Firebase Issue Eight

October 2008 – Issue #8
Art by Tim Divar

Editorial
I see you shiver with antici…pation! you’ve come to love; this issue we have an
especially good battle report featuring some
Welcome to the eighth issue of Firebase
magazine, my fellow faithful aficionados of
amazing Adeptus Mechanicus and a great little FIREBASE STAFF
Space Hulk tutorial I couldn’t bear to not share Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gabriel Schrock
the Warhammer 40,000 universe. I have to
with the rest of you. Gaming Sub-Editor . . . . Michael Glaeser
admit to feeling a little as though we outdid
ourselves last issue, regardless we are certain I hope everyone had a safe and pleasurable Modelling Sub-Editor. . . . . . Stephen Gair
you will enjoy the fruits of everyone’s labors this Halloween, personally my favorite holiday. I Advisor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Adam Smith
issue. I’m always impressed with the amount was lucky enough to be dressed as an awfully
Design & Layout . . . . . . . . . . Jon Mattison
of dedication that my staff and contributors average looking vampire, flanked by a striking
bring to our magazine, and I hope you take the vampiress companion this year. Proofreaders . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Alexander
time to appreciate their generous endeavors Huw Davies
Don’t forget: it’s just a jump to the left… James Maliska
- without their tireless efforts this publication
would cease to be. Inside you will find the -Gabriel “Gabe” Schrock, Editor Matthew Phelps
reviews, tutorials, and quality of battle reports STAFF
Cover Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tim Divar
Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Travis Andrews
Josef Eugenio
Nacho Fernandez
Jason Heuser
Tim Solosy
Pavel Zolotoko
Comics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nacho Fernandez
Rob Leigh
Brian Solomon
Paul Wantland
FIREBASE is published every three months in association with Warseer.com. All text and layout
remains the copyright of FIREBASE. FIREBASE is a fully independent publication and its views Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Alexander
are not the views of any company mentioned herein. All characters and artwork shown in this Huw Davies
magazine remain the © and trademark of their respective owners. No part of this magazine Michael Glaeser
may be reproduced without the express permission of the Editor or Deputy Editor. FIREBASE Timo Lorenz
can accept no responsibility for inaccuracies or complaints arising from editorial or advertising David McGuire
…And to our Matthew Phelps
within this magazine. All letters and emails received will be considered for publication, but we
contributors a Gabriel Schrock
cannot always provide personal replies.
massive thank Adam Smith
This fanzine is completely unofficial and in no way endorsed by Games Workshop Limited. you! Geoffrey Snider
FIREBASE is a nonprofit making fanzine with the aim of promoting Games Workshop games, Brian Solomon
products and hobby.
Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 2

Table of Contents
IN THIS ISSUE 33 65
Staff Work-in-Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
News from the Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Product Review: KR Multicase . . . . . . . . . . 14
Imperial Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Astartes Archive: Aurora Chapter . . . . . . . 18
Apocalypse Datasheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Strategy: Tyranids in 5th Edition . . . . . . . . 28
Ammobunker Report on GD UK . . . . . . . . 33
Interview: Brian Aderson, GD Organizer . 58
Playing 40K Second Edition. . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Battle Report: IG & Eldar vs. Chaos . . . . . 65
Tutorial: Modular 5th Ed. Game Table . . . 92
Tutorial: Pre-Heresy Terminator Shoulder Pads . . 95
95 137
Tutorial: Old School Plague Marines . . . 100
Dark Heresy: Alternate Premises. . . . . . . 105
Comics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Fiction: The Four Horsemen: Space Hulk . . 114
Fiction: The Pandora Strain . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Specilist Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Epic: The Painting of a Ship. . . . . . . . . . . 134
AI: Flying the Chaos Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Epic: Collecting Guard, Part 3 . . . . . . . . . 137
Tutorial: Travel Space Hulk. . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Teaser for Issue 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Staff Work-in-Progress
MATTHEW PHELPS
I must apologise for the lack of Part Two of the
Ruins Tutorial in this issue of Firebase - due to
The Ammobunker taking part at Games Day UK
this year all of my time went into that particular
venture (see the article in this issue for more). I
will, however, be getting back to work on that
to get it finished off in time to appear in the
next issue of Firebase.
Post Games Day I’ve been able to get back
to some actual modelling; I finished off my
second Dreadnought/Defiler:

Matthew Phelps: I also started a heavily modified Leman Russ - in these

pictures you can see some of the work done so far, including the new
position of the turret ring, side skirts, forward crew hatches and engine.

Matthew Phelps: And, finally, I’ve gone back to working on my Militia. Here’s the first
infantry figure I’ve put together in far too many months; this guy has a scanner which
will be used to help squads target the enemy, hopefully it will mean a Lascannon squad
taking down a Carnifex a lot easier…

DAVID MCGUIRE
This is a pretty big piece which dominates
any 4’ x 6’ board it is on; it contains 4 separate
bunkers, all with firing slits, and 4 roof positions
with cover all round. It’s taken a few hits from
enemy fire here and there, but is still intact and
in use, although it appears that some AoBR
Orks have snuck onto the roof! As a piece
of line-of-sight blocking terrain it more than
suffices, but it can also play a part in many
different missions.
The roof sections are removable so you can
place models on the firing positions inside.
I made this out of dense styrofoam, using
10mm thick boards; I drew templates first for
each wall or floor section, then progressively drybrushed lighter shades.

cut them out and stuck I drybrushed Burnt Umber for the dirt and
them all together with grime, black for the scorch marks and used a
hot glue. The detailing few watered down ink washes and some of the
is from GW’s Cities new Citadel washes here and there for staining
of Death range, as the concrete and adding more dirt and rust.
well as some posters After spraying with matt varnish I added some
I downloaded from scenic water to the pipes (for leaks) and to the
Warseer, bits of plastic lamps (to make them shine a bit!).
plumbing and other sci-
fi bits and pieces I had
lying around; the bronze
doors are actually clips to
attach shelves to a wall. I
painted the whole thing
dark grey with some
budget acrylics and

pieces. To block line-of-sight more

completely, I boarded up all the windows
on the lower level with panels from the
Platformer range.
Below right, blocking line-of-sight is
something I have tried to do in many
of my terrain boards, hence the large
rubble pile, the large, leaning wall on the
right and the intact ground floor of the
building.
Five bases of terrain ready for painting. Each of
them uses the GW Cities of Death sprues and Above right, more Hirst Arts pieces went
Hirst Arts’ Gothic pieces, as well as assorted into making the wall in the one on the left.
junk from my bitz box, some cat litter, Polyfilla, The block of foam on the right hand one
sand and glue. All bar one are 12” square. will be the foundation for a fairly tall rubble
Below left, the stairway is made of Hirst Arts pile. Those damn Orks get everywhere!

GREG ALEXANDER the Dreadnought I’d painted in Deathwing

Some of you, if you were at the UK Gamesday, colours…
might have noticed this particular squad if you
Before long, I was happily attacking the
happened to wander past one of the tables
model with Foundation paints, reasoning that
put on by The Ammobunker. They were part
I may as well give them a chance to impress
of the WIP table and to be quite frank had
me. Which, I’m happy to say, they duly did.
Matt, one of my fellow Ammobunkerians, not
With them came the new washes; again, I
insisted that I have a squad on show (having
was impressed. Microset and Microsol made
seen the test-mini I had posted in our Project
an appearance with regards to the transfers.
Log forum) then I wouldn’t be part of this
particular article. The name ‘Fire Wolves’ was a happy accident
- originally they would have been the ‘Fire
Anyway, I’ve always been tempted to try and
Gryphons’, but I couldn’t find any Gryphon
do a Marine in predominantly orange colours,
transfers online, or in my room, so that idea
just to see how he’d turn out. Fortunately I’ve
went out the window as I can’t freehand
still not managed to do that; common sense
to save my life. While hunting around my
prevails some might say… I did, however, try
room, though, I came across a Space Wolves
it out on the shoulder pads of a spare model
transfer sheet…perfect.
that I had kicking around just to see if I could
get it looking OK. I did. I then looked at

MICHAEL GLAESER
It seems like my list of things to paint just keeps
getting longer. When I’m not doing commission
work, building a new Daemon army, dipping
Tyranids or working on future Golden Demon
entries, I’m working on my Vostroyans.
I recently added some armour to my force
which includes a Malcador, Baneblade and
Macharius; I’m particularly excited about
the latter as it is such a cool kit! The guys at
Forgeworld have really outdone themselves on
this one, it truly captures the spirit of the Guard.
However, it needs a bit of work to become a
true vehicle of the Vostroyan Firstborn.
As with all my other tanks, I replaced the main
gun with plastic empire cannon barrels as
these pieces look handcrafted, much like other
Vostroyan weaponry. If you look hard enough,
I also replaced the hull heavy stubber with part
of a Dwarf organ gun to continue the cannon
theme.
Other additions include eagles on the side
panels and a searchlight, both courtesy
of the plastic Cities of Death buildings. To
finish it off, I plan on converting Forgeworld’s
General Grizmund model into a Vostroyan tank
commander. Emperor have mercy on my future
opponents!

News From the Library
AUDIOBOOK: THE DARK KING

AND THE LIGHTNING TOWER, Dear Brothers, dear Xenos. This issue revolves mostly around Space
- DAN ABNETT & GRAHAM MCNEILL Marines; and their dark secrets that have
This summer we got to watch the best of the
The first Black Library been buried deep within some Chapters. Of
best give their all in the Olympics, and this
audio book! Obviously course we’ve also got another premiere in
issue of News from the Library is somewhat
we are anxious to listen, store, our own Olympics’ opening ceremony,
similar to this. We’ve got re-issues of old
not knowing what this so to say: the first Black Library audio book.
time favourites, new novels and an old one
book will bring. Well, I picked up (on my way home from grocery On to the reviews!
what awaits us is one shopping), basically some of the best 40k
story from the time of Timo Lorenz (Brother Marine of the Book
books out there competing.
the Horus Heresy from Worm Chapter)
each Dan Abnett and Graham McNeill. They are
solid short stories, even if we’ve read better stuff THE BLOOD ANGELS OMNIBUS Arkio appears to be Sanguinius reincarnation.
by those two authors; then again, who would - JAMES SWALLOW This leads to a schism within the chapter, posing
want to listen to the entire ‘Gaunt’s Ghosts’ series The Omnibus contains a threat to the Blood Angel’s existence.
in one piece? Alright, you got me. I would. the related novels
James Swallow’s story is witty as well as epic
Deus Encarmine and
So how are they made up, what kind of acoustic and should become part of your mandatory
Deus Sanguinius that
spectacle lies ahead? Are there sounds like in reading. Still, it cannot establish itself among
are connected through
Dawn of War? this issue’s selection.
a short story about a
If that’s what you’re hoping to find, you will be shady inquisitor, which is RED FURY - JAMES SWALLOW
highly disappointed. The sounds are similar part of both novels. It’s a Alongside the omnibus’
to 80s movies, and the voices don’t seem too fairly good compilation release, James Swallow
authentic or convincing either, yet somehow it’s and one of the few also delivers the third
still got charm. 40k books with a white part of the Blood Angels,
binding. Only James Swallow’s books and the basically the follow-up
The one thing that becomes unbearable in the
Ultramarines novels have achieved this so far. story.
listening process is that the voices are always
accompanied by “says Rogal Dorn”, “says The story tells of the relationship between two Heavy combat has
Konrad Curze”, which I found subtracts a lot of brothers, Rafen and Arkio, who are forced to reduced the number of
suspense from the plot. After a little while you turn against each other in the course of the Blood Angels far enough
cannot shake the feeling that they didn’t adapt plot. It’s a saga about heroism, corruption and to endanger their further
the story but just read the original. deceit on the highest level. existence. The chapters
of the second creation are called to a council
All in all this is an audio book for 40k fans with a The Blood Angels are pursuing the Word
meeting on Baal. The envy and the rivalries
penchant for trashy things. Kind of like a B-Movie Bearers after their attack, but what lies ahead
of the succeeding orders make this meeting
audio book. is only the setting of a new threat.

a rather bold venture but the Blood Angels´ Sahaal picks up the search for a stolen artefact, with enough violence and vengeance to keep
despair also leads to a dark path. applying his legion’s terror strategies. He starts the tale rattling along. There seems unlikely to
a kind of guerrilla warfare in order to attain his ever be a sequel, which just makes this one-off
Unfortunately this is also way too predictable
goals and encounters Mita, who is on a hunt to all the better for it.
early on.
prove her abilities, even against her master’s
Ave dominus nox, indeed.
Is a follow-up to a closed narrative cycle will.
really necessary? Not in my opinion. The plot THE KILLING GROUND
The author brings us two main characters that
Swallow developed within the first two novels - GRAHAM MCNEILL
are complete opposites on the one hand, yet
was mystical, heroic and most of all, self- Uriel Ventris returns with
bear similarities on the other: they are both
contained. his comrade Pasanius
ostracized by their surroundings.
and the Unfleshed from
Red Fury seems like it’s an attempt to just toss
A dismal atmosphere is created by the eccentric the Eye of Terror; in
another story into the cycle and comes across
Inquisitor as well as the inner struggle Sahaal this fourth Ultramarines
as very unrealistic due to the Blood Angels’
has to fight in order to save his spirit from novel. The demon
constant insubordination. The schism that
being corrupted by Chaos. New facets of the train takes them to an
divides the legion is a part of the plot I can
Warhammer Universe are revealed here. abandoned town on the
bear but the disobedient Marines that refuse
planet Salinas.
to obey the Chapter Master and just abide by Lord of the Night is absolutely part of my
their own rules? Please. That reeks of too much Top 10 of the all-time best W40k books. It is This planet bears a
corruption and most of all, of a bad sequel. suspenseful and skilfully written, and if you secret, the city ruins’ past seem to be the key
Too bad really. But possibly the reason why the happen to see this book (published in 2005) in to it all.
binding is back to black? the store, you should pick it up!
Not just these dark secrets await Uriel and
LORD OF THE NIGHT - SIMON SPURRIER Still this book just missed being placed in Pasanius; they must also undergo the task of
In the novel Lord of the the first three by a millisecond against Ben proving their purity after having been in the
Night Simon Spurrier Counter’s Demon World. Eye of Terror.
actually tells two tales
Second Opinion by David McGuire: Graham McNeill puts a close to the Ultramarines
simultaneously: the story
I am not about to disagree with my fellow saga with The Killing Grounds. Unfortunately
of a young interrogator
Brother of the Book Worm Chapter - Lord this book is lacking the great moments of the
named Mita Ashyn that
of The Night is one of the best-loved Black bestial battles against the Tyranids, or the dark
tries to prove herself
Library books for a good reason; it stands head visions of Medrengard. The novel is not in itself
to her new master, and
and shoulders above most of its stable-mates. bad, and definitely a necessity, as it closes the
the story of Night Lords
Complex and layered in quite unexpected saga. However, it is not of the same class as its
Commander Sahaal,
ways, with fully realised characters that you predecessors and can therefore not take part
who wakes up after ten
grow to care about (yes, even the evil ones!), in this issues competition for Olympic medals.
thousand years of exile.
this is a tour de force of pain, lies and suffering,

TITANICUS - DAN ABNETT ANGELS OF DARKNESS - GAV THORPE DAEMON WORLD - BEN COUNTER
What’s left to say about Dan Gav Thorpe’s Angels This 2003 novel
Abnett that hasn’t already of Darkness was re- by Ben Counter
been said? issued this summer was re-issued
as well. 2003 must this summer. It’s a
Titanicus’ setting is a
have been a good terrific Warhammer
planet under attack by the
year for novels! Fantasy/40k
Chaos Titans. Following
Crossover.
the emergency signal, This two-level novel
an imperial Titan Legion tells the stories of both Chaplain Boreas and Planet Torvendis has been a Chaos battle
lands, and a colossal battle the Fallen Astelan, who is being interrogated field for millennia, and has its dark legends of
ensues. What gets left when two Legions of the by the Dark Angels chaplain after his capture. its own. Torvendis is currently ruled by Lady
God Machines collide? Within the parts of the book that are titled “The Charybdia, princess of Slaanesh, but peculiar
Tale of Astelan”, Astelan lays the foundation incidents are threatening her empire.
Once again Dan Abnett manages to deliver
for the thoughts, doubts and actions Boreas
a fascinating, thrilling novel. He highlights A young and aspiring champion unites the
has in the course of the novel’s second level
individual fates within a highly epic conflict, barbaric tribes, a mysterious stranger walks
“The Tale of Boreas”.
establishing an emotional connection between the planet and a small group of Word Bearers
the reader and those characters, be they Has the Chaplain really earned his first black is hunting a deserter. Are all these occurrences
Moderati or “just” reservists in the Imperial pearl with Astelan or did Astelan really have mere coincidence or is there a pattern, hinting
army. the upper hand in the dialogues? Which dark at yet another change of power in the Daemon
secrets that have not even revealed themselves World?
He installs life in these characters, making them
to the highest of Dark Angels does the Fallen
more than just fictional entities: he makes them Ben Counter’s novel was one of my favourites
One know?
seem three-dimensional due to the fact that among all 40k novels when I first read it in
he gives them certain traits that you recognize The novel is extremely tantalizing and has 2003. The book is full of suspense and shows
from friends or co-workers. several surprises in store. The conversations the most wonderful parts of chaotic madness.
between Boreas and Astelan seem somewhat This novel isn’t just a must-read for only Chaos
I’m sorry to repeat myself but what’s left
like discussions between a man of faith and the players!
for me to say? Dan Abnett still is the master
devil: the Fallen One comes across as likeable,
of suspense in the range of 40k novels and Daemon World rightfully steps up to receive a
using subtlety to undermine the Dark Angel’s
rightfully carries this issue’s gold medal. bronze medal.
rigid belief. In the course of the conversation
you begin to wonder which one was really on
the Emperor’s side.
This excellent novel was rightfully re-issued
and is now the proud owner of this issue’s silver
medal.

Product Review: KR Multicase
living space. I needed a carry case to hide it all in
FOAMING –a monstrous carry case. And I needed it fast!

My first choice was Figures in Comfort, having
MAD used their medium sized carry cases many

times before. But they were on holiday, and I
needed a carry case now. So; I went looking for
by Adam Smith alternatives and found KR Multicase.
In his quest for a fine quality carry case, Adam With over 100 troops, numerous battle suits,
Smith discovers that your first choice isn’t tanks, light vehicles and even objective
always the best choice... markers, I had no idea which foam trays I would
need to accommodate it all, let alone which of
It all began one fateful night. Actually, that’s not the enormous carry cases to choose from and
entirely true, it began a week before; when my time was of the essence.
lovely new girlfriend had arranged to stay for the
weekend, and that presented a problem. Having So I sent them an email and quickly received Admiring my handiwork...
been rather extravagant earlier in the year, I now a full list of the trays I needed, available in a
comfortably cradling my miniatures. Perhaps
had 5,000pts of Tau miniatures dominating my choice of two carry cases which would meet my
KR Multicase should invest in a better camera
needs. Attached was also a photograph of a
to make their products more appealing?
carry case with trays cut to accommodate the
Tau army of one of their staff members. Only one thing now concerned me, and that
was the thinness of each trays foam base. But
Once the case arrived, I began pulling apart
once everything was packed inside, it was
the section of foam to match the photo, while
clear to see how the unusual stacking effect
making a few personal improvements along
worked. Basically, the layers of foam within the
the way. Within an hour (remember, I have
tightly packed hard case snugly press against
5,000pts of Tau!) all my tanks, troops and battle
each another, securing both the trays and the
suits were sitting snugly.
models in place, preventing the slight slipping
While admiring my handiwork, I was surprised and warping that tends to occur with fabric
just how good the materials were. The images carry cases –especially when the case is turned
on the KR Multicase website had left me upon its side while carried or stored.
feeling rather dubious about my expensive
So the question you’re probably asking right
purchase, but what had arrived in the post was
now is, “Which is the best carry case?”
a weatherproof, nylon 600 denier fabric carry
case filled with high grade cardboard boxes, Well, to be completely honest, none of them
each housing tightly packed foam trays now are. It all comes down to what you need.
Photo provided by KR Multicase

Product Review: KR Multicase
Figures in Comfort have the biggest range of

foam trays to choose from that fit anything from
land raiders to tiny Wings of War bi planes while
KR Multicase trays require a little planning on
your part, but provide a very snug and safe fit for
your miniatures, being easy to cut and customise,
which makes them much more versatile.
Finally, there is the choice between a hard case
and a soft fabric case. Both have their own merits,
one is sturdy, one is flexible and both protect
your miniatures in slightly different ways.
So while I used to always buy my carry cases
from either Charon Productions or Figures in
Comfort, KR Multicase has much to offer. The
moral of the story is to check all the shops and
have a good look around before you make
your next impulse buy. That way you’ll make
sure that you find the right case for what you
need, regardless of who makes it.

Imperial Register
OBJECTIVE UPGRADES: upgrade must coincide with the appropriate

army i.e.: a Tyranid army must utilize the Tyranid
Cost: +10 points per objective
objective rule. Any ensuing advantages are only
Effect: The effect of the upgrade depends on gained by the army that placed the objective
the army and can be found below. and effects are not cumulative.
Range: Any unit with a model within 6 inches of FORCES OF THE IMPERIUM
the objective gains the effect. All of the Emperor’s fighting forces see the
objective as a holy relic and will fight to the
Note: A player can choose to upgrade each
death to defend it.
objective he places at the start of the game. The
THE IMPERIAL
REGISTER
Welcome, scribe, to the latest installment of
the Imperial Register.
With 5th edition we have come to find that
objectives now play a much larger role in most
of our games. Two out of the three are objective
based meaning there will always be two or
more capture points on the table. Desperate
last minute assaults can center upon the taking
and holding of these objectives.
Units trying to claim objectives for their army
would seemingly fight with renewed vigor
and heroism which was not conveyed in game
terms…until now.
Remember, if you have ideas for units, vehicles
or wargear; send them to the Imperial Register
at firebase-magazine@hotmail.com.

Imperial Register
All units within range benefit from the Fearless NECRONS

special rule. Objectives sought by the Necrons pulse with
ancient power not understood by the venerable OI! MONKEY!
ELDAR
Techpriests of Mars. FIREASE does not have a staff made
A link to the webway provides the Eldar with
powerful knowledge of their enemies. All units within range benefit from a second “We’ll entirely of selectively bred, genetically
Be Back” roll should they have failed the first. enhanced Gorilla Warriors. We accept
All units within range benefit from the Preferred submissions from the average monkey like
Enemy special rule. TAU you. For the monkeys, by the monkeys.
In the name of the Ethereal, Tau warriors defend
ORKS So grab a gun, shoot alien scum and
their objectives to further the Greater Good.
Objectives do not mean much to the Orks. All they help to defend the FIREBASE!
know is that there is usually a good ‘scrap nearby. All units within range benefit from the Stubborn
special rule.
All units within range benefit from the Counter
Attack special rule. TYRANID
Tyranid objectives are usually living organisms
DARK ELDAR
psychically linked to the Hive Mind.
Objectives set by the Dark Eldar are usually
cunning traps which lure unsuspecting forces All units within range benefit from the Synapse
into deadly ambushes. special rule.
All units within range benefit from the Hit &
Run special rule.
CHAOS
The Dark Gods only smile upon the bloodthirsty
and victorious. Claiming an objective in their
name strengths the bloodlust of the warriors.
Email your article to
All units within range benefit from the Furious firebase-magazine@hotmail.com
Charge special rule.
Do NOT embed photos in your
DAEMONS document. Put only the photo name in
Daemonic objectives usually act as conduits to your article with caption where it should
the warp. The favor of the Dark Gods is much appear. Do not resize your photos,
stronger in these areas. that’s our job. Just bundle them up in
All units within range benefit from the Feel No a ZIP archive and send them along:
Pain special rule. AuthorName.doc, AuthorName.zip

Gaming: Astartes Archive
THE AURORA CHAPTER

Founded in the wake of great triumph, the wonders were unceremoniously razed in battle crude spears fashioned from shards of what
Aurora Chapter carries the spirit and tradition or scrapped for munitions. was once the glorious machinery of mankind.
of Robute Gulliman into the depths of the The population of Firestorm, unable even to
Constant warfare and destruction gradually
41st milennium. Wherever the enemies of the harvest the most basic of mineral resources,
eroded even the most powerful faction’s
Emperor strike, the Aurora Chapter can be settled into a shattered existence of nomadic
ability to make war. Lasguns eventually gave
found defending the people of the Imperium gathering. Upon their arrival, Imperial forces
way to muskets and crude cannons, which in
from the galaxy’s most terrible threats. were greeted by a world that was a specter of
turn gave way to sword and shield. Peasant
its former greatness.
ORIGINS soliders, in the final days of the war, wielded
The dark days of the Horus Heresy nearly
destroyed the fledgling Imperium before it
was truly born. As the legendary battles of the
Heresy raged, vast regions of space reclaimed
during the Great Crusade were left defenseless
and alone. Many worlds fell to anarchy and
ruin, as worlds that avoided the opportunistic
advances of alien races fell under assault from
an ambitious enemy within. The Imperium’s
eventual triumph is a testament to the will of
mankind, and to those who would defend the
Emperor’s realm even when all hope appears
to have vanished.
The world of Firestorm had been brought into
the Imperial fold during the last days of the
Great Crusade. Originally a world operating
at the pinnacle of technology, the Age of
Strife left Firestorm a shell of its former glory.
Firestorm’s rich resources gave way to a vast
nobility, whose ambition spilled violently into
perpetual civil war. A bloody stalemate took its
toll upon both the citizens of Firestorm and the
planet itself; untold billions were driven into
the crucible of warfare, and great technological

Having easily cowed the primitively-armed

residents, Imperial Explorator teams soon THE AURORA CONTROL ZONE
set to determining the strategic value of their As the Macharian Crusade reclaimed great Led by their Master Velatian and the Librarian
new conquest. Firestorm, which combined a portions of the galactic southeast, the forces Sulaco, the Aurora detachment aided the
strategically valuable location with extensive of General Tarka’s Third Army were met Macharian Crusade in its battles to reclaim
mineral deposits and fragments of ancient by a fleet of streaming jade battle cruisers the worlds of the galactic southwest,
technology, was quickly deemed to be of identifying themselves as a lost detachment participating in the Scouring of Adrantis V and
critical importance. A communique was sent of the Aurora Chapter. Originally sent as the infamous Siege of Duma. The Marines
to the Ultramarines - specialists in reclaimation a garrison force to the system to defend returned to Firestorm victorious, re-uniting
of new conquests - asking for aid in bringing against Eldar raids, the large force of Auroras with the homeworld their predecessors had
Firestorm back into the fold. found themselves cut off from the Imperium left behind six thousand years before. The
during the Age of Apostasy. Taking charge of entire Chapter was deployed to Theris III
A reply was sent in the form of Sergeant Ardus several systems within the reach of their fleet, during the turbulent wars of the Macharian
Cainen, a veteran of considerable experience, they successfully carved out a stable empire Heresy, upholding the peace so hard-won by
and a master of Roboute Guilliman’s methods of worlds under their protection, awaiting the their brothers.
of developing Imperial holdings. Sent with Imperium’s eventual return.
four other veterans, Cainen’s was tasked with
bringing the world’s defenses and industry men continued on their mission - developing to full alert, assembling his defensive forces -
to sustainable levels within one Terran year. government, economy, industry, and defense Greenskins were on their way.
Within six months, Cainen had unified the worthy of an Imperial charge. Ancient defense
With scant time remaining before the Orks would
scattered tribes of Firestorm into a coalition, systems scattered throughout the system, long
make planetfall, Cainen began to organize. In an
and had laid the groundwork for a proper forgotten by Firestorm’s inhabitants, were re-
effort legendary by even Ultramarines standards,
Imperial government. This coalition was stable activated by Techpriests left behind by the
Firestorm’s fledgling industry was shifted to
enough that work could begin on the planetary Explorator teams to aid the Ultramarines. It was
a war footing almost overnight. News of the
economy and defenses - a process that, this action, perhaps more than any other, that
impending attack spread quickly; faced with
thanks to the Ultramarines’ expertise, showed saved Firestorm from a quick and terrible end.
the prospect of certain death, the population
remarkable progress.
Over the following months, several of the of Firestorm woked tirelessly to master the art
However, during this period of healthy satellite monitors that ringed the system of warfare. Government buildings were turned
progress, communication from the Ultramarines began to fail. While no immediate cause could into fortresses; assembly lines, previously used
came to a quick halt. Given the limitations be discerned, a disturbing pattern began to to produce mining and farming, now forged the
in interstellar communication, transmissions emerge, as the orbital monitors failed along a tools of war.
from the Ultramarines fleet had been sporadic direct path toward Firestorm. The disturbance
The Warboss Zagrokk and the sizable greenskin
since Cainen’s arrival; however, the lack of was finally identified when one of the defense
forces under his command had been displaced
any communication at all was disconcerting. monitors sent back visuals of crudely-wrought
from their holdings by the ferocious battles of
Unaware of the war that was tearing the vessels, moments before the satellite was
the Heresy, and had set its sights on Firestorm
Imperium apart, Sergeant Cainen and his destroyed. Sergeant Cainen brought the world

charges from brutal Ork Ram ships, and their The renewed purpose of Firestorm’s people
guns silenced. The initial wave of defenses resulted in a profound increase in the intensity
had slowed the Ork attack, but now thousands of conflict, and a great victory was won by
of greenskin warriors assaulted the planet, Firestorm’s warriors as Warlord Zagrokk himself
dropping from the skies in huge Rokks and was killed as he attempted to mount an assault
swarms of fighters. on command bunker within Mount Zarek.
The final blow to the Orks came as two of the
Upon landing, the Orks found crudely-walled
remaining Ultramarines repaired a downed
cities bristling with weaponry. The walls fell after
Ork aircraft and snuck aboard the Kill Kroozer
several sustained Ork assaults, but not before
Deff’s Hed, Zagrokk’s flagship. Their attack
the defenders took their toll in green blood.
detonated its core, sending burning shards of
As the walls were abandoned, Orks swarmed
the Kroozer into an eternal orbit. Leaderless
into the cities, only to find them suddenly
and demoralized, the Orks fled the planet. The
emptied of their defenders. Through a system
battle for Firestorm was won, and the defenders
of ancient tunnels, Firestorm’s populace had
took to once again rebuilding their home.
evacuated to the planet’s heavily-fortified
mountain ranges. Buildings in the abandoned Less than a year later, the Ultramarines returned
cities were booby-trapped, set to explode and to Firestorm; the remaining Marines were given
collapse on the invading Orks. The blunt Ork the grave news of Horus’s rebellion, and the
assault gave way to a protracted siege, the Emperor’s internment in the Golden Throne.
Orks attempting to wall the humans inside In turn, the new arrivals were told of Cainen’s
their mountain fortifications while they mined heroic command of Firestorm’s people in the
the planet bare. defense of their homeworld. The story spread
as a resupply station and source of slave labor. throughout the Legion, becoming a source
The Great Crusade had seen a change in The population of Firestorm turned to guerrilla
of inspiration and bravery as the Ultramarines
human civilization, turning once-ripe targets tactics, destroying Ork equipment with satchel
fought to keep the Imperium from crumbling
of Ork invasion into well-defended enclaves charges and crude firebombs. Mile by mile,
in the wake of the Heresy. Eventually, word
able to turn aside all but the largest WAAAGH. the humans began to retake Firestorm’s
of Firestorm’s salvation reached the ears
The prospect of once again pillaging an surface. The Orks attempted to retaliate, but
of Roboute Guilliman himself. When the
undefended human world had set the Orks the human assailants would simply melt back
Ultramarines were divided into independent
into a frenzy, and the greenskins had set the into the mountains, where pursuing Ork forces
Chapters during the Second Founding,
whole of their warmaking apparatus towards were slaughtered by the massed defenders.
Guilliman honored the fallen Sergeant by
the quick conquest of the planet. The first Sergeant Cainen is said to have met his death
placing Firestorm in the hands of one such
volley of orbital defense lasers took the Orks by in one such siege, holding the gates of his
Chapter, honoring them with the title of
surprise, reducing a full third of their Kroozers mountain fortress against hordes of greenskins.
“Aurora” - an ancient Terran patron of hope,
to smoldering hulks. It was not long, however, His loss was mourned, but gave the men and
renewal and the new dawn.
before the sentries were met with suicide women of Firestorm a martyr to rally behind.

