note on your army roster each time you upgrade a unit using these rules.
Each time you upgrade a unit, it loses the CHAOS UNDIVIDED Faction keyword (if it had it) and gains the MARK OF CHAOS keyword. Such a unit also gains a new Faction keyword, as shown in the Keyword column of the table below, and two additional abilities, as shown in the relevant box below. If a PRIEST or PSYKER unit has a Mark of Chaos, it will know one additional prayer or psychic power depending on which Mark of Chaos it has.
A PSYKER unit cannot be upgraded to have the Mark of Khorne. Your army (or Crusade force) can include the same Mark of Chaos upgrade more than once (e.g. you can include several Mark of Chaos Khorne units in your army). With the exception of KHORNE BERZERKERS, RUBRIC MARINES, PLAGUE MARINES and EMPEROR’S CHILDREN units (which must all have a Mark of Chaos, see Slaves to Darkness detachment ability), a Crusade force cannot start with any units that have been upgraded to have a Mark of Chaos - to include such a unit in a Crusade force, you must use the Chosen of the Pantheon Requisition.
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When you add an EMPEROR’S CHILDREN CHARACTER or EMPEROR’S CHILDREN CORE unit (excluding CULTISTS units) to your army or Crusade force, you must upgrade that unit to have the Mark of Slaanesh.
Mark of Khorne
The mark of the Blood God may manifest as a skull-shaped brand of black fire, the visage of a snarling canine, blood-red eyes that weep ichor or a brazen halo erupting from the skull.
- Each time a model in this unit makes a melee attack, if that models unit made a charge move, was charged or performed a Heroic Intervention this turn, add 1 to the Strength characteristic of that attack.
- If this unit has the ICON keyword, each time a model in this unit makes a melee attack, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
Mark of Tzeentch
The duplicitous worshippers of Tzeentch may bear multitudinous eyes, multi-hued avian mutations, sentient serpentine tattoos or glittering crystalline flesh.
- Once per turn, the first time a saving throw is failed for this unit, the Damage characteristic of that attack is changed to 0.
- If this unit has the ICON keyword, each time a model in this unit makes a ranged attack, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
Mark of Nurgle
Some pledged to Nurgle bear insectile appendages or boils in the shape of his sigil; others are swollen with corruption.
- Each time an attack is made against this unit, if the Strength characteristic of that attack either equals or is at least double the Toughness characteristic of this unit, subtract 1 from that attack’s wound roll.
- While this unit has the ICON keyword, each time a model in this unit makes a ranged attack, an unmodified hit roll of 6 automatically wounds the target.
Mark of Slaanesh
Those in thrall to the Prince of Excess may exude a cloying musk or stare with lidless black orbs instead of eyes. Others bear repulsive growths or caress foes with barbed talons.
- If this unit starts the Fight phase within Engagement Range of any enemy units, it fights first that phase.
- If this unit has the ICON keyword, each time a model in this unit makes a melee attack, add 1 to that attack’s hit roll.
Dark Hereticus Discipline
Before the battle, generate the psychic powers for PSYKER units from your army that know powers from the Dark Hereticus discipline using the table below. If the PSYKER unit has the CULTISTS or LEGIONARIES keyword, you can either roll one D3 to generate each power randomly (re-rolling duplicate results), or you can select one of the following powers for that PSYKER unit to know: Infernal Gaze, Prescience, Diabolic Strength. Otherwise, you can either roll one D6 to generate each power randomly (re-rolling duplicate results), or you can select which powers the PSYKER unit knows. If a PSYKER unit has a Mark of Chaos, it knows one additional psychic power from those shown below, as follows: TZEENTCH PSYKERS know Skeins of Fate; NURGLE PSYKERS know Putrid Miasma; SLAANESH PSKYERS know Delightful Agonies. When a PSYKER unit from your army manifests a psychic power from this discipline, replace all instances of the <LEGION> keyword on that psychic power (if any) with the name of the Legion your PSYKER unit is drawn from.
SKEINS OF FATE The sorcerer acquisitively grasps the skeins of future events, plucking from them the desired fates of his allies. Forewarned of the foes attacks, Tzeentch’s warriors evade divined shots and strikes with seemingly supernatural reflexes. Blessing: Skeins of Fate has a warp charge value of 7. If manifested, select one friendly <LEGION> TZEENTCH unit within 18" of this PSYKER. Until the start of your next Psychic phase, models in that unit have a 4+ invulnerable save. |
PUTRID MIASMA As the psyker’s gurgling chants reach an apex, a foetid spume of putridity obscures his allies from view. Blessing: Putrid Miasma has a warp charge value of 6. If manifested, select one friendly <LEGION> NURGLE unit within 18" of this PSYKER. Until the start of your next Psychic phase, each time an attack is made against that unit, subtract 1 from that attack’s hit roll. |
DELIGHTFUL AGONIES Those whose minds are touched by the psykers caress are wracked by waves of exquisite pain, over which physical trauma has no hold. Blessing: Delightful Agonies has a warp charge value of 6. If manifested, select one friendly <LEGION> SLAANESH unit within 18" of this PSYKER. Until the start of your next Psychic phase, each time a model in that unit would lose a wound, roll one D6: on a 5+, that wound is not lost. |
| D6 | PSYCHIC POWER |
| 1 | INFERNAL GAZE Unholy power streams from the psykers eyes, charring and melting everything caught in its path. Witchfire: Infernal Gaze has a warp charge value of 5. If manifested, select one enemy unit within 18" of and visible to this PSYKER and roll three D6. For each 4+, that enemy unit suffers 1 mortal wound. If the result of the Psychic test was an unmodified 10+, roll six D6 instead. |
| 2 | PRESCIENCE By focusing his warp-sight the psyker can guide the shots and strikes of his allies, bringing a swift and merciless death to the foe. Blessing: Prescience has a warp charge value of 7. If manifested, select one friendly <LEGION> unit within 18" of this PSYKER. Until the start of your next Psychic phase, each time a model in that unit makes an attack, add 1 to that attack’s hit roll. |
| 3 | DIABOLIC STRENGTH The unholy energies of Chaos course through the recipient, swelling his frame with the strength to tear a tank in two. Blessing: Diabolic Strength has a warp charge value of 6. If manifested, select one friendly <LEGION> INFANTRY or <LEGION> CHAOS SPAWN model within 12" of this PSYKER. Until the start of your next Psychic phase, add 2 to the Strength and Attacks characteristics of that model. |
| 4 | DEATH HEX The sorcerer places a dire hex upon his enemies. Wards and energised shields flicker and fail, leaving the foe exposed. Malediction: Death Hex has a warp charge value of 8. If manifested, select one enemy unit within 12" of this PSYKER. Until the start of your next Psychic phase, models in that unit cannot use any invulnerable saves. |
| 5 | GIFT OF CHAOS The psyker unleashes a wave of mutating energies into his victims. Bones snap and flesh rips as a horrific new form takes shape and rampages mindlessly through the enemy's ranks. Witchfire: Gift of Chaos has a warp charge value of 7. If manifested, the closest enemy unit within 18" of and visible to this PSYKER suffers D3 mortal wounds, and you must roll one D6 for every other enemy unit within 6" of that unit: on a 4+, the unit being rolled for suffers 1 mortal wound. |
| 6 | WARPTIME The power of the immaterium bursts from the psyker, warping time and heightening the speed of his allies. Blessing: Warptime has a warp charge value of 6. If manifested, select one friendly <LEGION> INFANTRY or <LEGION> CHAOS SPAWN unit within 6" of this PSYKER.
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Malefic Discipline
Before the battle, generate the psychic powers for PSYKER units from your army that know powers from the Malefic discipline using the table below. You can either roll one D6 to generate each power randomly (re-rolling duplicate results), or you can select which powers the PSYKER unit knows. If a PSYKER unit has a Mark of Chaos, they will know one additional psychic power from those shown below, as follows: TZEENTCH PSYKERS know Skeins of Fate; NURGLE PSYKERS know Putrid Miasma; SLAANESH PSKYERS know Delightful Agonies.
When a PSYKER unit from your army manifests a psychic power from this discipline, replace all instances of the <LEGION> keyword on that psychic power (if any) with the name of the Legion your PSYKER unit is drawn from.
| D6 | PSYCHIC POWER |
| 1 | WARP MARKED The psyker marks his foes with a cursed rune that attracts the denizens of warp, who rush to devour the victims souls. Malediction: Warp Marked has a warp charge value of 7. If manifested, select one enemy unit within 18" of this PSYKER. Until the start of your next Psychic phase, each time a friendly <LEGION> DAEMONKIN or <LEGION> DAEMON ENGINE model makes an attack against that unit, add 1 to that attack’s wound roll. |
| 2 | PACT OF FLESH The psyker uses a measure of soul energy to remould the flesh of his allies, or else to animate their corpses with an unholy daemon inhabitant. Blessing: Pact of Flesh has a warp charge value of 5. If manifested, select one friendly <LEGION> CORE, <LEGION> DAEMONKIN or <LEGION> CHARACTER unit within 18" of this PSYKER.
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| 3 | CURSED EARTH The psyker becomes a conduit for the energies of the warp, tainting the ground and sustaining the Daemonkin that walk upon it. Blessing (Aura): Cursed Earth has a warp charge value of 7. If manifested, until the start of your next Psychic phase, while a friendly <LEGION> DAEMONKIN or <LEGION> DAEMON ENGINE unit is within 6" of this PSYKER:
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| 4 | POSSESSION The psyker blasts away their enemy's soul so that the spiritless shell can be possessed, even if only temporarily. In a frenzied orgy, the inhabiting daemon rips and tears before its host crumbles. Witchfire: Possession has a warp charge value of 6. If manifested, select one enemy unit within 9" of and visible to this PSYKER. Roll one D6, adding 1 to the result if the result of the Psychic test was an unmodified 10+: if the result is greater than that unit’s Toughness characteristic, one model in that unit (selected by your opponent) is destroyed. Then, if that unit has not been destroyed, that unit suffers D3 mortal wounds. |
| 5 | INFERNAL POWER Diabolic energy flows from the psyker, imbuing the entities that reside within his followers' bodies with even greater ferocity. Blessing: Infernal Power has a warp charge value of 6. If manifested, select one friendly <LEGION> DAEMONKIN or <LEGION> DAEMON ENGINE unit within 18" of this PSYKER. Until the start of your next Psychic phase, each time a melee attack is made by a DAEMONKIN or DAEMON ENGINE model in that unit, an unmodified hit roll of 6 automatically wounds the target (in such cases, for the purposes of rules that are triggered by a particular wound roll, that attack is considered to have been made with an unmodified wound roll of 6). |
| 6 | MUTATED INVIGORATION A wave of insanity and mutation flows from the psykers fingers, enveloping their allies with bountiful diabolic gifts. Blessing: Mutated Invigoration has a warp charge value of 6. If manifested, select one friendly <LEGION> unit within 18" of this PSYKER. Until the start of your next Psychic phase, add 1 to either the Strength or Toughness characteristic of models in that unit (if the result of the Psychic test was 10+ and you selected a DAEMONKIN or DAEMON ENGINE unit, add 1 to both of these characteristics instead). |
Prayers to the Dark Gods
Dark Zealotry (Aura)
The Dark Apostle’s prayers fill his flocks hearts with hatred and they lash out with fanatical strength to tear down their foes in the Dark Gods’ names.
