Coffihlrs

THE GRIM DARKNESS OF

rx
r.......
r..r.........
THE EAR FUTURE .r........

INTRODUCTION

THE RUTES (coNr.)

X
r......
r.....
-..............
.,.....

\J7uar You \Vnr NEro

PreyrxcnceME.
\7nar's IN THEBoox

-6

.xrl
XrV
,......""""xvIII

CnenecTERS
........
Challenges
P s v x r n s. . . .
Typesof PsychicPowers...........
VrnrcrEs.....
VehicleSquadrons..........
Transports.........
Flyers
Chariots.............
Vehic1es.............
Open-topped
HeavyVehic1es.............
FastVehic1es.............
Skimmers...........
\Talkers............
Tanks...
VehicleUpgrades...........
TrnnelN .......
BATTTEFIEID
A \7ar-tornBattlefield
Typesof Terrain..........
Bui1dings..........
Ruins...
.......
Forests,
Junglesand\X/oods
Rivers,LakesandPoo1s...........
Battlefieldoebris...........
Archeotech Artefacts...........
Unique Terrain

T H E R U T E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . r . . . . . r. . .o. . . f. . . . . . . . . . 2
......2
Monns & L]xtrs.

il

........4
......9
........l0
.....12
..20
-...--29
..........32
44
.......-

GExEnarPnrxclPtEs
THETunN
THr MovsvrENTPsesr
THESHoouNGPHasE.
THr Asseurr PsesE
MonerE....
Sprcnr RurEs.
I-JtqtrTvpEs

...44
.......45
--.-.46
.---.--....47
...47
........48
.......48
...'48
-........49
. . . .5 0
...............56
...60
.....6l

Infantry
Bikes& Jetbikes..........
Artillery............
Iump Units
JetPackUnits....
MonstrousCreatures
Beasts
Cavalry
FlyingMonstrousCreatures
tVEepoNS....
of the 4lst Millennium
Ranged\(reapons
'Weapons
of the 41stMillennium
Melee
Grenades...,.......

CHoosING Youn Anuv

106
..........
.-107
.108

The Warlord

.........11I

Fortfications

"""' l 14
........114

Aegis Defence Lines

Skyshield tanding Pad
Imperial Bastion
Fortress of Redemption
FrcHrrNG A Berrm

....115
. . . . . . . . - . . 1- .1. .6
..117
... ll8

The Armies

I l8
.........

The Mission

. , . . . . .l l. 8

The Battlefield...........
Deployment............':..........

. . . . . . .l l. 8
. . . . . . . . . . ' .l 2
' . l.

First Turn.....

........122

Game Length

.....122

Victory Conditions........
M i s s i o n S p e c i a lR u 1 e s . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ErrnNar \fen MtssloNs.

Crusade
Purgethe A1ien............
Big GunsNeverTire
The Scouring............
The Emperor's!7ill
The Relic.....

<

.*-*..q.-^-A".^.\

.......53
....64
. . . . . . . . . .6. 6.
......68
....-..7
- -0
...77
....78
.......80
'.-..82
--..-...82
......83
83
...........
...83
......84
.....85
....87
..88
....-.89
........90
.....92
.....98
..102
103
......
..104

-"""#\

..122
.124

....,....126
.126
..-..127
128
.......
....-....129
130
.........
l3l
.........

THE 4I sr MrtLENNruM...........r.....
133
WHnv PEarsMrourcHr
TnE IupsmuM oF MnN
Imperial Hierar.hy.......

EtuprnrAvoxc rHE Srnns

Throughthe Immaterium
Voyages
The \Torldsof the Imperium..........
BrcrNxING oF THEEun
The Ag" of the Imperium...........
THr Acrs or MaNKTND
FoncEs oF THEItrrprmuM ..
.....
SpaceMarines.............
Irnperial Guard
The Armageddon\(rars
Sistersof Battle
THp ArrcN MrNacE....
Orks
\Taaagh!
Grax
Eldar....
DarkEldar
Necrons.............
Tau.......
Tyranids............
THE Cnrxrrsr TunrAT....
ChaosDaemons.............
The ChaosGods
ChaosSpaceMarines
The BlackCrusades.............
THr ExEUY'W'ruurN....
THp CerHrzuNG Dnm..

THr \TInHAMMER40,000
ExprzuENCE
THEAnr or CouECrrNG....
Toors oF THETnenE
Youn Moonrs ......
AssEvBrrNG

.. 138

.......144
..........146
l4S
...........

Large PlasticMiniatures. ........

Citadel Finecast.............

PRruuNcYoun MwrAruRES
.. 16l
......166
.180
183
......
..189
,192
.. 195
.......195
.......201
.....202
...205
...........206
....211
. . .2 1 3
...215
.218
...221
............,..222
......225
...........230
....232
...234

..........
.. 237
MINIATURES SHOST/CASE
CorouRS oF'V{Zen.
DETENDERS
oF THEIuprmuM .............
SpaceMarines.............
Spaceril7olves.
BloodAngels
DarkAngels
GreyKnights
Imperial Guard
Sistersof Batt1e............
THE ArtENrMENrecE....
Orks
Eldar....
DarkEldar
TauEmpire,......
Tyranids............
Necrons.............
THE Cruer ENptntv
ChaosSpaceMarines
ChaosDaemons............

305
THE HOBBY ..........r.............r.......r.........

.134
..136

Citadel Paint System

......306
......308
...310
..312
......313
...314

.....316
......317

PaintingModels-GettingStarted............

..............318

Painting Squads

...............319

Painting Vehicles and Monsters...........

Basing Your Miniatures. .......
CoxvrRTrNG,

.....320
........
321

Krr-BesHrNG

ANo PrnsoNArrsrNc MrunruRES ..

\TennAMMER 40,000BerrrrFrErDS
Prevruc CervrESoF \(rengAMMER 40,000
\Warhammer
\7orld.
The Throneof Skulls..,.........
CornEu DruoN

.......322
........328
........330
........332
.........333
.......334

B A T T I E S . . . . . .r. . . . . . . . . . .o. . . . . . . . . .! . . . . .r.rI r . . .o . .3 3 9

IN THE
FrcuuNG BATTTES
......340
Dnm MurExNruM
..342
A Ceraxv Ar \trAR.....
....356
Lrr rHE Carexv Bunx
/
.....360 i i
To Anus........

..366
....238
CreatingMission SpecialRules
\WarZoneTraits
.368
.....240
.370
......242
\TengAMMER 40,000ExpnxsroNs
..371
Spearhead..........
.....248
...372
Citiesof Death
......250
........
.374
Planetstrike
........252
..376
Apocalypse........
.....,254
........378
..256
CnuparGNS
.......379
FamousCampaigns
.....262
.
.......380
.....264
Linking YourGames
......381
.......266
NarrativeCampaigns
........381
TreeCampaigns........
...272
...382
...........276
Map-based
Campaigns
......383
Forge\7orld CampaignSystems.........
...280
. . . . . . .3. 8 4
IcoNoctAsM!.........
...284
...290
. . . . . . .r , . .r .o .t rr .! . . . . . . . . . . . r, ! ! . . . . . 4 0 I
........294 A P P E N D I C E S
...402
Appendix l: Dark Millennium
.....,296
........410
Appendrx}:Reference..........
...300

THr GnrMDanKNEss
oF
THEFeRFUTURE
It is the 4lst Millenniurn,

and Mankind

stands on the brink

of extinction.

It has been almost four hundred centuries since Man first

home by the vast fleets of the Imperial Navy. Humanity's elite

stepped out into the cold of space.Those initial colonisations

warriors, the SpaceMarines, are sent forth to stem the tide

into the stars,with their grandeur and hope, are long forgotten
- a murky past when Mankind set out from their home world

Mars launch Explorator fleets, colontzingplanets and seeking

of the most dangerous threats. The ancient Tech-Priests of

of Terra. Ied by the false wisdom of technology, they unlocked

the wonders of ancient technologies to study and worship.

Fi

the secretsof science that enabled Terran banners to be raised

The Imperial Creed is taught to the massesby the Adeptus

proudly on planets beyond what was thought possible.

Ministorum, its missionaries carrying the Emperor's Wisdom

l,&
T.,

If humaniry's rise was rapid, its fall was equally swift, and the

bring cleansing flame to any that choose the path of heresy.

across the galaxy, while their military arm, the Sisters of Battle,
blackness that followed swallowed its very history, leaving
only fragments of myths and unfathomable machinery buried

The Imperium has survived untold disasters,civil wars and

amongst ancient ruins. Legend tells of dark ages,lost millennia

alien invasions. It is a sprawling realm conquered by war and

where Mankind was scoured, its repressed populations

maintained by repression. The Emperor's noble aim of bringing

enslaved, hunted for pleasure, or worse. Those who survived

enlightenment has been eroded since his internment upon the

were little more than superstitious barbarians, feral huntergatherers or petty robber barons squatting upon the wonders

Golden Throne. To pacify the masses,the Administratum uses

the very tools the Emperor once found so repellant - ignorance,

of a lost era. From this dismal foundation, however, rose a new

superstition, dogma and stagnation. Yet such exfteme measures

epoch forged in war: the Age of the Imperium. It began when

are necessar/, for Mankind is beset on all sides and from within.

the Emperor and his newly created SpaceMarine legions

Not even the Inquisition, tasked with rooting out traitors, can

brought order to the feuding tribes on Holy Terra and then

guess how deeply sedition has slithered into the foundation of

reached out to the Tech-Priests of Mars. Next, Mankind's

the Imperium. Riddled with a growing underclass of mutants,

unstoppable armies embarked upon a crusade acrossthe stars,

traitors and psykers, those in power grow ever more intolerant.

reclaiming their lost realrn of old, freeing scattered planets frorn

Suspicion is everywhere; hope is fleeting.

the clutches of alien overlords and restoring lost colonies to

former glories across the galory. So ended the dark dmes that
came to be known as the Ag" of Strife.

Now, the Imperium faces a trial hke no other, for the Time of
Ending has come. A crescendo of war rages acrossthe galory -

The new golden age of Man had barely dawned when

within the depths of every human soul. Though surrounded,

in the blackness of space,on the surfaces of untold planets and

treachery of the worst kind struck. The Emperor's rnost trusted

the Imperium is far from defenceless. Mankind's armies fight

commander, Florus, embraced the power offered by the dark

with the valour of heroes, staving off foes beyond number.

gods and began the terrible wars of the Horus Heresy. It was

From the ramparts of a million worlds, humanity watches the

a time of legend, when the best and worst of Mankind strode

skies for encroaching doorn. In shattered cathedrals,believers

the stars,vying against each other in battle. On the verge of

pray with the desperation of the damned, begging the immortal

defeat, the Emperor at last destroyed the ffaitor F{orus, but in

Emperor for salvation.

doing so was himself mortally wounded. To sustain the will of

the Emperor, his shattered body was placed within the arcane
confines of the great machine known as the Golden Throne.

The Emperor, long worshipped as a god, remains on his throne,

as he has for ten thousand years.The roiling, arcane powers of
the Golden Throne ensure that his great mind endures inside

That was ten thousand years ago; yet the Imperium endures.

his withered carcass.Kept alive by unfathomable technology

The empire carved from a hostile galaxy is a sprawling vastness

and supreme will, the Emperor's psychic powers protect

of over a million disparate planets, all sworn to the Emperor

Mankind, guiding humanity towards their ultirnate destiny; but

and protected by the vast armies of humanity. Imperial Guard

whether this is greatnessor total destruction, who can know?

regiments, each numbering tens of thousands of soldiers and

tanks are raised and transported to deadly battlefields far from

A new era is coming.. .

IxrRoDUcTroN
Velcorneto
betrayal

thegpirndetltness

In this tirne of turrnoil

fotcee ofhrrrnanityin

of the4lstMillenniunq
end conflict,

the narne ofthe

knperium?

carrion

to a{alaqrof

you are the general

Ernperor,

This book is the starting

unendingwat,

of an aunyof

or for one ofthe

foul alienraces

pofurt fot your journey

incrediblehetoisrn

rnig[rtywarriore.Willyou

andbitter
fight

that besets everyrbotder

for the
ofthe

into the Datk lVlillenniurn.

The weighty torne that you hold in your hands is the rulebook
for the 'Varhammer 40,000tablerop garne; but this is far more

whether you are aveteran of countless campaigns, or a new

recruit to the hobby, you will soon be controlling a force of

than an instructional manual. This book is the launchpad

for an entire hobby - a fulfilling and rewarding pasrime rhar

battle-hardened soldiers, powerful vehicles and even monstrous

creatures acrosscountless war zones. so muster your armies and
prepare for war - the Dark Millennium awaits!

encompasses collecting, painting and gaming with miniatures

in a far-future galaxy that teeters on the edge of annihilation.
\Telcome to the'W'arhammer 40,000hobby.
At the time of writing, the journey of \ilarhammer 40,000
has spanned nearly three decades and drawn in thousands
of hobbyists from around the globe. Indeed, for a great
many hobbyists, this will nor be their first foray into the 4lst
Millennium,

having enjoyed the hobby through many editions.

Thr:

'Warhnmmr'
collecttng,paintrngand g*mrng nrth Crtadt:lnritriafut'e-s
40,000hobby enmmpnsse,.s

'Worhsho
opponenfs
nel"Lt
are greatplncesto chaLLenge
p HobbyCentt'e-s
Games

Wnrhammer 40,000has
( o t T t r( r I o t r gr t ' { l } ' s i l l ( { . '
back
its earliestda1,5
Sittct'fhe
in the 1980s.
aduentof the lTrstedition,
lznown astffarhammer
40,000:Rogue Trader,
tt hss gt'orLtninto a
n ed h obby'.
n,oyld- yen o LLt
The n+lesto thr:gilme
ctltt',ll'-s
ottet'fhe1tt'i11'5,
hm,e chnngcdand t:t,olu,cd
r'llrrblrrrg
iut:Ji:el1111d
retr'rnrngthestme.cJisfincf
of rt'if-srlll(rlexrtfittgfrrcfrcs
the snmeLr*ffkrs
*go, lrttf rrrtthtune
introducedall those)re'ilr'-\
on t regt+larbast-s
ttsbattLefields
into ser^tricr:
Dinirrg tablt,sayoundthe globerll'epl'rr-qsed

gr'-s.
prr:-se
n ti ng fre slr, trtrrt, f c rt tt al rh rrlkr11

WHarYouWu,NEED
rn cddition to,-. -;;=;;
---;"
;..
srnes or
"*'n
Verhenrner40,0|)0. Here ie arun-down onwhat youwill need to createyour ownbattles inthe {tstMtllennlurn

THE BATTTEFIETD
u7hether you're playing on a bare tabletop, a green sheet

elements to your gaming experience. \varriors will need to

make use of cover to avoid gefting shot to pieces. carefully

looted from the airing cupboard or a bespoke set of modelled

concealed troops can launch ambushes and ciry ruins can prove

terrain, every game of warhammer 40,000needs a badefield.

to be deathtraps for the unwary.

As with collecting armies, in time mosr hobbyists choose to

collect a fantastic scenery set too - encompassing a Realm of
Battle Gameboard such as the one shown here, along with a
multitude of evocative twarhammer 40,000 scenery pieces. As

Perhaps best of all, however, is that great terrain transforms

your kitchen table into a stunning war zone - the ice-blast",sl

well as looking great, a decent supply of terrain can add tactical

deadly jungles of Catachan.

steppes of Vostroyd,the ash wastes of Armageddon or the

CnrerrNcA wARzoNE
Thisbattlefieldhasbeenassembled
using
scenery
leitsproducedby
GamesVorleshop.
Many hobbyists
inuesttime and effortinto
collecting
a Gameboard
andscenery
to decorate
it, enablingthemto playga.mes
on a stunning,
evocative
battlefield.

TEt,lprarrs
Many of the weaplns in the game,suchasflamers,battlecnnnlns, and
euengrenades,hauespecialeffectssuch as explosionsor goutsof fire.we
usetemplatesto resolvethese- is a Guardsman caught in the blast of
a frag genade? How many orhs will my inferno cannon setablaze?
You'll needthree suchtemplates(large blast, smallblast and ternplate)
- which is conuenient,because
they comein pachsof three!

Drcr
\rhether a shothitsor misses,
a chainswordblowcauses
a gorydeath
or a minor inconvenience,
andmore,are all determinedusingdice.To
startwith, youconmakedowith asfew asfiveor sixdice,butasyou
play Larger
gamesand bringmorefrepowerto bearagainstyourfoe,
you'llwant alarger selection
to speedthingsup.Toworhout the effects
of certainweapons
you will alsoneeda scatter
dice.

ConECTTNG Ar{ Anuv

TnE ConEX

The armies of Citadel miniatures really are the stars of the show

Before you pl"y a game,

when you are playing a game of tiliZarhammer 40,000. Both players

you'llwant to write an
army list - an inventory

by how many models you will need to play, however. Most

of the warriors, heroes

hobbyists start out with a fairly small force and use that in their first

and war machines that

games, before gradually building

your force will bring to

over time. Probably the most important

the battlefield. Every

which army you fancy going for.

will need an army of miniatures to enjoy a game. Don't be daunted

it up into an impressive collection

question to ask yourself is

army in.\X/'arhammer
40,000has its own codex,

There are lots of different armies to collect, from elite Space

a book that details all

Marine strike forces to hordes of Tyranids, vast mobs of Orks or

the rules you need to use your warriors on the battlefield, along

the relentless horror of the Chaos Daemons. Each affny has its own

with advice on collecting your affny, stories and histories that

unique flavour with an enthralling

describe their place in the Dark Millenniurn

and a showcase

history and a host of diverse

miniatures to collect and paint. On the tabletop, each anny favours

of the models available to the force. \7.ith this, you can begin

different tactics - with all this variety at your fingertips, there's no

plotting what you will bring to the battle.

reason that any two armies,let alone any two games, need ever be
quite the same.

Tepr MEasunrs

Prx r Peprn

inWarhammer 40,000are measuredin inches("), whether

All distances

imagtnable (until the holo-quill

Probablythe mostbonng accessones

you are chechingif a missilelauncher is in rnnge of a passingtank, a

squadcan chargetheir foe or how far a zoomingYallryne can travel.

and datoslatearefinally invented),having a pen and paper to hand

bevery usefulindeed,for traching wounds that models
can nonetheless

To play, you will needsomethingwith inchesmarlted on it.We'ueseen

haue suffered,remembenng the effectsof Mystenous Objectivesand

meosuresand callipers,butin
eve4rthingusedfro* ntlers, seamstresses'
the end,a goodold-fashionedtapemeasureseemsto bethe bestbet.

sundry other details.You can alsomalte notesof ternble things your

opponentdoes,fuelling grudgesfor future encounters!

Ik--+.-*

.i;-4.

Pt"tYr[-tGA
GaME:
PREPARING
FoR BATTLE
So how does a game of warharnrner

40,000 feel to play? Vhat

the next few pages we'll look at a tylrical

garne in action

does it look like? To answer these questions

and rnote, over
- frorn setting up the battlefield
and playing the garne.

This garne was fought between Adarn's Blood Angels and Mar's

SETTINCUP FOR$T/AR

Necrons. Long-term rivals, Adarn and Mat have fought dozens

\x/ith your battle planned, you'll need to ger your battlefield

ready for war. The Fighting a Battle semion found in the Rules

of wars together, They set up the tablerop ro represent a battleravaged war zorre)cornplete with teetering ruins, blasted craters

(seepage ll8) gives you plenty of detail about how to do this -

and gnarled, stunted trees.

but in short what you need for a game is a great-looking terrain

setup. Both players cooperate to make the board resemble a
fearsorne war zone frorn the 4l st Millennium.
The tffarhammer 40,000Battles section has sorne amazing
battlefields laid out within it, which show just how tremendous
your board can be, so check thern out. This is your chance to
bring sorne of the imagery of the Dark Millennium
tabletop - so have fun with it.

to your

Adam and Mat arranged the rerrain to make a great-looking

battlefield. Players know where their army will deploy before
placing any terrain * so both Adam and Mat do their best to
create a battlefield that both looks appealing and gives them a
tactical edge!

TnE OnIECTTvE
Beforesettingup the battlefield, Adam and Mat roILto seewhat
hrnd of game they are goingto play.They roll The Relic, n mrsslon
that is wonby the playerwhs controlsa cyucialitem on the
h*ttlefeld. wtth that in mind, bath playersbegrnto setup the
battlefieldta facilitatea fantastk bafrLe.

ri

Introduction..il

FoncrNG n hInRRATTvE
Thror-rghottt this rulel-''ook)nouu,il1 see box:tJ
out text entitierrl Fr rging a Nirrratil,e, Thrst'
contain atlr,ice on irou' to makr yolrl garnir g
r \ P s f i . n c e e \ ' t ' l rl n ( r t ' rt'' l t i t ' rl t h l r ,l n r - ll ' t ' tt r l r ' c
ar .,tr ntl er ,c tk i ngthe i r nag* :r van,- Ji - eeI of thr '4l s t
Ntillenninnr. At its heart, a game ,-''f\\narhrunnrel
40,000 i s a s har ed ex pet:i enc ebt- tu,eent\\,1)
f l ' l l , , r r[ , 1 [ r ] 'i' s11 s . r n . li t : l t t r r r l ,I l. . ; r \ e n r t r , ' : r l r l c ; rtrrrrll f i l l i n ,t' i ' r '
r 1 . \ i r _ t \ ' , , . . . . . . i -

oflered in t}-rese
both plal'sr'r as possible If ),ou stir-k to the iri-Jr-ice
b,l x es ,) r ou r tal h'c i l n't gti tl r r * 'r o'gl

TFIE ARMIES DEPTOY

Sflith the trattlefir-ld set Lrp'the players roll off to see unho
cleplovstheir rirmv first - the player rvho sets his armv up first
li'ill almost alu'avs get to take tirr: first turn. Flol'u'ever,the risk
that iris fl-rr.u,ill Steal the Initiatirre means Adarn cern'tplar:e any
o f h i s u n i t s i n p o s i t i o n s t h a t a r e t o o r l a n g e r o u s J. t i s ti n c a s e .
\X/iren st--ttingLlp \rolir rnodels, folr are playing the part of a
general,captain or u,irrlord Botir players neeclto nrake sllre
that all of thcir units are lroherethey can Lreused to their best
The'refore,Ac]arnbuilds a plan to places severalof
aclrnantirge.

{r

his kev units, inr-lr-rrJing

the lleath Compirnv anclhis Librarian
Dreirdnought, in position to fight for the Relic in tire centre

A d n t nI r / n r e h
l h i s r i g i r t f l n r t k ,] r o F i r r tgh i r f t h e
. si . sB i r n lP t ' t : . j i r f o n

Since he is deploying his force first, he irlsoneeds to try to

Mat u'ill do - keeping an eye out for traps that his
gliessrnnhat

f r r t t h ' - c f - o r . r r r i illtn' tl''rl tep p 1 1 l ' t ' r ht 'ei ll ps f a y c , r f f - s r r t ' f l a r i l l irrrttgf r r r l i , s

opponent lvill lrse against him

f lrrrf tr{nt'-qNtrLi'ol l -rnt ig}rf rrrnltr:

*.-.'_l.4

GaME:
PI.AYII.,IGA

oF$hn
THEFoRTIJT,-IEs
!flith the board set, the players begin theil game. A

a trooper is killed, he's sirnply removecl from the boar,l and

Warhamrner 40,000battle typicaily consists of several ftrrns

(,normally about six), and in each tllrnl both players movel shoot

placed to one side,while if a tank or other vehicle is darnaged

yon can place ir marker beside it to signify that it is imrnobilised,

and fight with all their rvarriors. Each player's tnrn follows
that specific pattern - first the Movement phase u'here you

playets harrehad tireir armies severely rnauled as rvaniors have

marroeuvre your u,arriors into the best positions (whether that

fallerr bravely in battle.

has been stunned or so on Usually, by the end of a battle both

is storming acrossthe battlefield in combat, seizing critical

objectives or positioning yotu guns for the perfect shot).

One of the things that nrakes a garne of \flarhammel40,000

Second is the Shooting phase, rvhere any models with guns

really enjoyable is the barrter and chat that accompanies it

can unleash their firepor,r'eron the foe in withedng ftrsillades

During their battle, Adam and Mat discussedthe good and bad

and monstrous cannon blasts.Finally comes the Assault

luck they had, the tactics they were trying to implement and

phase, where warriors from both sides fight brutal hand-to-

the gory details of several particularly effective shots.

hand combats with cherinswords,power fists and bayonets!

tX/hen yolu- opponent is taking his turnr
|ou are still kept busily
involved, rnaking saving throws for your warriors when they
are wounded by incoming fire (or crushing sword blows) ancl
formulating plans to counter your opponents tactlcs.

\Yith the Relic in the centre of the battlefield the key to

r,rictory:Adam made an early push to protect it rn'itir his Death
Cornpany, u'ho would be able to keep the Necrolrs at bay rvith
their close combat skills Covered by the guns of his Tactical
Squads and Baal Predator Tanks, Adam hurled thern foru,ards.
Although Adam's first attack was ultimately pushed back by

As the battle rages,you'll find that your fotces suffer losses'Wb.en

tanks are damaged or destroyed arrd rvattiors are slain,

Mat's l.Iectons, Adanr had tested how Mat would react to such a
bold gambit and prepared for a more cunning plan.

4$rr-s

Mat's countef-attack rvasled by the I)oonrsdav Ark - a po\\rerful

skinrmer that blew Llp a tank and a Dreadnought - betore
Adam's Stormral,en finally brought it clou'n 'urnitha deadl1,salrno
lvlartspent two turns nrassinghis Necron \flarriots readv to
launch a masserlattack on the Relic in the third turn The
Necrons managed to claim tire objectir,,eand begin to mo\re
it to safety before Adarn's Assault lv'farines ancl Blood Angels
Terminators clrt them off - ieaving the objective dangerously
close to lv{;rt'sbattle lines

VrcronY on DETEAT?
of tlte lnfflg 1.t'ifo plny tht:gnrnchir.t'tjrc
rllgl.rr
fr.n^ps
\Xrrtfu
\X'JrrlstAdrrrrrfooh
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lrotcrrf
sft'irttg
of ltts ,l'l7tl't'r'lllrtitt
-rillrrt'rr1'11'lit,s-st:s,
the elitt:t:lentt'nts
g t1: 'rcl r t r r f t ' i ti sr fli,r t s fr l l I t r r .Fsl r n f l ' o f
r r r r rrJc i o ft r / r r l l f , u r r d r r n r a B
ttr tttttsfct'
rrtrdettottgltttr(n^l'lot's
t tttlti-sdr-sposnl,
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irf irttrrrltirr f}rtrril,tttgfttt'tt,s
r+prrrrof,l'lr:t'rr.'{tr.,c
stil/ to plnvfor',1
is eL'el't'tlring
A t t h c er r t lo f i r n l . b r r fl ft : ,r t i s a J r r r tf:r a r l i fi o r rl o s l r , r h lct n r t , i - t
r t ' i f h1 ' o r { } ' o f } ) r l n i ' } 1 1frhl ni rcnJl tf l t r t t rf i r r n g o o dl , L r t t / c . r t t LfJr .urt
's
if dorrblt'inr|ot'titnt
fo lttrtllcsrn'ctltiri t"itttritr
rrxprrl'ltllrt'(.so
urjof ihc garncI Thrlt, it'snff tLr
io h..11,
1'c;l{1"0p})0lltr}rf
lfrilo'br:-sf
prlnntltt: ttrxt g(rlllLl
L,)'flit:fr'fll'r'r't'y",s
an the.battle.fiild
relrl'rrsrrnte,d
Elrrl'1'pirl]rt'r'rs
ArrgelsLibril"irru Iir
Vtrr"lrirrl.ln this grune,AcJarrrchost,rr BlooLJ
rt }Jr:rt'oltOt,et'lot'il
lend histirrcr:,rt'hrleI'{nf sr:lr:rieiJ

rNTHE
WHAT's
Boor
++a\+

Frornthis
miniatu.res

polnt

fonryards,youwillfind
allthe things5'ouneed
toplayggames of Warharnmer40,000withyourCitadel
- from the rules of the g;arne iteelf to tips on how to
anil paintingg
Eet started with assembling

collection

your rniniatures,

Below is a srrrnrnary

of what you will

find, and how you cerr use it.

THE RULES (pag.Z)

This section looks at how to get started on the journey of

the Warhammer 40,000rules cover how warriors, squads

assembling and painting your first models, with sorne basic tips

and even vehicles move across the gaming board, the effects
$ of cover and special rules for the fantastical and mysterious
elements of the battlefield.
lh
ih
i, Does a battle cannon shell strike its target? \XZill the nerve of a
I tqurd of Tau Fire \X/arriors hold in the face of a Tyranid assault?

and ideas to get you going. Afterwards, it explores the many

resources u'here you can find even more expert advice.
You will find impressive examples of \(arhammer

40,000 armies

that have been collected and painted by real garners;each a

fine exampie of how good an army can look when time, craft

All of these possibilities are arbitrated by the rules - and

and care are poured into it. After all, the goal of collecting a

players roll dice to see whether a shot hits or a psyker can draw

\Tarhammer 40,000army is to have something of your own thar

successfully on the powers of the \flarp.

you enjoy. Iverything

As you read through the rules, you will nodce some of the text is

and satisfaction that come from the building and collecting

aspects of the hobby - whether you wish to displ ay rt,play

bold, like this. This is to make referencing faster, as it highlights

games with it or (as we often find) both.

within it points rowards the fun, pride

the most basic elements of the rule in question and helps bring

i
f'

your eyes to it when skimming a page.This should not be

BATTTES(p"9" 339)

mistaken as representing the whole rule, as the surrounding text

Here you will find swathes of ideas, rules and scenarios for

often offers contefi and relevant exceptions. It should instead be

creating stunning, exciting battles with your own collection.

used as a quick solution to finding the essence of a particular rule

You will find a veritable host of exarnple games, all displayed

amidst a page of text. If a rule is quite short, or in bullet points,

there will be no bold text - the rule is already easy to find.

will need to recreate them. Each is an amazingclash fought

within the Dark Millennium

1:

including rhe purging of the

THE 4lST MITTENNIUM (p"g" 133)

daemonically infested Somaro Starfort and the gruelling assault

This section tells the story of the tff/arharnmer 40,000galaxy. At

on the Irnperial defences at Urdek.

the heart of the hobby lies a galaxy spanning tale of heresy and
betrayal, noble heroism and unspeakable treachery. This is the

i:

on evocative battlefields and accompanied by the rules you

The section also contains notes and suggestions on how to

tale of the birth of the Imperium, the struggle of Mankind, and

design your own missions and special rules for use in your

the history and motivations of the many alien races that beset

games. Included are some simple, fun example missions

the Imperium of Man.

designed using those same concepts.

MINIATURES SHOWCASE (page 237)

Finally, there is the Iconoclasrn! - an epic tale of destruction

Divided by army, this section contains a gallery of close-up

and carnage in the Eydolim system, that serves as a fantastic

photography showing the stunning details of individual

example ofjust how far you and your friends can take your

models, as well as evocative battle shots showing units fighting

games of \Tarharnmer 40,000.

amidst the shattered ruins of modelled battlefields. Together,

these images put the colours, heraldry and uniforms of our
'W'arhammer
40,000armies on display, serving as inspiration

APPENDICES(page401)

and reference for collectors and painters alike.

light onto some of the darker, more obscure corners of the

Imperium. Everything from Astropathic communication to a
guide to field-dressing a lasgun wound can be found here!

THE HOBBY (prge 305)

Appendix I is a miscellany of the esoreric and unusual - casring

Engaging with like-minded people in the spirit of friendly

competition and shared interest is an invaluable aspect of the

Appendix 2 is a handy gaming aid that conrains quick-reference

Warhammer 40,000hobby. It also involves more than just

playing games or painting Citadel miniatures - the l7arharnmer

material, such as tables and turn sequences,as well as a

40,000hobby includes collecting models, scenery, rulebooks,

comprehensive index for the book. This section enables you to

find the rules you need at a glance, and also contains profiles for

novels and more.

warriors and vehicles so you can start playing straight away.

THERULES
This section contains
Marshal

all the rules you'll need to fight your w'arharnrner 40,000battles.

your forces, gather yout allies and prepare for war!

MoDELST, UNIITS
h hundrcdthousandworlds, tcn hundrcd thousandwars.Thcrc is no respite,thcre is nowhereto hidc.
Across the galaxy,thcre is onlyWAR!'
The Citadel miniatures used to play games of \Tarhammer
'models'
40,000 ate referred to as
in the rules that follow. Models

TOUGHNESS (T)
This is a meas.ureof a model's ability to resist physical damage

represent a huge variety of troops, from noble Space Marines

and pain, and it reflects such factors as the resilience of a

and brutal Orks to \(arp-spawned Daemons. To reflect all their

creature's flesh, hide or skin. The tougher a model is, the better it

differences, each model has its own characteristics profi.le.

can withstand an enemy's blows. The gnarled and leath"ry hide

of an ork grants it Toughness 4, but an unyielding monster such

\Tarhammer 40,000uses nine different characteristics to

as a Carnifex has an incredible Toughness of b !

describe the various attributes of the different models. A11but

one of the characteristics are rated on a scale from 0 to 10.The

worJNDs(w)

odd characteristic out is Armour Save (Sv) which can run from
2+ through 0+ to - (for models with no Armour Save).

This characteristic tells us how much damage a creature can

take before it dies (or is so badly hurt that it can't fight any more
- which amounts to pretty rnuch the same thing). Most man-

MODIFIERS

sized models have a Wounds characteristic of l. Large monsters

Certain pieces of wargear or special rules can mod:fy amodel's

and mighty heroes are often able to withstand several $(ounds

characteristics positively or negatively by adding to it (+ I , +2,

that would slay a smaller being, and so have -Wounds 2, \Tounds

etc.),multiplying it (x2, x3, etc.) or even setting its value (1,8,

3, N7ounds 4 or even more.

etc.). Attacks and \Tounds are the only characteristics that can

INITIATI\IE (I)

be raised above 10.No characteristic can be modified below 0.

This represents the swiftness of a creature's reactions. Models

MurrrprE

MouFrERs

with a low Initiative characteristic (Orks, with Initiative 2) are

If a model has a combination of rules or wargear that modify

slow-witted, while models with a high Initiative characteristic

(Genestealers, with Initiative 6) react far more quickly. In close

a characteristic, first apply any multipliers, then apply any

additions or subtractions, and finally apply any set values. For
'+l
example,tf ^ rnodel with Strength 4 has both
Strength' and
'double
Strength', its final Strength is 9 (4x2=8, 8+l =9). If a
'+l
model with Strength 4 has both
Srrength' and'strength 8', its
g
(ignore
final Strength is
+l Strength and set it at 8).

$TEAPON SK[r

combat, Initiative dictates the order in which crearures strike.

ATTACKS (A)
This shows the number of times a model aftacks during
close combat. Most warriors and creatures have an Attacks
characteristic of l, although some elite troops, monsters or
heroes may be able to strike several dmes and have Attacks 2,

(WS)

This characteristic defines the close combat skill a warrior

Attacks 3 or rnore.

possesses.The higher the characteristic, the more likely the

model is to hit an opponent in close combat. An Imperial

LEADERSHTP(rD)

Guardsman (a trained human warrior) has \Teapon Skill3,

leadership reveals how courageous, determined and self-

whilst a battle-hardened Space Marine rnight have Weapon

Skill 4, \X/eapon Skill 5 or possibly even higher!

controlled a model is. A creature with a low leadership value

is very unruly or cowardly, to say the least! Elite forces, such as
Space Marines have Leadership s or higher, whilst cowardly

BATLTSTTCSKILI, (BS)

troops, such as Gretchin, have Leadership 5 or less.

This shows how accurate a warrior is with ranged weapons of all

kinds, from pistols to earth-shaking battle cannons. The higher

ARMOURSA\IE (SV)

this characteristic is, the easier a creature finds it is to hit targets

A warrior's Armour Save gives it a chance to avoid harm when

it is struck or shot. Most models have an Armour Save based on

with shooting attacks. An Imperial Guardsman has Ballistic

Skill S, but an Imperial Storm Trooper has Ballistic Skill 4.

what kind of armour they are wearing, so this characterisric may

STRENGTH (S)

be improved if they are equipped with better armour. other

creatufes fnay receive a natural save from having thick bony

Strength gives a measure of how physically mighty a warrior

plates or a chirinous shell. unlike other characteristics, the

lower an Armour save is, the better. A model can never have an
Armour Savebetter than 2+.

is. An exceptionally puny creature might have a Strength of l,

while a Tyranid Carnifex has Strength 9. Men have Strength 3.

ffi-Aclrwsr

-tErnn

ArrEIv

AND

THE

Tn,c.rroR

THERE

rs

No

FArn

wAy

ro

FrcHT.

E----

5---#r

Bnevn

ARE

THEy

wHo

KNow

EvERyTHINc

yET

FEAR

NorI{rNG.

C ueRACTERrsrrcPnoFnES

ZERO .tEVEt CHARACTERISTIC S

Every model in \Tarhammer 40,000has a profile that lists the

Some creatures have been given a 0 for certain characteristics,

values of its characteristics. At the back of this book, and in the

which means that they have no ability whatsoever in that field

'-').
(the same is also occasionally represented by r

codexes for each arlnf, you will find the profiles for warriors
and heroes drawn from many different races.

A model with Weapon Skill

'0'

is incapacitated; they are hit

automatically in close combat and cannot strike any blows. A

model with no Attacks cannot strike any blows in close combat.
'-'has
no affnour save at all.

A warrior with an Armour Save of

If at any point, a model's Strength, Toughness or'$Tounds

are reduced to 0, it is removed from

play as a casualty.

OTHE R IM PORTAhIT INFORMATION

In addidon to its characteristics profile, each model will have a unit
tFpe, such as Infantry or Cavalry, which we discuss in more depth
on page 44.Itmight also have an addidonal saveof some kind,
representing any annour or rnystical protection it might have, it

\UTS BS

TW

could be caryring one or more shooting or Melee weapons (seepage

AtdSv

3+
6+

SpaceMarine
Ork Bov

50) or might have one or more special nrles (seepage 32). Don't
worq/ about any of this for now - for the moment, it's enough that
you know to look for these aspectsof the model.

Both the Ork and the Space Marine have \Weapon Skill and

C HARACTERTSTIC S

Toughness 4, and they both have I Vound, which is the norm

VEHICLE

for man-sized creatures.

In the \Tarhammer 4 0,000universe, there are many tanks, war

The Ork has more Attacks in close combat, representing its

To reflect the many differences bem,reencrearures of flesh and blood

great ferociry in close combat, but when it comes to Ballistic

and consfiucts of adamantium and warpforged metal, vehicles have

machines and other combat vehicles, both human-built and alien.

Skill, Strength, Initiative, Leadership and Armour Save,the

many different nrles and their own set of characteristics. Vehicle

SpaceMarine is superior.

characteristics are described in the Vehicles section (seepage 70).

The Space Marine's Ballistic Skill of 4 means that he will hit

more often when shooting. In hand-to-hand combat, the greater
Strength value gives the Space Marine a befter chance of killing
the Ork, and his superior Initiative means that he gets to strike

FonurNGA UNrr
The models that make up your Warhammer
'units'.
must be organised into

40,000 army

first. The Space Marine has a leadership of 8, which is slightly

higher than the average.The Space Marine's technologically

UNITS

advanced (and thicker) armour gives him another marked

\Tarriors tend to band together to fight in squads,teams,

sections or similarly named groups - individuals do not

advantage over the Ork.

normally go wandering off on their own for obvious reasons!

Obviously, a single Ork is no rnatch for a Space Marine when

In \Tarhammer 40,000,we represent this by grouping models

fighting one-on-one, but as Orks are inevitably found in large

together into units. A unit usually consists of several models

numbers, they are sdll lethal opponents, even for SpaceMarines!

that have banded together, but a single, powerful model, such as

a lone character, a tank, a war engine or a rampaging monster, is
also considered to be a unit in its own right.

'-+-+

UNrr ConEnrNcY
Units fight in loose groups with gaps beween each model. This

Besr SrzEs
MonEts ArtTD

gives the troopers the freedorn to move over di{ficult terrain

The rules in this book assume that models are mounted on the base

quickly, and enables them to take advantage of such things as

they are supplied with. Sometimes, a player rnay have models in

minor folds in the ground, scrub, and other small features, to

his collection on unusually modelled bases.Some models aren't

supplied with a base at all. In these cases(which are, in all fairness,
relatively few and far between), you should always feel free to
mount the model on a base of appropriate size if you wish, using
models of a similar rype as guidance.

shelter from enemy fire. The different elements of the unit have
to stay together to remain an effective fighting force. This is
detailed more fully in the Movement section (seepage I 0) - for
now, all you need to know is that every model in a unit must
be withir:-Z"

of at least one other model in the same unit.

++.

GTruERAL
PnINCIPLES
'Thcrc
canbc no bystandcrs
in thc battlefor survival.Anyoncwhowill not fightbyyour sidcis ancncmyyou mustcrush.'
- Scnpfo rusMunif contus
4{

qI
ttl

1
{

Before we dive into the turn sequence and the rnain rneat of the
rules, there ate a few basic ideas and game rnechanics that are

MEesuRrh{cI)rsreucEs

worth discussing. These are principles that are so common that

In games of !flarhammer 40,000,distances are measured in

inches (") with a tape measure or measuring stick. You can

they pop up again and again while you're playing a game, so it

always check any distance at arry time.

makes a lot of senseto establish them before hitting the more

specialised rules to be found later.

This allows you to check whether your units are in range of

their target before they attack. After all, the soldiers are led by
seasonedveterans who can accurately judge the range of their
weapons) even if we, their generals,cannot.

TnE Mosr IpTPoRTANTRurE

In a game of the size and complexiry of tVarhammer 40,000, there
are bound to be occasions where a situation is not covered by the
tules, or you can't seem to find the righl page Even if you know
the rule, sornetimes it is just a really clo3e call, and players don't

Distances between models and all other objects (which can be

other models, terrain features and so on) are always rneasured
from closest point on one base to the closest point on the other

agree on the precise outcome

base.Distances between units are always measured to and from

the closest models in each of the units (see diagram below).

Nobody wants to waste valuable gaming time arguing, so be

prepared to interpret a rule or come up with a suitable solution
for yourselves (in a rnanner befitting the better class of Imperial

Eor example,tf nny part of a model'sbasers within G"of the base

of an enemy model,the two modelsare saidto be within 6" of

Citizen, of course). Ifyou find that you and yolrr opponenr

eachothey.

cannot agree on the application of a rule, roll a dice to see whose

interpretation will apply for the remainder of the game - on a
result of I -3 player A gers ro decide, on a 4-6 player B decides. Then
yolr can get on with the fightingl Once the game is over, you can
happily continue your discussion as ro the finer points of the rules.

sometirnes the rules will call upon a unir to move directly

towards another unit, or some other fearure on the battiefield.
\flhere this is the case,draw an imaginary line from the centre
of the unit to its destination, and move the unit forwards
along this line a number of inches equal to the distance stated.

..*-"-**-+#*

Tnn

EMpsRoR

AsKs oNL

DrcE

If you re-roll a single 2D6 or 3D6 roll, you must re-roll all of the

Throughout a game, you will often need to ro11dice to see

how the actions of your models turn out - how effective their

dice and not just some of them, unless the rule granting the re-

shooting attacks are, what damage they've done in close combat,

the first dice ro11are also applied to the re-roll.

roll specifies otherwise. Note that any modifiers that applied to

and so on. Almost all the dice rolls in'Warhammer 40,000use

standard six-sided dice, also known as D5, but there are some

ROtt-oFF

exceptions as noted below.

If the rules require players to roll-off, this simply means that

ROTI,INGAD3

highest result wins the roll-off. If the players roll the same

In rare circumstances, you may be instructed to roll a D3. As

result, both dice must be re-rolled until one player is the winne
- any modifiers that applied to the first dice roll are also appliec

each player rolls a dice and the player that rolls the

there's no such thing as a three-sided dice, use the following

method to determine a result between I and 3. Roll a D6 and
halve the number, rounding up. Thus, I or 2 = l, 3 or 4 = Zand

to any further rolls.

5or5=3.

RAI{DOMISINC

SCATTERDICE

Sometimes you'llbe called upon to randomly select something

- often a model, but sometimes an item, a psychic power or

Warhammer 40,000uses a special dice called a scatter dice

similar. \7here this is the case,simply assign a D6 result to each

(marked with arrows and a Hit! symbol). This dice is mostly

of the things the random selection must be made from, and roll

used to deterrnine a random direction, most often applied when

the dice to make your random choice. If you have fewer than

working out the behaviour of blast weapons, such as mortars

six items to randomise between, simply roll again until you roll

and battle cannons (seepage 33).

an assigned number.

<:-

--

assignseachmodel a number betweenI and 5, and rolls a D6, re-

il

{D

fl
ll

Eor example,Matthew must randomly selectone of five models.He

rl}

rt

rolling resultsof 6 until he getsa number between I and 5.

tll
If you have more than six items to randomise between, split
them into equal sized groups of six or less (or as near to this as

DIVIDING

TO CONQUER

you can). Then randomly select one group, further randomisinl;

On occasion, you'll be called upon to divide the result of a dice

between the items in this group to find the (un)lucky item!

roll, a characteristic or some other value. N7here this happens,

any fractions

should always be rounded

.tp. So a D6 roll of

-'-._'-*:r"

3, halved, would be a result of 2 (1.5rounded up). Similarly,l0%

of a unit of twenty-one rnodels, rounded up, would be 3 models.

MODIFYINGDICE

ROLLS

Sometimes, you may have to modify the number rolled on the

dice (or'the ro11').This is noted as D5 plus or minus a number,
such as D6+1. Roll the dice and add or subtract the number

in the crack between two sections of board and doesn't lie flat.
\7e call this a'cocked dice'. Some players use a house rule that il
any dice is not completely flat on the table, it must be re-rolled
More common is for players to re-roll the dice only if they can't

For example, D5+2 means roll a dice and add 2 to the number on

be sure of the result.

the dice for a total between 3 and 8. You may also be told to roll
on. Roll the indicated number of dice and add them together, so a
2D6 roll is two dice rolled and added together for a result of 2-12.

Cocxro DrcE
Occasionally, a dice will end up in a crevice in your terrain or

given to or from the roll (as appropriate) to get the final result.

a number of dice in one go, which is written as 2D6,3D5 and so

"/

Of course, if your gaming surface is very textured and results in a

lot of cocked dice (or simply if you prefer a tidy battlefi.eld), you
can make all your rolls in a tray or box lid

Another method is to multiply the score of a dice by ^ certain

amount, such as D6x5 to provide a result between 5 and 30.

DrcE oN THEFroon

RE-ROTL

It is generally accepted that if a dice ends up on the floor, it

doesn't count - so you don't need to shine a torch under the sofi r

In some situations, the rules allow you to pick up and re-roll a

dice. This is exactly what it sounds like - pick up the dice you
wish to re-roll, and roll it again. The second roll counts' even

to find out if you made your save or not. Most gamers agree that
such dice can be rolled again.

if it means a worse result than the first, and no single

Flowever, one player we know has a house rule that if your dice
misses the table, you have failed the roll - after all, if you can't

dice can be re-rolled more than once, regardless of the

hit a huge table with a tiny dice, then what chance do your

source of the re-roll.

warriors have of hitting the enemy?

Tun

Toors

oF oriR Serurrroru

.,rnr. FArTrr RF{D fJurrErs

Brnsr MnnKERs ANDTErnprATEs

ScnrrER

some \4reilpor-rs
;rre so po\rrerful that they don't just tilrget i1

Sonretinresir rule u,ill r-allfor an object (a tenrplate,counrer,

sirrglernodel or unit, but have irn'areil effect'rvhich rnight

encompass (ancJoften utterlv rJevastatel)several different units
To better represent these r-ilcurnstances,tfi/arhanrmer40,000

morJel or e\/en a lvhole unit ) to be plac-edon tire battlefielcl and

then sc-atterer-1

Llsesa series of three ,Jiff-erentblast tnarLers an.] templirrr=s:

-ilflhenthis occurs, fo1lovvthis procr-rlule:

. A'snrall'blast nrirrker {'J"in diameter')

' Place the objer-t on the battlefield as instructed try tire rule

. A'large' blastrnarker (5"in rlianreter)

' Roll a scatter dic.eand 2D6 to cleternrine the direction and

p'
,l'

rlistanceof sc-atterin inches.

. A 'tenrplate' (a tear-dropped shapell rnarker rougirly 8" long)
Copies of these tenrplatescan be foun.1 in the relerence section.
You can photocopy these if yori rn,ish,but plastic frirnsparent

.If a Flit! is tollerl on the scatter dir:e,the objer-tdoes not

mo\re - leave it in place,rnd resolr'ethe remirinder of
tire rule

lrersions ciln irlsobe purchasecl separateh.

' If an arro\tr is rolled) lrlove the olrject the distance shou,n on
The tenrpliites and blast rnarkers are used as a u,av of

the 2D6 in the directiorr of the arrou,, Ignore intenrening

deternrining hou' manv rnor]els have been hit [-,yrrn irttack

that has an area of elfect or blast radius. t'Vhen an attack uses

tetfain, nnits',etc, unless the rnle statesothervrrise

a ternplate, it u'i1l erplain hor,r'the ternplate is positiorred,

including anlr kincl of scatter that rnigftt occrlf (scatteris

' L)nce tire object h;rs scatterer1

to its fina1position, resolrre
its efTecrs,

discussedmore completelr, next in this section).To l','ork out

the number ol hits, )rou normally need to hold tire remplate
o\rer an enenry unit or a peuticular point on the battlefield,
and tirerr look nnderneath (or through, it tising a transparenr

' Sonre rnles malr specify a distance to be determined

othet than 2D6, in rvirich r-ase,
just repliice the 2D6 in this
pror-edure unith the rnethod listerJin the rule"

ternplate) to see hour rnxfl)'nrodels'baseslie partiall,,,or

conrpletely urlJerneath, A unit takes a hit for each model
that is fully, or even partially, underneath the template

's[rrftt:l'2D6"
F0l't:,vrurrplt,
if sonrethirrgis snid fo
in n rny'tclont
rJirr:ctiorl,tlten )routJr.ollfhc -ccrrffer
dirt:for the dir.r:rfiou rtnd lDa

Renrenrbet that a morJel'sbase is counted as beirrg part of the

nrodel itself, so ail a ternplate has to do fo r-arisea hit is to cover

It'-s,rgoo,lidrrrrfo rcrllflrr:scirsrlo-lr:lo fhe srirfft,l'iltg

fot'tlrt'distrrrrce:.
olrierfrrspossiblr:,fo tttittitrrisr:thr: irtttrcLtrnrythttt tt,,ill rr.reu
itrthly

any Dart of its base

n'rrrrpirr rrs ylll rtttempttfo ru ttch fhe r/trcior:

Lfit'gt' Illrrst Jvfiu'lrcr'

Tt:nt;r/rrfir

S t t t r r lgl l n s fI ' f a r h t : r '

{
L^'

:I*1r

CHnRAcrERrsrrcTEsrs
A model will sornetimes be called upon to take a characteristic
test. Such a test can be applied against any characteristic that
the model has, except for Leadership and Armour Save.A
Toughness test is a characteristic test, as is a Strength test or an
Initiative test, a Vounds test and so on.
Models don't have a choice of which characteristic to use - the
characteristic to be tested will be specified in the rule.
To make a characteristic test use the follorving procedure:
. Roll a D6 and compare the result to the relevant
characteristic in the model's profi.le.
. If the result is equal to or less than the number in the
profrle, the test is passed.
. If the result is greater than the number in the model's
profi-le, the test has been failed, and something unusual will

MODETS WITH MUTTIPLE PROFITES

occur, as detailed in the rule that prompted the test.

Vhere a model has more than one Leadership value, a

. \X/hen a single test is required for the whole unit, use the

Leadership test is always taken against the highest of the values.

highest relevant characteristic in the unit.

AUTOMATIC PASS
MODELS WITH MULTIPLE PROFILES

A narural,unmodified,roll of 2 (a double I ) alwayspassesa

Leadershiptest,regardlessof any modif.ersthat apply.

V'here a model has more than one value for the same
characteristic, a characteristic test is always taken against the
highest of the values.

Anver.ucED
Bnsrc \zERsus

AUTOMATIC PASSA}ID FAII,

Basic rules apply to all the models in the game, unless

V'hen taking a characteristictest,a dice roll of e is always a

failure, and a dice roll of I is always a success,regardlessof
any other modifiers.However,if the model hasa characteristic
'-'
of 0 or it automaticallyfails the test.

specifically stated otherrn'ise. They include the rules for

movement, shooting and close combat as well as the rules for
morale, found between pages l0 and 31. These are all the rules
you'll need for your average Infantry model.
Advanced rules apply to specific types of models, whether

LEIDERSHTPTEsrs

because they have a special kind of weapon (such as a boltgun),

At certain times, a model or unit might be called upon to take

unusual skills (such as the abiliry to regenerate damaged flesh),

a Leadership test. This usually represents them drawing upon

because they are different to their fellows (such as a unit leader

their courage to face disheanening circumstances.

or a heroic character), or because they are not normal Infantry

To take a Leadership test, use the following procedure:

that apply to a unit are indicated in the entry for the unit in

models (a Bike, a Swarm or even a Tank). The advanced rules

their relevant I7arhammer 40,000codex.
. Roll 2D6and compare the result to the models leadership.
. If the result is equal to or less than the model's Leadership

'$7'here

advanced rules apply to a specific model, they

always override

any contradicting

basic rules. For example,

the basic rules state that a model must take a Morale check

value, then the test has been passed.

under certain siruations. If, however, that rnodel has a special

. If the result is greater than the models Leadership value, a
suitably dire consequence will occur, as detailed in the rule

rule that makes it immune to Morale checks, then it does not

take such checks - the advanced rule takes precedence.

that called for the test.

On rare occasions, a conflict will arise between a rule in this
.If a unit includes models with different Leadership values,

WBETCIIEI}

ALIEN

CANNOT

rulebook, and one printed in a codex.'Where this occurs, the

rule printed in the codex always takes precedence.

always use the highest Leadership from among them.

BE MEASURED

BY ANY HUMAN

STANDARD.

TnE Sprmr oF THEGeuE

Warhammer

40,000 may be somewhat different to any other

game you have played. Above all, it's important to remember

For one model to have line of sight to another, you must

be able to trace a straight, unblocked line from its eyes to
any part of the target's body (the head, torso, arms or legs).

that the rules are just the framework to support an enjoyable

game. Vhether

a battle ends in victory or defeat, your

'$V'hat's
goal should always be to enjoy the journey.
more,
'Varhammer 40,000 calls on a lot from you, the player.
{"our
job isn't just to follow the rules, it's also to add your own ideas,

Sometimes, all that will be visible of a model is a weapoh,

banner or other ornament he is carrying. In these cases,the
model is not visible. Similarly, we ignore wings and tails, and

drama and creativity to the garne. Much of the appeal of this

antennae even though they are technically part of a model's

garne lies in the freedom and open-endedness that this allows;

body. These rules are intended to ensure that models don't get

it is in this spirit that the rules have been written.

penalised for having impressive banners, weaponrf, and so on.

Naturally, you can't ask your rnodels what they can see they're plastic and resin, which is always a barrier to effective
communication - therefore, you'll have to work it out on their
behalf. In many cases,this will be obvious - if there's a hill,
building or monster in the w?1',the enemy might be blatantly

CorvTRo[rrNGPrenEn
vs OpposrNcPr-evEn
Sometimes, a rule will ask the conffolling

out of sight. In other cases,two units will be clearly in view

of each other as there is nothing at all in the way. on those

player to make an

other occasions, where it's not entirely obvious whether or

action or decision of sorne kind. At others, it will place the sarne

not one unit can see another, the player will have to stoop

responsibility on the opposing player. The controlling player is

'owns'the
model in question - the one
always the player who

for a'model's eye view'. This rneans getting down to the

who has included it in his army. The opposing player is always

his opponent.

over the battlefield and look from behind the model's head
level of your warriors and taking in the battlefield from their
'see
what they can see'.You will find that you

perspective to

can spot lurking enemies through the windows of ruined

LrwE oF Srcnr
line of sight determines what a model can

buildings, catch a glimpse of a model's legs under tree branches

and see that high vantage points becorne very useful for the
'see'.
Many

increased line of sight that they offer.

situations call for you to determine whether or not a model has

line of sight. A model normally needs line of sight whenever it

OWT\IUNIT

wishes to attack an enemy, whether with power sword, gun or

There is one important exception to the rules for line of sight.

psychic power. line of sight literally represents your warriors'

view of the enemy - they must be able to see their foes through,

members

under or over the battlefield terrain and other models (whether

This assurnesthat the soldiers shift their stances to open firing

friendly or enemy).

lanes in order to maximise their own squad's firepower.

Firing

models can always draw line of sight through

of their own unit just as if they were not rhere.

--)#

v/,

THETURN
'Bc

this bcnigncountcnancc
may
varncd!Manyarcthc guiscsof thc mutanr.Thcymayrppcerto you asa normalpcrsonburbcncath
avitch or worsc.Merk thc bcastandcxpclit; it hasno placcwith usl'
lic awrctchcdandwistcd bcast.An abomination,
- InquisitorCzeoak

Behold the terrible splendour of war! Squads of courageous

warriors pick their way through the rubble and ruin, advancing
under the covering fire of mighry war engines. lances and bolts
of energy pierce the smoke-wreathed air, and power-armoured
brutes hurl themselves into the enemy ranks, letting fly with
chainsword and power axe.
A Varhammer

40,000battle is a chaotic affair. To bring a

modicum of order to the anarchy of battle, players alternate

moving and fighting with their units. So, one player will move
and fight with his forces, and then their opponent will move
and fight. This process is then repeated, with the first player
moving and fighdng again, and so on, until the game is done.
During his turn, a player can usually move and fight once
with each of his units. For convenience and flow of game pIay,
we divide a player's turn into three main phases: Movement,
Shooting and Assault.
This means that you move any models you want to first, then
when you are fi.nished all of your moving, you can shoot with
your models. Finally, once your shooting is all completed, you
can charge into assault and resolve any close combats. This
process helps to keep track of what is going on and makes it
easier to know when one player's actions are over and your
opponent can start his turn (and take his revenge).

GA}VIETURNS A}ID PTAYER TURNS

In a complete game turn, each player gets a player turn, divided
into Movement, Shooting and Assault phases. One game turn
therefore comprises two player turns - one for each player.
'$7'henever
a rule refers to'a turn'it always means'player
'game
turn'.
turn' unless it specifically refers to a

EXCEPTIONS
40,000,
you'lloccasionally
\7hile playingW'arhammer
discover exceptions to the general turn sequence laid out
here, when things are worked out as they occur rather than
in any strict order. At other times, you'll find that both
players will have to do something at the same time. \7hen
these things happen, the player whose turn it is decides the
order in which the events occur. Occasionally, the actions of
one player will trigger the sudden appearance of a particular
unit, or may activate some special rule or occurrence. When
this happens, the exceptional rule will contain all the
information you need to resolve it.

*rT

T/,

'F,vcry
man is a sparkin thc darkness.By thc timc he is noticcd he is gonc forcvcr;
a rctinal after-imagcthat fadcsandis obscurcdby newcr,brightcr lights.'
Although the Movement phase is the easiest to perform, it's

MovEMENT DlsrAr{cE

probably the most tactically important. Getting models into

Models move up to 6" in the Movement phase.This represents

the right position on the battlefield is often the key to victory.

For the time being, we'll just explain how squads of Infantry

rnost creatures movln g at a reasonable pace but stopping

several tirnes to scan the surrounding landscape for enemies,

move, as they are by far the most common units in the game.

communicate with their commanders, identifv the best lines of

advance and so on.

Vehicles, Jump Pack units, Bikes and certain other units move
in different ways to represent their greater mobiliry, and these
will be discussed in full detail later on (see pages 44-49).

Even warriors who are moving in a part of the battlefield where

no enemles are apparent can only move 5". This is because your

In your turn, you can rnove any of your units - all of them
if you wish - up to their maximum movement distance.

units lack your own omniscient knowledge that there are no

Once a unit has completed all of its movernent, you can select

one direction, and then change your mind and decide to move
it somewhere else (even the opposite way entirely!) or decide

another unit and move that one) and so on, until you have
moved all of the units you wish to move. once you have started

enemies around. rt is perfectly fi.ne to measure a unit's move in

moving a unit, you must finish its move before you start to

not to rnove it at all. tvtodels cannot, however, voluntarily move

off the board.

move another unit. Note that you don't have to move all (or
any) of your units - indeed, there are several tactical advanrages

WHICH MODETS ARE MOVING

to remaining stationary, ds we'll explain later in the rules. Once

you've completed a unit's move, you cannot go back and change

W.hether or not a model moves can change how effective it will

be in the shooting phase. You may decide that only some of

it, so think carefully before giving the order to advance.

the models in a unit are going ro move this rurn. If this is the
case,declare which models are remaining starionary just before
you start moving the other rnodels of that unit. Remember that
rnodels must still maintain unit coherency.

D IFFE RINT M O\IEMENT DI STAI{CES

WITHINAUNIT
Sometirnes, a unit will contain models that move at different
speeds.vhen this is the case,each model can move up to its
maximum rnovement allowance so long as it remains in unit
coherency (see opposite).

MODELS INTHEWAY
A model cannot move within I " of an enemy model unless they
are charging into close combat in the Assault phase. To move
past, they must go around.

TURNINGAND

FACING

As you move the models in a unit, they can be turned on the

spot to face in any direction, without affecting the distance they
are able to cover, \Thilst the direction a rnodel is facing won't
impact its abiliry to shoor or charge into combat later in the
turn, it's always better to have it facing towards the enemy, just
as it would on a real battlefield.

MOVINGAND CTOSECOMBAT
units already locked in close combat with the enemy cannot
move during the Movement phase.

rFr

.rk,

CoHERET.IcY

LUxrr

{*,
/

//
/,/

-:

LJurr ConERENCY
\flhen you are moving a unit, its inclii'idual models can each
move up to their maximum mo\/ement distance. llol,vel'er,
units have to stick together, otherrvise indir.idual rnodels
become scatteredand the unit loses its cohesion as a fighting
force. So, once a unit has finished moving, the models
in it must form an imaginary

chain where the distance

between one model and the next is no rnore than 2" W'e
'unit
cail this
coherencl.'
During the course of a game, a unit can get broken up and lose
unit coherency, Llsuallvbecause it has taken casnaltiesfrom
,
it ^
l
f
I
i

WonB[Y MonEr, SnxnRoME

Sor neti m es y ou m a) ' fi nd that a par ti c ul ar pi ec e oi - ter r ai n
r nak es i t har c l to put a m odel ex ac tl y u,her e v ou \\r ant If r nou
del i c atel y bal anc e i t i n pl ac e, i t i s r ner ) .l i k el v to fal I as s oon as
s onr ebody nutl ges the tabl e, l eav i ng y our beauti ful l v pai nted
m i ni atur e dam aged or ev er l br ok en In c as esl i k e thi s , nnefl nd i t
i s per fec tl V ac c eptabl e to l ear ,e the nr odel i r r a s ater pos i ti on, as
'ac tual '
l oc ati on
l ong as both pl av er s hav e agr eed and k nor v i ts
If, later on, your enemy is considering shooting at tire model,
) nou r v i l 1 hav e to hol d i t bac k i n the pr oper pl ac e s o he c - an
check line of sight.

ircoming enemy fire. If thls happens,in their nert Movement

phase,the models in the unit must be rnoved in such a way that
they restore unit colrerency (or get as close as possible to having
restored coherencv). tf the unit cannot move in its next turn,
or is unable to restore unit coherency in a single turn, then the
rnodels must mo\re to restore unit coherency as soolf as they

u,fl-L

have the opportunity, including by running if they har,e that

o p t i o n ( s e ep a g e l 4 ) .

MOVINC

TIIROUCH

TERRAIN

In additiorr to the rules presented irr this section, certain tlrpes

\
I

grme, don't urorlT about these additional rules for norv. \flhen

of terrain can affect hoqr yolrr nrodels mo\re. If this is your first

1
'

you're ready to start using the rules for terrain, you'll find them
on page 90.
\r:

THESHooTING
PHaSE
'Thc

Empcrorwill not f udgcyoubyyourmedalsanddiplomas;

hcwill iudgcyoubyyourscars.

As the two armiesengageeachother,guns thunder ceaselessly,

and plasmablasts,shellsand shrapnelrain down on both sides.
In a S7arhammer40,000battle,we split up the firing so that
eachplayer'sforce fires during the Shootingphaseof his own
$ turn. During the Shooting phase, units armed with ranged
. weapons can fire at the enemy. You can choose any order for
your units to shoot, but you rnust complete all the firin gby one
t
$ unit before you move on to the next.
fb

NoUTNATEUNIT To Snoor
During the Shoodngphase,a unit containingmodelsarmedwith
rangedweaponscanbe norninatedto make shootingattacks.

WHOCAI{SHOOT?
prevent
amodelfromfiring.rhe most
:"Tffi:::lt"ns
. Their unit is locked in close cornbat with the foe.

The shooting process can be summarised in five steps, as

described below. Each step is explained in greater detail later

. Their unit is running (see page l4).

in this section. Once you've completed this shooting sequence

with one of your units, select another and repeat the sequence.
Once you have completed steps I to 5 for each unit in your

This is not a comprehensive list. Other garne rules or special

rules can sometimes affect a unit's ability to shoot - this is

army that you wish to make a shooting attack, carry on to the

explained thoroughly when it occurs.

Assault phase.

CnoosE n TnRGET
Once you have chosen the unit that you want to shoot with,

fr
filj

l l-E
11[.i

choose a target for them to shoot at. To do so, you must check
the range and line of sight from your unit to the enerny unit
you are targeting. Note that you may check the range and line
of sight to multiple enemy units before deciding which one ro
shoot at and declaring it to your opponent.

I,INE OF SIGHT
To target an enemy unit, at least one model must have line
of sight (see page 8) to at least one model in the target unit.
If no models have line of sight, then a different target must
be chosen.

CHECKRA}{GE
All weapons
havea maximumrange,whichis thefurrhest
distance they can shoot. At least one weapon must be in range
of the target unit. If no weapons are m range, then a different
target must be chosen. Flere are examples of weapon ranges:

Y_qlp"l

U*ri*g_tn*_g"s
l2
24
48

Laspistol
Boltgun
Autocannon
\fhen

checking range, simply measure from each firer to the

nearest visible model in the target unit. Any model that is found
to be out of range of all visible enemy models in the rarger unit
doesn't shoot - his shots would not be not accurate enough to
hit anything.

h-F#\-

WHICH MODETS CAN FIRE?

To Hit rolls are easy ro remember if you just subtract the Ballistic

Ary model that is found to be in range of at least one

Skill of the firing model from 7.This will give you the number
you need; e.g.a model with BS 2 needs to roll a 5 or more ("7-2=5).

visible enemy model in the target unit can fire. All models
in the unit must shoot at the same target unit. If a
model cannot shoot at the same target as the other models
in its unit, for any reason,then it cannot shoot at all in
that phase. A player can choose not to fire with certain
models if he prefers (as some models may have One lJse

Note that the rninimum roll needed To Hit is always at least 2.

\When rolling To Hit, there is no such thing as an automatic
hit and a roll of a I always misses (or, at the very least will
need re-rolling - see below). If several weapons have different

Only weapons, for example). This must be declared before

Strengths, special rules or AP values,use different coloured

rolling To Hit, as all of the models in the unit fire at

dice or roll them separately.

MOVINC8T SHOOTINC

are rolled together.

Nfhether a model has moved or not can make a blg difference tc

its ability to fire Some guns are so heavy that they can only be
used effectively if their firer halts completely to brace himself
or set up his weapon on the ground. This is explained in more
detail in the \ilZeaponssection (prg" 50). The most important
thing to remember is that the effect movement
shooting is applied on a model-by-model

has on

basis.

SNAP SHOTS
Under certain circumstances, models can only fire Snap Shots *
'snapped'
off in the general directior
opportunistic bursts of fire
of the target The most common occurrence of a Snap Shot is
when a model with a Heavy weapon, such as a heavy bolter,
moves and shoots in the same turn (seepage 5l formore on
Heavy weapons). If a model is forced to make Snap Shots
rather than shoot normally,

then its Ballistic

Skill is

counted as being I for the purpose of those shots. Some

weapon Vpes, such as Template and Ordnance) or those that
have certain special rules, such as Blast, cannot be fired as Snap
Shots. It's important to note that any shooting attack that does
not use a Ballistic Skill - such as the Necron Monolith's portal
'fi.red'
as a Snap Shot.
of exile - cannot be

+--*

BnrusTrc Sxur oF 6 on BETTER

Very rarely, a rnodel may have a Ballistic Skill of 6 or e\/en more
If a rnodel has BS 6 or higher, it gains a re-roll whenever it rolls a

RonTo Hlr

I To FIit with ranged attacks. The second roll usually has a lower

To determine if the firing modelhas hit its target, ro11a D6 for

each shot that is in range. Most models only get to fire one shot,
however, some weapons are capable of firing more than once)
as we'll explain in more detail later. The dice roll needed To

chance of hitting, and the number needed is given in the chart

below in italics after the slash.

Firer's BS
Roll neededTo Hit

7 8910
6
2/6 2/5 2/4 2/3 7/2

Hit will depend on how accurate the fi.rers are, as shown

by their Ballistic Skill (or BS). The chart below shows the
minimum

D6 roll needed to score a hit.

Firer's BS
Roll neededto hit

r2345
65+4+3+2+

Eorexamplqa modelwith BS 7firesa shotwith ttspistol.It

rollsa l, missing,butthanksto itsexceptionalgalltsticSl<ill,
it can re-rollthedice.Thistime,howevev
it won'thit otra 2 ot
better,butrotheron a 5 orbetter.
If a model has a special rule that already confers it a re-roll To Hit
(like a master-crafted weapon, for example), then that re-roll takes

Marine with a Ballistic

if thefiring modelis a Space
Eorexample,
shrll of 4,a rollof 3 or marewould sclreahit.

precedence and the chart above is not used. Instead, the chance oi
hitting with the re-roll ts the same as the first shot, depending on
the fi.ret'sBS Remember, a dice can only ever be re-rolled oncel

A rnpncnERous

rl
II

the same time regardlessof whether. or not all of the dice

UGHT IS AS DANGER.OUS AS A HUNDRED

BLILLETS.

RtrN
At times, warriors may have to quickly redeploy, literally running
from cover to cover or simply concentrating on movement and
giving up their chance to shoot. In their Shooting phase, units
may choose to Run instead of firing. Roll a D6 to determine the
maximum

Run distance for the entire unit. Models in the unit

may then immediately move up to that distance in inches. They

may choose to not move after the roll is made, but still count as
having Run.
Running movement is not slowed by difficult terrain but models
running through dangerous terrain must test as normal (see page
90). Units that Run in the Shooting phase cannot charge in the
following Assault phase.

RonToSUrouNn
Hitting your target is not always enough to put it out of action.

MUTTIPLE TOUGHNES S VAIUES

The shot might result in nothing more than a superfi cial graze
or flesh wound.

Quite rarely, a unit will contain models with differing

Toughness characteristics. \7hen this occurs, roll To \Wound

To determine whether a hit causesa telling amount of damage,

the target unit. If two or more Toughness values are tied for

compare the weapon's Strength

majoriry, use the highest of these tied values.

using the Toughness characteristic that is in the majority in

characteristic

target's Toughness characteristic

with the

using the To Wound

chart. The number indicated is the minimum

result on a
'-'

D6 needed to convert the hit into a \7ound. e value of

indicates that the target cannot be wounded by the Attack.

ii
Note that the minimum roll needed To

l.

'Wound

is always at

least 2. \X/hen rolling To N[ound, there is no such thing

automatic

as an

$lround and a roll of a I always fails.

Each weapon has its own Strength value, which is given in

its profile or in the description of the weapon. Here are some
examples of different weapons and their Strength characteristics.

'Weapon
Boltgun
Plasmagun
lascannon

Strength

4
7
9

Eoyexample,a Space
Marine with aboltgun shoots
at an OrLe
and hits him. Aboltgun hasa Strengthof 4 and the orhhas
aToughness
of 4.Referringtothe chart,a resultof 4 or moreis
needed
to conuertthe hit into damage.tf the roll is 4 or more,the
Orl<tahesaWound.

tu_-_
s----..t"l4

Eorexarnple,
Nogg'sGrot Mob containsseveralGretchin
(roughness
3) and an orhkuntherd (Toughness
4), sothe
Gretchin'sToughness
of 3 rsusedfor all models,Ifthereareonly
two models(the krntherd and a singleGretchin)when the rollsTo
wound aremade,the Orh'sToughness
of 4 is usedfor bothmodels.

+rt!-T.-

THE$'TOITND
POOL
'$7'ounds
Finally,total up the number of
you havecaused.
Keepthe dice that havescored\Woundsand createa'pool',
where eachdice representsa \(ound. If there are$Tounds
with different Strengths,AP valuesor specialrules,keep them
separatedinto groupsof \Tounds in the pool. If all the \Tounds
arethe same,the'!V'oundpool will consistof only one group.

ryF

urryGFsl

;i''t

AnocArE WouNDs 8r
RnuovE CnsunrTrns
To determine how many casualtiesare caused,you will need to
allocate the \Tounds caused and resolve any saving throws the
target is allowed. For now, we're going to assume that all the
models in the target unit have the same saving throq'. If this is
not the case,the method is slightly different, but we'll come to
that later (see Mixed Savesbelow).
TnxE SevrNc Tnnows
First of all, the target unit gets to rnake one saving throw, if it has
one (seepage l5), for each tVound being resolved. Make a note
of how many unsaved -Vounds have been caused.

Anocerr Uuser,nn$Urouuos& RruovE CnsuerTrEs

Next, allocate an unsaved !(ound to the enemy model closest to
the firing unit. Reduce that model's Wounds by l. If the model is
reduced to 0 W'ounds, remove it as a casualry.Continue allocating
unsaved srounds to the closest model until there are no rnore
tVounds left, or the whole unit has been removed as casualties.
Eor exampLe,a unit of SpaceMarines is parttally in a foresttuhen
The forestgrants n couersnue
amhushedby shoota-tvteLdingorlcs.
of 5+ (seepage l8), but their Arrnour Snueof 3+ is better.Therefore,
and roll all of them together.They
they all usetherr Armour SAUes
failthree snvesand sothe thveemodels c\osesttothe orks are
aLlocatedtheWounds and removed&sc&suaLties.

AuocerE'W'ouuns
First, allocate a'Wound ftom the

RaNnou

'W.ound

pool to the enemy

model closest to the firing unit.

AnocATrolr

At times, you will not be able to tell which model is closest.

This usually happens when two or more models are equidistant
from the shooting unit, but can also occur if the position of the

Ser,'Es & Rruo\rE CesuerrrEs

The model gets to rnake a saving throw, if lt has one (seepage
Texr

attacker is unclear, such as with the Tyranid Mawloc's Terror

l5) ff it fails, reduce that model's Wounds try l. If the model is

From the Deep special rule, a Callidus Assassin'sPolyrnorphine

reduced to 0 W'ounds, remove it as a casualtv.

special rule or any attack said to use Randorn Allocation.

Continue allocating ttZounds to the closest model, taking sa\res
In these instances,randomly determine which model is treated
as being the closest- that model remains the closest until the
affack ends or the model is slain. If the model is slain and there
are stil1 'J7ounds left to allocate, simply randomise again if needs
be. If two or more models are equidistant from a firing unit,

and removing casualties until the W'ound pool is empry, or all

models in the unit have been removed as czrsualties.
$flouxo Poor
W'hen the \ffound pool is empty, the shooting attack has been

EuprrEn

randomise only between those equidistant models. Otherwise,

completely resolved.You can begin your next shooting attack, c r

randomise between all of the models in the target unit.

proceed to the Assault phase.

Errrsrrrn Wotrun Poor

.W'hen
the W'ound pool is empty, the shooting attack has been
completely resolved.You can begin your next shooting attack,

Mrxnn WouNrDS
'Wound

pool contains groups of

lf, after rolling To \flound, the
.Wounds
with different Strengths, AP values or special rules, then

or proceed to the Assault phase.

each of these grollps is resolvecl separatelv, using the relevant

MIXED SAVES
If the target unit contains several different saving throws, you'll

methocl described above You, as the shooting player, get to

choose the order in which these groups are resolved This allor,vs

need to follow this process instead of the one presented above.

yor-ito place yolrr shots u'here they'l1 do the most damagel Qnce

This method is a little slower, but ensures every model gets full

one group of $Tounds has been resolved, sirnply mo\re on to the

benefit of whatever savesit is entitled to.

next until the W'ound pool is empty

A coop

DEATH EARNS tHE

EupERoR's

BLESSTNG.

r)*::

--*Ti

Loor Or-rr,Srn

OUTOFRANICE

tVhen a.W'ound (or unsaved'Wound) is allocated ro one of your

As long as a model was in range of the enemy when To Hit rolls

characters, and there is another model from the same unit within

were made, he is considered to be in range for the duration of

6", he's allowed a look Out, Sir attempt. This represents the
character ducking back further into the unit, holding a comrade in

the Shooting attack, even if the removal of casualties means that

the line of fi.re, or being pushed aside by a selfless ally. If no model

the closest model now lies out of range.

is in range, then you cannot make a look Out, Sir attempt.

OUTOF SIGHT

To make a Look Out, Sir attempt, rol1a D6.

If no models in the firing unit can see a particular model, then

. On a roll of 3 or less, the look Out, Sir attempt fails.

\t/ounds cannot be allocated to it, and must be instead allocated

to the nearest visible model in the target unit. If there are no
visible models in the target unit, all remaining
in the pool are lost and the shooting

. On a roll of 4+,the look Out, Sir attempt is successful.

S7ounds

You must pick a model from the same unit within

attack ends.

6"

and resolve the W'ound against them instead. This can

even be a model that is out of range or line of sight of the

INSTA}{T DEATH

Shooting attack.

Even though a creature might have rnultiple \7ounds, there

are plenty of weapons in the 4lstMillenniurn

If the unit only consists of characters, a look Out, Sir attempt can

that are powerful

still be rnade, with one character within 6" taking the place of the

enough to kill it instantly. If a model suffers an unsaved

erstwhile victim if the roll is passed. Only one Look Our, Sir attempt
can be made per'!7'ound allocated - once the \7ound has been
transferred (or not), no further attempts to reallocate it can be made.

Wound from an Attack that has a Strength value of double

its Toughness value or greater (after modifiers), it is reduced
to 0'Wounds and removed as a casualty. rt can be imagined
that the creature is vaporised, burned to ash, blasted limb from

flfP

hmb or otherwise mortally slain in a suitably graphic fashion.

TypEs oF SnvrNGTsnosr/s
Few warriors take to the battlefield without some form
of protection, whether it is a suit of armour or an energy
force field. Furthermore, the battlefield itself can also offer
protection. All these forms of protection are represented by
saving throws (sometimes called saves),as we'Il now discuss.

ARMOURSAVES
Most troops wear some sort of protective clothing or armour,
even if it's only a helmet! Some creatures may have a form of
natural protection, such as a chitinous exoskeletons or thick
bony plates. If a model has an Armour Save characteristic of
6+ or better on its profi.le, it is allowed a further dice roll ro see
if the armour prevents the \[ound. This is called an armour
saving throw, or armour save,for short.
To take an armour save,roll a D6 and compare the results to the

Fesr DrcE

Armour Save characteristic of the model that has been allocated

Even in units with mixed saves,it is not always necessary to

the \7ound.

allocate W'ounds one at a time. You can instead allocate them in

groups equal to however many models with the same, best save
are nearest to the firing unit

. If the dice result is equal ro or higher than the model's

Armour Save characteristic, the Wound is stopped.

Eor example,a unit of 17 OrhBoyz (Armour Save6+) incLuding an Oyh

Nob with'eavy arrnour (Armour Sove4+) comesunder attack from a
unit of Imperial Guard.They sufferq total of 8tX/oundsfrom the massed
Iasgunfire. Rother than allocate'Woundsone at a time, the OrLzplayer
sees
that there arc 5 Orhs with the same saueat thefront of the unit,
beforegettingto a different sauefor the Orlc Xob. He then pichsup and
yolls6 savingthrows,farls 4 of them and remouesthe 4 nearestOrlcs.
This Leavestw o W ounds in the'W ound pool and tw o Oyk s before getting
to the Orlc Nob. Therefore,he rolls the final two saves,fails both and
removestwo more Orhs.

. If the result is lower than the Armour Save value, the

armour fails to protect its wearer and it suffers a \7ound.
This means that, unlike other characteristics, an Armour
Save is befter if it is a lower number.
Eor exampLe,a SpaceManne weqnngpower armlur ishit and
wounded.Poweraymour grants fln flTynoursaueof 3+, so aD6 is
rolled resuLtingin a scoreof 5.The damage is thereforesaved,and the
spaceManne is unharmed - the shotbouncesoff hrsplwer a.wnlur.

UBT IS THE FATAL FLAW IN

ARIUOUR.

EvnN A MAN wHo

The following table shows how the minimum

HAs NoTHING

cAN srILL

D6 score required

oFFER HIs LIFE.

. If the weapon's Armour Piercing value is equal to

or lower than the model's Armour Save,then it is

varies between three types of armour:

sufficiently powerful to punch straight through the

Armour Type

Sv

armour; the target gets no armour save at all. The armour

Tyranid chitin
Imperial Guard flak armour
SpaceMarine power armour

6+
5+
3+

is ineffective against the shot.

. If the weapon's Armour Piercing value is higher than the
armour, the target can take his save as normal.

Anr"roun PrEncrNc WEAPoNs

Some powerful weapons are quite capable of punching through

Eor example,aboltgun (AP 5) can pierceArmour Savesof 5+ or 6+.

even the thickest armour. This is shown by a weapon having

Aheauybolter (AP 4) can pierceArmour Savesof 4+,5+ or 6+.

an Armour Piercing characteristic, usually referred to as AP.

SA\IES

Nearly all weapons have an Armour Piercing value. Some

INVI.]LNERABI.,E

sample AP values for different weapons are shown below:

Sorne warriors are protected by more than mere physical

armour. They may be shielded by force fields, enveloped in

Veapon
Boltgun
Heavy bolter
Lascannon

AP

mystical energies or have a metabolism that can shrug off hits

5
4
2

that would put holes in a battle tank. Models with wargear or

abilities like these are allowed an invulnerable saving throw.
Invulnerable

saves are different

to armour

saves because

The AP rating indicates the Armour Save the weapon can

ignore - so lower means more powerful. A weapon shown as
'AP -'
has no Armour Piercing value and will never ignore a

they may always be taken whenever the model suffers a

Wound - the Armour Piercing value of attacking weapon ;

target's Armour Save.

invulnerable saving throw can sdll be taken.

has no effect. Even if a \found

ignores all armour saves,an

Succrss rs MEAsUREDrN

*\
j'

,l

CO\IER SAVES
Often, you'll find enemy models are partially hidden or obscured

Funher examplescan be found in the Coverchart below and in

the BattlefieldTerrain section(seepage90).

by terrain, also known as being in cover. Cover shields ffoops

against flying debris and enemy shots, enabling them to get

Covnn CHART

their heads down or crawl amongst the ruins and (hopefully)

Cover Type
Razorwire
Forestsand areaterrain
Ruins, ruined fortifications and trenches
Fortifi.cations

avoid harrn. !7here this is the case,the model will be entitled to

a cover save.Cover saving throws are not affected by the AP
value of an attacking

weapon, so units in cover get a saving

throw regardless of what's fi.ring at them.

Save
5+
5+
4+
3+

DErEnrurNrNG Covsn Sevrs

Before deploying their armies, it is a very good idea for players

If, when you come to allocate a Wound, the target model's body

to go through all the terrain pieces on the battlefield quickly

(as defined on page 8) is at least 25%obscured from the point

and agree what kind of cover each will offer.

of view of at least one fi.rer, Wounds allocated to that model

recelve a cover save.

hvrEnvENrNG Moonrs

TvpEs or Covsn Sevns

models from a third

The fype of cover save a model receives depends on exactly

or from the target unit), it receives a 5+ cover save in the

If a target is partially

hidden from the firer's view by

unit (rnodels not from the firer's unit,

what he is sheltering behind. For example, a soft obstacle (like

same way as if it was behind terrain. Similarly, if a model fires

a bloodthorn hedge) that would hide soldiers behind it, but

through the gaps between models in an intervening unit, the

would not even slow down enemy shots, confers a 5+ cover

target is in cover, even if it is completely visible to the fi.rer.

save. Purpose-built fortifications confer a 3+ cover save and

Note that this does not apply if the shots go over the unit rather

most other things confer a4+ or 5+ cover save.

than through it.

This does not mean that intervening models literally stop the
shots, but rather that they obscure the target and spoil the
fi.rer's aim. A successful cover save in this case might mean

Go ro GnouND
If warriors come under heavy fire, they may decide to keep their
heads down to try to stay alive a little longer while they wait for
extraction or reinforcements. After the enemy has rolled To Hit
and To \7ound

against any of your units, but before any saves are

that the fi.rer has not shot at all, missing the fleeting moment
when the target was in its sights. This is because,in the case
of intervening friends, the firer would be afraid of hitting his
comrades, while in the case of interyening enemies, the firer is
distracted by the rnore immediate threat.

made ot \Tounds allocated, you can declare that the unit is going
to ground. To represent this, place a suitable marker next to the

Scenic rocks and other decorative elements that players might

unit as a reminder,

have placed on the bases of their models are always ignored

from the point of view of determining cover. You cannor take

. Models in a unit that has gone to ground lmrnediately

your cover with you!

receive +l to their cover saving throws.

l,'

. Models that are not currently in a position that would

give them a cover save can still Go to Ground by diving to

Note the exception that, in the same way as they can trace
line of sight through members of their own unit, models can

the floor (or some other evasion technique) and receive a

always shoot through

6+ cover save.

conferring

A unit that has gone to ground cannot move, Run or charge. It

can only fire Snap Shots when it wishes to shoot, and can fi.re
Overwatch. At the end of its following turn, the unit returns
to normal, the marker is removed and the unit is free to act as
normal from then on.

or receiving

members

of their own unit without

a cover save.

Focus Frnr
Sometimes, a target unit will only be partially in cover, with
some of its models in cover and some not. In this case,you have
a choice: your unit can either shoot at the squad as a whole, or
you can declare that they will Focus Fire on the enemies who

'Wzhilst it has gone to ground, a unit reacts normally if affected by

are less hidden. If you choose to Focus Fire, you must state

enemy actions (for example, it takes Morale checks as nonnal). If

your intention

the unit is forced to rnove, for example they have to Fall Back, it
returns to normal immediately - remove the marker. If assaulted,

before making

any rolls To Hit.

penalty for assaulting a unit in difficult terrain (see page 22).If a

If you choose to Focus Fire, choose a cover save value. This

can be between 2+ and 5+. Your opponent can only allocate
'STounds
to models with a cover save equal to or worse (i.e

unit goes to ground from Overwatch fire (see page 2l), then the

a higher value) than the value stated.

the unit will fight as usual, but because they are not set to receive
the enemy charge, enemy units do not receive the Initiative

charge automatically fails.

.'-+

Alternatively, you can declare Focus Fire irgainst models with

MODETS W'ITH MORE THAN ONE SAVE

rf you de.clnrethat t'ou tt,ill FocusFire

no cover save.EoTexam1rle,
of 4+, Wounds (Ltn onlj,b* cillocstt:dto modelst,uifh a
0n cTversflue-s

Sometirnes, a model unill have a normal arrrtour sa\/eand a

separateinvulnerable sa\Ie- a good example is a SpaceMarine

c l u e r s o t / eo f 4 + , 5 + , 5 + 0 1 ^ l i or o u i t ls' ( t u ea t a L I .

Captain r,l'hois protected by both po\,\rerartxour and a force

field from his Irorr Halo. As if this wasn't etrough, the rnodel

In order to fire, a model must be in range of an enemy tirat can

have a *ffound allocated to it. A blast rnarker must be centred
over a model that can have a \ff/ound allocated to it (but catlses

rnight be in cover as u'e11.In these cases,a nrodel only ever

a number of hits equal to tire number of models underneath it,

regardlessof whether or not they can have -ff/ounds allocated to
them, see page 33). Note that )roll i,vork ollt \4/hich models in tire
target unit can have \fi/'oundsallocated to them at the time the

gets to make one saving throw, but it hirs the advantage ol

always using the best available save.
ttr(lsstttrldirrgin n
if the Cnptntn deswihed,tbol,r'
Fot'r:xntnple,
AP:l
ttrt'tlpoll,his pott'trt'
n,,
n'oundedh)'
snd
w'as
fortfiedhuilding
fo
ruould Lreof n0 use,a-sfht: shot'sAP is i t"LLttlllrt't'equnl
ttr't't't0L4t'

Focus Fire is declared.tf the unit subsequently choosesto Go

Tlre forr;ttf rrldgt'irttf-srr 4 +

or lirn,erthan thnt of h is frrmar,n'sflt/e.

to Grourrd, this u'ill not alter,,vhich models can have Wounds

gt'rrtttsil 3+ rot/t't'
r, the fortfied Lrurl,,iittg
rnt,ulnerablesnr/e.Hortrr:ue

ailocated to thern e\ren though their co\/er save has changed.

sofht
sdue.Nt:ither of ihesesdt/ests *ffectedbytht: AP of tht' ttrtrdpoll'
fo gi rrehtnt ihe best dturtt of sttttitrittg
Cnptain usr:sfhe [r]r/r'r-sflr/e

Eor example,if you declart:thdt ),ou wtll Focr'tsEire on modelsw,ith

to modelsw,ith no
tLl rctJer'sflr/e)tt)floundscan anl1,be nlLocated
to Go to Groun d, then Wourrd-s
coi,tersclve.lJthe target then chooses
can still be allocatetlto the mode.lsthat had no rlver snLtenhen tht

If a model r-anbenefit fiom drffererrt types e,fcot'er, for example,

save)ancJa banicade
beirrg behind a bloodthorn iredge ('6+co-,ner
(4+).,the model usesthe best covel sa\/eavailable(,inthis case4+,1

ForusFirr: runscleclnrt-deLrenthough they noLuhave fl clver silLre

MA}ilMUM

SAVE

This is a good \4,ayof causing casualties,but means yDtl have

Some models gain additional benefits fi-om ntles that may

no chance at all of killing the models with better co\rer than

increase anl'of their Sa\/esby *l or +2 or e\ren more Flou'e\ner,

those yor-lhave focused on. \flounds cattsedby Focus Fire must

no save (armour, cover or invulnerable)

still follou' the normal allocation order. You ignore the rnodels

improved beyond 2+. Regardlessof u'hat is giving the model

u'hose cover savesare better than r+'hatyou've focused on.

its save,a roll of I always fai1s.

can ever be

THEASSAULT
PHaSE
'Thcre

is no pcaccamongstthc stars,only an cternity of carnagc

andslaughterandthc laughtcrof thirsting gods.'

\7hile firepower alone may be enough to drive an enemy

CHIRGE Sug-PHAsE

back from open ground or lightly held positions, shifting a

It's tirne for your warriors to hurl themselves into close

combat and carry the day through bitter rnelee.

determined foe from a fortified bunker or ruined settlement

will need more direct measures. In an assault,troops storm
forwards into a furious close combat, screaming their

To resolve a charge, use the following procedure:

battle cries, eager to strike at their foes with shrieking

chainswords, glittering power weapons (and not a few gun
butts, knives and desperate fists).

. First, pick one of your units, and declare which enemy

unit it wishes to charge.
'Then, the target enemy unit gers to make a special kind of
Shooting attack called Overwatch (see opposite).
' once overwatch is resolved, roll the charge distance for
the unit and, if it is in range, move it into contact with the
enemy unit - this is sometimes called 'launching an assault'.
once this has been done, you can either choose to declare a
charge with another unit, or proceed to the Fight sub-phase.

DECTARE CHARGE
choose a unit in your army that is declaring a charge and
nominate the enemy unit(s) it is attempting to charge. A unit
can never declare a charge against a unit that it cannot
reach, nor can it declare a charge against a unit that it
cannot see. This rneans that a charge can usually only be
declared on a unit up to 12" away (the maximum charge range
for most models, as we'll discover later).
some units are disallowed from charging. common reasons a
unit is not allowed to declare a charge include:
. The unit is already locked in close combat (see page 23).
. The unit ran in the Shooting phase (see page l4).
. The unit has gone to ground (see page l8).
. The unit shot Rapid Fire weapons, Salvo weapons,
Ordnance weapons or Heavy weapons in the Shooting
phase (seepages 5l-52).This even applies if Snap Shots
were made with these weapons.
. The unit is falling back (see page 30).
In addition to the above, a unit that fired in the shooting
phase can only charge the unit that it targeted during
that turn's Shooting phase.

CHARGEMO\IE
The charging unit now moves into close combat with the unit(s)
it has declared a charge against - this is called a charge move.
MovrNc

CuencrNc

MooErs

Charging units must attempt to engage as rnany opposmg

models in the enemy unit as possible with as many of their
models as possible - no holding back or trying to avoid terrain!
All of the models in a charging unit make their charge move
- up to the 2D6 distance you rolled earlier - following the same
rules as in the Movement
theycanbe

movedwithin

phase, with the exception

l" of enemymodels.

that

Charging

models still cannot move through friendly or enemy models,

RESOT\TEO\IERST/ATCH

cannot passthrough gaps narrower than their base,and cannot

Few warriors sit idly by when an enemy horde descends

move into base contact with enemy models from a unit they are

upon them, but let fly with every weapon at their command.

not charging.

Though such shots are often inaccurate (there's not much

IlrrrrAr

Cnencrn

time to aim, and there's something distinctly off-putting about

Movs

the onset of a bellowing foe), each has a chance of felling an

Start each charge by moving the initial charger from the

charger is always the model

enemy and altering the balance of the ensuing melee before

charging unit. The initial

it even begins. In fact, a particularly lucky burst of Overwatch

nearest to the enemy (as measured by the shortest possible

fire can rob a charge of so much momentum that it comes to a

route, going around impassable terrain, friendly models and

stumbling halt!

enemy models in other units).

As soon as a charge has been declared against one of your units,

Move the initial charger into contact with the nearest enemy

that unit can immediately fi.re Overwatch at the would-be

attacker - it doesn't have to, but it's often a good idea.

model in the unit being charged, using the shortest possible

route. Roll for dangerous terrain if necessarf, and if the model
is killed by . Dangerous Terrain test (see page 90), choose a new

An Overwatch attack is resolved like a normal shooting attack

initial charger and try again.

(albeit one resolved in the enemy's Assault phase) and uses

all the normal rules for range, line of sight, cover savesand
so on. Unlike a normal shooting attack, Overwatch
cause Morale checks or Pinning
as Overwatch

cannot

tests. Any shots fired

After moving the first model in the unit, you can move the
others in any sequence you desire, providing you abide by the
following conditions:

can only be fired as Snap Shots (see page 13

. A charging model must end its charge move in unit

for more on Snap Shots). Therefore, weapons and models that

coherency with another model in its own unit that has

cannot fire Snap Shots cannot fire Overwatch.

already moved.
Ovsrurercn

REsrRrcrroNS

It's worth pointing out that units that are locked in close
combat cannot fire Overwatch - we can assume that other

. If possible, a charging model must move into base contact

events have their full attention. Also note that a unit being

base contact with another charging model. If there are no

charged may only fi.re Overwatch

with an enemy model within reach that is not already in

such enemy models in reach, the model must move into

once per turn.

base contact with an enemy model that is already in base

ROTLCHARGE

RA}TGE

contact with a charging model.

Once all Overwatch shots have been resolved, the controller of

.If a charging model cannot reach any enemy models, it

the charging unit rolls to determine his unit's charge distance.

There are myriad factors that can speed or slow a charging unit

must try to move within 2" of one of its own unit's models

as it launches itself forward.

that is already in base contact with an enemy.Ifthis

is

impossible, it must simply stay in coherency.

Roll 2D6.This is your charge range - the number
your assaulting
so remember

of inches

unit can charge. This total is important,

it. ff a unit has models that roll differently for

If you follow this sequence, you will end up with all the
models in the charging unit in unit coherency, having

their charge range, the whole unit must charge at the speed of

engaged as many enemy models as possible with as many

the slowest model.

charging models as possible.

TlrsRE rs No suBsrrrurE

FoR zEAL.

Tnoucrrr

CrnncrNc

Tnnoucu

DrrFrcu[T

s.:hrilr,fu.

BEGETs HEREsy;

TEnnen r

HEREsy

CnencrNc

BEGETs RETRIBUTToN.

Tnnoucn

DencERous TEnnerN

If, when charging, one or more rnodels have to rnove through

If, when chargingr any model in a charging unit goes through

di{ficult terrain, the unit must make a Difficult Terrain test (see

dangerous teffain, that model must immediately take a

page 90). However, to represent the uneven pace of a charge,

Dangerous Terrain test (seepage 90).

the unit rolls 3D6, rather than 2D6, and uses the two lowest
results as its charge range.

FerrEn CHencE

E o r e x a m p l e , P h a l a n xl 0 0 0 l l l t , a u n i t o f N e c r o n W a r r i o r s ,i s

If the initial charger is found to be further than its charge range

from the enemy, the charge fails and no models are moved.

charging through a forest. They roll lns, resulting in 2, 4 nnd 6.

The 6 is discarded,and the remaining dice are added togetherfor a

DECLARE NEXTCHARGE

total charge rnnge of 6" Q+a).

Once all the models in a chargrng unit have rnoved, the player
can choose another unit and declare another charge if he wishes.

S[arriors who charge through difficult terrain are sublect

to deadly salvoes of close range fire and must advance more

ENDINC THE CHARGE SUB-PHASE

cautiously. To represent this, if. at least one model in the

Once you have launched all of the charges you wish ro, the

charging

Charge sub-phaseis ended. Move on to the Fight sub-phase.

unit moved through

difficult

terrain

as part

of its charge move, all of the unit's models must attack

at Initiative

step l, regardless of other Initiative modifiers.

Remember that charging models must engage as many enemies

Frcur Sun-PHAsE

in the target unit as possible.

With all the assaultslaunched, ir's time to strike blows! How

effective creatures are in close combat depends almost entirely
on their physical characteristics - how fast, srrong, tough and
ferocious they are. In close combat, armour remains useful for
warding off your enemies' attacks, but ranged weapons become a
secondary consideration - the best gun in the galaxy won't save
you I your opponent is bashing yoff brains out with a rock!

CHOOSEACOMBAT
There may be several separate assaultsbeing foughr at the same
time in different parts of the battlefield. ffthis is the case,the
player whose turn it is chooses the order to resolve the
combats, cornpleting

each combat before moving

on to

the next one, and so on until all combats are resolved.

FIGHTCTOSE COMBAT
rn close combat, both players'models fight. Attacks in close
combat work like shots in shoodng - each Amack that hits has
a chance to wound. The wounded rnodel gets a chance ro save,
and if it fails, is (generally) removed as a casualty. How many
blows are struck and who strikes first is detailed later.

Iurrrerrw Srnps
In close combat, slow, lumbering opponents can often be
dispatched quickly by faster and more agile foes. Flowever,
many ponderous opponents are tough enough to withstand
a vicious pummelling and keep corning back for more. To
represent this, a rnodel's Initiative determines when he attacks
in close combat. work your way through the rnitiative
values of the models engaged in the combat, starting with
the highest and ending with the lowest. This means that
each combat will have ten Initiative steps, starting at Initiative
l0 and working down to Initiative I . You'll rarely have models
fighting at all of the Initiative steps, so just skip any that don't
apply. Remernber that models that charged through difficult
terrain fight at Initiative step l.

.r*"#L

TheAssaultPhas
To Puwrsrr rnE TnaltoR

Srnnr op IuruATrvE

rs Rsruno

rN rrsELF.

Models make their attacks when their Initiative

SrEp Prrr Iu

step

At the start of each Initiative step, any modei whose Initiative

is reached, assuming they haven't alreadybeen killed

is equal to the value of the current Initiative step, that isn't

by r model with a higher Initiative! If both sideshave

already in base contact with an enemy model, must rnake a Pile

models with the same Initiative, their attacksare made

In move. A Pile In move is a 3" move that is performed in the

simultaneously. Note that certain situations,abilities and

following order:

weapons can modify a rnodel's Initiative.

. First, any models Pile In if this will bring them into base
contact with an enemv.
. Second, ?ny models Pile In if this willbring

them to within

2" ofa friendlv model in base contact with an enemy

t

. Any remaining models that are not in base contact with

one or more enemy models and have yet to Pile In must

of
SpaceMarrne TacticalSquadAdrax cottsists
EorexampLe,
qnd
(.Inttratiue
4).
Sergeant
4
Marines
Space
SergeantAdrax
Adraxhasa plwer fist (the LJnwreldyspecialrule of *,htch
him to sttack.at InrtiatruestepI ). Squad Adraxcharges
cnL4ses
d mob of tOorles(lnttiatiue2). The Space
Choppas,
Gnashrag's
Orksnt
Marinesstrikefirst at Inrttatle step4,folLttu,,,edhy'the
esw,ith hts potu,er
Inrtiative step2, then SergeantAdraxstl'ile
fis
Lastat Inittntruestepl.

now do so, and must attempt to get as close aspossibie to

one or more of the enemy units locked in this combat.

Unengaged Models
Unengaged models cannot attack in close combat - they're

These moves follow the same rules as moving charging

too far from the crush of battie.

models, except that they are not slowed by difficult terrain

(though it rnay sdll trigger Dangerous Terrain tests). Also,
a Pile In move cannot be used to contact units that are not
already involved in the assault.
$lthen making

Pile In moves, the player whose turn it

is moves his unit(s) fi.rst. If both players' Pile In rnoves

combined would be insufficient to bring any combatants back
together (that's more than 6" - very unlikely!), the assaultcomes
to an end. All remaining Initiative steps are lost - work out the
assaultresult as described on page 26.

W'uo CeN Frclrr?

Units that have one or more models in base contact with
enemies are locked in combat. \XZhilea unit is locked in
combat, it rnay only make Pile In moves and cannot otherwise
move or shoot. At the start of each Initiative step, you must
work out whether or not a model locked in combat is also
engaged,as described below.
A model is engaged in combat, and must fight if:
. During its Initiative step, it is in base contact with one or
more enemv models.
. During its Initiative stepr it is within 2" of a friendly

\ilflrro Cex Frcnr?

Nl of the Guardians in base contact with a Space Marine, as
well the ones within 2" of a Guardian that is in base contact

model in base contact with one or more enemy models in

with a Space Marine, are engaged and can therefore attack. The

the same combat.

remaining Guardians (circled in reci) cannot attack.

NurnrsER oF Arrecxs
\7hen their Initiative step is reached, models with that
Initiative who are still alive rnust attack.
Each engaged model makes a number
indicated

on its characteristics

of Attacks (A) as

profi.le, plus the following

bonus Attacks:
. +l Charge Bonus: Engaged models that charged this
turn get + I Attack this turn. Remember that models in
units that made a disordered charge (seepage 27) do not
get this bonus.
. +l Trnro$/eapons: Engaged rnodels with t'wo singlehanded weapons (often a Melee weapon andf or pistol
in each hand) get + I Attack. Models with more than two
weapons gain no additional benefit; you only get one extra
Attack, even if you have four anns and a sword in each.

. Other bonuses: Modelsmay haveother specialrules

and wargearthat confer extraAttacks.
Eorexample,
a unit offve Space
ManneswithboLtersrollfiuedice
combat.tf theywerecharEng,howeuer,
they
for their Attachsin close
would roll ten dice(l Attachon theirprofile+l for chargrng=2 each).
Alternattvely, a unit of fiue Orks wrth two Melee wenpons rolls
fifteen dice (2 Attackson their profle +l for two weaplTlS= 3 each).
If they were chargtng,howeuer,they wouLd roll twenty (2 AttacLts
on their profiIe +l for assauLting+l for two weaplns = 4 each!).
RonrNc

Eorexample,
a mobof 20Gretchin(weapon shilLZ) Ledbyan orh
kuntherd (weaponshill4) areall engaged
in a combat.sincethe
Gretchinarein the majority, Attach"s
againstthe unit ayeresolued
usingtheirVeapon Skill 0f 2 - the kmtherd cAn'tpreventthe
Gretchingettinghit.

To Hrr

To determine
each Attack

whether

hits are scored, roll a D5 for

a rnodel gets to make and cornpare the \I(/S

of the attacking

model with

the $7S of the target unit.

Then, consult the To Hit chart on this page to fi.nd the

minimum

result needed on a D5 To Hit.

'When
the modelsottack,theycalculatetheir lwn resultsrequired
To Hitbasedon their indiuidualYleaponSLtiILs.
So,whenthe
cretchin and Runtherdattachtheir enemies,
the Gretchinwill
hit based0n n companson
of their weapon Shill2 and the enemy's
weapon shill, while the Runtherdwill c0mp6rehtsweaponshill4
with theenemy's.

It is worth explaining the mechanic behind the chart:

if the target's \7S is lower than the attacker's, he is hit on 3+; if
the target's \WS is equal or up to twice as high as the aftacker's,
he is hit on 4+; and if it is more than twice as high, he hits on 5+.
tX/here the same roll To Hit is needed, the dice should be rolled
together (use different coloured dice for Attacks with different
Strengths, AP etc.),as this speedsup the game. In the previous

Ronruc

example, the Ork player therefore rolls all twenty dice at once.

Not all of the Attacks that hit will harm the enemy - they may
merely gtaze or inflict a flesh wound. As with shooting, once

Units Sfith

Different

S/eapon Skills

A few units contain models with different Weapon Skills.

rWrhilst each model in such a unit rolls To Hit using its

To'Wouun

you have scored a hit with an Attack, you musr roll a D6 for each
successful hit to see if you cause a \7ound and damage your foe.

own Weapon Skill, Attacks made against such a unit are

Consult the chart on the next page, cross-referencirg

resolved using the $fleapon Skill of the majority of the

engaged enemy models. If two or more \il[eapon Skill values

the attacker's Strength characteristic

Toughness. The chart indicates the minimum

are tied for majodry, use the highest of those tied values.

D6 roll required to inflict

- +- *-,..*--?.Ar-.F**

\-#

a'wound,

with the defender's

result on a

and is just like the one in

TheAssaultPhasc

Auocerruc

'$7'oIrNDS

After determining the number of tVounds inflicted against a

unit at a particular Initiative stp, \Tounds are allocated,saves
taken and casualtiesremoved. Wounds are allocated and
resolved starting with the closest model, just like in the
Shooting phase. However, as you'll often have many models in
base contact with the enemy, there will be many models tied for
the privilege of dying first.
To resolve casualrv removal. allocate each-$ilound as follows:
. A \flound must be allocated to an enemy model in base
contact with a model aftacking at that Initiative step.
If there is more than one eligible candidate, the player
connolling the models being attacked chooseswhich
model it is allocated to. Roll the model's saving throw
(tf it has one) and remove the casualty (if necessary).
. If there are no enemy models in base contact with a model
attacking at that Initiative step, the'$il'ound is allocated to
the next closest enemy model. If several enemy models
are the same distance awaf tthen their controlling player
chooses which is allocated the Vound, as above
'S7'ound
allocated to it, you must continue to
Once a model has a
allocate \ilZounds to it until it is either rernoved as a casualty or the
the Shooting phase section. A'-' indicates that the target cannot

Wound pool is empry. Note that it is possible for all of the models

be til(Zoundedby the Attack. In most cases,when rolling To

in the target unit to be hit, wounded and killed, including those

N(ound in close combat, you use the Strength on the attacker's

that are not engaged.You can speed r'rpthis process by allocating

'S?'ounds
in groups (see Fast Dice, page 16).

profile regardless of what weapon he is using. There are some

Melee weapons that give the attacker a Strength bonus, and this
is explained later in the Weapons section (see page 50).
Eor example,rn a unit containing Gretchin and an Orh"Runtherd,
the Gretchin's Attack"sare made wtth thetr puny Sfuenglh of Z,but
the Runtherd's Attacks use his Strength of 3.
Remember to use different coloured dice or otherwise
distinguish between the \Tounds that have different special rules
attached to them (lik. those inflicting Instant Death or those that
ignore Armour Saves),asyou would do in the Shoodng phase.
Multiple

Toughness Values

Quite rarely, a unit will contain rnodels that have different

Toughness characteristics. When this occurs, roll To \flound
using the Toughness value of the majority of the engaged foe.
If rwo or more Toughness values are tied for majority, use the
highest of those tied values.

a Dark.nldar
Eorexample,
the Court of Krusabaelthe BLacLt,
not only of Krusabael,but three
3), consists
Archon(Toughness
3). You
ss5) and two lJr-Ghuls (Toughness
Ssllrth(Toughne
5. If theunit wasjoinedby
usetheToughness
wouldtherefore
4), you'dstillusethe
RhiletusKnn (Toughness
the Haemonculu.r,
5.
Ssllrths'Toughness

rs A MyrH;

ENITcHTnNMENT

wE Do Nor

NEED To uN

Cover Saves

DETERMINE ASSAULT RESUTTS

Models do not get cover saves against any \Wounds suffered

Assaults are usually decisive; one side or the other quickly gains

from close combat attacks, and for obvious reasons, cannot Go

to Ground - there's no where to hide!

the upper hand and forces their foe back. Good leadership can
keep a side in the fight, but the casualties that each side inflicts
are usually the most telling factor.

Armour

Saving Throws

Models can take armour savesto prevent Wounds caused in

close combat - provided that their armour is good enough, of

To decide who has won the combat, total trp the number

course! As in the Shooting phase, if the \7ound is caused by a

opponents. This includes all \Tounds caused during the Fight

weapon with an AP that ignores the wounded model's Armour

Save,then the save cannot be taken (seepage l7).

of unsaved Wounds

inflicted

sub-phase,whether from conventional Attacks, psychic powers,

'Wrath
special rule, or other factors. The side

the Hammer of

that caused the most Wounds

Invulnerable

by each side onto their

is the winner.

The losing

unit must make a Morale check and Falls Back if it fails

Saves

An invulnerable save canbe made, if it is the best save available.

(see page 30). ffboth sides suffer the same nurnber of \7ounds,

It can even be made if a model is not permitted to take an

the combat is drawn and continues next turn. Of course, if one

armour save (because the AP of the Attack negates it or the rules

side destroys the enemy completely, it wins automatically, even

for a weapon or Attack states that no afinour save is allowed).

if it sustained more casualties!

Dead Before Striking

Note that \Tounds that have been negated by saving throws or

step, it

If a model becomes a casualty before its Initiative

cannot strike back. \flhen striking blows simultaneously, |ou

may find it more convenient to resolve one side's Attacks and
simply turn the dead models around to remind you that they
have yet to attack back.

special rules do not count towards determining who won the

combat. Neither do \ilflounds in excess of a model's \Tounds
actually suffered by enemy
'W'ounds
models count (including all of the
lost by rnodels that
have suffered Instant Death - see page l6).
characteristic; only the Wounds

Fight the next Initiative step as previously described until all

In rare cases,certain models can cause \Tounds on themselves

or their friends - obviously, these Vounds are added to the

of the Initiative steps have been cornpleted (remember to skip

other side's total for working out who has won.

Frcur

NExr h.rrrrerrvE

Srrp

Initiative steps which have no models in them).

CnEcx Monern
Units that lose a close combat must make a Morale check
to hold their ground, with a penalry depending on how severe

Loox Or-rr,SrR

the defeat was (see page 29).

As with shooting attacks, if a chatacter has a tVound allocated to

him, and there is another model from the same unit within 5", he's
allowed a Look Out, Sir attempt. To make a look Out, Sir attempt,
ii

li
I'i

. If they pass,the unit fights on - the combat is effectively

drawn and no further account is made of the unit's defeat.

roll a D5. On a roll of 3 ot less, the Look Out, Sir attempt fails. On
a score of 4+, the Look Out, Sir attempt is successful. Pick a model
in the unit within 5" and resolve the'S7.ound against them. If no
model is in range, then you cannot aftempt a look Out, Sir ro11.

. If the unit fails, they abandon the fight and Fall Back.
Morale checks and falling back are covered in the Morale
section on page 29.

If the unit only consists of characters, a Look Out, Sir attempt

can still be made, with one chatacter within

6" taking the place

of the erstwhile victim if the attempt is successful. Only one

Iook Out, Sir ro11can be taken per'SV.ound allocated - once the
\7ound

has been transferred (or not), no further attempts to

reallocate it can be made.

Are Useless

Our Veapons

If a unit is locked in combat with an enemy it cannot hurt, it

can choose to automatically fail its Morale check for losing a
combat. This can be a riskv tactic, but sometimes worthwhile.
SwnEprhrc AnvANcEs
\V.hen a unit falls back from combat, the victors make a
Sweeping Advance, attempting to cut down their fleeing foes.
\il7hen a Sweeping Advance is perforrned,
falling

baclc and the winning

both the unit

unit roll a D6 and add their

unmodified

Initiative to the result. In a unit with mixed

Initiative characteristics, use the highest - we can assume the
quicker-witted individuals in the unit guide the others.

'**-/+-e-

"I.''.#

MurTrPrE ConnBATS

The units then compare their totals.

Combats that involve more than two units are called

. If the winner's

total (Initiative

multiple combats (see the diagram on page 28 for an

+ dice roll) is

equal to or greater than the foe's, the falling

example). Because of the extra complexity, they need some

back

additional rules.

unit is caught by the Sweeping Advance and

destroyed. we assume that the already demoralised foe
is comprehensively scattered, ripped apart or otherwise

CHARGE SUB-PHASE

sent packing so demoralised that they won't return; its

Sometimes, you'll find it advantageous to have one of your

members are left either dead, wounded and captured,

units charge two or more enemy units. This allows you to tie

or at best, fleeing and hiding. The destroyed unit is

up more enemy warriors in close combat, however, such a

immediately removed as casualties. Unless otherwise

tactic is not without its risks.

specified, no save or other special rule can rescue the unit

Drcrenr

at this stage;for them the battle is over.

CnencE

\7e break a multiple charge declaration into two different

. If the falling

categories:the primary target, and secondary targets.

back unit's total is higher, they break

off from the combat successfully. Make a Fall Back

move for the losing unit (see page 30). The winners can

Primary

then Consolidate as detailed below.

The primary target is the charging unit's main target. If the

and Secondary Targets

charging unit shot in the Shooting phase, it can only declare

Disallowed

a charge if its primary target is the unit it targeted.

Sweeping Advances

If a victorious unit is still locked in combat with other units

that are not falling back, it does not get a chance to execute a

Second ary l'argetsare other targets of opportunity that you

Sweeping Advance and the retreating enemy automatically

think the charging unit can engage atthe same time as the

makes their Fall Back move safelv.

primary assault. Remember that a unit cannot declare a

charge against a unit it cannot reach or cannot see,and all

targets being charged by the unit must be declared at the

Some troops, as detailed in their special rules, are not permitted

to make Sweeping Advances - when a victorious unit contains

sarne tlme.

one or more models that are not allowed to make a Sweeping

Advance, the enemy always manage to disengage safely - there
is no need to roll.
I

\
\

ENn oF CoMsAT PnE Iw

After the combat has been resolved, it can happen that some
models from units that did not Fall Back are not in base contact
with an enemy. These models must make a Pile In move,
starting with the side whose turn it is. This is ffeated exactly
like a start of Initiative step Pile In, as found on page 23.
Disordered

Charge

If a unit declares that it is charging multiple units, its charge

CoNsoLrDATroN

is disordered. A unit making

destroyed or falling back or the end of combat Pile In was

not gain the +l Charge Bonus to its number

insuffi.cient, so that the units are no longer locked in combat

usually gained from a charge.

with each other, they may Consolidate. Consolidating

move up to D6" in any direction

a disordered

charge does

At the end of a combat, if a unit's opponents are all either

of Attacks

models

as the sudden victory may

RrsorvE

Murrrpm

OvTRwATCH

leave the warriors raring to storm onwards or flat-footed and

If a unit declares a charge against two or more target untts,

dumbfounded, according to the vagaries of fate.

all of the target units can fi.re Overwatch! Resolve each unit's
Overwatch shots separately in an order determined by the

Units making
difficult

a Consolidation

terrain

target units' controlling player

move are not slowed by

but do trigger Dangerous Terrain tests

where appropriate.

Ron

A Consolidation move may not be used to

Cnencn

RaNcE

Roll your charge range just as you would for a normal charge.

move into base contact with enemy models, as this can only be
done with a charge move. Consolidating models must therefore
stop I " away from all enemy models, including any that rnight

CnencE

have just fallen back from the combat that the consolidating

As we now have primary and secondary targets, resolving

unit has fought in.

charge moves need a little more clarification.

Br

run

wAy oF THErR

DEATH

Movr

wE SHALL KNow

rHEM.

Move Initial

Charger

After determining assault results, all units that were involved

Once Overwatch is resolved, find the initial charger for the

in that multiple combat must make Pile In moves towards

primary assault (the model in the charging unit closest to the

enemies that fought in that combat. If no models in a unit are

primary target) and attempt to rnove it into base contact with

in base contact with an enemy unit, and the combined Pile In

the prim ary target,just as you would against a single target. If

moves of both sides are not enough for them to get back into

his charge fails, the charging unit doesn't move at all.

base contact, then they can Consolidate instead.

If the initial charger successfully moves into base contact with the
primary target, remaining models can charge models belonging
to either the primary or secondary target units, as long as they
follow the rules for moving charging models. That said, a charging
model is not permirted to move into base contact with a model in
a secondary target, unless it cannot move into base contact with
an unengaged modei in the primary target. Remember that the
charging unit is not allowed to break its unit coherency, and this
will obviously limit the potential for this kind of charge.
Charging

Through

Difficult

Terrain

If all of the enemy units charged were already locked in cornbat

from a previous turn or had gone to ground, the Initiative
penalty for charging through difficult terrain does not apply,
as the enerny warriors are not set to receive the charge, and the
unit charging through cover fights at its normal Initiative.

FICHT SUB-PHASE
Resolving the Fight sub-phase of a multiple combat is done just
as it is for a combat between two unlts except for the following
clarifications and adtustments.
DrnrcuNc

ArrACKs

In multiple combats, during a model's Initiative step, the

following extra rules apply:
. A model that is in base contact, or engaged,with just one
enemy unit when it comes to strike must attack that unit.
. A model that is in base contact, or engaged,with more than
one enemy unit when it strikes blows, can split its Attacks
freely between those units. Declare how each model is
splitting its Attacks immediately before rolling To Hit.

SnoorrNcIwro &
Our Or CrosECouBAr
Models belongitg

to units locked in combat cannot fire

weapons in the Shooting phase, they are too busy fighting
the enemy in front of them. similarly, models cannot shoot
at units locked in close combat - while some commanders

ASSAUTT RESUTTS

may wish their warriors to fire indiscriminately

the number of Vounds inflicted by all units on each side to see

middle of close combats in the hopes of hitting the enemy,

this is not permitted. The events in a close combat move too

'$7'hen
determining assault results in a multiple combat, total up

into the

which side is the winner. Every unit on the losing side has to

quickly and the warriors themselves will be understandably

check their Morale (they all use the same penalty, as described

hesitant about firing on their comrades. \7hile blast markers

in the Morale section on page 29).

and ternplates cannot be deliberately placed such that they

After all of the losing units have taken their Morale checks,

cover any models locked in combat, they may end up there

after scattedng and will then cause hits on any units they

each winning unit that is now free to make a Sweeping Advance

touch (friends and foes!) as normal.

rolls the dice and compares its total with the total of each of
the falling back enemy units it was engaged with. Any that it

units

equals or beats are destroyed. Remernber that winning units can

checks or Pinning

only Sweeping Advance if all of the units they were locked in

combat with Fall Back or are wiped out in the fight.

[r l

Jon's woRTH

that are locked in close cornbat do not take Morale

tests caused by shooting and cannot

Go to Ground; they are rnuch too focused on fighting to be
worried about being shot at!

DOING, rr's woRTH

DyrNG FoR.

ft-=

.l#

T1,

MORALE
'Givc
yoursclffully to all duricsandroutincsashrvcbccnallottcdto you.Attcndto thcscto thc bcstofyour skill and
of your cndcavour.
Bc crrncstin yourpraiscof thc Empcror.Bc vigihnt in thc scrutinyof yourfcllovs.
Whcncallcdto fight,do sowith fcrvourrnd ri$tcousncss.Do not submitto fcar!'
It is a fortunate commander who can always rely on his ftoops

MORAIE CHECKMODIFIERS

to perform up to (and sornetimes beyond) the limits of their

Certain circumstances can make Morale checks harder for

courage. In the chaos and confusion of battle, troops can easily

a unit to pass.This is represented by applying leadership

become dernoralised, disoriented or simply terrified by the

violence unleashed against them.

modifiers to Morale checks, which can modify the unit's

Leadership value by -1,-2or sometimes even more.

To represent this element of the unknownr your units have to

INSAI{E HEROISM!

check to see if their morale holds under certain circumstances.

Occasionally, warriors will refuse to retreat even when faced

As you will have already gathered, particular events will require

your units to take Morale checks, and a unit in particularly dire

with impossible odds or particularly harrowing experiences.

Sometimes you can push someone just too far! A roll of double
I on the 2D6 always passes a Morale check, regardless of

straits may be forced to take several in a single turn.

any modifiers.

MORAIE CHECKS
Morale represents the grit, determination, or (sometirnes) plain
stupidity of warriors in action. Morale
kind of Leadership

checks are a specific

test.

Like all other Leadership-based tests, Morale checks (also

sometirnes called Morale tests) are taken by rolling 2D6
and comparing the total to the unit's Leadership value.
. If the result is equal to or less than the unit's Leadership
value, the test is passed and the unit does not suffer any ill
effects - their neffe has held.

$UrnENTo TEsr
The most common reasons a unit must take a Morale check are
as follows:
. Casualties: A unit losing 25%or more of its current
models during a single Movement or Shooting phase

. If the result is higher than their Leadership, the test

must take a Morale check at the end of that phase.

is failed and the unit will irnmediatelv Fall Back, as

described later.
Some units have special rules pertaining to Morale checks

Eor example, a squod of five SpaceMannes sufferstwo casualties

from enemy shooting,so it takes a Morale chech,which tt promptly

that are detailed in their codex. For example, some particularly

fanatical units might be imrnune to the effects of morale. Some

Nexf turn, the unit, now three strong, suffersa single

pnsses.
casualtyfrom a DangerlusTewain testin the Movement phase,

units always pass Morale checks, while a few others always pass
all leadership tests. This is a subtle but important difference.

which is now enough for it to haue ta take another Morale chech.

For example, units that always pass Morale checks will still have

. Losing an assault: lJnits that lose a close combat

(usually from suffering rnofe tX/ounds than they inflicted)

to test for Pinning.

must pass a Morale check to hold their ground. If they

fail, they must Fall Back. Units taking this Morale check
suffer a -l ld modifier for each Wound their side has lost
the combat bv.

Kraal{sImperialGuardsquadhasLost
Eorexample,Sergeant
an nssault.theywould normallyrequirenn 8 or lessto passthe
of Z
test,butsincetheyhauelostthefiShtby o difference
Lendeyship
Wounds(-2),theynlw requirea 6 oylessto hold their ground.

ONr,v

DESPATR cAN DEFEAT us.

29

Fnrr Bacr

F.Enrxc Bacx Fnonr Crosn Corrsar

Sometimes retreat is the only option ieft to a soldier on the

Models falling back from a combat can freely mo\re through all

battlefield. A withdrawal can give troops the chance to retire

enemy models that were involved in that combat (they have

to a stronger position, to regroup and mount a fresh attack, or

already missed the chance to catch them) This is an exception

to hold back the approaching enemy Of course)a retreat is

to the normal ruies for moving that state that a model cannot

not without its risks.

move through a spaceoccupied by another model. If any

models would end their rnove less than 1" frorn one of these

Units make a Fall Back move immediately upon failing

a Morale check - the only moves they can make in

enemies, extend the Fall Back move undl they are clear.

subsequent phases are FaIl nack moves until they

TnappEn!

Regroup. In each subsequent Movement phase,they will

Sometimes) a nnit finds its Fall Back move blocked by

make further Fall Back rnoves instead of moving normally,

irnpassableterrain, friendly models or enerny rnodels. The unit

untii the unit Regroups, is destroyed or leaves the table.

may move atound these obstructions in such a way as to get

back to their table edge by the shortest route, maintaining unit

Most units fall back 2D5". Fall Back moves are not slowed by

coherency, even if this means moving away from their tabie

difficult terrain, but incur Dangerous Terrain tests,as normal.

edge. If the unit cannot perform a full Fall Back move in any

Units with rnodels that Fall Back at difTerent speeds always

direction rvithorit doubling back, it is destroyed (see below).

Fail Back at the speed of the slowest rnodel in the unit.

FAIIJI{G BACK AI{D SHOOTII{C

Each model in the unit moves directly towards their own table

Units that are falling back can continue to shoot (inchidirrg

edge by the shortest possible route. If playing a rnission where

'own'
table edge, rnodels move towards the closest

Overwatch fire and psychic shooting attacks) but can only fire

there is no

Snap Shots. Furtherrnore, units that are falling back cannot Go

table edge instead.

to Ground and automaticallrr pass Pinning resrs.

If any model from a unit that is falling back rnoves into

MORATEAND

contact with a table edge, the entire unit is removed from the

IJrrits that ate falling back automatically fail all Morale checks,

garne as casualties,as it scattersarrd flees the battle.

but can Regroup, fls discussednext

FAI,I,INGBACK

REcRoUPING

FAITING BACK ANID ASSAUTTS

Just because a unit Falls Back doesn't mean it is out of the fight.
Courageous officers will try to inspire their troops to rally.
'$Tarriors might regain their will to fight out of honour, duty or

A unit that is falling back cannot charge.

sheer bloody-mindedness.

Sometimes, as part of a multiple assault,a charging unit declares

Feuruc

Becx AND MurrrprE

Asseur,Ts

charges against one or more units that are falling back as well
A unit that is falling back must attempt to Regroup by taking a

as one or more units that are not. If the primary or secondtry

Regroup test in their Movement phase just before they move.

targets of a multiple charge are falling back, each retreating unit

must test to Regroup as soon as one charging model is found to

. If at least 25% of the unit's models are still alive, this is a

be within charge range (see below).

normal Leadership test.

REcnouPrNG'Wnrr.r
. If less than 25% of the unit's models are still alive, then

AsseurrEn

Units that have charges declared against them while falling

the Leadership test can only be passed with an Insane

back must always test to Regroup as soon as the enemy is found

Heroism result of double l. The exception to this is

to be within charge range. This test is always a normal

regrouping when assaulted (see right).

Leadership

test, and does not require Insane I{eroism,

regardless of the number of models remaining in the unit.

. If the unit fails its Regroup test, then it must immediately
. If the test is failed, the assaulted unit is removed as a

continue to Fall Back.

casualty at the end of the Charge sub-phase.

. If the unit successfully passesthe test, it stops falling
back and can immediately move up to 3". This move is

. If the test is successful, the unit Regroups (without

unaffected by diffi.cult terrain, but Dangerous Terrain tests

moving), and the fight continues as normal, starting with

must be taken as norrnal. If the unit is out of coherency

the enemy moving his charging models.

when the Regroup test is made, then the 3" move must be
used to restore coherencl, or as near as possible.