HOME WORLD the majority of citizens lead peaceful, if spartan It is in open warfare, however, that the Chapter
Firestorm, named for its regular meteor showers, lives of mining, farming and industry. Rather than has earned their reputation as an armored assault
has a surface comprised mainly of low-rise a potential pool of recruits, the Aurora Chapter force unequaled by any but the most heavily-
mountain ranges. These mountain ranges are views the citizens of Firestorm as a people under mechanized of Imperial Guard forces. Owing to
rich in mineral resources - the recovery and their protection. As such, great efforts are made their home system’s rich mineral resources and
processing of which employ the vast majority of to shield the population from the strife and an in-system Forgeworld, the Aurora’s armory is
Firestorm’s citizens. Thanks to the steady pipe conflict found throughout the rest of the galaxy. three times larger than that of an average Space
of technology afforded its citizens by Aurora Marine Chapter. Even a partial deployment of
The Aurora Chapter maintains its fortress-
Chapter, life on Firestorm is relatively luxurious the Chapter’s armory is a sight to behold; Land
monastery of Tithonus in the remote Okeanos
by Imperial standards. Many citizens live in small Raiders and Predators swarm over enemy lines,
mountain range where Ardus Cainen is said to
communities situated upon the more productive crushing their foes beneath heavy tracks and a
have fallen. Set into the rock of Mt. Eos, Tithonus
mineral deposits, while others have situated hailstorm of firepower, while explosive rounds
is a maze of tunnels and enormous chambers
near the small cities that house Firestorm’s from Whirlwinds and Vindicators detonate across
where the Marines of the Aurora Chapter train
production industry. Unlike many Space Marine the battlefield. Across the Ultima Segmentum,
and live. Here, the most promising recruits from
home worlds, Firestorm does not offer up the name “Aurora” has become synonymous
Firestorm’s military academies are given the
natural extremes and hardships for its people; with armored destruction.
grueling trials common to every Space Marine
THE ANDROMEDUS FORGE WORLD Chapter. Those few who earn their place within ORGANIZATION
Lying within the Tempest system, the Titus the Chapter’s ranks become heroes and legends The Aurora Chapter is organized into the
asteroid belt is one of the most valuable in their own time, lauded and revered by their standard formations prescribed by the Codex
assets in the sector; it contains plentiful communities, joining those warriors who have Astartes, and their heraldry closely resembles
reserves of mineral compounds required kept a long vigil over the planet of Firestorm, that of the Ultramarines, with a few exceptions.
to forge critical war machines. Forge World and all others who live under the protection of Notably, while the Chapter originally displayed
Andromedus, founded in M33 to utilize these the Imperium. their Company colors on their pauldron rims,
resources, enjoys the full protection of Aurora they are now denoted by white Company
COMBAT DOCTRINE
Chapter, whose home world also lies within markings on the left kneepad of the warrior’s
As strict followers of the Codex, the Aurora
the system. Several times in their history, power armor, while their shoulder rims remain
Chapter remains a flexible tactical force that
the Forge World and the Aurora Chapter permanently black in honor of the many
is able to adapt their forces to any battlefield
have worked in tandem to repel invasions brethren lost during the defense of Milagro IV
situation. The Auroras strike rapidly; foot troops
of the system, and have always emerged in the Johnus Uprising.
are often mounted for quick tactical deployment,
victorious. For their aid, the Forge World
maximizing the shock value of their initial attack. As a proud First Born Chapter, the Auroras
supplies the Chapter with an impressive
The Auroras’ expanded armory is quickly brought maintain close ties with the Ultramarines,
arsenal of Land Raiders, Predators and other
to bear with a flurry of Rhinos, Razorbacks, and often aiding the warriors of Ultramar with
armored vehicles, giving rise to the Aurora’s
Drop Pods. The Chapter’s propensity for rapid, armored divisions and regularly sending
legendary armory and their penchant for
devastating armored strikes has earned them troops for Ultramarine Honor Companies. The
massive armored assaults.
the nickname “The Hammer of Roboute.” Auroras are also known to have alliances with

several Imperial forces throughout the galaxy, features the stars and the heavens, as well as
including the Azure Flames Chapter of Space
Marines, and the 401st Cadian regiment. The
weapons of war balanced by shields, walls and
fortresses, symbolizing the Chapter’s role as a
VENERABLE
Chapter’s Librarium, housed deep within defender and harbinger of new hope. Fiction by Brian Solomon & Michael Hoepfl
the rock of Mt. Eos, is said to have a record
The Aurora Chapter sees its place within the Soft chants of ceremony filtered into the
of Imperial organizations, history and military
Imperium as a protector of the Emperor’s realm darkened antechamber. Inside, Brother-Librarian
deployments that rivals that of the Adeptus
and the citizens that dwell within, rather than Sulaco flexed and rotated the mechanica that
Terra. Exactly how and why the Aurora Chapter
a crusading force in the Emperor’s name. The had long since replaced his body. It was three
would keep such a repository of knowledge is
Chapter has often refused to attack intelligent, days hence that the Master of the Chapter had
unknown, but it has proven invaluable to the
civilized species - such as Eldar or Tau - without fallen; in the chamber beyond, the Chapter
Chapter and its allies when requesting aid and
provocation. This has caused considerable Council was performing their grim duty to select
assistance from the Imperium.
friction between the Auroras and other his successor. Roused from several decades of
BELIEFS Imperial bodies, including other Space Marine slumber, Sulaco awaited his role in the ceremony
The Aurora Chapter, like the majority of Space Chapters. Thus far, the Aurora Chapter’s long with a patience alien to mortal flesh. Years of
Marine Chapters, recognizes the Emperor as history of loyal service to the Imperium has internment in this living tomb had robbed him
a warrior and leader without peer, but do not kept them shielded from overt accusations of much of his psychic might, but he could still
put faith in the aspects of godhood and divine of heresy, but several Puritan Inquisitors are see the minds of men clearly as ever.
salvation that the Imperial Cult ascribes to him. said to be building a case for the Chapter’s
His thoughts drifted into the past - Sulaco had
A reverence of the Primarch Roboute Guilliman excommunication and cleansing. It remains to
given over a thousand years to the Chapter,
also figures strongly into the Chapter’s be seen if the Auroras can hold to their ideals in
years that served as ample ground on which his
doctrines, exemplified by the Aurora Chapter’s an age which demands unquestioning service
mind could wander. So much of the Chapter’s
strict organization along the lines of the Codex to the Imperial cause.
history lay within him now; he recalled the
Astartes. Though not exactly religious in
BATTLE CRY grueling losses of the Johnus Campaign, and the
nature, a set of rituals and iconography have
While the Aurora Chapter itself does not miraculous victory in the canyons of Vernus VII.
grown up within the halls of Tithonus, and the
appear to have a true battle-cry, many banners, He relived the glorious return of the Imperium
Aurora Chapter observes many of the holy days
emblems and other symbols of the Chapter are to Theris III, and the incalculable devastation of
observed by the people of Firestorm since
inscribed with the the ancient Terran phrase the Macharian Heresy. The memories of so many
before the days of the Imperium. Banners and
“tuebor,” meaning “I will defend.” battles played across his vision, given form by
other iconography of the Auroras often heavily
cogitators attached to his aged brain. To him,
the past unfolded with the unerring accuracy of
Several characters and concepts for this article have been borrowed from the Macharian a textbook, unfettered by the diminishing recall
Crusade Campaign Book, created by our friends over at the Bell of Lost Souls. Thanks to of mortal flesh.
bigred, mkerr and all the rest for their dedication to the hobby, and the use of their materials!
To see more on the Macharian Crusade, Warhammer 30K and many other works by the BoLS, He knew, however, that there were gaps. His
visit their website at http://belloflostsouls.blogspot.com sarcophagus had carried his broken body onto

the surface of more worlds than he could recall affair. What seemed to be a world under attack The Aurora Chapter’s Chief Librarian raised an
- its fearsome array of weapons had allowed from a small Chaos cadre had, in reality, been eyebrow. “You have a plan.”
him feats that even the most capable Marine gripped by full-scale rebellion; with treacherous
Velatian’s gaze returned to the outcropping.
could not match, but no mind could survive so malice, the billion-fold citizens of Kassiar IV rose
“Didn’t we agree, Brother-Librarian Sulaco,
long and brutal a lifetime without failures and to slit the throats of their would-be saviors. The
that it was mightily unfair of you to read my
blanks. There were ages and campaigns that surprise attack on the Aurora flagship by a Chaos
thoughts?”
registered only as a single word or a fleeting splinter fleet had driven the battlebarge out
image, but no more. He knew them now from of orbit. Worse, the ships were ones they had “There’s no need,” replied Sulaco. “You’d be
data-slates and memory cubes fed into the recognized - the dread fleet of Captain Sorge. remiss not to have one.”
near-infinite storage of his electronic mind; The Alpha Legionairre had pursued Velatian
“Indeed.” Velatian’s countenance became dark
histories of his own deeds, read to him like a since the days of Theris, and now he seemed to
as he watched his men secure their position,
child’s story. He wondered, sardonically, how have finally gotten the best of his old foe.
set to sell their lives dearly. “Though this is one
many of them were true.
There was little hope left; only a handful of that I had hoped would would remain unused.”
However, despite a thousand years of memories of the original detachment remained against Velatian opened one of the small pouches
to contemplate, he drifted time after time back a tide of maddened cultists, Tratior Marines attached to his belt, and retrieved a small data-
to his friend Velatian. Where others saw a stern and beasts spawned from the unfathomable slate. He handedit to the Librarian. A long set
and withdrawn leader, Sulaco remembered the depths of the Warp. Dogged in their pursuit, of digits played across its screen. “Memorize
man who would debate the nuances of a battle the traitors had even followed them up the those, Delphias, and quickly.” Sulaco nodded,
strategy or a scrap of ancient literaturewith equal rocky cliffside to the narrow plateau that had and committed the string to memory with a
ferocity . He recalled the the Siege of Duro, of given the Marines’ this moment of respite. speed and accuracy that few could achieve.
Velatian’s tireless command while mired behind A single Thunderhawk now held most of the Seconds later, the data-slate hummed and
enemy lines. He had never known a finer leader, remaining Auroras; only Velatian’s own guard went blank as its data stores were purged.
or a more dedicated ally. The realization that remained, setting up defensive positions on
“As soon as you’re clear,” Velatian continued,
his friend had been dead for many centuries the outcroppings of rock. Both Sulaco and the
“broadcast that sequence into the Aether.”
hit him suddenly, as it always did. Slowly, and Captain himself stood over the edge of the
with bittersweet reverence, the memory of the sandy plateau, watching the hordes of Chaos The wind blew harshly, and long moment
Brother-Captain’s final stand began to unfold, followers advancing on their position. passed as the two old friends looked over the
pouring forth from secret places within his mind cliffside into the approaching army. Finally, the
“We’ll hold them long enough for you to
that he had hidden from even himself. Librarian spoke.
evacuate.” Velatian’s authoritative voice cut
*** calmly over the whine of the gunship’s engines “It would have been an honor to die at your
as they began to spool up to full power. The side.”
From the moment that the Auroras came out of
Captain looked thoughtfully at the armored
warpspace in the Kassiar system, the campaign Velatian shook his head. “I’ll not have your
transport, as if judging its worth. “Cainen’s Wing
had gone poorly; the events on Kassiar IV were head added to the tally of my foolishness,
can’t stand up to a cluster of melta-bombs, and
simply the consummation of the whole wretched Sulaco. Besides, Brother-Librarian,” his friend
there’s important work for you in there.”

smirked, even as the roars of inhuman thralls many others, only to haunt him in the dreams Chaplain bowed, bidding him entrance into
and mechanical horrors began to coruscate of his years-long slumber? the dark stone chamber.
over the hills, “it is your solemn duty to record
Gears hidden within the thick granite walls “Listen well, Brother-Chaplain, and you shall
those stories that will inspire a Chapter.” He
began to grind, and the forward wall of the have it.” Sulaco marched toward the center of
clapped the Librarian on the shoulder. “Do me
antechamber slowly opened to reveal a skull- the room, preparing to favor the young ones
one last favor, my friend - tell this one well.”
masked Chaplain. Behind him, surrounded with tales of heroes long forgotten; to keep a
Sulaco nodded and reluctantly climbed into by the Chapter’s commanders, the Chosen promise made in the distant past, in the flesh
the Thunderhawk, its ramp closing swiftly Aspirant knelt in waiting upon a raised dais. of another lifetime.
behind him. Looking through the viewport, Sulaco, taking the sum total of his thoughts,
he saw Velatian’s face once again become the concluded that
stern mask of command. With a roaring cry, this ceremony
the Captain and his men opened fire into the had passed into
approaching horde as the Thunderhawk lifted dull routine; its
off from the surface of the doomed planet. importance - to
As the ship broke orbit, Sulaco blasted the both Sulaco and
message into the Warp as broadly as his vast the Chapter - had
psychic power would allow. diminished. This
storied ceremony
Moments later, the thin membrane of reality
had become a rite
tore open as a trio of Cobra-class Destroyers
without meaning;
emerged from warpspace, bearing the striking
perhaps, he thought,
emerald of the Aurora Chapter. Streaming
that should change.
clusters of plasma torpedoes screamed into the
planet’s atmosphere, bombarding Velatian’s “Ancient One,” the
position with white-hot intensity. Sulaco had Chaplain intoned.
never seen his friend again; the loneliness Toward the young
burned in his memory as brightly as anything. ones, Sulaco knew,
the Chaplain
***
was stern and
Sulaco was roused to the present with a jolt; uncompromising;
recognizing the final chants that would herald however, his voice
his entrance, he prepared to pass into the was now soft with
chamber ahead. Briefly, he pondered deleting reverence. “We
the memory of the Captain’s death. Would it await your wisdom,
erase the pain of his passing? Might Velatian’s Lord, and your
fate slip into the same shadowy realm as so judgment.” The

THE GORGING HOST POINTS: 50 + MODELS
During the final stages of a world’s consumption, living carpets VI, consumption began during the primary incursion to quickly
of rippers devour everything for absorption by the hive followed invigorate the hive fleet and exploit advantageous genetic
by the rarely seen Malanthropes selectively processing useful collection. Like a nightmare locust plague, a mass of rippers
genetic material. Few Imperials survive witnessing this horror. herded by a Malanthrope ravaged vast biomass tracts. The
The splintering of the last hive fleet has spawned a new sheer number of rippers overwhelmed all defenses while the
phenomenon, where the ripper consumption is occurring at a deadly Malanthrope eliminated die-hard survivors.
smaller scale in the early stages of an invasion. On Sameul
Malanthrope Ripper Swarm Ripper Swarm
Ripper Swarm Ripper Swarm
Ripper Swarm
FORMATION:
1+ Malanthrope SPECIAL RULES:
5+ Ripper Swarms Deployment: All units must deploy within 12” of a
Malanthrope.
Debris cloud: The swarm creates a cloud of debris inhibiting
LOS. Unlike a normal swarm, a gorging swarm offers an
intervening cover save for all models.
Sheer numbers: An uncountable mass of rippers surges
forward. If one ripper does not get you, another one will. All
rippers get to re-roll to hit rolls. In turn, killing scores of rippers
does not affect the voracity of the swarm. All rippers have the
special Feel-no-Pain rule.
Mindless hunger: The ripper’s sole objective is to gorge
themselves. The rippers can neither perform sweeping
advances nor consolidate.
Datasheet for use in Apocalypse games. Derived from IP owned by Games Workshop by Stefan Sheckells
THE HORDE BENEATH POINTS: 150 + MODELS
One of the deadliest Tyranid creatures is the subterranean violence. In rare cases, as a result of rich nutrients within the
Trygon. They live underfoot capable of burrowing through the earth, Trygons hyper-evolve into an abundant horde of super-
densest rock erupting from the ground with epic displays of beasts…
Trygon Trygon Trygon

Tyranicus Tyranicus Tyranicus
Subterra Subterra Subterra
Extremis Extremis Extremis
Trygon Trygon
Tyranicus Tyranicus
Subterra Subterra
Extremis Extremis
FORMATION:
3 - 5 Trygons SPECIAL RULES:
Deployment: All models within the formation must enter play
from the strategic reserve. The formation deploys starting with
the first Trygon using Deep Strike. The subsequent Trygons
are placed within 12” inches of the first Trygon as they home
in on the first Trygon.
Earthquake: The eruption of multiple Trygons creates
an earthquake. All enemy infantry forces within 6” of any
Trygon must immediately take an unmodified leadership
test including units normally immune to leadership tests or
automatically passing them. If the unit fails the test they are
considered to have gone to ground (p24) that turn and get all
respective benefits and deficiencies. The test represents units
being thrown about from earthquake.
Datasheet for use in Apocalypse games. Derived from IP owned by Games Workshop by Stefan Sheckells
INTRUDER TITAN POINTS: 640
The Intruder is the largest of the Tau Titans, and it is still capable of crippling an enemy Titan at long range. It could
dwarfed by the Scout Titans of the Imperium. Not all Tau Titans also mount a twin linked heavy burst cannon, instead of one
are agile and graceful constructs, but the Intruder’s compact of the sets of railguns for close defense. An Intruder’s pace,
size allows it to move with a swiftness and smoothness quite agility and ability to leap difficult terrain allows it to harry the
simply impossible for the war machines of other races. The enemy lines in quick scouting raids before disappearing with
Intruder mounts a number of powerful jump jets, turning its the same terrifying speed. Intruder Titan crews are small, their
movement into a series of drifting leaps, or even floating prodigious skills enhanced by training as Crisis suits before
sweeps over the battlefield. Despite this almost Eldarish crewing an Intruder. In many cases, an original Crisis Team
gait, the Intruder Titan is an extremely well-armed, powerful pilots an Intruder Titan. They then hunt for heavy armor on the
adversary. Its standard armament comprises of heavy railguns, battlefield, connected by years of teamwork.
UNIT: 1 Intruder Titan

ARMOUR SPECIAL RULES:
TYPE: Super Heavy Walker WS BS S FRONT SIDE REAR I A Agile: In the Shooting phase may divert energy
STRUCTURE POINTS: 3 3 4 10 13 12 10 3 2 from its Primary Weapons to its legs, so it can
choose to either:
WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT:
- Fire all available weapons as normal, OR
– 2 Heavy Railguns
- Fire a single Primary Weapon and move an
or extra D6” (as per the Fleet of Foot rule), OR
– 1 Heavy Railgun and 1 twin-linked Heavy Burst Cannon - Fire no weapons and move an extra 2D6” (as
WEAPON RANGE STR AP SPECIAL per the Fleet of Foot rule)
H. Railgun (solid shot) 108” 10 1 Ordanance 1, Titan Killer Jump Jets: Instead of moving normally, the
H. Railgun (submunition) 108” 10 1 Ordanance 1, Large Blast Intruder may use its jump jets to move up to 36”
TL Heavy Burst Cannon 36” 6 4 Heavy 6, Twin-linked in the movement phase, ignoring all terrain and
models. May not land on frendly units or in dif-
ficult, dangerous or impassable terrain, but may
land on enemy units, resolving as a Tank-shock.
If it uses its jump jets the Intruder may not fire its
Primary Weapons nor use the Agile rule that turn,
but it may assault as normal.
Datasheet for use in Apocalypse games. Derived from IP owned by Games Workshop by Jutami and Shortsonfire79
Strategy: Tips & Tactics
TYRANIDS IN 5TH EDITION, OR HOW I

LEARNED TO LOVE THE NEW TERRAIN RULES
by Geoffrey Snider and is subsequently their greatest strength. a mathematical algorithm that depends (in this
This unpredictability is precisely why I chose game) on who gets the first, and largest volley
The thought of playing against Tyranids always
Tyranids to be my first 5th Edition army. of shooting. Here’s a simplified explanation of
makes me cringe. I’m not sure if it has to do
how it works:
with some of the more disgustingly powerful It is this author’s opinion that at its core,
strategy cards they had in 2nd Edition, or if it Warhammer 40,000 revolves around its ranged Team A has 1000 soldiers and Team B has 900
has to do with swarms of Rending Hormagaunts combat mechanics. Sure there are many ways soldiers. Each time they unleash a volley of fire,
in 3rd Edition, or even if it has to do with players to massacre someone in close combat. Sure only 10% of their soldiers score a kill shot on
that don’t remember which biomorphs their there are ways to Tank Shock entire armies the enemy. The teams take turns firing.
units have because they don’t model them off the table. But I say that shooting is the
Team A fires first, scoring 100 kills (10% of 1000),
correctly. When you build an army you can’t say mainstay of 40K because armies begin the
reducing Team B to 800 soldiers.
“I’m going to include a five-man Devastator game deployed at a reasonable distance from
squad with four Heavy Bolters because I expect each other. The best way to win the game lies Team B fires second, scoring 80 kills (10% of
to play against Tyranids.” It just doesn’t work in modern military doctrine: defeat the enemy 800), reducing Team A to 920 soldiers.
like that anymore, because you don’t know by eliminating them completely, before they
Team A fires, scoring 92 kills, reducing Team B
what variant of the Tyranid army you’re going can have any effect on your forces. In other
to 708 soldiers.
to be facing. Whichever way you slice it, their words, whoever has the longest range guns will
unpredictability is what causes my anxiety, win. Failing this, ranged combat devolves into Team B fires, scoring 70 kills, reducing Team A
to 850 soldiers.
…and eventually Team A delivers the killing
blow in the final round of shooting.
Team B fires, scoring 5 kills, reducing Team A
to 532 soldiers.
Team A fires, scoring 53 kills, reducing Team B
to 0 soldiers.
What I’ve been talking about is the simplified
form of what engagement theory calls the
Lanchester Equation:

It’s an equation that works in a very limited

capacity; it predicts the outcomes of pitched
firefights, where both sides in an engagement
have roughly the same capabilities, but one has
greater numbers. It can be modified to account
for advantages that certain sides possess, and
can team up with other equations to determine
exactly how many ‘rounds’ of firing the two
teams will go through before one team is
eliminated. In a nutshell, this is what 40K is;
a pitched battle where each side is on equal
footing. Pitched battles are the finest examples
of what every general should strive to avoid in
real-life wartime situations!
OK, I take it all back. This is what I think 40K
is, but I also think that 5th Edition has taken a
massively productive step away from being a
simple pitched battle; the ability to go first with
much of an advantage as it used to be. And what if they do manage to hit their targets, ‘bug guns’
a greater amount of shooting is no longer as
happens when you decrease the effectiveness have a much less lethal AP rating than almost
of one method for removing your opponent’s any other army. Finally, they possess little to no
forces from the table? The other methods (like invulnerable saves, making their larger, armored
close combat) become much more viable. This units vulnerable to weapons that ignore their
shift in power is a huge step in minimizing the armor saves.
weaknesses of a Tyranid army.
You may be asking yourself “If they have so
Speaking of Tyranid weaknesses, what exactly are many drawbacks, why should we even consider
they? Anything that can claim an objective has an playing them?” Their strengths far outweigh
armor save of no better than 4+. This leaves them their weaknesses. What the Tyranids lack in
vulnerable to all different types of small arms shooting quality they make up in quantity. Now
fire – in fact all weapons in the game (especially don’t expect a unit of Gaunts with Spinefists to
template weapons) have a great potential for do any more damage than an angry Grot – I’m
wiping out units of Gaunts, Hormagaunts and talking about Warriors, Tyrants and Carnifexes
Genestealers quite easily. Next is their relatively armed with twin-linked Deathspitters and
low Ballistic Skill, which makes it difficult for them Devourers, or Barbed Strangers and Venom
to hit anything with their ranged weaponry. Even Cannons. They also compensate for their

of it, the game is irrevocably changed in your

favor. There are four tiers to keep in mind for
this system:
Tier 1: Terrain
Tier 2: Small models
Tier 3: Medium-sized models
Tier 4: Large models
Tier 1: Terrain – There are several types of
terrain in 5th that you can rely on. The three most
important are Area Terrain (anything players
agree classifies as Area Terrain), small model-
sized LOS-obstruction terrain (usually ruins
that LOS can be drawn through, or intervening
enemy models), and terrain that completely
blocks LOS (solid walls, Buildings, etc.). First
of all, anything that blocks LOS to your models
lack of BS with some special shooting strength of a Tyranid force in 5th Edition is their
features like Living Ammunition and Pinning. ability to almost always have a Cover Save.
Invulnerable saves are a mixed bag – they’re
Cover saves are now an all-important fact
usually reliable enough as a backup defense,
of life for Tyranids. Now that 40K uses the
but when cover saves are a viable option like
‘True Line-of-Sight’ rules and shooting at any
they are in 5th Edition, why pay the points for
given target is almost always possible if it’s in
them anyways? You might need them in close
range, it’s necessary for them to have as much
combat, but Tyranids have such solid hand-to-
protection as possible – especially for those
hand capabilities (lots of attacks, Monstrous
scoring units with weak armor. Tyranids can
Creatures, high Initiative and Weapon Skill,
now take advantage of a ‘Tiered System’ of
as well as immunity to Instant Death) that they
cover saves. It’s a bit difficult to grasp at first
rarely need to worry about Power Weapons or
because it relies on a player’s ability to think
Powerfists. Finally the greatest all-prevailing
three-dimensionally, but once you get the hang

HQ - Hive Tyrant (160) - (Enhanced Senses, Troops - 16 Hormagaunts (208) Heavy Support - Carnifex (161) - (Enhanced
Extended Carapace, Toxin Sacs, Barbed - (Adrenal Glands, Flesh Hooks) Senses, Extended Carapace, Reinforced
Strangler, Scything Talons, Psychic Scream) Chitin, Barbed Strangler, Scything Talons)
Troops - 16 Hormagaunts (208)
HQ - Hive Tyrant (160) - (Enhanced Senses, - (Adrenal Glands, Flesh Hooks) Heavy Support - Carnifex (161) - (Enhanced
Extended Carapace, Toxin Sacs, Barbed Senses, Extended Carapace, Reinforced
Troops - 16 Gaunts (128) -
Strangler, Scything Talons, Psychic Scream) Chitin, Barbed Strangler, Scything Talons)
(Spinefists, Without Number)
Elites - Lictor (80) Heavy Support - 3 Zoanthrope – (195)
Troops - 9 Gaunts (45) – (Spinefists)
- (Warp Blast, Psychic Scream)
Elites - 8 Tyranid Warriors (253)
Troops - 9 Gaunts (45) – (Spinefists)
- (Toxin Sacs, Scything Talons, 7x
Deathspitter, Barbed Strangler) Troops - 9 Gaunts (45) – (Spinefists)
is valuable, especially for Tyranid Monstrous Tier 4: Large Models – This is obviously the a high number of scoring units, good medium-
Creatures that need to be 50% obscured to category that includes models on large bases range firepower, hand-to-hand superiority,
receive a cover save. Second, LOS-obstructing like Hive Tyrants and Carnifexes. Tier 4 is a bit high mobility, and a few dirty tricks. In actuality
terrain (we’ll call it ‘medium-sized’) is great for like an Ace in Poker – it can be used as both it performs a bit like an avalanche, starting
potentially providing cover saves for anything the highest and the lowest tier. On one hand, out ominously and small, but turning into an
in the army. Finally, Area Terrain gives anything these large models need to be at least 50% unstoppable, raging torrent.
that isn’t a Monstrous Creature a cover save as obscured by models or terrain to get a cover
The simplest factor contributing to this force is
long as that model’s base is in it. save. On the other hand, they’re large enough
firepower – it includes five Barbed Stranglers
to act like moving cover, partially blocking LOS
Tier 2: Small Models – Small Models for that nearly almost hit something, as well as
to anything else in your army (including other
Tyranids consist of Gaunts, Hormagaunts, and Deathspitters that can smash large units easily.
models of their size).
Genestealers (or anything else that shares their Lightly armored vehicles are vulnerable to
small base size). These models are roughly Once you’ve played a few games utilizing this these, while Zoanthropes are needed to take on
50% as tall as medium-sized models, ergo Tiered Cover system it will come as second larger targets like Monoliths and Land Raiders.
they grant any small or medium-sized models nature to you. It’s especially important when
Next are its scoring units. Two broods of
‘behind’ them a 4+ cover save. you’re setting up your army because many other
Hormagaunts, backed up (or fronted as the case
armies will tend to take an aggressive shooting
Tier 3: Medium-sized Models – Tyranid Warrior may be) by four broods of Gaunts. The sixteen-
stance against Tyranids. Thankfully the rules for
Broods, Lictors, Tyrant Guard, Zoanthropes and model unit of Gaunts is your mainstay, frontline
pre-game deployment in 5th Edition lie in stark
Raveners all come on medium-sized bases, Tier 1 cover provider, while the Hormagaunts
contrast to 4th, allowing you the freedom to
and their height and bulk are usually sufficient set up slightly behind them on each side. The
arrange your forces however you want.
to cover 50% of a Monstrous Creature. smaller units of Gaunts serve several purposes:
Occasionally one will not be enough (a lone The army listed above is incredibly versatile, 1) provide additional cover if the primary unit is
Zoanthrope), but units of them are sufficient. and takes full advantage of Tiered Cover. It has wiped out, 2) stand in front of, or wrap halfway

around enemy units that present a threat to and they run, cause 25% percent casualties manage to accomplish. Now that the rules for
your larger models, and 3) act like backfield from shooting and they run, or cause a single Preferred Enemy allow units to re-roll to hit in
units to occupy or contest objectives. casualty from a Barbed Strangler and they’re hand-to-hand, this unit is invaluable. Usually
pinned. Once the enemy is on the run it’s pretty he’s used to coordinate with a unit of assaulting
High mobility is a key strength of any Tyranid
easy to keep them that way. Hormagaunts (allowing them to hit most units
force, but in 5th Edition it is especially good
on a 3+ with a re-roll), but sometimes he’ll hang
to have Fleet of Foot (or Fleet of Claw in this Without Number: This is a tricky ability to use
out near a Hive Tyrant or a Carnifex. He nearly
case). It allows your scoring units to move up to correctly in 5th Edition games, but it’s very
always stays away from close combat unless the
12” and sometimes even 24” across the table effective when it works. Most players will realize
odds of getting killed by it are extremely low
to control or contest objectives. However, the that the front line of your Tiered Cover needs
– standing around and giving Preferred Enemy
ability to use the Run rule is quite important for to be cracked before they can begin affecting
to everyone around him is his best role, and
larger units as well, but I’ll discuss this later. your more important units. Without Number is
he’s especially resilient because he can use the
great for this one unit because it’s hard to kill,
Hand-to-hand superiority is easy for a Tyranid Go To Ground rule to get a 2+ cover save.
but almost always dies. It then walks back onto
army to achieve. Their Initiative is high and
the table during the next turn (literally the next Run: This rule changes the way the army plays.
many of them have Flesh Hooks to keep it that
turn after it’s shot off the table), and then runs Since Zoanthropes and Tyrants can run forward
way. Monstrous Creatures have high toughness
up to claim an objective. an extra d6”, their Psychic Scream ability can
and nearly impenetrable armor, making them
affect the enemy much earlier than before. It also
the rough equivalents of immovable objects. Lictor: Lictors got a really bad rap in 4th Edition
allows slower units to get a move-on, possibly
Their objective in close combat is to simply deal because they didn’t do very much for your army
getting them into an objective later on.
more wounds than they suffer. Hormagaunts, and they cost way too much for what they did
on the other hand, rely on catching smaller
units unawares and tying them up in close
combat, hopefully causing more casualties
than they suffer.
Finally, this force thrives on a few special tricks
that aren’t seen very often. They’re sure to raise
an eyebrow if you use them correctly, and many
times they’ll allow you to completely smash an
opponent.
Psychic Scream: This psychic power is in effect
all the time and has no requirement to use. It
affects any Morale or Pinning check, as well as
enemy psychic tests. It’s easy to gain superiority
over an enemy force that has to contend with
a -5 modifier to its leadership. Win any combat

Events: AmmoBunker Games Day Coverage
GAMES DAY - A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

THE AMMOBUNKER AT GAMES DAY UK ‘08 “Well, that was interesting.”
modelling and painting at its heart. In reality, held an ‘Open Bash’ at Warhammer World3.
its greatest asset is the community that lives We wanted an event anyone – member or
on its boards - we always aimed to create a not – could come along and join in. We had
place where people could hang out and share a bloody huge Apocalypse battle and had a
by Rictus and crew their hobby amongst others; as long as you great day chatting and gaming.
can take a joke anyone is welcome. It is for this 3
17:13 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH See Firebase 7
community spirit that in May of this year we
After throwing the high-visibility jacket into the
box, I walked out through door A5 of the NEC
and into the sunshine. The sounds of the stands
and stage being dismantled, people calling
and van engines turning over can be heard
coming from the hall behind me. The once-
packed rooms are almost empty now, with just
the last stage of cleanup under way. Games
Day ’08 is well and truly over for me now, and as
I get back into my car and set off for home the
above thought passes through my head. This is
followed by several other thoughts, including a
pledge not to even look at a model for a week
(failed1) and one involving sleeping for at least
a day (also failed2).
1
Lasted about three days, which is pathetic.
2
Unfortunately being ‘a bit tired’ is not
enough to take a day off work.
To explain why I was leaving the NEC a good
hour after the event officially finished, I have to
take you back a number of months.
I am part of the Admin staff on The
Ammobunker; an online forum that has The 113,330 point Apocalypse Battle at the Open Bash. (see Firebase 7)

Something came out of the Bash that we really would turn out to be an objective and not an working on them. After seeing the timetable
didn’t expect, something that we never thought actual gaming piece. For the second table I included in the information we appeared to be
could happen, let alone would. It was mentioned liked the idea of the Zombie skirmish game about two months behind…a brief moment of
in passing by Brian Aderson, the Warhammer making its reappearance, after its successful panic followed before natural British stoicism
World honcho, that a couple of tables could be outing at the Open Bash. regained control5.
reserved at Games Day for us… 5
Information from Games Workshop dropped Stiff upper lip and all that. We didn’t get
On the day this didn’t really sink in. No forum through my letter box, and after a followup to rule three quarters6 of the globe by being
had been asked to participate at a Games Day phone call we knew where we stood. The ideas emotional you know.
before; it had always been the reserve of GW we had for the games were OK, in theory, and 6
The other quarter wasn’t worth bothering
Departments & Stores and the GCN affiliated while we needed to put them down on paper for about or you can be certain we would have
clubs. At the end of the Bash we all went back the nod from GW we could go ahead and start had that as well.
home to recover after what had been a hectic
weekend, but we never forgot the proposal
that had been made to us. We contacted Brian
to see if participating at Games Day was a real
possibility, and to find out what taking part
would actually involve. It fell to me to get the ball
rolling4 and after messages had gone back and
forth a few times it became apparent that we
really would have some tables at Games Day.
4
I’m not sure which was the greater act of
foolishness, me volunteering or the others
accepting…
Questions sprang to mind - “can we do this?”,
“will we end up making fools of ourselves?”,
“what the heck do we do?”, and “will this mean
we get in early?” amongst others.
Regardless of our worries and uncertainties
we pressed on. We had already been thinking
about what we could do with the next Open
Bash; we liked the idea of having aircraft play
more of a role and with this in mind we decided
that one table at Games Day should involve
aircraft in some way. In the end the aircraft
“Zombies!” at the Open Bash, with some tinkering it should be perfect for Games Day.