If this prayer is heard, then while a friendly <LEGION> CORE, <LEGION> CULTISTS or <LEGION> CHARACTER unit is within 6" of this PRIEST, each time a model in that unit makes a melee attack, you can re-roll the hit roll.WRATHFUL ENTREATY Drawing blood from his palm, the priest asks Khorne to impart a measure of his godly wrath unto those willing to slay in his name. If this prayer is heard, select one friendly <LEGION> KHORNE CORE or <LEGION> KHORNE CHARACTER unit within 6" of this PRIEST. Each time a model in that unit makes an attack, it is considered to be engaged in Wanton Destruction, Wanton Massacre and Wanton Slaughter for that attack. |
MUTATING INVOCATION (AURA) Spitting catechismic riddles and arcane oaths, the priest bargains with the Master of Fate. The augmented flesh of the faithful flows like liquid and armour reknits as mutation runs rampant. If this prayer is heard, then while a friendly <LEGION> TZEENTCH CORE or <LEGION> TZEENTCH CHARACTER unit is within 3" of this PRIEST, roll one D6 each time a model in that unit would lose a wound: on a 6, that wound is not lost. |
FECULENT BESEECHMENT Belching a cloud of flies, the priest begs Grandfather Nurgle to bless his devotees forms with wondrous diseases. If this prayer is heard, select one friendly <LEGION> NURGLE CORE or <LEGION> NURGLE CHARACTER unit within 6" of this PRIEST. Add 1 to the Toughness characteristic of models in that unit. |
BLISSFUL DEVOTION The priest asks beloved Slaanesh to grant his followers the unnatural swiftness of the Dark Princes daemonic children. If this prayer is heard, select one friendly <LEGION> SLAANESH CORE or <LEGION> SLAANESH CHARACTER unit within 6" of this PRIEST. That unit is eligible to declare a charge in a turn in which it Advanced. |
| D6 | PRAYER |
| 1 | BENEDICTION OF DARKNESS (AURA) As his words grow louder, inky blackness pours from the priests eyes, forming a swirling mist around his allies that shields them from harm. If this prayer is heard, then while a friendly <LEGION> CORE, <LEGION> CHARACTER or <LEGION> CULTISTS unit is wholly within 6" of this PRIEST, each time a ranged attack is made against that unit, it is treated as having the benefits of Light Cover against that attack. |
| 2 | LITANY OF DESPAIR The priest calls upon the Dark Gods to offer his foes all manner of whispered temptations, sapping their will to fight. If this prayer is heard, select one enemy unit within 12" of this PRIEST and roll 3D6: if the result is greater than that units Leadership characteristic, select one of the following to take effect:
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| 3 | OMEN OF POTENCY The priest begins to glow with the unbridled power of the warp. If this prayer is heard:
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| 4 | WARP-SIGHT PLEA The priest entreats his dark masters to guide his followers’ aim, granting their shots unerring accuracy no matter where the foe may hide. If this prayer is heard, select one friendly <LEGION> CORE, <LEGION> CULTISTS or <LEGION> CHARACTER unit within 6" of this PRIEST. Each time a model in that unit makes a ranged attack, re-roll a hit roll of 1 and the target does not receive the benefits of cover against that attack. |
| 5 | SOULTEARER PORTENT The priest’s flock strike at their victims’ very souls, the better to release them from their mortal bonds as an offering to the Dark Gods. If this prayer is heard, select one friendly <LEGION> CORE, <LEGION> CULTISTS or <LEGION> CHARACTER unit within 6" of this PRIEST. Each time a model in that unit makes a melee attack, add 1 to that attack’s wound roll. |
| 6 | ILLUSORY SUPPLICATION Chanting words that would drive most mortals mad, the priest alters the very fabric of reality, creating shadowy doppelgangers of nearby allies. If this prayer is heard, select one friendly <LEGION> CORE, <LEGION> CULTISTS or <LEGION> CHARACTER unit within 6" of this PRIEST. Each time an attack is made against that unit:
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Warlord Traits
If a TRAITORIS ASTARTES CHARACTER model is your WARLORD, you can use the Chaos Space Marines Warlord Traits table below to determine what Warlord Trait they have. You can either roll one D6 to randomly generate one, or you can select one. If a CULTISTS CHARACTER model is your WARLORD, they can only have the Flames of Spite, Unholy Fortitude or Hatred Incarnate Warlord Trait; you can either roll one D3 to randomly generate one of these, or you can select one.
When you have determined a Warlord Trait for a TRAITORIS ASTARTES CHARACTER model, replace all instances of the <LEGION> keyword in their Warlord Trait (if any) with the name of the Legion that your model is drawn from.
| D6 | WARLORD TRAIT |
| 1 | FLAMES OF SPITE This warlords bitterness burns so fiercely that his weapons flicker with the fires of Chaos.
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| 2 | UNHOLY FORTITUDE Whether it is the power of the warp flowing through this warlord’s veins that imbues him with unnatural resilience, or simply the whims of destiny and fate, he has so far proven impossible to slay. Each time this WARLORD would lose a wound, roll one D6: on a 5+, that wound is not lost. |
| 3 | HATRED INCARNATE The intense animosity that festers in this warlords soul lends his strikes a terrible, hate-fuelled strength.
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| 4 | LORD OF TERROR (AURA) The aura of despair and hopelessness that surrounds this warlord brings all of his victims' worst nightmares to their minds. While an enemy unit is within 6" of this WARLORD:
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| 5 | ETERNAL VENDETTA (AURA) This warlord has sworn never to rest in his dark crusade against his most hated foes. At the start of the first battle round, before the first turn begins, select one enemy unit. Until the end of the battle, while a friendly <LEGION> CORE or <LEGION> CHARACTER unit is within 6" of this WARLORD, each time a model in that <LEGION> unit makes an attack against that enemy unit, you can re-roll that attack’s wound roll. |
| 6 | GAZE OF THE GODS Favoured amongst the Dark Gods, this exalted warlord is bequeathed the immortal fury of the warp itself.
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Named Characters and Warlord Traits
If one of the following characters gains a Warlord Trait, they must have the relevant one(s) shown below:| CHARACTER | WARLORD TRAIT |
| Abaddon the Despoiler | Eternal Vendetta, Paragon of Hatred, Merciless Overseer |
| Cypher | Unholy Fortitude |
| Fabius Bile | Surgical Precision |
| Haarken Worldclaimer | Lord of Terror (Aura) |
| Huron Blackheart | Reaver Lord |
| Lord Arkos | Inspiring Leader (Aura) |
| Lucius the Eternal | Faultless Duellist |
| Vashtorr the Arkifane | Lord of Terror (Aura) |
| Zhufor the Impaler | Inspiring Leader (Aura) |
Chapter Approved Rules
If every model from your army has the TRAITORIS ASTARTES keyword (excluding models with the AGENT OF CHAOS or UNALIGNED keywords), you can, if you are playing a matched play battle that instructs you to select secondary objectives (e.g. a mission from the Eternal War mission pack in the Warhammer 40,000 Core Book), select one of them to be from the Chaos Space Marines secondary objectives listed below.
Like all other secondary objectives, each of the secondary objectives listed below has a category, and they follow all the normal rules for secondary objectives (for example, when you select secondary objectives, you cannot choose more than one from each category, you can score no more than 15 victory points from each secondary objective you select during the mission, etc.).
No Mercy, No Respite
Chaos Space Marines have been razing cities and conquering worlds across the galaxy for millennia, in their Long War against the False Emperor. This battle is but the latest to test their skills.
- Score 1 victory point for each enemy unit that was destroyed by a TRAITORIS ASTARTES unit from your army this turn and was in range of an objective marker at the start of this turn.
- Score 2 victory points if you control any objective markers that were controlled by your opponent at the start of this turn and a TRAITORIS ASTARTES unit from your army is in range of any of those objective markers.
Purge the Enemy
If the deeds of their champions are worthy enough, it is said the gaze of the Dark Gods will be drawn to the battlefield and the actions of their mortal vassals greatly rewarded.
In addition, each time a CHARACTER, MONSTER or VEHICLE model is destroyed by a melee attack made by a TRAITORIS ASTARTES CHARACTER model from your army, roll 2D6. If the result is less than the Wounds characteristic of the destroyed model, you gain 1 Command point at the end of the phase.
Shadow Operations
Offer up this ruined, blood-caked battlefield to the Gods of Chaos, brand the world itself with their runes and from this cursed ground call forth the power of the warp.
For the Dark Gods (Action): One TRAITORIS ASTARTES INFANTRY or TRAITORIS ASTARTES BIKER unit from your army can start to perform this action at the end of your Movement phase if it is wholly within a table quarter that has not been dedicated to a Chaos God by your army (see below) and it is within 3" of the centre of that table quarter. If the unit performing this action had the Objective Secured ability when it started performing this action, the action is completed at the end of your turn; otherwise, the action is completed at the start of your next Command phase. In either case, the action is only completed if the unit performing it is still within 3" of the centre of the same table quarter. If completed, select either Khorne, Tzeentch, Nurgle or Slaanesh to dedicate that table quarter to. If this action is completed by a KHORNE, TZEENTCH, NURGLE or SLAANESH unit, that unit can only dedicate that table quarter to their patron deity (e.g. a KHORNE unit can only dedicate a table quarter to Khorne). That table quarter is said to have been dedicated to that Chaos God by your army. The same table quarter cannot be dedicated to more than one Chaos God by your army.
If a table quarter has been dedicated to a Chaos God by your army, then while a TRAITORIS ASTARTES unit from your army is wholly within that table quarter, add 2 to the Leadership characteristic of models in that unit, unless that Chaos God is not their patron deity (e.g. if a table quarter is dedicated to KHORNE, then TZEENTCH, NURGLE and SLAANESH units from your army do not receive this bonus).
At the end of the battle, score 2 victory points if your For the Dark Gods tally is 1; score 5 victory points if that tally is 2; score 9 victory points if that tally is 3; score 14 victory points if that tally is 4.
Crusade Rules
Spawndom
To court the gaze of the Chaos Gods is to risk their capricious whims. Many powerful champions have disappeared beneath an overabundance of gifts, ending their Path to Glory as mindless aberrations of insane mutation.