REcnouPrNG AND MurrrprE

Asseurrs

If the test is successful, that unit regroups (without moving)

Once a unit has regrouped, it cannot otherwise move (so cannot

and the assault continues as normal. If the test is failed, the

Run in the Shooting phase or charge in the Assault phase).

falling back unit is destroyed and the charging model must

However, it can shoot (including Overwatch), but counts as

continue its charge move against the remaining enemy units as

having moved and can only fire Snap Shots.

if the falling back unit was never there.

\--E+

You musr FrcHT ToDAv oR pREpARE To FrcrrT ToMoRRow!

.rlTF

SPECIAL
RULES
'lt

is not thc Horror of Warthattroublcsmc

but rathcrthc UnsccnHorrorsof Pcacc.'

A \Tarhammer 40,000battle is dominated by weird alien

creatures, consecrated armour and futuristic weapons.
Crackling power weapons slice through armour, warriors fall
prey to bioengineered toxins and maddened fanatics wade
through enemy fi.re,combat drugs leaving them numb to

A CoMPENDTuMoF SpEcrAr RurEs

Some of the special rules you'll encounter in this section have
already been mentioned in earlier passagesof this book, others
you've yet to encounter at all. Ve've presented them all in a single

the hurts of battle. That's a lot of variery for the core game
rules to encompass - in fact, it's too much. That's why we

section to make your life easier when rrylng to track down the

*x;xi:ffi1il::

\7e're talking about special rules so early because many of the

- uncommon
rures
togovern

effect of a particular special rule.

other rules in this tome (particularly those for weapons and for

W'henevera creatureor weaponhas an abiliry that breaks

or bendsone of the main gamerules,it is representedby ^
specialrule. A specialrule might improve a model'schancesof
causingdamageby granting it poisonedweaponsor a boostto
its Strength.Conversely,a specialrule may improve a model's
survivability by granting it resistanceto pain, or the abiliry to
regrow damagedflesh. Specialrules allow snipersto target the
weak spotsof their foes,scoutsto rangeaheadof the army and
anti-aircraftguns to blow flyers out of the skies.

troop types) are tied into the special rules given here. If you're
new to the game, you can cheerfully skip over this section,gntil
you've got the basic rules under your belt - you can always dip
back in as and when you need to.
Unless specifically stated, a model cannot gain the benefit of a
special rule more than once. However, the effects of multiple
different special rules are cumulative.

WI{AT SPECIAL RUTES DO I HA\IE?

It rnay seemobvious,but unlessstatedotherwise,a model does
not have a specialrule. Most specialrules aregiven to a model
by the relevantentry in its codex.That said,a model'sAttacks
can gain specialrules becauseof the weaponit is using.
similarly a rnodel might get specialrules asthe result of psychic
powers,scenariospecialrules or being hunkered down in a
particular type of terrain.
N7herethis is the case,the *1. that governsthe psychicpower,
scenarioor terrain rype in questionwill makethis abundantlyclear.
Most of the more commonly used special rules in
\Tarhammer 40,000are listed here, but this is by no means an
exhaustive list. Many troops have their own unique abilities,
which are laid out in their codex.
For easeof consultation, we've presented the special rules in
alphabetical order. There's also an index at the back of the book
to help you locate any particular special rule you're after.

A suspTclous

MIND

Is A HEALTHY

MIND.

ACUTE SENSES

Similarly,if a model makes a shooting

This represents the chance of ricochets,

Thesew flMovs haue superhuman senses,

attack with a weapon that has this special

the missile blasdng through cover and

able to trach a foe through all manner of

tewain - such shillsare inualuable when

rule, it rolls 2D6 for armour penetration.

other random events. In these cases,hits

In either case,this special rule has no

are worked out as normal and can hit

settingup an ambush.

effect against non-vehicle models.

and wound units out of range and line ol

BLAST &IARGE BTAST

locked in combat). If the shot scatters so

Blast weeponsfire sheLls,missilesor pachets

of energy that explodeon impact.

that the hole in the centre of the marker

If a unit contains at least one model with

this special rule, and that unit arrives on
a random table edge (due to Outflank, or
other special rules), then you can re-roll
to see which table edge they arrive from.

ADA}IANTIUMWItt
So strong of mind is this warrior that foul
sorceryhas Little gnsp upon him.

sight (or even your own units, or models

is beyond the table's edge, the shot is a

complete miss and is discarded.

A weapon's profi.le will designate it as

being either Blast or Large Blast; Blast

Once the final position of the blast market

refers to the (3") blast marker and Large

has been determined, take a good look at

it from above - the unit suffers one hit for

Blast refers to the (5") blast marker. Iarge

Blasts follow all of the rules for Blasts.

each model with its base fully or parrially

beneath the blast matker (see diagram).

A unit that contains at least one model

\7hen firing a Blast weapon, models do

with this special rule receives a + I bonus

to Deny the \X/.itchrolls (see page 68).

not roll To Hit. Instead, just pick one

Once the number of hits inflicted on

enemy model visible to the firer and

place the relevant blast marker with

the unit has been worked out, roll To

tilZound and save as nonnal. Any unsavec

its hole entirely over the base of the

\founds

target model (see diagram), or its hull

for a normal shooting attack.

A}IDTHEYSHATL I(NO$T
NOFEAR
Some warnors refuseto survender,fighting

are then allocated on the unit ar

if the target is a vehicle. The hole at the

centre of the marker must be within the

Murrrprn Bresrs

weapon's maximum range. You cannot

If a unit is firing more than one shot

A unit that contains at least one model

place the blast marker so that the base

with the Blast special rule, resolve each

with this special rule automatically

or hull of any friendly models is even

shot, one at a time, as described above.

passestests to Regroup.The unit can

partially under it.

on whatever the odds.

move, shoot (or Run) and declare

Scarter each individurly,

then determine

how many hits are scored by each blast

charges normally in the turn in which it

The large area affected by the blast

marker. Finally, resolve these, and the

Regroups (in addition to the 3" Regroup

means it's going to be very hard to

rest of the unit's shots, as normal.

move). If a unit containing one or more

miss completely. Nonetheless, the shot

AND Rr-nous

rnodels with this special rule is caught

might not land exactly where intended.

Bresr'WEepoNs

by ^ Sweeping Advance, they are not

Roll for the blast marker to scatter and

If a model has the abiliry to re-roll its

destroyed, but remain locked in combat

subtract the firer's Ballistic Skill from

rolls To Hit and chooses to do so after

instead. Additionally, a unit that contains

the distance (if any) that it scatters,to a

firing a Blast weapon, the player must re-

at least one model with this special rule

minimum of 0". Note that it is possible,

roll both the scatter dice and the 2D6.

is immune to Fear.

and absolutely fine, for a shot to scatter

beyond the weapon's maximum or

ASSAUTT\TEHICIE
to
designed
Thisuehicleis specifically
disgorgetroopsinto the thick.of thefroy.
Passengersdisembarking from Access
Points on a vehicle with this special rule
can charge on the turn they do so, even
on a turn that the vehicle was destroved.

ARMOURBAI\TE
with oneaim in
crafted
Thisweapanhasbesn
mind:topercethehidesofarmouredvehiclns.
If a model hasthis specialrule, or is
afiackingwith a Melee weaponthat has
this specialrule, it rolls 2D6for arrnour
penetrationin closecombat.

minimum

range and line of sight.

Bresr w:EAPoNs AND Suep Suors

Blast weapons cannot be fired as Snap Shots

BTIhID
This attach.loosesa brilliant flare of light,
searing the sight of the victim and forcing
him to fightblind for a few moments.
Any unit hit by a model or weapon with
this special rule musr immediately take
an Initiative test. If the resr is passed,all
is well - a shouted warning has caused
the warriors to avert their gaze.If the
Initiative test is failed, all models in the
unit are reduced to Veapon Skill and
Ballistic Skill I until the end of their
next turn. Should the attacking unit hit
themselves)we assume they are prepared
and they automatically pass the test.

BROTHERHOOD OF
PSYKERS/SORCERERS
Some highLy-tyained psyhersact rn grlups,
focussing0n a single goal. Eew can resist
such mighty minds worhing in concert.
A unit with this special rule counrs as a
Mastery Level I Psyker. The unit follows
all the normal rules for Psykers, with the
following clarifications :
. The unit uses the Leadership of its
character, if there is one (and he
is alive), or the unit, if there isn'r a
character (or he is dead), for Psychic
tests.The unit can never use the
leadership of an Independent
Character for Psvchic tests.
. If the unit suffers the Perils of
the Varp, or any other attack that
specifically targets Psykers, it is
resolved against the character, if
there is one (and he is alive), or
against a random, non-character
model in the unit, if there is no
character (or he is dead).

{
8
*

*.-=,-F

--qtc-r|r

Dnanrr eno Durv ARE ALL wE MUsr crvE.

BULI(Y

DAEMON

FEELNO

tahesup an
Thiscreatureis somassiuehe
rn nnyuehicle
inordinateamountof spece
orbuildingheenters.

The creaturesof the Warp ere many and

Whether through force of will,bionic

fouL,with infinite variety,but there are some

characteristicsthat they all share.

nugmentation or foul slrcery, this wawior

Models with the Daemon special rule

Bulky modelscount astwo modelsfor the

purposesof TransportCapacity.

PAIN

doesnot feel pain as othersdo, and can fiSht

thr ough f ear somew ounds.

have a 5+ invulnerable save,and also have

\(hen a model with this special rule suffers

the Fear special rule.

an unsaved'W'ound,it can make a special

Feel No Pain rol1to avoid being wounded

Vnnv Burrcv
Very Bulky modelsinsteadcount as
threemodels.
E>crnrunrv BULKY
Extremely Bulky modelsinsteadcount
asfive models.

CONCUSSI\IE
to leaveany
Someweaplnsnredesigned
manages
to
survives
their stnhe
that
foe
and easyto slay.
disonented

ETERNAI ST/ARRTOR

(this is not a saving throw). Roll a D6 each

If war is eternal,sotoomust bethe heroes

refuse
whofiSht it. Suchmightychampions
to belaid low,euenby what wouldbe
warnors.
mortal woundsto lesser

time an unsaved'W.ound is suffered. On

a4 or less,you must take the \il7'oundas

A model with this specialrule is immune

to the effectsof Instant Death.

Note that Feel No Pain rolls cannot be

made against unsaved tVounds that inflict

normal. On a 5+, the unsaved tVound is

discounted - freat it as having been saved.

Instant Death.

FEAR
Some beingsflre so monstrousor alien that
they can force their foesto recoil in howor.

A model that suffersone or more unsaved

\Toundsfrom a weaponwith this special
rule is reducedto Initiative I until the
end of the following Assaultphase.

At the start of each Fight sub-phase,a

unit in base contact with one or more

If a unit has the Feel No Pain special rule

with a number in brackets afterwards
- Feel No Pain (o*), for example - then
the number in brackets is the D6 result
needed to discount the \7ound.

enemy models that causeFear must take a

Leadership test (called a Fear test) before
any blows are struck.

COUNTER-ATTACK

FTEET
Preternaturally agrle,thesewarnors can
cluer ground far more quichly than their

attack.to bethe
Troopswith thisshiLlbelieve
assaulted,
theyspnng
bestform of defence.rf
counterthemselves
and
feroctously
forward
attackthe chargingenemy.

If the test is passed,all is well and there

is no effect. If the test is failed, the unit
succumbs to fear - all models in the
unit have their'Weapon Skill reduced

If a unit contains at least one model with

to I for the remainder of that Fight

this special rule, and that unit is charged, it

sub-phase.

plodding foes.
There are many variants of this rule: Fleet
of Foot, Fleet of Claw, even Fleet of Hoof.
Title aside, all models with these abilities
are treated the same.A unit composed
entirely of models with this special rule

must immediately take a Leadership test.

Note that some units are less prone to

If the test is successful,every model with

the Counter-attack special rule in the unit
gets +l Attack until the end of the phase.

can re-roll one or more of the dice when

Fear than others. Units that contain one

determining Run moves and charge

or more models with the And They Shall

ranges (such as a single D5 from a charge

Know No Fear or Fearlessspecial rules

range ro11,for example).

If, when charged, the unit was already

automatically pass Fear tests. Flowever,

locked in combat, the Counter-attack rule

a model that causesFear is not itself

has no effect.

immune to Fear.

CRUSADER

FEARLESS
Eearless
troopsnevergiueup and seldom
tahefuLI useof cover- evenif it wouldbe
wiserto do so.

FLESHBA}{E
Many are the weilplns and creatureswhose
merest caressis fatal.

Bolsteredby ultimate faith in his goaL,the

crusaderis tireless,sweepingfrom onefoe to
the next in abattle that ne1lerends.

If a model has this special rule, or is

attacking with a Melee weapon that has
this special rule, they always wound on a
2+ tn close combat.

Units containingone or more

modelswith the Fearlessspecialrule
automaticallypassPinning,Fearand
Regrouptestsand Morale checks,but
cannot Go to Ground and cannot choose
to fail a Morale check due to the Our
areUselessrule (seepage26).
N7eapons

A unit that contains at least one model

with this special rule rolls an extra dice
when making Run moves, and uses the
highest result rolled. In addition, a unit
that contains at least one model with
this special rule adds D3 to its Sweeping
Advances total (roll each time).

re

Fnou

A srNcLE

sEED oF DoUBT

cAN GRo\'v A woRLD

oF HERESY.

Similarly, if a model makes a shooting

attack with a weapon that has this special
rule, they always wound on a 2+.
In either case,this special rule has no
effect against vehicles.

SpecialRulcs
h

DEEP STRTKE
Some units mahe theiy wey to battLevia tunnelling,

In that turn's Assault phase,however, these units cannot

teleportation,flying, 0r slme other extraordinary meilns.

charge. This also applies to unirs that have disembarked frorn

Transports that arrived by Deep Strike that turn.

In order for a unit to be able to Deep Strike, all rnodels in the

unit must have the Deep strike special rule and the unit must
'!7'hen
start the game in reserve.
placing the unit in reserve,
you must tell your opponent that it will be arriving by Deep
Strike (sometimes called Deep Strike reserve).
Some units that must arrive by Deep Strike. They always
begin the game in reserve and always arrive by Deep Strike.

DrEp Srmxr

Mrsneps

Deep striking onto a crowded battlefield may prove

dangerous, as one may arrive miles frorn the intended
objective or even marerialise inside solid rock! If any of the
models in a deep striking unit cannot be deployed, because
at least one model would land partially or fully off the table,
in impassable terrain, on top of a friendly rnodel, or on top of

X7hen working out how rnany units can be placed in reserve,

or within I " of an enemy model, somethmg has gone wrong.

units that must be deployed by Deep Strike (along with any

The conrrolling player must roll on the Deep strike Mishap

table and apply the results. If thE unfortunare unit is also a

models embarked upon them) are ignored. In addition, a

unit that must arrive by Deep Strike (such as a Drop Pod)
must do so even if you are playing a special mission where

Transport, the Deep strike Mishap result applies to both the

unit and anything embarked.within it.

the Reserves special rule is not being used. of course, all the
Eternal War missions presented later do use Reserves)so you
won't usually need to worry about this distinction.

DEEp SrnrxE MrsnAp TABLE

AnmvrNG BY DEEp SrnrxE

Roll for the arrival of all deep striking units as specified in the
rules for Reserves and then deploy them as follows:

D5
I

. First, place one model frorn the unit anywhere on the

Effect
Terrible accident ! Teleporting units are losr

table, in the position where you would like it to arrive,

in the $flarp, deep striking Jump units are shot

down, or sorne other suitably dramatic event

and ro11for scatter to deterrnine the model's fi.nal

occurs. The entire unit is destroved!

position. If a vehicle scatters when arriving via Deep

Strike, do not change its facing - it must continue to face
the same direction as it did before you rolled for scarrer.

2-3

Misplaced. \(ere rhe coordinates slightly

inaccurate, or has the enemy jarnmed your
instruments? Your opponent may deploy the unit
anywhere on the table (excluding impassable

. Next, the unit's remaining models are arranged around

the first one. Models must be placed in base conract with

and lethal terrain, but including difficuk terrain,

the first rnodel in a circle around it. When the first circle
is complete, a further concentric circle must be placed

which of course courits as dangerous for deep

striking units), in a valid D.eep Strike formarion,

with each model touching the circle inside it. Each circle

but without rolling for scatrer.

must include as many models as willfit.

4-6
. Models deploying via Deep Strike treat all difficult
teruain as dangerous terrain.
In the Movernent phase during which they arrive, deep
striking units may not move any further, other than to
disembark frorn a deep striking Transporr vehicle if they
are in one. Units deep striking into ruins are placed on
the ground floor. Deep striking units counr non-ruined
buildings (except for their battlements) as impassable rerrain.
In that turn's Shooting phase, these units can fire (or Run)
as normal, and obviously count as having moved in the
previous Movernent phase. Vehicles, except for Walkers,
count as having moved at Cruising Speed (even immobile
vehicles). This can affect the number of weapons rhey can
fire with their full nallistic Skill (see page il).

Delayed. Because of mechanical failure or enemy

action, the reinforcements are delayed. The unit is
placed in Ongoing Reserves.If the unit is unlucky
enough to ro11this result in turn 5 or later and then
the game ends while it is still in reserve, it sadly
counts as destroyed.

.#

'h\-.-1"HEtt+ffi."Gh

Ir rs nttrER

To DIE FoR rgn

EuprRoR

THAN To LrvE FoR youRsELF.

FORCE

For each roll of a l, the weapon Gets

HATRED

Eorcewenplns a.rechnygedbythe psychic

Hot; the firing model suffers a'S7ound

might of the wielder, turningthem from

mere physical toolsto mystical weaponsof

(armour savesor invulnerable savescan

rn the bitter darhnessof the far future,

there are gntdgeswithout number, and

be taken) and that shot is not fired. A

enmities older than cruilisations.Any

incrediblepotency.

vehicle instead suffers a glancing hit on

chanceto claim uengeanceon a hatedfoe

a further roll of a I ,2 or 3 each time the

spursthe nttacher onto new tffom.

If a Psyker inflicts one or more unsaved

'Wounds
with a Force weapon, he can

weapon Cets Hot.

immediately choose to activate it by

expending a \J7rrp Charge point and

Crrs Hor AND Rn-norrs

If a model has the abiliry to re-roll its

towards a specific rype of foe, in

which case,the unlucky target will be

taking a Psychic test (seepage e7).rf the.

rolls To Hit (including because of BS

expressed,in brackets, after the special

test is failed, or the bearer has no \[arp

6+, or Twin-linked), a \iZound is only

rule. This can refer to a whole anny, or a

Charge points to spend, then there is no

suffered if the To Hit re-roll is also a l; it

specific unit from that army.

additional effect.

may also re-roll Gets Hot results of I for

Commonly, a model only has Hatred

weapons that do not roll To Hit.

For example, Hatred (Orks) would mean

If the test is passed,all unsaved \X/ounds

any model from Codex: Orlzs,whilst

inflicted by the Force weapon that turn

Hatred (Big Meks) would mean only Big

have the Instant Death special rule (see

page 38). Deny the \7itch rolls cannot be
taken against Force weapons.
Force weapons have no additional effect

HAI{MEROFWRATH
Many warnors hurl themseLues
headlong
into combat, seehingto crush or trample
the foe.
If a model with this special rule

against vehicles or models that do not

charges and ends its charge move in

have a'Wounds characteristic.

base contact with one or more enemy

models, it makes one additional Attack

FURTOUS CHARCE

that hits automatically and is resolved

Some warnors use the impetus of the

at the model's unmodified Strength

with an AP of -. Thls Attack is resolved

charge to fuel their own fury.

Initiative l0 step. This does not grant

special rule charges into combat, it

the model an additional Pile In move at

adds +l to its Strength characteristic

the Initiative l0 step.

until the end of that phase. A model

that has made a disordered charge that

If a model with this special rule charges

turn receives no benefi.t from Furious

a Transport vehicle or building, the

Hammer of tJ7rath hlt is resolved against
the Transport vehicle or building, not

CETS HOT
Someweaplns arefuelledby unstableplwer
slurcesand nsh ouerheatingwith each shot
- ofttn to the detnment of the wielder.
\ilhen firing a weapon that Gets Hot, roll
To Hit as nonnal. For each To Hit roll of
l, the firing model immediately suf[ers a
N7ound (armour savesor invulnerable saves
can be taken) - a vehicle instead suffers a
glancing hit on a further ro11of a l, 2 or 3.
GErs Hor

AND'W'EepoNs Tner

Do Nor Rorr To Hrr

\(leapons that do not roll To Hit (such
as Blast weapons) must roll a D6 for
each shot immediately before firing.
On a 2+, the shot is resolved as normal.

close combat re-rolls all misses during

the first round of each combat - he does
not get to make re-rolls for Hatred in
subsequent rounds.

HA^Y$NRE
Haywire wenponssendout powerful
electrom ognetic pulses th at dtsable
wiring and all kindsof
electricaL
systems.
mechanical

during the Fight sub-phase at the

In a turn in which a model with this

Charge (see page 27).

Meks. A model striking a hated foe in

the occupants.

\[hen a weaponwith this specialrule

hits a vehicle,roll a D6 to determine
the effectrather than rolling Armour
Penetrationnormallv:
D6
I
2-5
6

Result
No effect
Glancing hit
Penetrating hit

Ih[FII,TRATE
who sit concealedfor days, just waittng for
the nght moment in which to strih"e.

INTERCEPTOR
This Lueaplnhasbeencalibratedto target
incomingdroptroops,teleportingassault
squnds
and otheyunloohed-for
enemies.

Units that contain at least one model

At the end of the enemy Movement

HIT&RUN

with this special rule are deployed last,

phase,a weapon with the Interceptor

Sometroopsemploy a flexibLebattlestance,

after all other units (friend and foe)

special rule can be fired at any one unit

engaging the foe at closequarters one

have been deployed. ff both sides have

that has arrived from reserve within its

Many armies empLoyreclnnaissnncetroops

moment,beforepeeling off to strikefrom

Infiltrators, the players roll-off and the

range and line of sight. tf this rule is

Tangethe next.

winner decides who goes first, then

used, the weapon cannot be fired in the

alternate deploying these units.

next turn, but the firing model can shoot

A unit that contains at least one model

a different weapon if it has one.

r,vith this special rule that is locked in

Infiltrators can be set up anywhere on

combat can choose to leave close combat

the table that is more than 12" from

If a weapon has both the Interceptor

at the end of any Assault phase. If the

any enemy unit, as long as no deployed

and Skyfire special rules, it uses its full

unit wishes to do so, it must take an

enemy unit can draw line of sight

Ballistic Skill against all targets (unless it

Initiative test.

to them. This includes in a building

is firing Snap Shots).

If the test is failed, nothing happens and

(seepage l2l), as long as the building

is more than 12" from any enemy

the models remain locked in the fight.

unit. Alternatively, they can be set up

If the test is passed,choose a direction

- then roll3D5. As long as the distance

anywhere on the table more than 18"

from any enemy unit, even in plain sight.

creaturesthat heal from their injunes at a

tewifl,rng speed.

rolled, in inches, is sufficient to allow the

entire unit to move over l " away from

A unit that deploys using these rules

At the end of each friendly turn, roll a

all of the enemy units they are engaged

cannot charge in the first turn.

ITWILI, NOT DIE

In the dayk clrners of the galaxy, there are

D5 for each model with this special rule

that has less than its starting number of

in combat with, the unit breaks away

from combat and immediately moves a

Having Infiltrate also confers the

\Tounds or Hull Points, bur has not been

nurnber of inches in the chosen direction

Outflank special rule to units of

equal to the 3D6 result, ignoring the units

Infiltrators that are kept as Reserves

removed as a casualty or desffoyed. On

'S7ound,
a roll of 5+, that model regains a

they were locked in combat with. No

(seepage 40). ffa unir with Infiltrate is

or Hull Point, lost earlier in the battle.

Sweeping Advance rolls are made. Enemy

deployed inside a Dedicated Transport,

units that are no longer locked in combat

they may Infiltrate or Outflank along

immediately Consolidate D6".

with their Transport, but if they do,

they must deploy/move onto the table

A Hit & Run move is not slowed by

embarked within it.

difficult terrain, but treats dangerous

terrain normalh It may not be used to

An Independent Character without the

move into contact with enemy units,

and models instead stop I " away. If

Infiltrate special rule cannot join a unit

of tnfiltrators during deployment.

there are units with this rule on both

\
":,.

IINK
Some units favour speedand agility to keep
them alive on the battlefield,dodging and
w eaving thr ough hails of in coming fire.
A model with this special rule that has
moved in its Movernent phase gains a
5+ cover save until the start of its next
Movement phase.

sides who wish to disengage, roll-off

to determine who goes first and then

If a model with this special rule moves

alternate disengaging them. If the last

Flat Out or Turbo-boosts, it instead gains

of these ends up no longer in comb at,Lt

a 4+ cover save until the start of its next

Consolidates instead.

Movement phase.

IGNORES COVER
Thiswenpon
billowing
fireshomingdarts,
ofacidor other,
clouds
e1)en
strnnger
amml
thatcheats
an enemy
ofhrsshelter.

INSTA}IT DEATH

tAh{cE

SomebLowscan slayon enemy outright, no

Alance weaponfres fl concentratedbeam

of energy that can bore through eny

matter how hardy he may be.

IJnsaved Wounds inflicted by an Attack

flwnou.y,regardlessof thichness.

Cover savescannot be taken against

with this special rule automatically

\Weaponswith the lance special rule

Wounds caused by weapons with the

inflict Instant Death, regardless of the

count vehicle Armour values hlgher

Ignores Cover special rule.

victim's Toughness (seepage l6).

than 12as 12.

(
*-*--^A'4<

INDEPENDENT CHARACTER
Independent Characters can join other units. They cannot, however,

Look Out, Sir

join vehicle squadrons (see page 77) or units that always consist of a

Independent Characters pass look Out, Sir rolls on a 2+ (see page l6).

single model (such as most vehicles and Monstrous Creatures). They

can join other Independent Characters, though, to form a powerful
multicharacter

Heroic Morale
A unit that contains one or more Independent Characters does not

unit!

need a double I to Regroup if reduced to below 25% of its starting

|oining

and Leaving

numbers, but instead tests as if it had at least 25% remaining.

a Unit

An Independent Character can begin the game already with a unit,

either by being deployed in unit coherency with it or, if the unit is in
reserve) by informing

your opponent of which unit it has joined.

Special Rules
\7hen an Independent Character joins a unit, it might have different
special rules from those of the unit. Unless specified in the rule

In order to join a unit, an Independent Character simply has to move so

itself (as in the Stubborn special rule), the unit's special rules are not

that he is within the 2" unit coherency distance of a friendly unit at the

conferred upon the Independent Character, and the Independent

end of their Movement phase. If the Independent Character is within

Character's special rules are not conferred upon the unit. Special

2" of more than one unit at the end of its Movement phase, the player

rules that are conferred to the unit only apply for as long as the

must declare which unit it is joining. If an Independent Character does

Independent Character is with them.

not intend to (or cannot) join a unit, it must (where possible) remain
Characters

and Ongoing

Effects

more than 2" away from it at the end of the Movement phase. This is to

Independent

make clear whether they have joined a unit or not Note that, after an

Sometimes, a unit that an Independent Chatacter has joined willbe the

Independent Character joins a unit, that unit can move no further that

target of a beneficial or harmful effect, such as those bestou'ed by the

Blind special rule, for example If the character leaves the unit, both he

Movement phase.

and the unit continue to be affected bv the effect, so you'll need to mark
An Independent Character can leave a unit during the Movement

the character accordingly.

phase by moving out of unit coherency with it. He cannot join or leave
during any other phase - once shots are fired or charges are declared, it

EoyexnmpLe,EarseerMehiledrin nnd his unit of nldar Guardians are setablaze

is too late to join in or duck out!

by a weapon with the Soul Blaze specialrule If Mehiledrin leavesthe untt,

bothhe and the Guardiqns tvill stillbe ablazeand the ongoingeffectsof the

An Independent Character cannot leave a unit while either he or

Soul Blqze tule mustbe resolvedseparately.

the unit is locked in combat, falling back or has gone to ground.

He cannot join a unit that is locked in combat or falling back. If an

Conversely, if a character joins a unit after that unit has been the target of

Independent Character joins a unit, and all other models in that unit

an ongoing effect (or joins a unit after himseHhaving been the target of

are killed, he again becomes a unit of one model at the start of the

an ongoing effect) benefits and penalties from that effect are not shared.

following phase.
of the
Eor example,Cnmson FrsfsTacttcalSquadHemanez ts suffenngthe effects
W.hile an Independent Character is part of a unit, he counts as part of the

Bhnd speciaLrule.If Captain Crwiz joins the unit,he doesnot suffer the results

unit for all rules purposes, though he still follows the rules for characters.

of the Blind specialrule ashe was not there when it happened!

MASTER-CRAFTED

METTA

orelovinglymaintained
Somew eapons
artefacts,
craftedwith a shillnow lost.
Thoughthe exactform of master-crafting
to bethe
vanes,it is alwaysclnsidered
art.
pinnacleof the weaponsmith's

Melta weapons are short-ranged heat rays

\Teaponswith the Master-craftedspecial

rule allow the bearerto re-roll one failed
roll To Hit per rurn with that weapon.

whose Lvrnth grows as they get closerto

the foe.They are much-pnzedby troops
attemptingto destroyenemy tanks or
fortifications, for only speciallyformulated
arrnlur cfln withstand a meLtaweapln's

I,OCK
MISSIIE
Sophtsttcated fir e-and-f orgetmissile
allow thisvehrcletofire
trackingsystems
alLof its missileswith grenterilccurncy.
Missilesfi.redby r vehiclewith this
specialrule scatterD6" rather than 2D6".

incandescentfury.
Ranged weapons with this special rule
roll an additional ne when rolling to
penetrate a vehicle's Armour at half
range or less. If the weapon is more than
half its maximum range away, it rolls to
penetrate as normal. See the Vehicles
rules (p"g" 70) for more details on
armour peneffatlon.

Vrcronv

*'.:

NEEDs No EXpLANATIoN;

DEFEAT ALLows

NoNE.

MONSTERHUNTER
Thegalaxy6home to many colossalbeasts,
and mqny wnwilrs hauehonedthetr skrlls
in orderto hunt them.
A unit that containsat leastone model
with this specialrule re-rollsall failed To
\found rolls againstMonstrousCrearures
and Flying MonstrousCreatures.

Bnrn.o,y.r,r's rrrHE rs rHE HANGMAN's NoosE.

MOVE THROUCH COVER

PINNINC

Similarly, if a model makes a shoodng

Some warnors dre shilled at moving ouer

Coming under fire without Lznowrng

where the shotsore comingfrom can shake

attack with a weapon that has the

the resolueof e1,)en

thebrauest wawiors,

on a fixed number (generally shown in

mahingthem dive flat and clingto coueyas

brackets), unless a lower result would

broken and tangled tewain.

A unit that contains at least one model
with this special rule rolls an extra D5
when rolling to move through difhcult
terrain. In most circumstances, this will

much os possible.

brackets, the rule is Poisoned (4+). Unless

mean that the unit rolls 3D6 and picks

the highest roll. Furtherrnore, a model

with the Pinning special rule, it must

Poisoned special rule has no effect

with the Move Through Cover special

immediately take a leadership test. This

against vehicles.

rule automatically passesDangerous

is called a Pinning test.

special rule has no effect on charge

range rolls or Irnpact tests (seepage 95).

iJ

be required. If no number is shown in

If a non-vehicle unit suffers one or

more unsaved tVounds from a weapon

Terrain tests. The Move Through Cover

Poisoned special rule, it always wounds

PO$TEROFTHE
MACHINE SPIRIT

rnust immediately Go to Ground (see

The interface between this vehicle's

page I S). As the unit has already taken its

aduoncedmachine spirit ond its fire control

mechanisms allows the crew to target foes

saves,going to ground does not protect

This mission specialrule is describedin

full detail on page124.

that caused the test (or indeed from any

A unit that containsat leastone model

with this specialrule ignoresthe effects
of xight Fighting.

treated as having a Strength of I. This

If the unit fails the test, it is pinned and

NICHTFICHTINC

NIGHTVISION
Somewarnorscanseealmostasclearlyin
the darltness
astheycanin daylight.

otherwise stated, Poisoned weapons are

it against the fire of the Pinning weapon

w ith incr edible accuracy.

other weapon fired by the same unit that

In a turn in which the vehicle neither

phase) - it's too late!

moves Flat Out nor uses smoke

launchers, the vehicle can fire one more

As long as the test is passed,a unit can

weapon ar its full Ballistic Skilt than

be called upon to take multiple Pinning

normally permitted. In addition, this

tests in a single turn, but only once for

weapon can be fired at a different target

each unit shooting at them .If a unit

unit to any other weapons, subject to the

has already gone to ground, no further

normal rules for shooting.

Pinning tests are taken.

OUTFTANK
The bestway to surpnse fln enemy is to
strike from nn unexpectedquarter.

If the special rules of a unit specifrTthat

the unit can nevet be Pinned, the unit
automatically passesPinning tests. Such

During deployrnent, players can

units can still Go to Ground voluntarily

declare that any unit that contains

if they wish.

at least one model with this special

rule is attempting to Outflank the
enemy. This means they are making
a wide sweeping move to get behind
enemy lines or come at the foe from an
unexpected direction.
\V'hen an Outflanking unit arrives from
Reserves,but not Ongoing Reserve,the
controlling player rolls a D6: on a I -2,
the unit comes in frorn the table edge to
the left of their controlling player's own
table edge; on a 3-4, they come on frorn
the right; on a 5-6,the player can choose
left or right. Models move onto the table
as described for other Reserves.If such
units are picked from their army list
with a Dedicated Transport, they rnay
Outflank along with their Transport,
but if they do, they must move onto the
table embarked within it.

PREFERREDENEMY
Many of the galaxy's warnors trainhard to
olterclme a particular foe, allowingthem to
predict the enemy's battle-stancesand thus
land ablow or shotwith greatereose.
This rule is often presented as Preferred

POISONED
Thereavemany viruIent and lethal poisons
in the darhfuture.It is simplicityitselfto
adaptsuchtoxinsfor battLefield
use.Itdoes
not matterwhethertheycoatwenponblades
or bullets,0r oresecreted
by alien
- aLLarelethal.
monstrosities

Enemy (X) where X identifies a specific

type of foe. If the special rule does not
specify a type of foe, then everyone is
a Preferred Enemy of the unit. A unit
that contains at least one model with
this special rule re-rolls failed To Hit
and To Vound rolls of I if artacking its
Preferred Enemy. This applies to both

If a model hasthe Poisonedspecialrule,

or is attackingwith a Melee weaponthat
hasthe Poisonedspecialrule, it always
wounds on a fixed number (generally
shown in brackets),unlessa lower result
would be required,when attacking
in closecombat.In addition,if the
Strengthof the wielder (or the poisoned
weapon)is the sarneor higher than the
Toughnessof the victim, the wielder
must re-roll failed rolls To'W.oundin
closecombat.

Tnus

r{ApprNEss

sTEMs

oNLy

FRoM

DUTy.

shooting and close combat attacks.

PSYCHIC PIOT
Some crafthaue psychicgunners, dnuers
or other crew who cfln"usetheir mental
abilities in support of their allies.
A vehicle with this special rule is treated
as being Leadership t 0 (before modifiers)
for the purposes of Psychic tests. If the
vehicle suffers Perils of the V.rp, trear it
as a glancing hit.

affitElF+i

Evex

PSYKER

-4-"\d,@.

A FATTHFUL

sERvANT

MAy ruRN

oN HIs MAsrER.

RENDINC
Some
weapons
caninflictcnticalstnkes

If a unit with this special rule is

A model with this special rule is a

Psyker. Rules for Psykers are covered in

against which n0 flrynlur cfln protect.

it confers the Scout special rule to the

Transport (though a disembarkation

full detail in their own section starting

on page 66.

deployed inside a Dedicated Transport,

If a model has the Rending special rule,

cannot be performed as part of the

or is attacking with a Melee weapon that

redeployment). Note that a Transport

RAGE

has the Rending special rule, there is a

with this special rule does not lose it

Bloodlust is a powerful weapon on the

chance that his close combat attacks will

if a unit without this special rule is

battlefield, spuwing a warrior to hack

strike a critical blow. For each To \7ound

embarked upon it.

his foes apart in a fluny of mindless (but

eminently satisfyirg) caynage.
;

roll of a 6, the target automatically

In a turn in which a model with this

suffers a \7ound, regardless of his

This rule also confers the Outflank

Toughness. These'Wounds are resolved

special rule (seepage 40).

at AP 2.

special rule charges into combat, it

gains +2 Attacks for charging, rather

Similarly, tf a model makes a shooting

than + I . A model that has made a

attack with a weapon that has the

disordered charge that turn receives no

Rending special rule, a To Wound roll

benefit from Rage (see page 27).

of 5 wounds automatically, regardless of

Toughness, and is resolved at AP 2.

RA},TPAGE
Eor somewarrtors,being on the losing end
of numencal supenority is not a causefor
despair,but a call to setabout their foes
with a berserk counter- attach.
At the start of any Fight sub-phase,
models with the Rampage special
rule gain +D3 Attacks if the combat
they are in contains more enemy
models than friendly models - count
all models in all units locked in the
combat, not just those models that are
engaged. Calculate each rampaging
model's bonus Attacks separately. A

In either case,against vehicles, each

armour penetration roll of 6 allows a

SHRED
Someweaponsand waniors stnhein a
fluny of blows,teannglleshasunderin a
senes
of brutaLstnhes.
If a model hasthe Shredspecialrule,or
is attackingwith a Melee weaponthat
hasthe Shredspecialrule, it re-rolls
failed To \found rolls in closecombat.

further D3 to be rolled, with the result

added to the total.

RESER\MS
This mission specialrule is describedin
full detail on page124.

Similarly,if a model makesa shoodng

attackwith a weaponthat hasthe Shred
specialrule, it re-rolls its failedTo
\found rolls.

SHROUDED
SCOUT
Scoutsaye always in the vanguard of the

The sourceof the darhnessaround these

warnors matters not - only a luchy shot

ayrny.IJnnoticedby the enemy,they range

has any chanceof piercing the shroud.

ahead of the main force.

A unit that contains at least one model

model that has made a disordered

After both sides have deployed (includlng

with this special rule counts its cover

charge that turn receives no benefit

Infiltrators), but before the fi.rst player

savesas being 2 points better than

from Rampage (see page 27).

begins his first rurn, a unit containing at

normal. Note that this means a model

least one model with this special rule can

with the Shrouded special rule always

RETENTTESS

choose to redeploy. If the unit is Infantry

has a cover save of at least 5+, even if it's

Relentlesswortiors are strong of arm and

firm of purpose nothing can slow their

Artillery

in the open.

implacable advance.

a \Talker or a Monstrous

Crearure, each model can redeploy

anywhere entirely within 6" of its current

Cover savebonuses from the Shrouded

position. tf it is any other unit tlpe, each

and Stealth special rules are cumulative

Relentless models can shoot with Heavy,

model can instead redeploy anywhere

(to a maximum of a2+ cover save).

Salvo or Ordnance weapons, countlng

entirely within 12" of its current position.

as stationary even if they moved in the

During this redeployment, Scouts must

previous Movement phase. They are

SKILLED RTDER

remain more than 12" away from any

also allowed to charge in the same turn

The most accomplishedbihershnow how

enemy unit. A unit that makes a Scout

they file Heavy, Ordnance, Rapid Fire or

to get the bestperformnnce out of their

redeployment cannot charge in the first

Salvo weapons.

mechanical steeds.

rurn. A unit cannot embark or disembark

A unit that contains at least one model

as part of a Scout redeployment.

with this special rule automatically

If both sides have Scouts, roll-off, the
winner decides who redeploys first.
Then alternate redeploying Scout units.

Snnvr

trm

EupnRoR

ToDAy,

ToMoRRow

you

MAy BE DEAD!

passesDangerous Terrain tests, and

:::'ffi: :?::lH::Ji

save
s("her

SI{YFIRE
Sh1fireweeplnsexcelat shooting
down
enemyaircraftand shtmmers.
A model with this specialrule,or that
is firing a weaponwith this specialrule,
fires using its normal gallistic Skill when
shootingat Flyers,Flying Monstrous
Creaturesand Skimmers.Unlessit also
hasthe Interceptorspecialrule,it can
only fire snapshotsagainstother targets.

SNIPER

SPTIT

Sniper weaplns are precisioninstruments,

The most disciplined squadscan diuide

usedto pick out a target'sweak points.

their fire, taking care to place their shots

FIRE

where they can do the most harm.

If a weapon has the Sniper special rule,
or is fired by ^ model with the Sniper

\fhen a unit that contains at least one

special rule, each To Hit roll of a 5 results

model with this special rule shoots, one

in a Precision Shot (seepage 63).

model in the unit can shoot at a different

Furthermore, if a weapon has the Sniper

the unit must first take a Leadership

special rule, or is fired by . model with the

test. If the test is failed, the unit shoots

target to the rest of his unit. To do so,

Sniper special rule, its shoodng attacks

as normal. tf the test is passed,choose

always wound on a To I7ound roll of

one model in the unit and immediately

4+,regardless of the victim's Toughness.

make a shooting attack with it. Once

Against vehicles, Sniper weapons count

this shoodng attack has been resolved,

resolve the shooting attacks made by

as Strength 3.

the rest of the unit, which must be at a

Sniper weapons also have the Pinning

different target.

and Rending special rules.

STEAITH
SOUL BLAZE

Some waynoys flre mastersof disguiseand

STOWAI{D PURPOSEFUT

Some p sychicaLIy- imbued or t echnologicaLLy

Many wqwiors flyesteadybut suye,slowto

aduancedwenpons setthe very soulablnze,

conceaLment,
able to fade into the ruin of a
battlefield until they are ready to stnke.

advancebut no Less
deadlyfor it.

consuming the unfortunate uictim in

A unit that contains at least one model

cloudsof etherealfire.

with this special rule cannot Run, Turboboost, move Flat Out, perform Sweeping
Advances or fire Overwatch. They can)

A unit that contains at least one rnodel

with this special rule counrs its cover

If a unit suffers one or more unsaved

'Wounds
frorn an attack with this special
rule, it is set ablazeand continues to
burn - mark it with a corn or counrer as

model with the Stealth special rule

however, shoot with Heav/, Salvo and

Ordnance weapons,counting as stationary

a reminder.

even if it is in the open. This rule is

even if they moved in the previous

ii

tit,

savesas being I point better than

normal. Note that this means that a

often presented as Stealth (X) where X

Movement phase. They are also allowed to

At the end of each turn, roll a D6 for

charge in the same turn they fire Heavy,

each unit with a Soul Blaze counter on it.

Ordnance, Rapid Fire or Salvo weapons.

On a 3 or less, the flames die out and the

unit is no longer ablaze- remove your

SMASH
Eor the most fearsomeof creature; a stngle
blow is sufficient to breach a tanlt's flyrnlur
or crush ohuing creatuyeto bloodypulp.
A1l of the close combat aftacks,except

indicates a specific type of terrain, such

reminder counter, On a4+,the unit takes

Additonally, when it makes its close

combat attacks,it can choose to instead
make a Smash Anack. If it does so,roll
To Hit as norrnal, but halve its Attacks
characteristic. A Smash Attack also doubles
the model's Strength (to a maximum
of l0) for the pu{poses of that Attack.
Furtherrnore, a model making a Smash
Attack can re-roll its arrnour penetration
rolls, but must abide bv the second result.

as Stealth (Forests) or Stealth (Ruins).

tf this is the case,the unit only gains
the benefit whilst it is in rerrain of the
specified ryp..

D3 Strength 4, AP 5 hits. These \Tounds

are allocated by the unit's controlling

Cover savebonuses from the Shrouded

player and cover savescannot be taken.

and Stealth special rules are cumulative

A unit cannot have more than one ser

(to a maximum of a 2+ cover save).

ablaze counter on it at a t1me.

Hammer of Wrath Attacks, of a rnodel

with this special rule are resolved at AP 2
(unless it's attacking with an AP I weapon).

always has a cover save of at least 6+,

STRAFING RUN
SPECIAIIST
WIEAPON
Themrghtiestweeplnsonlyreachtheirfull
potentialwhenwieldedin pairs,asthey
requirean entiyelydifferentbattlestance
from that of moreclmmlnplacewenplns
- suchinconuenience
is inevitablyrepaid
with greaterdestructivepotentiaL.
A model fighting with this weapondoes
not receive+l Attack for fighting with
two weaponsunlessboth weaponshave
the SpecialistN/eaponrule.

,".+

This uehicLe
is designed
ase gyoundattaclt
craft,the spreadand convergence
distance
of itswenponskeyedto maximisecarnage.
\Zhen shooting Assault, Heavy, Rapid
Fire or Salvo weapons at Artillery

Beasts,

Bikes, Cavalry Infantry, Monsfrous

Creatures and vehicles without the Flyer
or Skimmer type, this vehicle has +l
Ballistic Skill. Regardless of the target,
the vehicle's shots also have the Pinning
special rule.

STRII(EDOWAI
A sufficiently
powerfulblowcanknock

TANKHUNTERS

UN$T/IEtDY

Theseueteransof armoured warfare are able

This weflpln is uery large, and more than

eventhe mightiestwayyioroff hu feetand

leavehim sprawlingon the bloodyground.

to identfy weak points 0n enemy vehicles.

a little clumsy, mahing swift blows all but

A unit that contains at least one model

impossibleto achieve

Any model that suffers one or more

with this special rule re-rolls failed

unsaved\f'ounds or passesone or more

armour penetration rolls against vehicles

does so at Initiative step l, unless it is a

saving throws against an attack with the

(both with shooting and in close combat)

Monstrous Creature or a lil(/alker.

A model attacking with this weapon

Strikedown special rule is knocked off

and can choose to re-roll glancing hits,

its feet and must get up before it can do

in an attempt to instead get a penetrating

hit - but the second result must be kept.

VECTORDA}ICER

the end of its next turn. It is a good idea

TORRENT

rdw speedin order to bring their guns to

to mark affected models with counters

This wenpln fires massive goutsof flame,

ges or Lethalfluids ncrlssthe battlefield.

bear more effectiuely,

or coins so that you remember.

Vehicles and Monstrous Crearures are

When firing a weapon with this special

immune to the effects of Strikedown.

rule, place the template so that the narrow

of up to 90' at the end of its move.

end is within 12"of the weapon and the

A model that uses this extra pivot

wide end is no closer to the weapon than

cannot move Flat Out in the following

the narrow end. The weapon is then

Shooting phase.

anything else. It halves its Initiative and

moves as if it is in difficult terrain until

STUBBORN
Many warnorsliueand die accordingto
'death
thepnncipleof
beforedishonour'
.
Seldomdo suchwarnorstakea backward
stepin thefaceof danger.

Some aircraft are crafted with an eye

tow ar ds manl euvr abiLtty.They sacrifice

A model with this special rule can

make an additional pivot on the spot

treated like any other Template weapon.

\TECTORSTRIKE
TWIN-tINKED

Thesewinged terrors hurtle out of the

Theseweoplns are grafted to the same

storm-wrqcked skies,tearing their

model with this special rule takes Morale

targeting systemfor greater accuracy.

unsuspectingprey to piecesin a single,

checks or Pinning tests, they ignore any

A weapon with the TWin-linked special

\(hen a unit that contains at least one

negative Leadership modifiers. If a unit

deuastatingswoop.
rule counts as a single weapon of that type,

'V/.hen

Swooping, this model may savage

is both Fearless and Srubborn, it uses the

but to represent the fusillade of fire, you

its prey. At the end of the Movement

rules for Fearless instead.

must re-roll the dice To Hit if you miss.

phase, nominate any one unengaged

TWin-linked weapons don't get more shots

enemy unit the model has moved over

SUPERSONIC

than normal ones, but they grve you a

that turn. This unit may even be an

Supersonicuehiclesare fast,euenby the

better chance of hitting with them.

normal standards of flyers,and are capable

of moving at blurnng speeds.

enemy Flyer. That unit takes D3+l hits,

resolved at the model's unmodified

TwrN-uNKED

BLASTvTEAPoNS

Strength and AP 3. Against vehicles,

If the scatter dice does not roll a Hit,

these hits are resolved against the

A Supersonic vehicle that moves Flat Out

you can choose to re-roll the dice with a

target's side armour.

must move at least 18" and can move up

Twin-linked Blast or Large Blast weapon.

to 36". Supersonic Flyers cannot enter

If you choose to do so, you must re-roll

A model that made a Vector Strike

Hover mode.

both the 2D6 and the scatter dice.

in its Movement phase counts as

Twu-UNKED

TEMPLATEsrEAPoNs

following Shooting phase. However, an)

Twin-linked Ternplate weapons are

additional weapons it fires that turn can

fired just like a single weapon, but must

choose a different target to that of the

re-roll failed To \7ound and armour

Vector Strike.

having already fired one weapon in its

S$T/ARMS
Thesecreatures
aresomultitudinousthat
theycannotbeptckedout indiuiduallyand
mustbefoughtasa group.
If a Swarmsuffersan unsavedN7ound
from a Blast,LargeBlastor Template
weapon,eachunsaved\illound is
multiplied to two unsaved\7.ounds.
Flowever,Swarmsareadeptat crossing
terrain that would slow others- they are
not slowedby Diffrcult Terrain,but must
te$ for dangerousterrain asnormal.

penetration rolls.

ZF.ALOT
TWO.HAI{DED
This wenpon is particularly heavy and
requires both hands to wield.
A model attacking with this weapon can
never gain bonus Attacks for fighting
with two weapons (see page 24).

Zealots
fiShton throughthemost
tewiblewounds,drivenforwardsby the
in their hearts.
conuiction
A unit that containsat leastone model
with this specialrule hasboth the
Fearlessand Hatred specialrules.

*\T

E.r;

UIUTTYPEs
hs thc mind is to thc body so thc soul is to the spirit, asdcathis to thc mortal man
so failurc is to thc immortal, such is the pricc of all ambition.'
So far, we've discussed the basic rules

In most cases,it will be fairly obvious

as they pertain to Infantry, the most

which unit type category a model falls

are such a powerful and important part

of rVarhamrner 40,000 that they have

important and common unit type in the

tX/arhammer 4 0,000 game. Flowever,

into, but as unit type is essentially an

a section all to themselves later in the

extension of the characteristic profile,

book (seepage 63).

whilst the definition of Infantry is

you'llbe able to find that information in

incredibly broad (it can cover anything

the relevant codex.

from the most diminutive Gretchin to

the mightiest Space Marine), it's not

If your codex doesn't contain unit fype

enough to capture the full variety, scope

information (as will be the case with

and splendour of a war-torn galaxy

some of the older volumes), then simply

consult Appendix II of this book - you

teeming with all manner of alien beasts.

willfind

a complete at-a-glancebestiary

To do justice to the full pomp and

that (amongst other things) lists each

panoply of xenos creatures (as well as

model's unit type.

some of the weirder beings in service to

the Emperor of Mankind), we will now

CHARACTERS

cover a series of unit tlpes, each with

In addition to their unit type, some

their own abilities and special rules.

Vehicles are distinct enough to require

models might also be noted as being

'w'e're
not going to woryr
characters.

their own section later on (see page 70).

about characters here, however. They

INFANTRY
Infantry units indude all types of foot soldiers, whether human or alien. A typical unit of Infantry is between five and ten
models strongbut canbe much larger.
In rare cases,an Infantry unit may

Infantry are the most common and

comprise only a single model. Infantry

dependable units in W'arhammer 40,000.

are fairly slow moving, but can cross

As the bulk of the rules are concerned

almost any terrain (given enough time)

with them, there are no additional rules

and make the best use of cover to avoid

to present here.

enemy fire.

SpaceManne SternguardVeteranSquad

A suer.l

MrND

Is EAsrLy

FTLLED wrrH

FAITH.

BIKES & IETBIKES

Units mounted on Bikes excel at vanguard strikes. They are able to use their fast speed to strike deep into enemy
territory, complete their mission and escape before an enemy is able to react. These warriots are often regarded as
dangerously hot-headed risk-takers, but their effectiveness cannot be denied.

ARMOURED STEED

ASSAUTT

TURBO-BOOST

Bike and Jetbike riders benefit from the

protection offered by their bike, which

Bike charge moves are not slowed down

Bikes and letbikes cannot Run, but

can make a special Turbo-boost move,

increases their Toughness characteristic

by I . If the Bike or Jetbike is part of the f,
model's standard wargear, this bonus is

by difficult terrain. However, each Bike

or Jetbike model that charges an enemy
model behind a barricade or Aegis

instead of firing in their Shooting phase.

defence line, must take a Dangerous

Turbo-boosting Bikes move up to 12",

already included on its profi-le.

Terrain test.

turbo-boosting Jetbikes move up to 24".

Controlling their Bikes at such speeds

MO\IEMENT

SPECIAT RUIES

takes all the riders' concentration and

Bikesand Jetbikescan move up to 12"in

the Movementphase.

Bikes and Jetbikes have the Hammer of

Vrath, Jink and Relentless special rules.

skill, however. Bikes and letbikes

therefore cannot shoot, charge or
execute any other voluntary action for

Bu<rs Ar{DTnnneru
Bikes are never slowedby di{hcult
terrain. However, they treat all di-fhcult
terrain asdangerousterrain.

the rest of the turn after Turbo-boosting,

JErnrr<rs, MooELs AND TEnnnrlr

Jetbikes can always move over all other
models and all teffain freely. Flowever,
if a moving Jetbike begins or ends its
move in difficult terrain, it must take a
Dangerous Terrain test. Jetbikes cannot
end their move over other models or
impassable terrain, except that they can
SpaceManne AttachBike

end their move on top of impassable

terrain if it is acrually possible to place
the models on top of it. If they do that,
however, they ffeat the impassable
terrain as dangerous terrarn.
Fmr

Blcx

Movss

Bikes and letbikes move 3D6" when

falling back, rather than 2D6".

SHOOTINC

Ernen (el{n DIRK Ernen) IETBTKES

The Eldar are the undisputed masters of anti-grav technology, and their Jetbikes form
swift attack forces feared by any who have faced them. Their favourite tactic is to emerge
from cover, open fire and then dive back into cover before the enemy can retaliate,

In additlon to following

all

the rules for Jetbikes, Eldar

Each Bike or Jetbike in a unit can fire

with one weapon for each rider on the

]etbikes may move up to

Bike. Thus a Space Marine Attack Bike

even if they don't charge and

with a driver and passenger in sidecar

even if they arrived by Deep

can fi.re two weapons.

2D6" in the Assault phase,

Strike that turn. \(rhen Eldar

jetbikes move in the Assault

Bikes and letbikes cannot Go to Ground,

and cannot be Pinned.

phase and do not charge,

they treat diffrcult

terrain

in the same way as they do

in the Movement phase.
Furthermore,

if an Eldar

jetbike elects to Turbo-boost,

it can move up to 36".

EldavJetbihe

ARTIttERY
Some weapons are so large and cumbersome that they are usually mounted on vehicles, but are sometimes utilised by
Infantry Artillery teams, particularly if the batdefield's terrain is not suitable for vehicles. These mighty Artillery weapons
are mounted on wheeled supports or on anti-grav pladotms, as they are simply too heavy to lug across a battlefield.

SHOOTINGwrITH
ARTILLERY

THEUNIT
Artillery units consist of a number
of crew models and the gun models

Gun models cannot be fired if they

themselves. These units are quite

moved at all in that turn's Movement

phase - they cannot make Snap Shots.

complex as they can include several

different rypes of models. The gun
models have the following profile:

Otherwise, one crewman that is within

SUTSBSSTWIAtdSv

it. The crewmen firing the gun cannot

2" ofa gun in the Shooting phase can fi.re

7 2

3+

fire any weapons they are carrying,

while the other crew members (and any

ASSAUTT

If all the crew rnodels are killed, the

Independent Characters in the unit) are

Artillery units cannot charge as long as

guns are immediately removed as well.

free to fire their side arrns, provided the

they include any gun models.

whole unit shoots at the same target.

If an Artillery unit is charged, rnove

Sometimes, the player has the choice

of adding leaders or additional rnodels

\il.hen firing the guns, there must be

the charging models into base contact

to the crew of an Artillery unit. These

a line of sight to the target from both

with the crew and guns as normal. No

models are part of the crew in all

the gun model and the crewman firing

l7ounds can be allocated to the guns.

respects and can operate the guns as

it (unless they are Barrage weapons, of

All engaged enemies roll To Hit and To

normal, even if they are otherwise

course). Ranges are measured from the

\(ound

slightly different from the rest of the

crew. Independent Characters that join

barrel on the gun model.

only engaged with guns). Engaged crew

the unit, however, do not count as crew

SHOOTING AT ARTILLERY

guns do not.

and cannot operate the guns.

models can, of course, fight back, but the

If shooting at an Artill"ry

unit, the

used whilst at least one gun remains.

MORATE&
FAII, BACKMO\IES

Artillery guns need at least one crewman

Any \Tounds that are caused are still

For the pulposes of Morale checks

per gun in order for the unit to move. If

allocated to the closest model first.

Toughness of the guns is always

MOVINC

an Artill.ry
I

against the crew (even if they are

\STIITH ARTITLE RY

and other leadership tests, and for

cornbat resolution, always ignore

unit does not have at least

one crewman per gun, then it rnay not

If an Artillery unit chooses to Go to

the gun models, as if they were not

move, the remaining crewmen will not

Ground, this does not increase the cover

save of the guns - only the crew benefit.

there. Because they need at least one

voluntarily leave a gun behind.

crewman per gun in order for the unit

to move, if an Anillery unit does not
have one crewman per gun when it is

forced to Fall Back, any gun models

without crewmen are abandoned and
immediately removed as casualties.
The rest of the unit then Falls Back as
normal. If an Artillery unit is forced
to Fall Back from close combat and
the enemy is free to make a Sweeping
Advance, then the Artill.ry

unit

automatically loses the Initiative test and

is caught and destroyed by the victor.

ARTIT TFRY & LOOK OUT, SIR

A \7ound cannot be re-allocated onto a
gun model frorn a successful Look Out,
Sir ro11.

Eldav ShadowWeaver
@-{gp5,;r

-*.r-4F

FLrrH wlTrrour

DEEDs rs \,yoRTHLEss.

{"

INtonn-eNcE

Is rHE

oNLy

AppRopRIATE

REAcrroN

To HERESY.

IUMPUNITS
Jurnp units are equipped with jump packs, wings, teleport devices or other means of rnoving quickly ovet short distances.
'|ump' is not classification in and of itself. Instead, you'll find it occurs before
a
Unlike most other unit type categories,
another category comrnonly Infantry, sometimes Monsfrous Creatures and perhaps, rarely, other things. fump units
for example,
therefote share two sets of rules, the Jump unit rules, and those of their base type. Jump Infantrywould,
follow the rules for Jump units and Infantry.
Iump units can use their jump packs
once each turn to move more swiftly in

Jump models cannot end their move

on top of other models and can only

FAITBACKM

either the Movement phase or the Assauh

end their move on top of impassable

Jump units always use their jump packs

when falling back, and their Fall Back

phase - they cannot use their jump packs

terrain if it is acrually possible to place

moves are 3D5", even if they already use(

in both phases in the same rurn. If not

the rnodels on top of it. If they do this,

their jump pack to move that turn.

using its jump pack, a model moves as

however, they treat the impassable

a normal model of its tfpe. Indeed, a

terrain as dangerous terrain.

Jump unit can always choose to move as

a nonnal model of their type if they wish.
Note that the entire unit must always use

MO\TEMENTPHASE
If aJumpmodelusesitsjump pack(or

the same form of movement. Units that

'moving
like'Jump units
are described as

can rnove up to 12".

follow all of the rules for Jump units, and

use the same special rules.

ASSAULT PHASE

SPECIAL RUTES
Jump units have the Bulky and Deep
Strike special rules.

equivalent) in the Movement phase, it

If a Jump model uses its jump pack to

SI(YBORNE

charge into assault, it can

\Vhen using its jump pack (whether

re-roll its charge distance.

moving, charging or falling back, as we'll

discuss in a mornent) a model can move

Funhermore, to represent the crushing

over all other models and all terrain

impact of such a charge, a model that

freely. However, if the model begins or

uses its jump pack to charge gains the

ends its move in difficult terrain, it must

Hammer of lUrrath special rule for the

take a Dangerous Terrain test.

remainder of the rurn.

AssaultManne

ft. IET PACK IJNITS

'rF${-

i -i-

let packs are designed to provide stable firing pladorms rather than a means of getting into close combat. As with Jump
units,'Jet Pack' is not a classification in and of itself. Instead, you'll find it occurs in addition to another - Jet Pack
Infantry, for example. If no such distinction is made in a unit entry, treat the model as Jet Pack Infantry.

SI(YBORNE

MOVEMENT

SPECIAT RUTES

Vhen using its jet pack (whether

Jet Pack units can move as nonnal models

of their type or activate their jet packs.

Jet Pack units have the Bulk|, Deep

Strike and Relentless special rules.

moving, or making a Thrust move, as

we'll discuss in a moment) a model can
move over all other models and terrain

THRUSTMO\rE

freely. However, if the model begins or

A Jet Pack unit that is not locked in

combat or charging can move up to

ends its move in difficult terrain, it must

take a Dangerous Terrain test.

2D6" in the Assault phase, even if they

have shot or Run in the preceding

Jet Pack models cannot end their move

on top of other models and can only

Shooting phase or arrived by Deep

Strike that turn.

end their move on top of impassable

the models on top of it. If they do this,

\7hen Jet Pack units move in the

Assault phase and do not charge, they

however, they reat the impassable

move just as they would when using

terrain if it is actually possible to place

terrain as dangerous terrain.

their jet packs in the Movement phase.

^ l t ' .

L f l U 5 n A , SU l L n

XVz q Battlesuit

MONSTROUSCREATURES
Some creatures are just too big to fi.t into the
ordinary

Infantty

unit category. These are towering

a tank - like the

giants that are capable of crushing

Tyranid

Carnifex,

a creature bioengineered

evolved to become a living

Monstrous

battering

and

ram. S7hile

Creatures use many of the Infantry

rules, their size and destnrctive

capability

make

them a lot tnore dangerous.

SHOOTINC
Monstrous Creatures can fire up to fwo of their
weapons each Shooting phase - they must, of course,
fire both of thern at the same target.

SPECIAL RULES
Mcnstrous Creatures have the Fear, llammer of
\7rath, Move Through Cover, Relentless and Smash
special rules.
DaemonPnnce

BtrASTS
vage, swift-moving creatures with four (or more) powerful legs
to carry them into the fray.

MO\IEMENT
Beastscan move up to 12" in the Movement phase. Beasts are not slowed by
difficult terrain (even when charging).

FAIT BACKMO\IES
Beastsmake Fall Back moves just like Infantry, except that they move 3D6".

SPECIAT RUTES

Khymera

This category covers warriors with a living mount. $7'hen closing on their
'
enemles, slrc h troops are able to move at far greater speeds than war-riors on
foot, and as such, are able to launch deadly charges and counter-charges.

MOVEMENT
Cavalry can move up to l2" in the Movement phase. Cavalry are not
slowed down by di{ficult terrain (even when charging). However)
Cavalry models treat all difficult terrain as dangerous terrain instead.

FAII, BACKMO\IES
Cavalry make Fall Back moves just hke Infantry, except that they
rnove 3D6".

SPECIAT RUTES
Cavalry have the Fleet and Hammer of u(rath special rules.
Seeher
of Slaanesh
Hopp rs rHE FrRsr srEP oN TrrE

FTTING MONSTROUS CREATURES

Flying Monstrous Creatures are massive winged monstrosities

that are essentially ferocious living aircraft.

. A Flying Monstrous Creature

FTIGHTMODES

Drvs
If threatened, a Flying Monstrous

Flying Monstrous Creatures can move

that is Swooping can move over

using one of two flight modes: Swooping

intervening units and impassable

Creature that is Swooping can dive rapidly,

or Gliding.

terrain exactly as a Jump Monstrous

Creafure. In addition, a Flying

throwing offthe aim of its aftackers.

Monstrous Creature that is

After the enemy has rolled To Hit and

Swooping does not take Dangerous

To'Wound against a Flying Monstrous

CneNcrNG Frrcnr

Moor

At the start of its move, a Flying

Creature, but before saving throws are

Terrain tests.

Monstrous Creature rnust declare

made, you can declare that it is diving.

whether it is Swooping or Gliding until

'A Flying Monstrous Creature that

the start of its next rurn.

DEPLO]N{ENT

elects to Run can rnove up to 2D5"

A Flying Monstrous Creature that is

straight forwards if Swooping.

diving gains the Jink special rule until

the end of its next turn. Flowever,

A Flying Monsffous Creature that is

'A Flying Monstrous Creature

deployed at the start of the game starts

because its efforts are focussed on

in Glide mode. If a Flying Monstrous

cannot charge or be charged whilst

diving, it can only make Snap Shots until

Creature is kept as Reseryes then as

it is Swooping.

the end of its next turn.

soon as it enters play, you must declare

SwooprNc

whether it is in Swoop or Glide mode.

GnoUNDED TEsrs

F{uNruns

Flying Monstrous Creatures are quick-

If a Flying Monstrous Creature that is

GLIDINC

witted predators, able to track their

Swooping suffers one or more hits from

If a Flying Monstrous Creature is Gliding,

targets even when moving at high

a unit's Shooting attack, it must take a

it moves, runs and charges exacdy like a

speeds.They can, therefore, fire up to

Grounded test immediately after that

Iump Monstrous Creature.

two of their weapons noffnally, even

Shooting attack has been resolved.

if Swooping (provided that they don't

Run). Flying Monstrous Creatures can

To take a Grounded test roll a D6. on

shoot all around,lust like other non-

a 3+, the Flying Monstrous Crearure

vehicle models.

maintains control and suffers no

additional effect.

HARD ro Hrr
A Srvooping Flying Monstrous
target for

If a I or 2 is rollcd,the beast comes

crashing down to the ground - it

SWOOPINC

Creature is a very difficult

If a Flying Monstrous Crearure is

units without specialised weapons.

Swooping, it moves exactly like a Jump

Shots resolved at such a target can

arrnour or cover savesallowed, and

Monstrous Creafure, with the following

only be resolved as Snap Shots unless

become Grounded. A Grounded Flying

exceptions and clarifi.cations:

the model or weapon has the Skyfire

Monstrous Creature can be charged

special rule (see page 42). Template,

in the following Assault phase and

Blast and Large Blast weapons cannot

hit Swooping models.

automatically loses the Jink special rule

(if it had it), but can move norrnally in its

LEevrNc C otvtser ArnsPAcE

next turn. It regains the Jink special ruIe

if it Dives again later in the game.

. It must move at least 12" and can

move up to 24".
. Due to its limited manoeuvrabiliry,

suffers a single Strength t hit with no

a Flying Monstrous Creature that is

It's quite likely that a Flying

Swooping can make a single pivot on

Monstrous Creature will leave the

the spot of up to 90" before it moves.

board whilst Swooping. Indeed it can,

Flying Monstrous Creatures have

Thereafter it must move directly

unlike other units, deliberately do so.

the Fear, Hammer of W'rath, Move

forwards in a straight line. As many

tf this happens, whether deliberate or

Through Cover, Relentless Smash

Flying Monstrous Creatures are

and Vector Strike special rules.

mounted on circular or oval bases,

not, the unit is said to have left combat

airspace - it then enters Ongoing

it's not always clear which way is

forward. If in doubt, just make sure

reserve, the unit cannot change flight

you use the same point on the base as

'front'for
the entire game.
the

SPECIAL RULES

Reserves (see page 125).Whilst in

mode (it's too busy trying to get back
to the battlefield).

PerN rS AN ILLUSION

OF THE SENSES, DESPAIR AN ILLUSION

OF THE IIIND.

WEAPoNS
'In

tfic blazingfurnaccof brttlcvc shallforgcancv

tk iron will of r yct strongcrrecc.'

By the 4lst Millennium, warfare has spawned innumerable weapons, from the simple laspistol to the bareb controllable
plasma cannon. In this section, we describe how the myriad types of weapon work in the Warhammer 40,000garne.

PnoFnES
$UrEePoN

STRENGTH

Every weapon has a profile. Here are t\4/o examples:

If the weapon'sStrength is'User',then attacksmadewith that

weaponareresolvedat the wielder'sStrengthvalue.

AP T1pe

Range
Boltgun

24"

Rapid Fire

Range

AP
User

If the weapon's range contains o

'-',

If the weaponhasa fixed Strength,i.e.a number beuveenI and

10,this is the Strengthof Attacksmadewirh that weapon.

T;rpe
Melee

it is (unless otherwise

Eorexantpl,e,
if anlrnperial Guardsman(Strenglhl) malus a
Shootingattachwith alasgun (Strengh3),his shotsare yesolued
at
Strenglh3. If he shoots
with aheavybolter(Strenglhs),his shotsare
resolved
at Stren*h 5.

stated) a Melee weapon. tf it contains a nurnber, or Template'

it is a shooting weapon. The nurnber here given is the range
measured in inches. lf it has two numbers, the fi,rst is its
minimum

range and the second its maximum range. If the

If the weaponconfersa Strengthbonus,the Strength of the

weapon'sattacksis equalto that of the user after any such
modifiers havebeen applied.

weapon's range is given as Template', then the weapon fi.res

using the teardrop-shaped template (see page 52).

Eorexarnple,if an Impenal cuardsmnn (strenglh3) attacltswith a

with StrenglhxT,his Attachis Strengfhe QxZ).If heattachs
wea.pon
w ith a w ea,ponw ith Strenglh+1,his Attachsare Strength4 (3+I ).

ARMOUR PIERCING (AP)

This value showshow good the weaponis at punching through
arrnour.The lower the number, the better the weapon is at
piercing armour,cancelling the target'sArmour Save.The rules
for armour savesand AP valuescan be found on pages16-17.

TYPE
A shooting weapon always has one of the following rfpes:
Assault, Heavy, Ordnance, Pistol, Rapid Fire or Salvo. These
rules (found on the next two pages) measure a weapon's
ponability

and affect the way they can be fired, depending

whether or not the model carrying them moved that rurn. A

shooting weapon can only be used to make Shooting attacks.
MnrEE TypE
veapons with the Melee type can only be used in close combat.

NuunrR oF Snors
Someshooting weaponsfire multiple shots.tJflherethis is the
case,the number of shotsa weaponfi.resis noted after its type.
For example,a multi-Iaseris a Heavyweapln that firesthree shots
eachShootingphasqso its typeis Heauy3.

-*-

Ir rs nrrrER

Wcapons

FoR A MAN To BE AFRATD THAN HAPPY.

Remember that the player can decide that any model in a firing

ASSAUTTVIEAPONS

unit is not going to file its weapon, however, if a model does

Assault weapons are fired by warriors as they move forwards

shots from its Heavy 3 weapon).

into combat. They either fire so rapidly or indiscriminately

that they don't have to do much more than point and shoot.

Some weapons can be used in different ways, representing

fuel, so it's just as accurate whether the firer is moving or not.

different power settings or types of ammo. Some weapons can

This means they are very good for advancing on the foe!

fi.re, it must do so at full

effect (so it cannot fire only two

For example, a flamer is a weapon that fires a gout of burning

be used in combat as well as shooting. \7here this is the case,

there will be a separate line in the weapon's profile for each, and
you can choose which to use each turn.

A model shooting an Assault weapon shoots the number of times

indicated on its profile - whether or not the bearer has moved.
A model carrying an Assault weapon can fire it in the Shoodng

If a weapon has a D6, D3 or other randomly determined amount

phase and still charge into close combat in the Assault phase.

for the number of shots, roll the appropriate dice to work out
how many shots are fired each time the model shoots. If a unit
contains several models shooting such weapons, ro11once and

Range

AP

24"

Storm bolter

T)rye
Assault2

multiply the result by the number of firing models with that

weapon to calculate the number of shots. If it is a Shooting
attack that targets several different units, roll once - all target

HEA\ryWEAPONS

units suffer that number of shots.

These are heavy, man-portable weapons, such as missile

launchers, or lighter weapons that require reloading between
each shot, careful set-up or bracing to counter their recoil.

SpEcrer RurEs
The Type section of a weapon's profile also includes any special
rules that apply to the weapon in question. More inforrnation
on these can be found either in the Special Rules section (see

\7hen shooting, a model with a Heavy weapon shoots the

number of times indicated. If a model carrying a Heavy weapon

page 32) or in the codex the weapon is found in.

moved in the preceding Movement phase, he can fire it in the

CTOSE COMBAT \$'IEAPONS

Shooting phase but only as Snap Shots (see page 13for details).
Remembet that weapons with the Blast special rule cannot

Many weapons (combat knives, maces,axes and other improvised

fire Snap Shots. Models that shoot with Heavy weapons in the

or prirnitive weapons) don't confer any Strength bonuses, AP

Shooting phase cannot charge in the ensuing Assault phase.

values or special rules. These weapons are simply referred to

'close
combat weapon' in the model's wargear and have the
as
following profile:

Range
l]ser

Close combat weapon

No SprcrFrED Mrrrn

AP
-

AP TWe

Range
Lascannon

49"

Heavy I

Tlpe

ORDNA}ICE S'IEAPONS

Melee

Ordnance weapons are the big guns of the battlefietd - cannons

so vast they normally have to be mounted on tanks and artill"ry.

$TEepoN

If a model is not specifically stated as having a weapon with

the Melee type, it is treated as being armed with a single close

'S?.hen
shooting, a model with an Ordnance weapon fires the
number of times indicated in its profile after its type. A non-

combat weapon.

vehicle model carrying an Ordnance weapon cannot fire it in

Prsrors es Crosr CousAr'WTAPoNS
A pistol can be used as a close combat weapon. If this is done,
use the profile given above - the Strength, AP and special ruIes
of the pistol's Shooting profile are ignored (see page 52).

the Shooting phase if he moved in the preceding Movement

phase and cannot fire it as Snap Shots. Furthermore, if a nonvehicle model fires an Ordnance weapon, then the massive
recoil frorn the Ordnance weapon means that the model cannot
fire other weapons that phase, nor will it be able to charge in the
ensuing Assault phase.

MORE THA}I ONE TTEAPON

Unless otherwise stated, tf ^ model has more than one Shooting
weapon, he must choose which one to shoot - he cannot fire
both in the same Shooting phase.II a model has more than
one Melee weapon, he must choose which one to attack with
when he comes to srike blows - he cannot mix and match the
abilities of several different Melee weapons. However, it's worth
remembering that if a model has two or more Melee weapons

Ordnance weapons hit with such force that when you roll to
penetrate a vehicle's armour with an Ordnance weapon, roll two
dice instead of one and pick the hlghest result!

Battle cannon

he gains +l Attack in close combat (see page?4).

--{Ei#.;

M.ryrrrs

4.,nJtr'#--

EMptnon's

Wnlrrr

FoREVER cLEANSEouR souls.

Range

AP

72'

e
Ordnancel,
Large Blast

CAN BE WON WITH

THE WEAKEST

GUNS.

PISTOTW{EAPONS

TEMPIATE

Pistols are light enough to be carried and fired one-handed, but

Template weapons shoot clouds of fire, gas or other lethal

STIEAPONS

with limited range, allowing a trooper to fight in close combat

substances,rather than shells or bullets. They're excellent for

with a pistol and sword or other Melee weapon.

killing enemy troops in cover, as rhe payload simply flows over

intervening obstacles to assail the foe behind.

All Pistols are effectively Assault I weapons. A Pistol also counts

as a close combat weapon in the Assault phase (seepage 24 and 5l).

Range
Bolt pistol

12"

AP

TW"

Template weapons are indicated by having the word Template'

for their range instead of a number. Instead of rolling To Hit,
simply place the template so that its narrow end is touching the
base of the firing model and the rest of the template covers as

Pistol

many models in the target unit as possible, without touching

CuvsrrNGER

any other friendly models (including other models from the

A11models with two pistols can fire both in the Shooting phase.

firing model's unit). Ary rnodels fully or partially under the

This follows the normal rules for shooting.

template are hit. Against vehicles, the template must be placed

RAPID FIRE WIEAPONS

Rapid Fire weapons are very common and usually come in the

friendly rnodel. The position of the firer is used to determine

which armour facing is hit (see page 73). A Template weapon

form of semi-automatic rifles. Their versatility means they can

never hits the model firing it.

to cover as much of the vehicle as possible without touching a

be fired effectively'from the hip'when a squad is advancing,

spraying shots into the enemy whenever they present

Template weapons have the Ignores Cover special rule.

thernselves,or instead, used for aimed single shots against

\Tounds inflicted by Ternplate weapons are allocated

targets at greater distances.

following the normal rules.

A model armed with a Rapid Fire weapon can fire two shors

Template weapons cannot fire Snap Shots.

at a target up to haHthe weapon's maximum range away.

Alternatively, it can instead fire one shot at atarget over half the

Murrrprr

weapon's range awaf tup to the weapon's maxirnum range.

If a unit is firing more than one shot with the Ternplate

TnuprerEs

type, resolve each shot, one at a time, as described above,

If a unit shooting Rapid Fire weapons is found to be panially

determining and recording how many hits are scored by

within half range of the target, the firing models within half

each ternplate. Resolve these, and the rest of the unit's shots,

range fire two shots, while those further away fire one.

as normal.

Range

AP

24"

Boltgun

AP Tlp"

Range

Models that shoot with Rapid Fire weapons in the Shooting

phase cannot charge in the ensuing Assault phase.

Flamer

Template

Assault I

Type

'Weu

RapidFire

Flamers and other Template weapons are fearsome when

or DEern

ernployed against a charging enemy, as the wielder can spray a

SAIVOW{EAPOI{S

cloud of destruction into the path of the assault.

Salvo weapons are essentially larger and more destructive Rapid

Fire weapons.

Template weapons can fi.re overwatch,

even though they

cannot fire snap Shots. Instead ,if aTemplate weapons fires

Salvo weapons have two numbers on their profile (listed after

overwatch, it autornatically inflicts D3 hits on the charging

their type) separatedby a'l'. Amodel armed with a Salvo

unit, resolved at its normal Strength and AP value. Don't

weapon can move and fi.re at a target up to half its maximum

worry about comparing the length of the template with the

distance to the enemy. If the charge is successful, it doesn't

range away. In this case)the number of shots is equal to the fi.rst

nurnber. If the model has not moved, it can instead fire a grearer
number of shots at atatget up to the weapon's maxirnum range.

matter anyway. If the charge failed, we can assume that the

enemy ran into range of the Template weapon and were

In this case,the number of shots is equal to rhe second number.

driven back.

Models that shoot with Salvo weapons in the Shooting phase

Truprerr'W'Eaporvs

cannot charge in the ensuing Assault phase.

Shellstorm cannon

Range

AP

48"

Type
Salvo?/4

Nonooy

Is rNNocENT,

& Focus Frnr

If a unit chooses to Focus Fire at an enemy' any Template
weapons in that unit ignore the targeting andlJfound allocation
restrictions from Focus Fire. The template is placed, and their
hits are resolved, as if the unit is not focusing its fire.

THERE ARE MERELv

vARyrNc

LEvELs

oF GUTLT.

Weapons

A nrodel r-rsinga Rapid Fire n'errpon

can shoot once at rrLaximum range
Alternativel)., if the target is u'ithin hall
nraxinrunr range, it can fire trvice

A pi s tol c an s hoot c nc e up to i ts r nax i r nun

range, u'ireti-ter tire firer n-rrrt,e.lc-rItrot

An Assatilt u,eapon can ahvavs shoot the

numl'rer of trmes in:licated antl up to its
m ax i m um r ange, r egar c l l es sof u'hether th
firer nroved or not

If a nrodel u,rth a Flea.',1n

\\reaFon remalns
stationary, it can iir,: the numlrer of tinres
i n d i c a t e d { a t h i s n t - r : m a lE a i l i s t i c S k i l l ) u p
to the tnaxitnutn ra.rge c,f the u,eapon If
the firer nroverJ,thr shot u'ill onlv hit on
a 6, asit is a Snap Shot l{ired at Ballistic

skil11t

lvf otiels can be hit multiple titnes from different template shots In the
exarnple gir,,enabol'e, njne hits are causecJas thrt:e Llrks are hit twice.

PmsvnGuru

MErracunt

Sr.upEn
Rrrr-E

MrssruE["ruucHER
FMG,KnnrcANDFLarr MISstLEs

Macno Caxuott SHELTRcI:CN 749/001

,.

-re--_a
Rutr*sssNEss

rs

rHE

KTNDNESS

oF

THE

wrsE.

RA}IGED WIEAPONSOF THE 4ISTMILLENNIUM

;;;;;;;"*;;;r;;.'*'"**,i"'u"":;;;;J;;";;;"',";;";"**
jets of super-heated llame or psionic
laser
blasts,
inhabit the galaxy. Thus, oblivion can come from explosive shells,
beams. This section covers some of the most common (or notorious) weapons of $farhammer 40,000and serves as
both reference and example for some of the tools of death you will encounter.

AUTO-S7]3APONS

COMBI-STEAPONS

These robust weapons are automated, self-loading fi.rearms that

fire bursts of high-velocity, caselessshot. Auto-weapons come in
a variety of forms, from pistols to massive support weapons like

Combi-weapons are boltguns that have been specially

modified by skilled artisans. Each has been expertly converted

the macro-cannon.

Range

17"
24"
24"
48"
48"

3
3
6
7
7

Autopistol
Autogun
Assault cannon
Autocannon
Quad-gun

AP Typ*
- Pistol
4
4
4

for emergencies.

, 1 -

R t p i dF i r e
Heavy 4, Rending
FIeavy2
Heavy 4,
Intercepfor,
Skyfire,
.

1 .

I-wrn-llnKeO

72"

Macro-cannon

to house another weapon) commonly either a meltagun,

plasma gun or flamer. This extra weapon carries only a limited
charge, allowing the bearer a single shot - perfect

A model armed with a combi-weapon can choose to fire either

the primary boltgufi, or the secondary weapon. The bolter can
be fired every turn, but the secondary weapon can only be fired
once per baftle (a combi-plasma gun can, of course, Rapid Fire).
You cannot fire both weapons in the same turn. Each combiweapon has only one secondary weapon.

Hear'1.2,
LargeBlast

Pmr"re.nv\U/Eepou

AP TW"

Range

24"

Range

AP

Template 4
g
I?"
7
24"

5
1
2

Boltgun

Rapid Fire

BATTLE CAI{hION
VTAPoNS

The turfet-mounted battle cannon is the most common battle

tank armament in the 4lst Millennium. The heavy, explosive

SEcounenv

rounds of a battle cannon are capable of devastating infantry

regiments and annihilating enemy tanks with equal ease.

Flamer
Meltagun
Plasrnagun

TlTe
Assault I
Assault l, Melta
Cets FIot,
Rapid Fire

Ordnance I r

Battle cannon

Large Blast

FTAMERWEAPOhIS
Flamers are short-ranged weapons that spew out highly
volatile clouds of liquid chemicals that ignite on contact

BOTTGUNS

'bolts'.
Each
The boltgun, or bolter, fires small missiles known as
selFpropelled bolt explodes with devastating effect once it has

with air. They are pdmarily used to scour the enemy from

penetrated its target. There are many variations of boltguns'

from the short-barrelled bolt pistol to the Vulcan mega-bolter

superheated vapour.

defended positions, as walls are of no defence against blasts of

Range

often mounted on Titans and other super-heavy vehicles.

Bolt pistol
Boltgun
Storm bolter
FIeavybolter
Vulcan mega-bolter

Range

AP

t?"
24"
24"
36"
60"

4
4
4
5
6

5
5
5
4
3

Typ"
Pistol
RapisFire
Assault 2
Hear,y 3
Heavy 15

Template
Hand flamer
Ternplate
Flamer
Template
Burna
Dragon's
Tempiate
breath flamer
Template
Flamespurt
Ternplate
Hearryflamer
lemplate
Skorch*
Fleat ray
(dispersedbeam) Template
Ternplate
Incinerator
Heavy incinerator Ternplate
Template
Inferno cannon
Flamestormcannon Template
B

*--.--A+,--,

-*"#.

AP

3
4
4

6
5
5

Type
Assaultl
Assaultl
Assaultl

5
5
5
)

4
4
4
4

Assault 1
Assault I
Assault 1
Assault I

5
6
6
6
6

4
4
4
4
3

Fleavy I
Assault I
Heavy 1,Torrent
Heavy tr,Torrent
Assault I

tAS\UTEAPONS
Las weapons fire packets of explosive laser energy - the larger
the gun, the more powerful the shot. Regardless of size, las
weapons are incredibly reliable, making them favoured tools of
war throughout the Imperium.

Range
Hot-shot laspistol
Laspistol
Hot-shot lasgun
Lasgun
Multi-laser
Lascannon
Icaruslascannon

t2
I8
24
36
48
96

AP

Tlrp"

Pistol
Pistol

33
3
33
J:
6
92
92

Rapid Fire
Rapid Fire
Fleavy 3
Heavy I
Fleavy l,
Interceptor)
Skyfite

METTAWEAPONS
Melta weapons are lethal anti-armour guns, most effective
'S7hen
fired, the super-heating of the air
at very short range.
produces a distinctive and sinister hiss. Solid rock is reduced to
molten slag, and living creatures are vaporised in an instant!

AP T)rye

Range
Inferno pistol
Meltagun
Muiti-melta

Pistol,Melta
Assault l, Melta
l, Melta
Heai,nT

6"gl
12"8I
?4"gI

MISSILE TAUNCHERS
Missile launchers can fire a variery of different missiles, making

STUB GIINS AI{D SHOTCUNS

them incredibly versatile weapons.

This catch-all category covers various low-tech solutions to

AII missile launchers come with ftagand krak missiles as

ranged warfare on hlgh-tech battlefields. Encompassing such

standard, and sorne have the option to upgrade to include flakk

weapons as shotguns, srub guns and heavy srubbers (sometimes

missiles. Each time a missile launcher fires, the controlling

called sluggers), the common bond between all of these weapons

is that they are, without exception, cumbersome, noisy and fairly

player must choose which rype of missile is being used,

primitive firearms. Often employed by gangers,law enforcement

Range
Frag missile
Flakk missile
Krak missile

AP

49"45
49"74
49"g3

Typ.

offi.cers and even cifians

Flear,ry1,Blast
Heavy I, Skyfire
Heavy I

make a formidable din when fired, and are easy to maintain.

PTASMASUIEAPONS
Plasma weapons fire pulses of searing energy that are extremely
effective against heavy infantry and light vehicles. However)
they generate enonnous temperatures when fired and are thus
prone to overheadng - sometimes proving deadly to the firer.

across the Imperium, these weapons

Range

12"
36"
12"
12'

3
4
3
4

Stub gun
Heavy Stubber
Shotgun
SpaceMarine shotgun
SNIPER

AP

TWe
Pistol
Heavy 3
,tssault 2
Assault 2

RIFLE

Sniper rifles have powerful telescopic sights, enabling the firer to

Range
Plasmapistol

12"

Plasmagun

24"

Plasmacannon

36"

AP

T)r1l"

target weak points and distant foes with unerring accuracy. Some

Pistol,
Cets Hot
Rapid Fire,
Cets Hot
Heavy l, Blast,
Cets Hot

commanders see the sniper rifle as a dishonourable weapon, but

THcnr rs No

uRE wrrxour

they are in the minority by far. Most understand that pragmarism,

and dead enemies, win more battles than honour ever will.
Range

Sniper rifle

rHE EtupEnon's BLEssrNG.

36"

APe
Heavy l, Sniper

Elnan
MEna BoN,rs

WncHBLADE

Elonn Ratonn
PovtEnSpE.an

Elonn
Powrn Swono

Eloan Sconprolt
CHarruswono

PmsuaGRENADE

Elnan RaroEn
PowEnSwono

Emnn
PowEnSpran

": t$ecf

MELEE W|EAPONSOF THE 4ISTMILLENNIUM

knives take their places alongside powered weapons of all kinds: swords, axes,hammers and many mote. All such
d"rign"d to bring quick and painful death to the foe, for every moment's delay brings defeat a step closer.
weapons
"""
CHAII{FIST
A chainfist is a power fi.st fitted with a chainblade aftachment
designed to carve its way through arrnoured bulkheads.
Originally designed for getting into ships during boarding
actions, the whirring adamantine blades of a chainfist have

If a model's wargear says it has a Force weapon that has no

further special rules, look at the model to tell which rype of
Force weapon it has: if it's a sword or dagger, it's a Force sword;
if it's an axe or halberd, it's a Force axe; if it's a blunt weapon like
a staff or rnace, it's a Force stave.

long since proven their worth when engaging armoured

Range

AP

Force sword

Ljser

Melt-e- For ce

Force axe

+1

Melee,Force,

+2

targets of all kinds.

AP Typ"

Range

Melee,
Armourbane,
Specialist\7eapor,
Unwieldy

x2

Chainfist

IJnivieldy
Force stave

Melee,
Concussive,
Force

IJr.rusuer FoncE S/Eepous

CHAINSWORDS
A chainsword is a high-powered chainsaw fitted with hilt,
pommel and guard to make it less unwieldy. It is a common
weapon across the Imperium, with a quite horrifying reputation
for the damage it can inflict on unarmoured flesh.

AP

Range
lJser

Chainsword
Eviscerator

x2?

+2

Heavy Chainsword

DREADNOUGHT

TW"

Many models have unusual Force weapons that have one

or more unique rules. If a Force weapon has its own unique
close combat rules, treat it as an AP 3 Melee weapon with the
additional rules and characteristics presented in its entry.

Tlpe

TIGHTNING

Melee
Melee,
Armourbane,
TWo-handed,
Unwieldy
Melee,
Two-handed

Iightning

CLOSE COMBAT STIEAPONS

Some troops are armed with huge close combat weapons

- hammers, wrecking balls, claws and other crushing
implements of death.

CI,A\uTS

claws are commonly used as matched pairs and

consist of a number of blades, each a miniature power weapon,
normally mounted on the back of the hand.

Range
lightning claw

AP

User

TyP"
Melee, Shred,
Specialist\Teapon

POWERKTA\UTI
Orks favout brutal power klaws over the more sophisticated
power fists of other races. Despite their crude aspect, power klaws
lack nothing in terrns of raw might and can tear open the flank of
a vehicle as easily as snip the heads from enemy warriors.

Range
Dreadnought close
combat weapon

AP

T)rye
Range

x2

Melee

Power klaw

AP

x2

FORCE\UTEAPONS

Typ"
Melee,
Specialist\feapon,
Unwieldv

Force weapons are potent psychic weapons used exclusively

by trained Psykers. By instilling a portion of his mental might
into the weapon, a Psyker can strike his foe with an incredible

A power fist is an armoured gauntlet surrounded by a

storm of power that ravages and overloads his enemy's nervous

system, leaving him a mindless shell.

bulky, weapon.

POWERFIST
disruptive energy field. tt is an incredibly destructive, but

Range

Twns oF FoRcE $[rEePoNS

Force weapons come in all shapes and sizes,but for the
pu{poses of our garne, we have three simple categories: Force

Power fist

axes,Force staves and Force swords.

TO BEAT A PATH TO DAMNATION.

x2

AP

Type
Melee,
Specialist\7eapori,
Unwieldy

,*S-

POWGRW|EAPOI{S

IJr.tus uer PowEn \ilUrseporrrs

A power weapon is sheathed in the lethal haze of a disruptive

Many models have unusual power weapons that have one

energy field that eats through armour, flesh and bone with ease.

or more unique rules. If a power weapon has its own unique

close combat rules, treat it as an AP 3 Melee weapon with the
additional rules and characteristics presented in its entry.

Tvpns op Powrn'$TnapoNS
Power weapons come in all shapes and sizes,but for the
purposes of our game, we have four simple categories of power

THUNDERHAMMER

weapons: power axes,power mauls, power swords and

Thunder hammers telease a tremendous blast of energy

power lances.

when they strike, slamming the foe to the ground and leaving
him stunned (if he survives at all). This, combined with the

If a model's wargear says it has a power .weapon which has

crushing weight of the hammer itseffi makes for an incredibly

no further special rules, look at the rnodel to tell which type

deadly weapon.

of power weapon it has: if it's a sword or dagger, it's a power

Range

sword; if it's an axe or halberd, it's a power axe; if it's a blunt

weapon like a mace or staff, it's a power rnaul; if it's a spear or

Thunder hammer

AP

xZ

lance, it's a power lance.

AP

Range
Power sword
Power axe

User
+l

Power rnaul

3
2

+24

Power lance

+l/User* 3/4"

Tlp"

TW"
Melee,
Concussive,
'S7.eapon,
Specialist
Unwieldv

Melee
Melee,

I$TTITCHBLADES

Unwieldy

Witchblades are arcane Eldar weapons that augment the

Melee,

wielder's physical might with that of his mind. They are the

Concussive

favoured weapons of Farseers and I(arlocks alike.

Melee

AP T1rye

Range
*Powerlanceshave
two profilesfor both Strenglhand LP.Thefirst
is used
ts usedonLyon n turn in which a modelcharges;
the second
at all othertimes.

\(itchblade

Melee,
Armourbane,
Fleshbane

User

GRENADES
Grenades a1g sm"tl hand-held canisters packed with explosive charges and, sometimes, a more exotic payload, such
as stumm gas. Grenades can be used to drive troops out ofcover, set up smokescreens or even cripple tanks.
Some grenades can be used both in the Shooting phase and the

ASSAUTTGRENADES

Assault phase, albeit to different effect. Only one grenade (of

Assault grenades, like the ubiquitous fraggrenade, can be

any type) can be thrown

by a unit per Shooting

phase.

hurled at the enemy as your warriors charge into battle. The

lethal storrn of shrapnel from these grenades drives opponents

Vrnrcrns

AND MorqsrRous

further under cover for a few precious moments, allowing

Cnrerunrs

Some grenades can be used against vehicles and/or

attackers more time to close in and, hopefully, get the fi.rst blow

Monstrous Creatures, but have to be clamped in place to

in against a disoriented foe.

maximise effect.
SrrootrNc
A rnodel can use such a grenade as a Melee weapon, but

\7hen a unit armed with assault grenades makes a shooting

can only ever make one attack, regardless of the number

aftack, one model can choose to throw a grenade, rather than

of Attacks in its profile or any bonuses. Different grenades

using another shooting weapon.

have different profiles when used in this manner, as

explained below.

Assault grenade
ulusuer

Range

8"

AP
-

Tl4l"
Assaultl, Blast

GnrNnoss

Some grenades do not have a profi.le. Any effects that they have

Asseurr

will be covered in their special rules. Unless specifically stated

Models equipped with assault grenades don't suffer the penalty

otherwise, these grenades cannot be thrown or used as a Melee

to their Initiative for charging enemies through cover) but fight

weapon against vehicles or Monstrous Creatures.

at their normal Initiative in the ensuing combat.

L-

THp rcsExusr BLADE rs RrcHTEous HATRED.

PTASMAGRENADES

IIA]NUruREGRENADES

Plasma grenades are a highly advanced typ" of assault grenade,

Haywire grenades release electromagnetic pulses that disable or

commonly employed by the Eldar.

destroy vehicles.

SnoorrNc
\7hen a unit armed with plasma grenades makes a shooting
attack, one model can choose to throw a grenade, rather than

SnoorrNc
When a unit armed with haywire grenades makes a shooting
attack, one rnodel can choose to throw a grenade, rather than

using another shooting weaPon.

using another shooting weapon.

Range

Ph';Gil;a;--

8''-

AP Tlr1l"
-4S -4
&;"*fiI;Bffit

AP

Range

i{ry*i* gt;ffd.

Tw"
Assaultl,
Haywire

Asseurr
don'tsufferthepenalry
with plasmagrenades
Modelsequipped

Asseurr

to their Initiative for charging enemies through cover, but fight

at their normal Initiative step rn the ensuing combat.

Unless used in assaults against vehicles, Haywire grenades

have no effect. \7hen used in assault against vehicles, haywire
grenades have the following profile:

VErrrcrES AND MorvsrRous

Cnrerurus

Unlike ordinary assaultgrenades,plasma grenades can be used

against vehicles and Monstrous Creatures in the Assault phase,

Range

S
2

Haywire grenade

AP
-

Typ"
Haywire

using the following profile:

KRAKGRENADES
Range

AP

Krak grenades are shaped charges, excellent for cracking the

Type

Plasma grenade

armour on hght vehicles.

DEFENSIVE GRENADES

Srroorrxc
\7hen a unit armed with krak grenades makes a shooting attack'
one model can choose to throw a grenade, rather than using

Defensive grenades, such as the photon grenades of the Tau,

which emit multi-spectrum hght and a sonic burst, have dual
uses.\7hen being charged, these are thrown to disorient the
enemy attack; against shooting, they're hurled to throw up

another shooting weapon.

clouds of concealing gas or smoke.

Krak Grenade

Range

AP

8"

Type
Assaultl

Suoorruc
A unit equipped with defensive grenades has the Stealth special
rule against all shooting attacks targeting them, so long as:

Asseurr
Unless used in assaults against vehicles or Monstrous Creatures,
'S7'hen
they are used in assaults
Krak grenades have no effect.
against vehicles or Monstrous Creatures,krak grenades have

. They are within 8" of the unit firing at them.

. They have not gone to ground.

the follorving profile:

Range

Asseurr
Models charging units equipped with defensive grenades do
not gain bonus Attacks from charging (see page 24). However, if

Krak grenade

the charged unit was already locked in combat from a previous

turn, or has gone to ground, these grenades have no effect and

METTABOMBS

the aftackers gain bonus Attacks as normal.

armoured hull in a matter of seconds.

AP

Tlrpe

Melta bombs are fusion"charges designed to burn through an

VEurcrES ANDMoNsrRous Cnrarunrs

\fhen usedin assaultsagainstvehiclesor monstrouscreafures,
melta bombshavethe following profile:
Range

Melta bomb

Dn,r.rrr

BRINGS No pEACE To rHE

UNFATTHFUL.

AP
I

Type
Armourbane,
Unwieldy

CHARACTERS
h good soldicr obeyswithout qucstion.A gooc{officcr commandswithout doubt.
-TacticoImperium
Veteran warriors, brilliant officers, possessedprophets and

CHIRAcTERS Ar{D SuooTrNG

ferocious war-leaders can all inspire their troops to great feats of

Characters shoot just like ordinary models of their type,

heroism (or fiendish bravery as the case may be) and are often

although they sometimes have a better Ballistic Skill or

quicker, stronger and rnore skilled in combat than those they

exotic weaponry that sets them apart. If the character is in a

lead. In W'arhammer 40,000,these kinds of powerful individuals

unit, ro11for him separately or use different coloured dice to

are called'characters'.

differentiate his shots. He must fire at the same target as the

unit he is in.

CgeRAcTEnTyPES

PRECISION SHOTS

Most characters are fielded in units from the start of the game,
and represent squad leaders, such as a Space Marine Veteran

If any of your character's shots roll e To Hit, these are Precision

'V7'ounds
Shots.
from Precision Shots are allocated against

Sergeant. They have their own profi.le, but do not have a

a model (or models) of your choice in the target unit,

separate entry. They are effectively just another trooper in

as long as it is in range, rather than following

their unit, with enhanced characteristics and perhaps a wider

rules for SZound allocation.

the normal

This means that Precision Shots

selection of weapons and wargear choices. Other characters,

can be allocated against enemies with specialist weaponry, or

such as Mephiston of the Blood Angels, fight as units on their

even characters!A character that has a Precision Shot Wound

own. They are either mighry, or feared enough by their own

allocated to it can still make a Look Out, Sir ro11.

kind, that they don't take to the battlefield with other warriors.
Regardless of their potencf, all follow the rules for characters.

Note that Snap Shots and shots from weapons that scatter,or do
not roll To Hit, can never be Precision Shots.

INDEPENDENT CHARACTERS
Some characters have the Independent Character special de,
which allows them to join other units (see page 39).

CUIRAcTERS AND AsseurTs

Remember, a character that has joined a unit follows all the
normal rules for being part of a unit. If a character is in a unit

CueRAcrERS As LEI.DERS
Remember that a unit's Leadership tests are taken using
the highest Leadership value in the unit (see page 7). As
characters normally have a better leadershlp than other
warriors, this means that they make very good leaders for
unlts ln your army.

that charges into close combat, the character charges too, as it is

part of the unit. If the character's unit is locked in close combat,
he fights as part of the unit - either ro11for hlm separately or
use different coloured dice to differentiate his Attacks. Attacks
are made and Vlounds allocated lust as with normal assaultsthe character cannot be singled out.
If, when it is a character's turn to make a Pile In move,

CUIRACTERs AhrD MovrNG

other friendly

Characters follow the movement rules for models of their

character must move as soon as it is able, to get into base

models are piling

in at the same time, the

remember that they must maintain unit coherency with any

contact with an enemy. If this is not possible, then they must

instead move as close to the enemy as they can - their place is at

unit they are in (seepage ll).

the forefront!

type, whether Infantry,Iump

Infantry, Bike, etc. However,

PRECISION STRIKES

FoncrNG n NIRRATTvE
Games of tW.arhammer 40,000 are often tales of
the mighty deeds of heroes. Vith

that in mind,

it's always a good idea to name your characters.

Just like when shooting, if any of a character'sclose combat

Amacks roll 6 To Hit, these are Precision Strikes.'Wounds from
Precision Strikes are allocated against an engaged model
(or models) of your choice in the unit he is attacking,
than following

the normal

rules for Vound

rather

allocation.

If a

They won't necessarily fight any better if you do,

Precision Srike \7ound is allocated to a character, they can still

but vour victories will be all the sweeter

make their Look Out, Sir roll.

To euesrroN rHE EMPrnon's Wrr.r, rs ro INvrrE -BI:Ig.luI19,N.

CHAITENGES
Characters, no matter their rank or race, crave the chance to prove their battle skill. There is no more certain a way to do
this than to vanquish enemy charactefs - preferably in frrll sight of one's allies.

ISSUING A CHALTENGE

REFUSING A CHAITENCE

Challenges are issued at the start of the Fight sub-phase,before

any blows are struck. Only one challenge can be issued per

Alternatively, you can simply refuse the challenge and choose

to have your character slink away with sullied honour but

close combat - the side whose turn it is has the opportuniry to

issue a challenge first. If that side chooses not to, then the other

beating heart(s). If you refuse, your oPponent gets to

nominate one of your characters from those that could

side can issue a challenge.

have accepted. the chosen model cannot strike blows at

all this turn, as he is thereafter putting all of his effort into

To issue a challenge, nomin

ate acharacter

in one of your

units locked in the combat to be the challenger. We can

then assume he's issued a suitably insulting challenge to the
foe, probably impugning their courage, battle skill, heritage,

staying clear of the vengeful enemy character. Furthermore,

cannot be used by the rest of the unit for
the remainder of the phase - skulking amongst the ranks is

his Leadership

not the stuff of heroism!

devotion to questionable gods and overall slovenly aspect. You'll

now have to wait and see whether a character amongst the

Once a challenge has been refused, the model that issued it

enemy ranks chooses to step forwards and accept the challenge.

fights notmally.

Once one challenge has been made, no further challenges

can be issued in that combat whilst the previous challenge is

I{Enorc

ongoing. Obviously, if there are no characters in the enemy

units, then a challenge cannot be issued. Characters that cannot

challenge. He's got nowhere to hide.

SreNn
A unit that consists only of a single character cannot refuse a

A CHALTENCE

fight or strike blows (including those that are not engaged with

FIGHTING

an enemy model) cannot issue challenges.

If a challenge has been accepted, it is time to move the two

combatants into base contact with each other. Note that these

ACCEPTING A CHALTENCE

moves cannot be used to move a character out of unit coherency.

If possible, swap the challenger for a friendly model in base

If your opponent has issued a challenge, you can now accept

it - nominate one of the characters in your unit to be the
challengee. Your opponent has probably decided which ofyour
characters he wants to fight, in fact, this bias might affect how the
challenge was framed ('Brother-Captain Minyos challenges thine
craven Warlock to single combat!'), but the final choice is yours
- he can't challenge a specifi.cenemY, he just issues a challenge
to the foe at large and seeswho steps forwards. Characters that
cannot fight or strike blows (including those that are not engaged
with an enemy model) cannot accept challenges.

contact with the challengee. tf this cannot be done, swap

the challengee for afriendly model in base contact with the
challenger. If neither of these moves would result in the two
models being in base contact,'swap'the challenger to as close
as possible to the challengee and assume the two to be in base
contact for the pulposes of the ensuing fight. In caseyou were
wondering, models that are moved to satisfiz a challenge are not
subject to Difficult or Dangerous Terrain tests. tVounds allocated
to a character in a challenge cannot be reallocated by the look
Out, Sir rule. For the duration of the challenge, these two models
are considered to be in base contact only with each other.
CorrrsATANT SrerN
\rhen one of the combatants in a challenge is slain, regardless
of which Initiative step it is, the challenge is still considered to
be ongoing until the end of the phase.
OursroE Foncss
I7hilst the challenge is ongoing, only the challenger and
'$V'ounds
challengee can strike blows against one another.

should be gruff, matter-of-fact and somewhat

laconic. Eldar are prone to convoluted and metaphor-laden
insults as likely to leave the foe confused as slighted (thus proving
the Eldar's superiority twice over). Orks are crude and brutal
(surprise!), Tyranids roar with bowel-loosening fury, and so on. just
remember that it's your opponent's character that you're trying to
insult - not your oPPonent.

from other attackers cannot be allocated against either character

- simply resolve the \found allocation step as if the two
characters were not there. Of course, this means a unit fighting
an enemy unit consisting of only a single character model, such
as Daemon Prince, will not be able to strike blows at all if that
Daernon Prince is in a challenge.

------*

Moner

Supponr (GEr'IM,

FoncrNcn NaRRATT\m

Boss!)

Sometimes, you'll find most of the models in one of your units

Though the characters in a challenge strike

are reduced to bystanders whilst a challenge plays outl the only

during their normal lnitiative

enemy model still alive is a character, and he's in a challenge!

players like to resolve this crucial battle after

steps, many

However, when this occurs, we can happrly assume that such

all other models have struck their blows -

bystanders are cheering their leader on, spurring him to redouble

challenges are dramatic encounters, and the

his effons and doing everything they can to dishearten his foe.

participants deserve their moment of glory.

If, at the start of any Fight sub-phase,one or more of your

units is locked in combat with a single model who is
fighting in a challerg, your charactqr receives one re-roll
for every fi.vemodels forced to watch in this manner. These
'Wound
re-rollscan be usedon his To Hit rolls,To
rolls or saving
throws.Any re-rollsnot usedby the end of the phasearelost.

A character cannot declare a Glorious Intervention

in the

first round of a challenge or during the enemy turn. Nor

can a character that cannot fight or strike blows (including
those that are not engaged with an enemy model) declare a
Glorious Intervention.

Eorexample,ChapterMasterGobnel Sethis fghtingDrahha's

Ladz,a unit of tl Oyk BoyzledbyDrahka,an OrLtNob(a totol
of twenty models).nrahka issues
a challengeand Sethaccepts.
As Sethhasno unit of hrsown to bachhim up, the Orhsarebusy
cheenngtheirbosson,throwing dung at Seth,and generallybeing
off- putting. Accor dingly, Dr ahha r eceiv es thr ee r e-r olls.

To see whether

or not the Glorious

been successful, the intervening

Initiative

Intervention

has

character must take an

test.

If the test is failed, nothing

happens - the character has

not been quick enough. He fights the current round of close

ASSAULTRESUTT

combat as normal.

LJnsavedVounds caused in a challenge count towards the

assault result, alongside any unsaved Wounds caused by the rest

If the test is passed, the character making

of the characters' units.

Intervention

takes the place of the friendly

in the ongoing

the Glorious
character

challenge. The character thus displaced now

ROUNDT\UTO

fights in the close combat according to the normal mles, whfut

If both competitors sunrive a challenge, and neither side

the character that made the Glorious Intenrention fights in the

fled from the combat, then they continue to fight in the next

challenge. The two characters now fighting the challenge should

round of close cornbat. Note that, if a character with the And

attempt to move into base contact wfth each other following the

They Shall Know No Fear special rule is caught by a Sweeping

same rules aswhen the challenge was fi.rst accepted, with the

Advance, the challenge must be reissued. He has fled from

character performing the Glorious Intervention as the challenger.

combat, after all, it doesn't matter that he didn't get away.

Even though further challenges cannot be issued in a combat
until the existing challenge has been resolved, there is the
possibility that another character in the fight might intercede
in a Glorious Intervention.
Gromous

IvTERVENTToN

Even in the darkness of the 4lst Millennium,

there are still

tales of personal heroism and glory. A plucky Imperial Guard

Sergeant might throw himself into the path of a rampaging Ork
'W'arboss
in an attempt to presenre his offi.cer's life. An Eldar
'$?'arlock,
about to be cloven in two by the sweep of a Tyranid
bonesword, might be saved as an Autarch darts in to parry
the blow. These are the kinds of situations that the Glorious

Eorexample,Idrion,o SpaceMarine Sergeanthas,through shill

of arms(and luchy dice),suruiuedthe firstround of a challenge
Eortunatelyfor
againstthe infamousDaemanPrinceYoLgarax.
Idrion,Brother-CaptainDantarion (tnitiatiue 5) chargedinto the
s6mecombatthisturn, and is now attemptingto make a Glorious
Interuentionto sauethe Sergeant
fromhis dreadfoe.Dantarion
it with roomto spare.
his lnitiative testand rollso 4, passing
tah.es
roundsof the
He now fghts Yolgaraxin this ond subsequent
while rdrion fightsin the restof the combatasnormal.
challenge,
Note that, whilst it is possiblefor severalGloriousIntewentions
to occur within the samechallengeover the courseof the game,
only one character can attempt a Glorious Intervention
for each challenge per turn.

Intervention rule is here to represent, where one character

hurls himself into harms wav in order to defend another.
A character

can declare a Glorious

Intervention

at the

start of his own Fight sub-phase before any blows are

struck, if a friendly

character

to fight a second or subsequent

in the same combat is about

round

of a challenge.

FATTHFUL

sERvrcE

wE BRrNG STRINGTH

To rHE

Ilrpsnlult.

\\T

PsvKERS
'What

can a man know of thc IJnivcrsc who knows not his own mind?'
- Book of the Astronomicon

Psykers are warriors gifted with awesome mental powers that

enable them to channel the baleful energy of the \Z"tp. \Thilst
commonly referred to as psychic powers, such abilities are
nothing less than sorcery - though it suits many races in the
galaxy to pretend otherwise.

MesrERY LEvEts
The number of psychic powers a Psyker can use each turn
depends on his Mastery Level. Even a Psyker with a Mastery
Level of I is a fearsome foe. Psykers with a Mastery Level of 4 or
higher are incredibly rare, and it is better for the galaxy that this
is so - they are almost unbelievably powerful, and rarely submit
to any authority other than their own.

Psvt<ERs
Psykers are incredibly powerful battle-mystics, able to unleash
their simmering mental might in all rnanner of ways. Flowever,

ESTABLISHING MASTERY tE\Mt

to use his abilities to full effect, a Psyker must focus on a limited

othennrise in their codex entryr. The Mastery Level is usually

number of powers to hone and master.

shown in parentheses after the Psyker special rule. For example:

Each Psyker knows one or more psychic powers, as detailed in

their codex. These powers vary from race to race, and sometimes

be wrinen out longhand in the form of a special rule that allows

the Psyker to use more than one psychic power each rurn - the

from one individual Psyker to another. Sometimes, a Psyker will

have the option to know additional psychic powers, in which

number ofpowers that can be used per turn is their Mastery Level.

Psykers are assumed to be Mastery Level I unless it states

Psyker (Mastery Level2). In older codexes, Mastery level may

case.this will also be clearly shown in the relevant codex.

Unless otherwise stated, a Psyker knows a number ofpsychic

stated,

powers equal to its Mastery Level. \(rhere it is specifi..h

however, it is entirely possible for a model to use more psychic

powers each rurn than it acrually knows. This is because a Psyker
can sometimes activate certain items of wargear or other effects
that, while not powers, take a toll of his psychic energy. To
understand how this works, we first need to discuss'S7'arpCharge.

$fitnp CneRGE
Each Mastery Level grants a Psyker a single \7arp Charge point
per turn. \7arp Charge points can be expended in several ways;
they can be used to fuel psychic powers, activate Force weapons
or unlock the might of ancient artefacts that are scattered across
the battlefields of the 4lst Millennium.

GENE RATING ST/ARPCHARGE

'$V'arp
A Psykerautomaticallygenerateshis full allocationof
Chargepoints at the startof eachturn. There'sno needto do
anything - it happensautomatically.It's important to keep
track of \7arp Chargeacrossthe turn, either by making notes
on your army roster,or by marking the Psykerwith counters.
Once a Warp Chargepoint hasbeenused,it's gone.Any unused
\('arp Chargepoints arelost at the end of the turn.
Eorexamplqa modelwith the Psyher(MasteryLevel2)special
two Warp Chargepointsat the start of eachturn.
ntle generates
rule that allowsit to usethree
Similarly,a modelwith a special
psychicpowersa turn, and is thereforea Psyher(MasteryLevel3),
generates
threeWarp Chargepointsat the start of eachturn.

d-

Wner MANNER oF FooL woulD

DENy rnr EDrpsRoR's Wrr.r,r

u',F

Mer.uFEsrrNGPsvcHrc PowERS

DECTARETARGET

Different psychic powers are used at different stages in the

If the psychic power requires a target, you must nominate it at

turn; some powers are used at the start of the turn, others

this point. Unless otherwise stated, the Psyker must have line

are used at the start of a particular phase, or might replace a

of sight to his target. This means that a Psyker embarked on

model's normal action within that phase. Sometimes, this will

a Transport can only target himself, his vehicle or another unit

be specified in the psychic power itself. At othet times, you'll

embarked on the same vehicle as the Psyker, Similarly, a Psyker

need to refer to the po\^,er type listed in the psychic power.

outside a Transport cannot target a unit embarked within one.

A Psyker can attempt to manifest psychic powers even if he is

PSYCHIC TEST

falling back or has gone to ground. A Psyker cannot attempt to

manifest the same psychic power more"than once each turn -

The Psyker must now pass a Psychic test to see if he can conffol
the power he's calling upon.

even if the manifestation attempt is not successful.

A Psychic test is a Leadership

test, however, where

On a turn that a psyker arrives from reserve (see page 124)he

Leadership tests could be taken on the value of another

cannot attempt to manifest any psychic powers that must be

model, a Psychic test is always taken on the Psyker's own

Leadership - even the most inspiring general can't help a
Psyker win ht battle to control the roiling energies of the 'Wt.p.

manifested at the start of the Movement phase.

Once a Psyker states which
attempt

to manifest,

follow

psychic power he is going to

this sequence:

If the test is passed,the psychic power is manifested

successfully and can be resolved - although tf it was used on

l. Expend Warp Charge

Reducethe Psyker's\7arp Charge.

an enemy unit, your opponent first has a chance to Deny the

2. Declare Target
If the psychic power requiresa target,chooseit now.

If the test is failed, the psychic power does not work, and

\fitch

(seepage 68).

nothing happens. In either event, there is a chance that the

Psyker has come to the aftentions of the denizens of the N(rtrp.

3. Take Psychic Test

The Psykermust now take a Psychictest.If the test is
failed, the psychic power fails. If a double I or double
6 is rolled, the PsykersuffersPerilsof the \Varp,
which is resolvedimmediately.

that something horrible has happened to the Psyker. The forces

4. Deny the Witch

threaten to engulf and destroy him. The Psyker immediately

PEnns oF THE $/enp

If the roll for the Psychic test is either a double I or
double 6 (whether the test was passedor not) this indicates
of the Daemon-haunted'$7'arp claw at the Psyker's mind and
suffers I Wound with

no saves of any kind

allowed. Note

If the Psychic test was passed and the target was

an enemy, it now gets a chance to Deny the rVitch

that a Psykerwho incurs Perils of the \Vttp on a roll of double I

and nullify the power. If the power is nullified, the

still uses his power, even if he is wounded or killed as a result.

attempt fails and nothing further happens.

5. Resolve Psychic Power
Assuming that the Psychic test was passed and the
power was not nullified by ^ Deny the \7itch roll,
it is now resolved.

EXPEND WARP CHARCE

When a Psyker wishes to use a psychic power, he must first
expend a Varp Charge point. Make a note on the army
roster - the point is expended whether or not the psychic
power is ultimately manifested.
If a Psyker does not have any \ilZarp Charge points
remaining, he cannot use a psychic power. Some incredibly
powerful psychic powers require the expenditure of more
than one \Varp Charge point - if this is the case' it will be
clearly stated how many points must be expended within the
power's rules.

jl
ll
ll
\\

A mrrqn wrrxour

puRPosE wrLL waNDER rN DARK PLAcEs.

DEI{TYTHEVITCH
Psychic powers are fuelled by the \7arp but channelled with
willpower. Iust as it takes great force of mind for a Psyker to

If a psychic power targets two or more units, each affected unit

can attempt to Deny the \fitch - only those that fail will suffer
the effects of the psychic power.

unleash his mental might, his victims can sometimes nullify a

RESOTVEPSYCHIC POTU(ER

psychic power's effects through sheer will.

If a psychic power is targeted on an enemy unit, and the Psychic
test is passed,the target can attempt to Deny the \XZitchbefore

Assuming that the Psychic test was passed and the enemy did
not nullify it through a successful Deny the \Witch roll, you can
now resolve the psychic power according to instructions in its
entry. Unless otherwise stated, the effects of multiple different

the psychic power is resolved.

psychic powers are cumulative.

player rolls
To Deny the \ilZitch, the target's controlling
a D6. If the roll is a 6, then the psychic power's effect on
that unit is nullified - on any other result, the power is

PsvcHrcHoon

resolved on that unit as normal.

Psychic hoods are embedded with arcane constructions of

psychically attuned crystals that allow a librarian

Of course, it's far easier to resist the effects of a psychic

power if you have a Psyker of your own in close proximity.

psychic protection

to extend his

to nearby allies.

To represent this, apply the following modifiers to the dice

ro11(these modifiers are not cumulative; sirnply take the best

Each time a unit (or rnodel) is targeted by an enemy psychic

power and is within 6" of a friendly model with a psychic hood,

that applies):

the wearer of the hood can attempt to Deny the W'itch in theit
stead, as if he wete in that unit.

. If the target unit contains one or more Psykers of lesser

or equal Mastery level to the model manifesting the

If the Deny the \7itch

attempt is failed, the psychic power is

resolved as normal, but effects only the initial target, not the

psychic power: + I

wearer of the hood.

. If the target unit contains one or more Psykers of higher

Mastery level than the model manifesting the psychic

If a model with a psychic hood is embarked on a vehicle, he can

only use the hood to protect the vehicle he is embarked upon.

power: +2

TYPESOF PSYCHIC POWERS

There are many varieties of psychic power that are organised into distinct categories. These determine when in a tutn a psychic
power can be used, what the targeting requirements are and any other restrictions that apply along with its type, if it has one.
Pownns Strrrrnour A TvpE
If a psychic power does not have a type, the rules for using it

of the \7rrp. Each conjuration specifies the number and type of

will be clearly expressed within its entry.

then arrives on the battlefield via Deep Strike, within the power's
maximurn range. A unit that suffers a Deep Strike mishap and

models to be conjured. W'hen the power is resolved, the new unit

BTESSING

ends up in Ongoing Reserves,can Deep Strike anywhere on

Blessings are manifested at the start of the Psyker's Movement

phase. They glant extla abilities to the Psyker's allies, such

the board when they enter play. Note that conjured units arrive
with only their basic wargear - they do not have any upgrades.

as characteristic boosts or additional special rules. Blessings

Conjured units can never be scoring units (seepage 123).

target a friendly unit(s) and, unless otherwise stated, last until

the end of the following turn. Blessings can affect units that

MATEDICTIOhT

are locked in close combat and can affect the Psyker himself.
Note that bonuses and penalties from different blessings are

Maledictions are manifested at the start of the Psyker's

always cumulative, but cannot, unless otherwise stated, take

reducing their characteristics or inflicting penalising special

characteristics above 10 or below l.

rules. Maledictions target one or rnore enemy units and, unless

Movement phase. They weaken the Psyker's enemies by

otherwise stated, last until the end of the following turn.

CONIURATION

Maledictions can affect units that are locked in close combat.

Conjurations are manifested at the start of the Psyker's

Movement phase. They summon units across greatdistances,

Note that bonuses and penalties from different maledictions

call new allies to the fray,or even create them from the raw stuff

characteristics above l0 or below l.

are always cumulative, but cannot, unless otherwise stated, take

Tgr orvreNT MrND rs oFT Hosr

Atrr opsu

MrND

Is Lrr(E A FoRTRESS

ItrrrH

rrs

cATE

TTNBARRED AND UNGUARDED,

WITCHFIRE

FocussEn WrrcHFrRE

\7itchfire powers aer manifested during the Psyker's Shooting

phase instead of firing a weapon. \7itchfire powers are often

Some witchfire powers can pick out models in an enemy

unit - these are called focussed witchfi.re powers. They follow

referred to as psychic shooting attacks. Manifesting witchfire

all the normal rules for witchfire, but you can choose the

counts as firing an Assault weapon (unless otherwise noted).

specific model in the target unit that you want the power to

A witchfi.re power must roll To Hit, unless it is a Blast or Large

affect. This isn't guaranteed, however, as such powers require

Blast, in which case it scatters as normal, or is a Template weapon,

great concentration whlch can easily be broken. Accordingly,

which hits automatically. Savescan be taken against'S7'ounds

when the Psychic test is taken for focussed witchfire, pay close

from witchfire in the same way as for any other shooting attack.

atrention to the actual number rolled. If the total is 5 or less and

the Psychic test is passed,then the power is resolved against the

The Psyker must be able to see the target unit (or target point),

model you chose. If the total is greater than 5 and the Psychic

cannot be locked in combat, must not have Run in the Shooting

test is passed,randomly select a different rnodel in the same

phase and must shoot at the same target as his unit, if he wishes

unit for the power to be resolved against.

to manifest witchfire. In the same woy, if a Psyker targets a unit

with witchfire, then he and his unit can only charge that target

MerrsrRoM

in the ensuing Assault phase. Note that, as witchfire is a Shooting

A maelsftom power automatically targets and hits all units,

affack, a Psyker embarked on a vehicle can target an enemy

friendly and enemy, within the power's maximum range,

outside that vehicle by using a Fire Point.

regardless of line of sight, being locked in combat, intenrening

models/terrain and so on. The actual effect of a maelstrom

Even if a Psyker has a special rule allowing him to manifest

can vary. Some inflict damage, while others apply bonuses or

more than one psychic power per turn, he can manifest only
one witchfire power - regardless of its subrype (see below).

penalties, in the same way as blessings and maledictions.

However, if he can shoot more than one ranged weapon per

Nove

turn, he can use a different witchfire power in place of each

(assuming he has enough ,Ifrtp Charge).

A nova power automatically targets and hits all enemy units

within the psychic power's maximum range, regardless of line
of sight, being locked in combat, intenrening models/terrain

There are several different sub-rypes of witchfire, each applying

and so on. Otherwise, a nova is treated like a shooting attack,

slightly different targeting restrictions. If the witchfire does not

and indeed will have a profile like a shooting attack.

list a subtype, or simply describes itsefas a psychic shooting

aftack, use the rules given above to resolve it. If it has one of the
following subtypes, use the rules for that subrype.
BEeu
To use a witchfi.re power with the beam subrype,targeta point
within the power's range and trace a line (about lmm thick)
benveen the chosen point and the centre of the Psyker s base.The
beam automatically hits all models (friend or foe), other than the
psyker, under the line. The model closest to the Psyker suffers a
hit at the beam's fullSrength.

The beam then hits the next closest

model under the line, but its Strength is reduced by l. The next
model in line is then hit, with the Strength reduced by I again.
Continue until the Strength drops to 0, or there are no more
models under the line. Note that models under the line can
be hit even if the Psyker cannot draw line of sight to them.
Additlonally, the first model hit must be from the same unit
that the rest of the Psyke/s unit targets that phase.
If the line of the beam passesthrough a building, the building
also takes a hit at the appropriate Strength. The beam then
continues, hitting any other models under the line as normal;
the building is essentially fteated as another model. tf the beam
passesthrough the wall of a ruin, the Strength is reduced by
one, as if it had encountered another model, and then continues
on to hit any other models under the line as normal.

VEHICLES -*tfi
'That
whichI cannotcrushwith words,I will crushwith thctanksof theImpcrialGuard.'
- Lord So/arMachorius
War is not a trade solely for living soldiers, but also for mighty

VEurcLE C ueRAcTERIsrrcs

war engines and Tanks. Rhinos and land Raiders forge

Vehicles have characteristics that define how powerful they are

forwards through incoming fi.re,disgorging battle-ready Space

in a similar way to Infantry. However, their characteristics are

Marines into the heart of the foe. leman Russ Battle Tanks
plough across the battlefield, battle cannons roaring and heavy

different. Shown here is one example of a vehicle's profile:

Armour -t

bolters spitting death. Eldar Skimmers flit through the smokelaced skies, darting through the enemy defences to attack

Name

crucial targets.

Leman Russ

Rl
B S l r -" s --10
14 13
3

--H p
3-

Such vehicles do not fight in the same manner as creatures of

flesh and blood - that's why their rules have been compiled
in this section. First we're going to look at the rules and
characteristics that all vehicles have in common, then we'll
cover more specialist sets of rules for Flyers, Tanks and more.

SKILL (BS)

BAILISTIC

Vehicles have a Ballistic Skill value just like other unit types
and it represents the accuracy of the crew as they blast away at
their enemy with the vehicle's weapons.

ARMOURVALUE (AV)
The Armour Value (sornetimes just referred to as Armour)
of a vehicle tells you how hard it is to darnage.Vehicles have
separateArmour Values to represent the protection on their
front (F), sides (S) and rear (R). Armour Values typically range
from l0 to 14,depending on which side of the vehicle is being
attacked, with the lightest armour usually on the rear, to
represent vulnerable fuel tanks, engine compartments, etc.

HUIPOTNTS

(HP)

Every vehicle has a number of tlull Points, indicating how

much damage it can take before it is destroyed. This will
normally be shown in the vehicle's characteristics profile. If no
Hull Point characteristic is given in your codex, you'llfind it as
part of the vehicle profile in Appendix tt.

TYPE
The different types of vehicle are: Chariot, Fast, Flyer, Heavf,
Flover, Open-topped, Skimmer, Tank, Transport and \7alket.
These types can be combined to define, for example, a Fast
Skimmer or an Open-topped \Walker, in which case,the vehicle
has all of the ruIes for all of its rypes.

-'.-#

FoncrNG a NaRRATT\IE

VnrucrEs&
MrnsuRrNGDrsrmrcns

Just as vehicles add an extra tactical

di m ens i on, they al s o pr es ent fr es h

As vehicle models do not usually have bases,the normal rule of

opportunities for making sure that the

measuring distances to or from a base cannot be used. Instead,

story of your game unfolds as dramatically

for distances involving a vehicle, measure to and from their

hull, ignore gun barrels, dozer blades, antennas, banners and
other decorative elements.

as pos s i bl e. H ow ev er , to m ak e s ur e of thi s ,
you'll want to think about horv vehicles will
interact with your terrain. Has your terrain
placement made it impossible for vehicles to
access part of the board and, if so, is this appropriate? If you're
enacting an epic gunfight in a cavern complex, it makes perfec't

There is, however, the notable exception of a vehicle's

weaponry. Vhen

firing

sense that some passages are too tight for Tanks. If, however,

a vehicle's weapons, ranges are

measured from the mu zzle of the firing

line of sight is determined

weapon, whilst

from the weapon's mounting

you're ambushing a patrol, then it's probably more appropriate

for Tanks to have free rein.
'$7.hen

point and along its barrel (as explained later).

discussing terrain at the beginning

of the garne, it's

perfectly fi.ne for players to agree that some terrain has a

different effect on vehicles than it does on other units. For
example, players might agree that Tank traps are dangerous or
even impassable to vehicles, but clear terrain for other units.
Similarlyr /ou could agree that vehicles (or just certain vehicle
types) treat barbed wire as clear terrain, and so on.