Kill Team was designed for a single team

whose aim was to complete an objective while
facing off against an enemy who had superior
numbers and were also aware of the kill team’s
objective. However ‘Stirring the Hornets’ Nest’
would have three kill teams, with each team
The AB Forum Title, the basis of everything I did. randomly dealt an objective. The possibility of
Volunteers for the day were put forward; first on Reasoning that if one person took the role two teams having the same objective added a
the list were the AB Admin staff who were going, of producing all of the printed material for bit more spice to the mix and, to make it even
and who would also provide the back bone of Games Day it would be easier for us to achieve more interesting, each objective was kept
the work put into the boards. Those who we this aim, I volunteered to produce everything secret from the other players.
believed would contribute were then asked to required using the existing Ammobunker logo
To be honest, I don’t like Kill Team; on the
join the team. Over time people came in and and iconography9.
few occasions I’ve played it I didn’t enjoy it
out, due to various real life situations, but by the 9
Which I admit turned into a bigger task than I much. But - for reasons I still don’t understand
day we had settled on twelve people: Captain
originally imagined. - I ended up having to write the rules for this
Wolverine, Deadley Hedley, Deserter, Digits,
THE AMMOBUNKER TABLES game. I jotted down some quick ideas which
Grizz, Jasevx, KayvaanShrike, Maelstrom7, Old
Of the three tables we were asked to run at would determine how many defenders would
Guard, Rictus8, Schoolcormorant and Tepok.
Games Day, two were to be participation- be needed so that modelling and painting
7
A real trooper coming on board as a gaming tables that the visitors could just turn could start, and then pushed the rules into the
volunteer only two days before Games Day up and play at while the third was to be a bit background (after all, we had plenty of time till
with only the promise of a lot of work as different… Games Day…).
payment (and a free lunch).
TABLE ONE The idea for the board came about as two of the
8
That’s me, hello. team had just started working on a joint project
Size of board: 6 x 4 Foot
We received the info from Games Workshop based on a Forward Strike Base; for this reason,
on the 4th of June; Games Day was set for the Working Title: Kill Teams they took on the role of producing much of the
14th of September. We had around 100 days in Final Name: Stirring the Hornets’ Nest board. Digits took on producing the board
which to get not two tables done, but three… itself and the terrain, while the Thunderbolts
Scenario: Kill Teams infiltrate an Imperial came courtesy of Deadley Hedley. Meanwhile,
THE LOOK OF AMMOBUNKER… Forward Strike Base (FSB), each with an Old Guard took up the mantle of providing the
One thing that I set out to achieve right from objective to carry out - sabotage, espionage Defending force, and the Kill Teams themselves
the beginning was for all of the AB material to or assassination. would be provided by other volunteers close
be linked visually. While the boards themselves
Setting: A Forward Strike Base complete with to the day.
may look different; every rules sheet, player
card, reference sheet and so on all needed to aircraft, supplies, ground crew, vehicles and To give more variety, and to prevent Old Guard
look like they belonged together. anti-aircraft defences along with buildings cracking under the strain of painting 60-odd
testifying to the area’s industrial past.

forming three Brute Squads, while the latter

came with a servitor unit including a heavy
weapon to give the Kill Teams something to
think about.
Digits pulled his finger out when it came to
the terrain, not only providing buildings and
trees but also ground crew and vehicles to
give the base much more character. The ‘Bolts
were always going to be at the centre of the
board and with Deadley tackling them they
should fulfil the role of centrepiece well; after
the usual trials and tribulations involved with
resin models we had three Thunderbolts that
would fit in nicely with Digits’ ground crew and
Brute Squad members by Old Guard
terrain.
identical models to form Brute Squads, the draft Security Detachment (Guard Stormtroopers)
rules included some targets for assassination
– a base commander and a Techpriest
Enginseer. The former came with a Navy
Commander with Naval Security by Old Guard Techpriest by Old Guard

die) and another being Chaos Renegades, we

still ended up with four kill teams that lacked
any great diversity; only the Salamander Space
Marines of Kayvaan really provided something
different. Letting people just build what they
wanted was a mistake, as most of us seem
to gravitate towards the Guard. Some Xenos
presence in the kill teams would have been
ideal. (While writing this it occurred to me I
should have asked Doghouse to make a Dark
Eldar one.)
For my own team, I went for Chaos Renegade
Militia. Using the Forge World conversion packs
and the army list in Imperial Armour Volume 5 I
came up with a unit I was pretty happy with; led
Ground Crew by Digits, this page and next
The kill teams that would be tackling the board

came from the hands of KayvaanShrike, Captain
Wolverine (aka Wolvie), Jasevx and myself (with
a big contribution from Dominus Ex Machina,
who would sulk if I didn’t mention him).
Hindsight is a wonderful thing…we ended up
with five kill teams, four of which were based on
the Imperial Guard in some way. Even with one
of these being stunties (the Squats refuse to

More fantastic Ground Crew by Digits

Clockwise from left: A Thunderbolt by Deadley

is rearmed by the ground crew of Digits;
Squat Imperial Guard Kill Team Leader by
Captain Wolverine; Salamanders Kill Team by
KayvaanShrike
by an Alpha Legionnaire, and including three

special weapons, I thought they would be able
to tackle whatever objective they were called
on to achieve. Once built, they were shipped
off to Dominus to be painted. At the time he
was still hoping to be at Games Day, but – alas
- it turned out the Swedish Army had other
ideas, so the Militiamen had to brave the Royal
Mail once more.

Chaos Renegade Militia Kill Team by Rictus and Dominus Ex Machina
The rules were a pain; I came up with some

things but I was never happy and our plans
of play testing fell apart at the last minute. It
was turning into brown underwear time
frankly, I was really hoping to be able to test
them and re-write them in time for GD but it
just couldn’t be done.

TABLE TWO
Size of board: 4 x 4 Foot
Working Title: ZOMBIES!
Final Name: Escape from Eidos.
Scenario: Two rival Inquisitors and an Adeptus
Mechanicus Magos battle each other in
an attempt to reach safety from a horde of
zombie-like creatures.
Setting: A desolate, rock-strewn wasteland
just emerging from the grip of winter.
Only patches of snow and clumps of hardy
vegetation break up the dark ground and
rocks, while below ground lurk the hidden
laboratories of the Adeptus Mechanicus and
Inquisition.
In Issue 7 of Firebase you would have seen a
skirmish game called ‘Something Something
Something Zombies’ played at the Open
Bash. This was a quick and fun game, and with
some tinkering we felt confident it would be a
success at Games Day.
Similar to ‘Stirring the Hornets’ Nest’ this
game would involve three players controlling
a small number of models. An AB volunteer
would control a larger force made up of vicious
and mindless beasts; these former Imperial
citizens had had the misfortune of being
subjected to the experiments carried out in
the underground labs, experiments run by
the Adeptus Mechanicus and the Inquisition
aimed at creating a better host for Deamonic
possession. Part of the Zombie horde - painted by Pfreck.
The Zombies were all based on Warhammer Ghouls

From two hidden

entrances the zombie
horde will burst forth
in an attempt to claim
fresh meat to devour.
Close by, a much larger
rock structure contains
a landing pad that was
used to bring supplies
and staff in. Now open
to the elements, with its
covering long since lost
to high winter winds,
the last aircraft that
attempted to takeoff
from this pad lies in
pieces not far away.
The three war bands Adeptus Mechanicus war band by Maelstrom
would be made up of a leader model, six Deamonhost depending on the warband.
Stormtroopers/Skitarii and a ‘specialist’.
This specialist would be either a heavy- In order to win the game, the players controlling
weapon-toting servitor, an arco-flagellant or a the warbands must get their leader to the
Below: Puritan Inquisitor and Retinue by Tepok. Right: Arco Flagellant ‘Specialist’.

landing pad first so he can escape the planet; We ended up with over 60 zombies, enough
for the zombie player his objective is simply even if the warbands fail miserably with their
to prevent anyone from escaping. Deserter shooting and the zombie player rolls high when
led the effort in writing the rules, the intention rolling for his reserves each turn.
being for the game to be quick, exciting and
Old Guard volunteered to make the rocks for
easy to pick up.
the 4x4 foot board, while I put my hand up to
The war bands were built and painted by produce the hidden entrances and the landing
Maelstrom, Tepok and Deserter while the pad. This seemed a simple task at first but it
zombies came from the hands of Tepok, soon ate away a lot of time.
Deserter, Deadley Hedley, Jasevx and Pfreck.
Below: Radical Inquisitor and Retinue by Deserter.

Above and Right: Eidos terrain –

Rock outcrop and a hidden entrance.
Eidos terrain – Landing Pad with AdMech Warband

Eidos terrain – Landing Pad Comms Array.

TABLE THREE gaming boards would of course be full of

Size of board: 6 x 4 Foot models worth seeing, the Project & WIP Table
would be the only board that allowed people
Working Title: WIP Table
to take time and take a close look as well as ask
Final Name: Ammobunker Project and questions about the models on show.
Work In Progress Table.
On paper it sounded that of the three tables it
The third table was going to be an oddity at would require the least work, in reality it ended
Games Day; while every other board in the up consuming hours upon hours of time.
Arena would be for gaming, this one would
‘Table Three’ came about due to the small Work
be different. The idea was for it to be full of
in Progress table we had at the Open Bash. It
models, both finished and work-in-progress,
garnered some interest from the visitors and
drawn from the volunteers. We feel nothing can
got the attention of GW (hence why we were
put AB in a better light than what the members
asked to do a similar thing for Games Day), but
actually build and paint, and this table would
on the whole I was quite disappointed with it.
be the perfect showcase for it. While the two
It was our first Open
Bash and we went
into it blind with little
forethought as to
what was required
to show the models
in the best way; I
came away with a
list of things that
could be improved
upon and set about
implementing these I took these to show the other volunteers what I
for the much bigger was planning for the table – Labels & WIP Sheets.
table at Games Day.
the name of the AB member who produced it. If
1. LABELS. a visitor liked a model they would be able to look
Every item will be at the members work in more depth later on.
labelled – each label
will include the name 2. WIP SHEETS.
of the model/unit, a For the larger models that were extensively
brief description and converted and undercoated or painted I
The somewhat lacklustre WIP table at the Bash. would produce an A4 or A5 sheet showing WIP

pictures. This laminated sheet could be picked above while getting across the humour and
up by the visitors and would answer many of spirit we have on the forum. The final result
the questions they might have. passed muster, so I had 1,000 of them printed
off thinking we’d easily have enough to cover
3. FLYERS.
Games Day and still have plenty left for the
With no handouts to give to people at the Bash,
next Open Bash10.
people left with nothing to remind them of the
10
AB website address. This would be remedied I was wrong. Of 1,000 flyers taken to GD I
by flyers that people could pick up and take have 40 left.
away with them. My first job was to design this Very early on, I made the decision that only the
flyer, and my aim was to design the flyer to fit volunteers would have models on the table.
in with ‘The Ammobunker Look’ as outlined This was a shame, as other members had
expressed an interest in taking part but I felt An example sheet taken from the folder,
it was the only choice that could be made; the this one shows WIP shots of Dark Eldar by
volunteers would be responsible for everything Doghouse.
on the table and the fewer people contributing, From the volunteers I was able to draw up a
the easier it would be to keep track of things. large list of items pledged to the table. So
The table had to be set up by the time the much in fact that even with the Dark Angels of
doors opened, so we couldn’t have people Deadley not being able to make an appearance
turning up as the day went on and dropping we still had enough to fill the 6 x 4 foot board.
stuff off nor could we keep shifting stuff around
due to new items being added or some being All that was left was the slog of producing the
taken away. labels and WIP Sheets for everything, and
once the folder had been announced SC and
We did however want some way to involve the myself set about the task of asking members if
other members; we considered a notice board they wanted to take part. We looked through
but this didn’t seem very practical. There would Photobucket and our forums’ Project Log
only be so much that could be displayed on it, pages for pictures, and then chased people
and having a large board nearby might limit for the pictures they’d promised or asked for
access to the table itself. With only five weeks better images. As pictures were passed to me
left till Games Day, Old Guard hit upon the idea I was able to slowly create the finished sheets
of a folder that members could contribute to. for the folder.
This was quickly adopted as the way forward,
and while we didn’t realise at its conception THE NIGHT BEFORE THE DAY BEFORE
just how much time this idea would take up it Friday the 12th, 23:30 and I was printing off
proved to be worth it by being a big success the rules sheets for ‘Escape from Eidos’. Once
The Ammobunker Flyer. on the day. laminated and trimmed, they were the last

pieces added to the stack of printed material the Project and WIP Table - this was to be a job “Yes.”
I would need to take with me to the NEC on for Saturday, though, as by this point I couldn’t “And how many times have I reminded
setup day. think straight. Before going to bed I made people?”
the last reminder posts on the Ammobunker “A few times.”
To produce all of the player cards, rules sheets,
forums for the volunteers, making sure Pause.
kill team & war band rosters, WIP Sheets, labels
everyone knew what they needed to bring “Both of you have forgotten?”
and the Members Folder I got through three
as well as the arrangements for the two days. “Yeah.”
packs of photo paper, two colour cartridges
Everyone seemed happy… “Really?”
and one black cartridge. The Members’ Folder
“Yeah. Do we need to go back and get
of Work contained fifty sheets showing what SET UP DAY
them?”
the members had produced and shown on Up early. Too bloody early, in fact.
“Possibly…You _______s!”
AB. I don’t believe any of us thought it would
We arranged to meet at 14:00 at the NEC so Phone calls and messages passed around the
end up containing so many sheets, showing
we would have plenty of time to set up and be group, and the ‘lifelong companions’ from
the work of so many members. Unfortunately
ready for the next day; we were even hoping to Scotland hit it lucky as Old Guard and Wolvie
during the last week the priority was to get all
get a game in if we could (it was unlikely but we had a spare ticket each12.
of the rules sheets finished, so I was unable
had our fingers crossed). While trying to work 12
to work on the Members Folder resulting in Though the spare ticket of Wolvie was
out how to pack all of the tanks and terrain
a couple of members being missed out; they originally destined for his aunt. Don’t ask
into as few boxes as possible, I had a phone
will be able to take part in the future, however. me why.
call from Grizz who was travelling down to the
The folder was such a success that it will be “Idiots!” I thought and went back to packing
NEC with Kayvaan; they were two hours out of
continued post Games Day; it will be added before setting off for the NEC. I arrived at
Edinburgh and not far from picking up SC and
to continuously and be taken to any event or entrance A5 and drove the car into the hall
Corrupt (an AB Member hitching a ride down).
gathering where AB has a presence. so I could unload. While driving into the
They’d been driving along happily, blissfully
Once the printed material was all finished singing along to their favourite songs on Radio building with one steward in front of me and
I was left with the last job: packing a ton of One11 and commenting on what a lovely day it one behind I couldn’t help feeling let down
models, terrain and three 6x4 foot boards for was; life, it seemed, was good. that the forward steward didn’t have a flag to
wave in order to warn people of approaching
11
New Kids on the Block or some other danger13. Digits, Old Guard and I started to
popular beat combo the ‘youth’ like to listen set out what we had brought and as the others
to nowadays. arrived the boards began to come together.
And then they realised they had forgotten Only Maelstrom was unable to attend setup
their tickets. I swore, I laughed, I swore again, day, so apart from his models for the Project
possibly more than once. The conversation & WIP Table we were able to get everything
went something like this: set up.
An example of the printed material taken to
13
Games Day – this is an Objective Card that “Did I tell you how important it was to bring The car, not me.
would be dealt to a kill team player. your tickets?”

We were surprised to find

we were the first to finish
setting up. Disappointingly,
in fact, very few boards had
anything set up on them yet
– we’d been hoping to take
the opportunity to look at
the other boards while there
were no visitors. However
the large Apocalypse board
was set up with many,
many Baneblades and
Skullhammas. Well; I say
Baneblades, every reference
sheet on the table referred
to the super heavy tanks as
‘Banblades’. All that time I
spent checking and double Escape from Eidos Table.
checking the AB material Oh, they also had Orc instead of Ork. Obviously 14
Or an idiot.
might have been a bit overboard after all… a fantasy player14 did the sheets.
Stirring the Hornets’ Nest Table. ‘Banblades’ ready for battle…

The Project & WIP Table.

After a couple of hours we decided to head

off and escape the ever-present risk of being
run over by a white van. With a final farewell
to Brian Aderson and Bek Hawkby to let them
know we had gone and were ready for the
day, I left with the firm intention of having the
first evening in around two months that wasn’t
dedicated to Games Day.
GAMES DAY:
I woke up far too early for a Sunday, but I
needed to be at the NEC for around eight;
the only consolation of that time on a Sunday
morning was the prospect of an empty M6 to
look forward to15.
15
Sounds like famous last words and you
probably expect me to say I was stuck in a
traffic jam for an hour, but I wasn’t - it turned
out to be true.
We all gathered at the tables bright and early,
eager for it to get going. The day got off to Jase and Deserter going over the rules for Escape from Eidos (aka ZOMBIES!).
a good start as both Kayvaan and Grizz had one table I heard a volunteer say “…and this in five minutes’ time and that the tables must
managed to remember their (new) tickets. is where the kill team comes in”…”Blast” I be manned ready…so we battened ourselves
Once we had the important matter of who was thought, “someone else is doing Kill Team”. down for the inevitable tsunami of visitors that
going to join the Forge World queue when it I don’t remember seeing a Kill Team game at would surge into the Arena. It didn’t quite
opened with the group’s shopping list - Wolvie Games Day before and with no Kill Team rules turn out like that; the doors opened for the
and SC volunteered - we got down to sorting in the 5th Edition Rulebook we really thought Golden Demon entrants, and their priority was
any last minute setup issues and refreshing our we would be the only game of it at Games Day. to hand their models in before many headed
memories on the rules for the two games. Oh well. We still had our health17. off to the sales stands to try and grab the
pre-release items. Gradually people trickled
Before the doors opened I took the opportunity 16
aka stealing ideas…
into the Arena and the numbers slowly built,
to walk round and have a look at the other tables. 17
Except for those volunteers who were with the Project & WIP table initially catching
Some were distinctly impressive with their sheer getting over an operation - a surprisingly high peoples’ attention with visitors grabbing a
size and quantity of models, but I was still happy percentage. quick photo before moving on to see what
with how our tables compared. I snapped a few
pictures of terrain for reference16. As I passed The call went out that the doors were opening the other tables in the Arena held.

breaks didn’t stand up to the reality of

the day - when we weren’t talking to the
visitors we were greeting and chatting
to other AB members who came over
to say hello. I quickly lost track of faces
and names, and while I did speak to a
fair number of members I was barely
able to give some more than a passing
wave. It was great to see so many
people showing up in Ammobunker T-
shirts, though it may have made it a bit
confusing for the visitors. It was a shame
we’d forgotten the name badges.
I did manage to get a quick sit down
early afternoon when I had a chat with a
GCN representative; it was interesting
to get their thoughts and comments on
what we had done for the day. While we
looked at our efforts with inexperienced
eyes, the GCN have many years of
experience of running games at Games
Day and, happily for us, they seemed
quite impressed and positive about our
involvement and what we had done.
Afterwards a quick look around our
Some of the first visitors to look at the Project & WIP Table.
three tables showed that the games
People started to linger at the tables for pace increased, with more and more people were still in full flow and the number of
longer and it wasn’t long before the gaming gathering round us. We started to introduce people around all three tables seemed to
tables started seeing some action; and once ourselves and point out details to people on have increased by about 50%. On the Project
they started, they never stopped throughout the models they were looking at; once the ice & WIP Table the Members’ Folder of Work
the day. I barely got a look at the two gaming had been broken questions began to fly, most was proving to be a big success, it was rarely
tables after this point, even when I had a break notably “Who are you?” and “How the heck out of somebody’s hands. The WIP Sheets
from the Project & WIP table so many people did he build that?” were turning out to be as helpful as I hoped,
were gathered around the games that I only
The morning turned into something of a blur allowing us to more easily explain the bigger
got a brief glimpse of what was happening. The
for all of us. The original plan of taking regular conversions that were on show.

so I gave it a miss. Next up was the GCN

display board including an obscene amount of
Forgeworld resin; I wouldn’t have liked to be
the bloke who had to bring all that to the NEC,
Gaming in progress.
LUNCH. A break! Hallelujah. Wolvie, Maelstrom had to walk through the
and myself went to the canteen for food. I had other halls. Off I went,
a baked potato with a sort of chicken curry past the Marine statue
thing18, which was rather nice. (which is showing its
18
age, they could do with
I don’t know what the other two had, sorry if
knocking up a new one in
you were interested.
the latest style) and into
Straight after lunch I took a moment to see a the Pavilion. Here was
bit more of the event. I needed to pick up my Golden Demon and - as
Forgeworld reservation order, and to do so I always - it was packed,

I’d wince every time I went over a speed bump. day before so I decided not to hang around. out. After fifteen minutes I was wondering if I
Also in the Pavilion was the Design Studio should leave and come back just before they
And so into Hall One, which as well as the open
stand; I wanted to have a look but I thought closed up. After another ten, I was seriously
gaming tables contained the sales stands and
I would catch it on the return journey instead considering using my car keys as an improvised
the Forgeworld Design Studio stand. I quickly
so I took a couple of pictures of the GCN table weapon to thin the ranks around me. But then
added myself to the ‘Forgeworld Reservation
before setting off for my own resin fix. I reached Nirvana, as the desk was before
Order Pickup Mosh Pit’; dang, they don’t make
me. I had thought about getting an Arvus as
Next area included the computer games spending money easy. There never seems to
well (I’ve built a landing pad so I might as well
people THQ, and this year that meant the be enough card readers… People were picking
have something to land on it) but by now I just
Rhino. While giving them credit for doing it I things from catalogues to add to their order
wanted out. After a quick check of my order,
couldn’t help but think it looked a tad small causing delays as staff then had to try and find
payment was made and I was released back
and also that it looked like it had been sprayed it, and if it wasn’t in stock an order form had
out into sweet fresh air.
with Roughcoat. We’d had a good look at it the to be filled in so the items could be posted
I’d been away longer than I hoped, so, after
GCN Table – A Trio of Reavers and a Pair of Warhounds, nice…expensive. a very quick look at the FW design stand I set
off back to the boards. Thinking I would get a
second chance to look around the halls I wasn’t
too bothered at the time19.
19
I was wrong - I never had the chance to look
around again.
Back at the AB enclave the boards were as busy
as when I had left. SC hadn’t cracked under the
strain of public exposure and while I took over
the Project & WIP Table he headed off to grab
some food. With only an hour or two before
things started to wind down, it still didn’t look
like the numbers were easing up at all. More
AB members were showing up to say hello,
have a look at the boards and to see their own
work in the Members Folder. Again I missed
the chance to talk to many of them20.
20
However I did have a brief chat with El
Diablo towards the end; he was hard to
ignore. He turned out to be taller than he
sounded in the emails.

Gaming in progress.

As the day wore on we were starting to flag; backs and pretty much everything else were THE DAY DRAWS TO A CLOSE
we had after all been there since 8am and aching. My throat was getting progressively At around half three things started to wind
apart from a brief break for lunch we’d been more and more hoarse and I had begun to down in preparation for the Golden Demon
on our feet since the beginning. Feet, legs, hope that the end was nigh. ceremony. Games were finished and visitors
began to gather around the stage, which at
least allowed us to start packing away models.
We couldn’t break the boards down until all
of the visitors had left, but packing away the
models was fine so we dived into that.
I didn’t actually pay much attention to the
ceremony, being occupied instead with trying
to pack away all of my models and collect the
various bits of paper spread around. Until,
that is, one of AB’s own picked up a Bronze
Demon in the Young Bloods category21.
‘voiceofthewarp’ (aka ‘warpie’) took to the
stage to a big cheer from us; you have to
wonder what sort of models he’ll be producing
once he’s old enough to compete in the other
categories.
21
At the disgustingly young age of 13
Gaming in progress. The Bronze Winning Pilot of warpie.