Some rules in this section refer to units suffering Spawndom. If a unit from your Order of Battle suffers Spawndom, remove that unit from your Order of Battle. You can then either increase the unit size of a CHAOS SPAWN unit from your Order of Battle by 1, or add a new CHAOS SPAWN unit containing 1 model to your Order of Battle (in either case, any other models in the unit that suffered Spawndom are considered to have been killed and eaten by the new Spawn). If you add a new CHAOS SPAWN unit to your Order of Battle, it starts with the same number of experience points as the unit it replaced, and gains the appropriate number of Battle Honours for its rank. If adding this CHAOS SPAWN unit would cause your total Power Level to exceed your Crusade forces Supply Limit, you must first increase your Supply Limit by 1.Chaos Warbands
While many warbands of Heretic Astartes have grown to rival entire Chapters of loyalist Space Marines in size, most began as a core of ruthless followers led by their powerful champion. Such individuals draw more and more warriors to their service as their influence expands, their dread reputation for destruction becoming more storied as their warband grows in notoriety and power.
When your WARBAND CHAMPION gains Chaos points, they can be spent to increase the glory of your warband. In addition to tracking the number of Chaos points your WARBAND CHAMPION has acquired, your Chaos warband sheet shows three different categories of glory (each with an individual tracker) that together reflect the standing of your warband. The first time you form a Chaos warband, all three of these categories start at level 4. The three categories of glory are shown below.
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Gaining Chaos Points
To gain Chaos points, you must play a battle that includes your WARBAND CHAMPION. The number of Chaos points they gain after such a battle, at the Update Order of Battle step, depends on the result of the battle, as shown below.
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Gaining Glory
The easiest way to increase a particular tracker is to spend your WARBAND CHAMPION’s Chaos points. Each time you do so, decrease the number of Chaos points on your WARBAND CHAMPION’s Crusade card by 1, select one of the trackers on your Chaos warband sheet, and increase it by 1 level. You can also increase the levels on these trackers by completing certain Chaos Space Marines Agendas.While a tracker is at level 7 or 8, your warband is said to be Favoured in that category, and that category’s Favoured Rewards apply to your Crusade force (see below). No individual tracker can ever be raised above level 8.
Losing Glory
After each battle, at the Update Order of Battle step, you must lower the level of all three glory trackers on your Chaos warband sheet by 1. This is done before your WARBAND CHAMPION gains any Chaos points.While a tracker is at level 1 or 2, your warband is said to be Forsaken in that category, and that category’s Forsaken Punishments apply to your Crusade force. No individual tracker can ever be lowered below level 1.
Crusade Force Chaos Points Tracker
There is space at the top of the tracker for you to write down the name of your Chaos warband and your WARBAND CHAMPION, as well as your own name.
There are individual trackers for you to note down your Chaos warbands current level of glory in each of the following categories: Personal Glory; Dark God Glory; Warfleet Glory. When you first make a Chaos warband, each of these trackers starts at 4.
Favoured Rewards
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Forsaken Punishments
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Agendas
If your Crusade force includes any TRAITORIS ASTARTES units, you can select one Agenda from the Chaos Space Marines Agendas listed below. This is a new category of Agendas, and follows all the normal rules for Agendas (for example, when you select Agendas, you cannot choose more than one from each category).Each of a warband’s warriors seeks to offer up the greatest kills to the Dark Gods, that their deeds might catch the deities’ attention.
At the end of the battle, each unit gains 2 experience points for each mark on their Eye of the Gods tally. In addition, if you have a Chaos warband, increase your Personal Glory level by 1 for each mark on your WARBAND CHAMPION’s Eye of the Gods tally (to a maximum of 3 levels).
Esoteric trophies, hallowed sanctums and forbidden knowledge harboured by the unworthy are not easily claimed or defiled, but the greater the risk, the greater the potential reward.
Claim Prize (Action): One or more TRAITORIS ASTARTES INFANTRY or TRAITORIS ASTARTES BIKER units from your army can start to perform this action at the end of your Movement phase. Each unit from your army that starts to perform this action must be in range of a different warband prize objective marker that has not been claimed by your army (see below). A unit cannot start this action while there are any enemy units (excluding AIRCRAFT units) in range of the same objective marker. The action is completed at the start of your next Command phase or at the end of the battle, whichever comes first, provided the unit performing it is still in range of the same objective marker. If completed, that objective marker is said to have been claimed by your army, and until the end of the battle the unit that performed the action is said to be carrying spoils of war.
At the end of the battle, each unit that is carrying spoils of war and is either on the battlefield or is embarked within a TRANSPORT model that is on the battlefield gains 3 experience points. In addition, if you have a Chaos warband, then for each of those units that ends the battle wholly within your own deployment zone, increase your Warfleet Glory level by 1.
The fires of unbridled hate burn so strong in some Heretic Astartes that they can sustain their wrath no matter what destructive quests or acts of unrestrained violence they embark upon.
- That unit destroyed one or more enemy units as the result of an attack made with a flame weapon, Heavy weapon, Grenade weapon or Rapid Fire weapon while that unit was engaged in Wanton Destruction.
- That unit destroyed one or more enemy units as the result of an attack made wit a flame weapon, Rapid Fire weapon, Pistol weapon or Assault weapon while that unit was engaged in Wanton Massacre.
- That unit destroyed one or more enemy units as the result of an attack made with a flame weapon, Assault weapon, Pistol weapon or melee weapon while that unit was engaged in Wanton Slaughter.
With blood rituals, foul paraphernalia and unholy ceremonies are the fell powers of the warp drawn to a world.
Blasphemous Ritual (Action): One TRAITORIS ASTARTES INFANTRY unit from your army that has not already completed a blasphemous ritual (see below) can start to perform this action at the end of your Movement phase if it is wholly within 6" of the centre of the battlefield and no enemy units (excluding AIRCRAFT units) are wholly within 6" of the centre of the battlefield. The action is completed at the start of your next Command phase, provided the unit performing it is still wholly within 6" of the centre of the battlefield. If completed, roll 2D6, adding 1 to the result if the unit that performed it has a Mark of Chaos, and adding 1 to the result if the unit that performed it has the ICON keyword. On an 8+, that unit is said to have completed a blasphemous ritual.
At the end of the battle, each unit that competed a blasphemous ritual gains 3 experience points. In addition, if you have a Chaos warband, increase your Dark God Glory level by 1 for each unit that completed a blasphemous ritual (to a maximum of 3 levels).
Requisitions
If your Crusade force includes any TRAITORIS ASTARTES units, you can spend Requisition points (RPs) on any of the following Requisitions in addition to those presented in the Warhammer 40,000 Core Book.Whether entered into willingly or deceived into soul bondage, some warriors endure the rituals of a Master of Possession, sharing their bodies with daemons of the warp.
Murder, corruption, torment and debasement - there are infinite ways in which the deeds of mortals can ennoble them in mantles of dark glory.
The rewards of a lifetime of service to the Dark Gods can be as unwelcome as they are mighty, but the prospect of limitless power is too great a temptation for some.
Calling upon the gods for a portion of their power, diabolic priests seem to glow with an inner light of zealous fervour.
Some warriors seek to pledge their soul in undying service to one of the Dark Gods, while others are unknowingly chosen over many years of gradual degradation.
The ultimate prize for mortal warriors is to ascend into the immortal ranks of a Chaos Gods daemonic legions. Yet for all this power, such beings are more a pawn of their god than ever, irrevocably enslaved to the will of their master.
- A TRAITORIS ASTARTES CHARACTER unit that has a Mark of Chaos and at least 1 Chaos Boon.
- A TRAITORIS ASTARTES CHARACTER unit that has 3 Chaos Boons.
- A WARBAND CHAMPION that is Favoured in the Personal Glory category.
- If the unit being replaced had the KHORNE, TZEENTCH, NURGLE or SLAANESH keyword, the new DAEMON PRINCE model must have the same keyword and the appropriate Mark of Chaos.
- If the unit being replaced was your WARBAND CHAMPION, the new DAEMON PRINCE model is now your WARBAND CHAMPION.
- The new DAEMON PRINCE model starts with the same number of experience points as the unit it replaced, and gains the appropriate number of Battle Honours for its rank.
- If the unit being replaced had a Warlord Trait, Chaos Boons and/or any Relics, the new DAEMON PRINCE model retains all such upgrades it is eligible to have, without spending any additional Requisition points.
Battle Traits
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Chaos Boons
Each time a model gains a Chaos Boon, roll a D33 to randomly determine a Chaos Boon from the table below. To do so, roll two D3s one after the other: the first dice result determines your ‘tens’ and the second your ‘units’ For example, if you roll two D3s and the first result is a 2 and the second is a 1, the D33 result is 21.
If, when rolling to see what Boon a model gains, the combined ‘D6’ results of the D33 roll are exactly 6, 7, 8 or 9, and the model gaining the Boon has the SLAANESH, NURGLE, KHORNE or TZEENTCH keyword respectively, they can gain one Sacred Boon instead. For example, if, when rolling a D33 for a NURGLE model, the dice results were a 2 then a 5, the D33 result would be 13, but the combined total of the two dice would be 7, allowing that model to have a Sacred Boon of Nurgle instead. Each time a model gains a Sacred Boon, roll a D6 and consult the relevant table on the right to randomly determine which one is gained.
A model can have more than 1 Boon, but if a duplicate result is rolled, that model’s unit suffers Spawndom. As with any Battle Honour, make a note on a model’s Crusade card when it gains a Boon, and increase its Crusade points total by 1.
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Crusade Relics
When a TRAITORIS ASTARTES CHARACTER model gains a Crusade Relic, you can instead select one of the Relics listed below. All the usual rules for selecting Crusade Relics, as described in the Warhammer 40,000 Core Book, apply. CULTISTS CHARACTER models can only be given one of these Crusade Relics if that Relic specifically states so.Artificer Relics
A TRAITORIS ASTARTES CHARACTER model can be given one of the following Artificer Relics instead of one of the ones presented in the Warhammer 40,000 Core Book.Maelstrom Key This strangely proportioned and weighted device, a complex tool of impossibly intersecting and shifting needles, is somehow able to unlock a safe portal through even the wildest warp storm, enabling the wielder to step into reality from thin air. The bearer has the Warp Strike ability. |
Sigil of the Shadowlord This rune-bound icon hangs from the neck on chains of black iron. The glossy orb at its centre is said to be the eye of the Shadowlord, its unblinking stare able to repulse the deadliest attacks. This Relic can be given to a CULTISTS model.
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Burning Rod This daemonic stave whispers forbidden secrets, searing the ears of nearby unbelievers and driving them insane with true revelations of Chaos. Model equipped with force stave, staff of possession or Commune stave only. This Relic can be given to a CULTISTS model. This Relic replaces a force stave, staff of possession or Commune stave and has the following profile:
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Antiquity Relics
A TRAITORIS ASTARTES CHARACTER model of Heroic rank or higher can be given one of the following Antiquity Relics instead of one of the ones presented in the Warhammer 40,000 Core Book. Add 1 to a unit’s total Crusade points for each Antiquity Relic it has - this is in addition to the +1 from gaining a Battle Honour, for a total of +2.Slaughterer’s Helm Forged from warp-brass and anointed in the blood of a hundred slain champions, this helm subsumes the wearers entire being with the need to tear their foes apart in acts of extreme bloodshed. MARK OF CHAOS KHORNE INFANTRY model only.