Vehicles are not slowed down by difficult

Elowever, they treat all difficult

terrain

VEHICTE MovEMENT

terrain

The distance a vehicle moves influences how accurately it can

instantly Immobilised (see page 74).

terrain.
as dangerous

instead. A vehicle that fails a Dangerous Terrain test is

fire its weapons and how easy a target the vehicle will be if
assaulted,as described later.

SHoorrNG sr/rrH VEHTcTES

. A vehicle that remains Stationary

\J(/hen a vehicle fires, it uses its own Ballistic Skill characteristi,:

will be able to bring

and shoots like any other unit. Nl its weapons must fi,re at a

its full firepower to bear on the enemy.

single target unit.

. A vehicle that travels up to 5" is said to be moving at

A}ID SHOOTINC

Combat Speed. This represents the vehicle advancing

MOVINC

slowly to keep firing, albeit with reduced firepower.

The accuracy of the weapons a vehicle can fire in the Shooting

WTITH VEHICLES

phase depends on how fast it has moved in that turn's

. A vehicle that travels more than 5" and up to 12" is said

Movement phase, as detailed below. Vehicles always have the

Speed. This represents the

vehicle concentrating on moving as fast as possible - all
to be moving at Cruising

Relentless special rule.

. A vehicle that remained Stationary

of its firepower will be wildly inaccurate.

can fire all of its

weapons (temember that pivoting on the spot does not

Vehicles can rurn any number of times as they move) just
like any other model. Vehicles turn by pivoting
spot about their centre-point,

count as moving).

on the

rather than wheeling round.

. A vehicle that moved at Combat Speed may fire a single

Turning does not reduce the vehicle's movement. Pivoting

weapon using its full Ballistic Skill. The vehicle can also

on the spot alone does not count as moving, so a vehicle that

fire Snap Shots with other weapons if it wishes. Though,

only pivots in the Movement

phase counts as Stationary

(however, Immobilised vehicles cannot even pivot). Pivoting

of course, it cannot fire any weapons that cannot be fired

as Snap Shots.

is always done from the centre of a vehicle to prevent it from

accidentally moving funher than intended or allowed. Just like
other units, vehicles cannot move over friendly models.

. A vehicle that moved at Cruising

Speed can only make

Snap Shots, as above.

DIFFICUTT A}ID DA}ICEROUS TERRAIN

VrgrcrEs

Vehicles attempting to move through broken terrain are not

slowedlike other units,but risk becoming stuck,boggeddown
or darnaged.

Unlike other units, vehicles can move and fire with Ordnancr:

& OnnNeNcE'WEaPoNS

weapons. However, a vehicle that fires an Ordnance weapon

can only make Snap Shots with its other weapons that turn.

Mv enrvrouR rs coNTEMPT.

Movrr{G Frar Our

A vehicle can eler-t to mo\re Flat Llut instead of firiug in the
Shooting phase, irnmediatelv moving up to 6"1this nrove triggers
f)angerous Tetrain tests as norlxal A Tank L-annotmc\/e Flat Llrrt
in the same turn that it rrertor rns a Tank Shock.

l{

ift

VEHICLE \)TEAPONS & [II{E

OF SICI{T

Vehicies need to be able ta drarn arline of sight to their targets

in order to shoot at then. \Xrhen firing a vehicle's r,veapons)
point thenr at the target and then trace line of sight from
each weapons' rnounting

and along its barreL to see if

the shot is blocked by terrain or moclels If the target unit is in

cover from only sonre of the rnehicle's\\reapons,then rvotk out
the target'scovelsa\/esexactly as if each firing \\reaponon the
'n,ehicle\\rasa separatefiring Luttt.
LJn some moclels,it u'ill actuallr, be inrpossible to literalIy
mo\re the gun and poilrt it tounardsthe target becauseof the
\,\ralrthe nrodel is ,rssembledor becausethe gun has beerr
glued in place. In this case)plavers sho,-rldassumethat
the guns on a vehicle are ftee to rotate or sll.ivel on their
rnorlntings In the rilfe cilsesnnhen it nratters, assllrilethat
guns c;rn srvir,elverticallv Lrpto 45o.n'en if the barrel on the
nrodel itseHcannot phl,sicallv rJothatl Addinonally, assuffre
all hull-mounted u,eaponscan sunivelirorizontallv up to 45o"

Vehicles

SuooTrhrc ATVEructES
When a unit fires at a vehicle, it must be able to see its
hull or turret (ignoring the vehicle's gun barrels, antennas)
decorative banner poles, etc.). I-Iote that, unlike for other
models, a vehicle's r,vingsare not ornarnental and are a part
of its hull As the whole unit must fi.re at the same target, this
often rneans that some of their weapons can't damage the target
vehicle, so we assurnethat the other rnembers of the squad
are providing covering fire, bringing forward ammunition
for Heavy weapons or sirnply keeping their heads dorvn. If
the target vehicle is in range, roll To FIit as normal. ff any hits
are scored, ro11for each to see if they penetrate the vehicle's
Armour Value, as explained next.

VEHICTE FACII{G AND ARMOUR VAIUES

Not all vehicles are equally armoured Countless layers of
adamantium and ceramite plates protect some Tanks, while
hghter vehicies reiy more on their speed to avoid incoming fi.re.
As such, vehicles have different Armour Values) representing
the thickness of their armour. Armour Values for inclividual
vehicles often vary benveen its front, side and reat facings.
Shots are resolved against the facing of the vehicle that
the shot cotnes from. To see what facing a shot is corning
frorn, dtaw two imaginary

lines through

the cornets of

Bresr $flrepous

the vehicle (see diagram below). If a unit has firing models in

two or more different facings of a target vehicle (some rnodels in

\7hen firing a Blast or large Blast weapon at a vehicle, place

the front and some in the side, for exarnple),shots are resolved

then roll for scatter as norrnal. In the caseof multiple blasts,the

separately for each facing The direction a turret is facing has no

vehicle will be hit once each time any part o{ a blast marker ends

bearing on what arc of a vehicle you ate firing at.

up over the vehicle or its base The armotlr penetration roll is

the marker u'ith the hole over anv part of the r,ehicle'shull and

resolved against the Atmour Value facing the fi.rer,regardlessof

'ErilcrE

the position of the marker, using the full Strength of the \\Ieapon.

AnMouR Facrxc
r i

TEnrprerr

'WEepoNs

If a vehicle, or its base,is even partially under a template, it is hit

on the Armour \ralue facine the firer.

ARM OUR PEI{ETRATION

ROLI,S

Hitting a vehicle is no guarantee that you i,l'ill actr-rallvdamage

the
it. Once a hit has been scored on a vehicle, roll a D6 ancJaclcJ

r;;ii

\\reapon'sStrength, comparing this total rvit,trthe Armour \talue

of the appropriate facing of the vehicle
4 f r
';.

o1:
,.!,

4-?

e
.+l-r

'.J-:l
u;':4

.If the total is less than the vehicle's Armour \ralue, the
shot has no efTect.
.If the total is equal to the vehicle's Armc,ur \ralue, the
shot inflicts a glancing hit.
. If the total is greater than the rrehicle'sl,rmour \n'alue,,
the
shot inflicts a penetrating

hit.

Eor e.xatnple,aLascdnnon shothrts the front of ,r SliaceN{i1}'t}1tl

Predotsr(.Armour Yalue l3). Roll ing tt D6, thtr pirtl,t:t'rolls tt 4 tncl
acldsthis ta the Lascannlfls Strength of 9, for a tofrrl of l: Br:ritt{se
the PyedatotrsAymourVahte, it inJltrf-srr glorrring hif.
thrs eqtrdLs

VEHTcLE I)euecE

RESOTVING DAtr,TAGE

TIBLE

A hit on a vehicle can have a variery of results. Its armour could

D6
l-2

Result
Crew Shaken.the vehicle
isrockedby
theattacle,
ffi
(orperhaps
damage
issustained
nilf,f, butno serious
the
crew haue decidedthat it is time to quichly relocate).The
vehicle can only fire Snap Shots until the end of its

be completely pierced, yet merely result in an area of shattered

hull and a nasty shock for the crew. Alternatively, a lucky shot
could detonate the ammunition casesor fuel tanks held within
the vehicle, resulting in an explosion of titanic proportions.

next turn

GreucrNc
Cre w

S tunne

d.the

uehicle' scr ew is hnocked

about by the attack , or perhaps aLIof the vehicle's

ta rg e trn g a n d steer ingsystemsnr e tem por ar ily scr ambled.
T h e ve h i cl e ca n oniy fir e Snap Shots until the end of
i ts n e xt tu rn . T he vehicle cannot move unless it is a
Z o o mi n g F l ye r. If the vehicle is a Zooming Flyer ( see
p a g e 8 0 ) i t i n ste ad can only move 18" and cannot tur n.

llrrs

If a glancing hit was scored, the vehicle loses I Hull Point.

PnNErnerrr{c

Hrrs

If a penetrating hit was scored, the vehicle not only loses I Hull
Point, but also suffers additional damage. After deducting any
Hull

Points, roll aD6 for each shot that penetrated

vehicle's armour.
4

critical
ilIilP $lreapon Destroyed. The strike causes
tffiS damageto part of the vehicle's
nrmamenf.One of
th e ve h i cl e 's we apons ( r andomly chosen) is destr oyed
- including any combi- or built in weapons. This can
include vehicle upgrades that function
su ch a s p i n tl e -mounted

as weapons,

rn o st p a rt. If a vehicle has no weapons left, tr eat this

re su l t a s a n Immobiiised r esult instead ( see below) .

Thevehiclehastahena

htt thqthas cnppled o wheel,track, grau plate,jet or

leg,An Immobilised vehicle cannot move * it may not
even pivot, but its turret may continue to rotate to select
targets, and other weapons retain their norrnal arcs of
fire. Any Immobilised

cumulative) and look.rp the result using the Vehicle Damage

table on the left. You must roll on the vehicle Darnage table
even if the vehicle loses sufficient Hull Points to be \7recked,
as there is still a chance that it Explodes!

stor m bolter s or hunter - killer

mi ssi l e s. Do n o t count weapons that have r un out of

a mmu n i ti o n - they' r e alr eady non- functional for the

Immobilised.

the

Apply any appropriate modifiers (they are all

results suffered by an already

Immobilised

vehicle, or a Flyer with locked Velocity

(see page 8l) instead remove an additional Hull Point.

Explodes ! TheuehicLe
is rippedapartin a
spectacular
explosion,
as itsfuel and ammodetonate.
The vehicle is destroyed. Nearby units suffer a Strength
3, AP - hit for each model within D6" of the vehicle (roll
for the distance once, regardless of how many times the
result is inflicted), as flaming debris scatters across the
area. The vehicle is then removed and repiaced with
scattered wreckage (area terrain) or a crater roughly the
same size as the vehicle (ifyou have one).

Slrnrcrrn

VrnrcLES

A vehicle that is reduced to 0 Hull Points is irnmediately

S7recked. the tortured vehicle simply cannot take any more.
The vehicle is destroyed, and its crew are slain. The model is left
in place and becomes a wreck.
wrecked vehicles are left on the table and effectively become
a piece of terrain (conferring a 5+ cover save),counting as both
difficult and dangerous terrain. Players must clearly mark that
a vehicle has been \frecked in a way they consider suitable.
For example, they can turn the vehicle, or just its turret, upside
down (but not sideways to gain extra cover!), or place a marker
or cotton wool on it to represent smoke and flames.

VEHICTESAND CO\TEROBSCURED TARGETS

Vehicles do not benefit from cover in the same way as Infantry
- their sheer size and bulk rnean they cannot take advantage of
cover as well as smaller, rnore agile troops. They can, however,
position thernselves in such away as to rnake it harder for the
enemy to hit them in a vulnerable location. The difference from
the way cover works for other models is represented by the
following exceptions to the normal rules for cover:

J
4

. At least25% of the facing of the vehicle that is being

targeted (its front, side or rear) needs to be hidden by

I{rcn AP $flEePoNS
Some weapons ate so destructively powerful that they can
inflict masses of damage in a single strike.
If an AP 2 weapon scores a penetrating hit add a +l modifier
to the roll on the Vehicle Damage table
If an AP I weapon scores a penetrating hit, add a +2 modifi.er
to the roll on the Vehicle Damage table.

intervening terrain or models from the point of view

of the firer for the vehicle to be in cover. If this is the
case,the vehicle is obscured (or'hull down'). If a unit is
firing at a vehicle, the vehicle is obscured only I it is zs%
hidden from the majoriry of the firing models that are
able to damage rhe vehicle. If a unit has firing models in
two or more different facings of a targer vehicle, work out
whether or nor the vehicle is obscured separately for each
facing, using only models firing at that facing.

. Vehicles are not obscured sirnply for being inside area

terrain. The Z5%rule given above takes precedence.

FoncrNG e NIRRATTvE
one of the greatest pleasures to be had in the
.Warhammer
40,000 game is zooming vehicle
models about the battlefield, unleashing

. Obviously, vehicles cannot Go to Ground, voluntarily or

otherwise. If the target is obscured and suffers a glancing
or penetrating hit, it must take a cover save against it,

the firepower of armoured behemoths and,

conversely, blowing up those vehicles that
belong to the enemy. The destruction of a
vehicle is usually a spectacular event that

exactly like a non-vehicle model would do against a

rVound (for example, a save of 5+ for awood and so on).

can totally change the course of the game,

If the save is passed,the hlt is discarded, no Hull Points

themselves. But how best to represent such high-octane carnage?

and vehicle wrecks become important

pieces of terrain unto

are lost and no roll is made on the Vehicle Damage table.

If a special rule or a piece of wargearrnakes a vehicle
obscured even if in the open, this is a 5+ cover save,unless
specified otherwise in the codex.

Some like to demonstrate their vehicular misfortune by

turning a destroyed vehicle onto its top. A few go even
further and sculpt battle damage underneath the vehicle to
c om pl em ent thi s appr oac h. H ow ev er , m any v ehi c l es hav e
delicate parts on top, so players often object to treating their

It may rarely happen that the firing unit cannot see any part of
the facing they are in (front, side or rear), but they can still see
another facing of the target vehicle. In this case,they may take
the shot against the facing they can see,but to represent such
an extremely angled shot, the vehicle receives a cover save
one point better than that given by the cover obscuring the
vehicle's other facing.

OsscuRED VEHTcLES
In these 3 pictures a unit of Eldar Fire Dragons are shooting at a Space
Marine Rhino. In each case thev are in its front arc.

Picture

l: less than 25% ofthe front of the Space Marine Rhino is

hidden by the ruin - the Rhino is not obscured.

Picture

2: More than 25%of the ftont of the Space Marine Rhino is

hldden by the ruin - the Rhino is obscured and will receive 4+ cover
save from the ruin.

Picture

3: The entirety of the front of the Space Marine Rhino is hidden

by the ruins. However, paft of the side of the Rhino is still visible The
Rhino is obscured, and gains +l to its cover save)for a 3+ cover save.

beautifully painted tanks in such a rough and ready manner,

and adopt a different solution \X/.eknow several gamers
who use cotton wool to represent the smoke billowing

from

destroyed vehicles, a visually pleasing solution and doubly

handy if someone spills their tea.

ID

BURDEN

OF FAILURE

IS THE MOST TERRIBLE

PUNISHMENT

OF ALL.

VnHrcrESAr{nAssAu[TS

assault result as normal,

Vehicles can be both very dangerous and very vulnerable at

Wound, and each penetrating

counting

each glancing

hit as I

hit as 2 Wounds.

close quarters. On one hand, massively arrnoured vehicles can

scatter Infantry before them, as no one in their right mind

If the vehicle loses the combat, nothing happens. There are

would wish to be caught beneath the ftacks of an eighry-tonne

no Sweeping Advances, no Pile Ins and no Consolidation

Tank bearing down on thern! On the other hand, a stationary

moves. The vehicle and the enemy remain where they are and

vehicle can often be very easily destroyed, as individuals

are free to simply move away in future turns.

clamber over it, attaching all manner of grenades and shooting

into vulnerable spots.

If the vehicle wins the cornbat, the enemy must make a Morale

ASSAUTTING WITH A VEHICLE

cannot Consolidate or make a Sweeping Advance.

check as normal, and Fall Back if they fail, though the vehicle
Vehicles cannot charge. Note that tValkers (see page 84) and
Chariots (seepage 82) are exceptions to this.

SUCCESSIVETURNS
If a vehicle that has been assaulted(and survived) does not move

ASSAUTTING A VEHICLE

in its successiveMovement phase, enerny models will still be

Infantry can pose a grave threat to vehicles if they get close

in base contact with it during its Shooting and Assault phase.

enough. They can wreck a vehicle by shooting through vision

Enemy models that are in base contacr with a vehicle are not

slits, planting explosives on fuel tanks, tearing open hatches to

locked in combat and can therefore be shot during the Shoodng

attack the crew or cornmitting sorne other equally imaginative

phase. If the vehicle pivots on the spot (to shoot at its attackers

act of mayhem.

for exampl"), rnove these rnodels out of the way as you shift the

CrnncrNc

vehicle and then place them back into base conract with the
vehicle - or as close as possible if there is no room.

e VErucrE

A unit can charge avehicle in their Charge sub-phase.The

charge move is conducted the same as charging other enemy

Units that still have models in base contacr with a vehicle

units. Flowevett a unit cannot charge a vehicle that it cannot

hurt - it must have some possibility, no matter how small, of

during its Assault phase may attack it again, just as in a norrnal

being able to inflict at least a glancing hit.

engaged in a normal assault).

VErncrES AND Ovsnwercrr

VEHICLES, TEADERSHIP AI{D MORAIE

Unless speci-fiedotherwise, vehicles cannot make Overwatch

fire - it takes too long to bring their weapons to bear.

and its considerable affnour plating, is absolute. Therefore,

ongoing combat (including all models that would count as

It is assumed, in all cases,that the crew's faith in their vehicle,

vehicles never take Morale checks for any reason.Any

FIGHTINGTHE ASSAUTT

occasional lapses that do occur are represented by Crew Shaken

Hitting vehicles in close combat is very straightforward due

and Crew Stunned results on the Vehicle Damage table.

to their size. We can safely assume that any unit that has been
able to reach a vehicle has been travelling swiftly enough to
land a blow upon it with relative ease- though care must still
be taken to strike a vital point. Accordingly, all vehicles are
treated as being Weapon Skill l, provided that they moved
in the previous turn - otherwise they are treated as being
Weapon Skill0. The exceptions are Walkers (seepage 84),
which have varying'sV'eapon Skills, and Immobilised non-walker
vehicles, which are always treated as having Veapon Skill 0.

BerrrE DIUAGE
Some damage results debilitate rather than destroy vehicle
models. Tanks can find themselves Imrnobilised by a thrown
track, have their weapon systems crippled or shot off altogether,
or be srunned into inactiviry for a turn, Marking

these events

can be a little tricky. some players leave the weapons and turrets

Anuoun

PExETRATToN rnr Asseurr

Armour Penetration is worked out in the same way as for

shooting (D5 + the Strength of the attacker). In close combar,

on their models unglued so that they can be carefully remeved

during battle. This helps with ease of transporr and is a grear way
to represent \ireapon Desfroyed results - just take the relevant
weapon off altogether.

however, all hits are resolved against the vehicle's rear

armour, to represent the chance of attacking a vulnerable spot.

A different approach is to place a dice on or next to the vehicle

showing the number that corresponds with the appropriate

ASSAULTRESUTTS

damage result. You could even invest in a set of damage markers.

These have specifi.c icons for each of the damage results, so you
just need to place the relevant marker on or next to the vehicle

Combats against vehicles are very different from those among

other unit tFpes. For a start, whilst

vehicles can be assaulted,

they do not Pile In and cannot be locked in combat. At the

when damage is inflicted. As with many aspects of the wargaming

'right
hobby, there is no
answer'- just make sure that your

end of a round of close combat against a vehicle, calculate the

opponent is happy with whatever convention you decide upon.

Vchicles

vEHrcrE sQtrADRor{s
Most vehicles fight as individual units and are represented by a single model. Ilowever, some vehicles, such as Ork
Varbuggies and Eldar Vypets, opetate together in what are known as squadrons. Squadrons are treated lil<e normal
units, with a few exceptions and clarifications as described below.

MOVINGSQUADRONS

ASSAUTTING SQUADRONS

The vehicles in a squadron must maintain cohererrcf, just

W'hen a squadron is struck in close combat, roll To Hit as

like models in ordinary units, but vehicles in a squadron

normal, and resolve those hits, one at a time, first against

need only remain within

squadron models in base contact, then against models further

within

4" of each other, rather than

2". Indeed, they can move at different speeds,

away, once the closest model is destroyed,just like normal.

provided they maintain unit coherency.

DAMAGING

SQUADRONS

sHooTrNG wrTH sQIJADROhTS

As vehicle squadrons don't have \ilZoundsor Toughness, we

A11of the weapons fired by ^ squadron of vehicles in each

have to allocate hits to them slightly differently to other,

phase must target a single enemy unit. like other units,

more conventional, units. To do this, allocate individual

\/ehicles in squadrons can see and shoot thtough members of

hits, rather than individual'sfzounds,

their own unit, just as if they were not there. This represents

to the closest.model in the squadron. Then roll for

the vehicles manoeuvring around each other in a rn'ell-

Armour Penetration against the correct facing (so against

practiced battle formation.

the rear armour in close combat) and determine the result

one at a time,

of any glancing or penetrating hits. \7hen this has been

SquennoNs

Mor,rwc

Frer Ou

Vehicles in squadrons can declare individually whether

done, resolve the next hit, and so on, until all hlts have been
allocated and resolved.

or not they are going to move Flat Out. Note that unit
coherency must still be maintained. Those that do not move
Flat Out can shoot as normal.

ABAN D OI{IN G SQUADRON-MATE S

Over the course of the battle, it is likely that one or more
members of a squadron will suffer an Immobilised result,

sHooTrNc AT SQUADRONS
Vhen a squadron of vehicles is shot at, roll To Hit as normal.

preventing it from moving. If a rnember of a squadron is

Immobilised,
'abandon'

the rest of the squadron are permitted

Once you have determined the number of hits, these hits

to

must be resolved, one at a time, against the model in the

squadron closest to the fi.ring unit - exactly like you would

must move out of unit coherency with it; treat the

resolve t{/'ounds on a noffnal unit. Once the nearest model in

the squadron is destroyed (i.e. is ''X/recked or Explodes), the

Thls cannot be done if a member of a squadron has only been

Crew Stunned - we assurne)in this case)that its squadron-

next hit is allocated against the new nearest model, and so on.

mates rally to its defence until a full recovery is made.

Immobilised

it. To do so, the rest of the squadron

model(s) as a separate unit from then on.

TRAh{SPORTS
Some vehicles can carry Infantry across the battlefield, providing speed and protection. Of coutse, if the Transport is
destroyed, the passengers risk being burnt alive in the explosion.
Transports have several additional characteristics: Transport

FIRE POINTS

Capacity, Fire Points and Access Points.

A Transport might have a number of Fire Points defined in

its entry. A Fire Point is a hatch or gun slit from which one or

TRAI{SPORT CAPACITY

more passengersinside the vehicle can fire shooting weapons

(or use witchfire/psychic

Each Transport vehicle has a maxirnum passenger capacity

that can never be exceeded.e Transport
Infantry

unit

andf or any number

shooting attacks).

can carry a single

of Independent

Unless specifi.eddifferently in the vehicle's entrf, a single

Characters (aslong as they are also Infantry), up to a total

passenger can fi.re out of each Fire Point and the other

nurnber of models equal to the vehicle's Transport

transported

Capacity. The entire unit must be embarked on the Transport if

any part of it is - a unit cannot be partially embarked or be spread

are measured from the Fire Point itself. If an embarked model

models cannot fire. Ranges and line of sight

fires a Template weapon from a Fire Point, discount the hit

scored against the vehicle - we assume the weapon has been

across multiple Transports.

fired in a sufficient arc to clear the Transport's hull. Note that

Only Infantry rnodels can embark upon Transports (this does

the passengers can shoot at a different target to the vehicle

not include Jump or Jet Pack Infantry), unless specifically stated

otherwise. Some larger Infantry models count as more than one

itself. Models firing out of a vehicle that rnoved at Combat

model for the pu{poses of Transport Capacity, and this will be

vehicle that moved at Cruising Speed can only fire Snap Shots

specified in the model's rules.

that turn. They cannot fire if the vehicle moves Flat Out or uses

Speed count as having moved that turn. Models firing out of a

smoke launchers that turn.

Sometimes, there will be constraints on which types of models
can embark upon a particular vehicle, and this will be specified

ACCESS POINTS

in the unit's entry. Space Marine Terminators, for example,

Each vehicle capable of carrying passengers will have a number

cannot embark upon a Rhino or Razorback, although they can

of Access Points defined in its entry. These are the doors, ramps

be transported by ^land Raider

and hatches thatpassengers use to get in and out of the vehicle

fhqsrHKABLE NrnvE

count the base as an Access Point.

(see below for more details). Transports on flying bases also

Units embarked upon Transports are Fearless while they
are embarked (they draw great resolve from their seemingly

EMBARKING AND DISEMBARKINC

impervious position).

Models can only voluntarily embark or disembark in the

Movement phase. They cannot voluntarily embark and
disembark in the same turn. However, they can embark and
then be forced to disembark if their Transport is destroyed.

DEucATEn TnexsPoRTS

EtnrsARKrhrc

Sometimes a unit entry in a codex will include a Transport

option, allowing a vehicle to be selected together with the unit.

A unit can embark onto a vehicle by moving

These Dedicated Transports do not use up a slot on the force

to within

organisation chart (see page 109). Other vehicles rnay also have a

Diffi,cult and Dangerous Terrain tests should be taken as normal.

The whole unit rnust be able to embark - if some rnodels are

Transport Capacity, but they are chosen separately as normal and

occupy a force organisation chart slot of their own.

phase -

out of rahge, the entire unit must stay outside. \7hen the unit

The only limitation of a Dedicated Transport is that when it is

embarks, remove it from the table and place it aside,making a

{ i
I

deployed, it can only carry the unit it was selected with (plus
any Independent Characters that have joined it). After the game
begins, it can then Transport any friendly Infantry

each model

2" of its Access Points in the Movement

unit, subject to

note that the unit is being transported. If the players need to

measure a range involving the embarked unit (except for its
shooting), this range is measured to or from the vehicle's hull.

Transport Capacity and other special exclusions, as explained in

the vehicle's entry.

If the vehicle moved before its passengers got aboard, it

cannot move further that turn (including pivoting on the spot
or moving Flat Out). If the vehicle did not rnove before its
passengers got aboard, it can move as normal after they have
embarked. In either case,a vehicle cannot Tank Shock or Ram
in a turn that a unit embarks upon lt.

.'-

Vchiclcs

The model can then make a norrnal

move - Difficult and

Dangerous Terrain tests should be taken as normal, but it

must end its move wholly

within

6" of the of the Access

from (we assume that any distance

Point it disembarked

that is lost because of this has been used geffing out of the
Transport). Repeat this process for each model in the unit.
At the end of the unit's move, all models must be in unit
coherency.
DrsrMsARKATToN REsrRICTroNs
After disembarking, models can shoot, counting as having
moved, or choose to Run in their subsequent Shooting phase,
but cannot declare a charge in their subsequent Assault phase.
EUE ncENCY D rsn"rsARKATToN
DrsEprnARKING

If any models cannot disembark, because of enemies or because

A unit that begins its Movement phase embarked upon a

they would end up in impassable terrain, the unit can perform

vehicle can disembark either before or after the vehicle has

an emergency disembarkation. In this case,a model can be

moved (including pivoting on the spot, etc) so long as the

placed anywhere in contact with the vehicle's hull and can then

vehicle has not moved more than 5".

move as for a normal disembarkation. The unit cannot then

perform

If the vehicle had not moved before the unit disembarked, the
vehicle can then move normally.rfthe

any voluntary

actions for the rest of the turn. If

even this disembarkation is impossible, becauseit is impossible

to place one or more models, then the unit can't disembark.

vehicle had already

moved before the unit disembarked, the vehicle cannot move

further (including pivoting on the spot) that turn. In either
casea vehicle cannot Tank Shock or Ram on a rurn that a unit
disembarks from it.

INDEPENDENT

CI{ARACTERS & TRANIS PORTS

If an Independent Character (or even more than one) and

a unit are both embarked upon the same vehicle, they are
automatically joined, just as if the Independent Character
was within 2" of the unit. If either an Independent Character
or a unit is already in a vehicle, the other may join them by
embarking too (assuming, of course, that there is enough

Pr-lcrrqc DrsEuBARr{ED Monns

\7hen a unit disembarks, place the models one at a time, using

space).The unit and the Independent Character(s) can, in a

the following method: place the first model in base contact with
one of the vehicle's Access Points. If the model cannot be placed

later Movement phase, disembark together as a single unit.

Alternatively, they can separate by either the unit or the

in base contact with the Access Point due to the vehicle's flying
base,place it so its body is in contact with the Access Point. In

remain on board. They can even separate by disembarking at

either case,a disembarking model's base cannot be placed within

the same time, so long as they end their moves more than 2"

I " of an enemy model or within impassable terrain.

away from each other.

AND DEATH

Independent Character(s) disembarking while the others

THERE CAN BE NO RESPITE.

Atr youn woRr(s ruRN To AsH AND DUsT rF Tr{EyDo Nor sx,RvE TIIE

TRA}TSPORTS AI\TDASSAUTTS

. $flrecked. The passengers must immediately disembark

If a Transport vehicle is assaulted,an embarked unit can fi.re

in the usual manner (seepage 79),save that they musr end

Overwatch at the attackers out of its Fire Points. If a Transport

'W'recked
vehicle is
or Explodes, any \Tounds caused to its

their move wholly within 3" rather than 5". If, even by
performing an emergency disembarkation, some models

passengers do not count towards combat resolution and

are unable to disembark, then any models that cannot

surviving passengers are not locked in combat with the units

disembark are removed as casualties.This does not prevent

assaulting their Transport vehicle.

the rest of the unit frorn disembarking. The unit must then
take a Pinning test. After this, the vehicle becomes a wreck.

EFFECTOF DAIVTAGE ON PASSENGERS

When a Transport sustains damage, it can also have an effect on
its passengersas described below'

. Explodes ! The unit suffers a number of Strength 4, AP- hits

equal to the number of models embarked. Resolve these as
for shooting hits, except that the controlling player allocates

. Crew Shaken. Passengerscan only make Snap Shots in

any wounds caused. surviving passengers are placed where

their next Shooting phase, but are otherwise unaffected.

the vehicle used to be; any models that cannor be placed are
removed as casualties. The unit then takes a Pinning test.

. Crew Stunned.

Passengerscannot shoot in their next

Shooting phase, but are otherwise unaffected.

As all models in a single unit fire sirnultaneously, a squad cannot

wreck a Transport and then file at its occupants. However, if a

. Weapon Destroyed & Imrnobilised.

These results have

no effect on passengers.

Transport is destroyed by r shooting attack, otry unit that shot it

that turn can, if allowed, charge the now disembarked passengers.

FL]MRS

rtlun"--\

The airspace above abattle isthrongedwith activity. Fighters andbombercrafthurtle

one another and providing fire support for the troops on the ground.

AERIALSUPPORT

throughthe shies, duellingwith

but limiting its manoeuvrabiliry. If a Flyer Zooms, it has a

Flyers must begin the game as Reserves - it takes dme for a

combat

I7'arlord to organise and coordinate air support.

as a certain amount of forward thrust is required for the vehicle

to stay in the air, a Zooming Flyer can never voluntarily
move

FLNRS

less than 18".If a Zooming Flyer is forced to move less than 18"
in its own Movernent phase, ir is auromatically \7recked.

A}TD MEASURTNG

Flyers have flying bases that suspend them above the

speed of lg" and a cruising

speed of 35'1Flowever,

battlefield. However, distances are still measured to and from

the Flyer's hull, with the exceptions of the vehicle's weapons
and Fire Points, which all work as normal. the base of a Flyer is
effectively ignored, except for when:
. The Flyer is being assaulred,in which case models may

To represent its limited manoeuvrabiliry, a zooming Flyer can

only make a single pivot on the spot of up to 90' before it
moves. Thereafter, it must move directly forwards in a straight
line. In a turn in which a Flyer enters the board from reserve,
it can do so facing any direcion you wish, providing that the

move into contact with the vehicle's hull. its base or both.

resulting move will not caryr it off the board again. A Zooming
Flyer can rnove over intervening units and impassable terrain

. Models are embarking or disembarking from the Flyer, in

exactly as a skimmer. In addition, a Zooming Flyer does not

have to take Dangerous Terrain tests even if it starts or srops
over difficult, dangerous or impassable terrain. Finally, models

which casethe base of the Flyeris used as the Access Point.

FL]MRS A}ID OTHER MODEIS

cannot embark upon, or disernbark from, a Zooming Flyer.

Models that physically fit under a Flyer model can move beneath
it. Likewise, a Flyer can end its move over such models. Flowever,

ZoourTeNx

when moving this way, enemy models must still remain I " away

Zooming Flyers cannot Tank shock or Ram nor can they be

Tank Shocked or Rammed.

from the base of the Flyer, and the Flyer cannot end its move

SHocx AND Raruuruc

with its base within l" of other enemv models.

ZoolntNc

zooM

AND SuoorrNc

Flyers have sophisticated targeting systems designed to work at

the fastest speeds.Zooming Flyers can fi.re up to four of their

Flyers can usually only make a special kind of move called Zoom.
Some can also Hover - see page 81. Zooming allows the Flyer to

weapons using their full Ballistic

move at fantastic speeds,making it very difficult to shoot down,

at either Combat Speed or Cruising

.J,*..+---z***-

+*.t*#

skill

if they have moved

Speed that turn.

HARD To Hrr
Zooming Flyersareincredibly di{ficult targetsfor troops
without suitablycalibratedweaponsand scopes.Shots resolved
at aZoorning Flyer can only be resolved as Snap Shots
(unlessthe model or weaponhasthe Slryfirespecialrule, as
f

described on page 42).Template, Blast and large Blast weapons

SPECIAL RULES
Flyers can choose whether or not to use the Skyfire special rule
at the start of each Shooting phase. They don't have to use the

a'r
' o'"'lh
#l?.Tf
**:;il:'.1
:i:ii;#;TT,T'ff
SPECIAT$TEAPON SYSTEMS

cannothit flyers in Zoommode.

Flyers have accessto fivo special weapon systems: missiles and

ZoolnAr.rD Frer Orrr

AZooming Flyer that goesFlat Out must move forwardsin a
straight line between 12"and 24".
i

bombs. Missiles
Zooming.

can be used while either Hovering

Bombs can only be used while

or

Zooming.

Mrssrrps

EveoE
I{ a Zooming Flyer comesunder fi.re,the pilot can throw his
crafr into a seriesof evasivemanoeuvresin an attempt to avoid
taking damage.After the enemyhasrolled To Hit againstone of
your Flyers,but beforeannour penetrationrolls aremade,you
can chooseto Evadeundl the end of your next turn. An evading
Flyer has the link special rule, but only fi.res Snap Shots.

Many Flyers are armed with a special kind of weapon called a

missile, clearly denoted by their name: Bloodstrike Missiles,
Implosion Missiles, and so on are good examples.
Missiles are one use only, but most Flyers carry two or more
to maintain a steady weight of fire throughout the game. A
maximum

of two missiles can be fired per Shooting phase,

and they count towards the number of weapons fired that turn.

AsseurrrNc Zoov.tNc Fryrns

Due to their high speed(and presumablyhigh altirude),
Zooming Flyers cannot be assaulted.

Some F1yers are armed with bombs, specialised munitions

LEevtNc CoMser funsPACE

weapons, bombs are used during

It's quite likely that a Flyer making a Zoom move will leave

phase, in a special kind of attack called a Bombing

the board, either deliberately or by accident. If this happens,

the Flyer is said to have left combat airspace - it then enters

Flyer can drop up to one bomb in its Movement phase. If it does

Ongoing Reserves (see page 125).A Flyer that leaves combat

Shooting phase, however, any additional weapons it fires that

airspace must Zoomback on when it returns from Ongoing

turn can choose a different target to that of the bomb.

Bor'rss AND BolasrNc

RuNs

designed to be dropped onto enemies below. Unlike other

the Flyer's Movement
Run. A

so, it counts as having already fired one weapon in its following

Resenres,even if it has the Hover rype.

To make a Bombing Run, a Flyer must be Zooming. After the

FLERS AI{D DAI\,IAGE RESUTTS

Flyer has finished moving, centre the bomb's blast marker

Zooming Flyers follow the exceptions given below.

on any one model the Flyer has passed over that turn

LocxEo

position is hit, resolved using the bomb's profile.

and scatter it D6". Any model under the blast marker's final
Vnrocrrv

If a Zooming Flyer suffers an Immobilised result, its velocity is

locked. A Flyer with Locked Velocity

cannot change speed

for the rest of the game, but must continue to Zoom at either

A Flyer that makes a Bombing Run during its Movement phase

Flat Out later in the turn.

Combat Speed or Cruising Speed (whichever it was using when

it suffered the Immobilised result). Once a Flyer's velocity is
locked, it cannot Evade and cannot move Flat Out. A Flyer
with Locked Velocity can still rurn before it moves as normal
and if it leaves the board will enter Ongoing Reserves as normal.
Cnesn AND BunN
If a Zooming Flyer is \Wrecked or Explodes, its flaming debris
rains down on the battlefield. Centre the large blast marker
over the Flyer - it then scatters 2D5". Any model under the
blast marker's fi.nal position suffers a Strength 6, AP - hit. the
Flyer is then taken off the board. If the Flyer is also a Transport,
any models within suffer a Strength l0 hit with no armour saves

HorrER'TyPE'
A Flyer that hasthe Hover type can chooseto Hover insteadof
Zooming. Hovering makesthe Flyer slower,but considerably
more agile.
A Flyer with the Hover type must declare whether it is going
to Zoom or Flover before it moves each Movement phase. This
means that, if the Flyer arrives from reserve, you must declare
which rype of rnovement it is usingbefore placing it on the board.
If a Flyer is in a squadron, all vehicles in the squadron must choose
the same type of movement.

allowed. Survivors are placed anywhere within 3" of the blast

marker's final position and in unit coherency. Any models that

If a Flyer is hovedtg,

cannot be placed are removed as casualties.

This makes it more manoeuvrable, but often limits the number of

weaponsit can fire.

it is treated

exactly as a Fast Skimmer.

CHARTOTS
Chariots are personal war machines for high-ranking chaf,acters who prefet to suwey the battlefield &om a lofty perch. They
dif[er from other Transports in that they can only carry a single passenger - a character - teferred to hereafter as the rider,

MOVINGCHARIOTS

FrcHrrNG FRoM A Cuenror

Chariots move normalb for a vehicle of their type. In addition,

\7hile a Chariot cannot strike blows in close combat, it's an

if the Chariot is a Skimmer, the rider can make Sweep Attacks.

excellent fighting platform for its rider. Accordingly, the rider

Swnrp Arracx

enemy models that are themselves

The rider can make a Sweep Attack each turn in the Movement

Chariot. This means that the Chariot's rider can both strike, and

phase. To make a Sweep Attack, pick one unengaged enemy

be struck by, such models. Note that, as a vehicle, the Chariot

of the Chariot is treated as being in base contact with all

unit the Chariot

has moved over this turn and roll aD6

in contact with the

(and its rider, whilst embarked) cannot be locked in combat.

for each Attack the rider has on his profile. If the Chariot
moved at Combat Speed this turn, it hits on rolls of 3+; if it

CserrENGES

moved at Cruising Speed, it hits on rolls of 4+. Each hit is

A rider cannot issue or accept challenges from the back of a

resolved at the rider's Strength, plus any Strength bonuses, AP

Chariot, nor can he perform a Glorious Intervention.

value and special abilities from his vtelee weapon. Resolve hits
against the rear armour of vehicles. Use Random Allocation
(seepage l5). Sweep Attacks can be Precision Strikes (seepage

Iupnovsn

Sevr

Chariots inevitably have a protective cowling or a series of force

53) and no cover savesare allowed against \7ounds, glancing

fields in their design, which we represent by allowing the rider

hits and penetrating hits caused by ^ Sweep Attack.

+l to his armour savesagainst \Tounds caused in close combat.

SHOOTING AT CHARIOTS

Cnrw

Chariots are shot at in exactly the same way as other vehicles

- the rider cannot be targeted separately from his Chariot.

In addition to the rider, some Chariots have crew. The crew of a

Shooting attacks must always be resolved against the Chariot.

be targeted separately frorn the vehicle, and cannot attack.

Chariot are considered to be part of the Chariot itse[ can never

ASSAUTTING WITH CHARTOTS

SPECIAT RUIES

Unlike other vehicles, a Chariot is allowed to declare a charge

in the Assault phase - provided that it did not move Flat Out

Until his Chariot is destroyed, and whilst he remains

in the preceding Shooting phase. As long as the charge range is

suffi.cient to bring the hull (or base) into contact with the target

Chariot itself has the Hammer of \7rath special rule, but

gains D6 Attacks rather than one, resolved at Strength 6, AP -

unit, the charge is successful. Remember that, as a vehicle, the

unless otherwise stated.

embarked upon it, the rider has the Fearless special rule. The

Chariot will need to take a Dangerous Terrain test if it charges

through difficult terrain. If it fails this test, it is rmmobilised
jj

and the charge also fails. Flowever, rather than not moving at
all, as is normal when a charge fails, the chariot comes to a halt
as soon as it enters the terrain that Immobilised it.

fr

OPEN-TOPPEDVEHICTES
Some vehicles have only a little armour, making them more vulnerable to damage because of their lightweight construction,
However, such vehicles make for excellent assault transports as their payload can disembark with much greater ease.

THE \IEHICIE DATVIAGETABTE

PassEr*rcERSsHooTING FRou OpEu-ToppED TneuspoRTs

A lack of armour leaves vital parts of these vehicles vulnerable.

Open-topped Transports do not have specific Fire Points.

If a vehicle is open-topped, add a +l modifier to any rolls on the

Instead, all passengers in an Open-topped Transport can fi.re,

Vehicle Damage table (this is cumulative with other modifiers).

measuring range and line of sight from any point on the hull
of the vehicle.

O PENTTOPPE D TRAT{ SPO RTS

Open-topped vehicles do not have specifi.cAccess Points. Instead,

Pes sEucERs c HARGTNGFRorvrO pEu -To ppED Tnerq spoRTs

all of the vehicle is considered to be an Access Point (regardless of

Acting as an ideal aftack platform, all Open-topped Transporrs

any base they may have).

are Assault Vehicles (seepage 33).

MIND

IS A

HEALTIIY

MIND.

-fit

4-"ardF-'

Vtcronv BELoNGSwrrH THE BrccEsr GUNs.

HEANTYVEHICTES
Heavy vehicles are particularly

ponderous. They are less war machines than mobile fortresses - slow but very durable.

MOVING HEA\ry \IEHICIES

SHOOTING WITH HEAIIY \TEHICIES

Heavy vehicles can never move faster than Combat Speed and

For the purposes of determining which weapons a Heavy

can never elect to move Flat Out.

vehicle can fire (and at what Ballistic Skill), Heavy vehicles are
always treated as having remained Stationary.

FASTVEHICTES
Fast vehicles are the exact opposite to Heavy vehicles - swift-moving
initial strike elements or reconnaissance units.

MOVING

FAST \IEHICLES

and often fragile. They are commonly employed as

SHOOTING WTITH FAST \IEHICIES

Fast vehicles are swifter than the norm so) to represent this, can

Fast vehicles that moved at Combat Speed in the preceding

move up to 12" when moving Flat Out.

Movement phase can fire all of their weapons, just like other
types of vehicles that have remained Stationary. Fast vehicles
that moved at Cruising Speed can fire up to two weapons
using their full gallistic Skill - other weapons can only make
Snap Shots.

SKIMMERS
Some highly advanced vehicles are fitted with anti-gravity drives that allow them to skirn swiftly over tough terrain and
intervening troops.

SKIMMERS AI{D MEASURINC

FASTSKIMMERS

Unlike most other vehicles, Skimmers have flying bases

under their hull. However, distances are still measured to and

If a vehicle is both Fast (see above) and a Skimmer, it can move

up to 18" when moving Flat Out.

from the Skimmer's hull, with the exceptions of the vehicle's

weapons and Fire Points, which all work as normal. The base of

SKTMMERS AI{D DA}IAGE RESUTTS

a Skimmer is effectively ignored, except for when:

Having your engines stall when tavelling

. The Skimrner is being charged or rammed, in which case,

models may move into contact with the vehicle's hull, its
base or both.

MOVINGSKTMMERS
Skimmers can move over friendly and enemy models, but they
cannot end their move on top of either.

at high speed has its

consequences.ff it moved Flat Out in this, or the previous,

result
turn, a Skimmer that suffers an Immobilised
immediately

crashes and is $(recked).

If it did not move

Flat Out, it suffers an Immobilised result, as normal.

If a Skimmer is Immobilised or \7recked, its base is removed, if
possible. If this is not possible (the base might have been glued
in place, for example), don't worry about it. The Skimmer's
anti-grav field is obviously sdll working and an Immobilised

Skimmers can move over all terrain, ignoring all penalties

Skimmer will simply remain hovering in place, incapable

for difficult terrain and tests for dangerous terrain. However'

if a moving Skimmer starts or ends its move in di{ficult or

of any further movement (including turning on the spot); a

til(recked one is now a floating, burning wreck. Note that it is

dangerous terrain, it must take a Dangerous Terrain test. A

Skimmer can even end its move over irnpassable terrain if it is

not otherwise permitted to remove the flying base,as Skimmers

cannot land in battle conditions.

possible to actually place the model on top of it, but if it does so

it must take a Dangerous Terrain test.
If a Skimmer is forced to end its move over friendly or enemy
models, move the Skimmer the minimum distance so that no
models are left underneath it.

SPECIAI RUTES
Skirnmers have the Jink
special rule.

.,,,,,,,,,,|,,..,+rc?!>-

To rnn

Is HUMAN;

To ERR AGAIN

rs TREACHERY.

WATKERS
'Walkers

are an unusual type of vehicle. Instead of wheels or ttacks, they have mechanical limbs that allow them to stride
forwards, ploughing through densely packed terrain with easein order to bring their weapons to bear.

AD D ITIONAI CHARACTE RTSTICS

SHOOTINC AT WAIKERS

Unlike other vehicles, Walkers have a \Teapon Skill,

When firing at a Walker, work out which of its Armour Values

to useasyou would for any other vehicle,basedon the position
of its body comparedto the model firing at it.

Strength, Initiative and Attacks characteristic. Shown here is

an example:

WSBS
3
3

Scout Sentinel

Armoot
'.
I
S R'I
S'F
5 101010 3

\UTALKERS AI{D ASSAUTTS

AHP
| 2

l7alkers assault,and are assaulted,like Infantry models,

meaning that they rnake charge moves and can be locked
in combat. \Talkers that are locked in combat cannot be

\$T/AtKE RS AI\TDMEAS URING

shot at.

If a \(alker has a base, measure ranges and distances to and

from its base, as for an Infantry model. tf a Valker does not

In close combat, \Talkers fight like rnfantry models.

have a base (like the Chaos Defiler), measure to and from

its hull (including any legs or other hmbs), as normal for

penetration and damage as for a vehicle. Models hitting

F{owever, any hits scored against them must roll for arrnour

vehicles. The \flalker's weapons are an exception to this' as

a $Talker in close combat always roll for arrnour

explained below.

penetration

MOVING$T/AIKERS
Walkers

rules for Infantry.

move using the movement

Infantry, and only counts as dangerous terrain if it would do

so for Infantry.If\Talkers

Against an Immobilised

always roll for armour

They can move 6" in the Movement phase, Run in the

Shooting phase, and charge in the Assault phase,just as
'W'alkers
just as it does
Infantry can. Difficult terrain affects
fail a Dangerous Terrain test, they

Infantty, a Walker has a facing,

where it can fi.re (see below) and its

unless it has been

against its front armour

Immobilised.

penetration

sflalker, models

against its rear

armour. This is because,unlike other vehicles, the \Talker

turns to face its enemies and rampages through the melee.
Consequently, a Valker

is quite capable of tearing apart

its foe in close combat, while only the specially armed (or
monstrously powerful) will have any hope of destroying a
\Talker up close.

are Immobilised. Unlike

which
Armour

influences

If a'VTaIker is armed with

two or more Melee weapons,

it gains + I bonus Attack for each additional

Value when fired at.

weapon

after the first. Unlike other models, this is not limited

SHOOTING WITH WAIKERS

to a single bonus Attack, so a \Talker with three Melee

\Talkers can choose to Run like Infantry, and this prevents

weapons would have 2 bonus Attacks. If one of its additional

them from fi.ring and charging that turn, as normal. Obviously,

Melee weapons is destroyed, one bonus Attack is lost. If the

they cannot Run if they are stunned or Immobilised.

destroyed weapon is a Dreadnought close combat weapon,

the \Talker loses the bonuses conferred by that Dreadnought

A \XZalkerthat moved can still fire all of its weapons in the

subsequent Shooting phase. \7hen fi.ring a \Talker's weapons,
pivot the Walker on the spot so that its guns are aimed

close combat weapon.

Shaken damage results do not affect the way a \Talker fights

at the target (assume that weapons mounted on a Valker

can swivel horizontally and vertically .tp to 45'). Range is

in close combat. rmmobilised

andf or stunnedlrralkers

measured frorn the weapon itself and line of sight is measured

minimurn of 1),but otherwise they attack normally.

fight in close combat with one less Attack than usual (to a

from the mounting point of the weapon and along its barrel,
as normal for vehicles. This pivoting
phase does not count as moving

in the Shooting
and represents the vastly

Walkers may make Sweeping Advances, Pile In moves and

consolidations unless thev are stunned or Immobilised.

superior agility of Walkers in comparison with other vehicles.

Keep in mind, however, that its facing will determine where

RAMMINCA$T/ATKER

its rear armour is going to be when the enemy returns fi.re!

\I7alkers cannot pivot, and can only shoot at
Immobilised

is resolved as normal for a vehicle (a Walker cannot attempt

to perform a Death or Glory attack when rammed). If it
'$7'alker
can then attack the Tank in the ensuing
survives, the

models within their current weapon arc.

Unlike

If a Valker is rammed by a Tank (see page 86), the collision

other vehicles, Walkers can fire overwatch.

*------*-*
+

Assault phase.

s
Vchicle
lfu
++

S-

TANKS
.-.Tanks can use their mass as a weapon, driving right into and through densely packed enemies. This often throws the opposing
battle line into disarray, as having some monstrous metalbehemoth coming straight atyou is unnervingfor anybody.

TAI{KSHOCK

position. If the Tank would move into contact rvith a friendly

nflhen moving a Tank, the player can declare that it is going to

nrodel, enerny vehicle, impassable terrain or a board edge, it

immecliately stops moving I " a$'ay.

attempt to Tank Shock instead of moving normally.

To perforfir

If some enemy models in the enemy unit unould end up

underneath the vehicle u'hen it reachesits final position (it

a Tank Shock, fi.rst, turn the vehicle on the

spot to face the direction

you intend to move it and

makes no difference rvhether the unit is falling back or not))

declare how many inches the vehicle is going to move,

Cornbat Speed Note that, becausepivoting on the spot does not

these models must be moved out of the u,fly by the shortest

distance, leaving at least I " betu'een thern and the vehicle l,vhilst

count as moving, this is not enough for a Tank Shock.

maintaining unit coherency and staying on the board. Aty

up to its maximurn

speed. The vehicle must move at least

rnodels that cannot manage this are crushed and removed from
Once the Tank has been

'aimed'

play as casualties.Cn-rnch!

and the intended distance

declared, rnove the Tank straight forwards

until

it comes

into contact with an enemy unit or it reaches the distance

declared .- no other changes of direction are allowed in a Tank

Uurrs Arruenv

FeurNG

BAcK

If a unit that is falling back is tank shocked, the ttnit

Shock. If no enemy unit is reached,lust move the Tank straight

automatically fails its Morale check. This also applies if a unit

ahead for the distance declared and nothing special takes place.

falls back frorn a Tank Shock and the Tank's remaining move
brings it into contact with them a second tinre.

A Tank Shock is an exception to the rule that enerny modeis

FRoM RrsrnvE

cannot be moved through. Remember, though, that friendly

Taxx Ssocx

rnodels still cannot be moved thtough, so the Tank's movement

A Tank that moves onto the battlefield from resen/e may

rvill be stopped if any friendly models are in the way. Also, a

attempt a Tank Shock. This must be declared before the Tank

Tank Shock cannot be attempted against enemies that are

mo\res onto the boatd.

locked in combat, as the risk of harming allies is too high

Taxx Srrocx RrsrnrcrroNs
A vehicle that has perforrned a Tank Shock cannot move Flat

If an enemy unit other than another vehicle is teached,

that enemy unit must take a Morale check and immediately

Out later in the turn. ljnits cannot embark onto or disembark

Fall Back if it fails. If the test is passed,the unit simply lets the

from a Transport vehicle in a turn in which it has alreadv

Tank mo\/e through, as if it was not there. Regardlessof the

performed a Tank Shock. likewise, a Transport vehicle from

result of the test, the Tank keeps moving straight on, possibly

which a unit has embarked or disembarked that phase cannot

perform a Tank Shock later in the turn.

tank shocking more enemy units until it reaches its final

ni . u

Tanr Snocx
The Predator Tank moves until it is in contact with the Fire Dragons, which pass their Morale check- The Fire Dragon Exarch attempts a Death or Glory
attack with his melta bomb (see page 86), but rolls poorly, fails to stop or destroy the Tank and is removed. The Predator finishes its move, coming into
conract ivith the Eldar Guardians, w,hich fail their Morale check and rall Back
Y.

rab

85

suffers a hit against the

DEern on Cronv

Each vehicle immediately

If a unit that has been attacked by Tank Shock passesits Morale

check, one of its models in the vehicle's path can stand and

armour

attempt to desffoy it rather than move out of the way (potentially

a rather suicidal thing to do). The model nominated for this

Strength of the hits will often be different for different vehicles,

heroic duty makes a single Attack against the incoming

Tank. Even if the weapon used is Assault 3, for example, or
the model is normally allowed more than one Attack, only one
Attack is ever resolved in this case.The Attack can be either a
shot from a weapon carried by the model, or a single close combat
attack using any weapon carried, including grenades. Whatever
form it takes, the Attack hits automatically, so resolve the
hit against the vehicle's front armour (even if using a close
combat attack), and immediately apply any damage results. Cover
saves cannot be taken against a Death or Glory attack.

facing where the other vehicle has impacted

(so the Ramming vehicle always uses its front armour). The
and is calculated as follows for each vehicle:
. Armour.

Each point of armour above l0 on the facing

that makes impact: +l

. Speed. Each full 3" moved that turn by the rammer
before impact: +l
. Mass. If the vehicle is a Tank: +l
For example, a Land Raider rams nn orhTrulth,

hitting tt in

the side.The Land Raiderhas a front armlur of 14 (4 points

If the model successfully rnanages to wreck the vehicle, or inflict
a Crew Stunned, Immobilised or Explodes result, the vehicle
halts directly in front of the heroic individual (or blows up there).

l v e r 1 0 ,f o r a t a t a l o f + 4 ) , h a s m o v e d 1 0 " b e f o r er e a c h i n g t h e
Trulth (fo, qn extra +3) and is aTanl, (*l).The total is 4+3+1,
which menns that the Truhk suffers a Strength I hit against its
side armour.

If the Attack fails to stop the vehicle, then the Tank Shock
continues as normal, except that the brave (but perhaps foolish)
glory seeker is crushed by the vehicle grinding over him - the
model is removed, regardless of \Tounds) saves(invulnerable or
not), or any other clever way of staying alive they can think of.
Artillery units may attempt Death or Glory with either a crewman
(as normal) or a gun model. If a gun model does this and fails to

At the snme time, the Land xaider suffers a Strength 3 hit

against ttsfront armlur (+0 for theTruhh's side armour of
10,+ 0 becausethe Truhh is not a Tank. and +3 f or the Land
Raider's own speed).
Both players roll for armour penetration against their
opponent's vehicle and any results are immediately applied.

stop the Tank, both the gun and one crewman are removed.
If the vehicle that is rammed is not removed, the rammer halts.

RAM

However, if the rammed vehicle is removed because it suffers

Ramming is a rather desperate manoeuvre and the Tank must

an Explodes damage result, the rammer continues its move

concentrate on moving at top speed towatds one enemy vehicle.

This means that it, and any embarked troops, may only shoot

until it reaches its maximum move distance, moves to within l"

of impassable terrain or friendly troops (at which point it stops

Snap Shots in that turn's Shooting phase, making it a better idea

irnmediately) or contacts another enemy unit (which it will

for vehicles that have no armament left, or are shaken.

Tank Shock or Ram again).

the same rMd/,except that the Tank must move at Cruising Speed.
Any vehicle that can Tank Shock can also Ram. Units other

RAM AND ]rur

Cover savesfrom the Jink special rule can be taken against
glancing and penetrating hits caused if a vehicle is rammed.

than vehicles in the path of a Ramming Tank are tank shocked

as norrnal, but if the Ramming Tank comes into contact with an

ReuurNc

enemy vehicle (not a building), resolve the collision as follows.

Ramming incurs the same restrictions as a Tank Shock.

Ramming

is a special type of Tank Shock and is executed

RrsrRrcrroNs

VEHICTEUPGRADES
It is incredibly rare for even two vehicles of the same design to be identical - many are modified by their crews in
order to achieve greater battlefield efficiency (or survivability). Accordingly, many vehicles have optional upgrades
the most cobmon of which are listed here'

DOZERBLADE

SMOKE TATINCHERS

usedto
rnms,0r scolps,
Dozerbladesare heavyploughs,blades,
path.
the
vehiclds
clearobstacles
from

Some vehicleshaue small launchers mlunted onto them that

cflrry smoke canisters.Theseare used to temporarily obscurethe

Vehicles equippedwith dozerbladescan re-roll failed

DangerousTerrain tests.

H(TRAARMOUR
Someuehicle crews add additional armour platingto their

uehicle behtnd bil\owing cLoudsof smohe,allowing it to cross

open nrea.sin greater safety- although it doesso at the costof
being able to fire its own wedpons.
Once per game, instead of shooting or moving Flat Out
(or running in the case of Walkers), a vehicle with smoke

uehiclesto prouide aLittle extra protection.

launchefs can trigger them. Place some cotton wool or some

other approp(iate counter next to the vehicle to show it is

Vehicles equipped with extra arnour count Crew Stunned

results from the Vehicle Damage table as a Crew Shaken

obscured. The"vehicle may not fi.re any of its weapons in

the same turn as it used srnoke launchers, but counts as

result instead.

obscured ln the next enemy Shooting phase, receiving a 5+

cover save.
After the enemy's Shooting phase, the smoke disperses with
no further effect. Note that a vehicle may still use smoke
launchers even if its crew are shaken or stunned or it does
not have any shooting weapons.

HUNTER-KILIER MISSIIE
arecommonlyfitted to Imperial uehicles.
Hunter-hillermissiles
suchasRhinos
allow uehicles
weapln systems
Thesesingle-use
that wluld otherwisefar
armlured enemyuehicles
to engage
outmatchthem.
A hunter-killer missile is an additional weapon,fi.redusing
the vehicle'sBallistic Skill.
Range
Unlimited

Strength
8

AP
3

TY?" -Heavy l,
One use only.

SEARCHTIGHT
Searchlightsare often fitted to vehicles s0 that the foe cannlt use
darhnessns an ally.
Searchlights are used when the Night Fighting rules are in
effect (see page 124).If a vehicle has a searchlight, it can, after
firing all of its weapons, choose to illuminate its target with
the searchlight. tf it does so, it also illuminates itself. You may
find it helpful to place coins, or other suitable counters, next
to the units as reminders, and next to a vehicle to show it has
used its searchlights this turn.
lasts undl the end of the following turn.
Illuminated units gain no benefit from the Night Fighting

Illumination

special rule.

BaTTLEFTELD
TEnRATN
'Bctvccn
fhc strrsthc ancicntuDsccn
cncmicsof mankindwit andf,ungcr.
Evcryvoyrgcinto tk nothingis a confrontrtionvith horror,with thc implacablcthingsof thc varp, andvith men'sinncrmostfcrr.'
The galaxyis a vastplacewith millions of differenr war zones:
icy rundra broken up by rivers of lavaand crystalforests,
burning desertsscouredof life by deadlyvirusesand ancient
superweapons,sprawliogjungles filled with man-eating
plants and hungry predators,and many other exoric types
of battlefield - if you can imagine it, then it probably exists

somewhere,on someworld. The terrain covering theseworlds

can vary from broad,empty plains to sky-scrapingtowers of
plasteel,from verdantjungles to barrenmoonscapesor from
islandsin oceansof radioactiveslime to rocky, frigid deserts.In
this chapter,you'll find the rules for many rypesof terrain, ruins
and buildings with which ro populateyour battlefields.

A STIAR-TORNBATTTE FIEID
Ilere's an example of a typical gaming board, along with a commentary on how the players decided to use their terrain.
A. The ruins of a manufactorum complex are testament to

F. This set of defence lines has a weapon emplacement.

centuries of brutal war. The rules for ruins can be found

The players have agreed that whoever controls this

on page 98.

fonification

can use the rules for gun emplacements,

which can be found in the Battlefield oebris section

B. This statue is of a great hero of the Imperium. The

on page 104.

players have agreed to treat it as Imperial Statuarl, as

described in the Battlefield Debris section on page 104.

G. The bastion has an Icarus lascannon on the battlements.

In addition to the buildings rules, which can be found

C. The bubbling lava could be treated as a mysterious river,

but the players have decided that it is a fireblood river.
Rules for rivers are described on page 103.

on page 92, the players have agreed that whoever

controls the battlements can fire the Icarus lascannon
using the emplaced weapon rules described in the
building rules on page 96.

D. The crashed shuttle is being treated as wreckage - a

piece of battlefield debris. The rules for battlefield
debris are described on page 104.

E. This forest looks innocent but it could contain anything

- it's a mysteriousforest,and its tfpe won't be revealed
undl a model entersit. Rulesfor mysteriousterrain are
discussedon page91,whilst the rules for woods,forests
andiungles can be found on page102.

TYPESOFTERRAIN
No two battlefields are the same and there are myriad ways in which terrain can be represented. We're going to cover the
basics here and discuss specific types ofterrain (buildings, ruins, flesh-eatingjungles and suchlike) later in the chapter.
\)UrrrruN DrFFrcuLr

Tnnneru

Many of the terrain pieces in the Citadel Scenery range have

Movruc

rules that apply to them, and you'll find that whatever you have

If any models in a unit start their move in difficult

in your terrain collection, there will be suitable rules here, or

they are affected by the terrain

at least inspiration for devising your own. The rules for placing

Terrain test. No models in the unit can move more than the

terrain pieces on your tabletop can be found on page 120.

distance indicated by the test, even if they are not in di{ficult

terrain,

and must take a Difficult

terrain. Make sure you clari$' which (if any) models are not

OPEN CROUND

attempting to move before you make the Dfficult

Terrain test.

Open ground covers everything from dusty plains to rolling

hills. Any area not specifically classed as a type of terrain (such

Note that, as part of their move through difficult terrain, models

as a building, ruin, forest, river, battlefield wreckage or unique

can move through walls, closed doors and windows, and all

terrain) is considered to be open ground. Models on open

'out
in the open'. No additional rules
ground are often said to be

certain wall or obstacle is impassable.

sirnilarly solid obstacles, unless the players have agreed that a

are needed and, unless otherwise specified, special rules and

abilities

that affect terrain

do not affect open ground.

You should also note that, if you take the Difficult Terrain
test, you aren't compelled to rnove the models, as you might

IMPASSABTE TERRAIN

not have rolled high enough to make it worth moving at all.

The rules for impassable terrain cover those areasof the board

However, if you roll the dice, the models that were attempting

that warriors physically cannot enter. Sheer rock faces, force

to move are still considered to have moved for the purposes of

barriers, pulsing cubes of gelatinous psychic nrgf, sealed

fi.ring, as detailed in the Shooting rules.

buildings and other unbreachable environs follow the rules for

impassable terrain. Models cannot enter, cross or move into
or through impassable terrain - they must go around. The

The rules for charging through difficult terrain are on page 22.

exceptions tend to be things like Jump units, (seepage 47). Note

that this category is used for terrain that is actually, physically

DAI{GEROUS TERRAIN

impassable. If you want terrain that is more or less lethal, look to

dangerous terrain and lethal terrain, covered later.

CnmcrNG

THRoucH Drrrrcurr

Trnnerx

Someterrain featuresdo rnorethan hinder troops- they're

potentiallylethal. Carnivorousjungles,toxic vents,erupting
geysersand the like areexamplesof dangerousterrain.

DIFFICUTT TERRAIN
Difficult terrain slows down models wishing to move through
it, and can sometimes be dangerous to models passing through
it. It includes areas of rubble, woods, ruins, brush and scrub,
rocky outcrops, boggy ground, low walls, razot wire, barricades,

Dangerous terrain follows all the rules for difficult

terrain - you'vegot to watch your step!In addition,each
model must take a Dangerous Terrain test as soon as it
enters, leavesor moves within dangerous terrain.

steep hills, streams and other shallow water, as well as terrain

To talce a Dangerous Terrain test, roll a D6. On a result of a

features that combine several of these types.

MovrNc

Iuro

Drrrrcurr

l, that model suffers a Vound. the model may take an affnour

or invulnerable save,but not a cover save,against this t$found.

TEnnerN

If a unit starts its move outside difficult terrain, the player must
declare if he wants his unit to try to enter difficult terrain as part

Once a model has taken a Dangerous Terrain test for a particular

of their move. If he chooses not to, the unit moves as normal

area of terrain, it does not test for that area of terrain again in the

but may not enter difficult terrain. If he chooses for a unit to do

same phase. Flowever, if the model moves into a different area of

so, the unit must take a Difficult Terrain test.

dangerous terrain, these must be tested for as normal.

Terrain test, roll two D6 and select the

To make a Difficult
highest result - this is the maximum distance in inches

Eorexarnple,
if a Space
Manne startsto mwe out of a catnivorousforest
and into a toxicswarflprhemusttakeoneDangerousTewain
testfor
the carniuorous
forestand onefor the toxicswamp.Similarly,if the
Space
Manne mouesout of onecarniuorlusforestandinto anothet,
hemust testfor both.Howarcy,no matterhowfar the SpareManne
mlvesthroughthesamecaynivorous
forest,hewill onlyhaueto tal<e
oneDangerlusTewaintest,euenif heleaues
andre-enterc
thesame
camiuorous
forestaspart of htsmouethatphase.

that any of the models in the unit may move.

Even if the distance rolled is too short for any of the models
to reach the di{ficult terrain, the unit is still slowed down as
described above. \7e assume that their approach is cautious as
they attempt to ascertain whether any enemies are within.
i,:'*-..q-

$i*--

-+--.--f---*-r

A coop

DEATH

cELEBRATEs

A HERo's

LIFE; A BAD DEATH

MERELy

ENDS A wAsrED

oNE.

Tcrt.in
Battlcfield

MYSTERIOUS

TERRAIN

Nothing is ever quite what it seems in the war-torn future,

and this is certainly true of the terrain found on alien worlds.
Forget all your earthly preconceptions and steel yourself for
the dangers within.
The effect of a piece of mysterious

terrain

is not decided

at the start of the battle, (though its boundaries still are).

Instead, it is rolled for immediately

when a model enters

it, or is in it at the start of the first game turn. Once rolled

TETHATTERRAIN

for it retains that result for the duration of the game. If the

Some locales are so hazardous that to seek ingress is also to

unit whose model has triggered the effect is moving under its

invite a nasty death. Lava flows, toxin vats, bottomless ravines,

own volition (is not falling back or being moved by an enemy

reactor cores and other suitably fatal environs all use the rules

psychic power, or similar) it can decide to continue its move

for lethal terrain. You'll not need to use the rules for lethal
terrain that often - normally you'll find that simply dangerous

as normal or immediately stop, so that only the first model to

enter is inside the terrain feature.

or impassable terrain will prove quite suffi.cient. Flowever,

you and your

sometimes an area of terrain looks so inimical to life and limb

Alternatively, instead of rolling rando-ly,

that you'llwant to define it as lethal for that one in a thousand

opponent can agree at the start of the game what kmds of

chance that a unit will blunder into it!

mysterious terrain are present on your battlefield. tt is perfectly

Lethal terrain uses all the normal rules for impassable terrain

jungle to represent a Carnivorous Jungle, or a specifically

painted river to be Industrial Ooze, for example.

acceptable for players to decide to treat a specially modelled

save that models can never voluntarily end their move on lethal
terrain - if a model ends its move on lethal terrain, it is
immediately

removed as a casualty!

e,

S/ner Sonr oF GeuE?

AREATERRAIN
Sometimes a terrain feature has a clearly defined boundary.

Before you staft playing, it's always worth taking the time to talk

Other dmes, however, this might be slightly less clear, as in the

to your opponent about the terrain you'te using. You want to be

case of marshes, woods, ruins and other tFpes of rough ground.

In realiry, a wood might be a tangled, overgrown mass of foliage,
without a clear boundary, but if it is represented like this on
your tabletop, then not only would it be very difficult to stand
models within it, it would also be difficult to decide which

tell where the boundary

scenery pieces that could, conceivably, have two or more rules sets
applied to them: one man's ruin is often another man's building.
Is that a piece of mysterious archeotech, or just an unusually

behindi There's no right or wrong in such decisions, provided that

to be able to

feature is. This is

'ateaterrain'.
the concept of

of the terrain

where we need to introduce

objective once the bullets start flying. This is especially true of

decorative piece of impassable terrain? Just what kind of cover

save will that pan mesh, part stone barricade offer to the troops

models are inside or outside of its boundary.

For the clarity of the game, it is important

sure that you're both clear on how you're going to treat all your
terrain pieces before the game starts - it's that much harder to be

you both agree. Remember: there's no such thing as a'standard'

\Tarhammer 40.000 game, because there's not really any such
thing as a'standard' \U'arhammer 40,000 gamer.

You can show the boundary of a piece of area terrain by using

aflatbaseboard, an outline of lichen or sand, or by painting a

For example, if you have any ruins, you should agree exactly how to

slightly different colour on your gaming board. Trees, rocks,

ruins, or whatever is appropriate for the kind of area terrain you

use them. One player may prefer to treat them simply as area terrain

are representingr are usually placed within the boundary of the

area terrain's base.Vhen moving models into this area,you can
temporarily remove the rocks, trees, etc. (if they are not glued in
place) to make moving the models easier. Remember, however,
to put thern back where they originally were (or as close as

so that he can concentrate on his grand plan, while another may

like the additional storytelling

that is created if models cannot move

through solid walls or climb up levels without

stairs or ladders. Yet

another player may have written a house rule where an elevator is

activated if you also have models next to the power generator on the
other side of the table! No single approach is right or wrong, as long
as both players have agreed before the game.

possible) after you finish moving, as they can affect the line of
You'll sometimes find that some stnrctures won't have obvious

sight of models shooting through that areaterrain.

doors or stairs allowing access,but you wish to use them as

Area terrain
terrain

is always difficult

terrain.

Models in area

receive a 5+ cover save, regardless of whether

not they arcZl%obscured.

ateaterrain

or

Models that Go to Ground in

receive +2 to their cover save, rather than +1.

buildings, rather than impassable terrain. For example, we've got

some ork buildings that include watchtowers that lack any visible
method for actually getting up to the watchtowers! In cases like
this, the players might agree to assume that there are internal
doors or ladders that allow accessto the building.

BUILDINCS
The bloody battles of the 4l st Millennium often envelop cities, towns, defence lines, research outposts, hab blocks, pumping
stations, affiy barracks, mining colonies, space pots, tribal forts, ancient tombs, sacred shrines and countless other tnres
ofbuildings. In the middle of a war zone, such structures are generally deserted, and can be used as defensive positions for
troops from either side. Depending on theit size, buildings can house anything from a small squad to an entire army'
Not all buildings need be designed with a military purpose in
mind - they merely need to be intact structures (preferably
with thick walls and good arcs of fire) that troops can use as a

Bunoruc SrzE
To work out your building's Transport Capacity, you need
to decide upon its size. To keep things simple, we use three

defensive position against an oncoming foe. \7hich pieces in

sizes of buildings in \Tarhammet 40,000: small, medium

youf terrain collection count as buildings is up to you and your

and large. To see what size of building you have, consult the

opponent, but they can range from unprepossessing wooden

shacks to stone dwellings and ceramite bunkers to ancient alien

following chart:

hab-complexes and battle fortresses.

BurruNGS SrzE Cnenr

Buildings of all types use aspectsof the Transport vehicie

between buildings and actual

Building Size

rules. The main difference

Ground
Floor Area

vehicles is that they can't (nove, and units from either side
can go inside. To make use of these rules effectively, you'll have

i"iJth'"Zo;eo-

to agree the building's Transport Capaciry and Armour Values.

don't use Hull Points and can't be

-Tmin--

*--

tor"o?ei;
20models
30 models

Mediurn
Large

Up to 9" x 9"
Up to 12"x72"

Transport
Capacity

You'll note that buildings

completely

destroyed. They can, however, be damaged to the

MUITIPLE PART BUILDINCS

point that it's impossible for anyone to enter them.

:::"*, iiliT'liili;,
:"J
:lff:;jJff
ll'"'J*i::
",

-!ft

you are using is taller than this, larger than the maximum
footprint given above or includes battlements (see page 95),

BunDTNGSvs Rurxs
It's important to note that these rules cover intact buildings rathe
than ruins. Essentially, if your structure is fully enclosed and has

treat it as two or more smaller buildings joined together.

a roof, use the rules presented here. If yout structufe is merely a

collection of ruined walls, then use the ruins rules presented on

can move to an adjacent and unoccupied

page 98.

In such an event, a unit in one part of the building

declaring

which

they are moving

building

by

into. This will take up

all of their movement and is still subject to all the rules for
Transport Capacity (see Occupying Buildings, opposite). The
different buildings are still dealt with separately for shooting

Anuoun

I
1,

and assaults.

VeruEs

Bunkers and bastions have an Armour Value of 14 all around.

The Armour Values of other buildings may vary between 9

Units can also charge an enemy that is occupying an adjacent

and 13 (see the chart below for some examples).The players

must agree at the start of the game on the Armour Value of

building (including battlements). To assault a unit in an

all buildings in use. Whilst it's perfectly acceptable to have

be the target of the charge. The charge is automatically

buildings with different Front, Side and Rear Armour Values,

successful: no charge roll is made, and no overwatch

shots can be fired (the attackers are far too close for that). In

it's simplest to pick one for the entire building.

adiacent building, simply declare the occupying

unit to

the ensuing Fight sub-phase,all models in a unit locked in

that combat are also engaged in the combat, and therefore
fight and strike blows as normal. Neither side can attempt to

BurrorNGS Anir,rouR C rrenr

attack the building itself.

Arrnour Value
Bastionor bunker
Plascrete-walled palace
Rockcrete city buildin g/hab -block
Brick house
\Tooden outpost
Corrugatediron or wooden shed

t4
l3
t2
II

You do not determine assault results in an assault between

r0

wiped out, surviving units can choose to consolidate into either

units in dilferent parts of buildings. Instead, engaged units

automatically
controlled

rs rr{E

back into the building

they

the building it occupied at the start of the phase or into the now
vacanr building.

HrrnE,n

consolidate

at the start of the phase. However, if a unit is

Euptnon's

GREATEsT

crFT

To HUMANrry.

IMPASSABTEBUITDINCS

FIRINCFROM

There are times when a player's collecdon may include

buildings that have no way for warriors to enter. In game terms,

Just like some Transpon vehicles, some buildings have Fire

Points that allow units inside to fire out. These could be the

we refer to these stnrctures as impassable buildings.

fire slits on bunkers and bastions or the windows on other

BUILDINGS

buildings. Players should agree beforehand where these Fire

InrpnssABLEBunorNGS ANDMovruENT
If a building is agreedto be impassableat the startof the game,
it follows the normal rules for impassableterrain, and models
cannot go inside it for any reason. This is not to saythat
modelswill not interact with the building - it will still block line
of sight and provide coverfor modelsshelteringin its lee.

Points are. Llnless the players agree otherwise, up to two

models may shoot through

each Fire Point of a building.

Note that all of the models in a unit firing from a building musl
target a single enemy unit, as normal.

ATTACKING BUILDINGS
The easiestway to kill enemy troops in a fortified position is

OCCUPYING BUILDINCS

often to destroy the fortiffed position. Units may shoot at or

Models can enter or exit a building through a doorw ay or

charge an occupied building

other opening that the players have agreed to treat as an Access

Units inside a building cannot normally be attacked directly,

Point. Moving

into or out of a building

works the same

or disembarlcing from a vehicle (including

emergency disembarkations) - see page 79 for details.
as embarking

just as if it was a vehicle.

either in combat or with shooting. The main exception is if

they are charged by an enemy unit in a different section of the
same multiple part building (see previous page). They might,
however, be affected by damage to the building, as covered late r.

All of the normal rules apply,so only one Infantry unit, plus
any Independent Characters that have joined them, may

\7hen shooting at a building, roll To Hit and for armour

occupy a building at one time. The Transport Capacity of a

penetration normally. In close combat, they are hit

small bunker is ten models, while a large bastion can hold

automatically. If a glancing

up to thirty. This can vary according to what you and your

inside the building

opponent agree on before the game begins, but otherwise, all

Cover special rule. You cannot attack an unoccupied

the rules for Transpo n Capacity apply (see page 78). Models
entering a building are removed from the table - either

building (with shooting or in close combat). If the building

note down where they are on a piece of paper or use another

as for a glancing

suitable reminder.

damage table.

suffers a penetrating

hit is scored, one model

suffers a S(ound with

the Ignores

hit, one model suffers a'$7ound

hit. Furthermore,

roll on the building

'\il7'ourqo

& OccupyrNc

AnocauoN

LJNrrs

,BUnDING DeuecE TABLE

Given the slightly abstract nature of the building rules, it's

impossible to allocate Wounds to the closest model in the unit.
Instead, the controller

of the occupying

unit allocates

D6
I

Effect
Breach ! Massiuecyachs
nppearin the building'swalls.

and resolves Wounds, one at a time, to his unit, in the

The building's Armour Values are reduced by I for

assumption that the rnost important members will be in the

the remainder of the battle. This is curnulative with

safest locations within the building. If the whole unit is using

any other penalties to the building's Armour Values.

the same save,you might find it easier to roll all the saves
together and then simply rernove the appropriate nurnber of

Tremor . The buildtngshahes

violently,throwing its
occupants
to their knees.The occupying unit can

models as casualties.

only make Snap Shots in the following turn. If

Anr"roun VeruE 0

the occupying unit abandonsthe building in their

If a building is reduced to Armour Value 0 on one or more

following turn, they can only disembark 3", rather

facings, it immediately suffers a Total Collapse damage result.

than the full 6".

Partial Collaps e. Part of the supportstructureisblasted

HrcH AP wrnPoNS
Some weapons are so destructively powerful that they can
inflict masses of darnage in a single strike.

awnft causinga chunk"of roofto fal| in. The occupying unit

suffers D6 Strength 6, AP - hits with the Ignores Cover ',
special rule.

.If an AP 2 \ reapon scores a penetrating hit, add a +1

Structural Collapse. Inteynalsupportsaredestroyed,

modifier to the ro11on the Buildlng Damage table.

causingseveralleuelsto collapse
undertheir lwn weight.
The occupying unit suffers 2D6 Strength 6, AP - hits

. If an AP I weapon scores a penetrating hit, add a +2

with the Ignores Cover specialrule. In addition, one

modifier to the roll on the Building Damage table.

randomly determined emplacedweapon is destroyed,

if the building has any.

TEuprarE

vTEAPoNS

Ternplate weapons, such as flamers, are designed to attack

Catastrophic Breach. Ahuge slahof mnsonrytumbles

enemies that are hidden behind defensive terrain, and can

from thebutlding'sflanh. Reduce all of its Armour

Values by D3 for the remainder of the battle. This is

attack models even if they are inside a building. To represent

this, if one or more of the Fire Points on a building fall under

cumulative with any other penalties to the building's

a template, the unit occupying

Armour Values.In addition, one randomly determined

the building

hits from the Ternplate weapon. The building

suffers D5
itself also

emplacedweapon is destroyed,if the building has any.

suffers one hit, as normal.

Total Collaps e.The roofand seueyaL
internal floorsfall tn,

CnruanEs

crushingmnny of thegarrisonand drivrngtheremainder

Grenades are an excellent way of clearing an enemy out of a

outside.Theoccupying unit suffers2D6 Strength d,AP

- hits with the Ignores Cover specialrule. Survivors

building. If a unit assaults a building,

are within

l;

any of its models that

2" ofat least one Fire Point can each throw

grenade (if they have grenades) inside the building

of striking

one

instead

it in close combat. Note that every grenade-armed

model can do this if you wish, not just one as is the casewhen
Shooting. A grenade causes D6 hits resolve d at the Strength
and AP of the grenade (for grenades with the Blast or
Large Blast type) or D3 hits (for grenades without
or Large Blast type) resolve d at the Strength
grenade. The building

the Blast

and AP of the

also suffers one hit, as normal.

must then immediately disembark from the building,

performing an emergency disembarkation if necessary.
If the unit cannot disembark,the models are rernoved
ascasualties.The building can no longer be occupied
and is hereafter treated asimpassableterrain. A11
emplacedweaponsin the building are destroyed.
Detonation ! The shotpunchesthroughthe building's
wallsto explodeamongstammunrtronor fuel stores
within. The occupying unit suffers 4D6 Strength
6,AP - hits with the Ignores Cover specialrule.

Grenades without a Strength value count as Strength I if

Survivors must then imrnediately disembark from the

thrown into an occupied building through a Fire Point.

building, asper result 6. The building can no longer

be occupied and is hereafter treated as impassable

Grenades that cannot be thrown (such as rnelta bombs)

cannot be used in this wav.
/

IINSHAKABLE

terrain. All emplaced weapons in the building are

destroyed. tn addition, nearby units suffer a Strength
4,AP - for each model in their unit within D6" (roll

NERVE

A unit occupying a building, but not a battlernent, is Fearless

(seepage 35).

--*-.^--%

for the distanceonce, regardlessof how many times

the result is inflicted).

Tbrrain
Battleficld

UsE Youn InnecrNATroN!

BaTTTEMENTS

Some players may want to use a very large building, such as a

Many buildings have flat roofs that can accommodate units -

fortress, which could include towers, battlements, bunkers and

we refer to these as battlements. A building

so on, each with different capacities and Armour Values. You

with battlements

(see page 92) - essentially, one

'on
unit can go inside the building, and a different unit can be
is a multiple

part building

top'of it (and so do not need to be taken off the board).

The advantage of being on top of battlements is that the whole
unit is likely to be able to shoot - battlements do not have
Fire Points and use the normal

rules for line of sight.

Flowever, unlike those within buildings,units

on battlements

may even want to come up with rules for Jump units charging
extra rules like this is great fun,

enemies on parapets. Inventing

and will make for a very different game, though players will have
to agree on the details beforehand. You may even want different
elements of a fortress to be treated as several rypes of structure
- perhaps one section is ruined, another impassable, whilst the
rest is treated as a multiple part building. As with most other
things that we have discussed in this section, the only limits are
the buildings you own and your imagination.

can be shot back at, and will have to rely on their armour (and
any cover save from the battlement walls) for protection. Units
on battlements

are not Fearless like other embarked units.

]unar AND lEr Pecx lJrqrrs
If their move is sufficient, Jump and Jet Pack units can move

HOTST/
MAI{Y MODETS?
Unlike the interior of buildings, to which we grant a Transport

directly to or from a building's battlements in their Movement

Capacity, the battlements

phase, even in the absence of external ladders or Access Points.

of a building

can hold as many

models of a single unit as will fit without resorting to odd

Battlements are not difficult terrain in this case.

balancing acts. However, the whole unit must fit in order for it
to occupy the battlements.

LEeprNc DowN
A unit can always elect to leap down frorn the battlements,

REACHINCTHE

ROOF

although this incurs significant risk.

If a building is in your deployment zone, a unit can deploy on the

battlements, just as deploylng inside a buildlng. Otherurise, the

To resolve this, choose one model from the battlements

unit must reach the roof by way of accessladders on the outside

or inside of the building - establish these before the game.

the building

and place it anywhere

wholly

within

3" of the base of

that is at least I " away from enemy models,

and not in impassable or lethal terrain. That model must

Fnou

If there are external ladders, or similar Access Points that only

then take an Impact test. This is exactly like a Dangerous

Terrain test, with a -l modifi.er for every full3" the model

provide accessto the battlements, a unit can embark directly to

has dropped. Unlike ordinary Dangerous Terrain tests,

the battlements, without going through the interior, by moving

armour saves cannot be taken against Impact tests.Jump

to withi n 2" of the ladder or external use onlv Access Point.

and Jet Pack models must still take Impact tests but they ignore
any modifiers from falling 3 or more inches.

Otrrsror

If the only way to the battlements is through an internal hatch, a

unit can still reach the roof by moving the entire unit to within2"
of the building's Access Points and using the following rules:

If the model is slain, choose another and try again. If the model
sunrives, resolve the same sequence for all the other models in
the unit, taking care to remain in unit coherency. Any models

. If the interior and batlements are both unoccupied, a unit

can embark to either the interior or the battlements. In

that cannot be placed, for whatever reason, are removed as

casualties with no savesof anv kind allowed.

either case,this takes up the unit's rernaining move.

BATTTEMENTS A}ID BUII,DINC DA]\{ACE

. If the interior is occupied by a friendly unit and the

Aunit on the battlements is slightly less prone to harm if the

battlements are empty, the embarking unit can only

building suffers darnage.They're already on the roof, so that

embark directly to the battlements (assume the other unit

roof can't fall in on them, however, there is still the posslbiliry

let them through), taking up the unit's remaining move.

of injury from shrapnel and so on. Accordingll,

if the

battlements are damaged, any unit on the battlements suffers

. If the battlements are occupied by r friendly unit and its
interior is empty, the embarking unit can only move to

the same number of hits as a unit inside a building would, but

these are resolved at Strength 3, not Strength 6.

occupy the interior.

AneNnoN
. If an enemy unit is occupying the interior, you cannot

THE BerrrrMENTs!

If a unit Falls Back while on a battlement, or the building belov'

are external Access Points that provide direct accessto the

suffers a total collapse result, there's no time for those on the

battlements to make a dignified escape- they must j.rmp for it!

bamlements, the unit cannot embark to the banlements.

Resolve this exactly as described for Leaping Down (see above)

move through them to get to the battlements. Unless there

A crosnp MrND rs DEFENcEAcArNsr sEDrrroN.

Ji

t,

ASSAUTTING THE BATTTEMENTS

Enrpr-e,cEn
$trrEAPoNs

Units on battlements cannot be assaulted,except by units in

Many buildings have built-in weapons. Such emplaced weapons

the building below them. Grenades, however, can be employed

can each be fired as follows:

against them by units assaulting the building below.

Mexuer Frnr
S/hen a unit assaults a building,
within

any of its rnodels that are

the emplaced weapons instead of his own. Use the firing model's

instead

Ballistic Skill and the line of sight of the weapon. All relevant

in close cornbat, or throwing

special rules frorn the firing model and the weapon are used.

can each throw

(if they have grenades) onto the battlements

of striking

the building

If a building is occupied, a model within can choose to fi.re one of

one grenade

8" of the battlements

grenades into Fire Points. Note that every grenade-armed

model can do this if you wish, not just one as is the casewhen

Atrronaarnn

Shooting. If you wish, you can choose to have some models

If a building is occupied, each emplaced weapon that is not

attack the building, others throw grenades into the Fire Points,

being fi.red manually

and yet rnore throw grenades onto the battlements.

enemy unit within

A grenade thrown onto the battlements causes D3 hits (for

grenades with the Blast or Large Blast type) or I hit (for

before any Morale checks are taken. Automated

grenades without the Blast or large Blast type) resolved at the

occupying unit from firing its own weapons and can be fired at a

Strength and AP of the grenade. The battlements take I hit

different target to the one the unit targets.

Frnr
automatically

fires at the nearest

range and line of sight. Shots from

automated fire are resolved at the end of the Shooting phase, just
has a Ballistic

fire always

Skill of.Z.Automated fire does not prevent an

from a thrown grenade, just like any other building. Grenades

without a Strength value count as Strength I if thrown onto
battlements. Grenades that cannot be thrown (such as melta

FORTIFICATIONS AND DIIAPIDATION

In theChoosing
YourArrnysection(prg. 108),
you'llseethat

bombs) cannotbe used in this way.

you can add some buildings to your ?rrnl, allowing your troops
to deploy in and fight from a strong position. You might also
'neutral'buildings
use some of the fortifications as
on the
battlefield. rn this case,simply ffeat all fortifications not bought
for either you or your opponent's army as being dilapidated.
A dilapidated

fortification

has 2 fewer points of Armour

Value on each facing than is normal

type. Furthermore,

-+*,.^. ..__.,=-A--..E

!+rdi-r-Ar

"-.

for a building

of its

its emplaced weapons cannot be fired.

'FonrrFrcATroNS,
Frnr Porxrs
AIvDAnrr,rouRVaruEs
this Imperial Bastion(right) is clearly astough asbuildings
come,so it's bestplayedusing an Arrnour Value of 14
(unlessit is dilapidated,in which caseit'd have Armour
Value l2). There are severalFire Points in the walls, and an
impressiveset of battlements.There is one AccessPoint:
the door.The bastionalsohasseveralemplacedweapons:
a heavybolter on eachfacing and an Icarus lascannonon
the roof.
This imposing Fortressof Redemption ftelow) is a vast
fortifi,cation,and best split down into severalsections:
two bunker annexes,the wall and the main tower, all of
which areArmour Value 14(or l2,if dilapidated)and can
Eachbuilding hasone
be attackedor occupiedseparately.
or more emplacedweapons:eachbunker annexhasa heavy
bolter; furthermore, the left bunker has a twin-linked
Icarus lascannon,and the right a missile silo.
The unit of SpaceMarines and Orks are fighting over the
Fortressof Redemption.Each unit is ableto shoot at the
other and are ableto declarechargesagainsteachother,as
they occupyadjacentbattlements.If a chargeis declared,
no Overwatch fire is made,they are automaticallyin range
and everymodel is engagedwith the enemy.

RUINS
Years of ceaselessbattle have reduced countless proud structures to twisted ruins. They are normally composed of badly
damaged walls sitting amongst piles of broken rubble. Ruins can also have one or more floors partially intact. As they are
often la&ing large chunks of walls and roof, ruins are easy for gaming purposes. Players can place their models inside and
move them atound to show their position. No abstractions are required - both players can see the models for themselves.
However, it is usefrrl to explain how unit coherency, and blast markers and templates work in this environment.
Theserulesarebasedon the height and areaof the plastic
Citadelcity ruins (suchasthosefound in the CitadelImperial
Sectorkit). They will work just aswell with ruins of your own
creation,so long astheir dimensionsareroughly similar.

RUINS: THE BASICS

All ruins are difficult

terrain

and provid e a 4+ cover save.

Players can also agree at the beginning of the game to treat

some ruins as dangerous terrain as well, representing unstable
structures on the verge of collapsing or that are still on fire. Of
course, the nature of ruins means that the boundaries of the
terrain can be somewhat indistinct. The best way to counter
this is to ensure that both players are clear on the boundaries of
each ruin before the game begins.

Rurus $/rrn Besrs

A ruin might be mounted on a base, decorated with rubble, and

Llxrr ConnRENCY

other debris. In this case,treat the base as ateaterrain.

As the Space Marines in this ruin are all within 2" of another member
of their squad on the sarne level, or within 5" of another member of
their squad on a different level, they are in unit coherency.

Rurus S/rrnour BesEs

If the ruin has not been mounted on a base,then the ground
floor is not counted as either diffi,cult
terrain.

terrain

or area

Of course, units still have to take Di{ficult Terrain tests if

they move through the walls or if they climb to the upper floors.

MOVINGWITHIN

RUINS

Only certain troops are capable of clambering to rhe upper

levels of ruins. Accordingly, only Beasts, Infantry

ranges between models on different levels and at different

letbikes,
and all types of Jump and ]et Pack units can
move on the upper levels of a ruin - and only if the model can
physically be placed there. Other units may only move on the

heights. Measure the distance from base to base, holding

ground level of the ruin. You should agree with your opponent

your tape rneasure at an angle as necessary. Sometimes, a wall

at the beginning of the game whether or not any other unit rFpes
can enter the upper levels of a ruin (Walkers and Monstrous
Creatures could be allowed to enter srurdy looking ruins).

CoprNc wrrH DrrrEnrur

F{ErcHrs

Skimmers

With units inside ruins, you will often need to measure weapon

of rubble or an exposed stanchion will get in the way and

you'll find it difficult, or impossible, to accurarely measure
the distance. Should this happen, it's more than acceptable to
estimate based on what you can measure.

INreNrnv

LfNrr CogrnrNcY
t07hen moving, it is possible that models from the same unit may

Even though different building models vary, the rypical distance

between levels in a ruin ts 3". A model moving on foot in a ruin
therefore needs 3 " of its movement to go up or down a level.

end up spread acrosstwo or more levels of a ruin. In this case,

the models on different

levels maintain

unit coherency

as

long as any part of the body of a model on a lower level is

As ruins are difficult rerrain, this means that if a I or 2 is rolled,

a model may not make any verrical movement (but may still

5" of the base of a model that is higher up.

move horizontally on its level). If a 3 is rolled, the model can

either move up to 3" horizontally or simply go up or down a level

This means that you measure up 6" from the head of a model on

without any horizontal movement. If a 4 or 5 is rolled, a model

can either move horizontally up ro the maximum rolled or go up/

one level to the base of the model on the next level up, and so on.

down a level as well as moving its remaining l " or 2" horizontally.

Players should be generous when measuring for very short models,

on a result of 6, the model will be able to go up/down rwo levels

if it does not move horizontally ar all, or move one level up/down

within

like swafins) which otherwise may be unable to spread over several

levels of a ruin (gtu" them a break - they're only little!).

Fonruwt

and horizontally for the remaining 3" or all 5" horizontally.

FAvouR.s rHE

MovrNG sruTHrNRUrNS
The Space Marine takes a Difficult Terrain test and gets a result of 6".
He can therefore move 3" horizontally to get beneath the next level of
the ruin and then move up 3" to get to the next level.

- NeruR.E's Dowxsrenn

ExpR-ESS

If the distance between levels in a ruin is not 3", simply measure

Gnnvrrv

the distance between the levels to determine how much

If your unit is in the upper floors of a ruin and wants to get down

movement a model requires to move up or down between the

in a hurry, the models can always jump down. This, as it sounds,

them. If the distance between levels is 6", models that wish

is really quite dangerous and bound to end with a sickening

to ascend or descend that level will only be able to do so on a

snapping noise, but desperation can often make such things

Difficult Terrain test of a 6,and they will not be able to make

necessary.A unit that is not falling back and descending through

any horizontal movement.

a building can always elect to Leap Down to a lower level, rather

If the distance between levels is greater than 6", models cannot

ascend the level at all by making a Difficult Terrain test, but

than making a Difficult Terrain test. llowever, all descending

models in the unit must take an Impact test (seepage 95).
Doons, LenoERS AND Lernner

TurNxruc

Jump units, Jet Pack units, Jetbikes and Skimmers can try to
move up (seebelow). Similarly,ifthe distance between levels

Wlns,

is greater than 5", models cannot move down by making a

Difficult Terrain test, but they can choose to jump (see Gravity

door? That's really down to what you and your opponent

- Nafure's Downward Express), try to use their packs if they are

Jump units or Jet Pack units, or use their anti-grav engines if

on both sides have brought plenty of cutting tools, acidic

they are Jetbikes or Skimmers.

Should ffoops be able to move through walls if there is no

decide. It's perfectly acceptable to assume the combatants
disintegrators or naked ferocity to muscle their way through
any wall so foolish as to block their path. Indeed, the normal
rules for moving through difficult terrain allow you to do just

]ur"n uNrrs, JEr PecK rrNrrs, ]rrnrxrs Ar{D Sxrururns

Remember that Jump units, Jet Pack units, Jetbikes and
Skimmers are not hindered by dilficult terrain, and move over

this. Equally you and your opponent could decide before your

any teffain as part of their move without penalty. However, if

these models start or end their move in difficult terrain (such as

similar handy opening.

a ruin), they must take a Dangerous Terrain test. All surviving

Iump and Jetbike models are then simply placed within

The same is true of ascending and descending levels within a

game that models can only pass from one side of a wall to the
other if theywalk around, or if there is a door, window, grate or

ruin. It's just as valid to assume that the combatants should be

ruin. Surviving

able to climb the few feet from one floor to the other, as it is
to disallow models from climbing higher in a ruin that has no

starting

ladders. Just remember that the more involved your rules for

12" of their starting

point, including on a different level of a

fet Pack models are placed within 6" of their

point instead. Skimmers that aren't Immobilised

can complete their move.

ruins are, the longer the game can take.

TEMPTATE AI{D BLAST WIEAPONS

Multi-level

ruins require certain conventions and clarifications

to ensure that Template, Blast or Large Blast weapons behave in

a consistent fashion, and to keep the game moving.

cannot have I7ounds frorn that shot allocated to them. If a Blast

or large Blast weapon scatters,it can still only hit models on
the level targeted, though this may be the corresponding level
of a nearby ruin. If there is no corresponding level, it instead
hits the highest level under the templare, and can only wound

When firing Ternplate, Blast or large Blast weapons at rnodels

in a ruin, it can be tricky to physically place the marker or

models on that level. If the blast marker scatters to non-ruin, or

open terrain, resolve as normal.

template over the models in question. The best way to gauge

which models are actually under the template is to sirnply hold

Benr,ecE $flEnpoNs

the template above the entire ruin, and look down through it.

Barrage weapons work by lobbing munitions high into the

This is illustrated below.

air, bringing death to the enemy from above. The advantage

of these indirect fire weapons is that they can be used to

Brasr $/Eepohrs

engage targets ignoring the limitations of line of sight. The

\fhen

disadvantage is that they explode the rnornent they strike a

firing a weapon with the Blast or large Blast type into a

ruin, declare which floor you are aiming at, and continue.
'Wounds
can only be allocated to models on the stated
level, starting

with the closest model to the fi.ring unit.

Other models in the target unit that are on different levels

structure, meaning warriors can shelter deep within a ruin.

Barrage weapons always strike the highest level that is
under the hole in the centre of the marker.

Bresr M,tnxERs Ar{p TEIvTpLATES

PrecrNG Bresr MInKERS

It is easiest to hold blast markers and templates above a ruin and look
down to see which targets are hit.

This shot is targetingthe spaceMarines on the ground level,and so

thoseon the higher levelsareunaffected.

ScerrERrNGBresr MInKERS

BennecE WEApoNS

The shot scatters 3". The models under the blast marker are not on the
lgvel that was targeted, so no hits are scored.

As the hole in the blast marker is over the upper level, only the two
space Marines under the blast marker on the upper level are hit.

RUINS A}ID ASSAULTS

Once an assaultbegins, both friendly and enemy models can end
up scattered all over the ruin. For the sake of simplicity, the same
principle described for unit coherency is used to determine
which models are engaged in an assault.That is to say,distances
between models on different levels are measured between the
heads of the models on the lower level to the basesof the models
on the upper levels. Therefore, a model is engaged in combat
if it is in base contact with one or more enemy models, if
it is within

2" ofa friendly

model in base contact with one

or more enerny models on the same level or if it is within

6" of a friendly

model in base contact with

enemy models on a different

one or more

level.

In some cases,the ruin might genuinely be unstable or uneven'

or the space could be very limited on a particular level, making
it impossible to move charging models into base contact with
the unit they wish to charge. When this happens, it is perfectly
acceptable to place models as close to their foe as possible,
including the level below or above, providing that you make
clear to your opponent which of your models are in base contact
with his models. rVe find that directly below or above works
well, representing them charging up or down a flight of stairs.

Rurxs ANDTnupr-ATES
The Space Marine with a flamer declares the middle level of this
ruin as his target. The five Orks under the template on that level
are hit whilst the two on the ground floor are not. Note that the
top floor is too high to be targeted.

##ffiffi:Xit

which
in aruin,thefirermustdecrare

level is being targeted before placing the template. Template

weapons (such as flamers) can only hit rnodels under the
template on a single level. This can be on the same level as
the fi.rer, or one level higher

or lower.

A Jump model, Jet Pack model, Jetbike or Skimmer that fires a

Template weapon at a unit in a ruin may target models on any
single level of the ruin.
Bresr AND TErurprerr SUrEepoNs
If a unit is firing more than one Blast, Large Blast or
Template weapon (in any combination), at different levels,
'W'ounds
you'Il need to resolve them one at a time to ensure
Murrrprs

are allocated to the correct level of the ruin. If all such

weapons are firing at the same level, you can resolve them all
together as normal.

Rurxs AI{D AsseuLTS

All of the Space Marines on the ground floor are either in base
contact with an Ork, or within 2" of another member of their squad
that is in base contact with an Ork, so they can all fight. The four
Space Marines spread over the two floors above are all within 5" of
a member of their squad that is in base contact with an Ork, so they
can all fight as well. The last Space Marine, on the top level, is not
within 6" of a member of his squad that is in base contact with an
Ork, so he cannot fight.

FORESTS,IUI\IGI,ESAND WOODS
Forests offer all manner of tactical possibilities for a canny Warlord. Scouting parties can use them as cover as they move
forwards, whilst defenders can dig in amongst the trees in preparation for an assault.

FORESTS:THE BASICS
Forests are always at least diffi.cult

terrain. They are usually

also area terrain. Some units, such as Iump units, also treat them
as dangerous teffain under certain circumstances.

If a unit is in a carnivorous jungle at the start of their Shooting

COVERSAVE
Models within

3. CenuvoRous ]ulcrr
of venusmantraps,shreddewines
ThisjungLeis a seethingmnss
staruationthatthey
Mosfares0maddenedby
and toxinshyoom.s.
whetherit'sedibleor not.
will attachanfihingthat mo1,/es,

a forest's boun dary benefi"t from a 5+ cover

save. Similarly, if one or more models in a shooting unit have

to trace their line of sight through a forest (because they're
shootin g at amodel beyond the forest) then the model being
shot benefits from a 5 + cover save.This applies even if during
the game you rearranged a forest's trees around a unit - you just

phase, it suffers D3 automatic hits resolve d at Strength 5,

AP -. twounds can only be allocated against models within the
forest's boundary but can otherwise be allocated (one at a time)
to any model chosen by the unit's controlling player. Cover saves
cannot be taken against these til/ounds. Hits against vehicles are
resolved against rear affnour (those creepers get everywhere).

need to remember where the boundaries of the forest are.

4. InoNBARK Fonrsr

MYSTERTOUS FORESTS
Forests are mysterious

terrain

Thesetreesare not organic life,but metal flora sheathedin

- they can conceal all kinds

of exotic danger. As soon aSa unit enters the forest, ro11on the
Mysterious Forest table below to determine what sort of forest

imp en etrable adam anttum hi des.

Cover savesgranted by an ironbark forest are 3+, rather than 5+.

it is. You should agree with your opponent at the beginning of

the game whether all forests on the table will be of the same
type (in which case roll once on the table the first tirne any unit
enters a forest) or whether you will have a variety of forests
on the table (in which caseyou should roll for each forest
individually the first time any unit enters it).

MvsrERlous FonEsr TABTE

D6
I

Forest Ty?"
Almost pleasant - it's an ordinary forest that isn't
trying to kill you... yet.

Brainleaf fronds.

Carnivorous jungle.

Ironbark forest.

Overgrown spinethorn.

Razorwing nest.

5. OvEncRo$rN SprxnrnoRN
The floorof thisforestis densewith wnthing,hungry spinethorns,
of tendnlsthat quicklyswallowup nny smalL
shtftingm&sses
d,requickly
and evengrenades
Looserocks,
decapitatedheads
objects.
carpetof thich,huistingvines.
an impenetrable
smotheyedbeneath
Units in an overgrown spinethorn receive a2+ cover save
against Wounds, glancing and penetrating hits causedby
grenades.The grenadesof units who arewithin an overgrown
spinethorn)or whosechargemovetakesthem through anypart of
an overgrownspinethorn,haveno effectthat phase.

2. BnITNLEAF FnoNos
The undergrowth ts thick"with sentientpLantswhoseroaming
the ability to imposetheir wtll onliuingbeings.
tendnls possess
If a unit is at least partially in a brainleaf frond forest at the
start of its Shooting phase, it must take a Leadership
test on 3D5 (even if locked in combat). If the test is failed,
one randomly determined model in the unit inflicts D6
automatic

hits on his unit as he is taken over by ^brainleaf

and lashes out. These hits are resolved at his own Strength,
using any Melee weapons and special rules that would
normally apply to hits he inflicts in close combat. These

6. RezoRwrNGNEsr
The upperboughsof the forestarethreadedwith the nestsof
terntonalrazorwmgs- thosethat enterhad bestnot dtsturbthem. . .
If a unit rolls a4+ on one or more dice when making
a Diffi.cult

Terrain test for moving

into or through

razorwing nest (during any phase) it suffers D6 Strength

3, AP - hits with the Rending special rule at the end of
the move. Cover savescannot be taken against these Wounds.
tVounds can only be allocated to models within the forest's
boundary, but can otherwise be allocated (one at a time) to any

NTounds are allocated bV the controlling player (one at a time)

models chosen by the controlling player. Vehicles suffer hits

to anv model in the unit with no cover savesallowed.

against their rear armour.

Ttrn EupERoR BEsrows upoN us rHE crFT oF TNToLERANcE.

---r<-t'

THEBB

*aldt-t--

rs No cnEATER

cLoRY

TIIAN

A LTFETTME oF DUTTFUL

sERvIcE.

RT\IERS,LAKE S AND POOTS

This category covers large flows of liquid, as well as such things as la}es. A river might contain water, but in the wilds of
the war-torn galaxy, it's just as liLely to be lava, industrial sludge, daemonic bile or some other unpleasant - and lihely
dangerous - substance.

RI\MRS: THE BASICS

Rivers, lakes and pools are always at least difficult
terrain.

Some units, such as Iump units, also treat rivers and

lakes as dangerous terrain under certain circumstances. Of

'course, most rivers have at least one place at which they can
be crossed, such as a bridge or a ford. Such crossing points are

4. FrnrBLooD
Thisnver is naughtbutragtngfireand moltenlaua- nlt a safe
placeto linger.
Firebloodis dangerousterrain.Any vehicle Immobilised in
fireblood is automatically'$7recked.

treated as open terrain.

NfiTSTERIOUS RI\rERS
Rivers are mysterious

terrain

but in the 4l st Millennium,

- it migh-.look like its water,

it almost cenaiily isn't. As soon as a

unit enters the river, lake or pool, roll on the Mysterious River
table below to determine what exactly they are wading through.
You should agree with your opponent at the beginning of the
game whether all rivers (and other water features) oo the table
will be of the same fype (in which case roll once on the table
the first time any unit enters a river) or whether you will have a
variety of rivers on the table (in which case you should roll for
each water feature individually the first time any unit enters it).

MysrnRrous RnrEnTesm
D6

I
2
3
4
5
6

River TWe
Calm

'$7'atersIt's harmless, but it smells.

Daemon bile
Hyperslime
Fireblood
Industri al ooze
Iceblood

2. Dan"roN BrLE
As well asbeingunutterablyvile, wading through daemonic
ffiuence hasa distinctlytarnishing effecton the wader'sability to
both useand resistpsychicabilities.
Any rnodelthat movesthrough Daemonbile immediatelyloses
D3 \Varp Chargepoints and cannot attempt to Deny the Witch
until the start of its next turn.

3. I{vpnRsLrME
This bubbltng flui d is a hyp er- char ged p r im or di aI soup w ith
amazing regenerative and evolutionary powers. Once in its warm
embrace,ft*

wish to leave.

Models within the hyperslime's boundary have the Feel No

Pain special rule - however, a unit wishing to move out of the
hyperslime, or shoot at any enemy, must fi.rst pass a Leadership
test or find themselves unable to act. Falling back units do not
need to pass a Leadership test - they keep running!

5. Ir.tousrRrAl Oozn
waste
The thich and cLoyingflo*of manufnctorum-discharged
this
is
eye-watenngfording,but
mahesfor an unpleasantand
nothingclmparedto whathappensif thefluid is mistaltenly
ascnn happenwhen divingfor couer.
ingested,
Models within the industrial ooze'sboundarybenefit from
a 5+ cover save.However,any model that goesto ground in
industrial oozemust passa Toughnesstest or suffer a \7'ound
with no armour savesor coversavesallowed.

6. IcnnrooD
tight on contactwith flesh0r orynour.
The liquid of this river freezes
Whilst this canprovidean additionallayerof protection,onemust
suntivethe initial shochto benefit.
Icebloodis dangerousterrain.Atty model that movesthrough
or endsits move in icebloodcan re-roll failed armour saves
until the start of its following turn.

BATTTEFIETDDEBRTS
Srreckage, craters and corpses are not the only things left behind aftet a battle. Ammo crates, barricades, fuel dumps - all
these things and more can be abandoned in the hasty aftermath of victory, or as a consequence of defeat. Doubtlessly, the
land over which you now battle has seen many such conflicts before, and those wars might have left behind something
that can serve in this new struggle.

BATTLEFIEID DEBRTS:THE BASICS

Unless otherwise noted, battlefi.eld debris is difficult

other are treated as being in base contact. Despite the models

terrain,

though elements of other types of terrain may also apply.

AuuurvrrroN

Dut"tp

Aready suppLyof ammunition is aLwayswelcome in a fiSht especiallywhenyouhear the'deadmnn's clich'of an empty magnzine.
Any model within 2" of an ammunition dump can re-roll failed
To Hit rolls of I in the Shooting phase. If a model is in cover
behind an ammunition dump, it has a 5+ cover save.

BennrcADES AND $[eus

or the remains
Banicades and walls ore hastily assembledobstacles
of onceproud structure;
If a model is in cover behind a barricade or wall, it has a4+
cover save.For the pu{poses of charge moves, models that are
both in base contact with a barricade and within 2" of each

on either side not literally being in base contact, the combatants

fight nonetheless.

Cotvtt"tsRrrev
A working clmms relaycanbecrucialto thecoordinetionof
yeserves,
and thereforeto a swift uictory.
Any playerwith an unengagedmodel within 2" of a comms
relay can re-roll Reservesrolls. If a model is in coverbehind a
commsrelay,it hasa 5+ coversave.
DEruNcr LruEs
that linh togethertoform
Defence
linesarenwnouredshieldsections
makeshiftfortresses.
Defencelines follow all the samerules for barricadesand walls
exceptthat a unit that decidesto Go to Ground behind a defence
line gains+2to its coversave,ratherthan +l

Funr RnsEnvE
Armoured fuelbawels can prlve handy shelter- nght up until the
point they go BOOM!

SnrErn CEuEneroRs
Thesearcane pylons project an almost impenetrable wall of force.

If a model is in coverbehind a fuel reserve,it has a 5+ cover

Shield generators come in groups of two or more - it's not the

generator itself that blocks shots and movement - it's the zone in

save. However, each time a model successfully makes this

benryeen.If rwo shield generators are within 6" of each other, the

cover save,immediately ro11a D6. On a roll of l, the barrel

direct line berween them is treated as a shield barrier. e shield

explodesl centre the large blast marker over the model that
made the save - units suffer a number of Strength 3, AP - hits

barrier is impassible terrain the height of the shield generators.

equalto the number of models from their unit that are at least

barrier or shield generator benefit from a 3 + invulnerable save.

partially under the template.

l7ounds caused by shooting attacks that pass through a shield

.
SnmNE ro CHeos

Gur.l EupracEMENT

The Darh Codshaue touchedmdny worlds, and the mlnuments

Though lnce abandoned to the tide of war, this gun battery still

Ieft to their blasphemoustaint cannot easilybe counted.

functions and will seruethe causeof corna.gelnce again for anyone

who can get to it.
One model in base contact with the gun emplacement can
fire it instead of his own weapon, following the normal rules
for shooting. The type of weapon on the gun emplacement
depends on the model that you're using to represent it - some
shooting weapon profiles can be found starting on page 55. If a
model is in cover behind a gun emplacernent, it has a4+ cover
save.The gun emplacement can be shot at and attacked in close
combat. It is hit automaticallv in close combat and has the
following profile:
\UTS BS
Gunemplacement

S
-

T
7

\UT I
2

LdSV
- 3+

Iupecr CnerEn
mines,and orbital
Theaftermathof heauyshelling,exploded
impactcratercprouideprotectionto thasesensible
bombardments,
enoughto seehit.
Impact cratersareareaterrain. If a model is in coverwithin an
impact crater,it hasa 5+ coversave.

h"rpnnrer

Sreruenv

ChaosSpaceMannes and modelswith the Daemonspecialrule

can re-roll failed invulnerablesaveswhilst they remain within
2" of a Shrineto Chaos.If a model is in coverbehind a shrineto
chaos,it hasa 4+ coversave.
Tencrs\uruRr
the barbedcoilsof
pnmanly to detevinf antry assaults,
Deployed
tanglewirecanprovefatal to fighterswho do not watchtheir step.
Tanglewireis dangerousterrain. If a model is in coverbehind
tanglewire,it hasa 6+ coversave.
Texx Tneps
to passbyunhindered.
allow allbut uehicles
Theseobstacles
Tank trapsareimpassableterrain to non-skimmer vehicles,
dangerousterrain to bikes,and open ground for all other units.
If a model is in coverbehind a tank ftap,it has a4+coversave.
TnrNcH LrNEs
dug into the battlefielditself, wheretroopscan
Thesearedefences
tah.ecoverfrom incomingfire.
Trench lines aredifficult terrain. If a model in a trench line is in
cover,it has a4+coversave.

The cold and noble gaze of thts ancient hero inspires determination
in thosewho have it not.
Models from the armies of the Imperium (Imperial Guard,
Sisters of Battle, and all Chapters of Space Marines) are Fearless
whilst within 2" of Imperial statuary.If a model is in cover
behind Imperial statuary, it has a 3+ cover save.

Rrocsur.rr/ Hnr Cnssrs

troopsseehing
clverwiLloftrntaherefugein theleeof ahill.
Desperate
Ridgelines and hill crests should normally be treated as oPen
ground (unless they're particularly severely sloped, in which case
they might be difficult or even dangerous terrain). If a model is
in cover behind a ridgeline or hill crest, it has a4+ covef save.

W'rro LJunEncRowrH
twistedand hnottedfLorathat presentsan
This categoryrepresents
to both shootingand mouement.
obstocle
'$7ildundergrowth is difficult terrain. If a model is in cover
behind wild undergrowth,it hasa 5+ coversave.
VnEcxeGE /Runsn
Detntusof battlespastlittersthe ground- twistedmetal and
ceramitethat canbeusedascl1rerif the battlebecomes
shattered
enough.
desperate
\Treckageand rubble areareaterrain. If a model is in cover
behind wreckageor rubble,it hasa 4+ coversave.

-a

-qteFnr

Wn c,e,ng Nor

wHAT

'*>.Jtfrt

THE ALIEN

THINKS;

THAT wE STMPLY HATE suFFrcEs.

ARCHEOTECH ARTEFACTS
The galaxy is billions of years old, and was home to many races before the rise of Mankind. Even humanity itself once
knew a time when numberless technological artefacts were created and lost. Such devices can be found on many worlds,
and are just waiting to be rediscovered.

IMPASSABTYMYSTERTOUS

5. Boosv Tnep

Archeotech artefacts are impassable and mysterious terrain.

This artefact waslootedlong aga,but the thieuesleftbehind a

Unlike other mysterious terrain, an archeotech artefact is

triggered when a model ends its move within 2" ofit - roll

fiendish surpnsefor thosewho came Later.

on the Archeotech Artefact table to determine what is found.

The unit that triggers a booby trap immediately suffers D6

Strength 5, Ap - hits (vehicles suffer hits on their rear arrnour).
Wounds are allocated as for shooting.

AncuEorEcn AnTEFACTTesrn
Artefact
2D6 *vil;d;i;".r.
:*2

6. Ttt"tEFLow' SrasnrsER
Once the cqsingis crached,time near to the artefact slowsto a crawl,
allowing thosenearby to strihe with unbelieuable speed.

Holy Relic

Ethereal Dust

Booby Trap

Time Flow Stabiliser

Alien Corpse

Force Dome Cenerator

8. FoncE DoruE GEhIERATon

Psychneuein Hive

waves of invisible force shield thosenearby from incomingfire.

l0

Unpleasant Slime

It

Degenerative Terraforming Node

l2

Sunkiller Engine

Once the artefactis triggered, it is active for the rest of the

game. All rnodels within 6" of the artefact have Initiative 10.

Once the artefactis triggered, it is active for the rest of

the game. A11models within 5" of the artefact have a4+
invulnerable save.

2. Vrnus OUTnREAK
This pressuyesealedcontainer housesa tiny speckof a most virulent

9. PsycUNEUEIN Hrvs

plague. Ill-suited to the envirlns of the modern galaxy, the uirus hqs

Whatever might haue lurhed in this ruined shellbefore,it is now

home to qhiue of juuenile psychneuein.once disturbed,they
swaryn qbout the bottlefield,boring through the shullsof psyhers

but abntf spnn in which to Liue,butmight reducea few warnoys to

ed ruin before it perishes.
rotting pustul.e-pock
The unit that triggered the artefact must pass a Toughness test, or
sulfer I \7ound (using Randorn Allocation, but with no armour or
cover savesallowed) for each point by which it fails (a roll of 6 is

and laying eggsin their brains.

Immediately when the arte fact is triggered, all Psykers on the
battlefield suffer D3 Stength 3, AP 2 hits - roll separately for

always counted as failing by at least l). lf this causesone or more

each Psyker. Always resolve these hits against the Psyker's

casualties, every other unit within 12" of such a casualty must take

Toughness (even if he's in a unit with a different majority

a Toughness test or suffer casualtiesas described above. After this,

Toughness) and resolve any Wounds against the Psyker.

the virus burns out and has no further effect.

I I . DEcENERATTvTTEnneFoRMrNc NopE

3. Horv Rrrrc
counting.
Thisis a relicoftheoldtimes,ifsunluebeyond

This world was not always as it is now, and interfering with the
artefacthas causednearby tewain to reuert to an earlier state.

This artefact is hereafter treated as an objective - at the end of

Once the arte factis triggered, it is active for the rest of the

the game, the player that controls it receives 2 Victory Points.

More information on oblectives can be found on page l22.If

game. A11terrain and open ground within 6" becomes difficult

and dangerous terrain.

the mission does not use Victory Points, there is no benefit to

claiming the holy relic.

4 / 7/ l0 . ArrEu C onp sE/ErrrEnrer

12. SUNKTLLERENcTNE
DusI/UNPLEASANT

S urnrE

On closerinspection,this capsulecontains nothing immediately

useful in the midst of battle.

Abolt of abyssallight issuesfrom the artefact. It piercesthe sktes,

temporarily draining every lumen of light from the battlefield.
The Night Fighting special rules come into play imrnediately
when the artefact is triggered, and lasts until the end of the
following turn.

This result has no effect.

<

.*-*-*h.,-^-r4*

"*

IQTJETERRAIN
The terrain presented in this section covers but a ftaction ofthe possibilities open to you. There's zrnentire galary out
there, filled with peculiar artefacts, bizarre contraptions, vicious flora, and lethal landscapes for your warriors to find.
Many such things don't evenreally fall into the categorieswe've
discussedearlier.\7hat if you just want one really largeand
viciousplant or somekind of psychically-activated
war weapon?
All this and more can be yours - just useyour imagination.
There aretwo examplespresentedhere,but thesearemerely
the beginning of your possibilities,not the end!

PsroNrc Snrrrn

GEunneron

This cunous away of crystalspheresfeedson psychicenergy and

emits it as a shimmenng forcefield - oftt, at a costto the psyher.
Ary Psyker within 2" of a psionic shield generator at the end
of his Movement phase can expend any number of Warp
Charge points, up to their maximum. However, for each

Sprxrn Prnxr
The spiherplant canbecountedamongstthe mlst dangerous
flora
in thegalaxy.Nof only doesithave a rudimentnryintelligence,
itsrazor-sharpspines
carrya geneticallyintrusiuechemicalthat
reformsthe uictim'sbodytissueinto that of a spih.er.
Althoughthe
changes
uictim remainsmobilefor a few moments,thephysiologrcal
destroythe mind sothat theuictim wandersaimlessly.Soon,all
mobtlity islostand anotherspiherwaitsfor itsprey.

\(rrp Charge point expended, the Psyker must immediately

ro11a D6 - he suffers the Perils of the \7arp for each 6 rolled.
If a Psyker expends any \[arp Charge points in this way, he
and his unit receive a bonus to their cover save equal to the
number of NTarp Charge points expended (to a maximum
cover save of2+). This bonus lasts until the start of the
Psyker's next turn.

TERRAIN DATASHEETS
Spikerplants areimpassableterrain.A unit ending its move
within 6" of a spiker plant immediatelysuffersD6 Strength3,
.Wounds
AP - hits.
areallocatedasfor shooting.If this Attack
causesa model to be removedasa casualry,ro11a further D6.
On a roll of 6,placeanotherspiker plant in the victim's place.

Some unique pieces of terrain even have their own

datasheetsfor easeof use and reference. These contain all
you need to use the terrain feature in your
game. You'll find them in the pages of Vrhite Dwarf - Games

the information
Vorkshop's

monthl y magazine.

*\#

T/,

UHOOSING
'No

army is 619renough to conquer the golory.

But foith olonecan oDerturnthe unioerse.'

Now that you've had a chance to peruse the rules, you're
doubtless ready to start unleashing carnage upon the battlefield.

A limit of 1,500to 2,500points per side will give a game that

That being the case,it's time to forge an army.

entertaining, feeling like a clash of patrols, and normally lasts

Counxrs

you might expect a game of 4,000points ormore to take the

entire d^y - perfect for a rainy Sunday!

can be concluded in a few hours. A 500 points game is still very

less than an hour. larger games take propoftionally longer, and

Each of the races or space-born empires in'Warhammer 40,000

has a codex - a book that contains rules, background and

TnE Anuv Lrsr

collecting information for that army. S7ithin the pages of each

codex, you'llfind

\[/ith the points limit agreed, players need to pick their forces.

everything you need to know about that

The best way to do this is to make use of the army list in the

faction. An irnporlant part of this is the army list, which will

let you transform your collection of Citadel miniatures into a

relevant codex, although, of course, players are free to either

adapt the army lists or use their own systern as they wish. If

Warhammer 40,000army.

you're using the codex, then you'll need to know about Force
Organisation - sometimes referred to as Force O.g.

PorxTS VnruES
FORCE ORGA}IISATION

Every model has a points value, as presented in its army list. The
points value is a measure of how mighty a warrior that model

As detailed in each army's codex, all the forces you can use are

is. A Tyranid Termagant costs a mere 5 points, whilst a Space

Marine Captain costs over 100points. By adding together all the

categorised to tell you something about the role they are meant

points values of the models you have selected, 1lotl can find out

and heavy support.

to play in the army. These roles are: HQ, troops, elites, fast attack

the points value of your army. Knowing the points value of your
HQ

models gives you a way of reckoning your arrny's effectiveness.

Even the mightiest Space Marine Captain can be overwhelmed

A headquarters unit might be a heroic cornmander or fearsome

monster. These models are amongst the most powerful in the

by Termagants if there are enough! Most games of \Tarhammer

40,000take place between armies of equal points values.

game, as leaders will have accessto more special equipment

than anyone else. They are not invincible, but can provide a
powerful spearhead for an attacking army and a sffong core for

{i

SrzE oF CevrE

a defensive one. Every army contains at least one Headquarters

T'o play a game of Warhammer 40,000,you and your opponent

will usually need to agree to a points limit for the game. It is this

unit, and a character from one of the army's HQunits

be nominated

as the army's Warlord

must

(see page I I l).

points limit that determines the maximum points you can spend
Tnoops

on your army, and therefore your army's overall power.

These represent the most commonly available soldiers in an

affny. This does not mean they are poor fi.ghters - the category

For example, if you decide to play a 2,000-point game' then

neither player can spend more than 2,000points on their army. In

includes such troops as Space Marines and Ork Boyz,both

formidable adversaries.These are the warriors that make up the

realiry, most armies are acfually a shade smaller than the agreed
points limit - sometimes it's just impossible to spend every last

bulk of an arrny. Their main tactical role is that of consolidating

the gains of the army and defending the oblectives that have

point. Indeed, to get around this, most players are happy to let
their opponent go a few points over the agreed total - after all, a

been taken by more specialisedunits.

few points here or there are unlikely to upset the battle's course.

Eurns

TIHATPOINTS TIMIT?

Elite units are normally powerful but expensive. They are the
best, and often most specialised,soldiers an army has to offer,

Quite what size game you wish to play should depend on how
much time you have available - there's nothing more frustrating

but there are never enough of them. In some casesthey will be

than having to abandon a close-fought battle because you're

specialists,while at other times they will be more experienced

running out of time.

versions of the regular soldiers.

Tup VrcroR LrvEs r

HoNouR;

rHn

V.e.r.tquIsHED

DrEs rN SHAME.

ChoosingYour.{r

Foncp OncAlrrsATroN Crnnr

Fesr Arrncx
Fast attack units are generally (surprise!) faster than their

PRIMARY DETACHMENT
(Required)

comrades and masters of manoeuvrability. often, they are used

for reconnaissance and scouting, while at other dmes they are
assault troops who rely on speed to get their bloody work done.
HEew

Supponr

Heavy support units are literally the big guns of the army and
include the heaviest items of equipment and the toughest
creatures. However, they are also very expenslve ln pornts, so an
over-reliance on them might leave you badly outnumbered.

OPTIONAL
I HQ-

3 FastAnack

4 Troops

3 Heavy Suppon

OPTIONAT

3 Elites

FoncE OnclxrsATroN CneRT

Shown on the right is the standard Force Organisation chart
for the Eternal'S7'ar missions that are presented later in this
volume. It is split into three sections: primary detachment,
allied detachment and fortificatlon.

PRIMARY DETACHMENTS
This section of the Force Organisation chart is reproduced in
many codexes and is integral to building an arrny. It dictates
FORTIFICATION
(Optional)

the units you can take in the main body of your army. All of
the units in your primary

detachment

must be chosen

ALLIED DETACHMENT
(Optional)

from the same codex. Furthermore, your Slrarlord must be

chosen from your primary

detachment

(see page I I I ).