Soon the ceremony had finished, and people

began to leave. Unfortunately we were stuck To show how much of a collaborative effort Games Day was for Ammobunker,
there until all of the coach parties had assembled here’s the roll call of volunteers and what they put into it:
and left, so once the models had been packed Captain Wolverine - P&WIP Table Rictus - Hornets’ Nest kill team & rules,
away there was nothing we could do but start models, Hornets’ Nest kill teams. Eidos Terrain, P&WIP Table models,
reading the various books we had bought. Deadley Hedley - Hornets’ Nest P&WIP Table labels & WIP Sheets,
Once we were able to break down the three Thunderbolts, Eidos zombies. the AB Flier, Members Folder.
tables, we collected our cars and packed Deserter - Eidos war band, rules, zombies Schoolcormorant - P&WIP Table
everything away. Deserter had already left for & crashed Aquila, P&WIP Table models. models, Members Folder.
his train and Maelstrom had set off with his Digits - Hornets’ Nest boards, terrain Tepok - Eidos war band & zombies,
coach, and the rest of us now started to depart, & vehicles, P&WIP Table models. P&WIP Table models.
tired and aching but all in good spirits. Once the Also thanks to:
others had left I went back in to check that we Grizz - P&WIP Table models.
hadn’t left anything behind; I decided to have Jasevx - Hornets’ Nest kill team, Eidos Pfreck - Eidos zombies and the AB
one last wander through the venue, dodging zombies, P&WIP Table models. logos I used in the printed material.
vans on the way. Already there was very little left, KayvaanShrike - Hornets’ Nest kill Dominus Ex Machina - Painting the Militia
with the last stage of clear up underway, stands team, P&WIP Table models. (I was just too busy to do them. Honestly)
being broken down and the floors cleared. I got Maelstrom - Eidos war band, Doghouse - Donated his sculpt of a
to door A5, dumped my high-vis jacket into the P&WIP Table models. Marine Captain to the P&WIP Table.
box and walked out into the sunshine… And that, as they say, is that.
Old Guard - Eidos boards,
THE LAST BIT Hornets’ Nest brute squads &
Games Day is over. I won’t lie and say it wasn’t terrain, P&WIP Table models.
stressful or hard work; we pushed ourselves
hard and spent a lot of time and effort working from the point of view of a visitor as well as success. I also want to thank Games Workshop
on the boards, models and other material but a volunteer, and make the run-up to the day for inviting us to take part, giving me as much
overall I think it was worth it. We had a successful more relaxed and less of a panic-fuelled dash help as they did and for welcoming us over the
day and overall it was a great experience. to the finish line. weekend. Much appreciated, though next time
We learned a hell of a lot - if we do this again I would like22 to thank publicly all those who any chance you could ask us a bit sooner…?
we’ll be better organised and more efficient. put time, effort and money into the event, 22
I have to; they are making me…
We’ll ensure that all of us get to see the event we all played our parts in making the day a If all goes to plan23 in the next issue of Firebase,
you’ll get a much closer look at something from
For more photos visit: http://s3.zetaboards.com/The_Ammobunker/topic/7036937/1/ Games Day…but to see what, you’ll have to wait.
Escape from Eidos: http://s3.zetaboards.com/The_Ammobunker/topic/7023822/1/ 23
When does that ever happen?
Stirring the Hornets’ Nest: http://s3.zetaboards.com/The_Ammobunker/topic/178316/1/
Until the next time…

Interview: AmmoBunker Games Day Coverage
AND FINALLY…
To finish off the ‘Ammobunker at Games Day’ is the popularity of the area; the sales stand is try your best to accommodate their wants; and
coverage I made a trip to Warhammer World obviously going to be popular so you have to if there is anything that doesn’t fit the venue
to have a chat with Brian Aderson, the man make sure you allocate an amount of space that then it’s my job to come up with an alternative
who organised Games Day and who invited is appropriate or as appropriate as you can. You that satisfies everybody.
The Ammobunker to take part. Now the full also have to take into account the health and
Rictus - Golden Demon was originally a
interview turned out a bit longer than I thought safety restrictions laid down by the NEC, and
separate event to Games Day. How integral
it would so - to avoid a multitude of pages full the health and safety implications of the activity
is it to Games Day now, and do you think you
of text - here is the segment that deals purely taking place. Using the sales stands as an
would have as many visitors or as much interest
with Games Day itself. example, you have to make them big enough
in the day if it wasn’t there?
Rictus - You have the role of Games Day
Brian Aderson - It is an important part of what
Organiser, what does that actually entail?
In the UK we get around Games Workshop sees as the format of Games
Brian Aderson - To all intents and purposes 1,200-1,500 entries to Golden Day. I don’t think we’d ever, certainly not in the
I act as the middle man between Games near future, consider separating them out.
Workshop as a business and the NEC as the
Demon, and when you start getting There are some real logistical benefits doing
venue. I project-manage it from inception, up into the final curtain winners them at the same time that makes life a lot
i.e. agreeing a date of delivery and managing you get people who make a point easier. In the UK we get around 1,200-1,500
the budget for the show as a whole. What of attending Games Day solely for entries to Golden Demon, and when you start
that actually means is that I deal with all of the attending Golden Demon getting up into the final curtain winners you get
departments from around the business who people who make a point of attending Games
want to play a part in Games Day, get them to Day solely for attending Golden Demon, since
do everything they need to do and then make that’s where their passion for the hobby lies.
sure they turn up at the right place with the so that you can spread the load of customers
Rictus - People come over from just to enter
right stuff at the right time to make it happen. as widely across the stand as possible; one of
Golden Demon don’t they?
the advantages of going into Hall One this
Rictus - Sounds fun…
year was that it allowed us to expand the sales Brian Aderson - Yeah absolutely, Games Day
Brian Aderson - It has its moments. stand. You also have to take into account that is a very big show and Golden Demon is a very
the NEC needs you to maintain fire channels, important part of that show, which is reflected
Rictus - How do you organise what department
allowing easy and direct access to the fire exits, in the event logo including both elements and
or activity goes where, and the space they need
so your stands can’t encroach into these fire the event being called ‘Games Day and Golden
in the halls?
channels. But ultimately the way it works is Demon’ - they are seen as two separate entities
Brian Aderson - There are a number of things that you start with last year’s plan, talk to the but part of a single show.
you have to take into account. The first thing departments and ask them what they want and

Rictus - Just how much of a logistical nightmare Brian Aderson - My job on the day is basically Brian Aderson - No, that’s one of the prices to
is getting everything set up in time for the day? walking round making sure everything is OK. pay in running the show; your job is to observe
It sounds like a pretty easy job and when the show but not look at it, if that makes sense?
Brian Aderson - It’s not as bad as it could
you compare it to what you guys were doing I wouldn’t be doing my job if I stopped to look
be, since we have the advantage of using the
– running the gaming tables – it’s certainly less at the exhibits, the miniatures and the images.
workforce based here working in the factory
frenetic. I have very specific responsibilities to They are there for the customers to enjoy and
and their expertise lies in logistical tasks. They
ensure that we are considering all the health it’s my job to make sure that the venue and the
also have a wealth of experience having done it
and safety implications and considering the event are run so that they can enjoy it, so no, I
for many years. We have learnt over a number
customer service needs of all of the customers don’t get time.
of years - I’m talking about four years at the
on site; for example, if I feel the queues in the
NEC and almost ten years at the NIA - the most Rictus - You mentioned about going into Hall
Black Library area are too long we will look to
efficient system for rolling people in and out, One this year, what did this move bring to
see if there is some way to change the system
and we have enough flexibility in the plan to Games Day?
allow for people turning up early or turning
Brian Aderson - With the extra floor space
up late. We have an early setup team who
I’m talking about four years at the we were able to add a second exhibition of
come in first thing and get the majority of the
NEC and almost ten years at the original artwork, there was a display from the
equipment off the lorries, then the main setup
French Games Day which we saw and thought
team come in and start putting the furniture in NIA - the most efficient system for we should have that over, we were able to
place and making sure the equipment is where rolling people in and out, and we provide more space at the sales stands, a
it needs to be. Then, in the afternoon, we get
have enough flexibility in the plan to bigger area for the hobby zone, extra seating
the ‘exhibitors’ – that is the clubs, organisations
allow for people turning up early or areas for people to chill out and it also gave us
or departments, to come in and bring in their
turning up late. a very unique space for Black Library compared
specific materials. I have been involved with
to what they have had in the past. It did give
the project team for seven or eight years at one
us the opportunity to expand our event and
level or another, so my level or experience is
and make it more efficient, if I feel there are change it slightly but actually the main benefit
quite wide and the people I recruit to manage
too many people collecting round a computer to us was opening up the show so that it didn’t
the areas are very experienced in those areas
games area we have to call Customer Service turn into so much of a grapple-and-battle as it
so I trust them to do their job effectively.
teams in to move them on. I have to wander had done in previous years.
My job on the day is to oversee what’s going round the show and check with each of the area
Rictus - Another new thing for this year was
on, there are people who are responsible for heads that they are happy with things, and also
inviting an online community to take part, what
set up and delivering certain elements of the make my own observations and call people in
brought about this decision?
show and it is in their hands as I can’t afford to when they are required.
worry about the details. I need to look at the Brian Aderson - Games Day performs a
Rictus - Do you get to see much of the show
overall view and make sure that is working. number of functions, if I tried to explain all of
itself such as the Golden Demon entries,
them it would drive you crazy, but for me one
Rictus - What is your role on the day itself? gaming tables etc.?
of the key elements is that it is an opportunity

for people to experience - or at least get to see made up of hobbyists who interact in a face to Rictus - You mentioned that you’re already
- elements of the hobby community that they face social hobby, is a very important element looking at next year, have things already started
are not involved in themselves. This includes of an overall gaming community. My perception to be put forward for Games Day ‘09?
the Gaming Club Network and the Games was that The Ammobunker is a pretty good
Brian Aderson - For most people it’s still early
Workshop Community Department that is representation of this, and with what they put
days for Games Day 2009; I have to start working
based in the UK helping schools, basically on at WHW I thought it might be good to have
on it now, though, because when other people
it is an opportunity for people to say “this is something similar at Games Day. People can
start thinking about it a large proportion of the
the other stuff you could do if you don’t do it see that even if they don’t have a club on their
project already has be in place. When it comes
already”. After having seen The Ammobunker doorstep it’s still possible to acquire some kind
to groups like Black Library, Forge World, the
forum come to Warhammer World it sparked of hobby interaction online without it seeming
sales stands, participation gaming or even the
an interest in me that made me realise that like a long-distance relationship.
clubs it’s way to far away in the calendar for them
the online forum community, although clearly
to worry about it yet; but I still have to get a
provisional date, book a venue, start working on
some plans, do a review of this year, learn some
lessons and put forward some suggestions as
regards the lessons we have learned. All of that
has to take place before I sit down with those
other areas and ask “what would you like to do
next year?” so when they come up with ideas I
can say “yes we can do that” or “no we can’t”.
Rictus - You already need to have an idea of
what will fit where, sort of thing?
Brian Aderson - Absolutely; there’s no detail
on paper yet, but we have a provisional date
in the calendar and a provisional idea of what
halls we will use as we plan to go to the NEC
again. The first steps have been made, but
to be honest the next couple of months are
going to involve a lot of discussion of ideas
and also marketing and promotion plans for
the show. Early next year we will work up a
budget proposal and start discussing details
about the content; so, at the moment, it’s just
a small seed I am about to plant…

Gaming: Playing Second Edition
First things first; why would anyone actually

DOES IT LOOK DEAD TO YOU? want to play a dead system? This one is likely
the easiest to answer out of all of them, and
A GUIDE TO GETTING INTO 2ND EDITION that is because it’s fun! If you are a player who
by Gavin Mutter enjoys games with lower model counts, if you
enjoy more detailed or simulationist rules,
INTRODUCTION codex came out shortly after I returned and or if you enjoy games that easily facilitate a
Every new edition of Warhammer 40,000 brings as they were my first and only Warhammer narrative experience then you may be the kind
a few people to wonder “is <insert edition 40,000 army I decided to jump in and give of person that enjoys Warhammer 40,000 2nd
here> really what I’m looking for in a game?” 4th Edition a try. At first it was fun and I was Edition. Additionally most Warhammer 40,000
For some it is, but many gamers may not be enjoying bringing out my Dark Angels again players will already have an army more than
getting what they really want out of a game of but somewhere along the line I started getting large enough to play so the only real necessity
Warhammer 40,000. For me, I like every game bored with it again. At that point I was rooting is getting a hold of the rules. Further more it
to be a unique experience that brings along through some of my old gaming stuff and I also facilitates play for those players with a
an interesting narrative; I like a deep tactical came across my old Warhammer 40,000 2nd wide collection of minis due to the inclusion of
game involving small numbers of minis on the Edition box set. That night I sat down with it rules allowing various alliances between races.
table and above all I love having a good game and remembered why I loved Warhammer So if you have an Imperial Guard army, some
with friends. Due to several factors I just didn’t 40,000 again. The rest, as they say, is history. Inquisitorial troops and some Space Marines
feel like the newer editions of Warhammer they are all fair game in a single army. This allows
So the question likely on the minds of some
40,000 were giving me the experience I was for some very cool themed lists that would be
that maybe feel the same way I did when I
looking for. But perhaps I should start from the much harder to do, faithfully, in current editions.
made the decision to switch may be along
top, from the point this falling out occurred. 2nd Edition is a fairly free and open system with
these lines:
When 3rd edition came out I became more a lot of flexibility depending on how much you
• Why get into a dead game? want to do with it. If any of that sounds intriguing
and more disenchanted with the direction of
Warhammer 40,000. Long story short, they • How do you even get into 2nd Edition in the then you may wish to continue reading to see if
weren’t making a game that spoke to me any first place? 2nd Edition is right for you.
more. The direction it went in was towards GETTING INTO 2ND EDITION
• When I get passed all of that how do I get
larger battles with more streamlined rules to WARHAMMER 40,000
people to join me?
facilitate it. For me the game lost a lot of the With the first question addressed some may
quirks that made me love playing Warhammer • How to have a good game of 2nd Edition? be wondering how to get started. For this
40,000. Despite that I ended up playing 3rd the easiest source is, like many things of this
It is my hope to give potential players some
Edition for several years before finally giving nature, eBay. Beyond that you may also take
answers to these questions and hopefully,
up on it. After that I went out and did the ‘indy a look around at local game stores, you may
just maybe, convert a couple of those curious
thing’, playing various other non-GW games be surprised at some of the things hiding in
readers over to the dark side of gaming using
until the rumour of plastic terminators brought there. The best way of getting up and running
dead systems.
me back into the GW circle. The Dark Angels

quickly though is to find the 2nd Edition boxed These can often prove much easier to find as
set or, at least, a bundle containing its contents. well as being fairly cheap for what you get. I
Unfortunately this may not always be possible would recommend picking up a codex for each
so for those who are interested here is a basic of the armies in your gaming group just so you
guide to what you need if you are picking it up can get everyone involved from the start.
piecemeal.
With the rules and codices in hand the only
From the get go you will need the following other things you really need are Wargear Cards,
books for all the basic rules: the Warhammer Vehicle Datafaxes and Mission Cards (well, you
40,000 2nd Edition Rulebook, Codex Imperialis, don’t really need the mission cards but I like
the Wargear Book. having them around). These will likely be the
hardest to get outside of a box but from time to
time they will pop up (usually along with a lot of
other stuff such as Psychic Cards, and counters)
and for a good price. But as I said the easiest
way of getting all of this is to find someone
selling their 2nd Edition box on eBay.
Beyond that there is one other thing that,
while not needed, really spices the game up
and that is the Dark Millennium expansion Codex Army Lists or the “Black Codex”
box. This one is still possible to find in good
INTRODUCING OTHERS
condition (I should know, the one I picked up
TO 2ND EDITION
was still in original shrink wrap) and I seriously
Now assuming you have the will and the rules
From left to right: the core rulebook, Codex recommend trying to get the full set of this in
to play the game, the most important part of
Imperialis and the Wargear codex one go as it contains a mind boggling array of
this is finding like minded nutters like you to
Beyond the rules one will also need codices cardboard counters, Datafaxes, Mission Cards,
play the game with. At this point comes my
to play the game. The most basic source for Psychic Cards and a load of Wargear Cards.
normal advice in such situations, and that is
this is the Codex Army Lists that came with The Dark Millennium book itself contains the
demo, demo and demo. Next gaming night
the boxed set but due to a number of factors advanced psyker rules (which are optional
bring your books and solicit people to play a
it is difficult to come by this book. Luckily the if you don’t enjoy using the card method for
small game with you. About 700-1000 points
only lists that you ever need from it are stats things) as well as a rudimentary vehicle design
should make for a short but fun game that is
for Imperial Agents (Inquisition, Telepaths and guide and various other rules amendments
over in a little over an hour. Run this for anyone
Adeptus Mechanicus) and Squats. So unless (such as a boost to Dreadnoughts). It adds a
who is interested or even anyone nearby with
you have or are planning to collect armies that few extra things to the game that while not
a Warhammer 40,000 army. This step is really
feature those two heavily you can mostly just go strictly necessary, seem to make for a more
at the heart of playing a game that is no longer
about finding the various codices for the game. well-rounded experience.

supported, getting people to play the game next thing to keep in mind is that the game as well as getting rid of weapons with viral
can be the real sticking point but if you present was designed for games up to 3000 points with properties (the much maligned Viral Outbreak
a good demo and get people to have fun with 1500-2000 points being optimal. You can use in Dark Millennium is usually taken out of the
it then it will really just sell itself. 2nd Edition to play mega-battles but the rule game following recommendations from Andy
book is not lying when it says larger games will Chambers himself). The former because it can
But for those who haven’t played 2nd Edition
take up a whole weekend. On the other hand often be overpowering in the hands of certain
before: how do you go about getting a good
2nd Edition does scale down well and you units while the latter flip flops in effectiveness
game of 2nd Edition together? A good first
can have a good game at 500 points. I would depending on whether the enemy you face
impression is important for everything, even
recommend that if you want larger games uses enclosed armour or whether they wear
a game, so making sure you give a good first
then Warhammer 40,000 5th Edition, or better open suits (i.e. deadly against Imperial Guards
impression of 2nd Edition is important for your
yet, Epic would be the best idea in that case. and Orks but useless against Eldar and
first demo games. So, first things first, and I
2nd Edition is a platoon level skirmish game Marines). One particular rule my group uses
can’t recommend this enough, is to give the
and it works best when games are kept small. (and many groups I’ve heard of use for that
rulebook several reads, even the bits that most
Finally never, ever play a game without mission matter) is to take out the rule by which heavy
skip like game set-up and even the developer’s
objectives. This is why I love the Mission Cards weapon damage degrades over distance
notes at the end of the main rules. These two
(actually many don’t use it because they don’t
things together give you a good idea of the
notice it in the rules until it is pointed out). So
intended way you are supposed to play the 2nd Edition is a platoon level if there is something in the system you want
game. The first and most important thing you skirmish game and it works best to change discuss it with the group and try it
learn from this will be that terrain is important
when games are kept small. out. Don’t be afraid to modify the system; GW
and more important than that is having lots
abandoned it long ago and they aren’t likely to
of it. Andy Chambers says in the developer’s
in the box set; all you need to do is draw one change things you don’t quite agree with. The
notes that “the more terrain the better the
for you and your opponent and you have an basic system of 2nd Edition is solid but it works
game” and this is something you need to
interesting mission lined up. Since each player best when tweaked to the individual group that
take to heart. Many games of 2nd Edition
has different objectives drawn from the cards plays it.
have been ruined by players not taking terrain
it can lead to interesting situations as there
density into account and if you go with the Besides you’re already playing an unsupported
are many different combinations of objectives
standard amount of terrain currently used to game so if the fun police haven’t already
that will help make every game a different
play Warhammer 40,000 or less, you will find arrived and burned your books then altering
experience.
the source of many of the myths associated the system won’t get them there any faster…
with 2nd Edition such as “Overwatch is too After getting a group of die-hards together I
CONCLUSION
powerful” or “Vehicles dominate the game.” would recommend that you start developing a
In the struggle to keep everything up to date
So, like it says in the set-up chapter, never use series of house rules in your group, 2nd Edition
many gamers can often forget the original
less than 50% terrain coverage (as opposed to is fairly malleable and the system responds
reason they started playing. Often over time,
the current standard of 25%). Any less than this surprisingly well to changes. Of these the
your tastes in gaming will become more
and the game will devolve into a massacre. The most common are removing Vortex Grenades
refined as you figure out what you like in a

game which can often lead to one becoming

disenchanted with their original choice in
games. Older games like Rogue Trader and
2nd Edition focus on the Warhammer 40,000
universe in a different way to the current line
and to those who enjoy smaller, more detailed
narrative battles; they can be quite rewarding
games. They also carry the upside of having a
steady availability of new models coming out
all the time which many games that have lost
support simply don’t get. If you love skirmish
gaming and can find copies of the rules then
I suggest giving 2nd Edition a try. It gives
players a look back at how Games Workshop
did things before they really hit it big and it is
a refreshing point of view that focuses less on
the competition of gaming and more on the
social aspect of it.
The real death of a game only occurs when
players give up on it. If you find a rule set
that you like then keep playing it whether it is
actively supported or not. I hope this article
has been informative enough to give people
a good jumping off point if they are interested
in gaming in the Warhammer 40,000 universe
on a smaller scale and to those who played
2nd Edition once upon a time maybe it will get
you to dust it off and take another look at it for
nostalgia’s sake. It certainly isn’t for everyone
but for those that love a small skirmish game
that will give them stories to tell to gaming
buddies for years to come there are few better
places to find it than with Warhammer 40,000
2nd Edition.

Battle Report: Adeptus Mechanicus (IG) & Eldar vs. Chaos
CONFLICT AT EXCAVATION SITE 303

Technomagos Lucius per Zann was out of ten millennia. A very promising site. The and play the Xenos’ game, hoping the troops
words. The dig was going noticeably well, the excavation had lasted for over a month now, will reach him fast enough.
initial information obtained during the search but as soon as item AR2 was brought to the
One of the aliens seems different – is it the
on Bjegel IV leading in a straightforward daylight they showed up as if they had been
light glow around it? It certainly moves as
manner to this remote place. The war had observing without notice all the time. Look
though it’s old or stiff. It has no face, just
rolled over this planet a few decades ago, but at them! Sticking to the shadows, take your
that idiotic pointy helmet with crest like a
the death toll had been so massive that some eye off them for a second and they disappear.
diverted horn. The alien speaks in a lilting
cities were simply never rebuilt. He was led to Filthy, tricky Xenos! There are only a handful
whisper: “The portents are now clear. Thou
the ruins of this city, its name long forgotten - of them, and they do naught but stare, but
must secure the artifact! Quick, She Who
he thought of it as Excavation Site 303, a place nonetheless he gave orders to the Skiitarii to
Hungers is near! It must not fall into the
where the foundations of some buildings redeploy and surround the perimeter. They
Dark Ones’ hands!”
pre-dated newer Imperial premises by over should be here soon; now he can only wait

to represent Cataphractii (Grenadiers) or Chimera. Two Battleknights, one armed with

the more numerous Skiitarii (Imperial Guard a Demolisher cannon, should keep enemy
Platoons). I decided that more survivability was occupied and wary. To add some counter-
in the Skiitarii (I use the Slave Levies doctrine charge elements, I used a unit of tracked Rapid
to represent their biomechanical modifications Response Team (Rough Riders). They are a one-
– it’s a doctrine giving all basic infantry squads trick pony but if the dice are with me they can
the Slow and Purposeful and Feel No Pain rules tip the balance of the battle. The Technomagos
at +20 points per unit) so in went two platoons. also hired the services of an Imperial Assassin
These units are more likely to be used by a of the Eversor Temple for the same role. This
Technomagos at work – their las-cutters can be was already at the points limit, but when we
used as lascannons, and their plasma cutters were setting-up the game everyone cried for
can be used to melt any heavy piece of metal, me to field one Hellstalker (Hellhound) too.
including power armour.
“It’s not like it’s gonna make any difference
To extract my Technomagos I needed a against Chaos, but the model is sooo cooool!”
transport, so one Skiitarii Command got a said Klosa.
GENERAL PERZAN (HORTWERTH)

– ADEPTUS MECHANICUS
When choosing the Adeptus Mechanicus for
the job I was told we should each make an army
up to 1300 points. With so few points I wouldn’t
normally use an Inquisitor, but we decided
that in order to represent the Technomagos
properly one is needed. In case some Deep
Striking Obliterators and Terminators tried
to land nearby I added two Warp-reading
Techpriests (Mystics) and a young Techpriest
willing to die for his master (Acolyte) in case
something bad happened too soon to the
Technomagos. Then I needed to fill in the ranks
with some grunts. I basically had two options
here – I could either field highly-trained troops

FORCES OF THE ADEPTUS MECHANICUS

FORCES OF THE ADEPTUS MECHANICUS

So here’s the final list for the Adeptus Mechanicus:
Doctrines: Drop Troops, Abhumans, Slave Levies, Rough Riders
HQ - Technomagos - (Psychic Hood, Bionics, Acolyte, 2 Mystics )
Elites - Eversor Assassin
Troops - Skiitarii Platoon
Skiitarii Command - (Junior Officer, 4 Plasma Guns)
1 Chimera - (Heavy Bolter, Hull Heavy Bolter, Extra Armour)
Skiitarii Maniple - (Lascannon, Lasguns, Plasma Gun, Slave Levies, Veteran Sergeant, Bolter)
Rough Riders with Hunting Lances
Troops - Skiitarii Platoon
Skiitarii Command - (Junior Officer, 4 Plasma Guns)
Fast Attack - Rough Riders - 6, Hunting Lances, Veteran Sergeant
Fast Attack - Hellstalker – (Inferno Cannon, Heavy Bolter, Rough Terrain Modification)
Heavy Support - Battleknight - (Battle Cannon, Hull Heavy Bolter, Heavy Bolter Sponsons,
Rough Terrain Modification)
Heavy Support - Battleknight Demolisher - (Demolisher Cannon, Hull Heavy Bolter, Heavy
Bolter Sponsons, Rough Terrain Modification, Extra Armour)
Among the many conversions in this fantastic army, the troops are
converted models called Iron Brotherhood by Micro Art Studio.
http://www.microartstudio.com/en/
Clearly you can see how well they work as ‘counts as’ models for an
Adeptus Mechanicus army.

can fire at the enemy and then take cover in the standards) armour and have powerful guns with
assault phase; this high maneuverability makes a large number of shots, and are also very fast.
them an excellent Troops choice. Fire Dragons
We chose that the Adeptus Mechanicus
come with a lot of meltaguns and can destroy
Technomagos should take the artifact and
just about anything in one salvo, they are
concentrate on running with it, and that I would
especially handy when it comes to dispatching
take care of everything that could stop him
things like Plague Marines and Terminators
from leaving the table edge with the artifact.
that are normally very hard to kill. A Falcon
My battle plan was easy: first I shoot Chaos
was needed to transport my Fire Dragons to
Daemon Princes and Sorcerers with Lash of
the right shooting position, as without it they
Submission, because if any of these guys get
would be shot on sight!
in range of the unit with the artifact we would
A Wraithlord serves as a bodyguard for my be doomed. My second target was to get rid
Farseer; I didn’t have any units for fighting in of the units that could fight in hand to hand
close combat so I took the Wraithlord which combat because our only units for fighting
is hard even for a Daemon Prince to kill; lesser were Imperial Rough Riders (that can be used
opponents can’t even harm it. Plus, it sports effectively once) and the Wraithlord. I wasn’t
heavy weapons with which to blast Chaos tanks worried about Chaos shooting units since they
from distance. are very slow and I can outmaneuver them, and
the Adeptus Mechanicus units were perfect
GENERAL CHRIS – ELDAR Warp Spiders with their Deathspinners are
shooting targets for them.
A Farseer seemed to be the only proper choice always a good choice; they wear heavy (by Eldar
for this mission. Surveying the future, he came
to this world to prevent the malevolent Chaos
forces from taking the powerful artifact that had
been excavated by the Adeptus Mechanicus.
Pathfinders make a solid troop choice, and
when deployed in cover they are ridiculously
hard to kill. In this scenario they seemed to be
perfect both gaming and background-wise,
scouting before the main strike force on some
forgotten world.
As for the rest of my army, I chose fast and agile
units with some serious firepower, keeping in
mind that we were going to do battle against
Chaos - which is very tough, but not as fast as
my swift Eldar. Guardian jetbikes with a Warlock

FORCES OF THE ELDAR

FORCES OF THE ELDAR

My army was:
HQ - Farseer - (Shuriken Pistol, Singing Spear, Runes of Warding, Runes
of Witnessing, Spirit Stones, Fortune, Doom, Ghosthelm, Rune Armour)
Troops - 5 Pathfinders - (Ranger Long Rifle, Shuriken Pistol)
Troops - 5 Pathfinders - (Ranger Long Rifle, Shuriken Pistol)
Troops - 3 Guardian Jetbikes - (Twin-linked Shuriken Catapults
(x2), Shuriken Cannon (1), Warlock, Twin-linked Shuriken Catapults,
Rune Armor, Shuriken Pistol, Singing Spear, Destructor)
Elites - 5 Fire Dragons - (Fusion Guns, Melta Bombs,
Exarch, Firepike, Melta bombs, Crack Shot)
Fast Attack - 5 Warp Spiders - (Deathspinner, Exarch, 2 Deathspinners)
Heavy Support - Wraithlord - (2 Flamers, Bright
Lance, Eldar Missile Launcher)
Heavy Support - Falcon - (Shuriken Cannon, Pulse Laser,
Scatter Laser, Vectored Engines, Holo-fields, Spirit Stones)

GENERALS KLOSA & PICEK - CHAOS

First of all I must say that this was the funniest game of 40K
that I have ever played; we decided to field two detachments
of Chaos Space Marines with all of their unusual units like
Defilers and Obliterators. We also decided to Deep
Strike Raptors (you won’t see that in normal play),
and on top of that we had other heavy infantry
units waiting to be teleported to key locations
at the appropriate time. We had around
600-700 points less in total than the
combined Eldar and
Adeptus Mechanicus
force, but that was
all the painted
Chaos models
we could lay
our hands on.
Our list was
pretty broken
on the other
hand…

FORCES OF CHAOS

FORCES OF CHAOS
HQ - Jimmy, Chaos Lord - (Terminator Armour, Lightning Claws)
HQ - His spouse, Slaanesh Sorceress on Steed, with a very fitting
Lash of Submission
HQ - Greater Daemon - (Sorcerer of Slaanesh, wings, Lightning
Claws, Lash of Submission)
Elite - Terminator Squad – (3 with Reaper Autocannon, 2 Combi-
Plasmas)
Plasmas)
Plasmas)
Troops - 6 Khorne Berzerkers - (Champion with Power Fist, Rhino
with Havoc Launcher and Extra Armour)
Troops - 5 Plague Marines - (2 plasma guns, Champion with Power
Fist and Icon in Rhino no Extra Armour)
Troops - 7 Noise marines, (Blastmaster)
Fast Attack - 7 Raptors - (with Mark of Slaanesh, 2 Flamers,
Champion with Lightning Claws)
Heavy Support - Defiler
Heavy Support - Defiler
Heavy Support - 3 Obliterators


DEPLOYMENT bodyguards for the Adeptus Mechanicus

character.
An Eldar Pathfinder unit and Farseer were
deployed at the center of the battlefield in base After putting those units on the table, the battle
contact with the objective. The Technomagos, was ready to start. We decided that the armies
along with with 3 Techpriests, joined the Eldar would enter the table in two parts, divided by
near the objective. their Force Organization Chart slots. There was
also the possibility of starting with some units
We also decided to put one of the Skiitarii
in reserve if those units’ rules allowed for that.
platoons at the start of the battle to act as
An Pathfinder unit, a Farseer, the Technomagos and 3 Techpriests were deployed

at the center of the battlefield near the objective.

ROUND I – CHAOS terrain test which enabled them to take a good

The Chaos generals decided to start shooting position on the high building near
with Obliterator squad, one Defiler, one the edge of the board and shoot out the last
Terminator squad, the Khorne Berzerkers member of the Technomagos’ retinue, leaving
and a unit of Plague Marines [both in Rhinos], him on his own.
Jimmy The Terminator-Armoured Lord and
The Defiler opened fire at the Adeptus
a steed-mounted Sorceress of Slaanesh.
Mechanicus’s Skiitarii maniple nearest to the
The Obliterators advanced purposefully
Technomagos but the cover provided by the
through a collapsed building and engulfed
gantry they occupied meant that only one of
the Technomagos and his retinue in blasts
the biomechanical soldiers fell. The Sorceress
of plasma-cannon fire. Hot plasma killed two
decided to put maximum pressure on the
unfortunate Mystics leaving one Techpriest.
objective and made an attempt to charge the
The Terminators rolled a ‘6’ for their difficult

Technomagos on the first turn but a roll of ‘1’

on her Fleet of Foot made the situation clear.
With their roaring engines emitting thick clouds
of exhaust fumes both Rhinos stormed to the
open around the building occupied by the
Terminator squad and used smoke launchers
to gain additional protection.
ROUND I – IG + ELDAR
It was time for the allied forces to take the first
turn. Staring down lots and lots of plasma gun
barrels, the Farseer sensibly decided to use
Fortune to boost his chances of survival at the
center of the battlefield.
Meanwhile the Technomagos took the objective

1 marker and started a tactical withdrawal to the
Eldar side of the table. Łukasz took a risk and
didn’t join any unit so that they could shoot and
allow the Technomagos to run. The second
Pathfinder unit emerged on the edge of the
table and put themselves in a good shooting
position on the building by using their Fleet
move. A Jetbike squad entered battle on the left
flank and decided to turbo-boost towards the
central part of the battlefield. The Battleknight,
towering over a ruined Chapel Imperialis in the
down-right corner of the battlefield, took aim
at the Defiler, but the shot landed just outside
the board. Nearby, the Wraithlord took cover
beside the building and took a steady aimed
shot at the Defiler. Eldar technology proved
to be really as advanced as they claim when
the Bright Lance punched straight through the
Daemonic vehicle’s armour, destroying it in a
blaze of fire.

Adeptus Mechanicus maniples punched

into the thick smoke surrounding the Chaos
Rhinos, the las-beams’s strength dissipated
by the vapours and unable to stop the
Rhinos in their advance. By the end of the
turn things weren’t looking too good for the
Adeptus Mechanicus and the Eldar – the
Chaos forces’ position was getting stronger
with every passing minute and there was still
a long way for the Archeotech Relic to be
carried.
The Adeptus Mechanicus Demolisher fired

its huge cannon at the Rhino containing the
Plague Marines, but managed only to stun
it. One of the Skiitarii maniples nearest to
the quickly closing Chaos forces moved out
of cover towards them, heroically sacrificing
themselves and screening the Rhino which
preventing the Berzerkers from getting
any further. Two lascannon shots from both

ROUND II - CHAOS prepared to charge the Adeptus Mechanicus

This round Klosa and Picek decided to put the unit standing in front of them.
second Sorcerer, the Noise Marines, and the
The winged Sorcerer entered the board from
second Defiler on the battlefield. The Raptors,
the short edge together with the second
two Terminators and two Obliterator squads
Defiler and tried to Lash out the bikes, but
decided to Deep Strike onto the board but only
Runes of Warding prevented him from casting
3 Obliterators managed to get into the teleport
the power and to add insult to injury some
chambers on time. Despite the loud chanting
random daemon passing by licked his brain
coming from the Plague Marines’ Rhino, there
to check its taste, causing an unsaved wound.
was no sign of the Greater Daemon either;
The Sorceress on her steed was luckier, passing
the Plague Marines stayed in their stunned
the psychic test on 3D6, and pulling 5 poor
APC while the Berzerkers disembarked and
Pathfinders 10” towards her while attempting

to charge them in the assault phase.
One of the Obliterator squads morphed their
arms into lascannons and fired a broadside at
the Demolisher, destroying its main weapon.
The second Obliterator squad spotted the
Technomagos; Łukasz and Chris held their
breath when two lascannon blasts hit but
fortunately the walls of the building stopped
the beams. The Defiler tried to Fleet itself into

inflicted only one wound from six [hitting on

3+ and wounding on 3+] attacks. The winged
Sorcerer charged the jetbikes and killed two
of them with no wounds in return, at which
point the Eldar fled and were killed while the
Sorcerer took cover in the ruins. The turn came
to an end.
charge range to the jetbikes but a Fleet roll of charged the Adeptus Mechanicus, inflicting
‘1’ was clearly not enough. The Raptors that 11 wounds and killing several Skiitarii much to
landed a bit too much in the open for their their patron god’s delight. This was too much
liking ran into cover nearby. for them - they fled and were promptly wiped
out by the pursuing Berzerkers.
With the shooting ended it was time for
some old-fashioned slaughter; the Berzerkers The Sorceress charged the Pathfinders and

ROUND II - IG + ELDAR
The rest of the Allied forces came onto the
board, the Warp Spiders using their jump
generators to advance towards the sorcerer.
The Falcon entered the table and deployed its
Fire Dragons near the Defiler. The narcoleptic
Wraithlord fell asleep as Chris rolled a ‘1’ for
his Wraithsight test. The Eversor decided to
charge the Obliterator squad that was the
closest to the board edge while the Rough
Riders prepared to stick their lances into the
Raptors. The Hellstalker moved behind a
ruined building and together with an Adeptus
squad took aim at the Raptors, but when the
2 smoke and flames had dispersed it became
clear that not a single Chaos Space Marine
was burned. The Battleknight blasted at the
Khorne worshippers and killed two of them;
the Chimera sped through the clearing, intent
on extracting the Technomagos with his
precious cargo ASAP, and fired off its smoke
launchers to up its chances of surviving the
imminent barrage.
On the opposite flank the Fire Dragons put
6 melta shots into the Defiler, seemingly
scoring 3 hits; only then, however, did Klosa
ask Chris to measure the range. Unfortunately
only two of the Dragons were actually in
range so we decided to roll-off…eventually
there was one hit from an Exarch’s Fire Pike,
one at short range and one at long range.
A single hit scored for penetration and sent
the behemoth burning to the ground with ‘5’
rolled on the damage table.