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Book of Fate The words on the pages of this book are constantly appearing, changing and overwriting themselves. Any who can read them without going insane will wield knowledge itself as a weapon. MARK OF CHAOS TZEENTCH model only.
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Gurgling Doom This living bile seeps from the carriers pores, coating their weapons in fuming pus. Those inhaling its vapours have only seconds to live before they keel over, gurgling viscous phlegm. MARK OF CHAOS NURGLE model only. Each time the bearer fights, before it makes any attacks, select one enemy unit within Engagement Range of the bearer and roll one D6: on a 2+, that unit suffers D3 mortal wounds. That unit must then take an Out of Action test at the end of the battle, even if it was not destroyed (if it was destroyed, subtract 2 from that Out of Action test). |
Flawless Cloak The fabric of this cloak reknits when damaged, and never stains or fades with age. The wearer similarly appears as the embodiment of perfection, their unmarred glory displayed for all to witness. MARK OF CHAOS SLAANESH model only.
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Legendary Relics
The Murder Blade So deadly are the wounds from this blade that some believe it was actually forged using a shard of the Anathame - the weapon suspected to have laid low Warmaster Horus within the swamps of Davin’s moon and corrupted his soul. The blade is undoubtedly of eldritch provenance, for with a sacrificial ritual it can become the bane of a certain foe above all others. This Relic has the following profile:
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Eldritch Omens Battle Traits
When a <LEGION> unit gains a Battle Trait, you can use one of the tables below to determine what Battle Trait the unit has gained. To do so, roll one D3 and consult the appropriate table to randomly determine what Battle Trait the unit gains, or choose one from the appropriate table that tells the best narrative for your unit. All the normal rules for Battle Traits apply (e.g. a unit cannot have the same Battle Trait more than once). As with any Battle Honour, make a note on the unit’s Crusade card when it gains a Battle Trait and increase its Crusade points accordingly, as described in the Warhammer 40,000 Core Book.
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Eldritch Omens Crusade Relics
When a <LEGION> CHARACTER model gains a Crusade Relic, you can instead select one of the Relics listed below. All the usual rules for selecting Crusade Relics, as described in the Warhammer 40,000 Core Book, apply.Artificer Relics
A <LEGION> CHARACTER model can be given one of the following Artificer Relics instead of one of the ones presented in the Warhammer 40,000 Core Book.Corrodax A foul weapon fashioned amidst the soul forges of Chaos, this hungering blade drools rivulets of entropic saliva whose corrosive potency only increases when the weapon sinks its fangs into a more resilient victim. Model equipped with a power axe only. This Relic replaces a power axe and has the following profile:
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Hateblaze More parasite than weapon, this accursed weapon leeches its wielder’s hatred, their vitriol and spite, then converts them into roaring gouts of warpflame that burn flesh and soul both. Model equipped with a flamer only. This Relic replaces a flamer and has the following profile:
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Word Bearers Crusade Rules
Agenda
If the WARLORD of your Crusade force has the WORD BEARERS keyword, you can select the following Agenda. This follows all the normal rules for Agendas (for example, you cannot choose more than one from each category).Sites sacred to Chaos can be empowered by ritually tainting them.
Taint Ground (Action): One or more WORD BEARERS INFANTRY units from your army can start to perform this action at the end of your Movement phase. Each unit that starts to perform this action must be in range of a different objective marker that you control that has not already been tainted by your army (see below). The action is completed at the end of your turn, provided the unit performing it is still in range of that objective marker and you still control that objective marker. If completed, that objective marker is tainted by your army.
At the end of the battle, each unit earns a number of experience points equal to their tally. In addition, if you have a Chaos warband and 3 or more objective markers have been tainted by your army, your WARBAND CHAMPION gains 1 Chaos point.
Requisition
If your Crusade force includes a WORD BEARERS WARBAND CHAMPION, you can spend Requisition points (RPs) on the following Requisition in addition to Chaos Space Marines Requisitions and Requisitions in the Warhammer 40,000 Core Book.Great power demands even greater sacrifice.
Battle Traits
When a WORD BEARERS CORE, WORD BEARERS CHARACTER or WORD BEARERS DAEMONKIN unit gains a Battle Trait, you can use the table below. To do so, roll a D6 and consult the table, or choose the Battle Trait that tells the best narrative. All the normal rules for Battle Traits apply.
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Crusade Relic
When a WORD BEARERS CHARACTER model gains a Crusade Relic, you can instead give them the Antiquity Relic listed below instead of one of the ones presented in the Warhammer 40,000 Core Book. All the usual rules for selecting Crusade Relics apply. Add 1 to this units total Crusade points - this is in addition to the +1 from gaining a Battle Honour, for a total of +2.BOOK OF THE REVILER The curses in this tome reveal themselves to those of great faith.
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Army of Renown: Cogs of Vashtorr
Many amongst the ranks of the Heretic Astartes choose to offer service to Vashtorr in return for the very practical and direct boons he offers in return. Entire hosts of these warriors march to battle alongside the Arkifane’s daemon-infused war engines, each such army a cog in Vashtorr’s metaphysical engines of galactic ruination.
Restrictions
- All units from your army must have the TRAITORIS ASTARTES keyword.
- Your WARLORD must be VASHTORR THE ARKIFANE. With the exception of VASHTORR THE ARKIFANE, your army cannot include any named characters or DAEMON PRINCE models.
- Your army cannot include any KHORNE BERZERKERS, RUBRIC MARINES, PLAGUE MARINES or NOISE MARINES units.
Benefits
- All of the units from your army gain the COGS OF VASHTORR keyword.
- You have access to the Cogs of Vashtorr Relics and Stratagems.
- Units from your army gain the Techinfernal Foci ability (see below).
- Detachments in your army never count as a Legion Detachment, and you cannot use any Legion-specific Stratagems, Relics, Warlord Traits or psychic powers (e.g. even if such a Detachment only contained TRAITORIS ASTARTES units with the BLACK LEGION keyword, it would not count as a Legion Detachment, you cannot use Black Legion Stratagems, you cannot give a BLACK LEGION CHARACTER model a Black Legion Warlord Trait, etc.).
Techinfernal Foci
Baleful fivefold runes inscribed upon the hulls of the army’s Daemon Engines drain the vitality and manifest worship of Vashtorr’s mortal followers, the better to empower his soul-forged engines of destruction.
- If this unit has the DAEMON ENGINE keyword, it is always considered to be engaged in Wanton Destruction, Wanton Massacre and Wanton Slaughter.
- If this unit does not have the DAEMON ENGINE keyword, it is never considered to be engaged in Wanton Destruction, Wanton Massacre and Wanton Slaughter.
Relics
If your army is Cogs of Vashtorr, you have access to these Relics in addition to those found in Codex: Chaos Space Marines.TALISMAN OF THE FORGE This talisman depicts Vashtorr’s hammer set into a pentagonal noctilith housing. It maintains a tendrilous connection to the Forge of Souls itself, allowing its bearer to focus those energies into undoing damage done to rampaging Daemon Engines. COGS OF VASHTORR model only. In your Command phase, select one friendly DAEMON ENGINE model within 9" of the bearer. Until the start of your next Command phase, each time that model would lose a wound, roll one D6: on a 5+, that wound is not lost. |
HELM OF THE CYBERPHAGE This sentient helm is infested with dataparasitic daemon imps that reveal every weakness of the enemy’s war engines to the wearer. They, in turn, offer up their insights in tribute to the ironclad avatars of the Arkifane’s will. COGS OF VASHTORR model only. The bearer has the following ability:Helm of the Cyberphage (Aura): While a friendly DAEMON ENGINE model is within 6" of the bearer, each time that model makes an attack that targets a VEHICLE model, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1. |
THE SPITE-IRON GOAD Torn from a bested daemon overseer of the soul forges themselves, this infernal implement allows the bearer to impose their will upon even the most feral and ferocious Daemon Engine. COGS OF VASHTORR model only. In your Command phase, select one friendly DAEMON ENGINE model within 9" of the bearer. Until the end of the turn, that unit is eligible to shoot and declare a charge in a turn in which it Fell Back. |
Stratagems
If your army is Cogs of Vashtorr, you have access to these Stratagems, and can spend CPs to use them.Like a solar flare rippling out from a poisoned star, a burst of energy from the Forge of Souls rushes through this Daemon Engine’s ironclad frame and bursts from its weapons.
Under the burning gaze of the entity to whom they are indebted, the daemons bound into Vashtorr’s infernal engines do as their master bids. So do they hope to work off their impossible debts all the quicker.
Master’s Guidance (Aura): While a friendly DAEMON ENGINE unit is with 6" of this model, each time a model in that unit makes an attack, you can re-roll the hit roll.
Vashtorr is a being unfettered by linear time and possessed of infinite patience and inventiveness. He thinks nothing of setting in motion centuries-long chains of cause and effect that transform reality into a mechanism of death calibrated to do his bidding and leave his foes with nowhere to hide from his worshippers’ wrath.
The machine spirits of bellicose weapons blaze in Vashtorr’s sight just as mortal souls do to other daemons. With but a flicker of his will, the Arkifane twists and redirects those fierce energies back against the weapons’ wielders.
The gibbering of Vashtorr’s imps replicates itself through the enemy’s command and control networks, a data-daemonic wall of binharic gibberish that fouls the best-laid plans.
Vashtorr enjoys the distraction of tinkering with his Daemon Engines, optimising their infernal capabilities in ways that torment and enrage the entities trapped within.
Boarding Actions
The Imperiums greatest foes, Chaos Space Marines combine the gifts of the Emperor’s arcane science with the powers granted them by the Chaos Gods. Twisted by their heresy, they hate the Imperium, and seek only to destroy it.
Mustering a Boarding Patrol
When mustering a Boarding Patrol, if your Faction is TRAITORIS ASTARTES, then the following rules apply when adding units to your Boarding Patrol Detachment, and they take priority over the normal rules for mustering a Boarding Patrol.- All <LEGION> units in your Boarding Patrol must be from the same Legion.
- You can include one Fast Attack unit, but only if it is a CHAOS SPAWN unit.
- You can include up to two HQ units and up to two CHARACTER models, but only if one of them is a DARK COMMUNE unit.
- You can include more CULTISTS units than TRAITORIS ASTARTES CORE INFANTRY units, but no more than twice as many CULTISTS units as you have TRAITORIS ASTARTES CORE INFANTRY units.
- You cannot include more than one model equipped with a balefire tome (see the LEGIONARIES datasheet).
- If you include a TRAITORIS ASTARTES POSSESSED unit, it can only have a Starting Strength of 5 models – additional models cannot be added to it.