One box on the chart allows you to make one selecdon from

Arrrcp

that part of your army list in the relevant codex. Dark boxes

If you wish, your army can include

are compulsory

for each primary

selections. As you can see,you have to take

at least one HQselection

and two troops selections. These

DnrecnMENTS
detachment

one allied detachment

in your army (normally one,

but if you're playing a larger game this might be rwo). As with

compulsory choices ensure that whatever else you select, your

the primary detachment, all units in the allied detachment must

force will have a core within it that is representative of that

be chosen from the same codex, and this must be a different

army. This is rarely a disadvantage and many players often

codex to the one used for the primary

detachment.

use the rnaximum number of troops selections. Sometimes a

single choice on the Force Organisation chart will allow you to

As with the prim ary detachment, this section is split into

select more than one unit. This will always be explained in the

a number of dark and hght boxes, where dark boxes are

appropriate codex, so be sure to read it carefully,

compulsory selections, and light boxes are optional. An allied

Drorcerro

least one troops selection.

detachment will therefore always have one HQselection

TneNSPoRTS

and at

Dedicated Transpofts sit outside the Force Organisation

stnrcture, as they are attached to the unit they are bought for.
'When
this distinction is called for, Dedicated Transports

Bear in mind that some combinations of armies and allies are

more effective (and more eagerly entered into) than others -

count as being from the same Force Organisation

this is covered in detail later in the section (seepage ll2).

category as the unit they were bought

for. Therefore, a

Rhino bought for a Space Marine Tactical Squad (troops) counts

FonrrrrcATroN

as a unit of troops, but one bought for a unit of Space Marine

This section of the Force Organisation chart represents

Sternguard Veteran Squad (elites), counts as elites.

purpose-built, battlefield defences. They might not be things

your army has constructed itself - it's more likely that they're

Penrrer

FoncE OnceNrsATroN

Cnenrs

If your codex contains the primary detachment section of

emplacements that have been captured and secured just before

the start of the battle.

the Force Organisation chart, the allied detachment and

fortificadon sections will not be present, as individual codexes

Unlike units, fortifications are not found in codexes. Instead,

do not contain rules for allied units or fortifications. If this is

you'Il find a selection presented in this book (seepage ll4),

the case,it doesn't mean you can't use these elements of the

whilst others will be presented in \7hite Dwarf and through

chart, simply refer to the version presented here.

our website : www. games-workshop.com

SpEcIAL CHERACTERS
BIGCERCAMES

The 4lst Millennium

As your collection of miniatures gtows, the urge to use

them all at once will become hard to resist. Above a total of
1,999points, the Force Organisation chart becomes a very
limitlng

is frlled with famous characters renowned as

legendary heroes or infamous villains - these unique individuals,

who stand out from normal characters because they have a

'special
personal name and not just a title, are called
characters'
Special characters are highly skilled and dangerous heroes

factor.

who have incredible traits or skills that make thern particularly

valuable to an affny.

This being the case,if you're playing a game of 2,000 points

or more, you can talce an additional

primary

detachment.

For example, Comrnissar Yarrick is without doubt the most

This gives you accessto up to six choices each from elites,

respected Imperial Guard Commissar in the entire Imperiurn,

fast attack and heavy support, up to four HCf choices, a

his inspiring presence securing the world of Armageddon against

rnassive potentiai of up to twelve troops choices, an additional

allied detachment and an additional fortification. In this
case,your Warlord
detachments

two massive Ork invasions within

the space of fifty years. An

army led by him can expect great benefits in terms of morale

and leadership.

can be from either of the primary

in your army. As stated earlier, taking an extra

On the other hand, KhArn the Betrayer, an Exalted Champion

primary detachment allows you to take an additional allied

of the Blood God, is a mad slaughterer of men, with no thought

detachment (which must be from the same codex as your

for anything other than personal combat (at which, it must be

other allied detachment). All pdmary detachments must be

granted, he excels).

taken from the sarne codex.

NON.STANDARD

MISSIONS

Unique
Each specialcharacteris unique,so a player cannot include
multiples of the samespecialcharacterin an army.

Some missions, such as those presented in Planetstrike and

other Nilarhammer 40,000supplements, use different Force
Organisation charts. \ilIhere this is the case,aily alterations or
substitutions will be explained there.

$[rarlord Traits
Specialcharactersroll fot \nZarlordtraits asnormal, unlesstheir
profi.lespecifi.callynotes that they have a fixed'W'arlordtrait.

W
!i

THE$fiARIORD
\[4ren choosing your army, you must nominate one model to be your Watlord. Itis is always the HQchoice character with
the highest Leadership. If several characters are tied for highest Leadership, you choose among them which is your Varlord.
Traits affect an area immediately surrounding your

Your Warlord is a potent force upon the battlefield. Not only

Command

is he a mighry hero, with all the skills and renown you might

W'arlord, representing the orders he issues to the units around

expect, over the course of a long career, he will also have picked
'traits'.
up one or more specialised abilities, which we refer to as

him during the thick of battle.

WARIORDTRAITS

Warlord possesses.He can influence those fighting alongside

Personal Traits represent specifi.ccombat skills that your

To determinewhich trait your Varlord has,you need choose

which table to roll on at the start of the game. Roll on the
table before you deploy your army (seepagel2l). Sometimes,
'W.arlord
Traits table that you
a codexwill present an alternative
can chooseto roll on instead.

COMMA}IDTRAITS
D6
I

Result
Inspiring

Presence

STRATEGIC

D6

D5
I

Master of Defence
and his unit,

W'arlord can use his leadership

have the Counter-affack special

rather than their own.

rule while they are in their own

Intimidating

deployment zone.

Presence
2

Master of Offence
Your \7arlord, and his unit, have

Leadership value, not the highest.

the Furious Charge special rule

The Dust of a

while they are in the enemy's

deployment zone.

Thousand Vorlds
3

Master of Manoeuvre

units within 12",have the Move

Your STarlord, and the unit he

Through Cover special rule.

joins during deployment, have the

Outflank special rule.

Master of the Vanguard

Your'Warlord, and all friendly

Legendary

Fighter

units within 12",roll an extra dice

Your army gains I Victory Point

when they Run, using the highest.

for each enemy character slain by

your \Tarlord in a challenge.

Target Priority
Your V/.arlord, and all friendly

Tenacity

units within 12",re-roll To Hit

Your \V'arlord, and his unit, have

rolls of I when shooting at enemy

the {eel No Pain special rule

whilst within 3" of an obiective.

units that are within 3" of one or

more objectives.
6

Result
Your !(arlord,

Your'W'arlord, and all friendly

long before the battle begins.

PERSONAITRAITS

lTarlord must use their lowest

Strategic Traits are skills that affect your entire arrny,

representing tricks or gambits your'W-arlord sets in motion

Friendly units within 12" of the

Enemy units within 12" of the

him as he leads by exarnple.

Coordinated

Assault

Your \Zarlord, and all friendly

TRAITS

Result
Conqueror of Cities
Your units havethe Move
Through Cover specialrule if
moving through Ruins,and the
Stealth(Ruins)specialrule.
Night Attacker
You can chooseto usethe Night
Fighting rules in your game.If
you do,there is no needto ro11-it
is Night for the first rurn.
Master of Ambush
Treat all your Outflanking units
ashaving the Acute Sensesspecial
rule whilst the warlord is alive.
Strategic Genrus
\7'hilst your'W.arlordis alive,
you can re-roll any Reservesrolls
(failedor successful).
Divide to Conquer
'Whilst
your'\il7'arlordis alive,your
opponenthasa -l modifierto
Reserves rolls.

fmmovable Object
Your rilZarlord is a scoring unit,

Princeps of Deceit

even if he is a vehicle.

deploying Infiltrators and before

During deployment, before

Scouts redeploy, you can do one

units within 12", add I to the result

when rolling their charge distance.

of the following: redeploy one

of your units within 3D6" of its

*
!f

current position, or redeploy 3 of

your units, each within D6" of their
current positions (roll separately
for each). These redeployments
cannot take a unit out of its
deployment zone.

AruEs

Aurns

Unforeseen alliances happen all the time in the murky world

of tilZarhammer 40,000.The Eldar might assist the Tau in

or CouvENrENcE

The tides of war can often throw unlikely allies together,

forcing them to work in common cause for a time. Such

destroying a Tyranid invasion, knowing that if they don't, the

alliances seldom last for an entire battle, let alone a campaign,

vassalsof the Hive Mind will destroy a Craftworld. An Imperial

but that brief while can be sufficient for immediate needs.

Guard general might hire Orks of the Bloodaxe clan, little

as enemy

realising that his Chaos Space Marine enemies have already

struck a similar arrangement with the selfsame greenskins. The

Units in your army treat Allies of Convenience

possibilities are endless! From a gaming point of view, taking

powers or have templates or blast markers placed over them.

allies in your army opens up entirely new tactical possibilities,

making your already formidable force even more so.

However, if a psychic power, scattering Blast weapon or other

units that cannot be charged, shot, targeted with psychic

ability that affects an area hits some of these Allies of Convenience,

they will be affected along with any friendly or enemy units. This

LE\IELS OF ALTIANCE

means that, for example, Allies of Convenience units:

Of course, in the grim darkness of the far future (where there is

only war), it's a sad fact that very few armies trust one another
entirely - if at all. A labyrinthine history of grudges, wars,

. Can't benefi.t from the \(arlord

campaigns and betrayals (intentional or otherwise) have the

. Cannot be joined by allied Independent Characters.

potenrial to sour all but the closest alliances - and that's to say
nothing of the deep and abiding hatred some armies feel for

. Are not counted as friendly units for the targeting of

others. To represent this, we have several categories of alliances,

Trait of an allied character.

psychic powers.

each of which imposes certain effects on the game. The Allies

Matrix shows the levels of potential alliance between each army.

Berrrn Bnornrns
This category covers the strongest of alliances, two or more
armies striving for a common goal. Battle Brothers have utter
trust in their comrades, treating them as an extension of their
own forces. Such alliances are always voluntary, born out of an
DEspEnerE Arrrns

unyielding desire for victory.

This category covers alliances forged only through the direst

Battle Brothers

are treated as

'friendly

units' from all

points of view. This rneans, for example, that Battle Brothers:

need, by partners whose only shared ground is the abhorrence

they feel for one another. Indeed, when a Desperate Alliance
occurs, it is almost certainly built on deception. Such alliances

. Can be joined by allied Independent Characters.

are prone to collapsing at the most inconvenient moments.

Those that do go to term invariably end with the messy deaths

. Are counted as being friendly units for the targeting of

psychic powersr abilities and so on.
. Flowever, note that not even Battle Brothers can embark in
allied transport vehicles.

of one party or another, either at the hands of their erstwhile

allies, or outside forces who judge them traitor for their deeds.
Desperate Allies are treated exactly like Allies of
Convenience.

Furthermore, if your primary detachment is in

a desperate alliance, units from that allied detachment are nonscoring, non-denial units.

FoncrNG n NIRRATTvE
Just as an alliance should be carefully considered, so
too should the reasons forbringing one into yout
game. Yes, you can ally two armies together just to
see what happens, but you and your game will be
the richer ifyou stop to work out a good story for
why it's happened. There are a few ideas on this

In addition, the One Eye Open special rule applies.

ONE Eyl OpEN
At the start of each of your Movement phases,each of your
units within 5" of a Desperate Ally unit must ro11 a D6
- on a roll of a l, that unit cannot move, shoot, run or

page, but there are a wealth of other possibilities.

Have the Grey Knights and Eldar joined forces to crush a Daemon

assault that turn (they're too busy watching for betrayal).

incursion? Has a Tau e4peditionary force thrown its lot in with

a Chaos Space Marine warband, hoping to win them over to the

COME THE APOCAIYPSE, BUT NOT BEFORE

principles of the Greater Cood? Or is your alliance simply the coming

togefier in batle of nryo Space Marine Chapters who have fought at
each others' sides for millennia? W'e can't answer that, but you can. . .

Simply put, this kind of alliance cannot occur - there's too

much bad blood between these rwo armies. You'll have to look
elsewhere for aid.

FORTIFICATIONS
Sometimes blood and steel are not sufficient to hold a vital patch of battlefield, for both are easily swept away by a
concentrated assault. So,many commanders anchor theirbattle lines with impregnable fortresses,lines of barricades and
armoured bunkers.
You can take a single fortifi.cation for each primary
detachment in your force. If you havemore than one
fonification, you can take multiples of the sametype, or have
entirely different types- it's up to you. All fortifications have
a datasheetthat containsall the information vou'llneed to use
them in your games.

Access and Fire Points. If the fortification

Points Value. This is the points value of the fortification and its
basicweapons(if it hasany).

Options. This section lists any additional weapons, wargear

is a building, any

Access Points or Fire Points it has will be listed here.

Weapons. If your fortification has weapons as part of its
basic composition, they will be listed here. Note that many
fortifications can purchase extra weapons at additional cost.

or upgrades the fortification can have, and the points cost

of each.

Composition. This tells you what terrain piecesthe

fortification consistsof. Most aresimply a singlebuilding or
weapon,but othersconsistof severaldifferent terrain pieces.
Terrain Type. This tells you what part of the terrain rules you'll
need to refer to when using your fortification. This can be
anything from a line of barricadesto a largebuilding.

$Teapon Profi.Ies.Here you'llfind the profiles for any of the

weaponsthat the fortification can have.It includesboth the
standardand opdonalweapons.

Chil;ingYsurArmy

hNDING PaD
SKYSHIELD
Landing pads are used by flight-capable craft to unload or evacuate

sides unfurled, Skyshields activate a series of locator beacons that

troops, vital personnel and critical supplies to or from the front lines.

guide incoming aircraft as they make their final approach. Once the
craft touches down, the Skyshield's armour plating transforms into a

The Skyshield Landing Pad used by the Imperial N.r.y was originally
to accommodate Valkyrie and Vendetta gunships.

purpose-built

However, it has proven robust enough to serve the larger Stormravens

and Thunderhawks

used by the Adeprus Astartes. With its armoured

protective configuration

and force field generators shimmer to life,

protecting the vulnerable gunship from incoming

fire as it refuels,

reanns or deploys its passengers.

Composition:

I Skyshield tanding

Pad

Special Rules:
Landing

Typ.t Unique. The top surface of the Skyshield tanding Pad is

open terrain. To move onto or offof the landlng pad counts as movlng

Terrain

through difficult

Pad Confi.guration:

A Skyshield Landing Pad has certain

rules depending on its current configuration,

shielded

or unfrrrled,

as described below.

terraln.
At the beginning of the Movement phase, before rolling for resenres,

Access Points & Fire Points: As per model.

Veapons:

None.

a model in base contact with a Skyshield landing Pad can change

its confi.guration from shielded to unfurled (or vice versa). If there
are models from both sides in base contact with the landing pad, its
configuration cannot be changed.
. Shielded:

Units on top of a shielded Skyshleld Landing Pad have a

4+ invulnerable save against enemy Shooting attacks.

.IJnfurled:

If a unit deep strikes on top of an unfurled Skyshleld

Landing Pad, it will never scatter. Iump units, Jet Pack units,
Jetbikes and Skimmers do not need to take Dangerous Terrain tests
for moving on to or off of an unfurled skyshield Landing Pad.

FORTIFICATION
n7

BesTIoN
ITvTPERIAL
'$7ith

ferrocrete plating and the remains of faithful senrantsof the Imperium.

r,,Built to withstand orbital strikes and arrillery bombardments,there
,1,r" few weaponscapableof razing a Bastionin a single blow. It is with
good reason that such fortresses often fonn the cornerstone of a planet's

their commanding

/J

POINTS

fields of fire, a unit garrisoned within

the

protective walls of an Imperial Bastion can unleash murderous volleys

with little fear of reprisal. Heavy bolters jut from a Bastion's every wall,
spitting death at any foes that dare approach. Only the most determined
assault is likely to shift troops from such a fortifi.cation and few who
brave an Imperial Bastion's guns ever reach the walls alive.

Access Points & Fire Points: As per model.

Options:
. Add one of the following:
- Commsrelay(seepage104)........
- Gun emplacementwith Icaruslascannon......
- Gun emplacementwith quad-gun

Weapons: Four emplacedheavybolters (typically

one on eachfacing).

Hear,1,bolter

Composition: One Bastion.

, Terrain Type: Medium Building (Armour Value l4).

Range
Icarus lascannon
Quad-gun

AP

Type

.20 points
..........35
points
...............5
0 points

bRTRESSoF REDEMPTIoN
A Fortress of Redemption

is a towering bulwark against the ravages

A Fortress of Redemption is adorned with symbols depicting angels

of planetary invasion. Each is virtually impervious to conventional

of death and the skulls of ancient heroes. This gothic grandeur of

fi,repower and the lower levels, bunker annexes and sub-crypts can

the unyielding edifi.ce is matched only by its uncompromising

house entire platoons ofbattle-ready

warriors. First used by the Dark

efficient lethality. Nestled within

and

its armoured walls, a Fortress of

Angels of the Adeprus Astartes during the days of the Great Crusade,

Redemption houses an Icarus lascannon capable of destroying enemy

they have since been used by every military force in the Imperium

ships in low orbit, a missile silo and a profusion of heavy bolters to

and

they have proven invaluable to the defence of the Emperor's realm.

Composition: Twobunkerannexes andone main tower. Each section

of the Fonressof Redemprion must be placed in basecontact with at
least one other section.

repel ground based invaders.

Options:
. Upgrade the missile silo to havekrakstorm missilesin addition to
fragstorm missiles (each time the missile silo fi.res, the controlling

points
player must choosewhich type of missile is being used)...........30
.Add up to fouremplaced heavybolters (the heavy
TerrainType: The bunkers annexesareboth SmallBuildings (Armour
bolters can be allocated to any section(s) of the
Value l4). the main tower is a Medium Building (fumour Value l4).
Thewalkwayconnectingthemisasmallbuilding(ArmourVa1uet4).FonressofRedemption)............'...'...'..,.,'..,.|0intseuh
" Access Points & Fire Points: As per model.

Fragstom missile

18-95"

Krakstorrn missile

18-96"

Icarus lascannon

96'

Heavy bolter

36"

'Weapons:

One bunker annex has an emplacednissile silo with

ftagstorm missilesand the other bunker annex has an emplacedTwirriinked Icarus lascannon

Ordnance l, Banage,
large Blast
Ordnance l, Barrage,
I
Iatge Blast
Heavy l,Interceptor,
slqdre
Heavy 3

BffiLE
FIGHTII..IGA
'survival
by forgoftcnhcroes.
galaxy
is no birthright,but aprizewrcstcdfrom anuncaring

The gauntlet has been thrown down. Two armies must now
test their mettle against the foe, It matters not what roads were

playing before selecting an affny, only the agreed points value

of the two battling armies. Once you know that, and you have

walked to bring the warriors to this bloody ground, only that

they are here. There is no turning back. There is only war.

selected your force, simply turn up and play.

Each Eternal War mission contains the information you need

This section presents the Eternal tVat missions: scenarios

where the armies are of roughly the same size and the situation

to get set up and playing.This information is broken down

into the following categories: The Armies, The Mission, The
Battlefield, neployment, First Turn, Game Length, Victory

gives neither side a particular advantage. As a result, it is not

necessary to know what Eternal \Var mission you will be

Conditions and Mission Special Rules.

THEARMIES
Bothyouandyouropponent

selectforces to anagreedpoints limitfrom

anarmylistinoneof

theWarhammer40'000 codexes.

ANOTE ON SECRECY

A points value of 1,500to 2,000points per side is a fairly

standard size and will give you an exciting game that can be

To keep things fair,you should alwaysallow your opponent to

readyour force roster after a garneand alwaysmake it clearto
your opponentwhich squadsate embarkedin whlch Transports.
However,beforedeployingarmies,agreewhether or not you
will readthe opponent'sforce rosterduring the gameaswell.

concluded in a few hours. More information on how to pick

an army can be found on page 108.Remember, if you want
to have more time for gaming, it's best to prepare your force
before the battle starts!

THE MISSION
Having selected your armies, it's tirne to determine which Eternal V'ar mission you will be playing.
D6

There are two ways that you can choose which Eternal Nflar
mission to use. The fi.rst is to agree with your opponent which
Eternal \,J7armission to play. The second is to pick randomly,by

f'

rolling a D5 and consulting the following chart:

ETERhIAL\vARMISSION

Crusade (see page 126)

Purge the Alien (see page 127)

Big Guns Never Tire (seepage 128)

The Scouring (see page 129)

The Emperor's \X/ill (see page 130)

The Relic (see page 13l)

THE BATTTEFIEII)
Next you need to set up your battlefield using the wargames terrain in your collection. First, the players must determine
their table halves and deployment zones, then deploy fortifications and filally set up the rest of the temain for the battle.

TABTE HATVES

D3

In Eternal \Var missions, the board is divided into two equal

halves across its length (Dawn of \7ar), its width (Harnmer and
Anvit) or its diagonal (Vanguard Strike). The method used to

DEPLOYMENT
*- MAP (SEE OPPOSTTE)

D;;;r\r;

Hammer and Anvil

Vanguard Strike

divide the board in half will determine the shape of the players'
deployment zones (see deployment maps on page 119).You

once the method of dividing the board into two halves has

and your opponent can either agree on which of these three

methods you will use to divide the board, or you can pick one

been determined, the players should roll-off. the winner of the

roll-off selects one of the table halves to be his - his opponent

randomly by rolling a D3 and consulting the following chart:

takes the opposite table half.

ct'
Txn

tnurv

wrsE

ARl

ALWAYS AFRATD.

Fightinga Battlc
/A
ll

DEPTOYMEI{TMAPS
Side ATqbLeEdge
DEPIOYMENTMAP:

1.8

t'Jt-.Lrrt

.,

DASTNOFWAR

If you are using Dawn of \ilar deployment zones

the board is divided into two equal halves across
its length.
For Dawn of tVa r, a player's board edge is the long
board edge touching his own deployment zone.

SideB DeploymentZone

SideBTableEdge

DEPIOYMENTMAP:
HAMMERAhID A}IVII,
LJt-tI

/E

IJ\'

r
r

l
i

.#t

If you are using Harnmer and Anvil deployment

I
I

q.)

so

zorres)the board is divided into two equal halves

acrossits width.

bo

\S

trl
a.)

For Hammer and Anvil, a playet's board edge

is the short board edge touching his own

t'\)

r{
l-{
I

deployment zone.
\3
V)

I
I

(n

Fll

(\

s
q)

S
F

>,
o

I
I
I
I
I

=
(\
-

Sr
q)

F)

FA

N
o
.*

q)
riti+

idb ATcfuIeHaIf

DEPLOYMENTMAP:
VANGUARDSTRTI{E

cb

(\

(n

r.

ct)

Edge
SideATabLe
Zone

If you are using Vanguard Srike deployment

zones)the board is divided into two equal halves
acrossits diagonal. Agree with your opponent
which diagonal you will play across,or randomise
to decide.
For Vanguard Strike, a player's board edge
is the long board edge touching his own
deployment zone.

SideR TableEdge

Fl
t{

frJ
Soq
G

'g;.

i REerM oF BnruE

SET UP FORTIFICATIONS
Next, players must place any fortifications

For players using a Citadel Realm of Battle Gameboard (or any

they have in

their arrnies before placing any other terrain.

If both

players have one or more fortifications then take it in turns

to deploy them, starting with the player who chose table
halves. Fortifications rnust be set up wholly within
owning

player's table half and not within

gaming board with a contoured surface), it's best not to count the

l(

hllls moulded onto it towards the terrain density limit. of course, if

you were to place any free-standing hills from your collection onto
the board, they would counr towards the terrain densiry lirnit.

the

j" of another

fortification.

ArrrnxATruc

of the fortification

If you and your opponent can't agree on a narrative to help you

set up the terrain, you should use rhis method instead.

Fortifications count against the terrain density

limit (discussed later) of the 2'by 2' areain which the rnajoriry
lies.

SETUPTERRAIN
Next, the players must set up the terrain for the battle. There
are two ways you can go about this - narrative or alternating.

TEnneru

l. Pool all the terrain pieces you have available, and that
you wish ro use in this game. The only exceptions to this
are fortifications that have been purchased as part of a
player's army - these will already have been deployed.

BITnEFTELD SrzE
This section assumes that you arc playing on a battlefield that
can be divided equally into 2'by 2' sections. If your battlefield is
of a size that cannot be thus divided, then instead divide it into

2. Deterrnine how many pieces of terrain can go into each

2' by 2' areaof game board by rolling a D3 for each. This is
known as the terrain

density limit.

a number of equal sections as close to 2' by 2' as possible.

Nennerrvs Trnneru
If you'reusing this method,you and your opponentcan set the
terrain up in any mutually agreeablemanner in order to create
a fantastic-lookingand evocativebattlefield.
As you setup the sceneryfor your battle,try to makeit look as
much like a real battlefieldaspossible.A gameis alwaysbetter
if you'retelling a storl, and the ground over which you fight is
only slightly lessimportant than the armiesfighting over it.
EorexampLe,
if you'renn OrkWarLordattachingnnlmperial
you'Llwant pLentyof buildings(or ruins),as
Guordstrongpoint,
weLL
asplentyof ddencelines,trenchlinesand gun emplacements
to setthe scene.
If you'yenn EldayAutarch attemptingto purge
Dqemonsfrom the and wastes
of tuthey Mclntyre IX, rochy
outcrops
and crashedspacecraft
areprobablymlre the thing.

FoncrNG e NnRRATTvE
If you're the using alternating terrain
method you shouldn't worry about setting
up the scenery on the board in such a way

3. Once each area'sterrain density limit is known, take it in

turns, starring with the player who chose table halves, to
deploy a piece of terrain. Each 'piece' of terrain should be
a single substantial element (such as a building, forest or
ruin) or a cluster of up to three smaller pieces of terrain
(such asbatdefield debris). Terrain can be placed anywhere
on the board where it is more than 3" from other terrain.
4. Players can keep placing rerrain until they decide to srop,
or they reach the maximum terrain density limit for all
of the Z'by 2' areas on the table, or there are no terrain
pieces left to place. If a terrain piece is placed so that it
straddles more than one 2'by2'area, it counts towards the
terrain densiry lmit in the areain which the majority of
the terrain piece lies. If one player chooses to srop placing
terrain, their opponent is free to keep on placing terrain
until they decide ro stop, reach the terrain densiry limit or
run out of terrain pieces in their collection.
5. After all terrain has been placed, players may wish to
move or shuffle terrain around a bit in order to make a
rnore aesthetically pleasing battlefield. tf both players
agree, you should move any terrain you wish in order to
create the best looking board possible.

that it suits your army. All the greatest

generals carefully select the locations
where they fight so that it favours their
own army and hinders their opponent's.
So, if you were the commander of a Tyranid assault swarm, you

OrnER MrssroNs

table to block the opponent's lines of sight and provide cover,

The format of the Eternal var missions governs many of the

tvarhammer 40,000 rnissions. However,like
those in \x/arharnmer
40,000 supplements, some rnissions may use different rules or

while the commander of an Imperial Guard tank force might

forrnats for displaying the information

should think of placing plenty of scenery in your half of the

decide to set up very sparse terrain, to maximize their fields

of fire. The trick is to do thls in such away that it still looks as
natural as possible - or, at least, as natural as a terrifyingly alien
l a n d s c a p e ca n l o o k!

needed to play that mission.

For example, some missions use alternate methods to determine

Game Length, whilst others specifiT who gets the First Turn. Some
missions will not use Primary or secondary objectives or even
Victory Points. lfherever a rnission varies from the rules and format
presented here, it will clearly be outlined within that rnission;

ThB

srtp

oF HER.Esy REsrs

rN THE MrNDs

oF REAsoNABLE

MEN.

c.,F

PrncE OnIECTTvEMnnKERs

. No objective can be placed within 6" of any battlefield

Many of the Eternal \Var missions require the players to place

edge or withi n 12"of another objective.

objectives. An objective is usually a point on the battlefield

of particular imponance to one or both of the armies. These
points are designated by using objective markers, coins or other

. No objective can be placed in, or on, impassible terrain,

buildings or fortifi cations.

counters around I toZ inches in diameter. If objectives need to

be set up, the mission in question will contain details on how

If there are a lot of objectives, or a lot of terrain, you may

many need to placed and any special instructions for how to

sometimes find that the last few are impossible to place using

place them on the battlefield.

the above rules. \V'hen this occurs, simply nudge the other
objectives by the smallest distance necessary to allow the last

Unless instructed other-wise in the mission, starting with the

ones to be placed.

player who chose their table half fi.rst, take it in turns to set up
More information on objectives can be found onpage 122.

objectives according to the following rules:

DEPTO]N{ENT
Once the battlefield has been set up, it is time to determine your Warlord traits and deploy the armies for battle.

DETERMTNESI{A.'RLoRDTnerrs
Before either player deploys, they much first each determine

DEprovrrvc TneNsPoRT VEnrcrrs

Units can be deployed in Transport vehicles if you wish -

their Warlord Traits, if they haven't done so already (see page

simply declare to your opponent which units are embarked

I I I ). This is done now because the \(rarlord Traits could grant

where as part of your deployment. However, i-f a unit is a

special deployrnent rules to part of a player's force that may

Dedicated Transport, only the unit it was selected with (plus

affect a player's subsequent deployment of their forces.

any Independent Characters that have joined the unit) can

deploy within it. After the game begins, other units can embark
and disembark as normal (see page 79).

DEproY FoncES
INTTLTRAToRSAND RroEproyrNc

Armies are placed within the owning player's deployment zone.

DEprovrNc

In Eternal W'ar missions, a player's deployment zone is defined as

The sequence for Infiltrators and Scouts is the same in all

Eternal \War missions. First, both players deploy their forces

any'where in their own table half that is more than 12" from
the central line dividing the board into two equal halves.

Scours

(apart from any units left kept as Reserves or that chose to use
their Infiltrate special rule). \fhen both players have deployed

Roll-off to see which player chooses whether to deploy first or

their main force, then they deploy their Infiltrators (as

second. The player that goes first then places his entire army on

described on page 38). Finally, they can redeploy units with the

the table in his deployment zone. His opponent then deploys

Scouts special rule (seepage 4l).

his entire arrny in the opposite deployment zone. Units cannot

HilT"
rT
TI;ff.fr,:
f *n:"T,:rl#',r::ilT:
Units can never deploy in lethal terrain.
DrprovrNc

For the pu{poses of deploying Infiltrators and redeploying

Scouts, an enemy fonification is only considered to be an enemy
unit if it is occupied at the time of the redeployment.
DEprovrNc

srtrurN A FonrrucATroN

MuruPLE

LfNrr CHorcEs

Any friendly unit can deploy within one of their army's

Note that, occasion"ly, a codex will allow a player to

fortifications, as long as it is also a building and wholly within

include several units in his army at the cost of a single force

their own deployment zone. If a fortification is deployed

within

12" of the central line, only friendly units that have

the Infiltrate or Scouts special rule can (re)deploy within the

organisation slot (like Imperial Guard Infantry Platoons, etc.).

Apart from being bought as a single choice, these units operate
and count as separate units in all respects.

building, regardless of the proximity of enemy units.

Units can never deploy inside an enemy fortification, nor
can they use pre-game abilities (like Scout redeployment) to
embark in enemy fonifications

before the first turn begins.

Once the game begins, units are free to move into or out of any
fonificadons, friendly or enemy, following the normal rules.

M.trvnNn

srANDs

oN THE sHouLDERs

oF THE MARTYRED.

-iLi/+

r+-H#!ir*

To qunsttoN

youR MAsTER rs ro BETRAI rnn Empnnon.

FIRSTTURN
Next, the player who deployed his army first starts the first turn unless his opponent can Seize the Initiative.
If a player who is due to go second wishes to Seize the Initiative,

:ffiffi:ffiIns

contawirhtheenemyeven
a
canbehaltedif thefoeis swiftenough

lf$n::f'"ce

he can roll a D5 before the beginning of the fi.rst turn. On a roll

of a 6, he successfully seizesthe initiative and goes first instead.
His army has clearly outwitted that of his opponent!

GAN{ETENGTH
l"<:;--

Each mission will use this section to tell you how long the game lasts before victory can be determined,
As it happens, all of the Eternal \Var missions use Variable

Vemanu

Game length (right), but some of our other published missions,

At the end of game turn 5, one of the players must roll a D6. On

or missions you create yourself, might define it differently.

a roll of 3+ the game continues, otherwise the game is over, If

GeuE LENcrn

Most often this means setting it at a certain length (6 game

another turn is played, another D6 must be rolled at the end of

turns, for exampl"). \Thatever the case may be, it will be defined

game turn 6, and this time, the game only continues on a roll of

in the mission itself.

4 +. The battle automatically ends at the close of game turn 7.

VICTORY CONDITIONS

a$-

In the Eternal W'ar missions, each army is seeking to accrue more Victory Points than the opposing force. Victory Points
are acquired by securing Primary and Secondary Objectives, and the winner is the army with the most Victory Points at
the end of the game. Indeed, if the winner has twice the Victory Points of his opponent, it can be considered a crushing
victory! If both armies have the same number of Victory Points, the game is a tactical draw.
If one player concedes the battle, or his entire army is wiped

Srev rHE S7enronn

out, the game ends and a crushing victory goes to his opponent.

If, at the end of the game, the enemy's Warlord

likewise, if at the end of any game turn, one player has no rnodels

slain, you score I Victory

on the badefield, his opponent automatically wins.

has been

Point. If the mission being played

is Purge the Alien, then the enemy Warlord will, therefore, be

worth 2 Victorv Points in total.

OnIECTT\rEs
To determine the number of Victory Points an army has earned,

Frnsr Broon
The fi.rst unit, of any kind, to be removed as a casualty
during the game is worth I Victory Point to the opposing
player at the end of the game.

f'

we use rnission objectives. These are the goals your army will

to employ during the battle. The nurnber and rypes of rnission

objectives vary from mission to mission. There are two types of

If the mission being played is Purge the Alien, then this unit

objective: Primary and Secondary.

will therefore be worth ZYtctory Points in total. rf the mission

PRTMARYOBIECTIVES

being played is Big Guns Never Tire, and the destroyed unit was
a Heavy Support unit, it will, therefore, be worrh 2 Victory Points

Primary Objectives define your army's rnain goal on the

in total. If the mission being played is The Scouring, and the

battlefield. This usually involves capfuring the objectives in

question - by controlling one or more vital sites or simply

destroyed unit was a Fast Attack unit, it will, therefore, be wofih 2

Victory Points in total. If nvo or more units from opposing forces
are removed simultaneously (for exarnple, at the same Initiative

have to achieve, and they thus dictate the tactics that you'll have

destroying parts of your enemy's force. \Thatever Primary

Objectives are used in a mission, both sides share it. The mission
itself will tell you how to determine your Primary Objectives.

step in an Assault phase) then both players get I Victory Point (in
addition to any Victory Points from the rnission).

SECONDARY OBIECTIVES

LTNEgRTAKER

Secondary Objectives are less important than Primary Objectives,

If, at the end of the game, you have at least one model

but can still mean the difference between victory and defeat. All

from one or more scoring or denial units in the enemy's

Eternal'S7'ar missions have three Secondary Objectives shared

deployment
zotte,you score I victory Point. Units that are
falling back or that have gone to ground do not count.

by both players: Slay the \(rarlord, First Blood and linebreaker.

c or{TRo[rrN Go BIEcTrvEs
You control

an objective

if there is at least one model

from one of your scoring units, and no models from

enemy denial units, within

3" of it. As different objectives

chart - the main exceptions are in the Big Guns Never Tire
mission (seepage 128)and the The Scouring mission (seepage
129).The presence of other units within 3" of an objective may
deny an objective to the enemy, but only troops can control it.

vary in shape and size, it is imponant to agree at the beginning

There are a few exceptions, however, when a unit of troops does

of the game exactly from where this distance will be rneasured.

not count as a scoring unit:

A unit can only control one objective at a time. If a unit

.If it is a vehicle, or is a unit cuffently embarked on a

moves into a position where it could control two objectives,

Transport vehicle, or is occupying a building.

. If it has the Swarms special rule.
. If it has a special rule speci$ring that it never counts as a

you must make it clear to your opponent which obiective the

unit is controlling.

ScomNG uNrrs
The concept of scoring units is central to several of the Eternal

sconng unlt.
. If it is currently falling back (if the unit Regroups it
immediately reverts to being a scoring unit again).

W'ar missions, which are won or lost by controlling more

objectives than the enemy at the end of the game (see those
missions'victory condidons), and only scoring units can do that.

DENrer IJNrrs
Denial units are those squads that can prevent an enemy from
controlling an objective. In the Eternal W'ar missions, all units

During a military campaign, the most powerful and specialised

(including

units assault the objectives and take them. They then forge

given below:

troops) are denial units, save for a few exceptions

ahead to the next objective, engaging the enemy with lightningfast attacks and irresistible armoured advances. It is left to the

. If it is a vehicle, or is a unit currently embarked on a

grunts, the squads which make up the bulk of any fighting

transport vehicle, or is occupying a building.

. If it has the Swarms special rule.
. If it has a special rule specifying that it never counts as a

force, to dig in and consolidate any territorial gains, securing

the objectives from any enemy counter-attack.

An army's scoring units are normally all the units that

come from the troops selection of the Force Organisation

denial unit.
. If it is currently falling back (if the unit Regroups it
immediately reverts to being a denial unit again).

MISSION SPECIATRULES
.=:+->

Some Eternal W'at missions use unique special rules. These confer extra abilities, restrictions or effects onto yorr games.
Ve'll explain the most common ones here, but sometimes a mission will introduce its own special rules.

NICHTFIGHTING

AnnrvrNc

In pitch darkness, warriors rnust be sure of their targets before

opening fi.re,and tend to be more cautious than normal.

At the start of your Turn Two, you must roll aD6 for each
unit being held in reserve - these are known as Reserve

If a mission has the l.Iight Fighting special rule, ro11a D6 before

the roll is less than 3 it remains in reserve and is rolled for

deployment: on a ro11of 4+,the Night Fighting special rule is in

agaln next turn.

FRou REsERvE

Rolls. If the roll is a 3 or rnore, that unit arrives this turn. If

effect during game turn l.

At the start of your Turn Three, roll for any units remaining in
If the Night Fighting rules did not take effect during game turn

reseffe. If the ro11is a 3 or rnore, that unit arrives this turn. If

l, roll aD6at the start ofGarne Turn 5, On a roll of 4+,the Night

the roll is less than 3, it remains in reserve and automatically

Fighting rules are used for the rest of the game. On a roll of 3 or

arrives at the start of Turn Four.

less,you must roll again at the start of every subsequent game

turn - as soon as a ro11of 4+ is rolled, the Night Fighting rules

Some special rules can modift the roll required for aunit to

come into play for the rest of the game.

arrive frorn reserve. Regardless of the modifier(s), a natural roll

of a I always rneans that the unit in question remains in reserve.

PrcruNG A TARGETAND Nrcnr

FrcHrruc

While the Night Fighting rules are in effect, the distance to

a target unit becomes very important - the darkness makes it
very difficult to acquire distant targets. The shooting unit
cannot pick a target more than 36" away - such units are
completely hidden in the darkness. Units betweer:'24" and 35"

If an Independent Character has joined a unit in resewe, it

cannot leave the unit whilst in reserve, and it cannot choose to
.$Zhen
leave the unit on the turn it arrives from reserve.
rolling
to see when they amive from reserve, roll a single dice for
both the Independent

Character and its unit.

inches away are treated as having the Shrouded special

rule. Units betwee n 12" and up to 24" away are instead

When Reserves arrive, the player picks any one of the units

treated as having the Stealth special rule. Units less than

arriving and deploys it, moving it onto the table as described

12" away can be shot at normally. If a shooting attack scatters,

below. Then he picks another unit and deploys it, and so on

the distance from the firing unit to the original target is used

until all arriving units are on the table. The player can rhen

to determine what effect Night Fighting has. This means that a

proceed to move his other units as normal.

unit that is over 35" away can still potentially be hit.

N(hen a Reserves unit arrives, it must move fully

RESER\TES

the table from the controllin

onto

gplayer's own table edge

Reserves are forces that can be called upon to reinforce a battle

(maps and diagrams illustrating table edges for the different

at short notice, or to conceal your true strength frorn the foe.

deployment methods are shown on page I l9). Models that are

Pnrpemxc RTsERVEs
'W'hen
deploying their armies, players can choose not to deploy

rules (see pages36 and 40).

up to half of their units (rounding up) keeping them as Reserves

Each model's move is measured from the edge of the

to arrive later. Units that must start the game in reserve are

battlefield,

ignored for the pulposes of working out how many other units

in the previous turn and moved as normal. This means it is

may do so. A unit and its Dedicated Transport are counted as a

incorrect to place a model on the board touching the edge and

then move it - this would mean it moved too far, especially

arriving by Deep strike or Outflank deploy using their special

single unit for these purposes. Independent Characters are also

as if they had been positioned just off the board

counted as a single unit regardless of whether they have joined

in the caseof large vehicles. If for some reason a model's

another unit or not. During deployment, when declaring which

maximum move is insufficient to fit the entire model onto the

board, or it becomes Immobilised itself whilst moving onto the

units are kept as Reserves,the player must clearly explain the

organisation of his Reserves to the opponent.

board, place the model so that its rear end is touching the board
edge - the model cannot move further during the Movement

First, he must speci$r to the opponent if any of his Independent

phase, nor may it shoot, Run or move Flat Out.

Characters left in reserve are joining a unit, in which case they

will arrive together. Similarly, the player must specify if any

If a unit has a special rule forcing it to move in a specific

units in reserve are embarked upon any Transport vehicles in

direction or that could stop it from moving, the rule is ignored

reserve, in which case they will arrive together.

in the phase when it arrives from reserve.

++'SWIFT

IN

JUDGEMENT,

MERCILESS

IN

DEED.

Certain rare units are permanently imrnobile. If a unit like this

Note that, while any unit can identify the narure of an

cannot be deployed, or the player decides to keep it in reserve,

objective, it is only scoring units that can make use of it.

it enters the game by Deep Strike. This represents the irnmobile

If there is more than one scoring unit within range of an

unit being airdropped, teleported or otherwise deposited onto

objective, the unit with the closest model is c.onsideredto be

'in
control' for the purposes of the rules disctrssedbelow. If

the battlefield.

two or more units are an equal distance frorn the objective,

Unless stated otherwise,

a unit cannot charge, or tlse any

randomise to see which is in control.

or special rules that rnust be used at the start of

abilities

D6 Result

the turn, in the turn it arrives from reserve.

l.
Ohrcorxc

Rrsrnvns

Sabotaged!At the end of the turn in which the

ffi
ffi

objective was identified, and at the end of every

If a unit enters reserve part way through the game, such as a Flyer

turn thereafter, ro11a D6. On a roll of l, the objective

leaving the bamlefield, this is referred to as entering Ongoing

explodes. Centre the large blast template over the

objective. Units suffer a number of Sffength 4, AP - hits

Reserves.Units in Ongoing
the start of their controlling

Reserve always re-enter play at

player's following

equal to the number of models from their unit that are

turn, but

otherwise follow the normal rules for Reserves.If a unit is in

at least partially under the template. This explosion does

Ongoing Reserve when the game ends, it awards Victory Points

not destroy the objective, nor does it prevent further

as if it had been destroved.

explosions occlrrring in later turns.

MYSTERIOUS OBIECTIVES

2.

position is always hugely valued. A carnpaigning army often

ffi#
! rtfrrt

Though the fortunes of war may ebb and flow, a strategic

Nothing

of Note. This has no additional affect.

!-

t-o_ R d

3.

Skyfire Nexus. A unit that conftols this objective

finds that its vital ground has been the site of old battles,

W
SFZ

with abandoned technology, shattered debris or sinister traps

have the Skyfire special rule each time th,:y shoot.

can choose whether or not all of the' models in it

waiting to be discovered. In missions with the Mysterious

Objectives mission special rule, the oblectives that the armies
are attempting to conftol confer special abihties or particular

4.

Targeting Relay.A unit controlling this objective

ffi
;ffiffi re-rollsfailedTo Hit rolls of I when shooting.

effects or onto the unit that controls them.

I oEurrrvrNc

5. Fffi
fiH

OgIE crrvE s

\7hen using Mysterious Objectives, any unit that moves

within

3" of an objective, or it is within

the first turn, must identify

3" at the start of

the nature of it. To do so, the

Scatterfield.

A unit that conffols this objective

counts its cover savesas being I point better than

norrnal (so a unit in the open would have,a 6+ cover

save).This bonus is cumulative with the Stealth and
Shrouded special ruies.

identifiring unit's controlli^g player must roll a D6 and consult

the table on the right. Nternatively, if you've a set of Battlefield
Objective dice, you can simply roll one of these and place it next
to the objective, referring to the symbol to tell you the type.

6. ffiffi
H

Grav'Wave Generator. Any unlt attemptrng to

charge a unit in conttol of this objective halves its

charge range.

CRUSADE
The battlefield is strewn with discarded equipment, wounded comrades, supplies and other detritus
of war that, forvarious reasons, youwish to recover. You nrust fight off the enemywhile scouring
the field to retrieve as many of these vital o$ectives as you can.
I

THEARMIES

GATVIELENCTH

Choose armies as described on page ll8.

This mission uses Variable Game Length (see page 122).

THE BATTTEFIEID

VICTORYCONDITIONS

Next, determine your Deployment Map (seepagell8) and

then set-upterrain and objectives(seepage120-l2l).

At the end of the game,the player who hasscoredthe most

Victory Pointswins the game.Ifplayers havethe same
number of Vic,toryPoints,the gam'6is a draw

Pracs Pmuerv OrFcrrvss

After setring up the terrain, the players take it in furns to place
a total of D3+2 Primary Objectives(seepage l2l).

Pnrue-nv Onyrcrrws
At the end of thb game, each Primary Objective is worth
3 Victory Points to the player that controls it.

DEPLOYMENT
Beforedeploying their forces,playersshould first roll for their
'Warlord
Traits (seepage I I l) and then deploy ason page l2l.

Srcorvoenv OBIEcTIvES
Slay the lfarlord, First Blood, Linebreaker.

FIRSTTURN

MISSION SPECIAL RUI.ES

The player who deployedhis army first, goesfirst unlesshis

opponent can Seizethe Initiative (seepage 122).

Night Fighting, Mysterious Objectives, Reserves.

PuRGETnE ArrEN
Some battles are fought with only one goal - find your enemy, crush him utterly and
take away his means to mount further resistance. Your mission is simple - kill as many
enemyunits as you can!

THEARMIES

VICTORYCONDITIONS

Choosearmiesasdescribedon page I18.

At the end of the game,the player who has scoredthe most

Victory Pointswins the game.If playershavethe same
number of Victory Points,the gameis a draw.

THE BATTLEFIELD
Next, determine your Deployment Map (seepagell8) and
then set-upterrain (seepage 120).This mission requiresno
objectivemarkers.
DEPLOYMENT
Before deploying their forces, players should first roll for
'W'arlord
their
Traits (seepage I I t) and then deploy as on
page 121.

Pnlrlenr OsIEcrIw
At the end of the game, each play6r receives l Victory
Point for each enemy unit that has been completely
destroyed. Units that arefallingback at the end ofthe game,
and units that arenot on the boardat the end ofthe game,
count asdestroyedfor the purposesof this mission.Remember
that IndependentCharactersand DedicatedTransportsare
individual units and award Victory Points ifthey are destroyed.

FIRSTTURN
The player who deployedhis army first goesfirst unlesshis
opponent can Seizethe Initiative (seepage 122).

Srcoroerv OBIEcrrvEs
Slay the Warlord, First Blood, Linebreaker.

GAME IJNGTH

MISSION SPECIAL RULES

This mission usesVariable Gamelength (seepage 122).

Night Fighting, Reserves.

Brc Gul\ts hIEVERTInE

Both sides are attempting to secure a foothold in no man's land, spearheading the attackwith
overwhelning firepower. For the attack to be successful, your big guns must take up key positions
on the battlefield and crush the enemy's heaviest weaponry before they do the same to you.

THEARMIES

Victory Points wins the game. If players have the same

Choose atmies as described on page ll8.

number of Victory Points, the game is a draw.

THE BATTLEFIELD
Next, determine your Deployment Map (seepagell8) and
then set-upterrain and objectives(seepage 120-l2l).

PmMenvOslEcrrw
At the end of the game, each Primary Objective is
urorth 3 Victory Points to the player that captures it. In
addition, at the end ofthe gatne, each playet receives I
Victory Point for each enemy heavy support unit that
has been completely destroyid. Units that arefalling back
at the end ofthe !ame, and units that are not on the board at
the end ofthe game,count asdestroyedfor the purposesof

Pr,ecr Pnrueny OslEcrrvEs

After setting up the terrain, the playerstake it in furns to place
a total ofD3+2 Primary Objectives(seepagel2l).
DEPLOYMENT
Beforedeploying their forces,playersshould first roll for their
V'arlord Traits (seepagel I l) and then deploy ason pagel2l.

thismission.
SrcoNoenv OBJEcrrvEs
Slay the !7arlord, First Blood, Linebreaker.

FIRSTTURN
his
htsarmyfirstgoesfirstunless
Theplayerwhodeployed

MISSION SPECIAT RULES

opponent can Seizethe Initiative (seepage 122).

Night Fighting, Mysterious Objectives, Reserves.

GAT{E TENCTH

Heavy Metal: Unlike other missions, in Big Guns Never

This mission usesVariable Gamelength (seepage 122).

Tire, your heavy suppon units are scoring units, notjust

your troops units. In fact, in Big Guns Never Tire, even your

CONDITIONS
VICTORY
At the end of the game,the player who has scoredthe most

providing that
that they
are also
also heavy
heavy
units, providing
they are
are scoring
scoring units,
vehicles
vehiclesare
support units and they arenot Immobilised!

t,;i,
:

TnE Scounlh{c
Both sides are sweeping through the area, tasking recon units to identifr sites of
strategic import. Ifowever, not all sites are of equal worth and victory will go to the foe
that can secure the most valuable sites and cripple the enemy's ability to locate othets.

THEARMIES

VICTORY CONDITIO}{S

Choose affnies as described on page ll8.

At the end of the gamel the player who has scored the most
Victory Points wins the game. If players have the same

THE BATTTEFIEID

number of Victory Points, the game is a draw.

Next, determine your Deployment Mrp (seepage ll8) and

then set-up terrain and objecfives (seepage 120-l2l).

Pnrlreny

OsIEcrrvE

At the end of the game, each Primary

Objective is worth

Points to the player that captures it

Precn Pnn"renv OnFcuvES

a number

After setring up the terrain, the players take it in turns to place

a total of e primary Objective markers face down on the table

equal to the number on the marker. In addition, at the

(don't lookt). There should be one marked with a 4, two marked

each enemy fast attack unit that has been completely

of Victory

end of the game; each player receives I Victory

Point for

with 3's,two with 2's and a srngle l. Immediately before deciding

destroyed. Units that are falling back at the end of the game,

whether or not to attempt to Seize the Initiative, flip the six

and units that are not on the board at the end of the game,

markers over to reveal how manv Victorv Points thev are worth.

count as destroyed for the purposes of this rnission.

DEPLOYMENT

SEcounARY OnFcuvEs

Before deploying their forces, players should first roll for their

Slay the Warlord,

First Blood, Linebreaker.

Sflarlord Traits (see page I I I ) and then deploy as on page l2l.

MISSION SPECIAT RUIES

FIRSTTURN

Night Fighting,

Mysterious

Objectives, Reserves.

The player who deployed hls army first goes first unless his
opponent can Seize the Initiative (see page 122).

Fast Recon: Unlike other missions, in The Scouring, |our

fast attack units are scoring units, not just your troops units.

GA}fE LENGTH

In fact, in The Scouring, even your vehicles are scoring units,

This mission uses Variable Game Length (see page 122).

if they are also fast attack units and are not Immobilised!

TuE EMPERoR'sWrrr
Both sides are attempting
similarly

to captlrre the enerny base of operations

vital objective, whilst

defending

or another

their own.

THEARMIES

GAMETENGTH

Choose armies as described on page I18.

This mission uses Variable Game Length (see page 122).

THE BATTLEFIELD

VICTORY CONDITIONS

Next, determine your Deployment Map (see page I l8) and

At the end of the game, the player who has scored the most

then set-up terrain and objectives (see page 120-121).

Victory Points wins the game. If players have the same

number of Victory Points, the garne is a draw.

Precn Pmuany

OslEcrrvEs

After setting up terrain, the players take it in turns to place

Pmueny

a single Primary Objective marker in their own table half.

At the end of the game, each Primary

Normal restrictions for placing markers apply (prg" l2l).

3 Victory

DEPLO)TN,TENT

SEcoNnARY OnIEcuvES
Slay the \il(arlord, First Blood, Linebreaker.

Before deploying their forces, players should first roll for their
\(arlordTraits

OsJEcrrvE
Objective is worth

Points to the player that captures it.

(seepage lll) and then deploy as on page 121.

MISSION SPECIAI RUTES

FIRSTTURN
The player who deployed his army first, goes first unless his
opponent can Seize the Initiative (see page 122).

Night Fighting,

Mysterious

Objectives, Reserves.

TnE RErrc
@*

r\

W
I

r\

to recover a valuable relic from the front lines.

Both sides are attempting

It might be vital battle plans or maps, an item of spiritual

other irreplaceable

:\

signifi.cance or some

artefact that must be recovered at all costs.

THEARMIES

Moving with the kelic

Choose armies as described on page ll8.

The Relic is fragile, and swift movement will likely damage

it, so the model carrying the Relic cannot Run and can never

THE BATTLEFIETD

move more than 6" in anyphase. If it is forced to do so, the

Next, determine your Deployment M.p as described on

Relic is immediately dropped. A model with the Relic can

page ll8. Before placing terrain, place a counter ot coin in

embark a Transport vehicle, but that vehicle cannot move

the centre of the battlefield to represent the Relic. Note

more than 6" per phase whilst the Relic is on board (so don't

that in this mission, no impassable or lethal terrain can be

put it on a Flyer, as the Flyer will automatically crash next

placed in the centre of the board. Having done so,set up

time it Zooms).

terrain as described on page 120.

A rnodel carrying the Relic can transfer it to any friendly

DEPI,OYMENT

model that is part of a scoring unit if the two models end

Before deploying their forces, players should first roll for their

their Movement phase in base contact. Move the counter

\flarlord Traits (seepage lll) and then deploy as on page l2l.

to the new bearer to show who is curtently holding the

FIRSTTURN

once per Movement phase.

Relic. The Relic can only be passed to a friendly model

The player who deployed his army first, goes first unless his
opponent can Seize the Initiative (seepage 122).

Dropptng the Relic

The controlling player can choose to have his model drop

GA},IE TEI{GTH

t h e R e l i c a t a n y t i m e , i n w h i c h c a s eh e p l a c e s t h e c o u n t e r

This mission uses Variable Game length (see page 122).

I " away from the model. tf the model falls back, or is

r e m o v e d a s a c a s u a l t y ,t h e R e l i c i s d r o p p e d a u t o m a t i c a l l y .

VICTORY CONDITIONS
At the end of the game, the player u'ho has scored the most

Note that the Relic canonly be brought aboard a Transport

Victory Points wins the game. If players have the same

vehicle if it is carried by a model that can embark upon

number of Victory Points, the game is a draw.

the Transport. If the Relic is dropped whilst the bearer is

embarked within a Transport vehicle, place it l" away from

Pmuenv

a r a n d o m l y d e t e r m i n e d a c c e s sp o i n t .

OsIEcrrvE

At the end of the game, the Relic is worth

3 Victory

Points to the player who has seized it.

If the Relic is dropped in impassable terrain, place it as close

SEcouoARY OgIEcrrvES

impassable terrain.

as possible to the point where it was dropped that is not

First Blood, Linebreaker.

Slay the $farlord,

MISSION SPECIAL RUTES

Night Fighting,

Reserves.

The Relic: The following rules cover seizing, moving and

dropping the Relic.
Seizing the kelic
A model in a scoring unit can seize the Relic by moving into
base contact during the Movement phase - that model then
automatically picks it up at the end of the phase. From that
point, the Relic remains with the model (move the Relic with
the model to show this) until it is dropped,which can happen
voluntarily, but happens automatically if the model is slain.

THE4ISTMILLEhINIUIyI
flerein

lies a brief

and the ravening

history
aliens

of the frnperiuilr

and heretical

rebels

of Man,
that

its brave

threaten

defenders

it on all sides.

WHENPEaLbMIDNIGHT
-

It is said that

-_-.--i

on Holy

Terra

there

In a rnieguided

queet to diecovet

contaminating

its machine-gpirit.

millennie

and portents

say it will

etends

the Loet Spfue, o tnajestlc

the secret of ite wotkings,

Its clock

fece, lost

ln low-altitude

chirne but once more.,. as the final

The Imperium of Man stretches across the galaxy and

encompasses over a million worlds. To a great many of the

bell-tower

the Tech Adelrte

built

pollution,
eigpal,

in an elder

age of wonderrnent.

have long since fouled

has rnoved

the deeth hnell

but

its rnechenlsrne,

trregulerly

over the

of Mankind.

lies the sanctum Imperialis, the symbolic heart of the Realm of

Man, the most sancdfied place in the whole of the galaxy.

unnumbered souls of its population, Terra, the fabled cradle of

humanity, the mythical seat of the immortal Emperor and the
spiritual heart of the Imperium, is but a legend.

Here, in serried ranks of unbroken valour, stand the Three

Hundred - the elite of the Adeptus Custodes, the Emperor's
bodyguard. Past them are the massive workings of a veritable

Many crave to see Holy Terra, to walk upon its surface and

mountain of mechania, cables, circuitry, marble slabs, shifting

breathe its sanctified air. These pilgrims leave their home worlds,

cogs, pistons, gaseous vents, arching pillars and, in the cenrre,

daring impossible journeys, suffering appalling conditions just

rune-encrusted steps that wind majestically up nearly fotry feet.

to get close. The nearest most can hope for is to share the same
sector, peering into the night sky to see its shining glory - a

There, atop the pulsing machineries, enshrouded by ^halo of

eldritch powers and enveloped in a nimbus of alchemical fog,

lifetirne of ffavel just to see that distant speck with their naked

is the Golden Throne where sits the Imperor, rhe Master of

eyes.A few are even lucky enough to enter Terra's star system, to

Mankind, the Saviour of Humanrry.

bathe in the hallowed light of the same sun. Most pilgrims never
achieve such enlightenment, falling short of their goals due to
the immensity of the galaxy, the horrific dangers of space travel,

But what would a pilgrim see,should he ever come to be there,

if he had the iron will required to lift his gaze upwards to look

or the perfidious nature of their fellow man. They die with their

upon the greatness that is the Emperor? Some say a lordly man,

drearns unfulfilled, never knowing if what they sought was real

a king of kings, one crowned with living lightnings.A

or but a figment of their imagination.

god of light, say others, too bright for man to gazeupon. He

is a living idol of righteousness, many preach, his worship an

Yet Terra exists - a sprawling hive world, its surface covered in

towering spires of iron, fortress monasteries, Gothic cathedrals,

anathema to heretical thought or deed. A carrion lord, whisper

the very bold, too terrible to behold, in whose narne bloody

and the massive avenue of ten thousand statues,each as colossal

wars are waged and endre worlds consigned to destruction.

shining

in size as they are in rnemory. To speak of the heroes such

statues commemorate is to invoke the greatest achievements of
j'

li
J

human history. Dorn the Unwavering, Dracos the Conqueror,

Malcador the Hero - the list goes on. Fittingly, this avenue
leads to the Imperial Palace.There, at the end of a mile-long
passagelined with the unfurled banners of the greatest and
most valiant armies to have fought for Mankind, stand the vast
doors of the Eternity Gate. Beyond those massive portals, deep
within the continent-spanning complex of the Imperial Palace,

The Emperor is perhaps all these things and perhaps none. He

is the figurehead of the galaxy-spanning Imperium, worshipped
as a god on nearly all its worlds. Although pilgrirns in untold
billions journey to Holy Terra, the doors of the Eterniry Gate
have long been shut and few are given leave to enrer. of those
who have basked in his glory, the fortunate few who have stood
at the foot of the Golden Throne, no records tell of what they
beheld. But who could put inro words such an experience? vho
indeed could truly understand the narure of that divine being?

outwardly, the Emperor is but a desiccatedcorpse,kept alive

partly by the cyclopean,mysticalmachineof gold wrought
by his own hand and partly by a will so powerful that it
transcends the bounds of the blackened, shrivelled husk of his
body. Physically fettered, chained atop mountainous banks of
machinery, the Emperor's mind stretches out through space
and time - a hght in a vast gulf of blackness. Should that
spark of life ever be extinguished - should the Throne fail in
its mysterious purpose - then Mankind would surely be lost.
But as long as the Emperor sits there, in silent vigil, there yet
remains a glimmer of hope...

THr lrr,rpERruM
oFMeru
It is the dark and tertible
hostile

the cnrel and bloodyregirne

the situation

.{
fl*1

era of the4lst

aliens and threatened

Millenniurn

andMantind

fiornwithinbytraitors,Ilumaniqy's
knowrr

as the Irnperirrrn-Yet

or the horrible

stands on the btinftof

onlychance

few arnongst

extinctioru

for srrvivalrests

Manft.ind's

untold

fate that loorns beyond the stars. If there is any future

Beset on all sides by

withthe

populationrealise

continuatlonof
the tnrth

of

a1 atl, i1 is a grirn one.,,

The Irnperiurn stretches across the whole galaxy. At its heart is

Losr AcEs oF HrsroRy

Holy Terra, the cradle of Hurnaniry and the starting point for

Alrnost four hundred centuries have passed since man first

an Ernpire that contains countless billions of souls. Despite its

great size,the Imperium is spread thinly acrossthe immense

stepped into the cold of space.Forty thousand years.An age

so long that almost its entire history lies shrouded in legend.

expanse of the gala>ry;its worlds are dotted through the void

\flho knows how Mankind came to be scartered across so

and divided by hundreds, if not thousands, of light years. It is

many disparate worlds? sflho remembers the wars that split

therefore wrong to think of the Imperiurn in rerms of a single,

their homeworld of Terra asunder and dragged humanity

united territory; it is rather a sprawling and often disconnected

domain. Yet by weight of its own imrnensity, the Imperiurn

down to the level of brute beasts?\)flho would recognise

the names of Terra's ancient ruins, of nations destroyed and

continues to expand, its momentum carrying it forwards, even

peoples long since crurnbled to dust? To these questions there

while vast segments within its boundaries are cut off, isolated,

can be no answers.The questions themselves died upon the

lips of men tens of thousands of years pasr. Frorn those tirnes
come only whispers of horror and death, of the ancient days of

or remain to this day wholly unexplored.

tr

the Age of Technology, of the Realrn of trtight, of the Empire

of Biood, and of the terrible long centuries of the Age of Strife.
But those eras are in the distant pasr; now is the tirne of the
Ernperor, the Ag. of the Imperium. It is an age already ten
thousand years old and it too is shrouded in myth and sreeped
in ignorance. It is a time of superstition, in which great and
unfathornable technologies have been enslaved to the forces
of mysticism and madness. Most of all, it is an epoch of war, a
grinding, unceasing war where mere survival is justly hailed
as victory. Defeat can only lead to the irrevocable end of
Humanity. of the wars the Emperor waged to build an ernpire,
of the countless agonies of his battles arnongsr the srars,
there are no cornplete records, only apocryphal tales and halfrernembered legends. And there is oniy one man who might
remember it ali.

THEEMPEROR
.when

the Emperor led Mankind to spread once more across

the galaxyr over a hundred centuries ago, it marked the end of
a long era of history, an age rypified by dark regression, bitter
factionalisrn, and great isolation caused by rarnpant \ilarp
storms and countless alien invasions, Not even the ancient
records kept by the Historitors of the Adeptus Adminisrraturn
come close to fully telling how the Emperor came to unite and
rule humaniry, or how the newly birthed Irnperium came to
be from whatever barbarisrn exisred before it. legends speak
of the creation of the space Marines, the launching of the
Great crusade and the brief tirne of illumination it brought

-:'=|w-@
Y

1$-iitr

\,::.::,

An unprotectedsou/ cen no mere cross the stormsof

before the terribie wars of the Florus Heresy plunged all into
darkness once again. The ffuth lies buried under millennia
of superstition, submerged beneath centuries of rnyth or lost

Wgry than a hereticcsn bearthe gozeof an Inquisitor.

fr;
-!...+

to the annals of forgotten history. Perhaps there is a secret

of Terra, the most powerful men in the galaxy. It is their task

scriptorium in some oubliette of the Imperial Palace where the

to interpret the Emperor's divine will and their word is law.

truth might be found, recorded in ancient tomes and locked

At their command, the incalculably vast organisations of the

behind adamantine doors sealed with ancient runes of power.

Adeptus Terra, also known as the ancient Priesthood of Earth,

If there is such a place, it is best that it rernain hidden. Its

strive to enact their given tasks.

truths would, at best, be dismissed as fiction, and more likely

burnt for their heretical suggestions. Those ancient days will

The Adeprus Terra, working under the direction of the High

surely remain shrouded in mystery unless the Emperor himself

Lords, is divided and subdivided into an uncountable number of

chooses to reveal his knowledg"; although none can guess what

depanments and subordinate organisations. Its offices span the

thoughts revolve inside his carrion skull.

whole of the Imperium and its powers extend to every human

world. No man is free from its influence or from the sricrures

Until ten thousand years ogo, the Emp"ro, lived and breathed

of its rule. The various branches of this huge and multifaceted

as a mortal man, but his physical life has long since ended,

organisation each come with their own awesome powers, unique

crushed out of him by Horus, the Arch-traitor, in the final battle

customs and hidden secrets.

for Terra. Today, as for every day since that battle, the Emperor
lives only by the immeasurable force of his supreme will. The

Ten thousand years of ritual and endeavour have built an edifice

stasis fields and psi-fusion reactors of the rnachine known as

that now dominates human sociery. Across the vastness of the

the Golden Throne preserve his broken and dec ayedbody; his

galaxy, information

great mind endures inside a rotring carcass)kept alive by the

levied. So it has been done and so it will be done in the future.

mysteries of ancient technolory. His immense psychic Powers

reach out from the Golden Throne, enveloping and protecting

Iike an ancient and ponderous clock, the cogs of bureaucracy

Mankind across the enemy-strewn galaxy, a beacon of light in

gears spinning without thought or consideration.

is gathered; laws are enforced; taxes are

grind ever forwards, carried onwards by their own momenrum)

the rnalevolent darkness.

If the Emperor fails,then none will be ableto stop the influx

of the dark powers;ravenousand all-consurningDaemonswill
Every li rittg human will become a gateway
flood into the gala:rry.
for the destmction of Mankind. Reality asit is known will be
subsumedby the stuffof Varp space- a realm of nightmares
and cruel insanity where all life will end. There will be no
physicalmatter.No space.No time. Only Chaos.

THE IupERruM LrvEs

The Emperor has neither spoken nor moved since his
incarceration in the arcane mechanisms of the Golden Throne.
His much-revered material body is, for all intents, dead, and his
psychic mind is wholly preoccupied combating the denizens of
the !7arp. He fights an eternal banle against the unimaginable
horrors of that dangerous realm for the preservation of
Mankind, keeping closed the rifts that threaten to tear between
this reality and the next and holding certain doom at bay. All
that is left of the Emperor is a consciousness divorced from the
material world, a mind incapable of ordinary communication
with his billions of devoted servants. The Emperor has given
all that he is so that the Imperium that he founded might
continue. And so it has. lilU'hile it has diverged greatly from his
original plans, the Imperium

endures.

No longer followed as merely humanity's leader, the Emperor

is now worshipped as a god, the holy deity in whose name the
Imperium is ruled. Superstition and dogma have become the
rituals of worship and they are spread as gospel, with blind
obedience highly commended and free thought viewed with
suspicion and doubt. It begins with the twelve High Lords
,!n

an oge of Insonity,_.lookto the madmon to shou tk

!oy.

IMPERIAT HIERARCHY .

._._"rlh

The Imperium is so colossal,and the distancesbetween planetsso vast,that delays,condusionand misinterpretation of information
is rife. Simple communication is so obtusethat centralisedrule and accuratecensusproceduresareimpossible.The many Imperial
organisationsare so complex and labyrinthine that to detail even a fracrion ofthem would prove exhausting.The Curatorsofthe
EstateImperium cannot evenlist all the departmentsof the AdeptusTerra,let alonethe composition of the Adeptus Ministorum.

TnE lxeursrTroN

AnEprus MEcHANrcus

not.
The Eyethqt sleepeth

of the omnissiah.
The Lordsof uars and Disciples

A highly secretive organisation, the Inquisition is

bound by no Imperial law or authority save its

The Tech-Priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus are

owlr. The only mission of the Inquisition is seeing

technology. It is they who preserve the Emperor's

the keepers of ancient knowledge and arcane

to the protection of humaniry. Inquisitors are

Golden Throne and they who operate the forge

empowered to investigate any potential threat to

worlds that feed the Imperial armouries with

Mankind and to take whatever measuresthey consider

weapons) armour, munitions, vital spaceshipsand war

appropriate to destroy the danger. This is sometimes alien in

origin, but hurnanity's own ranks are most often the chief threat

machines. The Priesthood of Mars blends the mystic rites

- genetic deviation, political corruption, the machinations of

the Omnissiah with the intricate invocations, and arcane

associated with the Cult Mechanicus and the worship of

planetary governors, incompetence, treason and heresy keep

ceremonies required to build, assemble and rnaintain their

the ranks of the Inquisition permanently occupied. Inquisitors

have earned the names of witch-hunter, torturer and worse, for

precious machines. Unlike many of the other major Adeptus

any means justifies an end so vital and so endangered.

Terra, but instead upon the original and greatest of all the forge

organisations, the Adeptus Mechanicus is not headquartered on

worlds, the red planet of Mars.

f{rcs Lonns oF TEnna

Theygluern thedestinyof Mnnl?ind.
These twelve powerful individuals rule the

AuEpTusTEnnn
of theEarth.Theirwillbe done.
The Masters

Imperium in the Emperor's name) and it is they

The Adeptus Terra is the central bureaucratic

who send the Imperium's fleets to war and direct

organisation of the Imperium and not really an

its nigh-inexhaustible armies. Their task is to

agency itself. It is made up of many autonomous

interpret and enact the silent will of the Emperor,

relying on his potent mind to guide their thoughts and inspire
their actions.

departments that receive the orders of the High

Iords of Terra, passing them down to the different
branches that will enact the commands. There are only a few
organisations in the whole of the Imperium that do not fall

I
1i

TnE AuEpTUSMnusroRUM
of theImpenalCreed.
Promulgatorc
To countless billions, the Emperor is nothing less
than a god to whom they devote their entire lives.
Over the aeons, this faith has spawned a powerful
organisation - the Adeptus Ministorum - more
commonlv known as the Ecclesiarchy. The

under this central command, most notable of which are the

Inquisition, the Adeptus Mechanicus and the Ecclesiarchy.

Aunprus Asrna TETEPATHTcA

piercethe darltness
and cross
the Stars.
Their Voices
The role of the Adeptus Astra Telepathica is to
recruit, identify and classrfy psykers and then train

Ecclesiarchy is not part of the Adeptus Terra but is a wholly

those found worthy. To do this, the Adeprus Astra

separate Imperial institution, and it hosts numerous subgroups

of its own, the best known of which ate its military wing (the

Telepathica is divided into two bodies: the League

of Black Ships and the Scholastia Psykana;the

Adepta Sororitas), its orthodox training orphanages (the Schola

Master of the Adeptus Astra Telepathica presides over both. The

Progenium), and its missionaries who often accompany

Adeptus Astra Telepathica classifies many grades of psykers, the

Imperial exploratory vessels (the Missionarus Galaxia). The

Adeptus Ministorum has a long and bloody history, replete with

highest of which are primary psykers, rare individuals marked

political power struggles and sometimes fully-{ledged civil wars,

but for almost 8,000years,it has maintained and spread the only

to serve the Imperium in high capacity roles. The most

common grade is that of Astropath, those who send and receive
telepathic messagesover interstellar distances.Other acceptable

officially recognised religion of the Imperium of Man. They

wield great power across the galaxy and the Ecclesiarch, their

grades are channelled along to the Adeptus Astronomica, while

leader, has a permanent seat among the High Lords of Terra.

fulfil other, less savoury, duties.

those unable to pass the battery of harsh tests take a final path to

AnEpTUs AsrnoNoMrcA

TnE AnEprus AnsrrEs

rhey fuel theguidingLrghtof the Emperor.

The keepers
of the GreatBook.of ludgement.

enough for the Adeptus Astra Telepathica are

The Arbitrators and Judges of the Adeptus Terra

enforce law in the Imperium. Equipped for a

handed over to the Adeptus Astronomica for a

localised war, they maintain order in a way that is

Capable psykers not talented or disciplined

different kind of training. The survivors provide

absolute and unforgiving. In the ranks of the

the raw psychic power of the Astronomican, the

Adeptus Arbites, fanaticism for the enforcement of

psychic homing beacon that enables Navigators to steet their

ships through the \ilZarp.To operate the Astronomican requires

the governmental edicts and rigid adherence to the letter of the

law are paramount - only the most loyal can succeed.

a choir of at least ten thousand psykers, and the process of

constantly transmitting quickly destroys them, but there are
always more being trained to take their place.

Aonprus CusroDEs
TheyguordManhind'spast,present,andfuture.
The Custodian Guard are the Emperor's personal
bodyguards, created using the same arcane

AnEprus AnMTNTsTRATUM
LJponthem turn the wheelsof gouernance.
The largest organisation in the Adeptus Terra, the
Adeptus Administratum

is itself divided into many

branches. The greater majority of its constituents

have no concept of how their work fits into any
overall scheme, or even that they are paft of the

methods that begat the Adeptus Astartes. Stronger

same bureaucracy. Their work is an end to itselfand the single

than Space Marines and instilled with unshakable

most important factor in their lives. It is enough to perform the

loyalty to the Emperor, the Adeptus Custodes now

task; understanding is neither required, nor welcome. It is said

guard the Imperial Palace,having effectively become a defensive

by the soldiers of the Imperial Guard that for each fighting man

army. Three hundred Custodians, the Companions, still protect

there are a dozen scribes and at least two minor officials toiling

the Emperor as guardians of the Golden Throne.

?w?|, recording petty details that no one will use or consider.

TnE IUpERTALGueRD

TnE IupERrAr FrEnr

Hammer of the Emperor,the Shieldof Humantty.

Theywho ply the stars,Iifebringersond wayynongers

both.

The Imperial Guard is the largest fighting force of

All shipping within the Imperium falls under the

the Imperium. It is divided into innumerable

purview of the Imperial Fleet, rvith the exception

armies and scattered throughout the galaxy across

of that carried out by the Adeprus Astartes and a

thousands of war zones. They rely on incredibly

few other Adeptus organisations. The larger part of

vast numbers of soldiers, armoured battle tanks

and devastating artillery to smash their foes, grinding them

the Fleet is the Navf, battleships that escorr

essential cargo across the galaxy and serve as the first line of

down through attrition and the brutal application of devastating

defence in any invasion or insurrection. The Imperial Fleet also

and unrelenting firepower.

transports the billions of soldiers, incalculable tonnes of food,

wargear and munitions required to fight Emperor's foes.

The provisioning of the Imperial Guard is provided by the
Depanmento Munitorum, the munitions and supply wing
of the Administratum. Even this colossal organisation has no
real idea of exactly how many troops are under arms, as the
numbers are too vast and variable; even before considering the

TnE Nevrs NoBnrTE

Passage-makers,
Bearers
of theThird Eye.
The Navis Nobilite, also known as the Navigator

continuous toll of casualties,the influx of recruits can run into

Houses, make up the Terra-basedorganisation

many billions each d.y.

from whence come Navigators. One of the few

TnE SpncE MIRTNES

human starships through the roiling madness of

sanctioned breeds of mutant, Navigators pilot

TheyL<now
nofear,the Angelsof Death.
The Adeptus Astartes, more commonly known as

!Z.tp space.The leader of all the great families of the Navigators

is the Paternova, the most powerful of his kind - though he can
never leave the Palaceof Navigators. Chief amongst the servants

the Space Marines, are the most powerful and

of the Paternova is the Paternoval Envoy, a position that is

dreaded of all humanity's warriors. In many

granted a seat as one of the High Lords of Terra.

respects, however, they are themselves no longer

human at all, but instead superhuman beings
forged by almost mythical levels of genetic modification,
training and the rigours of strict disclpline. The Space Marines

PTIITETARY CovERr{oRS
They ruIe in his name.

are the Imperium's fighting elite, a cofps of highly mobile

Individual planets are ruled by local leaders who

shock ftoops trained to deploy quickly and to do battle

hold nominal rnembership in the Adeptus Terra

anywhere. Space Marines are organised into Chapters and each

with the (often hereditary) title of Imperial

is an army unto itself, able to provide its own spacecraft,

Cornmander. Their responsibilities may be likened

atmospheric fighters and deployment craft, along with

to feudal lords: they must provide troops for the

armoured vehicles and the best equipped infantry known to

Imperial Guard, they must maintain order over their domain,

Mankind. The Space Marines carry the fight to the foe with

they must carry out the Irnperial decrees and they must pay all

precision, skill and deadly swiftness, always drawing the hardest

tithes levied upon them by the Administratum. Although

missions, against the rnost impossible odds. Although they are

bound to the Adeptus Terra, an Imperial Commander is

few in number, they are never daunted; the valour and

essentially an independent ruler. So long as quotas are met, he

dedication of the Space Marines is without measure, for they

is free to reign in any manner he chooses;hence, the wide

are Angels of Death, and none may stand before them.

variety in sryles of rulers between different planets or sysrems.

Tnn Orncro AssnssrNoRUM

RocuE TnenERS

The da

The handthat drawsthemap.

he dorh,the silentanswer.
e O{fice of Assassins is an important, if little
known, tool of the Imperium. The different

Most of the galaxy remains unexplored unknown, but ripe with resources the Imperium

temples that make up this mysterious agency are

can harness. Such is the d.tty of the Rogue Trader.

all cloaked in secrecy. The locations where they

Licensed and equipped to explore the uncharted

train their matchless killers are hidden, not

revealed even to those who assign them targets. It takes a two-

regions of the galaxy and beyond, the Rogue

Trader is the Emperor's emissary to the unknown. He holds full

thirds vote from the High Lords of Terra for an Imperial

authoriry to negotiate, barter, subjugate or utterly destroy in

Assassin to gain an assignment and no one is safe from the

pursuit of feeding the Imperium's rapacious appetites for

attentions of their deadly work.

information, territory, alien anefacts and raw materials.

,t*,'

THESreRS
Ar*,toNG
Er*,rptRE
Tftere'is

no gpeater mlrstery

e great boorr, allowing

quictly,

krrown as the tVarp. It i3 at once

dimension
and foreboding
distanrcee
unirneg;ineble
to trcvel hitherto
epacecraft and corn-rnrrnications
- a haunted realnr whete evil and predatorry things watch and wait.
nigfirtmate

in the galaxy than the strange

the hnperirrrn's

and it is also a liwing

For good or ill, humanity's

fate is tied to that shadowy

ultirnete

dornain.

TrnEs oF THEWAnp

capture back to their shadowy realm, to obliterate the material

The greatest human colonisation of the galary began many

thousands ofyears before the Ag" of the Imperium, when it was

universe and engulf it within Varp space. Fortunately for

discovered that it was possible to breach an alternative dimension,

known as \ffarp space,the Immaterium or simply the W'arp. It

easily leave the Irnmaterium and can only do so when they find

became possible for ships to be propelled into and through this

realm, which soon led to faster than light, interstellar travel.

realspace. Such coveted gateways exist, but are rare.

Mankind, this is difficult to accornplish. Daemons cannot

gateways that bridge the gap between their dread domain and

The most vulnerable portals linking the Irnmaterium with the

material galaxy are human psykers. A psyker's mind registers

The sheer mind-boggling impossibiliry of the !(/arp defies

explanation, and those who attempt to delve further into

visibly in the \7aqp, and by using his powers, a psyker opens

understanding its ways inevitably slip into madness. Of the

little that is known is that Ifarp space does not conform to the

up a bridge between realiry and that uncanny realm, a path

laws of physics as we know them. As a result, a ship that enters

the Immaterium can cover the equivalent of rnany thousands of

realspace.\ilithout

light years of distance within a relatively short tirne, dropping

back into realspace far away from their point of origin. Thus, a
journey that would take many dozens of centuries in realspace

the psyker is horrific. Sometimes it takes the form of massive

can be traversed in a matter of weeks through the \XZtrp.

their sublects more subtly and use them to inveigle themselves

that a Daemon can follow back to the psyker himself, and into
a great will or the benefits of training, there

is little protection against such prowlings, and the effect on

physical changes, distorting and twisting their bodies in an orgy
of destruction. Insidious and cunning, other Daemons possess
into human society, keeping their true nature hidden while

l,

{i

l.

they nurture plots to further their own ends. Luckily, Daemons

Despite the obvious uses, however, the Immaterium is a

dangerous place that is never entered lightly, for there ate many

cannot exist for long in the material universe without the

unnatural energies of the \7arp to sustain them. Chaos entities

hazards that can wreck spacecraft or carry them far off course.
There are patches of unexpected turbulence, intense storms and

will therefore seek to enlarge any dfts, prolonging the amount

mysterious eddies that can trap a ship in the repetitious loops

of eterniry. Even slight miscalculations can cause bizarre and

from the \7arp, whispering in the ears of the weak and impure'

of time they can exist there. To this end, dark entities reach out
calling Men to heresy and sowing the seeds of cornrption.

inexplicable results, exposing passengers to madness' mutations

and jumps forwards or backwards in time. These threats,

Such are the dangers of the \farp - at once a boon and an

though considerable, are nothing compared to the greater and

unimaginable dangers that lurk in \Varp space.

unirnaginable horror. Vithout

ll

the abiliry to travel through

\Va.p space,the Irnperium would collapse and Mankind would

To better understand these dangers,it is necessaryto realise
two important truths about the nature of the \[arp. Firstly,

fall victim to the endless perils that threaten to destroy it.

'$7'ithout
psykers, the whole system of astrotelepathy would

the Immaterium is composed entirely of emotion and psychic

energy. It is this energy that a psyker draws upon to use his

be non-existent and each planet would be cut off, unable to

powers, channelling the otherworldly forces to send telepathic

messageshurtling to far distant worlds, or to propel a psychic

flung fleets and armies of the Imperium to be coordinated and

bolt of energy against a foe. Secondly, \7atP space is not an

empty void, but an infinite and incomprehensible realm

very existence. Yet the \7arp also represents the most hostile

inhabite dby many sffange entities, the most powerful and

dangerous of which are the four Great Gods of Chaos - Khofne,
Tzeentch, Nurgle and Slaanesh- and their legions of Daemons.

profound are the dangers harboured in Varp space that those in

heed warnings or call for aid. Only the \7arp allows the farmoved against its enemies; it is essential to the Imperium's
of realms and the direst of all threats. So all-pervading and
the Imperium who understand the perils keep that knowledge
a closely guarded secret. Only a few truly realise what dangers
await humaniry just beyond the veil of realspace.For so grim

Daemons are destruction and anarchy incarnate and they

lust after the flesh, blood and very souls of living creatures.

is the outlook) so complete is the annihilation that lurks in the

They want only to destroy, to drag any living essence they can

enemy, it would drive them to anarchy and madness.

Immaterium, that were men to realise the immensiry of their

*--#.#
a".=*
I.S

REACH

.+
LTES

:.=:.==ffi-=

TriiEr*rpsnon'iCo-trrrlNorr,r,-uNrrNi{*s.tgp,q.g.41Yl,, .

VOYAGESTHROUGH THE IMMATERIUM

{n

Man's ability to exploit the Wa{p has resulted in their many

quantities of troops to where they are needed in order to

crusade-like expansions that have, over the millennia,

defend their widely strewn realm. \7hen it comes to space

periodically swept out from Terra, penetrating all the way to

the outer reaches of the galaxy. In terms of the star systems and

travel, the advantage humanity enjoys over the other, more

planets under its control, the Imperium is by far the largest

empire - indeed the worlds under its dominion are dotted

of the Adeptus Mechanicus, the steering ability of the

across the galaxy, some clustered together, others far-flung

outposts scattered across the frontiers of wilderness space.Yet

first is the maintenance of ancient technology by the Adeptus

\7arp-restricted, races is born of three factors: the technology

Navigators, and the guiding light of the Astronomican. The
Mechanicus; the Tech-Priests of Mars preserve the lore of

as massive as the Imperium has grown, it can not exert control

ancient science on behaHof the Adeptus Terra. By engaging

over the whole galaxy, nor even claim the majority of the
'$7'ithin
the
habitable systems encornpassed within its borders.

their W.rp engines, spacecraft can enter or exit the nebulous

with a degree of reliabiliry. The
second factor is the existence of Navigators - a race apart

realm of the Immaterium

large unexplored tracts, there are many things to be discovered

- natural resources beyond imagination, lost human colonies

which has been specially bred to pilot a ship within \7arp

and the ruins of long dead faces waiting to be explored. The

galaxy also contains many alien civilisations ruling smaller and

of the Immaterium, enabling thern to rnanoeuvre their ships

space.Their third eye is sensitive to the tides and currents

through the roiling madness to their eventual destinations.

less coherent empires of their own.

The third factor that makes \7arp travel possible is the

The staggered pattern of human settlement undoubtedly owes

powerful psychic beacon called the Astronomican. Broadcast

much to the nature of space travel through the Immaterium.

Because of the turbulent nature of ,Varp space,some parts of

from Holy Terra by r choir of psykers and focused by the

the galaxy are harder to reach than others. Violent currents

allowing Navigators to follow its guiding light or plot courses

Emperor's will, this beacon reaches through \(t.p

space
the

of movement within the Nfarp isolate some zones, requiring

through the directionless murk of endless Chaos. \(ithout

circuitous routes to reach them or, at the worst, making any

Astronomican, not even the most powerful of Navigators could

nearby travel impossible until one of the unpredictable lulls

pilot a ship or plot a course for the immense voyages required

momentarily stills the region. Morebizane

still, some parts of

to cross but a quarter of the breadth of the Imperium.

\Varp space act like power vortices, sucking helpless spacecraft

ro their doom and tearing them apart with impossible forces.

In essence,the realm of the Imperium of Man is defi.ned by

the reach of the psychic beacon of the Astronomican, the
great light

of Terra. Should a Navigator attempt Varp travel

Over time, Mankind has learned to, at least partially, navigate

the rJilarp.This has been achieved only at great cost and
with great daring, yet tilZarp travel has allowed humanity

be seen, he must do so in utter blindness, greatly increasing

to colonise manv distant areasand then to move vast

the risk of mishap or madness, or afate worse than either. At

outside the great radius from which the Astronomican can

great distances, the light of the Emperor is not visible. This

limitation produces areas such as the Eastern Fringe or the
Ghoul Stars,vast regions that are largely unexplored, save by ^

NevrcAToRS

few Rogue Traders who have used conventional space travel to

N a v i g a to rsa re a sta b l e b re edofhumanm utantswhoseexistence

predates the Imperium by many thousands of years. Founded

probe beyond where the Astronomican can reach. \ilhat waits

for Mankind out in that blackness is unknown. . .

some time during the Age of Technology, the Navis Nobilite, or

Navigator Houses, survived through the Age of Strife to the present,

Few of the alien races encountered by mankind accessthe

day, where they currently thrive as a vital part of the Imperium.

\f.rp.This

the Immaterium do so less reliably than Mankind, utilising

varied and extreme, but all are marked by a third eye in the middle
of their foreheads. It is this orb that is the key to their power and

reduces the reach of their space travel and therefore

the size of the realms tFreycontrol. Those few races that do dare

Navigators have unique physiques, some of which can be quite

'

endless corrective manoeuvres to travel even short distances, or

value, for it is used to see the shifting cuffents of the \7arp, enabling

trusting to guesswork to reach their destination. Fot instance,

a Navigator to steer a spacecrafr through the maelstrom of madness

the brutal alien race known as Orks can sometimes achieve

that is the Immaterium. The mutation is neither spontaneous nor

the technology to enter \ilrrp space,but without anything like

natural, but rather the result of ancient genetic experimentation

Navigators or the guiding Astronomican, their methods of

and engineering. Amongst humans, only Navigators can pilot

spacecraft through the \Warp with any teliable degtee of ditection.
\X/ithout Navigators, the Imperium

would fragment into thousands

of separate stellar empires, each only a few dozen light years across,
whose spacecraft would be obliged to risk many tiny, blind jumps to
cover any great distance of interstellar space.
rr\-\,

uI

trrl\-rJLLuor

Jt/aLL.

steering can be described as haphazard at best. While Orks are

the most prolifi.c of the galactic races encountered by humanity,
'W'arp
travel usually prevents
their limlted and random use of
their individual empires from fully uniting to rnatch the might
of the Imperium.

THE WORTDS OF THE IMPERIUM

Spread acrossthe galaxy are over a million planets colonised in the

The Impenurn is constantly at war) and each of the segmentums

name of the Imperium. To easesome of the problems inherent

contains dozens of raging war zones, to say nothing of countless

in running an empire acrosssuch great distances,the Imperium

planetary raids, xenos probes, rebellions and other threats untold.

is divided into five segmentums) whlch in turn are broken down

Only by continuous and aggressiverecruiting can the demand for

into numerous sectors and sub-sectors.Some planets are well

the armed services be met, and in the midst of ongoing carnpaigns,

'.g connected to other Imperial worlds or, in rare cases,pan of a

even harsher measures are employed to replace high numbers of

united star system such as the Realm of Ultramar or the stellar

casualties.On the most war-torn planets, the entire population

systems surrounding Terra. Many Imperial worlds are clustered

is destined for a military life; the recruiting and birrh rates are

around regions of spacernore easily accessiblethrough the Warp,

synonymous. The need for resources to arm and equip the fleets

often branching out from prime planets that serue as key travel

and armies of the Imperiurn is unceasing, and untold billions

or communications hubs. These worlds and their colonies form

of Imperial citizens toil endlessly simply to keep pace with the

The majority of inhabited worlds, however, are separatedfrom the

endless demands. Only by tithin g- acharge on manpower levied

upon every colonised planet - can the Imperium continue to exist,

greater Imperiurtr by immense voids of distance, patchy histories of

holding at bay its many enemies while simultaneously seeking

isolation and culrures grown (or regressed)itr disparate directions.

new worlds and resources to conquer.

tightly-knit

alliances for trade purposes and murual protection.

The exact number of planets inhabited by the Imperium

is not precisely known as,given the immense distances,

TnE IupERrAr TrrnE

communication issues and the volatile nature of the galaxy,

Also called Terta's Due or the Grand Harvest, the Imperial

even if a thorough census could be completed, it would be

Tithe is a complicated contract worked out according to each

obsolete soon after it had begun. New planets are colonised

planet's abiliry to pay. A great many branches of the Adeptus

on the many frontiers all the time,yet it can take hundreds of

Administratum

years for that information to filter back to Terra. In that time,

organisations might be tasked with sacred duties such as

the new territory could have expanded further or been attacked

and wiped out. Suns die, tVarp rifts open and countless isolated

fluctuations. It is the duty of each planetary governor to ensure

worlds fall to the predatory xenos species that hunt throughout

the Imperial Tithe is paid. Such ministrations are tyrunnically

the galury. It is not uncommon for Imperial fleets to arrive at a

enforced, but as long as all tithe responsibilities are met and

are involved in the process, and different

assessingtithe rates,measuring collections, and monitoring any

planet's coordinates to find a once teeming world transformed

enemies of the Imperium are rejected, a planetary governor

into a blasted and barren landscape,or once advanced

may rule his planet in any fashion he seesfit with little or no

civilisations reduced to feral hunters. \7trp storms, Daemonic

interference. In return for this fealry, the planetary governor

incursions, stellar phenomena) alien invasions and more can

can call upon the Adeprus Terra in times of need to request aid.

make a mockery of the piled datascrolls tediously archived and

Over the long centuries, many planets have established their

studied by legions of scribes. So why do the relentless cogs of

own unique custorns and ffaditions for how they supply their

the Imperium grind on, forever collecting and cataloguing the

tithes. For instance, Vostroya, a manufacturing planet, supplies

data?This indelible drive stems from Terra itself, for naught in

every firstborn son to service in the Imperial Guard, while the

the Imperium is more important than the collecdon of tithes.

four planets of the Nepstrum system take volunteers from the

established family-holds for the Imperial xavy and press-gang
the remaining numbers from the worker class.

. TrrE CuruNG
In addition to manpower, there is one more all-important part of the

Failure to deliver the Imperial Tithe is met with harshly.

Even the slightest breach in protocol will often result in the

Imperial Tithe imposed upon every world colonised by Mankind

execution of the planetary governor and a swift and thorough

It is Imperial law that each planet must keep its population free

regime change. Despite the number of agencies tracking

ofpsykers, though, depending on the world and the abilities

tithes, sometirnes it takes time for discrepancies to surface

they manifest, they are also known as witches, culdsts, mutants,

and be acted upon. This is inevitable given the difficulties of

precognistics, mindmovers, telepaths, pyrocasters, projectors,

spacetravel and communications, to say nothing of the vast

sunderers and more. As in all aspects of governance, how this tithe

bureaucracy within each of the many organisations that make

is met is up to each planetary governor and therefore methods vary

widely. Many choose harsh repression - planet-wide witch-hunts, in

up the Adeptus Administratum. Once tithe anomalies are

which the undesired individuals are labelled as contagious heretics

that are dangerous to know or harbour,leaving them nowhere to
hide. Other planets employ even less savoury approaches. Regardless
i of method, when the Black Ships arrive, a planet must yieid up its
n psykers for collection so they might be assessedand dealt their fate.

spofted, however, the Imperium moves with brutal finality.

None can say how many worlds' rulers are unfairly replaced
due to minor accounting errors, but the Imperium is at war,
battling not for planets ot even star systems,but for the
survival of the human race itself.

-..-.4

TVpEs
Prer.uETARY

worn out world that has plundered all its resources and rebuilt

Over the long ages of their journeys through the stars,Mankind

itself many times over during its history, which stretches

has colonised all manner of worlds. Humaniry has claimed

beyond record. Save for their mutual worship of the God-

ownership over cold, airless rocks, sweltering lush worlds that

Emperor and payment of Imperial Tithes, the people of the two

teem with myriad life forms and nearly everything in-between.

planets would share little in common. From wild frontiers full

During the Age of Technology, colonies were even founded

of lawless savagery and the unexplored, to ancient civilisations

upon hitheno uninhabitable orbs, such as gaseous giants where

with cultures so refi.ned that every nuance of speech carries

meaning beyond translation - all are part of the Imperium.

settlements were anchored amidst the endless mists, tethering

the secrets to

vast cities miles above endless storms. \fhile

tasked

taming such inhospitable environments have been lost to wars,

There are many branches of the Adeprus Administrarum

catastrophes, or the erosion of time, there are still many worlds

that cling to existence thanks to ancient and much revered (if

with classifying the colonised planets. Some use numeric

little understood) machinery. The life giving hab-domes upon

categories,or base ratings on history, level of industry,

accessibility through \wurp space,percentages of psykers or

the fire-riven world of Surtur or the immense atmosphere

systems, others simplifit worlds into broad environmental

sifters that make the poison air of the Aspian Moons breathable,

other endless variables. By cross referencing such data, it should

are prime examples of this.

be possible to gain an accurate portrait of a planet, but the

Administratum

offi.ces are large and disconnected, most not even

Yet planets do not differ just in their environments, such

realising that the others exist. There are few who can navigate

variances as founding dates, technological advancements or

such labynnthine complexities to accessthe data and so, ofren,

the amount of contact with other life forms also serve to widen

decisions are made with what scant information can be gathered.

the differences. As an example,Pizarco is a recently settled

Entire armies have been sent to war zones not knowing the

Imperial outpost attempting to colonise a verdant new world

climate of their assigned planet, or even if it has breathable air,

on the edge of unexplored space. It has little in common with

Heraclea, a planet founded during the dawn of space travel, a

yet the political history, religious cults or mutation rates of their

U E

- s - . - . . _

- - r . -

s UxrvpnsE HAs A cor.D, uNFoRcIvrNG HEART AN

target might be exhaustively detailed in long datascrolls.

T-=---

,F.-=

GARES NOT FOR TIIE LIVES OF MEN.

'#

Ur.rrMAGrNAB[EScerE

One of the most widely known planetary classifications is

The scale of the Imperium and the grandeur of its enorrnig is

that of hive world. These long-settled planets have become

unmatched by the realms of any other race in the galaxy. Due to

so built up and populated that they are marked by vasr,

its vast magnitude, the Imperium can afford for entire worlds to

continent-spanning cities that reach high into the skies, with

become specialised places where a majo.ity, perhaps even the

levels literally built atop previous foundations. These building

entirety, of the population is devoted ro a single rask. This could

practices have gone on for so long that lower levels are no

be heavy industry, military training, manufacturing, mining or

longer recognisable, with architecture and technology from

agriculture. Planet-wide dedication sen/es to simplift

logistics

eras long forgotten, sornetimes even proving to be of xenos-

and increase outputs. On one of these so-called agri-worlds, for

build. The fact that their own hive was built atop ancienr ruins

example, the whole population toils to produce crops or breed

overtaken by their ancestors has passed out of knowledge. Not

creatures for food. \Tithout the fertile plains of nelphenia, the

all hive worlds go upwards; others descend rnany dozens of

beslimed leech fields of Grianah or a thousand others like them,

miles into the ground, the surface world remaining unseen

whole sectors of the Imperium would suffer starvation.

for so long it is considered legend. Some hive worlds, such

as Armageddon, have many different urban conglomerations

Nowhere is the enormous scale of the Imperiurn befter seen

separated by swathes of polluted wastelands, while others, like

than in its monuments. Entire planets have been dedicated to

commemoratin g gteatbattles - the surfaces of these worlds are

Megheim, have the entire surface encased in towering edifices.

covered in statues,tombs for the fallen and triurnphal arches. It

The massive populations of hive worlds periodically become

is possible to see the Great Column, a titanic memorial on the

unmanageable, as the massesboil over against their constant

planet Ultima Macharius, from a high orbit. It is a monumental

repression. Such bustling mega-ciries are always rife with

site dedicated to the high point of lord Solar Macharius'

crusade - at the dme of its capture from xenos, the planet was
the Imperial holding mosr distant from Holy Terra.

anarchic and destructive forces that ensure only the hardiest

can survive. Yet this too works for the Imperiurn, for their tithes
supply rich sources of fighting men for the Imperial Guard.

EmpircAmon'gtheStars.;

The majority of the Imperium's planets are self-sufficient, as

Mankind is at its most primitive, using stone-tipped spears,

they are so regularly cut off by the vagaries of W'arp travel

whilst other worlds have perhaps advanced to medieval levels.

that they have to be. Many of these d.$l broad categorisation,

such as Cyclopean Prime - a colossalplanet a hundred times

Decline is common, although there are afew bright points, such

the size of Terra. It is so vast that its full rotation takes over

founders of Ptassium. Regatdless of how backwards a planet

as the progressive electro-societie s of Za>o<isor the chem-sav\ry

l2 Terran years, creating extreme climatic circumstances that

might be, it is still assigned a planetary governor. Often, in such

change from frozen plains of ice to blazing arid deserts over the

cases,these rulers prefer to live in seclusion, although some

course of a rotation. Scattered acrossits hundreds of enormous

stride their realms like living gods, cowing the superstitious

continents are hive cities, industrial zones and grainfields,

natives with their technology and weaponry. So long as the

all configured against the inevitable changes in weather. Or

consider how the planet of Ferroxian wquld be listed - it is a

tithes are paid, the Imperium cares not.

Sometimes a world is too dangerous to colonise, but its

mining world full of the purest ores, |et its environment is so

harsh that it also serves as a penal planet; working in its deadly

potential for exploitation is too high for the Imperium to

confines is a cruel torture considered worse than death.

ignore. This is true of the hollow world of Haxan Prime and the
plague-ridden planet of Gonomondium. For now, the resources

Some planets aren't classified by their environs, but rather

and mysterious secrets of those planets are out of reach, either

by their technology. It is not uncommon to enter zones once

wreathed in acidic vapours or contaminated by virulent disease,

cut off by \7arp stonns to discover badly regressed Imperial

planets - so-called feral worlds - which have, through warfare,

which prevents planetfall. These quarantined worlds, of which

there are no small number) are placed under surveillance or

long isolation or disaster, reverted to barbarism. Most people of

even blockaded to prevent any intruders getting in, or any of

such planets have forgoften the Imperium) or if they remember,

their secrets getting out, until such a dme as the Imperium can

have reduced it to an apocryphal tale or legend of warriors

properly utilise them. Naturally, such information has a way of

who came from the skies. On the most deteriorated planets,

getting lost, resulting in horrible colonisation accidents.

DEern SUroRrDs
Death worlds are planets deemed by the Adeprus Administratum
classification system as too dangerous to support conventional

human

settlements. The death world label could be applied for many reasons,
most likely because of aunospheric reasons, the landscape, or the

'l-

e c o Sy St e m.o n e o fth e b e stkn o w nofal1deathwor 1dsisCatachan' a

planet infamous for its continent-spanning

jungles and myfiad forms of

particularly ferocious carnivorous life. It is almost as if all the biomass

of the planet has turned into some sort of man-eating creature. Amidst
the countless predators, some have attained legendary status across the
galaxy, such as the Catachan Devil, a monstrous insectoid whose savage
exploits are the stuff of nightmare. Yet anyone who has seen a brain
leaf in action, or witnessed the venus mantrap, knows that it is not just
the fauna on the planet that is deadly, for even the flota eagerly hunts
the human population. The death world known as Praxeti, however,
is not infested with maneaters; its danger takes a different form. It is a
blasted rockscape riven with ion storms so powerful that they that can
shatter metal. Other death world threats are stranger still - the living
planet of Croatoa, the psychic storms of Sycorax, or Cesstium's vampiric
condensation, to name but a few.
Many death worlds have some intrinsic value - either strategic or
mineral - that necessitates the provisioning of ouqposts or other
exploratory facilities. Thus, despite the name, many death worlds
support at least some measure of human population. However, living
in such harsh environments is inevitably harsh and dangerous, and
life expectancies are notoriously short. Those humans who do manage
.,to eke out an existence on a death world are natural born survivors,
'
hardened to the cruelry of the galaxy at a young age, and because of this,
th.y make ideal recruits for any number of the branches of the armed
forces of the Imperium.

*-'tq

h.u rHE DEpTHS oF SpecE

DnTFTTNGMENAcE

The Imperium is not made solely of planets and srar systems.

The airless vacuum of outer space is an unforgiving

Defensive emplacements and man-made stations of all sorts are

environment. Malfunctions, mutiny, pirate raids, or mishap

scattered about the galaxy, floating freely in space and guarding

can leave a ship adrift, its crew slain. For ships that utilise

against alien onslaught. Most often, these bases are in close

Warp space,the risks are multiplied a hundredfold. As the

proximiry to Irnperial planets, although some protecr the more

vastness of space and the perils of the Vrrp

commonly used routes between them. There are ancient and

salvage operations, these lifeless vessels are often just left

preclude most

complex bases,artificial moons and doomsday bastions, as well

to float aimlessly. Over long millennia, the derelicts are

as simple hazard zones made of asteroids chained together and

moved by natural eddies until they are swallowed by Vz'arp

storms - the colossal furies that periodically erupt out of the

kept in place by occasional thruster bursts.

Immaterium. The energies of those titanic tempests crush

In deep space,the Imperium also maintains battle stations
- planet-sized ports that tether ships of the line. At various

stations, asteroids and detrirus is known in the Imperium as

strategic points can be found larger starforts - the lynchpins of

a space hulk. Some space hulks are small, perhaps only a few

everything together and the resultant mangle of ships, space

Imperial expansion since the days of the Great Crusade. Even

ships compacted together, while others are vast conglomerates

further into the wilderness of the void drift an affay of listening

probes and exploratory stations. Across the galaxy, as far as

larger than many moons. space hulks wander on unpredictable

currents, sometimes dropping out of the lUVr.p to materialise

the beam of the Astronornican can be seen, great exploratory

in realspace for a short dme, before winking away once more.

fleets can be found, whole flotillas plumbing the dark depths,

seeking to stake claims for the Imperium. To reap the mineral-

Such drifting derelicts are hard sought after, for they can be
treasure troves - rich bounties whose cores might date from the

rich nebula clouds and asteroids of new-found metals, mining

Ag" of Technology, or perhaps contain cargo holds full of xenos

stations are launched. Far from the light of any star, these space-

rnechanisms from long lost civilisations. The lure is strong,

faring rigs siphon off the great dust clouds for wealth or bolt

but not for the unwary, for many space hulks have picked up

themselves onto asteroids for dangerous mining operations.

unwanted passengers,becoming lairs for monstrous things.

ExTERMTNATUs
The order for Exterminatus

is a death knell for a world, a last resort for

the direst of situations. It calls for the complete eradication of all life on
aplanet. Such a command can only corne from the highest ranks of the
- a space Marine chapter Masre{, lord High Admiral of the
Imperial Ntty, Lord Commander ofthe Imperial Guard or an Inquisitor.

knperium

It is a grim measure, and the orders unleashing such catasrrophic

destruction are only issued when the threat is so prevalent that no
solution or redemption can be seen. It has been used to combat planetwide heresy, rampant, uncontrollable mutation or disease, to prevent the
opening or widening of \(arp rifts, or when xenos are so entrenched that
the resources (population included) are beyond salvation.
The methods of delivering this ultimate sanction vary depending on
the source of the order and the organisation that delivers the sentence,
but all are equally uncompromising.
delivering an Exterminatus

The Adeptus Astanes tend towards

device to the planet's sudace. such a

rnission takes the carefully picked kill team right to the hean of the foe,
where they can ensure the absolute death of the world. By contrast, the
Imperial Navy prefer sustained bombardments, using battleships to
hammer the world until its very structure collapses. The grim cowettes
of the Inquisition favour esoteric weapons such as cyclonic torpedoes
and atmospheric incinerators.

'Somc
mayquestionyour right to destroytcn
billion people.Thoscwho understand
realisc
thatyou haveno rightto lct themlivc.'
- Efierminatus Eztremis

THE ECCIESIARCHY
Necessiry and fear alone cannot bind a rnillion planets together,
and from the earliest days of the Imperium, many have tried

THE OFFICIAL FOUNDINC

Thefirstoffrcialstepof theAdeprusMinistorumwasto tighten

to unite mankind through faith. From a small cult full of

its control over the practices of the massesby persecuting any

superstitious andzealous disciples, the organisation known as

remaining cults that refused to amalgamate beneath its broad

the Ecclesiarchy has grown to provide the state religion for the

banner. Those who refused to join were declared unbelievers

whole of the Imperium. A force unto itse$ the Ecclesiarchy has

and the population was stirred to violence against them. The

now spread into nearly every facet of Imperial life.

might of the Ecclesiarchy was such that it could call for vast
Wars of Faith - military campaigns capable of overrurning

It was recognised long ago that the man known asthe Emperor

planets or whole systems. Often, this was done to furthet the

was something extraordinarf, and as he led humaniry back

Imperiurn's goals,ridding it of hererics, sedidous unbelievers or

to the stars,he was much venerated as a leader and visionary.

alien subversion, but history is equally replete with examples of

On the most regtessive planets rediscovered during the Great

the Ecclesiarchy instigating bloody wars for its own gain. There

Crusade, no few of the prirnitive peoples considered the

Emperor to be a living god - a fiery saviour that came frorn

have been many instances like the Grommoden Massacre,or

the skies. On others, his coming heralded the fulfilrnent of

build the first of the shrine worlds. lavish cathedrals,tnassive

the Nilar of the Three Treasons that secured enough wealth to

ancient prophecies. After his battle with Horus and subsequent

statues and monolithic triumphal arches heaped praise upon

incarceration atop the Golden Throne, the Emperot became the

the almighry Emperor but, more imponantly to many, these

obiect of open worship even on socalled civilised planets.

pivotal hub planets granted vast political sway and rich rnineral
resources.The Ecclesiarchy's influence spread throughout the
Imperium and few dared to question its motives.

The culmination of the civil war known as the Horus

Heresy not only robbed Mankind of the Emperor's physical
guidance, it brought about other changes as well. In addition

With the backing of the Adeptus Terra, the growing

to the devastation brought about by so many years of war,

Ecclesiarchy increased its hold on Irnperial citizens until,

there was general panic in the newborn Imperiurn, a fear of

by the end of 33rd Millennium,

traitors within humanity's midst and growing trepidation

in the Imperium save for that condoned by the Adeptus

there was no open worship

for the warping powers of beyond. Suddenly, the bright

Ministorum. The only exceptions were planets controlled

light that the leader of Mankind had worked so hard to

by the SpaceMarines and the Adeptus Mechanicus, who

rekindle was replaced with worrfr suspicion and dread.

were begrudgingly allowed to keep their unique traditions.

In'|o'lhisThis is still the casein the 4lst Millennium, although in

ffi:ffi',?'5:f;::,Hil: 3T,H"erabre the long ages since, this has led to some distrust, strife and
occasionally even open war between the differing parties.
Over the tumulruous decades following the Horus Heresy,
many prophets rose up throughout the Imperium citing

THE HOTYMISSION

visions and revelations regarding the Emperor, and cults

The servants of the Ecclesiarchy are fanatical in their quest to

dedicated to his worship began appearing everywhere.

spread their religion. Given the size of the galaxy, the random

These sects differed in practice, interpreting the now-silent

narure of W.arp storrn isolation and the widely varied levels of

Emperor's will in myriad ways, but they were all united by

culrural and technological advancement within the Imperium,

their defication of the Emperor and the proliferation of the

the Adeprus Ministorum finds many belief systems already

principles of human survival that he had instigated in the

established on planets they visit for the first time. This is not an

creation of the Imperium. Concerning mutants, psykers and

aliens, anything that stood in the wa,y of humanity's future

impediment for the Ecclesiarchy, for they have becorne adept

at assimilating all manner of creeds into the Cult Irnperialis -

was to be destroved without mercy or hesitation.

the worship of the Emperor. This might mean erecting great

cathedrals to impress hardened hive-dwellers, or teaching the

As the vengeance campaign known as the Scouring swept back

hunting tribes on feral worlds that the sun-god they worship is,

over the human-conffolled parts of the galaxy,thesenew sects

'V/.ithin
a few hundred years of the
followed closely behind.

in fact, the glorious light of the Emperor. The nuance of how

the people bow before the Master of Mankind is not nearly

Emperor's sacrifice, the multirude of smaller cults had been

as important as the act itse[ and in this the Ecclesiarchy is

absorbed into the largest and strongest sects,the most powerful

content to play the long game. Their strategy, over dme, reins

of which was known as the Ecclesiarchy, after its elected

in the more barbaric custorns and gradually usulps complete

leader, the Ecclesiarch. This aggtessivebody grew so large and

religious control for themselves. Any local religions that

dominant over the years that, early in the 32nd Millennium, it

resist bending before the might of the Ecclesiarchy are ruled

gained the status of official religion of the Imperium and the

heretical and are actively crushed by political or military

concomitant title of Adeprus Ministorum.

means' whichever proves the most prudent.

.q'l+t+\9f
.JE:'N
*

FAVOURS THE FAITHFUL.

ORCANISATION

A Missionarv is a particularly fennent ind ividual u'ho finds

The incumbent leader of the Adeptus Ministorum and

hlmself at the forefront of Imperial exparrsion Sent to

spiritual head of humirniry is called the Ecclesiarch and,

rediscovered worlds or to accompany a crusading army, it

since the middle of the 32nd Millennium, he has had

is his task to bring the Emperor's light to lost civilisations.

a seatas one of the lligh Lords of Terra. Belor,r'thisis a

Once settled upon a new worid, Missionaries often open and

convoluted chain of hierarchal positions that fluctuate

based on political inflLrence and wealth. the Ecclesiarch

run an institution, typically a hospital or s;chool,in places

q.here such things are rare or unkno\ rn. Iiuch good deeds

is elected from amongst the Cardinals,spintual leadersof

are not done withor-rt an ulterior purpose lvlissionaries are

excellent recruiters and ideally positione,l to observe a local

which there are many thousands,divided into various ranks.

A11of the Cardinals are invited to join the Holy Synod, the

population, granting thern the ability to keep u,atch for signs

of genetic deviation, cultural pollution, alien influence or

ruling council of the Adeptus MinistorLlm chaired by the

distnct that can be as large as an entire star system.

Perhapsthe most famous Missions are the Schola

r,r'itchcr-aft"
Progeniltml orphanages established to train the children of

A dioceseis divided into panshes,each of which is centred on

Their orthodox teachings create particularly loval citizens,

Ecclesiarch.Otherwise, a Cardinal ovetseesa diocese,a

those Imperial officials who have given their lives in sen'ice.

and many go on to har.e careersas officerr;or Commissars

an Imperial shrine and run by a Preacher.Especierllyvigorous

Preachersare anointed as Confessofs)free-roaming zealotswho
use their evangelical platform to agitate the crou'tls that tuffI up
to hear them. Undet the spell of an Arch-Confessor, swathes of
citizens will r-ushforwards to confessdreir per-sonalheresies,
reveal their hideous mutations and berray their comrades as

irr the Imperial Guard Some will drift torl'ards becoming

Preachersor Missionaries themselves, flflrJa fen'ivill even
rise to the rank of Inquisitor.

psykers or other untrustworthy deviants. In addidon, there

are Pontfices, Deircons,Relic-keepefs,Shrouded Cenobites,

Since the upheaval causedduring the Age of Apostasy,the

Adeptus Ministoruln's rnilitary wing has been the Adepta
Sororitas,also known as the Sistersot-Bartle, It is these fi.ry

Chapelmasters and rnore. There is a strict hierarchy, but the

realiff is not necessarilystaightforward, aslessertitles in a

ancl zealons female warriors u'ho fornr the spearheac]of the

\flars of faith, erndare the frontline of defence for the many

larger diocesecan otttweigh lofrier positions elsewhere

shrine r,vorldsof the Adeptus Ministorur

--:-l-::i-..___:==:?.:::::!:
MIND
A srvrerr-

*\
rs

A TrDY

MrND.

BEcTNNTNG
oFTHEExo
Iluring

the tirne now regarded

storrns ofunprecedented
ceusing

Mankind

as the Age of Strife,

ferocity.

Ihousands

to becorne hopelesely

the far-flung

ofyears

fragrnented.

colonies

passed inwhich

Many planets

of the human
llmlted

race were isolated

ot no$Zarp ttavelwae

fell to alien predators

and outlying

byVarp

possible,
worlde

tothereverso"*"*.j'#.i:J1ilHfiil1#":*::iH::H:T"H:::::'-*"thstdpp'Ied

Vhen the \Varp finally settled enough to once againallow

eanft

his withered form is bound, the Emperor's psychic powers

travel, the time was right for one trl rise up and lift Mankind

are unfettered and he is still the Master of Mankind and

from out of the anarchy of a bleak and regressive age.The

custodian of the human race.

man who came to be known as the Emperor had long

foreseen and prepared for this mo:ment and he emerged to
unfy the warring factions of Terra, the cradle of humaniry.

No VrcroRY SUrrrHourTorr

Next, the Emperor stretched out his hand to reconcile with

Only the Emperor's mind is powerful enough to survive

the estranged Tech Priests of Mars;.With their help, he

directing the raw forces supplied by the servants of the Adeprus

rearmed his newly created Space}vfarine Legions, and they

Astronomica to shape the psychic beacon of the Astronomican.

strove outwards to bring order again across the galaxy. Known

The same survivabfiry does not hold rrue for those members of

as the Great Crusade, the Emperor's troops spread out from

the Adepfus Astronomica themselves, for their fate is a sad one.

Terra, relentlessly reuniting old territories, expunging aliens

The efforts of generating so rnuch rnental energy soon desrroys

and claiming new systems. It was rrheywho once again united

them,leeching their souls and reducing them to empry husks.

Mankind, laying claim to the largest empire in the galaxy.

Many die every dry, but they are not the only psykers who are

Thus began a new epoch for the race of Man, setting the stage

asked to make the ultimate sacrifi.ce,for the Emperor cannot eat

for what would become the Age of the Imperium.

as men eat,or drink or breathe air. His life has long since passed
beyond the point where such things can sustain him and the
only viable sustenance for the Emperor is human life force -

THE HoRUS HEnrsY

souls - and he has an insatiable appente.

This new dawn for Mankind, this expansive new era, was
only just beginning when great sacrifice was demanded.

Not just any hurnan will suffice for the Emperor's table, for the

Turning his back on the teachings of the Emperor, ir was

the \Tarmaster, llorus, the Ernperor's most trusted and

donor must have psychic powers. Therefore, the Imperium is

scoured by the vast flotillas ofthe Black Ships in a tireless search

gifted commander, who commirteC the ultimate betrayal.

for emergent psykers. During their long, crowded journey back

Embracing the will of the Dark Gods and infused by their

to Terra, some of the psykers will be found to have the strength

of mind to be recruited into the Adeptus furra Telepathica

ruinous powers, the traitor Horus led a great rebellion that

set the galory aflame with bitter ci',zil war. A full third of the
Imperium's forces joined Horus, including half of the Space
Marine legions. So it was that brother fought against brother,
creating myths and grudges that e><istto rhis d^y,for on both

or become trained by the Adeptus Astronomica, but many

more will serve their Emperor in a more gruesome way. They
are given wholly to the weird machinery that surrounds the

sides there strode warriors out of legend, and the very planets

Master of Mankind and their souls are siphoned, slowly and

agonisingly, to feed his mighty spirit. Many hundreds, even

cracked apart beneath their titanic struggles. Seeking to slay

the Emperor, the traitors carved their bloody way to Terra

thousands, must die in this way every day for the Emperor, the
Imperium, and all of Humanity to survive.

itse[ investing the Emperor's Palace,howling their rage in

an orgy of slaughter and war. Yet finally, heroically, the tables
were rurned and, at last, Horus was;struck down - but not

The Emperor's dream of a new age of enlightenment, a tirne

when Mankind was freed from superstition and ignorance,

before he dealt the Ernperor a mortal blow. The shanered

has rurned into something far differenr. His Imperium

has long endured, but onlyby virtue of an oppressive and

body of the Imperor remained intact, however, held sffong

by his indomitable spirit until it could be interred within the
recently-forged machinery of the Golden Throne.

necessarily harsh rule carried on his narne. It is an age of

tyrants and of unreason, an era of stagnation and intolerance.

There, deep within the Imperial I'alace, towering banks of

arcane technology sustain the Ernperor's spirit to this day

His people have regressed into religious obfuscation while

the Emperor sits immobile, his thoughts unknown; the
creature whose will extends over a million worlds is unable

so that it can continue ro watch o,rer humanity. Although

to lift a shrivelled finger.

o NoT weffi

nw

rros.

I wN NoT BoN rc warcE ro

worn

cRow DrM. lrFE rs Nor MEASuBD N n&s

Bm ay Tru DEEDs oF MEN

THEAGE OFTHE IMPERIUM

THEScouRrNG

In the midst of this turmoil, the hierarchy of the Imperium was

The bitter fighting of the Horus Heresy was only the

also undergoing fundamental alterations, morphing from the

beginning of a new age founded in blood, battle and the

direct rule of the Emperor to a realm ruled in his name. Many

living enshrinement of the Emperor. After the death of their

of the changes came from the rising suspicion that was growing

leader, Florus, the traitors splintered and dispersed, but many

from within. During the long fighting of the Scouring, it was

hard battles remained. tt was the time of the Scouring and it

gradually uncovered that far more planets than first thought

demanded countless victories before the fledgling Imperium

had been lulled into treacheries of one form or another. The

was wrested back from the brink of destruction. Eventually, the

roots of these betrayals ran deep and were often hidden, hard to

traitors and heretics that weren't destroyed outright fled before

flush into the light and harder still to mace back to those who

the vengeful wrath of the loyalist forces. Many made good their

had instigated the heresies. Distrust and paranoia were rampant

escape into unexplored space or disappeared into the Eye of

in the wake of such sedition and a new era of unease, fear and
mistrust grew into being - for the seed of doubt was planted.

Terror or other, Iesser-known \7"rp rifts. In bitter exile, those

who had turned to Chaos licked their wounds and cursed the
Emperor, vowing one day to finish what they had started. Yet

Changes swept both the military and the offices of government.

there was no time to rebuild the devastated Imperium, for in

The Space Marine Legions, the vast fighting formations so

the wake of the devastation wroughtby

instrumental in Mankind's victories during the Great Crusade,

the Horus Heresy and

the Scouring, Mankind found itseHweakened and vulnerable.

were broken down into many smaller Chapters. Overseen by

With so much of the its strength siphoned off fighting heretics,

Roboute Guilliman, the Primarch of the Ultramarines Legion,

many colonised planets were ripe for invasion. Sensing this,

this transition allowed for greater tactical flexibiliry without

predatory aliens closed in on all sides until, on every frontier,

worlds burned and were lost. Not even systems once thought

placing the command of an entire Space Marine legion into

the hands of one individual - never again would the awesome

unassailable were safe from the rapacious xenos threat.

power of one hundred thousand Space Marines be misused.

Trtr

Another vast change wrought upon the Imperium's mighty

military redefi.ned the nature of the Imperial Army. Once
including both the great battleships that plied the stars and the
countless soldiers that landed to fight planetside, now the two

lovlr

sLAvE

LEARNS ro

LovE

THE LASH.

THr luprnluMEttouREs
Since those mythic days,the Imperium has churned onwards,
managing to survive all the threats that have been thrown
against it. As explorator fleets burrow deeper into the black void

were dlvided into the Imperial Fleet and Imperial Guard. Across
all the agencies of the Imperium, offices and institutions were

of space,the Imperium grows further still. New inhabitable

planets are found and colonised, and long-lost worlds are

split, their previous responsibilities fractionalised into separate

functions and departments. Many of the countless branches

brought again into the Emperor's light. But always the victories
are short lived, tempered by some newly emerging crisis.

within the sprawling Adeptus Administratum wefe spawned

at this time. \X/ith the instigation of these changes,it was not
unusual for two separateorganisations, each unaware of the
other, to be tasked with the same jobs, such as verificator scribes
and tithe enumerators poring over the same data, each ptoducing
the same reports. These byzantine systems were put in place
asfail-safe measures,which have since spiralled out of control
into administtative excess.Beyond any such bureaucracies,and
standing watch over all, was the newly formed Inquisition, a
secretive organisation outside the established hierarchies. Ever
vigilant, their role was to question everything in their constant
search for threats to humanity. None save the Emperor himself
escapetheir uncompromising

and watchful gaze.

Throughout the long years,the alien menace has not abated manifesting as countless flare-ups along the frontiers as well as
sudden attacks on territories deep in the midst of Imperiumcontrolled space.OId enemies continue their onslaught and
more races of hostile xenos are discovered with alarming
regularity. The Imperium has displaced, repulsed and ground
over aliens across the galaxy, but also watched their own planets
and star systems fall victim to inhuman attackers. In a few
desperate instances,Mankind has had to call upon all their
sprawling might to defend against the largest xenos invasions
recorded in human history. Not a single segmentum has been
spared and even HolyTerra itself has come close to falling into
inhuman hands several times.
The \frrp

storms, which had quieted during the rise of the

Emperor and the Great Crusade,began to stir more frequently

in the post-Heresy period. Once more, tempests burst forth
unpredictably from the Immaterium to cut off portions of the
galaxy, thwarting attempts at stability. The unseftled tVarp
space reflected the rising strife within the realm of men.
\Tithout the Emperor to physically guide them, the High Lords
of Terra have often disagreed on the direction of the Irnperium,
quarrelling amongst themselves. Internecine politics, petry
jealousies and personal ambitions have boiled over many tirnes,
pitting Inan against his brethren time and again. And always,
looming o\rer all other threats, has been the growing menace
that lurks inside the \farp. Rising seemingly from nowhere,
sprouting up as if from a buried hydra's teeth out of fables,
Chaos has repeatedly emerged in new and hideous forrns.
Constantly growing in magnitude, the havoc wrought by the
Dark Gods has driven humanify nearer and nearer to its doom.
The Ag" of the Imperium, the present oge, has lasted for ten
thousand years - a vast gulf of time. It is an age unlike any
other, an era of bloodshed and doubt, a time that combines
both progress-defying stagnation and ever-evolving change.
In many respects, it is a tirne of superstition in which great
and unfathomable technology has been enslaved to the forces
of mysticism and madness To the ordinary humans of these
times, the peasantsin the fields and the warriors amongst the
stars, scientifi.c thought represents an abhorrent perversLtyt a
cofruption of honour and religious virtue. Even to those few
humans who deal with the material of technology, science and
magic have becorne largely inseparable; the tVarp engine must
have runes upon its side and the lasgun requires the blessings of
the Emperor or the Omnissiah.

.*'".#

Against this backdrop of a galary at war, the Imperium faces

an unrelenting doom. If the ever-increasing numbers of rogue
psykers are not controlled, what they unwittingly

unleash will

further strain the fabric that holds the \7arp at bry. Should too
many holes be punctured through realiry, should that gap ever
be too widely bridged, then the powers within the N7arp will
burst forth to consume the gala>ry.
_\.t/

A time of endless night pressesin and, eve

here, the enemies

of Mankind gather like eaters of carrion. Only the Emperor's

Despite the changes in belief and the replacement of logic with

foresight and preparations stand a chance of seeing humanity

faith, or perhaps becauseof such unorthodox implementations,

through such end times. . .

humaniry has not just survived the many disasters,heresies,

and invasions that have plagued it over the millennia; it has

Shrouded in billowing alchemical gases,connected by miles

managed to grow amidst the ruins. The realm of Mankind has

of wires and tubes, the Emperor understands and faces the

never been larger, its borders never wider. Yet the Imperium

dangers that threaten to engulf Mankind. Utterly cut off and

has never been so beset by such a multitude of threats as it is

alone, he has assumed the role preordained for him as guardian

now: incessant alien attacks, the proliferation of psykers, the

of humanity and protector of its metamorphosis. The Master

growing rips in the veil separating \7arp space from realiry and

of Mankind knows that he must survive, must live forever if

the daily cornrption of its own citizens take their toll.

necessatytot until such a dme as psychic humans have evolved

To maintain conftol over an empire constantly poised to be

Varp without him.

suffi.cient strength to withstand the dangers they face from the

shattered, the Adeptus Terra has grown progressively harsher,
their rule has grown ever more iron-fisted and tyrannical. Now is
not the time for halFmeasures, for the fate of humanity is at stake.
Besieged and assailed,the Imperium has transformed into an
increasingly oppressive realm, a place where rules trump reason
and where scale and remoteness removes objectivity. Iven death
is no certain escapefrom service to the Imperium, for the fallen
often continue their work as seryo-skulls, data slaves or flickering
bio-luminas; every resource is required.
At its worst, what the Imperium has becorne is an uncaring
bureaucrucy gone mad - entire planets are rurned into factory
worlds, their imrnense populations enslaved and literally worked
to death to produce materials no longer needed. Unending
rows of scribes record statistics, following procedures as
sacrosanct, although their recorded truths go unread, archived
into continent-sized data banks that are filled, scrubbed blank
and filled again. Lives, untold billions in number, are wasted
out of ignorance, inerria or uncarirg neglect. But what does it
matter? The populace of planets) nay, entire star systems) are not
even drops in an ocean compared to the staggering weight of
humanity's masses.Losses)no matter how senselessor enorrnous,
are acceptable so long as the knperium continues.

Or.rTHEPnrcrprcE
Mankind stands on the verge of an evolrrtionary change tens
of thousands of years in the making. If humaniry can survive
the trauma of change, it can cast off the mundane shackles of
its current form to begin a new epoch of psionic mastery, an era
of wonderment and the dawning of a hitherto unseen golden
age.Throughout the Imperium, the tide of psychically active
humans continues to rise on a daily basis,yet that Mankind will
survive this deluge at all is by no means certain.

A DEADrYEvoruTroN

subjected to the full-spectrurned greatness of the Emperor's

Most humansdo not havethe consciousabiliry to manipulate

psychicrierg/, yet almostall havethe potential Sincethe great
S7arpstormsofthe Ag. of Strife ended,the rate at which humans
developtangiblepowershasbeen steadilyincreasing.These
untrained psychicminds canmanifesta wide rangeof abilities,
but the AdeptusTerrarecognisesthem all aspsykers,and each
is subjectto the demandsofthe Imperial Tithe. This obligesthe
rulers of everyImperial planet to setasidea levy ofyoung psykers
for uansport aboardthe Black Shipsto Terra.

boundless mental energies.-In the midst of this agonising

Every d^y,the vastarmadaof the Leagueof Black Shipsplies

the void, either racing to collect their preciouscargoacross
the galaxy-wideImperium, or rushing homeward to Terra,
their holds crammedfult of frightened and raging psykers.
In addition to the Black ship captains,eacha high ranking
member of the Adeptus Astra Telepathica,Inquisitors often
travel aboardthe ships,asthey provide a good opportunity to
investigateplanets'potentialsfor comrption. Even with psychic
dampenersand vigorous checks,suchjourneys arefraught with
danger,for all on board must be evaluatedand their powers
contained.The threats are constant and ever-changing,as
Varp travel hasa way oflarring or unhinging unwary minds,
sometimescausingpsykersto collapse,releasinguntold horrors.

Additionally,

process, the tiniest mote of the Emperor's boundless power is

rransferred to the Astropath.
Despite the long years of preparation, not all psykers survive
the painful blessing bestowed by the Emperor. Even those that
manage to maintain their sanity often sustain some tfPe of loss
from their brief exposure to purest power. In panicular, the
sensitive newes of the eyes tend to suffer catastrophic damage,
often melting entirely awol, leaving nearly all Astopaths blind.

An untrained psyker's only chance of surviving the threats of

the \7arp is to go unnoticed by the powers that stalk there. This
is very difficult to do, even with training; the minds of psykers
appear as bright flames in the murky realm of the Immaterium,
ripe sweetmeats for the pandemoniurn of planeshifters and
Enslavers, and the worst of the astral predators, Daemons.
'W.ithout
the rigours and disciplines taught by the Adeprus
Astra Telepathica and its Scholastia Psykana, a psyker has no
chance to defend himself against a hungry \trarp presence. The
dangers of new tears in the veil that separates reality from the
\trarp are omnipresent.
Many psykers are innocent of the scope and malign implication
of their abilities, although this doesn't necessarily make them
less dangerous. Others, far fewer in number, are not only aware
of what hunts them, but actively court the dreadful affentions of
-Urarp entities, tempting a terrible fate for morsels of knowledge
or power. Those psykers whose minds are tainted - or worse
yet, already harbouring Daemons - must be quickly eliminated.

THr Sout-BlNIntNIc
No ordinary psyker can transmit a message through the Varp,
nor receive a telepathic message over such distances. Only
those called Asrropaths learn this abiliry, and they only do so
after many years of training at the Scholastica Psykana. Such
teachings mould their powers and strengthen their minds
against psychic dangers, culminating in a special rirual known
as the Soul Binding. Taking place inside the Imperial Palace,
the psykers are led before the Emperor one hundred at a time.
There, they kneel before the Golden Throne and are briefly

after their experience, many lack any sense of

smell, touch or hearing and become increasingly frail of body.

Soul Binding is said to affect Astropaths in other ways as
well, and it is commonly claimed that once his mind has
touched that of the Emperor's, an Astropath may gain a new
understanding and insight into the narure of the universe.
Certainly, their increased psychic skills and fonirude make up
for their sensory losses and, indeed, most Astropaths are able
to function as well as if they had full sight. Indeed, they would
not seem blind at all were it not for their distincrively distorted,
sunken and empty eye sockets.

THEAcrsoF MaNKIND
Knowledge

of the long ages of hurnan

ovet the expanse

historyhas

o{ time. Sorne Historitors

the dark abyss. Be that as it nay, presented

beenwreathed

continue

in shadow, buried

to seeh ftnowledge,

hete are the aEcs of Mantind's

but their
history

beneath the aeons ot sirnplylost

work is lifte holding

a candle against

as currently

and undetstood.

terrned

Throughout the agesof Mankind, there have been many

however, it is most often an indiscriminate compilation of

cataclysmic events of such magnitude that the human race

data, a process where scribes unthinkingly

lj has been brought to its knees. Ork Waaaghs! have threatened

copy content onto

scrolis, preserving complete records in constarrt fear of rnissing

a single inconsequential lefter. The ability, or even desire, to

$ Holy Terra itsel-fbefore being defeated, SpaceMarine Chapters

have been destroyed only to be restored to glory thousands of

translate what these facts tnean in any larger sense is almost

years later, and entire sectors have been overthrown by xenos

entirely absent, found only in a few lndividuals who are eyed

and daemonic threats only to be reclairned in the Emperor's

suspiciously, or perhaps punished for their enthusiasm.

narne. Many tirnes has the Imperium suffered a blow thought

dolorous and yet recovered. Each time, the storied histories

The largest and most complete collection exists beneath the

have been lost, corrupted or rewritterr by the victors of great

carnpaigns.This leaves the majority of the Imperium's people

surface of Terra. There, the colossal under-halls stretch out

of sight - endless vistas of datascrolls tower upwards like

unaware of the galaxy-spanning wars that have been fought to

rnountains. \flith flickering candlelight provided by floating

secure their humble piace amongst the stats.

servo-skulis,long processions of curators, scriveners, and

ciphers wind through the valleys, attempting to illuminate that

The historitors of the Adeprus Administratum seek,gather

which was. Over the years,there have been many adlustments)

and dutifully collect the history of each planet within the

by revisionists ftom the Adeptus Mirristoruml the Inquisition

Imperium. Once, perhaps, this was done with purpose. Now,

and some say the t{igh Lotds of Terra themselves.

.:ryt

AcE oF TERRA:Mr - Mr5

Linle is known of this period savethat Mankind had begun taking its first forays into space.Mars becamethe first planet to
be terraformed when it was settled by industrial canels.The red planet soon becamesynonymous with technical expertise
and scientfic advancement.Colonieshad to be self-suihcient,asmany were isolatedfrom Terraby long, dangerousjourneys.

Mr5 - Mz5
AcE oF TECHNoLocY:
'Dark
Age ofTechnology' so often that its original title might seemincomplete. There are few
This era is referred to asthe
reliablerecordsand eventhey seemto contradictthemselveswith regularity.What is known is that from roughly Ml8
onwards,Mankind discoveredthe rJ7'arpand how to enter it. Slowly, through many disasters,humanity learned to use the
'Warp
to make faster than light jou(neys out of their own star system.During this time, the first alien raceswere encountered.
Soon after,Mankind embarkedupon the discovery,developmentand cultivation of the human Navigator gene,a
controlled mutation that allowed human pilots to make longer'u(iarpjumps than previously thought possible.Navigator
families,initially controlled by industrial and trade cartels,becameindividual forcesin their own right by Ml9. By M20,
humanity had proliferated and settledmany of the countlessstar systems.
It was a golden agefor scientific achievement;technology provided all the answers.Thinking machinesaided civilian
and military production, allowing enormouslaboursto be accomplishedat a frenetic pace.Perfectionof the STCsystem
permirted an explosion of colonisation that reachedthe furthest limits of the galaxy.
For the rest ofthe age,Mankind spreadacrossthe stars,becoming widely dispersedand divergent.There is evidenceof
many wars,but none that threatenedthe stability of human space.The existing recordsListxenosenemieslong since
extinct, along with more familiar namessuch asEldar and Orks. Interplanetary trade wasestablishedand greatfleets
carried goodsto and from the endsofthe galaxy.As planetsbecameoverpopulated,the recently invented constmction
mediums ofplasteel,plascrete,ferrocrete and rockcretewere usedto build colossalcities:the proto-hives.
As quick asMankind's expansionhad been,it waseclipsedby the speedof its collapse.The decline wasso rapid, so uffer
and so nearly completethat little of those coloniesor the civilisations they spawnedremain. Speculationis rampant,but
there arefew facts.What is known is that human psykerswere first menfioned towardsthe end of M22, making a sudden
appearanceon almost every human world within a relatively shon spanof time. By the end of M23 there waswidespread
anarchy,descriptionsof what must be Daernonicpossessionsand great turbulence in the W'arp.Somerecordsalsocite

be'rravalbvthe-*''il'"ilu;il:,"Jru#:l:"J"T::':ili;y"t*::ifil#ffil:'"'fi*[ii:''"'reavenodoub
M25 - M3o
AcE oF STRTFE:
Marked by terrible wars and massiveinvasionsthat tore humanity apan,this agewas a time of collapse.W'arpstorms of
unprecedentedferocity isolatedMankind's colonies.The great distancespreventedcontact with other colonisedplanets,
and those who remained in communication often becameembroiled in internal battlesfor control.

The separatedhuman cultures rapidly diversified.Humanity itself beganto evolve,with mutations regularly appearing
on most planetsand,on someworlds, altering into something new altogether:the first of the abhuman races.Civilisations
that persecutedthe recently developedpsykersfared the best.'$7'orldswhere such abilities were encouragedwere
destroyedaltogether.Someof the wonders of the Age of Technologywere lost or destroyedin the flamesof conflict while
others fell into neglect.Mankind wasbrought to its knees and this horri-ficstatecontinued for nearly six millennia.
Vhen it finally stanedto emergefrom the long darkness,humanity wasforever altered.Sciencewasno longer the answer,but
something to be feared.As the legendsgo,late in the Age of Strife aforce united the warring factions ofTerra and the long war
with Mars wasended.This new leaderwasknown only asthe Emperor, and even ashe preparedto reclaim the galaxy,a find
mighty surgeof the NTarpstorms lit up the skies..i(hen the scintillating burst died down, it left behind the Eye ofTerror.
\qith the suddenquelling of the Varp stormsthat had ragedunabatedfor nearly the whole of the Age,the Emperor
and his newly formed legions of SpaceMarines turned their aftentionsto the stars,beginning the GreatCrusade.This
defining moment brought an end to the dismal despairof the Age of Strife and begana new period of hurnan history.

AcE oF TnE IupERruM: M3o - PnrsENT

From out of the ruin of the Age of Strife risesa new era.Humanity becomesbound within the organisationsand
institutions of the Imperial administration.After the betrayalof the Horus Heresn the Emperor reachesthe end
of his natural life; his existenceis now maintained by the artificial meansof the GoldenThrone and contirrual
human sacrifice.Psykerscontinue to emergein ever growing numbers and arebarely controlled rhrough constant
suppressionand vigilance.It is an era ofwar and constantbattle, and the menacefrom the Warp looms ever larger.

C. M3o
CnElrrou oF THE Splcn M^Lmxr Lncrows
The Emperorforges his greatestweapons- genetically
engineering the superhuman Primarchs.Then, from their
gene-seed,the 20 First Founding SpaceMarine legions.

C. M3o
Brnrn oF THEAsrnoroMrcAN

"

The Emperor createsthe greatpsychic beacon

that allowsNavigatorsto steerwithin the \farp
and travel great distances.Originally powered
solely by the Emperor,that duty is evenrually
shiftedto a greatchoir of 10,000psykersinstead,
heralding the birth of the organisationthat
would becomethe AdeptusAstronomica.

C.8oo.M3o
THn Gnnm Cnuslnn
The Emperor emerges from the anarchy of
sundered Terra and leads the campaign to reunite
Mankind. The Great Crusade is spearheaded by
the newly formed Space Marine legions, who
are armed by the recently allied factories of Mars.
Battles unnumbered are fought and the Space
Marines, supported by the new Imperial Army,
prove unstoppable. Aliens and \Xrarp creatures
are driven back, planets are reclairned and the
missing Primarchs are found The Emperor
preaches three great truths in his reconquest of
the galaxy: genetic corruption must be sought
out and eradicated; psykers are to be rooted our,
kept in control, and handed over to Imperial
agents for evaluation; and destructive aliens are
to be rendered powerless.
As the Primarchs take control of their legions,
the Great Crusade separates,moving in many
directions and reaching far across the galaxy. The
Emperor returns to Terra,leaving Florus, foremost
amongst the Primarchs, to finish offthe great
drives of human expansion. It is these deeds and
countless battles that create the Imperium of Man.

C. M3r
Trrn llonus Ilrnrsy
The Ernperor'smost tmsted seryant,the'$f'armasterHorus, ftlrns traitor.
\fith half of the SpaceMarine legions, fourTitan Legions and an untold
number of formations from the Imperial Army, Horus makesfor Terra,
airning to take the Emperor's place asruler of Mankind. It is a bitter
civil war; acrossspaceand upon many planets,brother fights brother.
Immortalised by many legendsthe Battleof Terraand Siegeof the
Imperial Palacemark the epic finale of the Heresy,with countlessheroic
actionsand notorious deeds.In the end,Horus is slain,but not before
the Emperor is monally wounded,forcing him to retire for evermorero
the life-sustainingGolden Throne.

C. M3r
Trrn Scoumuc
This is a canrpaign of vengeance fought against the heretic traitors
sdll found across the galaxy. loyalist forces, led by the Ultramarines
and Space Volves Legions, drive back those trairors who survived
Horus'fall. The corrupted forces find refuge within the swirling Eye
of Terror. This dme period also rnarks the grim realisation ofjust
how many planets were lured into helping the traitors. Some are
com:pted, others merely misled or beguiled. Guilt and recrirnination
henceforth become rife in the new Imperium of Man.

C. M3r
SncoNn Fouunrxc
In the midst of the Scouring carnpaign, the retnaining loyal
Space Marine Legions are disbanded to form the far smaller
1,000-man organisations known as Chapters. A portion of
the Space Marines maintain their parent Legions'original
names, badges and colours while the remaining Chapters
take on new names and heraldry. The majoriry of these
Second Founding Chapters still serve the Imperium today.

544.M32
TrrE Bn^l,srAnrsns
The Orks rampage across the Imperium on a massive scale. The
nurnber of attacks grow until it becomes the greatesr greenskin
invasion that the galaxy has ever known, eclipsing even the
one defeated by Horus upon the world of Ullanor, which
earned him the title of\Tarmaster. Nothing is safe from the
orks'primal desire to conquer the galaxy, and their widespread
advances are only halted when the Imperium resorrs to the
rnost extreme of measures, at great cost to the Adepfus Astartes.

THE TIME OF REBIRTH

This is the dawning of the galaxy-spanningImperium and the rebirth of the
domain oftvtankind. Almost immediately following its inception, the newborn
Irnperium must rise from the ashesof the Horus Heresy.Now shorn of the
Emperor'sleadership,nearh everything is reorganisedand many fail-safesare
put into place. Countless doctrines, the most famous ofwhich is the Codex
Astartes, are drawn up and implemented in the hope of ensuring that largescale militaryrebellion
is never again possible.

ThcAgcsoJMag.kin{z

3r3.M33
Srncn or ErEnNrTvtsGlrn

546.M32
Txn Brrrmnruc
politics of the Imperiurn take a calamitous
turn when the High Lords of Terra are slain to a man at the
orders of Drakan Vangorich, the Grand Master of the Officio
Assassinorum. This marks the beginning of a hundred year
period of anarchy.At great loss, a Space Marine retribution
force delivers the Emperor's justice to Vangorich
The internecine

646.M32
Rnunrrnn
Agnathio,ChapterMaster of the Ultramarines,unites over
frfry leadersfrom other Chaptersof SpaceMarines and
arrivesupon Terra.Such a show of power and faith puts an
end to the squabbling for the contentiousseatsof the High
Lords of Terra that has consumedthe differing factions
sincethe Beheading.In locked council with the mightiest
of Mankind's warriors,such matterswere quickly sorted.
None know exactlywhat was done or said,but when the
SpaceMannes departedback to their far-scattetedmissions,
there once againsattwelve High lords of Terra.If there
wasfurther dissension,none daredspeakit aloud.

615.M33
Trrn Brann or INuNrrY
TheB\ade of lnfinify, a pre-Heresy cruiser, emerges from
the Varp, its re-entry signature suggesting that it had
left realspace over twenty thousand years previously.
This predates the !7arp-drive's invention in the Age of
Technology and suggests radical time stream disorders
Transmissions picked up suggest the Blade of lnfnity
is trying to communicate some rfpe of warning, but
before much can be deciphered, it once again disappears
into the Varp. In its wake comes an invasion fleet of
Chaos Space Marine Legions, fell foes that rvreak much
havoc. The ship Blade of Infintty re-emerges several more
times in subsequent years, always as a harbinger of
further Warp incursions.

83r.M33
THn Ynln oF TrrEGuosrs
In the Segmentum Solar, the honoured dead
rise up to drive back the terrors of the Varp.

888.M32
Trrn AsrnopLrH \VLns

c. M34
gro.M32
Tgr Frnnsronu

Trrn PLr,n %srrNc

In the early years of lrrt34 a great threat
arises beyond the Ghoul Stars Even today
its true nature remains suppressed. The

C. M3z
Rrsr oF TrrEAonprus MrNrsroRUM
The Emperor, always an object of veneration,
only increases his following after being joined
to the Golden Throne. Many Imperial cults
arise over the following centuries, the majoriry
of which are united into a iarger body known
as the Ecclesiarchy. This powerful body
gains momentum undl, in the thirty-second
millennium, it is granted the status of official
religion of the Imperium and the title of Adeptus
Ministorum. It is only a few centuries later that
Ecclesiarch Veneris II receives a seat amongst the
High lords of Terra, and after 300 years, the seat
reserved for the Ecclesiarch is made permanent.

Mlr
oF THE CoNrnssoR
Tun Vln
In a particularly violent display, the Adeptus
Ministorum exerts its newfound strength'
Many key shrine worlds are added to their
holdings during this holy war.

ravages are said to cause the extermination

of a score of Space Marine Chapters and
souls unnumbered.

40r.M34
Trrn I{owuNc
Black Templars Space Marines end
the Catelexis Heresy by executing the
Cacodominus, an alien cyborg whose
formidable psychic presence allowed
it to control the populace of thirteen
hundred planetary systems. Alas, the
Cacodominus' death scream echoes
and amplifi.es through the'S7arp,
burning out the minds of a billion
astropaths and distorting the signal of
the Astronomican. Millions of ships
are lost in the resulting upheaval and
entire sub-sectors slide once more
into barbarism without the dictates
of the Adeptus Terra to keep them in
line. It is a steep cost for victory.

THE FORCINC
The lmperium expandsand binds its most impoftant star systemsunder ever tighter control Astropath choirs areset in \
relay positions acrossthe grlaxy,wlth major hubs on the best-garrisonedworlds such asArrnageddon,Bakka and Macragge.
The Adeptus Ministorum bmomes the official teligion of the lmperium, adding new measuresof control over the masses.
A few long-lost SICs arerediscovered,and for a ti:ne, the technological decline is stabilised.V_ithout the Emperor's
guidarce, there is much room for interpreting the best direction for the lmperium To avoid prolonged dissension,striqt,
rirles areput in place and punishments ior disobedien.e areswift and brutal. Iear n:les the highest levels ofauthoriry and
isnorance rules the lower menials.The establishedrule becomesharshet and mote widespreadthan ever.

*'

Th. Agesof Mankind

C.2oo.Ml6
Trrn RErcu or Broon
GogeVandire,Ecclesiarchand High Lord of the Adeptus
Administratum) falls from the Emperor'slight and sparks
a civil war that lastsfor sevendecades.Only when loyal
citizensrally to the banner of the preacherSebastianThor is
the strife ended.Though Vandire'sblood haslong sincebeen
washedaway,his mernory stainsthe Emperor'sPalacestill.

666,},{34
%.np Suns
Following a fierce storm bursting from the Eye of Terror,
the fi.rstof many Wa.p Starsaresighted.The tendrils
of their power pull any shipsor small planetsthat fall
doom.
within their reachto a grisly,if spectacular,

gt+.Mt4
THn Vl,ruvrucs

oF Urruwf

c. M35
Morru,EScHrsu

3ro.M36
Trrn Pucun or UNBELTEF

\,!

754.M!6
WEr or lurnrcuE Drs^o.srEn

Dudng the dark days of the Nova Terra Interregnum, this

conflict tears apaft the Adeptus Mechanicus, dlviding the
Machine Cult in a way unseen since the Horus Heresy.

989.M36
Tur Gornnu Tnnoun l{uucnns
As theEyeof Terrorandother\ilatp riftsvisibly

The forge world of Moirae is blasted to dust, but not

before the schism spreads throughout the Cult of Mars,
the Titan Legions and several Space Marine Chapters
with close ties to the Adeptus Mechanicus. Over two
thousand years of bloody strife pass before the baleful
doctrine is considered ftlly purged.

expand, the Tech-Priests servicing the Golden

Throne demand an increase in the number of
psykers needed to fuel the Empetor's growing
appetite. The Black Ships increase in number
and frequency of voyages. According to some
records, four times the number of psykers are
sacrificed daily to maintain optimal levels of
power to the Golden Throne.

975.Mt5
Trrp Clrl,crvsM oF Sours
The Ecclesiarchy begins to rebind the sundered
Imperium as a religious state that transcends
political differences. Billions die in the religious
wars when the Ur-council of Nova Terra reiects

oro.M37
Wuru oF rHE Cruos SUN
The red giant star at the heart of the Maxil Beta system
explodes in an expanding cloud of tXrarpflame. The
inhabitants of every world for hundreds of light years

the Ecclesiarchy's teachings.

are either mutated beyond recognition or possessed

by the denizens of the'Warp. In response, the High
Lords order the mobilisation of whatever forces are
close at hand So it is that the Grey Knights are joined
by a dozen other Chapters, countless Imperial Guard

98o.M35
I{nun Rrsruc

regiments, and the nascent Orders Militant of the

Sisters of Battle. The tesulting battle does much to
heal the wounds opened by Vandire's treachery.

ggr.M35
Trrn Cunsnu Foulunruc
The notorious 2lst Foundlng of Space Marines
goes horribly wrong and the Grey Knights are
called in by the Inquisitiorr to expunge the threat.

02o.M37
Tun Gnnlr Cuu
In their mercy, the High lords of Terra begin a
systematic extermination to ensure that such a
corruption of faith can never occur again.

ro4.M36
Trrn Wln or REcovERY
Patchy reports cite technological wonders
on the planets of the Mortuam Chain.
Hoping STCs can be recovered, the Adeptus
Mechanicus launch an expedition, which
begins an escalating war lasting over a
cenrury. Aided by the weaponry they recover,
they free the human colonies from xenos
occupation and several first generation copies
of STCs are returned triumphantly to Mars

32r.M37
THE AnvssLr, Cnuslon
The judgement of Saint Basilliusfinds thirty
SpaceMarine Chapterswanting in faith. The
guilty aregiven a choicebetweeninstant death
or embarkingupon a crusadeinto the Eye of
Terror.All choosethe latter mission.

THE AGE OF APOSTASY

NOVA TERRA II{TE RRE GNUM

The time of the twin Empites. The ur-council of
Nova Terra denounces the High Lords of Terra
and claims rule of the Segmentum Pacificus. For
nine centuries the Imperium becomes a realm
split in twain. The Age is marked by ongoing
civil wars fot reuni-fi.cation and disputes ovet old
trade terms) tithes and wavering allegiances.

,i

Foreshadowed by the split of the Nova Terra

Interregnurn) a new age of dissent and power
struggles follows. Zealeclipses reason, and
isrule reigns supreme. The word of the Emperor
is subverted wholesale by corrupt ideologues, each
struggling to usurp total control for themselves.
The strong prey upon the weak.

ThcAgcsof Maqkindlj
550.M37
Trrr OccrusHn

13r.M39
THE RrnEuPTroNCnusapns

The northwestern fringe is ravaged by the Apostles of the Blind

K.g, rogue Tech-Priests who view humaniry as an affront to the
Machine God. The Apostles uncover artefacts lost in the Dark
Age of Technology that allow the creation of supernovae from
the hearts of living suns. Constellations are forever changed as

In each of the segmentums of the Imperium a great hero

emerges. Like unto the Primarchs of old are these warriors, and
the combined efforts of their crusades push back the borders
of the Imperium further than they have been for nearly five
hundred years. And then, fifty years later, the five heroes vanish
without a trace, spurring Ecclesiarch Inovian III to declare them

the Apostles purge the outer sectors of Segmentum Obscurus'

War rages for a decade, until Navigator Joyre Macran discovers
.ilZarp
the palace-warship of the Blind King hidden in a fold of
space. Macran guides the Emperor-class battlesh ip Domntus
Astra to the palace's location and the nlind King is slain.
\Tithout

his prescience, the Apostles are quickly overcorne.

754.Mt7
DrssrunNcnDnnlus (THELosr Cnuslun)
On thousands of planets, menials rebel against their
dreary drudge with wild-eyed leaders espousing a better
way of life - a galaxy of tolerance. The movement is
especially popular amongst the youth, earning it the
title of Children's Crusade. Billions of earnest pilgrims
are lured to seek transport to Terra; some are waylaid by
pirates, but the majority disappear into the \farp.

r.rg.M4r
Vln
GorHrc
Known by some as the l2th Black Crusade, a vast attack
is launched by Abaddon the Despoiler. It involves many
sprawling batles across dozens of star systems, most of
which are in the Gothic Sector of Segmentum Obscurus
Lasting ovef twenty yeafs, it involves large naval conflicts
and hundreds of planetary invasions. On the Imperial side,
dozens of space Marine chapters, rearllr a hundred Imperial
Guard regiments and the better part of three Titan Legions
take part, along with every naval vessel the segmentum can
muster. The forces of Chaos, made up of Traitor Legions,
renegade Chapters, Daemonic hosts and rebellious cults
are eventually pressured by an endless stream of Imperial
reinforcements to fall back into the 'Varp.

9s6,M37
II ulvnxFAr,r, M,ls s.lc nn s

3g2.M4r
Tun MlcnLmmr CoNQtrcsrs

o34.M38
Trrn BroouuDE AwAKENs
rrz.M38
luucnuENT oF B^l,srr,uus

Having purged more than four hundred worlds within the

Eye ofTerror, the survivors of the Abyssal Crusade refurn to
'$Tithout
pausing to claim the honours due
Imperial space.
for such a successful and profracted crusade, Chapter Master
Konvak Lann of the Vorpal Swords declares the now ancient
Saint Basillius a false idol and adoration of htn tantamount to
betrayal. In less than ayear,everyknown sepulchre and shrine
of the false saint is desroyed. After his execution, his bones,
along with countless relics, books of doctrine and thousands of
living worshippers are placed on a derelict bulk-freighter and
launched directlv into a nearby star.

666.M38
Gmlr l{lnvr,sr
A great armada of misshapen hulks drifts out of the'Vrarp
near Terra. Some of the twisted and fused ships can still
be identifi.ed as transports carrying pilgrims from the
Lost Crusade. The Inquisition works feverishly to cover
up the fleet's existence and its cargo of abominations

oor.M39

( THn CoNrrrcr

oF l{nrcl

ro3.M39
MlusoLEAN Clucrvsu

saints returned to the Emperor's side.

THEAGE OFREDEMPTION

Lord Commander Solat Macharius musters the greatest

anny the galaxy has seen since the Emperor united all his
Primarchs beneath him in the Great Crusades' In seven
years, Macharius reconquers a thousand worlds on the
western reaches, and his glory carries him into the darkest
sectors, places where the Emperor's hght had never before
been seen. Upon his death, the whole Imperium weeps
for the fallen commander, but Macharius' territories soon
collapse into rivalry and war. The Macharian Heresy, as
this time has come to be known,lasts for se\/enty years
and is only ended through the combined eftorts of one
hundred Space Marine Chapters.

5OO.M4r
TrrE TElns oF TrrE EupEnon
The Imperium is sweptby visionsof the Emperor's
tears.From backwardsplanetsto hive worlds, a
million versionsof the samestory aretold by holy
men, street agitators, shamans, priests, and mystics.
Primitives point to storm-fiiled skies, claiming that
the drops falling from them are the tears of their
mighty god Upon cardinal worlds, Arch-Deacons
to lowly pilgrims claim to have seen statues of the
divine Emperor shed tears. Chapter Masters and
hive ciry urchins alike have visions of the Emperor
stirring upon his throne, tears running from his
empty sockets. Although the dreams take myriad
forms, all know that the Emperor weeps not for
himself, but for Mankind.

'With

THE STIANINC

The sins of apostasy are purged in blood and the Imperial

cult grows in power. Hetetics burn on a thousand worlds
as the populace of the Imperium mortift their sins'
Crusade after crusade is launched, and as the fervour peaks,
thousands of worlds are left with inadequate defences as

the Imperium's armies exhausted by the Redemprion' {;

Crusades, many worlds and systems fall to Ork invasions, Chaos
insurgencies, or new alien menaces while internal strife embroils
countless star systems across the galaxy. To combat the spreading
anarchy, the Adeprus Terra irnposes ever-stricter ntles and doles

sector fleets, Space Marine Chapters and Imperial Guard

regiments are drawn into long and terrible campaigns.

out ever-harsher punishments. Many systems are turned over to

direct governance by Space Marine Chapters to preserve stabiliry.

$g.r of Mankind

Tnn Trun or ENpruc

The days close ir and Mankind stands before the precipice. Now, say the priests, is the time ofjudgement, where faith
shall be tested in fire, and courage pushed to its very limits. Secessionand rebellion ate rife, for only the suong ofwill can
maintain order againstsuch pressures.Sensingweakness,alien empires closein on all sides.Zealotsrant that the xenos are
but Mans punishment, his lust consequencesfor sttaying ftom the Emperor's guidance.The rise of mutants and witches is
yet another sign ofthe unworthiness ofhumanity.
Desperatemessagesfrom acoss the galaxyecho through the Warp.Astropathswotk feverishly to pull the transmissions
from the Immaterium and translate them, to sift the meaning ftom the garble. The messagesare dite: planetary governors
plea for aid, Imperial Guard oficers call for reinforcements,fleet commandersissueominous wamings. Thus arethe fotces
of the Imperium put into motion. They fight with the valout of heroes, defending humanity from within, without, and
ftom beyond - but they cannot be everywhete at once.
Daily, the news grows worse,the attackssteadily rising. Most portentous ofall, the prescientforetell ofgreat ripples of
movemenr irr the W'arp,lile a swell in the water disturbed by some colossal,but unseen, menace below I'ell things ate
gathering in that dreadreaLn,straining asnever before to push through the unseenborders.
This is Mankind's darkesthour. . .

75o.M4r
Trrn Gnnlr Exouus

7+4-M.+t
h,r. Ourus
Taggarth, the Seer of Corrinto, proclaims the approach of the
End Times. He prophesies a time of unprecedented upheaval, in
which even the light of the Emperor is swallowed in darkness.
Taggarth is swiftly executed for heresy, but the doomsayer's cry
is picked up by others on planets beyond count.

745.M+r
TrrnGnrm Dpvounnn
The Tyranids enter the galaxy and the Tyrannic $Urarsbegin.
Hive Fleet Behemoth destroys the Imperium-held Tyran
and Thandros systems. Later that year, the alien horde
descends upon the Realm of Ultramar,laying waste to several
planets and devastating the Ultramarines Chapter. The bold
deeds done during the Battle of Macragge are one of the
most enduring of the many legends of the Ultramarines.
The immediate threat of Hive Fleet Behemoth is finally
ended under the guns of two entire Imperial battlefleets.
Still reeling from their wounds, many across the Ultima
Segmentum look to their borders with increasing unease,

';;Gt;ffil

748.M.4r
Tgn Brooo Srl,n Cluparcnt
S7henthe srarAres rurns blood red, it heralds I
incteaseddaemonic activity in the ScarusSector.\
Beforethe brutal campaignends,it claims untold '
lives, including three Chapter Masters and the
Fleet Admiral of Segmenturn Obscurus.

A strange swirling phenomenon in the Argos system is only a

curiosity until the sudden appearance of six Eldar craftworlds.
Bythe dme the hnperial Fleet arrives, both the swirling mass
and the Eldar are gone, yet in their passing all prime suns
within sixty light years are extinguished. The Imperial Fleet
and innumerable ffansports attempt to ferry the countless
billions of Imperial citizens to neighbouring systems, in what
is the largest exodus ever attempted by the Imperium. It is
estimated that nearly 12% of the population and 32% of the
heavy indusrry are safely removed. The ring of dead planets
and suns is now known as the Deadhen Ee,a salvager's paradise
and refuge of pirates.

757.M,4a
A Gnru F^lrn

B_

The first recorded incidence of the Zombie Plagueoccurs

on Hydra Minoris. Quarantine is imposed,trapping 23
billion uninfected Imperial citizens alongsidea rising tide
of contagiousand carnivorousundead.

766.I$4rBr.nqnnn
Many Imperial watch stations and listening posts in
the Catachan and Ryza systems are attacked by Eldar
pirates under the cornmand of Prince Yriel. \Tithout
their early warning'eyes and ears', this leaves both
Systems vulnerable for decades to come.

KNowr,nocn rs Powrn; Powrn Connupts.

TheAgcsof Mankiod
8zz.M.4t
Amnnox's Qunsr

783.M4r
Rrsr oF TrrE ANcnurs
Eldar from the Ulthw6 Craftworld destroy an
E4plorator fleet abovethe deadworld of Maedrax,but
not before severalprobeshavebeen released.Space
Marines from the Blood Angels Chapter are dispatched
to investigatethe lossof the fleet and insteadbecome
embroiledin a battle betweenthe Eldar and the
Necronsthat had awakenedon Maedrax.

Chaos Warmaster Abaddon raids the Maiden world of Ildanira,

seeking a long-lost artefact He is driven off by forces of the
Alaitoc Crafrworld. Such an action is minor compared to the
many ongoing wars, but its poftents loom large.

Roors or ConRUPTToN
The uprising on Krandor III, thought to have been suppressed
over W years previously, has once more grown strong. Mutants,
psykers and all manner of outcasts have been nurtured in
darkness and corrupted by the whispers of cowled culrists. Even

7g5.M.4r
Knmnon RnnDLLroN
An uprising in the Krandor systemis hatshly put
down by the Cadian 23rd. Severalof the cults, notably

,i.

the followers of the Shining Deity, the Cult of Many

Tentacles, and the red robed Brotherhood, had not been
seen since the Fourth Quadrant Rebellion. Although
both military and civilian losses are high, their quick
sublugation is vital. The Imperium can ill-afford to lose
the resource-rich Krandor system, which holds planets
key to the whole of Segmentum Obscurus.

797.M+r
Gnmu Tror Ovrn (Irrrul
Segmentum Ultima, countless Ork
invasions threaten to mass into a single colossal
\(aaagh!The forces of the Imperium are stretched
to their utmost to contain each individual war zone.

Throughout

Notable actions include Marneus Calgar, Chapter

Master of the Ultramarines, holding the gate alone for
a night and a day against the greenskin hordes in the
Siege of Zalathras and the Second Company's utter
'sTarboss
Brug's planet stronghold.
devastation of

8or.M4r
Grrrnnr,nss rN THE Sronu
Abrief flictr<erin the Astronomican throws
thousandsof ships offcourse,dooming
them to destruction in the Varp.

813.M4r
Trru Srncn or Vru.xs

as the surging rebellion takes over the planet's surface, hive

by hive, the orbital sentinel stations and moon-based defence
lasers are captured by Chaos Space Marines accompanied by
loathsome things, neithet man nor mutant. Three Space Marine
Chapters,led by the Imperial Fists, secure resources, artefacts
offi.cials before Exterminatus
and a few Adeprus Administratum
is mercifully delivered. Som e 42Imperial Guard tegiments from
Krandor III still exist, surviving only because they had been
shipped out to distant war zones before the rebellion.

i
Trrn S^lrr.rr Cvr,rH Mlss^o,cnn
The Adamant Fury Titan legion betraysthe Emperor and f;d; j
to Chaos. They rurn their guns upon loyalist regiments of the
planetary defence force before making good their escape. The
loss of a full Titan Legion sends dpples of concern through the
Imperium and great effort is exerted to find and destroy them

876.M.4r
Trrn BroonuDE RETURNs
Chaos comes to the world of Van Horne. The Bloodthirster
Kzijagginath, Lord of the Bloodtide, breaks free of his
bonds and unleashes a tide of gore that corrupts everything
it touches. For eight days and nights, the orgies of blood
continue, each fresh death luring yet more Daemons
to the mortal world. Only when the Grey Knights' 4th
Brotherhood arrives can the Bloodtide be abated, and then
only at great cost. Ka'jagganath is cast back into the \Varp.
The psychic backlash also banishes the Bloodtide and the
Daemons it had drawn forth.

The Apostate-Cardinal Xaphan leads the arsenal

world of Vraks into the service of the Dark
Powers. As the forces of the Imperium arrive to
quell the rebellion, they are immediately met in
batle, followed by a rapid escalation of forces
on both sides. The seventeen-year campaign
ends in a full-scale Daemonic incursion and,
frnally, the intervention of the Ordo Malleus
and the Grey Knights. By the end, Vraks is
entirely laid waste.

883.M4r
AnrvrounED AssAUr.T
The Cadian423rd spearhead,ledby Knight
Commander Pask,is the largestarmoured assault
since the Battle for Tallarn. Over eight thousand
Imperial tank companiesand thirry-five superheavy detachmentsare annihilated during the
nearly total destructionof the renegadeAdamant
Frry Titan Legion upon the PlanusSteppes

ffi

irTh.4B.t of Mankind
go7.M'4r.
Gnnnu lNrnsmrroNs

888.M4r
THn CnuslnE oF Wru.rrr
The Black Templars Chapter inflict heavy losses on the \X/ord
Bearers Chaos Space Marine legion, reclaiming several star
systems pteviously lost in the Maelstrom.

ork \Waaagh!activity rises throughout all five segmentums of

the Imperium, forcing the Novamarines, Raptors and Howling
Griffons to be redeployed away from the Badab War to counter
the growing greenskin threat.

89r.M4r
THn Lonc MrnNrcrrr
The worlds of Persya suffer attacks from f ldar pirates
who swathe their targets in ufter darkness before
pillaging and slaughtering at will. The vicious raids only
cease upon the arrivai of the Praxion Patrol.

gr3.M4f
KNowTEDGEIINsor.rNn
Disciples of the Chaos Sorcerer Ahriman
sack the Librarium on lollana.

g2o.M4r
Loss oF TtrEElrrgrur,

8g7.M4rOlp MnNlcE RrsrNc

Eldar pirates attack the advance escort of a fleet of Black

Ships as they exit \(arp space in the Thanos system.
Destroying three frigates and capturing the troopship
Emperor'sEaithful, the pitates quickly disappear, taking with

The fortress-conventknown asSanctuary

101is desroyed,including all the Sistersof
Battlewithin, by Necrons No survivorsor

',

them a vast cornplement of Imperial Guard and Imperial

signs of the perpetrators are left. Some few _.,,

in the Imperium begin to understand the 'Te
vast menace that the awakening Necrons
rnight become.

Nrr.y personnel.As a result,the fleet of Black Shipsis left

vulnerable and is picked off one by one in funhet raids

g25.M4r
Tur Wonr,n EucruE

897,Df.4r
Hrvn Frrnr GoncoN

The Necron \(/orld Engine is revealed as the

architect of destruction of the Vidar sector. It is
finally destroyed, thanks chiefly to the sacrifi.ce

A new Tyranid menaceis spottedby Imperial

outposts- it is headingdirectly for the
growing Tau Empire. No warnings aregiven.

made by the Astral Knights Chapter

gz6.M.4r
THn V^lxrrlrr,rAN GExocrnr

gor.M4r
Wlns
THE Bloln
Lugft Huron, master of the Astral Claws
Chapter of Space Marines, refuses to hand
over his gene-seed tithe to the Administratum
and instead announces his secession from
the Imperium, declaring himself the Tyrant
of Badab. Twelve years of inter-system war
follow, wreaking havoc on shipping lanes

known as
In lessthan a month, Chaosrenegades,
the Purge,slaughterover fourteen billion Imperial
citizensand claim the planet Vaxhallastheir own.
The world had servedasan Astropathrelay hub and
buttressof the Heraklessystem
asa fortress-planet,

and embroiling more than a dozen Space

Marine Chapters. \fith much loss, Badab falls,
but Lugft Huron and some 200 of the Astral
Claws escape,taking refuge in the Maelstrom
of Ultima Segmentum. There, they change
their narne to the Red Corsairs and become
dreaded pirate raiders. Huron adopts the title
of Blackheart and continues to recruit more
renegades to join him.

hf

*l,
i. il

_r@r{ilF;E

Tnrnn rs No FEARrN coNvrcrroN.

gt7.TvI4t
ffuur FoRrrrE Rrn Conslrns
Inquisitor Pranix leads five companies of
Space'Wolves and units of the Cadian 30lst
and Tallarn l4th in an attempt to reclaim the
nine Hollow Vorlds from the vile clutches
of Huron Blackheart and the traitorous Red
Corsairs. The Irnperium's forces are stunned
to see how quickly the Red Corsairs have
expanded and how vast their renegade and
piratical ernpire has grown.

;
4

LTh. Agcsof Mankind

g4r.M4r

976,M.4r
Rvzl\Vln ZouE

FoR AnulcEDDoN
SncoNn Vln
The largest and most powerful Ork in millennia, \Varlord
Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka, ieads a vast Waaagh!
that, after much rampaging, meets its match upon
Armageddon, a planet vitally important to the Imperium
The Orks are defeated only by the stubbornness of the
defenders, the combined might of three Space Marine

A massive Ork invasion smashes into the western sector of

Segmentum Ultima.tWaaagh! Grax is denied taking the forge
world, but the surrounding worlds suffer great destruction.

989.M4r
Flu or RvuNts Wonrn

Chapters and the legendary heroics of Commissar

Yarrick. Ghazghkull escapes and vows to return one day.

Waaagh! Snagrod rampages across the loki sector,

culminating in an assault on Rynn's'World that leaves the
Crimson Fists Chapter nearly wiped out. They vow to rebuild.

963.M4r
THr Donu^l,ur Am.KEN
An Ultramarines force clashesrvith a Tau fleet for li
control of the cursed planet of Malbede. The conflict
awakens Necron tombs hidden beneath that blasted
rock, and so overwhelming is the attack launched by
the metal warriors that only a union befween the Tau
and the Ultramarines prevents them both from being

gg2.M4r
CnpEn TmuupHANT
Eldar forces attack Cadian holdings on Aurent, only
to be utterly defeated through the inspired tactical
genius of Ursarkar Creed.

destroyed. tn the wake of a hasry retreat, Marneus

Calgar initiates Exterminatus on Malbede, but
generously allows the Tau to evacuate beforehand. The
planet's destruction sets off a brief flicker of unknown
energy on dozens of planets throughout the system. It

gg3.M4r
oF I{rvE Fr,nEr Knlxr,N
IV - I)Ernlr
The Ultrarnarines quash a tebellion on the industrial rvorld
of Ichar IV, only to find themselves at the forefront of a
desperate defence against Hive Fleet Kraken. Two Space
Marine Chapters - the Scythes of the Emperor and the
Lamenters - are all but wiped out and hundreds of Imperial
worlds are lost to the Tyranids before the incursion can be
IcrHn

is feared that more Tomb'Worlds are awakening.

969.M4r
Nsw Pucur Rrsruc
The Blade of Eternity is once again sighted, this time
near the Cando system. As it is approached, the ship
is mysteriously replaced by the plagueshipTerminus
Esf. The Zombie Plague sweeps across the system.
Infected refugees carry the foulness far and wide.

blunted Simultaneously, another tendril of the same Hive

Fleet ravages the Eldar Craftworld Iyanden

rt8gg7.M4r
Rnrunrv oF THEGnur Drvounnn

973-M.+t
Illnx Dnuus

The twin tendrils of Hive Fleet leviathan strike

at the underbelly of the Imperium, cutting a
swathe of destruction through Segmentums
Tempestus, Ultima and Solar, beginning what is

A violent \farp storm troubles the dreams of

men - for those more psychically aware, the
srorms prove catastrophic. t tightmares crack
the barrier, slaying many psykers and creating
rifts between the Immaterium and reality.

sometimes referred to as the third

Although brief, thousands of Daemonic

incursions cause untold damage and many
dark seeds of corruption are planted.

22r gg7.M 4r
or VnNcEANcE
Prscrul
IV - Trrn Sronu
Piscina IV is invaded by Orks under the joint
leadership of Ghazghkull Thraka and Bad Moons
warboss, Nazdreg. Orklsh teleportation is used
in a surprise attack and only the stout defence

975.M4r
oF SxLnnru,Nn
flnsor.l,uoN
The Bloodthirster Skarbrand materialises on
the Cadian fortress-planet of Lutoris Epsilon.
His berserk rage infects all he surveys, and soon
the fonifications are drenched in blood as the

commanded by Master Belial, of the Dark Angels,

and the timely arrival of reinforcements ends the
Ork threat. Although the victory is great, several
Imperial Commanders, including Master Belial,
feel that Ghazghkull might have further tricks up

Guardsmen turn upon each other in crazed

bloodlust. Lutoris has since been considered
cursed and is currently classi,fredas quarantined.

his sleeve.

q f,r$r. ,
ii r+

=-+{ff
THEnE

rs No cowARDrcE

Tyrannic'$Var.

rN FArrH.

gSgggg.M4r
Trrn Lrnrru.uoN oF LaclN -%.n oF TrrERrsrNc Sons
The Ultramarines 3rd Company liberate the Lagan system
from the Tau Empire. Even while they do so, several key
planets of the neighbouring Dolmac system capitulate to
Tau ambassadors.

ggoggg.M4r
I'T,|,I
TrrEL'CTA|iIUS
Ocunrus BErr
IDnvl,srATroN
I'.EVASrArltJN ().I
oF TH.,b
Eldar from the Biel-Tan and Saim-Hann
.

1 r

l t

Craftworlds devastatemany worlds

i
!'
.T.
, ],

ggrggg.M4r
oF TrrE DElo
\Zave afrer wave of pleas for help flood at once from all
across the galaxy, though there is only an eerie silence from
Segmenrum Pacifi.cus.So powerful is the influx, so overbearing
is the psychic current, that the Adeptus Astra Telepathica
suffers serious personnel losses amongst their Astropaths.
\?'hole choirs collapse at once, driven mad or slain outright,

Mnss^lcEs

their minds bursting Vast breakdowns of communications

ensue, increasing both anarchy and panic as the endless
psychic screams for help echo across time and space

t - : i

2:
surrounding the Octarius system with the
intent of denying crucial biological resources
to Hive Fleet Leviathan. Many are Ork-held
planets, but quite a few are colonised by the
Imperium. The loss of life is substantial, as is
the loss of tithes that the planets would have
paid to Emperor.

ggzggg.M4r
RrnEr,LroNs.
oF a TgousLun
Uprisings and discord strike countless planets across
the Imperium. lJnrest races like wildfire, consuming
many outlying planets, but also supposedly secure

Nrcur

worlds like Enceladus, Darkhold, and Minisotira.

Even the home world of the lions Defi.ant Space
Marine Chapter is lost to anarchy caused by secret
cults and frenetic agitators Contact is lost with large
swathes of Segmentum Pacificus.

ggSggg.M4r
Tun r3TH Bucx
Cnuse.nE
\Warmaster Abaddon launches his l3th nlack Crusade. The
armies of Chaos invade Cadia and many surrounding worlds.
The forces of the Chaos Gods read hke a toll call from epic
battles from down the ages.Always in the vanguard are the
Black Legion, followed by the Death Guard, tVorld Eaters,
Alpha Legion, Thousand Sons, Night lords and others
from the annals of the blackest days. legions and renegade
Chapters of Space Marines long thought extinct renew their
assaults on the Imperium of Man. Before them run infected,
plague-ridden cultists, deranged mutants and traitorous
scum in numbers too great to count. Behind them tower
Daemon Princes, Daemon hosts and other'Warp crearures
eager for slaughter. Asrropaths everywhere cringe to open
their minds to receive rnessages,for the tVarp rings with
mind-splitting peals, possibly the sound of the myriad tears
ripping in the barrier between the material world and the
!7arp, or perhaps it is the laughter of Dark Gods

Battlesrage acrossthe starsand the fate ofMankind, ofthe entire galaxy,hangsin the balance.From massive
conflagrarionsthat dominate entire star systemsto raids on outpostsdrifting in the depths ofspace,the Imperium is beset
like never before. Srrangearethe strandsoffate and none can foreseetheir ending. Even the Emperor knew, at the end'
that there would come a blank time, a time when prescient vision failed and Mankind lay on the razor'sedgebetween
salvationand endlessoblivion
Yet in that blanknesslies Mankind's only hope. A small strike force racesto savea planetary govenor from a gruesome
death at the hands ofChaos-supportedrebels.His life or death alone might be the difference between an entire hive
fallirg to rebellion; the courseof that sirgle hive might dictate whether a planet is consumedby Daemonic incursion
or fiery Exterminatus.The removal ofa single keystone can have dire ramifications fot the arch,and unknown
Sodoesthelossofasingleplanetsendsystemsto
consequencescanresultfromeventsthatseemthemostinsignificant
ruin, in turn toppling whole sectors,sending quakespropelling through the segmentums,those colossalstructureswhich
support the teetering edifrcethat is the Imperium itself Despitethe massivescaleof Mankind's empire, on a spidet's
thread hangsthe balance
Can the coming blows be parried? $flhich ofthe many threatsbtandish the deathblow,the assaultfrom which there will
be no recovery?\rhere to sendthe reinfotcements,if any can be found? Vho will rise up to saveMankind? How much
can be borne? Beneatha vaulted dome, ancient with anriquiry unbearablyhearrywith the weight ofhistory' the lotds of
Terra faceharsh decisions.A vast holo-map of the galaxybLinkswith a million emergencywamings. There is no tine to
plan, there is no spaceto think. No respite.No forgiveness.There is only war.

FoncEsoFTHElrrapERruM
'The

dalaxy echoes with

the clasL of their

weapons

Over ten thousand years of constant warfare has honed

and the thunder

of their

rnighty

grrfls.'

Mankind's military might, for the galaxy is a hostile place and

independent, functioning on its own to carry out its duties, but

for large battles, the forces of the Imperium often find cause to

onlybyforce

work in conjunction with each other.

of arms is the Imperiurn held rogerher. It is an age

of war and only the sffong and the ruthless can hope to survive.
out amongst the stars there can be no mercyr rro weakness and
no respite from the unending war for survival.

For the most massive conflagrations, such as defending against

the chaos invasions known as the Black crusades or the
ongoing wars raging in the Antioch sector, representatives of

Backed by the weight of over a rnillion worlds, rhe Imperium

all of Mankind's rnilitary institutions join the fray. A plan etary

can draw upon a vast military institution deployed amongsr

defence force holds the line until it can give way to the

the segmentums and arranged in a variety of organisations.

colossal might of the Imperial Guard, whose soldiers and tanks

seek first to stabilise a front and then piledrive the foe into

Some of these, such as the stalwart Imperial Guard or the

legendary Space Marines, are generally known, rheir efforrs

submission. In addition ro ferrying the infanrry to and from

war zones, the Imperial Navy supplies orbital bornbardments

lauded and praised by the common rnan. Others, such as

the shadowy Officio Assassinorum or the Ordo Malleus, are

no less vital than the others. Though myriad and diverse, the

and fleet after fleet of atmospheric aircraft. Fighter craft, such

as the Thunderbolt, arrive in waves to dominate the skies of
a planet before launching Marauder heavy bombers to soften
up the foes on the ground for the infanrry. Into the thickest

forces of the Imperium all work towards ensuring Mankind's

of the fighting are hurled space Marine strike forces; they

wholly unknown. Their existence is only guessed at by a small

percentage of those in the upper echelons, but their role is

continued survival in a galaxy full of perils using their

streak in to devastate key enerny positions, slay powerful

own equipment, techniques and strategies. Each branch is

leaders or capture key terrain features - their targets are left

in smoking ruin. Then the Adeptus Astarres are quickly off

'Onnos

again, deploying elsewhere for another rapid strike that rips

the heart and soul out of the Imperium's foes. In the most
sprawling of conflicts, the Titan regions are also deployed, their

oF THEIxqursrrroN
The Inquisition

is divided inro many different factions

world-shaking firepower reserved for the most impregnable

of fortresses and the direst of enemies. Fanatical shock ffoops,

each known as an Ordos, each specialising in

cornbating a particular threat to Manknd.

The Ordo

the Sisters of Battle mercilessly purge any who would deny

the Ernperor's true wry, while unseen and unheard Irnperial
Assassinsply their deadly craft. tMhere the denizens of the
Nilarp are involved, the mysrerious Grey Knights might turn up
to a fray and, always, the intricare webs of the Inquisition are

Malleus, known internally as Daernonhunters, stalk all

crearures of Chaos and the rJlZrrp.The Grey Knights
work closely with this branch to overcome those
daemonic incursions that cannot be prevented. The ordo Xenos are
alien hunters who combat non-human elements and their influence
within the galaxy. $7hen a fightng

everywhere, their agents watching e',zerything.

force is needed, the Ordo Xenos

often calls upon the Deathwatch, xenos-hundng specialists made up, as

need arises, of Space Marines drawn from various Chapters. The role of
the Ordo Hereticus is that ofwitch

hunting, dealing with psykers,

To coordinate such diverse forces upon linked battlefields that

might stretch across whole star systems or sub-sectors,it is
typical for the knperium

close ties with the Sisters of Battle, whose zeal and particular hatred of

to assign a supreme cornmander to

direct the various branehes. If given the opportunity of tirne,
foresight and planning, such assignmenrs can be made by the

heretics make them firm allies to the Inquisition when humaniry must .
be protected from itseH. Though there are other Ordos, these are the +-

High rords of Terra themselves, allowing them ro appoint an

offi.cer carrying the right mix of strategic acumen and fighting

iargest and most active, and the differing branches are often so focused

fury. However, given the nature of warfare, communication

and space travel in the 4lst Millennium, many war zones

mutants) and traitors within the Imperium itseH. As this task takes the
Inquisitors arnongst the ranks of Imperial institutions, the Ordo keeps

on their own affairs that they are unaware ofthe means and methods
of the other divisions. Even within an Ordo, the range of rnissions and

blossom in anarchic madness and different Imperial elements

arrive pell-mell into hellish conditions. In such cases,an

techniques can vary widely and many threats are complex, containing
elements under the purview of more than one Inquisitorial branch.
While cooperation is the ideal solution,Inquisitors

are not a trusting

Iot. There is no shortage of internal strife berween and among Ordos,

as attempts to safeguard mankind collide and disagreements regarding
methodology erupt into new accusations and sometirnes war,

overall cornmander is typically selected through impromptu

war councils, meetings between the different military offices
on location to decide tacrics and battle plans. It might seem
obvious to simply take the highest ranking officer in the

'Forccs
of theImpcri
L , '

TnnrPrtssoF THEAssessrNoRUM

battle zorte, but this in itself can be confusing - each of the

4"1h.

Imperium's secretiveagencyof tained killers

different branches has their own hierarchical and naming

consists of many different Assassinorum temples.

nuances, meaning that it is difficult to compare like to like.

Each specialises in honing the skills of their charges

For instance, it is possible to equate a Lord Rdmiral of the

Imperial Navy to a Lord Commander of the Imperial Guard ,

in a specific murderous aft or in tracking and

o1

eliminating specifictFpesof targets Of the four

largesttemples,a Vindicare Assassinis rrained in

but the vast ranks of the Imperial Guard also use titles of lord
Marshall, Lord Castellan, Lord Margrave, Captain-General,

marksmanship, able to hit targets at great distances with utmost

Kriegking and more. In such a far-flung and disparate empire,

precision. Agents of the Callidus Temple use every manner of

there are any number of variant hierarchical orders and

deception to inveigle their way into the heart of enemy instirutions

comparing them in the heat of battle has been known to cause

and power sfiuctures. Once there, the element of surprise and close

catasrrophic delays.

proximity

they have achie?ed allows them to srrike when their

target is most vulnerable. Eversors are not nearly so subtle; their

\X/here there is equal or unfathomable hierarchy, seniority

and length of military service is often used to determine
from which branch of service the overall commander will be
selected. If the Space Marines are involved, this always gives
their offi.cers a chance take conftol. With their genetically
enhanced bodies, Space Marines live extended lifetimes - if

genetically modihed bo&es are sent into chemically induced states

of violent rage, meaning they tend to be unleashed on groups rather
than aimed at particular individuals. Culexus Assassint, by far the
rarest, are chosen from those few individuals who possess the Pariah
gene, making them null-entiries

in the \7.arp This ability, coupled

with refi.ned training and equipment, makes them uniquely

qualifred to take out psykers.

they do not fall in battle, they can easily live two to three times
longer than a normal man, and sometimes far longer. Even in

Smaller temples, of lesser renown, also ply their trade across the

an age of constant warfare there are few amongst the defenders

galaxy's war zones (the poison experts of the Venenum Ternple

of the Imperium who can claim to have seen even a small

or the intelligence gatherers of the Vanus Temple, for example)

portion of the battles won by veteran Space Marine Captains

and only a handful of individuals know the actual number and

or the illustrious Chapter Masters. However, as the role of

nature of all of the Assassinorum's enclaves. Their locations,

overall commander in an ongoing campaign or crusade isn't

often one of front-line fighting, many Space Marines leave the
coordinating, supply and reinforcement-haranguing

role to

training methods and targets are kept so secret that, even

*. internally, members of one temple are unaware of the status
of the others This has more than once seen multiple Assassins

others, preferring instead to take a command on the battlefield

sent after the same mark, sometimes resulting in deadly, but

itself where their tactical acumen and fighting prowess can win

largely unseen, competitions

the day more directly.

temples. This is no bad thing, however, as in the unpredictable

In the midst of disasters during the Second Armageddon \Var,

amongst agents from different

, theatre of war that is the 4lst Millenniurn, ensuring the enemy

is eliminated sometimes means taking a variety of different

lord Commander Dante, Chapter Master of the Blood Angels

approaches; where one Assassin may find the way closed to

Chapter of Space Marines, was lauded after he arrived and

them, another might see deadly opportuniry.

claimed the role of overall force commander by dint of his rank

and battle record. Commander Dante is said to be ll00 standard
Terran years of age and his vast service record of victories fi.lls

Throughout the Imperium's tumultuous history, however, not

entire libraries with material. It was Commander Dante, along

all instances of combined forces have ended in harmonious

with Commissar Yarrick, who rallied members of the Imperial

Guard, Space Marines, Titan Legions and countless others in the

victory. The stakes for such hlghly acclaimed positions are

defence of the embroiled planet against the relentless advances

Many petty disputes and claims against honour have been

of the Orks.

made, as old grudges, needless races to steal glory, or simple

Despite the advantage of experience that Space Marines

undoubtedly cat\ t one of the most famous campaign leaders of
the last millennium was an Imperial Guard officer - perhaps the

for the Imperiurn. It is said that when Chapter Master Stibor

greatest of them. This man eventually became known as Lord

of the Astral Claws, for command of the Lycanthos Drift

Campaign, it set in motion not j ust a lifelong grudge benveen

high both in the prizes of victory and the cost of defeat.

miscommunications have caused many a disastrous setback

Commander Solar Macharius, the Chief Military Commander

of the Segmentum Solar and a member of the High lords of
Terra. One of humanity's leading military minds, Lord Solar
Macharius drove a coalition of Imperial forces with astonishing
successand speed acrossthe stars,clearing vast swathes of
territory in the name of the Emperor. Not since the days of the
Great Crusade itself had a man gained so much territory for the
Imperium, and all in the span of seven years.

*ff-r-

A plccnn

Laezaetek of the Fire Hawks, the most senior officer Present,

was passed over in favour of Lugft Huron, the Chapter Master

the two factions, but the seeds of doom for both SpaceMarine
Chapters. Similarly,the short-lived Donubus Crusade was
brought about by feuding lord Commanders and, even after
their lethal duel, the entire border between their segmentums
was plunged into civil war for three centuries. The crorvn of
command does not sit lightly on those who preside over such
monumental forces.

'.-+

IN THE DARK rs woRTH A TrrousAND swoRDs AT DAwN.

&

TIrr ErvrpnRoR'sJuocrlrrxr

Forccs of thc Im

rrr:E_

rs A BLEssrNc FoR THE FArrHFrtL.

The bloodand sinewof legendaryheroes,

forgednnewfor an nge0f wnr.

Like Angels of Death, the superhuman Space Marines sweep

into battle as if from nowhere, shattering their foe in ablaze
of fire and death before leaving as abruptly as they came.
The foremost of humanity's defenders, the Space Marines
are revered across the Imperium. Their glorious deeds are

The genetically-tailored progenoid gland that is implanted into every

Space Marine aspirant's body is descended directly from one of the
Emperor's masterworks - the Primarchs. In a very real sense, the blood

venerated with shrines and monuments on civilised worlds, and

of the Primarchs sdll flows through the veins of newly-created Space

they are treated as gods of battle on primitive planets. Although

Marines some ten thousand years later. However, there have been

held in awe as Mankind's saviours, Space Marines inspire more

times when gene-seed has been used to create entirely new Chapters of
'successor'
Space Marines - a rirual known as a Foundng. Often, these

fear than wonderment. They have always stood apart from

those they protect, and of all the Imperium's seryants, they are
the most fell-handed. They are death bringers, the deliverers of
the Emperor's merciless judgement. Their sudden appearance

Chapters will maintain nuances or regalia from their progenitor

Chapter, although this is not always so. Much history has been lost
or ovenvritten, especially during the Age of Apostasy, making it hard
to ascertain with accuracy the details of all of the Foundings - when

speaks of calamity, and for Imperial citizens to catch a glimpse

Chapters were created, which gene-seed was used, or exactly how many

of a single Space Marine, even at a great distance, is a dire

were completed. W'hat is known is that the most recent Founding was

portent and most likely one of the last things they will ever see.

the twenry-sixth and that more than half of the Chapters in existence
today are descended from the Ultramarines Chapter.

Space Marines are the most powerful of the Imperium's

KNowN SuccEsson
CrHvtrns

Wonru

warriors and they are expected to accornplish almost impossible

battlefield duties, lead vital assaults,confront the most

Angels of Absolution,

Caliban

Lion El'Jonson

Dark Angels

hopeless the odds. Though their numbers are not great, they
are suffi.cient for any task. Space Marines are masters of the
lightning assault,though they embrace any role required to
achieve victory; they were made for war, trained for victory and
are armed for battle. They have given up their very humaniry,
nobly sacrificing that very thing they are dury bound to defend.

Angels of Vengeance

:sFFtipaE#tffi

$],pffil4mn#i*ig#*mrrbfffi

lxcommunicate Traitoris
Chemos
Emperor's Children Fulgrim
Excommunicate Traitoris
Perrurabo
Olympia
Iron'S7'arriors
N7'hiteScars
JaghataiKhan Mundus Planus Marauders,Rampagers,
Destroyers,Storm Lords
Fenris
\7'olf Brothers
Leman Russ
Space \Volves
Terra
Black Templars,
Rogal Dorn
Imperial Fists
Crimson Fists,
Soul Drinkers
Night

Space Marines are organised into independent armies, called

Excommunicate

Nostramo

Konrad Curze

Lords

Angels Sanguine,

Chapters, of which there are roughly one thousand spread

Angels Vermilion,
Blood Drinkers,

uniforms and distinct identity. A11Space Marines in a Chapter

Flesh Tearers
Femrs Manus

Iron Hands

brothers as well as brothers-at-affns, and this dual existence,

physical and spirirual, is what forges Space Marines into such

Red Talons,

Medusa

traditions that date back to the earliest days of the Emperor's

reign. Space Marines of the same Chapter are therefore spiritual

Traitoris

Angels Encarmine,

Baal

Sanguinius

Blood Angels

throughout the galaxy. Each Chapter has its own fleet, heraldic
belong to its warrior cult, in some casesfollowing practices and

F
World Eaters

No Record

Ultramarines

Macragge

Novamarines,
Patriarchs of Ulixis,
White Consuls.
Black Consuls,

dedicated warriors. Most Chapters operate from a Chapter

Planet - a world within the Imperium governed by the Space

Libators, Inceptors,
Praetors of Orpheus,
C,enesis Chapter,

Marines who maintain a base there and exempt from the

ordinary tithes to the Administratum. Others are not planet

Doom Eagles,
Silver Eagles,
'W'arriors,
Eagle

bound, their base being a vast fleet, an asteroid or a space station.

Mortifactors,
Aurora Chapter,

Like all legends, there is a mythology woven around the Space

Marines, and the line between fact and fabrication is often
blurred. This is no surprise, as the Space Marines were created
at the very dawn of the Imperium's history, by the Emperor
himself. Some of the most storied Chapters can trace their
history directly back to that time, members of the fabled First
Founding, when Space Marines were organised as vast Legions.
Since the discovery of traitors in their midst and revelations
about increasing numbers of mutations amidst some Chapters,
many organisational changes have been enacted.

Angels of Redemption,

horrendous of foes and hold their positions no matter how

Silver Skulls
1 ^ l

Ljeath [,uard

Barbarus

Excommunicate

Traitoris

Magnus the Red

Prospero

Excommunicate

Traitoris

Mortarion

Thousernd Sons
Luna \flolves
'Word
Bearers

Horus

Cthonia

Excommunicate

Traitoris

lorgar

Colchis

Excommunicate

Traitoris

Salamanders

Vulkan

Nocturne

Corax

Deliverance

Kaven L.uaro

No Record

Alpharius

Alpha legion
Name

of Legion

Name

of Primarch

when

None Knou.n
Black Guard,Revilers,
Raptors
Excommunicate Traitoris

founded.

from

which

legion

allegedly

drew

its gene-seed

I Ih[-qq.SuecEssoR Cn,trrr,xs: Chapters named in Apocrypha of Davio

[M33].
Those Legions who tumed during the Great Heresy as
E*$,sdfuc*r.Tnerrorus:
r the Clrimoire Hereticus

[I{35]

.Wqwiors
of Vltrnmnr
(LstCompany)

D efendersof tlltr ama,r

Guqrdiansof theTemple

\Yardensof the EasternEmnge

(znd Company)

(5th compnny)

Scourge
of theXenos
(3rdCompnny)

(ethcompnny)

(4th Compnny)

What is thc tcrror of dcath?

Thot we die, our uork incomplete.

We stqndot the crossrood

of Annihilqtion ond
Glorious Destiny;

What is thc foy of lifc?

To die knowing our toskis done.

Only the Emperor cen

decidethepoth ue toke.

Defendersof Caeserenn
(7th company)

The HonourbLades
(9th Compnny)

Stormbringers
(9th Compilny)

TnE Pnnaencns
The Ernperor unrocked rhe
secretsofrife, using his foresrsht
and genius ro unraver the rnystenous
energiesofthe sflaqpand
refashion them to his pulposes.
He had rong e4perirnented
with
genedcally irnproved human
warriors, but his greatestcreations
were twenty supreme beings
whose powers equailed,and in
sornecasesexceeded,his own.
!(/ith tlese super_behgr,these
Prirnarchs,he would unite Mankind
and recraim the garaxy,but
the Ernperor's plan was known to
the chaos Gods.The servants
of the Ruinous powers stole the foetal
superhurnans,casring
them adrifr in the $flrlp.
AIl was not lost, for the Ernperor used irnprints
of his beroved
Prirnarchs to createthe first space Marines,
regrons ten
thousand sfong made frorn each,an actthat
wasto be known
asthe First Founding. reading the rnighry
spaceMarines
himseH rhe Ernperor beganhis Great crusade epic wars tlat
reclairned world afrer world in the name
ofMankind. luring
those battles,each Legion was reunited with
its prirnarch,
almost indesrnrctible watriors that could scatter
endre arrnies.
In the end, it was the prirnarchs,leading the
first space Marine
legions, that effectively createdthe knperium as
it is todav.
However, chaos had sornehow tainted sorneof the primarchs,
leaving thern with weaknessesand flaws. It was Horus,
Prirnarch of the luna \7olves, who wourd lead the great
revolt,
although rnany of his brethren followed. The srory of those
battles is told elsewhere,but in the end, only six primarchs
survived the Horus Heresy. The remainder were slairr in the
fighting or fled with their rraitorous legions into the Eye of
Terror, where sorne sdll exist today, eternally damned to selve
the foul gods of chaos. The surviving spaceMarines prirnarchs
helped rebuild the Imperiurn.
Although long-lived, the primarchs were not irnmorral, but it is
hard to ascerrainfact from the legendsthat surround such godlike beings.cerrainly, eachspearheadeda host ofvictories and
heroic deedsacrossthe galaxy,leaving behnd innumerable
deedsof mythic proporrion. \7ho knows if Leman Russ,
Primarch of the space tJ7olves,really did best a cyclopean
Draxbeastsrnglehandedly?And if Femrs Manus didn't forge
the Iron Pyramidsof Medusa,then who didt
one by one,they disappearfrom the annalsof history, the last
of their kind reputedly disappearingby M3z. \Thether the
many exrraordinar!, and somedrnescontradicrory,accounts
told about the Primarchs hold any tnrth or arejust apocrrphrl
tales,they are preservedin the lore of eachSpaceMarine
Chapter.Others are still remembered on the primarchs'
adoptedhorne planets.Today,the Primarchs are worshipped
asgods,and pilgnmages are made along the mailsthey blazed
acrossthe stars,often ending at tombs or great mernorials,
placesof ancient history that hold revered relics of their bones
or wargear.Many sd1linsist that their Primarchs will arise
again,in the lmperiurn's direst need, for a final bade.

UtTRAIVIARINES

SPACEWOT\rES

D efenders
of TJltramar,Eir st AmongstEquals.

The Sonsof Russ

,Warnors of Eenns.

The Ultramarines arean exemplaryChapter

- arguablythe purest,noblestand most
honoured of their legendarykind. From the
fledgling daysof the Imperium, when they
liberatedmore planetsduring the Great

The Space \ilolves are afi.ercely

independent Chapter of Space Marines that
has served the Imperium with distinction
since the First Founding. Courageous to the
extreme, each Space V'olf strives to perform

Crusade than any other Legion, to more recently, when they

great deeds on the battlefield worthy of song. Made feral in

alone held the foe atbay at the beginning of the Tyrannic

\il7ars,the Ultramarines have covered themselves in glory.

thought and appearance by the genedc heritage of their

legendary Primarch, Ieman Russ, the Space N7olves revel in
their unorthodox nature. They have little patience for

It was the Ultramarines' Primarch, Roboute Guilliman,

fawning religious rites or strict adherence to any code,

who established the Codex Astartes, the tome that laid the

preferring to follow the warrior-traditions

foundation for the Space Marine Chapters. Due to their

homeworld of Fenris. Despite their long and excellent

from their savage

storied successand stable gene-seed,they have served as

service, the only known successor Chapter of the Space

progenitor for more successor Chapters than any other.

Nflolves was the ill-fated'W'olf Brothers.

BTOODAhIGETS

IMPERIAL FISTS
Defenders
ofDorn,GoldenAvengers.

The Sonsof Sanguinius,the AngelicHost.

Created during the First Founding, the Blood

The Imperial Fists have earned banle

Angels are one of the oldest and proudest of

honours against every major alien race and

all Space Marine Chapters. They are well

have been insrrumental in holding the

known for their bloodthirsty

zeal,favouring

Imperium together through some of its

bleakest times. like all SpaceMarines, the

close combat and the use ofjump packs, and

for their unceasing quest for perfecdon - from the flawless

Imperial Fists can execute any aspect of warfare, though, they

execution of a batle plan to the aesthetics of their wargear. Yet

are known as particular experts at both besieging and

for all their nobility, the Blood Angels are deeply marred. Since

defending fortresses. This has brought them into combat with

their arch rivals, the renegade Iron \U(arriors, rnany times.

the death of their winged Primarch, Sanguinius, the Blood

Angels have been haunted by t curse that drives them to death
and madness. Although feared and mistrusted by those they

Rogal Dorn, the Primarch of the Imperial Fists, was tasked by

protect, the Blood Angels continue to smash the Imperium's

the Emperor to design the defences of the Imperial Palace on

Terra, and one of the Chapter's fi.nest hours was defending it

foes, compiling a bade history second to none.

during the Horus Heresy.

DARKA}IGETS
The Unforgiven,Huntersof the Eallen.

GREYKNICHTS
The Incornrytible,TheChamberMilitant of the Ordo MaLIeus.

The Dark Angels were the fi.rst legion

created by the Emperor. Theirs is a

Amongst the elite brotherhood of Space

mysterious and proud Chapter, their every

Marines, there exists a Chapter destined to

stand apart from their battle brothers, for it

action steeped in secretive traditions and

riruals. What is known about the Datk
Angels is that time and again they have stubbornly stood their
ground against overwhelming odds undl they evenrually
emerge victorious. Despite a history full of such heroics, they
are viewed suspiciously by many in the Imperium, who claim
that the Dark Angels follow their own clandestine agenda.
Such allegations are never answered - or even acknowledged
- the Dark Angels remain silent and brooding.
The organisation of the Dark Angels differs from the
practices laid out by the Codex Astartes. This is most notable
in their first and second companies - elite formations known
internally as the Deathwing and the Ravenwing.

is their sworn d.try to fight Chaos in its most

terrible form.
The Grey Knights act as the miliary

arrn of the Ordo Malleus,

the Daemonhunters who form the oldest branch of the

Inquisition. Founded on an order from the Emperor himseH,
each Grey Knight is a potent psykef, pure of heart and just of
cause. This is essential, for in their battles they confront the
most horrible of Daemons wherever the $7arp fiends apPear.
Pnvy to the darkest secrets of Mankind and armed with
deadly Nemesis Force weapons and the most advanced gear
in the Imperium, the Grey Knights are the ultimate counter
to the \7arp-spawned minions of the Ruinous Powers.

Tur

ouly

NEcEssARy

REAcrroN

tr@ar6;sl

To TREAcHERy

r:*-ire

rs vENcEANcE.

Forccsof thc Impcpium4

The unnumbered,
the unstoppable,
the hammerof theEmperor.

The Imperial Guard is Mankind's primary and most numerous

command of the planetary governor that is used to see off pirates,

defence. \rith

quell unrest and hold out until sftonger forces arrive. Other
planets, however, rnight draft entire generations, press hive

soldiers, battle tanks and artillery beyond number,

they are the sledgehammer force that, though slow to deploy,

delivers a devastating payload when its cumbersome btows land.
superhumans. They fight not with the most finely crafted

gangs into service, or offer an escapefrom planet-wide factories

to age-qualifying citizens. on some worlds, it is an honour to join
the Imperial Guard, r,vith troops literally fighting it out for the

affnaments in the galaxy, but with the weapons and armour that
can be cheaply and easily mass-produced. They are the largest

distinction of making the tithe numbers, while the rulers of other

planets might see the tithe as a chance ro off-load convicts and

coherent fighting force in the galaxy, able to move massed

regiments and arrnoured vehicles acrossthe segmentums to
join any fray. As many foes of the Imperiurn have learned, the
courage and sacrifice shown by the numberless ranks of the

the other dregs of their society. These regiments will vary in size
from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands. Regardlessof who

soldiers of the Impenal Guard are men, not gene-enhanced

Imperial Guard combined with the sheer hell-storm of firepower

they unleash, can sweep any battleground of foes, leaving only
smoking craters and wet stains.
The Imperial Guard is divided into innumerable armies,
which can be found scartered throughout the galaxy guarding
particularly vital planets and heavily concenrrated inro war
zones where great battles rage acrossentire star systems.At
need, the vast deposits of manpower are shifted to where the
fighting is fiercest and behind them comes an unending rrain
of reinforcements. Immense rransport ships unload fresh

they are or where they are from, the Imperial Guard ships them
to a posting, often providing training in transir. Most recruits
never leave their own home world before this and have no idea
rvhere they are headed,potendally being deposited anywhere
acrossthe galaxy where one of the endless wars is being fought.

CorvrMrssARS
Commissars are pohtical officers in the Imperial Guard whose dury it is
to maintain the morale, discipline and fighting spirit of their assigned
regiment by any means possible They are grim authoritarian figures
who punish cowardice and incompetence, rypically doing so with
well-aimed shots from their bolt pistols. Unlike individual regiments

armies all the dme, delivering more grist for the gods of battle.
The vast size of the Imperial Guard is some indication of the

that are levied from their home worlds, commissars are raised in the

scale of Mankind's constant struggle, for hostile xenos races are

tactics, weapons proficiency, and on all matters concerning the Imperial

everywhere, an unending threat. Sedition too, is a constant drain,

for who knows which planetary governor will be prepared to risk
war to further his own personal fortunes, or where dark cults will

men they join with any compassion that allows them to mainrain an

rise up to lead citizens asfray?Yet whatever the threat - xenos,

traitors and twarp-spawned horrors alike - all shall be crushed
beneath the pummelling power of the Imperial Guard.

RECRUITMENT
As part of their annual tithe, planetary governors are required
to send a percentage of the fighting force raised on their planet
to the Imperium. These soldiers are formed into regiments of
the Imperial Guard, {pically identified by the name of their
home world and a number. For instance, the Rastarian 437th
were the four hundred and thirty-seventh regiment taken
from the planet Rastar. As recruitment is ongoing, it is not
uncomrnon for a regiment's number to be recycled following
its destruction. on proud martial planets, this is a ceremonious
event with much fanfare, flag raising and rituals passing over
old relics and ancienr military traditions. On most planets,
however, the recycling of regimental numbers is overlooked
out of sheer ignorance of the past, or perhaps grimly accepted
by the number's new inheritors as yer another bit of back luck.
Methods of how manpower is raised differ vastly from world to
world. For instance, some planets are obliged to send the best
of their planetary defence force - a planet-bound army under

Schola Progenium. There they are trained to a hlgh level in military

Creed. It is their blind devotion to the cause and the inabiliry ro see the

unwavering and resolute code of honour. This fanaticism can inspire

the men who serve with a commissar, alloling

them to perform

bamlefield feats beyond what is rationally possible.

:li-l#
-+

TrrE WEnPor{soF $fle,n

\fhen

the knperial Guard go to war, they do so organised

into regiments. Each of these regiments is largely uniform in

composition, meaning an infantry regiment (the most common

nfiithin the mighty arsenal of an Imperial Commander at

the head of a large war zone are a staggering number of war
machines and armoured vehicles. Should he so choose,he
can deploy entire armoured regirnents -- clanking mechanical

type of formation) will be made up prirnarily of foot soldiers,

armies whose fi.repower can topple Titans, or ordnance

with little in the way of heavy artillery or armour. Likewise,

formations that are capable of flattening whoie hive cities. The

an artillery regirnent will be composed of little else, made up

entirely of great serried bafieries of big guns and other iong

largest of Imperial Guard armies might even contain regiments

of super-hear,ytanks - colossaltracked vehicles, each of which

ranged weaponry, but it will contain little, if any, infantry.

contains as much destructive capabiliry as entire companies

of other troops. Assembling and moving such regiments is

If an Irnperial Guard regiment were forced into battle

cumbersome at best, however, the resulting onslaught they

individually, it would struggle, for each homogenous force

produce is almost always worth the logistical issues.

is vulnerable without support. For instance, infantry by

themselves can be smashed by armoured foes, while tanks

Despite the prodigious battle tanks and thunderous artillery

alone are poor at holding ground, finding themselves prone

of the Imperial Guard, it is rnost often the common soldiers

to ambush, especially in areasof dense terrain. Such is the

that win the battle. Rising up from trenches, manning firing

immense size of the forces deployed by the Irnperial Guard,

lines, or advancing in waves, the cruel truth about manpower

however, that the idea of lone regiments is preposterous. An

in the Imperial Guard is that it is the cheapest currency in the

Imperial Guard army is composed of many regiments and a wise

Imperium. Commanders spend the lives of their men for the

Comrnander General will marshal his rnyriad divisions to fight

as a combined arms force - drawing men and vehicles from

to attain the least gain of ground, or merely to appeasethe upper

different regirnents as suits the needs of the battlefront.

chain of command's desire for an offensive.

smallest of goals, cornrnitting to appalling numbers of casualties

The Imperial Guard can afford huge losses, expending the

lives of their men more carelessly than it does ammunition.
During the Third V'ar for Armageddon, whole tank regiments

IUpERTAL Gun nD REGTMENTS

Imperial Guard regiments come frorn a range of different planets
and their native cultures, styles of dress, technologlcal backgrounds
and warrior uadidons differ accordingly. Although many customs

were thrown into the fray unsupported, merely as a diversion,

are strange or barbarous, such as taking scalps as trophies or marking

a delaying tactic to allow proper battle formations to be

territory with fearsome symbols, they are all accepted by the

established funher behind the front lines. So many Catachan

regiments were fed into the meat grinder known as the
Damocles Gulf Crusade that the xenos munitions couldn't
keep up - they were literally running out of fuel, bullets, and
rechargeable power sources.

Imperium;

such rituals bond the troops and kindle their battle'spirit.

Due to the size ofwar zones, the vagaries of

for the overwhelming

pressure it creates; the application of

extreme force into a single strategic point achieves victories

- bloody ones, costly ones, but triumphs nonetheless. It is a
ponderous way of fighdng, and can take years, decades,or even
longer to amass the forces necessary to hold the foe in place and
then to inexorably demolish them. The cost of such victories is
high, but it is a price the Imperium

is willing to pay. For across

the entire galaxy, they have not yet met their match, crushing
srnaller empires beneath them, defeating all who dare confront
them in ongoing wars of attrition.

travel and the

needs of recruiting, it is not unusual for radically different regiments

of Imperial Guard to be thrown side by side into a battle. Savage
soldiers from feral worlds might be flanked by forces recruited from
hive city gangs on one side and horse'riding

The Imperial Guard way of war is not subtle, but it is effective,

'W'arp

warriors from steppe

worlds on the other; the officers ensure the men save their fighting
for the enemy. In addition, the Imperial Guard has been known
to use abhumans, human-descended creatures whose appearance
and mental capacities are quite distinct from their ancestors. For
instance, Ogryns are thickly muscled and nearly t'wice as tall as a
man from Terra, but their thinking abilides are greatly reduced.
Despite the great variance in uoops, the wargear they are issued is
standardised, although different manufacruring planets may instil
minor or cosmetic differences. The weapons employed by the
Imperial Guard are deliberately straightforward and durable so that
even the most backwards members of the human race can wield
and maintain them with a minimum

of training.

THEAnvAGEDDoT\XhRS
The planet Arrnageddon,

l1'nchpin of the Arrnageddon

vital node at the centre of one of the Irnperiurn's

sector, is a polluted

keynavigational

busy hives supply tanks and arrns to thousands

Arrnageddon is a u'orld riven by u'ar. In recent lxemory alone,
it has been attacked by Angron, l)aemon Primarch of the \florld
f; Ert*tr legion, anclthen twice by the greatestliving Ork Warboss
'.f,irr tire galaxy, Ghazghkull Mrg lJruk Thtaka. Battle still rages on

wasteland

channels

of Impetial

of industrial

and its sprawling

Guard regirnents

ash and rnetal. It is a

rnunitions

factories

and

across the seplrnenturn.

for-cesinto an unstoppable machine of iron and steel. on the

dust-ridden plains, vast tank armies smashedupon each other,
while irr the ruins of colossal hives, the cornbatants hurled
themselves at each other with sa\/ageferociry.

erndaround Armageddon, for the last Otk invasion is ongoing.

f
Ir
i

The rnassiveplanet is still embroiled in battle on a thousand

The cnn-ent bloodbath began rnhen L-)rkRoks - space-borne

diftererrt fronts. \X/hile both sides can claim rnany victories,

mountain-fortresses infested rvith Orks and their \\rarnrachines,

none can gain the ripper hand for long. Frustrated by the

crashed into the asir urastesFladesFlive, that heroic site of

standstill, Ghazghkull, has left his sub-bossesin command and

by orbital
Ghazghkull's prer.ious rlefeat,was ufterly cr-r-rshed

gone off to attack the sur-rourrdingplanets, hoping to draw off

bombardrnents and redirected astetoids,Soon, the planet's sur{ace

Armageddon's reinforcements Seeking a firral confrontaticn

resouncled i,r,ith bartle as Titans duelled u'ith rnighry Gargants,

ivith his age-old foe, Commissar Yarrick, accompanied by High

u'hile irordes of gteenskins s\\,eptagainstthe hnperial clefences.

]vfarshal Helbrecht of the Black Ternplars, has follor,vedafter the

rnost poiverful Ork in the galaxry,hoping to bring his iread back

Once fiiore) Cornmissar Yarrick of the Inrpr:rial Guard led the

as a trophy Mean'ur.hile,the u.ar on Armageddon continues to

resistance,the Old Man of Arnrageddon forged the Imper-i;rl

rage)a meat-grinder battle that is as unrelenting as it is r.icious.

{,
,t

FORCE
DISPOSITIONS
IN THETHIRDARMAGEDDONWAR

LEGIONESASTARTES

IMPf,RIALCUARD

ANGEE oF Frru
7 Covpatrrs
AtctsorRmrlrroot
.. 4Colrpanns
ArcruorVrcrurc
.. 6Colrpa"-rrs
Aucrn Porrwn
8 Colrprnns
BucxDurcts.
.. ......9Couraurrs
BucrTrvruns..
. . J Cnusrcrs
BLooDANc[E...
...
.lCoMp w
Crusram
.
-10 Colratms
CELI$ L LroNs ............10 Coururrs
Eroncrm...................10 Courmns
Fusg Tunrns
.. . 5 Couprurs
Inoucsaunors............7Coupanrr
Mmrurs MawoLrm
. . . . . . . .2 CoMp^Nrrs
MomrF^m8s
,. ..
l0CoMp^NrEs
Ovrca Mmnrs .,..... -.....9 Covpauns
Rrt1ons.............-.---.---5covprurts
RrucTons............-...-..l0Colrpaus

ARMAGEDDONSECUNDUS

Anlr Asg Wasu M[nra

5 Rrcrlrrms
AnlrColnrlruoGurnt
5Couralrrs
AnlrHrvrMrrrra
l20Rrcrvrms
AnM ORK Humns
- 5 Rrcnrrm
AnlrSnLLEcroN
25Rrclurus
AnpHtflA PEN^LLEcroN
I LEcroN
AsffiDIANRiNc[Rs
2RxctM[Nn
Cmr^N SHocKTnoops
15 R[crvrMS
Cr^cuN JuNcL[FrcHnns ... 3 Rrcrutm
Duru Koipsor Krrrc .. - ... 5 REcTMENTS
Erysnt DnorTnoors
l4 Souronots
;orurlmnrormsoo*t..J7B;;;i;;
i(nounx Ocnw Awrr^. . . . . . . Z nrii"i*i
MrunvatTrtrLrcrows
JL[croNs
Molcron Ocnl Auxrrra..... I Rrcrurrt
MoRDrANInoNcuARD........6Rrcrvrms
NocalSrnrcFoncrs...-..
6R[crMEMs

3i*Ytx?'l:..........:...::i33illliliii
RilTJ:3Hsl:::1i...
iif;liiiliffi

soNsoFGurLLrrrN..........6CoMp NrEs
sracrworvrs............5crcoupaurrs
Sropv CrdL . ... . ... . .... ..5 Courarrrs
StonvLopos............2Bnonrnuooos
Wutrr sc"cRs
3 BnortrEnHooDs

O R DO X E N OS
KnlTE,rlrs

DEPART]I{E
NTO MUNITORUM
-.2

ADEPTA SORORITAS
OnornoFOuR
N{ntrrynrn
Lrnr'- Eoun' .l Colrn+srrs
Onorn oF THE
Ancrur Sunotrn

Eourr' / Coirrn+r.{lrs

ADEPTUSMECHANICUS
CrxruRro Onnrx,rrus
LEr;toCnucrus
Lrcro IcltcTUNr
Lrcro lwrtctr-rl,+
Ltcrri M,rclq,l
Lrclo ll{rr,qlle,q .
Lrclo TrlrpEsroR
Lrclo Vretonulr
SrcrT,lnu
OFFICIO
AcENIts

.4 OnuFJ,qTUs
Drvr-Lnclo
Lrcro
Lrcto
Qtr,tnro-LEcro
DEN{r-LEGro
Lncro
Lrcro
14 RrclNlrhlrs

ASSASSINORUM
Cr-qssrrrrDrNFoFi\t,{TroN

OFFICIO SABATORUM

S^vuRCH[M-Docs......._.-6REcrMEm
s^vuRcHrM-RrDrRs........;i;;'";il
srv*\r^N Bo\rRdDrL_r. .... .-9 3;*;;;;
SronvTnooprps............18CovprNrrs
Zornlqx srunlrrssEns
.. 4 Bnlc,mrs
ENcrr.rErn
Conps
ProNrEnConps

?
I

ADEPTUSARBITES
Pnrcrncrs

20

PuNrTrvEB,rrr.rlloNs

l2

Warlord Krolanik's Dcth Trrks

(Estimared4watbands,J2BanleFoftresses)
Blackskull Tribc
(rstimatedl0warbmds,lcargantsl
CtookcdMoonTribi

BlrckslaycrsTribc
(Estimated:0 warbinds,4 Gargmts)
tircbcllicsTribc
(EstimatedIs s,arbands.
I Crrganrs;
Vrrgr'sDropLcgionflstibared24$arbands]

(r*im*ed2,warba1ls,5Gargants)
RazorspccdFrccks.
,-.-..nTribc
irsh*rtdl0\'ilbmds'1G3rgnb)
RcdWhcclz Spccd Frccks
lEslim.ledlS'SPecdKultuarbands,
Burning Dcath Spccd Frccks
Estirnated25'SpeedKult' u'arbar-rds
Warlord Thugsnik's Big Gunz
' Estitnltcdt' arrillerv u'arbln.'l.,

(Estimated2]'spJeclKultsarbands
WarlordGorshrg'sBigGunz
E"rimaredz antlleiy soibrnJ,

THE DEADLANDS
Forcesof thc Orer-Flend

"f

Octarius

Warlord l\{orbad's Big Gunz

I - t i m l r e dl l . i r t L l l c r rt r r l ' . i n ' l r

THE FIREWASTES
Forces of Ggok

TEtr!{PLARS
PSYKOLOCIS
DtsRuptro:rSourns

(r*T"k9,4-*Tb"Ld:,eGarsmts)

ARMACEDDONPRIME

the Unstoppablc

15

ORBITALSUPPORT
I2_I6 ORK SP,{CEHT'LKS

2-3,500 Ftcnt+,Bolj lltERsoLr,\DIr(-):is

2 100+Onrc.,rtr,rcrccR,{FT
30-100
ORr Rorcs
250-400
Onr Knooznns

Fon rHE EprpEnonl

SrsrERSoF BerrLE
Foremost amongst the warriors of the Ecclesiarchy are the

the Daughtersof theEmperor.

The army of the Ecclesiarchy,

\7hen not actively involved in one of the Ecclesiarchy's wars, the

Battle Sisters of the Adepta Sororitas. The ffoops of this devout

Batle Sisters of the Orders Militant divide their time bet'ween

Sisterhood are raised from infancy to adore the Emperor of

training and worshipping the Emperor. Indeed, to the Adepta

Mankind and to believe in the utter righteousness of their

Sororitas, the disciplines are nigh inseparable, for whilst combat

cause. Their fanatical devotion and unwavering puriry is a

drills and studies of battle tactics can hone the body and the

bulwark against corruption, heresy and alien attack, and once

rnind, only penitent prayer can bolster the spirit, and all three

battle has been joined, the Sisters of Battle will stop at nothing

are required to defeat the Imperium's foes. The combination of

until their enemies are utterly crushed. Not even death can stay
the wrath of the Adepta Sororitas - indeed, the blood of martyrs

where Battle Sisters loudly proclaim their faith in hymn and

only strengthens their resolve, spurring the sunrivors to ever

verse as they march to war, calling upon the Emperor to aid them

greater acts of heroism in the name of the honoured fallen.

in the fight against their enemies. The perfervid, unquestioning

combat doctrine and prayer is most evident on the battlefield

nature of this faith is a potent weapon indeed, manifesting as

The Adeptus Ministorurn is rich in power and holdings, which

divine inspiration that drives the Sororitas to unprecedented

attracts many enemies. The cardinal worlds of the Ecclesiarchy

feats of prowess. Sisters of Battle gnpped with holy fervour

are as prone to xenos attack as the rest of the Imperium, and

banish worldly fears frorn their minds, shrug off mortal wounds

the tight gnp their organisation holds over the populace has

and summon preternarural sfren$h to smite their foes. Those

assured them no shortage of internal foes. So the Sisters of

who witness such bamlefield miracles are left in no doubt that the

Battle, the military ann of the Adeprus Ministorum, has proven

spirit of the Emperor indeed walks with these pious warriors.

essential to their defence. Armed and armoured by the incredible

wealth of the monolithic Ecclesiarchy, it is the Sisters of Battle's
unquenchable devotion that makes them such a formidable force.
The Adepta Sororitas are divided into several major Orders

I{orv Rnucs

Militant, the fighting strength of each numbering several

The history of the Ecclesiarchy stretches back to the dawn of the

thousand warriors. There are also many lesser Sisterhoods

Imperium.

comprised of around a few hundred Battle Sisters. An Order's

many saintly heroes and heroines who have vanquished the foes

warriors are rarely all together in one place, but are instead

of the Emperor. Artefacts left behind by these great individuals

commonly spread throughout the galaxy, guarding various

after their death or disappearance have taken on the status of

During this dme, the Adeptus Ministorum

has seen

shrine worlds and prosecuting \f,/ars of faith and other battles.

holy symbols, objects with great power and mystery surrounding

Nevertheless, the Sisters of Battle are an elite military force that

them. In the Imperium

ranks amongst the Imperium's most fanatical defenders, for

relics, some of which are reliably connected with the likes of

their superb training, superior wargear and unshakeable faith

can overcome all but the most terrible foes.

Saint Constantine of Alamar, Cardinal Gherick and Confessor

Dolan. Others have a less certain past, and cynical members
of the Inquisition

The duties of the Adepta Sororitas are many and varied. Every
concentration of the Ministorum's power must be defended, and
a force of Battle Sisters will be present to guard every shrine and

today, there are many thousands of these

claim that if you put together all the sacred

bones of Sebastian Thor that are presently adored thtoughout

the Imperium, the Ecclesiarchy would be shocked to find that its
most prominent

saint was a many-headed, multi-limbed,

triple-

jointed giant . ..

foffress-cathedral in the Imperium, as well as the priceless sacred

relics housed within them. The composition of these garrisons

Despite these claims, many cathedrals, temples and shrines house

may vary from several hundred wariors to guard a reliquary-

immense reliquaries, and shrine worlds may harbour hundreds

sronghold to a single Batle Sister maintaining a constant

of these holy artefacts. Many of these oblects are incorporated

vigil over the bones of a fallen saint. The Adepta Sororitas also

or fashioned into holy icons known as a Simulacmm

provide the protectors of the Ecclesiarchy's priesthood, and they

whlch are occasionally bestowed, tempotarily,

are tasked with providing them with any military support they

great purity, faith and dedication. It is considered a great honour to

Imperialis,

upon a warrior of

may need. At the behest of such powerful figures, the Sisters of

carry one of these revered items into battle, and even if they do not

Banle are called upon to escort hierarchs through war zones,

eliminate heretical leaders or launch surgical srikes to recover

possess mystical powers themselves, the effect that a Simulacrum

long-lost artefacts from enemy hands. \(hen the Ecclesiarchy

such a potent icon of faith to follow, the Banle Sisters will hurl

declares a'W'ar of raith, it is the fanatically loyal Sisters of Battle

themselves into the fray with even more fanatical devotion, finding

who provide its military might, slaying the Emperor's enemies

inspiration

without mercy or compassion, heedless to the blasphemous

foes with seemingly superhuman acts of courage and heroism.

protestations of innocence that assail their ears.

likewise, the loss of any of these will see a swift convergence of

Imperialis has upon Sisters of Battle can be just as magical. Vith

in even their darkest hours and overcoming their

the faithful, as no effort is spared in securing their retrieval.

THEALIENMEI..IACE
'There is no rnercy arnon$st

the stars, o-ly an eternity

Mankind is not the only race to walk among the stars. Since
they first travelled beyond their own star system, in the early

of tryar.t

having built spacefaring ships and phed outer space long before

days of the Ag. of Technology, Mankind has encountered alien

humanity crawled out of the oceans of Tena and evolved.

Others are nascent powers, newcomers that have just learned to

races,most of which have proven hostile. W'hile some xenos

leave their home planet, extending their grasp into the greater

exist only on a single planet, other civilisations might occupy a

rt.r system and there are a few that are widely spread across the

galaxy for the first time. All must be fought tooth and nail, for

great void of the galaxy. It has nevel been in Man's nature to

that no m-ercy can be found amongst the stars.

.
F share his worlds with aliens, and bloodshed has ever formed the
D)
il foundation of empire. Sometinres, humans and aliens are forced
I!
to fight over inhabitable planets or vital resourcesl at other

the Imperium learned long ago that only the sffong survive and

ANCESTRAT FOES

1I

Of the galaxy-spanning foes, the Eldar are perhaps the most

times, humans must do battle with the most dangerous types

enigmatic. Mankind's relationship with the Eldar is troubled;

of xenos, whose only aim is to eradicate humanity wherever

their paths cross. Down the ages,there have been innumerable

somedmes the ancient race acts as an ally, whilst at other

wars, planet-wide battles of annihilation and long campaigns

its holdings. Their technological and societal attainment

times they launch inexplicable strikes against humaniry and

of genocide that have stretched over vast distances and eras.

far outstrips that of the Imperium, yet they are capricious

Despite this eternal pressure and with a staggering cost of lives

beyond belief, as likely to side with Mankind as they are to

and material, Mankind has expanded their realm one planet at a

inflict murder and devastation upon it. For the moment, the

time. Even now, however, the Imperium is beset on all sides by

Imperium refrains from direct aggressive action against the

aliens determined to enslave, subvert or destroy humanity.

Eldar on a wide scale.This is partly because the Eldar are

numerically a lesser threat when compared to countless others

Many xenos specieshave been destroyed. The lacrymoles are

gone - the last of their kind wiped out, relentlessly ground

across the galaxy, and partly because the Eldar are allies almost

away before the end of the Great Crusade. The same can be said

and aiding the human cause.However, perhaps the most

of the Vrakk, the Ulumeathic league, the Losh, the worm-like

Drugh, and others beyond count. Many planets were usurped

important reason for the Imperiurn's lack of effort to assault

from xenos races long ago, some during the initial colonisations

said than done. Seemingly able to predict and counter the

as often as they are enemies, showing up to battles unbidden

the Eldar is that bringing the elusive race to battle is far easier

of the Age of Technology, and now the aliens'very existence

Imperium's every move, the Eldar fade like shadows before a

on such worlds has been forgotten, their ancient histories

rising sun, disappearing before any battles they do not wish

lost to the relentless march of time. This explains why great

to fight. The only attack that the Imperium managed to push

monuments of inhuman design are occasionally unearthed,

strange technologies found buried beneath levels of stone and

home onto a craftworld ended with the disaster of Blood

Nebula and the loss of an entire sector fleet.

metal, crushed down beneath long agesof human expanse.

Yet worlds and systems that the Imperium has cleared of xenos
find that it is mer ely a respite. New alien species are discovered
in unexplored sectors or found thriving upon nearby planets

In the darkest depths of the galaxy, alien races slither and dart,

Prnns LJNKNovT/N

once deemed lifeless. Other xenos drift into human territory,

climb, swirn and drifr upon nebulous clouds, burrow deep into

perhaps expanding their own empires, or seeking to escape

the psyches of humanity.The

an impending threat. Infestations of the foul Hrud, the mind-

the majoriry of which are capable of great acts of terror and

eating Khrave, and the chitin-covered Thraxians were all

discovered in this manner, a fraction of the species haunting

for civilisation or empire, monsters that wish only to prey on the

galaxy is full of countless creatures,

destruction. Many of these are xenos species that care nothing

the galaxy, but enough to leave their mark on the worlds of

the Imperium. The Zygo-warriors of Camgia have kept the

unwary. Countless such abominations have been encountered

Imperium's forces off their planet for over five hundred years
and whatever stalks the night world of Kradoss has not yet been

crystalline Dracolith, the dread Ambull or the Catachan Devil have

identified. Known xenos species often return to planets where

they once ruled, attempting to reclaim their lost domains. Some

lurk hidden beneath planets'surfaces, or stalk otherworldly

of these alien races are ancient beyond Mankind's reckoning,

his works. Vigiiance and intolerance are humanity's safeguards

and tales of the ferocity of creatures like the Clawed Fiend, the

spread across the galaxy. These horrors and more haunt the stars,

awaiting only an opportuniry to feed upon Mankind

against such multitudinous

-*+-+'q

threats.

climes,

and to destroy

Scourge of the galaxy and long-standing enemy of Mankind,

NEWTHREATS

the Orks are a green skinned and brutish race. They are an

Both Orks and Eldar are ancestral foes that have assaulted

all-pewasive threat that recurrently pops out of nowhere to

humanity since the dark Ag. of Technology. Yet there are

launch ovenvhelming assaultsupon the Imperium. Planets that

rnany other xenos that besiege humaniry, some of whom

suffered devastating Ork invasions in the past can be cleared

and considered safe for a span of many generations only to find

have only more recently encountered Mankind amid the starstrewn pathways of the galaxy. Every year,listening stations,

that, once again, the Ork menace has grown upon their planet,

ouqposts and Explorator fleets discover more new life forms.

often multiplying

Some of the xenos discovered are peaceful, ensuring they are

quickly in some neglected corner of the world.

There is only one thing to do when an strong Ork infestation

easily subjugated or, if troops are readily available and the

is discovered, and that is to prepare for war. Orks are an ultra-

situation dictates, mercilessly exterminated. So it has always

violent race that cannot be bargained with. They do not wage war
for territorf, wealth or glory - they fight for the joy ofbattle itseH.

been, and of these rninor or inconsequential races, little more

need be mentioned. There are other aliens throughout the
galaxy, however, whose existences have proven much more

like the Imperium, Orks also use the $ilrarp for travel, yet having
no Navigators or Astronomican

problematic for the Imperium.

to guide them, they have little

to no steering. I7hile such slapdash movements often prevent

Although known by only a few inside the Imperium, it is

coordinated aftacks and the easy mustering of widespread forces,

increasingly obvious that the Necrons have once again begun

the absolute randomness of their exit points from Varp travel

to stir. During the long ages of hurnan exploration, the Necrons

were unknown, or at best, thought to be extinct - an elder race

means that armadas of ramshackle Ork fleets can suddenly, and

with no warning, appear in any sector of space.The number of
times massive Ork invasions have swept unlooked-for out of

whose galaxy-spanning empire had long turned to dust before

Mankind journeyed away from Holy Terra. Yet the Necrons

what was once considered secure territory is beyond count. The

exist sdll, lying dorrnant and undetected within their Tomb

Imperium learned long ago that the best way to confront the

\(orlds. But now, their mechanical bodies once more awaken

Orks is to do so head on and eatly, for once their armies gain

from stasis slumber, and looking out upon a galaxy they once

momentum, they can quickly spiral out in waves of destruction.

dominated, they do not like what they see.

*.qffid
\r.ao*t

In the last few hundred years,several rnajor new races have

TnE VrnruE Or IurorERAr{cE

been discovered in the far east of the galaxy. The Tau are

Much of the Imperium, led by the religious fervour of the

emblematic of these ambitious races that do not tremble

Adeptus Ministorum) believe in the exterrnination of ail

before the Imperium, for they are a vital people whose

aliens, even those that are entirely peaceful species.Nflhen the

fledgling empire is growing at an alarming rate. With

massesare stirred to such fear and fanaticism, they demand

advanced technology and a drive for expansion, the Tau

destruction over any kind of cooperation or coexistence.

have colonised several star systems on the Iastern Fringe,

This might seem like a harsh measure, but it is an age where

audaciously absorbing a small nrimber of Imperial worids.

ignorance is a virtue and brute force is used to solve a

Further to the east,and more dangerous sdll, lurks a more

rnultitude of problems, The dangers of failing to act are roo

horrific threat, The monstrosities known as the Tyranids

unthinkable to elicit any other response. It has not becorne this

arrive in Flive Fleets that descend upon worlds, unleashing

way without reason; most aliens are hostile and devious, and

scythe-limbed beaststhat think and kill as one. The Tyranids

some have proven as ruthless and ambitious as humanity itseH.

devour everything in their path, leaving behmd barren orbs

To them, there is no roorn in the galaxlr for the Imperium.

picked clean of anything that lives. Even worse) the Tyranids

seem to grow stronger with each battle.

Despite the many xenos dangers acrossthe Imperium, there

Throughout the galaxT,the enemies of humanity gather their

to make pacts with aliens. Sometimes this is seerningly

are those who, in their ignorance or desperation, are willing

strength, preparing thernselves for the apocalypse they know

innocuous: trading to gain advanced technology, hiring

is coming. Individually, few of these threats could ever hope

brute labour or buying rnercenary heip. So, concealed within

to challenge humanity's tlorninance of the galaxlr,but all

together, they are a formidabie menace - here picking on the

teeming hive worlds, xeno-tech draws high prices in illicit

fringes like jackals, elsewhere rnassing for a rnighty invasion.

to fight alongside planetary defence forces. In the Tollovian

The effort to contain the xenos and take back worlds lost

Cluster, fickle Caradochians are not only tolerated, but

markets, while the carnivorous Kroot have been paid in flesh

to their predations drains the Imperium, diverting military

allowed to sell their military services to the highest bidder. In

strength, disrupting tithes and shaking Mankind's faith. Each

this wnlr many argue, humanity is tainted. After all, accepting

human planet, often far removed from help, is left alone,

a Donarathi arnongst our own kind is only a small srep away

waiting for the blow to fall, looking out from the ramparts of

from making open covenant with the Hrud, the Ork, or any of

their world into a galaxy ftrll of dread.

the other foul species that plague the galaxy.

Alicn Menacc

THE RrsE AND Een oF

ATPHA SHATISH
and the deathof a planetof the lrnpenum
On thepredationsof ?(enos
Though the Imperium

contains a thousand times a thousand worlds,

'W'hen

next Alpha shalish is encountered, it is listed by

there is no register that lists the planets lost over the years, no

remembrancers, artist-scribes sent out with the 203rd Expedition

hallowed memorial for the untold devastation wrought by xenos. The

Fleet to record the auspicious events of the Great Crusade The

planet known as Alpha Shalish is gone, and there are few now living

Imperial forces, spearheaded by W'orld Eaters Space Marines, burst

who remember that it ever even existed. Its tale is one of violence,

into the mounded Lacrymole cities with righteous fury, cleansing the

human endurance and savagery, one that is even now being repeated

planet of their foul, man-eating kind with extreme prejudice. So was

again and again on many worlds across the galaxy.

the shackle of alien rule thrown off and the Emperor's Truth brought
to Alpha Shalish. Repopulation was quick, aided by a restarting of the

Discovered in the early years of the Age of Technology, Alpha Shalish

agri-machines, STC devices) many of which were found to still be in

was originally known as the crimson planet, for it glowed a deep red
'W'armed
by the energies of two suns,
hue when glimpsed from orbit.

working order. Within

four generations, hive cities were raised over

the old ruins. During the Horus H.eresy, many recruits shipped out

the planet was verdant, rich in both flora and fauna. The pioneers

from the growing world to swell the loyalist side. The re-built ports of

who named Alpha Shalish and marked it for prime conquest did

Alpha Shalish :iided in the recpvery wars and the world became a hub

not need to employ any of the atmosphere-fixing

wonders invented

of what was now declared the Segmentum Solar

at that time - neither the oxy-converter, self-sustaining hab-domes,

nor ion discharging reactors. There was strong resistance to human

Although nearby planets saw extensive fighting, the next major

colonisation, however,by ^xenos species whose very type has

conflict on Alpha shalish was in mid tvt3Z. As part of the largest

'W.aaagh!
the galaxy has ever known, the hive world was captured

been lost over the years. Early resistance was rectif.ed by planet
scorching - a slash and burn bombardment that, a decade later when
the colonists arrived,left

an unpopulated

world, ripe for cultivation.

during that great invasion. Alpha Shalish was dismantled - its hives
plundered for scrap, slave labour and target practice. It rernained an

The new settlers found ancient xenos ruins predating their arrival

Ork stronghold for over five hundred years, a cesspit of feuding tribes

by many thousands of years, but these were dozed over and buried

fighting for dominance amidst the shambles. It was the Blood Angels

beneath their new endeavours. Progress was swift in those days, and

who led the counter-attack that destroyed the Orks and brought

expansion was spurred by the discovery of rich mineral mines in the

the world back into the Imperial fold, although the planet itself was

neighbouring

systems. As the largest and most inhabitable planet on

the clearest.W'arp route, Alpha Shalish was soon a thriving port world.

afterwards embroiled in a series of millennia-long

civil wars and

the internal power strr.ggles left them victim to xenos raids. By M35
the planet was considered alien territory once again, often changing

Although

occasionally plagued by xenos raids, the world of Alpha

'

hands under a succession of foul xenos, its history lost in strife.

Shalish, protecte dby its robotic defences, continued to flourish

for thousands of years. STC constmctions

provided magnifi.cently

spired hive cities that rose high above the fully automated agri-fields.
psykers were welcomed amongst the growing

The proltferating

population, and perhaps this was what brought devastation to the

planet. Communication

with outsiders collapsed without warning

and apocalyptic destmction

what is nowknown

across the galaxy heralded the arrival of

as the Age of Strife. Some planets were struck

An Adeprus Ministorum

crusade freed Alpha Shalish in early M38

and the Ecclesiarchy established a strong presence on the world,

capitalising on anti-xenos feelings to launch further crusades. Over
two hundred named crusades emanated from Alpha Shalish in the
following

millennia, eliminating

aliens from neighbouring

systems,

liberating the Iron Rim cluster, and sending the Paleopods into
extinction. Given the planet's heightened intolerance, it is no surprise

worse than others and Alpha Shalish was nearly destroyed by the

that, in mid M39, when Eldar fleets materialized in nearby space, its

evils that erupted there. The next record of the planet comes from

ambassadors were refused in their request for an audience. That was

many millennia

later, as written by a cloistered brotherhood

of

the last anyone heard from Alpha Shalish.

compilers, monks who chronicle a period reckoned by corroborators

to be between M28 and M29. It paints a bleak picrure

Strange energy signals were picked up by sensor stations, distant

Astropath choirs received garbled visions, and the Vtrp

echoed

It took the Imperial Fists six

According to their records, the hive cities had long been toppled

with the slaughter of untold billions

into massive ruins, haunted places where those that remained of the

standard days to arrive in orbit of Alpha shalish. \7hat they found

was a barren orb, its blasted landmass in its death throes - the planet

human population

feared to go. These humans survived instead in

the wide plains, hunting

and gathering and bypassing all machinery

They had become a superstitious people, aftaid to venrure out at

night, unwilling

to use anything beyond the most basic technology.

,l

hterally cracking apart from the awesome energies unleashed

upon it. No survivors were found and the surface was too unstable
for funher

exploration. Few recordings of Alpha Shalish's history

Only a small conclave of monks rernained literate.'W.hen, around

remain, and they are buried unseen within the vaults of the Adeprus

M30, the Lacrymole arrived in force, the highly regressed human

Administratum.

population was easily subdued and herded into camps to serve as

dispatched and many theories rerurned, but soon, crisis after crisis

livestock as the hateful xenos settled on the planet.

swept the Imperium, and Alpha Shalish was forgotten

Investigations were ordered, Inquisitors were

BE weRt

oF cLEvER

ThcAlicn Mcnacc

DrscouRsE.

ORKS
Orks are a barbaric alien race that infest the galaxy from end

The GreenTidqthe Sauages

of the Star.

A large and power{rrl Ork can lead a Waaagh! for a while, but

to end. No matter how far Mankind has travelled. from the

to string together rnany victories and to find ways ro get the

galactic core to the blackest depths of deep space,they have

massed infantry and machines of war into contacr with worthy

found that Orks are either already there waiting for them or

targets to smash takes an Ork with cunning as well. tuckily, the

will be arriving there soon to launch their characteristic attacks.

combination of brawn and brains is rare amongst Orks, although

when such a leader rises,the whole galaxy trembles. Some of the

Orks are brutal, green-skinned creatures that have more in

darkest moments in the history of the Imperium have been the

common with a great savageape than a man. They delight in

result of massive Ork'W'aaaghs! The\Tarboss known only as the

carnage and so great is their need for conflict that, without

Beast nearly took over the galaxy, and it can only be a matter of

a more obvious opponent, the Orks will indulge in fighting

time before another apocalyptic greenskin rising takes place.

bloody wars with themselves,just to ensure they get a good

scrap. Over the long millennia, the Orks have proven to be
the rnost prohfic threat to the Imperium. They can be found
in countless warbands, clans and tribes spread across many

OnxTErxorocY

planets, even forming their own volatile empires. They are

To the forces of the Imperium, the Orks'weapons, arrnour

so numerous that, if the disparate groups were ever to cease

and vehicles are poorly designed and crudely built, seemingly

hostilities with their own kind, the Orks would be able to

assembled out of bits of scrap metal almost randomly bolted

sweep over the galaxy, smashing everything as they passed.

together. Field repairs, Mekboy experirnents or odd bits of scrap

ensures all Ork teknology is anarchic and such devices clank, spout

Size dominates Ork society and the largest of their kind

oily clouds of smoke and leave trails of bits that fall off behind lt.

invariably rise to lead them to battle. On occasion) an especially

Yet any who have fought the green hordes understand that Ork

hulking Ork \7arboss, a violent visionary who can inspire his

gear is crude, but it is nonetheless effective. From light attack craft

thick-skulled comrades like no other, will conquer several rival

like buggies or bikes, to tank-like battlewagons, heavily armoured

groups, forming the survivors into a massive single army. \V'hat

follows is known by that crude race as a nilaaagh! - part invasion

suits worn by Meganobs, or blazingly fast fighter aircraft, Ork

and part holy war. During such times, the greenskins will put
aside their differences and rival clans work togerher.
It is not just rare inter-species cooperation that happens
during a \Taaagh!, but other behavioural oddities occur as
well. large conglomerations of Orks generate mental energies,
'!7'arp
their bloodlust echoing through the
to act as a beacon
- summoning more greenskins to join the cause. Orks many
star systems distant become further agitated, rnultiplying in
nurnbers and afiacking anything they can reach at a redoubled
rate. Ork Mekboyz, as they call their engineer-builders, begin
the construction of larger works of battle - towering Stompas
or, if there is a large enough stockpile of parts, even a mighry
Gargant. Such creations are great mechanical effigies of the
Ork gods, laden with enough guns and missiles to flatten a
city. Mekboyz also cobble together crude spacecraft, so that the
hordes of warriors and massive war machines can rush off to
join the growing movement, taking part in the ensuing battles.
Ork'W'aaaghs! grow in size so long as they have something to
conquer. Successbreeds further success,and every Ork victory
calls yet more greenskins to join the cause.They can mass in
such overwhelming numbers that nothing can stop them. Even
fortress worlds or Space Marine home worlds are overrun, the
Orks blasting them apart to fuel the \Taaagh! further. Of course,
it takes a dominant Ork to hold a \Taaagh! together, as the many
different factions are always prone to break apart at any time.

teknolgy is made to pulverise the foe and it gets the job done.

URAX
\4{AAAGH!
.*r<>:>-{**

A war

of a hrrndred

fronts

--.P-f.e;iF*

has engulfed

the Ryta

systern.

Decades on frorn the initial onslaught, \flaaagh ! Grax still

Orks have captured the trio of rnoons that citcle Barac, although

continr-tes to draw additional Orks into the fighting. The Ryza

they have yet to establish a foothold on the rnain planet.

systern,named after the forge world at its centre) comprises

mofe than a dozen star systelns Despite raising their incoming
reinforcernent level by increasing the radius from which

As bitter fighting rages acrossa hundred fronts, an entirely

new lfi/aaagh! has materialised, drawn to the ever-growing

lose ground. The

$ they are drawn, the Imperium continues to
meat grinder, swallowing
a
into
has
turned
war
zone
expanding
.

conflagration. The ragtag fleets of Kommander Rarguts broke

f planet after planet in bloody conflict.

hr

threaten Ryza itself For the third time in the ongoing conflict,

I
I

through the Imperial Navi''s defensive blockade to once again

the forge world has been invaded. Ork Fighta-Bommas tear

Foreshadowing the horrors of q'hat could happen if Ryza were to

through low-hanging pollution clouds and the ground shakes

fall, the factory world of Proctus Prime iras been overtaken and

before the clanging advance of Gargants,massed Stompas and

billions of htrmans enslaved to produce weapons for the Orks.

a living green tide of Orks. Once more the ancient constructs

After a series of battles, the ramshackle battlewagon battalions

of the Legio Crucitrs, or \(/armongers, stride out to defend their

have captured the frozen orb of Flyberia and its invaluable

planet. Imperial Guard arrnies muster along trench lines, and

promethium mines. Only newly arrived armies frorn Catachan

entire armies of Leman Russ Executioners are driven straight

have ensured that the Imperium maintains a hold upon a single

out of the lactory and into the maelstrom. Super hearry tanks

continent of Ulani IV, although two of its sister planets are

and other weapons of the Adepftrs Mechanicus light the

already under green dominion. Using treachery arrd stealth, the

horizon with their firepower, Yet still the Orks advance,

Wrspou

rs rHE

BEGTNNTNG oF FEAR.

The ProudRemnants,Sailorson the Seaof Stars.

The Eldar are a spacefaring race that plies the void in vasr jewel-

To Mankind, the Eldar are an enigm a, at once vexatious and

like craftworlds. Long before Mankind's ancestors crawled from

helpful, turning from aloof and uncaring to meddlesome with

the Terran seas,the shining constellations of the Eldar empire

alarming swiftness. They are a perplexing race, and the Adepts

spanned the galaxy. Their whims decided the fate of worlds, but
now they are all but extinct - the last fragments of a shattered

of Terra find them hard to ally with and impossible to predict.

civilisation. The Eldar are reduced to a drifting nomadic

the more learned amongst the Imperium realise that the bulk

race, the children of those ancienrs with enough foresight to

of the Eldar are more often allies to humanify than enemies.

Discounting the bloodthirsty raiders and space-faring pirates,

have left their home worlds, to have sailed far away from the

However, the two races share no love for one another and

impending disaster, and escaped the cataclysmic Fall.

conflicting interests have driven them to war and with each

other many times in the past, where both sides have committed

Although only a shadow of their former glory, the Eldar are

merciless deeds against the other.

still a formidable power. Confident in the superiority of their

technology and mafiial prowess, the Eldar justifiably look down
'W.ho

THE WEBST/AY

on the barbaric usu{pers that have overrun the galaxy.

Eldar do not, indeed cannot, use'W'arp travel in the same way as

could compare the crude, smoke-belching engines of Man or

the Imperium. Being more psychically attuned than humans, the

Ork to the sleek grav-tanks or streaking jetbikes of the Eldar?

NTarp is altogether anathema to them. Instead, the Eldar ravel

In combat, observe how lumbering and slow the movernents

of a human soldier are against the precise, graceful attack of an

through the webwa|, a labyrinth that exists benveen the \V.arp

and the material dimension, pafiially in both and yet - in a way

Eldar. Only in sheer numbers do the Eldar come up short in

- in neither. Tht ancient lore was learned from a long exrinct

comparison to the other forces in the galaxy,though the quick-

race called the Old Ones and galacdc wars have been fought

striking Eldar way of war can offset this lone disadvantage.

between the Eldar and the Necrons over conftol of these strategic
pathways. The webway leads to many spots throughout the galaxy

At their most devastating, a small, methodically planned

Eldar attack is like a choreographed dance - in a whirl

craftworlds now stay connected, and it also allows for contact

of interlocking steps, the squads,war machines and

with Exodite worlds, those rare planets where pre-Fall Eldar

and can be used for almost instantaneous travel. This is how the

vehicles sweep in, perform their role, and fade away.These

settled and survived. Some webway portals are vast, large enough

orchestrations of destruction allow even small Eldar armies

for entire craftworlds to enter, while others might be man-sized.

to halt larger forces, quickly whittling them down with a

Travel within the webway can be perilous, for opening the wrong

series of rapid strikes, before delivering a swift killing blow.

gateway can lead to exits high above a planet's orbit or the depths

Each unit of Eldar has skills sharpened to an inhuman pitch,

of space.little else is known about the webws|r although there

allowing them to complement the functions of the others.

are many wild speculations. Few humans have ever managed to

Yet the Eldar can lose but one of their warriors for everv ren

penetrate it and they report dead ends, secret paths, loop fraps

enemies slain and still rue the exchange.

and sealed-off passagewaysto prevent the infihration of the

N(.rp.The fabled Black library, the sinister lairs of the Dark

No one knows exactly how many craftworlds there are, not

Eldar, and an increasing number of Necron fleets are rumoured

even the Eldar themselves, for the evacuation of their worlds

to be hidden within its many winding corridors as well.

was hurried and many ships disappeared into the void.

Miraculous feats, the craftworlds are really artificial worlds
that float through space.They are selFsufficient and able to
grow organically, adding space,repairing damage or adding

THE Fen oF THE Ernen

new outer shells over time. The largest and most important

The Eldar themselves never speak of the Fall, as they call it, to other

of the craftworlds identified by the Imperiurn are Alaitoc,

races, and so it is hard to get an accurate picture of exactly what

Iyanden, Biel-Tan, Saim-Flann, and Ulthwe. There are smaller

happened. Rumours tell of planets swallowed by the Varp and that

craftworlds too, including the mysterious Black tibrary, the

the darkest Daemons from within the minds of the Eldar overcame

doomed craftworld of Mero and the legendary lost craftworld

them for their arrogant sins. Some say that the captive souls of

of Chto. Undoubtedly there are others that have yet to

long dead Eldar are still tormented to this day by their sadistic

make contact with other Eldar or the Imperium. This is not

conquerors. Others say the Eldar got their just punishment and it is

surprising, as the Eldar are isolationists, avoiding contact with

only a matter of time before the rest succumb to whatever dreadful

outsiders, and often each other as well. In times of need, several

fate destroyed their reign.

craftworlds can be seen in close cooperation, although the

Craftworld Orohai refuses contact with all others, believing
themselves to be the only uncorrupted survivors of the Fall.

\7hat is indisputable is the area of the galaxy which was once the
central region of the ancient Eldar worlds is instead dominated by the
Eye ofTerror and that the Eldar are still haunted by their past

Hepprwnss

DARKETDAR

'#

Is A DELUSIoN

oF THE wEAK.

The Bitter Ftemnilnts,the Star Reauers.

Nestled far from prying eyes,the vile and sadistic city of

Commorragh was once a nodal point - a grand nexus within the

In order to exist, the Dark Eldar must have a constant supply of

labyrinthine dimensions of the webway. Before the Fall of the

needs, the Dark Eldar have become masters of the lightning

raid - hit and run attacks that eliminate all resistance, allowing
the victors ample time to gather up the spoils. til(/hile not above

Eldar, the hidden destination was renowned for its depraviry,

especially in the right circles of the cults of excess,for it served

living beings on which to practise their foul craft. To fulfil such

well those who wished for privacy. Shielded from the raw
power of Chaos and the psychic backlash unleashed upon the

taking technology and material goods, it is live captives that the

galaxy during the Fall, those in Commorragh were not slain

like so many of their kin. From their safe haven, the depravity

will surely suffer a terrible and often prolonged fate in order to

of these Eldar grew, until Commorragh was a monstrous nest

of scum and villainy. In many \ /ays,the Dark Ciry was the

Dark Eldar seek. All the mortal creatures taken into captivity
satiate their loathsome captors.

birthplace of the race known as Datk Eldar, the forsaken and

To launch their assaults,the Dark Eldar travel using the webwol,

moving unseen across the galaxy, journeying where no space

corrupt kin of the Eldar.

fleet, no patrol, no Imperial listening stations can detect them.

Their warships suddenly appear in low orbit around their target

.Vhere the Eldar aboard the craftworlds looked inwards to

planet, and without any warning, the wolves are amongst the

overcome the anguish of their past, steeling themselves with

inhuman discipline and rigid self control, their dark kin have

hard-striking approach to their kin, relying on fast-moving grav-

gone the opposite way.They have become a race of murderous

vehicles and Reaver Jetbikes to launch lightning assaults.They

sheep. On many levels, the Dark Eldar use a similar fast-hitting,

killers, a people whose very existence now depends upon the

display the same uncanny agility, weaving into combat with an

pain and suffering that they unleash upon others.

inhuman grace. Yet to those knowledgeable enough to tell the

Nestled within the webwdf, the Dark Eldar were largely immune
to the passageof time, with the exception that their souls began

the horrible inner nature of the Dark Eldar. No others take such

difference, the wanton slaughter and excess cruelry gives away

unnatural satisfaction in their own foul deeds.

to age and wither. The only counter for this gradual loss was to
refill that void by steeping themselves in extreme sensation and

Unlike their craftworld brethren, the Dark Eldar are not psychic.

outrageous evils. Quite literally, the agony and suffering of others

replenishes them, granting them an unholy vitaliry and vigour.

They do not have Farseers in their midst and actively avoid using
psykers themselves - for they do not wish to draw the aftentions

Those with witch-sight can look past their elegant and graceful

of the !7urp powers that are constandy seeking to devour them.

exteriors to see the twisted and hideous beings that the Dark

Bereft of any type of precognitive warnings, the Dark Eldar rely

Eldar have become. Those who have chosen this grim path can

on the speed and surprise of their attack to lead them to victory

and a rich supply of new slaves. However, the Dark Eldar are

continue on, or die. There is no turning back.

rapacious and affogant to an extreme. \X/hen, on occasion, their

plans go awry and their surprise assault is welcomed by ready
and determined resistance, the Dark Eldar rarely fade from a
fight. This is very much unlike their more fickle kir, but the

TnE Brecx LTSRARY

Humanity's few experts on the forbidden arts whisper of a hidden
Eldarcta.frry,pr

'a secret repository of all that ancient race's hard-

thrill of combat and the draw of bloodlust is powerful in the

Dark Eldar. To them, the call to slaughter on the batlefield is no

gathered knowledge on the Ruiqous Powets. Such a thing does exist,

different than the siren call of the bloody and cruel gladiatorial

although it is buried sornewhere beyond the most secret passagesof

games that are so popular in Cornmorragh.

the webway. Known as the Black Library, it is guarded by all manner

of psychic protections and patolled

by fell-handed sentinels who are

To the majoriry of Mankind, the Eldar are just a rumour - terrible

stories of piratical raiders. For those in the Imperium, there is

described as perilous beyond rneasure.

little to distinguish bemreen the ships of the Eldar craftworlds,

Few Eldar know the whereabouts of the Black Library and only a

are too powerful even for the strong-willed. There sit black tomes of

the corsair fleets or the bloodthirsty Dark Eldar. All are seen as
the same thing - an elusive menace that can bring sudden and
cruel death to the unwary - just another reason for Mankind to

sorcerous lore, including a copy of the dreaded Boohof Magnu.sand

hate and distrust all xenos. For their pafr, the Kabals of the Dark

a copy of the DaemonicusTotalu.s.Countless scrolls bearing the tme

Eldar understand how their rapacious actions continue to drive

handful have ever dared to enter within, for the secrets it harbours

names of Daemons are kept, as are the pacts forbinding

\7arp entities

into sewice. It is even said that the collected wisdom of the Old Ones
resides within. There, piled amongst grimoires and bound prophecies,
are the dark secrets of the galaxy. Many seek the Black Library, but
very few ever find it, and fewer still are allowed to pass inside

a wedge bemreen human/Eldar relations. This only sewes to

delight their sadistic hearts - for to them, humanity is barbarous
and beneath respect, no different from the way Mankind treats
their livestock - brute beasts useful for sustenance and little else.

_-v+-*
*+\-r

KABAIITE \TARRIOR,

KABATITEW'ARzuOR,

Kabal of the PoisonedTongue Kabalof the Balefulcaze

.$rYCH,
cult of strfe

WYCH,
ult of the BladeDenied

OR'

ARCHON,

\7YCH,
Cult of the Seventhwoe

KABAIITE \TARRIOR,

Rose Kaba| of the Black Heart

Kabal of the SLashedEye

HELIION,

MANDRAKI

The BloodshotBlades

SCOURCE,
Aene of the BlacLt
Pinion

INCUBUS,
Shrine of cursedNighf

HAEMONCUIUS

ANCIENT,

Covenof the CrawlingDark

Wr

nnn

ALREADy

DEFEATED

rF ouR. MAsTER

rs FEAR.

The Ancients,the HoIIow Ones.They are Legion.

The Necrons are ancient beyond imagining. Long have they

Much about the Necrons is unknown to Mankind. Their

slept in stasis,hidden beneath the surface of silent Tornb

technology is beyond the grasp of human understanding; the

\Vorlds, their consciousnessespreserved against the ravages

number of Tomb \(orlds and their relationships to each other

of time within immorral mechanical bodies. so long did the

is unguessed. However, the Necron pu{pose seems brutally

Necrons slumber that the galaxy a1lbut forgot their existence.

clear: they seek to cleanse the galaxy of upstart primitives and

Even in the minds of the Eldar, who once strove against the

re-establish their rightful role as rulers. Few Necrons feel any

Necrons for mastery of stars, did their mernory grow dim.

empathy with lesser creatures, for they view them as little

Mankind, who knew the Necrons only from the scattered

more than vermin infesting the ruins of their former glory.

fragments of their once star-spanning civilisation, deerned

them merely another faded race brought to nothingness by
the crushing weight of aeons.

NECRONSATST/AR
Necrons often strike without warning, issuing forth silently
from tombs far beneath a planet's surface or teleporting

Now, sixty million years after the last Tomb World was

directly into battle with their target. They are implacable foes,

sealed, a terrible pulpose has begun. In dark caverns where no

remorseless in advance and virtually impervious ro enemy

rnortal creature has set foot, ancient rnachineries are stirring.

fire. Marching in silent phalanxes, they unleash precision

Revivification charnbers hum with power as they return li[e

volleys of crackling green gauss energy that reduce flesh,

to the Necrons sleeping within. Service robots scurry through

armour and bone down to its constituent atoms. Amidst the

dust-laden passageways,repairing the damage caused by aeons

phalanxes stalk eldritch machines and vehicles of srrange,

of dormancli living metal walls flow like quicksilver as the great

macabre design. Iooming

mausoleums reconfigure themselves as palaces,armouries and

floating ziggurats of destruction.

over all are the Monoliths, grear

fortresses. The cold-hearted Necron Lords and their implacable

legions are rising to find their once-great empire in decay and

Victory against this unforgiving and unstoppable force will

primitive life-forrns squafting in their ancient domains. They

require the lesser races to stand united, and tirne for them to

are not impressed; a reckoning shall come.

do so is swiftly running out. Vith

every world the Necrons

reconquer, the ancient empire comes ever closer to rebirth...

Yet the younger races have time, perhaps, before annihilation.

f:i*:*",);ru
;iT:"'"#
$:*::t
",,?,i::""j;il:i
races or suffered losses due to malfunctioning

stasis systems.

Others have not yet begun to stir due to machinery faults or

the strange disruptions of u(/arp storms. A Tomb Vorld is at
its most vulnerable during the revivificadon process - in these

i
i
,
i
I

It"tpERrAL REpoRTS
Given the size and bureaucracy of the Imperium, it is hard to
ascertain the level of threat the Necrons pose. There are those

early stages,it is unlikely that the arrny of a Tomb \7orld will

rypical7y Inquisitors

or Space Marine Commanders, who can

have awoken to full function. This leaves the defence in the

link together the many incoming reports and see,if not a pattern,

hands of Canoptek servants - automatons whose responses,

then at least an emerging threat of prime imporr. Yet reporrs are

although rernorseless and lethal, are not nearly so powerful as

aTomb rilTorld with its legions fully functioning. Vorse, the

mysterious robotic warriors, for in victory or defeat, the Necrons

power signatures given off during awakening are detectable

across great spans of space,luring tech-scavengers, explorators
and treasure-hunters of all kinds.

vague and it is difficult to veriS'which

xenos artacks are from the

leave few clues.

The range of informadon

coming in is so varied in nature it

hardly seems possible that it can emanate from the same xenos,
making it hard to establish any kind of pattern. Some worlds

The Necrons themselves are no longer creatures of flesh and

report aggressive, genocidal attacks, others cautious probes. Some

blood, but android embodiments of death itself that can sunzive

worlds have been visited by emissaries under truce, requesting the

crippling darnage. Incredulous observers report rent metal

surrender of entire planets teeming with industry and blllions of

flowing back together and severed limbs scrabbling to reattach

Imperial inhabitants, while others claim the Necrons have begun

themselves. Should irreparable damage occur, the Necron

'phases
out'; body and consciousness are teleported back to the

covert operations upon their systems, using deception, pinpoint

nearest tomb-complex to remain in storage until a new form can

raids and assassinations to destabilise vital locations. At rimes,

the Necrons seem pre-programmed - launching raids upon the

be forged. The technologies by which this is accomplished are a

promethium

mystery, and the Necrons have put in place many contingencies,

eachlunar month. At others,the best-laidImperial defencesare

including selFdestruct mechanisms, which prevent their

bypassedasif they weren't there,or worsestill, brushedasidethe

knowledge from falling into the covetous hands of lesser races.

way aman might carelesslyswatan insect.

refinery plants of Asylus at exactly the same time

To r.q.cx coNvrcrroN

rs ro INvrrE DEFEAT.

Proponents
of the GreaterGood,Bringersof Enlightenment,Childrenof a GreaterDestiny.

On the Eastern Fringe of the gala>ry,farfrom the centralised

are equipped with versatile weapon systems, often using

control of Terra, a new empire is growing. Ambitious and

advanced scientific breakthroughs such as stealth field

united in purpose, the xenos race known as the Tau seeks to

'enlightenment'
spread its
across the stars.Although barely

generators, guided missiles, or artificially intelligent and

registering as a blip against the size of the unthinkably

prototype weapons are constantly in the works, promising an

sprawling Imperium of Man, the rapid rise and expansion of the

even brighter future.

independently acting drones. For the Tau, new designs and

Tau has been startling.

THE CREATERGOOD
of parable-speaking diplomats who offer alien populations

The Tau civilisation is made up of a rigid caste system, with each

of the five castes(Fire, Earth, Air, \Water and Ethereal) forming

peaceful opportunities to join the rising empire, the Tau army is

a sub-specieswithin the race. Such segregation provides the

Although the Tau lead their colonisation efforts with a range

always close behind, rcady to be called in should dialogue prove

clarity of purpose that allows each member to fulfil ht role

fruitless. Tau diplomats have a talent for picking up foreign

within sociery - be it warrior, worker, pilot, or bureaucrat. The

languages and observing the niceties of local customs. They

members of the ruling caste,known as Ethereals, bind and

are master negotiators who can, in their first visit to an alien

harmonise the other castestogether into a common goal. It is

planet, tactfully address the plentiful benefits ofioining

the

Tau Empire and the ramifications for those who resist. Those

they who steer the course of the Tau expansions, deciding which
planets will be colonised, whlch aliens will be absorbed and

who wilfully refuse to join the Tau, subserviently becoming

which will be eliminated. The entire Tau race is underpinned

part of their growing empire, are quickly shown the error of

by the philosophical concept, driven by the Ethereals, that the

their ignorance. There are some races,whether conquered or

individual must set aside personal desires and work for the

coerced, which have come to accept and fully adopt the message

Greater Good. The Imperium would give much to learn the

of the Greater Good, the philosophy that the Tau live by. Many,

secrets of the Tau, particularly the Ethereals. There is much

such as the Ranghons, Nicassar and Morralians, have already

bowed before the Tau Empire, with aliens like the carnivorous

speculation about how they maintain such a high level of control

over the other castes.Psychic abilities have been ruled out -

Kroot and the insectoid Vespid even sending their own troops

the Tau being a race that don't seem to register in the \Varp.

to act as auxiliaries for further Tau expansrons.

Chemical manipulation has been suggested,perhaps explaining

the power behind the smooth, dulcet words spoke by the Tau

Unlike many xenos, violence is not the option Tau turn to

spiritual leaders,but nothing has been confirmed.

first. However, once peaceful overtures have been rejected,

they readily shift to a military footing to find the solution.

The Tau wholeheartedly subscribe to the Ethereals' conviction

Unfettered by Mankind's superstitions and fears of machines,

that theirs is a race predestined for greatness,a race meant to

the Tau embrace their technology, putting great effort into

inherit the rule of the stars. The Tau are methodically working

perfecting their gear of war. They believe their victories are

their way outwards from their birth world, launching great

not achieved by willpower or bludgeoning might, but rather by

expansion drives that have yet to be halted. Before long, many

sophisticated weapons systems,well coordinated attack plans

more will join the growing wave of Tau expansionism . . .

and a flexible discipline that will fluidly pull back as needed

until they can operate once more at peak efficiency. The Tau
believe in a milLtary doctrine of bringing overwhelming
firepower where it is needed most, while suffering the
least damage to themselves in return. Unlike the grinding
Imperial Guard armies, which willingly trade body counts for

Frnsr CoNTAcT
The Imperium's Explorators first encountered the Tau just prior to

territory, the Tau do not believe in the wisdom of battles of

the Age of Apostasy, finding a resource-rich planet surrounded by a

attrition or even in the value of holding ground. Instead, a Tau

promising band of star systems The inhablting race, the ancestors

comrnander will take advantage of superior ranged weapons,

pinning down a foe and picking him apart, quickly departing
should they advance too closely.
No matter the opposition, the Tau are sure their technology
can overcome the challenge. The pinnacle of Tau weapon
technologies are the various types of battlesuits. Piloted as
much as worn, battlesuits form the elite units in a Tarr army
and perform a range of roles - offensive and defensive. They

of the Tau, were little more than savannah-roaming primitives

Marked for extermination, the Imperium

sent out a seeding colony,

but'Warp storms arose and the Imperium's armada was never

heard from again. W'hen the tumultuous energies calmed enough
for recontact, nearly six thousand years later, the Tau had changed
almost beyond recognition. The Imperiurn found a newborn
empire busily expanding, even daring to absorb a handful of
planets previously under rule of the Imperium. The Departmento
Munitorum

has increased manpower tithes and begun the

preparations to supply another massive war zone.

ThcAlicn Menacc

-/,
//

A wtnpoN

cANNor

SUBSTITUTE

-:YYY:'::'"'Y:

TYRANIDS
Beyond the range of the Imperium's spacecraft and the

the ernanations from the Hive Mind that they bring with

most strident astrotelepathy lies the unspeakable cold of the

them a smothering psychic signature known to Imperial

intergalactic void. It is the great barrier that divides galaxy from

Astropaths as the Shadow in the \7arp. It is as if the darkness

galaxy, a place where grand vistas of space and time conspire to

of the intergalacdc void has been made incarnate, causing

hold their secrets apart with inconceivable distances. Yet the

even the strongest minds to unravel with despair. So mighry

void is not empty. An immeasurably ancient and exceedingly

is this Shadow that it blots out the sacred guiding light of the

alien intelligence has moved out of that darkness, its many eyes

Astronomican; thus do the Hive Fleets isolate and destroy all

fixed on a galaxy rich with life.

in their path.

The Tyranids are the most alien of the races to infest Imperial

INVASION

space,for they come from beyond. Their Hive Fleets stretch

A Tyranid assault upon a planet is a terrifting

out like tendrils , great chitinous bio-ships drifting in brooding

silence. Once the remorseless shoals of the blo-ships detect

witnessed and survived. Gigantic hunks of gristle and cartilage,

sight that few have

known as mycetic spores,plummet through the skies to smash

the presence of aprey world, they close upon their target,

into the surftce, ploughing deep furrows into the ground. There,

grasping it like some many-tentacled beast seizing its food.

they split open to reveal broods of ferocious beasts.Swarms of

In the ensuing invasion, the world will be consumed, for the

chittering, scythe-limbed aliens move across the ground as one.

Tyranids hunger for all living matter. There is no escapefrom

Some carry grotesque living weapons capable of firing parasitic

this final embrace and when the Tyranids finally depart, they

projectiles that chew into their targets' flesh. Strange stalking

leave behind a barren world, a scoured ball of rock now devoid

beastsuse perfect camouflage to ambush their prel, often

of anything that lives.

turning up far behind the front lines to sow confusion in the

THE HIVE MIND

to follow. From the skies, winged creatures rain death, and

enemy ranks, leaving trails for the ensuing waves of Tyranids

The Hive comprises many dlfferent creatures functioning

the ground quakes as burrowing beasts tunnel tp from below.

as one, coordinated by the gestalt consciousness of the Hive

Towering monstrosities stride upon multiple sets of legs, halting

Mind. Individual Tyranid creatures are held in a common

occasionally to unleash firestorm blasts from bio-cannons.

psychic bond that enables them to act as a single organism,

Every Tyranid creature is a bioengineered killing machine,

each individual serving only to fulfil the functions assigned by

perfectly adapted for its role in the slaughter. Thus far, only their

the greater consciousness - the Hive Mind itself. Vhile

vanguard has reached this galaxy, the greater mass is still on its

some

Tyranid creatures are capable of rational thought, most do not

way. And the Hive Mind hungers...

have distinct minds as humans would understand. Indeed,

most Tyranids are unthinking, having been created to fulfil a
single specialised role. It tends to be the larger beasts that act
as generals on the ground, making decisions and redirecting
the lesser beings, all of course, according to the greater
strategy and goals of the Hive Mind.
A Tyranid Hive Fleet consists of millions of living starcraft,
each horne to untold numbers of monstrosities evolved from
the geno-organs of the ship's reproductive chambers. All the

THE HrvE FrEErs

Thus far, the Imperium

has been struck by what they gather to

be no less than nine distinct Hive Fleets Each one of these living
armadas is made up of millions of many-tendrilled

spacecrafr and

on board each ship are rnillions of crearures ready for planetary

invasion. The Magos Biologis of the Imperium

has thus far

categorised the separate forces, noting the defining characteristics

creatures serve the entity that is the ship, and the ship exists

that each of the self-sufficient Hive Fleet exhibits, the crearures it

only as part of the horrific super-organism that is the fleet. Even

evolves and the tactics it employs during attacks Differing Hive

when dead, organic matter is reconstituted back into the ship,

Fleets seemingly have their own agenda and have sometimes

along with captured biomass from the invaded planet. It is

competed with each other for food, occasionally even clashing with

then all dissolved into a rich biological gruel used to make new

each other over a particularly bio-rich planet.

Tyranid creatures, each ready to serye the Hive Mind and begin
the feeding process anew.

Unbeknownst

to the Imperium, the threat is of an even greater

magnirude, for the bulk of the Tyranids have not yet reached the

The Tyranid race is psychic, each creature linked by the

Imperium's galaxy, their masses still smewn out across the void. So

sentience of the Hive Mind. On the battlefield, leader creatures

serve as hubs to channel these connections to the lesser

immeasurably large is the invasion fleet that its furthest stretched

swarms. It is this central intelligence that guides the Tyranid

fleets towards prey planets, but it does more. So powerful are

idendfied Hive Fleets is but a splinter of that single monstrous

tentacles alone have entered the Imperium's space.Each of the

host, the Hive Mind. X7.hathorrors await, only rime will tell.

ScyrHrNcTaLohI
(CanurrExGnuus)

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Drvounrn

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AuuutnnoNOncautsMs
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THEGnTATESTTHREAT
'Bcyond

4
1
{

the vcil lics madnessandthe world's cnding,bcwarcyc the Tcrrors of thc W.tp.

From the shifting seasof the \(arp, fearsome entities espy

and twisted made manifest. They are not fashioned of flesh and

Mankind and his doings. From that realm of madness,great

blood, but of unadulterated power, supernatural beings who

powers conspire to bring about a doom so complete, so absolute,

that the entire galaxy would be consumed - swallowed into an

factions amongst the Daemons are often rivals, they are united

endless oblivion of darkness and torture. If such a cataclysm

in their quest to make the mortal plane a playground for their

were to happen, there could be no hope of recovery, only Chaos.

Despite the incessant xenos invasions that beset the knperium, it

hateful needs, to let loose unending punishment, slaughter and

dine on the terror and ambition of man. Although the different

anarchy upon the galaxy.

is this apocalyptic fate that looms largest over Mankind's destiny.

Daemons cannot exist in realspace for long without the unnatural
There are few in the Imperium who understand the real

energies of the \7arp to sustain them. Unless an incursion

ramifi.cations of what lurks in the W..p, plotting Man's demise.

happens near a major rift between the realrns of reality and the

It was the Emperor, the Master of Mankind, who first fathomed

Immaterium, such as the Eye of Terror, the dme that Daemons

the dangers that the Ruinous Powers posed to humanity. It was

can stay in the land of mortals is limited by the size and sffength

his ill-fated plan that even now protects the Imperium from
the predations of the Dark Gods and their daemonic scions.

of the source of \7arp energies that brought them there. This is

often long enough to accomplish much destruction - for even

Secretive agents of Mankind work tirelessly to thwart daemonic

the briefest Daemonic invasion can consurne an entire planet

incursions into realspace,but they are few, and the creatures of

in its fury. Nothing short of overwhelming

the \7.arp are many.Ifevery

citizen of the Imperium was pnvy

to the knowledge safeguarded by the Inquisition, then humanity

the entire galaxy

will ever satethese fiendish crearures,and each rampage leaves

Mankind a little weaker; every breach into the material realm

would become a race of madmen, for the true scope of the threat

stretches the barrier a little tauter. Daemonic incursions are

of Chaos is impossible for the untrained mind to bear.

phenomena that are occurring with increasing frequency, and

their rise can onlv mean the absolute destruction of humanity.

The Ruinous Powers attack the galaxy in interwoven ways, using

lil ,

such machinations or unravel the convoluted patterns behind

STAVESTODARKNESSCHAOS SPACEMARINES

such assaults.Are the slaughters on Van Florne's world related

Once proud and majestic warriors armoured with faith and

unexpected guises. It is beyond mortal comprehension to follow

to a greater plan, or was the bloodbath merely an oppoffunity

armed with righteousness, the Chaos SpaceMarines are now

to enter realspace?\7hat is the endgame for the corruption of

bitter, selfish champions of dark, hungry gods, with no cause

the planetary governor of Drakus Prime? \7hat foul seeds are

other than personal ambition and hatred. Devoted to the

ll :i

planted upon worlds that have suffered from the Zombie Plague

arcane powers of the \[arp, Chaos Space Marines care nothing

that has spread across swathes of the galaxy? \7hat hope has

for loyalry or honour, sacrifice or obligation, for they have

Mankind to fathom so random, bloodthirsty and immortal a foe?

bargained away their souls, discarding their oaths of allegiance

to the Emperor for matedal power, sensual freedom and the

\(hat can be recognised is that the forces of the Dark Gods are
'S7'arp.
Humanity
Iegion and are not confined solely within the

chance to attain daemonic immortality.

itself has been coffupted. Many have opened up their hearts to

Blessed with the gifts of the Dark Gods, Chaos Space Marines

hubris, greed and envy. Disaffected ffaitors follow their own

sow havoc across the galaxy as they prosecute the long \Var,

goals, unknowingly

senring a larger pulpose. Outcast mutants

harbour their own kind, unwittingly

unrelenting since the days of the Horus Heresy. For ten thousand
years, traitor legions and renegade Chapters have ransacked

nurturing a festering

malignancy. A11separate actions spread over time and space,yet

working towards the same goal - the break down of the barriers

and razed the worlds of the Emperor, and all knowledge of their

benveen realspace and the \7arp, and the downfall of Man.

history by the Inquisition, lest awareness of their existence serve

slaughter and conquest has been ruthlessly expunged from

to ternpt others to the senrice of Chaos. Their names cursed for

SCIONS OF THE $trARP- DAEMONS

their betrayal, the Chaos SpaceMarines are notorious for acts of

The most powerful of the Chaos forces are the foul Daemons

bestial savagery,and they sewe as foreboding reminders to those

themselves. V/hen the creatures within the \7arp burst into

who fight to defend Humanity that even the most powerful and

the material world, it is to wreak carnage and bring anarchy.

trusted of humankind can fall. No planet is beyond their reach

The servants of the Chaos Gods, Daemons are all that is vile

and there is no world that does not fear their corning.

Tnr

RnwaRD

FoR TREACHERy

Is RETRIBUTToN.

TAINT OF THE TRAITOR

A ChaosSpaceMarine attackis the most tangible of the Chaos
threats,but there are still other perils,lessrecognisable,but
equallydeadly.On everyhuman world there aremalcontents
who lust for power beyond their means,whose avariceis
insatiableby honest endeavourand who would take any path to
satisfr their ambition. Such minds areeasyprey for the Ruinous
Powers,falling easilyinto temptation. Though the worship of
Chaosis a primal heresy,punishableby death throughout the
Imperium, there are thousands,rnaybemillions, of Chaoscults all gathering strength to extend their influence. In deepsewers
beneathhive cities,hoodedfigures meet to debasethemselvesin
forbidden worshipt on greatstonepyramids,prirnitive shamans
attempt to summon Daemonsto do their bidding; under the
light of strangemoons,foul offerings arelifted to blasphernous
godswhosenameshonest men fear to speak.Organisationsof
this kind have coiled their way into all levels of the Imperium,
counting adludicators,military commandersand plan etary
governorsamongsttheir number. \rho can saywith certainry
which fellow citizens arepure and which are tainted?
Most pleasto the ChaosGodsgo unanswered,for only the
true srudentof the malevolent arts can hope to understandthe
nuance and rirual that can allow creaturesfrom the'S(/arpthe
passagethey seek.Yet,with every hurnan who turns from the

true path of the Emperor dissension is sown and so does the

Imperium

turn upon itself. \Xrith desperate fervour, Inquisitors

seek out Chaos Cults, |et the roots of corruption run deep.
Some cultists are lured into funhering the plots of the Chaos
Space Marines, while others at last manage to bring fonh a
malignancy into the galaxy, either summoning entities frorn
the \Varp or through their foul actions allowing some gateway
- most often a psyker - to open a rift. There can be no greater
delusion than that of the fools who seek an easy road to power,
yet they can, and do, bring ruin upon an entire planets.

FEenrHE MureNT,
HUNTTHE MureNT
Mutations

sweep across the Imperium

like plagues, twisnng

bodies and souls into ever more deviant forms. In all but a

small handful of cases,mutants are considereda dangerto the

wider Imperium and they arefearedand shunned by all right
thinking citizens,if not hunted and purged outright. By far the
most dangerousmutants are those with psychic powers,for an
untrained
lfrrp

'witch'

can unwittingly

allow foul denizens of the

access into realspace. W'orse still are the psykers who

actively couft the attentions of such fiends. Driven, by ruthless

persecution, into a hidden underclass in most societies, mutants
often fall prey to the honeyed promises of help made by the secret
and devolved cults concealed amidst the strata of Imperial society.

CHAOS DAEMONS

The Doomof Mortals,Servantsof the Darh Gods.

In the Warp, there exist countless Daemons of myriad

through even the tiniest crack in a ship's protections, then a

abhorrent shapes,each the spawn of the nightmares and secret

horrififing fate awaits all on board. Many Imperial spacecraft have

vices of mortal creatures. Daemons are but extensions of the

entered the Warp to return far from their planned point of exit

Chaos Gods, the undisputed rnasters of that shifting land of

and filled with fiends instead of men. Using hosts or sacrifices,

hellish limbo. There are four Chaos Gods, rival brothers in

Chaos cultists can sometimes create a rift or open up a person to

darkness. They are: Khorne, the Blood God, the master of

unholy possession.Those who study the way of the Daemon too

battle and patron of ferociry; Tzeentch, eternal schemer, the

closely, including some Inquisitors, can likewise put themselves

Changer of \(ays, the Lord of Magic; Ntugle, the Great lord

at risk. For all their ferociry, Daemons are also intensely clever,

of Decay and Fecundiry, joyous bringer of plague and physical

and over time are able to use temptation or subtle manipulation

corruption; and Slaanesh,the lord of Pleasure,the purveyor

to comrpt even the most strong-willed of individuals.

of secret vices and excess.It is these four Dark Gods who vie
for the dominion of rnan, and whose Daemons seek gateways
through the minds of the weak and careless.Daemons are

Permanent gateways to the \Vrrp exist throughout the galaxy

- some great in size, others small, but all bristle with inevitable

but splinters of the Ruinous Powers made sentient, so the

danger. In such places,the mutating powers of Chaos run

appearance and behaviour of a Daemon always betrays the

character and ambition of its progenitor - they can only act in

rampant and planets are twisted into Daemon worlds, where

the manner of their patron. So, Bloodletters, the rank and file of

peffnanent rift between the material universe and the \7'arp

Khorne's legions, are ferocious, slavering creatures eager to reap

is the Eye ofTerror, a region of space where the two universes

and slay, as befi.ts minions of the God of Battle.

overlap. There are smaller gaps too, such as the Maelstroh, von

the greatest of evils are free to manifest themselves. The largest

Grothe's Rapidity, the Green Maw, and the Storm of ludgement.

In the \7arp, the Dark Gods vie for suprem aCft each pitting
their legions and wit against the others in a constant bid

\7.rp storms, great stellar ffauma or vast psychic emanations

to dominate them. Daemonic armies clash across the ever-

can also draw forth the Daemonic legions. \U'hat might start

changing Realm of Chaos, riding nightmare dreamscapes into

as a trickle, a single entity wriggling its hideous way into

battle, shattering landscapes and reconfiguring conquered

the material world, can become a larger hole in the barrier

territory to fit its new master. Thus, if Nurgle's legions overrun

between realms, eventually resulting in a steady stream or even

the iridescent shape-changing crystalline structures that mark

a full, raging tide of Daemons, a hellish flood that can engulf

Tzeentch's kingdom, it will soon flow freely with pus, decay

and the corrupting poxes that signifr the new ruler of that

a world or even a star system in a short period of time.'lfhen

the Daemon armies emerge, they do so with great purpose -

space.This eternal battle waxes and wanes as the fortunes and

to unmake realify, whether through insidious corruption or

powers of each God ebbs and flows. NThen great plagues sweep

outright war. \XZith so rnuch unnatural energy spilling out,

the mortal realms, such as the eyerot or the terrifying Zornbie

even the most monstrous denizens of the \7.rp can cross over,

Plague, then Nurgle's realm might gain ascendancy for a while.

letting the Greater Daemons once more stride the stars.The

At any given time, there might be countless different rivalries

terrible abominations capable of mighry deeds of destruction.

or alliances between the brother gods. There are plots within

just to stand before such colossal nightmares is to risk an

most powerful of the Dark God's minions, Greater Daemons are

plots as each seeks an advantage in the eternal back and forth.

eternity of torment. At their whim, realiry is reformed, and at

Yet there is one thing that unites the opposing powers to

their command, Daemonic hordes slaughter entire populations.

put aside their differences for a time and work together. For,

Luckily for Mankind, most rifts in the barrier between realms

above all else, the Daemons of the \7arp lust to push through

are temporary and, upon closure, the \Varp energies dissipate

the boundary that separatesthem from the mortal realms, to

quickly. This means Daemonic incursions are typically short

unleash their wanton destruction upon the galaxy.

lived, and the foul armies are forced back to the Immaterium.

DAEMONICASSAUTT

Besides cutting off the unnatural energies around them, there

There are countless ways in which Daemons can invade realiry.

are other methods to drive Daemons back into the'W'arp. An

Human psykers present the most common means of entry, for

'$?'arp,
and

unremitting blast of psychic will or physically slaying them will

their untrained minds are like beacons within the

do the job, but only for a while. The desffuction of a Daemon's

draw Daemons to them as the scent of blood draws predatory

physical form will banish it from realspace,but will not end its

beasts.Through such open psychic minds, a Daemon can rip a

existence. The malefic presence will gradually reform again in

hole into realspace and burrow into the psyker's mind. Ships

the \7arp, nursing its hatred and its grudge for long decades or

entering the Immaterium are also vulnerable, for if any of their

numerous safeguards fail or if the insidious powers can wonn

even centuries. If such an entity gets a chance, it will return, its

hatred further stoked with a horrible vengeance in mind.

THE CHAOS GODS

The rulersof the F.ealm0f Chaosarethefour GreatPowers,

the Godsof chaos,the Darh Gods.

NURCTE

KHORNE
Khorne is the Blood God, the god of

The Great lord of Decay, Nurgle

battle whose bellows of insatiable rage

presides over physical corruption and

echo acrosstime and space.He broods

the cycle of purification, rebirth and

upon a mighty throne of brass atop a vast

morbidity. Plague and entropy attract

mountain of skulls. A seaofbones, fed by

hirn like aily to a rotting corpse, and

the remains of those slain by his many

though he dotes over his foul diseases

champions, extends endlessly from him

and Daernons like an indulgent father,

in all directions.

his wrath is terrible when roused.

TZEENTCH

SIAANESH
Tzeentch is the Great Sorcerer, the god

The Dark Prince, the youngest of

of magic and Master of the Timestream.

the Chaos Gods, is Slaanesh,who

He is the Changer of \7ays, the one who

alone of the pantheon is divinely

directs the fate of the universe. Tzeentch

beautiful. He epitomises excess in all

weaves plots like spider webs and his

things, and favours seducing beautiful

labyrinthine plans within plans reach

mortals, tempting them with a life

past temporal bounds and carry through

of overindulgence. He is all things

untold centuries.

decadent and debased.

Tnr Evr or Tnnnon

The Eye ofTerror is the largestand most well known tf7arprift in the galaxy- a permanent tear that hasbreachedthe barrier between reality and the
Immaterium. like a weeping soreon the vetge oferuption, this galacticphenomenon hasblighted Imperial spacefor over 10,000years.At the centre
ofthe swirling Eye is absoluteChaos,a whirlpool ofenergy where the creaturesofthe !?arp bathe in those purest currents ofmadness thar pour
out ftom the realm ofthe Dark Gods.From a distance,the lye ofTerror stainsthe surrounding starsin a disrurbing blend ofcolours. From Cadia,
bulwark planet ofthe Imperium, it can be seenwith the naked eye - a pulsing oceanofsickly purple. I'rom lenris, the icy homeworld ofthe Space
!?olves, the ocularis Terribus appeatsasa hideous wound gnawing at the sky. From Terra,ifmagnfication could seepastthe pall ofatmospheric
pollution or the many rings oforbiting defencestationsand free-floating debris,the Eye ofTerror could be seenasa speck,distant,but glowering
with a menacing malignancy.Xven at a vast range,it is nauseatingto gazeupon that throbbing light, and many claim that staring too long into that
hateful abysscan lead to nightmares,blindness,or absolutemadness.
For many light yearsaround the anarchichub of the Eye ofTerror's cenre, there arebroad zoneswhere realiry and the Immateririm mix, where
physical laws clashwith the whims of the Dark Gods.Planetswithin the Eye of Terror are imbued with arcaneenergiesand known asDaemon
worlds, hellish regions that defr reason,placeswhete creaturesfrom the Warp walk freely. Often, such worlds are gifted to panicularly powerful
GreaterDaemonsot even Daemon Princes,rewardsfrom their dark mastersfor spectacularservice.In the middle spiralsofthe Eye ofTerror, some
ofthe laws ofnatute still apply, although the areais regularly swept by the unadulteratedpowers ofthe Varp. Since the daysfollowing the Horus
Hetesy, this region hasbecome a refuge for the Traitor Legions,a basefor those SpaceMarines who joined the rebellion and havebeen fighting the
hated Imperium ever since.Here they remain, largely untouched by the weight ofthe aeons,for time passesunpredictably, ifat all, in the Eye of
Tertor. Somelegions have had their once noble Primarchselevatedinto immortal Daemon Princes,diabolicalleadersmade even more mighty. Irom
this sanctuaryofdread, they strile out on countlessraids,wars,and massfor the invasionsknown as Black Crusades
All planetsand spacesectorsnear the Eye ofTerror aredangerousin the extreme Thosewho escapethe predationsof Daemonsor ChaosSpace
Mariles are still subjectto foul mutation. As the spiralling tendrils ofthe Eye swirl haphazardly,the rangeofsuch chaotic e{fectscan vary wildly,
sometimes affectilg spacea great distance away.Navigatots are loathe to direct their thitd eye anywhete in the direction ofthe Eye ofTerror, for do to
so will mean certain doom. Shipsthat straytoo near the vortex can be thrown far offcoutse or, worse still, suckedinto the roiling spaceto be consumed
or tortured at the leisureofDaemons.The areato the galacticsoutheastofthe Eye ofTerror is, however,typically calm. Named the CadianGate,it is
the oniy predictableand stableway to exit the region,arrdtherefore the passageway
hasbecomethe site ofnon-stop fighthg. Thesebattlesrangefrom
skirmishesand raidsto the full expressionofmight, rageand vengeanceunleashedby a Black Crusade.There,along the many fortfied planetsofthe
Cadiansystem,the Imperium strivesto contain the horrific powers,blocking them from rampagingout into the more vulnerable sectorsbeyond.

CHAOS SPACEMARINES
Not all the creatures of the \frlp

Tainted.
to Darkness,The
CruelMqrauders,Slaues

The Chaos Space Marines are a fearsome foe. They have a

are its direct offspring.

Once proud and majestic warriors armoured with faith, the

Space Marine's abilities, along with his gear of war and, since

Chaos Space Marines are now bitter champions, covered in

rurning to the darker powers, many also now bear power

corruption. They are hateful reavers who war to serve their own

mutations or gifts from their patron Chaos Gods, which aid

dark needs and, in so doing, also serve their new masters.

them in battle. They still carry the same weapons they bore

Betrayal has ever been a threat to the Imperium and some of

years and now washed over by the corrupting powers of the

its blackest hours have come from the traitorous deeds done by

\farp. Some Chaos Space Marines appear uniform and stern,

in their service to the Emperor, sometimes dating back 10,000

what were once some of its most noble warriors. Throughout

their allegiance only distinguishable by their actions, while

a war-torn historl, rDany Space Marines have strayed from the

others are loathsorne, their forms befouled so greatly that they

are monstrous to look upon - plague-bloated and beslimed or

service of the Emperor and rurned to the Chaos Gods. There are
any number of paths to damnation - some of the Imperium's

perhaps forever melded into their armour.

finest warriors have consciously chosen their paths and others

The superhuman frame of the Space Marine can accept and

have been tempted across that line, nvisting their allegiances by

small increments at a time. There are even some few who have

survive through more mutations than any other mortal could

been tricked into darksome deeds, unaware of the implications

bear. Marked by tentacles, spikes and bestial visages,it is easy

of their actions undl it was too late.

to identifr Space Marines who have been long subjected to

Between their discipline, long histories of senrice, STC-designed

into forms more pleasing to their inhuman eyes. For instance,

wargear and the Codex Astartes, there are rnore similarities than

those who follow Khorne might find their limbs grown into

differences between Space Marine Chapters. This is not the case

killing blades, their armour emblazoned with deathly skulls

distorting powers from beyond, often mutated by their patron

with the Chaos Space Marines. A dark mirror to their Imperial

and eternally dripping with the blood of those they have slain.

counterparts, Chaos Space Marines share the same genetically

Those in thrall to mighty Tzeentch might be led by a Sorcerer,

enhanced superhuman abilities, but beyond that, the ranks of

with each warrior marked by ^ magical aura that glows around

the maitors are far more greatly varied. Some of the Chaos Space

them, chains of lightning crackling over their heads.

Marines are from the original betrayalr part of the Space Marine
Legions that joined Horus in his rebellion. After Florus' defeat,

Even the vehicles and war machines of the Chaos Space

many traitors fled to the Eye of Terror, seeking refuge from the

Marines become corrupted over time, twisting into mockeries

loyalists that hunted them. There, washed over by the intense

of their previous forms, bearing icons and battle scarsfrom their

energies of the N7arp, they took worlds of their own, becoming

ceaselesswars. Towering above them all are Daemon engines,

masters of Daemon realms and indulging their unworthy

horrible lurching creatures that are man and machine merged

ambitions. Although 10,000years have passed since they fled

together in hellish fusion. They are the ultimate horrors, each a

during the aftermath of the Horus Heresy, they live there still,

sign that shows just how inhuman some Chaos SpaceMarines

for time flows srangely near the Warp. This means the same

have become. Most fell of all, the Daemon Princes stride to the

Space Marine warriors who fought against the Emperor sdll

fore or glide upon enormous bat-like wings. These terri$ting

wage war on the Imperium today. For them, the strands of time

creatures are imbued with \7rrp powers and immortality,

have become intenvoven, the past, present and furure merging

rewards for the foulest of deeds and millennia of dark service.

into eternal war. Yet the Traitor Legions are not alone.
Chaos Space Marines do not only dwell in the Eye of Terror,
but are also scattered across the galaxy. They live in hldden

Over the span of thousands of years,other SpaceMarines have

rurned from the light of the Emperor, sometirnes indlvidually,

moon bases and drifting space hulks that flit in and out of the

or in squads or companies, and on very rare occastons, ln ennre

\Trrp.They

Chapters. Freed from the dogma of senrice to their Chapter

and established furtive bases upon Imperial worlds, hiding

and the Imperium, these individuals fully indulge their

beneath their enemies' noses.The Alpha Legion is notorious

superhuman bodies and prodigious fighting skills. Modified

to be the ultimate human warriors, these defectors most often

for having strongholds established under hive-cities and taking

gather wealth or power, becoming tyrannical leaders of pirate

fleets, despot warrior kings on frontier planets, or the leaders of

false reports. From these sites the Chaos Space Marines launch
raids - some taking what they want for their own needs, others

mercenary warbands out to claim their own forrunes. As doomed

continuing a war of hate against the Imperial whelps and their

as any fraitor from the Heresy, these Space Marines also turn
to the Chaos C,ods,sometims5 'n/illingly, seeking more power'

been reduced to ruin and the desiccated husk upon the Golden

sometimes at desperate need, when their heresy is at last revealed.

Throne has been chopped down, to wither away as dust.

have conquered frontier worlds to call their own

over research stations to deceive the Imperium for decades with

cursed Emperor, their dreams unfulfilled until Holy Terra has

-Y,
Tor,rnnnce

rs WsArNEss.

P{|wlr

THE BTACKIECION

\UTORDBEARERS

Own,The BlachXVI.
The Warmnster's

TheULtimnteZealots,Brtngersof theTrue Eaith.

'$7'orshippers

The history of the Black Legion resounds with

of all the Chaos Gods, the \7ord

Bearers are methodical followers of rites. They

the din of both victories and the most bitter of

defeats. The sixteenth of the First Founding

exist to consecrate new worlds, to practise foul

Space Marine Legions, they were once called

blasphemies and to erect monuments to the

Dark Gods. The \7ord Bearers are cult-starters,

the Luna Wolves, before the Emperor renamed

furtive missionaries seeking to spread the truth

them the Sons of Horus to honour them and their Primarch

of the \Tarp.Those unable to see their one true path are instead

after many triumphs. It was with that title that the Legion

offered up as sacrifices in blood-soaked rituals. At first, the

rebelled alongside their new master.

Vord Bearers found pulpose in the propagation of the Imperial

The Sons of Horus served as the \f/armaster's bodyguard and

Cult, but following the Emperor's chastisements and selF

fought with ferociry during the Horus Heresy. After Horus'

proclamations of mortality, they drifted into rebellion, turning

defeat, they recovered his body from the loyalists and fled

their fanatical devotion instead to Chaos. More active than ever,

the \il(/ord Bearers are sdll stirring new worlds to sedition, ever

into the Eye of Terror. There, they feuded with other Traitor
'W'armaster's
body, and were
legions, eventually losing the

eager to spread their words of hate.

nearly destroyed. Only the matchless leadership of Abaddon

THEWORLDEATERS

kept the remnants of the old legion together. It was this new
\Warmaster's edict to repaint their armour black, an eternal

SLayers
of Skalathrax.
BloodSoahedBerzerk"ers,

memory of the shame of their losses.Abaddon directed the

newly named Black legion and reclaimed the legion's vaunted

Long before the Horus Heresy, the \(orld

fighting prowess, once again restoring the respect and finally

were noted for their savageV, having been

Eaters

the support of the remaining Chaos SpaceMarines. Champions

censured by the Emperor for their brutality and

of many legions and other followers of the Dark Gods now vie

use of psycho-surgery to turn new recruits into

to fight alongside Abaddon and his infamous Black legion.

frothing madmen. Still, the S7orld Eaters were

invaluable terror troops in the Great Crusade and
fought at the forefront of many great campaigns. It was simple

EMPEROR'S CHITDREN
theDebauched.
Slaues,
ThePIeasLLre

for Horus to pervert their bloody rituals to the worship of

Chaos. Since then, they have become devoted to Khorne, the

One of the first Legions to turn from the

Blood God, and they have become a byword for carnage. In its

Emperor's light and embrace Horus'rebellion,

bloodlust, the Legion tore itself apart, forming many smaller

the Emperor's Children were seduced by the

warbands, which to this day still seek battle, often joining other

dark side and the pleasures it promised. Now

Chaos armies in their quest for skulls.

corrupt beyond human comprehension, the

Emperor's Children afe a savagefighting force unlike any other,
i,

Seeking out perverse enjoyments that only the thrilling din of

THETHOUSAND SONS
of Magnus.
Eollowers
ChaosSorcerers,The

combat can provide, the Emperor's Children often wield

outlandish weapons that produce deafeningly loud and

The path of damnation for the Thousand Sons

pyrotechnically explosive attacks.

was longer than most. They studied arcane lore

DEATHGUARD

remained loyal to the Imperium, however,

The PlaguedOnes,the BloatedSonsof Mortarion.

using their occult powers to warn the Emperor

despite the Emperor's warnings. They

of Hcrrus' impending betrayal. The Emperor

declared the Thousand Sons' manipulations of Chaos to be heresy

Few sights are more loathsome than the

corrupted forrns of the plague-infested Death

and unleashed the Space\Tolves upon them. Forced into a war

Guard. Their oozing power armour has rotted

they dld not want, the Thousand Sons turned to the Chaos power

away in places, exposing festering wounds and

pestilence-filled innards - yet their bloated

Eye of Terror, the legion continued their magical studies,

known asTzeentch in order to savethemselves. Escaping to the

bodies do not feel the agony oftheir mutations. Abominations

although they were soon wracked by mutations. Disrurbed by

against nature, the Death Guard advance within a cloud of flies,

their decline, a cabal, led by the great sorcerer Ahriman, risked

their weapons spitting death, their miasma spreading unnatural

disease.One of the original legions, the Death Guard fell under

the wrath of their, now daemonic, Primarch to cast a spell known

the sway ofNurgle, the lord of Corruption, and became the

Iegion and the cabal was banished by the enraged Prirnarch,

first of all the Plague Marines.

forced to scatter and fight for di{ferent Traitor Legions.

as the Rubric. The spell instead brought greater changes to the

LIND FAITH

IS A JUST CAUSE.

TFIEENEMYWTHIN
A dcstiny unfolding, marrcd by wcakncssandmutation.

wracking the Imperium, some of the wisest maintain that the

neither. Once, mutations were associatedwith known causes

- leaking reactors, or extreme environmental zones, such as

greatest threat to the survival of the human race comes not

high gravity mining worlds or planets seared by strange stars.

Despite the constant alien assaultsand the incessant wars

Some continue to attempt rational explanation for the rise in

from without, but from within.

mutants, but it is not a rational age. Mutants are associated with

ABETRAYAT OF FAITH

the disfiguring effects of the W.rp, and their unnatural feafures

A11over the Imperium there are hidden cults, clandesdne

are generally considered physical proof of either open worship

organisations dedicated to the worship of the Dark Gods of

of the Dark Gods or membership in a secret cult. Feared and

Chaos. Thriving in troubled and uncertain times, these cults

shunned for their deformities, mutants are an underclass,

are as varied and diverse in practice as are the planets on which

deviants that rnust hide from ordinary folk. A dark secret kept

they can be found. A strong warrior cult on a feral world

hidden from prying eyes, mutation is a scourge upon Mankind,

might lead to worship of the Blood God, while a pursuit of

a woeful reflection of the evolutionary process.

knowledge on the most civilised of worlds can eventually be

twisted into the study of dark magics best left untouched. often

ABETRAYATOFMIND

veiled under a more comely guise, such as a rnilitia group or

As widespread and calamitous as mutation of the body may

religious followirg,

the cults seek to gain power or influence.

be, it is in the mind of Man where the greatest peril lies. With

According to Imperial law, joining in on such debased activities

mutated minds able to wield the unnatural power of the \Zarp,

is the most heinous of heresies and is considered a betrayal of

psykers are only tolerated when safely harnessed within

Mankind, a crime against one's own species. Being caught in

Imperial organisations, and even then they are always watched

any association with even the fringe elements of a Chaos cult is

and rarely trusted. After all, the source of psychic power is

a death sentence.

the Realm of Chaos, and therefore, perilous above all else. All
psykers offer Daemons the chance to enter the material world,

Once it has begun, the comrption of a cult can spread like an

their mere presence destabilising the structure of all actuality.

infectious disease,the victirns of doubt becoming the new

The Imperium

evangelists of heresy, tempting the ignorant with promises of

of the W.rp overrun realspace at Mankind's unconscious

easy power. Chaos cults incite revolt among the masses,or work

beckoning. Such is the true threat of the enemy within.

must be ever vigilant, lest the hellish denizens

their way into governmental organisations to snatch control

from within. \Vhole worlds are plunged into unrest or anarchy.

SUFFER NOT THE WITCH

Such acdons have great ramifi.cations and not just for the planet

The Imperium has become increasingly severe. Sanctioned

itse[ but for all the Imperium.

persecutions are given free rein and witch-hunts have become

more frequent. On many planets, suspicion is everywhere,

When freed from the righteous restraints imposed by the

and a life steeped in doubt and mistrust is the noffn. Citizens

Imperium, populations will develop psykers more frequently,

make an elaborate show of their loyalty to the point where it

releasing a growing vonex of psychic energy that tears at

has become a meaningless ritual, the act of looking devoted

the fabric of the multiverse. If allowed to go unchecked, the

'W'arp
emanations of such an agitated population can produce a

far outstripping

rift that will engulf a planet in a tide of Daemons, or perhaps

fellow toiler, which prefect or shuffling menial, is hiding some

any accomplishment.

All live in fear of

indictment, a fear made palpable by merest rurnours. \trrhich

even create another substantial gateway from which the perils

monstrous growth? V'hich one is a disguised Inquisitorial

of Chaos can funher invade the galaxy. Small wonder that

henchman? \7hich one is scrutinising you?

when the Inquisition

finds evidence of a deep-rooted cult, they

would rather subject an entire world to Exterminatus than let

Even the slightest lapse in the harsh regime of vigilance

the situation escalate.

imposed by the iron hand of the Adepts of the Irnperium can

ABETRAYI\L OF BODY

result in the spread of cultists, mutation and psyker activitf,

all of which, ultirnately - inevitably even - can only end

Accompanying

the cultist down the path to ruination is the

in Daemonic manifestation. It is doubtless true that some

mutant. In all but a handful of cases,mutants are a danger to the

innocents must perish with the guilty, some who might aid

Imperium. Some rnutants, such as the genetically engineered

the cause are instead slain by it, but any means justifies an end

Navigators, are both stable and accepted; however, most are

so vital and so endangered.

TrrEnr ARE No ANswBns. Onlv DBarH.

fn*
I

I lf

1.

*611
rtf

fr

\rrJ'

t'F

Denr
THEG,qTHERING
Dverywhere,
plunderers,

the foes of hurnanitygather,

ancient

powers, upstart

pteparingthemselves

rrsrrlrers,

for the coming

rnonsters,

ot voraciorrs

t
tf

apocalypse.Aliens,whetherbatbaric

all clamout

for a rnorsel

of flesh

a lick of blood

thosewho
own cornrption,
than xenos invasion is Mantindts
More insidious
frorn the Ereat carcass that is the Irnperiurn.
(a would betray their own species for prornises of power or rnaterial gain Sorne are only beg;inningi to walk the path of the
traitor, whilst others lanowin4;ly sold their souls longi ag;o to the horrots that lurk beyond the veil of the rnatetial universe.
it is Humanity's call to arms, and it echoes acrossthe galaxy.
\ilIhere hope has been abandoned, single-rninded faith and

From the shifting seasof the Wtrp come Daernons, the

ultimate doom bringers. They are entities whose bodies are not
fashioned of flesh and blood and their cravings are not those of

blind devotion must serve instead. And it cannot be denied that

mortals. They dtaw hatred and greed for breath and their food
arrd drink is the terror and ambition of Man. They are nevef

the Imperium of Man still endures.

sated. The aborninations from the \flarp will not rest untii they
have consumed not just Mankind, but the universe as well. All

Though already bathed in the blood of unremembered hetoes

will be ruin; all will be Chaos.

biood must be spiit. For 10,000years the Imperiurn has held

beyond count, more is needed. New heroes must arise,new

together, surviving an age of endless war that has escalated,

this rnay be Mankind's darkest hour * all is not lost.

\Xrhile the will of the Emperor is still bound within the Golden
Throne, there yet shines a light in the darkness.Though it is but

intensifying in an ever-rising crescendo of madness and

a lone beacon surrounded bv the blackness of the eternal void,

heard the sound of Dark Gods laughing. . "

dthough

mayhem. Upon a million planets and acrossthe ffackless

depths of space,the sound of battle rages,and behind it can be

CunnDrAI{ oF HurvrANrTY
Sensing the r ising bi th

r ates of hum an ps y k ets , i t

was the Emper or w ho fi r s t anti c i pated that M an

was developing into a psychically aware creature.
The Emper or wa s , hi m s el f, the m os t ps y c hi c al l y
gifted human ev er bor n, and l ong befor e he
was place.l upo n the G ol den T hr one, he k new
that without his gui danc e, thos e w i th the new l y
ernerging trait would fall victim to what lurked
in the \ilZarp. FIe hacl learned rvhat clawed and
hunger ed for the l i fe- es s enc e of s enti ent c r eatur es
and he knew that the Warp fiends u'ould prey upon
their untrained minds, or worse still, use them as
gateways to enter the nr ater i al w or l d. H e for es aw , as
only his r nind coul d, the m any m utati ons that the
fotces of Chaos woul d c r eate to pol l ute hur nani ty 's
evolution. The onl y ans \4r erthe Em per or c oul d
for esee was the c r eati on of a har s h new r egi r ne:
the bir th of the I m per i um

\r as t ar m adas of Bl ac k

Ships ply the voi d, r ,oy agi ng c onti nuous l y bac k

and for th between ov er a m i l l i on u'or l ds and T er r a,
Like clockwor k, the i nhum an gear s of Im per i al
bur eaucr acy unques ti oni ngl y c 1i c k , w i thout i ns i ght,
r vithout will, A smal l pti c e to pay for the s ur v i v al of
t he hum an r ac r l

Ir

iF

$tr

*l-{!

vLa*t

-"9

MINIATURES
SHO\WCASE
Here follows a gallery of Warharnmer 40,000rniniatures,
detailing the heroes of the Impedurn
rnultitudinous
heraldry and the enemies of Mankind, frorn foul xenos to the foot soldiers

in all their
of Chaos.

**.

_ ,$"

CoLouRsoF%R
Citadel

rnlniatures

snd our avetats

and gainlng

are at the very heart of the Warh.ornrner

upon the tabletop.

eatisfaction

ftom

beautifully

Bach is a tangiible

the tesults.
pointed

In turn,

artefact

40,000 hobby - they ate the playing

into which

of course, w are rewatded

rniniatures,

a testarnent

THE IOYOF CITADEL MINIATURES

piecee for our liarnea

honing our sLills

we pour tirne and effort,

for orrr enthusiasrrr

to our pession

with

a collectlon

of

and diligence.

the Victorian era, tin, pewter and lead miniatures were a fairly

\Tarharnmer 40,000hobbyists rend to be individuals with

commonplace plaything for discerning young men (and,

particular qualities, ones who appreciate collecdng, assembling

indeed older men whose sense of humour and adventure were

still intact). The fabulous citadel miniatures that we possess

and painting fantastically detailed Citadel miniatures.

Collecting these extraordinary miniatures involves a lot

today owe a great debt of heritage to those somewhat cruder

rnore, however, than merely spending money and accruing

models - it encompasses the opportunify to own something

forefathers, and without a doubt, they are worthy inheritors to

the dynasty. Sculpted, as they are, by the incredibly talented

that has inherent value to you; something joyful that you can

Citadel Miniatures design team, moulded and cast with the

devote enthusiasm and craft to. Any bright-eyed hobbyist who

best possible technological innovations and then painted by

has excitedly bought, assembled and painted his first Citadel

keen hobbyists with an appreciation for the detail, character

miniature would be able to relate how satisfying it is. Not just

and ima gery of w'arhammer 40,000universe, Citadel miniarures

becausethey are now the owner of a SpaceMarine, Ork, Eldar

truly are at the cutting edge of the wargaming hobby.

Aspect \Tarrior or so on, but because that model (their model)

has been carefully assembled, painted and put on display. And
that is the magic of it - these models become your models.
'My
army' is how many collectors describe the force they are
readying for battle at their gaming club or hobby centre, and

CrreDEL MnuATURES

that sense of ownership aptly describes a portion of the joy

Back in the mists of time (or the late 1970s,

and excitement we feel as we build our collections. \(hen you

to be rnore accurate) Citadel Miniatures was

invest time, effort and craft into your rniniatures collection, it

becomes somethmg to be proud of, something to cherish - and

{brmed as a sub-division of Games .ff/orkshop,

dedicated to making and selling wonderfully

that is at the very centre of the \Tarharnmer 40,000and, indeed,

detailed and evocative fantasy miniatures.

the entire Games Vorkshop

Over the years, as Games tilZorkshop has

hobby.

flourished, the nature of the rniniatures has

So, what you will find over the next sixry or so pages are some

changed somewhat, but the uncompromising

incredible examples of Citadel miniatures, painted by the

'Eavy
world-famous
Metal team. These are Citadel miniatures
at their very best - painted with unstinting devotion to
'ST.arhammer
the background of the
40,000universe and an
incredible eye for detail. guilding a collection of such models
'W'arhammer
is a chance to indulge your own passion for the

abihry of Games \Torkshop

40,000universe. Who amongst us hasn't read about the heroism

detailed miniatures. Now, most of the models made and sold by

devotion to detail practised by the Citadel

Miniatures design team remains unchanged.
In the earliest years, Citadel miniatures
were cast exclusively in pewter, but as the
technology available has evolved, so has the
to produce even more functional

and

of a particular character or army, and then wanted to recreate it

Games'V/.orkshop are cast in plastic, enabling hobbyists to easily

on the tabletop? \X/ho hasn't been inspired by the phenomenal

and effectively build their miniatures, swap componenrs across

arr'work throughout this rulebook or one of the codexes and

kits and make conversions with the utmost ease. other models in

wanted to own the subiect for themselves?

our range are now cast in Citadel Finecast - a specially formulated

resin that enables our talented mould makers to caprure every

Collections of Citadel miniatures are exciting to own, to

conceivable detail, producing models that are as close to the

arrange into armies and to enlarge, but the collecting bug, so

original sculpts made by our design tearn as possible.

far as wargames playing pieces are concerned, isn't exactly

something new. It far outstrips the three-or-so decades for

citadel miniatures are ahvays designed with three principles

which Citadel Miniatures and Games rX/orkshop have existed

- in fact it stems back through time and into antiquiry. There

in mind: that they be sensational-looking gaming pieces, a

pleasure to paint and, perhaps most importantly

is evidence to suggest that simple toy soldiers existed in the

time of ancient Egypt, and certainlyby the time you reach

DE.c,tH

of all, that they

ernbrace and express the rich and evocative imagery of the Games
'S7'orkshop
univers es.

sERvEs

rrrE

EupBnon.

MiniaturcsShowcase

,EAVYMETAI
The

'Eavy

FIan
TnE CrreDEr MTwTATURES

Metai team are a world-renowned band of elite

painters - arguably the finest assembly of figure painters to be

found anyr,vhere.Formed in the early 1980sexpressly to paint
Games \Torkshop's Citadel miniatures for display in \ilhite
'Eav),
Metal
D"varf magazine and other printed rnaterial, the

The \?-arhammer \X/orld Miniatures llall holcJsGames

\W.orkshop's premier collection of Citadel rniniatures \Xrithin
the Miniatures Ha11,thousands of models painted bv the elite
'Earry
lv{etal team line hundreds of feet of brightl,,, lit shelves
The Design Studio collection, in its entirety, is a'n'ailableto
vieu' (,rr,'henthe models aren't being put through their paces

team has become one of the best-recognisedand most

in our photography studio, which happens from time to timel

admired teams rvithin Games Workshop. Every day,'Earry

Many hobbvists remark that seeing such a large selection of

Metal labours to produce the best-painted miniatures

phenomenally painted models in the flesh is singly impressive -

possible,rnasterpiecesthat can withstand the clos.-*p, high-

the guest book, signed by visitors from across the globe, certainlv

resolution photography required by modern publication and

the rigours of online display. Each model painted is a labour

attests to the joy that fellow hobbyists share u'hen thev have the
chance to spend an hour or so enjoying the models.

of love, and an expression of skill and craftsmanship. The

As rvell as the newest additions to the Design Studio collection

incredible paint jobs you can see within this torne) as well as

of Citadel miniatures, the irall boasts an impressir,e selection of

throughout our codexes,expansions, supplernents and on the

relics from the early years of Games \florkshop histon' These

include classic dioramas and models - enough to stir the men'ron'

Games \Torkshop website, each bear mute testarnent to the

'Eat
y Metal team's incredible skill.
For the brush-wielding veterans of the

'Ear,ry
Metal team,

of the oldest hobbyists All these brush shoulders rvith speciallv

'guest
displays', that feature models painted bv hobbr,ists
selected
f-rom around the ivorld, whose models have caught the eve of the
'W'ariranrmer
V/orld events team The hall also hosts impressive

every miniature is a can\/assonto which they can demonstrate

art displarrsthat,rre reglrlarlv updated. These displav the arfwnork,

their hard-earned talents and the quality of the miniature

concept art and inagen, that has inspired the mrniatures thern

underneath. While most of us hobbyists cannot achieve

such extraordinarl' feats of painting (at least, not without

the Citadel nriniatur-es

countless hours of practice), that doesn't rnean we can't

enjoy and be inspired by thern!

share the hall snith, giving a iascinating insight into tire Lrirrh .rf

oF THElrr,tpERruM
DEFENDERS

SP^CEMARINES

the Angels of Death, the Charnpions

of ntankind,

the Adeptus Astartes.

ffi

Ho n our Gu ar d beann g th e lJltr am ann es Ch apter B ann er

lJltramannes Captain

Marneus Calgar,

Cato Sicanus

Moster of the Llltramannes

IJltramannes Master

lJltramannes Captain

of Recruits

lJltramannes

lJltramarines

Chaplain Cassius

Moster of the Eleet

Tactical Marinesfro* the tJltramannes Znd Company

Bsrrpn

cRrppLED

rN BoDy

rHAN

coRRUPT

rN MrND,

IJItr amarine s T echmann e w earing a servo-harn ess,nccompanied by a Servitor

IJLtramannes Assault M annes

IJ ltr am onn es Chi ef Libr an an Ti gunu s

IJltr am arine s Assault T ermin ators

IJltramonnes Libranan

IJltramarines Sternguard Veterans

--- l.----

I
i

LI Ltram ann es T ermin ofor w ith

lJltr amarin es T ermin ator Ser geant

IJltr am ann es Y enerable D r eadnought

assaultcannon
1I - *

lJ ltr am ann es Sergeant T elion

IJltramarines Scouts
lF:-Tf-*--"-r-r"+
Wn no

Nor

FLTNCH FRoIrt DEATH.

IJltramannes Chaplain

X IN DEATH

DOES DUTY END.

Champion
TheEmperor's

High MarshalHelbrecht of the BlachTemplars

Sal am anders Ir on cLad D r eadnought

T emplars Sword Br ethren

BIacLe

Eorgefather Yulhan He'stan

of the Salamanders

-."---e-

Salamanders
Company Champion

U,rhite ScarsYnnguard Yeteran

Kor'sarroKhan of
the'Vhite Scars

The Legton of the Damned

Captain Darnath Lysander of

Shadow Captain Kayvaan Shnhe of

the Impenal Eists

the Rnven Guard

CnmsonFisfsApothecary ChapterMasterPedroKantorof theCimson Fisfs

Vl oLfLord on Thunderwolf

CanisWolfborn

-*.r--*

Logan Gnmnar, the GreatWolf

BjorntheEell-handed

EennsianWol.f

V olf L ord Ragnor Blachmane

Ulnhthe Slayer

Blood Claws

Njal StormcalLer

ArlacRockfist,
lmuil of Eenns

Crey Hunters

Company.
cuad ondYogndrBlachmone'sGreat
shouldnpads(I,eftta fight):volf Scout,BloodClows,GreyHunter,LongEongs,Volf

BLooDANGELS

Ilre Varriors

of Baal, the Arrgelic Ilost,

The Sangwinor,Exemplar of the Hosf

the Scions of Sangrrinirrs.

Brother CaptainTycho

Blood AngelsCaptain

BrotherCorbulo

Mephiston, Lord of D eath

1
+

Lemartes,Guordian of the Lost

Songuinary Guards

Sanguinary Guard standard bearer

YanguardYeteran

Oun HernED rs AN rRREsIsrrBLE FoRcE.

Deoth Company Marine

EunosoDreodnought

DeRKANGELS

the sons of the Lion, the xnights

Azrael,SupremeCrand Master

of caliban,

the unforgiven.

Sammael,Masterof the Ravenwing

CodicierLibranan

CornpanyMaster

Company Master

Apothecary

FlovenwingBileer

Standardbearer

AssaultManne

SpaceMannes

GREYKUIGHTS

the Arrr"y of Titan, the Incorru.ptible,

the Hanrmer

of Daemons.

f f i - j .

Thnoucn

ALL ouR MEANs wE FoLLow rnr

Emprnon'e

Coure+t*g-

TerminatorJusticar

InquisitorTorquemadaCoteoz Wanior Acolyte

Grey Knights

;-_--

": .

l1

Lord KaldorDraigo

Weaponsmith
JoLzaero

CastellanCrowe

The Mailed

rist

ITTaPERIAL
GUARD

of humanity,

the Hamrner

of the Emperon

the nurnbetless

arrnies of Mankind.

Commissar

(leftto nght)
kegimentalAduisors
Officerof the Eleet,Masterof Ordnanceand Astropath.

Lord Commissar

Lord CastellanCreedand Colour SergeantKell

Yox-operator, C ompany C ommander and r egtmental standard bear er

Cadian Guardsmen

Imperial Guardsmen

Heavy WeaponTeamwith lascannon

THn pounrER FArLs; THE srEADFAsr pREvArLs.

C olonel'lron Hand' Strahen

Gunnery Sergeant Harleer

Catachan GuardsmenCommand Squad

Catachan Guardsmfln

Catachan Guardsman with snipernfle

CatochanHeavy'VeaponTeam with heavybolter

C atachan Scout Sentinel w ith hewy flamer

Chimera ArmouyedTransport of the 673'dTallam DesertRnidersregtment

Ji

Guardsmenof the Armageddon SteelLegion

CommissqrYawich

Rat|ing Snipers

VaLhallanIceWarnors

"'---'*,.++**

Canonessof the Order of the SacredRose

Hospitaler

E ccIesiarchy Mi ssion ary

Retributorwith heauybolter

Misfress of kepentonce

Retnbutor w ith multi- m elta

Ar ch- C onfessor l{ynn ov

Retributor with heavyflamer

-1

Seraphim of the order of the SacredRose

Seraphimof theorder of our Martyredtady

Battle Sisfersof the Order of Our Martyred tady

SrsterSuperior

Battle Sisterof the

Battle Sisferof the

order of the SacredRose

Order of the Bloodv Rose

MEI.-IAcE
THEALTEru

The Green Menace, the Great Beast, the Never-endin$Waaagh!

GhazghkullThralea

BigMeL<

BigMeh with shokhattachgun

KaptinBodruhlt

Ammo Runts

coff Nob

EviLSunz Nob

BossSnihrot

Blood AxeKommandos

GoffBurna Boy

BossZagstruhLt

Stormboy

Bad Moon Meganob

GoffTanhbuster

Death ShullLoota

DeathShullBoy

GoffShootaBoyand SluggaBoy

EuilSunzBoy

Goffxilla Kan

EviL Sunz Killa Kan

Blood AxeBattlewagon

'.*a--..A.-F-4*...

-r--

The Children

of the Craftworlds,

the

rhosts

of Asrrryan, the F.ry of the Stars.

\f\

\-

Autarchof craftworldt

PnnceYnel of lyonden

Vlthwd warlock

Saim-Honn Autarch on jetbihe

Euegan,BurningLonce

Saim-Hann Earseer

Eire DragonExarch

Eire Dragon

Foor,rsH

ARE THosE

wHo

FEAR NorHrNc'

YET cLArM

To KNow

The Auatar of Khaine

StnLzing Scorp ion E x arch

Karandras,Shadow

HowlingBansheeExarch

Jain Zar, Storm of Silence

Hunter

WarpSpiderExarch

DarhReaper

Dark keaper Exarch

Maugan Rn, Horv esterof Souls

it
li

Asurmen,HandofAsuryan

Dire Avenger Exarch

,.,"-*=,-,"*-,.
< -

SwoopingHawk
Exarch

Bqhawoth,
Cry ofthe'Wind

.LablIDAturx.uvl'plg

.La+saI%+aag

?mqqnJosuary,tan)wLto+s

J,AASMOpptIS

Mlspw adno.+L

.+a8uaAuul-plgL

'alEuJEJuI

II

(.raa;

lnoqlTar

sra.raprn141'trrl)

r1.rug arlr fo suezluag

uvouHuv0

a{I

andClawedEiend
Beastmaster

Varriors

of a Fledgeling

Empire,

Teu EMPIRE
Soldiets

of the Greatet

Good, Expansionists

of the Easterrr

Fring.

Ar,rn'Ya,Master of the rJndying Spint, withhis Honour Guard

Shas'urein XV88 BroadsideBattlesuit

Commander in XV8

Aun'shi

Ethereal

LoNE

sPrRrr

DouBTs

Battlesuit

O' Shasewo, Commander Shadowsun

'e-#

Evnnv

'Cnsis'

Hrs STRENGTH.

Bnyoro

tHn

EupnRoR's

sept(nght),
of theT'nusept(left)and shalui of theSa'cea
Shas'vre
both in XY25Battlesuits

REAcH

LrEs oNLY DARKNESS

AND DESPAIR.

Eire Warnor with pulsecarbine

Eire Warnors

ii

oftheT'ausept
Deuilfish

Eire'Warnor with pulsenlle

Krootox

Kroot Carniuores

Kroot Shaper

HiveTyrant

Yenomthrope

Broodlord

Tyrant Guard of tlive EleetLeuiathan

Tyyant Guard of tliue EleetBehemoth

Ymgarl Genestealer

Genestealers

Wr.lnr

cERTATN oNLY oF DEATrr.

TyranidWawior

Tyranid-Wawior of Uive EleetLeuiathan

Termagant

TyranidWawiorof ttiue ELeet

Behemoth

Termagantsof tlriue EleetLeviathan

Rauener

Raueney

*-L-,

,,.-*-.-,Aaa-....

ln
t r''=
*.

Trygon of niue ELeetLeviathan

d
*'fl
fl,

n_|id{q

."d
4,s4\

Gargoyle of tlive Eleet Krahen

Carnifex of tlive EleetLeviathan

Zoanthrope

kipper Swarm

Hiue Guard of ttive EleetBehemoth

SporeMine and Biouoreof tj:iue EleetKrahen

NECRol.-ls

the A"my of Aeons Past, the Irnrnortal

Conquerors,

the Irnplacable

Ones.

Trazynthe Infinite

N emesorZ ahndrehh and Y argard obyron

ImotehhtheStormlord

Cryptelt

Anrahyr the Traveller

CatacombCommandBarge

Tomb Blade

To nrunqursH

coNTEMpr rs cAIITULATToN.

Necron Wawiors

Deathmarks

Immortals with gnussblasters

Tnarch Praetonans

ElayedOnes

Heauy Destroyer

THEGnrATEUEMY

Eabius Bile

fhadlon the Despoiler

i--*--

Ahriman

-l

il
rl

Khdrn the Betrayer

Huron Blachheart

ChaosTerminator

You.o.nr Nor R"EeurREDTo rHrNK, oNLy To Acr.

IronWawiors

Thousand Sons

Nighf Lords

BlachLegron

World Eaters

AlphaLegton

BI ach L egion T ermin ator L or d

FtedCorsair

SlaaneshiChoosLord (Conuersion)

SorcererLord in Terminator flTvnour

Terminator Lord of the Purge

Cnmson Slaughter

DaemonPnnceof the BlachLegion

The Cleoued

CHAosDeEMoNs

The Scions of the Datft Gods, The Spawn of the Irnrnaterium,

the Denizens

of the Warp.

-.'-__

"!rr..-6.

Kairos Eateweauer,Oracle of Tzeentch

The Changeling

D aemonettesof Slaanesh

Epidemius,T allym an of N ur g\e

The Masque of Slaanesh

ElamersofTzeentch

Plaguebear ers of N urgle

Bloodletters
of Khorne

Karanak, the Hound of Vengennce

The Lord of Change,GreaterDaemon of Tzeentch

.*_tu._

PinkHoworsofTzeentch

of xhorne
Bloodcntsher

of Slaanesh
Seehers

SoulGnnder

THEHOBBY
to tlreVorh.rnmer40'fil0
find an inttoduction
pogesyouwtll
Upontheee
paintingend
nodclling,
that encornpaeeea collecting
an enlialiin{tlrastine

hobby{sni!r{L

40,000
THE\XhRHAMMER
ExPERIENCE
l1eVarhamrner40,|XX)
Citadel

rniniatures.

hobbyis

all about the enjoyrnent

In this section,
howto

of collecting;

painting

and gamfngwithVarharnrner40,ll00

we'll looh at theee three aepecte of the hobby and what they enconpess,
get started

in thie engpg;ingl and ren'arding

By the time you have delved into the evocative background

of rVarhammer 40,000,read through the game rules and

ae well as

paeti-rne.

Through our miniarures collections, we can indulge our

'W.arhammer
enthusiasrn for the background of
40,000 and

pored over the galleries of fantastically painted models in this

the skill of the Citadel miniatures designers. The range of

book, you're probably hankering to start collecting your own

Varhammer

models. Some players start by buying the models they like,

provide even more collecting opportunities, and hobbyists can

whatever their preferred army or allegiance happens to be.

gather miniarures, armies, scenery, novels and more.

40,000 codexes, expansions and supplements

Others faithfully build a collection all from one faction. Some

are driven by a love of the background and imagery of the

Painting is an immensely satis$ring aspect of the hobby. As we

W'arhamrner 40,000universe, or find their enthusiasm in the

paint our models, our skill increases and, eventually, even the

exciting gaming possibilities they present; still others collect

humblest miniatures painter learns to produce results to be

models dependant on which miniatures they would rnost love

proud of. There's something very rewarding about gaming with

to paint. Whichever method you use to deterrnine and expand

your own collection, it's the first step along the absorbing and

and displaying miniatures that you painted yourselfjust ask any

hobbyist with a carefully painted collection - it's a testament to

rewarding journey of your own'W'arharnmer 40,000hobby.

your skill and dedication as a painter.

Of course, nobody starts out as an expert painter - developing

One of the aspectsthat many hobbyists enjoy about the gaming

'shared
language' that it provides with

the skills and knowledge to paint Citadel miniatures to a high

part of the hobby is the

standard takes time and practice but Games N7orkshop has a

other like-minded individuals. If you're a fan of \Tarhammer

multitude of guidebooks and online articles to help you hone

your skills - \7hite Dwarf, our monthly hobby magazine,

with fellow'$?'arhammer 40,000hobbyists.

40,000,you'll find you immediately have something in common

features regular painting advice too.

This picture shows a really impressive
The third aspect of the hobby is playing the game itself. Gaming
is where we get to use our collections on the tabletop and share

'tJ7'arhammer
40,000

collection, complete with painted miniarures in a glass

display cabinet. You'll also notice the shelves of books - many
40,000hobbyists enjoy not only the stories and

our passion and enthusiasm for the hobby with friends, old and

Varhammer

new. Garning is a shared experience through the medium of

background found in the rulebook and expansions) but also in

friendly competition. \XZhatever type of game you prefer, the

Black Library's rnany series of exciting novels.

scope and content of your Warhammer 40,000games is limited

only by your imagination!

From a quick game featuring a few miniatures at lunchtime

to an epic confrontation

that lasts all day, there are dozens (if

'W'arhammer
40,000.

not hundreds) of ways to enjoy games of

Gaming is the chance to share our passion for collecting and

painting with friends. Games can be played out in a number
of ways, as a carefree social acdvity, to tell a storywith

an

unfolding narrative or in the spirit of competition.

'EtwMnrer
Here you can see some models from the
collection of Joe Tomaszewski. Joe is one of
'Eavy
Metal painters, an astonishingly

our elite

accomplished painter who has practiced his

skill with a brush to a professional level. Paint
jobs by Joe, and the rest of the'Eavy Metal
team, serve as a genuine inspiration to us all
and feature throughout

this book.

Sanguinary Guard

orkNob

Eldar Earseer

THEARToF CoLLECTING
Varharnrrrer

40,000 is vety different

frorn many other

$arnes ;rou will

rnstead, youll find yourself absorbed by the dilferent

possibilities

the fun isntt over as soon as the garne ends.

find:

offered - these pages higflrligfit juet e few of the

avenues that present thernselves.

SrenrrNc Suen
Starting your collection of
Citadel miniatures doesn't
have to be a massive
undertaking. Many
hobbyists staft with a box
set, such as a Battleforce.
A set such as this gives
you enough models to get
the hang of painting and
modelling, and also play
your fi.rst games.

MUSTERTNGA

MTcHTY ConECTroN
Over the weeks and months, what began as
afairly compact collection of \Tarhammer
40,000 models can quickly become a
mighty force. Building up a formidable
army of Citadel miniatures in this way is
very satisfiiing. Not only do you get to see
your army grow week upon week, but by
painting and assembling models as you go
along, you seldom feel overwhelmed at the
prospect of painting lots of models.

The term

'collecting'

naturally draws the mind into the realms

of pastimes such as philately (that's the fancy terrn for stamp

collecting) or comics, but there is so much more to collecdng

'codex'

is the narne given to the essential guides produced for

each anny in warhammer

40,000.Many players like to add all

of these codexes to their collection, even those for armies that

within the \Tarhammer 40,000hobby than any one word can

they don't collect. These books have a wealth of fascinating

encompass. In the hobby, our collecting is informed by the

background information to delve into. Additionally, Black

Library publish action-packed novels that allow us to become

great thematic appeal of l7arhammer 40,000.The evocative tale

of the rise of the Imperium and the galaxy spanning Horus

even further immersed into the grim darkness of the 4lst

Heresy provide a staggering backdrop, while events such as the

Millennium.

Fall of the Eldar, the arrival of the Tyranid Hive Fleets or the

assembling our favourite miniatures and reading the stories and

awakening of the Necrons inspire us to assemble new armies, or

background of our favourite armies and races,the collecting

add specific miniatures to our collections.

aspect of the hobby becomes incredibly saris$/ing.

****-**q*^.-d-**:"

\7hen we're captured in the thrill of buying and

*#

Thi Art of Collcc

CODEXES
Codexes are supplements that detail the armies of \Varhammer
40,000.They not only include the rules for how to use the army
in the'$C'arhammer 40,000game, but much more besides. Each
has a comprehensive history, explaining the army and its place
in the galaxy. There is also a gallery of 'Eavy Metal painted
miniatures and tips for building your own force.
Reading through a codex gives you a more complete
understanding of the W'arhammer 40,000setting, and the way
that the army described within operates pn the badefield

(and

helps you know all the tricks that your opponents can use).

EXPANSIONS
Expansions provide new ways to experience the war torn
4lst Millennium,

exploring the depth and exciternent of the

different battle zones and play s{les available for \Tarhammer

40,000.From Cities of Death, which allows you to recreare rhe
brutal maelstrom of urban cornbat in the 4lst Millennium,

to

the fury of an orbital invasion in Planetstrike, each expansion

introduces a new way to use your collection, adding new units,
tactics and opportunities to your games.
Apocalypse is the most titanic of the'Warhammer 40,000
expansions - it provides rules and advice for fighting vast
battles, introducing

deadly super heavy vehicles, cunning

stratagems and much more.

BLACK IIBRARY NOVETS

The Black Library is the mystical Eldar repository for all the
secret and arcane lore of the universe. It's also the name of
Games \7'orkshop's publishing house, which is devoted to
bringing the fantastic worlds of tVarhammer and Warhammer
40,000to life on the pages of its books, through action-packed,
fast-paced novels.
For \Tarhammer 40,000collectors, these novels are the perfect
way to get right into the heart of their favourite armies and
characters. The Black Library has dozens of novels within their
vaults, many of which are also available as eBooks or even as
audiobooks for those who like to listen while they paint. If you
want to live amongst the war-torn worlds of W.arhammer 40,000
r-ruErrrrull@

then dive right in!

WHITE DSTARF
Every month, Games \Torkshop publishes its dedicated hobby
magazine,'W'hite Dwarf. Each issue is jammed full of content
for Games tVorkshop's games, including \Tarhammer 40,000
articles on tactics, painting and gaming. White Dwarf is the
best way to keep up to date on all the news and new releases
for \Tarhammer 40,000 and provides you with sorne hobby
excitement every month.

LrrE's puRposE rs ro sERvE THE Eprpnnon.

boLS oFTHETnADE
--t

One deeire ofeveryhobbyist

lott

lrroiect.

Fortunately,

--r\IF-.titp

is a fantastic

hobbyarea,

stoclced with

a formldeble

eetup lsn't

ae hardto

work

and a fewtoole,

you'll

all the tools

gather

eoonhave

and eqrriprnent

together

everythin4l5ou

forthelr

that theyneed

ae you rniglht thinlq

endwith

epace to

need,

CITADEL
The Citadel range contains a veritable
hoard of useful tools and materials to
facilitate your painting and modelling
projects, from pots of paint to brushes,
spray undercoats and all manner of
bespoke accessories.Taking the time
to clean up and assemble your models
properly, and using the right tools
for the job, can help you elevate the
quality of your hobby projects. On these
pages,we'll look at the best tools and
equipment to get started with, and offer
some advice on how best to begin.

CITADEL PAINTBRUSHES
The range of Citadel Paintbrushes includes ten, high quality,
handmade brushes designed with top-qualiry paint jobs in mind.
If you keep them clean and take good care of them, you'llget
excellent service from these tools for along time to come. Any
painter just starting out will want a couple of these to begin with
- after time, most painters find themselves with a complete set,
ensuring they always have the right brush for the job.

CITADEL PAINT SYSTEM

The Citadel Paint System is a collection of more than
140paints, washes and glazes specially designed to
help you paint your models with amazingresults.
These are explained in greater detail latet on.

PLASTIC CUTTERS
When you're preparing your models, you'll want a decent pair
of Plastic Cutters. These are flat-sided clippers that will help
you cut miniatures from the plastic frames they are supplied
on. Keep the edges of your plastic cutters in top condition by
resisting the urge to cut thick pieces of metal with them.

HOBBYKNIFE
ANDCUTTINGMAT
There are times when a Hobby Knife
and Cutting Mat are the answer to your ^
hobby-needs - when you need to remove
a very delicate part from a frame or make
a small cut for a conversion, for example.
Always make sure you do any cutting
on a suitably firm surface (a table with
a cutting mat is probably the obvious
solution), and always use sharp blades.
Most importantly,

follow any safety

instructions and precautions that the

product is supplied witht

HOBBY SASTAND VICE

For those cuts that Plastic Cutters or a
Hobby Knife are not intended to make,
there's the Citadel gobby Saw - a keenedged saw that can make short work of
head-swaps and other converting work.
The Hobby Vice is the perfect tool for
holding your models safely as you work
- k"y to avoiding nasty injuries!

A Brrz Box
As your collection grows,and you add more unrts to
your army, you'llfind yourself with lots of sparebits and
bobs (from sparebasesto arms,headsand weapons).
The best advice for any collector is to keep
any potentially

useful pieces in a small

OTHERTOOTS
There areplenry of other items you
might find yourself using, including
specialscrapersfor removing
mouldlines, emery boardsfor fi.ling
down gate-marks(thosetiny blemishes
you get when you cut a model away
from the frames)and more.

AWoRD oF
\VenNrNG...
Finally, a little piece of advice about
prepanng your mlnlatures: never
attempt to nryist your models from the

box. Simply cut them from their frames

frames with your fingers, or use tools

and keep them for furure use. Over the

that aren't suitable for the task (kitchen

years, your'Bitz Box'will become

knives, scissors and so on). Your Citadel

a gold mine of useful spares

miniatures are fine-qualiry pieces and

for conversions within

there's nothing worse than breaking

your collecdon (and

the collections of your

one by mistake. Use suitable hobby

accessories to get the job done, and that

friends too, no doubt).

way you'll have no regrets.

f;_

W,{

pLryql&"qLM_gg
Tg__r
4ryE_M
The exciternent

that cornee from

But beautilul

tearingl

niniatuf,es

off the plaetlc

don't

assemble

wtap frorrr a new set of tniniatures

and delvingi in is hard to bert.
- eomebodyneeds
to get theirhands
dir4rt

thernselvee

Thankfully, assembling miniatures isn't at all a dull

task - it's the first step towards the skill and craft
of building up a collection of Citadel miniatures of
your own. Hobbyists each have their own approach
towards assembling their models, but rnost will agree
it is very satisfizing to remove any imperfections
as they assemble their models, finishing up with a
blemish-free miniature ready for painting.
'Warhammer

40,000miniatures are cast in two

distinct materials, each of which must be treated

slightly differently. The majority of models are
manufactured in plastic, while others are cast in
resin. These pages briefly explain some tips and
processes you rnight want to adopt when assembling
your own rnlnlatures.

ASSEMBLING
PLASTIC MINIATURES
Most squads and vehicles are made frorn
plastic. These miniatures are all supplied
on frames, and will need to be removed
from these before thev can be assembled.
t

It'sbestto mahe a cleancut alongthe gates

(the plasticnubs that the modelsare attnched
to) to removethe parts,rather than twisting
the modelsoff. A pair of PlasticCutters are
ideally suitedto this role.
ii

l'

CLeannway unsightly mouldlines ond gate-

Eix the parts of your model togetherusing

Plasticminiatures attach to theirbasesby

marhs left on ylur modelswith a Citadel

Plnstic GLue.Plasttc Glue tahesa little while

either using a sLottatab or a flot Lowersurface,

Mouldline ScrapingTool 0r nn emery board.

to set,soyou ca.nma.nipulatethe components

typkally the feet. Apply a small amount of

Remouingevenminor blemishessuchas these

to get the perfectposition as it dnes.Once

PlasttcGLueto the basewhere you want the

will improue the final nppenrnnceof your

you're hoppy,supportthe miniature as it sets

miniatures oncethey'repainted.

by holdtng the partsfi*Iy

feet to stich,or alongthelenglh of the slotta

tab, and push them fi*ly into pLace.

-*-*-s.-^-+***,

in place.

f,jr

GTUING YOUR CITADEL FINECAST MINIATURES

Citadel Finecast miniatures need to be glued together with Super Glue. Because the pans
are so light, gluing them is relatively easy.Just be careful only to use a small amount of
glue - a tiny amount will still give you a very strong bond, and it's very hard to undo a fix
on Citadel Finecast miniatures once the glue has dried.
CitadelEinecastmodelsnre eosyto gLue.
Carefully apply a small omount of glue
to one of the pieces- vememberdon't
apply too much glue!

Pressthe two piecesof

the model togetherso
that they have a snugfit
and thenhold them for a
moment. SuperGLue sets
very quichly,so it'sworth
practicingthe fit before
using any glue.
Nurgle DaemonPnnce

FILTINGAIR BUBBTES
Occasionally, your Citadel Finecast
rniniatures may have slight
imperfections on the surface - tiny
indentations caused by air bubbles
during the moulding process.

Air bubblesare easilyrepairedby

painting over them with Liquid Green
Sruff. Once dry,file it smooth with a
CitadelEmery Board.

CommissarYarncLt

TnE VrnruEs oF
CrreDEL FTNECAST
Citadel Finecast enables our mould
makers to caPture as much detall
as possible from the original model
sculpted by the Citadel designers. This
means that the miniatures in your
collection are as close to the original
sculpt as possible.

EldorAutorch

Astorath the Gnm

{\#

ParuTrNc
YounMlurATuREs
Painting
enjoynrent

your lVarharnmer
as yorr rnaster

40,000 collection

tcchniquee

ie e rnajot

end improve

part of the hobby - something

yout skille,

This book contains swathes of rnodels painted to an amazing

standard. Fortunately, you don't need to be a cybernetically

es well as irnrnenae

thet can prowide hogre

satigfactlon

in wrrt

ffnished

of
nrodels,

Over the next few pages,we'Il look at the an of painting up

your models and recommend some of the ways that you can get
started. All this should give you an idea of where (and how) you

enhanced painter-savant to make a fantastic army of your own.

Part of the fun and satisfaction that comes from the hobby is
developing greater skills as you paint your models. There's a real
sense of pride to be found in every model you paint, and as you

can begin painting your own miniatures. \X/e'11lookat sources

for more painting tips and advice and shine a light on the craft
of painting, detailing and personalising your twarharnmer

improve, that sense of personal satisfaction only increases.

40,000miniatures.

THE PERFECT
HOBBYAREA
Having somewhere set aside to paint
your models is the wish of every
hobbyist. After all, who wouldn't want
a dedicated spot with all the tools and
paints you need on hand? If you can,
get a space where you don't have to
pack your models away at the end of
every painting session.

PAINT STATION
The Citadel Paint Station is a lighmeight

painting

area,complete with recessesto store paints, water pots

and brushes. It has rubberised feet ro prevent sliding
on a table or flat surface and moulded contours so you

li

can paint with it on your lap if you choose.

l;

STATERPOTS

MIXINGPALETTE

It's important to wash your brushes

ITatering down your paints to the right

consistency and rnixing colours are a

regularly and thoroughly while

painting. $7e recommend using a

common occurrence when painting your

separate water pot for metallic paints,

models. The Citadel Palette is a simple,

as the flecks mav transfer onro vour

hand-held palette that can be scrubbed clean

cleanbrushesotherwise.

after use.

@,
Trtr

tnury

HERorc

rRusr

rN BLrND

FArrH.

CITADET PAINTSYSTEM
The Citadel Paint System is a range ofpaints, washes, glazes and texfured paints that contaturs 145different colours for
painting your miniatures. Formulated to make painting as straightforward and enjoyable as possible, the Citadel Paint
System is a drearn cone true for paintets of Warhammer 40,000miniatures.

BASE PAINTS
There are 34 Base paints in the Citadel range, each
specially formulated to give superb coverage in a single
coat, helping painters get a strong, bright, starting point
for their paint jobs. A basecoat using a Base paint is the
perfect foundation upon which the rest of your layers
can be applied.

TAYERPAINTS
Layer paints are the way to build up the colours on
your miniatures, giving you the rich hues that your
miniatures need. These are designed to be applied over
Base paints, and formulated to layer over each other
perfectly for an ideal highlighting

effect. There are 70

Layer paints in the Citadel Paint range, enabling you

to tackle any colour scheme, from Ultramarines to Ork
Boyz,with ease.

DRYCOMPOUNDS
Drybrushing is a fast and effecdve way of capturing all
the raised details on a model - it's a well-loved technique
that all painters from green newcomers to battlehardened veterans utilise. The 15 Dry compounds in
the Citadel range have a consistency perfectly suited for
drybrushing, making this simple technique even easier.

CITADEL SHADES
Citadel Shades are spectally formulated washes that
can be painted onto a miniature so as to flow into
the recesses.They do not gather on the raised areas
and so keep the shading where it is needed. These
help painters to get natural-looking shading on their
models, enabling great results, quickly.

CITADEL CTAZES
Citadel Glazes are inks designed to be painted over
finished colours. Citadel Glazes are formulated to sit
where they are applied (in contrast to Shades).Their
tones enrich the colour of the paint beneath blending
layers together, eliminate stark highlights or staining a
colour for a different effect

CITADELTEXTURE

PAINT

In this book, you will notice all manner of greatlooking bases,from sand to mud or even concrete. The
fastest way to achieve a fantastic result is to use one
of the 6 CitadelTexture paints. These are designed to
paint directly onto bases, drying with a gravelly finish,
ready to be drybrushed and then detailed.

PAINTING MODELS - GETTING STARTED

'With

your models assembled and ready to paint, you might be wondering where to get started. Vhile sources such as
How to Paint Citadel Miniatures or a painting lesson in your local Games Ilorkshop Hobby Centre are the best place to
pick up tips, there are a few principles that can be explained here.

Tnn Besrcs
Painting a Citadel miniature can be loosely broken down into four stages.In brief, these are
undercoating your miniature, applying a basecoat,adding details and then finally'basing the model'.
IR:E

iliE
E!_:X

LJndercoating
a modelis very

part thqt takeslongest.

Here,you'Ll
! usetechniquessuch as Layenng,

E$
important if you want your
''miniature
to hauefl smooth,even

highhghting and using Glazesto get the

for your paints to adhere to.

,swrtace
,Many painters start out undercoating
' by hand (with Imperial Primer). As you

part might seemdauntingbut, ns you

startpaintinglarger gyoupsof models,

you'Llbegtnto expenmentwith more

best resuLts.Ulhen you're starting out, this

deuelopin shiLl,expenenceand confdence,

however,you mfly weII want to usea

' sprny undercoat- this makes things

aduancedtechniques.

much faster and giuesa greatfinish.

Basing is the term for detailing
your miniatuyes'bases,and as

Basecoatingis the stagewhere

you apply the basiccoloursof

you do it, you can really seeyour efforts

the model. Basepaints areformulated

come together.Theye'san old adage

to apply directly overundercoats.Once

amongst Games Workshop hobbyists

you'vepainted on thebasiccoloursof

that the two most important aspects

the model,you can then apply washes-

to painting a miniatuye dre'facesand

theseflo* into the recesses

and prouidea
gr eat-loohing leveI of shading.

couerthe flat top of the base,and then

Detailing your modelis probablythe

drybrush it onceit has set.Einally, delve

bases'. lJ seCitadel Texture paint to

into the great accessories

such fls gydss
tufts, static grassand so on.

I)ou't PRNrc!
All this talk of painting models and
references to complicated painting
techniques might seem a little mindboggling. Don't be put off! There's
nothing very complicated about getting
started painting. In fact, all Games
lVorkshop Hobby Centres offer free
painting lessons, and there is a wealth

SPACE MARINES

NECRON $'TARRIORS

of good advice to be

Space Marines have lots of large, flat

Many people herald the Necrons as

found in How to Paint

areas,which arc fairly straightforward

the easiest miniatures to paint in the

for new painters to tackle using only a

S7arhammer 40,000range. Certainly,

few basic techniques. Of course, expert

a Chaos Black undercoat, leadbelcher

painters are able to produce absolute

basecoat and a Nuln Oil Shade will put

mastelpieces from them.

you a long way towards completion!

@
tu_-*
-\*'+--^-'q*.^"*

Citadel Miniatures
and in Games

rl
il

l{

!7-orkshop's monthly
hobby magazine,
White Dwarf.

PAINTII{G SQTJADS
Painting one model at a time can be very fulfrlling, but it makes painting stunning armies (which is at the heart of the
hobby) a long process. Many hobbyists choose to paint units in batches, usually a unit at a time (or at least part of a unit).
The process of doing this is exactly the same as you would normallypaint, but you complete a stage on rll of the models
in the unit before moving on to the next stage.

Here all the models are undercoated. Undercoating several

\7ith the undercoat dry, the basecoatsare applied using Citadel

models at once not only savestime, but also makes more

Base paints. See how the basic colours are applied to all the

effective use of your spray undercoat; undercoating a group of

models at this stage.This is effective, because the colours in a

models together can make your spray paint go further.

unit are generally the same, so you can paint all of one colour
onto each of the models, then the next. Painting in batches such
as this savesboth time and paint.

The details are then picked out across the whole unit, again
using one colour on each model before proceeding to the next.
Painting several models at a time grves you more economrc
usage of your paints, and certainly speeds things up. It also
helps you ensure that you are being consistent with your colour
scheme as you can directly compare the models to one another.

Finally, the models are all based and, uoiLd,you have a completed
unit readv to take to the bamlefield!

PAINTING VEHICTES AND MONSTERS

Ihe Varhammer 40,000universe is full to bursting with amazing tanks, flyers, armoured fighting vehicles and monsters
- the miniatures rangeboastsdozensof varieties. From sleek,deadly Dark Eldar f,ghter p1"rt"r 1e-ighty, lumbering
Carnifexes,the bigger they come,the more opportunity you haveto unleash your creative side upon them.
For many, the larger units that can be added into their
'!7'arhammer
40,000collection are the most exciting aspects of

that they make visually srunning centrepieces for any arrny,

their collection. Many hobbyists really enjoy the imagery and

different. Painting a tank or large creature offers some very

and they enable painters and modellers to try something a bit

excitement of unleashing a powerflrl tank on the battlefield,

different challenges. They are often more complicated to paint

or crashing through the ranks of the foe with a monstrous

and their size means that they are a broad canvassfor a painter

beast. Of course, their appeal is enhanced even more by the fact

to work upon.

TeNrs
This Space Marine Rhino has been painted
and detailed with transfers - a large vehicle
such as this can provide a real focal point for
a tilP'arhamrner 40,000 army. Note how the
colour scheme has been carefully matched
to the warriors that it fights alongside:
attention to details such as this can make
your own force look really impressive.
Each \X/arhammer 40,000 codex features
the colour schemes and iconography of
the army, providing

an invaluable source

of ideas, not only for colour schemes, but

also suitable markings. W'hen it comes to
these larger models, paying attention to
the advice on markings and exffa details
found within

a codex can prove invaluable

in making your centrepiece models really

stand out on the tabletop.

MorvsrRous
CnEeruREs
This Carnifex has been painted in the
colours of Hive Fleet leviathan.

Just
as with painting a tank, when you're
tackling a larger miniature like this,
you'll want to put in some extra care.
\[rhile most vehicles don't come on
bases, generally rnonsters, such as the
Carnifex, do. Treat these bases in the
same way as the rest of your force to
help them match your other models.
These larger bases also present a
chance for you to lavish a little exfra
time and attention onto them, adding
details such as battlefield

detrirus,

piles of skulls or even just a couple of

larger rocks.

Cor.uvERSroN
SHourcAsE
Every hobbyist loves the opportuniry
to showcase(and show of| his
favourite kit-bashesand conversions.
At any given gaming club around
the world, nicely converted models
become focal points for hobbyists to
enthuse about and shareideas.Here
you can seea gallery of personalised
models. Perhapsthesewill serve
asinspitation for your own forays
into the converting aspectof the
\ffarhammer 40,000hobby.

This SpaceManne Captain'sbare

head has beenswappedfor one
with ahelmet.

Aloin cloth,takenfrom a
Dark nlf hit, hasbeen added
Manne.
to this ChaosSpace

Ghazghlzulland this Mega-nobhauebeenconuerted

with a number of minor alterations.

with partsfro* threehits,thislJltramannes

leit-bashed.
hasbeenextensively
Sergeant

This KrootShaperhasbeen
andeven
modified,
conuerted
hadsomesculptingwork
doneto it.

This BLo
od AngelsAssaultMaine hasbeen
SpaceMannehits.
hit-bashed
from several

ThisTauBroadsidehasbeenconvertedsothat it

This Captainhas an alternatiue

is hoLdinga railgun lihe a nfle.

head taleenfrom another kit.

IAMES KARCH'S SPACEWOTVES COTTECTION

fames Karch is an avid Ganes Vorkshop collector and armypainter. A dyed in thewoolhobbyist,
lames has painted
more arrnies for Varhammer 40,000than he can remember. A keen player in all manner of garning wents, ]ames regulatly
attends canprign weekends and tournaments across the UIi More often than not, you can see his latest arny being
nonrinated for best army awards, a plaudit that he has won on several occasions.

TheDreadnought's
lascannons
havebeen
detailedwith nmic plaques,
tahenfto* EorgeWorld's
etched-brass
range.
andwolf
Jamesaddedspareparts,suchaspelts,fetishes
skulls,to his Venerable
Dreadnought.

- aVolf GuardBattle
Thisis thearmy'scommander
Leaderwith the heraldryof uarald Deathwolf.

,
lust aswith almostall themodelsin the army,these
V olf Guard Terminators are heauily leit-bashed.

- theoneon theLeftis completely

hit-bashed
Two RunePriests
from a
metalmodel.
hostof differentplastichits,the lne on the right is a classic

A GreyHunt er (ltft) andL ongEangSquadL eader(n ght),

complete
with detailssuchasbannersandunit markings.

THE TAYLORS' COTTECTIONS

Andrew and Nicola Taylor have been painting and collecting Citadel miniatures for a long time and have amassed a latge
collection of superbly painted figures from multiple armies over the years. As well as lavishing a huge amount of ti - e
painting thefu figures they also game regularly at events and their local gaming club.

Nicolacarefullypaintedthecobwebs
on the
toform a dishnctiue
bachof herWarp S'piders
designthat Ltnksthe squadtogether.

Andrew'sTau flwny containsma.nysubtleconversilnsthat

are not immediately obvious.Eor erffimple,the Cnsis suits
have had their legsre-plsedto make them looh lihe they are
leaping into the air. The aTmy alsohos beenbasedto match
Nicola'sEldar for when the pair ally on the tabletop.

TauEireYlarnor

of theEmperorhave
The Scythes
beenruuagedbyHive EleetI{rahen
- something
afidenton eachof
models.
Andrew's

Eldar Earseer

model,
Nicola'sEldarcentrepiece
this nldnr Vraithlord hasbeen
to trampleupon
carefullyreposed
the hull of a ruinedSpaceMarines
Nofethe lavish
Dreadnought.
freehandpaintingon thehelm.

\\=

Tr;

40,000 B,qrrLEFrELDs
\XAnHAMMER
Ihc4lgt

Millenniurn

fabuloue

le aplace of unendinXlwar,

end{enteetlcelenvfuonmente

where ceaselegs bottlee

arethebetdegpounds
$aminXl environrnent

rag;e actoss the expanse of the Inperiurr.lteee

- the onlylinittothe
splendorrrof
;mur

fororrrgarnee

ie yout irnaginrtion

As hobbyists, we invest hours of care and attention into making

our collections of miniarures look as wonderful as possible.

The Sanctum lrnpenalis hit forms the bachboneof many a

It's probably fair to say that, regardless of our relative skill

Warhammer 40,000battlefieldand providescoverto fnends

with Plastic Glue or paintbrush, we pour passion and love into

and foe alihe.

the assembly and painting of our collection. The same can be

said for the scenery that we play games upon. Our battlefi.elds
present an exciting opportunity for us to look deeper into
the background and imagery of the 4lst Millennium.

Our

battlefields can be battle-scarred defence lines, Imperial

spaceports, shattered hive cities or seething alien jungles.
Perhaps we want to fight games in geothermal power plants
or amidst the alien wreckage of ancient civilisations. These are
high aspirations, but with some ingenuiry, deterrnination and
skill, it's amazingthe results you can achieve.
Most terrain collections start with a simple enough setup, a
gaming board, such as the Realm of Battle Gameboard or even a
Citadel Battlemat. Onto that, we add basic terrain elements such
as woods, hills and the like. Of course, with time, our aspirations
are far greater! \[hat

hobbyist wouldn't like a planetary defence

installation, featuring Imperial Bastions, Aegis defence lines and

deadly autocannons to scour the skies? Over the next couple
of pages, we'll look at the range of possibilities for stunning
'U7'arhammer
battlefields that
40,000presents - from the
simplistic to the sublime.

STRO}TC BECINNINGS
The CitrrdelBrriileMrrf is

Even those who are just starting out, or only have a limited

rrlt,tl for hobbl/tsfswho aye

sfnrtrrrgou,tand Luflntto play

amount of storage space,can have a stlrnning banlefie1cl.This

terrain set up includes a Citadel Battle Mat and a'u'arier),'of

0 l l r t l l lol i ' t ' x fi l i l r g s ut ' f n r , '

other Citadel scenery pieces to make a formiclable battle zone.

thwt ahrr''elqrtchentctble.

Easy to store away after use)this setup could be placed on any

suitable surface (from large dining table to the sitting room
floor) ancl would provide endless hours of great battles.

THE REALM OF BATTLE

Based on a Citaclel Realm of Battle Gameboard, this terrain

Tlrt' Realrnof tsnttit:

setup is a wondrous example of how exciting a battlefield can

fht'
Grrnrr:lroat'ri,

be The Realm of Battle Gameboarclis built from stronSr sturdy

u lf rnrafr'pl,r1'rng-su
rfncr:

p l a s t i c a n d c o m e s i n s i x , 2 ' x 2 ' s q u a r e st h a t c a n b e a s s e m b l e da n d

fiir'1,ouriraftL:-qI

painted in a variety of i,vays.Just as u,ith the Citadel Battle Mat,

the Realm of Battle Gameboard is easily stored awrf, enabling
you to clear away the carnage of battle and hide it in a cupboard
or under your bed u'ith a minimum of fuss and bother.

PLAYING AMESOF

40,000
UARHAMMER

*$9.-

Withyour

anniee

{fiffts*t=

painted

and a stunning;battlefield

to wagle war upon, it's tirne to musterlrour

to battle

(ffgurativelyspeakin4S

of course). Playinlggamee

hobbyiet

infriendlycorrrpetition,

it's an opportunityto
rniniatutee,

gfeat paint

of Varhanrner40,000
share rnutudpassion
jobe and inspiringl

forcee and nrarch

ie the chqnce to engage withe

foryorrrhobbycentred

fellow

onwondetful

etodes.

GAMES WORKSHOP HOBBY CENTRES

Most Games

.uT.orkshop
Hobby Centres have dedicated gaming

nights (and often gaming days at the weekend) where you can
take your armies along and arrange a game or two. The biggest
advantage to playing garnes in a Hobby Centre is that there's
a vast range of Citadel Miniatures and gaming accessories on
hand, should you want to add to your collection. It also helps
that Games Workshop staff are knowledgeable, helpful and are
more than hrppy to offer painting advice, tactical tips and even
the occasional game. If you're looking for assistance with your
\Tarhammer 40,000hobby, from assembling models to pulling
off the perfect battle tactics, get in touch with your local Hobby
Although hobbyists will engage in the fun of playing games

Centre to see how they can help.

for avariety of reasons, at the heart of the gaming aspect of the

hobby is the chance to share enthusiasrn for \(arhamrner 40,000
in terms of the background, the miniatures and the tactics that
the game provides. When you play a game of Warhammer
40,000,you and your opponent will quickly find you have a
common language rooted in the background and history of the
4lst Millennium,

the rules of the garne, and the miniatures that

you have painted. \Thether you're playing with an old friend

at home (while enjoying a warm tea and a bowl of dry-roast
peanuts) or you're battling away in a Throne of Skulls Grand
Tournament, a mutual passion for the \K/arhamrner 40,000
hobby means that you'llfind

something in common that should

make for an even more enjoyable experience.

Or.ruNE SronE FrwnER

'S7.arhammer
There are lots of places to play games of
40,000.

The Games'W'orkshop website has a Store Finder application that

Most games are probably played in peoples' homes) on co-

useful httle tool and usually includes a telephone number so you

enables you to find your nearest Games Vorkshop

stockist. It's a

opted dining room tables or specially requisitioned games

can contact the store for opening times and so on. It's also very

rooms. Some gamers seek out their local Games \Torkshop

handy if you need to find your nearest Hobby Cenrre when you're

Hobby Centres and join in the regular gaming nights and

in a strange city on holiday!

organised play events there. Still others attend games clubs

held in communiry centres, social clubs, pubs and sirnilar
communal spaces(such clubs exist in many places around the
world - if you're willing to seek them out). For those willing

STIARGAMING CLUBS

to travel further afield, there are organised gaming events held

There are

regularly all over the globe. Many hobbyists get a real thrill

groups who meet in local function rooms once a week to larger

out of travelling to an allotted venue for a day (or even better, a

organisations, many of which operate our of a local hobby

weekend) of \{rarhammer 40,000action. Whichever manner of

to show off your

stockist. If you're looking to join up with a local gaming club to

get some games, make sure you ask the staff where you usually

armies, share tips and tactical advice with friends and create a
few memorable war stories of your own.

b.ty your citadel Miniatures, they almost always have details of

the nearest clubs on flyers or tucked away in a diary.

gaming you embark upon, it's an opportunity

.--_+

'Wargaming

Clubs the world over - from small

ORGANISED GAME DAYS

Across the globe, gaming clubs go out of their way to organise fantastic game days, tournaments and leagues. From small
tournaments in your local town to large, international competitions. The biggest of these amazing Games Workshop
orienred events is Games Day - a sensational hobby event that encompasses the length and breadth ofthe hobby!

GAMES DAY&GOLDEN DEMON

Every year, Games l(orkshop

holds a series of fantastic Games

Days around the world, hobby events where hobbyists involved

in all of Games \Torkshops games can join in a fun-packed day
of gaming, painting and more. Throughout the day, there are
dozens of different parricipation games to get involved in, as
well as the chance to get top painting advice from the experts
and meet some of the people behind your favourite games. By
the time you've joined in one or two of the great-looking, wellprepared battles, chatted with the Design Studio guests about
how your favourite miniatures are designed and painted, and
visited the ever-impressive sales stands, much of the day will
have rushed past - but there's sdll plenry more to do.

CAMPAICNS
Campaign days and weekends are an entertaining waY to link
together a series of battles, creating a narrative. Some campaign
weekends draw their inspiration from famous events in the

Games Day is also the venue for the Golden Demon painting
competition - the premier miniatures painting contest where

history of the 4lst Millennium, while others have a sandbox

feel, where you can change the true course of events with your

Games \Torkshop hobbyists can showcase their talents in the

actions and have been concocted especially for the campaign.

hope of winning the coveted Slayer Sword. These contests draw

in the finest miniatures painters from around the world and
the display cabinets at a Games Day event) always filled with
beautifully painted miniatures, are very inspiring.
Games Day is also visited by Games lVorkshop's sister
companies, Forge W.orld and Black tibrary - who are happy to

TEACUES
Gaming leagues are perfect for those clubs that meet together
often, where players are able to climb up and down the league
ratings with scoresbased on the results of a series of games ideal for a close-knit group with a sense of friendly rivalry.

FIND OUTMORE

show you the best of their own new releases.There's the chance
to meet some of the authors of the Black library's many novels

The local Events section in \K/hite Dwarf contains details of

and see the fantastic Forge World miniatures fi.rst-hand. You

can't frlly appreciate how amazing a Forge \7or1d Titan is until

many such events held each month, and the Games'W'orkshop

also has a regularly
website: www.games-workshop.com

you've seen it in the flesh!

updated events page.

Games Days all across the world play

host to the Armies on Parade event.
While there is, of course, an element

"l_lH--F

of competition,

this event is an excuse

to see beautifully painted armies and

reward devoted hobbyists for all
their hard work.
Each Hobby Centre holds a special Parade Day where
hobbyists present their Armies on Parade entries and
compete for the chance to be elected as Hobby Centre
champion, earning them the honour of representing their
Hobby Center at Games day. Everyone has a chance to vote
for their favourite army, and it is for this reason that staff
are also allowed to enter. So, if you think you can do better
than your local Games tW'orkshop staff, this is a great
oppoffunity

to try! Each Games Day, all of the Hobby

Centre champions are invited to bring their winning

entries along and display them to the masses.

40,000
PlayingGamesof Warhammer
+s

a!ra#

$T/ARHAMMER $r/OR[I)
'Warhammer

Vorld is the world's finest and best known hobby destination and is found at the heart of the Games
rJ?'orkshophobby in Nottingham, England. with a fantastic gallery of 'Eavy Metal miniatures featuring
thousands of
models from the Design Studio collection, a gaming hall with dozens of tables all lavishly appointed with professionally
painted and assembled scenery, and the world-renowned Bugrnan's Bar, there can be no finer venue in which to enioy the
'Warhammer
40,000hobby.
.$V'arhammer
\xrorld also boasts an experienced events team
who run dozens of tournaments, campaigns and other hobby
.Whether
activities throughout the year.
you wanr to battle
against feilou'gamers in a clash of generalship, atterrd a
Masterclass in how to parint and rnodel your tanks or any
number of other hobby-related activities, 'Jflarhammer sflorld
has plenty to get your teeth stuck into.

THr ExrrrBrrroN Hen

\flarhammer $/orld boasts a lavishly appointed exhibition hall,
r,vherethe Design stridio collection of citadel nriniatures is on
permanent display. The collection boasts thousands of miniatrrres,
'Eaw
all painted by the
Metal teanr, Be u,arned, hou,ever, it's a
r i ' r : r ' k i n gm l r s e u m , s o s o m e t i n ] e si l r m i e s e r e r e r n o ' e d f i ' o n r t h e
cabinets for other cluties,such as plavtesting, photography or

PAII{TII{G AND MODETIING EVENTS

other, secret assignments.

tfi/arhammer \florld holds regular hobby weekenrls and weeklong hobby camps to help yorl hone your skills as a painter and
modeller. The tffarhammer nflorld crew are all accomplished
hobbyists, so you'll be in safe hands to steer you towards even
befter acirievernents.There's a lot of fun to be had learning new

$fl+,nrrAMMER$[ronrn ExHrBrrrohrs
The Games \workshop hobby has generated a lot of history in the
thirty or so years since it was born Thousands of u,orks of art and
tniniatnres make for very compelling displays, .ilflarhaffrrner \Xrorld

techniques and skills alongside fellow hobby enthusiasrs.

often features galleries of original artwork and classic rniniatures,

sonrething that any hobbyist, from tire neu,comer to those long-in-

CAMINGEVENTSAND
CAMPAIChI WEEKEI{DS

the-tooth ivill find fascinating.

one of \flarhammer tfforld's specialtiesis gaming events, such

as battle days or campaign weekends. These take many differerrt
forrns, but all share a common elernenr - they all feature rhe
chance to play some fantastic garneswith like-mirrded hobbyists.
Some events are e\ren team based and enable you to come aiong
with friends (something many gaming clubs like to join in on),
or form a team when you get there (a great way to make new
wargaming friends). At evenrs such as this, you might find
yourself locket] in an apocalyptic mega battle, fighting through
a series of lirrked encounters or battling awali as part of a special
scenario - the opportunities and posslbilities are endless,

i$

'_%"5r.*-**-"

40,000
PlayingGamcsof Warhammcr

THETHROI{E OF SKUttS
The Throne of Skulls is the towering symbol of Khorne's might, a macabre testament to the Blood God's power and
unholy majesty. It's also the name for something altogether friendlier, Games workshop's regularly held weekend-long
gaming event, which many Warhammer 40,000hobbyists aspire to participate in.
What's great about the Throne of Skulls, as an organised play
event, is the spirit of fun and excitement it engenders. The
emphasis in these events is very much on friendly competition
with beautifully painted armies. Awards are given away
(depending on the event, they may be for best arrny, the overall
winner or best sportsman), but the allure is the chance to
spend a day or two sharing your enthusiasm for the miniatures,
background and game of \Tarhammer 40,000.
Anyone who has ever attended a Throne of Skulls event will
attest that it's a great way to play a host of games against a variery
of opponents. Up to a hundred players typically attend each
event, so there are lots of different armies to see,and they are
held all around the world. It's not only a chance to test your
generalship and the meftle of your force, it's also an opportunity
to pick up new tactics and create some memorable wargaming
experiences along the way. If there's one thing that hobbyists
love, it's sharing the highs (and lows) of their forays onto the
'Just
how did those Orks manage to withstand the

battlefield. . .

assault from my Terminator Assault Squad?'

BEsr PerNrEDAnuv
There is a lot more to the Throne of Skulls gaming event than victory on the battlefield.
Dedication and skill in painting armies is also celebrated with a Best Painted Army award
'best
painted'by his peers.
issued to the participant whose anny is deemed the

One luclrygnmer will wslk atua1,with

this much couetedtrophy.

One of the most talked about events in the Games Vorkshop calendar is the C,olden Demon painting competition, held
alongside each Games Day event. In this prestigious painting extravaganza, entrants compete for the chance to win the
coveted Golden Demon trophies, and the chance to claim the Slayer Sword.
Back in 1987,Games \Torkshop held the fi.rst ever Golden

For'SV'arhammer 40,000hobbyists, it provides an opportuniry to

Demon painting competition in Nottingham, England. The

indulge their most creative and artistic talents, to paint fantastic

event was held with the goal of showcasing the talents of

Citadel miniatures and to compete with likeminded hobbyists

painters not just in Nottingham, but also hopefully across the

for the prestigious Golden Demon awards.

whole world. Those enthusiastic beginnings have given rise to

a grand tradition that continues strongly to this duy.For more
than rwo decades,the Golden Demon Painting Tournaments
have drawn painters from across the globe who are hungry
to demonstrate their skill and earn a coveted Colden Demon
award. Years later on, a Golden Demon Painting Tournament
is held in several countries around the world - always with
the same exacting standards and the same goal of celebrating
fantastically painted Citadel miniatures.
A range of categories exists within the Golden Demon Painting
Tournaments, catering to the skills and disciplines of a range of

The other, rather splendid, side effect is that the Golden Demon

painters and, perhaps more importantly, celebrating the length

and breadth of the Games tVorkshop hobby. The competition

that are a delight to behold. Over the years, the best amongst

awards generate a fantastic volume of sensational miniatures

consists of a variety of categories,such as \Tarhammer 40,000

Single Miniature, Squad, Vehicle, Monster and Duel - with a

these have been the subiects of Itrhite Dwarf articles, web

gold, silver and bronze award issued to the three best entries in

frankly, perfect candidates for a showcase - which is just what

their respective categories. Then, of course, there is the greatest

you will find here: three pages of stunningly painted Citadel

of accolades,the Slayer Sword, which is given as a prize to the

'Best
in Show'.

miniatures, all exemplars of the art of miniatures painting and

galleries and even publications. Golden Demon awards are,

each the winner of a Golden Demon award.

At GamesDays around the

world,hobbyistsllock to uiew
the many amazing entnesinto
the GoldenDemon competitton.
There can only be one Slayer
Sword winner - a champion
painter who wiII ratsethe
ultimate pnze in miniatures
painting at the end of the euent.

SHowcASE
Over the years, there have been hundreds of wonderful
in the Golden Demon competitions

winners

around the world. Here is just

a small showcase of some of the best. Keep an eye on \7hite Dwarf

magazine and the Games'W'orkshop website to see more fantastic
entries - with seven Games Day events across the globe, there are
scores of amazing models to behold every year.

ork Mek
by AlistairArmes
(Bronze,'Warhammer40,00
0 Monster 2008)
Logan Grimnar
by Cnstian SanchezMiralles
(G oLd, W arh amm er 40,000 Sin gl e Mini atur e 20| 0)

Renegade Militia
by Chris Blair
(Siluer,Y arhammer40,000
Squad2009)

S7olf Guard
byVlilliam Davies
(Silver, V arhammer 40,000 Single Mini ature20| 0)

Commissar
by MNielsson
(c old,YoungBloods2009)

BATTLES
These

pages

tabletop.

ate dewoted

Ilere

you will

to the battles
find

examples

fought

in the Dark

of arnazing

battles,

Millemium,
gireat and

md
srnall,

the joy of recreating

and

ideas

to fuel

your

them
own

on the
wars,

FIcHTINGBaTTLES
IN THE
DnRKMILLENNIUM
fleying

e geme of Varharnrner40,000

tnvolves bring;ing;ell
the elemente of the hobtytogethetto
creete a fun and
gectflon, you'll ffnd loede of exannples of gpeat g;amee to pley, alotgwithttps

rewardtnggarnlnS;experience.Inthlg

end advlce on cooking

A game of \X/arhammer 40,000is the ultimate expression of the
\Tarhammer 40,000hobby. You get to unleash your carefully
painted and assembled collection onto a meticulously fashioned
battlefield, retelling a thrilling

moment from the history of

upyour

own bettles.

minaturesto help tell a story.Of course,there'sno right or

wrong way to enjoy the \Tarhammer 40.000hobby. If it's fun,
and both you and your opponent have a good dme, then you
haveachievedyour goal.

\Tarhammer 40,000or creating your own. You also get to match

wits with your opponent in an exciting game!
Playing a game can be as simple as getting together with a
friend and lining up your army against his. Games like this
are the mainstay of the \Tarhammer 40,000community thousands of us do it every week. This doesn't mean that
hobbyists will all enjoy playing games in quite the same way.
Some players like to transform their gaming sessions into
grand occasions, and spend time before a battle planning the
scenario, building bespoke scenic objectives or painting extra

ril7hatthis sectionwill do is examinethe subjectof

\ilTarhammer40,000battles,from quick garnesfought
within the tight confi.nesof a lunch break,to sweeping
confrontations designedto last all dry. \(re'11offer advice
on how to put together thematic encounters,rich with the
imagery of the 4lst Millennium, and we'll investigatelinking
battlestogether to form a rewarding and evocativecampaign.
Enjoying battlesof \Tarhammer 40,000is the crowning glory
of the hobby and it can be asgrandioseand absorbingasyou
want it to be.

YoUAR-ETHE WhnroRD
When the battle begins, it's a chance for you to flex your tactical

Eldar Autarchs are famed for their canny strategic foresight and

muscles and do battle with your opponent. Every army in

abiliry to employ their units to their greatest strengths. A Space

Warhammer 40,000 has a Varlord, a warmaster, commander or

Marine Captain will combine ti$d

general, that represents them on the battlefield. It can be extremely

tactical flexibility.

enjoyable to play to the character of your chosen avatar.An Ork

influence, not only your tactics on the banlefield

Varlord

is impetuous

and direct, favouring

orhBigMeh

brutal tactics, while

discipline

with formidable

Getting into the role of general for your anny can

but also the models

that you include in your force and the tFpes of games you play.

Eldar Autarch

SpaceMaripe Captain
a

Yr,

"1ff

A GALAXYAT%R
Thete are ae rnany ways to enjoy playing
of an idea and the will

to ferrnerrt

few friende

Warharnrner

it Into a battle.

to shate it witlr,

401000as there are people to tty them out. All you need ie the gerrn
lilrc heresy - all you need is a whacky idea and a

Great garnes are a ltttle

ond ftorn

the tiniest

The rJ7arhammer 40,000galaxy is a preposterously huge place

- the Imperiurn alone is said to span a million or more worlds,

seed something

awesorne will

grow...

So, in the following sections, we'll investigate sorne of the

and that's not to mention all the domains and territories of

rnany different ways that you can plan, prepare for and play
your games - from simple pick-up missions with a small twist

the many hateful aliens and traitors that constantly assail

through to massive, sprawling encounrers linked together in

it. Every battle zone holds incredible potential, and every

ongoing campaigns to create a lasting narrative. Jump in with

both feet and don't be afraid to experiment to find the style of

world holds scores of battle zones. In short, there rs a dazzling

opportunity for hobbyists to play any manner of game they
wish, all set within the grim darkness of the farfuture.'$7'hen

game that works best for you. Rernernber, the Emperor doesn't
judge a soldier by his medals, but by his scars.

you're painting your armies, playing out exciting games of

'S7'arhamrner
40,000and buildmg your own stories, think of the
whole galaxy as your sandpit. It might sound a little twee, but
when you're enjoying your hobby, it really is all there for you
to explore and experience. The one constant is that the whole
galaxy has been riven by relentless, all-consuming warfare.
No corner of the Imperium is safe from heresy, invasion or
'W'arhammer
bloodshed - a stark fact that makes
40,000such a
compelling backdrop for our games.
And what battles they can be! Some will be hastily arranged
and fought over tabletops, with piles of books and spare rnugs
for terrain (and a little imagination to help set the scene).
Some will be played out in dedicated gaming rooms, with

What follows over the next few pages are several detailed
'ST.arhammer
examples of truly outstanding games of
40,000,

lavish terrain collected and painted by avid gamers. Vhat we'lI

'V7'e'11
do here is feed the imagination for those ideas.
explore

played out upon stunning terrain sets designed by some

ideas for battles across myriad theatres of war, from a desperate

the grim, war-torn imagery and feel of the \(arhammer

awesomely talented hobbyists. Each of these games evokes

sortie into a daemonically infested space base,to a pitched

40,000universe, delves a little further into the stories that the

battle for an acid-processing plant, set in a toxic wasteland.

universe enables and, perhaps most usefully of all, contains tips

This section is a one-way ticket to some blindingly great

and instructions on how you could create similar encounters

gaming ideas. If, when you have finished reading through the
tVarhammer 40,000Battles section, you have some cool ideas of

of your own. If you're looking for ideas of how to take the

your own brewing away in your head - mission accomplished.

concept of an Eternal \Var mission and raise it to the next level

with a detailed narrative and special rules, this is a very fine

Good luck with the war!

startrng pomt.

LEr rHE GernxY Bunx (PncE356)

To Annrs (recE 360)

Need sotne ideas on where to set your games? looking

Our hope is that, by reading through the Warharnmer 40,000

for an

evocative example of what the W'arhammer 40,000 universe

Battles section every gamer will feel deeply inspired by the

has in store for your army? Seeking inspiration on how to steep

background of the Dark Millennium

This sub-section looks at some of the fantastical environments

and confident enough to

attempt creating scenarios and unusual games of their own. If you
have never created your own scenarios before, and don't know

and incredible backdrops that the 4lst Millennium

where to begin, here we proffer sorne good advice. \(hether

your own battlefields in the imagery of the Dark Millennium?

\[hether

presents.

you want to see battles on once-fertile planets stripped

bare by the foul Tyranids; do battle amongst the steamy jungles

of a death world, where even the plants are out for blood, or fi.ght

you're trying to write a finely-balanced scenario that gives both

players an even chance of victory, or a thematic encounter where
the narrative takes precedence (and the odds may well be firrnly

within the tangled ruins of a teetering Imperial hive citf , it's all

stacked against one of the players), we'll help you get your ideas

here for you to feast your eyes upon.

together and on the right track.

TnE $lrnnnron's Conn

Across these pages, and indeed the entire'W'arhammer 40,000
Battles section, there are some srunning batlefields

and scenery

'W'e've

developed a'$7.arrior's Code, of sorts. The rules are simple:

if you'te playing in a game, you help to set it up. Normally

this

role and dishing out

sets,by some of Games \X/orkshops best painters, model makers and

involves someone taking on an authoritarian

hobbyists. As with any game, there's a certain amount of preparation

the duties. Someone will be in charge of finding a space big enough

and planning that goes into arranging, setting up and playing a game
'Warhammer
40,000 (and even more so when you're working on a
of

for the banlefield, someone else getting the boards ready and so on.

true spectacle). From building

specific scenery pieces, to setting up

If you're organising a special game, don't be afraid to rally the troops

yourself and get everyone to take part in preparing it. It's fair to say

game boards and armies, the most impressive games have the largest

that players enjoy the fun of a battle more when they've pitched in to

amount of work behind them.

making it happen in the fi.rst place!

gg3.M4l

FIREANDBLooD
I

To the rnurderous
of the hrrrnan

rhytlrrn

installation
enduring

of splinter-cannon
and plundet

faith

fire, the Dark Eldar came, deterrnined

at will.In

of the Irnpedal

their

aroggance,

Guard. As towers

however,

to ravage the weakling

theyreckoned

of fire erupted

slryward,

without
battle

defenders

the stoic resolve and

was joined.

For long rnonths) scores of Imperial Guard regirnents,

Imperial forces to supply and receive precious promethiurn

supported by SpaceMarines frorn half a dozen Chapters, had

reserves had proven critical. Perhaps that is why the Dark nldar
struck - ever keen to spread sorrow and suffering - or perhaps
.S?'hatever
it was for a share in the resources for themselves.

contended with the relentless Chaos SpaceMarine assault

known in the annals of history as the Irgax Offensive. It is
Iikely that the Imperial forces would have pushed back the

their motivation, the first the Imperial Guard knew of the attack

Chaos attack, were it not for a single act of rnalice, perpetrated

was when the Relay Base'sperimeter defences were pummelled

by the Dark Eldar warriors from the Kabal of the Black Fleart.

by

This cruel, and apparently unconnected, act had the brutal

"

salvo of lance fire.

effect of toppling the Irnperial Guard's entire western flank.

The garrison force of Cadian Shock Troops, under the

This left the planet of Kyobin in dire risk of faiilng into the

leadership of Major Kamen, put up a spirited defence in the

hands of the Chaos SpaceMarines and Imperial dispositions in

face of the attackers. Able r,varriors and experienced Guardsrnen

a state of collapse acrossthe whole sub-sector,

all, they quickly threw up a defensive cordon, manning the

battle-scarred defences and bringing down several Dark

The initial attack fell upon Imperial Munitions Relay Base359,

Eldar transports in the early rnornents of the engagement.

located eighry miles behind the rnain battle lines and iynchpin
'With
of the western flank.
resources stretched unbearably

force of Irnperial Navy Valkyries into action before the

thin on both sides of the fighting, the continued abiliry of the

sltuatlon got any worse.

Meanwhile, regional outpost Alpha IX scrambled irs reserve

As the Dark Eldar closed in for the kill, the Cadians prepared to

B) THE FURY OF MALVOLIN

sell their lives dearly and a furious battle erupted. Engorged by

Veteran Sergeant Craster and his Storm Trooper squad led

the bloodshed, and mounted in dagger-fasttroop transporters,

the meagre teinforcements from the nearby regional ourpost;

the Dark rldar quickly rampaged through the Imperial lines to

twenry battle-hardened veterans in a pair of Valkyrie gunships

seize the central command station.

swooped in to counter the Dark Eldar assault The lead gunship,

A)THE SHADO$r/GET

pinpoint accurate blast from the nearby Ravager, Deni aLof 1oy,

DESCENDS

Eury of lualuolin,cut down swathes of foul xenos before a

Sniper First-grade Torgon and his Ratling squad were the first

brought the mighty gunship down. Craster and his men pulled

Imperial Guard unit to encounter the Dark Eldar. The fieldcraft

themselves from the wreckage of their downed Valkyrie and

and stealth of the Ratlings proved a poor match for the Shadow

continued taking the fight to the invaders.

Get, a coven of Dark Eldar Mandrakes. In an instant, several

Ratlings were cut down by the arcane blades of the strange,

C) THE ARCHOI\T'SPTUNDER

Dark Eldar warriors. Even so, Sniper Torgon managed to send

At the start of the battle, Major Kamen rushed more warriors to

reinforce the comrnand station - but it soon became clear that

a garbled warning to Major Kamen by vox-caster before he too

was overwhelmed and hacked apart.

it was the Dark Eldar's main target. No records remain of what

took place inside that ill-fated facility. But when Imperial forces

tr

investigated the ruins of the battlefield days later, the command

station resembled an abattoir and Maior Kamen, along with his
entire comrnand staff, were declared missing in action.

tr

MnrcHrNc YouR C onECTroN

\X/hile the scenario described on these pages details an attack
on an Imperial installation, in truth, the objective could be
adjusted to more or less anything that would better suit your own
miniatures and terrain collection. Perhaps your objective is a Tau
Earth Caste shleld generator providing cover from atmospheric
bombardment, or maybe it's a blasphemous altar enabling the
foilowers of Chaos to surnmon the power of their patrons With
a little inventiveness and tinkering you can sryle any scenario to
suit your own scenery collection, or build up a bespoke set to try
the game out for yourseH.

TnE CRUCTBTE
oF \}UAR
"

In this game, the attackers

objective.

Ihe defenders

will

will

need cunning

(or brute force) to crush the defenders

, -,*'

-d['

and hold the

find the odds stacked against them, but heroes are born in adversity.

\/./
THEARMIES

MISSION SPECIAI RUTES

Decide before the game which side will be the attacker and

Night Fighting,

Reserves (see page 124).

which will be the defender. You and your opponent each choose
Objective - Central comms station: The Primary

an arrny, as described on page ll8, with the exception that the

Primary

attacker may not take fortifications as part of their army list.

Objective on the battlefield is of dramatic importance to both

forces - one must protect it at all costs, while the other will not

THE BATTTEFIELD

rest until it is plundered and then destroyed.

This scenario is intended to be played on a 6'x4'battlefield that

'owned'
features a fortification in the centre. This fortification is

The Primary Objective cannot be targeted by either side. An

by the defender, though they do not pay points fot it in their

enemy Infantry unit can debtroy it by spending an entire game

army list and it is not dilapidated. this fonification is the only

turn in base"'contactwith it. This represents the warriors stealing

Primary Objective for the game. After the fortification is placed,

vital data,plundering valuable resources or slaughtering the

the defender may then place any other fortifications they have

unfoftunate occupants. If it is desffoyed in this manner, the

anywhere on the board. finally, set up the rest of the battlefield

attackers gain the Victory Points, if it is destroyed in a different

to resemble a well-fortified outpost. We limered our table with

manner then neither side gets the Victory Points. Any defender

supply crates and barrels of prornethium.

within 6" of the Primary Objective gains the Stubborn and

Counter-attack special rules.

DEPLO]N,IENT
Before deploying their forces, players should roll for NTarlord

Massed Attack: The attackers sweep onto the battlefield in a

Traits (see page I I I ). Next, the defender rolls a D3 - this is the

menacing wave, ready to unleash mayhem.

number of units that must be kept as Reserves.The defender

then deploys the remainder of his force within 12" of the

Nl attacking models must enter plry in the first turn, although

Primary Objective. The attacker does not deploy at first, but

they can use any means normally allowed to them, such as Deep

instead rnoves his entire force onto the battlefield at the start of

Strike, Outflank or secret entry point (described below). The

his first turn (see map for details). The exception to this is that

only exceptions to this are Infiltrators, which deploy normally.

Infiltrators can be deployed as normal.

Promethium

FIRSTTURN

Supplies: Stored in a haphazardwzfr the highly

volatile promethiurn supplies are a menace to any nearby.

The first turn automatically goes to the attacker in this scenario.

The defender may not Seize the Initiative.

If any model within 3" of a promethiurn supply passesa

GA]\,IE LENCTH
ThisgameusesVariableGamelength (seepage122).

cover save,roll a further D5. On a l, there has been an energy

explosion - centre a large blast marker over the model that
made the save.Units suffer a number of Strength 4, AP 5 hits
equal to the number of rnodels from their unit that are at least

VICTORY CONDITIONS

partially under the blast marker.

At the end of the game, the player who has scored the most
Victory Points wins the game. If the players have the sarne
number of Victory Points, the game is a draw.

Surprise Assault: The aftackers have approached their target

unnoticed and launch their grand offensive from the shadows.
Like furies rising from the abyss,they strike out at their victims.

Pmuenv

OnlEcrrvs

If the attacker manages to destroy the Primary Objective before

Before the game, after the defender has placed his units, the

the end of the game (see opposite for details) he scores 3 Victory

attacker may place a'secret entry point' anywhere on the

Points. If the Primary Objective has not been desffoyed and the

battlefield at least 24" fromthe Primary Objective. This should

defender is still in control of it at the end of the game he scores

be about the size of a small blast marker. Ary non-vehicle

3 Victory Points.

models on the attacking side may choose to enter play using the

SEcoNnARY Onpcrrw

the board, should they wish to. Note, this

Slay the'Warlord,

First Blood, Linebreaker

edge of this marker as their entry point when they move onro
'secret
enrry point' is

(see page 122).

otherwise considered to be impassable terrain.

.\T

T/,

I
933.M4

oF DeEMot-ts
Trrr Bn[.tE
Vile I)aemons
attempts

at relief.

of Chaos have infeeted

With

fiery vengeance

the precioue

Somaro

and unquenchable

Starfort,

faith,

eradicating

the Grey Knights

its defenders
launch

and driving

a devastating

away all

counter-attack

The orbital defence ring of Venta Secundus has been

walls, psykers being driven mad by Sflarp drearns and a tally

compromised. In the darkness of the void, far above Venta

of exceedingly grisly casualties quickly mounting. Having

Secundus, drifts a fearsome array of starforts designed to protect

discovered the root of the problem, the Inquisitor and his

the tespiendent cathedrals of the sector's shrine world from

retinue retreat to rnake a full report.

aftack. Manned by r garrison of Tech-Priests,Imperial Guard

and Imperial Nrvy personnel, the conjoined starforts slowly
orbit the world, ever-watchful for signs of invasion from the

To the veteran Inquisitor, it is clear that Somaro Starfort has

fallen to the malign power of the Sflrrp * rogue psykers or

multifarious aliens of the Eastern Fringe"

even Astropaths within the faciliry have been overpowered by

\flhen communications cease,a small Inquisition task-force

unholy hordes of Chaos can pour into the material universe.

is despatched to investigate the occurrence. Repons from

Inquisitor \'Mol[e and his warband follow soon after, telling

to summon Lugent reinforcements, aid that comes in the form

of sttange happenings such as howling voices ernerging from

of the Grey Knights Chapter.

Daemons and are being used as conduits through which the

Inquisitor \floHe uses the highest authority that his rank allows

-.'.tE---.z'--WoRr

EARNs sALvATIoN.

Determined to prevent a wider daemonic incursion and the

B)THE RISE OFTHE DOOM CABAT

possibility of a full-scale Nfarp cataclysm, the Grey Knights

As the fighting intensfied, more Chaos Daemons flocked to

act fast and purge the Daemon taint from the starfort. In

the scene. Most powerful of all were the Doom Kabal, a trio of

conffol of the Grey Knight task force is veteran warrior,

Bloodthirsters of Khorne whose diabolical might was a match

Castellan Crowe, and at his heels march a demi-Brotherhood

for even the Grey Knights. Forfunately for the forces of the

of righteous, silver-clad warriors. Each Grey Knight is skilled

Imperium, the presence of a pair of Dreadknights did much

in the arts of sorcery and created with the intent of being the
bane of Daemons and the saviours of Mankind - even so, their

gatling cannons scythed down two of the Blood God's disciples

task is not easy.The Daemons that assail the Somaro Starfort

before they could cause too much carnage.

to even the balance, the fearsome tirades unleashed by their

are numerous and full of hate; the Dark Gods ever seek to
plunge the galaxy into damnation, and their foot soldiers are

C) KAIROS FATEWEA\TER

not be easily undone.

The daemonic legions were bolstered by perhaps the greatest

A) TETEPORTATTACK

rained eldritch lightning

At the head of his force, Castellan Crowe was fi.rst to arrive,

central control tower. Against his withering offensive, even

of Salvation precisely

those mightiest heroes of the Imperium fell in their droves.

sorcerer in existence, as the twin-headed Kairos Fateweaver

the Tech Adepts aboard theHammer

down on the Grey Knights from the

pinpointing the west procession of the starfort. Accompanied

\7ith the Grey Knights' advance looking as though it might

by the brother warriors of his order, Crowe set to purging the

falter, all eyes turned to behold a hero, plucked straight from

space station. Drawn to the Grey Knights like vile moths to the

legend, stride forth to meet the gigantic charnpi on of Tzeentch

brightest candles, the Chaos Daemons flocked to their doom,

in a blistering clash of weapons, physical and mental. Battered

unleashing eldritch sorcery and atavistic savagery in equal

and scarred by the psychic duel, Kaldor Draigo banished Kairos

measure as they flailed against the steel-clad knights.

with a righteous thrust of his fabled Titansword.

ScouR Tr{E STIRFoRT

,-

4@-

To secure victory, you must eradicate the enemy thteat and seize certain critical
the foe from regaining

their foothold;

let none stand in your path...

o$ectives

--

'

'l({

to prevent

purge the unclean!

THEARMIES

MISSION SPECIAL RUTES

Decide before the game which side will be the attacker and

Reserves (see page 124).

which will be the defender. You and your opponent each

choose an army as described on page ll8 with the exception

Infestation:

that fortifications mav not be taken.

completely destroyed, place it to one side. At the end of the

If any non-vehicle, non-HQdefender unit is

defender's Movernent phase,roll a D5 for each such unit not

THE BATTTEFIELD

currently on the battlefield. On the score of a 5 or 6, that unit

Almost any battlefield is suitable for recreating this scenario,

rnay re-enter play using the rules for Deep Strike.

but ideally, the more madcap the better. Our board is built
(loosely) or a 6'x4' board. \Whatever your fi.nal setup, it's

Planetary'Defence

important to have a few objective areas defined for use in your

can be fired"at the planet f,arbelow. Ary defending unit within

game (on our board we have two landing pads, the central

3" of a defence laser may fire it instead of their own weapons in

command bastion and the planetary defence lasers).

the Shoodng phase. On a 5+, the laser has struck a target on the

Laser's: There are two defence lasers which

rl

planet. Each successearrrsthe defender I Victory Point.

DEPLOYMENT
Before deploying their forces, players should roll for \Tarlord

Hard Vacuum: The atmospheric shield generators on Somaro

Traits (see page lll). The attacking player then deploys half of

Starfort are inoperable and a hard vacuum persists. \X/hile this

his units within 12" ofthe centre of the board. The rest of his
units are kept as Reserves (see page 124).The defender then

is of no consequence to Daemons, other troops may be at grave

risk. tJ/henever you ro11To sTound, keep any rolls of a 6 to the

places his force anywhere on the battlefield more than 18" from

side. To represent the chance of causing sudden decompression,

any enemy model.

these hits are treated as AP 2. Models that don't breathe (such as

Daemons or Necrons) are immune to these effects.

FIRSTTURN
The attacker goes first unless the defender can Seize the

The Long Walk: Somaro Starfort floats through the stillness of

Initiative (see page 122).Best hope that it's not an ambush!

the void and only endless space awaits those who are cast adrift.
If a blast marker touches a rnodel within 2" of the edge of the
starfort, in addition to any other damage caused,take a Strength
test for that model. If the test is failed, it has been thrown from
the station to drift into space. Remove it as a casualry. Vehicles
and Monstrous Creatures are unaffected.
In Space: Note that Reservesnormally enter from the

GAMELENGTH

controlling player's board edge. F{owever, in this mission, they

This game uses Variable Game Length (see page 122).

can enter from any edge of the starfort as rhey are shuttled in by
a variety of transports and boarding torpedoes.

VICTORY CONDITIONS
At the end of the game, the player who has scored the most
Victory Points wins the game. If the players have the same
number of Victory Points, the game is a draw.
Pnruenv

Onpcrrvr

Each objective area (see The Battlefield, above) is worth 3

Victory Points. A player is considered to control one of these

TsE GnrerVorn
Sometimes there are ideas for a game that inspire an entire
project. This board was born from the idea that it would be great
fun to play agame'in space', featuring Space Marines. To that end,
we enforced a fairly draconian set of rules for out own battlefield.

areasif he has at least one non-vehicle model within 5" of it. and

t/

there are no non-vehicle enemv models within 6" of it.

Only models that are able to survive in a airless environrnent were

eligible for use in this battle - right down to the requirement

SEcounARY OnlEcrrvEs

that they must be modelled wearing a helmet to take part in the

scenario. This might seem extreme, but it looks great - and helps

Slay the $Zarlord, First Blood (see page 122).

to evoke the idea of a battle fought in space!

.s

<lE

9Sl.M4l

LasrSuND oFTHESwaMpDEvTLS
Ihe ehrttct'ed
Refinery,

rcrnnents

end ptepated

offensive,

of the Imlrcrtrl

Guerd erny

to rneke e atand worthy

and the acid-ewernp

on Iowanon

of legend rgr:-st

bec.ane acharnelhouse,

lrll:6{

glsrrt

6l thc fottificottone

the Tau Ftre Vatrlora.

the hnperiel

forccaprayed

of the ancient

Ae the Tau pteescd

thelr

Uldcl
f,nd

forreinforcernents.

For three long years, the weary regiments of the Imperial

A)THEADEPTUS BRIDGE

Guard have been locked in battle with the Fire Caste of the
Tau Empire on the war-ravaged world of Lowamon. rWrhile the

An ancient overpassthat spansthe volatile acid swampsaround

Urdek, the Adeprus Bridge becamea focal point for much
of the fighting around the Refinery.The Chimera,Tenfold
Eury,wasblastedinto wreckagewhile atempting to transport
reinforcementsacrossthe bridge. Before a rescueeffort
could be madeto recoverthe crew, railgun fire from the Tau
Flammerheadsscythedthe bridge in rwo.

great continents of Lowamon burn and the Imperial forces

are stretched to the limit, the Tau prepar for their final push
against the remnant of the Imperial Guard army. The final
desperate defence comes as the Tau briog the rmperial Guard to
battle at the critical Urdek Refinery - an ancient technological
masterpiece, elements of which have sunrived since the Dark
Ag. ofTechnology.

B)THEACTD-DAh{

As the Tau column advance, Colonel Kratzer, the rnost senior

Manned by The Dead Men, a platoon of Catachans with an

especially morbid sense of humour, the Acid-dam became the

surviving Imperial officer on the planet and commander in

scene of several bloody attacks by Kroot Carnivore

charge of the catachan Swamp Devils, organises his command

squads, and later, a concerted offensive by

staff and remaining warriors into positions.

The bloody battle that follows sees two hated enemies seeking
to break the deadlock that grips the planet. For the rmperial
Guard, it is a desperate opportuniry to prove the
Imperium is not yet spent, and to show the
indomitable force of the Emperor's Hammer. For
the Tau, it is a test of their patience and the

wisdom of their philosophy.

TheTau Eirewowiorsdeployout of their transportand intocover

asthe assault
on therefinerycommences.

-__'+_.-

To rlur,r

Crisis Battlesuit Teams. With Lieutenant

tnr

EuprRoR's

Wono Is AN Acr oF

the Tau crossing the mire and many

Gorre chopped down by the scything

a Fire'lil?'arrior died in agony as their

blade of a Kroot Shaper in the early

fransport crashed into the acid swarnp,

fighting, Sergeant Yaker rallied the

but ultimately, this was the gambit that

bone.weary Guardsmen to hold the dam.

enabled the Tau to collapse the centre of

Such was his tena city that the Tau forces

'ko
began to refer to the location as

the knperial Guard position.

vorasha gorsh','the wall of blood lcist'.

C) THE LUNGING SERPENT

Perhapsthe greatestdefenceof the
^
Urdek Refinery was the lethally acidic
death-mire that surrounded it. To
circumnavigate this defence,the Tau
deployedHunter Cadresmounted
in Devilfish. Battery fire from the
Imperial Guard defenderstook
a heavy toll on

tr

D)VAI,r(rRrE FITGHT
As the Tau looked set to make their
final breakthrough and sweepthe
remnants of the Imperial Guardforces
into the acid swarnpra relief force
finally arrived - a flight of Valkyrie
Gunships,led by the forrnidable
Inquisitor Archimedes Roth.

TnE BrooD oF MIRTYRS

,., , -*

High

comrnend

are not rrnlirnited.

dernands
Failrfe

a swift
will

end fetocious

be rnet with

tesolution

the eterneet

to the ffghting,

the resourcee

of cengure. Make evewdeath

F|!THEARMIES

MISSION SPECIAL RUIES

Fl o".ide before the game which side will be the attacker and
l'
*hich will be the defender. You and your opponenr each

Night

Fighting,

a t

I ff

available

corrnt.

Reserves (see page 124).

choose an army as described on page l18. The attacking force

Rigged to Blow: The defenders won't surrender their

should be roughly 50%larger than the defending force.

position and will blast it to pieces if things look bad.

THE BATTIEFIELD

At the start of the game, the defenders nominate D3+l pieces

This scenario is intended to be played on a battlefi.eld that is

of terrain that are rigged to'blow (make a note of the location,

6'x4',although you should adapt the size accordingly if you are

turn and phase in which you want them to detonate, in

using very large or small forces. In this scenario, the defending

player should use their terrain to build a defensive position -

secret, on a piece of paper). Appropriate items include ammo

crates, bunkers, mounds of wreckage and so on - anything

some walls, barricades and other emplacements at the least.

not within the attacket's deployment zone. At the start of

DEPLO]N,{ENT

large blast marker anywhere with the central hole over rhe

the relevant phase, announce the detonation and place the

Both players ro11for \Tarlord Traits (see page I I l). The defending

nominated terrain piece. Units suffer a number of Strength 6,

player then places his army on the battlefield within his

AP 4 hits equal to the number of models from their unit that

deployment zone (see map, opposite). The attacker may then

are at least partially under the blasr marker.

place his force within the aftacker's deployment area.Finally, rhe

defender may redeploy D3 units to anywhere on the battlefield,
so long as they are more than 12" from any enemy model.

Relief Force: Reinforcements are rushing into the area.

The defender rnay keep models in resenre, however, they all
automatically enter play at the start of the defender's third turn.

FIRSTTURN
The attacker receives the first turn unless the defenders can

Death-mire:

Seize the Initiative (see page 122).

sludge of the death-mire can quickly dissolve flesh and bone.

Bubbling with highly corrosive acid, the toxic

Even armour offers little protection against the seeping liquid,

GAMELENGTH

which finds its way through the chinks in even the most robust

The length of this game is unusual - it lasts for seven turns

armour to corrode and destrov.

or until one side is wiped out (rnost likely the defenders). See
below for how the game length affects the victory conditions.

Any non-vehicle model that moves through the death-mire

immediately suffers a \found

VICTORY CONDITIONS

on a4+ with no armour saves

allowed. vehicles that move through the death-mire must ro11

The rulesfor Primaryand SecondaryObjectivesarenot usedand

the following victory conditionsarein play instead.

a D6, on the score of a 4+, they are Imrnobilised. At the end of

the Movement phase, ro11a D6 for any Immobilised vehicles in
the death-mire; on a 4+, they imrnediately sink to the bottom

Conr-SoAr(EDVrcrony
The defendingarmy hasbeenwiped out by the end of Turn 4.
A Cromous Tmurupn
The defendingarmy hasbeenwiped out by the end of Turn 5.
SuccEss,Blnrrv
The defendingarmy hasbeenwiped out by the end of Turn 6.
A PrRRHrc VrcroRY
The defendingarmy hasbeenwiped out by the end of Turn 7.
THE Frnrhrc Seueu Fon You!
The defendingarmy hasnot beenwiped out.

and are rernoved as casualties,along with any models on board.

Flyers, swooping Monstrous creatures and skimmers treat
the death-mire as open ground. Jump and Jet Pack units move
over the death-mire without penalty, however, if they end their
move on it, they must roll to avoid injury as above.

LrrrHEGar"rryBunu!
The galaxy-spannfurg
arnazing

Inperium

of Man is an empire

garne boards

and fantastical

andbattlefields

of a galaryin

battleGelds.
flames

of incredlble

vastness,

ptoviding

unlirnited

possibilitiee

Here, we cast our gaze across just a few of the potentiel

and show some fantastic

picfirs

of warriots

locked

for

war zones

in battle.

The Imperium of Man includes worlds of every conceivable

What follows on the next few pages is a selection of arnazing

type. Many are somewhat like our own, at least at first glance
- with polar regions, great rainforests, deserts and mountains.

of different war zones, each with the intention of inspiring

environments for us to set games within. \fe'll look at all sorts

Of course, they are tarnished by millennia of warfare and

your own garnes.The great thing about an evocative, themed

strife and the ravenous Imperium of Man will have striven

battlefield is that it helps you form your own narratlve

to plunder their resources. Others are even more incredible.

throughout your games and can inspire the tactics and game

Frorn arid planets, scoured by the blistering heat of baleful

play you adopt. Take a game set in a deadly death world jungle,

suns, where even the hardiest forms of life struggle to survive,

for example; such an environment will be ripe for ambushes

to humid, sodden swamp worlds where dry land is a distant

and sneaky hit-and-run attacks, but warriors wanting to take

memory and avoiding rot and rust are a vain hope. For every

full advantage of the cover that such fecund flora offers run

incredible environment that the Imperium encompasses'

the risk of being ravaged alive by the plant life. Of course, an

ash waste may offer an entirely different experience - clearer

there is a potential battlefield for us to play our games upon.

Indeed, many of the greatest battles fought in the history of

lines of sight, for one thing, but everything comes at a cosr. On

the Varhammer 40,000universe are set against the backdrop of

incredible environments - frorn the icy death world of Fenris

the barren, dust-blasted wastes)there will be few places to hide,

to the unforgiving hive cities of Armageddon.

be all the greater.

and if your battlefield has a corrosive atmosphere, the risk will

Beru,EFrELDs oF THE
4lsr MnLENNTuM
From the acid-mires of Horin to the
ice caves of Valhalla, the battlefields of
Warhammer 40.000 can be as diverse
a serdng for a game as you wish them
to be At their most simple, players can
agree that their game is set in an unusual
setting (allowing their imagination to do
the hard work). Flowever, it is even more
enjoyable to tailor your scenery set and
game board to represent the environment
of your choice - hopefully these pages
have inspired you with some simple ideas
to try out.
In the section that follows there are even
more ideas to add into your games, such
as environmental

effects and quirky

battlefi.eld details to get to grips with,

from the mundane (such as minefields) to
the malefic (such as a'$7arp storm). There
is no limit to the entertaining madness
you can unleash in your games, except for
your lmaglnanon.

.lE

?4t

TbARMS
Ihe gelaxyholde
concelvable

billione

of worlde,battle

ty;pe of garne. Something

pegee, we offet

sorrre sdvice olr creating

rnissions

rrew rniseions

enjoy ie to cook up rnieeione

and rnieeion

that have been put togethet

The process of creating new missions is one that often happens

quite organically. \(hen

Allthat

zonee andwarriorswagingeternalwer.
that rnany grrnffs

preparing for a game, often one player

confltct

of their

leavee roorn for everry

own

epeclal rulee, and provide

On the follon'ing

a few exarrrplea

of

rrsing theee tips.

to have to stop playing in the middle of an exciting fire-fight to

figure out the intricacies of how to work out who actually wins,

(or both) will come up with an idea to lend an additional sense

it's usually best to nail down the difficult questions before you

of narrative to their battles. It's often just a small nugget of an

start playing, if you can. That way everyone knows where they

idea, inspired by r piece of terrain) a new addition to an army or

stand before the dice start rolling. Perhaps the biggest question
'fair'.
\XZhilemost

of all is whether or not a game needs to be

a scene from a novel or movie. All of these are great inspirations

for agame of \X/arhammer 40,000- all you need is to work out

Varhammer

how to turn it into a mission of your own.

forces chosen using codexes, there's no special requirement

40,000games are fought bet'ween evenly matched

for this to be the case (after all, how many famous battles were
There are lots of considerations when building a mission - and
often some of the important questions don't appear until you

actually'fair'). In fact, it can be exceedingly enjoyable to play

games that are unevenly balance - such games give you a

are partway into your battle. Because it's never that much fun

chance to forge a powerful narrative.

MrssroN CuECKtrsT
Before you unleash your armies onto the battlefi.eld, it's worth

Game Length

making sure all players know where they stand (and how to win)

How long does the battle last? '$fill it suddenly end if one player

Here's a quick checklist to run through when making your own

achieves a set condidon or will it rage on until the bitter end? Most

missions and before you,start yourbattle.

games of \Tarhammer 40,000 last a rnaximum of 7 turns, but yours

can last longer (especially if you're playing on a large gaming area).

The Armies
rJ(hat are the forces involved in the battle? Are theyeveirly
there any special requirements

matched

Victory

Conditions

numbers? Are

How do you win the game? Do both players have the same objective

or exceptions that inform how to pick

or are they different? Are there secondary objectives or is there only

or does one army have the advantage of ovetrvfrelming

one way for players to secure victory?

the units for your army?

The Battlefield

Objectives

W'hat should the board look like? How big will your battlefield be?

\7'hat are the objectives in this battle? Is the game won by force

Are there any special features such as fortificadons

that should be

represented on the battlefield? You could also include notes on any

special terrain features - do you want part of the battlefield to be

of arms alone or by controlling

critical locations? Do you need to

assassinatethe enemy leader, cripple a valuable war machine or

trigger a series of sub-atomic detonations?

sown with frag-mines, overgrown with brainleaf fronds or ironbark

forests? Your decisions here will help to create a really strong visual
cue for the game you're going to play.

Mission Special Rules

tWhat are the special rules that help to define this mission - is a
massive space-fleet action in orbit above you causing chunks of

!V'ar Zone Ttaits

debris to rain down on the battlefreld? ts one force suffering from

Since it's your mission, what manner of war zone are you fighting

shattered nerves or heavy losses?This is where you make those

in? Is your battle on the frozen sudace of Fenris, the sun-blistered

choices that will make your game something really special.

deserts of Tallarn or the fire-blasted battlescapes of Kalsifer IX?

Deployment
\X/here do the armies start? Are both forces lined up and ready to
fight or does one enter the battlefield by teleport attack or as a wave
assault? Where would you like reseryes to enter play from?
First Turn
\fho

has the initiative in this battle? Are the defenders caught by

surprise or are they secretly preparing an ambush? Should either

player know or is it completely random?

13Iones ron BmTLTANT

Berrrns
Any of these ideas would make for a rollicking good battle. All you
need to do is pick one and set up a great-looking battlefield to play
it on. If youVe got the wrong army, just substitute your own force
name for one of the proagonists.

Heretic!
The Planetary Governor has rebelled against the Adeptus Terra.
Storm his fonress, exterminate him and wipe out any forces disloyal
ro the Emperor.

Dead Gtound
Aa exploratortearn has uncoveredtheruins ofa long-d6ad
civfisation.Yourarmyhasbeen sentinfora combatpatrol. Vhat
could possibly go wrong?

Meat Grinder
Thebanle has ragedon the frontlineformonths. Todayis another
day ofhell,unless you canfinallycrackthe deadlock.Payno heed to
casualties,just storm the enemy position!

Cleanse and Burn

The enemy arehiding in thetetra-jungle and spiesclaim they ate
readying somemanner of doomsdaydevice.Destroy them all and
claim theirweapon.

Reclamation
The Voriadan Bridge that spansthe surghgriveris the onlyway
to punch through into enemy territory, but it lies in enemy hands.
launch the spearheadandreclafn it.

Deliverance
The alien hvasion has shatteredtheplanetary defenceforce and now
they have even capturedthe ImperialGovemot. Therewillbe no
negotiations.Rescuehim at all costs.

Purge and Burn

TheTyranids are nesting inthatbuilding overthere, the one with
the broken spire.Take akillteam in andburn them out. You'llneed
to avoid the Gargoylepatrols and SporeMines though...

Honour ofthe Imperium

The Shrine oftheAquila lies shaneredandin the hands ofthe hated
alien. Storm the buildng and reclaim it in the name of the Emperor

The Swotds ofVaul

The mon-keighbelieve they are safewithin theircrude fortresses,
but we shall use the webway to emergein their midst and, under
cover ofdarkness,eradicatethem!

Void War
Pimtescapturedthe Cargo-classvesselfist oftcmillion three daysago.
Such treachery cannot be tolerated.Board the ship and scuttle it overloadilg the warp-drive is the best way!
DarkFury
The tunnels beneathTenebraeMaxima haven't been exploted since
the Golgotha Incident. There'ssomethirg down there now, though investigatein force.

For the Greater Good

Our Pathfinder squadshave observedthat the Imperial Guard
trenches arebeing ovemrn by Orks. If we combine our might against
the greenskins,we might prevent carnageelsewhere.
Death's Head
Al enemyconvoyis passingthrough a narrow defrle.Make sure that
their leader never makesit out the other side.

BertrE MrssroNs
Battle Missions is all about playing
thematic, tactically challenging games
with your army. This book contains
more than 30 new missions designed to
test your army's flexibility

and prowess.

Choose your anny carefullyr |ou never

know whether you will be playing in an
Ambush or a'Wave Assault.

With their Battle Mission determined and their board setup, Simon and Chad go to
wnr, fighting out the'BlacLeCrusade'Mission.

BnrrrEFoRCE RECoN
dris

garne is deaigned

tirne, perfect

to enable players

for ablieteringlunchtirne

to squeeze ln a qoickn frenetic

battle

Not every game of t$Tarhammer 40,000has to be a full-size

, battle. Many players will have a collecdon of miniatures that is

" still building up in sizeand is, asyet, quite small.others may

or fot getting

intwo

battle

into a short petiod

of

ot thrce gamE on a club night,

THEARMIES
Choose armies as described on page ll8. W'e recornmend about
500 points each for this engagement.

only have a short time to spare for a game (such as a lunch break
at school or in the office).

THE BATTLEFIELD

This mission is designed for a force of about 500 points (that's

keep the playing area quite compact. A battlefield of about 4'x4'

roughly a Battleforce box set and maybe a character model, or a

should suffice. Set up terrain as described on page 120.

Because this game is of a smaller size than many, it stands to

similar collection of models), enabling you to play out a whole

PrecE Pnruenv

game in well under an hour.

OsIEcrnlEs

Each playertakes it in turh to place two Primary Objective

This fast and deadly battle requires both players to move

markers each (coins, buttons or custom-built counters)

quickly and keep focussed on the objectives. Vhilst

anywhere on the board, at least 12"from any other.

an army

can win merely by slaughtering the foe down to the last

model, victory will seldom come that way. Shrewd tactics and

DEPLOYMEI{T

awareness of the objective is the key to success.

Before deploying their forces, players should first roll for their
'ffarlord Traits (see page lll). Players then deploy their forces

MISSION OVERVIEST/
tryingtotakecontroL
Alpha
hauebeen
ofObjective
Enemytroops
for
ylurbnttleforce
intothe
denied.Take
some
mustbe
timenlw.They

in opposite corners. Roll off to see who chooses their corner;

contested
ground and dominate the Land.Be warned, there nre n0

other player then deploys his force within

fnendly troopsexceptyouv own wawiors operating in the uicinity fir,

at will and purge the unclean.

cornet. Reserves may come on from any point on the board

that player deploys his army within

12" of that corner. Any

models that cannot be deployed must be kept as Reserves.The

edge within

12" of the opposite

72" of the controlling player's corner.

u)' I

FIRSTTURN

MrxrNG rT uP

The playerwho deployedfirst takesthe first turn, unlessthe

opposingplayercan Seizethe Initiative (seepage122).

This game suits quick frenetic play - here are two alternative
variations to rrlz out.

GAMELENGTH

Four's a Crowd
Find a few more friends and start play with one force in each
corner. Playerstake it in turns (a sensibleway to order this is to
roll off, with the highest scorer going first, followed by the player
to his Ieft and so on). Assaultsare only resolvedwhen the player
whose nrrn it is has models involved in that specificcombat.
Additionally, you can fire into combats that include only enemy
models - just let rip at the foe asif the enemy were one big unit,
and resolvehits againstthe nearestmodels in the usual way.

This game lasts for six turns. At the end of turn six, check
to see who is the winner (see below). Of course, one player
might have lost before this time, in which case an honourable
surrender should be graciously accepted (although he can
expect his warriors to be slaughtered to a man - there's very
little clemency in the 4lst Millennium).

VICTORY CONDITIONS
At the end of the game,the playerwho hasscoredthe mo'st
Victory Pointswins the game.If the playershavethe same
number of Victory Points,the gameis a draw.
Pmuenv OnyrcrrvE
At the end of the game,eachPrimary Objectiveis worth 2
Victory Points.
SncoNnARYOslEcrrvEs
Slay the Warlord, First Blood, Linebreaker.

This sryle of gamescan be absolutebedlam,but is utterly thrilling

too! It's the perfect gamefor when you have a couple of mates
around and only one gaming table.
Suicide Squads
Sometimesa game needsto be even smaller.Try dropping the
points down to a really, really, small200 point game (that'sroughly
one Tacticalsquador so).Every model counts asan Independent
Characterthough - so ignore Unit Coherency,Breaktests for 25%
casualtiesand so on. Your models are eacha one-mananny, out on
a daring desperadomission!

SPECIAT RUTES
Reserves (see page 124).

IJltr am ann es T ash-force

Theromus closheswith the Orhs
under BigbossGroblog.Each
player is using the contentsof
a Battleforcebox set,the perfect
startingpoint for olarger arrny.

Batlleforcekecon is a great missionfor pLayerswho ore

just starting out in their collection.Here,with a Cttodel
F:ealmof nattle Gameboardand a few plosticscenery
hits,a f antasticbattlefieldhas been created.

THE Ptcr oF BrooD

'I)oublee

garnes', where teanne of two playets

The Pact of Blood dcnonstrates

how easyit

One of the most popularwaysto play tVarharnmer40,000is for

I' groups of hobbyists to get together and fight a shared battle.
Often this is done with massive armies as part of an Apocalypse

take each other on, are alwayre poprrlar.

canbe to enjoya

sirnple

two-on-two

battle,

THEARMIES
All players select an army from their chosen'$V'arhammer40,000
codex. For a moderately sized garne, we recommend forces of

game, but is just as easily done as a pick-up-and-phy game in a

750-1000points per player. If you fancy a battle that might last

club or at someone's house. This mission offers a new tactical

several hours, each could take a force of 1500-2000points.

challenge for multiplayer games.

MISSION O\IERVIEW
Alliances
nreseldomto betrusted;hiddenpurplsesnndgrand
conspiracies
lurkbehindeuerymotive.Nonetheless,
youfind yourself
goal,
alongside
n
with
n
common
oy
so
it appears.
Eor
fighting
force
now,crushyourcommon
When
the
and
is
done
the
foe.
fighting
greatermennce
is deaLt
with,perhaps
thenyoucanturn to your'allies'
andhauea reckoning
of sorts.

u\f

THE BATTLEFIELD
Next, determine your deployment rnap (seepage I l8). Then,

PLAYERS
This mission is unusualin that it is designedfor teamsof two.
You'll needfour playersto makeit work (if you haveevenmore
players,just adjustthe rules accordingly).Once you'vegot your
quartet,divide your playersinto two teamsof two. \Thether you
do this accordingto likely alliances,matching colour schemes,
favourite shoesizesor any other rneasure,is up to you (we find
randomly determining alliancescanbe quite entertaining).

set-up terrain (see page 120).For this mission, it doesn't matter

what rFpe of terrain you utilise as long as it looks great and suits
your forces. Share your terrain collections to make a fantasticlooking battlefield that is being contesred by rwo allied armies.
PrecE Pmueny

OnJEcrrrrES

After you have set up terrain, the players will need to set up
D3+2 Primary Objectives (seepage l2l).

DEPLOYMENT

Victory

One player from each team rolls a D6 to determine which team

Victory Points wins, you might also want to work out the

deploys fi.rst.The team that rolls lowest must then nominate

individual winners for each team too. Before the game starts,

a player to place his force on the battlefield. In the result of

each player should roll a D6 and consult the following table to

a dispute (it's hard to imagine an Ork player offering to go

see what their secret mission is (they should then record it on

second, for instance), players within a team should also roll off.

a bit of paper, the back of their army list or somewhere hidden

Once the first player has fully deployed, a player from the other

away). At the end of the game,both players on the same team

should compare secret missions - if only one player has

side deploys nefi, and so on.

Above All Else: N7hilst the team with the most

completed their mission, they are the winner for their team.

FIRSTTURN

If both (or neither) players have, then the victory (or defeat)

The side that deployed fi.rst receives the first turn unless the

truly is shared.

opposing team can Seize the Initiative (see page 122).

D6

GAMETENGTH

Result
Exterrnination.
Your forces destroved more enemv units than

This battle uses Variable Game length (see page 122).

your ally.

VICTORY CONDITIONS
At the end of the game,the playerwho hasscoredthe most
Victory Pointswins the game.If the playershavethe same
number of Victory Points,the gameis a draw.

l)ecapitation.
Your forces killed the enemv'$V'arlord.

Dornination.
You have more scoring units on objectives than
your ally.

Pmuenv OnpcrrvE
At the end of the game,eachPrimary Objectiveis worth 3
Victory Points.

deployment area than your ally.

5

flefence.
You have more scoring units in your deployment

SEcoNnARYOnpcrrvEs
Slay the I7'arlord, First Blood, Linebreaker (seepage 122).

area than your ally.

6

MISSION
SPECIAL RUTES
Reserves,Mysterious Objectives (seepage 124).

Recon.
You have more scoring units in the enemy

Vertigo.
You control the High Ground (the point on the
battlefield closest to the ceilitg).

FnncrLEAruaxcEs
Even in the most desperate and dire situations, there are some
hatreds that cannot be set aside, some enmities that cannot be
ignored. There are warriors who would rather die gloriously in
battle than find common cause with their most hated foes.
'$7.hen

you are working

out which players will be on the same side

in a game such as this, you will need to consider which forces are
capable of allying with one another, as detailed in the Choosing
your Army section of the rules, on page 108. Normally

in any

group of four players there are a couple of suitable alliance that

you can arrange. In the direst of circumstances, however you
could always tweak the scenario so that one player increases the
size of his army and takes on three opponents at once.

CREATING MISSION SPECIAT RUTES

Homegrown missions are the ideal place to delve into the weirdness and chaos of the Warhammer 40,000universe - from
'ordinary'
the relatively
special conditions, such as land mines or a preliminary bombardment, to seismic cataclysms or
even a battle fought amidst swirling\ffrarp Winds or Haunted Wastes.
Flere, you will find plenry of examples of special rules to

PRELIMINARY BOM BARDMENT

include in your own missions. These can either seffe as rules

At the beginning0f n major offensive,

lne sidecallsdown a
thunderousbombardment,shattering enemydefences.

you can put straight into play, or you can tinker with them,
changing their effects or altering the way they work. The point,
really, is to use them to your best advantage, to create fantastic

A Preliminary Bombardment takes place after both forces are

missions for you and your friends to play games with.

deployed, but before the first turn. The player who has the
Preliminary Bombardment (usually the aftacker, but sorne
missions may specifir otherwise) rolls a D6 for every enemy unit
that is not currently within a building or ruin. On the score of a
6, the unit is affected.
. Affected vehicles suffer a glancing hit on the ro11of 4+.
. A1l other units that are affected suffer D6 Strength 5 AP 4

MINEFIETDS
indiscnminateway of
Minefieldsarea formidablqif somewhat
protectingterntory. Blastingraggedholesin enemyformations is
to attachers.lnthe
detewent
unsubtle,butit's alsoahighly effective
41stMillennium, therearethousands
of vanetiesof land mines,
plasma-shock.
minesutilisedbytheEarth
from the highlyaduanced
cluster-frags
Casteof theTauErnpireto the crude,buteffective,
createdby orh MeLtboyz.
A rninefield is representedby ^ rnarker or counter (rypi cally a
coin,button or similar).After the battlefieldhasbeen setup, the
playersroll off. \flhoever wins rolls D3+3; this is the number
of rnine markersthere areto deploy.Startingwith the winner,
alternateplacingthesemarkersanywhereon the battlefield
until there arenone left.

hits with the Pinning special rule.

HIDDEN SET-UP
We hnow the enemy is out there somewhere. .. but where exactlyis
the problem. Recon in force is required.
Sometimes your mission will call for one force to begin the
battle already hidden from the foe - perhaps they are lying
in wait, planning a careful ambush. To deploy using Hidden
Set-up,youwill need a series of counters - one for each unit in
your force and several spares.
. Make sure you have a counter assigned to each unit in
your force (a number written underneath is a good way to
do this). Leave the spare markers blank.

. All modelsin a unit within 3" of a mine marker counr as

being in both di{ficult and dangerousterrain.

. tVhen it is your turn to deplo|, place all the markers

within the correct deployment area,including the spares.

. All models in a unit within 3" of a mine marker may

choose to ignore the penalties for diffi.cult terrain, instead
moving as normal. rf they do this, they will fail their

. IJnits that are in Hidden Set-up do not rnove, shoot or

assault,nor may they be targeted.

Dangerous Terrain test on a I or 2.

. If the enemy wishes to reveal a hidden unit, they must
. Any unit that suffers one or more casualties ftom a

norninate one of thEir own units at the start of any phase.

Minefield must immediately take a Pinning test.

That unit must roll a D5 and add its Initiative value (using
the highest in the unit). If the score is equal to or greater
than the distance to a marker, in inches, turn it over. If

Sprcrer MTNETTELDS
There are many weird and wonderful weapons used by the

the marker refers to a unit, it is immediately placed on

Irnperium and its many enemies across the galaxy. There are a
never-ending variety of mines, traps and bombs you could use

the board, with at least one model touching the counter.

Markers are revealed automatically if they lie within 3 " of

in your games. An Eldar monofilament mine could inflict 2D6,

an enerny model at the start of any phase.

Strength 2, hits with the Rending special rule against units

that fail an Initiative test within 3". A Tyranid acid-mine might
unleash Strength 3, AP 3 Template attack against foes who stray

. The controlling player may choose to reveal any hidden

units at the beginning of any turn - sirnply reveal them as
described above.

too close.

0'
-.*--L-+--s

--qe"*-.*

tr.:-

You lnr, ETTHERFoR THE Eupnnon oR you ARE Hrs Brrran FoB.

STAVEATTACK
It is a gnmbut undeniable fact that one of the mlst plentrful
resources
for many nrmies is the ltues of its waniors. Vhen tactical
skill and cunningwill

not sufftce,ov)erwhelming,devastating

weight of numbers often wiII.

VOLCANIC ERUPTIOI{
nuersoflavaareflowingontothebtattlefield.
Inexorable
At the beginning of each game turn, each player places a section
of fireblood (see page 103)on the board. Sections should be
roughly 5" long by 3" wide. Sections can be placed touching a

'W'ave

Attacks allow one force to

'recycle'

models previously

board edge or another section, but they can never travel back

removed from play as casualties, representing wave after wave

up a hill (red crepe paper or fabric is fine for representing

of attacking troops. Do this in the following way:

fireblood, while enterprising hobbyists might make some

impressive modular scenery). Additionally:

.'lV'henever a non-HQ, non-vehicle unit,in the aftacking force

is destroyed, leave it to one side as a wave reinforcement.

. Any model that is under a section of fireblood when it

is placed suffers a Srrength 10,AP I hit unless they can

. At the end of the controlling player's Movement phase, any

wave reinforcements can move onto the board from any point
along the controlling player's board edge - sirnply move them

pass an Initiative test. Vehicles without an Initiative

characteristic are affected on a2+. Vehicles are always hit
against their rear affnour.

into play following the normal rules for reserves.

' Flyers, Flying Monsttous Creatures, Ietbikes and
. Note, wave reinforcements may not Outflank, Deep Strike or
other-wise enter from resewe - they're part of a wave assault,
and simply move on behind the main force.

Skimmers are unaffected.

SEISMIC CATACTYSM
The planetis literally shahingitselfapart.

STARPSTORM
Therearetimeswhen the veilbetweenthe matenaluniverseand
the roiling maelstromof Chaoshnown asthe Worp nLnsthin, and
to fearsome\Yarp storms- Likea fast-flowing
the galaxyis subjected
its
banhs,sweepingthosenearbyeway in n
has
burst
nver that
tonent of insanity and death.

At the start of each turn, the player whose rurn it is rolls a D3

- this is the number of cataclysm markers that must be placed.
To place a marker, choose a point on the battlefield and roll for
scatter. Place your marker on the final location.
. Terrain pieces touched are automatically destroyed as

'W.arp
stoffn, there is a
If your battle is taking place during a
very real chancethat warriors from either sidewill be ravaged
by the power of Chaos.

they collapse into the ground.

. Any model touched by the marker, or in a terrain piece
that is destroyed, must pass an Initiative test or plummet

. All Psychic tests are made on 3D5, discarding the highest.

Additionally, any roll of a double (including the discarded
dice) causes Perils of the V"rp.

to their death beneath the ground.

. Forvehicles without an Initiative, ro11a D5;on a I they
are unaffected. On a 2+, they are removed from the table.

. (Jnits that are called upon to rnake Morale checks must do so

on 3D5, discarding the lowest.

. Skimmers, Flyers, Flying Monstrous Creatures and

Jetbikes are unaffected.

. Daemons and Grey Knights ignore the above effects.

. After all other effects have been resolved, use terrain

TIGHTNINGSTORM:
The shiesarewrachedby incrediblestorms,with forlesof lightning
andhammenngtheground.Nonearesafefrom
piercingtheskies
wrath - thosewho haveclimbedtoohigh nreespecially
the storm's
..
at nshof a painful shoclz.

pieces such as craters to represent the sink-holes

they leave behind - they rernain as both di{ficult and
dangerous terrain.

DAEMONICATTACK
AWarp storm is unleashing madnessupon the galoxy.

Every turn, roll a D3 - This is the number of lightning strikes

that hit the battlefield. The fi.rst is resolved against the highest
unit on the battlefield (as in, the closest to the ceiling). Any
subsequent strikes are placed by the player whose turn it is.
Roll for scatter for these subsequent blasts as though they were
firing indirectly (see page 34). For each strike, use a small blast
marker with the following profi.le: Strength 8, AP 5, Pinning.

Atthe start of each turn, roll a D5. On a4+,a unit of up to2D6

Daemons appears.The unit immediately joins the army of the
player whose turn it is. Deploy them onto the battlefield using
Deep Strike. You can find profiles for Daemons in Appendix 2.
If you have Codex: Chaos Daemons,you can use the profiles and
special rules listed there instead.

SilA,Ji'-ZONETRAITS
Looking to pour even more diversity into your battles? Wiu zone traits offer an interesting (and often very dangerous)
twist to your games by introducing environmental effects. Vhilst some will help your force out, others will hinder you and all of thern will change your game.
The galaxy is a big place, with all manner of dangerous alien

2. CoRRoSIVE ATMoSPHERE

worlds. Most planets in the Imperiurn offer some manner of

The chemicolcoclztail
of thisworld'sair caneatthrougheven
adamantium,if givenenoughtime.

threat. Many more are incredibly dangerous places, fraught

with perils enough to make ordinary life difficult and
warfare downright death-defying. A planet might be highly
radioactive or have strong (or fluctuating) gravity, for instance.
Its air might be thick with \7arp-stuff and sorcery, or it might

For the duration of the game,all armour savesof 6 must be

re-rolled.other savesareunaffected.Furthermore,armour
penetrationrolls of I must be re-rolled.

even be a living planet whose many dangers are directed by

malign intelligence.

3. HIGH GRAVITY

If you fancy using a war zone trait in your game and you haven't

This worldhasa crushingembrace

and seldomallowsanything
it for long. ShotsfaLlfaster,and thosewho would resist
to escape
gravity'spowerfnd a greaterstrugg;le.

got a particular idea in mind, just roll 2DS and consult the
following table:

All non-templateweaponrangesaretreatedasbeing 5" shorter

for the duration of the game.Grenadesand pistolsarenot
affected- usetheir normal ranges.

Tru,rrs TaBLE
2D6
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
l0
II
12

Result
Corrosive Atmosphere
High Gravity
Toxic Mist
'$VarprU[inds
Sub-zero
Pall of trtight
Radioactive Hot Zone
Low Gravity
Psychic Dead Zone
Haunted'$Tastes
Lifebloom Spores

In addition, all1ump units can only move 9" when using their
jump packs, rather than 12".Jetbikes and Skimmers can only
move a maximum of 9" in the Movement phase (Running,
Turbo-boosts and moving Flat Out are unaffected).

4.Toxrc Mrsr
The atmosphere
of thisworld is thich with virulent clntaglon,
perhapsthe emissions
of the planet'sflora,but morelihelythe
leftoverbiomunitionsof an earlierbattle.This poisonclingsto
blades,bullets
andfangqenuenoming
everyattack.
For the duration of the battle,all closecombatattackshavethe
Poisoned(a+) specialrule.

5..WARPWINDS
The Dark cods of Chaos haue blessed(or cursed)thrs place with
These war zone traits are designed as environmental effects

their power. Any psyher who practiseshis art upln this world runs

that help to theme your battlefield to a particular kind of world.

an increasednsLzof drawingthe attention of soul-hungry Daemons.

If you're planning a mission set upon a parricular world, then

choose the most appropriate war zone trait for your game. If
your game is setup upon the frigid frost-crags of a super-cold ice
planet, you'll want to apply the Sub-zero special rule. Iikewise,

For the duration of the game, Perils of the \Z"rp occurs on the
roll of any double wherrtaking Psychic tests. Even Daemons are
affected by this rule (the Dark Gods are capricious, after all).

ifyou're fighting upon the lethal ash-wastesofArmageddon,

you might want to adopt Corrosive Atmosphere or Radioactive

6. SUB-ZERO

Hot Zone (or both).

Bitterwinds and distantorbit renderthisworld an icy wasteland

that sapsheotand stren*h from all who battlehere,such is the
dreadfulcoldthat everymisstep
canbefatal,withbonesand flesh
sheanngoffwith everytumble.

Remember, however, that all of these war zone traits are simply
suggestions, and by no means the only way that you could
resolve certain in-game effects. If there is one you particularly
like, use it. Alternatively, feel free to allow them to serve as
inspiration for your own ideas, rather than fixed instructions,
adapting and adopting them as you see fit.

0,

DangerousTerrain rolls anywhereon the battlefield arefailed

on the scoreof a I or Z.In addition,Weaponswith the GetsHot
specialrule loseit for this game.

7.PALL oF NIGHT

IO.pSYCHIC DEAD ZONE

smog
whether the resultof supernaturaL
menngsuper-dense
cloudsor thefactthat theplanetis a night world,a thick,almost
gloomshroudsthe battlefield.
impenetrable

Peculiar crystalsembeddedthroughout the planet'scrust dampen a

The rulesfor Night Fighting arein effectfor the entire game

(seepage 124).

connection to the Immaterium, mahing it harder to flccess

psyLeer's
his powers.
For the duration of the battle, all Psykers halve their Leadership
for the pulposes of Psychic tests, but are immune to Perils of
the tVarp.

8. RADIoACTIVE HoT ZONE

with the hot wrath of earlierbattles,
The air boilsand screnms
causingunstableweaponsto misfiremorewadiLy.

I I. HAUNTEDwASTES

'S7'eapons
that havethe GetsHot specialrule get hot on rolls of
both I and 2.

This blastedplacersthich wtth spectral

forms. AretheyDaemlns,
alienshurngout ofphasewith thephysicalworld,or the sptntsof
wawiorsdreentirelycomfortable
the slain?Nobodyknows,butfew
their eerieforms.
fighting alongside

9. LO$trGRAVITY

A11models suffer a -l penalry to their leadership for the

It tah.esLittle to escapethe pull of thts planetoid.

duration of the battle.

A1l non-template weapon ranges are treated as being 5" longer for
the duration of the game - grenades and pistols are unaffected.
In addition, alljump units can move 15"when using their
jump packs, rather than 12".Jetbikes and Skimmers can move
a maximum of 15"in the Movement phase (Running, Turboboosts and moving Flat Out are unaffected).

I2. LIFEBLooM SPoRES

particlesthat bind
The air is chokedthick,wtth regenerntive
woundsand healiniuries.They alsobeginconuertingthe
into plants,but that'sa problemfor anothertime.
combatants
All modelshavethe FeelNo Pain(6*) specialrule for the
duration of the battle.

E#

40,000ExPANsroNs
VAnHAMMER
-="-fi
*,
,e**Ihc tFler<yholde
billlons
of worlde,battle
zonee ondwetrlors
wagin4ieternolwer.Acroea
rnyriod wotlde, onplanete
lce end battlefields
oflava,jungle
and aehn arrniee ofeverlrconcelveble
eize and cornposition
engpge in rnortalbattlc.
TThethetyou

are ffghtinge

tinyskimlehor

err eplc tanlt-battle,

The'Warhammer 40,000rules are but the tip of the iceberg in

a wider hobby. Fight massive battles with vast armies on each

you cen mahe e dilference

lnthe

etemal

of

atruggle...

Games of Spearhead invariably involve covering a lot of ground

quickly - you'Il want to organise your force into fast-moving

side, or tense squad-actions amidst the ruins of an Imperial ciry,

formations to seize critical objectives before your foe can, and

or stoffn your enemy's lines with an orbital assault spearheaded

by drop-pods and flyers - the only limit is your imagination.

powerful tank-hunters to blast the enemy's armoured units

\Tarhammer 40,000expansions provide new ways to use your

THEFUTUREOFWAR

collections, and allow you to tailor your tactics and armies

One question to addressis how to go about incorporating a

gamethat usesan expansionwith your gaming group. Vhilst
it is true that playing an expansionsuch as Citiesof Deathor
Planetstrihedoesrequire a little more preparation,it is still fairly
simple to organise.Many playerslike to arrangetheir regular
gamesbasedaroundone of the expansions- with players
preparing aheadof tirne and bringing along any necessary
sceneryand miniatures.

for battle across many theatres of war. At the time of writing,

there are five such expansions for \Tarhammer 40,000: Battle
Missions, Spearhead,Cities of Death, Planetstrike and Apocalypse.
Each of these modifr the rules for \Tarhammer 40,000that
you are accustomed to, sometirnes in small and subtle ways,
although at other times they dramatically alter the way in
which you can use your force on the tabletop, not to mention

away from critical objectives.

the composition of your army. Expansions shed light onto some

incredible exciting ways of playing the game, pitching forces
into battle zones or situations which will test vour tactical
flexibiliry to the limit.
Over the next few pages we'll look at each of these and how you
can incotporate them into your games of \Tarhamrner 40,000
to enhance your hobby experience. \7hat's great about all of
these expansions is that they each examine a different) exciting
aspect of warfare in the 4lst Millennium.

ii

They bring the stories,

events and encounters that we know so well to life, and enable

us to fight battles set within them.

fl

Take Spearhead as an example: it focuses on fast-moving tankoriented battles. If you've not collected many tanks, Spearhead
gives you the chance to explore that part of your force because
tanks and similar units become so useful in Spearhead games
(it's also a pretty good idea to stock up on anti-tank weapons
for your army too, since on a Spearhead battlefield, anti-tank
weapons have a rather target-rich environment). Even if you
have all the tanks you can bear, the tactical applications that a
Spearhead game presents should keep you on your toes.

Over the following pageswe'll look at eachof the expansions

that existsat the time of writing and what they eachoffer in
terms of tactics,garning and collecting oppornrnities.Funher
into the book we'll alsopoint out just how exsl, and enjoyable,it
can be to play linked gamesusing a mixrure of expansionsand
regular'W'arhamrner
40,000missrons.

SPEARHEAD
recreatesthe full terror of armoured war, pitching your
Speorhead
army into the maelstrom of battle againstthe mechanisedfury of
your opponent. Mobility and heavyfirepower are the keys to victory
in a game of Spearheadand you must choosea strategythat will suit
your
anny and securethe road to victory. In a game of Spearhead,the
,i.
'.:
.gurs will roar and the battlefield will becomelittered with wreckage.
your armoured
$' Aggressive tactics, and faith in the steel hides of
.: vehicles are the key to success.

allows you to take specialisedformations in addition to the

Spearhead
ordinary restrictions of your army'sforce organisationchart. These
formations are the eponymousSpearheadsand encomPassthe likes
of Tank Hunters, Crusher Spearheadsand Monstrous Spearheads.
Each of these tactical formations comes with a range of specialrules
'W'hen
you play gamesof Spearhead,you can
that enhance it in battle.
either use the standardForce Organisationchart, add Spearheadsto
your force or use Spearheadformations exclusively.

CITIES OF DEATH
.-l<ts*>

-tl{#

In a galaxy in which every planet is a bitterly contested wat zone, cities make for the bloodiest of battlefields. Bombed
from orbit, the blasted ruins are overnrn by hordes of slavering aliens or crushed beneath the treads of mighty tanhs.
Ruthless and determined warriors fight through every building, purging the foe wherever they are found.
Many of the greatest and most terrible battles fought in the 4lst

volume of cover means that armies are often much closer to

Millennium

one another before the shooting starts,and when it does,it is

especially brutal! glistering short range volleys leave squads in

have occurred in the cramped confines of cities,

beneath the towering shadow of impossibly vast population

centres Urban combat brings out the most brutal and vicious
tactics available to an arfirf, as battle lines are often separated
by only a single street or wall, and every building becomes a
bastion of resistance to be fought over.

tatters and the devastating assaultsof blood-mad fighters can

sweep even dedicated defenders from their fastnesses.Plendful
cover rneans that warriors can often weather artillery barrages,
rising from their shattered defences as soon as the booming of
the big guns has faded.
At the heart of the cities of Death expansion are the straragems
- cunning ruses and specialist tactics that players can put to use
to swing the course of the battle in their favour. Stratagems can
enable your warriors to enter the fray from the sewers beneath
the battlefield, abseil onto rooftops or deploy devastaring

The Cities of Death expansion contains additional rules and

missions for ciryfighting, enabling you to take the battle to
the blood-soaked streets In a Cities of Death game, the sheer

demolition charges to bring cify ruins crashing down around

their defenders. These stratagems provide incredible tactical
depth and transform an already tense and atmospheric game
into a life and death struggle in the urban hell of the 4lst
- the cities of death.

Millenniurn

In Citiesof Deathgames,
tewainplaysahey
factor.Linesof sightaredramaticallyreduced
bytowenngstructures
andcrumblingruins.
Evenmouement
is oftenimpededby
pilesof
rubble,wrechage
andravagedwallzways.

CrrrESoF Dnnrn
Cities of Death is an 80-page book
containing

not only the rules, gaming

advice and stratagems you'll need to get

your own Cities of Death games going,
but also plenty of cool hobby material
and thrilling

background, including

accounts of some of the most famous

cityfights of the 4lst Millennium.

Used

alongside your Ylarhammer 40.000

rulebook, the Citi esof Death expansion
will provide hours of enjoyment,
with ideas for modellirg

terrain and

stratagems as well as a wealth of gaming

material for you to sink your teeth into.

PTANETSTRIKE
The fate of an entire world hangs in the balance, Crazed invaders and elite troops rain down from orbiting dropships,
determined to wrench control of the surface frorn the enemy's hands. Soldiers sprint across crater-pocked tracts of noman's-land to reinfotce their embattled brethren. Nowhere is safe. there is nowhere to hide: this isPlanetstriket.
Every planetary invasion begins with an unstoppable onslaught

his best shot! Both players get modified force organisation

as the forces of the enemy descend upon on the defenders.

charts to select their armies from, enabling them to take forces

Invasion zones become seasof fire and blood as the relentless

specifically suited to their chosen role. They can also draw upon

might of the attackers is levelled against the enemy below.

a dazzltng affay of stratagems to unleash upon the foe. The

Games of Planetstrike are incredibly bloody as attacking forces

defender can call upon the likes of laser mazes and minefields

Deep Strike directly into the heart of the foes, following in

to stymie his foes, while the attacker can implement orbital

the wake of an intense orbital bombardment. Defenders,

barrages or even bring the wreckage of orbiting spacecraft

protected by formidable bastions and equipped with all manner

crashing down onto the battlefield.

of automated weaponry, must weather this firestorm and

then sally forth, guns in hand to sweep the invaders from the

One of the most thrilling aspects of Planetstrike games is

battlefield before all is lost.

the interactivity of the terrain. The defender in a game of

In games of Planetsffike, one player takes on the role of the

and can turn the weapons built into the bastions and defensive

Planetstrike has an impressive defensive network at his disposal

attacker in a full-scale orbital invasion. The other player is the

positions against the attacking force, wreaking havoc amongst

defender, who must set up a battlefield littered with obstacles,

the attackers. Many hobbyists find immense satisfaction in

minefields, barricades and fearsome bastions to stave off the

collecting an impressive set of terrain of their own and painting

attacker. Planetstrike games take on a strong naffative feel

it to match their army so that when they are called to defend

as the defending player sets up his fonificadons before the

the honour of their chosen force, their battlefield can look even

game begins and then challenges the aftacker to give them

more lmPresslve.

The ImryenalforcesdefendingCommand OutpostVenelux

fird themseluesbesetby a N ecroninu osionforce.

In Planetstnhe
gflmes,theinuadersmustbrauethegunsof
a
thedefendingplayer'sformidablefortificationsto secure
- pavingthewayfor full-scale
planetaryinvasion!
bndgehead

Pr-exETSTRIKE
The Planetstnhe expansion is an 80-page
book loaded with rules, background,
arr'work and fantastically painted
Citadel miniatures. Inside, you'll find
everything you need to bring the
carnage and mayhem of a blood-thirsty
orbital invasion to your games of
\Tarhammer 40,000.Alongside rules
detailing how to play Planetstrike, new
missions and modelling tips, the book
has enough ideas and inspiration

to get

you invading planets of your own (or

stoically defending them) in no time.

APOCADTPSE
.qj+-

--."_

Iluge war machines tower over the battlefield, their super-heavyweapons blasting apart even the mightiest battle
tanks and cutting vast swathes through enemy troops. Aircraft scream through the smoke-filled skies, whilst orbiting
spacecraft pound enemy fortifications. This is war on a scale undreamt of.
ApocaLypseallo\,vsyou to take your battles to a whole new level.

dozens of formations to choose from, with unique choices

Field hundreds of men and whole squadrons of tanks, led by the

available for every army. Formations include the likes of the

greatest heroes of the 4l st millennium. A game of Apocalypse

bunker-srnashing Line Breaker Squadron, the canny Masters

is perhaps the ultirnate gaming experience! It's the chance to

of the Chapter, the Shokk Attack Battery and even Super

unleash your entire collection in a single mega-battle featuring

.IJ7'arhammer
the most devastation and carnage that
40,000has.

Hear,y vehicles such as the deadly Imperial Baneblade or Ork

Apocalypse games can take many forms and appearances,but

they all share one thing in common - they are massive.There's
no need to stick to Force Organisation charts, or even choose

Stompa. Legendary Formations are one-of-a-kind units, often

representing famous personalities from tVarhammer 40,000.
Commissar Yarrick's personal Baneblade, Eoytressof Arrogance,
is one such formation.

models from the same arrny! It's all about the fun and splendour
of a massive battle.

\XZith so rnuch variety to choose from, and so rnuch scope for

amazing and massive battles, Apocalypseis a rewarding and

To mak e Apocalypseeven more exciting, players can deploy two

exciting way to expand your Warhammer 40,000horizons.

special kinds of formations: Battle Formations and legendary

For many gamers, it becomes a goal to make their collection

Formations. The former are specially selected units from

large enough to play a garne of Apocalypse,and many even get

the W'arhammer 40,000universe, elite fighting groups that

together in large groups so that they can combine their forces

have special properties when unleashed together. There are

for truly titanic battles.

The unendtngtideof WarbossGobsnrk,cyashes

against the Imperial defendersof Castellor StonehoLt.
Inhts personalStompa,Black D"ff, Gobsnih
shouldershts wny to the front of the throng.

ApocATYPSE
book is
This gargantuan,200-page
the ultimate guide to playing massive
As well
gamesof rVarhammer40,000.
asthe rules to guide you to your own
amazingbatles, it alsohas loadsof
background,hobby ideas,battle reports
and datasheets.

In a game of Apocalypse,entire collectionsdo

battLeand someof the mightiest war machines
of the 4lstMillennium stnde the battlefield.

THE BerrLE
Rncns ON
Those hungry for more devastation, and
even more powerful and unusual war
machines to unleash upon their foes,
can rejoice! The banle continues with
the ApocalypseReload expansion and a
plethora of addltlonal datasheets that
have been made available in Games
'W'orkshop's
monthly hobby magazine,
lZhite Dwarf. ApocalypseReload is an 80page, large format book with more than
50 new datasheets to unleash upon the
battlefi,eld. Between this, and the regular
updates fearured on the pages of white
Dwarf, the greatest battles of all time
need never end!

CAMPAIGI-IS
Few wats end with
slaugfirter

each other

a eingfle battle,
in a relentless
will

lnstead

becorning

clash ofwille.

is measured

cruel and brutal

In such contests

in a rnan's willingneee

Campaigns are an exciting and involved way ro enable gamers

to play a series of linked games. -fiZhile a single game provides
a tactical challenge for both players, embarking on a series
of games, where victory and defeat have consequences on
subsequent games,adds a new dimension ro your hobby.

carnpaigfre

as warriors

and war machinee

are heroes bonr and legends

to fight

doy aftet

rnade, Ior rtrenggth

of

day.

nor mercy in the Dark Millennium.

Perhaps they will hound the

remnants of the traitor army into the hinterland or even pursue

them into the stars to attack them in their secret fortresses. tVhat
we have here is the makings of a campaign - a thrilling series of
games all based from the result of a single game of tVarhammer
40,000.As your battles rage on, you develop a sense of narrative

In principle, a campaign is quite sirnple. Imagine a planetary

and adventure. Distinguished units and heroes gain a character

invasion by ^Chaos SpaceMarine Legion. Overcoming the

of their own and you find yourself the owner of some really

horror of battling against the traitor Space Marines, the Imperial

enjoyable war stories - and you get to play even more garnes.

Guard valiantly defend the battle zone, racing ro man quad-guns

as the Chaos SpaceMarine transports smash into the battlefield.
The question is, what happens next? If the Chaos SpaceMarines

There are as many ways to organise and play campaigns as there

are people who play them. For many, a campaign is a carefully

are victorious, r,r'ill they slink off quietly to celebrate a job well

organised event (not unlike a genuine military campaign) with

done? The grim truth of the matter is, probably not. Relentlessly,
they will push on to devastate nearby cities, besiege Irnperial

maps, charts and rules to govern every outcome. For others, it's
a loosely organise d affair,where players share responsibiliry for

forrresses or plunder precious resources.Flowever, say our gallant

the narrative. Some are overseen by ^ master of ceremonies, who

Cadian Shock Troops win the day; will they rest upon their

ensures the games and story flow successfully. Others are run by

laurels? That hardly seems likely, for there is neither forgiveness

murual agreement or a previously agreed rules set.

!r+F

ffi-^tr-\frer+

THr curr.r oF HERBsy wErcHs r{EAvy oN THE souf,.

F

EAMOUS CAMPAIGNS
For more than thirty years, Games Vorkshop has nurnrred the background of the Sfarharnmer 40,000universe, det"iling
hundreds of campaigrrs fought between the Imperium of Mankind and the multitudinous enemies that vie for power in
the galary, Here are just a few of the most famous campaigns that have been explored over the years, any of which will
make a sensationalbackdrop for a carnpaign of yorrt own.

AnuecEDDoN
No planet in the Imperium

of Man is free

ravaged world at the head of the mightiest

from suffering and the callous touch of

Ork army seen in generations. Billions of

war, but Armageddon has a heritage more

greenskins invaded the planet as part of

tarnished than most. This dark legacy is

a concerted invasion and an outright war

punctuated by three great struggles, each

of annihilation.

of which was able to bring one of rhe

onslaught, the Imperium

Imperium's

defence it could spare. Hive cities burned,

mightiest

industrial

centres to

the brink of annihilation.

manufactorums

Against this unstoppable

mustered every

were nzed and the

fearsome ash wastes became the sites of

The most famous of these conflicts
is known sirnply as the third

massive, bloody battles.

\Var

'Onc

for Armageddon, when the mighty

Ghazghkullthraka

man is not an army but an army must

rerurned to the war-

:.: +

IcneR IV
In the latter years of the 4lst Millennium,

at large and worlds in the surrounding

Hive Fleet Kraken threatened to overrun

systems continue to fall to the Great

the entire Eastern Fringe of the Imperium.

Devourer. Whilst the Ultramarines

On Ichar IV, the forces of the Ultramarines

Imperial Guard must face other threats, the

and Imperial Guard battled to halt the

Tyranids rise once again.

and the

Tyranid menace. The Eldar were also drawn

into the fighting

as Craftworld

Iyanden

found itself in the path of the Tyranids.

Though the cost paid for splintering

the

Tyranid hive fleet was extraordinarily

for both the Imperium

high

and the Eldar, Hive

Fleet Kraken was eventually blunted. Even

now, however, splinters of Kraken remain

Tun Del,rocLES CnusADE

The bloody campaign known as the Damocles

series of worlds.'W'hilst the Tau Fire'Warriors

Crusade saw the might of the Tau Empire

caused grievous casualties on the crusade

set against the Imperium

forces, slowly they lost ground. Only the

of Man. Already

hard-pressed by dozens of other incursions

threat of a Tyranid Hive Fleet distracted the

and ongoing subjugations, the Imperium

Imperium

was

forced to act against the Tau as the warriors

of that fledgling empire attempted to seize
vulnerable worlds for their'Greater

Good'.

from its bloody work. Even now,

a funher reckoning is at hand.

'Contact

with alicn raccs always

several Space Marine Chapters and millions

oncs faithin humaniry.

rcnews
It is
my bclicfthatforcigntravclnarrows
themindwondcrfully.'

of Imperial Guardsmen were engaged on a

-Attributed to Helem Bosch

A crusade fleet crossed the expanse known as

the Damocles Gulf set upon vengeance. Soon

'Warriors

of Ultramar. This is whcrc wc makc

our stand. If death is to bc our fatc thcn wc

shall meet it with thc Empcror s word on our

lips andhislight in our cyes.If wc mustdic,

wewill dic;butweshallncvcryicld.'
- Mqrneus Colgoa Lord Mocrogge

LINKINGbUR GNMES
Theteyto
ofdotn$

grrnes togethen Invariably,

thete are a rurrnber ofweye
playingout
a carnpaign i6 heving awayofjoiningthe
ofyorrr carnpatgp and
thts - here we look at the three moet oornrnon exanrplee ofhow to create the frarnework
provide

RuxNrNGYoun
OurnrCer,rPArcN
If you want to play a series of linked
garnes, it is worth planning in advance.
Here's a check-list of things to know
before you start.
.'$7'hat kind of campaign is it? Mapbased, narrative, tree or sornething else?
. W'hat are the forces in the campaign?

afewexarnplee

of eaclu

There are three main ways of playing a

'!7'arhammer
40,000campaign: narrative

see,all campaigns share in common

the promise of plenty of battles - and

campaigns, tree campaigns and map-

the feeling that the results of one game

based campaigns. Each of these presents

different advantages to the players -

really do have a direct effect on the next.

some are quick to organise and take very

little off-putting (why would you want

little time to adrninistrate. Some are

to suffer some kind of disadvantage in

very complex shared experiences, which

a second battle, if you have just been

will involve players spending time

roundly thrashed in the first?). The

developing a compelling story line for

reason that such a situation is enjoyable,

their games.

Are there any teams or alliances?

. \What is the narrative for the war? Can
any army join in or only certain ones?
. \(hat

are the aims of the different

forces? Nfhy are the races fighting?

. \7hat are the rules for arranging
battles? How many and how often
must you play games?
.'W.hat are the conditions of victory? Put
simply, how do I win?

For some hobbyists, this might sound a

is because it puts us in touch with

the heroism and excitement of the

The truth is that your own series of

background. Vould

linked games can be as detailed as you

stand of Commissar Yarrick at Hades

want it to be. Many players like to start

Hive have been half so exciting if not for

with something fairly simple, such as

the graviry of the events that led up to

the dramatic last

a tree campaign, and then over time

it? \7ould the titanic clash between the

add more complexiry. Most hoary old

\Tarmaster Horus and the Emperor be

Warhammer 40,000hobbyists, if you

nearly as dramatic if it hadn't come at the

give them half a chance to share, have

climax of the Horus Fleresy, if the fate of

some genuinely entertaining stories

hurnanity had not hung in the balance?

about campaigns and the games that

Carnpaigns give us the chance to build

they have spawned. At their heart, you

up to exciting events such as these.

NARRATIVE CAMPAIGNS
A narrative campaign is a shared
story-telling experience for all of the
players involved. Essentially, players
work together to develop a storyline
for the war they will be recreating,
and allow the results of their games to
sreer the narrative along. This kind of
campaign is well suited to close-knit
groups of players with a passion for the
background of \Xrarhammer 40,000.
Narrative campaigns often spawn unique
scenarios in the wake of exciting games
that you have played. If your \farlord
is gunned down in an engagement, you
may wish to recover his body from the
clutches of the foe. If your artillery has
been hounding your foe, he may send in
a kill team to eliminate the threat.
It probably helps to think of your battles

Adam'sImpenal Guard
Eorexample,
arrnyis a gawisonforceon flbachwater
world somewhere
0n the EasternEnnge
of the Impenum. Mat'sNecronforce,
without warning, getsthe
which emevges
aduantagein a'Purgethe Alien' mission.
Afterthegame,theyhavea quichchatand
his N ecron
Mat decides
that hew ould Lilee
legtonsto continuetheir implacable
aduancein the hopeof reachingAdam's
commnndcentre.Tothisendtheyagreeto
play o'Cntcibleof lVar' missionto recreate
the Necronstrying to breahthroughthe
Impenal lines.Adam getsluchy,and holds
them off- wrechingtheir Monolith in the
gameis soentertainingthat
prlcess.The
theydecideto play'The kelic', usingthe
NecronMonolith'spowermatrix asthe
Pnmary Objective(which alsomeansthat
Mat can'tbeuseit to slaughterAdam's
Guardsmendunng thegame).

as part of a story, and as you play more

games, your shared story evolves and
develops. Consider any great movie or
book you've enjoyed (provided it's got
plenry of action in it); as one scene is
resolved, |ou start to get an idea of what
happens next.

Tree campaigns are linear campaigns

that progress according to a pre-drawn
flow diagram, and are best suited to two
players. Simply decide how many games
you want your campaign to include and
then plot out a storyline, working out
what kind of mission would take place
next depending on which player wins.
A simple ffee campaign might include
several Eternal \(/ar missions from in this
book (seepage I l8). On the right you can
see an example tree campaign.
How it works is quite simple: you play
'tree'and,

the battle at the top of the

depending on who wins, proceed to

the next mission. \(hen each battle is
complete, go to the next. This gives a
logical progression and leads towards
a conclusion where you can determine
who is ultimately victorious.

Of course,there areunlimited
possibilitiesin a narrativecampaign.The
endgameis to play lots of fun games,
createsomernissionsand havea little
fun, all with a story linking everything
togethertowardsa satisfringconclusion.

INsprRATroN FoR
YOUR CEUPAIGNS
If you want some ideas for your
campaigns, and some cracking examples
of how to tie banles together, why not rry
a Black library

novel? Packed with edge-

ofyour-seat action that rattles along at a

break-neck pace, you're sure get an idea
or two from them. Many Black library
novels are about military campaigns,
detailing all manner of batles,large and
small. They're a great way to get a feel for
.Warhammer
40,000 narrative.

MAP-BASEDCAMPAIGNS
The obvious ingredient required to play

Empires expansion revolve around

in a map-based campaign is a map of

conffolling as many tiles as possible;

a rnaptile that resemblesthe outskirts

of a ciry, |ou could detail your board
with Imperial Ruins. Likewise,if you're
contestingan arid wasteland,you could

some description, and the will to use it

if one player ever has ten tiles in their

(dependingwhat you're looking for, the

possessionat the end ofa round, and has

map in question can of coursevary from

fought at least one game against each

choose your terrain to suit. Tailoring

a hand-drawn doodling on a piece of

other player involved in the campaign,

your games to resemble the battle zone

paper to a lavishly painted and detailed

he wins. Of course, you're free to use

on the map lends an air of authenticity

Planetary Empires map).

your own system for determining the

and striking visual imagery that makes

wlnner m any map-based campaign.

them even more enjoyable.

In a map-based campaign, players battle

If your campaign is centred around

over territory, denoted by positions on

a particular objective, such as a wa{p

the map in question. This gives your

portal or webway gate,perhaps the

srnall as you want and lend themselves

games a strong sense of identiry based on

winner is the player (or team) which

really strongly towards large groups

the appearance of your map. Generally

controls a certain square after a set time

of players. Each player involved in the

speaking, each battle in the carnpaign is

limit. Of course, if you're feeling very

campaign can be in it for themselves,

a contest for control of a map square or

bloodthirst/, victory could be decided

or they can form teams based on likely

tile and, as players win and lose games,

once a team dominates the entire map!

factions (Imperial players banding

control of the map will fluctuate.

Map-based campaigns can be as large or

together, Eldar players forming a

One of the great things that a map-

team and so on). If you want to play

The objective that you are fighting for,

based campaign enables is the abiliry to

a campaign that enables your entire

and even the system that you use for

shape the games that are taking place,

garning group to join in (whatever their

your campaign, can vary greatly. The

dependent on where on the map the

preferred playing style), this is probably

campaign rules found in the Planetary

battle is fought. If you are fighdng on

the best format!

FORGE WORI,D CAMPAIGN SYSTEMS

A great example of a cornplete campaign

In these books, the Space Marine

system ready to be played out can be

Chapters, the missions they undenook

found rnlrnperial Armour Yolume

Nine: The Badab War - Part One and

detailed with incredible clariry and laid

and the narrative of the events are all

Imp erial Ar mour Yolume T en : The B adab

War - PartTwo. These meaty tomes,

out so that hobbyists can recreate the

produced by the ingenious Forge W'orld

of information, imagery and gaming

'W'ar
books are
resources, the Badab

chaps, detail one of the most fascinating

periods of Imperial history.

most famous engagements. In terms

arguably the ultimate campaign guides.

In the last century of the 4lst

Millennium,

lugft

Fluron, Chapter

Master of the Astral Claws, entered into

open rebellion and defiance of the High
Lords of Terra. His belligerence and
pride could not be overlooked when
an Administratum

fleet despatched

to account for his unpaid gene-seed

tithes was destroyed. Unabashed, the
Astral Claws readied themselves for
war. In the decades that followed, Space
Marine battled Space Marine in a clash
of ideology and loyalry. At the heart of
the insurrection lay the machinations of
the renegade Chapter Master who came
to be known as Huron Blackheart - the
Tyrant of gadab.
Pitting the renegade Huron Blackheart
and his allies against the might of the
'W'ar
loyalist Chapters, the Badab
was a
calamitous event within the Imperium.

BrnrH oF e CeuPArcN
On the following

pages, we look at how

the hobby can spawn exciting narratives.

This campaign started out as a series of
small narrative bamle benryeen Duncan
Rhodes, with his Vord

Bearers army,

and Adam Troke, whose Imperial Guard

developed something of an enmiry
towards the ffaitors. Over several
weeks and months, other hobbyists got
involved in the action, bringing

more

Imperial and Chaos forces into the fray

until the burgeoning

story required a

system map and a chronology

of events

to keep track of it all! A series of loosely

'The
Eydolim
linked battles thus became
Campaign', and culminated in a massive
multi-player

thespiresofnydolin
Adam and Duncanfight out a battleacross
at EagleGate.
the
confrontation
preparation
final
for

game to decide the fate

of an entire planet. What took place is

presented here as a mega banle report.

IcoNocLASrra!
-*T
Even in a galaxyeundeted

byrelentleee

M4l, euchanoccurrence
Full-ecrle

itrvasions

withitr

the heroiern

warfarc,

thete ate events thrt

rtand

apert from

the throng.

lnthe

lateryeate

of

toolplccewhenenunholyalltanceof
the Irnperium

ofthoee

Chaoe Space Merinee beeetthe Irnperiurnof

Mankind- but the ferocityof
are, eedly, not uncom,non
the Cheoa Spece Marinee, and

who ol4roeedthenr,

rnehes the Iconoclaern

The horror that beset the cathedral world of Eydolim in the

ofnydolirn

eepeciallypolgnant.

the great librarium in Eydolim's capital ciry. These, grey-

year of 946.M41 finds its origins roughly ten thousand years

haired savants know beter than to speak of what they have

earlier, at a time in the history of the Imperium that was

learned, for some secrets are best unspoken, and so they say

not wracked with darkness and fear, but rather hope and

nothing, leaving dusry tomes that contain both mysteries

anticipation. Unfortunately, glorious times such as those were

not to last.

and blasphemies closed for another age, their truths, and lies,
'W'ere
such historians and hagiographers the only ones

untold.

to know the grim truth, perhaps all would be well, but fate, and

AMUTEGEM

history, have long conspired to deny the easy course.

Eydolim is a vastly populated world that shimmers silently to

the galactic southeast of holy Terra, twinkling

in the void of

space. Situated roughly halfrvay between blessed Macragge

Others also know the truth of Eydolim's pasr, and their

pu{pose is far darker - they are iconoclasts, blasphemers and

and accursed Schindelgheist, Eydolim is considered a place

heretics and their works are those of damnation. They are

of incredible holiness, the site of the Miracles of Lumina, the

the Foresworn, the blackest-hearted of traitors and rurncoats

birthplace of Saint Konaldine and a loyal bastion of faith since

imaginable. And they are Chaos Space Marines.

the dark years of the Horus Heresy.

RTSE OFTHE ICONOCTASTS

Of Eydolim's earliest history, and the origins of human life
upon it, few in all the Imperium are aware - perhaps a handful

As the Great Crusade spread throughout the galaxy and the

of wizened old scholars who have plumbed the depths of

of \7ord Bearers was detached frorn their crusade force to

TerES oF Cronv
The stories, images and maps on these
pages should serve as an example
ofjust where your imagination can
take you. There is nothing to stop
you creating cities, planets or even
whole systems for your games. Many
campaigns have been fought over
the bloody ruins of worlds created by
gaming groups with the imagination
and willpower

to carve out a corner of

the 4lst Millennium

for themselves.

Often, one player in a campaign will

take up the mantle of historiographer
and record the bamles. This is useful,
because it helps all the players
remember what has taken place - but
it's also fun. After all, the best grudges
are all written down somewhere .. .

warriors of the Emperor subdued the stars, a single company

assist Imperial colonists settling a freshly scoured planet

bind their souls in unity until the end of time. Each vowed that

designated only by r meaningless series of letters and numbers.

their greatest work, their one, true masterpiece, would not be

Kor Megron was the Space Marine in charge and, under his

complete until every icon of the false Emperor was cast down

direction, the planet was swiftly settled. As was the wont of

and destroyed and the Imperium was naught but trampled

the \7ord Bearers, the work of the crusade, and of conquest,

ruins and fading memories. Sealing their pact with blood,

they anointed themselves as the Foresworn - a brotherhood

appeared to take second place to that of glorifting

\Tithin

the Emperor.

a decade, Eydolim boasted a thriving planetary culture

centred on the new, and radical, concept of worshipping the

of damnation who would topple the deceitful worship of an

uncaring and undeserving Emperor.

Emperor of Mankind as the master of humanity.

AI{AGE OF DESECRATION
W'hen the Emperor put an end to the indulgent practices

The passageof ten thousand years for a Chaos Space Marine

of the W'ord Bearers and demanded that they accelerate

of the Traitor legions is immeasurable, for the Eye of Terror

their prosecution of the Great Crusade, the rancour of the

scorned XVII Legion was palpable. Lorgar, their primarch,

is their home, and there the \Varp does strange things to the
passageof time - decades can pass in the blink of an eye, and

was humiliated, and the none-too gentle chiding meted out

minutes can drag on with such soul-grinding monotony as to

upon his legion left a sting litr<ea freshly-dealt slap. Soon, the
dismay and betrayal they felt at the Emperor's harsh judgement

who time and again have assailed mankind. At Hyberone

challenge any mind to remain sane. So it is for the Foresworn,

festered into bitterness and then heresy. They forsook their

Primus they defiled the reclusiam of Saint Benefactos and

allegiance to the Emperor and spiralled into the worship of the

piled the weaklirg dead five thousand high. Throughout the

Dark Gods. Until then, the life's work of Kor Megron had been

bloody nights of the Faith Scourging, they hunted down and

to glorify the Master of Mankind and conquer the galaxy in his

executed the nine blessed cardinals of Anopon. The Foresworn

name. Now, a new path lay before him.

slaughtered Saint Krisabel and her immortal bodyguard

and they tempted Hareld the Anchorite to the worship of

Vhat pivotal event wrought his change of heart and drove

Slaanesh and left his bone shrine a scorched ruin. For all of this

him from the most loyal, worshipful of sons to a vengeful,

embittered foe, is unknown - for each ffaitor finds his own

blasphemy and desecration, however, until the laner years of

M4l, they had still not achieved their greatest desire - to undo

way to damnation. The result, however was clear for any to

their great works on Eydolim, to cast down its ancient glories,

see: Kor Megron, and the company of \7'ord Bearers who had

throw down the tarnished symbols of their devotion to the

served alongside him, swore new oaths, dark pacts that would

Emperor and slaughter all who stand in their way.

ASSEMBTYOFTHE DAMNED

arrived. Fresh from their combat patrol against Tau incursions

In preparation of their grand offensive against the world of

in the Eastern Fringe, the mighry Sons of Dorn met the blood-

Eydolim, the Foresworn sought out alliances with scores of

crazedV'orld Eaters for the first time in the death-trenches near

Chaos Space Marine warbands, calling upon blood-debts from

Colden Matze. The two forces engaged in a battle that would

ten thousand years of warfare and offering the choice of spoils

last weeks and, most tellingly, lock the Imperial Fists into place.

to those who would join their cause.

The assault on Jones Crispin Vorld was the fi.rst that any knew
of the attack of Kor Megron's forces. A flotilla of Chaos ships
ffanslated from the V/arp at the galactic southeast of the system
and quickly moved into invasion formation. A hive world,
Jones Crispin \forld is considered of particular value to the
Irnperium, and such apflze is always strongly guarded, but even
so, the brutal ferociry of the Chaos Space Marine offensive took
the planetary defence forces by surprise. On the ashen plains
before Fort Crispin, the largest of the planet's vast hives, a taskforce of \J(/orld Eaters Chaos Space Marines affected a brutal
planetary invasion. \Tarriors manned Aegis defence lines and

While the W'orld Eaters unleashed devastation upon Jones

Crispin Vorld, further calamities began to fall upon other

unleashed hellish volleys of firepower against the attackers, but

worlds in the system. The orbital mines around the vast gas

against such furious and deadly fighters as the fabled \X/orld

giant, Greater Eydolim, were attacked, the corridors and

Eaters, there was no hope of victory. Soon, red-clad Chaos Space

processing rooms overrun by Chaos Space Marines wearing the

Marines, chainaxes howling, carved a gore-soaked path through

livery of the Red Corsairs. News of these events was shocking

the defenders. W'ithin a day,Fort Crispin was a charnel house

and presented the Irnperial forces in the Eydolim System with

and the carnage was still spreading.

the first inkling that the attack by the \7orld Eaters might not
be an isolated incident. The Adeptus Mechanicus council upon

Frantic calls for aid were swiftly answered, and no more than

lector's Lowell swiftly resolved to despatch reinforcements

half of the planet had been ravaged by the World Eaters before

from their own skitarii regiments, but before they could get

a company of Space Marines from the Imperial Fists Chapter

properly underway, the night sky was riven by

"

blinding flash

as the Chaos renegades detonated the orbital mines of Greater

pilgrimage and devotion. The major sefilements each boasted

Eydolim in a cataclysmic explosion. Such was the force of the

blast that it was visible haHa system away - Greater Eydolim

full-scale invasion.

a few thousand defenders, but the planet was ill-prepared for a

burned for almost a full year aftenxrards.\7ary ofwhat might

follow, the forge-masters of Lector's Lowell watched the stars.

Help was at hand, however, as a sizeableponion of Crusade

Group Black Gate was diverted from their mission to reinforce

The attack, when it came, was terr$ittg

ovenvhelming

to behold and

in force. The Iron W'arriors Legion, reinforced

the Imperial efforts in the Damocles Gulf. A banle-ready

contingent of Imperial Guard was hurried into the system,

by those Red Corsairs who had wrought the devastation upon

the Imperial bamle fleet escorting the navy bulk ffansports

the orbital mines, quickly made planetfall, hoping to plunder

to Eydolim before rushing off to harry the Chaos forces. The

the vast resources of the weaponariums for which lector's

troops that arrived dramatically bolstered the under-manned

Lowell is rightly famed. Skitarii legions marched fonh to meet

PDF and included nine regiments of Cadian Shock Troops, as

the Chaos Space Marine invaders. The Chaos Space Marines

well as smaller dispositions of other Imperial Guard regiments

had been wise in their preparations, however, and the Iron

such as Ventan Heavy Infantry, Vostroyan Firstborn, Valhallans

\Tarriors have ever been allies of the Dark Mechanicum and the

and a cornpany oforn's Vorld

Militia.

traitor Titan Legions. Into the fray marched Sin of Commission,

Days passed as the Imperial Navy battled the strike cruisers

a Varlord Titan of the traitor Titan Legion, Legio Interfector,

'Murder
Lords'. Against this unholy alliance, even the
or the
'$7'orse
still, more Chaos Titans were
Skitarii had small chance.

of the Chaos Space Marine fleets and the people of rydolim

reporred in action against other facilities. Soon it was evident

deliverance. \Xz'hilethe citizens beseeched the Emperor for his

that Lector's Lowell was in dire straits.

huddled in their cathedrals and prayed earnestly for

mercy, the Imperial Guard dl'tg in. Major cities were assigned
to the different regiments and overall command was offered,

EYDOTIM REINFORCED

by ^grateful planetary defence force marshal, to a far more

So much had already gone against the knperial forces in the

experienced Cadian officer who accepted the commission with

Eydolim System in such a short space of time that it looked, for

humility.

the citizens of Eydolim itself, that their doom, too, was close to
hand. Astropathic cries for help were sent far and wide in the

the task of co-ordinating the defences and established their

hope of yielding still more aid. Unlike Jones Crispin \7'orld

or Lector's Lowell, Eydolim was a shrine world, a site of mass-

with men of his own regirnent. As invasion neared, Steinhold

General Steinhold and his staff quickly mastered

headquarters within Eydol Ciay, surrounding critical objectives

prepared his men for the storm

HELI, BREAKS!

the grand cathedrals there. All the time, rnore reinforcements

The Chaos Space Marine fleet appearing in high orbit over

arrived as Red Corsairs, Night lords and other traitors flocked

Eydolim came as a shock to the defenders, even though it's

to the cause.

return had been expected. A week earlier, all cornrnunication

with the Imperial Fleet had ceased,and there was no sign as to

Against such frry, the Imperial Guard was grievously out

whether the ships had been scattered, destroyed or simply fallen

matched. General Steinhold used the Knights of Cadia to hold

back. At the head of the Chaos fleet was a squadron of cruisers

back the Chaos Space Marine advance for several hours at

quite new to the attacks in the system, and among them was a

Hythe Ridge, but the Chaos Space Marines drove them back

traitor battle barge designated Hqnd of nomnation,which

with a mass charge of Dreadnoughts and Defilers, leaving the

ridge line - and the valuable promethium reserves there - in the

bore

the identifiers of the Black Legion. Just as ominous were the

hulking silhouettes of a trio of frigates, each of which bore the

hands of the traitors.

same title, broadcasting the chilling word over and over again:
Iconoclasf.After more than ten thousand years, the Foresworn

At Arabesque Station, a Kasrkin strike team deployed by

had returned to undo their follv.

Valkyrie gunship and atternpted to ambush the Word Bearers'

command. Before even half of the stril<e team had disernbarked,

Bulk-landers brought the heretic forces landwards, harried by

defence lasers and Thunderbolt fighters, but the Black Legion
quickly established a beachhead. Soon, Hell Talons and gell

Hell Talons had blasted through their formation and left

dozens of Valkyries in burning wreckage. Colonel Meere and

Blades duelled against the Imperial fighters across the skies as

a few dozen soldiers escaped the debacle, and even managed

to destroy a number of vehicles in the tJford Bearers' motor

the ffaitors vied for dominance.

pool, but their combat-effi.cacy was negated for the duration of

The !7ord Bearers followed in kind, their garganfuan war-

becoming little rnore than a guerilla force that plagued the

transpon levelling a hab-block as it landed. Irnperial Guard

Chaos Space Marines with arnbushes and sabotage operations.

the campaign as they were forced to flee into the hinterland,

forces wasted no tirne counterattacking and sallied forth to

tackle the invaders. In less than an hour, ten thousand pnr and

Despite their losses,the heroism of the Imperial Guardsmen on

an entire regiment of Cadian Shock Troops were slaughtered

Eydolim was astonishing. Even so, the Chaos Space Marines

by the blood-crazedVord

Bearers.Together, the two legions

of Chaos Space Marines fotged onwards towards Eydol and

surged forwards, overrunning defences and smashing resistance

as they closed in on the capital city.

Whenever effective resistance was mounted, Kor Megron and

TrprELrNE

his allies overcarne it. The tactical wisdom and outright savagery

The final battle for Eydolim took place after nearly thirry days of

of the Chaos SpaceMarines, veterans of countless wars) proved

relentless fighting throughout the system. Vhilst

its worth against the brave men of the Imperial Guard over

a full timeline

would be a lengthy affair, the pertinent details of the campaign are

recorded here;

and over again. W'ith the Chaos forces less than a day's travel
from Eydol, and the Imperial Guard finding their every gambit
overcome, the defenders looked heavenward in desperation -

Crispin

and beheld a miracle. The scions of Ultramar had arrived.

Impaler devastate the planetary defence force.

THE SPEAROF SICARIUS

ground war against the \florld Eaters Both forces become locked

Fresh from fighting against the hateful aliens of the Tau Empire,

into a protracted batle with no sign of victory.

5 331 946.M41 - Chaos battleships appear in orbit of jones

.!?'orl<J
For several days, Nforld Eaters, led by Gradak the

5 352 946.M41 - tmperial Fists Space Marines engage in a bloody

the Ultramarines Second Comp?ry, and a small force of First

Company veterans, were hastily diverted to Eydolim by their
Chapter Master, Marneus Calgar. Receiving his instructions
with barely disguised enthusiasm, Captain Cato Sicarius, the

5 358 946.M 41 - Agar bl ed

c r y for ai d fr om the or bi tal m i nes of

Greater Eydolim heralds the arrival of the Red Corsairs Two days
later, the orbital mines are desffoyed in a cataclysmic explosion.

leader of this relief force, had diverted his battle force with all

5 361 946.M41 - rhe forge world Lector's lowell is invaded. Iron

haste. Aboard the fearsome SpaceMarine Strike Cruiser,Yalin's

S(arriors lead the offensive, Ary hopes of a successful counter-

Reuenge,the Ultramarines quickly readied themselves for full

aftack are violently ended by the war engines of Legio Interfector.

scale war with their treacherous brethren. Drawing on the

C ar nage ens ues .

wisdom of the Codex Astartes, that ancient tome that proscribes

the methods of warfare that the Ulramarines

adhere to, and

correlating it to the planetary maps and descriptions contained

5 395 945.M41 - Impedal Guard reinforcements bolster Eydolim.

Over the next nine days, General Steinhold orchestrates a robust
plan of defence, but is steadily overwhelmed

with his ships cogitator banks, Sicarius formulated a plan.

5 421946.M41 - As the Chaos Space lvf arines close in upon

As the Chaos Space Marines swarmed towards the outer walls

of Eydolim, the Ultramarines would deploy en masse in support
of the Imperial Guard and there, before the gates of the ciry, the
'Warriors
of Ultramar would throw back the hordes of Chaos.

TnE Trrax Srnwns

The first contact between the
Ultramarines and the Chaos alliance
took place in the munitorium

district

outside Eydol Ciry.A small task force,

led by Epistolary Casmus, wreaked havoc
upon the advanced elements of the legio
Interfector) successfully inflicting

a Titan-

kill on the Reaver class god-machine,

Soulmauler and then crippling
on the ourskirts of Distric

Purge Master

Four \7hile

the savlry squad Atavian systematically

brutalised each Titan to enter the area,
Casmus and a small detachment of lst
Company Veterans, the Redeemers of
Carleon, launched a series of daring close
assaultsagainst the weakened stragglers,
Casmus and his detachment only withdrew
from their ambush area when a unit of
Red Corsairs diverted into the viciniry to
clear them away. In good otder, the Space
Marines of the task force swiftly fell back
to report their successesand reinforce the
Imperial positions around Eagle Gate.

the capital ciry, Eydol, hope is reborn as the vanguard of an

Ultramarines task force counter-attacks.

*\#

Tr,

THEBarrLEoFEaclr Garr
At the height
the telentlese

of the invasion
legions

cannons

the forcee of Chaos finally

of darnnation

and the treaeures

and the thundetous

reached

the gateway to Eydol city. ^All that etood between

of Eydol wae e thin

din of thousands

of warriots,

line of valiant
the battle

defendets.

Vith

the roer of

for EaXfe Gate began

For the forces of the Imperium, the frantic battle fought across

fraterniry of Daemons of Khorne swarmed over the right flank.

the outer curtain wall of Eydol City is remembered as one of

long range macro bombardment punched gaping holes in

tragic loss and heroic sacrifice. Those who were present refer to

the ciry walls, leaving ragged breaches in the mighty defences.

it as The Gate'. For the citizens of the .ity, the battle is spoken

The Chaos Space Marines took a more direct route, storming

of in hushed tones as The Battle of the Immortals'. official

straight towards Eagle Gate itself, advancing through a hail of

Imperial records, however, refer to it as the Battle of Eagle

Gate - a fren zted and violent engagement that left a battlefield

bolter and lasgun shots.

littered with bodies and broken war engines and a sizeable

The Vorld Eaters Terminators of cladiator Group 138took

portion of fydol Ciry's east quarter ablaze.

a bloody-minded and savageapproach. As incoming fire

ricochetted and hammered off of their armoured forrns, they

Eagle Gate was the sentinel of lydol City's east-road,the

heaved and shoved and eventually hurled the gates open.

centre of a strongly armoured curtain wall, built of reinforced

Meanwhile, led by Kor Megron, the Foresworn made their own

plascrete and carved with symbols of Imperial glory. Armoured

entrf, literally tearing through the wall, where they faced the

barbicans, boasting automated lascannon destructor turrets

guns of the rapidly deployed Vtt platoon.

as well as fire slits for defenders, guarded every approach.

Additional ordnance on the ciry walls provided yet rnore fi.re

Against such a relentless tide of hate, a less cornrnitted defender

support. In the past, no attacker had so much as penetrated

might have lost their nerve, but the stalwart warriors of the

the outer curtain wall, and yet during the Battle of Eagle Gate,
the wall was breached in a multitude of places, overrun on a

Cadian regiments and the irnplacable Ultramarines were

undaunted - fighting on against the odds. An armoured column

hitherto unimagined scale.

of Leman Russ tanks, eager to avenge the loss of the Knights

While the rernaining Titans of the Murder Lords hammered

Meanwhile, Cato Sicarius defended his ernbattled barbican,

through the Imperial force's left flank, blasting great chunks

an island of calm heroism amidst a sea of malice, waiting for a

from the walls and annihilating Cadians in furious salvoes,a

chance to spring a desperate counter-attack.

of Cadia, sallied forth frorn the main gates to even the odds.

i,
ti

High uponthebattle-domaged
toweysof nydolCity,an operative
of theOfficioAssassinorumharned
thefoe..Whilst
disputehis
records
presence,
of Chaos
close
to a score
Manneswereslainby
Space
precision
fire.

, alongthe
hlood.

Within the city,Impenal Guard clmmnnd units wereambushedbyNight Lords

TheBerzerkers
of CladiotorGroup138surgedinto thefortificati

infiltrators, rauaging reservesand shattenng the command structure.

outer walls, slaughtenngthe Impenal Guard defendersin a tide o

At the headof the BlachBrothers,

Kor MegronledtheWordBearers'
charge,
swiftly clostng
thedistance
with thewaitinglmpenalGuard
uehicles
wherehisbrutestrength
costtheImpenalforces
dearly.

THTHERoES
oF MANKIND
Fa-

In the glodone
Spece Matinee

Battle

for Baggle Gate, the defenders

end thetr

daerrronic

here ere their

The arrival

of Manftlnd

allies. Ifltrrmarines
rcts ofvalour

of the Spear of Sicarius battle formation

at the head of the Ultrarnarines

strike

force breathed

fought

end Cadian

heroicellyagiatnet

ShocL Troops

andbattle-prowess

the unendingtide

fought

of chaog

aide by eide to the end, end

rcorded.

Reasoning that his skill at arms would be needed most at the

battle's front, Sicarius left strategic command to the veteran

new life into the morale of the defenders. The Angels of

Cadian general and led his warriors into the fray. At the heart

Death had come to the defence of the world

of the fighting throughout the Battle of Eagle Gate, Sicarius

at its hour

of desp erate need.

and his squad personally accounted for four score enemy dead,

\Thilst General Steinhold remained in command of the

up any serviceable alternative that they might fight on. Battle

Imperial Guard war effort, Captain Sicarius seamlessly

honours went to both Sicarius and his Company Champion,

dropping weapons that were broken or expended and taking

integrated his warriors into the defensive structure. The

Gaius Prabian,.who managed.to achieve a staggering twelve

war council of the Imperial Guard quickly apprised the

close combat kills each. Atthe end of the fighting, as the ffaitor

Ultramarines of where the fighting was most intense and,

Kor Megron closed upon the final gateway to the city, the Lions

buoyed by the Adeptus Astartes' greater understanding of the

of Macragge stood firrn beside their Captain.

ways Chaos Space Marines wage war, a concerted counterattack was implemented.
Despite the improvement of the Imperial situation, the
weight of the Chaos Space Marine attack was overbearing
and the fighting swiftly overran the outer defences and,
despite many ambushes and counter-attacks, reached rydol
City. There, the Imperial forces made their stand, an effort
that would either see the ffaitors break like a wave against a
cliff face or sweep the defenders aside in a tide of blood.
Many were the warriors who distinguished themselves in
the fighting that occurred in the final battle, but the roll
of honour best remembers a few brave souls - the heroes
amongst the thousands. \(rhen the darkest hours were upon
the defenders, these champions of humaniry stood firm.

UrrnenneRrNES
FoncESoN EvoorrM

Awhite awow marhed on fl shoulder

pad denotesthe weareyis a memberof
aTactical Squad.GoId tnm indicates
they belongto the Znd Company.

Tnd CompnnyCaptain,

Brother Yandius,Company Standard Bearerof

CaLoSicarius

the |Jltramonnes Tnd Company.

Membersof TacticalSquadManonan
'The
ShieldBearers'

VETERAN SEncnAI[T KrEGER

Sergeant Kriegerwas the recipient of the Macharian Cross for
his efforts defending the Shrine of Benedicto. Along with his
ragtag squad of Guardsmen, he held onto this critical area of the
battlefield in the face of all comers. By the end of the fi.ghting,
he personally laid claim to two Chaos Space Marine kills, and his
squad another four.

XI Seueo
Formerly the third platoon in Black Company, as casualties took
their toll, these grim-humoured

warriors dubbed themselves XI

Squad, since at the time they had eleven rnembers remaining,

including

the gizzled Krieger. By the end of the battle, there were

six survivors) where more than 50 Cadians had fought at the start.

Many honours went to the Titan Slry"rr, who laid ambush

after ambush against Chaos vehicles undl burning wreckage
choked every advance upon Eagle Gate. When the advance
of the Helldogs tore into the flank of the Ultramarines force,
the Titan Slayers were redirected to halt their attack, once
again bringing their guns against Legio Excrucratus.
\Vith a reputation for spearheading even the grimmest
assaults,Squad Manorian was deployed as a mobile reserve
when the Chaos Space Marines assaulted the inner city.
Although two of their number fell holding their designated
position and three more were grievously wounded, the
'shield
Bearers' sdll pressed on to drive back a Black legion
advance that pushed up Martyr Street.
Death could not claim the stalwart Brother Ultracius, despite
the Dreadnought suffering the rnost critical of inluries. \7hen
his adamantine frame was all but crippled alongside Squad
Manorian, he hobbled towards a sorely depleted platoon of
Cadians and bolstered their newe with three thousand years of
experience and faith. At their side, his assault cannon cut down
swathes of traitors while they targeted enemy vehicles.

DevastatorSquadsare

This simple symbolis

marhedoutby a white
triangle on their nght

wovnby thoseunits
who toohpilrt in the

shoulderpad.

Eydolim Campaign.

Membersof DevastntorSquadAtauian
'TheTitan
Slayers'

Brother lJltractus

THr\XhnRroRs
oF DarraNATroN
The murderoue
Inprial

alhence

Guerdsrrren

of chaos

SpaceMarines

thrt

and left en avenue of brrrnin$

hve forever

in lnfarny,

eesailed

the walle of nydol citylaidwaste

tanke and ehattered

fortiffcatione

and are told here as solernnwitnees

to thebvile

in their

to thousands

of

wake. Srrch deede will

rrature.

Through the sinister coordination of Kor Megron and the

Foresworn, a mighty alliance of Chaos Space Marines and,
later, their daemonic allies assailedEydolim and the other
nearby worlds. Such overwhelming

assaults and universal

cooperation is normally the province of a Black Crusade

- that so many disparate Chaos Space Marine warbands
answered the call speaks volumes of Kor Megron's powers
of manipulation.
The hateful wrath of the Daemon Prince drew not only
the Foreswonr together, but also forged the great alliance
between the disparate Chaos SpaceMarines and renegade
bands. Indeed, as the fighting within Eydolim reached its
zenith, it was Kor Megron who wrought the summoning of
the daemonic host.

More than two hundred Chaos Space Marines from the \ford
Bearers were present in the final assault on Eydolim. First into
the fray were the Sons of Damnation - vile traitors who lay
claim to diabolical deeds stretching all the way back to the Siege
of the Emperor's Palace.
A large force of Chaos Space Marines of the \7ord Bearers
Legion, the Foresworn were the spear tip of the Chaos Space
Marine assault. Focusing their offensive against the main
temple, the Chaos Terminator Squad, Sons of Damnation, carved
a bloody path towards the heart of the Imperial lines.

Crrnos FoncESoN EynorrM

TheEyeof Horus
asheraldryfor
sewes
the BlaclzLegton.

The Sonsof Damnation

The Corpsemakers

AKhorneBerzerher
from thedreaded
\WorldEatersLegron.

Cladiator Group 138

A,daemonic
faceis
thesymboL
ofthe
WordBearers.

The Eoresworn

LEcro ExcRUCTATUS
Squadron Beta-II-XII, the Helldogs, this pack of
Warhound

Titans from Legio Excruciatus has a

long and storied history, detailing ten thousand

years of atrocities against the Imperium.

As the

Chaos force approached the outskirts of the cirf,

the Helldogs threatened the Imperial flank.
Blasphemouskex was the first war engine in the
squadron to fall in battle since they first turned
to the worship of Chaos.

The Chaos Space Marine forces were bolstered by warriors from

the Black legion, few of whom were as influential, or as cruel,
as the Corpsemakers. This twenty-strong squad of traitors and
murderers battled their way into the breach before Terminator
Squad Argan ended their bloody advance.
The bloodthirsty Khorne Berzerkers of Gladiator Group 138
were also crucial to the Chaos assault.Vith

chainaxes wailing,

they smashed through Eagle Gate, butchered the defenders and

then continued into the waiting guns of the Imperial Guard.
Kraagon Gorefist earned the slaughter crown for his brutality.

IcoNS oF Cneos

Blach Legion lcon

Daemon Pince Kor Megron

Vorld Eoters
Icon

Vord Bearers
Icon

MARTYRDOM
At the end, the wrath of the Foresworn and their allies was
halted before the Gate of Martyrs - the great eastern portal into
Eydol City. There, a hastily gathered force of Space Marines
and Imperial Guardsmen made their final stand. Kor Megron
hurled himself at the defenders, determined to slaughter his
way through. In the face of his fury, Cato Sicarius stood firm
as the Daemon Prince brought down his accursed weapon in
sweeping arcs, hammering the Space Marine Captain with
such ferocity that his knees buckled and his finely wrought
Talassarian tempest blade was notched and chipped. \Xrith a
clawed foot, Kor Megron stomped Sicarius to the floor, cracking
his breastplate and grinding him down. Triumphant, the \7ord
Bearer raised his blade high, braying his victory to the skies.
The killing blow never fell. A nearby Imperial Guardsman,
seeing the mighty captain in mortal danger, forgot his fear and
hurled himself at the towering Daernon Prince. As his bayonet
plunged into the infernal beast's flesh, the course of the battle,
and the fate of Eydolim, shifted forever. Kor Megron, distracted,
rurned his gaze upon the brave Imperial Guardsman and
burned him to ash in a torrent of N(rarpflame. The distraction
was all the captain needed. In the blink of an eye, Sicarius
jammed his blade upwards, past the breastplate of the Daemon
and into its heart. \X/ith a skull-rending scream, the Daemon
Prince was dragged into the tX/.arp.
Stunned at the loss of their leader, and worn to breaking
point by the defenders, the forces of Chaos began to fall back,
retreating under a sustained bombardment. For the Imperium,
a reprieve had been bought at great cost. For the Legions of
Chaos, there would be another reckoning...

ArtI ErnnxrrY oF $Uren!

Here ends the'W'arhammer 40,000 Bamles section of the rulebook,
and hopefully here starts your journey into endless hours of
enjoyment playing games of \Tarhammer 40,000. Having read
through examples of great scenarios, missions and stories, all
that remains is to get sruck in - after all, as fun as it can be to read
about new ways to create scenarios and develop campaigns, the
real satisfaction comes from playing them for yourself.
How you go about organising and playing your games is entirely
up to you - there are as many ways to play as there are gamers.
Perhaps you'llrecreate some of the scenarios shown here or
maybe try an Eternal'S7'ar mission with a couple of special rules
added in? A good place to start is to visit your local Hobby Centre
'W'orkshop
or gaming club and see what they are up to. Games
Hobby Centres arrange regular games and often host leagues
or battle days. If you live out in the wilderness, and there isn't a
Games Workshop Hobby Centre nearby, you could start a gaming
group of your own - go pl"y some games, and good luck!

APPENDICES
This section contains a trove of knowledge both esoteric and inspiting.
quick teference guides, rules tables md a host of valuable
cornpiling

Ilerein is also found a vast resorrce'

elemerrts to use duinE
Eameplay.

AppErqorx I

DRRKMILLEI..INIuM
The 4lst Millenniurn
To produce

a studyon

a hundred

is a vast, dark and deadlyplace,

all ofthe

technologies

years or motel what follows

THE CUTTMECHANICUS
A bri e f
religious
Adeptus

o ve rvi e w
beliefs

a nd histor y
and practices

of

the

of the

Mechanicus.

The Cult Mechanicus, or Cult of the Machine,

refers to the religious beliefs of the Adeptus
M e ch a n i cu s. T h l s w or ship pr edates the
Imperium itself and was shrouded in mystery
long before the Emperor created the Treaty
of Mars to reunite the empires of Terra with
that of the Mechanicum of the red planet.
Although
n o w fu l l y inter woven within
the fabric of the Imperiurn, there is much
about the Adeptus Mechanicus that remains
unknown.

As with their secrets of science

and the workings of their forge worlds, the
Adeptus Mechanicus do not willingly share
information with anyone outside their own
organisation. If anything, they are even more
closed-mouthed about their religion; although
there is much speculation, little is known
of the rites and practices of their worship.
Following is a collection of the known facts.

ii
fi

full ofuntold

and sorceries
is but a gilimpse

oftheAge

rnyeteries
ofthe

both scientific,

lrnperiurnwould

into this terrifying

what they claimed were ancient prophecies.

However, not all of the Adeptus Mechanicus
believed in this, a source of contention thar
divides their ranks even to this day
The dispersion of Tech-Priests away from
their cloistered forge worlds allowed more to
be discerned about their machine god. In its
broadest terrns, the Adeptus Mechanicus is
divided into two parts. The greater mass of
those on Mars, or any forge world, are workerslaves called servitors. They are not fully
hurnan, but half-man, half machine creatures
whose minds have been partially programmed
to perform specific duties. The servitors are

and the head of the Cult Mechanicus

According

to

the Adeptus Mechanicus,

knowledge is the supreme manifestation of
divinity, and all creatures and artefacts that
embody knowledge are holy because of it.
The supreme holder of all knowledge is the
m achine god hi m s el f, the G r eat Om ni s s i ah
- an omnipotent being To those within the
Cult Mechanicus, machines are not mundane
objects or tools, but rather they are holy items,
and those that pr es er v e k now l edge fr om
ancient times are considered the most sacred
of all. Tech-Priests teach that all mechanical

arms and armour for his troops, and a war fleet

for them to sail the stars upon, the Emperor
gave to Mars six Houses of Navigators, also

devices are blessed with machine spirits, and

the more ancient and important the machine,
the mightier its spirit. As such, before any

promising to protect the Tech-Priests and to

respect the sovereignty of their forge worlds.

technology can be used or repaired, its spirit

must be properly appeased, Iest it fails of its
function. This is achieved through rituals,
some of which include chanting repetitious
cants, sprinkling blessed unguents, and

and the Imperial army as they

crossed the galaxy with the successes of the
Great Crusade. It became clear that the TechPr i e s ts d i d n o t fe a r ma chines, but coveted
them
tre a ti n g th e m with a r ever ence

. ..

is considered by the Tech-Priests to be holy

augmentation - bringing the flesh closer to

Mechanicus, these aspects are all one in the

same). The leader of the Adeptus Mechanicus
is the Fabricator General, a High lord ofTerra

legions

in the darknese

they quickly found growing signs of what

!\,as to become the Imperial Cult, as the newly
conquered worlds were convinced that the
Emperor was a god. It was also at this time
that some of the Tech-Priests first began to
equate the Emperor to a living embodiment
of their own machine god and a fulfilment of

centuries of the Age of Strife, they were ruled

by the Mechanicum of Mars, a parliament of
technocrats knorvn to worship a machine god.

M o r e o f th e u n u su a l ways of the Adeptus

M e c h a n i cu s we re o b se rved as Tech- Pr iests
began to journey alongside the Space Marine

age. A candle-flame

(and therefore more faulty) machine capable

of pr es er v i ng i ntel l ec t. T he r epl ac i ng o f
worn body parts with mechanical upgrades

slaves to the ruling priesthood of Tech-Priests

who form a hierarchy of technicians, scientists
and religious leaders (to those within the Cult

'S7-hen
the Emperor first rose to power on Terra,
the Tech-Priests recognized in him a kindred
spirit. He was a man of science in an era when
m o s t sti l l h e l d to th e cr ude super stitions
brought about by the disasters of the Dark Age
of Technology. Instead, the Emperor valued
the machine and technological advancement,
and so, upon this initial foundation of mutual
respect, the alliance between Terra and Mars
was built. In return for supplying matchless

and utterlyalien

hither to unseen by the m en of T er r a. As

the Emperor's forces reconnected long lost
colonised plan ets , dr i v i ng out hos ti l e x enos ,

Mars long ago evolved a strong culture devoted

to the study and construction of engines and
machinery of all types. During the anarchic

Even then, there were visible signs that those

on Mars were deep in the practices of what is
now known as the Cult Mechanicus.

esoteric

take all the scribes ofTera

often, if the machine is very old and revered,

a rhythmic striking with a special metal tool.
The Tech-Priests teach that a man's worth is
measured only by the sum of his accumulated
knowledge - his body is simply an organic

*,*dA--+.\*

1'.""i#

the divine. The most elderly of the order are

m or e m ac hi nes than m en, thei r pr es enc e
betrayed by the whir of cogs, the billowing of
mechanical lungs, and the telltale clicking of
bionic prosthetics.
Over the years, such radical beliefs have raised
tens i ons , c aus ed s c hi s m s , and on oc c as i on ,
even escalated into minor conflicts with
other elements within the Imperium. In M32,
w hen the Ec c l es i ar c hy r os e to dom i nanc e
and was recognized as the one true creed in
the Imperium, they put forth much effort to
redirect any other beliefs or creeds towards
acceptance of the Emperor. Those not quelled
by the might and power of the Imperiurn were
led down the true path by more subtle ways.
For instance, it is permissible for natives on
primitive planets to continue worshipping
their sun god, and the missionaries of the
Ecclesiarchy would readily admit that the
sun was magnificent and worthy of worship,
always adding in that, on their planets, the sun
as the Emperor. r07ithin the
span of a few generations, aided by the hardworking members of the Missionarius Galaxia,
god was known

and their teachings and serrnons, shrines to

the Emperor (in whatever form) are evenrually
raised and another world is added to the fold.
Those who persist in denial, however, often
run into considerable hardshlps.
Because of their importance to the Imperium,
the Adeptus M ec hani c us w as al l ow ed, i n
quiet discord, to continue following its own
mysterious strictures. The Cult Mechanicus
does acknowledge the Emperor as the Master
of Mankind, although they do not recognise
t-he authority of the Adeptus Ministorum,
des pi te i ts offl c i al s anc ti on. \7hi l e or her
religions were named as heretical for such acts,
the Adeptus Mechanicus has been granted
an unusual autonomy, a freedom of worship
unparalleled save for that granted to the Space
Marines for their unusual practices. Over the
m i l l enni a, as the Ec c l es i ar c hy 's pow er and
influence has risen, these exceptions to their
authority have come
occasions, however,
eventually subsumed
needs. And so the

into question on many

all such infighting
is
beneath more pressing
Adeptus Mechanicus

c onti nues thei r m y s ter i ous and s tr ange

worship of he that they call the Omnissiah.

THE HIGHTORDS OFTERRA

e*'il,
fi;"'y ;i;h; s";;;;
Imperialis.
lords of Terra are the governing
body of the Imperium. They are tasked with
interpreting the Emperor's will and enacting
his rule across the largest empire in the galaxy.

The High

On their command, the fleets and armies of the

Imperium move, only their edict can approve a
Space Marine Founding, and on their orders,
the Black Fleet sails and their grim tithes are
collected. Yet how, beneath the Benevolent
Emperor, has such an organisation come to be3
The Senatorum Imperialis has, at its roots,
many echoes from ruling bodies formed before
the birth of the Imperium. In the beginning of
the age, the Emperor himself ruled, although
he formed about him a council of advisors
comprised of key individuals. This top circle
contained the Fabricator General of Mars,
the Paternova of the Navigator Houses and
Malcador the Sigillite, perhaps the Emperor's
greatest a1ly during the Unification'$7ars of
Terra. As the Emperor left the homeworld of
Mankind to lead the Great Crusade, he left in
his stead the legendary Malcador, more or less
to act as regent in his stead.
Over the course of thatvast military campaign,
w h i ch re cl a i me d th e galaxy and fr eed
Humanity from enslavement, the Emperor
discovered the lost Primarchs and brought
them into the fold. As the Great Crusade
began to branch off in many new directions,
the Emperor grew to rely on his new battle
council. After the decisive victory at the Battle
of Ullanor, when Mankind's re-ascension was
no longer in doubt, the Emperor left military
matters in the hands of Horus, his newly
appointed'Warmaster, and returned to Terra.
\ t ( /h i l st Ho ru s d i re cted the r est of the
P r i ma rch s i n th e e xpansion and secur ity
of this new realm, the Emperor formed the
Council of Terra. This formalized the role
of the Emperor's previous advisors and the
group started off with a half dozen men. This
council, under the leadership of the Emperor,
was to become the body of government that
would administrate the myriad bureaucratic
tasks needed by the newly formed empire.
Already, under the far-seeing eyes of Malcador,
was born' new
the Adeptus Administratum
branches already forming beneath its auspices.
It was a bright start for the new Dawn of
Mankind envisioned by the Emperor.
addition to the Council of Terra, the
Primarchs, under the'$Tarmaster, were to head
the military branches, now in the latter days
of the Great Crusade and spread far across the
In

galaxy. As it turns out, this was a contentious

decision. Some of the Primarchs took great
exception to being ruled by those deemed less
worthy of such honours than themselves. It
cannot be proven, but doubtless this turned
out to be one of many growing resentments
that allowed the Ruinous Powers to infect and
corrupt several of the Primarchs.

Following the calamities of the Horus F{eresy,

the Emperor was interred upon the Golden
Throne and could no longer rule his realm
directly. Several legends tell of the Emperor's
last words, spoken as he was attached into the
vast machinery that would allow his mind to
live on. Full of foresight beyond mortal men,
the Emperor's final instructions were for the
rule of Mankind's galaxy-wide kingdom. In
that time of great change, Malcador too was
now gone, and it had been he who had proven
best able to enact the Emperor's vision. Now
that role, and the leadership for the coming
reformation, fell upon Roboute Guilliman,
the gr eat Pr i m ar c h of the U l tr am ar i nes .
It was he who set up the new ruling body,
the Senatorum Imperialis, or as it is more
now, the High Lords of
commonly
Terra. It was their duty to interpret the will
of the Emperor and, in his stead, to command
known

the Imperium. The number of this ruling

council was set at 12,with Roboute Guilliman
himself taking a seat under the title of Lord
Commander of the Imperium, the old term
\(rarmaster having fallen out of favour for

not filled with

a successor from the same

organisation. Note that a specifi.c Inquisitor

does not ty pi c al l y hol d the pos i ti on o f
Inquisitorial Representative on his own, but
instead, the seat is retained for whichever
individual is sent on behalf of the Inquisition.
Similarly, the place of the Paternoval Envoy
is open to whoever might be the Envoy of
the Paternova of the current ruling family
of Navigators. The Paternova himself never
leaves the Palace of Navigators, for it is
forbidden for him to do so.
The remaining three posts are usually filled
from amongst the following mighty officials:
.
.

Lord Commander of the Segmentum Solar

Lord Commander Militant of the
Im per i al G uar d
Lord High Admiral of the Imperial Navy
Cardinal(s) of the Holy Synod of Terra
The Abbess Sanctorum of the
Adepta Sororitas
Captain-General of the Adeptus Custodes
Chancellor of the Estate Imperium
The Speaker for the Chartist Captains

obvious teasons.
Since those days, the number of seats on the
High Lords of Terra has largely remained
the same, fluctuating during various points
of crisis before eventually returning to its
original number. Each seat is filled by a leader
from one of the most powerful organizations
of the Imperium. A complex web of tradition,
skulduggerlr promises of support, threats
of retaliation and considerations of mutual
interest blnds them together and determines
who holds office and who does not. In practice,
some of the Imperium's organizations and
institutions are so powerful and vital that it
would be unthinkable for their leader to not
be granted a seat upon the High Lords of
Terra. Naturally, over the long millennia, the
unthinkable has happened many times over,
however, the existing High Lords often put
in place an inordinate amount of measures
to ensure that their seat is a permanent one
- that upon their deaths their position is
automatically filled by the new head of their
organization. The following offices are almost
invariably represented as High Lords because
they form the cornerstones of the Imperium,
the most important of its ancient institutions.
.
.

The Master of the Administratum

The Fabricator General of the
Adeptus Mechanicus
The Paternoval Envoy of the Navigators
The Inquisitorial Representative
The MasteroftheAdeptusAstraTelepathica
The Ecclesiarch ofthe Adeptus Ministorum

The Grand Master of the

Officio Assassinorum
The Master of the Astronomican
The Grand Provost Marshal of the

.
.
.

Adeptus Arbites
Those nine posts are virtually sacrosanct,
and there are very few times in the history
of the Imperium when their seats upon the
High Lords of Terra became empty and were

It is an oddity that, throughout its history,

very few members of the Adeptus Astartes
have served as High Lords of Terra - given the
importance of humanity's most elite fighting
force and the fact that the fi.rst council was
initiated by Roboute Guilliman, the Primarch
of the Ultramarines. This seems to have been
set up intentionally by Guilliman, who knew
that at ti m es of gr eat need, Spac e M ar i n e
leaders would have no choice but to step
in, but would otherwise remain outside the
ruling structure. Some say the Primarch's
discouragement of Space Marines serving in
the Senatorum Imperialis was based upon the
Emperor's original Council of Terra - which
was separate from his Mihtary Council, and a
ruling body that did not include any members
of the Adeptus Astartes. Guilliman clearly
believed, as his great work, the Codex Astartes
points out, that it is the Space Marines'duty to
serve Mankind, not to rule it.
In its long existence, che High Lords of Terra
have gone through many changes. They have
been forced to give one of its seats over to a
religious leader (the Ecclesiarch, who joined
was
shortly after the Adeptus Ministorum
named the sole religion of the Imperium in
early M32), wiped out to a man by assassination
(on the orders of a slighted Grand Master of
the Officio Assassinorum, an event known
'the
Beheading'), and dissolved altogether
as
by the ruling Ecclesiarch (during the civil
war known as the Age of Apostasy). Many
members have disappeared under suspicious
has
circutnstances and the Inquisition
been asked to investigate a number of times
(although many have suggested that at least
some missing Lords ofTerra have disappeared
because of the Inquisition). Yet always, despite
the many power struggles and strife, the High
Lords of Terra have continued to interpret
the \Xrill of the Emperor and thereby rule the
greatest empire in the galaxy.

g-,

DAEMONS
That

th e re a re D a e mons abr oad in the

universe, and the link that these entities have
'Warp,
with the
is not a commonly known or
understood phenomenon within the broader
community
of the Imperium.
There are
various reasons for this. Quite apart from the
sheer rarity of encounters with the denizens of
the Warp, the hierarchy of the Imperium has
always sought to suppress such knowledge.
\7hat little awareness exists amongst the
peoples of the Imperium is never openly or
'Warp,
officially acknowledged. Tales of the
and its unpleasant inhabitants, are dismissed
as scaremongenng or mere superstltlon.
The Imperium, or at least its more senior
agents, is quite determined to prevent the
spread of daemonic infestation. It is known
amongst the cognoscenti that the ways of the
Daemon are deceitful and devious and that
they have subtle ways to infiltrate human
societies and influence the human mind.
Many are the strange, twisted cults and

their own psychic energies into an Occluding

Sphere - this strange metaphysical device
broadcasts an invasive signal into the mind of

their erstwhile allies, the Grey Knights, are

among the tiny number of humans who are
allowed to know of the Daemons and their
evil ways. Most others who come into contact
with them are culled to prevent both the
promulgation of knowledge and the possible
spread of daemonic taint. If they are of sufficient

any nearby psyker severely disrupting their

abihty to concentrate or reason and therefore
largely curtailing their ability to utilise their
talents. In addition to this, oppressively loud
and discordant noise is pumped into the
holds. The holds are dimly illuminated for
the most part but frequent bursts of strobing

value to the Imperium,

light

they are mind-wiped

to

erase all memories of the encounrer.

BTACK SHIPS
The great fleet of Black Ships belongs ro the
Adeptus Astra Telepathica. Independent of
the Imperial Navy, they are the second largest
fleet in the galaxy.There are many thousands
of Black Ships but only the highest-ranking
adepts in the Adeptus Astra Telepathica know
the true scale of the fleet and the vast scope
of its operations. New vessels are constantly

shatter the twilight.

Food and ddnk
for the captives is laced with sedatives. The
captive population is regularly moved from
one hold to another. All of this serves to
keep the psykers in a helpless, confused and
compliant state. The most dangerous psykers
(as identified by Inquisitorial
scrutiny) are
kept in separate isolation cells deep within the
bowels of the containment holds.
Every day,dozens of Black Ships complete their
epic journey and arrive at Terra, whereupon

commissioned to replace inevitable losses and

to further increase the fleet's size. Thus it is

they disgorge their cargoes of human psykers.

Each ship can hold many thousands of psykers
within their vast holds. So each and every day,

that each year, rnore and more planets of the

Imperium are visited and stripped of their
psykers for transportation to Terra.

tens of thousands of psykers are sent to the

processing halls, graded and passed on through
the myriad departments and institutions

The captains and other senior officers of the

Black Ships are senior adepts of the Adeprus

its allotted use.

There is also the very real threat ofpossession,

which, although a very rare occurrence, is
nonetheless feared above all other outcomes.
A Daemon with such a foothold in realspace
is both difficult to identify, at least in the
early stages of possession, and is also a most

Astra Telepathica.
indentured workers

ABHUMANS

deadly and dangerous foe. Furthermore, the

Daemon is always intent upon spreading
its taint through the establishment of cult
worship and the encouragement of yet more
possessions. unchecked, such a creature can
wreak untold damage in both the physical
and metaphysical spheres.

from Imperial

in that they conform to a recognisable physical

standard, breed true, and are no more prone

scrubbed to purge any taint or infection.

than normal humans to further mutation.

There are many millions of abhumans living
within the Imperium and they are tolerated

secretive covens of Daemon worshippers that

have inveigled themselves into the worlds of
the Imperium throughout the course of its
long history. Invariably, these cults have been
unearthed and eradicated, but not without
great cost of lives, property and sanity.

However, the primary motivation for keeping

knowledge of Daemons secret is to ensure that
the greater population is not catastrophically

I'

the Dark Gods of Chaos. The bearers of

this knowledge are few, and they share this
information reluctantly. The Inquisition and

disturbed by such revelations and driven

t o m a d n e ss, d e sp a i r a n d m ass civil unr est
through the knowing of them. There is a
world of difference between understanding
that there are vile, antipathetic alien species
at large in the universe and knowing that
one's immortal soul is at risk from predation
by unholy daemonic entities from a hellish
dimension a mere thought away from our
'$7arp
own. Also, as dangerous as
travel may
be perceived to be, if the general populace was
to realise that it was, in fact, through a realm
inhabited by Daemons, it is unlikely that
anyone would willingly
submit themselves
to such a rneans of transport or trust any of
the astropathic messages sent through it. The
anarchy that could ensue from such a turn of
events would be threat enough to completely
destabilise the Imperium.
Thus, only the most stout-hearted and ironwilled are permitted to know and retain
knowledge of the Daemons and their masters,

responsible for ensuring that the Tithe is put to

The ships' crews are

drafted from a number
of Imperial worlds situated relatively close
to Terra. The Astra Telepathica have ancient
contracts with these worlds, ensuring a steady
flow of suitable recruits in return for exemption
Tithes. All crew are rigorously
tested and scrutinised for any latent psychic
abilities or sensitivities and are regularly mind-

Navigators

for

the

fleet

of

Black

Ships
are all members of the Granicus, Ptolemy
and MacPherson Navigator Flouses who
work exclusively for the Astra Telepathica.
Inquisitors, alone amongst Imperium officials,
have secured Rights of Passage aboard the
Black Ships and have leave to travel freely

Abhumans are creatures evolved from human

stock, but changed or mutated to a greater or
lesser degree. They differ from true mutants

and exploited by the authorities very much as

the rest of the population. It is rare for them to
reach positions of authority or power within
the Imperial hierarchy and many are subject
to popular derision, fear or prejudice. Many
abhumans are recruited into service of the
Administratum
and its various sub-divisions,
including the Imperial Guard and the Imperial

throughout the entire fleet. They are also

wont to oversee the identification, capture
and incarceration of particularly recalcitrant
or rebellious psykers in whom they have

Fleet.In the Imperial Guard,they are organised

and fight in dedicated squads or companies,
segregated from their human cornrades.

a personal interest. Generally, few other

Imperium agents are permitted aboard these
dread vessels but occasionally Space Marines,
Sisters of Battle or higher-ranking members
of the Adeptus Terra may be accommodated at
the captain's discretion.

The

A Black Ship is a dreadful environment for

psykers. Psychically sensitive crew spend
rnost of their time in the shielded upper
decks of the main bridge, as far removed from
the containment holds as possible so as to

Adeptus Terra officially

recognises
seventy-three stable abhuman strains within
the Imperium. Of these, forty-six rypes are
now listed as extinct, and no records have

been received of a further twelve strains for

over a generation, suggesting that they too
have died out or been assimilated back into
the general population. The status of the
remaining fifteen abhuman races is quite
varied and there is permanent disagreement
about their specific classification amongst the
adepts of the overseeing subrdivision of the
Adeptus Administratum:
the Tithes Chamber

avoid the unpleasant effects of the security

measur es in pl ac e. T her e ar e num er ous
devices and routines directed at the great
holds to confuse and confound psychic

Notaries, sub. Planetary Census (Abhumans).

The most noteworthy and contentious mafter
concerning the adepts is the Ogryn (Homo

abilities. Each ship has a rroop of specially

trained adepts whose sole function is to focus

sapiens gigantus) matrix of abhuman strains.

This complex group is currently officially listed

-,=.--+
-"-*#**

*.9
as seven distinct types (Alpha, Theta, Type IV
Typ" VIIa, H.S. gigantus gigantus, H.S. gigantus
cranopus and the mysterious Grey Ogryns), but
many in the Chamber doubt that these are all
separate types, and yet another revision of the
classification is therefore pending.
Ratlings (Homo sapiens minimus), Squats
(Homo sapiens rotundus), Beastmen (Homo
sapiens variatus), Troths (Homo sapiens
sapiens
v e r d a n tu s), L o n g sh a nks ( Homo
elongatus), Pelagers (Homo sapiens oceanus),
Felinids (Homo sapiens hirsutus) and Neandors
(Homo sapiens hyannothus) comprise the
classifi.ed, and officially recognised,
abhuman races. Of these, Beastmen are subject
to severe persecution and have been placed
on the Register of Proscribed Citizens (Class
remaining

A-G worlds) by the Adeptus Arbites. This

effectively precludes them from settlement on'
or transportation to or from, more than three
hundred thousand worlds of the Imperium and
forbids their conscription as an Imperial Tithe
obligation. All of this is a sure sign that they
will soon lose abhuman status completely and
be reclassified as true mutants. Troths, Felinids
and Neandors are endemic, and restricted to
the worlds of Verdant, Carlos McConnell and
IV respectively. The remaining
Hyannoth
abhuman races are variously present across
the entire Imperium. In some regions they are
in large colonies
plentiful and common,living
or even populating entire worlds, in others they
are scarce and virtually

unknown.

STCTEMPTATES
Created at the developmental apex of the
Age of Technolo1y, the Standard Template
Construct (STC) system was a way to ensure
that all the recently far-flung human colonies
across the galaxy could build anything they
needed. From air-purifiers to military grade
weaponry, hab-buildings to plasma reactors.
The user simply asked the machine how to
build what was needed and it would calculate
everything - from locally-available materials
to the means of manufacture and assembly
- it would present the most efficient way to
achieve what the settler asked. The STCs were
designed so that the least accomplished user
could still fabricate the vehicle, building,
or weapon they needed. For all intents and
purposes, the STCs were the sum total ofman's
technical know-how at its zenith of power.
Every human colony had at least one STC
m ost colonists never
s y s te m, a l th o u g h
tapped into anything like the more advanced
constructs, finding the more rudimentaty
machines and weapons far more useful. It is
highly probable that few of the
or most highly advanced works
a t te mp te d . Ove r th e passage
majority of the STC machines
destroyed in battle or by natural

theoretical
were ever
of tim e, a
were lost,
disaster, or

began to fail, overcome at last by corrupted

databanks, too much jury-rigging in place of
knowledgeable maintenance, or simply the
fatigue of thousands of years of use. Those
lucky planets that still maintained even a

partially working STC system grew to guard

it jealously as the Age of Technology slipped
into the anarchic madness that was the Age
of Strife. Soon, the galaxy-wide realm of Man
was fractured, each world cut off from all but
the closest planets by tJfarp storms or worse.
.Warp-spawned
The madness, warfare and
gr
eat bac k l as h
invasions, al ong w i th the
against technology, ensured that few of the

The Adeptus Mechanicus will Pursue any and

all information about STCs, willingly trading
lives by the millions for even the chance to get
their hands upon the lost devices of the Age of

great works of the previous era survived.

Technology, and especially the blueprints by

which they were made. To this day, discoveries
are rare, but still being made. Vho knows what
ancient artefact lies buried beneath forgotten
levels of a hive city or sits idle and overgrown
upon the trackless lands of recently recolonised

Today, there are no surviving STC systems.

It was common practice, however, beginning
in the Age of Technology, for colonies to
produce hard copies of many of the more
standard designs. Over the years, these have

worlds? Tech-Priests aboard Explorator fleets

dream of finding a planet on the edge of the
galaxy or long locked away by Varp storms, a
world where fullvolumes of STC printouts have
been collected, or perhaps a fully functioning
STC system still awaits them. Until then, gone

been copied repeatedly, with varying levels

of accuracy. Yet, as cornmonplace as many
of these designs once were, now any coPy
is a rarefied item, even more so for any that
printout
carry precious first-generation
information. During the Great Crusade and
later, during the period known as the Forging,
thousands upon thousands of previously
for
pl anets w er e r ec l ai m ed
colonised
Humanity. Many STC templates were found
amongst these worlds and, it is rumoured,
even some partially working systems were
unearthed. These long lost troves of forgotten
technology were discovered mostly buried
amidst the ruins of greatly regressed worlds,
but on occasion they were found enshrined
within locked vaults, guarded by those to
whom the name STC, or even tts Purpose
had longed passed out of understanding.Atty
such findings are greedily collected by the
Adeptus Mechanicus; the Tech-Priests rush
such treasures back to their secretive forge
worlds, where they can be thoroughly
hoarded, worshipped and copied.

studied,

are the secrets for the trident-shaped Proteus

Cannon of Mars or the force field generators
that guard the Palace of Xerxes, and countless
other marvels whose workings even the most
adept of the Tech-Priests can't begin to fathom.

EXCERPTSON STARPTRA\IEL
Notes of Sharim Calypso,Adjutant
Navy.
to the Imperial

advisor

The Questio logisticus branch of the Adeptus

has a division devoted to
Administratum
'!7arp
tracking median travel via common
routes. Although only two millennia's worth of
data has been compiled, it has thus far proven
little, save what is already known - to enter
'Warp
space is a deadly and unpredictable risk.
By way of an example, note the logbook of the
Proxxian traders that operate in the Nephilim
sector. They primarily transport forced labouq
from the hive world of Proxx to the isolated
mining colonies of Hephastian, approximately

One result of the STC system, and its pivotal

place in human development, is that many
worlds utilise designs and machinery of a
similar type. Of course, the millennia have

three times each Terran year. The distance

is dozens of light years and requires a fleet
to traverse the Immaterium. The route is
anything but predictable, despite being classed
as a semi-fluctuating passage (the most stable

wrought

changes in the basic utilitarian

devices proscribed by the STC, but many
humans adhere religiously to the old designs.
STC designs were intended to be able to coPe
with anything - given the unpredictable
nature of colonies in previously unexplored
space. Therefore, designs were often big
and brutish, hard to damage and easy to

rating). Typical voyages range between one

and six weeks, but the more extreme journeys
have taken as much as 1,200years and as little
as two minutes. Some 22% of expeditions
have, as of yet, not arrived at their destination
- although given the time disparity, one can
only estimate what percentage have been lost
and which are still en route. In distance, this is

repair. Examples of recovered STC template

technology still being built and in use today
include such military hardware as the Rhino
Armoured Personnel Carrier and the Land
Raider, as well as the Atmospheric Pumps that

a relatively shortvoyage example;the numbers

only grow worse with longer journeys.

still keep the air (almost) breathable in even

the largest hive-blocks
The Adeptus Mechanicus are driven by t
quest for knowledge and, in an era when
innovation and invention are almost nonexistent (being viewed as highly suspicious, if
not outright dangerous), then it is no wonder
thattheTech-Priests hold STC templates as holy
items. A working STC system is the ultimate
embodiment of their endless mission - truly
the font of all knowledge (which is actually
what the original devices were meant to be).

It is my observation that little more can

be learned from further computations and
'Trust
in the
that the old Navigator maxim,
Emperor's Light', remains the one truism of
value concerning'Warp

travel.

THEMARCH OFTIME
The Imperial tirneline is expressed using the
dating system of the Administratum, though it
should be noted that events themselves may go
unrecorded - orbe recorded with considerable
bias - within the Imperial archives Indeed,
records on different worlds may vary greatly
in their representation of the facts.
'Anno

An Imperial date is a date

Domini',
but expressed in different terms to those we
are used to. The most noticeable change is
'M'
the suffix
followed by r number This is
the millennium
number. In Imperial terms,
a n y d a te b e tw e e n 2 0 0 1 and l0O0 would be
suffixed by M3. The current millennium in the
Warhammer 40,000 mythos is the forry-first
or M4l Incidentally, this suffix is normally
emphasised by a full stop for clariry.
A typical dating code, such as you will find in
t h i s b o o k, i s 0 1 5 0 9 3 5 .M41.
The M4l m eans we
are dealing with a forty-first millennium date.
The other numbers tell us the year,the fraction
of the year and the accuracy of the date.
T h e l a st th re e digits ar e the year
w i t h in
th e mi l l e n n i u m
r unning
fr om
0 0 0 - 9 9 9 . 0 1 5 0 9 3 0 /M3 2 i s the year 930 of the

Sub-corroborated.
The source
is in direct psychic contact with any
corroborated source.
Non-referenced
I year. No psychic
contact wi th a c l as s l - 5 s our c e w hen
the reference is made. The reference
does belong to a sequence beginning

include the year fraction or check nurnber, it is

acceptabie to write'year 930/M32'.
Year
Fraction:
For administrative
purposes the standard year is divided into
1 0 0 0e q u a l se g me n ts; 0 0 1- 000.This is a pur ely
administrative convention and not part of
everyday usage.
Check
nurnber:
The first digit in the
sequence is usually the dating reference or
check number, though it is not always included.
This check number is necessary due to temporal
distortions which affect ships in the \7arp as
well as worlds which are remote, or isolated,
from Earth. Its presence qualifies the accuracy
of the date given in each case - the following
is appended out of completeness and for the
satisfaction of curio sity,
Prefixes I to 8 indicate widening'grey areas'
of a given item of data's surrounding origins.
Prefix 9 is slightly different. It's used when, for
instance, a source reporting from a world that
doesn't use Imperial dating, needs to make a
reference to that world's history. The historical
date would carry the prefix 9

0/l

Earth
date. Referring to
standard
an event which happened within the Sol
system of Segmentum Solar.
Direct.
Source in direct psychic
contact with Earth when date reference
was made.
In d i re ct.
T h e s our ce is in dir ect
psychic contact with a class 2 source, but
not Earth.
Corroborated.
The source is in direct
psychic contact with a class 3 source, but
not a class 0/l or 2 source.

I)

or ending with a date with a class l-5

sour ce. The uns our c ed ti m e per i od i s
Non-referenced
l0 years. This is
an unsourced date in the same way as
a class 5 date, but w i th an uns our c ed
per iod of l - 10 y ear s .

cause you to become a casualty as well.

II)

Non-referenced
nrore
than
l0
years. This is an unsourced date as for
T,butfor an unsourced sequence of more
than l0 year s .
date with no fixed
coordinates at either end of a sequencer
or a date drawn from non-Imperially
dated references.

COMBATLIFE **
SAVER
il="".tfi.7iirv".:

sites, or other such dangerous areas) do

not cut away any protectlve coverlng apply the dressing directly over it.
Ill)Evaluate.
Find the penetration level of
the beam. Has the beam passed through
the victim causing an exit wound? It is
bes t to c hec k as s oon as pos s i bl e. T he
ex tr em e heat c auter i z es the w ound,
l eav i ng m i ni m um
bl eedi ng, how ev er,
rapid swelling will begin around the
area almost immediately, making later

HONTTOFIETD DRESSALAS-\7OUND
Laser weapons ar e eas y to pr oduc e and
m aintain, ass ur i ng they ar e am ongs t the
most comm on w eapons i n the gal ax y . l as weapons do not fi.re a projectile or slug, but
instead pr ojec t a br i ef, hi gh- ener gy pul s e.
This beam ca n r ange gr eatl y i n s tr ength,
depending on the size of the las-weapon and
the rating of its power source. The largest
of the las-weapons * such as the lancestrike
batteries employed upon spacecraft of the
Imperial Navy - produce beams that can sear
away entire hab-blocks, leaving only smoking
craters hundreds of feet deep. On average,
however, las-weapons are much smaller. Even

diagnosis more difficult. If the las-wound

is only a glancing hit, in a limb, or shows
no signs of striking a vital organ, proceed
with Field Dressing Type I. If you suspecr
the l as - w ound has penetr ated a v i tal
organ, go straight to Type II.
(Type I). Using the
IV) Field Dressing
cleanest material available, place the
cloth hghtly over the burn, covering rhe
entirety of the wound. If the victim is
able, he may hold the dressing in place.
Use strips to bind in place (wrapping

the humble laspistol, within close range and

with no atmospheric diffusion of shot, has
the power to blast away a foe's face on contact,
with the beam penetr ati ng the s k ul l and
burning

a hole through
immediate death.

the brain, causing

A las-pulse will shear through flesh producing

a cauterised hole surrounded by bhster-burns.
'S7hen
fi.rst striking flesh, a las-pulse will
cause a flash-burn effect upon impact, as the
heat of the dis c har ge c aus es the i m m edi ate
surface area of the target to be vaporised.
This can) to the untrained eye, take on the
same wound a s pec ts as thos e pr oduc ed by
high density explosives, but there are major
differences wlren it cornes to field dressing
las-wounds \7hi1e the brief exploding flash
of initial conract is hlghly visibie, it is rarely
the major concern of aid givers. It is typically
the continuing projection of the las-beam
bor ing into th e body that c aus es the m os t
extensive damage - the beam will puncture
through any internal organs and is capable of
severing limbs.

Expose.
Identify the impact site and
determine the extent of the flash burn.
Lift away any clothing covering the burnt
area, without pulling material over the
burns. Leave in place any material that
has been seared into the burn area. If the
victim is wearing arrnour, be aware that
some materials absorb heat, leaving the
area dangerous to touch. In a hazardous
environment (such as chem-zones, rad-

An approximated

Example,1.^Q"
AD)
i ?l_srVaI "i(o'theyear40.e3s
ir,l_l-_Q-:
'-'1 l,,"""-Check Number Yearfraction Year

Approach.
Do not treat until you have
ensured the victim is removed from the
source. las-weapons produce a narrow
amplifi.ed beam of light. Most often this is
a short burst, however, should the shaft be
ongoing and still present, it is dangerous
to approach - entering the bearn will

less than I standard year.

Ye a r:

thirty-second millennium, described as the

year 31930AD. \7hen referring to a year in
general terms, and where it is not necessary to

The following steps should be employed when

confronted with a las-wound:

around limbs or rorso) and tie tightly

enough to avoid slipping. Do not break
blisters or apply ointments to flash burns.
V)

(Type II).
Field
Dressing
Cover
the wound as quickly and completely
as possible. This is cosmetic, to hide the
lethal wound from comrades, and may
also allow the victim some false comfort.
The swelling that follows is bound to
cause catastrophic bodlly failures

ASTROPATH
COMMUNICATION
A brief treatise on the basics of
transmission
Astropathic
(Imp. Ref. oz5387oooz / S.!).
There are many methods of communication
within a single planetary orbit and even
within compact star systems, ranging from
the mundane to the esoteric. F{owever, the
majority of the Imperium's colonised worlds
are so far apart from other star systems that
other means are required to stay in contact
with the wider Imperium - to pass messages
over such great interstellar distances requires
the skills and powers of an Astropath.
Astropaths are the most common sanctioned
p s y ke rs i n th e Imp e rium, having escaped
the cruel fate that awaits those without the
strength of mind to control their powers, or
the will and determination to survive the
Imperium's strict training regimes. All major
organisations of the Adeptus Terra, from the
bureaucratic branches of the Administratum
to the furtive offices of the Inquisition, use
Astropaths to comrnunicate with each other
across the vast distances of the galaxy. These
psykers can be found working alongside
s t a rsh i p ca p ta i n s, ro gue tr ader s, Planetar y
Governors and offlcers from all branches
The Adeptus Ministorum
m ake s e xte n si ve u se of Astr opaths, and
has built vast amphidomes and psi-comm
spires that rise high over every shrine world,
of the military.

aiding their spiritual broadcasts and creating

transmission web that at
an interlocking
l e a st p a rti a l l y co n n e cts many dioceses and
parishes, though the most powerful can even
reach some of the far distant missionaries on
the edges of the Imperium.
It is said that the Emperor, the greatest of
all psychic minds, once held full telepathic
c o n ve rsa ti o n s w i th M alcador the Fler o,
hlmself a mighty telepath. Though they were
at opposite ends of the known galaxy,there was
no time delay to speak of, and they may as well
have been in the same room. Although human
psykers of such extreme potency no longer
stride among the stars, the most powerful
Astropaths can single-handedly send messages
across several star systems with some accuracy.
If all goes well, Telepathic communications
travel quickly through the \(arp, crossing
many thousands of light years, becoming
fainter and fainter, before eventually fading
out altogether. Still, such communications
vary widely based on the mental strength of
the sender, the ability of the receiver to absorb
s u ch i n co mi n g me ssages and, per haps m ost
of all, the unpredictable nature of the Varp
itself. \7hen the galactic distance required
of a transmission is so great that a single
Astropath proves insuffi.cient, it is common
for them to work in relays, sending messages
to various beacons, hubs and Imperial subs ta ti o n s to p a ss a l o ng. It is also possible
to boost a message by using an Astropath

Choir - a group working in synchronicity to

broadcast or receive complex messages over
unimaginable distances.
It is too complicated and variable to list all
of the m etho ds and pr oc es s es i nv ol v ed i n
Astropath cornmunications, but the following
genetalizations should help even a novice
understand some of the dlfficulties of the
medium. There are, after all, dozens oftypes of
Trance Broadcasts alone, to mention nothing
of Station Reception, Astral Projection or the
nearly infinite styles of Divination practised
( and bey ond)
by Astr opaths w i thi n
purview of Imperial Sanction.

the

Using mesmeric chants to enter a deep trance'

a typical Astropath forms the message within
his mind and sends it through the tVarp. The
progress of the message is rather like a stone
dropped into a pool, as it creates a series of
ripples that extend outwards through the
Som e ps y c hi c s ar e abl e to
Im m ater ium.
project the message so that it travels only in a
desired direction, but even then, some echoes
are likely to lap outwards.
Once projected, a message hurtles through
the Warp until its energy is lost and it fades
aw?|r typically a gradual process, but the
is anything but predictable.
Immaterium
A comm unic ati on of thi s k i nd has m any
restrictions; they are brief in length, perhaps
comprising only a few images or sentences
depending on how the Astropath works,
(psychics are as likely to work in abstract
pictures and emotions as they are words). As
with all things, the very Chaos of the Varp
can alter the form of a message, if only rarely
its intent. Unless powered by a mighty source,
longer or more complex messages risk getting
unravelled in the ripples of the Warp, arriving
in a jumbled order, and risking further, if
'Warp
interference
not complete, distortion.
is comm on, as m es s ages c an be del ay ed,
altered or contaminated by any number of
fluctuations, such as shifts in \farp tides or the
of multiple telepathic signals.
intermingling
Raging'$7arp storms can redirect or simply
swallow an d des tr oy m es s ages , bl oc k i ng
communiqu6s for centuries.
Ary Astropath can pick up Trance Broadcasts,
although in general it can be said that more
discipline is needed to receive messages than
to send them. \Xlith outgoing messages, an
Astropath can concentrate on the clarity of
thought, on the message itself, pushing such
deliberations deep into the'sV'arp. Astropaths
in such a tr anc e and ac ti v el y r ec ei v i ng
incoming messagesare particularly vulnerable
- their minds must open to the eternal noise
of that erratic and highly dangerous realm.
Not only must an Astropath attempt to sift
out the senseless static of passing currents,
they must also contend with the residue of
ancient mes s ages that s om eti m es ( for no
reason) drift endlessly, not losing
power as is usually the case but continuing
to call from some distant past, faint waves of
energy lapping gently across the void. The
logical

repercussive

'W'arp-waves

of major events or

cataclysms can also be picked uP, sometimes

s endi ng m or e s ens i ti v e
uni ntenti onal l y ,
Astropaths into fi.ts orburning out their minds
altogether with the unexpected onslaught.
Ominously, some telepathic impulses attract
attentions - mischievous \7arp
entities that attempt to alter messages,making

unwanted

or obs c ene, r edi r ec ti n g

recipient, or perhaps

them

m i s l eadi ng

them

to the wrong

ev en attac hi ng them s el v es to the m ent a l

transmissions, piggybacking on the message
to its final destination. Although rare, it is
possible for Daemons themselves to become
aware of and attracted to the psychic signals
through their realm. On occasion,
they will even trace them back to their source
searching for a way to establish a claw-hold
hurtling

into realspace.
An Astropath who wishes to send a singular
message to a specific location - whether it is
a particular spacecraft, planet, hive or even
an individual - must be able to concentrate
to a degree that is unimaginable
to a nor m al hum an. T hes e m es s ages a re
'W .ar p
not as r i pple s
l aunc hed i nto the
extending outward in all directions, but as
a single bolt of pure thought. The recipient
his mind

must be prepared to receive such a powerful

transmission, though it is still possible for
those in Sweeping Trance Reception to pick
up snippets of such messages if they happen
to pass through their area of their psychic
awareness on the way to their destination.
Success of this kind is linked more to random
chance than any degree of skill or accuracy on
the part of the erstwhile recipient.
T he need for i nter s tel l ar c om m uni c ati o n
is enormous, and the Scholastia Psykana is
bom bar ded w i th r eques ts for Sanc ti on e d
Astropaths constantly. They are a common
s i ght i n the m or e c i v i l i s ed s ec tor s of t h e
Im per i um , eas i l y di s ti ngui s hed by th e i r
green robes and sightless, sunken eye sockets.
only released for duty once they
have cleared all sanctioning tests and the holy

Although

ritual known as the Soul Binding, the nature of

their occupation puts them in nearly constant
danger and there have been documented
cases of Astropaths becoming corrupted (see
crossfile, datascroll nef.oo62I 3 20 05).

Appsuntx2

REFEREI.ICE
.k

pROFIIES

Model

Ivs Bs s r

BrotherhoodChampionT

Krv:

Crusader
CulexusAssassin
Death Cult Assassin

unit=J,Monstrous
C1'eqtto'e=Mc,
let Packunit=Jp,letbike=Jb,Jump
Character=(ch\Daemonhost1344
Velricle Types: Fost=F,Flyer=Fl,F'eavy=}irv,lF.orter=H,
rWalher=N'
Open-topped-O,SkimmerS,Tank=Tk,
Trznsport=T,
other: An entry marked with a ('!) indicatesrhat it has additional rules.
L'onsult tne relevant codex rot more lnlormatlon-

i
/r
i

{i

Qodex: Blach Ternp'.lars

'$rsBs
Model
Castellan
5
5
CenohwteServitor
4
:l
CombatServitor
I
3
Xmperor'sChampion 6
4
GunServitor
J
4
Initiate
4
4
InidateBiker
4
4
s
Marshal
s

s
4
J
J
4
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4
4

T
4
4
J
4
3
4
5

w
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2
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1

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5 I
9 r+ In(ch)
I
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8 q+
5 2 l0 2+ In(ch)
3 I
8 4+
In
4 I
8 l+
In
4 I
8 3+
Bk

l0

3+

In(ch)

M a s t e ro fS a n cti ry

l0

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In( c h)

Neophyte

J.1

Reclusiarch

3+

In(ch)

Su'orrJBrethren

"1

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In

Tech Servitor

5+

In

SanguinaryGuard

Sanguinary Nor,'itiate

Codex:

Blood

Model
Baal Predator

T $rI
4 I
4
I

AI,dSv
2

3+

Typ*
In (ch)

,l+

In

l0

l+

In
In (ch)

J+

In (ch)

J+

In (ch)

I4293+
J

4
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4
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142102+
I
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{
4

2
2

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Angels

4
I
5

J
8
3

EversorAssassinSS44
Grand Master
6
6
Grey Knight
4
4
4
4
I"q":ilot
I n q u i s i t o r i,a-l S e r v i r o rJ
I
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Jokaerow"aponsmith l
Justicar4444
Knight of the llame
I
4
Mystic
3
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NemesisDreadknight S
4
Paladin
5
4
?uri6er
4
4
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3
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TerminatorJusticar
4
4
8
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VindicareAssassin
WarriorAcoll'te
J
3

J
4
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$T/S BS
-4

Armour
F S RI
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Type
F,Tk

D e a t h C o mp a n y
Dreadnought

t2l?10{

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Furioso Dreadnought

13 l2

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Model
w.S BS S

10 4

4
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4
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4
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6
4
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Model
$TSBS S
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M odel
Astropath
Bodyguarcl

'WSBS

l
4
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4
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Codex: Blood Angels

Model
$r/S BS S
BloodChampion
5
4 4
Death Cornpanl,
s444
Honour Guard
4444
Reclusiarcir
s544

S a n g u i n a ryP ri e st

::nlri:*:l : :i',

Unit Tyltes: Adillery-Ar,Beast=Be,Brke=Bk,Cavalry=Cv,

Eldar letbike-Ejb,ElytngMonstrous
Cre6ture=FMc,Infantry=It,

$flr
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35
27

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l0

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ln (ch)

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3
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4
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3
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3
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3
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3
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3
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CompanyCommander

4
4
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5
7

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5+

In(ch)
In
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HeavyWeaponsTearn

5+

LordCommissar

3
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l0

5+

M as ter ofOr dnanc e

MinistorumPriest

5+

In( c h)

I
5

3
5

7
6

OgrynBone'ead

5+

In(ch)

OfficeroftheFleet
Overseer
PenalCustoclian

J
3
3

J
4

3
4

5+
5+

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3
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Ogryn

3
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I
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J
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J
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Penallegionnaire

3
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PlatoonComrnander
Primaris Psyker

4
4

4
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i
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Ratling
Rough Rider
R oughR i der Ser geant
SancticnedPsyket

2
3

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I
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7
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4
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C o m p a n yMa ste r

Interrogator-Chaplain

4
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RavenwingBiker

514

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I
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R a v e n n 'i n g S e rg e a n t

514

8
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3
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J

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8
9
5+
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5+ In(ch)

r-

Ser'rritor

4+

VeteranSergeant

414

3+

ekqcht
In ( c h)

I
StorrnTrooperSergeant 3
Tech-Priestlnginseer
3

4
4

3
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4+

In(ch)

J
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3
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4
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3
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Arco-flagellant
Ba n i sh e r

T'WI

435

l0

435

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Itr
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Storm Trooper

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wS
4
Space Marine
4
Space Marine Biker
Space Marine Sergeant 4
4
fechmarine
4
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M odel

Armour
F S R
BSS
35121010

$rs
Model
3
Armoured Sentinel
Bane Wolf/Devil Dog/
H el l h o u n d

Type

AHP
l2

\(/
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12 12 l0

F,TK

trasilisk/Colossus/
Gnffon/Medusa
C h imera

t2

l0

l0

t2

t0

10

Deathstrike
H yd ra
Leman Russ Battle Tank
leman Russ Demolisher,

12 l2 t0
12 l0 l0
t4 13 l0

3
3

t4

Executioner, Punisher
leman Russ Eradicator,
Extermin ator,Vanquish er M a n ti co re
Scout Sentinel

Valkvrie/Vendetta

Model

$TS BS

Arco-flagellant
Battle Sister

53
3{

Canoness
Celestian

55
44

Celestian Superior

Confessor
Crusader
Death Cult Assassin

55
43
5

Dialogus
Dominion

34
34

Dominion Superior
Ecclesiarchv Preacher

3
3

Sister Superior

Model

34

ws

Exorcist
Immolator
Penitent Engine
Mari4-es
__S_pac,e
Model
Apothecary
Attack Bike
Biker Sergeant
Captain

ST
53
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33
33
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134
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441

42

93+In

Armour

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M odel
Dreadnought
D r op Pod

Ironclad Dreadnought
Land Raider

Space

3+

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8
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132

33
33

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132

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444
444

Damned Sergeant
Flonour Guard

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444

444

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4
3
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544
344
34s
445

444
333

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Bk(ch)
ln(ch)
In(ch)

3+
3+

In(ch)
In(ch)
In(ch)

3+

In(ch)

3+

In(ch)

2+
4+

In(ch)
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4+
4+

Bk(ch)
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ll

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t2

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11

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l0
l0
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l0
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13 13 l0
14 14 14
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3w'
2

FSR
t2 12 l0
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Whirlwind

J-r

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33

4
4

Venerable Dreadnoughts
\/i nJ i c l tor

,,|

Stormraven Gunship
Stornrtalon Gr-rnship

142
l3l
132

"t

Predator
Razorback/Rhino

Codex:

BS
4
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Land Speeder
Iand Speeder Stor m

.1

33

- Vehicles

Space lVf arine

In (ch)

3+

4?.

Bk
In ( c h )
In

Veteran

132

3+
3+

3+
2+

92+In
e
2+

33

544
444

TK
TK
o, \tr
FI,H' T

e
3

'/ t1 t

6
5
4

Servitor

42
4l

4l

441

l3l
l3l

s
5

Scout
Scout Biker
Scout Biket Sergeant
Scout Sergeant

TK

Typ"

441
441
441

A
'1

33

Chaplain
Chapter Champiorr
Chapter Master
Cornpany Champion
Damned Legionnaire

Librarian
Master of the Forge

-3

13 ll

8
I
9
8

33
43

r$trs B S S
444
4
44s
4
445
4
6

-3

-tA

Sv
td
83+In
3+

IA
4l

T$T

44r
451

Terminator Sergeanr

In ( c h)
In
In
In
In
In (ch)

33

Hospitaler

34
Mistress of RePentance 4
34
Retributor
3
Retributor Superior
44
Seraphim
4
Seraphim Superior
44
Sister Repentia

"J
-.t
-3

t4 13 I0
t2 l0 l0
l0l0l0J
t2 t2 l0

O,Tk
TK,T
TK
TK
TK

BS S

Model

Crey Hunter

4
4

5
3
4

Battle Leader
Blood Cla'ur'
Cyberwolf
Fenrisian Wolf

BSS
54
34
04
04

Sv
3+

Tw.I

td

425
414

3
1

e
3

514

3
2

64+Be
5o+Be

'tl't
1

3+

Typ"
In ( c h )
In

44.

414

83+In

44

414

2+

Lone Wolf
Long F ang
Rune Priest

5
4

44
44

424
414

2
I

8
9

3+
3+

44

Skyclart"
Squad Leader
Sq'iltclarv Biker

34

424
41.{

3+
l+

44

414

J'{

5l{

2
I

l0
I
e

Swiftclarv Attack Bike

Thrall-servitor
Thunderwolf Cavalry

3
3

34

524

.tJ

4
4

45
44

313
524
414

I
4

6
5

5
4

4
2

83+Cv
3+ In (ch,;r
9
l0 3+ In (ch)
l0 3+ In (ch,t

4+

In

A Ld
DE l 0

Sv
5+

Typ"
In

Wolf Guarci
\WoHLord
'WoH
Priest
Volf

Scout

Codex:
M odel

Chaos

3+

In ( c h )
In ( c h )
In
In (ch)
In,J
In ( c h )

33+Bk
83+Bk
{+
3

In

Daernons

Beast of Nurgle
Bloodletter of Khotne
Bloodcmsher of I(horne

w'S BS
30
5
5

l0
Bloodthirster
30
Chaos Spawn
/ J
Daemon Prince
Daemonette of Slaanesh 4
Herald on
Disc ofTzeentch
Jr-rggernaut
M ount of Sl aanes h
Palanquin of Nurgie

T\J(/I
522
41.{
524
645
533
545

3
5
DE
4

316

In
5+
In
l0 5+
ltl {+ FMc (ch)
l0-Be
lo 5+ Mc(,ch)
In
l0 5+

43
35

324
5J5

3
'1

l0
l0

327

o
o

l0

'1+ I n , J ( c h )
5+ In (ch)
5 + Cr,(ch )

34

533

l0
5
3105+

Fiend of Slaanesh
Flamer of Tzeentch
Flesh Hound of Khorne

05
44

425
4lJ

5105+
2104+

04

Fury of Chaos
Great Unclean One
Herald of Khorne
Herald of Nurgle

0.1
46

4r4
^1 tJ
652
4?lr

Herald of Slaanesh

.tJ

2105+
In' J
?
10 5+
Mc (ch)
4104+
l 0 5 + In (ch')
3
In (ch)
2105+
In (ch)
4105+

3{
34

523
327

In (ch)
Be
In, J
Be

sr/s B S S

Model

T Sr/
32

46

64

l0

l0

56
03

64
33

3
3

t0
l0

3I
5l

lt0

J3
04

,l

l
4

04
03

4l

3I

Herald ofTzeentch
Keeper of Secrets

43

lord of Change
Nurglings

5
2

Pink Horror ofTzeentch

Plaguebearer of Nurgle

Screamer of Tzeentch
Seeker of Slaanesh

Model
Soul Grinder

Model
AspiringChampion
As p i ri n g S o rce re r
BikerChampion
Chaos Biker

Atd
2t0

a
L

Typ"
In (ch)
4+ Mc ( c h)
3+ FMc (ch)

44J4
4433

HP

td

Sv

?,

t0

3+

In(ch)

4
4

t0

J+

In( c h)

4
4

z
I

t0
e

J+

Bk(ch)

J+

Bk

5
4

NoiseChampion

3+
3-In

4434

4l

86+In

443J

6l

86+In

S
4

4
Z

l0

J+

t0

J+
J+

J+

Mc(ch)
In
In(ch)
In

5
5

l0

J+

In( ch)

J
3

3+

In

I0

J+

In(ch)

4-

lt

Venom

44-

l0
r0

r0
l0

l0
l0

Voidraven Bomber

4-

11 II

l0

3+

In(ch)

Codex:

4
4

4
4

4
4

4
4

J
I

l0

Z+

Model

3+

In(ch)
In

Chaos Vindicator
Defiler

Model
Aberration
Acothyst
Archon
A r e n a Ch a mp i o n
Beastmaster
Clawed Fiend

S
t2t2

l0

+-1414t4
+-lJlll0
+"lllll0
J

+-13lll0
361212103

$flSBS
4
I
4
4
T
7

S
s
3
J

T
s
4
J

Sr
J
I
3

4
4

4
3
4
I
4
3
3
I
405545456+Be
CronosParasiteEngine 3
J
5
7
3
Dracon
4
4
3
J
I
Crotesque
4155343J6+In
llaemonculusAncient
5
5
3
4
J
tlaernonculus
4
4
J
4
z

6
6
4
s
5
4
G

z
I

T
1

443
44J

6
3
3

Tk,T

3
3
3

Sv Typ"
6+ In(ch)
E+ In(ch)
5+ In(ch)

s
s

5+ Eib( c h)
5+ Be(ch)

Z
r

t0
9

J+
5+

Mc
In(ch)

J
z
z

In(ch)

8
9

6+
6+
6+

In( ch)
In(ch)

In

d+

Helliarch

5+ In,J(ch)

Hellion
Incr.rbus

4
5

4
4

3
3

J
3

b
5

I
2

5+
J+

55J

Hekatrix

I$(/S ES
66J
10 5

553

HekarrixBloodbride

Autarch

Farseer
Fite l)ragon

td
4
e
to

In,J
In

Mc

td Sv Typ*
- In (ch)
e
9-In
- rn (ch)
e
l0 - In (ch)

Eldar

Exarch

Tk,T

In {ch)
In (ch)
In (ch)

HP Type
3 F,O,S,T
I
EO,S
3Fl
2 F,O,S,T
3Fl

IO

T \XZ I A
3l
62
3l
62
3l
62
6J
3l

Typ"

34'Sf

I A
4 4
4 z
7 4

Avatar of Khaine
Dark Reaper
Dire Avenger

A HP
33w
4
-JTK
J
-3Tk

BSS
43
43
43
43

5
5
5

Shadowseer
Troupe Master

Chaos Dreadnought
Chaos Land Raider
Chaos Predator
C h a o sR h i n o

$rs

Death jester
Flarlequin

4
4

Arrnour

Ej b

Harleqrrins
Model

SkullChampion

l0

IA
I0
l0

TerrninatorCharnpion
T h o u sa n d so n

BSS

5+
6+

FSR
l0

sfs
4

\XZS B S S

l0
ll

6+

In ( c h)

Armour

Model

1:

s3

Ravager
Razorwing jetfighter

_Qedst$_=q_l_taep_Sp_ac3M_*r_nrs_q:-Yet{cles

In

7
5

4043

Be

DaemonPrince
KhorneBerzerker

4D6

4-

?+

4
4
4
Obliterator4444Z4?g?+In
P l a g u e C h a mp i o n
4
4
PlagueMadne
4
4
Possessed4454l4zlo3+In

Raider

t0

N o i s e Ma ri n e

5377

In

l0

Talos Pain Engine

Ur-ghul

5
4

9
e

52
63

I
I

3De

4+
In,]
4. In,J(ch)

4433
4433

Model

5+

B
e

Sybarite
Syren

l5+In

bl

84

Codex: Darlr Eldar - Vehicles

I
I

43

In,J
In(ch)

55+Be

863J

rn(ch)

55

Succubus

3+

J+

95+In
e

9
l0

5l
5J

4455

t0

44Jl

95+In
8-In

Solarite

.l

J+

(-)

Sslyth

Iflrack
N(rych

Typ*

5+
In
56+Be
e
3+ In (ch)

5I
52

ChaosTerminator
4
Chosen4444l4tl03+In

6
4

Type

Sv
95+In

J L

J+
-

PossessedChampion

Tlpe

44\r

Chaos Spawn

5I

Scourge

Sf

6J

4033

Lhamaean

Razorwing Flock
Reaver

6l

4043
6533

Ib
Cv

4
4

C h a o sS p a ce Ma ri n e

I
I

44J3

Khymera
Klaivex

443J
444:l

4+
5+

Chaos Havoc
C h a os l o rd
Chaos Raptor
Chaos Sorcerer

td

52
5l

Medusae
Nightfiend

ll0
4
l0

s
|
4
5
I
444414193+In
6
5
4
4
3
4
4
4
4
I
s
4
s
4
r

$r/' I A

Mandrake

4433
4443

W'SBS

44Jl

In

5+

WSBS

Kabalite Trueborn
Kabalite Sflarrior

5+

l0

Model

4+

In
In

Armour
\XTSBSS F S R
33611t3il3

Sv
4+

Guardian

443
J33

Guardian letbike
Howling Banshee
Phoenix Lord

33J
441
774

l
4

Ranger

J4J

Shining Spear

443

Shining Spear Exarch

Striking Scorpion
Swooping Hawk

Warlock
\Y..p Spider
Wraithguard
tVraithlord

443
44J

445
4
4

443

4
3

443

l4lBt+Ejb
I
5
I
9
3
7 4
lA
14185+In
lsles+Ejb
6 7
e
l5l9J+In
I

4+
2+

In
In{ch)

r+

Ejb(ch)

4+
-

In,J

4
5
4

I
I
I

B
I

I
I
|

?.

l0
10

AHP

.1

l0

WIAfdSvType
o J
3
l0 t+ In(ch)
4
6 4
l0 J+ Mc(ch)
15193+In
I
5
I
9
4+
In
I
6 2
e
J+ In(ch)
I
s
I
l0
ln(ch)
15194+In
14185+In

In(ch)
J+
In,J
J+
In
3+ Mc (ch)

Coderl: Eld+f: Y"h*glep_**

Y'

Model
Falcon
Fire Prism
Night Spinner
Vyper
War \ililalker
'Wave
Serpent

BSS
3
4
3
3

*#

Afinour
F
S R
t2 t2 l0
t2 t2 l0
t2

t2 Io
l0 l0 l0
35101010422w
I
12 t2 l0
-

Typ.
3 as,Tk,T
3
F,s,Tk
I F , S,T k ,T
2
F,o,s
3 ES,Tk,T

v
Codex:

Necrons

Model
CanoptekScarabs

wsBS

A td

Sv Type

2
3
4

l0

5+

6
4

3
z

2
2

l0
lo

2
3

C an o p te ksp yd e r
CanoptekWraith

Lychguard4455tzzto3+In
4
4
NecronDestroyer
q
4
N ecro n l mrn o rta l
Necronlord

4
4

N e cro n Ove rl o rd

Necron'Warrior
T o mb B l a d e
TriarchPraetorian
Codex:

Necrons

4
4

4
4
4
4
4

Annihiladon
Barge
Catacomb Command

lo

ro

4+ Mc ( c h)

Crisis Shas'ui
Crisis Shas'vre

23
33

6
4

J
|

z
2

3
3

t0
l0

3+ In(ch),J
4+
In

Ethereal
Fire \Tarrior Shas'la

43
2

l0

3+

In,J

l0

3+

In,J

l0

3+

In

5
5
4

5
5

|
2

Fire Warrior Shas'ui

Cun Drone
Kroot
Kroot Hound

3+
J+

In(ch)

lo
l0

|
|
1

2
2
2

In( c h)

J
I
I

l0
l0

4+

In

4+

l0

3+

Jb
In,J

Armour
FSR
ll

ll

ll

1l

ll

Doom Scythe
Doomsday Ark

ll

ll

ll

ll

ll

ll

Ghost Ark
Monolith

ll

4
4
4

t4
lr

ll
l4

ll
t4

ll
ll

ll
ll

ll

HP
3

lt

Barge

$FSBS S T \XZ I A
423412274+In
4
2 4 4 2 3 3
23-7
244
23
234
l2
235
22
23
244
t2
322
t2
234
t2
234
23
244
t2
234
244
z3
t2
234
23
244
l2
234
t2
234
t2
234
l2
235
23
245
255
34
23
244

TW*
O,S

3 F,O,S,T
3Fl
4
O,S
4 O,S,T
4 Hv, S,Tk
3
Fl,T
3
o,'w'

td
7

Tru"

Sv

4+ In(ch)
3+
6+

Ar
In ( c h)

6+

In

4+

lb
In

4+
-In
5+
6+
2+

In
In
In
In (ch)
In (ch)

6+
6+
5+
5+
6+

In
In (ch)
In (ch)

6+
5+

In,I
In

4+
4+

Bk
Bk ( c h)

6+
6+

In (ch)
In (ch)

HP

Type

Codex: Orks - Vehicles

Armour
Model
Battlewagon
Bliua-bommer,

VTS BS
-2

Burna-bommer,Dakkajet4
Deff Dread
2
Killa Kan
Looted V'agon
Trukk
Warbuggy,
Warrakk, Skorcha

2
2
3
2
2

34
45

WSBSS
-4

Night Scythe
Triarch Stalker

Crisis Shas'el
U ns r s Shas 'o

- Vehicles

Model

Codex: Otks
Model
'Ard
Boy
'Ard Boy Nob
Big Gun
Big Mek
Burna Boy
Deffkopta
FlashGit
Gretchin
Kommando
Loota
Meganob
Mekboy
Nob
Ork Boy
Painboy
Runtherd
Stormboy
Tankbusta
Varbiker
'Warbiker
Nob
Warboss
'uTeird
Boy

Mc
In,I
In( c h)

J+
4+

4
4
4
7
s
s
C t an S h a rd
Deathmark4444tzlltt3+In
4
4
5
Destroyerlord
F l aye d On e s
4
I
4
4

3+

J
l

C r yp te k

HeavyDesttoyer

Be

Codex: Tau Ernpire

Model
$T'S BS
2
3
BroadsideShas'ui
3
3
BroadsideShas'vre

FSR
t4 l2

l0

4 o,Tk,T

r0

l0

3Fl

t2
ll
lr

l0
I0

3w
2w

l0

l0

l0

I
3

o,Tk,T
F,O,T

I0

I0

EO

l0
t2
ll
1l
l0
l0

^ 1

Krootox Rider
Marker Drone
Pathfinder Shas'la
Pathfinder Shas'ui
Shaper
Shield Drone
Sniper Drone
Sponer
Stealth Shas'ui
Stealth Shas'vre
Strain Leader
Vespid Stingwing

ALdSV
S T\)TI
5422282+In
8
54232
9
543t3
t0
54434
8
542
4
2
8
5
2
t0
3
3
I
7
3
3
I

3
3
3

22
43

Codex: Tyranids
Model
Biovore
Broodlord

In
In (ch)
ti

-In
-In

23

ti-

4+

23
23
43
27,
23
2

7
8

4+
4+

..:

-In
:i
In
In (ch)
In (ch)

4++
4
'1

4+

2
3

3
3

3+
In, J p
3+ In, J p ( .c h )
5+ In, J (ch)
5+
In, J

W.SBS
S T W.
334421164+In
7
s
s
3
0

6044162105+In
5
3i5
445
6
6
836
333
3
4
636
1066
2?64
3344
5344
23
?J
-l
3J
35
36
34
l4
l5
J t l

44
44

AHP
I
3
2

l3 t2 l0

Genestealer
Ht.py
Hive Guard
Hive Tyrant
Hormagaunt
Lictor
Mawloc
Mycetic Spore
Ffrovore
Ravener

Venomthrope
Zoanthrope

4+

43

339541473+Mc
3
3
3
|
J

Spore Mine
Termagant
Tervigon
Trygon
Tyranid'Warrior
Tyranid Shnke
Tyrant Guard
Tyrannofex

4+

4-

Carnifex
Gargoyle

Ripper Swarm
Sky-slasher Swarrn

2+ In ( c h )
3+ In (.h), Jp
J + In (ch), Jp
In, J p
3+
J + In ( .h) , J p
In (ch)

{+

_Qg_4e*iTarr_E_rrgp_i-1:_"_-Vehicles
Armour
Model
w'S B S S F S R I
3 - tz lt to
DevilfishTroop Carrier
4 - 13 t2 r0
Hammerhead Gunship
3 - n r0 r0
Piranha r ight Skimmer
Sky Ray Missile
Defence Gunship

TYPC

In

Typ"
S,Tk,T
s,Tk
EO,S

s.Tk

Ld

Sv

Typ"

l0

4+

In(ch)

6+

In,J

52104+FMc
2274+In
4
l0 3+ Mc(ch)
s
5266+In
3
l0 5+
In
3
8
3+
Mc
354+Mc
164+In
5+
Be
45
6+
In
6+
In, J
5
I
6
l0
I
l0
l0
7
I
6
l0

In
In
3 + Mc (ch)
3+
Mc
4+
In
5+
In, J
6+

3+
2+
5+
5+

In
Mc
In
In

*,\T

WEAPol.-ls
Weapon

AP

Range

Type

$Zeapon

Range

AP

48"
24"

7
l0

Assault l, Barrage

Deffgnn
D em ol i s her s i ege c annon
Demolition charge

6"

Devourer

lg"

Disintegrator cannon
D oonr s day c annon
Combarspeed

36"52

Heavy 3

24"74
72"gI

H eav y l , Bl as t
Hea\/y l, Large Blast
Assault t

Airbursting
fragrnentation projector

l8'

Angelus boltgun
Anirnus speculurn

1
L

5
6

A s s a u l t ca n n o n
24
I
Assault grenade
Ad. Astartes grenade launcher
Frag

large Blast,
Ignores Cover
Assault 2
Assault 2"F
Hea.vy 4, Rerrding
Assault l, Blast

Rapid Fire, Blast

?4"

Rapid Fire
Hear,ry 2

Ktak
24"
48"
Autocannon
Auxiliary grenade launc irer
12
F r ag
Krak
Avenger shuriken catapult
Bar-bedstrangler

t2
18"
36'

Battle cannon

72"

Blast pistol
Blaster

'1

5
5

Assault l, Blast
Assault I
Assault 2
Assault l,Iar ge B l as t,
Pinning
Ordnance I,

Varied frequency
Bloodstrike missile

Eradicator rrova cannon

Eternity gate

4g"

Heavy l, Blast,
Pinning
Assault 2, Pinning

72"

24"
12"

Boomgun

36"

Chainsword
Chem cannon
Close combat weapon
C J u s te r sp i n e s
Colossus siege mortar
C v c li c i o n b l a ste r
Cyclone missile launchet
Frag
Krak
D-cannon
Dakkagurr
Dark lance

4l 4

.Jb

Boltgun
Boit pistol

Burst cannon
Chainfist

Tl+.aflr

tsrr

Tlerth

qnin ncr

Plasrna

Assault I, Lance

24"

Burna

Eldar rnissile launcher

Krak

lg"

Bolt of Tzeentch

Breath of chaos
Bright lance

Doom siren
I)ragorr's breath flamer
Dreadnought close
combat weapon
Earthshaker carrnon

Iarge Blast
Pistol, Iance

rlI
o

Blastmaster
Single frequencv

Stationarv

Template
36"
Template
lg"

8
4

1
5

'1n

.J

"I
8Z

4s

Assault t

55

Assault I
Melee, Armourbane,
Specialist \feaporr,
Unr,vieldy
Melee
Heavy I, Poisoned (z+)"

[Jser
I

Meiee
Assault l, Lar ge B l as t
Ordnance l, Barrage,
Iarge Blasttt
Assault 5

User
l8'
24-240"

4g"

4g"
24"

8
x-;,1
5
8
l0

3
2

1g"
.t fl

12"
l2"
12"

Rapid Fire
Pistol
Ordnance l,
Large Blast
Assault I , Poison (4+)
Heavy l, Lance

x22

Template

Heavy I,
One Use Only
Assault t

Ileath sffil<e
Deathspitter
D e a th stri ke mi ssi l e

lg"
12"-Infinite

5
l0

[) eirthw'i n r-Jlauncher

12"

2
5
I

Heavy 2, Blast
Hea*ry 2
Heavy l, Blast, Barrage
Assault 3
Heavy l, lance
Heavy I
Assault z
Assault I
Assault 3
Ordnance l, Bartage,
I)3+3" Blast,
One Use Only*'
Heai,y l, Large Blast

Portal of exile
Eviscetator

Template
Tempiate

3
4

36-240"

48"Bl
4g,'

36"

o4

D6"

X
x22

*x2?

12"
Exarch deathspinner
Executioner pistol
12"
Executioner plasma cannon 36"
Exitus pistol
12"
36"
Exitus rifle
48"
Exorcist missile launcher
48"
Ixterminator
autocanrron
Firepike
18"

Type
Heavy D3
Ordnance l,
Large Blast
Assault l,Iarge Blast,
One Use Only
Assault Jt'

Assault I
Melee
Ordnance l, Barrage,
Large Blast
Heavy I
Heavy I, Blast,
Pinning
H eav y l ,Iar ge Bl as t"
Heavy l, Special
Melee, Armourbane,
Two-handed,

6
4

Unwieldy
Assault 4
Pi s tol , Poi s oned ( 2+)

7
X

2
I
I
I
4
I

Heavy 3, Blast,
Pistol, Sniper
Heavy l, Sniper
Heavy De
Heavy 4, Twin-linked
Assauit l, Melta
Assault t
Assault l"
Heavy I
Assault 2, Rending

X
I
7
8

Flarner
Flamespurt

Template
Template

4
5

5
4

Flarnestorm cannon
Flesh hooks

Template
6"

6
5

3
-

4
4
+l

5
5
2

Assault I
Assault z(t
Melee, Force,
Unwieldy
M e l e e ,C o n c t r s s i v e ,
Force

Ijser
b

3
-

g
g

I
I

Melee, Force
Assault 2, Rending
Assault l, Blast
A s s a u l tl , M e l t a
Assault t, Melta
Pistol, Melta

4-F
{

'1

Fleshborer
Fleshborer hive
Force axe
Force stave
Force sword
Frag cannon
Frag grenade
Fusion blaster
Fusion gun
Fusion pistoi
Gatiing psilencer
Gauntlet of fire
Gauss blaster
Causs cannon
Gauss flayer
Gauss flux arc
Grenade launcher
Frag
Krak
Griffon healy mortar

12"
12"
-+24
T e n r p l at e
8"J12"
l2''
6"Bl
?4"
Template
24"54
24"5l
24"45
24"

24"
24"
l2-49"

Heavy 12
Assault I
Rapid Fire, Gauss
Assault 2, Gauss
Rapid Fire, Gauss
lleavy J*, Causs
Assault 1,Blast
Assault t
Ordnance l, Barrage,
large Blast+

\il/eapon

Range

Grotblasta

12"3-

Grotzooka
Hand flamer

lg"65
Template
24"45
49"55

Harvester
Havoc launcher

AP

Tru"

Weapon

Assaultt
HeayyZ,Blast
Pistol
Assaulte
Hear,ry
l, Blast,

Melta cannon
Meltagun
Mindstrike missile

1 .

Iwrn-IrnKed

Range

AP

Tlpe
Heavy l, Melta, Blast
Assault l, Melta

R
8

Heavy l, Blast,
One Use Only,
Psy-shocko

Missile launcher

Hawk's Talon

24"55

Assault 3

Frag missile

Heavy l, Blast

Haywire blaster
Haywire grenade

24"44

Assault 1,Haywire
Assar-rltl, llayrvire

Krak missile

Heavy I
Heavy l, Skyfire
Assault 2
As s aul t I,Iar ge Bl as t ,

9"2-2

Hayvire grenade
Heat lance

18"

Haylire
Assatilt l, Lance,

Flakk missile
Missile pod
Monoscythe missile

/
6

4
5

One Use Only

Heavy l, Blast, Barrage
Heavy 3

M elta
Dispersed
Focussed
Heavy bolter
Heavy chainsword
Heavy flamer
Heavy gauss cannon
Heavy incinerator
Heavy psycannon

Hexrifle
Hot-shot lasgun
Hot-shot laspistol
Hunter-killer missile
Hydra autocannon
Impaler cannon
Implosion missile
Incinerator
Inferno cannon
Inferno / Infernus
Ion cannon

Multi-laser

Fleavy Z,rMelta
Fleavy 3
Melee, Two-handed
Assault I

Muld-melta
Multiple rocket pod
Necrotoxin missile

Template
36"

5
g

Templatet'

Assault l, Gauss
Heavy I

Heavy l, Large Blast,

Needle pistol

35"

Rending
Hear,ry 3

Neural shredder
Orbital bombardment

36"
72"

4
5

Assault l, Blast+
Heavy l, Latge Blast,

One Use Only"

Ordnance l,

x
3

One Use Only

Assault l, Sniper

3
3

Rapid Fire
Pistol

8
7
I

3
4

Heavy I
Heavy z, Skyfi.re

:Y'

4
2

Assault 2t'
Assault l, Blas t,

Template

Template"

One Use Only

Assault I
Fleavy I

I
3

Pistol, Melta
Healry 3

36"
lg"
6"3
Infinite
72"
24"
49"

pistol

Heavy I

I
4

5
g
5

72"

missiles

Template
24"
35"
-+2

24"

Heavy stubber
Ileavy venom cannon
Hellfury missiles
Hellstrike

4
5

Mortar

Heat ray

5"
50"

'7

5
{
2

Heavy l, Melta
H eav y l ,l ar ge Bl as t
Assault l, Large Blast,
Poisoned (z*),

8
4
X

Pinning,
One Use Only
3'i

Pistol

Template

I'i

Pistol

lo

Particle beamer
Particle caster

24"
12"

Particle shredder
Particle whip

24"
24"

7
8

Ordnance l, Barrage
Heavy l, Blast
Pistol
Heavy l, Large Blast
Ordnance l,

Plasma pistol
Plasma cannon

2
36

Plasma grenade
Plasma grenade
Plasma gun
Plasma rifle

12"

24
24

Large Blast
Pistol, Gets Hot
Heavy l, Blast,
Cets Hot
44
4'1

Assault l, Blast

72

Rapid Fire, Gets Hot

Rapid Fire

62

Power axe

+l

Melee, Unwieldy

Power fist

I Z

Melee,
Specialist \Teapon
Unwieldy
Melee,
'Weapon
Specialist

Power klaw

Kannon
Shell
Killkannon

35'
36"
24"

5
3
3

Heavy l, Blast
Heavy I
Or dnance l,

Krak grenade
Kroot gun

8"6
49"

4
4

Iar ge Blast
Assault I
Rapid Fire

Kroot rifle
Kustom mega-blasta

24"

I,asblaster
Iascannon
Laser lance

Frag

Lasgun
Laspistol
Lightning

claw

Liquifier gun
Iobba
Magna-grapple
Markerlight
Mawcannon

24"

Rapid Fire
Assauit l, Gets H ot

24"
49"

3
g

5
2

Assault 2
Fleavy I

Psycannon

Assault l, Lance
Rapid Fire

Pulse carbine
Pulse laser
Pulse pistol

6"6
24"
12"
Template
49"
12"
36"

3
3
ljser
4

5
g

DS
5
2

Pistol
Melee, Shr ed
Specialist Weapon
Assault I
Heavy l, Barrage, Blast
Heavy t, Grappie
I+
FIea,unT

36"

Tongue

24"

l0

6
l0

4
2

Assault I
Or dnance l,
Lar ge Blast

Armourbane
Unwieldy

Melta bomb

Focussed

4
g

Phlegm
Vomit
Medusa siege cannon

Power lance
Power maul
Power sword
Prism cannon
Dispersed

Template
36"

Assault l, Iarge Blast

Assault I

Psilencer

Pulse rifle
Punisher gatling cannon
Rail rifle
Railgun
Solid shot
Submunition
Ranger long rifle

+l/User"3/4"
+24
3
Ijser
5
9
4r'

5
8
5
5
5
6
l0
6
X

Unwieldy
Melee
Melee, Concussive
Melee
Heavy l, Large Blast
Healy l, Blast
Heavy 6
Assault 2 or Heavy 4*,
Rending
Assault l, Pinning
Heavy 2
Pistol
Rapid Fire
Heavy 20
Heavy I, Pinning
Heavy I
Heavy l, Large Blast
Heavy l, Sniper,
Pinning

Reaper autocannon
Reaper launcher
Ripper gun
Ripper pistol
Ripper tentacles
Rod of covenant

Heavy 2, Twin-linked

5
5
X
6
5

Heavy 2
Assault 3
Pistol, Sniper
Assault o
Assault t

Weapon

AP Type

Range

Rokkit launcha

24"

Rupture cannon
Scatter laser
Se e ke r mi ssi l e

4g"

l0

6
I

6
3

Shadow weaver
Shardcarbine
Shatterfield rnissile
Shattershard
Shokk attack gun
Shoota
Shotgun
Shredder
Shrieker cannon
Shuriken cannon
Shuriken catapult
Shuriken pistol
Singing spear
Skorcha
Slugga
Smart missile system

36"
Infinite
48"

lg"

49"
Template
60"

7''',
X't2D6t'*

12"
24"

(
.)

24"

I2"
t2"
12"

5
5
6
4
6

24"

Snazzgun

24"

DO

Sniper rifle
Sonic blaster

J6"
24"

Space Marine Shotgun

Spike rifle

l2"

Spinefists

12"

Spinneret rifle
Spirit syphon
Spirit vortex
Splinter cannon

Template
lg"

36"

Pistol
Assault I
Assault I
Pistol
Heavy 4
Assault I

Assault X",
Twin-linked
Assault l, Pinning
Assault I
Assault l, Large Blast
Assault 4 or Heavy 6,
Poisoned (4+)o

12"

Pistol, Poisoned (l+)

Assault z,
Poisoned (4 +)

Splinter rifle

24"

Rapid Fire,
Poisoned (4+)
Assault D3,

49"

Sta{f of light
Star lance

12"

Starcannon
Stikkbornb
Stinger pistol
Stinger pod

36"
g"

Stinger salvo
Storm bolter
Storm eagle rockets
Stranglethorn cannon
Strangleweb
Stub gun
Sunrifle
Synaptic disintegrator
Tachyon arrow
Tankbusta bornb

Large Blast'F
Assault 1,Barrage,
Large Blast'\'
Assault I
Assault l, Iance

12"
?4"
lg"

5
5
4

24"

24-129"

36"

Heavy 2
Assarilt l, Blast
Pistol, Poisoned (z+)
Assault 2, Blast
Assault 4
Assault 2
Ordnance D3,
Barrage, Large Blast
Assault l, Iarge Blast,
Pinning
Assault I, Pinning
Pistol
Assault e, Pinning

Template
12"
24"
24"

Infinite
8"

I
4

60"

Vanquisher battle cannon

Venom cannon
Vespid neutron blaster
Vibro cannon
Void lance
Void rnine

Rapid Fire, Sniper

Assault I
Assault l,
Armourbane

Tempest launcher

Jt)

Fleavy 2, Barrage,

Tesla cannon

?4"

BIast
Assault 2, Tesla

Tesla carbine

24"

fusault l, Tesla

Hear,y 4, Blast,
Ignotes Cover
Fleavy 4, Blast,
Tremor
Fleavy 4, Blast
Melee, Concu$sive,
Specialist \feapon
Unwieldy
Hear,y l, Exile Ray

x2

12"
\2"

X
3

48"

'1

48"
72"
36"
12"

6
5

A
-1

36"
rF

Ig''
\flarpfire
multiple missile launcher
\fhirlwind
Incendiarv castellan
72-48"

Assault J
6
3
2
4

36"

9
4
A
^1

Heavy 2, Blast
lleavy 2
Heavy l*
Assault l, Blast'Y
Assault I
Heavy l, Pinning'r
Assault l,lance
Assault l, Blast,
One Use Only,lance
Assault I
Ordnance l, Barage,
Large Blast,
Ignores Cover

Heavy 1, Sniper
Assault 2 or Flea'vy 3

lg"

Spore mine launcher

Surface
Thunder hanrmer

Typhoon missile launcher

Frag
Krak

Splinter pistol
Splinter pods

Spore mine cy$ts

60"

large Blast

Assault J
Assault 2

Assault 4, Tesla, Arc

Subterranean

Transdimensional beamer
Triskeie

Assault 2
Assault 2
Assault l, Blast
Assault 3, Pinning

AP T)p"

Range

Tesla desffuctor
Thunderfire cannon
Airburst

One Use Only

Or dnance l,

Assault 2
Assault I

19"

lg"

Heavy 4
Heavy I
Heavy l, Barrage, Blast
Assault J,
Poisoned ( l+ )
Assault l,large Blast,
One LIse Only
Assault l,

Ig"
72"

Template
l2"

Assault I
Assault z

'$7'eapon

Vengeance

248

User

\ritchblade
nflraithcannon
Zzap gun

-)

12"
36''

x*
2D6'Y

Ordnance l, Barrage,
large Blast
Melee, Armourbane
Fleshbane
Assault l
Heavy I

SmaLIBlast Marker

PsYCHIC
DISCIPLINES
Although the powers of Psykers are many and varied, they usually fall

If a Psyker generates a psychic power whose \Varp Charge cost

into one of several disciplines. The five most common psychic disciplines

is higher than their Mastery Level, roll again in the same psychic

are: BiomarCl, Divination, Pyromxricl, Telekinesis and Telepathy.

discipline until a power is generated whose \7arp Charge cost does

Each discipline has a particular character, which is reflected by the

not exceed hls Masterv level.

powers within it The Telepathy discipline, for example, is grounded in

mind control, and its powers act through compelling and influencing

If the Psyker needs to generate more than one psychic power, repeat

the thoughts and actions of others. It should be noted that, whilst

the above process until a number of psychic powers have been

two different Psykers may both use the same discipline, their powers

generated equal to the Psyker's Mastery level. Note that second and

are likely to manifest in unique, idiosyncratic ways. So for example,

subsequent psychic powers do not have to be generated from the same

an Imperial Psyker using the Pyromancy discipline may hurl blazing

psychic discipline as the Psyker's first power. If a Psyker generates a

bolts shaped like an avenging, two-headed eagle whilst a coffupt Chaos

power he already has, roll again in the same psychic discipline table

worshipper might conjure multi-hued conflagrations of living'V7.arp fire

until a power is generated that he does not already know. It should

and an ork Psyker could vomit cones ofbillowing

gteen flames.

be noted that different Psykers in the same army can have the same
psychic power(s).

Many races also have accessto their own, unique psychic disciplines
and powers. W'here this is the case,the relevant \Tarharnmer 40,000
codex will contain the necessary psychic power(s).

Some Psykers specialise in one discipline, honing a few powers to

the exclusion of all others. Others manifest a much broader range of
psychic disciplines and abilities - in such cases,the Psyker will be able
to generate powers from several psychic disciplines. The relevant codex
entry will detail from which psychic disciplines a Psyker can generate
his powers.

PnruARrs PourERs

l,

li
ll
fi

NuvrBERsoF PsvcHrc PowERs

Some psychic disciplines have primaris powers. A primaris power is

so intrinsic to the discipline's character that we can assume that any

A Psyker's codex will usually state how many psychic powers the Psyker

wielder of that discipline is able to master it. Immediately after rolling

has. Where this is not the case,the Psyker has a number of psychic

for a psychic power, a Psyker can always choose to substitute the power

powers equal to his Mastery level.

generated for the discipline's primaris power. Remember though, that a

Psyker cannot have the same power twice - if he chooses to substitute
his first power for the primaris power, and then chooses to generate

li

CEUERATTNGPsvcHrc PourrERs

another psychic power from the same discipline, he cannot substitute

Before either player deploys their army, you must generate psychic

any further powers from that discipline.

powers for your Psykers. This is done openly, so both you and your
opponent are aware of the power(s) each Psyker has generated. If your

Regardless of the psychic power(s) your Psykers have, it's worth making

anny includes more than one Psyker, you can choose the order in
which you generate their powers.

a note on your army roster - it's all too easy to forget which Psyker has
;
which power otherwise!

In some codexes, a Psyker will have a specific psychic power, or set of

Example: Sarah has a Psyherin her nrmy with a Mastery Level of 3 who

psychic powers - where this is the case,it will be clearly stated in the

know s pow ersf rom the T elepathy and Diuination discipltnes.The codex does

relevant codex. Otherwise, a Psyker generates random psychic powers

not specifythat the Psyherhnows any specificpowers,so Sarah chooses

the

from amongst the psychic disciplines known to him.

Telepathy discipline and rolls a D6.The result is a 3, thus generatine Puppet

Master. Sarah then choosestheTelepathy Discipline again, rolling anothey

To randomly generate a psychic power, first choose one of the psychic

3. This is re-roLled,theyesultbeinga I this time, generatingDominate.

disciplines known to the Psyker. Then, roll a D6 and consult the

Howeuer, Sarah chooses

to swap Dominat e for the Telepathy Primaris Power,

chosen psychic discipline; you will notice that the psychic powers are

Psychic Shriek. Tor her Psyher's

to generatethe
final power, Sarah chooses

numbered between one and six - the power generated corresponds to

power from the Diuination discipline. She yollsa 6. thus generatingthe psychic

the numbet rolled on the D6.

oower Scrier's Gaze.

-*-z+,-**"

+n4#

t
*i;ni. Disciplio.,

PRIMARIS

BIoMANCY
Biornancers

specialise

in rnanipulating

biological

POSTER

VarP Charge I
SMITE
Lethalboltsof bio-Iightninglropfrom thepsyher's
fngertips,
teartnghisfoesapart.

energy and processes with the power of their minds.

they are masters of the flesh,learning
inflrrence

the physical

allies or their

to shape and

forrns of thernselves,

enernies, accordiog

to their

Smite is a witchfire

lVar? Charge I
IRONARM
By transmutrnghisfleshinto Liuingmetal,the btomnncer
and pulp shul\s
canwadethroughenemyfire unscathed
withhisbarefists.

-t'

Iron Arm is a blessing

profile:

will.
l?"

Sm i te

l.

power with the following

their
4

Assault4

\Var? Charge I
LIFE LEECH
with a twist of hrsgnarledhands,the wrathful psyl<.er
rips the hfeforcefrom his enemy,hoardingthe stoLen
his otvn
and restore
and usingtt ta reinvigorate
essence
injured flesh.

that targets the Psyker. rW'hilst the power

is in effect, the Psyker gains +D3 Strength and Toughness (roll

Life Leechis a witchfire

power with the follorving profile:

once for both) and gains the Eternal'S7'arrior special rule.

I
' t

rI

,
,\
t

Life leech

,_

\
I

Warp Charge I
ENFEEBLE
As thepsyherchannelshisplwer1 tendrilsof warp energy
sapplnguitality from
Iashoverhisuicttms,everycnress
their bodies.

the power is in effect, the target unit suffers

a -l penalry to both Strength and Toughness, and treats all

terrain (even open ground) as dfficult

terrain.

AP

Type

Assault2

If trfe Leechcauses at least one unsaved \Wound, the Psyker

immediately regains a \7ound lost earlier in the battle (up
to his starting number of \[ounds)

War? Charge I
WARP SPEED
thepsyker,
into
Thepowersof the Immateriumflo*
Ablur is
speed
to supernaturaLleuels.
herghteninghts
he amongsthis enemies,feLlingthe unrighteouswith
blowstooswift to see.

Warp Charge I

ENDTTRAhICE

3. keaching into the essenceof his alLtes,the biomancer hnits

\togetheybones,heals
fatiguesothat they
fleshandbanishes

alr

12'

that targets a single enemy unit

Enfeebleis a malediction
within 24". \fhilst

Range

warp Speedis a blessing

that targets the Psyker.'S7'hilst

the power is in effect, the Psyker gains +D3 Initiative and

Attacks (roll once for both) and gains the Fleet special rule.

carryon thefiSht.
Endwance rs ablessing that targets a single friendly unit within
24". W'hilst the power is in effect, the target unit gains the Feel
No Pain, It Will Not Die and Relentless special rules.

'ru-

ron-&

A man may dic yet still cndurc if his work entcrsthc

Warp Charge I
IIAEMORRHAGE
mutant mind, thepsykerreaches
Eocussinghis
forth and setsa fire withtn hisvictim'sflesh.within
bloodbeginsto boil in
momen|s,the unfortunatefoe's
itsown veins,tearinghim asunderasit burstsfrom
euerypore.

grcatcrwork. Timc is carriedupon a currcnt inccpted

by forgottcn decds.Evcntsof greatmoment arc but thc

Haemovrhagers a focussed witchfire

culmination of a singlc carefullyplacedthought. As all

of l2".The target must pass a Toughness test or suffer a

power with a range

men must thank progcnitors obscurcdby thc past,so

W'ound with no armour or cover saves allowed If the target

wc must cndurethc prcscntthat thoscwho come aftcr

is slain, randomly select another model (friend or foe)

may continuc thc arcatcrwork.'

-The Chime of EonsGarba Moioro Prefectusof Adeptus Mechonicus

within 2" ofhim. That model must pass a Toughness test or

suffer a \7ound with no armour or cover saves allowed. tf
that model dies, continue the process until a model survives
or there are no suitable targets within

range.

hic Disciplines

DlvlNIATIoN
seek to discern the hidden past of the galaxy

Diviners

and know the corrrse of events yet to corne. These

abilities
strands

allow Diviners

PRIMARIS
POST/ER
PRESCIENCE
War? Charge I
Thepsykercan effortlessly
predictthe pathsof huLlets
and swoyds.
RyfocussmghisWarp-sight
evenmorecLosely,he
canguidehis
al|ies'aims,bringinga swtft and merciless
deathto their foes.

to look into the twisting

of the Irnrnaterirrrn

they seek, and sornetirnes

in search of the answers

everl influence

the orrtcorne

of fate itself.

Pyescie,nce
is a blessingthat targetsa single friendly unit within
12".\fhilst the power is in effect,the targetunit can re-roll all
failed To Hit rolls.

" q i

s
I

1'
0

r\

rd

FOREBODING
Warp Charge I
Thanhsto hiswarp-giftedinsrghts,
thepsyherandhis
aLlies
nrenwarethat theirfoesoreaboutto chargqe1,ten
beforethefoesthemselueshave
reaLised
it.

-t"

Eorehodingis a blessing

that targets the Psyker.

'Whilst

this

power is in effect, the Psyker and his unit have the Counterattack special rule and fire Overwatch on their full gallistic

it

PERFECT TIMING
Warp Charge I
As soonashrsconsciousns{s
pierces
theueil,of the
Warp,a rush of imagesfloodsthe drvtner'smind,
down to the
forete\tngtheactionsof hrsenemies,
merestmicrosecond.
Armed with thisinfoymation,the
diviner'salliescanprefuctexactlywhen their foeswill
peeroutfrombehindclveyand expose
themselves
to a
lethalheadshot.

Irl

Skill, rather than Ballisdc Skill 1. Note that this does not allow

1 {

lr

weapons that could not normally fire Overwatch to do so.

PerfectTtmingis a blessing that targets the Psyker. \Thilst

this power is in effect, the Psyker and his unit's weapons
have the Ignores Cover special rule.

Warp Charge I
Thepsyker'spropheticpowersnllow him to waLL<,
through
a haiLoffire unscathed,
dodgingincomingbullets
with an
eeriecaLm.
FORX\VARNING

r\

T
I

Eoyewarningis a blessing
within

that targets a single friendly unit

12". \Thilst the power is in effect, the target unit has a

4+ invulnerable save.

t'

MISFORTT.INE
Warp Charge I
With a cLichof hisfingers,the drviner twistsfate sothat his
followers'blowspunchthroughthe weakestpointsin their
opponents'
armour.
Misfortune is a malediction
within

24" \fhilst

PRECOGNITIOhi
Warp Charge I
Having alreadywitnessed
the onetrue path to victory,
thediviner stridesacross
thebattlefieldLihe
an auenging
godof wnr. Vhilst thepremonitionsrun true, he is aLI
but undefeatable,
proofagainstbuLletand bolt,blade
and bombardment . How ever, shoul d hi s self-w r ought
prophecies
hewiILsurelybedoomed
fade,0r tuyn faLse,
to ignominiousdefeat.
Precognrtionis a blessing

that targets the Psyker \fhilst

the

power is in effect, the Psyker can re-roll all failed To Hit and
To \7ound rolls, as well as failed saving throws.

that targets a single enemy unit

the power is in effect, the target unit must

re-roll successful saving throws.

Across the void of spaccrncnlivc asthcy havclivcd

for millcnnia upon thc sand,rock andsoil of worlds
bathcdin the light of alicnsuns.So is Humanity's

SCRIER'S GAZE
W"rp Charge I
The,liuinercnn see
thebattlefield
cleayly
inhis mind's
eye,with the vantagepoint of ahuntinghawk and
theprecisionof a laser.The to andfro of armiesand
war machinesis but the scurryingof antsbeneath
hisomniscient
gaze.Thus
canthe divinerdirectthe
deploymentof specialist
exactlywhen and where
forces
theyaremastneeded,
Leaving
no cluebehindasto horu
thistricl<erywasachieved.

scedcastfar andwide bcyondthc knowlcdgcof Man,

to thrivc bittcrly in the darkncss,to takc root andcling
with robust andsavagcdctcrmination.

Scnels Gazeis a blessing

that targets the Psyker. \fhilst

power is in effect, you can roll three dice and choose the
result you want when rolling for Reserves, Outflank and
mvsterious terrain.

the

Rychic Disciplincs
rF" =
l l
x1

l:
I
l-'

PvRoMAI.-lcY

i" f* "

l
f,

{t

is a rnaster of fire and flarne, a psyker

A pgornancer

l
t,\

who is able to create searing infernos

iI

air. Fyromarrcy

I
I

destructive

iu

of psychic

abiliry

and

Flame Breath

but a pile of charred bones.

Elame Breath is a witchfire

power with the following

profile:

and those who

in cornbat are oft redrrced to norrgfirt

face a pyrornarlcer

"]l

out of thin

is one of the rnost spectacrrlar

forrns

POST/ER
PRIMARIS
Warp Charge I
FLAME BREATH
eyesand
A torrent of psychicfl.ames
pourforth from the psyher's
mouth,engulfingthe t arget.

Range

AP

Template

rj

Type
Assault l,
Soul Blaze

Y
-(1

-/

Warp Charge I
Bulletsand shellspassstraightthrough the pyromancer
beingof Living
ashetransformsinto an incandescent
Warpfre,strtkingout athis foesand settingtheir
soulsablaze.
FIERYFORM

SPONilANEOUS COMBUSTION Warp Charge I

flnger,thepyromancercanmelt or
Eocussinghis
incineratehtsfoein a heartbeat.Yetwhen his rageboils
in ablastof
explodes
ouer,theunfortunatevictim'sbody
ashand roaringflame.'Vhocan snyhow m.anywill fall
uictim to his wrath beforeit is sated?
J

Eiery Eorm is a blessing

that targets the Psyker. \7.hilst the

power with

power is in effect, the Psyker gains a 4+ invulnerable save,

SpontaneousCombustion is a focussed witchfi.re

+2 Strength and his close combat attacks have the Soul BIaze

a range of 18". The target model suffers a'W'ound with no

special rule.

affnour or cover saves allowed. If the model is slain by thls

'W'ound,
centre the small blast marker over the target before
removing him. Al1 other models under the marker suffer a

Warp Charge I
With e sweepof his armsthe psyherthrowsup e towering
waLIofflame to protecthisalLies.

FIRE

\
I

SHIELI)

that targets a single friendly unit

rire Shielclis a blessing

within 24".The target unit has a 4+ cover save against shooting

attacks that do not have at least one of the following special
rules: Soul Blaze or Melta. In addition, whilst the power is in
effect, any unit that makes a successful charge against the unit
suffers 2D6 Strength 4 AP - hits, resolved at the same tirne as

Strength 4 AP 5 hit with the Ignores Cover special rule.

Warp Charge I
SIINBIIRST
Thepsykersingsa wild slngwhosenoteswereold when
wflsylung. As he doess0,an incandescent
the uniuerse
nuraappears
abouthim,growingeverbrighterand
hotterwith eueryrefrain.Only when the songis ended
dischargingitspent-upfury in a
does
the aura explode,
bLinding,supernovaLfl oh.

Flammer of Wrath hits.

Sunburstis a nova power with the following

s
I

Warp Charge I
INFERhTO
thepsykersetsthe air itself
Wtth an impatientgesture,
aflame,creatinga whirling pillar offre to sweepthrough

Sunburst

Range

AP

Inferno

Assault2D6,
IgnoresCover

power with the following

Range

TWe
Blind,

the ranhsof his enemres.

rnferno is a witchfire

profile:

AP

24"

profi.le:

Tlp"

Assaultl,
Soul Blaze,Blast,
Ignores Cover

You cannot fathorn thc mystcriesof thc [,Jnivcrsc,

Varp Charge 2
MOLTEN BEA1VI
Thepyrlmancerclapshis handstogetherand turns
them outwardtowardsthefoe.As he doesso,a whtte-hot
beamof blazingenergyburstsfrom hispalms.It melts
only ghastly
ormour to slagand vaporises
flesh,Ieaving
in itswake.
shadows
Molten Beam is a beam with the following

profile:

you must simply trust in the rightcousncssof thc

Empcror's Command!
Molten Beam

Range

AP

12"

T)Pe
Assault l, Melta

;ITELEKII.-IESIS
Telekines

are able to rnanipulate

the rnaterial

with the power of their rninds, translating

rnental

power into physical

lash their
shields
fabric

world

sheer

force. These psykers

ca:r

foes with psychic energy, erect invisible

to protect
of reality

themselves

rJsingnothingbuttheplwer of hismind, thepsykerteays

a
boulderof rochfrom thegroundand hurls it at thefoe.
Assail is a beam with the following profile:

force

and even rend apart the

itself.

Range

AP

18"

Tlp"
Assaultl,
Strikedown

.t

J'

('\

tI

";.

CRUSH
Warp Charge I
By reachingout his arm and clenchinghisfist,thepsyh.er
entrapshisfoein a chohingand cyushingmassofforce.
Grittinghis teeth,thepsyhercontinuesthe assaultuntil
flesh,armlur andbonealihearegroundto powder.

SHOCI(WAVE
Var? Charge I
Thepsyherslamshispalmi togetherand the noiseis
magnifieda hundredfold,releasing
a shoclzwaue
that
snapsbonesand ltnochsfoes
their
from
feet.
Shochwaveis a nova power with the following

Crush is a focussed witchfi.re

l',

tt

Range

2D6. The target model suffers a hit with a Strength equal to the

itt

result (a score of an I I or l2 wounds automatically or, in the

Ir
lr

profile:

power with a range of 18". Roll

I I

case of a vehicle, causes an automatic penetrating hit) wlth an

lr .i '

AP equal to the result of a separate D5 roll.

Shockwave

12'

AP

T1rye

AssaultD6,
Pinning

lu
l
I'
ls

.i
ii,

GATE OF INFINIIY
Warp Charge I
Thepsyker punchesa corridorthroughtheroiling
Immaterium,allowrnghimto cross
greatdistances
in the
blink of an eye.

l)

r\

t
Ln\

tv
"11
-!

TELEKTNE DOME
War? Charge t
BuLLets
bounceoff of thin air and aredeflected
alarminglytowardsfriendly forcesasthepsyhererectsa
barrier of shimmeringeneygyabouthimself.
TeleLeineDome is a blessing

is ablessingthattargetsthe Psykerandhis
GateofTnfinity

rj
v
F a \
'-a
f

that targets a friendly unit within

12".Nl models in the target unit have a 5+ invulnerable save

unit. Place a counter in base contact with a model in the

against Shooting attacks whilst the power is in effect. Every

target unit. Remove the target unit from the board. It then

time this save is successfrrlly made against a shooting atrack,

immediately

choose an unengaged enemy unit within 6" * that unit suffers

arrives using the rules for Deep Strike. The first

model placed must, however, be placed within 24" of the

a hit with a Strength and AP equal to that of the initial shot. If

counter. If the Psyker is the only model in his unit, there is no

there is no unengaged enemy unit within 6", then the \Wound

risk, but if his unit consists of two or rnore models, there is a

is still saved,but the shot is not redirected. Note that this does

chance something will go wrong; if the Deep Strike attempt

not cause templates to be repositioned,

scatters and a double is rolled, one member of the unit, chosen

by the controlling player, is claimed by the Warp and removed
as a casualry (the survivors scatter normally)

OBILIRJ\TIOhIMECIIAhIICIIM
WarpChargel
jam and enginesseizeup asthe telekineuses
Weapons
hispowersto wrenchand twist the inner worhingsat the
heartsof nearloymachines.
ObjurationMechanicum is a malediction

VORTEXOFDOOM
War? Charge 2
Thetelekineopensa tearbetweenthematerialrealm
and the howling destructionof the Warp,unleashing
energies
that utterly clnsumehis foes.
ofDoomis awitchfire powerwith the
Yoytex
followingprofile:

that targets a single

enemy unit within 24". \(lhilst the power is in effect, the rarger
'W'ound
unit must re-roll To Hit and To
rolls of 5. In addition,

T;ru=- ;
v",,"*"i.bo,-

",1-*;

r,sr;,t.

if the target is a vehicle (or vehicle squadron), each vehicle

'rlf,

in the unit has a Strength I hit with the Haywire special rule

centre the Vortex of Doom blast marker on the Psyker - in

allocated to it (roll separately for each).

this case,the template does not scatter.

when using this power, the Psyker fails his Psychic test,

Rychic Disciplin.qri

PRIMARIS

TELEPATHY
Telepaths are psykers whose rnental expertise
the rninds

and controlliog

contacting

a singfle thought,

a telepath

victirn's

thorrghts

terror

their

and rnould

lies with

of others. With

can blast awayhis

sanity, induce states of nurnbing

foe's

or possess his

actions

power with a range of 12". Roll 3D5 and

Psychic Shnehis a witchfire

subtract the target's Leadership - the target unit suffers a number of

'${/'ounds
equal to the result. Armour and cover saves cannot be taken
'W'ounds
caused by Psychicshnek.
against

as if they

were his o$rn

\VarP Charge 2
IWISIBILIIY
the psyker obscures
Reachinginto the mindsrif his foes,
himselfandhisalliesfromtheenemy'sstght.

Warp Charge I
DOMINATE
mind, trammellinghis
intohis foe's
Thepsykerreaches
souland crushinghiswiLIto fight on.

Invisibtlity is a blessing

that targets a single enemy unit

Dominate rs a malediction

PO\UTIER

lVarP Charge I
PSYCHIC SHRIEK
in deeplythe powerof the Warp before
Thepsyherbreathes
the minds
howl of psychicenergythat shreds
emittingabanshee
of his enemies.

that targets a single friendly unit within

within 24" \x/hilst the power is in effect, the target unit must

24". The target unit'is invisible as long as the power is in effect.

pass a Leadership test each time it attempts to move, shoot,

An invisible unit has both the Shrouded and Stealth special rules.

Run or declare a charge - if the test is failed, the action is

Models charged by an invisible unit gain no benefit from the

forfeit and the unit can do nothing that phase.

Counter-attack special rule (they don't see it coming). Models

attacking (or being attacked by) invisible models in close combat
count as \ileapon Skill l. Blows made by, or against, non-invisible

Varp Charge I
MENTAL FORTITT,TDE
into insane
Despoiris turnedintofreshhopeand couroge
inspirationalthoughtsof
heroismasthe telepathproiects
victory into the mindsof his allies.
MentalEortitude is a blessing

models in the same combat are resolved normallv.

\V'ar? Charge 2
I{ALLUCINATION
to
Paranoia,clnfusionandpanicareheightened
a debilitatingdegreeasthe telepathaltershisfoes'
perceptionsof reality.

that targets a single ftiendly unit

within 24". If the target is falling back, it immediately regroups. It

then gains the Fearless special rule for as long as the power lasts.

Hallucinationis a malediction

that targets a single enemy

unit within 24". Roll immediately to determine the manner

Warp Charge I
PUPPET MASTER
hisuictim'smind, controllingtheir
The telepathpossesses
mlvements,their aim and their triggerfingersasif they
weremarionettes.
Puppet Master is a focussed witchfire
of 24".The target immediately

of hallucinations

the targcjt is suffering from (roll once for the

whole unit).

D5

Result

l-Z

Bugs!

I Hate

Brrgs! Somethingunspeakablehasgotten

under the victims' ormoLrrandhasbegunto crawl around-

power with a range

The unit is automatically

makes a shooting attack as if

Pinned, unless it would

it was one of your models (this cannot target his own unit).

normally automatically pass Pinning tests or is locked

After resolving the attack, the target shakes free of the Psyker's

in close combat, in which case there is no effect.

conrol

reverts to the owning player's control.

and immediately

3-4

Errnrnrn?

All senseof urgency is Lost,and the befuddled

warnors just starelistlesslytnto space.The unit cannot

shoot, Run, declare charges or strike blows in close

War? Charge I
TERRIHf
Euenthe brauestof heroesquahein terror asthe telepath
assails
them with imagesfrom their own darhestand most

combat whilst the power is in effect.

5-6

dreadfulnightmeres.

You! Yorrtre

a Traitort

Paranoia setsin and the panklud

warnorslosh out attheir comrades.Every model in the unit

Terrify tsa malediction

that targets a single enemy unit within?4'

immediately

inflicts a single hit on his own unit, resolved:

The target receives no benefi.t from the Fearless special ruIe and

at that models' own Strengths, but using the Strength

treats all enemy units as having the Fear special rule for the powers

bonuses, AP values and special rules of their most

duradon. F

errnore, it must immediately

take a Morale check

powerful close combat weapons (if they have any).

THr Geur Sun,tMARy

+---.+*:

PnEPARTNGFoR BarrLE

Before you can plny a game, you will need to prepare a few things:

Next,

terrain

shorrld

can be done

using

Narrative
r

First,

Vou need

to decide

yorrr

to choose

what

you want

arrny.

To do so, yorr need

be placed

on the battlefield.

the Narrative

orAlternating

This
rnethods:

(see page 120); set up the terrain to create a

Terrain

fantastic looking battlefi eld

to inclrrde:

Alternating

(see page 120)

Terrain

You must have a Primary Detachment (see page 109)

. Pool all the your terrain to the side of the battlefield.

You may be able to include allies (see page I l2).

. Deterrnine the terrain density by rolling a D3 for each 2'by 2'

You may include a Fortification (see page 109)

section of the battlefield and noting it down.

' Starting with the player who won the roll-off for table halves,

Finally, you must choose one of your HQchoices to be the

tJfarlord leading your force (see page ll l).

alternate deploying a terrain'piece'anywhere

on the board. Each

terrain'piece' is either one substandal piece (such as a building,

ruin or forest) or up to 3 small pieces (such as battlefield debris).
' Players continue to altetnate until they choose to stop or until
they reach the maximum terrain densiry for each board secrion.
. After both players have finished, and as long as both players
agree, you may shuffle the terrain around to create the best
looking battlefield possible.
Next,
will

you need

to see what

be playing

and

Eternal

\Var

rnission

you
r

set up the battlefield.

To determine which Eternal'War mission you will be playing, you

place

Now,
playing

can either pick one with your opponent or roll a D6 to randomly

any objective

rnarkers

the mission

yorr are

reqrrires.

Starting with the player who won the roll-off for table halves,

choose one, referring to the following table (see page I l8)

altetnate placing the objective markers until they have all been
piaced following the restrictions on page l2l.

j
l i

li
l,

i
I

li
I
I
I

D5
I
2
3
4
5
5

Eternal War Mission

Page

Crusade

126

Purgethe Alien

127

Players
Roll

rnust

Big Guns Never Tire

128

(either

The Scouring

129

has one).

The Emperor'sV/'i11

130

The Relic

l3l

now

deterrnine

on one of the tables

frorn

If either
psychic

page

their

Varlord

available

I I I or one frorn

player

has Psylcers

powers,

they$enerate

that

to your
their

codex,

generate

thern

Traits.
Varlord
if it

randorn

now.

To determine which deployment map to use, you can either pick

one with your opponent or roll a D3 to randomly choose one,
referring to the following table (see page ll8)

I
I

rt is tirne
Roll-off;

to deploy
the winner

your

forces

chooses

onto

to deploy

the battlefield.
first

or second.

The player deploying first then deploys their entire force within
Deployment

Map

Page

their deployment zone, excluding units using their Infiltrate

Dawn of War

il9

special rule and any units being kept as Reserves.

Hammer and Anvil

ll9

The player deployingsecond then does rhe same.

Vanguard Strike

ll9

Units using the Infiltrate special rule are deployed next. If both
players have such units, roll-off; the winner chooses who goes

Finally,the playersroll-off, and the winner selectsone of the table

first Alternate placing units until all eligible units are deployed.

halvesto be his,with the other half going to his opponent.

Ary units with the Scouts special rule may now redeploy.
If both players have such units, roll-offi the winner chooses

If either force contains

anyfortifications,

they

need to be placed at this point. If both forces have

fortifications,

the player who wcrn the roll-off

who goes first. Alternate redeploying units unril all eligible

units are re-deployed.

to choose

table halves places theirs first (see page 120).

Fortificationsmust be placedwholiy within your own tablehalf

The player who deployed second rnay now atternpt to

(see page 122\.rf he succeeds, he has
seize the rnitiative

and cannotbe placedwithin 3" of anotherfortification.

the first turn. If he fails, he goes second.

-----.-^--^"*

MovEMENT PHesE
the steps below. Repeat the steps

Select a rrnit and follow

for each unit

in your force that you wish to rnove.

is falling

If the unit

bacL, it first

atternpts

to Regfoup

(see page 3t).

If it successfullyRegroups,it may move up to 3".
If it fails to Regroup,it must Fall Back(seepage30) towardsits
own table edge.
State which
I)eterrnine
terrain

rnodels (if any) in the rrnit are not rnoving.

if the unit

will

be rnoving

and (if appropriate)

distance

througflr

roll for rnaxirnrrrn

difficult
tnove

(see page 90).

Move the unit

rrp to its rrtaxirnrrrn

has gone to gforrnd,

the unit

move distance.

cannot

If it

ttrove (see page l8).

The chart below lists all the unit types and shows their standard move
distance alongside the effect difficult terrain has on their movement
(if any), as well as other reference information.

Unit

Ty1le

Move

flistance

Difficult

Terrain

Effect

Infantry

0"-5"

Roll 2D6 and pick the highest.

Jump r.inits (.using their

jurnp pack)

0 "- 1 2 "

Starting or ending in difficult terrain requires a

]ump units (not using their

jrr*p pack)

As per their standard

unlt type

Dangerous Terrain test

As per their standard unit rype

3D6"

var

Beasts

0 "- 1 2 "

No effect

3D6"

48

Cavalry

0 "- 1 2 ' '

Counts as dangerous terrain.

3D6"

48

B i ke s

0 "- 1 2 "

C ounts as danger ous ter r ai n.

3D6"

45

Jetbikes

0 "- 1 2 "

Starting or ending in difficult terrain requires a

Dangerous Terrain test.

3D6"

45

N'lonstrous Creature

0"-6"

Roll 3P6 and pick the highest.

2D6',

48

Artillery

0"*6"

Roll 2D6 and pick the highest.

2D6"

46

0"-6"

Starting or ending in difficult terrain requires a

D anger ous T er r ai n tes t.

2D6"

47

As per their standard unit Type.

2D6'

var

Starting or ending in difhcult terrain requires a

D anger ous T er r ai n tes t.

n/a

83

Roll 2n5 and pick the highest.

n/a

84

Jet Pack units

(using their jet pack)
Jet Pack units
(not using their jet pack)
S ki mme r
Walker

As per their standard

unlt rype

0 "- 1 2 "
0"-5"

F h ' s 1( Z o o m m o d e )

18"- 36' (limited to a single 90"

pirrot at the start of its morre)

No effect

n/a

80

Flying Monstrous Crearure

(Srvooping)

lZ" - 24' (limited to a single 90'

pivot at the start of its move)

No effect

n/a

49

D a nger ous T er r ai n tes t.

n/a

7l

A11other \rehicles

012

SsooTrNG PnesE

Vehicles

have

Choose one of your units that has not yet acted in this Shooting phase

a vehicle

has rnoved,

and decide if you wish to shoot with it or move it. If you wish to shoot,

is fi.ring,

that

then follow the process below; if you wish to rnove, see Moving in the

a different
rather

deterrnines

chart,

as it is rrsually

than
how

what

type

effective

how

far

of weapon

its firepower

The notable exception to this is Ordnance weapons. Firing an

Shooting phase.

Ordnance weapon means that a vehicle can only make Snap Shots
with its other weapons that turn (see page 7l).

First,

choose

a tar$et

- for an enemy unit to be a viable target,

one or more models in the enerny unit must:

How

Be in range of at least one weapon in the firing unit.

r

Be in line of sight for at least one model in the firing unit.

If rnodels
cover,

r Next,

then

roll

it
is.

in the target
yorr rnaywish

To Hit

rrnit

are in varying

to Focrrs

Fire

levels

(see page

vehicle
11ne
of

Manyweapons
cam a vehicle
fire at full Ballistic
slcill

i-*;b*
]-.--Stationary
Speed

j cr,ri"i',g
Speed

l8).

- whether or not the models in the fi.ring unit

moved in the preceding Movement phase can affect how many shots
a weapon can fire and the accuracy of those shots (see chart below).

Fast

All

lleavy

All

Flyers(Zoom
Mode)
All other
r,'ehicles

Weapon
Twe

Heavy
Ordnance
Pistol

Rapid Fire

Full

Salvo

Lower of two
values

TneNsponr Vsnrclss ANo THxrn PesssNcrns

How far aTransportvehiclemoves(seepage78),aswell asdamage
sufferedin the ptecedingturn andMovementphase(seepage80),canaffect
theunit beingtransported
andthefirepowerit canbringto bearon the enemy.

Muy only fire Snap Shots

F l a t L l r-r t

Cannot s hour

Shaken

May on\' fire Snap Shots

Stunned

tlannot shor-rt

V/eapon Destroved

l.Jone

Immobilised

*"

Count as having moved

vehicle

instead of using the chart, add the

units:

Once you have worked out how many shots the unit can fire, dlvlde

Ag;ainst

these into groups or use different dice so that you can keep track of any

number rolled on the dice to the weapon's Strength'

weapons with different Strengths, AP values or special rules, ot any

. If the total equals the Armour Value of the appropriate facing

with each group to work out whether or not you hit and cause damage.

To Hit

Roll

has been scored

. If the total beats the Armour Value of the appropriate facing,

a penetrating

hit

(see page 73), a gflancing

shots fired at different Ballistic Skills. Then, follow the process below

hit

has been scored.

- First, ro11a number of dice equal to the number

of shots in the group you are resolving. To see how many hits are

If the vehicle is obscured (see page 75) or is granted a saving throw

scored, compare the rolls to the Ballistic Skills of the models firing

from another source, it can attempt a saving throw against each

them, on the chart below (see page l3).

glancing and penetrating hit.

Reduce the vehicles remaining Hull Points by I for each unsaved

Firer'sBallisticSlcill

l0

Finally, ro11on the table below for each unsaved penetrating hit.

To Hit

Roll Reqrrired

glancing or penetrating hit.

. Add I to each roll caused by a weapon with an AP value of 2.

- Remove any dice that failed to hit and roll the

To Vorrnd

Roll

The player controllitg

. Add 2 to each roll caused by a weaPon with an AP value of I

(see page 74).

dice again.

remaining

the shooting unit can choose the order in

. Add a further I to every roll if the target vehicle is open-topped.

which different groups of \Tounds are allocated (see page l5).

Once a vehicle is reduced to 0 Hull Points it is'$Trecked (see page
94). The vehicle is destroyed but left on the battlefield, effectively
becoming a piece of difficult

and dangetous terrain

Targetts Toughness

4+

5+

6+

6+

3+

4+

5+

6+

5+

2+

3+

4+

5+

5+

2+

2+

3+ 4 + 5 + 6+ 6+

.d(,) 5

2+

2+

2+

2+

2+

2+

2+

3+

4+

5+

6+

6+

2+

2+

2+

l+

2+

3+ 4+

5+

6+

J
+.
b0
iqJ
|i

+.
o
JD

E
o
g

JD
l{
c)
J
I
d
u
+.

I(l

The vehicle can only fi.re Snap

Shots until the end of the next rurn.

3+ 4+

6+

5+

Crew Stunned

6+

Shots until the end of the next

turn and cannot move unless it is a
Zooming Flyer. In which case it can only

6+

move 18" and cannot turn.

W.eaponDestroyed ffi|
7ffi

6+

2+

2+

2+

2+

2+

2+

3+

4+

5+

6+

2+

2+

2+

2+

2+

2+ 2 +

3+

4+

5+

2+

2+

2+ 2+

2+

2+

2+

4+

3+

2+

One of the vehicle'sweapons

(randomlychosen)is destroyed.

If the vehicle hasno weaponsleft treat

this asan Immobilised resultinstead(see
below).
5

t0

The vehicle can only fire Snap

Immobilised

ttffil
19ffi

The vehicle cannot move for the

rest of the game. lt may not rurn

either, but its rurret can continue to

rotate to select targets A Flyer in Zoom
Mode instead suffers Locked Velociry
Ag;ainst

non-vehicle

compare the Strength of the

units:

or suffering from Locked

weapons being fired in that group to the majority Toughness of the

Immobilized

target unit (see above).

. If a group of '$7'ounds all have the sarne

Velocity instead removes an additional

saving

throws

Hull Point.

taken against them , simply roll all of the saves at once. Allocate

EIYA The vehicle is destroyed. noll a D6.

each unsaved'$round, one at a time, to the closest model in the

HffiH Units take a number of Strength 3,

target unit. Each time a model is reduced to 0'!?'ounds' remove

it as a casualty and allocate \W'ounds to the next nearest model.

AP - hits equal to the number of models

. If a group of W'ounds have different

ii

(see page Sl). Avehicle that is already

saving;throws

taken

against them, roll the savesindrvrdually against fie closest model in

the target unit. Each time a model is reduced to 0'$7.ounds remove it
as a casualty and move on to the next nearest model. (The Fast Dice
box-out on page l6 has ways to speed up this process.)

=r

from their unit in range.

\
MOVING IN THE SFIOOTING PHASE

Asseurr PnasE

Instead of shooting with a unit in the shooting phase, you can choose

The Assault phase is broken down into two sub-phases: first, the Charge

to rnove it. Consult the chart below to see how far. Remember that units

sub-phase and then the Fight sub-phase. You must resolve the charge

with the Fleet special rule (see page 35) can re-roll one or more dice

sub-phase for all of your units that you wish to charge, before resolving

when running and vehicles cannot use their smoke launchers (see page

the Fight sub-phase for all of your units that are locked in combat.

87) on the rurn they move Flat Out

CHARCE SUB-PHASE
lJnitftrehicle

Type

r Rrrn, Trrrbo1 noost or

I Flat Out?

i
i

Maxirnunr
Move
Distance

Pick

one of your

wishes

units

and declare

which

enerny

unit

it

to charge.

If there are multiple enemy units that your unit wishes to target
with its charge, declare which enemy unit is the primary targer)
then declare which are the secondary targets (see page 27).

Each

enerny

now

resolve

Roll

the charge

rrnit

nornin

ateil

its Overu'atch

range

as a tar$et

fire

of a charge

can

(see page 2t).

for the unit.

See the chart below for

how many dice to roll and the effect charging through difficult
terrain has for each unit type.

Bikes

Units with the Fleet special rule can re-roll one or more of the
dice (see page 35).
Artillery

units are unable to charge as long as they include one or

more guns (see page 45).

Eldar (and Dark Eldar) jetbikes and jet Pack units can move up to
2D6" in the Assault phase even if they are not charging an enemy
uni t ( s eepage 45 & 47) .
Jump units that use their jump packs to make a charge move gain
the Hammer of tilZrath special rule until the end of that rurn (see
page 37) and can re-roll their charge range roll.

ell Other Vehicles

Flat Out

6"

Note that because dangerous terrain is also treated as difficult terrain,

it also affects charging units.

FIGHT SUB-PHASE
.

non-vehicle

Against

rrnits

- compare the Strength of the

ongoing, the player whose turn it is decides the order in which they

Attack against the majority Toughness of the target unit on the To

's7.ound.
W'ound chart to see what ro11is needed To

are resolved.

. If all the \Tounds caused at this Initiative Step have the sarne

to resolve.

a cornbat

Choose

If there is more than one combat

taken against them, roll all of the saves at once

throws
and allocate the unsaved \wounds, one at a time, to the enemy
savin$

a challenge

Declare

(see page

if yorr wish

64).

If a challenge is declared and accepted, move the models in the

model closest to the models that are attacking at the current

Initiative step (see page 25).

challenge into base contact if possible (see page 64).

. W'hen multiple enemy models are closest, their controlling

o Starting
steps

at Initiative
towards

one or rnore
have

step

10, corrnt

participants

not

down

involved

the

throrrgfir

that

value

anlnitiative

you reach

I until

player chooses which model is allocated the W'ound

. If the \Tounds caused have different

taken

savingthrows

against them, allocate them to the closest model one at a time,

in a challenge

and roll the model's saving throw (if it has one) before moving

(see pagel?l.

All models with this Initiative value now Pile In (see page 23).

on to the next'S7.ound. Once a model has a'S7'ound allocated to

All engaged models (see page 23) with this Initiative now get to

it, you must continue to allocate \Tounds to it until the N7ound

make a number of Attacks equal to their Attacks characteristic

pool is empry or it is removed as a casualry.

plus any bonus Attacks they are entitled to (see page 24).
Ag;ainst
.

To Hit

Roll

Initiative

- Roll one dice for each Attack being made at this

step and compare the model's W'eapon Skill to that of the

majoriry W'eapon Skill of the enemy unit it is attacking to see what

a vehicle

- instead of using the To \7ound

chart, add

the number rolled to the Attack's Strength.

. If this equals the Armour Value of the rear facing of the vehicle
being attacked (see page 76), a gflancing

hit

has been scored.

. If the total exceeds the Armour Value of the rear facing of the

roll is needed To Hit (see chan below).

Remember to divide Attacks with different Strengths, AP values

vehicle being attacked, a penetrating

hit

has been scored.

or special rules into separate groups or use different coloured dice.

Non-\Talker

vehicles that have moved in the previous turn have

vehicles that didn't move in the

'W.eapon
Skill of 0.
previous rurn, or are Immobilised, have a
a W'eapon Skill of l. Non-\(ralker

Reduce the vehicles remaining Hull Points by I for each unsaved

glancing or penetrating hit.
Finally, roll once on the Vehicle Damage table (see page 74) for
each penetrating hit caused.

step and repeat the

Move on to the next Initiative

process above to resolve Attacks rnade at that step.

Once all rnodels that
5+i5+

5+,5+

d
rl

arenot

in a challenge

it is tirne to resolve any challenges

have fought,

(see page 64).

If there aremodelson one sideof the fight that cannotfight, asthe

only model they areengagedwith is lockedin a challenge,then they
can insteadlend their Moral Supportto their champion(seepage65).

J
o
E
o
E
ql

l5+

i3+

>
7

JD

ir*

H
q)

I
cl
+r
+.

Finally,

4+

4+

the Assault Results (see

of rrnsaved

Worrnds carsed by each side.

3+i

3+

it is tirne to determine

page 26). To do this, add rrp the total nrrrnber

If one side destroyed the enemy entirel|, they automatically win.

Otherwise, the side that has caused the least unsaved Wounds has

3+

lost and must take a Morale Check (see page 29).

4+i4+

83+

3+;3*13*

3+

4+ ', 4+

. If one or more units that lost the combat pass their Morale
checks, make end of combat pile in moves (see page 27).
. If the losing side is unable to hurt their opponents, they can

l3+

choose to automatically fail their Morale check (see page 26).

. If all the loosing units in a combat fail their Morale checks, the
victors can affempt to make a Sweeping Advance (see page26).
- Any units that failed their Morale check and survived the

Discard
that

each dice

rernain

that

rnissed

the enerny

and

roll

those

Sweeping Advance must now Fall Back (see page 30)

aglain. This roll is used to see how many Vounds

have been caused on non-vehicle units, or how many glancing and

Any surviving, unengaged units that are not falling back, now make a

penetrating hits have been caused against vehicle units.

Consolidadon move of up to D6" (see page 27).

IruDEX
AcceptingaChallenge...
A c c e ss P o i n ts
AcuteSenses
Adamantium\fill .
AdvancedRules
AegisDefenceLines..
AerialSupport
Alien Corpse
elliedDetachmenrs.
Nlies....
AlliesMatrix..
AlliesofConvenience.....
'S7.ounds
(shooting)
Allocate
Allocate S/ounds (close combat).
AlternatingTerrain.
AmmunitionDump.
And They Shall Know No Fear
AP..

..64
. .78,93,95
....33
....33
..7
...114
..80
. 105
.....109
.ll2
......113
ll2
15
. . 25
.... 120
.....104
. . . . . 33
......l7

ArcheotechArtefacts
...106
AreaTerrain
...9l
Armies....
ll8
ArmourPenetration.
.....73
Armour Piercing(AP)
. . lZ 50
Armour Save(Sv).
. . .2,16,26,
Armour SavingThrows
16,26
Armour Value(AV)
. . .70,73,92,97
ArmourValue0...
..94
Armourbane.
...33
Armouredsteed
.....45
Armylist.
.108
Artillery
....46
AssaultGrenades......
..61
Assaultphase
...20
Assaultphasesequence
...20
AssaultResults
......26
AssaultVehicle
......33
Assaultweapons
......51
Attacks(A)
...2
Auto-weapons
. . 56
A u t o m a t i c P a s s A n d F. a i l
...7

di
li

BallisticSkill(BS)
BallisticSkill6 or Better.. .
Barrage....
Barricades...
Basesizes.....
Basicrules
BattleBrothers
BattleCannon
Battlefield.......
Battlefieldoebris.....
BattlefieldTerrain...
Battlements.
Beam.
Beasts
Big Cuns NeverTire .
Biggergames
Bikes.
Blast
Blastmarkers
Blessing
Blind.
Boltguns
BornbingRuns

Bombs
8l
B o n u s A t t a c k s . . . : : : . : . .: . . :
..24
BoobyTrap
. 106
BrainleafFronds
. 102
BrotherhoodofPsykers/Sorcerers.
. . . . . . . 34
Building Damagetable
. 94
Buildingsize.
.92
Buildings....
.92
Bulky
...35

....2,70
13
3 4 ,1 0 0
..104
3
......7
.112
. 55
. . . 1 1 8 1, 2 0
.....104
....88
.. 95
. 69
....48
. . . . 128
I l0
.....45
. . 33
6
.....68
.....34
...55
8l

Cavalry.
48
Casualties...
...3
Chainfist...
..60
Chainswords
.....50
Challenges...
...64,82
ChangingrlightMode
...49
Characteristicprofiles.
.....3
Characteristictesrs.
....7
Characters...
...63
ChargeBonus
..24
ChargeMove
...21
ChargeRange
..21
ChargeSub-phase....
..20
Charging....
...90
ChargingThrough DangerousTerrain . . . . 22
Charging Through Difficult Terrain . . . . . . 22
Chariots
82
ChoosingaTarget.
12
ChoosingYourArmy
.... 108
CloseCombat
..23
CloseCombatweapons
...51
Cockeddice.
....5
Codexes
. . 108
Combi-weapons
......56
Comethe Apocalypse,
But Not Before. . . .ll2
CommandTraits.
lll
CommsRelay
. 104
Concussive..
...35
Conjuration.
....58
Consolidation....
....27
Controllingobjectives
...123
Controllingplayer..
......8
Counter-attack..
...35
Coversave
18,26,102
CrashandBurn
....8l
Crusade
. .. 126
Crusader
....35
D3......
......5
D6..
....5
Daemon
. . 35
DaemonBile.
... 103
DangerousTerrain
....90
Dawn of \Var
I 19
DeadBeforeStriking
... ?6
Death or Glory
. . 86
DeclareCharge..
...20
D e d i c a t e d T r a n s p o r t . . . . 7 8 , 1 0 9l,2 l . l 2 4
DeepStrike.
....36
DeepStrikeMishaps
......36
Defencelines....
...104
DefensiveGrenades..
...62
DegenerativeTerraformingNode
. . 106
Denialunits
... 123

..^*-**tu..*^.,

Denythe\7itch...
..58
Deployment.....
l2l
Deployment Map
I 19
Deployment Zone
I 19
DesperateAllies....
.....112
Dice.
.......5
DiceontheFloor
.....5
DifficultTerrain
.....90
DilapidatedFortification
..96
DirectingAttacks..
......28
Disembarking
. . 79
DisorderedCharge....
....27
Dive
.....49
Dozerblade
....87
DreadnoughtCloseCombatweapons.. . . . 60
EldarJetbikes.
Elites.
Embarking..
E m e r g e n c y d i s e m b a r k a t i.o. n
.
The Emperor's\fill
Emplacedweapons...
Emptied \7ound Pool
Engaged
Eternal'V/armissions
Eternal\Zarrior.
EtherealDust.
Evade
ExtraArmour.
ExtremelyBulky

,.45
. ... 108
.,.78
....,. 79
. 130
....96
15
.. . 23
ll8
.....35
. 106
..... 8l
..87
...,.35

Facing(non-vehicle)
FailedCharge.
FallBack
FastAttack..
FastDice
FastSkimmers.
FastVehicles
Fear
Fearless
FeelNoPain
FightSub-phase...
FightingaBattle
FightingaChallenge...
FightingwithTwo\Teapons . . . .
FirePoints...
Fireblood....
Firing Indirectly. . .
FirstBlood
FirstTurn
Flamerweapons
Fleet
Fleshbane....
rlightModes
Flyers
Flying Monstrous Crearures..
FocusFire.
Focussed\7.itchfire....
Force.
ForceDomeGenerator....
ForceOrganisation.
ForceOrganisationChart...
Forceweapons
Forests

......10
......22
....26,30
..109
..16
..83
...83
.. 35
....35
...35
...20,22
....118
.....64
. . .. 24
...,78,97
..103
.. 34
....122
.....1?2
.....56
......35
..35
...49
.....80
. . 49
. . 18,52
...69
.....37
.... 106
.....108
..109
..60
...102

...3
Formingaunit
gi,l09, I 14,120-12l
Fortification.. . . : . . . . :
. ... .ll7
Fortressof Redemption
....5
Fractions....
..105
FuelReserve.
. ....37
FuriousCharge

. 103

Lakes

..... 38

Lance

.....33

IargeBlast.
IargeBlastmarker...

...57

Las\(eapons
Leadership (rd)

2,63
......95

LeapingDown.

..39

leavingaunit
leaving Combat Airspace

. . . 49, 8l

lethalTerrain

......91

LevelsofAlliance...

......112

LightningClaws
Line of Sight
Linebreaker...
locked in Clo s e C om bat

ll9
...37
. 49,8l
....37
...37
...52
.....109

HeavyVehicles

......83

Heavyweapons

......51

......60
.. 8, 12,16
....122
. . . .23,28
. 8l

Locked Velocity
look Out, Sir .

. . 16, 26,39
. . 69

Maelstrom

HammerandAnvil...
Hammerof\Vrath
Hard to Hit.
Hatred
Haywire
HaywireGrenades....
HeavySuppon

....68

Malediction.
Manifesting Psychic Powers.

. . 67
......66

MasteryLevels

...19

Maximumsave

.......4
MeasuringDistances.
Measuring Distances for Vehicles . . . . . . . 7l
....50
MeleeType.

HeroicMorale

..39

HeroicStand
HillCrests..

..64

MeltaBombs....

.105

Meltaweapons....

Iceblood
IgnoresCover
Impacttest.
ImpassableTerrain...
ImpassablyMysterious.
Imperial Bastion
Imperialstatuary
IndependentCharacters...
IndustrialOoze
Infantry
Infiltrate
InitialCharger
Initiative(I).
InitiativeSteps
I n s a nH
eeroism!....
InstantDeath.
Interceptor..
Interveningmodels..
Invul:nerablesaves....
IronbarkForest
IssuingaChallenge......
It'u7'illNotDie

.....38
....106
.....81
. 108
....70
....87

. 103
. 38
......99
....90
..106
116
...105
.39,e3
.....103
. . 44
...38, l2l
....21,28
...2
.. .22,26
......29
....15,38
..38
....18
..17,2e
..102
64
......38

...62
..39,57

MissileLaunchers...

...81

Missiles

. . 1 1 0 ,l l 8

Mission

....124

MissionSpecialRules
Mixed saves

15

Mixed'$7.ounds

15
.....8
Profi.les

Modifiers....
MonsterFlunter....
MonstrousCreatures
Moralsupport(Get'Im,Boss!)

Jetbikes
Iink
Joiningaunit...
Iumpunits
Jungles

. .47,95,98
.. . 45
......38
....39
.. .47,95,98
... 102

. .. . . . . 7
...2,5
..39
.....48
..... 65
. .26,29

....l2l
....122
.....74

93
....112
...125

90
Open-ToppedVehicles
OpposingPlayer....
Ordnanceweapons....
Our \TeaponsAre Useless.
Outflank
Overgrown Spinethorn

....82
.8
.51
26
....40
. 102

Overwatch . .

2l

Ownunit....

.8

PassengerDamage....
PenetratingHits
Perils of the til[a.p
PersonalTraits
Phases.
Pile In.
Pinning
Pi s tol s
PlasmaGrenades
P1asmaweapons
Playerrurn

...80
.....74
. . . 67
...lll
...9
23,27
40
.5l - 5 2
...62
. 57
.,.....9

Pointslimit

...108

PointsValues

...108
. . 40
. . 103

Poisoned
Pool s
Power Fist.
Power Klaw
Power of the Machine Spirit.
Powerweapons
Pr e- m eas ur i ng
PrecisionShots
PrecisionStrikes
PreferredEnemy
Primary Target

. 60
. 50
. . . . 40
......51
... 4
....53
...63
..40
. 27

Morale
MoraleChecks

......29

Primary Detachments.

. 109

Morethanoneweapon.......

...... 5l

TheMostlmportantRule

.......4

PrimaryObjectives..
PsionicShield Generator..... . .

.122
. 107

MoveThroughCover
M ovementDi s tanc e ..
Movement Phase
Moving&Shooting.
MovingChargingModels ...
MovingFlatOut
MovingThroughTerrain.
M ultiple Barr ages
MultipleBlasts....
MultipleCombats
Multiple Cover Saves
MultipleModifi.ers...
MultipleOverwatch..
MultiplePartBuildings

jet Packunits

......57
...39

Missilelock.

Model'sEyeView
Models\7ith Multiple

Objectivemarkers..
Objectives.....
Obscuredtargets.
Occupying Buildings
OneEyeOpen....
OngoingReserves...

39

Master-crafted

Melee \Teapons of the 4lst Millennium. . . 60

.....39
Melta

Hit&Run.
HolyRelic.
Hover
HQ
HullPoints(HP).
Hunter-killermissile...

Night Vision
Nova
Number of Attacks . .
Number of Shots . . . .

120
t24
40
69
24
50

...7

Leadershiptests

..122
Gamelength
...9
Gameturn
......37
GetsHot.
74
Glancing hits .
. .. 49
Gliding.
..65
Gloriouslntervention.
. . 18"
Go to Ground.
Graviry - Nature's Downward Express. . . . 99
..51
Grenades....
..49
Groundedtests
..105
GunEmplacement.
...52
Gunslinger...

.......6

Narrative Terrain
Night Fighting

Multiple Toughness Values

MultipleW'eaponSkills

.....40
l0
l0
..... 13
...... 2l

PsychicPilot.
Psychictest......
PsychneueinHive
Psyker
PurgetheAlien

..40
...67
..105
. 41,66
.....127

....72
.......11
. ... 34
.....33
...27
19
.......2
....27
...92
. 14,25
...24

MysteriousForests...
Mysterious Objectives

.....102
.. . 125

MysteriousRivers...
MvsteriousTerrain...

....103
....91

Rage
Ram..
Rampage
RandomAllocation...

.. ... 4l
...86

...41
.15
.. 5
Randomising
...12,16,50
Range
Ranged Weapons of the 4lst Millennium . 55
. . 52
Rapid Fire weapons

RazorwingNest
TheRelic....
Re-Roll.
Refusing a Challenge

Regroup
Relentless

....102
..l3l
.......5

64
.....3l
.....4l

'*::::'
RemoveCasualties....
Rending
Reserves
Ridgeline...
Rivers...
RollToHit.
RollTo\7ound....
Roll-off.
Rubble
Ruins
Run

.15,25
..... 4l
. . 124
....105
. 103
..13,24
...14.24
....5
. . 105
......98
. 14

Salvoweapons
Savingthrows .
Scatter
Scatterdice.
Scoringunits
The Scouring
Scout.
Searchlight...
SecondaryObjectives
SecondaryTargets....
Seizethelnitiative
ShieldGenerarors...
Shootinginto closecombat.. . . . .
Shootingout of closecombat
Shootingphase
ShootingSequence...
ShootingWithVehicles
Shotguns....
Shred
ShrinetoChaos
Shrouded....
SkilledRider
Skimmers...
Skyborne..
Skyfire
SkyshieldLandingPad
Slaythe\Tarlord
S l o w a n d P u r p o s e. .f .u. l
SmallBlastmarker.
Smash...
Smokelaunchers.
SnapShots
Sniper....
Sniperrifle.
S o u lB l a z e
SpecialCharacters...
SpecialRules
Specialist'W'eapon...

52
15-16
5,33
......5
. 123
129
.4l,l2l
...... 87
....122
....27
....122
105
. . . . . 28
28
......12
12
...71
.. 57
......4l
.....105
......4l
...41
...83
. .. 47
. 42
.l 15
...122
......42
....6
.....42
.87
..13
..42
.....57
.. .... 42
ll0
. 32
..42

Spiker Plant
TheSpiritoftheGame....
SplitFire.
Squadrons....
Stealth
StrafingRun.
StrategicTraits
Strength(S)
Strikedown..
StubGuns
Stubborn
SunkillerEngine
Supersonic...
Swarms
SweepAttack
SweepingAdvance..
Swooping......
SwoopingHunters...

107
.....8
....42
......77
.....42
..42
. .l Il
. 2,50
......43
....57
. .. 43
..106
.....43
. . 43
...82
.26-27
...49
.....49

TableEdge
I 19
TableHalves.
I l8
Tanglewire
.....105
TankHunters
..43
TankShock
...85
TankTraps.,.
.....105
Tanks
.....85
Templateweapons....
....52
Templates...
,....6
Terrain
... 120
TerrainDatasheers......
..107
Turn
.9
ThrustMove
..47
ThunderHamrner
...61
TimeflowStabiliser....
...,106
To Hit chart
. 13,24
To'Woundchart
.14.25
Torrent.
.. . .. . 43
Toughness(T)
...2
TransportCapacity
...78
Transports...
. . 7 8 , 8 0 , 8 2l ,2 l
T r a p p e d. .! . .
.30
Trenchlines
...105
Troops..
.....108
T u r b o - b o o .s.t
.... . 45
TurnSummary
......9
Twin-linked.
. . 43
Two-handed.
....43
Typ"
......50
TypesofTerrain...
.....90

WRITTEN 8Y: Adam Troke, Jeremy Veto(k and Mat Ward

UnengagedModels...
Unique.
UniqueTerrain
UnitCoherency....
UnitTypes
Units
UnpleasantSlime
Unsaved \7ounds. .
UnshakableNerve....

......23
I l0
..107
..3, 10-11,98
......44
.....3
...106
15
..78,94

Unwieldy...

...43

Vanguar dStr i k e

. ll9
...122

VariableGameLength
VectorDancer

..43

Vehicle Characteristics.
VehicleDamage

. 3,70
.....74

VehicleDamageTable
VehicleFacing
VehicleMovemenr..
VehicleSquadrons...

.....74
..73
.....7l
....77

Vehicle Upgrades. . . .
. .. . . 87
Vehicles
...70
Vehicles & Ordnance \fleapons . . . . . . . . . 7l
VehiclesandAssaults.
.....76
Vehicles and Morale
76
Vehicles and Overwatch
. . 76

V.ry Bulky
VictoryConditions..
VirusOutbreak...
Warlord
\Walkers
\7allofDeath....
\WarlordTraits....
\Tr.pCharge
'$7"eaponProfiles...
STeaponskill('ufs)
!ileapons....
\fild Undergrowth
\XZitchblades
\7itchfire......
Woods
Sfound Pool
'S7'ounds(\f)
\il/reckage.....
\Trecked Vehicles

35
...122
..105
....110-lll
.....84
....52
. . . . 1 1 1 l. 2 l
...66
......50
...2
.....50
. 105
. . 6l
....69
. . 102
. .14-15
...2
.105
. .. . 74

COVERARTTST:Alex Boyd

Mark Raynor,with specialthanks to Markus Trenkner Miniatures and scener painted byt The 'Eavy Metal t@m; Simon Adams, Neil Green, David Heathfield,Mark Holmes,Matt Kennef,
Kornel Kozak,Joe Toma?ewskl, Anja Wettergren, Tom Winstone; The Design Studio Hobby 7D.'Dave Andres, Steve Boweftnan, Chad N4ie@a, Chris peach,Duncn Rhodes

Tom Walton Photography: Christia

lames Shardlow, Ny'arkus
Trenkner Previous Editions by: AlessioCavatore,Andy Chambers,Rickpriestley

without adult superyision Whatever your age, be careful when using glues, bladed equipment and spraysand make sure that you read and follow the instructionson the packaging

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