The Warp Spiders spun the winged Sorcerer to ROUND III – CHAOS
death, causing nine wounds with three saves Once again one of the deep-striking Terminator
failed. Then the assaults started - the Rough squads missed their flight and stayed in orbit
Riders put 19 power weapon attacks into the playing cards, while the last Obliterators
Raptors, killing three of them and suffering teleported near the Chimera and after detailed
three casualties in return. Disaster! The Eversor measurement were forced to roll on the
charged the Obliterators, and as always, Łukasz Catastrophic Teleportation table. A ‘5’ meant
rolled a ‘1’ for the number of attacks making it they were removed from the table and would
an outstanding total of five. This was too little be roll again next turn. The second Terminator
to even scratch the Warp-touched cyborg squad and the last Obliterators hit home and
monstrosities, who in return inflicted two got ready for action. Jimmy The Terminator-
instant kills on the unfortunate assassin and left Armoured Lord moved forwards and took cover
him very flat and very, very dead. near the Rhino as a Greater Daemon emerged
bellowing from the Plague Marines’ APC.

The remaining Berzerkers moved forward a ground-shaking

to engage the Skiitarii in the ruins near the torrent of fire
Technomagos while the Plague Marines took from the Nurgle
3
the risk of immobilisation and moved in their Marines, two
Rhino straight through the ruins; fortune Terminator Squads,
favoured the bold this time and they safely the Obliterators
disembarked into cover. and the Noise
Marines.
The Chimera at the center of the field suffered
Incredibly, thanks to the thick clouds of white

smoke surrounding it, the only effect suffered
was “Crew shaken”. The second unit of
Obliterators targeted the Demolisher and
managed to immobilise it. The Berzerkers
once again showed their fighting prowess,
easily dispatching two of the Skiitarii without
losing a single marine and also wiping out
the unfortunate Adeptus Mechanicus troops
with a chainaxe-fuelled Sweeping Advance.
The Raptors also managed to kill off their
opponents and took cover in the building,
while the Sorceress finally managed to kill the
remaining scouts but had nowhere to hide
and so remained out in the open, trying to
look very much like the Cat from Shrek 2.

them showed what shooting was all about,

however, and even though their Plasma gun
and Lascannon missed the remaining Raptors
were annihilated by massed lasgun fire. Lukasz
managed to cause 14 hits and 9 wounds from
16 shots!
The Battleknight fired its Battle Cannon at
ROUND III – IG + ELDAR the previous turn a white hot plasma welcome. the Plague Marines killing two and inflicting
The Farseer started the round by casting The Fire Dragons caught the fastest ride in a “Crew shaken” result on their Rhino. The
Fortune on himself and Doom on the Raptors the Galaxy as they embarked on the Falcon Sorceress’s big-watery-eyes routine had no
as with their speed they appeared to be the which immediately swooped 24” towards effect on a long-dead Eldar hero, and she
greatest threat to the Technomagos. The the Eldar lines. The Warp Spiders jumped was summarily blown to pieces by one of
Wraithlord woke up from his little nap and along the edge of the field to get in range the Wraithlord’s Krak missiles. Both of the
advanced into the ruins, as the Technomagos but were still too far away to target anything. Terminator squads were shot by plasma guns
continued his run for cover and ended his The Demolisher and Hellstalker aimed at from the Skiitarii Command squads and one
movement near the Eldar table edge. A the Raptors and between them managed a squad was left with only two men standing,
Skiitarii Command squad disembarked from disappointing result of one downed Marine. and since there was no close combat we
the Chimera, while the other came closer to moved onto the next phase.
The Skiitarii Maniple stationed between
give the Terminators that had teleported in on

ROUND IV – CHAOS
The remaining Terminator squad banded
together with the Obliterators and decided to
4
make their late arrival one that no one will ever
forget - both scored a hit on their scatter dice,
reaching the ground safely in a position where
the tiniest deviation would have spelt doom for
any of these squads.
The Greater Daemon and Lord Jimmy moved
towards the Demolisher. The Plague Marines’
Rhino took a risk and Tank Shocked the Adeptus
Mechanicus maniple in the ruins near the board

edge, passing its Dangerous Terrain test. The
brave biomechanical troopers held their ground
and their lascannon operator attempted a
Death Or Glory attack, successfully penetrating
the APC’s armour and immobilising it. The
Demolisher once again took three lascannon
shots from the Obliterators and suffered a
second “Weapon destroyed” effect.
The Terminator squad that had just entered the
battle shot at the Farseer with everything they
had, inflicting three Instant Killing wounds, but

Fortune protected the ancient psyker from repairs. (Keeping in mind that he was
harm. The Technomagos wasn’t so fortunate, as equipped with Bionics, we put him
the remnants of the Terminator squad levelled on his side). The Berzerkers charged
a Reaper autocannon at him and let rip with a one of the Skiitarii command squads
deafening noise. and unsurprisingly left no one alive,
and the Plague Marines assaulted
The twin-barrelled cannon showered the
the Skiitarii command squad with the
Technomagos in masonry and riddled him
same effect. Their Toughness of 5 and
with heavy explosive rounds that tore out large
Feel No Pain was too much for the
chunks of his flesh, which proved too much even
Adeptus Mechanicus troopers. Things
for his powered suit of armour. His mangled
were really starting to heat up...
body fell to the ground as his advanced
bionic systems attempted hasty battlefield
ROUND IV – IG + ELDAR
4 At the beginning of the round everyone looked
at Łukasz who took a dice and rolled for the
Inquisitor’s Bionics; surprisingly, this time it
wasn’t a ‘1’ and so he was back on his feet!
Chris and Łukasz decided that in his weakened
state he wasn’t currently the best person to
be carrying the precious Relic, and so they
handed it over to the Farseer. He cast Doom on
the Obliterator squad and Fortune on himself,
and then proceeded to embark up on the
Falcon that had just arrived (it had moved 12”
and deployed its Fire Dragons mere seconds
earlier). The plan was to move 24” in the next
round and carry the Relic out of the board.
The Warp Spiders moved near the Falcon
and finally spun the remaining Berzerkers
into cocoons. Meanwhile, the Falcon and Fire
Dragons turned the Terminator Squad to a nice,
salvageable and re-usable pile of molten metal.
The Skiitarii fired at the Obliterators but their
most important weapon – the lascannon - failed

to wound despite Doom having been cast on the

beasts. Their only chance to kill them now was the
Wraithlord, who carefully took aim and fired both
of his weapons at the monstrosities, with two hits
and two wounds scored. Klosa rolled a ‘4’ for his
invulnerable save and a ‘1’ for the wound from a
Krak Missile, and so there were two more piles of
salvageable metal on the battlefield.
The Demolisher took its last chance and fired
both heavy bolters at the Daemon, causing
two wounds, as the Battleknight fired his Battle
Cannon at the Noise Marines on the opposite side
of the table but the shot scattered 6” and out of
the board. The Adeptus Mechanicus maniple that
stood firm against the Tank Shock in the previous
round now shot at the remaining Plague Marines
leaving a single model alive and charged him,
thanks to the Slow And Purposeful rule provided
by the Slave Levies ROUND V - CHAOS

doctrine. The combat was Seeing that victory was hanging by a thread,
far worse than expected Klosa and Picek decided to put everything
and it left the single Nurgle they had into shooting the Falcon out of the
Marine unharmed. Despite sky. The Greater Daemon moved into assault
this, however, the round range of the Demolisher while Lord Jimmy
was very lucky for the Allies moved to help the single Plague Marine in
and everyone was waiting his combat. The Noise Marines and both
impatiently for what would Obliterator squads fired at the Falcon, scoring
happen next. two lascannon hits. Klosa took a dice and rolled

to the ground by the Havoc missile’s blast,

and the damage and pain generated by this
5 was just a flesh wound to someone who had
already survived an instant kill, so he was on
his feet again. With the Falcon destroyed there
was only one way of getting the Relic off the
board; the Farseer disembarked and handed
the objective over to the Warp Spiders, who
promptly moved as far as possible towards the
edge. The Chimera and Hellstalker moved to
shield the Aspect Warriors in case they had to
endure yet another Chaos shooting phase.
The Wraithlord passed its Wraithsight test and
instantly killed Jimmy while the last remaining
Skiitarii Maniple finished the remaining Plague
a ‘3’, which was enough to cause a glancing put a missile from its Havoc launcher into the
hit, followed by a ‘6’ for penetration - Chris Fire Dragons, but the shot scattered and killed
managed to make a save for the penetrating hit the Technomagos. Again. In the assault phase
but not the glancing one. With a hurried prayer the Daemon caused four penetrating hits on the
to the Dark Gods, the Chaos general rolled the immobilised Demolisher and it was destroyed
effect dice [damn holofields!]. The prayer must at last. Lord Jimmy’s help was very fruitful - the
have been heard as the dice came up with a Skiitarii turned tail and were in turn destroyed.
pair of ‘6’, immobilising the Eldar Tank.
ROUND V - IG + ELDAR
Chris’s cry of pain rang across the battlefield, As in the previous round Łukasz rolled at the
while the Chaos generals breathed again. There beginning of the round for the Technomagos’s
was little shooting left – the Berzerkers’ Rhino bionics - it turned out he had only been thrown

Marine off, again with massed lasgun fire. We

measured the distance from the Spiders to the
table edge after they made their Run move of
2” and it became clear that they had to roll a 10
for their Warp Jump to complete the task.
The jump was 11 - just enough to make it! The
Allies had extracted the Archeotech relic off
the battlefield, but only just… Now, will the
pointy-eared Xenos give the relic back to its
rightful owners, the Adeptus Mechanicus?...
AFTERMATH:
KLOSA:
It all worked out pretty well in the end. As for my
favorite moments – the first was when me and
Picek threw everything we got at that damned
Chimera. Two whole Chaos detachments firing
on that blasted thing and only two “shaken”
results. Argh! Another great moment was when
the Farseer jumped into Falcon’s cargo hold
and Chris was really, really sure that next turn
he would get away with the Artifact. Then our
6 lascannon shot sent the skimmer down The Skiitarii units worked as planned, acting as
to the ground and Chris was very, very speedbumps and sacrificing themselves when
upset… Yes. I’m evil. needed to buy some time for the Technomagos.
The Rough Riders’ and Eversor’s charges were
ŁUKASZ & CHRIS:
sort of disasters, but these units need high
That was too close for comfort! I had a
dice rolls to make anything work. The Eversor
wonderful plan set up with the Chimera
in particular was a disappointment, managing
in clouds of smoke waiting for the
only to inflict one wound (which was saved by
Technomagos to jump into it in Turn
Klosa’s roll for the Obliterator’s invulnerable
3, but he proved to be just 1” too far
save) and then gather several Instant Deaths
to make it, even if he’d rolled a “6” for
(with not one saved by me rolling for his Dodge
difficult terrain.

save). Nevertheless, there were some bright of the next turn everyone held their breath as After that feat the seemingly unkillable
moments – the Skiitarii maniple stationed next Chris blew on my dice for luck; I rolled it and got Technomagos survived to the end of the battle,
to the Demolisher managed to inflict 9 wounds a 6! Just enough to carry the relic the last few and I like to think that he caught that Chimera
on the Raptors with Lasguns alone - they must meters and hand it over to the Farseer. “You ride he was late for and pursued the tricksy
have retained the original “powertool” setting must save it, Xenos!” must have been his last Xenos… A tale for another battle, maybe?
on their laser wrist attachments. words, as a cluster of Havoc missiles blasted
him to the ground again… At the beginning
There were quite a lot of cinematic moments
of the next turn, seeing as I’d already rolled a 6
throughout the battle. My favorite was when the
the turn before, nobody - including me - cared
Technomagos finally fell to the Lascannon shot
much for the roll. I rolled anyway and, lo and
(triple his Toughness!), and at the beginning
behold, another 6!

Tutorial: Modular 5th Edition Gaming Table
A BASIC 40K TABLE

by Mike Glaeser the new cover rules, chances are more terrain With major tournaments focusing on 1750 and
is desired. While covering half the board is a 1850 point games, table size has been relegated
The advent of a new edition presents the
bit much, anywhere between thirty and forty to a standard 6x4 foot table. Apocalypse games,
average gamer with many changes - new rules,
percent makes for an interesting game that however, require a larger surface area which takes
new army compositions and new strategies,
relies less on shooting-dice rolls and more on you to 8x4 and beyond. Necessity and available
so the last thing anyone is probably thinking
maneuverability and close-range tactics. As space usually dictate table size so it really comes
about would be the game tables themselves.
always, talk with your opponent or gaming down to a gamer’s individual choice.
5th edition emphasises true line-of-sight and
group and see which amount of terrain works
cover, though, so it’s pretty much guaranteed Energized by the new 5th edition rules, I started
best. You can even try multiple games with
that a unit will gain a 4+ cover save at some designing a new table that would take all of the
different amounts of terrain to see how tactics
point in a game be it through friendly units or above into account:
and outcomes change.
intervening terrain. Being forced to check line
Dimensions: 8x4 ft. with 6x4 ft. designated as
of sight through the model’s point of view does Modularity is another key to streamlining. For
playing surface.
indeed get the gamer more involved; people years I built terrain that was static, either by
tend to notice terrain features more, not only being attached to the board itself or having Extra: 2x4 ft. felt-covered holding area for
how they interact with the units on the table pieces with dense cover that were a pain to models, books, drinks and whatever else you
but also how they look. With that in mind, it’s move models through. While it may be more need close at hand.
time to update tables for 5th edition! visually appealing, having terrain pieces in the
Extra: Raised lip around the perimeter which
same area gets dull after a while and moving
5th edition is a continuation of the “streamlining” brings to a halt the frantic search for those
figures through glued down woodlands is
concept that GW implemented some years wayward dice that always end up in hard-to-
very time consuming and tedious. Most game
back. With more generalised rules that leave reach places on the floor.
tables, however, allow for the placement of
no room for error, the game is sped up so that
multiple pieces of terrain, e.g. riverbeds, Terrain: New GW grass mat for the main
gamers can enjoy a good 1500-2000 point game
forests, buildings and craters. The only question surface. 6 forest outcrops. 2 sets of hills.
without going overboard on time. The same
that remains is how modular do you want to
should hold true for all the pre-game action THE SKELETON:
go? You can control where you want to put
which includes mission and setup selection, This is arguably the most crucial piece when
the outcrop of trees, but what if you are tired
terrain placement, deployment zone selection building a durable game table. An 8x4 piece
of playing during the spring and summer and
and model placement; for the sake of this article, of press wood is the simplest solution when it
want some autumn foliage or snow covered
however, the focus is on terrain placement. In comes to surface area but it comes at a cost.
trees? Having exchangeable pieces allows for
4th edition, the ideal recommendation was Boards like this are usually very heavy and warp
even greater modularity, as rare-earth magnet
for a board to have twenty-five percent of its easily when not supported correctly which
fanatics will readily attest.
surface covered in terrain. With the advent of cause dice to simply roll off the sides.

insulation foam. The noise of dice bouncing craft store. The felt - you guessed it - protects
erratically off a wood surface can get pretty the models from scratches.
annoying; insulation foam absorbs the hit and
Paint the rims black, add a table skirt (great to
dulls the noise.
hide all your hobby stuff!) and you’re all set!
Now it’s time to get to the actual terrain; I
stuck with a generic woodland theme mainly
because I’d never had a table like this before.
Using some thin mdf board, I cut out irregular
shapes and beveled the edges with a sander.
This becomes the border for what was once
known as “area terrain”, which is still important
in terms of how far difficult terrain goes as
Lightness and strength can be easily achieved well as what is considered to be in cover.
when constructing the right frame: Take some time and think about how this
Materials: power drill, flat head wood screws, a
hammer and some nails (for pilot holes).
Once the skeleton is completed, I put a layer of Now that the major construction is done, it’s
thin mdf board on top and nailed it down. time to add a playing surface - I took the easy
way out and layered the new cloth-backed
While you can stop here and add your desired GW grass mat on top. It’s soft, looks good, and
playing surface, I went a step further and filled prevents models from getting scratched when
in most of the area with a 6x4 ft sheet of pink they tip over. For the holding area, I lined the
surface with panels of black felt from a local
may affect the armies playing on this board.

I went for a mix of length and width so that
there is something for everyone. It also makes
the terrain placement phase of the game that
much more important.
Learning my lesson from last time, I put each
tree on its own individual base. I used wooden
circles from a craft store but you can use

40mm. bases or small flying bases too. These army that I or my friends play. As a side project, further customisability. If you didn’t glue
were painted and flocked to match the area everyone made 3 objective markers for their down the grass mat, you could paint a
terrain pieces. army and matched the bases to the terrain different terrain color on the surface of the
already made - you can see some examples of board…instant desert, swamp, martian land!
Future plans include various terrain pieces
these in this issue’s Imperial Register. Remember, it’s the far future so whatever you
including a relic temple, daemon webgate,
can design goes!
imperial ammo bunker and ork huts. The goal This table cost less than a hundred dollars
is to have a piece of themed terrain for every to make and provides plenty of options for

Tutorial: Pre-Heresy Terminator Shoulder Pads
PRE-HERESY TERMINATOR SUPPLIES NEEDED:

– Your model.
SHOULDER PADS – X-Acto knife or similar hobby knife with

NEW, SHARP blade. (If you aren’t going
by Ron Saikowski particular kind of shoulder pad. I couldn’t to take the time to get a new blade for
find what I was looking for in a Step by Step this project, then stop reading right now.
A while ago, I set out to create what I thought There is a lot of detail work and fine cutting
article however, so I decided to create my own
would represent somewhat accurately; Pre- that needs to be done. You need to have a
tutorial for building Pre-Heresy type Terminator
Heresy Terminators. And thus wanted this NEW, SHARP blade on your knife.)
shoulder pads.
– Superglue (preferably one that is not too
thick). (I don’t use any “accelerators” so I
can’t speak about their effectiveness. Try
a test piece with and without to see which
way works best for you.)
– White glue.
– Fine point drafting pen (needs to be a
real fine point for detail work).
– Posterboard or similar thickness
cardstock.
– Index card or similar thickness
cardstock.
– Cereal box (you need the cardboard the
box is made of… not the cereal).
– A small nail or similar tool with a fine
point.
– Greenstuff.
– Modeling tool (doesn’t matter what
brand, I use the GW and an X-Acto.

STEP 4
Once you have your shapes traced onto
the posterboard, you can take your time
and design the “trim” that will be on your
shoulderpad. Using your fine point drafting
pen, draw the pattern you will be cutting out
in a few minutes.
Once you have the collar and shoulder pads
drawn out, use your X-Acto to “cut out” the
INSIDE of the design. Take your time and be
STEP 3 careful. Neatness really counts here and it will
Take your templates and trace their outline take a steady hand with a new blade. Do not
STEP 1 cut along the OUTSIDE of the template yet,
onto a piece of posterboard.
Collect your pieces and remove the mold lines. that will be done later.
I’ve added my templates here with a scale
in inches and millimeters. You can copy this
picture, print it out and then take it to a copier
and reduce/enlarge until you get the scale on
the drawing to match a ruler in real life.
There is one piece for the collar and two
pieces for each shoulder pad. Obviously you
will need to make each shoulder pad piece
twice. You can also custom build your shoulder
pads by trying different shapes to see which
shape you like best.
STEP 5
STEP 2 Once you have all your shoulder pads “cut
Assemble the torso halves. You will need to out,” take them and use a thin layer of white
trim away any spikes, rivets, etc, around the glue to glue them down to the cereal box. Set
neck area (red line) so that the collar piece will them aside now and let this dry completely
fit later. If there is anything in the way on the before going any further. You’ve gotten this far,
top of the model, trim that away too (the spiky you don’t want to mess it up because you are
point in the case of the Chaos Terminator). impatient.

STEP 7 I set it perpendicular to the X-Acto knife

Set the collar piece aside for now. handle and use my thumbs to SLOWLY press
it down on each side. Once I have it bent to
Time to glue the two parts of the shoulder pad
the curve of the X-Acto handle, I then take and
together. Make sure the edge nearest the torso
wrap it around the handle of one of my larger
lines up flush (the red arrows) and superglue
paintbrushes. The diameter of the paintbrush
the two pieces together.
is slightly smaller than the X-Acto handle and
allows me to get it into just the right shape to
fit over the shoulder of the terminator.
Since you started doing this while the superglue
was still drying, the superglue should hold the
STEP 6 shape of the shoulder pad now. You can test fit
Cut out the templates from the cereal box. This the shoulder pad on the model and make any
is where you cut along the OUTSIDE of the adjustments to the curve as needed.
template edge now. Again, take your time and
be careful. Don’t try and cut the piece out in one
pass, take your time and cut it out carefully.
STEP 8
Once you have the two parts glued together, STEP 9
give them a few seconds to start setting and Now it’s time to seal the edges of the shoulder
then it’s time to bend the shoulder pad to the pad. I use my X-Acto blade as a mount and take
correct shape. The first time I bend the shoulder my superglue and apply a small amount around
pad, I use the handle of my X-Acto knife. the entire edge of the shoulder pad. Since you

should have superglue that is not too thick in it out and get rid of any irregularities since this different than their later versions and if you just
consistency, it should quickly absorb into the will be a highly visible part on the model. You place your arms on your model without giving
cereal box. This basically turns the cereal box may not need to do this (cleaning up the front any thought to consistency, you might end up
and posterboard into plasticard. Once you part of the collar) depending on how clean your with shoulder pads that don’t match in terms of
have both shoulder pads assembled, shaped cuts were made. height and front-to-back placement.
and sealed, set them aside for now to dry. The
Ultimately what you’re looking for is a set of
collar is up next.
shoulder pads that are the same in terms of
placement on the arms (height, tilt, etc.).
STEP 10
Time to attach the collar piece. You can pre- STEP 11
bend the collar piece by wrapping it around Time to attach the arms. I like to make my arm
STEP 12
the handle of your X-Acto like you did for the positioning a bit dynamic but it’s ultimately up
With the arms superglued and trimmed, it’s
shoulder pads. Take a small amount of superglue to you. There is one thing to keep in mind when
time to add some greenstuff in the shoulder
and apply it to the front edge of the torso and attaching the arms though.
joint to fill the gaps if there are any.
hold the collar piece in place until the superglue
Since these shoulder pads are attached
dries. It might take a little more superglue on You shouldn’t have to worry about this part
differently than later model shoulder pads and
the inside of the collar piece and near the back if you simply glued the arms in place without
don’t “float” with the arm like the older ones
edges as most of the superglue will be absorbed having repositioned them… but remember to
do… you need to make sure a few things line
by the cereal box the first time around. make sure things still line up from Step 11.
up so you can glue these in place correctly.
You will need to greenstuff the back corners of
Line A shows that the tops of the actual arms
the collar piece where it meets the back half of
need to be the same. In this case, I had to trim
the torso. Don’t worry about adding too much
part of the left arm down so they were even.
detail to these side areas, they’ll be covered by
the shoulder pads themselves. Lines B and C show that the arms need to be
positioned the same, from front to back.
I would also apply a very small amount of
greenstuff to the top lip of the collar to smooth Again, this is because these shoulder pads are

place without any problems. You might need to

make a last minute adjustment to the shoulder
part of the arms by trimming a little here and
there. don’t worry about it, trim what you need
to so that you get the correct positioning of the
shoulder pads.
STEP 13
Time to assemble the model.
Glue the torso onto the legs. Add your head
to the model. I use a NON-HELMETED head
for this as it is the only kind that really fits. You
could add the head prior to attaching the collar
but I found it makes it tougher to position and
greenstuff the collar in place.
STEP 16
Time to add the rivets to the armour. Using
the nail or similar object to place a tiny drop of
STEP 15 Tacky glue in the places you want rivets on your
Time to add the leather straps that hang shoulder pads. It usually takes me 3 passes with
below the shoulder pads. Take a small piece of tiny drops of white glue to get the “rivets” built
index card (you could use the slightly thicker up enough.
posterboard as well) and cut out small strips.
The length and width is determined by how Before adding your rivets, take a minute and
low and wide you want them to hang. I angle put a small dot where you want your rivets to
the ends of mine as well by cutting the bottom be. Doing this will help you keep track of where
corners off. I usually add 4 to 5 leather straps they are on the shoulder pads.
under each shoulder pad. Simply superglue That’s it. Remember, take your time and be
STEP 14
them in place right under the shoulder pad patient when doing this. It’s fairly detailed but
Add the shoulder pads and top knot at this
and let them hang in place. the end results are well worth it I think.
point. You should be able to superglue them in

Tutorial: Old School Plague Marines
OLD SCHOOL PLAGUE MARINES

(OR, MY HEAD GOT CUT OFF AND USED AS A BLIGHT GRENADE AND ALL I GOT WAS THIS LOUSY T-SHIRT)
by Huw Davies smooth rounded chest so you’ll need to sand
any details on it flat anyway. Then I used a pin
The idea behind this tutorial is to show how
drill to make holes ready for the augmetic
you can convert one of the current plastic
cabling – be careful drilling these, as they need
Chaos Space Marines into an old-school style
to be at the correct angle for the ‘lay’ of the
Plague Marine – I like the bulbous 90s-style
cable; a bit of forward planning is needed here
Death Guard models, but they’re pretty hard
in terms of how much cabling you want and
to find these days and since I wanted to have
where you’re going to put it - there’s no harm in
an ‘old school’ squad of this style of model; it
making sketches if you need to. Then I stuck a
seemed like a good idea to work out how to
First of all, trim the mould lines and assemble glob of green stuff inside the lower torso cavity
convert one of the ‘normal’ CSM models into
the basic body parts; I put a 2mm spacer and made a hole in it ready for yet another bit
something as close as I could manage to the
in at the waist joint to give the model extra of cabling, with a corresponding hole in the
Plague Marines of yesteryear.
height (I like my Nurgle troops to be huge and right leg.
Here’s the fine figure of a Plague Marine which hulking) and also to give the overall figure more Drilling holes in the head was tricky, and again
will be serving as inspiration, along with the balanced proportions. I filled around this spacer these have to be at the right angle for where
bog-standard plastic bits that will form the with green stuff to make the joint more solid. you eventually want the cabling to sit; never be
basis for this conversion:
afraid to stop and stick a bit of guitar string into
a hole to check it’s at the right angle before
going any further.
Once the green stuff on the torso has set,
you’re ready to
start inserting the
augmetic cabling; I
generally use guitar
strings for this, as the
windings look right
Before putting on the front half of the torso I for augmetics; even
removed the bottom half of it, the better to down at the 28mm
accommodate the augmetic cabling that will scale. A .032” gauge
be going there. It doesn’t matter what torso guitar string is just
front you use, because we’re aiming for a very the right diameter to

work with the hole made by the default bit that torso are a good example of this; eventually Phew. Tricky, but now it felt like it was starting
comes with the GW pin drill, and that’s what I they’ll be covered by the shoulder pads so they to get the feel I was after. You can also see now
used on this model. need to sit tight to the side so they don’t stick how the spacer at the waist joint gives a nice
out too much. Be careful when bending string overall proportion to the figure; it’s not strict
with pliers as the windings can sometimes true-scale, but looks the part nonetheless.
stretch apart, which spoils the look of the
And now it’s green stuff time. I seriously
cabling; try to keep the ‘wrap’ of the windings
debated using one big lump of green stuff to
around the guitar string’s core as even as you
make the rounded torso, but given the various
can. Use a small dab of glue on the end of the
bits of cabling going into it at various spots the
string as each end is inserted to keep it firmly
only way I found that worked to get the desired
anchored in place.
bulbous look was to use several smaller bits and
Possibly the single fiddliest part of this whole smooth them together; this made it a lot easier
conversion was getting the head attached with
the cable that runs from the helmet into the
upper chest at the right angle; several tries
were needed, and swearing occurred, before
the helmet was mounted firmly with the cable
going smoothly from it into the chest.
You need to bend each piece of string so it fits

properly on the model, and the cable which
goes from the leg into the lower torso is a
good example of this. Ideally you’re aiming
for a smooth, natural-looking curvature of the
cable. That piece has a gentle-ish curve that
can be done with fingers, but for some pieces
you’ll need a much sharper curve for which
you’ll probably need to use a pair of needle-
nose pliers and a little practice to get the feel
of how to bend it to the right shape.
The cables that go around to either side of the

to leave gaps for the cabling to pass through Note the profile shot; as I was building up the Following on from this, once the front had cured
into the body. The idea was always to give the layers of green stuff I kept checking the overall hard I added green stuff texturing all round the
finished model as much depth as possible, so shape of the torso from all angles to make sure back of the model, so the bloated belly would
the detail seemed to go right into the body I was keeping the curve smooth and even. The blend in both in terms of dimensions and
and not just sit on the surface. gaps where the cabling passes into the torso detailing with the overall profile of the model.
don’t all have to look the same; I chose to have There’s a deep recessed gap inside the smooth
Where two different pieces of green stuff
a large gaping cavity where the cabling from edge of the belly, which is again intended to
needed to blend smoothly, I used a wetted
the leg enters the torso, with cracks across give the impression of depth to the model. The
thumb to get a seamless transition. In some
the armour’s surface spreading out from this. rest of the green stuff work on this part of the
cases you still get a very tiny line, but for Nurgle
By contrast the cabling at each shoulder and model’s back is made up of a stretched-tissue
armour this doesn’t look out of place at all; it
from the head have quite smooth holes. I also type of texture; remember that much of what
almost looks like marbling.
left a jagged hole in the lower left of the belly goes here will be at least slightly obscured by
for that authentic Nurgle look, and added the backpack, so keep it flat enough to the
two kneepads of green stuff to match the old- body for the backpack to sit correctly.
school Plague Marine’s detail.
See the rear view at left, from this angle you can
see the bits of cabling sticking round the sides
of the torso from the chest and the helmet; next
we’ll deal with those and attaching the arms.
I used a file to smooth down the edges of the
cabling that were sticking out, then put a 1mm
spacer in at each arm joint so there was an
overall flat surface for the arms to mount onto.
The choice of weapons is up to you; I’ve always

thought that chainswords feel perfect for Death
Guard, very brutal and no-nonsense, and the
bolt pistol works with the close-combat feel.