- When forming Boarding Squads, do not split CULTIST MOB units into separate units.
- ACCURSED CULTISTS units must form Boarding Squads. When they do so, split the unit so all the Mutants are in one unit, and all the Torments are in the other unit.
Rules Adaptations
If your Faction is TRAITORIS ASTARTES, then the following rules adaptations apply to Chaos Space Marines rules found in Codex: Chaos Space Marines.- If your Legion is not one of the following, then you can use the Enhancement and Stratagem associated with the Legion whose Legion rules you are using: Black Legion, Red Corsairs, Night Lords, Alpha Legion, Iron Warriors, Creations of Bile, Word Bearers, Emperor’s Children. If you do so, replace all instances of the keyword of that Legion where it appears on that Enhancement or Stratagem with the name of the Legion you are using.
- When an enemy model makes a ranged attack that targets a unit with the Masters of Duplicity Legion Trait (Alpha Legion), if the attacking model is more than 6" away from that target unit, that target unit is treated as having the benefits of cover against that attack.
- The Warptime psychic power has a warp charge value of 9.
- The Possession psychic power has a warp charge value of 8.
Enhancements
If your WARLORD has the TRAITORIS ASTARTES keyword, then when mustering your Boarding Patrol, they can be given one of the following Enhancements instead of one from Arks of Omen: Abaddon.TALISMAN OF BURNING BLOOD This relics charnel stench stokes the bearers lust for slaughter. KHORNE model only. Add 1 to the bearers Attacks characteristic. Each time an enemy unit is destroyed by a melee attack made by the bearer, until the end of the battle, add an additional 1 to the bearer’s Attacks characteristic. |
EYE OF TZEENTCH This eye looks into the future, seeing what lies there. With such knowledge is the bearer well equipped to meet what comes to pass. TZEENTCH model only. Each time a Psychic test or Deny the Witch test is made for the bearer, add 1 to that Psychic test or Deny the Witch test. |
PUTRESCENT ARMOUR Few are the blows that can pierce this decaying plate, even while rivers of pus gush from its cracks. NURGLE model only. Each time an attack is allocated to the bearer, subtract 1 from the Damage characteristic of that attack (to a minimum of 1). |
INTOXICATING ELIXIR Pain fades and wounds heal when this potion is imbibed. SLAANESH model only. The bearer cannot lose more than 3 wounds during any single phase. Any wounds that would be lost after that point are not lost. |
Boarding Action Stratagems
If your Faction is TRAITORIS ASTARTES, then when playing a Boarding Action game you will have access to the following Stratagems, and can spend CP to use them.The hatred the warriors of the Traitor Legions hold for the Imperium and the Emperor has burned for millennia.
Grandfather Nurgle is eager to bestow daemonic fecundity upon his faithful servants, sealing their gaping wounds with pulsating growths and replacing their spilt blood with curdling ichor.
Those not driven mad by the worship of Tzeentch are given the power to harness the energies of the warp like no other, so long as this gift is used against the Great Mutators enemies.
The Heretic Astartes have embedded loyal Cultists amongst the crew of the target ship. These devoted men and women know the ship intimately, and are well placed to guide their masters to its most vital areas once aboard.
Like the god they worship, the warriors of Khorne despise psykers and their trickery, and through the sheer force of their hatred can cause sorcerous powers to be undone.
The Chaos Space Marines march to war with the warp as their ally. In their presence walls run with blood, and the land itself seems haunted, preying on their foes’ worst fears and driving them insane with terror.
- Until the end of the phase, your opponent cannot select that unit for the Insane Bravery Stratagem and cannot use any rule that would let them re-roll a Morale test for that unit.
- If that unit fails a Morale test this phase, any action it is performing immediately fails and, until the start of its controlling player s next Morale phase, models in that unit are ignored when determining control of objective markers.
Many warriors of Slaanesh exude an overpowering musk that is as nauseating as it is intoxicating. Those exposed to it find their senses dulled, their minds unravelling into a state of nightmarish bliss that leaves them bewildered and ripe for slaughter.
Word Bearers Boarding Action Rules
Above all other Traitor Legions and renegade warbands, the warriors of the Word Bearers welcome the denizens of the empyrean into their bodies.
WORD BEARERS model only.- Add 3" to the bearers Move characteristic.
- Each time the bearer makes a pile-in or consolidation move, it can move up to an additional 3". This is not cumulative with any other rule that increases the distance models can pile in or consolidate.
Diabolical wards of protection can turn aside the enemy’s blows, and every Word Bearers armour is covered in dark script devoted to the Chaos Gods.
Boarding Actions: Cult of the Arkifane
Countless mortal cults across the galaxy worship Vashtorr, their numbers growing all the time. His power manifests around them in technology-warping manifestations.
Mustering a Boarding Patrol
When mustering a Boarding Patrol, if your Faction is CULT OF THE ARKIFANE, then the following rules apply when adding units to your Boarding Patrol Detachment, and they take priority over the normal rules for mustering a Boarding Patrol.- You can include up to three additional Troops slots.
- You can only include CULTISTS units, but can include any number of them (Battlefield Role slots permitting).
- You cannot include more ACCURSED CULTISTS units than CULTISTS MOB units.
- You cannot give your WARLORD an Enhancement. Instead, select one Technoarcane Blessing for your army.
- When forming Boarding Squads, do not split any of your units into separate units.
Rules Adaptations
If your Faction is CULT OF THE ARKIFANE, then the following rules adaptations apply to Chaos Space Marines rules adaptations.- The Warptime psychic power has a warp charge value of 9.
Technoarcane Blessing
SCHEMATOGRAPHIC OMNIPOTENCE No vehicular schematic or layout is hidden from Vashtorr’s sight, no code-lock or sentry system immune to his bidding. His most devout worshippers gain flashes of his mechanistic ur-knowledge. At the start of the first battle round, each CULT OF THE ARKIFANE unit from your army that is on the battlefield can make a Normal Move of up to 6". |
DATAGHEIST HOWL A cacophony of digi-distorted screams and binharic gibbering rips across every vox-link and comm channel, and erupts from long-dead laud hailers on every deck. Amidst the daemonic din, strategic coordination is impossible for the foe. Your opponent cannot gain CP during the first battle round. |
CYBERNEMATODE INFESTATION When the Arkifane reaches out a sliver of his power to alter the fabric of realspace, it often manifests in the form of copper and silver nematodes that squirm through metal and machinery in swarming knots, leaving wyresilk and blossoming contraptional artifice in their wake. At the start of the first battle round, select one objective marker. That objective marker is considered to be under your control and remains so until the end of the battle, unless your opponent controls it at the end of any subsequent phase, even if there are no models from your army within range of it. |
Boarding Action Stratagems
If your Faction is CULT OF THE ARKIFANE, then when playing a Boarding Action game you will have access to the following Stratagems, and can spend CP to use them.Employing technoparasitic neuro-jacks and crude scrapcode prayers, the faithful of Vashtorr force their awarenesses into flickering auspicator webs to help them range and triangulate the foe.
Even as the foe take aim at Vashtorr’s faithful, every artificial light source blinks out at once. Their stuttering reignition is slow, grudging and incomplete.
Having raided a techno-arcane facility following the inloaded insights of their daemonic patron, these warriors rig a priceless teleportarium for a scrap-code-laced one-way trip.
Many and far-scattered are the imps, gremlets, wredjinn and cakosparks of Vashtorr. They manifest around his followers, triggering mechanical systems with seemingly random impulses of motive force.
Woe betide those who put their trust in unsecured mechanical systems when battling the faithful of Vashtorr: hatches slam shut like hungry maws on those passing through them; long dormant sentry systems wake to sudden, violent fury; even the simple act of passing through a bulkhead door may prove a fatal error…
Where the Cult of the Arkifane makes war, the influence of Vashtorr flickers through vital systems seemingly at random. Foes attempting to access them may find themselves confronted with gheist-laced static, scrolling infernal runes or myriad even more sinister and impenetrable techno-phenomena.
Relics of Chaos
When a model from your army is given a Relic of Chaos, replace all instances of the <Legion> keyword in that Relics rules (if any) with the name of the Legion that your model is drawn from.
Several Relics in this section are known as daemon weapons and have the following ability:
- The bearer suffers D3 mortal wounds and can then fight normally.
- Until that fight is resolved, the bearer cannot make any attacks with any daemon weapons it is equipped with.
Note that some Relics replace one of the models existing items of wargear. Where this is the case, you must, if you are using points values, still pay the cost of the wargear that is being replaced. Also note that a Lord Discordant on Helstalker models bladed limbs weapon can never be replaced with a Relic. Write down any Relics your models have on your army roster.
G’HOLL’AX, THE DECAYED
The very essence of pestilence exudes from the extremities of this malign artefact. Said to have been gifted by the Lord of Decay himself, the mortal that bears this symbolic weapon is a herald of contagion and physical proof that none can resist the inescapable touch of decay.
NURGLE model only. Select one melee weapon (excluding Relics) the bearer is equipped with.- That weapon is now a Relic for all rules purposes and has the Daemon Weapon ability.
- Each time an attack is made with this daemon weapon, if a hit is scored, that attack automatically wounds the target and enemy models cannot use any rules to ignore the wounds they lose.
Q’O’AK, THE BOUNDLESS
It is claimed that Q’o’ak drew Tzeentch’s ire for tinkering with the plans of his masters Lords of Change, and thus was bound within this weapon to stop its tireless meddling. Yet when the weapon clashes with the blades of the bearers enemies, a new victim falls foul of Q’o’ak’s temporal tampering. How Q’o’ak can traverse time while bound within its prison is unknown, but for each soul Q’o’ak pulls from the path of fate, a fresh plume materialises from the weapons hilt.
TZEENTCH model only. Select one melee weapon (excluding Relics) the bearer is equipped with.- That weapon is now a Relic for all rules purposes and has the Daemon Weapon ability.
- Each time an attack made with this daemon weapon is allocated to an enemy model, invulnerable saving throws cannot be made against that attack.
THAA’RIS AND RHI’OL, THE RAPACIOUS
Thaa’ris and Rhi’ol were two rival daemons who, it is said, endlessly performed at the court of a great Daemon Prince. They drew their patrons displeasure when their competitive rivalry became the prime focus of their performances, neglecting the court and its lord. Thus they were bound within two prisons - paired weapons forever destined to dance at the behest of their bearer.
SLAANESH model with two or more melee weapons only (excluding Relics). Select two melee weapons (excluding Relics) the bearer is equipped with.- Those weapons are now both Relics for all rules purposes and both have the Daemon Weapon ability. This model still only counts as being equipped with one Relic, however.
- Each time the bearer is selected to fight, it can make an additional D3 attacks with each of these daemon weapons (roll separately for each).
UL’O’CCA, THE BLACK
This warp-tainted artefact was found in a warded cavern upon a diabolical daemon world. Thousands of corpses lay before it - offerings from an unknown warden to appease its hunger. One brave soul now seeks to feed the daemon by other means.