Once the arms were glued on and set, I added little details but they add to the overall visual
more green stuff stretched-tissue around the unity of the model, making it all look like it
circumference of the arm joint, some of which belongs together.
stretches over to the backpack mount or joins
And here’s the finished result:
the tissue reaching up from the lower back. The
more your green stuff work looks homogenous
to the model, the better, and one of the best
ways to do this is to keep it unified all over the
model and where necessary to match any of the
model’s original texture and surface detailing.
Also at this point I smoothed in the kneepads
and, as you can see on the left knee, blended
the line of the model’s leg into the kneepad
itself so it looks like a part of the model; the
last thing you want to see on any miniature
is something that screams here is the green-
stuffed part because it doesn’t match or blend
in with the actual model.
Ideally you shouldn’t be able to tell what’s
original and what’s conversion once it’s painted
up; I actually find that one of my favourite
stages with any converted model is after the
basic primer or undercoat has been applied,
as it’s then that everything is finally the same
colour and you can see how well what you’ve
added to the model blends in with the rest
of it. As a final touch I added a tiny worm (or
It’s quite a lot of work for one troop model,
possibly piece of gut) sticking out of the hole
but a full unit of these guys looks pretty nifty
in the lower left of the belly.
lumbering across the battlefield. And just
Finally, on goes the backpack, and some more think of the fun you could have converting a
green stuff was inserted around and behind Terminator in the same manner…wait...that
this to blend it in with the main body. And, of gives me an idea…
course, the finishing touch for that authentic I also added some tiny splurges of stretched-
‘old school’ Plague Marine look – a spike on tissue green stuff around the boots, and at
top of the helmet. the elbow joints on the arms. These are just

Gaming: Bell of Lost Souls
BELL of LOST SOULS COMING this FALL
B E L L O F L O S T S O U L S . B L O G S P O T. C O M
HARBINGER HEAVY BOMBER POINTS: 1400
The Harbinger is the largest aircraft unleashed by the forces of Chaos. The Harbinger is a large lumbering target, and they are usually encountered
First seen during the 13th black Crusade, Harbinger raids have slowly under the protection of swarms of Hellblade and Helltalon fighters. The
become more frequent. Flown from heavily defended rear airbases, or appearance of even one in a warzone is enough to warrant its designation
released from orbit, these machiens carry monstrous payloads, easily as a priority target for all Imperial aircrews theatre-wide.
capable of leveling entire cities with their incindiary or bio-warfare
ordinance.
Twin-linked
autocannons
in side AA mount
Primary thrusters
Cockpit
Size Comparison
Double bomb bays

Primary thrusters
20,000lb payload
(underside)
Feel the wrath of the

Lords of BaƩle
Nose mounted
Twin-linked
Twin-linked autocannons
autocannons in side AA mount
UNIT: 1 Harbinger ARMOUR WEAPON RANGE STR AP SPECIAL

BS FRONT SIDE REAR
TYPE: Super-heavy Flyer Autocannon 48” 7 4 Heavy 2
3 10 10 10
STRUCTURE POINTS: 9 Bomb Bomb 6 4 Apocalypse Barrage (1)*,

One-shot
WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT: Hellstorm Hellstorm 7 3 Inferno**, One-shot
- 2 nose mounted twin-linked autocannons;
- 2 side mounted twin-linked autocannons with anti-aircraft mounts;
- The Harbinger also carries 24 bombs in each of its two bomb bays
(48 bombs total);
OPTIONS: SPECIAL RULES:

You may exchange one or both of the two bomb bay loads for 4 Possessed: A Harbinger ignores Gun Crew Shaken and Driver
Hellstorm bombs per bomb bay at no additional cost. Stunned results.
*You can elect to have the Harbinger drop as many bombs from each AA Fire: due to its size, when rolling to hit the Harbinger the enemy do not
bomb bay as you wish in a single bombing run - for each bomb dropped need 6s, but use their standard BS as normal.
roll once on the Apocalypse Barrage template. But remember, each bomb
can only be dropped once - when they’re gone, they’re gone! Dual Bomb Bays: A Harbinger may bomb dual targets per bombing run.
Place both the bomb tempaltes using the normal bombing run rules, then
**Only one Hellstorm bomb may be dropped per bomb bay per bombing resolve each in sequence, based upon the contents of the bomb-bay in
run. question.

Gaming: Dark Heresy and Alternative Premises
DARK HERESY: ALTERNATIVE PREMISES

by Dragonlover their territory. Good career paths for this setup A player is the Inquisitor/Gang Boss/etc:
are Scum, Guardsman, Assassin and Priest. Pretty much what it says on the tin. Pick
The basic premise of a Dark Heresy game is
someone in the group you know you can trust,
that the DM plays the part of the Inquisitor, CSI: Scintilla: Everybody plays an Arbitrator in
and make them the leader. It means you don’t
and the players are his Acolytes, plucked from the vast hives of Scintilla, Be prepared to make
have to worry about working out the motives of
varying backgrounds due to their usefulness/ liberal use of Elite Advances, at least before
yet another NPC, and also means that during a
expendability. There is nothing wrong with this, the path splits, in order to give everyone a
session you only have to look to one person to
but the system is flexible enough that a more broader skill set. Also consider allowing use
find out what the plan is. Works well if you’ve
‘themed’ group is possible. Here are some of the Legate Investigator alternate rank. As
got a large group as well, because you can
ways to go about it. for plotlines, serial killers, cultists and the like
concentrate on just running the game.
always work well, but remember that the Arbites
Gang War: The DM is the boss of an up-and-
wouldn’t show up just because a random hab- ‘Jones, take that hill!’: Throw the players
coming gang in the underhive, and the players
dweller gets killed, as they enforce Imperial into the sharp end of the fight for the
are his trusted lieutenants. The aim is simple:
Law as opposed to local law. Of course, if the Imperium, with nothing but a lasgun and
survive the attempts on your turf by all the
Planetary Governor dies under suspicious the Imperial Infantryman’s Uplifting Primer
other up and coming gangs, and try and take
circumstances, then they’ll step in. to keep then alive. Possible setups include a
normal infantry squad where everyone plays
Ordo Kill Team: This is the closest to a regular
a Guardsman, to a motley crew made up of
game of Dark Heresy, it just requires a small
Guardsmen and Scum in one of the Penal
amount of thought before everyone dives into
Legions. Sprinkle in Priests and Arbitrators
character creation. An Ordo Hereticus Kill Team
(Commissars) to suit your needs.
comprising mostly of Sororitas is highly unlikely
to contain a psyker, for example. The other That’s the lot from me this issue, and as usual
difference for a Kill Team game is the mood. send questions, comments and death threats
Somebody else has done all the talking, now to dragonlover63@googlemail.com
you get to go and kick the door in!
Now that Dragonlover has your gears turning...

Fantasy Flight Games has announced an official Dark Heresy Adventure Contest. The winner
gets his work posted on the Fantasy Flight Games web site and receives a signed copy of
Creatures Anathema, an upcoming bestiary book for Dark Heresy!
Visit for details: http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/ffgforums/posts/list/16126.page

Advertisement: Marquee Models

Comics
Nobody Expects the in Nobody Expects… Too much information by Nacho Fernandez
continues…
Comics
Nobody Expects the in Nobody Expects… Too much information by Nacho Fernandez

Comics
Nobody Expects the in Nobody Expects… Adeptus Mechanicus Rites by Nacho Fernandez

Comics
Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008

Comics

Comics
Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008

Advertisement: Gamers Warehouse

Fiction: The Four Horsemen: Space Hulk
THE FOUR HORSEMEN: SPACE HULK

The most inept group of back-stabbing half- lift a single finger to aid this tragic enterprise.’ Noises of indignation and trespass evaporated
wits in the galaxy decide it is time to get a in Azaena’s throat. ‘Well, naturally,’ he muttered
‘Enterprise,’ murmured Hink, chewing a
new runabout, but buyer beware… self-consciously. ‘And you are..?’
fingernail and looking thoughtful.
By Graeme Stevenson ‘A mere worm,’ acknowledged the stranger,
‘Something on your mind, Hink?’ asked
‘Are you sure this is the right dock?’ bowing again to hide crafty yellow eyes. ‘My
Azaena.
name is even less important than my station.
They squinted up at the scarred and battered ‘Just tossing a few names around for the ship,’ Were such great Lords to deign to follow me,
vessel, tow-cables still dangling. Although it the guardsman said. my Master would have no need to beat my
had probably once been a deep space freighter, worthless carcass.’
it now looked more like a cross between Evel ‘Yes, well, let’s not worry about that now.’ The
Knievel’s motorcycle helmet and a burned Warlock turned to survey Hink’s collection of ‘Your master?’ asked Azaena.
thanksgiving turkey. paint tins. ‘Now, what do you think – Rustic
‘Indeed, oh wise and worthy one,’ scraped
Glaze or Autumn Lilac?’
Hink put down the cans of emulsion he was the creature. ‘My Patriarch dwells within. This
lugging. ‘I’m not sure a coat of paint is going to ‘I though you said you wanted Arctic Topaz?’ worthless beast has been sent to beg your
cut the mustard with this one,’ he said. presence.’
‘That was before Gusha drank it,’ snapped
‘Oh, it looks worse than it is,’ Azaena chirped. Azaena. ‘What – in my ship?’ Azaena seemed
‘It’ll spruce up in no time.’ surprised.
The burly Ork had upended the can and was
‘Remind me again how much you paid for this,’ shaking the last few drops onto his blue tongue ‘Looks like you’ve got tenants,’ Hink observed.
the guardsman asked. when movement caught his piggy eye.
‘Squatters, more like,’ muttered the Warlock,
‘Not much,’ said the Warlock, evasively. ‘A ‘Oozat geezer?’ he asked, throwing the empty frowning at the creature’s filthy robe.
bargain, really.’ paint can away.
‘I do not trust this miserable thing,’ grumbled
‘This purchase pleases me,’ Morg grunted, A humped figure swaddled in a tattered brown Morg, fists on hips. ‘He seeks to hide cunning
unexpectedly. ‘Yet another fitting illustration of habit was limping from the interior of the with obsequiousness.’
Eldar idiocy. freighter. He was grossly lopsided and favoured
The hunched figure gibbered and fawned
one arm, hidden within the folds of his robe.
‘You say that now,’ goaded Azaena. ‘Just wait again, fluttering his white hand. ‘Your wisdom
His visible hand was pale from a life spent in
until we’ve given it a little TLC.’ is commendable, oh mighty warlord. Truly, you
shadows and moved restlessly.
see through my clumsy ruse – I seek only to
‘We?’ Morg said. ‘If you expect me to partake in ‘Gallant Lords,’ he fawned, scraping at the save my worthless hide by fulfilling my task and
this farce, you are much mistaken. I might linger, gantry before them. ‘You are most welcome.’ bringing you before my Master. For this trickery
perhaps, to watch you fail utterly, but I shall not I should be punished without mercy.’

Morg waved a gauntlet. ‘Enough of your this Patriarch of yours – I’d like to outline some ‘Tea trolley??’ exploded Morg, roaring with
master,’ he said, puffing out his chest. ‘I would sort of rental agreement, certainly.’ laughter. ‘Tea trolley??’
hear more about this mighty warlord.’
‘It would be a privilege to lead you to him, my ‘Well, it was important for troop morale,’ said
The messenger bowed so low that the cowl of Lords.’ Hink, sounding defensive.
his robe left a greasy residue on the gantry. ‘You
Hink tugged his companion’s cape. ‘I think Morg The Chaos Warrior drew his chain-axe – a
are surely a master of War, oh great one,’ he
was right, Azaena,’ he murmured. ‘Something massive, fearsome thing notched and dented
gurgled in a voice like treacle. ‘An armoured
about this creepy guy doesn’t sit right.’ from millennia of killing and maiming. ‘This is
titan. The ground must surely shake beneath
the mark of a true warrior,’ he said, holding
your f-’ ‘My Lord is wise to be cautious,’ acknowledged
the saw-toothed axe under Hink’s nose. ‘Not
the hunchback, bowing and grovelling again.
Azaena ahemed pointedly. ‘I think you’ll find,’ some rickety trolley full of hot beverages and
‘Many dangers lie in wait for the unwary, though
he said testily, ‘that this is my ship?’ tea-cakes.’
my Lord has no need of such a warning, having
‘Ah yes,’ hissed the crawling hunchback, turning survived countless wars.’ ‘Caramel wafers, actually,’ the guardsman
deftly towards the Eldar without missing a beat. muttered.
‘Well, I wouldn’t say that exactly,’ said Hink
‘My Lord is a being of unsurpassed grandeur
sheepishly. ‘That’s enough out of you two,’ interrupted
and elegance – a magnificent bird whose
Azaena. ‘We’re supposed to be showing his
gleaming plumage turns all else to grey ash.’ ‘My Lord is too modest,’ the hunchback oozed.
master my lovely cape, remember?’
‘I see from his smart and well-fitting uniform
The Warlock made a gesture of dismissal,
that he occupies a lofty post within the Imperial ‘I assure you he waits with baited breath, Lords,’
but tossed his golden hair extravagantly
Guard.’ said the hunchback. ‘Follow, please.’
nevertheless. ‘Oh, get away,’ he giggled
lightly. ‘Lofty? Not exactly,’ stammered the guardsman, *****
smoothing the creases on his baggy fatigues.
‘My unworthy eyes burn with the glorious The interior of the ship turned out to be an ugly
‘I’m just a corporal.’
colours of your robe, Lord,’ said the repellent lattice of perished rubber tubing, raw wires
hunchback, holding his fish-belly hand over his The creature scraped and flapped with and rusted plumbing. Corridors branched in
face. abandon. ‘Then my Lord must command all directions into a foreboding darkness, each
armies,’ it gushed shamelessly. ‘The brave victor blistered and sweating tunnel looking much like
‘What, this old thing?’ asked Azaena, flaring
of a thousand battlefields.’ the next. They followed the hunchback through
his cape and turning on the spot. ‘It’s just
this metal warren with some trepidation.
something I had lying around. Do you really Hink coloured, shuffling his boots. ‘Oh no, I
like it?’ usually just went round the trenches with the ‘Is it much farther?’ asked Azaena eventually as
tea trolley before evening role-call.’ they clambered in single file up yet another a
‘A wonder to behold, Lord. My Patriarch would
narrow metal stair.
be equally astounded to see such beauty.’ For the first time, the fawning thing seemed at
a loss. He opened his mouth, but all that came ‘The chamber of my Master lies just beyond,’
‘Oh, I’m certain of it,’ nodded the Warlock,
out was ‘Errr…’ the hunchback replied.
enthused now. ‘I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to see

‘Can anyone hear a sort of crackling sound?’ hands gripping the Patriarch’s throne were Azaena rolled his eyes. ‘The Ambassador
Hink asked, near the back of the small actually curved yellow claws, and that many of for the Eye of Terror plumbs a new depth of
procession. the hissing, bobbing subjects looked less than diplomacy,’ he remarked dryly.
human.
‘You hear it too?’ Azaena sounded relieved. ‘I Contrary to an explosion of outrage, the
thought for a minute I was getting static build- There was a tense moment when nobody Patriarch rolled slowly back in his throne and
up from these new nylon leggings.’ spoke, and all ears became aware of a distant emitted a long, gurgling laugh. ‘Such ferocious
crackling. courage,’ he said. ‘Admirable. Your genes must
‘Behold, great Lords,’ interrupted the
be strong.’
hunchback in an attempt to regain some ‘I think we might have erred here,’ Azaena
sense of occasion. ‘My Master, the Patriarch murmured. ‘Indeed,’ preened the Chaos Warrior. ‘As you
Gorulax.’ will shortly discover.’
‘Spineless wretch,’ chided the Chaos Marine.
The staircase opened into a wide, gloomy ‘Only the frail Eldar could be intimidated by ‘I am no match for your talents,’ Gorulax said.
chamber lit by the glow of superheated pipes these lumpy, ball-headed oafs.’ ‘A hundred years ago, perhaps, I would have
overhead. In this red glaze could be seen relished the battle but I have become old and
‘A warrior,’ approved Gorulax from his
dozens of hunched robed creatures that milled twisted. I would be poor sport.’
throne, his glinting coal eyes taking in Morg’s
restlessly in the dark corners.
broad frame. ‘Do no be disappointed in the ‘Then who among this sad collection of freaks
Seated at the far end of the chamber on a appearance of my brethren. They are caught will challenge me?’ Morg boomed, resting his
crude throne was the Patriarch – a giant bowed between two worlds – reaching for a higher fists on his hips.
shape, robed and hooded like the others. plateau of evolution, yet anchored down by
‘I assure you, Mr Gorulax, that’s not necessary,’
their weak humanity.’ The Patriarch stretched a
‘Come closer, brave travellers,’ said a slow, Azaena gabbled. ‘My friend here is just a little
long bladed arm towards the chamber ceiling,
resonant voice. ‘Do not be afraid.’ high-spirited. Really, we’ve taken up far too
his shadowy face lit with evangelic anticipation.
much of your time. We’ll just…’
There was a derisive snort from Morg. ‘But fear not, brave soul – a challenge worthy of
your martial skill awaits you.’ ‘Oh no,’ said the Patriarch with a small, wicked
‘Such a rich selection of treats you have brought
smile. ‘Such wonderful specimens must not be
me, Mallachi,’ the voice continued. ‘A delicious Morg chuckled from deep within his helmet.
allowed to escape. It would be remiss of me to
variety.’ ‘You?’ he asked, gloating. ‘By all means step
deny the brood such virile genes. My family’s
forward.’
The hunchback bowed and scraped. treasures will be all the richer once we have
‘Tact, Morg,’ hissed Azaena, elbowing him. ‘At absorbed your three bright gems.’
Hink fingered his flak helmet nervously. ‘Does
least show him some resp–’
anyone else find delicious kind of an unusual ‘Three..?’ echoed Hink, glancing around.
way to describe house guests?’ he asked. ‘I have no compunction in bursting a sagging ‘Where’d Gusha go?’
bag of guts and bluster,’ Morg continued.
It was becoming easier to see in the gloom and ‘I have no patience for this endless bleating,’
‘Doing it in front of your mutant inbred family
unpleasant details were coming to the fore; grumbled Morg, hefting his chain-axe. ‘Time
would give me additional pleasure.’
not least among them the fact that the twisted to sharpen my blade on your ugly face.’

‘Such confidence, warrior,’ gurgled Gorulax. ‘Open that bulkhead,’ the Patriarch
‘Your step would falter, I think, if you knew commanded.
the foes you were about to face.’
‘But Lord, that is the Genestealer
‘Hah! Let him step forward – I shall crush chamber,’ protested another.
him to jelly.’
‘Open it, I say!’ Gorulax was
‘From this cowering band?’ Gorulax adamant. ‘My children will not harm
made a gesture of dismissal with his their Patriarch.’
talons. ‘You flatter yourself in thinking
Quivering with fear, the hunched
I have nothing to throw at you but
figure reached for the door release
serfs and attendants. In a moment you
with some trepidation. There was an
will face our pureblood warriors – the
ear-splitting screech of metal and the
pinnacle of our genetic evolution.’
long-disused door wrenched itself
The massive Chaos Warrior was open in a spray of rust fragments and
unmoved. ‘Warriors, you say? Have disturbed cockroaches.
them form a line before me – best you
All eyes looked into the dank, fetid
step back unless you want your robes
chamber.
stained with their innards.’
Gusha sat on the floor, surrounded
‘Bucket-headed fool,’ spat the Patriarch,
by some sort of seafood detritus.
showing real anger for the first time.
Long chitin limbs lay jumbled all
‘I shall enjoy watching you being
about, cracked open and scoured
pulled limb from limb. My children are
of tender flesh by practiced simian
the deadliest warriors in the galaxy
deftness. It was as though some
– perfectly engineered killing machines!
intrepid gastronaut had munched his
They will tear through your armour as if
way through a batch of particularly
it were paper. They will…’
huge and menacing spider crabs.
Gorulax turned his huge oval head,
The Ork sucked his fingers and tossed
snapping his talons with irritation.
aside an empty Genestealer skull,
‘What is that infernal crunching noise?’ looking blankly out at his audience.
he complained, having lost his train of The brethren stared back, aghast.
thought.
‘Tastes like chicken,’ he said
‘It’s coming from over there, Lord,’ absently.
hissed one of the acolytes.

Fiction: The Pandora Strain
THE PANDORA STRAIN

A DRIFTING HULK HIDES DARK PLOTS AND A DEADLY SECRET
by David McGuire “I will defy you,” the bound man gasped, “with the Astartes of the Relictors Chapter ever
my last breath.” found themselves in unusual places.
The tormentor's mask was all that could be
seen of him; wrought bands of dark metal “How fortunate. That is all you have left.” "The local navigators call it The Pandora,
with featureless pits where the eyes should Captain." Librarian Morrar was shorter than
***
be. His hoarse breathing resonated like iron his captain by a clear head, his once youthful
on a whetstone in the gloom of the cell. If the Part ship, part hollowed-out asteroid, the object features disappearing under a tired, chipped
bleeding man lying bound to the excruciform designated H2328 Obs.Sca.M381154 drifted face, long, pale and angular beneath the psychic
felt any fear as the mask loomed over him, he dead and alone in the limitless, wasteful void. hood of his office. The perils of a Librarian's
gave no sign. calling took their toll, even on one as young
With no sun to light its battered, time-hewn as Morrar. "When the Imperial Navy cracked it
“Show me your face,” spat the bound man, visage, it was nothing more than a patch of open they say that Hell itself tried to escape.
every word sending a spasm of pain through darkness behind which distant stars vanished The fight to banish the warp denizens on board
his tortured flesh, “or are you coward like and reappeared. Only on long-range visnet was long and bloody, and now, like the box of
your kin?” were its secrets revealed; a misshapen body legend, it lies empty." He paused. "The local
of pitted stone encrusted here and there with navigators have education and a misplaced
A rasp of laboured breath. “As you wish.”
dust-scored engine cowlings, rotted docking sense of humour, it would seem." He turned to
Gloved hands undid the buckles and the mask
ports and broken antennae arrays; a barnacled face Captain Malln. "Now that our destination
disappeared from view. The bound man's body
rock forever in search of a shore. lies before us, I feel I should know why the
stiffened, bringing buzzsaw laughter from his
tormentor. Conclave has sent us here." The Librarian had
The object had dropped out of the warp nearly
been left out of the deliberations, and Malln
two thousand years ago. A former surveying
“What are you?” heard clearly the wounded pride in his voice.
vessel of the Mechanicus, ancient even before
The tormentor smiled unsteadily, as if its loss to the empyrean, it had been spotted, He knew the rumours onboard. Even if he
unfamiliar with the practice. Blood fell; catalogued, breached and cleansed by the hadn't heard them from the Chapter serfs, it
droplets thick and heavy. “I am the betrayer. Imperial Navy on its re-appearance, salvaged did not take a great leap of imagination to
And you will help me.” down to its bones and the hulk left to swim the know what his battle-brothers were thinking.
eternal ocean between the stars. The rest of the Chapter were on their way to
“No. Never.”
repel the orks on Armageddon, but not them.
It was, Captain Rojak Malln considered, an
“You misunderstand me. No matter.” When a squad of Relictors, even one as small
unusual place for a meeting. Still, he mused,
as Malln had brought, went places remote and

dangerous, the obvious assumption was that "Who are we to meet?" As if reading his mind, although Malln knew
some relic was at stake; some tool of the Great Morrar would never attempt such a violation, the
"Captain Uro Kjerr."
Enemy that might be turned against its masters Librarian spoke up. "I had hoped the rumours
and into the service of the Emperor. His Chapter "Of the Black Dragons?" were true, and that a great prize lay ahead."
were ever seeking such items, of course: the
"The same. We ran into one another a long "Another great prize," echoed Malln, keeping
best means to defeat Chaos was with its own
time ago, on Centimani. He said he slew many his voice low. Morrar was no confidante, but
weapons. And there, he realised with a start,
orks. I said I slew more." Malln gave a knowing whom could he trust if not his brothers? "Tell
lay the source of his recent unease.
smile. "We have never agreed on much of me, what do you think of our chapter's search
He put that thought aside. "We are here to anything since." for the tools of the Enemy? The latest delvings
meet an old friend, Brother Librarian." Malln into the Eye of Terror?"
could not miss the expression Morrar tried and The mission to Armageddon was of vital
importance, but the Conclave itself had Morrar replied without hesitation. "The
failed to hide. "Sorry to disappoint, but that is
sanctioned Malln to take a small honour guard Emperor has gifted us insight into the nature of
the length of it."
on a discrete mission to keep the appointment Chaos, and how we might destroy it. The rest
"I was not aware our Chapter had any friends." with the Black Dragon captain. of the Imperium do not share this insight, and
Morrar turned to look back out the viewport, foolishly think they can judge us." He frowned,
past the hunched forms of the bridge crew. In truth, although it pained him now to admit it, clearly not expecting this line of inquiry. "Do
"Nor that it needed any." Malln had welcomed the opportunity to leave you doubt our calling? Think we go too far?"
his beloved Chapter behind. The solace of the
The Chapter's censure by the Inquisition voyage, the indulgence of uninterrupted ritual Malln shook his head. "I fear we do not go
over the de Marche affair and their penance and training, the necessary introspection of far enough. Are we just tinkering to destroy?
crusade had left some bitter wounds among warp-travel – all these had only served to bring There is more that can be done, I feel it. There
the Relictors. "The Conclave disagrees, his troubled thoughts into clarity. For some is more the Emperor wants us to do – wants me
Librarian," said Malln. The rebuke in his voice time now he had been uneasy, like he was to do. I know this to be true." His gauntleted fist
hit the mark. "They think it important to keep inhabiting the wrong skin, or – Emperor forbid tightened on the railing, leaving an impression
lines of communication open with our fellow – the wrong armour. At the heart of his unease in the steel. "I just don't know what it is."
Astartes. Not all of our fellow Astartes agree, lay the very foundation of his Chapter. His
He gave the order to dock and left the bridge,
of course, but they lack the strength of will brother Relictors were engaged in relentless
his thoughts in turmoil.
needed to see the truth in what we do in His pursuit of artefacts of the enemy, but in truth,
name." He waited, only continuing when it the relics, the weapons, the trophies they ***
was clear Morrar's deference was restored. sought – what were they when all was said and
"But this meeting was not scheduled. 'A The hanger bay aboard The Pandora was not
done? What true, lasting harm against Chaos
matter of concern to both Chapters,' was all a welcoming place; it was cavernous, dank and
could they really accomplish?
the communiqué said. We shall see." dark, the gravity felt subtly off-kilter and the
freezing air stank of failing filters and burnt dust.

Tethered lux-globes, luminous fronds dangling His honour guard fell in behind him; Sergeants A subtle change in his honour guard's
down like stygian jellyfish, barely lit the entrance Laggan, Archaig and Ossian, battle-honoured positioning told Malln they too had spotted
hatches, but at least they described a path veterans of Malln's 3rd Company, and Librarian the figures up ahead, the source of the curious
of sorts off into the gloom. They swayed in a Morrar, privy to many of the greatest secrets of the whistling sound, which stopped as they
faint breeze that spoke of decaying hull seals. Conclave. Malln gestured almost imperceptibly approached. There were four of them, standing
Time-fused lumps of vehicle or machinery as he walked, and spoke for his brother's ears at ease under the last of the lux-globes. Clearly
– Malln could not tell which – loomed greyly in only. "These repairs and buttresses: flimsy and Astartes. One of them stepped forward, and
the middle distance, beyond which shadows dangerous. Just like the air. Smugglers have been Malln stopped.
engulfed the far reaches of the bay. He could using this hulk." There was no other sign of any
"Well met, Captain Malln," the leading
hear the ponderous clunk-clunk-clunk of the black-marketeers, however; the only other ship
Astartes said, with a solemn tip of his head. His
atmospheric plant and another, quite different, docked was a long range shuttle with the chapter
helmet was off, revealing a broad face with an
sound, coming from somewhere down the path markings of the Black Dragons on its sleek hull.
open expression, a strong chin and a nose that
of lux-globes.
The sound became clearer as they following looked just broken enough to remain roguishly
He took the lead; a swift, shadowed giant that the path of light. It was Laggan, bearer of the handsome. Malln suspected he kept it that way
his ancient grey and black power armour did Chapter's banner, who spoke up. "Either the on purpose. His hair was dark as an oil slick,
not so much protect as endeavour to contain. air is leaking faster than I thought or someone held tight in a top knot.
Under the weak lights his close-cropped grey is whistling, captain."
"I have fought beside better," Captain Uro
hair stood out over a bronzed, heavyset face
Malln smiled to himself, and said to Morrar, Kjerr announced to the assembled men. Malln's
that, despite being a patchwork of leather and
"Anything?" honour guard stiffened at what seemed an
scar tissue, still bore the unfinished, peasant
insult, but as he saw the old glimmer of mischief
look of his hillside ancestors. Beetle-black eyes The Librarian shook his head. "Yes, but nothing
in his friend's grey-blue eyes Malln recalled their
sheltered under a formidable brow, murdering I wouldn't expect on any ship that sailed the
first meeting on Centimani. Pinned by tide after
the world one look at a time. Two priceless Warp as long as this."
tide of screaming orks, it was only after forty
Chapter relics glimmered on his left pauldron,
"Tell me what you see." hours of bladework and countless dead, the
gifted him by Chaplain Eriboll. The sanctified
greenskins finally driven off, that he had turned
skulls of two of the armour's greatest servants,
"A lingering – the colours echo wrongly. They to greet the unknown Astartes who had fought
each coated in platinum, handwritten Writs of
smell of stretched thoughts and darkened at his back all that time. Kjerr had spoken the
Expectation sealed in their mouths. If Malln
edges. Time screamed at itself, then fell forever. same words back then, only to add, as he did
had owned anything they would be his most
The rest I cannot – or will not – describe." now with the same devilish look in his eye-
prized possessions but, in truth, nothing he
bore was his: he belonged to his weapons and "Dangerous?" "But right now I can't remember when!"
armour, until he died and they found someone
"Depends on what scale you're using, captain, Kjerr grinned, as did Malln, and the two men
more worthy to bear them into battle.
but to us? No." embraced. With his hands on Kjerr's shoulders,

Malln said, "Well met, brother captain. Truly, was his anger, growing quickly. "You tell me, "Did you bring these lights?" Malln gestured
well met. Still dyeing your hair?" captain. You requested this meeting." to the lux-globes. "Make this path?"
"No, your Chapter Master does it for me!" Now it was Kjerr's turn, and Malln saw the same He swore. "I thought you'd set those up.
reaction – anger quickly darkening the Black Thought you were getting theatrical in your
They laughed and Malln stepped back, waving
Dragon's face. Neither man liked surprises, old age."
Morrar forward. The Librarian stepped up
and some very unpleasant possibilities were
rigidly, bearing an ornately filigreed bronze ++-- --prochi--g fr-m th- doc-++
already suggesting themselves.
scrollcase. "Our oath of battle, Brother Captain,
Intruders! Malln could just see them, coming
sworn by the Third Company before the "I hope it is clear from my words," said Kjerr
towards them from the direction of the airlocks.
Purging of Attarrimi in the Ge'uid Subsector. through gritted teeth, "that I did not."
He strode forward, pistol in hand, Morrar and
It has been displayed for thirteen centuries in
"Give me a perimeter. Vox only," Malln barked Kjerr at his side. Three groups approached, not
our Gallery of Remembrance. A gift from our
to his honour guard as Kjerr did the same. The men but more Astartes, walking swiftly. One
chapter to yours."
men moved out, swift and silent, disappearing group had yellow armour. "Our brothers, the
One of the Black Dragon's stepped forward beyond the light of the lux-globes. Malln had Lamenters. In tactical dreadnought armour, no
to receive it, and to hand over a burrwood no intention of returning to his ship – if this less."
case, a gleaming bolt pistol visible through was a trap, he would meet it head on. "Your
"The Mantis Legion," said Kjerr, a note of
the diamond panel. "With this gun," said Kjerr, communiqué had your personal and chapter
surprise in his voice at seeing the green clad
his voice solemn once again, "Master of the seal on it," he said, drawing his ancient plasma
giants.
Armoury Temud Illock killed three Dark Apostles pistol and checking the seals.
of Lorgar in a single battle. It has been with us "And the Flesh Tearers," hissed Morrar. "What
"As did yours," replied Kjerr, arming himself.
over two thousand years. Our gift to you." are those butchers doing here?"
"Impossible!"
"You do me and my Chapter great honour," They stopped about twenty paces apart. One
said Malln. "Nonetheless." of the Flesh Tearers wore the black, archaic
armour of a company chaplain, adorned with
"As do you," replied Kjerr. "Now," he said, Sergeant Laggan's voice was barely audible
ivory skulls and purity seals. His face was hidden
standing at ease and rubbing the stubble on over the vox. ++Comms interf--ence. C—not
behind the traditional death's-head mask.
his chin, "perhaps you can tell me what in the rais- the sh--++ Malln relayed the information
"Speak! Now! And explain why our 'brother'
Emperor's name we are doing in this forsaken to Kjerr.
Astartes hide in the darkness with weapons
place."
"It's the atmospheric plant. Churns out noise drawn." Even through his helmet speaker Malln
It might have been another joke, but something across all vox channels." Kjerr paused. "I could hear him spit the word, "brother". The
in his expression told Malln it was not. An thought there was nothing suspicious about Flesh Tearers had refused to fight alongside
ordinary man might have felt the first chill it when we arrived, just poorly maintained the Black Dragons on more than one occasion,
of fear, but all that coursed in Malln's blood junk, but..." believing their geneseed to be polluted, and

were no friends of the Relictors, believing them "And I," said the leader of the Mantis Legion "And so we find lies and deceit to bring us
tainted by their associations with the Ruinous squad, "am Villa. Gida Villa." He tapped the here," spat Chesiak, "and squatting at its heart
Powers. It troubled Malln little; he regarded the red trim on his shoulder pad almost insolently. the Relictors, who toy with the Ruinous Powers
Flesh Tearers as little more than feral animals "Captain of the Third Company." Thick braids and proclaim themselves pure, the Black
whose bloodlust would soon lead them to of matted red hair almost hid his face. He Dragons, whose foul mutations desecrate the
extinction. The Emperor found ways to fix His reached up and tied them back loosely. An Emperor's great works and the Mantis Warriors,
gene-hanced errors. "Do you offer faith or old battle scar crawled up one cheek like a who forgot the value of an honourable death
battle?" spat the chaplain. "We have plenty of creeping vine. He reminded Malln of a hawk many years ago!"
both for you." in his movements and in the way his eyes
As several voices started shouting at once,
hunted from man to man. "And I was invited
"Our men will stay where they are, for now," Malln raised a hand to his brow. Something
by Dukagjin. Or so I thought until we spoke a
said Malln, "until we know what is going on was wrong.
few moments ago."
here, but I caution you: this place smells more
"Captain?" It was Morrar.
and more like a trap." The three of them "My name is Armin Chesiak," said the chaplain,
identified themselves, then: "Who are you? his voice no less harsh and brutal for removing Malln shook his head. "It's nothing, I just –"
Why are you here?" his helm, "and we know this is a trap, Relictor. he paused. "I feel as if I am recovering from a
The question remains, are you part of it?" wound. It is the strangest feeling."
The chaplain removed his helmet, to reveal
a pale, hatchet face bracketed between a "You have not told us who invited you, Morrar frowned. He had always been a little
wild tangle of grey hair and a straggly brown Chesiak," countered Malln, keeping his anger too literal for Malln's liking, and he confirmed it
beard. Piercing, hellfire eyes set so deep they under check. once again. "But you have not been wounded,
could have been in the back of his skull bored captain."
Chesiak snorted. "There is only one I stand
into Malln.
with whose counsel is worth anything." "It is nothing. Perhaps my armour's machine
It was not the chaplain who spoke first, however. spirit is restless. It has passed." But he felt
It was clear he who he meant, and Villa's squad
"I am Captain Dukagjin," said the tallest of the sweat on his forehead. Warm sweat, in the cold
bristled at the slur. The Mantis Legion were,
Lamenters, massive in his terminator armour. air of the hangar. "Do you feel anything? Any
like the Relictors, still on a penitent crusade
His long, blue-dark face was impossible to psyker activity? Anything at all?"
of their own following their role in the Badab
read, his voice deep and dead of all emotion,
Uprising and many had never forgiven them It was Morrar's turn to shake his head. Malln got
his expression as stern and unforgiving as his
for their transgressions. Chesiak was clearly his honour guard to report in – also nothing.
towering honour guard behind him. The ammo
one of them, but so was Malln. He respected The crumbling ship was still deserted and quiet.
feeds on their storm bolters were live, and their
the Legion's long tradition, but their crimes As he turned back to what was now a raging
drawn swords coruscated with webs of energy.
overshadowed all of that. He did not expect argument he noticed the beads of sweat on
"I attend at the solemn request of Brother
their chapter to survive the penitent crusade, Morrar's forehead and top lip. Something was
Captain Villa."
and perhaps that was the way it should be. definitely wrong.

He raised both hands and roared for silence stared him down. "Five chapters, each under coming from his deepest and oldest
at the top of his lungs. As his shout echoed suspicion, meeting in secret on a remote ball of memories. He had been a child the last time
off into the cavernous depths of the hanger, rock, none of them able to tell a coherent story he had felt this. He was astonished to discover
only Chesiak's voice could be heard alongside about how they came to be there. Do I need to that he was feeling sick.
it, ranting in fury and pinning Malln with his draw you a diagram? If the Inquisition are not
He stood, the other Astartes arrayed around the
brimstone eyes. He returned the glare with a already here they are on their way. This could
prone Morrar in silence. He was not surprised
murderous look of his own and after a while be all the cause they need to move against
to see that of those who had removed their
Chesiak proved that even he could run out of some of us, and cause a lot of trouble for the
helmets, all had sweat beading on their brows.
steam, and fell silent, breathing heavily. rest." He stepped back. "We leave, now, and
Even-
never speak of this again."
"You mistake your lungs for reservoirs of
Chesiak: “Well?”
wisdom, Flesh Tearer." Chesiak simply spat in There was a deep silence, which the far-off
reply. "Nevertheless, I believe the chaplain has rumble of the atmospheric plant swelled to fill. Malln had to struggle to clear his head. “He is
come closest to describing the trap set for us. The sounds of dripping moisture echoed near sick.”
What do we all have in common? Every one and far.
of us? You have pointed out that three of the “You're an apothecary now,” Chesiak
"I concur." Kjerr spoke quickly into his vox, sneered.
chapters represented here are under grave
assembling his squad. "This is not right. We
suspicion; treason, heresy, mutation." He
leave." “My armour can find no contagions,” added
pointed at the massive forms of the terminators.
Villa, “and we would all know if there were any
"The Lamenters fought in the Badab War on Dukagjin followed with a deep, bassy grunt toxins or poisons in the atmosphere.”
the same side as the Mantis Legion, Captain of assent, and then Villa nodded. Chesiak
Dukagjin. For different reasons, perhaps, but simply turned on his heel and started to walk “Your logic is as feeble as your faith,” said
for some zealous defenders of the Imperium, away, at which point Morrar collapsed heavily Chesiak, addressing Malln. “For all his faults
reason enough to doubt you. And then we have to the floor. he is Astartes. Sickness is as alien as fear.”
the Flesh Tearers." He turned back to Chesiak.
Malln was beside him in an instant. There had Malln caught Kjerr's eye. “Nonetheless.”
"How many chapters have refused to take to
the field with you and your men, chaplain? been no sound or gun flash, but the librarian's
Kjerr nodded. He looked worried. “He needs
How many have denounced you as a cure that face was paler than Malln had ever seen it, the
to be back with his chapter. Find out what-”
is worse than the disease?" skin almost transparent over the pallid flesh.
His breathing was shallow and pained. “No.” Dukagjin's voice was unmistakeable. He
Chesiak would have lunged for him, then, if his re-activated his power sword. “The Lamenters
own squad members had not placed hands Then it hit Malln again, that feeling from
do not retreat.”
on him and held him back. Spittle flew from before, sweeping through him like a tide,
his mouth, flecking his beard, and his breath leaving him woolly-headed and unsteady. “Who are we retreating from? We can do
steamed in the cold air as once again Malln He recognised it this time, the recollection nothing for him here but watch him die!”

“The captain of the Lamenters understands,” Brutal hell erupted before his body even hit before Chesiak's bloodlust got the better
said Malln. “An illness that can bring down the cold steel of the floor. The dank hanger of him and he launched one. Malln and the
an Astartes is no accident. It is an assault. We filled with gunfire, lancing in on them from all others would have no choice but to support
are under attack, right now, whether some of directions. Solid rounds ripped ragged holes him, and die in the process.
us realise it or not.” He picked up Morrar, his in the decking while lasfire drew molten sprays
A noise like angry bees and one of the Black
armour servos whining with the effort. “If this is and roasted the air. The noise was deafening,
Dragons fell, his chest plate burst open. The
the Inquisition's doing, they may be trying to and the blinding flares of light threatened
Mantis Legion's standard bearer took a flurry
soften us up before they arrive. And well they to destroy Malln's night vision, but he was
of heavy calibre shots to the head and neck
might, for I will destroy them for this. If it is not a veteran of countless battles and reacted
and jerked backwards, his neck broken. The
the Inquisition, then it is some other foe, and without thinking.
standard was raised immediately by Villa, but
we do not risk taking the weapon of the enemy
He unceremoniously threw Morrar's body over Malln knew this was a hopeless situation.
back with us.”
one armoured shoulder, drew his plasma pistol
“Regroup at the machine shops!” he
“I thought that was exactly what you Relictors and fired back into the gloom, tracing the shots
shouted, his voice amplified by the vox in his
did,” hissed Chesiak, but Malln could see he back to their invisible origins with gene-honed
gorget. “Astartes, fall back!” He signalled
was already looking pale, and doubtless felt precision. His honour guard formed up around
to Ossian, who immediately picked up the
the same symptoms as Malln did. They all had him, summoned as if by a thought, their bolters
body of Laggan. Chesiak raged behind him
an unhealthy sheen to their skin, and were adding to the infernal din.
as he ran, but Captains Villa and Kjerr were
sweating freely. “But my brother Lamenter
The incoming fire intensified, raining down already leading their squads alongside
is correct. If we are under attack then our
like sparks from a furnace, the assailants still him, concentrating their fire ahead. The
battlefield has been chosen for us. Let it
unseen. The Mantis Legion's standard bearer terminators of the Lamenters moved slower,
be naught but the grave of the Emperor's
went down on one knee, his lower left leg a but with no less sense of purpose, and after a
enemies. But understand this, captain” He
bloody ruin of flesh and ceramite, although he few moments the Flesh Tearers followed suit,
pushed his face in front of Malln's. “I will be
never stopped firing. Captain Dukagjin lowered screaming their rage.
watching, especially you.”
his helmet into place, his lips moving with the
A slew of large calibre rounds played across
If the limp form of Morrar hadn't been in his words of the Rite of Sanctuary, then he and his
the squads – grazing fire from near the
way, Malln would have head butted Chesiak, honour guard formed up in a line, their storm
distant airlocks. Malln stumbled as two slugs
but Sergeant Laggan stepped up, gesturing bolters adding a more disciplined thunder.
spent themselves on his shoulder armour.
off into the darkness of the hanger, and the
But still Malln had not so much as glimpsed One of the Lamenters fell, and Captain
moment passed. “There are several machine
their attackers, and his shots seemed to be Dukagjin's squad paused briefly to lift him.
shops over that way, and the hanger control
having no effect on the return fire. It was Blood spilled from around the edges of the
deck.” He started to say something about sub-
impossible to gauge range – there was no worn, yellow ceramite as they carried him
levels when the left side of his head vanished
point trying a foot-charge in this situation, slung between them.
in a red mist.
although he knew it would only be moments

With a tortured scream of rusted metal, the resented the presumption his anger was although the wounds of the others looked
swift-footed Mantis Warriors forced the doors hidden by his helmet, but he and his men mortal. Morrar's skin had changed, looking as
to the machine shop apart, then crouched into climbed steadily and were soon lost to view. tough and dark as seasoned nar-hide.
firing positions to cover the other squads as “Ossian! Archaig! The walkways! You are the
Broken glass showered down from above as
they raced inside. eyes – tell me who's out there!” Malln turned
fresh volleys of fire ripped along the windows
to find Kjerr, but saw the three remaining Black
The interior was as dark as a tomb, but Malln's beside the walkways. “Report!” he barked.
Dragons were already spreading out into the
armour showed him the layout in ghostly green-
machine shops to secure the entrances. There “Multiple targets, closing on our position. No
sight: they were in a central hall – a hub of sorts
were too many ways in; this was a temporary squads. No covering fire. No discipline.” Ossian
with four service bays leading off. Double
redoubt at best, another trap at worst. paused to loose off a tightly-spaced round of
height rooms with hoist tracks in the ceiling, a
shots with his bolter. More firing sounded from
windowed walkway running around the top and Then Chesiak was in front of him, wild eyes
further down the machine shops, deadened
an open stairway to his left, presumably leading flaring with menace, the other Flesh Tearers
by the metallic echo. “Xenos species. Multiple
to the hanger control deck above. The service behind him. Ossian and Archaig paused,
known genotypes, but all are – altered. First
pits were clogged with rusted trash and debris. bolters almost, but not quite, aimed at their
wave on us in ten.”
fellow Astartes.
From out in the hanger came inhuman screams,
Malln turned to Chesiak, his blood rising. “We
the echo of feet against steel decking and Chesiak's voice was hoarse, as if each word
will break the assault. Then we will counter-
other, more indistinct, noises. Claws scratched caused him pain. “You ran from the enemy.
charge, and kill them all. You can try and help
against metal. Did the Emperor not teach the Relictors how
if you like.”
to kill?”
"Whatever they are, they are not the
Chesiak turned on his heel, his squad closing
Inquisition!" Villa shouted from outside. “Once they close in, we will have them. I will
in. “You can kill the ones we leave, Relictor. If
show you exactly what the Emperor teaches us,
The Mantis Legion warriors ducked inside there are any,” he snarled over the roar of their
and maybe you will learn a lesson or two.” With
the hall and slid the tall, iron doors closed chainswords starting up.
a none-to-subtle hand sign, Malln sent his men
behind them. Lasfire poured through the
on their way again, annoyed at their hesitation. The thunder of storm bolters rained orange
narrowing gap, kicking up fireworks of slag
Chesiak was little short of a berserker, but that rust from the ceiling above as Malln pressed a
from the peeling walls on the far side. With a
was not the same as thinking he might attack fresh charge into his plasma pistol and raced up
spiteful clang the right hand door jumped its
Malln. He wondered if his senses were deserting the ramp to the walkway. Someone had found
runners and jammed. Captain Villa and his men
him, then realised the sound he could hear was a few chipped luxpanels in the garbage and
immediately began tearing the machine shop
Kjerr, whistling again. Did he ever stop? scattered them around the floor; their ancient
debris apart and piling it against the door.
batteries gave off little more than a greenish
He lowered Morrar to the cold floor, placing
“Lamenters!” called Malln, jabbing at the corpse-light, but it was enough for Malln's
him beside the bodies of Laggan and the
stairway with his pistol. If Captain Dukagjin occulobe implant to work with and he turned
other Astartes. Morrar was still breathing, just,

off his armour's senses, mouthing a prayer to origins not even Malln knew. Many a daemon The librarian's skin was like charred wood, and
the machine-spirit for its help. and servant of the Dark Gods had fallen before had grown into the sanctified grey armour
it in battle, and it had served the Relictors for around his neck, merging until there was no
A fresh wave of nausea ripped through him as
centuries. Sister-weapon to the Artekus Scourge clear boundary between the two. Every plate of
he took up position on the walkway down from
of chapter legend, the barbed, silver scorpions armour had cracked and the same blackened
Archaig. He shook his head, then stole a look
on the end of each heavy chain would scream bark-like flesh spilled out as if welling up from
at their attackers in the hanger outside.
and writhe with daemonic energy when swung, within. His features were unrecognisable, and
It was a dark and twisted menagerie, as if some and could rip a man's soul from his body. the only light in his once intelligent eyes was
blizzard of knives had stripped a hundred that of pure warp-borne hatred. As Malln
Archaig whispered a prayer of sanctity, and
different beings of their flesh, only to have realised he was craning his neck to look up at
then; "Captain, if the Flesh Tearers see that…"
a blind surgeon reassemble the parts. In a man whom he had once towered over, black
just one leaping monstrosity he saw parts of "Let them," growled Malln. "It would be a smoke wreathed Morrar's arms like a nest of
Kroot merged with the flesh of an ork, its legs timely lesson in necessity." serpents and wickedly curved hooks of metal
ending in the vicious barbs of a genestealer. and bone pushed out from the backs of his
A creature born of nightmares launched itself from hands. He reached out to embrace Malln.
Another being seemed to be part Ogryn with
the decking below, lobster claws rimmed with teeth
mechanical flails for limbs and in its chest a
snapping at the air. Malln put a bolt of superheated “In nomine Imperator!” Malln stepped forward,
brace of flechette launchers. A third scuttled
plasma through its fur-lined body, and then fell putting his plasma pistol against his former
upside down on the roof, clinging on with three
back heavily onto the walkway in shock. librarian's forehead and pulling the trigger.
pairs of what looked like children's hands, its
The obliterator's head and psychic hood
emaciated body bristling with long spines He scrambled to his feet, grimacing as his evaporated in a pulse of light, but the body did
and oozing dark oil. Behind them scores more plasma pistol sank deeper into his armoured not fall. The hooks had dug into Malln's power
charged forward. No two were alike, and none gauntlet, feeling the awful sensation of it armour as if it were cloth, and with a cry of rage
had anything in common. merging with the flesh of his hand beneath. and horror Malln pushed the thing off him.
Stowing the Scorpion Scourge, he gripped
“They are not daemons, nor any spawn of the
the pistol's barrel and tore it free. Tendrils of “Astartes!” Malln shouted into his vox, pulling
Ruinous Powers I have ever seen,” said Archaig,
his armour and ribbons of his flesh came with his plasma pistol free of his hand once again.
cutting a skinless man-ape in half with a burst
it, before snapping back like rubber to leave “Heed me! This sickness is the obliterator
of bolter fire. “What is this madness?”
the surface of his palm whole again. Revulsion virus! It infects us all! Watch your brother and
“I care not,” replied Malln, “for they will all battled with nausea, making his head swim. watch your back – already one of us has been
look the same when they are dead.” He freed turned by it!”
He vaulted single-handedly over the walkway
a relic-case from his belt and, with a prayer to
railing, ceramite boots slamming into the It was indeed the obliterator virus. There
the Emperor and certain words that burned his
rusted hallway floor below. A shout of warning could be no doubt – the darkest and most
throat, he loosed the Scorpion Scourge. An
was already on his lips when Morrar stood up. secret archives of the Relictor's Conclave had
iron-hafted flail, it was an ancient weapon whose
records of how the infection spread, how it took

marines of the Traitor Legions and grew them A shambling behemoth of scales and steel whispers of foul temptation can oft be heard
into behemoths that were more daemon than plates dropped heavily from the hanger louder than the clearest calls to duty. With your
marine, able to create whatever weaponry they ceiling. Before any could react its belly ripped weakness you have brought doom on yourself
needed from their warp-saturated flesh. But no open, the edges peeling back like pouting lips, and your whole chapter, Relictor, and shame on
strain of it the chapter had ever encountered had and a steaming mass of entrails vomited forth. those who stand with you today. I will denounce
been as swift as this! It should take weeks and Chesiak was engulfed in the foetid mass and you, and I will see you burn."
many foul rituals for the warp-spawned infection driven back into the machine shop, his crozius
"Enough of your sanctimony, chaplain!
to progress this far, not scant minutes! pinned against his body. Razor sharp teeth
Temptation is the whetstone on which I sharpen
burst from the looping coils of the entrail-
“Astartes! Acknowledge!” Malln could see my soul, although I do not expect your wisdom
weapon along with a rancid stench as stomach
silhouetted gunfire and hear the roaring to ever reach that far. We are infected with
acids ate at the armour. Smaller gut-polyps
chainswords of the Flesh Tearers from the the obliterator virus." He told him what had
launched from the beast's cavernous stomach
far end of the nearest machine shop and happened to Morrar, and to himself.
to entangle the other Flesh Tearers.
he raced in that direction, leaping over
Chesiak snarled contemptuously. "Do not
collapsed lift machinery and rusted scrap piles. Malln fired two white-hot blasts at where he
expect any Flesh Tearer to succumb to such
“Acknowledge!” reasoned the creature's head might be and
weakness of spirit. Those who are great in faith
swung the Scorpion Scourge at the stinking
Incredulous voxes came in from the Mantis have nothing to fear."
web of intestines linking Chesiak to it. The
Legion, the Black Dragons and his own warriors,
daemonheads howled their pleasure as they "Damn your blinkered eyes, Chesiak! This is
but nothing from the rest.
shredded the connecting flesh, instantly not something you can wish away with a sturdy
He hurdled a tangle of collapsed scaffolding, mortifying it. Black, necrotising tissue spread frown and a cold shower! Look to yourself!"
and saw the Flesh Tearers, just outside the like wildfire back towards the creature and in
seconds it slumped, dry and lifeless. "Begone. I have heard your warning. Be it true,
sliding doors. The cold air reeked of blood
and if you turn, I will destroy you myself. I can
and death and the black of the Flesh Tearer's
Chesiak tore the crumbling strands off him, think of no honour you more richly deserve."
armour was glossy with gore. They stood their
his armour hissing and steaming as the acid
ground, Chesiak at their heart, hacking and There was a vox-cry from the melee outside,
burned it, his hair gone and his face an ugly
smashing and shooting their attackers with a cut off by a resounding clang as one of the
ruin. Under the livid burns, however, Malln
maniacal glee that both thrilled and chilled iron doors was dented inwards. Four steaming
could see the skin was becoming thick and
Malln. They had not heard his warning; they talons of steel and bone protruded through the
dark like Morrar's.
could hear nothing but the clarion call of the inch-thick plate. Rivulets of dark blood seeped
slaughter and the screams of the dying. Part The Flesh Tearers freed themselves and surged through the holes. Then the talons flexed and
of Malln was repulsed by such a barbarous use back into the fight, but Chesiak paused, oblivious the whole door was ripped from its runners, and
of their Emperor-given talents, but a part also to the pain he must be in. Malln had expected the obliterator stood, massive and hunched, a
longed for the simplicity of such service. rage at the sight of the daemon weapon, but dead marine slowly sliding off its claws to the
instead what he got was a look of cold fury. "The

floor. The obliterator still bore the red shoulder to truly harm Chaos only to find unholy ruin Malln had no answer, and that very question
pads of the Flesh Tearer it had once been, the running in his veins. So was he being ground on had been puzzling him. Why kill them when
squad and honour markings still visible. his precious whetstone, his proud will suborned surely the Ruinous Powers had more interest in
by corruption? Could this be punishment for his seeing them become these monstrosities? He
Malln raised his pistol but was knocked back
presumption? He refused to believe it could was missing some essential part of the puzzle.
a step by the haft of the chaplain's crozius.
be so, but – how to deny the evidence of his
"Begone!" the chaplain thundered, an insane "Make sure it is Captain Kjerr whom you let
own senses. His body was prey for the Ruinous
light in his eyes. He screamed, the words return through this door and, Emperor forbid,
Powers, that much was clear, and there was
suddenly amplified by the vox unit in his power not one of the accursed obliterators."
nothing he could do to stop it.
armour so that Malln could hear nothing but
"Have no fear of that," said Saalem. "Our
the wail of a thousand banshees, the sound He sped through the next machine shop and
captain will make it. He has been blessed by
driving into his head, and then Chesiak and reached the Black Dragons, surprised to see
the Emperor."
the remaining Flesh Tearers fell upon the only three of them. The narrow gap in the doors
obliterator in a blizzard of chainswords. was nearly plugged with a mound of butchered Veer nodded, and then turned to Malln. "And I
xenos, but all three marines had a myriad of wager obliterators don't whistle," he said.
Malln raced back down the machine shop, and
rents and buckles in their armour. Skin like bark
through the central hallway. On the walkways Malln was puzzled for the briefest instant and
showed through the holes.
above Ossian and Archaig continued to hold then he, too, heard the familiar sound. He
their positions, but from the corpses littering the "Where is Captain Kjerr?" he demanded. A metal- laughed, and the sound of his own laughter
walkways it seemed that some of the malformed legged serpent with a nest of eyes for a head seemed alien in such a place, but it felt good.
xenos were getting too close for comfort. tried to clamber through the door and, lashing
out with the Scourge, he sucked its soul dry. "I see him," said Veer. "Although I would
A fresh bout of nausea gripped him, rippling recognise that Arcadian marching hymn if he
through his body like an electric shock, nearly Brother Veer pointed with his bolter, whistled it sideways by now."
driving him to his knees. Tongues of delirium punctuating his words with precise shots that
licked at his mind and he cried out, driving sent gore splashing back at them. "Out there. "Captain Malln! The creatures are falling back,"
them away with the white-hot focus of his He said something about 'underfloor tunnels' Saalem added.
anger. Ossian and Archaig glanced down. and ordered us to hold here until his return."
Malln requested confirmation over the vox,
He tried to tear his gauntlet off to look at his
Malln decided not to voice his opinion of his and reports came back from the other chapters
own skin, but it would not budge. He pulled
friend's foolhardiness in front of his own men, quickly. The creatures had indeed fallen back as
harder, feeling the skin soak into the armour,
and was about to leave when- one, seemingly in the direction of the airlocks.
becoming one. Was his flesh truly his own any
The ships and those aboard should be secure,
more? What about his mind? His soul? "If this is the obliterator virus, captain," Brother but this fight was far from over.
Saalem said between bursts of bolter fire, "why
Was this how the Emperor answered his prayers?
are these things trying so hard to kill us?" Kjerr was moving swiftly over the bodies of the
He had beseeched Him on Terra for the means
dead towards the door, and the Black Dragons

hauled the obscene corpses out of the way to "Captain!" It was Dukagjin, a deep roar of kind and I know their ways. Your worthless soul is
make a path for him. As they did so, the final shock and surprise. Malln did not look around, promised to the Dark Gods, and for your failure
piece of the puzzle suddenly fell into place but kept his pistol-hand unwavering. He heard here they will probably spend aeons shredding
for Malln, and his anger rose up to swamp the more footsteps, and the voices of the Mantis it, but there is always the chance, is there not?
nausea tearing at his mind. Anger at being such Legion and his own men, clamouring for Always the chance that whatever abominations
a fool. Anger at having been tricked. Anger at explanations and dire warnings not to shoot. you have performed in their name will count in
having been betrayed. Through it all, Malln kept his eyes on Kjerr and your favour. Always the chance that you, their
the rank hatred he saw there. He wondered Chosen, might find his soul spawned anew on
He wondered for a moment where his pistol
how he had missed it before. some daemon world, able to rise again one day.
was, then looked in amazement at his right
Always the chance.” He lowered the Scourge
hand. As if responding to the thought, the "I have known this man for decades,” he
a fraction, the barbed scorpions straining and
muzzle of the pistol emerged obscenely from shouted, “longer than either of his honour
trembling in anticipation. Kjerr's eyes widened
the back of his hand and poked through the guard here, and this is not Captain Kjerr. I stake
just a fraction. “Or I can rip your soul from your
ceramite of the gauntlet. my life on it."
body right now, and listen to your screams of
He stepped back from the door, waited until "And his, it seems." Captain Villa moved agony ringing inside this weapon until the stars
Kjerr was through the gap in the door safely, cautiously into Malln's field of view, his weapon themselves darken and die. Choose.”
and then shot him. drawn but lowered. As with all of them now,
There was no fear in Kjerr's eyes, but a choice
his skin was dark and wrinkled by the virus, his
The plasma bolt melted the armour on Kjerr's was made. He smiled. "In truth, it has all gone
armour and body enlarged.
side like wax, and seared the flesh beneath to badly wrong. Humour an old friend, Rojak,
a smoking crisp. Only the muzzle of his pistol "I have seen one of my most trusted men what gave me away?"
inches from Kjerr's face stopped the three turn into a foul creation of the Dark Gods,"
Malln had to fight the urge to smash his head
Black Dragons from shooting him dead. said Dukagjin, "and try to kill his most
in. "The whistling."
trusted brothers. I slew him. I would have an
The look of fury on Kjerr's face could not hide
explanation. I say we let the Relictor speak." He shook his head in disbelief. "But I got that
the hatred Malln saw there, and it told him he
from him! I got everything from him.” He
was right. "It's over," Malln repeated, ignoring the others.
looked mockingly at Malln, clearly savouring
He drew the Scorpion Scourge, feeling the virus
"Kill him!" Kjerr hissed through gritted teeth, every word. “Every memory, every thought,
within him respond greedily to the proximity of
as the Black Dragon marines roared at Malln every conversation, every last thing. His vanity.
the daemon weapon, feeling the haft merge
to drop his weapon. "Shoot him now! He's His ambition to be Chapter Master one day. His
with his gauntlet and the flesh of his palm. It was
changing!" doubts about his own brothers who sought the
no longer an unpleasant sensation. The silver
same honour. His distaste for your methods,
"It's over," Malln said. "You are not Captain scorpions clenched their razor sharp claws in
Rojak, that he never spoke to you of for the
Kjerr." rabid hunger as he dangled them inches from
sake of your friendship. I tore it from his mind
Kjerr's face. “Listen to me, now, for I know your
while he screamed and screamed. And he did

scream for a very long time, especially when I sick to the pit of his stomach as he saw the outbreak of the obliterator virus across all of
cut his face off." Kjerr reached up slowly and barbs of metal that had started to protrude you at once? You would never keep it secret,
painfully, put his gauntlet over his chin and from his forearms. With trembling force of will make sure of that, and it would be all the
pulled. The dark, thickening skin stretched, he concentrated on them, and they sank back justification they would need for a purge on a
split and tore, splashing blood all over Malln's into his armour and his flesh, although in truth scale never seen before." He laughed again.
hand. The eyes gleamed in the ruin left behind, he could no longer tell the difference. How long "Six chapters, at war with their own Imperium.
as he tossed the face aside like a bloody rag. did he have left before he turned completely? It would have been glorious!"
The jaw widened with a choked, bubbling How long until the others did?
Malln: "But your virus – something went wrong."
sound: he was laughing.
Captain Villa sat down on a rust-fused engine
"It changed. It is this place…" The man
"On Centimani,” said Malln, more for the block. "Why infect us and then try to kill us?
shrugged, painfully, "Echoes of the warp can
others' benefit than for the imposter at his And," he made the sign of the Aquila, "before
do strange things. You might call it the Pandora
feet. “The traitor's refrain, their thumb in the you answer, know that I will gladly let the
Strain, now. Once it became clear you were all
Emperor's eye, was the ancient Arcadian Relictor use that accursed weapon of his."
showing signs of the blessing much too early I
marching hymn – but backwards. It only
The man's face was a shattered wreck, but gave the order to have you killed – so long as
struck me now that you have been whistling it
somehow he could still speak. "It was beautiful you did not reach your ships and get a warning
backwards since I saw you out in that hangar. I
in its simplicity, really. You were to come out, we can simply arrange this again with
know I am a damned fool, but who are you?"
here, be infected with our new strain of the others from your chapters. But even there, this
The fleshless face laughed again; a hideous obliterator virus without knowing it, and return damned hulk got in the way, and I could not
sound and, without lips, Malln had to struggle to your chapters, unwitting carriers of the properly control the creatures. They attacked
to make out the words. "I underestimated him. blessed plague." too soon and nearly killed me."
He tricked me! He ran that hymn in his head,
"You thought you could wipe out six chapters Malln knelt down beside the imposter and
over and over again, while I drained him. I never
with a simple virus, even one as infernal as prodded at the gaping wound in his side with
realised he was remembering it backwards.
this?" Villa leapt to his feet, as if insulted by the his finger. The man grunted, but did not flinch
With his last breath, he said. You know, I am
very idea. "Impossible." from the touch.
almost impressed."
"No, no, no! The Imperium would do that for “His flesh,” said Malln. “He is infected.”
This time Malln could not restrain himself and
us. Just the rumour of infestation would be He stood. “But why call the creatures off?
he started punching the mockery of his friend,
enough. We have been laying the ground for Unless...”
over and over. The Black Dragon marines
decades, whispering words of doubt in the
joined him, hammering with the butts of their “Unless he thinks he can get out,” said
minds of high officials, using your own paranoia
boltguns. Malln was nowhere near finished Dukagjin. “Unless he has a cure.”
and suspicion against you. You have no idea
when several pairs of arms locked around his
how hostile some in the Imperium are to the “He must,” said Malln. “He exposed himself
own and hauled him and the others back. He
very existence of your precious chapters. An along with us, to allay suspicion. And he surely
raged in anger and threw them off, then felt

had no intention of sharing our doom.” He kind, and on each occasion I felt a holy and least his death was worse than the one he has
bent down, face to face with the imposter, the spiritual joy as one more insult to the Emperor left for us. So we are in limbo?”
Scourge swinging to and fro beside them. “So was erased from the galaxy, but soon after
“If he is to be believed,” said Malln.
where is it? Where is the cure? Or shall I see emptiness, and then despair. No fate was
what weapons I can summon from my flesh to black enough for those who spat betrayal at “And do you?”
make such torment as even you cannot bear?” the Golden Throne, none! Death was but the
merest fraction of the wages those traitors had He nodded. “Some of what he said had the
The man hacked a laugh out through his ruined ring of truth about it, and then there is the
earned, but death was all I had to offer them.
face. “I told you. It's all gone so badly wrong. evidence of our own eyes.”
Until now. Hand me the weapon, Relictor.”
The Dark Gods so love to confound their
servants. I released the cure already.” The man who had been Kjerr froze, the laughter "And what of us?" asked Laggan, his fingers
dying. Malln nodded to Chesiak, then handed probing the point on his neck where flesh and
He laughed again, spiteful and full of malice. armour became one. "What are we, now?"
him the Scourge, feeling a painful tug as the
“It doesn't work any more!" he spat. "Don't
haft unwillingly loosed from his flesh. Then
you get it? The virus has changed, but the cure "Abominations," said Chesiak, his face
Malln placed his boot on the imposter's back,
hasn't. None of us has turned since I released it, unreadable. "Mockeries. Heresies."
kicking him forward onto his knees. He tried to
but none of us has got any better. The Pandora
rise, but Malln swung his arm hammer fashion, "Are you sure, chaplain? Do you know your
Strain has gone dormant. It may last forever, it
striking him on the back of the head. He fell, own mind?" asked Malln. "Do you still bind
may last a week, it may last an hour. Who knows?
stunned, and looked up to see the chaplain loyalty around your neck? Do you still carve
Who, indeed, but the Dark Gods!” He doubled
swing the Scourge with a cry of shock and faith on the tablet of your heart? My answers
over, choking with insane laughter. Black blood
fury. The screaming scorpions passed through are as sure as my trust in Him. You must speak
dripped from the wound in his side.
the imposter like steel through smoke and he for yourself." He turned to address them
“I have heard enough." collapsed without a sound, his corpse grey and all. “There was something Librarian Morrar
crumbling to dust. said to me, before we came here. That this
To Malln's surprise it was Chesiak who spoke. place was called The Pandora because, like
He had not noticed the Flesh Tearers' arrival. Chesiak waited a long moment, staring at the
the box of legend, it had been purged of evil
The burned flesh of the chaplain's face was so weapon in his hand. Then he passed it back,
and lay empty. But I was told another legend
contorted and blackened he no longer looked tendrils of his black armour tugging longingly
as a child. A different legend. That one thing
remotely human. His armour, and that of his as Malln took it. “It wants you,” Chesiak
remained behind in the box of Pandora, once
brother marines, was distorted and ugly with whispered, and Malln thought he heard
all the evils had fled.”
the ruin of the virus. disappointment in the chaplain's voice.
Chesiak: “And what was that?”
Chesiak's voice was deeper than it had been, Villa prodded the traitor's corpse with his boot
and the harshness now had a rasp like desert as if stirring the ashes of a fire. “Alpha Legion, “Hope.”
wind to it. "For many years I have killed his perhaps. We will never know, now. I would have
“Hope, Relictor, is for the weak.”
learned more – no offense, Chaplain – but at