CHAOS UNDIVIDED model only. Select one melee weapon (excluding Relics) the bearer is equipped with.- That weapon is now a Relic for all rules purposes and has the Daemon Weapon ability.
- Each time an attack is made with this daemon weapon, if that attack successfully wounds the target, the target suffers 1 mortal wound in addition to any normal damage.
ZAALL, THE WRATHFUL
Only Khorne’s most incensed warriors can wield a weapon inhabited by the daemon known as Zaall. Bondage within such a weapon gives a purpose to the beings endless fury; its anger ebbs and flows like a tide of gore, synchronised with the wielder’s wrath.
KHORNE model only. Select one melee weapon (excluding Relics) the bearer is equipped with.- That weapon is now a Relic for all rules purposes and has the Daemon Weapon ability.
- Each time the bearer makes an attack with this weapon, add D3 to the Damage characteristic of that attack.
BLACK RUNE OF DAMNATION
This accursed rune, forged of sentient shadow, hovers in black warp-light above the forehead of the damned like a malefic electoo-hologram. The malign influence of the warp emanates from it, disrupting the flow of the empyrean, as the bearer burns a portion of their soul to protect themselves from mortal harm.
This Relic can be given to a CULTISTS model.- Each time an attack is made against the bearers unit, subtract 1 from that attack’s wound roll.
- The bearer has the following ability: ‘Black Rune of Damnation (Aura): While an enemy PSYKER unit is within 18" of the bearer, each time a Psychic test is taken for that unit, it suffers Perils of the Warp on a roll of any double.’
BLADE OF THE RELENTLESS
Fabled to have once been known as the Imperator Blade, this weapon has long been titled for the deeds of he that wields it. As it feeds on the blood of its victims, so too does it feed on their souls.
Model with power sword, daemon blade or accursed weapon only. This Relic replaces a power sword, daemon blade or accursed weapon and has the following profile:WEAPON | RANGE | TYPE | S | AP | D |
| Blade of the Relentless | |||||
| Blade of the Relentless | Melee | Melee | +1 | -4 | 2 |
Abilities: Each time the bearer fights, it can make 1 additional attack with this weapon. Each time an attack is made with this weapon, on an unmodified hit roll of 6, the target suffers 2 mortal wounds and the attack sequence ends. | |||||
EYE OF TZEENTCH
The Eye of Tzeentch is a relic that has been exposed to wild psychic energies for ten millennia. Sorcerers who stare into the artefact’s unblinking depths can glean the secrets of the warp, and use such knowledge to focus their own eldritch powers.
TZEENTCH PSYKER model only.- Each time a Psychic test is made for the bearer, add 1 to that Psychic test.
- Each time a Psychic test is made for the bearer, on an unmodified result of 9+, that psychic power or psychic action cannot be denied.
GORGET OF ETERNAL HATE
This ancient piece of armour - all that remains of a once abhorrent panoply - sits beneath the wearers throat and feeds off their spiteful vitriol, using the heady emotion to ward off powerful blows. Should this protection prove insufficient, the gorget ignites what is left of the wearers soul, scouring the foe to inflict one last act of vengeance upon the galaxy.
- Add 1 to armour saving throws made for the bearer.
- The bearer has a 4+ invulnerable save.
- The first time the bearer is destroyed, before removing it from play, roll one D6 for each enemy unit within 3" of the bearer: on a 2-5, that enemy unit suffers D3 mortal wounds; on a 6, that enemy unit suffers 3 mortal wounds.
INFERNO TOME
Flames lick at the pages of this ancient book, but the parchment never burns. The most damning truths are said to be inscribed within - revelations from insane prophets and visions of oracles whose eyes burned out while trying to pen what they saw. Only those whose zeal outweighs their caution can attempt to read from the flaming pages. With the correctly spoken words, these flames blast forth, incinerating the foe.
PRIEST model only. This Relic can be given to a CULTISTS model.- The bearer knows one additional prayer from the Prayers to the Dark Gods.
- Each time the bearer chants a prayer, if it is heard, the closest enemy unit within 18" of and visible to the bearer suffers D3 mortal wounds.
INTOXICATING ELIXIR
This dispenser is filled with a self-replenishing liquid that is pumped into the bearer’s bloodstream by the pint. Some say the liquid, which grants those that partake of it unholy physical power, is a nectar distilled from Slaanesh’s own pleasure gardens.
SLAANESH model only. Once per battle, at the start of the Fight phase, the bearer can use this Relic. If it does so, until the end of the phase:- Add D3 to the Attacks characteristic of the bearer.
- The bearer cannot lose more than 3 wounds this phase. Any wounds that would be lost after that point are not lost.
LIBER HERETICUS
This cursed tome contains forbidden lore said to have been absorbed while the artefact consumed the minds of those who risked reading it. One with the strength to tame it can use it to empower their rituals.
PSYKER model only.- In your Psychic phase, the bearer can attempt to manifest one additional psychic power.
- Each time the bearer successfully manifests a psychic power, add 6" to the range of that powers effects. If that psychic power specifies multiple ranges (e.g. Gift of Chaos), this rule only affects the first range specified in that psychic power.
MANTLE OF TRAITORS
This tattered cloak was once worn by a ferocious Chaos champion. Though the warriors name is long forgotten, his deeds of slaughter caused the warp itself to ripple in satisfaction. He demanded total obedience from his minions, and no foe was said to be able to best him in open combat. The champion was ultimately betrayed by an ambitious underling, a warrior who first tricked then slew the savage warlord, taking the heavy cloak as his own. So has the Mantle of Traitors exchanged hands ever since; each time, greater atrocities and betrayals are committed, leaving treachery itself the victor.
- Once per battle, if the bearer is selected for an Epic Deed Stratagem, that Stratagem costs 0CP.
- Each time the bearer makes a melee attack, you can re-roll the hit roll.
- At the start of your Command phase, select one <LEGION> CORE unit from your army that is on the battlefield. Until the start of your next Command phase, that unit is considered to be in range of any of the following aura abilities the bearer has: Lord of Chaos; Aspire to Glory; Demagogue.
ORB OF UNLIFE
Within this glassy sphere lurks a diluted life-eater virus. Although quick to burn out when the sphere is broken, everything nearby - flesh, armour and bone - finds itself consumed by the ravaging viral strain.
NURGLE model only. This Relic has the following profile:WEAPON | RANGE | TYPE | S | AP | D |
| Orb of Unlife | |||||
| Orb of Unlife | 9" | Grenade 1 | - | - | - |
Abilities: The bearer can only shoot with this weapon once per battle, and hit rolls made with this weapon can never generate additional hits (e.g. if the bearer is engaged in Wanton Destruction). When an attack is made with this weapon, if a hit is scored:
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TALISMAN OF BURNING BLOOD
This talisman constantly drips with thick, bubbling gore. The air around it is so heavy with the charnel stench of the slaughterhouse that it imbues the bearer’s limbs with supernatural speed and strength - a welcome boon to those eager to claim the worthiest skulls for Khorne.
KHORNE model only.- This model is eligible to perform a Heroic Intervention if it is within 6" horizontally and 5" vertically of any enemy unit, instead of 3" horizontally and 5" vertically. Each time this model makes a Heroic Intervention move, provided it ends that move either closer to the closest enemy model or within Engagement Range of an enemy CHARACTER unit, it can move up to 6". All other rules for Heroic Interventions still apply.
- Add 1 to the bearer’s Attacks characteristic.
- Each time the bearer makes a melee attack that destroys an enemy unit, until the end of the battle, add 1 to the bearer’s Attacks characteristic.
THE BLACK MACE
This malefic mace is said to have been cursed by each of the Daemon Primarchs. One who is struck by it instantly collapses into a mouldering pile of bones, while the curse spreads in a deadly shock wave.
Model with power maul, accursed crozius or accursed weapon only. This Relic replaces a power maul, accursed crozius or accursed weapon and has the following profile:WEAPON | RANGE | TYPE | S | AP | D |
| The Black Mace | |||||
| The Black Mace | Melee | Melee | +2 | -2 | 3 |
Abilities: Each time an attack is made with this weapon, excess damage it inflicts is not lost. Instead, keep allocating excess damage to another model in the target unit until either all the excess damage has been allocated or the target unit is destroyed. | |||||
THE WARP’S MALICE
From the dawn of the Horus Heresy until now, this accursed bolt pistol has murdered countless heroes of the Imperium, its wielders mere conduits for its malignity. The weapons hatred is bloated with the malice of the warp and its fury is fanned by ten thousand years of treachery and betrayal.
Model with bolt pistol only. This Relic replaces a bolt pistol and has the following profile:WEAPON | RANGE | TYPE | S | AP | D |
| The Warp’s Malice | |||||
| The Warp’s Malice | 18" | Pistol 2 | 5 | -2 | 2 |
Abilities: While the bearer is engaged in Wanton Massacre or Wanton Slaughter, this weapon’s Type is changed to Pistol 4. Each time an attack is made with this weapon, on an unmodified hit roll of 6, the target suffers 2 mortal wounds and the attack sequence ends. | |||||
Many of the units you will find on this page reference one or more of the following wargear lists (e.g. Heavy Weapons). When this is the case, the unit may take any item from the appropriate list below. | ||
Optional Wargear
Wargear Reference
Glossary
Below you will find a glossary that contains a number of terms used in this Codex.
Bolt weapon: A ranged weapon whose profile includes the word ‘bolt’, or a Relic that replaces a bolt weapon. The Talon of Horus (shooting) and the ‘boltgun’ profile of a combi-weapon are also bolt weapons.
Chaos Boons: A Battle Honour category that can be taken by certain TRAITORIS ASTARTES units (excluding DAEMON units).
Chaos points: A resource generated in Crusade games by WARBAND CHAMPIONS in Chaos warbands.
CHAOS SPACE MARINES Detachment: A Detachment in which every model has the TRAITORIS ASTARTES keyword (excluding AGENT OF CHAOS or UNALIGNED models).
Chaos Space Marines secondary objectives: Secondary objectives that can be used in certain matched play mission packs if every model from your army has the TRAITORIS ASTARTES keyword (excluding AGENT OF CHAOS and UNALIGNED models).
Chaos warband: If a Crusade force includes enough TRAITORIS ASTARTES units it must form a Chaos warband. One TRAITORIS ASTARTES CHARACTER model must be a WARBAND CHAMPION.
Drawn from: The Legion that a unit belongs to is the Legion they are drawn from. A unit is drawn from a certain Legion if it has that Legion’s name listed on its Faction keyword line.
Engaged in: The wanton act that your army, or a unit from it, is engaged in, dictating which bonuses apply to their attacks.
Favoured: While the Warband Glory of a certain category is 7 or 8, your Chaos warband is said to be Favoured in that category and that category’s Favoured Rewards apply.