Malln drew himself up to his full height. Already “Before we came here I prayed to the Emperor, bone and metal emerged below and daemonic
a towering figure, the Pandora Strain had made my fellow Astartes," he proclaimed. "Let me flames roasted the ruined wall red-hot.
him a true giant, his armour growing with him. tell you that prayer. I prayed He would show
“That,” he said, as the fire in his eyes flared
His face, once scarred and blunt, was now as me the way that I might serve Him better. I
anew, “is not going to be a problem.”
black as night, the skin ridged and heavy. His prayed He would reveal my destiny. I prayed
eyes burned with a fire he could barely contain. He would give me the tools I needed to THE END
“Tell me,” he thundered, “do I look weak to destroy the servants of the Dark Gods in His
you?” With one sweep of his arm he smashed name. I prayed for hope!” He thrust his arms
the machine shop door off its runners, sending out to his sides, letting the hooked blades form
it tumbling away into the black hanger. A on his forearms, revelling in the sensation. “I
hundred screams and howls of the creatures cannot return to my chapter, none of us can,
in the dark beyond answered the resounding but I knew when I left I was not going back. This
clang it made. is the service He has demanded of me. This is
my destiny, for however long He has given it to
"Corruption ever comes in the guise of
me. Through the treachery of His enemies, He
strength," hissed Chesiak. He was staring not
has answered my prayers. This is not the end,
at Malln but at his own gauntlets, twisted barbs
my brothers. This is the beginning.”
of steel extending slowly from their backs.
"Our doom is upon us and every breath we Villa stepped forward as the screams of the
take brings us closer to damnation, and you bestial hordes grew louder, the sound of their
speak of hope." feet and claws making the decking shake
underfoot. “There will be time for that later,
"Our doom is upon us, but for as long as I
but first things first, captain. We still have to
breathe, Chesiak, I am Astartes. That is the
get off this stinking rock.”
whetstone you see before you, chaplain. It
is before us all. Dare you sharpen your soul Malln nodded slowly, then held an arm out.
on it?" The grey armour flowed, coils of dark smoke
spilling from the edges, and where once had
Chesiak made no answer but held his gauntlets
been his hand sleek barrels of iron protruded.
up before him, snarling. As a ragged cry
With a gleeful thought he spun them, feeling
tore from his blackened lips, the steel claws
the ammunition he needed form within. With
withdrew reluctantly into his armour and the
a savage cry he played the fire from the assault
fused flesh beneath. He fell heavily to one
cannon over the outside of the machine shop,
knee, whether with the effort or in prayer Malln
ripping gaping holes in the rusted metal. In the
could not tell.
time it took him to form the thought, tubes of

Specialist Games Section
SPECIALIST GAMES
Sub-Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ben Skinner
Design & Layout . . . . . . . . . . Jon Mattison
Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aaron Dickey
Archie
Jonathan Brown
Patrik Carlsson

Epic: The Painting of a Ship
THE PAINTING OF A SHIP Phase One

Paint Requirements
Phase Two
• Codex Gray • Dark Flesh
by Aaron Dickey Following this do a heavy dry brush of Codex • Skull White • Blood Red
Gray to start the undertones of the vessel. • Scorched Brown • Vomit Brown
Follow this up • Dark Flesh
with a lighter • Brown Ink
dry brush of • Graveyard Earth
Skull White to • Vomit Brown
complete the
undertones. This the fin again. It should look something like the
part isn’t that photo to the left. Wait for this wash to partially
complicated, but dry and apply the thinned out Brown Ink.
Well things have been busy these days. I’ve
you should have something that looks similar
also been taking a break from 40k miniatures
to the photo above. This goes pretty quickly
to quickly paint up a Battlefleet Gothic fleet.
and you can probably paint it all up in less than
I’m down to the last three ships and the main
an hour. Once that has been completed, we
2500 point chunk will be complete. I was asked
will begin the washes.
for a tutorial on how I painted up the cruisers
for my BFG fleet.
This is where things get tricky. Wait for the
This is a relatively straightforward process
washes to nearly dry and then dry brush on
but it requires quite a few paints. You can
more codex gray. This will mix with the nearly
probably substitute paints for similar colors or
dry wash and lighten up the edges if you apply
completely different ones if you want to make
it right. Since the wash isn’t quite dry it will
your own scheme.
blend almost perfectly making for a smooth
PHASE ONE: THE HULL Take Scorched Brown and make a very thin transition from the darks to the lights on the
Start off by base coating the model with Chaos wash to put on the model. when you are ready ship. This will look slightly pinkish when you
Black paint, I personally leave the bridge and slosh it all over the model and then rinse out do it but don’t worry, it will dry differently;
engines off to make them easier to paint your brush to collect the excess that collects on somewhat closer to the picture below.
later. After you are the keel fin. You can reapply this to the model
done touch up or leave it as is. Once this has had time to nearly
the base coat with dry, take Dark Flesh and make another wash in
any areas that you the same way as with the Scorched Brown you
missed with the just applied and apply this on the model in the
spray paint. same way and collect the excess that collects on

Epic: The Painting of a Ship
Once this has been applied immediately dry

Paint Requirements
brush a light layer of Graveyard Earth. It should
Phase Three Phase Four
go on smoothly and start changing the overall
• Boltgun Metal • Dark Flesh
tone of the model from dark brown to a bit • Tin Bitz • Vomit Brown
lighter color to get something like the photo • Dwarf Bronze • Boltgun Metal
at right. Follow this up with a light dry brush of • Brown Ink • Black Ink
Vomit Brown to finish the highlights. Only do • Black Ink
this on the flat plains and upper layers. This will
complete the hull base coloring. At this point out details like the trim for weapons batteries,
you can paint on windows using skull white if lance batteries, and prow aquilla and raised
you like, though I personally only do this with panel lines. Be careful painting these since a
aquilla wings. The result of this should look
the bridge segment. Once you have finished slip here will be very difficult to repair. Once
take several attempts to get right. I tend to dip
this go ahead and glue on the bridge piece. you finish with these things, thin out Black Ink
just the brush in blood red and then touch the
This completes phase one. and slather it over all of the parts painted in
water cup to thin it. Then apply a thin line at
Boltgun. Do the same with Brown Ink on the
PHASE TWO: THE PROW the top of the panel and use a different brush Bronze parts. You may have to make a stronger
to like the image above. This is a complicated wash of ink to pick out depth on details like the
process that might pull in the thin paint where studs on lance and weapons batteries.
I want it. It might take several coats but this
the under tones to the prow. After completing PHASE FOUR: TURRETS
this, do the same with Vomit Brown but be These are very simple. Once the black base
careful not to completely cover up the blood coat has been applied, paint the turret housing
red you just blended in. The final result should in Dark Flesh. Dry brush Vomit Brown to pick
look like the picture above. With this done you out details and highlight the turret. Finish by
are ready to move to phase three. carefully dry brushing and painting the gun
barrels in Boltgun Metal. Once finished, apply
PHASE THREE: METALS a little Black Ink over the barrels to pick out
The prow is relatively straightforward; coat the There isn’t alot to say here. Basically I dry brush details and add depth.
segments between the raised panel lines in the engines with boltgun and then blend in Tin
several layers of Dark Flesh to get a solid coat. Bitz on ends to show heat discoloration. I’ll then
Be careful not to get any paint inside of the go in and pick out piping and other bits like
torpedo tubes or on any part of the hull outside the prow ram and weapons battery cannons to
of the prow. Once this is complete, take a paint in Boltgun. Once you have finished with
very small amount of Blood Red and blend it the Boltgun, you can go ahead and glue on
into the upper edges of the prow panels and the engines. Next, using Dwarf Bronze, pick

Aeronautica Imperialis: Flying the Chaos Way
dogfight of 3v2 you will have the final move

BEGINNERS GUIDE TO: after your opponent has made all of his. This
generally still stands in a horde army when the
“FLYING THE CHAOS WAY” forces have been scaled up.

PHOTO THREE
PART ONE OF THREE My final tip is not to be afraid of getting up
close and dirty with your supposedly “fragile”
by Archie 2 forces. The Harbinger super heavy bomber is
a monster; with a few Hell Blade escorts don’t
It’s good the Hell Blade is sold in packs of three
be afraid to march it straight towards its target.
as this is the way these fragile but deadly craft
With its low maximum speed taking a scenic
should be run. Outnumbering your opponent
or tactically better route may mean you only
is a major asset in Aeronautica Imperialis. In
get one crack at your target. Just because the
the horde army that is the Chaos fleet the Hell
Hell Blade is less favoured in endurance than
Blade is its life blood.
the fighters of the Imperial Navy don’t think
PHOTO ONE of them as weak, for instance using the Warp
Think about maximising your potential Rift upgrade you can gain an extra attack in
firepower by spreading your numbers without Blades at three different altitude levels so the movement phase before anyone else fires
giving away the advantage. In all but special that each aircraft is within one level of the a shot, with a simple kamikaze through your
scenarios I have used a formation that covers aircraft next to it (for example, the diagram enemies airspace, they will be cursing the
the roof of the skies. By running the three Hell below has the three Hell Blades lined up at chaos gods as they plummet to their doom.
Altitude 8, 7 and 6), I have at least one set of Its dirty and I love it. :D
guns on five altitude levels, two sets on three
1 and three sets on one.
Unless facing opponents with a weakness from
below (for example aircraft who have turret
guns firing up), always try and stay above your 3
enemy. Unlike your enemy, in this position you
have the advantage of not having to lose speed
in order to gain altitude. You can also use the
Power Dive Manoeuvre without any worry and
have the speed to make your escape.
A recon flight of Thunderbolts from the 83rd PHOTO TWO
wing encounter a trio of Black Legion Hell In a ‘Block of Three’ you have the option when
Blades. splitting your forces for baiting. In a simple

Epic: Armageddon - Collecting Imperial Guard, Part 3
COLLECTING IMPERIAL GUARD

FOR EPIC: ARMAGEDDON, PART 3
by Jonathan Brown (Patriarch) — Two Infantry Cos. (Commander and weren’t particularly good quality, a bit of
12 Guardsmen stands each) greenstuff sorted this out.
My brave 6mm lads continue to march forward
for the Emperor. Certain death awaits them, but — Tank Co. (10 x Leman Russ including The gun barrels had all been drilled out at
that is a sacrifice the High Lords are prepared 1 Vanquisher) the assembly stage. This can be quite tricky,
to make… — Super Heavy Tank Co. (3 x Shadowswords) especially with epic miniatures, but always
That’s plenty of infantry for now (52 stands), worth doing. A standard 1mm drill bit is good
REINFORCEMENTS
but not nearly enough vehicles, let alone any enough for the turret battle cannon, but the
In the last article I had the following formations
titans. Let’s fix that, starting with the second smaller lascannon and heavy bolters needed
painted up:
tank company. something finer. I used a 66-gauge (0.838mm)
— Regimental HQ (Supreme Commander, bit from a 50 piece bit set; anything smaller
12 Guardsmen stands and 7 Chimeras). Again, this is composed of ten Leman Russ tends to snap very easily in a metal model if
tanks. These were an eBay purchase; although you drill a hole of any depth.
— Mechanised Infantry Co. (Commander,
cheaper than buying direct the rear tracks
12 Guardsmen stands and 7 Chimeras) To keep this distinct from the first Tank Company
I used contrasting markings. Each Russ was
painted in the same way as the first set:
1. Touch up any areas of black undercoat
missed with Chaos Black.
2. Drybrush Codex Grey over the black.
3. Lightly drybrush Space Wolf Grey over the
Codex Grey Layer.
4. Paint tracks and weapons Chaos Black again.
5. Drybrush tracks and highlight weapon tips
with Mithril Silver.
6. Paint the dark basecoat of details (company
markings, windows, searchlights, camo
netting etc).
7. Highlight any details started in step 6.
Basilisks

Once I was happy with the results the turret

was glued on and the model was ready for
varnishing. I’ve found that Games Workshops
Purity Seal gives a better finish than anything
else I’ve tried. Generic matt and satin varnishes
can dull the model too much and if you
aren’t careful can obscure the detail, which is
particularly important with epic models.
Remember to shake the spray can vigorously
(for at least 60 seconds to be on the safe side)
and avoid doing this in cold surroundings as
the quality of the finish will be affected. Also,
be absolutely certain you have the right spray
can in your hand. Mistakes are easy to make
at 2am after an all-night painting session…and
yes, I’ve done it!
Two Tank Companies are expensive at 650
points each, but are the toughest formations in
an Imperial Guard army. Unlike many tanks they
are also decent in a firefight, so make for good
all-rounders. I’ll see if I can get the best out of Basilisks
using both formations in tandem, although at formations. Blast Markers are a way of showing they need to be reloaded; however Basilisks
1300 points they will be easily outmanoeuvred how formations can become suppressed in are less powerful but more flexible since they
by smaller, more numerous formations of Eldar the game due to enemy fire, taking casualties, can fire every turn, they also have the option of
or Space Marines, and potentially set up for getting the wrong orders etc. The game effect forgoing firing a barrage to fire directly at the
crossfire attacks. is that each Blast Marker stops one model in target like a WWII German 88mm gun. This is
INCOMING! the formation from shooting as well as making potentially much more deadly against Space
Next up is an Artillery Company. These consist it harder to receive orders; too many and the Marines, well-dispersed vehicle targets and
of nine vehicles, which can be Manticores, formation breaks! War Engines.
Basilisks, or any combination of the two. Artillery GW sells Artillery Companies as a mix of 3 Thanks to a quirk of the way barrages work in
Companies can lay down large barrages, which Manticores and 6 Basilisks, however I wanted E:A it is more efficient to field an all Manticore
are particularly devastating in E:A. Not only to keep the unit as all the same type of vehicle. company (five Manticores firing one turn, the
do barrages affect multiple targets, they can While Manticores have a more powerful shot remaining four firing the turn after), but this
also inflict several Blast Markers on enemy they can only shoot one turn out of two as strikes me as very beardy and it will backfire

shorter distances. With the current rules they

are generally regarded as less efficient than
Leman Russ tanks, but I like the models.
So far I had no protection against the bane of
Artillery Companies – aircraft; this was fixed
with six Hydras. These are particularly good
anti-aircraft units, even Eldar Nightwings will
think twice about flying within range. Hydras
can either be fielded in small formations of
three units or split up and attached individually
to other formations.
CHOCKS AWAY!
Speaking of aircraft, my Imperial Guard will be
sharing the use of Thunderbolts and Marauders
with my Ultramarines and Blood Angels – the
Imperial Navy obviously being overworked
in this sector. Each squadron has blue or red
markings as appropriate. I used books on
Spitfires and the Battle of Britain for inspiration,
so the models have sky blue undercarriages
and green/brown camouflage elsewhere.
Left: Baneblades Right: Hydras
when the formation starts taking Blast Markers To compliment the
of its own. So I fielded an all-Basilisk company. Shadow Swords, I
Another eBay purchase; these are multipart added a company of
models from the previous edition of the game. Baneblades. These
They come with several choices for each – you lack the powerful
get a range of camo netting etc. The barrels were Volcano Cannons of
drilled out prior to undercoating. The camo nets the other models, but
were picked out in Goblin Green and Sunburst have a larger array of
Yellow over a Dark Angels Green basecoat (to smaller weapons which
match the appearance of the infantry stand make them more
bases). Each Basilisk was given the company useful against non-
marking of yellow and purple stripes. War Engine targets at

After buying the rules for Aeronautica Imperialis a set of these bases but did not permanently
from Forgeworld I can use these models attach them as they are a bit overwhelming for
when they are not seeing action in Epic. In AI Epic games.
it is important to distinguish one plane from
Remember not to attach the clear flying stands
another, so I applied identification numbers to
until after you varnish the planes, as the varnish
the tailfin or fuselage of each aircraft. The Epic
will turn the plastic milky white.
models shown here are smaller in scale when
compared to the Forgeworld versions, but this These squadrons allow the Imperial Guard
is not a problem as the models are only markers; army access to 8 Thunderbolt fighters, and
ranges and fire arcs are determined from the 4 Marauder bombers. Aircraft require more
special Aeronautica Imperialis bases. I have abstraction than most aspects of Epic, but add
Below: Thunderbolts & Marauders Right: Warhound Titan
an interesting dimension to the game, as well

as a way to instantly reach distant enemy.
BIG BROTHER
That’s enough of the tiny stuff, on to the Titans!
Titans and other War Engines are the main draw
of Epic, since they exist in the background but
are a rare sight in WH40K games (good thing too,
they would flatten most armies!). Titans tend to
act as a support to other armies in E:A, though
there is an option to use the experimental all-
Titan Adeptus Titanicus army list…
At present I have a pair of Warhounds and a
Reaver Titan completed.
Warhounds are fast and, compared to most
Titans, lightly armed and armoured. They can
outrun infantry and most tanks, but if their void
shields are knocked down they become very

vulnerable. They mount a pair of weapons (a ahead to a forward position

Mega-Bolter and either a Plasma Blastgun in the battlefield where the
or Turbolaser Destructor in this case); but for scout has identified heavier
competitive games carry the default rulebook targets.
armament regardless of the model. I much
To fit with the rest of the
prefer these older designs to the most recent
army each Warhound has
versions, the models are looking very good for
been given a grey colour
being nearly 20 years old.
scheme on the armour
I have found that the large Epic models benefit plates: black, Codex Grey
from being shown to scale; that is positioning and Space Wolves Grey as a
smaller models on them or on their base. On my highlight, with 50:50 mixes in
Eldar Titans I positioned a couple of Guardians between – unlike the tanks,
or Rangers (or destroyed human tanks) on the this is layered rather than
bases; I decided to add loyal humans to these drybrushed. The banding is
Warhounds. The first base has a handful of Shining Gold with Chestnut
Guardsmen led by an officer advancing through Brown ink.
ruins as the Titan looms above them. The
The other Titan is a Reaver,
second Warhound is joined by a single sniper
a larger cousin of the
hiding behind a wall as if the Titan is running
Warhounds. The Reaver is
Below: Warhound Right: Reaver better armoured than the
Warhounds and carries an
extra weapon, but costs
more than both together.
Another veteran from the
days of Adeptus Titanicus,
the Reaver must be one of
the oldest model designs
still produced by Games
Workshop.
My Reaver has the alternative “Darth Vader” so that each weapon is roughly as valuable as
head design, and mounts a power fist rather any other in terms of range, number of shots,
than a second Turbolaser simply because I damage and so on. In competitive games
thought it looks better. The rules for Titan Titans default to the standard armament given
weapons have been carefully balanced in E:A in the main rulebook, regardless of what the
model carries.

A GOLDEN OLDIE Fortunately, the model was much quicker

The last model to show in this article is a to paint (again) than it was to prepare and
Capitol Imperialis transport. Due to a warp assemble. The turret was left separate until
space accident (or my four year old and a pot painting was finished. I used a black undercoat
of Codex Grey…sob!) it had to be diverted with Codex Grey followed by Space Wolf
back to the Nitromors sector. On the positive Grey for the armour plates, Shining Gold with
side, it was the right colour, and looked better Chestnut Ink for the banding and imperial
than many of the offerings on eBay! I have motifs, and Red Gore highlighted all the way
a budding Golden Demon winner in the to Sunburst Yellow + white for the windows.
family…
Capitol Imperialis are the enormous transport
Above: Reaver Left: Capitol Imperialis

The Reaver is mounted on the original base
design containing a “void shield wheel”. This
saves on bookkeeping as Void shields are
knocked down and repaired during the game.
As with the Warhounds I have used several
advancing Guardsmen to give it some scale.
They are directed by an officer based on the
old “Cadian” standard bearer from Adeptus
Titanicus days, but fitted with a greenstuff
greatcoat to fit in with the rest of the army.
A spare Sentinel is bringing up the rear,
presumably on the look out for Xenos scum
with Brightlances.
This gives me a total of 20 formations for
around 7,000 points. This is far too much for a
sensible game of Epic, but it’s nice to have the
choice of models to field.

vehicles of the Imperial Guard – think of a Titan, 8 Sentinels, 3 Leman Russ Demolishers one will take a bit of a run up to (hopefully) do
Star Wars AT-AT on caterpillar tracks. They and a pair of Deathstrike missiles for taking it justice. Also I hope to have blooded the army
are as tall as a Titan but much bulkier, and are care of enemy Titans. These will probably in a game, so will report back on its progress.
capable of transporting two entire companies round off this army for a while. Looming far off
Until then, keep rolling sixes!
of Guardsmen or vehicles. Like Titans they in the distance is an Emperor Titan, but this last
are protected by void shields as well as thick
armour, but they lack the firepower of the god-
machines. CAPITOL IMPERIALIS
Capitol Imperialis are not included in the Epic: Type Speed Armor Close Combat Firefight
Armageddon rulebook and have been out of War Engine 20cm 4+ 6+ 6+
production by Games Workshop for several
years. This means if you don’t already have Weapon Range Firepower Notes
one you need to find one second-hand. eBay Behemoth Cannon 30cm 1D6 BPs Indirect Fire
usually has one or two selling at any one time, Battle Cannon 75cm AP4+/AT4+ Right Fire Arc
typically going for around £25 depending on Battle Cannon 75cm AP4+/AT4+ Left Fire Arc
the condition. While the structure is metal the 2 x Missile Batteries 45cm AA5+
tracks are plastic, sadly these won’t survive Damage Capacity: 10 Void Shields: 6
Nitromors or most other paint strippers if you Critical Hit Effect: roll 1D6 on table below (re-roll if the same effect has already been suffered):
don’t like the previous owner’s efforts. If you
can’t use the original tracks identical sets exist 1 The Void Shield Generator is destroyed. The CI has no void shields for the remainder of the
as part of the JB Models M113 ACAV or M113 battle.
Fire Support models. My replacements came 2 Infrastructure damaged: Take another point of damage.
from one of these; I think the credit for the 3 Track System: The CI may not move any further for the remainder of the battle.
idea goes to one of the posters on Bolter & 4 Transport Area hit: All transported models suffer the effect of being caught in a 1D6BP
Chainsword. barrage. Any survivors must immediately exit the CI, which can no longer transport
Anyway, official rules don’t exist for them, so I’m models.
proposing to try out the house rules at right. 5 Plasma Reactor damaged: roll 1D6 each end phase: on a 1 the CI explodes as described
below; 2-3 take another point of damage; 4-6 the reactor is repaired.
“Home brew” rules like these aren’t appropriate
for competitive games so Points Values aren’t 6 Ammo Store hit: the CI and any transported models are destroyed. The ensuing blast has
strictly necessary. The CI is harder to kill than a range of 2D6cms from the model; all units within range suffer the effect of being within a
most Titans, but mounts little direct offensive 1D6BP barrage (roll once).
capability, so I’m guessing somewhere in the Notes: Fearless, Reinforced Armour, Thick Rear Armour, Walker.
800 points range. Transport: may transport either two Imperial Guard companies (of any type, no upgrades);
OR one Imperial Guard Company with any upgrades and up to two Support Formations.
Ready to paint up for next time are a Warlord


Tutorial: Travel Space Hulk
TRAVEL SPACE HULK

by Patrik Carlsson Using the hole punch
you will get lots of small
REQUIRED MATERIAL LIST:
magnetic bases which
• Magnetic sheet for about a hundred hole
will be used for a variety
punches.
of things. If you get many
• 20-30 Epic Genestealers.
with the same top side
• 10 Epic Terminators.
put them aside to make
• A piece of cereal box or plasticard to make
blips so you won’t be
doors to glue onto magnetic bases.
able to recognize them
• Hole punch.
later (though you can
• Paint.
always paint over the
• Glue.
top as well), otherwise
• Magnetic surface to play on.
make enough to do
To keep everything in its place on the map you what’s needed below.
will first need to get some sheets of magnetic
BASE THE FIGURES
material. Fridge magnets work very well for this,
10 Terminators and 20-30 Genestealers. There
and they’re usually readily available. Cutting it
are rules for using other races in Space Hulk
out with a hole punch will give you perfect sized
and even Chaos Terminators; just because Epic
magnets to use both as counters and to glue
Tyranids are currently out of production doesn’t
to the base of the Epic figures. This idea came
mean you need to give up hope of playing with
up on some Epic mailing list a long time ago
your very own travel Space Hulk set. I’ve found
and is recorded as “Andy Skinner’s Travel Space
Hormagaunts do nicely as Genestealer stand-
Hulk Idea”, though the true originator of this
ins if you have any of those as well; you can
awesome idea is still unknown.
always use proxies too.
Editor: This is a very simple travel Space Hulk tutorial. It was originally It is a treasure trove of first and second edition information, including
written by Patrik Carlsson and was taken from his website and expansions and rules for using other Xenos and Traitors; it is also
archived by Chad Harding on his own excellent Space Hulk tribute where you can find readily-printable maps to be used in conjunction
site; I have merely updated it for publication in this issue of Firebase. with travel Space Hulk. Printing the zoomed map gives you a ready-
On Chad’s site you can find a massive amount of Space Hulk to-play map if you have the Epic figures and counters ready.
information rescued from the swirling ebb and flow of the internet.

Tutorial: Travel Space Hulk
DOORS My mother gave me an antique sign (below eyes though. It has even been suggested that
24 are included in the original box, but this may left). It is metal and what I will be using as a the figures ought to be cut off from their bases
vary by mission. magnetic surface. If you are so inclined you and glued onto the magnetic bases to make
could even play on a refrigerator! them look better, but I feel that is too great of
COMMAND POINTS
risk at destroying the small figures.
6 with the same top side numbered from 1-6 Anything else is simply cosmetic. You could
below. add counters for rubble, paint a door as a
bulkhead, or you Close up of Epic
FLAMER COUNTERS
could just draw Termintors with
Paint cool flames on some bases: 6 to use as
them directly on magnetic bases on
ammo counters for each flamer you want to use
the map. A well- a printed map. They
and enough to mark a pair of rooms as flamed
painted set of could do well with
during play. Since the rooms are not marked on
figures and doors a proper paint job
the map and the counters only cover one section
will make it more but are otherwise
I use the system from 2nd edition Space Hulk
appealing to the playable.
with the targeted section and all surrounding
sections affected by flame counters.
BLIPS
Get enough with the same top side and look
up the numbers to paint on the blip side.
Find a magnetic surface like a cookie sheet or
a big jar, print out a map from Patrik’s Space
Hulk Collection site: http://spacehulk.barsoom.
cc/mirrors/shc/ and start playing!
A printed map with Space Marines fending off traitor Terminators from sacking the librarium.

COMING
EARLY
2009
More pleasureable content…
Artwork by: Pavel Zolotoko


Firebase Issue Eight

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Firebase Issue Eight

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

October 2008 – Issue #8

Art by Tim Divar

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 2

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 3

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 4

Matthew Phelps: I also started a heavily modified Leman Russ - in these

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 5

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 6

each wall or floor section, then progressively drybrushed lighter shades.

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 7

pieces. To block line-of-sight more

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 8

GREG ALEXANDER the Dreadnought I’d painted in Deathwing

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 9

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 10

AUDIOBOOK: THE DARK KING

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 11

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 12

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 13

living space. I needed a carry case to hide it all in

FOAMING –a monstrous carry case. And I needed it fast!

MAD used their medium sized carry cases many

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 14

Figures in Comfort have the biggest range of

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 15

OBJECTIVE UPGRADES: upgrade must coincide with the appropriate

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 16

All units within range benefit from the Fearless NECRONS

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 17

THE AURORA CHAPTER

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 18

Having easily cowed the primitively-armed

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 19

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 20

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 21

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 22

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 23

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 24

Malanthrope Ripper Swarm Ripper Swarm

Ripper Swarm Ripper Swarm

Trygon Trygon Trygon

UNIT: 1 Intruder Titan

TYRANIDS IN 5TH EDITION, OR HOW I

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 28

It’s an equation that works in a very limited

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 29

of it, the game is irrevocably changed in your

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 30

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 31

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 32

GAMES DAY - A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 33

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 34

Kill Team was designed for a single team

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 35

forming three Brute Squads, while the latter

Commander with Naval Security by Old Guard Techpriest by Old Guard

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 36

die) and another being Chaos Renegades, we

Ground Crew by Digits, this page and next

The kill teams that would be tackling the board

Firebase Issue #8 – October 2008 37

More fantastic Ground Crew by Digits