Flame weapon: A ranged weapon whose profile includes the word ‘flame’, or a Relic that replaces a flame weapon. The Tyrant’s Claw (shooting) and the ‘flamer’ profile of a combi-flamer are also flame weapons.
Forsaken: While the Warband Glory of a certain category is 1 or 2, your Chaos warband is said to be Forsaken in that category and that category’s Forsaken Punishments apply.
Legion Crusade rules: Additional Agendas, Requisitions, Battle Traits and Crusade Relics that can be used by <LEGION> units from your Crusade force if they are drawn from the associated Legion.
Legion Detachment: A CHAOS SPACE MARINES Detachment in which every <LEGION> unit is drawn from the same Legion. These gain additional rules provided every <LEGION> unit from your army (excluding ABADDON THE DESPOILER) is drawn from the same Legion.
Legion Relic: A Relic of Chaos associated with one of the Legions. These are only available to TRAITORIS ASTARTES CHARACTER models that are part of a Legion Detachment (and only if they, and your WARLORD, are drawn from the associated Legion).
Legion Stratagem: A Stratagem associated with one of the Legions. These are only available if all the <LEGION> units in a Legion Detachment are drawn from the associated Legion. All Legion Stratagems have the Chaos Space Marines Stratagem label.
Legion Trait: A Detachment ability for CHAOS SPACE MARINES Detachments, gained by <LEGION> units (excluding CULTISTS units and units described by the Slaves to Darkness rule) based on the Legion they are drawn from, if all <LEGION> units from your army (excluding CULTISTS and AGENT OF CHAOS units) are drawn from the same Legion.
<LEGION> unit: A unit that is drawn from one of the Legions.
Legion Warlord Trait: A Warlord Trait associated with one of the Legions. These are only available to TRAITORIS ASTARTES CHARACTER models that are drawn from the associated Legion.
Prayer: A Prayer to the Dark Gods. TRAITORIS ASTARTES PRIEST models can attempt to chant prayers that they know.
Mark of Chaos: An upgrade that can be applied to CHAOS UNDIVIDED units (excluding named characters). Certain units must be upgraded to have a Mark of Chaos.
Melta weapon: A ranged weapon whose profile includes the word ‘melta’, or a Relic that replaces a melta weapon. The ‘meltagun’ profile of a combi-melta is also a melta weapon.
Psychic power type: A psychic power’s type is written in bold at the start of its rules. There are three types of psychic power described in this Codex: Blessing, Malediction and Witchfire.
Relic of Chaos: A type of Relic that can be given to certain TRAITORIS ASTARTES models.
Sonic Weapon: A weapon with the Sonic Weapon ability.
Spawndom: A Crusade Rule that, when applied, transforms a certain unit in your Crusade force into a CHAOS SPAWN.
Stratagem label: A Stratagem’s labels are written beneath its title and can include: Chaos Space Marines; Battle Tactic; Epic Deed; Strategic Ploy; Requisition; Wargear. A Stratagem can have more than one label; for example, a Stratagem with ‘Chaos Space Marines - Wargear Stratagem’ has both the Chaos Space Marines and Wargear labels.
Wanton act: There are three wanton acts: Wanton Destruction; Wanton Massacre; Wanton Slaughter.
Reference
Below you will find a bullet-pointed summary of several Chaos Space Marines rules.
- You can include a maximum of one CHAOS LORD, one DAEMON PRINCE and one DARK COMMUNE unit in each CHAOS SPACE MARINES Detachment.
CHAOS WARBANDS
- One CHARACTER model gains the WARBAND CHAMPION keyword.
- After each battle, gain Chaos points as follows: win = D3+3; draw = 3; loss = D3.
- There are three categories of glory: Personal Glory; Dark God Glory; Warfleet Glory (each starts at level 4).
- Spend Chaos points to increase a category’s glory level (to a maximum of 8).
- After each battle, subtract 1 level from each category of glory (to a minimum of 1).
- While a category is at level 2 or 8, your warband is Favoured in that category and its Favoured Rewards apply.
- While a category is at level 1 or 2, your warband is Forsaken in that category and its Forsaken Punishments apply.
DAEMON ENGINE
- 5+ invulnerable save.
- In your Command phase, this model regains 1 lost wound.
DETACHMENT ABILITIES
- CHAOS SPACE MARINES Detachments gain the Champions of Chaos, Mere Mortals and Slaves to Darkness abilities.
- TRAITORIS ASTARTES units in CHAOS SPACE MARINES Detachments gain the Legion Traits ability.
- Troops units in CHAOS SPACE MARINES Detachments gain the Objective Secured ability.
<LEGION> KEYWORD
- When you include a unit with the <LEGION> keyword, nominate which Legion it is drawn from.
- Replace every instance of the <LEGION> keyword on that unit’s datasheet with the name of your chosen Legion.
LEGION TRAITS
- If every <LEGION> unit from your army is from the same Legion, all TRAITORIS ASTARTES units (excluding CULTISTS and units described by the Slaves to Darkness rule) gain the relevant Legion Trait.
LET THE GALAXY BURN
- Only applies if every model from your army has the TRAITORIS ASTARTES keyword (excluding AGENT OF CHAOS and UNALIGNED models).
- Does not apply to CULTISTS units.
- Each time a model shoots with a flame weapon, add 2 to the number of attacks it makes.
- During the first battle round, your army is engaged in Wanton Destruction.
- During the second battle round, your army is engaged in Wanton Massacre.
- At the start of the third battle round, select either Wanton Massacre or Wanton Slaughter: until the end of that battle round, your army is engaged in the wanton act you selected.
- During the fourth and subsequent battle rounds, your army is engaged in Wanton Slaughter.
- Wanton Destruction: Each unmodified hit roll of 6 made for a Heavy, Rapid Fire or Grenade weapon scores 1 additional hit.
- Wanton Massacre: Each unmodified hit roll of 6 made for a Rapid Fire, Assault or Pistol weapon scores 1 additional hit.
- Wanton Slaughter: Each unmodified hit roll of 6 made for an Assault, Pistol or melee weapon scores 1 additional hit.
- Make double the number of attacks when shooting a Rapid Fire bolt weapon if the target is within half range, or if the shooting model is an INFANTRY model whose unit Remained Stationary in your previous Movement phase, or if the shooting model is a TERMINATOR or BIKER model.
MARKS OF CHAOS
- Can upgrade CHAOS UNDIVIDED units.
- Doing so increases the unit’s Power Rating and points value.
- Upgraded units gain new keywords and abilities depending on which of the four Marks of Chaos they have.
- Cannot upgrade named characters.
- Must upgrade DAEMON PRINCES.
- Must upgrade KHORNE BERZERKERS to have Mark of Khorne, RUBRIC MARINES to have Mark of Tzeentch, PLAGUE MARINES to have Mark of Nurgle, and EMPEROR’S CHILDREN to have Mark of Slaanesh.
- Mark of Khorne: +1 Strength if unit charged, was charged or performed a Heroic Intervention this turn. Armour Penetration of melee attacks improved by 1 if this unit has the ICON keyword.
- Mark of Tzeentch: The first time this unit fails a saving throw each turn, the Damage characteristic of that attack is 0. Armour Penetration of ranged attacks improved by 1 if this unit has the ICON keyword.
- Mark of Nurgle: If Strength of an attack against this unit either equals or is at least double its Toughness, subtract 1 from wound roll. Unmodified hit rolls of 6 for ranged attacks by this unit automatically wound the target if this unit has the ICON keyword.
- Mark of Slaanesh: This unit fights first in the Fight phase. Add 1 to hit rolls for melee attacks by this unit if it has the ICON keyword.
MERE MORTALS
- You cannot include more CULTISTS units than TRAITORIS ASTARTES CORE INFANTRY units in a Detachment.
- A CULTISTS CHARACTER model cannot be your WARLORD if your army contains any HERETIC ASTARTES CHARACTER models.
SLAVES TO DARKNESS
- Can include KHORNE BERZERKERS, RUBRIC MARINES and PLAGUE MARINES units in CHAOS SPACE MARINES Detachments.
- These have the Elites battlefield role, they replace their Faction keywords, they gain the Let the Galaxy Burn ability and they must be upgraded to have an associated Mark of Chaos.
- These units never gain a Legion Trait.
- NOISE MARINES change Battlefield Role to Troops when taken in an EMPEROR’S CHILDREN Detachment.
- NOISE MARINES only gain a Legion Trait when taken in an EMPEROR’S CHILDREN Detachment.
WARP STRIKE
- During deployment, you can set this unit up in blasphemous reserves instead of setting it up on the battlefield.
- Such a unit can then arrive during the Reinforcements step of one of your Movement phases. When it does so, set it up anywhere on the battlefield more than 9" from any enemy models.
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If the result of the wound roll is less than the required number, the attack fails and the attack sequence ends. An unmodified wound roll of 6 always successfully wounds the target, and an unmodified wound roll of 1 always fails. A wound roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1. This means that if, after all the cumulative modifiers to a wound roll have been calculated, the total modifier would be -2 or worse, it is changed to be -1. Similarly, if, after all the cumulative modifiers to a wound roll have been calculated, the total modifier would be +2 or better, it is changed to be +1.
The PRIMARIS keyword is used in the following Space Marines datasheets:
Space Marines can fight through even the most grievous of wounds.
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- Starting number of Command points varies with battle size.
Note that CHARACTERS cannot use their Aura Abilities while performing actions.
The PSYKER keyword is used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
– if equipped with the Balefire tome this unit gains the PSYKER keyword.To manifest the psychic power, you must first pass a Psychic test. The opposing player can then select one of their PSYKER units that is within 24" of the PSYKER unit attempting to manifest the power and attempt to deny that power before its effects are resolved by passing a Deny the Witch test.
So long as the Psychic test was successful and the psychic power was not denied by a successful Deny the Witch test, the psychic power is successfully manifested and its effects, which will be described in the power itself, are then resolved. If the PSYKER unit can attempt to manifest more than one psychic power in its Psychic phase, you can then attempt to manifest those, one at a time, as described above. The number of psychic powers each PSYKER unit can attempt to manifest in its Psychic phase is listed on its datasheet.
- Select psychic power.
- You cannot select the same psychic power more than once per battle round, unless that power is Smite.
- Attempt to manifest the psychic power by taking a Psychic test.
- The opponent can attempt to deny the psychic power by taking a Deny the Witch test.
- If successfully manifested, resolve the psychic power’s effects.
- Select another psychic power.
- Psychic test: Passed if 2D6 equals or exceeds psychic power’s warp charge.
- If double 1 or double 6 rolled, PSYKER suffers Perils of the Warp.
If an attack inflicts mortal wounds in addition to the normal damage, resolve the normal damage first. If an attack inflicts mortal wounds in addition to the normal damage, but the normal damage is subsequently saved, the target unit still suffers the mortal wounds, as described before. If an ability modifies the damage inflicted by a weapon, and that weapon can inflict mortal wounds in addition to the normal damage, the modifier does not apply to any mortal wounds that are inflicted (unless the rule specifically states otherwise).
- Each mortal wound inflicted on a unit causes one model in the unit to lose one wound.
- No saving throws can be made against mortal wounds.
- Mortal wounds inflicted by attacks in addition to normal damage always apply, even if normal damage saved.
GIFT OF CHAOS
The psyker unleashes a wave of mutating energies into his victims. Bones snap and flesh rips as a horrific new form takes shape and rampages mindlessly through the enemy's ranks.
Witchfire: Gift of Chaos has a warp charge value of 7. If manifested, the closest enemy unit within 18" of and visible to this PSYKER suffers D3 mortal wounds, and you must roll one D6 for every other enemy unit within 6" of that unit: on a 4+, the unit being rolled for suffers 1 mortal wound.
LIBER HERETICUS
This cursed tome contains forbidden lore said to have been absorbed while the artefact consumed the minds of those who risked reading it. One with the strength to tame it can use it to empower their rituals.
PSYKER model only.- In your Psychic phase, the bearer can attempt to manifest one additional psychic power.
- Each time the bearer successfully manifests a psychic power, add 6" to the range of that powers effects. If that psychic power specifies multiple ranges (e.g. Gift of Chaos), this rule only affects the first range specified in that psychic power.
The WORD BEARERS and DAEMONKIN keywords are used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
The WORD BEARERS and DAEMON ENGINE keywords are used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
- Invulnerable save: Saving throw that is never modified by attacking weapon’s AP.
- A model with an invulnerable save can use it instead of its normal Sv.
- Engagement Range: 1" horizontally + 5" vertically.
- Models cannot be set up within Engagement Range of enemy models.
- Declare targets of the charge (must be within 12").
- Charge roll = 2D6".
- If insufficient to move charging unit into Engagement Range of all targets, charge fails.
- If charge successful, models make their charge move.
- Cannot make a charge move within Engagement Range of any unit that was not the target of the charge.
CURSED EARTH
The psyker becomes a conduit for the energies of the warp, tainting the ground and sustaining the Daemonkin that walk upon it.
Blessing (Aura): Cursed Earth has a warp charge value of 7. If manifested, until the start of your next Psychic phase, while a friendly WORD BEARERS DAEMONKIN or WORD BEARERS DAEMON ENGINE unit is within 6" of this PSYKER:
- DAEMONKIN and DAEMON ENGINE models in that unit have a 4+ invulnerable save.
- Each time an enemy unit finishes a charge move within Engagement Range of that unit, roll one D6: on a 2-4, that enemy unit suffers 1 mortal wound; on a 5+, that enemy unit suffers D3 mortal wounds.
The WORD BEARERS keyword is used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
The TRAITORIS ASTARTES keyword is used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
The NIGHT LORDS and CORE keywords are used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
If an attack is made with a weapon that has an ability that says it ‘automatically hits the target’, no hit roll is made – that attack simply scores one hit on the target unit. An unmodified hit roll of 6 always scores a hit, and an unmodified hit roll of 1 always fails. A hit roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1. This means that if, after all the cumulative modifiers to a hit roll have been calculated, the total modifier would be -2 or worse, it is changed to be -1. Similarly, if, after all the cumulative modifiers to a hit roll have been calculated, the total modifier would be +2 or better, it is changed to be +1.
The NOISE MARINES keyword is used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
The Power Rating on a datasheet is for a minimum-sized unit. A unit’s Power Rating can be increased if additional models are added to the unit, and occasionally if other options are taken for the unit (such as equipping a unit with jump packs) - in either case the unit's datasheet will make it clear if the Power Rating listed at the top of the datasheet is increased as a result.
- Power Ratings: Quick measure of a unit's efficacy.
The AGENT OF CHAOS keyword is used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
- If this model is your WARLORD it gains the AGENT OF CHAOS keyword.The datasheets using UNALIGNED keyword can be found in the following Factions:
Unaligned: Unaligned.Imperium: Astra Militarum, Space Marines.
The UNALIGNED keyword is used in the following datasheets:
The ABADDON THE DESPOILER keyword is used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
With skills honed in vast, bloody wars against the most heavily armoured or dug-in opposition, Chaos Space Marines punish such enemies with malicious barrages of utter destruction.
While this unit is engaged in Wanton Destruction, each time a model in this unit makes an attack with a Heavy, Rapid Fire or Grenade weapon, an unmodified hit roll of 6 scores 1 additional hit.Barbarous firefights and the indiscriminate slaying of foes have been notorious hallmarks of the Heretic Astartes wars for millennia.
While this unit is engaged in Wanton Massacre, each time a model in this unit makes an attack with a Rapid Fire, Assault or Pistol weapon, an unmodified hit roll of 6 scores 1 additional hit.Close assaults are the favoured tactics of many traitors, coupling murderous short-ranged firepower with the unrestrained slaughter of hand-to-hand execution.
While this unit is engaged in Wanton Slaughter, each time a model in this unit makes an attack with an Assault, Pistol or melee weapon, an unmodified hit roll of 6 scores 1 additional hit.Drawing upon countless years of festering bitterness and hate, Chaos Space Marines attack with a ferocity that is terrible to behold. Whether annihilating the foe at range or butchering them without mercy at close quarters, there is no aspect of death unknown to these traitors. Unencumbered by stultifying doctrines, they are capable of adapting their murderous priorities with horrifying ease, and there are no limits to the levels of devastation they will unleash to vent their anger.
If every unit from your army has the TRAITORIS ASTARTES keyword (excluding models with the AGENT OF CHAOS or UNALIGNED keyword) and every WORD BEARERS unit from your army (excluding ABADDON THE DESPOILER) is from the same Legion, this unit gains the following rules:- Each time a model in this unit shoots with a flame weapon, when determining how many attacks are made with that weapon this phase, add 2 to the result (e.g. a model shooting with a flamer makes D6+2 attacks).
- This unit gains a bonus (see below) depending on which wanton act it is engaged in, as follows:
- During the first battle round, your army (and every unit from it) is engaged in Wanton Destruction.
- During the second battle round, your army (and every unit from it) is engaged in Wanton Massacre.
- At the start of the third battle round, select either Wanton Massacre or Wanton Slaughter; until the end of that battle round, your army (and every unit from it) is engaged in the wanton act you selected.
- During the fourth and subsequent battle rounds, your army (and every unit from it) is engaged in Wanton Slaughter.
The CHAOS UNDIVIDED keyword is used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
When a model shoots a Rapid Fire weapon, double the number of attacks it makes if its target is within half the weapon’s range.
- Double number of attacks made if target is within half range.
The number of attacks that a model makes with a ranged weapon is equal to the number written on that weapon’s profile after its type. For example, a model shooting an ‘Assault 1’ weapon can make one attack with that weapon; a model firing a ‘Heavy 3’ weapon can make three attacks, and so on.
- All of a ranged weapon’s attacks must be made against the same target unit.
- Number of attacks = number after weapon’s type.
The INFANTRY keyword is used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
- Remain Stationary: Models cannot move this phase.
The TERMINATOR keyword is used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
The BIKER keyword is used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
When an INFANTRY model shoots a Heavy weapon, subtract 1 from the hit rolls when resolving that weapon’s attacks if the firing model’s unit has moved for any reason this turn (e.g. it made a Normal Move this turn).
- Subtract 1 from hit rolls if firing model is INFANTRY and its unit has moved this turn.
When a unit shoots, one model that is equipped with a Grenade in that unit can resolve attacks with it instead of shooting any other weapons.
- Only one model can use a Grenade when its unit shoots.
If a unit includes any models equipped with Assault weapons, that unit is still eligible to shoot with in your Shooting phase even if it has Advanced this turn, but you can only resolve attacks using those Assault weapons when you select that unit to shoot with. If a model shoots an Assault weapon in the same turn in which its unit has Advanced, subtract 1 from hit rolls when resolving that weapon’s attacks.
- Can be shot even if firing model’s unit Advanced.
- Subtract 1 from hit rolls if the firing model’s unit Advanced.
A model can make attacks with a Pistol even when its unit is within Engagement Range of enemy units, but it must target an enemy unit that is within Engagement Range of its own unit when it does so. In such circumstances, the model can target an enemy unit even if other friendly units are within Engagement Range of the same enemy unit.
When a model equipped with both a Pistol and another type of ranged weapon (e.g. a Pistol and a Rapid Fire weapon) shoots, it can either shoot with its Pistol(s) or with its other ranged weapons. Choose which it will fire (Pistols or non-Pistols) before selecting targets.
- Can be shot even if firing model’s unit is within Engagement Range of enemy unit.
- Cannot be shot alongside any other type of weapon.
The TRANSPORT keyword is used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
- Objective Secured: Player controls objective marker if any of their models in range have this ability.
The CHAOS LORD keyword is used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
The DAEMON PRINCE keyword is used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
The CULTISTS keyword is used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
The TRAITORIS ASTARTES, CORE and INFANTRY keywords are used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
The CULTISTS and CHARACTER keywords are used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
The HERETIC ASTARTES and CHARACTER keywords are used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
The AGENT OF CHAOS keyword is used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
- If this model is your WARLORD it gains the AGENT OF CHAOS keyword.The KHORNE BERZERKERS keyword is used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
The RUBRIC MARINES keyword is used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
- Warp Charge 5: A Psychic test of 5+ is required to manifest Smite.
- Warp charge increases by 1 for each other attempt to manifest Smite made in this phase.
- If manifested, closest visible enemy unit in 18" suffers D3 mortal wounds.
- If manifested with a Psychic test result of 11+, enemy instead suffers D6 mortal wounds.
The PLAGUE MARINES keyword is used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
The TRAITORIS ASTARTES, WORD BEARERS and CHARACTER keywords are used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
- Points values: Detailed measure of a unit's efficacy.
The BLACK LEGION and TRAITORIS ASTARTES keywords are used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
The BLACK LEGION and CHARACTER keywords are used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
- Heroic Intervention: Move up to 3".
- Must end closer to the closest enemy model.
The WORD BEARERS and INFANTRY keywords are used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
The WORD BEARERS and PSYKER keywords are used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
– if equipped with the Balefire tome this unit gains the PSYKER keyword.The WORD BEARERS and ICON keywords are used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
– if equipped with the Chaos icon this unit gains the ICON keyword.
– if equipped with the Berzerker icon this unit gains the ICON keyword.
– if equipped with the Icon of Slaanesh this unit gains the ICON keyword.The WORD BEARERS and DARK APOSTLE keywords are used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
The WORD BEARERS and MASTER OF POSSESSION keywords are used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
The DAEMON keyword is used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
The DAEMONKIN keyword is used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
The WORD BEARERS and DAEMONKIN keywords are used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets:
The HERETIC ASTARTES keyword is used in the following Chaos Space Marines datasheets: