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2
THE NEXT BIG THING
Bigger is better. That was the mantra we held to when we Reckoning introduces powerful new character warjacks
unleashed colossals upon WARMACHINE tabletops across for some of the most recognizable warcasters, including
the world three years ago. Since that time these massive Cygnar’s Allister Caine and Khador’s infamous Orsus
weapons of war have irrevocably changed the way battles Zoktavir. New troops and heroes also heed the call to battle
are fought. The modern colossals have forced commanders and add their formidable strength and skills to the armies
to adapt new tactics and strategies, both when employing of western Immoren as the struggle between the living and
their faction’s own colossals and when fighting against the dead comes to a dramatic and explosive climax.
their enemy’s ultimate weapons of war.
New warcasters, colossals, and character warjacks provide
Even as Immoren itself still trembles from the impact of faction commanders with plenty of shiny new toys, but
these first mighty constructs, the foundries and factories of Mercenaries are by no means left out in the cold! The
the Iron Kingdoms prepare to deliver the next generation Talion Charter mercenary contract receives some long-
of colossals to the war-torn battlefields, each nation awaited reinforcements, the Searforge contract gains the
hoping that their innovations will provide them the much- first Mercenary battle engine, and the Puppet Masters
needed edge to finally wrest total victory from their foes. contract introduces a deadly new Cephalyx warcaster.
These new colossals, outfitted and armed with the latest
Whether you fight for wealth or ambition, for the survival
advancements in weaponry and technology their factions
of Immoren or to lay waste to all beneath your gaze, the
have access to, certainly demand attention—but they are
time for restraint is over. Roll out the big guns. It is time
far from the only new weapons tabletop generals can call
for Reckoning!
on to aid them in their fight for supremacy.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DEEPER OBLIGATIONS, PART ONE . . . . . . 4 RETRIBUTION OF SCYRAH. . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
CRYX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Visit: www.privateerpress.com
Privateer Press, Inc., 1705 136th Pl. NE, Ste. 120 • Bellevue, WA 98005
Tel (425) 643-5900 • Fax (425) 643-5902
3
DEEPER OBLIGATIONS
PART ONE
THE THORNWOOD NECROFACTORIUM, had scavenged from the battlefield. Most of its piles held
EARLY 609 AR little more than shredded scrap. All the better pieces had
Kommander Oleg Strakhov sat on his haunches keeping been claimed by necrotechs and taken to their laboratories.
watch on the entrance, glad to be free for the moment of
the oppressive drudge helmet that he had been wearing Following his last visit with Karchev, Strakhov had
for the weeks—or was it months?—since he first infiltrated returned here, desperate to find something—anything—
the Cryxian base. He had lost all track of the passage of that could help him make Karchev’s life-sustaining
time amid his desperate bid to find and rescue Kommander equipment mobile. He had determined that the undead
Karchev. Time meant little below the earth with no sun used a systematic approach to sifting through the scrap.
or moons to mark its passage, and Strakhov had quickly Intact cortexes were prioritized and taken away, but among
given up trying to track it. those that were rejected he sensed several of Khadoran
manufacture that still had a spark of internal functionality.
He had been back to see Karchev several times since Strakhov was able to steal the best of these before they
discovering his location within the necrofactorium. When could be broken down and reclaimed.
the great kommander was lucid enough to speak to him,
he would ask Strakhov to kill him so that he could not be His limited mechanikal aptitude was another barrier, and
made into a weapon against the Motherland. Each time it was this that had prompted him to seek help. He had
Strakhov had refused or deflected the request, asserting entered the necrofactorium alone. During his explorations
that he would find a way to free Karchev and return him to he had come upon chambers where recently captured
the fight against Khador’s enemies. The promises sounded prisoners underwent the horrific surgery that transformed
increasingly empty to Strakhov’s ears. Karchev was clearly them into mindless drudges to serve the cephalyx. Among
deteriorating, the torments inflicted upon him by his these prisoners had been his unfortunate countrymen,
captors eroding even his legendary iron will. including battle mechaniks waylaid in the last engagement.
Strakhov’s own mind had begun to fray under the pressures “I need you to maneuver this piston here,” Alexi said,
of remaining unseen in the bowels of the Cryxian base for so motioning with the steel clamp that had replaced his hand.
long. He had forgotten the taste of real food, subsisting on “None of the rest of us have the necessary delicate touch,
the vile substance employed to nourish cephalyx drudges. thanks to our captors.” Alexi spat into the cold earth at the
His apparent impotency to rescue Karchev from the torments mention of the cephalyx.
that were slowly breaking the kommander was far worse “You have made do. As true soldiers of the Motherland,”
than any deprivations, though. His own darkest moment Strakhov said. He forced himself not to think about the
had come when he found Karchev, fresh from some new and fate of the men he hadn’t saved. It had been difficult to
horrific interrogation, raving incoherently and with wild stand by as his countrymen, and even the Cygnarans,
eyes, incapable of recognizing him. Strakhov had almost were cut apart, violated and transformed into mindless
drawn his blade to end the kommander’s suffering. As his abominations. He’d had little choice, of course; trying
hand had tightened on its grip, his resolve had returned, as if to save them all would only have led to his death—and
the familiar feel of the hilt had reignited the fire within him Karchev’s. So he had waited and watched, until he saw
that had been smothered by the necrofactorium’s darkness. Alexi’s small group of mechaniks.
The next time he had visited, Karchev had been his usual
stoic self, his mind intact, though weary beyond belief. It had taken all his skill to liberate them without alerting
the entire base. Unlike with the mindless thralls or
“Kommander, I need your assistance,” a gruff voice hissed, drudges, the death of a cephalyx, even a minor one, would
breaking him from his thoughts. not go unnoticed. It was an unavoidable risk. He had been
“Of course, Alexi,” Strakhov said in a similarly low tone, unable to intervene until after the cephalyx had begun
trying to keep his voice from carrying. He stood and made many of the external modifications to the men. In order to
his way to his fellow Khadoran, carefully picking his way throw off the rest of the base as long as possible, Strakhov
through the scattered scrap piles of the necrofactorium’s had staged the scene to appear as if several prisoners had
mechanical salvage area. broken loose and killed the overseeing cephalyx before
being torn apart by drudges. He had not relished killing
Strakhov had discovered this place shortly before he had his own countrymen, but those chosen had been suffering
found Karchev. At the time he had dismissed it as useless; it and were slated for a fate worse than death. It had been
had appeared to contain only the worst of the wreckage Cryx imperative that the scene be as authentic as possible.
4
He swore their sacrifice would be honored once he had This connective tubing will probably leak, and many of the
succeeded in liberating Karchev. parts are damaged. Anyway, Alexi, it’s ready for its cortex.”
He was depending on the hope that the cephalyx cared so “Did you pick one out, Kommander?” Alexi motioned to
little about individual humans they would not notice the the three cortexes Strakhov had selected. Each had severe
deception. This meant he was trying to conceal an entire dents from direct impacts, and one had been partially
group from the inhabitants of the lower tunnels. The clock flattened.
was ticking. They would be noticed eventually.
Strakhov pointed to the one on the left. “That one.”
“Now you’ll need to bend these back into position here,
Lazlo looked skeptical. “That one by far has the worst
but be careful you don’t crumple the piston itself,” Alexi
wear. Are you sure, Kommander?”
instructed.
“My mother told me once, the prettiest girls rarely make
Strakhov did as he was told while Alexi and another
the best wives,” Strakhov said flatly.
mechanik named Vadim use their mechanical appendages
to secure the hydraulic array in place. A light of amusement entered Lazlo’s eye. “A strange
lesson, Kommander.”
“You can let go now,” Alexi said.
“My mother was not an attractive woman.” Strakhov’s face
Strakhov released the piston and stepped away. He winced
showed no humor as he fixed his gaze on the mechanik.
at the sight of the slapdash nature of the thing. “You’re
sure you can get this machine operational?” Alexi chuckled. “But clearly she was a smart one.”
Alexi scowled, exaggerating the heavy lines in his sallow Strakhov nodded. “The brightest I have ever known.”
face. “Depends on what you mean by ‘operational.’ The
legs are misaligned and the steam engine has faulty
relief valves, which could lead to a boiler explosion. I’m SUDDENLY A MUFFLED
confident we can get this kuchka to move, however, and so BOOM ECHOED THROUGH
get Kommander Karchev out of this place.” THE CHAMBER WALLS, AND
Strakhov nodded, though looking at the thing along with STRAKHOV FELT THE FLOOR OF
the ragged band of survivors he had his doubts. He had THE ROOM VIBRATE.
saved their lives, but they were scarred, mentally as well
as physically. The horror they had endured combined with
the strain of scurrying about the base had left its mark: “Stop chit-chatting with the kommander,” Vadim growled
they moved more like mice avoiding a housecat than from atop the ’jack where its access hatch had been opened
soldiers of the Motherland. Normally he would never wide. “Get his cortex up here! My ass is getting numb.”
have tolerated such weakness, but he knew he must rely
Lazlo looked between Strakhov and the delicate but heavy
on these men, for they had skills he lacked. He recognized
cortex, then down at his own hands—one a cauterized
their tenuous mental state and had made it a point to
stump, the other an oversized metal gauntlet. “Um,
bolster their shattered spirits in whatever way he could.
Kommander . . . ?”
He said, “Once we make our move, we’ll have precious
Strakhov patted Lazlo on the shoulder once and went
little time before the alarm is raised.”
over to pick up his chosen cortex. Alexi followed.
“We were lucky to find a chassis with so little boiler Suddenly a muffled boom echoed through the chamber
damage,” Lazlo interjected, speaking quickly and with walls, and Strakhov felt the floor of the room vibrate
enthusiasm. The scrawny youth’s harrowing experiences from the activation of heavy machinery in the heart of
had clearly not extinguished his energetic personality. the necrofactorium. He stopped and listened as his hand
“Doubly so that it was on one of the new Grolars. The instinctively went to his blade. The walls had come alive
sheer power possible from its boiler array will give you with a vibrating hum. He thought he heard more muffled
plenty of speed.” noises. Explosions? Gunfire?
“You’ll just need to watch your fuel,” Vadim added from “What is it?” Vadim hissed, his eyes darting around
his place atop the warjack’s chassis. His face, damaged nervously.
by the cephalyx, had been hastily bandaged, and he
Strakhov held up a hand for silence as he strained to listen.
struggled to speak clearly. “There’s a full load taken from
It was difficult to discern over the new sounds of the
the other wrecks, but that won’t last long if you push it.
machinery, but he was certain he heard distant explosions.
5
DEEPER OBLIGATIONS, PART ONE
“Above,” he said, an excited edge to his voice, “our adjacent to the new arrivals. This was a place set aside for
comrades have commenced a new attack.” He turned and meetings between officers of the two allied armies. More
looked to Alexi. “We will never get a better chance than this. soldiers than usual were posted around its perimeter,
Our enemies will be distracted. We have to move, now!” among them several Man-O-Wars and elite Iron Fangs from
highly decorated units. Also present were heavily armored
The group worked quickly, Alexi overseeing Vadim and
Cygnaran knights, both Stormblades and Stormguard, and
Strakhov’s installation of the cortex while Lazlo stoked the
though their voltaic weapons were dormant at the moment,
warjack’s boiler. When the final conduits were connected,
a blue glow simmered within each. Some of the knights
Strakhov felt the dull pulse of the warjack’s damaged
wore armor that gleamed silver, bereft of the typical blue.
consciousness surging to life. Though its mind was clearly
impaired, there was an impulse still there: a need to serve. Several warjacks rumbled at either end of the tent,
their numbers divided exactly between Cygnaran and
Strakhov gave a sharp nod. “Let’s get Kommander
Khadoran machines. She noted that this precise parity
Karchev.”
continued among the tent’s watchful guardians, which
SOUTHWESTERN THORNWOOD, TWO included among them a battle-seasoned warcaster from
WEEKS EARLIER each side. Every man standing guard around the tent was
The dark-haired woman rode in an enclosed wagon that tense and wary.
looked like any of the many others comprising the long
Before she stepped down from the wagon the slim woman
resupply column. It was ahead of several wagons hauling
had been stopped by a hesitant sound from another
inert warjacks and behind a number of iron-banded and
passenger, a much older man sitting partially in the
barred wagons resembling prisoner transports. These
shadows. Though aged, he retained a robust frame and
displayed the sigils of the Greylords Covenant and
there was an alert gleam to his eyes when the light caught
contained dozens of doom reavers. Regular soldiers were
them. “You are certain you do not want me to join you?”
already descending from the front wagons and being
swiftly assigned to tents among the forest encampment “I am sure,” she said firmly, though her eyes offered
by ranking officers. These were reinforcements brought the barest smile. “We will speak afterward. You worry
in to fill the ranks of war-ravaged kompanies. Grim-faced overmuch.”
arcanists in fur hats and coats assembled outside the doom
“Of course I do,” he said with a sigh. He spoke in that rare
reaver transports, awaiting orders. The doom reavers
tone reserved for when he wished her to think of him as
themselves would be offloaded and bivouacked under
family. “But you have heard my warnings already. I will not
Greylord supervision, assigned to isolated tents. Through
tire you with their repetition.”
the wagon’s slatted window, she observed Obavnik
Kommander Zerkova, who had led the convoy’s military “Good,” she said. She knew all too well the risks she was
escort, disembark from one of the forward wagons to give taking, yet she also knew how vital it was to be here. “I am
the ranking Greylord officers their orders. nowhere safer than here with my officers, my countrymen.”
His look suggested he could think of several more secure
locations, but he held his tongue.
SHE SET HER LIPS AND FACED As she approached the opening of the tent, she saw, as she
HIM SQUARELY, SEEING BEFORE had requested, the hulking presence of a certain warcaster.
HER ONE OF THE GREATEST He stood leaning part of his weight against his great axe, the
ENEMIES OF HER PEOPLE. butt of its shaft set into the soil. Sensing movement, he turned
to face her with a scowl. She pulled back her hood, revealing
her face. On her brow was the simplest of her crowns. The
The army encampment was bustling with activity, and not nearest guards immediately turned to her, removed their
only among those wearing the uniforms of the Motherland. helmets, and bowed deeply. An expression of wonderment
A portion of the encampment was dominated by soldiers crossed the face of Orsus Zoktavir before he, too, bowed,
attired in blue, gold, and white—Cygnarans, who watched lowering himself as far as his thick armor would allow. She
the arrival of the Khadoran reinforcements warily. A single inclined her head slightly to him and laid a hand on his
hooded form stepping down from one unmarked wagon shoulder as she walked past him and into the tent.
was easy to overlook.
It was a large space, intended to accommodate dozens of
Those with an attentive eye might have noted something officers together with their accompanying clerks and aides
significant was happening at the largest command tent, as well as a large table and several desks. The furniture had
6
been pushed back to clear the center, where only a pair of She waited, allowing him to speak first. She would let him
chairs remained. The tent was empty of occupants except decide if this was courtesy or insult. It felt as though they both
for a single figure standing at the other side of the cleared stood on a precipice, staring into a chasm of unknown depths.
area, adjacent to one of the chairs. He was thin and narrow of
At last he broke the silence. “Empress Ayn Vanar, it is my
shoulder, though not as short as she had been led to believe.
great honor to greet you. I offer hospitality and welcome. I am
He wore attire that resembled a military uniform, such as
pleased you accepted my unorthodox invitation, and I am also
those worn by nobles when they wished to demonstrate their
glad you arrived safely.” He spoke in passable Khadoran, but
former service, his chest festooned with a variety of medals.
in his southern accent the words sounded like profanity. She
Something about his bearing and attire struck her as funereal.
noted that he did not use the royal "we."
She stepped forward into the light cast by the oil-fed lanterns,
She gave a small inclination of her head. “King Leto
and they stared at one another for several long seconds, each
Raelthorne,” she said. “We are pleased you are enjoying our
feeling the tension. She saw that his black hair included grey and
hospitality in what was until recently a place of contention. We
that his face was lined and looked weary, though he possessed
acknowledge the courage you demonstrate in accepting the
a certain dignity. She set her lips and faced him squarely, seeing
risk of coming here for a discussion. We could respond with
before her one of the greatest enemies of her people. There was
nothing less.” After a brief pause she said, “We ask that you
no etiquette for this occasion. They had never met, and this
use your native tongue, so you may more easily speak your
meeting had been arranged in secrecy. No translators were
mind. We will understand you. Do you require a translator?”
present; she knew the Cygnaran tongue and suspected he knew
Khadoran. His erudition was well known. “That will not be necessary, Your Majesty. I know your
tongue well enough.” He spoke in Cygnaran, as requested.
The language was not pleasing to her ear, but she preferred
7
DEEPER OBLIGATIONS, PART ONE
it to hearing a southerner speak Khadoran. He added, “Let army not cracked its walls and invaded its streets. Despite
us speak without unnecessary formality.” this, I do not hold you to blame for what transpired
at Cryx's hands. We have been at war for a long time.
She stepped forward a pace and he did the same,
Khador’s objectives were military ones, and I believe your
allowing them to address one another more comfortably
forces would have treated the civilians with honor. But
and discreetly. She kept her expression carefully blank,
whereas you seek conquest, Cryx seeks annihilation and
revealing none of her loathing. Once she would have
eternal enslavement. Those who fall to the lich lords cannot
thought the only way she would ever stand so close to
even find peace in death. Your men saw terrible things in
this man was with him in irons, her prisoner, begging for
the streets of Point Bourne—pure evil, unadulterated by
mercy. A pleasing image.
politics or mortal ambition. Your officers reacted as any
“Yes,” she said. “Let us not waste time on idle pleasantries.” sane person would have. The living must stand against the
undead. So was this alliance born, as a means to counter
He indicated the field chairs. “Would you like to sit?”
the darkness. I see this as a moment of clarity and sanity.”
“I prefer to stand,” she said. “We both know why we are
Ayn was not unmoved, though her face did not show it.
here: to discuss the strange alliance our armies entered
She could not help but imagine the same fate afflicting her
into unbidden.”
people. Cryx had stretched its skeletal claws north before.
He nodded, pensive. After a pause, he said, “We find Port Vladovar had suffered under its assault. Its horrors
ourselves in an unusual circumstance, one that has never had even defiled her own cathedral in Korsk. Still, this
arisen between our two nations.” was no time for compassion. She said, “War is harsh and
innocents suffer. You hold me to blame for the deaths of
thousands of your countrymen: in Llael, at Northguard,
in Point Bourne. Neither can I forget the spilled blood of
“WHEREAS YOU SEEK CONQUEST, countless sons and daughters of the Motherland slain as a
CRYX SEEKS ANNIHILATION AND result of your commands. It would be foolish to pretend
ETERNAL ENSLAVEMENT.” to be friends.”
8
to eliminate a threat that faces your nation as much as it forelegs piercing the ground where she had just stood. Its
does mine.” hunkering form was fronted by a freakish gaping mouth
filled with long bleached teeth, and along its lower jaw
She found it reassuring to see a break in the serene veneer
gleamed a pair of hooked metal mandibles.
he preferred. She said, “Those are noble sentiments, but
it is misleading to suggest Cryx is as much a threat to us The outer wall of the tent tore open in a half-dozen places
as they are to you. They dwell off your western shores, as the guardians stationed around the perimeter reacted
and ours are only rarely troubled. Now that we are aware to the disturbance. Even as the bonejack lunged for the
of the extent of the problem in the Thornwood, it will be empress, an Iron Fang moved to interpose himself. He
dealt with.” gave a choked cry as the creature hooked into his torso,
piercing his lower breastplate and driving upward into his
“The recent defeat of our combined armies suggests
chest cavity. An Iron Fang kovnik put himself before her
otherwise,” Leto said. “You do not have the luxury of time
next, driving the machine back with his axe.
to assemble a greater army here. We know this enemy. They
are deeply entrenched. If not extracted now, they will only A smaller, more spindly bonejack with a skeletal head
extend their hold. For the moment we have an advantage, leapt at Leto, and he narrowly evaded, stepping to the
won at great cost: we have learned the disposition of the side. It shattered a table behind him, its sharpened foreleg
enemy. We have found their heart. Give them time to adapt, piercing the outer wall of the tent, before it whirled back
and their vulnerability will vanish. They can recover more around, hissing through its open jaws. Then that side of
swiftly than we can. Combining our forces now is the only the tent was torn and more defenders poured in.
way to ensure we can root Cryx out before it becomes
There was a roar and Ayn was pulled back as Orsus
impossible. This foe relies on fear and hesitation.” He
Zoktavir strode past, his face red and livid. His great axe
spoke with rising energy and conviction.
was drawn back to strike. He pushed past the kovnik and
Near the end, however, she saw him open his mouth to with a single great blow cut through the Helldiver, which
say something else before he apparently thought better split apart with a shriek of protesting metal. The air of the
of it. What was he withholding? His hesitation called to tent quickly became rank with necrotite as the machine’s
mind reports from her spies regarding a recent clash in fuel reserves spilled across the ground. Orsus paid no
Ordic territory along the Dragon’s Tongue River, west heed, giving a bellow and striking at the next Cryxian
of Point Bourne. Something significant had transpired thing in reach.
there, she was sure; the Cygnarans’ eagerness to resume
The entire tent was in uproar, and Ayn found herself being
the fight in the Thornwood had followed immediately
ushered back and away as Khadoran soldiers converged.
thereafter. She also knew many Cygnaran nobles were
Leto had a sword in hand, perhaps given him by one of his
increasingly restless, almost defiant. The southerners
men, and he drove its point through the skull of the Stalker
were near the breaking point, which made her loath to do
that had sought to skewer him. Undeterred, the machine
anything to bolster them.
struck again as Leto moved aside. Then he, too, was pulled
Balanced against this was the recent and unexpected back and surrounded by armored soldiers. Moving quickly
visit from the Old Witch. More than anything else, it had to the fore was Lord General Stryker, whose warcaster
been this that had convinced her to risk her life to travel armor filled the tent’s interior with sharp blue light and a
to this forsaken place. The ancient crone had delivered buzzing sound like angry bees.
dire pronouncements regarding Cryx. She had said that
Spectral forms continued to pour from the hole below the
Ayn would regret ignoring the Thornwood. The annals
tent, unnatural figures that seemed half shadow, attired
of Khardic and Khadoran sovereigns contained proof
in strangely archaic armor and wielding long bladed
of tragic calamities befalling those who disregarded
polearms. They struck down several of the nearest soldiers
Zevanna Agha.
before they were hacked apart. A cordon of Man-O-War
“Did you feel that?” King Leto asked abruptly. She frowned shocktroopers surrounded Ayn, shields locked tightly
and realized there was a growing vibration underfoot. together as they moved her back.
Each of them stepped back, but before they could even “Wait!” she commanded, refusing to be pulled entirely
raise a voice to shout an alarm the ground tore open with away.
a rumble and creatures of blackened steel ripped through
The nearby encampment had been thrown into tumult by
the earth to crawl up from below. Ayn stumbled briefly
the attack and the air was filled with shouts, cries, and
as she stepped back. She was scrambling to right herself
barked orders. She saw Zoktavir annihilate another dark
when something heavy landed in front of her, one of its
machine and then turn without thinking toward Lord
9
DEEPER OBLIGATIONS, PART ONE
General Stryker, who had closed from the other direction. “No,” she said. “Where is King Leto?”
Zoktavir snarled and drew back his axe, seeing only a
She accumulated a larger escort of watchful officers as
hated enemy. The looming form of an Ironclad came up
she made her way to where the Cygnaran sovereign was
behind Stryker, its hammer raised.
similarly protected. He had been pulled back from the
“Orsus!” Ayn yelled sharply through the chaos. He checked command tent toward his own army, but his guardians
his swing, preventing it from making its deadly arc. Though parted respectfully at the approach of the Khadorans. The
Stryker’s warjack seemed to have sensed the threat, the soldiers of each side seemed less wary of one another now
man himself realized his peril only when he saw the huge after being reminded of their mutual foe—a sentiment Ayn
axe stop. His power field hummed and glowed brightly, but could appreciate.
it likely would not have saved him. The thought entered
“Your casualties?” she asked. She felt her heart still racing
Ayn’s mind that if not for the larger threat of Asphyxious
and knew she was not entirely calm.
she would have remained silent. The moment passed, and
the two warcasters returned to annihilating the last banes “Fortunately few,” he said, “though we don’t have a full
and bonejacks erupting from below. tally. Yours?”
Ayn heard shouting outside and realized there was more She looked to Irusk and he said, “The same. There were
fighting beyond the tent. Clearly more than one hole had losses. It could have been much worse.” He stopped
opened to unleash Cryxian horrors. She saw Aleksandra abruptly, perhaps aware of the extreme understatement.
Zerkova, flanked by her reaver guards, engaged on the
Frowning, Leto said, “I am at a loss as to how they knew
other side near where their wagons had arrived. What of
to strike where they did. We undertook great precautions
Blaustavya? She felt relief to see him with his own escort
arranging this meeting.”
at a safe distance. Armed Cygnarans were converging on
additional shadowy forms to the south, where their own “As did we,” said Ayn. “The matter will be investigated.”
tents were clustered. She sent a look to Blaustavya, whose expression was grim.
He gave a small nod; the guilty party would be punished.
Despite the initial clamor, it was not long before the
She turned back to Leto and squared her shoulders,
fighting ended. Cryx had not sent a force large enough to
taking a deep breath. Then she said, “Regarding the
threaten the armies themselves; assassination had clearly
matter we were discussing: you were right. I should not
been their goal. The Cryxians elsewhere had been intended
have suggested otherwise.” A hush fell all around them,
to sow confusion while those in the main tent murdered
particularly among her contingent, none of whom had
the sovereigns. Her protectors had been swift, however,
ever witnessed an admission of this sort from the empress.
as had Leto’s.
She said, “Let us put an end to Cryx, together, now.”
She realized her hands were trembling, more from
King Leto’s eyes shone with a blend of relief and conviction.
adrenaline than fear. She took hold of the Morrowan
He nodded and said, “Together we will see it done.”
pendant she carried, together with the icon of Ascendant
Katrena, and offered a brief prayer. She allowed herself
only a moment before putting it away, composing herself
before the eyes of her soldiers.
Later, in a hastily improvised command tent, Supreme
“Thank you for your actions,” she said to the shocktroopers.
Kommandant Irusk stood with Lord General Stryker
“Attend me.” She motioned for them to step back. They
discussing the plan Irusk had worked out among his
stayed near as she circled the annihilated command tent.
senior officers. The two strove to arrange for the proper
Additional soldiers and officers as well as several other
coordination required between their separate armies. Irusk
warcasters and their ’jacks had closed on the area, though
felt tense, distracted by the aftermath of the attack on the
discipline held and the senior officers were taking matters
sovereigns. He sought to focus on the maps and sketches
in hand. Supreme Kommandant Irusk was among the
of forest geography arrayed before him.
arrivals, ordering the tunnels from which the foe had
emerged to be scoured and collapsed. Among the soldiers of the two kingdoms the attack had
created temporary solidarity. Irusk had seen several
He saw her and strode forward, taking a moment to bow
Winter Guard mingling with Cygnaran trenchers, enough
deeply. “Your Majesty, you are unharmed? We should take
to make him wonder at the state of general discipline, but
you somewhere more secure.” Behind him Great Vizier
he left the task of reprimanding such individuals to his
Blaustavya also neared, flanked by his escort. His eyes
sergeants and junior officers. In this tent there was no such
warmed at the sight of her safe and whole.
camaraderie.
10
Irusk suspected he and Stryker shared some thoughts “There are dozens of them,” Stryker said.
in common, such as how mad it had been to allow their
“The Greylords theorize we can disable the system by a
sovereigns to meet here, in the Thornwood. Of course,
focused two-pronged attack,” Irusk noted. “We will send
they could never have expected Cryx to find a way to
one special vanguard here, to destroy this building we
attack so precisely. But each also had experience with the
believe serves as a surface conduit to the southern spires. I
stubborn resolve of a monarch set on a course of action.
have a force picked for this, comprised primarily of doom
Their respective rulers had chosen to meet despite all
reavers and warjacks. Those should be immune to the
warnings and objections.
necromantic defenses. Kommander Orsus Zoktavir will
“You have a plan to neutralize Cryx’s advantages?” Stryker lead them. Their deaths will still empower the complex,
asked, folding his arms. but that cannot be avoided. We will use as few as we can.
Simultaneously, I need you to bring a concentration of
“We do,” Irusk affirmed. “We put the best minds of the
voltaic weaponry here.” He pointed to a portion of the
Greylords Covenant to the task. They have analyzed
complex on the opposite side. “If we can deliver a great
this fortress and its mystical workings. The lich lord’s
surge of voltaic energy into the system at this northern
necromancy is based on Orgoth principles, which our
conduit not long after the southern one is destroyed, the
arcanists understand very well.”
connections between the spires should overload, perhaps
“No doubt,” Stryker said, with narrowed eyes. even harming the central fortress itself.”
“We will lend our own cannons to that effort,” Stryker OBJECTIONS.
noted.
11
DEEPER OBLIGATIONS, PART ONE
THE THORNWOOD
NECROFACTORIUM
On receiving the news,
Asphyxious hissed his displeasure
and lashed out, scraping long
rents along the nearest wall with
his clawed fingers. He slammed
his sword Daimonion into the
metal workbench in front of him,
hewing the bench in twain. The
pistol wraith who had reported
to him cowered and backed away,
though neither such efforts nor its
insubstantial state would save it
from the lich lord’s wrath.
Irusk clenched his jaw. “All I require of the Menites “Yes, I heard the report,” she said. “You actually believed
is to arrive and to fight. Great Prince Tzepesci assures the attempt would succeed? I thought it more likely a
me they are ready to do that much. I will entrust gambit to provoke or divert them.”
nothing more complicated to them; they will serve as a
“I do not comprehend the difficulty in obliterating a pair of
distraction. Without their numbers, Cryx would quickly
insignificant mortals. They wither and die at the slightest
overwhelm us.”
touch.”
“Perhaps,” Stryker said. He was clearly troubled.
“These particular ‘insignificant’ mortals are the rulers
“The most vital aspects of this plan fall to your people and of powerful nations,” Deneghra said. “Each protected
mine, Lord General.” by large and vigilant armies, each led by formidable
individuals who have thwarted us before. You should
Stryker nodded and said, “If your people do their part, we
have sent me. I would have seen it done.”
will do ours.”
12
He turned to face her. His glowing eye appraised her and steel prostheses clicking and scraping as it adjusted their
his metal hand clenched. “No. There is much yet to attend weaponry.
to that requires thy attention and thine alone. With the
Strakhov took a moment to consider his course of action.
intelligence we possessed, the measures enacted should
There were other pathways to Karchev’s cell, but none
have sufficed.”
were close—and more importantly, none of them could
“It was a chance worth taking,” Deneghra allowed. accommodate the bulk of the Khadoran warjack vital to
“But I admit I had reservations about the source of your his plan. This corridor was his only option.
intelligence.”
He made his way back to his motley team, who waited in
“The information given us was accurate,” Asphyxious a nearby corridor. Strakhov had used his obscuring magic
retorted. “An opportunity such as this will never come to mask the presence of his makeshift warjack, as it posed
again. Perhaps I erred in not sending thee.” the largest threat of exposing them. He let that spell fade
now and conjured new runes about the machine’s frame
Deneghra considered the depths of Asphyxious’
to imbue it with increased speed and accuracy. He hoped
aggravation. It was unlike him to place so much stock in
this would be enough to offset its awkward movements.
any one plan, particularly one assembled in such haste.
Its heavily battered cortex was a significant concern;
She knew it was because of the thought of losing this
though it had been responsive so long as he controlled
necrofactorium complex. That was a blow he did not
it directly, if left to its own devices the machine seemed
take lightly; even an immortal did not readily abandon
incapable of walking a straight line, instead stumbling
decades of labor. Had this gambit paid off, perhaps they
into the corridor walls.
could have found another solution. Adding to the tension
was another recent report relating the fall of Terminus
at the Black River, a fact Asphyxious might once have
welcomed. But much had been risked on the recovery of THEIR CEPHALYX MASTER
the athanc, and there would be consequences for failing FLOATED AMONG THEM, ITS
the Dragonfather. Deneghra hoped only Venethrax would WICKED STEEL PROSTHESES
be held responsible. CLICKING AND SCRAPING.
However grave the situation with the athanc, they could
not afford for Asphyxious to be diverted. The noose was
tightening. “Assassination is always a gamble,” Deneghra
Strakhov made a quick assessment of the men around
said. “Regardless, now we need to focus on our next
the ’jack. Alexi’s expression remained sullen, but his eyes
move.” She knew he did not want to hear it. “We should
showed resolve and strength. He had proven worthy of
prepare to leave this place, and quickly.”
his rank. Vadim’s bandaged face showed his fear. His eyes
“No. Not yet.” His eye flared. “The cephalyx hive needs darted at every noise and his body was tense. Strakhov
to be secured, their deepest tunnels sealed. We cannot expected him to spring back like a startled cat at any
surrender the necrofactorium until I am certain they will be second. Lazlo looked like he was trying to make himself
undisturbed, for they are essential to my future endeavors. as small and inconspicuous as possible. In all, it was far
Nothing has changed, except the span of time left us. We from the squad Strakhov wanted at his back in a vicious
must defend this place, keep our enemies at bay. Only close quarters fight.
when the hive is secure can we consider withdrawal.”
He pointed at the men in turn. “Alexi, you are with me and
“Very well,” she said. “I will be ready for them.” the ’jack. Lazlo and Vadim, you two will follow behind. It
will be safest there if we run into trouble.” Years of covert
operations had taken away any twinge the lie might have
given his conscience. Strakhov had learned long ago that
morality often stood in the way of completing a mission.
Strakhov let out a string of quiet curses as he peered
down the corridor leading to where Karchev was being As the group approached the corridor, he leaned in close to
held. Whatever was happening on the surface had put Alexi and spoke in a low voice. “When the fighting starts,
the Cryxian base into a frenzy of activity. Though that stay close to me and do exactly as I tell you. Understood?”
had allowed Strakhov and his men the liberty to move Alexi looked at him for a long moment and then nodded.
unimpeded, their luck had run out. The corridor was
Strakhov unslung his riot gun and readied it. He moved
filled with drudges; their hulking forms stood eerily still
decisively around the corner, letting combat reflexes
as their cephalyx master floated among them, its wicked
13
DEEPER OBLIGATIONS, PART ONE
honed over decades of service take over. In the span of another moment of futile searching before dropping
a breath he snapped off three shots, the explosion of the his head. “They will be remembered for their service,”
heavy powder loads booming like thunder in the confined Strakhov said before urging the ’jack forward.
corridor. Strakhov had hoped the element of surprise
It took only minutes to reach the chamber where Karchev
would allow him to drop the mind slaver quickly, but
was being held. As his eyes met those of the legendary
through some unnatural awareness several drudges
kommander, Strakhov felt a rush of panic. Karchev looked
instead placed themselves in front of his shots. The impact
even worse than last time he had been here. The kommander
of the bullets threw them back to collapse and bleed out
hung limply within the life-sustaining contraption that
in silence.
held him. His eyes were dull, and his head drooped. For a
He sent his will into the ’jack and then yanked Alexi tight moment Strakhov feared they were too late.
against the wall mere seconds before the warjack’s boiler
Suddenly Karchev’s deep voice grumbled through a dry
screamed and the machine rushed by, inches from their
and cracked throat. “So you have returned, Kommander.”
pressed forms. The warjack crashed into the hallway,
Strakhov felt a surge of relief as Karchev’s head rose and
Strakhov using its bulk to crush drudges beneath its
the iron returned to his eyes. “I barely believed it when I
iron onslaught. He pushed Alexi forward in the wake of
sensed a Khadoran cortex nearby. I assumed it was a trick.”
the warjack’s rampage. He felt a rush of euphoria as he
directed the warjack and threw himself into battle. The “No trick, Kommander,” Strakhov said. “Liberation!”
liberation of combat dispelled the oppression of so long
Karchev fixed his eyes on Alexi, who stood mute, staring
spent skulking in this wretched place.
in awe at the famed kommander. “I assume I have you to
thank for this machine?” the warcaster asked.
14
An acrid stench filled his nostrils, and he choked on the the light. It was a nimble machine, snapping with its own
sulfur and ash that filled the air. The muddy ground was necromechanikally augmented jaws. It sidestepped the
treacherous, yet he had no trouble finding purchase—he first argus but not the twin heads of the second, which was
was rushing toward the enemy, and the ground always maddened and empowered by the Butcher’s rage. Their
favored him in battle. His mind was filled with the barking teeth tore through metal plates and ripped the bonejack’s
of his argus and the susurrations of the fell blades around head from its body, shaking it to send pieces flying.
him. They made the perfect cadence within which to
The Slayer came for him, swiping its claws, but his axe
deliver obliteration.
crashed into its torso first. The impact drove through the
The heavy blades of the doom reavers swung into motion armored ribcage to lodge deep into the helljack’s cortex.
as they reached the wall of thralls. They hacked through He yanked the weapon free amid a spray of sparks and
the walking dead even as the rune-covered thralls began greenish ichor even as the Slayer’s left arm clawed at
to raise their giant fists to retaliate. Helljacks and bonejacks him, its metal talons skidding across his power field. He
loomed behind the forward ranks, unleashed from the hacked into its armpit, shearing through its shoulder and
blackened fortress at the center of the green-glowing spires. arm to the torso, then scrambled to the side as the helljack
Flickering emerald energy surged across the talon-like toppled. The second Deathripper launched itself to snap
spires surrounding the structure, flashing in time to the down on his armored left forearm. He yanked it free as
surging clouds above. Green fire lashed out from the spires the metal began to buckle and pinch his skin. A backswing
like whips, each dispersing just before reaching a doom with Lola sent the machine tumbling, skittering on its
reaver. It was as though the chanting of the gaping mouths small legs to right itself. The pair of argus were upon it in
along the sides of their Orgoth blades was disrupting the a moment and ended its twitching movements.
balefire before it could land.
More helljacks were coming and he directed his warjacks
Orsus felt nearly alone amid a field of undeath. Other than the into them, letting their weight and momentum drive the
doom reavers, which were offered as sacrifices to the mission, Cryxians back. At his urging the two Devastators opened
his army was not at his side; they had remained behind. The their armored shells to deliver an explosive barrage,
soldiers were afraid of balefire and did not want to risk their obliterating both the ’jacks and the thralls nearest them.
souls. He understood this fear, though he himself felt only a Ruin, the new machine delivered to him by Zerkova,
familiar blend of rage and joy. waded into the battle as if it were another frenzied
berserker, its enormous mace glowing with power akin to
The soldiers of the Motherland were providing what support
the necromantic gleam illuminating the helljacks and the
they could by indirect fire. Destroyers and mortars sent shells
spires around him. He could feel the chanting of the relics
arcing high into the air to come shrieking down in thunderous
attached to its arms ringing within his mind.
explosions amid the enemy ranks. The rest of the army
would close after he had done his part. He could hear the The red haze threatened his vision, like blood seeping into
clash of battle elsewhere as Sorscha, Zerkova, Irusk, and the his eyes. Orsus clenched his teeth and held madness at
various Cygnaran battlegroups directed their forces against bay. The chorus of voices from the fell blades reached a
Cryxians that had been drawn out to the wider perimeter. crescendo around him as Fenris charged past astride his
None were willing to close on the fortress. By going where demented steed, one accursed blade in each hand.
the others would not, Orsus had drawn the Cryxians to him
He was close enough to the main tower to see a figure at
like hornets swarming from their nest.
the apex, standing on a platform and surrounded by a
Several doom reavers on his left were washed with caustic bile. runic halo. This was Lich Lord Asphyxious, who seemed
They staggered as their flesh was melted through, and then capable of guiding the attacking forces from a great
their bodies dissolved into steaming sludge. Their souls were distance, no doubt aided by the talon-like spires. The lich
wrenched from their dying bodies, howling and gibbering as lord’s dark intelligence gleamed behind the fiendish eyes
they were collected by the nearest spire. He directed one of of the Cryxian helljacks. Orsus wanted to surrender to
his Juggernauts to trample through those bile thralls, which the rising tide of violence and drive onward to confront
exploded wetly underfoot. Asphyxious. Nothing would please him more than to see
the lich lord hacked into a bent and twisted heap—but he
A Slayer loped forward between the ranks of thralls
had a different purpose.
ahead, unleashing an unholy howl of steam as it came
at him, flanked by Deathrippers. His eyes burned with Another squad of bile thralls closed from his left flank.
power and his axe lit afire with blue light. He sounded Galloping soulhunters circled around the right side.
a short note on his war horn and the argus leapt together Those that came too far forward fell under fire from the
to confront the bonejack on the left, their fangs flashing in Khadorans behind Zoktavir. He could sense cortexes in
15
DEEPER OBLIGATIONS, PART ONE
motion and knew a freshly delivered Victor colossal and head, and then brought it down. The power he channeled
the Behemoth were marching forward, directed by Irusk blazed along his arms, his entire body become a projectile
and Sorscha respectively, each lending firepower against with Lola at the fore. The axe blade parted steel with a
the foe. Shells dug deep craters where they struck, and whine when he struck and then fell downward, all his
the twisted, horselike bodies of two soulhunters were torn weight upon Lola’s haft as the blade carved a gash almost
apart in one forceful blast. ten feet long down the front of the colossal. He tumbled
under an awkward retaliatory strike from its remaining
Ahead rose an enormous machine with long tentacle-like
tendril’s claw. Another blow of his axe exploded through
arms. It could only be one of the Cryxian colossals he had
metal and shattered the innards of the machine. Alongside
been told of—a Kraken. It moved with surprising speed
him, his warjacks battered it repeatedly. It toppled,
on insectoid legs as its long tendrils snaked out to seize
swayed, and fell in a resounding crash.
one doom reaver after another. Orsus gave a battle cry, his
vision entirely crimson, and gripped Lola in both hands. Other helljacks would be coming. He had kept one of his
He charged the colossal while runes surrounded him to Marauders in reserve, following behind. He sent it forward
empower his straining leg muscles. Ruin and his battered now to obliterate the conduit. As it got up to speed, he
Juggernaut came with him. He set his Devastators to reload reached forth his left hand, which was surrounded by
and fire their grenade launchers again, hoping to clear the gleaming arcane runes, and then clenched his fist. With
flanks. He paid no mind to the doom reavers, leaving them all his will he unleashed an eruption of rending energy
to be shepherded by Fenris. Each would inflict a toll before into the target, creating an explosion that momentarily
he fell. A number of flying bonejacks peeled off from the deafened him and caused the ground to buckle. A portion
heights of the central tower and sped to intercept. of the stone and metal foundation blasted free, and a hail
of debris littered the area. His power field ebbed.
16
THEME FORCES AND CEPHALYX RULES
CEPHALYX
WARCASTERS MONSTROSITY DAMAGE KEY
Cephalyx warcasters do not control battlegroups of
warjacks. Instead they control forces of surgically altered, On a monstrosity’s damage grid, the following letters
represent the monstrosity’s systems:
mechanically enhanced giants colloquially known as
monstrosities. B: Brain
L: Left arm weapons system
CEPHALYX WARCASTER R: Right arm weapons system
SPECIAL RULES H: Head weapons system
Cephalyx warcasters can control only monstrosities and M: Movement
cannot control warjacks. A Cephalyx warcaster can allocate A monstrosity with a crippled brain (B system) loses
focus points to monstrosities in his battlegroup as if they any focus points on it and cannot be allocated focus
were warjacks. A Cephalyx warcaster’s warjack points can points. It cannot spend focus points for any reason.
be used on monstrosities even though they are not warjacks. Monstrosities with crippled left arms, right arms, heads,
In addition to their other special rules as warcasters, or movement suffer the same penalties as warjacks do
Cephalyx warcasters have the following special rule: (see WARMACHINE: Prime Mk II ).
HEALING
At any time during its activation, this model can spend focus BRAIN
points to heal damage a monstrosity in its battlegroup that is This model can be allocated focus. This model can have no
in its control area has suffered. For each focus point spent this more than 3 focus points at any time as a result of allocation.
way, remove 1 damage point. This limit does not apply to focus gained by means other
than allocation.
MONSTROSITIES Unless otherwise stated, this model can spend focus only
Monstrosities are classified according to base size a light
during its activation.
monstrosity has a medium base (40 mm), and a heavy
monstrosity has a large base (50 mm). Even though it is FOCUS: ADDITIONAL ATTACK
assigned to a specific battlegroup, each monstrosity is an This model can spend focus to make additional melee or
independent model. ranged attacks as part of its combat action. It can make one
additional attack for each focus point spent.
MONSTROSITY
SPECIAL RULES FOCUS: BOOST
Monstrosities are not warjacks and do not have a cortex. This model can spend 1 focus point to boost any of its attack
Monstrosities can be controlled only by Cephalyx warcasters. rolls or damage rolls during its activation. Add an extra die
to the boosted roll. Boosting must be declared before rolling
Monstrosities are living models. any dice for the roll.
Monstrosities are so utterly dominated by their Cephalyx
FOCUS: SHAKE
masters that they lack even the rudimentary capacity for
During your Control Phase after allocating focus, if this model
free will required to form bonds.
is knocked down it can spend 1 focus point to stand up.
Additionally, monstrosities have the following special rules:
During your Control Phase after allocating focus, if this
DAMAGE GRID model is stationary it can spend 1 focus point to cause the
Monstrosities have damage grids like warjacks. stationary status to expire.
17
THEME FORCES
TIER 1 TIER 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models listed Requirements: The army includes one or more Trencher
above. Commando units.
You can begin the game with Haley Past and/or Units in the army gain Prowl during the first round
Haley Future in play. For each model in this unit in play at of the game. (Models with Prowl gain Stealth while
the start of the game you can redeploy one model/unit after within terrain that provides concealment, the AOE of a spell
both players have deployed but before the first player’s first that provides concealment, or the AOE of a cloud effect.)
turn. The redeployed models must be placed on the table in
TIER 4
a location they could have been deployed initially.
Requirements: Haley’s battlegroup include two or more
TIER 2 warjacks with the Arc Node advantage.
Requirements: The army includes three or more Trencher During your first turn of the game, models in
units. Haley’s battlegroup gain +2 SPD.
Reduce the cost of Trencher units by 1.
Permission is hereby granted to create reproductions of this page for personal, non-commercial use only.
18
ANSON DURST, ROCK OF THE FAITH
DEFENDERS OF THE WALL
WARJACKS: UNITS: Choirs of Menoth, Paladin units, Temple
Protectorate non-character warjacks Flameguard
SOLOS: Paladin solos, Temple Flameguard solos,
Vassal solos
TIER 1 TIER 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models listed Requirements: The army includes High Paladin Dartan Vilmon.
above. Paladin solos gain Advance Move. (Before the start
For each unit in the army, increase the FA of Paladin of of the game but after both players have deployed, a model
the Order of the Wall solos by 1. with Advance Move can make a full advance.)
TIER 2 TIER 4
Requirements: The army includes one or more Temple Requirements: The army includes two or more warjacks with
Flameguard units. the Shield advantage.
Add a unit attachment to one Temple Flameguard Warjacks with the Shield advantage are
unit free of cost. This unit attachment ignores FA automatically allocated 1 focus point during your first
restrictions. Control Phase of the game.
TIER 1 TIER 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models listed Requirements: The army includes Koldun Kapitan
above. Valachev, and his unit includes at least one other model
The army can include up to one Mercenary unit if with Magic Ability.
that unit includes Koldun Kapitan Valachev. You gain +1 on your starting roll for the game.
TIER 2 TIER 4
Requirements: The army includes two or more Greylord Requirements: The army includes two or more warjacks.
units.
For every two warjacks in the army, add one Koldun
For each Greylord unit in the army, one warjack Lord solo to the army free of cost. This solo does not count
gains Advanced Move. (Before the start of the game but toward FA restrictions.
after both players have deployed, a model with Advance
Move can make a full advance.)
Permission is hereby granted to create reproductions of this page for personal, non-commercial use only.
19
THEME FORCES
TIER 1 TIER 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models listed Requirements: The army includes three or more solos.
above. Solos in the army gain Advance Deployment .
Increase the FA of Soulhunter units by 1.
TIER 4
TIER 2 Requirements: The army includes two or more warjacks
Requirements: The army includes one or more cavalry with Soul Drive.
units. Reduce the point cost of warjacks with Soul Drive
You gain +1 on your starting roll for the game. by 1.
TIER 1 TIER 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models listed Requirements: The army includes one or more Mage
above. Hunter Infiltrators units.
Solos gain Advance Deployment . You gain +1 on your starting roll for the game.
TIER 2 TIER 4
Requirements: The army includes two or more Houseguard Requirements: The army includes three or more light
Halberdier units. warjacks.
Add a unit attachment to one Houseguard Friendly models/units can begin the game affected
Halberdier unit free of cost. This unit attachment ignores by Thyron’s upkeep spells. These spells and their targets
FA restrictions. must be declared before either player sets up models.
Thyron does not pay focus to upkeep these spells during
your first turn.
Permission is hereby granted to create reproductions of this page for personal, non-commercial use only.
20
COGNIFEX CYPHON
OPPRESSION OVERWHELMING
WARJACKS: UNITS: Mercenary Drudge units
Mercenary non-character SOLOS: Mercenary Cephalyx solos
monstrosities
TIER 1 TIER 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models listed Requirements: Cyphon’s battlegroup includes three or
above. more monstrosities.
Cephalyx Mind Bender Drudges units become Monstrosities in Cyphon’s battlegroup gain
FA U. Advance Move. (Before the start of the game but after both
players have deployed, a model with Advance Move can
TIER 2
make a full advance.)
Requirements: The army includes two or more Cephalyx
Agitators. TIER 4
Drudges in the army gain 2 SPD during your first Requirements: The army includes two or more Cephalyx
turn of the game. Mind Bender Drudges units.
Add a minimum-sized Cephalyx Mind Slaver
Drudges unit to the army free of cost.
EXULON TH EXUS
WILL OF DARKNESS
WARJACKS: UNITS: Cephalyx units
Mercenary non-character SOLOS: Cephalyx solos
monstrosities
TIER 1 after your first turn. When you do, choose any table edge
Requirements: The army can include only the models listed except the back of your opponent’s deployment zone. Place
above. the unit with Ambush within 3 of the chosen table edge.)
Cephalyx Overlords become FA U. Additionally, TIER 3
the army can include up to one non-Cephalyx Mercenary Requirements: The army includes four or more units.
unit if that unit includes a Cephalyx Dominator UA.
Add a Cephalyx Agitator solo to the army free of
TIER 2 cost. This solo does not count toward FA restrictions.
Requirements: The army includes one or more Cephalyx
TIER 4
Mind Slaver Drudge units.
Requirements: The army includes two or more Cephalyx
Cephalyx Mind Slaver Drudge units gain Overlord units.
Ambush. (You can choose not to deploy a unit with Ambush
Increase the FA of Cephalyx Dominators by 1. The army
at the start of the game. If it is not deployed normally, you
can include up to one additional non-Cephalyx Mercenary unit
can put it into play at the end of any of your Control Phases
if that unit includes a Cephalyx Dominator UA.
Permission is hereby granted to create reproductions of this page for personal, non-commercial use only.
21
22
THREADS OF FATE
POINT BOURNE INFIRMARY, 609 AR As she had done half a dozen times before, Haley relaxed
Victoria Haley clenched and unclenched her right fist. She her mind as well as her eyes and focused her attention on
watched intently as her fingers folded toward her palm and Dolan. A slender, ethereal thread glowing gold seemed
straightened again. Much had changed since her death and to materialize from Dolan’s chest and floated there as he
restoration, but the re-creation of the limb she had lost so worked. She knew he couldn’t see it. For a moment the
long ago held her attention above all else. She had become glowing strand faded, and Haley redoubled her efforts.
accustomed to her metal prosthetic, and the feel of flesh on flesh The thread brightened and revealed more of itself, weaving
was oddly foreign. from Dolan to the doorway and the hall beyond. There it
split in two, one part leading left and the other right. Even
At the foot of her bed, her new storm chamber powered armor
through the thick stone walls she could see the luminous
stood upon an armor rack. General Nemo had completed the
strands branching again at other junctions.
suit during her illness in hopes of raising her spirits with the
promise of continued service as a warcaster, though she had Dolan finished and said something about rest before heading
not believed that would happen. Now she was glad he had to the door. Haley nodded absently. As he spoke, the thread
taken the time to craft the suit. Its presence, and the insignia on leading to the right faded, together with all its branches. A
the right shoulder that marked her as a major, confirmed her choice had been made, extinguishing a series of possibilities.
continuing place in Cygnar’s ranks. Dolan turned left, closing the door behind him.
She and Nemo had discussed much after her unexpected Haley slid from the bed and crossed to the window. Dolan
restoration. The relic Stryker’s forces had recovered from the wouldn’t be back soon; none of his threads led in her direction.
Cryxian column, the current state of the alliance with Khador— Outside, the damage wrought by the invading Khadorans and
these events were pieces of the same puzzle. Nemo had left Cryxians lingered over Point Bourne like a pall. Displaced
Point Bourne the previous day to rendezvous with the armies citizens and soldiers roamed the streets, collecting bricks in
gathering in the southern Thornwood for a second possible wheelbarrows and hauling supplies alongside laborjacks.
assault against Asphyxious, and she yearned to join them. Haley focused on the thin strands of energy flowing from
the people toiling below. Gradually, the threads came into
A soft knock sounded on the door, and Vigilant Peer Carrick
existence, first hundreds and then thousands viewed through
Dolan stepped into the room. Dolan was the Church of Morrow’s
the foundations of buildings in the same way she had seen
foremost expert on supernatural afflictions and poisons, and
Dolan’s threads. She swayed momentarily and held the
despite Haley’s protests that the debilitating poison she had
window frame for support as the multitude of decision lines
carried within her no longer plagued her body, he continued to
washed over her.
pester her. He did so on Nemo’s orders, as she well knew.
Great spools of threads wove about churches and the makeshift
“Still feeling right as Caspian rain?” Dolan asked.
field hospitals housing the injured. She let most of them go to
“Never better,” Haley replied. focus on one—her own—which wound through the streets,
though not in the direction she had imagined it would.
Dolan chewed his lower lip and narrowed his eyes, looking her
over. “I still can’t understand it,” he said after a moment. He “South?” Haley asked aloud. She had expected to be drawn
shook his head. “I’d like to run a few more tests and keep an eye north, toward the Thornwood. She focused harder, gripping
on you for a while longer.” the windowsill. Her thread was faint and very difficult to
follow, but she saw it, pulled taut like wire and strained to the
“More tests?” Haley asked, indignant. “There’s a war on, if you
breaking point as it stretched off to the Wyrmwall Mountains.
hadn’t noticed.”
She gasped to see a roaring black vortex there that swallowed
“Major Haley, the fact that you survived the poison is the mountain tops some presence far beyond any mortal fate.
remarkable; I don’t mind saying you surprised us all. But Her thread vanished into its dark heart, a prospect she found
though I appreciate your contributions to the war effort, the war terrifying but also alluring. Something pulled at her mind,
is not my primary concern. The well-being of my patients is.” drawing her there. When she turned away, under her relief lay
an undeniable certainty.
She sighed and waved him on, and he went about his
examination. She knew he would find no sign of the poison She turned to the armor that until her restoration she had
or its effects. In truth, Haley accepted these intrusions because expected to never wear and reached for it with her mind,
they gave her an opportunity to conduct an examination of effortlessly lifting it into the air. By the time anyone came to
her own. check on her, she would be long gone.
23
MAJOR PRIME VICTORIA HALEY
There are times, and they are exceedingly rare, when someone emerges to redefine the limits of what is
and what is not possible. Major Haley has shattered everything we thought we knew.
—Artificer General Sebastian Nemo
FEAT: ARCANE
HALEY PRIME
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD SINGULARITY
Victoria Haley’s mastery of Take control of target enemy non-character warjack that has a functional
6 5 6 5 16 14 8
cortex. You can make a full advance with the warjack and can then make
time and space has served to
HAND CANNON one normal attack, then Domination expires. Domination can be cast only
refine er see in l infini e once per turn.
RNG ROF AOE POW
s i l po en i l r in
12 1 — 12 on what has been, what is, and
Enemy upkeep spells and animi on the model unit directly hit by
ECHO what will be, Haley summons
Repudiate immediately expire. An enemy model maintaining an upkeep
POW P+S a maelstrom of arcane power. spell that expired as a result of Repudiate suffers d3 damage points.
7 12 The models in this unit TACTICAL SUPREMACY
currently in this model’s Target friendly model unit can advance up to 3 after all models have
FOCUS 8
control area gain ended their activations on your turn.
DAMAGE 15
2 FOCUS for one turn
FIELD ALLOWANCE C and immediately gain While within 5 of a model in this unit, friendly models gain 2 DEF and
WARJACK POINTS +3 2 focus points. enemy models suffer 2 DEF. Temporal Flux lasts for one round.
SMALL BASE
24
25
HALEY PAST
HALEY PAST
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
After determining the point of impact for this attack, roll deviation for an
6 5 6 5 16 14 8 This model additional 3 AOE from that point. Models in that AOE are hit and suffer a
gains an additional die on POW 6 blast damage roll.
TELEKINETIC STRIKE its damage rolls.
POW P+S
5 10 This Instead of suffering a normal damage roll, a non-incorporeal model Force
model is not a warcaster Hammer hits is slammed d6 directly away from the spell’s point of origin
FOCUS 4 but has the following regardless of its base size and suffers a POW 12 damage roll. Collateral
DAMAGE 5 damage from this slam is POW 12.
warcaster special rules
FIELD ALLOWANCE C Control Area, Focus
SMALL BASE Manipulation, Power Field,
and Spellcaster. During TACTICAL TIP
your Control Phase, this FORCE HAMMER – Incorporeal models are not slammed. They just
model can allocate focus points to warjacks in Haley Prime’s suffer a damage roll.
battlegroup that are in her control area. This model can channel
spells through warjacks in Haley Prime’s battlegroup with the
arc node advantage that are in her control area. full, unfettered potential. She experienced a moment of arcane
TELEKINETIC STRIKE enlightenment and the threads of fate revealed themselves to
her, extending as an infinite web both forward and backward
in time. In this instant of clarity Haley seized these threads
and manipulated them, summoning into the present echoes of
herself from the past and future. By connecting with her own
essence she was able to summon a reflection of her former self
and make it tangible, restoring her body. This not only erased
the ravages of the poison but made her body whole, restoring
the arm she had lost years before. Her soul rejoined her body
and she awoke, alive and changed, intimately aware of the
fabric of reality around her.
26
HALEY FUTURE
HALEY FUTURE
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
Target friendly model unit gains Ghostly for one turn. (A model with
Ghostly can advance through terrain and obstacles without penalty and
6 5 6 5 16 14 8
can advance through obstructions if it has enough movement to move While this model is in
play, models in this unit
PHASE BOLT
completely past them. An affected model cannot be targeted by free RNG ROF AOE POW
strikes.) gain True Sight. (A model
— 10 3 — 13
with True Sight ignores
Return one destroyed friendly Faction Grunt to play with one unmarked concealment, Camouflage, FOCUS 4
damage box. It must be placed in this model’s control area in formation and Stealth.) DAMAGE 5
and within 3 of another model in its unit.
This FIELD ALLOWANCE C
model is not a warcaster but SMALL BASE
Though these manifestations do not speak, when both are has the following warcaster
summoned each of the three intuitively knows the pending special rules Control Area,
Focus Manipulation, Power Field, and Spellcaster. During your
actions of the others, allowing them to act in concert. Among Control Phase, this model can allocate focus points to warjacks in
them they have access to a diverse arcane arsenal collected Haley Prime’s battlegroup that are in her control area. This model
from across the span of Haley’s past and future lives. In a can channel spells through warjacks in Haley Prime’s battlegroup
flurry of martial and magical prowess, the trio unleashes a with the arc node advantage that are in her control area.
tempest of power on their foes, exploiting the fabric of time to PHASE BOLT
achieve unprecedented levels of coordinated destruction.
TACTICAL TIP
REVIVE – Remember, the Grunt can activate normally with its unit
this turn. If all models in the Grunt’s unit have been destroyed,
it cannot be placed within 3 of a model in its unit and therefore
cannot return to play.
27
DYNAMO
Dynamo’s got plenty of quirks, to be sure—but with a cannon like that, I’ll take quirky any day!
—Storm Chaser Caitlin Finch
28
29
ACE
This one’s got some mischief in it.
—Chief Mechanik Ewan Liefer
ACE ACE
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
6 7 6 7 14 15 —
RUNE SHOT CANNON When Ace makes a normal Rune Shot Cannon attack while it is in Caine’s control
RNG ROF AOE POW
area, choose one of the following Rune Shot abilities
L 14 1 — 12
The model hit does not block LOS this turn.
BATTLE AXE
POW P+S Enemy models hit are pushed d3 directly away from the attacking model. On a
R 4 11 critical hit, the enemy model is knocked down after being pushed.
If this attack directly hits, choose a model within 4 of the model hit. The chosen
DAMAGE model suffers an unboostable POW 10 magic damage roll. The point of origin for this damage is
1 2 3 4 5 6 the model hit.
Once per game during its activation, this model can use Infiltrate. This model gains
Stealth . While its controlling warcaster is B2B with this model, that warcaster also gains Stealth .
Infiltrate lasts for one round.
This model can be included in Caine’s theme forces. It can also be bonded to
Caine.
L R
This model ignores concealment, Camouflage, and Stealth.
L L M C R R
RUNE SHOT CANNON
M M C C
FIELD ALLOWANCE C
POINT COST 7
MEDIUM BASE
30
TRENCH BUSTER
CYGNAR OGRUN TRENCHER SOLO
When going over the top to rush the enemy, you want a trench buster in the lead every time.
Those ogrun are worth their weight in bullets.
—Captain Maxwell Finn
31
HURRICANE
CYGNAR COLOSSAL
Howling wind, sheets of rain, and sky-splitting thunder—after fighting alongside the Hurricane I find
those things reassuring.
—Trencher Sergeant Klaus Maverly
32
33
34
BEARING WITNESS
CENTRAL THORNWOOD, NEAR THE Vladimir nodded, focusing his gaze elsewhere. “I saw more
CENTRAL NECROFACTORIUM than enough, yes. I only regret I could not cleanse this place
The rhythmic sound of mortar fire grew louder as the combined fully. I would not rely on reports, especially given the recent
force of the Northern Crusade and the Umbrean army neared information. I feel this time is different.”
the valley where the Cryxian stronghold was under assault.
Upon the approach, the Umbrean cavalry had spread to the Since starting south to join the forces amassing in the
right while Menite vengers went left to climb the hills and gain Thornwood, the great prince had done what he could
the superior vantage. From there, they would be able to charge to maintain communication with Khador’s supreme
down to join the fray when ordered. The long column of infantry kommandant, Irusk, to coordinate their movements for the
had proceeded through a narrow entrance to the valley. coming engagement. The plan outlined a joint effort with the
Cygnarans, calling upon Severius and Vladimir to launch an
Severius rode atop a palanquin resembling a golden throne, assault from the north at his signal. Although the hierarch
resplendent in his scrutator mask, warcaster armor, and had said nothing, such orders were of no consequence to the
gleaming vestments. Although a lifetime of service had taken forces of the crusade. Perhaps the Cygnarans were content to
its toll on his body, the hierarch took pleasure in spending follow the commands of their northern rivals, but Severius
his twilight years crusading in the name of the Creator. High would assess the situation upon his arrival.
Exemplar Kreoss rode on his right, and several Protectorate
warjacks strode alongside. On his left rode the Umbrean Another round of mortar fire sounded, and the crackle of
Vladimir Tzepesci; the great prince’s warjacks were with his rifles carried on the wind. The battlefield lay just ahead.
soldiers at a distance. “Let us see what it is we face,” Severius said.
“Vile things have long flourished in this dark forest,” The sound of war became deafening as they passed the last few
Vladimir said, speaking serviceable Sulese. “We thought we blackened trees and he beheld the scene before them. Severius
had uprooted the corruption. Clearly we were mistaken.” stood on his palanquin, his scalp tightening as a chill played
Severius said, “The light of the Creator shines brightest in along his spine. Below lay a valley of death, within which
the darkest places. We will cleanse these lands with faith nothing natural remained—not grass, nor trees, nor the trickle
and resolve.” of streams. The stench of decay and necrotite choked the air.
“I am not certain you have taken a proper measure of our foe.” Dozens of enormous spires jutted from the ruined earth,
with masses of the dead swarming like insects beneath their
“The faithful have faced Cryx before. We will force them towering forms. Brilliant green light streaked from these
back.” The palanquin dipped slightly as its bearers struggled spires to lash the hills, drawing the hierarch’s gaze to the
against the tangle of roots. embattled forces there. Each blast tore agonized screams
“I thought the same when I discovered their foothold here from trenchers and Winter Guard alike as it snuffed out their
years ago. The concentration of their strength is greater than lives and snatched their souls to be fed to the necrofactorium,
you imagine.” The prince faced forward as he spoke, eyes the promise of Urcaen lost to them forever. In the depths of
scanning the thick trees. Severius admired his vigilance. It this valley dwelled certain ruination.
was a shame the man was a heretic, carrying the tainted Severius felt the spiritual void before him and ice flowed
blood of his line and dancing on the puppet strings of the Old through his veins. It was one thing to know how Cryx abused
Witch. With the proper guidance and willingness to forsake the souls of the fallen but another to see depravity on such a
his legacy he might have made a good Menite. scale with his own eyes. Every soul torn from flesh here was
“I read the reports of the Battle of the Temple Garrodh,” stolen from the Creator. Yet amid his horror shone a flicker
Severius said. “The Cryxian armies there were all but of hope looking upon the desperate battle, he understood
destroyed, swallowed by the earth.” a way Cryx’s gluttony for souls might eventually be turned
against them. Such a course would require great sacrifice, but
“So many thought, including our kommandants as well as the lich lords of Cryx would suffer a blow from which they
Cygnaran commanders. We underestimated the enemy. would not soon recover. Menoth had led him to this precipice
Such evil must be seen firsthand to be fully comprehended.” so he might observe something only his eyes could see.
“I also read of your significant role in the events surrounding “Menoth give me strength,” intoned the hierarch. He gripped
the temple.” The hierarch’s words carried an edge, for it was his staff, feeling a familiar fire kindle within his breast despite
Vladimir who had struck down the Harbinger at the height his age. In that moment he felt not despair but steadfast resolve.
of the conflict. He did not fear death, so long as his life served the Creator.
35
ANSON DURST, ROCK OF THE FAITH
PROTECTORATE PALADIN WARCASTER
Let our enemies come, for the Rock of the Faith stands in their way.
—High Paladin Dartan Vilmon
DURST
Rampart Guardian Stance – During its activation, this model Already remarked for his size and strength, Durst was
can forfeit its movement or action to gain Cornerstone for one recruited into the Order of the Wall at the age of ten. He
round. (A model with Cornerstone cannot be knocked down,
endured training that had been perfected to forge youths
placed, pushed, or made stationary, and friendly models B2B
with a model with Cornerstone cannot be knocked down, into unyielding guardians of the faith. He took readily to
placed, pushed, or made stationary.) combat training, but his mighty temper nearly undid him.
Retaliatory Strike – When this model is hit by a melee attack
When a rage-fueled scuffle at the age of twelve resulted
made by an enemy model during your opponent’s turn, after
the attack is resolved this model can immediately make one in him killing another boy, the tragic event scarred Durst
normal melee attack against that model. This model can make deeply. Shame drove him to an intense commitment to the
one Retaliatory Strike per turn. paladin code. He still seeks to atone for the stain on his soul,
RECOMPENSE finding solace in the discipline of his order and employing
Magical Weapon his strength to protect others.
Reach His soldier’s life guarding the Protectorate’s border at
Weapon Master a northern garrison was changed drastically by the late
Eruption of Ash If a model is boxed by an attack made with discovery of his warcaster gift. He was thrust into the role
this weapon, center a 3 AOE cloud effect on the boxed model of military leader during the onset of the Cygnaran invasion
and then remove that model from play. The AOE remains in
of Sul. Durst earned his epithet fighting as part of a force
play for one round. Enemy models in the AOE when it was put
in play are hit and suffer a POW 12 fire damage roll . Enemy of Temple Flameguard and paladins to repel wave after
models entering or ending their activation in the AOE suffer wave of invading soldiers. As the war raged on, countless
a POW 12 fire damage roll . Eruption of Ash damage rolls times he used his powers to prevent harm to his men. His
cannot be boosted.
machines advance in tight formation alongside his soldiers,
ready to receive blows intended for them.
TACTICAL TIP Though committed to his oaths, Anson Durst is first and
BOUNDLESS CHARGE – Modifiers to movement apply only to a foremost a military asset of the Protectorate. His main desire
model’s normal movement. is to stand between the faithful and their enemies, but the
Great Crusade requires him to obey priests who sometimes
Anson Durst is the rock on which the enemies of the see him as a weapon with which to crush the faithless. Ever
Protectorate break, a bulwark to the faithful who weathers true to his faith and his paladin oath, he continually seeks to
tides of violence to keep blameless Menites safe. Though he find balance between his duty as a warcaster and remaining
has no interest in the theosophical ruminations occupying true to his code.
some of his brothers, none can question his devotion to the
paladin creed.
36
37
PURIFIER
PROTECTORATE LIGHT WARJACK
The road to redemption is paved with the ashes of disbelief.
—Vice Scrutator Vindictus
IMMOLATOR
Chain Attack: Combustion –
L R If this model hits the same
model with both its initial
L L M C R R attacks with this weapon,
M M C C after resolving the attacks
it can immediately make
one additional melee attack
FIELD ALLOWANCE U
against that model. If the
POINT COST 5
additional attack hits,
MEDIUM BASE models within 2 of this
model suffer a POW 12 fire
damage roll and the
Fire continuous effect .
Chain Weapon – This attack ignores the Buckler and
Shield weapon qualities and Shield Wall.
38
HAND OF JUDGMENT
PROTECTORATE CHARACTER HEAVY WARJACK
Let the fires of your resolve burn a path to victory.
—Visgoth Ark Razek
TACTICAL TIP
SPECIAL ISSUE – This only gives the warjack the potential to bond to the warcaster. L R
It does not automatically add a bond.
L L M C R R
M M C C
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 12´/ 8.5 TONS
ARMAMENT: IMMOLATOR CANNON (LEFT ARM), FLAME OF TRUTH (RIGHT ARM) FIELD ALLOWANCE C
FUEL LOAD/BURN USAGE: 837 LBS / 6 HRS GENERAL, 60 MINS COMBAT POINT COST 10
INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 607 AR LARGE BASE
CORTEX MANUFACTURER: VASSALS OF MENOTH
ORIG. CHASSIS DESIGN: SUL-MENITE ARTIFICERS
39
REVELATOR
PROTECTORATE COLOSSAL
There can be no escape from the fires of judgment.
—Vice Scrutator Vindictus
40
41
PYRRHUS, FLAMEGUARD HERO
PROTECTORATE TEMPLE FLAMEGUARD CHARACTER SOLO
Only by faith and strength can this shattered world be remade.
—Pyrrhus
From the day the boy Pyrrhus decided his true purpose
lay not in this life but in service to the Creator in the next,
he dedicated himself to self-improvement. He needed to
become the ultimate mortal soldier if he were to eventually
bring triumph to Menoth in the eternal War of Souls in
42
43
44
UNTAMABLE
SOUTHWESTERN THORNWOOD, “Does your high obavnik often give gifts?” Orsus gave
COMBINED ARMY ENCAMPMENT Zerkova a sideways glance.
Orsus Zoktavir clapped a massive hand to the closer of the
argus’ twin heads and smoothed its fur before cinching the After a pause she said, “Its name is Ruin. It has proven . . .
next strap of its armor. As he let go, the argus gave a bite to difficult to control. It crushed its controller during a field test
his forearm and shook its head. This might have dislocated outside Khardov and would heed no commands. Several
the shoulder of a lesser man, but the Butcher of Khardov only Greylords were likewise killed before it ran out of fuel.”
wrapped his free arm around the other head and applied Zerkova nodded to the argus and then Fenris. “Given your
pressure until the first relented. affinity for the untamable, the Covenant has deemed you
suitable to test its use in battle. Place your hand on the chassis.
While the rest of the camp bristled with preparations for the I will relinquish my hold, though you must be quick to seize
upcoming battle, the corner Orsus and his men occupied the cortex. Ruin will not remain idle if left to its own devices.”
remained relatively quiet. Dozens of masked doom reavers
stood scattered around him. Fenris stood nearest, obscured Orsus ran a hand over the warjack. He felt a strange rapport
by the shadow of his nightmare steed. Orsus brooded, the with the machine and its seething anger. “Ruin,” he said. “A
lingering anger over the recent attempt on Empress Vanar’s good name. Why not claim it for yourself?”
life first in his thoughts. He could not entirely dispel the icy She gave him a tight smile. “Orders are orders.”
feeling of dread that had filled his veins when he heard the
sounds of violence within the tent where she was meeting the Orsus felt Zerkova surrender her bond to the cortex. Almost
Cygnaran king. immediately the warjack hunkered and raised its arms to
readiness. It pulled back its mace, but the arm froze as Orsus
“Orsus Zoktavir,” said an authoritative feminine voice plunged his mind into its cortex, swiftly delivering the code
behind him. He turned to find Kommander Aleksandra images to seize control. He had done this countless times, but
Zerkova, flanked by a pair of reaver guards. The weapons this felt very different. Whispers suddenly flooded his mind, as
they bore were clearly of Orgoth origin. His eye was drawn though he were surrounded by a legion of ghosts. For a moment
to an unknown warjack behind them, which emitted a low it was as if his mind were not his own. Rage filled him and
rumble as exhaust rolled from its smokestacks. he felt a strong urge to seize the haft of his axe. He restrained
“Kommander Zerkova.” He’d had little interaction with the himself with effort, gritting his teeth to force the voices to quiet.
warcaster, but even among the secretive and manipulative “You see?” Zerkova asked softly. “Only the strongest
Greylords, Zerkova carried a particularly sinister reputation. warcasters can endure it.”
The insignia on her tabard indicated a promotion to Obavnik,
one of the highest ranks within the Covenant. He asked, “You will fight alongside me in the assault?” It was
clear she desired the machine. She hoped to see him perish so
She took in the lay of the camp with her good eye, the other she could reclaim it. He intended to see her disappointed, to
being scarred over by some past trauma. “I come bearing master this machine.
a gift from Khardov,” Zerkova said. Her gaze returned to
him. Orsus felt as though she were mentally dissecting She frowned. “As much as I would enjoy joining you in
him. The argus behind him growled, and the other came seizing the necrofactorium and plumbing its depths, I have
alongside, sensing his unease. Zerkova merely indicated the other duties. I am to stay at Empress Vanar’s side.”
warjack rumbling behind her. “The high obavnik arbiter has Orsus flinched as if struck. Once again he saw the empress
granted you use of this machine in the coming battle. It is stumbling as a death-fueled construct lunged at her. That
one of a kind.” he hadn’t been chosen to oversee her safety opened an old
Suspicious, Orsus frowned but stepped closer and looked the wound in his mind. “What? Why?” The words sounded
’jack over. Its chassis resembled existing designs, but the relics more hostile than he had intended.
attached to it were another matter. One fist gripped a huge Zerkova looked to Ruin and back. “There are times we must
blackened mace, and the armored plate along the back of the obey and play the role given us.” Her tone was cold and
other fist had been shaped from an ornate Orgoth buckler suggested a meaning he did not apprehend. Of course she
and glowed with sinister power. Orgoth runes marked both must obey the empress. To do otherwise was unthinkable.
artifacts as well as other ornaments affixed to the machine
and the metal plates bolted to the cowling around its head. Without another word, the obavnik turned and walked away,
He thought he could hear indistinct whispers and felt a her reaver guards following. A strong wind pulled at her coat
strong desire to connect with its cortex. and the scattered tents. Orsus barely heard its howl over the
whispers filling his mind.
45
OBAVNIK KOMMANDER ZERKOVA & REAVER GUARD
It is remarkable what one can achieve when freed from the limitations of mediocre minds and superstition.
—Aleksandra Zerkova
FEAT: ARCANE
ZERKOVA
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
CONVERGENCE
Drawing upon a lifetime Enemy upkeep spells on target friendly model/unit expire. Affected
6 5 6 5 15 15 9 models cannot be targeted by enemy spells or animi.
spent gathering forbidden
ORGOTH BLADE knowledge, Aleksandra
POW P+S Zerkova summons a torrent of A model hit by Dissolution Bolt cannot channel spells for one round.
7 12 raw arcane power for her allies
FOCUS 7 to seize upon and shape. Hoarfrost causes cold damage . On a critical hit, models in the AOE
DAMAGE 16Each friendly Faction become stationary for one round unless they have Immunity: Cold .
FIELD ALLOWANCE Cmodel currently in
WARJACK POINTS +4Zerkova’s control area While in this model’s control area, friendly Faction models gain an
can immediately cast one additional die on their magic attack rolls this turn.
SMALL BASE
spell without spending
focus, performing a special Remove one friendly living Faction model in this model’s control area
action, or performing a special attack. from play to allocate 1 focus point to each warjack in this model’s
battlegroup that is currently in its control area. Sacrificial Lamb can be cast
ZERKOVA only once per turn.
Immunity: Cold
This model can channel spells through target friendly model as if it were a
model in this model’s battlegroup with Arc Node .
This model is a Greylord model.
Friendly Greylord models/units in
this model’s command range never flee and immediately rally. TACTICAL TIPS
This model cannot be targeted by enemy spells. DISSOLUTION BOLT – Channeling a spell includes casting a spell
If this model is disabled by an enemy attack, through a channeler as well as being the channeler.
you can choose a non-disabled model in this unit within 3 of SACRIFICIAL LAMB – A warjack cannot exceed normal focus allocation
this model to be destroyed. If another model is destroyed as a limits as a result of Sacrificial Lamb.
result of Self-Sacrifice, this model heals 1 damage point.
This unit is made up of Zerkova and 2 Reaver a vault containing the frozen Iosan god Nyssor, a find of
Guards.
enormous significance. Her studies were cut short by Iosan
ORGOTH BLADE strikes on two hidden Greylord facilities deep in Khador.
Desperate, Zerkova ultimately entered into an unsanctioned
When making an attack with this weapon, ignore collaboration with the unliving elven warcaster Goreshade
spell effects that add to a model’s ARM or DEF. in a failed attempt to recover the frozen Nyss vault, which
was secured by the Retribution of Scyrah and returned to
Through a combination of fearsome reputation, ruthless Ios. Despite the outcome, Zerkova herself considers the
tactics, and intimate knowledge of the occult, Aleksandra endeavor well worth the risk, which demonstrates the
Zerkova has scaled the ranks of the Greylords Covenant lengths she is willing to go for knowledge—even to the point
faster than any might have believed possible. Elusive in the of provoking hostilities with foreign powers without regard
extreme, the warcaster has vanished for months on end with for the plans of the empire or the desires of her superiors.
little to no explanation, each time returning with yet more Even considering the significant autonomy Greylords are
artifacts and tomes of forgotten lore to add to her collection. ordinarily allowed, Zerkova has gone well beyond her
Her willingness to utilize any knowledge available has made purview, taking advantage of hidden budgets and loopholes
her increasingly dangerous. For Zerkova, military protocols in the bureaucracy to maintain her operations.
and conventional morality are weaknesses to exploit rather
Despite increased scrutiny from organizations responsible
than principles to be followed. She plays a dangerous game
for internal security, such as the Greylords own Prikaz
as she pursues even the darkest of the forbidden dark arts,
Chancellery, Zerkova has continued to consolidate her
but time and again she has proven to be a master of the
position, establishing undisclosed bases of operation
occult as well as in espionage.
throughout Khador and occupied Llael. While Prikaz agents
Recently Zerkova was involved in the secret seizure and have dogged her footsteps for years, on the trail of budgetary
investigation of a powerful Nyss relic recovered from irregularities, Zerkova’s intricate and deeply rooted network
Korsk. Unknowingly she had taken into her possession of informants has kept her several paces ahead.
46
47
high obavnik clearly finds Zerkova’s research invaluable
REAVER GUARD and prizes her successes above the questionable nature of
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD her methods. He, too, seeks to empower the Motherland
6 7 7 4 13 15 7
by delving into dark mysteries. In response to concerns
When this model FELL AXE regarding Zerkova’s disregard for the chain of command,
destroys one or more POW P+S
models with a melee attack 5 12 the High Obavnik promoted the warcaster to the rank
during its combat action, of Obavnik, shielding her from interference within the
DAMAGE 5
immediately after the attack order. Now she is beyond the reach of all but a handful of
is resolved it must make SMALL BASE
people—most particularly Great Vizier Blaustavya, whose
one additional melee attack
against another model in its agents have their eye on her. Zerkova has recently earned
melee range. the confidence of the empress herself, though, once again
When an enemy model advances and ends proving her capability of anticipating the moves of those
its movement within 6 of this model and in its LOS, this model who would oppose her.
can immediately charge it. If it does, it cannot make another
counter charge until after your next turn. This model cannot As her reputation has grown, so has the degree of fear
make a counter charge while engaged. she inspires in her fellow Greylords. More than a few of
This model is a Doom Reaver model. Zerkova’s detractors have disappeared without a trace,
This model cannot be targeted by enemy spells. and those who were once highly vocal in their assertions
of wrongdoing have grown strangely quiet. It has not gone
This model does not have to make Berserk attacks.
unnoticed that many of her subordinates have also met
FELL AXE untimely ends. Nevertheless, those who desire to plumb the
mysteries of the occult continue to seek her patronage and
serve her with zealous devotion.
48
MAD DOG
The key to mastering a mad dog is to keep it on a short leash—and know when to let go.
—Kommander Oleg Strakhov
At the end of any activation in which this model spent 1 or more focus points, roll a d6. R 3 14
If the roll is equal to or less than the number of focus points spent, this model explodes and models
DAMAGE
within 3 of it suffer an unboostable POW 14 blast damage roll. Remove this model from play.
1 2 3 4 5 6
49
RAGER
Nothing keeps a man alive like a wall of Khadoran steel.
—Korporal Miloslav Zhabin
RAGER
RAGER
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD This model can run or charge without spending focus or being forced.
4 11 5 3 11 18 — Once per round, when a friendly model is directly hit by a ranged attack during your
SHIELD CANNON opponent’s turn while within 2 of this model, you can choose to have this model directly hit instead.
RNG ROF AOE POW This model is automatically hit and suffers all damage and effects. This model cannot use Shield
L 8 1 — 15 Guard if it is incorporeal, knocked down, or stationary.
SHIELD At the end of any activation in which this model spent 1 or more focus points, roll a d6.
POW P+S If the roll is equal to or less than the number of focus points spent, this model explodes and models
L 1 12 within 3 of it suffer an unboostable POW 14 blast damage roll. Remove this model from play.
GLADIUS SHIELD
POW P+S
R 4 15
50
RUIN
To place a deranged weapon in the hands of a deranged man is surely madness.
—Forward Kommander Sorscha Kratikoff
L R
obavnik ordered Ruin’s
TACTICAL TIPS transfer to Orsus Zoktavir, a L L M C R R
DISPEL – Because they expire immediately, upkeep spells that had an man with a proven affinity
effect when the model was hit or damaged will have no effect.
M M C C
with doom reavers, in
ORGOTH SEAL – The attacking model does not suffer damage if the an attempt to exploit the FIELD ALLOWANCE C
model with Orgoth Seal is no longer in play after the attack is resolved.
weapons for the Motherland POINT COST 10
SPECIAL ISSUE – This only gives the warjack the potential to bond to the
whatever the cost. LARGE BASE
warcaster. It does not automatically add a bond.
51
VICTOR
KHADOR COLOSSAL
War is the mother of industry.
— Khadoran Mechaniks Assembly proverb
While the old guard among the Assembly dismiss the Victor
as overly complicated and worry it will require prohibitive
maintenance, most see it as a step forward in Khadoran
engineering. The advances developed during its production
are expected to lead to future innovations in armament for
the empire.
52
53
54
UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES
IOS, NORTHEAST OF SHYRR drag you out kicking and screaming?” He looked to each
The hooves of undead mounts battered the forest floor in a eldritch in turn. “The Dawnguard are short-sighted imbeciles.
swift yet silent gait as the ethereal forms barreled through But you—some of the greatest minds of your time!—you have
trees and undergrowth to carry their riders ever deeper no excuse for years of cowardly inaction.”
into Ios. Goreshade had set out from Eversael two days
The words hit their mark. Lothvyn hissed and looked toward
earlier with a host of eldritch and banes riding at his back.
the village, drawing his weapon, and several other eldritch
His circuitous route to the capital had swung them north
followed suit. “We will prove our resolve,” he said.
and west in hopes of avoiding undue attention, but even
proceeding with caution they had still needed to actively “No!” Goreshade said sharply. “At least, not yet. We must
evade far-reaching patrols. That they were not alone in their know more. This force is but a raiding party.”
incursion, however, was soon apparent.
Once the last of the skorne and their captives had departed
They discovered the smoldering ruins of a village late in the the village, Goreshade urged his steed from among the trees.
first day. Near midday on the second, they spotted several Lothvyn and the other eldritch followed, Suneater and his
columns of smoke rising into the sky far to the north. Here and bane thralls trailing behind. Black smoke swirled around
there, the thralls riding at the northernmost limits of the group them before billowing into the sky in a fountain of ash. A
came upon tracks of both men and beasts. roof collapsed with a crash, and a cloud of sparks rose from
beneath it to flare and die. Tracks lay thick upon the ground.
“Warriors from across the sands,” Goreshade said as they
reined in their mounts in the forest outside a village. He Goreshade said, “This group is too feeble to have made it
had diverted their course to inspect the source of smoke through the border on their own. From the smoke, it is clear
nearby, and now they watched through the trees as pale, they intended to attract attention, though to what end?”
armored soldiers in red and gold torched the remaining
“We will be spotted ourselves if we are not careful,” Lothvyn
structures and clapped survivors in irons. Thick chains ran
said.
from one set of wrists to the next, and the steady crack of
whips forced the prisoners into orderly lines. Although Goreshade guided his mount around the roaring remains of
Goreshade’s knowledge of the marauders was secondhand, the village, taking in the gruesome details. Here and there
he recognized them as skorne—the same vicious race that limbs and heads lay on the ground near the Iosan bodies
had pursued his people in their exodus from Lyoss after the they had been severed from, including some hands still
destruction of the Bridge of Worlds. gripping the hilts of blades. There were no skorne corpses;
if the attackers had suffered casualties, they had taken away
“An invasion! Where are the Dawnguard?” Lothvyn asked
the fallen. Goreshade’s eyes narrowed. Too many questions
from Goreshade’s side. Despite his initial hostility, the former
remained. The fact that this force was connected to an army
Silowuyr noble’s disposition had changed considerably after
was all but certain.
he had been bested beneath the ruins of Eversael. Thus far,
the eldritch had proven himself knowledgeable of the area’s His mind turned to the capital and its defenses. In all his
comings and goings despite his exile, and Goreshade felt no planning, dealing with Shyrr’s defenders—most notably
regret at sparing his existence. House Silowuyr—had been least clear in his mind. The
presence of the skorne so near opened up a number of
“Hiding,” Goreshade said, his voice heavy with disdain for
possibilities.
the self-righteous knights of House Nyarr who traditionally
protected this region. His gaze lingered over the column of “We will follow these raiders and discover their intentions,”
Iosans being led from the village, youths and even some few Goreshade said.
children among them. “Cowering behind their walls while
“What of the capital?” Lothvyn asked.
those who depend on them fall prey to barbarians.” His race
had grown weak in his absence, and the thought of the once- “This will help prepare the way. Send word to our forces
great people falling to outside aggression goaded him deeply. beyond the border to make ready. We may need to seize an
opportunity at short notice.”
“They stay comfortable in their strongholds, abandoning the
rest to ruin,” Lothvyn said. Goreshade gripped the hilt of Voass, feeling the thrum of
power from the blade. Never had he been so close to achieving
Hearing this from a fallen member of House Silowuyr, whose
his goals. Although the presence of the skorne was unexpected,
members dedicated themselves purely to the defense of Shyrr,
he felt confident he could accommodate for them in his plans.
grated on Goreshade. “What of you?” he snapped. “How many
centuries did you spend hiding in Eversael before I came to If Ios must burn before it could be saved, so be it.
55
DENEG H RA, THE SOU L WEA VER
The darkness she commands echoes those forces within her soul.
—The Witch Coven of Garlghast
56
57
BARATHRUM
Within Barathrum rages a soul that howls and thrashes at its restraints, but against the iron will of
Lich Lord Terminus it has no choice but to obey.
—Master Necrotech Mortenebra
BARATHRUM
TACTICAL TIPS
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD DRAG BELOW – Because the boxed model is removed from play
6 10 8 5 13 17 — Terror before being destroyed, it does not generate a soul or corpse token.
TALON Counter Charge – When SOUL DRIVE – A warjack cannot exceed normal focus allocation
POW P+S limits as a result of Soul Drive.
an enemy model advances
L 7 17 and ends its movement SPECIAL ISSUE – This only gives the warjack the potential to bond to
TALON within 6 of this model the warcaster. It does not automatically add a bond.
POW P+S and in its LOS, this model
R 7 17 can immediately charge it.
If it does, it cannot make
TUSKS HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 12´ / 6.5 TONS
another counter charge
POW P+S ARMAMENT: TALON (LEFT AND RIGHT ARMS), TUSKS (HEAD)
until after your next turn.
— 2 12 This model cannot make FUEL LOAD/BURN USAGE: 99 LBS NECROTITE, 265 LBS COAL / 12 HRS GENERAL, 2 HRS COMBAT
a counter charge while INITIAL SERVICE DATE: UNKNOWN
DAMAGE engaged. CORTEX MANUFACTURER: MASTER NECROTECH VERRIK KURR
1 2 3 4 5 6
Dig In ( This ORIG. CHASSIS DESIGN: UNKNOWN
model gains cover, does not
suffer blast damage, and
does not block LOS. The Lich Lord Terminus took an interest in this helljack after
model remains dug in until Kurr’s disappearance and claimed it as his own. Likely he
it moves, is placed, or is was intrigued by the helljack’s unusual intellect and will. In
L R engaged. The model cannot
the years since, the lich lord has spent considerable effort
dig into solid rock or man-
L L M C R R to bend the crazed machine to his will. Barathrum has
made constructions. This
M M C C model can begin the game slowly developed a measure of restraint—or perhaps more
dug in. accurately, fear and respect—for its master.
FIELD ALLOWANCE C During
POINT COST 10
this model’s activation, Through the application of the lich lord’s undeniable resolve,
LARGE BASE immediately after resolving the helljack has learned the arts of patience and subterfuge.
an attack in which it boxed No longer does the machine’s cortex constantly submit to
a living enemy model, this
the incessant rage of its soul drive. Instead, the helljack
model can use Drag Below. The boxed model is removed from
play and this model can immediately make a full advance and burrows with its massive talons to await the footfalls of the
then perform a Dig In special action, then its activation ends. living. Once its prey is within reach, Barathrum explodes
Soul Drive – This model is allocated 1 additional focus point from the ground in a shower of soil and black iron amid
during your Control Phase. a cloud of necrotite fumes to seize its victims and drag
This model can be included in them screaming beneath the earth to a premature burial.
Terminus’s theme forces. It can also be bonded to Terminus. Few things are as demoralizing to the infantry of the Iron
Kingdoms as seeing a string of comrades swallowed by the
If this weapon damages a warjack that is part of a very ground on which they tread.
battlegroup, its controller suffers 1 damage point.
The rage-fueled viciousness of the spirits trapped within
the helljack’s soul drive has only grown more terrible
Among Master Necrotech Verrik Kurr’s final and most in its time under Terminus’ command. Once Barathrum
unusual fabrications, Barathrum is a mechanized terror is let loose to rampage, this maleficence reasserts itself.
born from the nightmares of a lunatic. The machine was Committing to slaughter with reckless abandon, the ’jack
crafted at the height of Kurr’s brilliance even as he began his cleaves men in two with its shoveled hands and impales
descent into madness and exploits similar necrotechnology others on its tusks. When it ultimately plunges out of
as was employed in the Seether. Its soul drive is of a similar sight, it is often with yet another victim in tow—a trophy
design as that of its predecessor, and the tormented souls sentenced to a horrific death.
that fuel this device lend it the same unpredictable ferocity.
Barathrum’s form is distinct, however, with great scooping
talons that enable it to burrow into the earth and emerge
elsewhere with terrifying alacrity.
58
59
SEPULCHER
We shall reduce their lands to fields of slaughter and reap what we sow.
—Lich Lord Terminus
60
61
SHRIKE
Once you hear its horrific shriek, it’s too late for anything but prayer.
—Temple Flameguard Mordecai Penthorne
62
SOUL TRAPPER
No life is sacred, no soul out of reach.
—Iron Lich Tremulus
63
64
MARCHING ORDERS
IOS, EAST OF THE GATE OF MISTS walking a path he cannot. Know that he is glad we are here,
Two dozen of House Ellowuyr’s finest swordsmen traveled an though he cannot openly acknowledge this.
ill-used path through the northern reaches of the Mistbough.
“I march not to fight the enemy alone, nor to join the Homeguard
Each was committed to the rites and traditions of their house,
Coalition. Rather I have chosen to join those who we called our
which bound them to their blades, to their fighting discipline,
rivals House Shyeel, House Vyre—even the Dawnguard of
and to one another. Foreign invaders had brought war to Ios,
House Nyarr.” A murmur rippled through the warriors; each
and their blood stirred. Boasts and promises conveyed their
of those houses was allied to the Retribution of Scyrah. Thyron
excitement and apprehension alike.
continued, “This is not a temporary measure, nor is the choice
“I’ve heard of new invasions north of the capital,” said Rayl, based solely on the enemy incursions. I have chosen to aid the
the youngest of the volunteers. “Rumor has it the village Retribution by any means necessary. The rest of our house may
of Yren was enslaved and Shynl burned. I’m surprised we never follow, though I am not alone in my thinking.”
aren’t marching there.”
Silence hung over the soldiers. Rayl looked at the bewildered
“The main skorne army threatens Iryss from the south, faces around him. He knew individual nobles of some the
coming through the Twilight Gate,” sneered Fynar, a lesser houses had similarly gone over to the radical sect,
bladesman of the first mark. “That is where we go. Leave the taking their liegemen. But they were House Ellowuyr, held to
north to the dogs of Nyarr. The loss of those villages is their a higher standard. Conflicting emotions tightened his chest.
shame, not ours.” He had never heard the Retribution spoken of with anything
but scorn and loathing. That Thyron embraced their cause
Rayl reflected that these incursions were a mark against all
was beyond shocking, yet it also made him wonder if his
the great military houses but only said, “I wonder which
own presumptions had been wrong.
coalition houses we’ll be fighting alongside.”
“I know your loyalty, but I do not order you to join me. This
“Worried?” asked Melyna, to his left. She walked with a
decision is yours alone, and you are free to turn back. I would
nonchalant stride, her blade balanced across her thin shoulders.
only say that some threats must be confronted to avoid a
Rayl shrugged. “Curious. What about you?” greater disaster. Blood spared on the front will be exacted
tenfold from the innocent in our cities. Beyond this foe, our
“No. We have him.” Melyna nodded toward Thyron at the head
enemies are myriad. They would be glad to see us extinct. Let
of the column. He loomed over the other warriors, his cape
us stand for our house among those who already bleed for Ios,
and ornate helmet suggesting his noble standing, with a pair
accepting risks refused by those bound by tradition. I will go
of large, graceful myrmidons in Ellowuyr colors flanking him.
on alone, if need be.”
The noble’s skill with the blade combined with his warcaster
talent and leadership made him a unique asset. Rayl had The issyr’s stern gaze moved from one swordsman to the
seen the issyr best several adept opponents simultaneously, next. A part of Rayl longed to return to his house, but another
demonstrating flawless technique and blinding speed. ached to take up arms against their foes. He was not alone
in having marveled at the return of Nyssor and enviously
The path turned and they reached a clearing occupied only
watched the triumphant procession of Incissar Vyros of the
by the ruins of a watchtower. From here the trail split, one
Dawnguard. The Retribution did not seem loathsome. How
strand heading west to Iryss while the other disappeared
could a group so committed to the preservation of Ios deserve
deeper into the Mistbough. Thyron raised a hand and
censure? He knew what he must do.
brought the column to a halt. He climbed atop the remains of
a low wall and looked out over the gathered Ellowuyr elite. Before he could speak, a voice cried out, “Allegiance to you,
Issyr!” Rayl turned to see Melyna with a fist pressed against
“My brothers and sisters, I hold each of you in tremendous
the ceremonial knife fitted to her shoulder.
regard for volunteering to join me. Before we proceed, I need
to clarify our situation. “Allegiance to you, Issyr!” Rayl shouted, placing a fist over
his own shoulder. He exchanged looks with Melyna and
“As you know, our nation faces an invasion for the first time
Fynar, seeing his excitement reflected in their eyes. One by
in history. We must draw upon every resource, employ every
one those around him took up the cry.
tactic. Consul Brysor is limited by the political realities of
the Consulate Court, and the majority of the warriors of our “Very well,” Thyron said, smiling at last. “Let us show the
house have been ordered to remain at Aeryth Ellowuyr to Retribution the true steel of Ios. We bring them the sword of
guard the interior. That is not what I intend. It is in times like Ellowuyr!”
these when a trusted few must serve in the consul’s stead,
65
THYRON, SWORD OF TRUTH
RETRIBUTION WARCASTER
Advance without relenting. Strike without error. Kill without remorse.
—Lyslan, Sword Master of Aeryth Ellowuy
66
67
MOROS
RETRIBUTION CHARACTER LIGHT MYRMIDON
In this myrmidon, we have succeeded in distilling the qualities that make the Blade of Retribution a
peerless killer: cunning, stealth, and a fearless unpredictability.
—Keldeacon Synvas Uithuyr, at the presentation of Moros
68
69
HELIOS
RETRIBUTION COLOSSAL MYRMIDON
The enemy will move when we say they move, attack where we say they attack.
—Adeptis Rahn of House Shyeel
70
71
HOUSE VYRE ELECTROMANCERS
RETRIBUTION UNIT
Our fingertips crackle with the portent of destruction, and before our eyes flicker apparitions of ruin.
—Master Electromancer Ellynara of House Vyre
72
SOULLESS VOIDTRACER
RETRIBUTION MAGE HUNTER SOLO
We shall hone each and every resource at our disposal into an instrument of war.
Victory demands nothing less.
—Keldeacon Synvas Uithuyr
TWO-HANDED SWORD
Magical Weapon
Reach
73
74
EARLY DEPARTURES
CEPHALYX TUNNELS BELOW THE limbs clattered as they moved to compensate for the vibrations.
THORNWOOD NECROFACTORIUM “No more than the upper levels will be lost to the mortals.”
Cognifex Cyphon cocked his head and listened as another
explosion sounded far above him. From his place within “Upper levels contain projects of import,” he said.
the sanitation chamber linking cephalyx and Cryxian levels Mortenebra nodded. “I, too, have work housed nearby,”
of the hive, the cognifex could sense mental and emotional she said. “If we act quickly, some of these projects may be
emanations from both human armies above and the cephalyx saved. Doing so will require a diversion. The drudges and
remaining in the upper levels. Fear and doubt radiated from the monstrosities created since the last battle should suffice. I have
invading forces. In contrast, members of the hive demonstrated been instructed by Lich Lord Asphyxious to remain with the
heightened urgency and awareness, but those thoughts hive and assist with any complications.”
were efficient and focused. A good number of lower-ranking
cephalyx had gathered their drudges to contribute to the fight Immediately Cyphon’s mind factored in these potential losses
above. Behind Cyphon, a pair of warden monstrosities stood in against the gains they had seen from the alliance with the
silent vigilance. undead. The inefficiency from faulty planning hovered at the
edge of acceptable limits, yet the survival of the hive outweighed
Already the exulons had retreated deeper underground, and any other considerations. The commitment of an irreplaceable
persistent queries from remaining cephalyx petitioned his asset like Mortenebra at least signified the lich lord did not plan
mind, many disregarding the etiquette for such communication to entirely abandon them.
in favor of expedience. Contingencies had been set in place
for this very threat, but the assault on the necrofactorium was “Submit alternative action plan,” Cyphon said. The clamor
early by several weeks, and what was to have been a calculated above was growing steadily louder, and even now, a dozen
withdrawal now contained a greater number of variables. What cephalyx telepathically pressed him for information.
aggravated Cyphon the most was that Thexus had left to attend “A not inconsequential number of thralls have been sent to
to some urgent matter with the hive’s northernmost holdings, assist your drudges in finishing the closure of the tunnels. We
which forced Cyphon to coordinate matters on the exulon’s must buy them time to complete their task.”
behalf. The descent of the remaining exulons deeper into the
hive to avoid the unpleasant prospect of speaking with their “Current resources are insufficient to stall the advance,” Cyphon
Cryxian allies only amplified his discomfort with the situation. replied. “Cryxian retreat implies a low probability of success.”
A series of metallic clacking sounds issued from the opposite The warcaster appeared unfazed. “We must prod the enemy
end of the chamber, and Master Necrotech Mortenebra entered and draw them to tunnels of our choosing, which we will
the room with a pair of helljacks flanking her fabricated form. A collapse upon them. They will suffer casualties. By granting
sense of revulsion washed over Cyphon at the sight of her. He them victory on our terms, we shall direct their investigations
possessed no strong biases against Cryxians, but Mortenebra away from tunnels yet to be sealed.”
had once been a disciple of the Maiden of Gears, and the taint “At considerable cost.”
of the association remained—her necromechanikal body was
not so different from those used by the Convergence of Cyriss. “There is no other way to preserve the experiments and protect
Even so, he was here on orders from the exulons to assess the the hive,” Mortenebra said. “The losses are acceptable. Delay
situation and pressure their allies. will only increase inefficiency. Consider also the resources and
data that might be collected on such an excursion.”
uery Entity Asphyxious projected distant date for attack
by externals. Explain discrepancy. As soon as he sent this Behind Cyphon, the monstrosities shifted in their mindless
mental message, Cyphon sensed it had not connected. This was fashion. It had been some time since he had seen such creations
not unexpected; other cephalyx had reported that the minds in action. A venture to the surface would have benefits, such
of the sentient undead were not reachable—a puzzle he might as the potential to capture an isolated Greylord or wounded
return to, when time allowed. warcaster and submit them to surgical and telepathic scrutiny.
Conflict brought the risk of discovery, but it brought the means
Though he loathed communicating through his artificial for discovery as well.
vocalizer, he saw little choice in the matter. “Assault disrupts
predetermined agenda,” Cyphon said aloud. “Continued “Alternative plan accepted,” the cognifex said.
existence of the hive is in jeopardy.” Cyphon issued mental commands to half a dozen subordinates
“The hive will be secured,” Mortenebra said. Another explosion to organize the requisite force while another portion of his mind
rained flecks of debris from the ceiling, and the necrotech’s ran through a list of current and future projects and prioritized the
various types of captives each required. The list was long indeed.
75
COGNI FEX CYPHON
MERCENARY CEPHALYX WARCASTER
A mind is a maze, the essence of truth at the center. Let others wander the twisting byways. I remove
the walls altogether.
—Cognifex Cyphon
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EXULON THEXUS
MERCENARY CEPHALYX WARCASTER
A mind which will not bend will be shattered.
—Exulon Thexus
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SUBDUER
MERCENARY CEPHALYX HEAVY MONSTROSITY
We require new flesh. Our greatest living tools will bring it to us.
—Fleshforger Lexulus
SUBDUER
SUBDUER TACTICAL TIP
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD Eyeless Sight CATCH – “Any distance” means “as much as necessary,” not “any
5 10 5 4 10 17 — distance the player chooses.”
NET LAUNCHER
NET LAUNCHER Catch – If this weapon
RNG ROF AOE POW directly hits an enemy
L 6 1 3 — model with an equal or
eyelessly tracks those trying to slip beyond the grasp of its
smaller base, immediately masters, following their movements silently from behind its
IMPALING BLADE
POW P+S after the attack is resolved solid helmet. Its massive net launcher allows it to capture
R 6 16 the model directly hit can these victims from a distance. When fired, the weighted net
be pushed any distance
DAMAGE directly toward this model.
slices through the air to envelop targets in a mesh of taut
1 2 3 4 5 6 After the model directly steel and drag them screaming back to their fate. Captives
hit is moved, this model the cephalyx deem suitable for experimentation are secured,
can make one normal while those found wanting are efficiently eliminated with a
melee attack against it.
After resolving this melee
single, whistling slash of the subduer’s bladed arm.
attack, this model can make
additional melee attacks
during its combat action.
L L M B R R Quake – On a direct hit
L M M B B R against an enemy model,
all models hit are knocked
down.
FIELD ALLOWANCE U
POINT COST 7
LARGE BASE Massive insensate
creations that tower
over humans, monstrosities are masterfully crafted
fusions of meat, bone, and metal. Chosen from those
who have fallen into the clutches of the cephalyx, the
subjects doomed to undergo the grueling process
of transformation are selected for their physical
stamina and mental malleability. These
procedures, which represent an investment
of weeks of work, are among the most
complex surgeries the cephalyx perform
on outsiders. Organs are cut free from
flesh and bathed in alchemical growth
solutions before being reintroduced to
a radically expanded body cavity. Flesh
is pumped with alchemical mixtures
that foster rapid tissue development
and increased bone mass and density.
The final monstrosity is several times
the mass of the original subject, its skin
and bones toughened to endure extreme
punishment. Sensory organs are carved
away and the monstrosity’s brain attuned to
a psycho-spectrum, allowing it to perceive its
surroundings free of the limitations of the flesh.
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WARDEN
MERCENARY CEPHALYX HEAVY MONSTROSITY
The weapons of our enemies are inconsequential as long as our protectors stand.
—Agitator Hrekon
HEAD PLATE
Buckler
This model can
add this weapon’s POW to
its head-butt and slam power
attack damage rolls.
MECHA FIST
Open Fist
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WRECKER
MERCENARY CEPHALYX HEAVY MONSTROSITY
Such purity of purpose is a sight to behold, repugnant as its form might be.
—Axis, the Harmonic Enforcer
WRECKER
WRECKER TACTICAL TIPS
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD Eyeless Sight BEAT BACK – The attacking model can advance even if the enemy
5 10 5 4 10 17 — model is destroyed by the attack.
BALL & CHAIN
BALL & CHAIN Reach CHAIN ATTACK: BLOODBATH – A model with a crippled weapon
POW P+S system cannot use it to make chain attacks or special attacks,
L 7 17 Beat Back – Immediately
after a normal attack with including power attacks.
BALL & CHAIN this weapon is resolved
POW P+S during this model’s
R 7 17 When a straightforward application of brute force is needed,
combat action, the enemy
model hit can be pushed
the cephalyx turn to the wrecker, a monstrosity created to
DAMAGE topple fortifications and mow through ranks of the toughest
1 directly away from the
1 2 3 4 5 6 attacking model. After the resistance an enemy can offer. Wreckers are purpose-built
enemy model is pushed, to deal punishing blows and do it well, especially when
the attacking model can
advance up to 1 .
buttressed by an agitator.
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CEPHALYX MIND BENDER & DRUDGES
MERCENARY UNIT
The mind is a weapon. Thought is sharper than any blade, more explosive than any ordnance.
—Mind Bender Glaxosk
cephalyx. They possess greater mental strength than Psychic Assault is a RNG SP 8
magic attack. This attack ignores LOS. Models hit suffer a
cephalyx of lesser castes, and their specialized work allows
POW 12 damage roll.
them the leisure to concentrate on projects of their own
This model can channel spells through
choosing. Except when the overlords call them to battle,
grunts in this unit that are in formation. When it does, you can
they spend their lives within cloistered operating theaters, choose up to two more of those grunts and cast the spell once
devoted to the development and refinement of their unique through each, even if the channeler is engaged. Grunts in this
drudges, permitted to focus on their esoteric studies in unit that channel a spell this way are then removed from play.
endless pursuit of mental expansion. When this model is directly
hit by an enemy ranged attack, you can choose to have one
friendly, non-incorporeal Drudge Grunt model within 3 of this
model directly hit instead. That model is automatically hit and
suffers all damage and effects.
DRUDGE GRUNTS
Eyeless Sight
Fearless
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CEPHALYX DOMINATOR
MERCENARY UNIT ATTACHMENT
When the mercenaries turned on us it wasn’t treachery. I saw in their eyes they were unable
to stop themselves. Their bodies were no longer their own.
—Trencher Captain Maywell
DOMINATOR
What the cephalyx covet, they will claim. When the hive
becomes aware of individuals with exceptional talents they
desire, shadowy figures called dominators emerge from
beneath the earth to enthrall them. A dominator subdues
its subject from a distance, skillfully peeling back any
resistance like a surgeon laying open a chest cavity, until it
can overpower the mind and hold it in bondage. Abducted
into surgical complexes, these subjects endure a masterfully
subtle application of cephalomek that preserves their inborn
talents and outward appearance while utterly binding them
to the dominator’s will.
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CEPHALYX AGITATOR
MERCENARY SOLO
There is something to savor in the horror that floods their feeble minds as I force them
to turn upon one another.
—Agitator Helixor
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SWAMP GOBBER RIVER RAIDERS
MERCENARY MINION PRIVATEER SEA DOG SOLO
Don’t rush to judge ’em by their size, lads. I’ve seen ’em paint the deck with the guts of ogrun
and men.
—Bosun Balasar Grogspar
Mercenaries – These
RAIDER models will work for Cryx.
TACTICAL TIP
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD CAMOUFLAGE – If a model ignores concealment or cover, it also
6 3 5 5 14 12 7 These models
ignores concealment or cover’s Camouflage bonus.
will work for Circle,
HARPOON PISTOL Skorne, and the Blindwater
RNG ROF AOE POW Congregation pact. shock. Once in the fray, the quick reflexes and low profile
6 1 — 10
RAIDER of a gobber allow him to slip past incoming blows while
HAND WEAPON hacking at shins and ankles, bringing opponents twice his
POW P+S
3 6 This model
size to their knees.
gains an additional +2 DEF
FIELD ALLOWANCE 3 Immoren’s rivers are plagued by piracy every bit as
when benefiting from
3 RAIDERS 2 concealment or cover. much as its seas. The Dragon’s Tongue and Black Rivers
SMALL BASE in particular host numerous raiders and pirate bands.
This model can
make melee and ranged Serving as major trade routes between and within nations,
attacks during the same combat action. When this model these waterways see hundreds of ships a day, many
makes its initial attacks, it can make both its initial ranged and carrying expensive exports or military ordnance destined
melee attacks.
for one front or another. Such ships make appealing
HARPOON PISTOL targets, especially when considering the diminished naval
If this weapon hits a non-Incorporeal enemy model, presence along the rivers.
this model can be placed B2B with that enemy model.
As with many of the pirate crews operating on the open seas,
HAND WEAPON
Weaken – A living model hit by this weapon suffers 2 STR and
those combing the river for merchant vessels to plunder
DEF for one round. often call the port city of Five Fingers their home. Here river
crews trade with seafaring crews through intermediaries,
each side bartering for the equipment they need and the
Although many gobbers have gained acceptance at the
luxuries they desire. Gobbers in particular have a knack for
fringes of society, swamp gobbers have always held a
such negotiations, especially when dealing with the sizable
particularly unsavory reputation, and those who serve as
gobber population and the various bogrin gangs residing
river raiders among the pirate crews that prey on western
in Five Fingers, an attribute that has helped broaden their
Immoren are no exception. With rusted hooks, axes, and
appeal among the river pirate crews.
swords, they hack into their enemies with a savagery
common only to the wilds. Given the constrained nature of river piracy, those committed
to this line of work become intimately familiar with the
For many gobbers, the laws of man hold little meaning,
lay of the swamps, tributaries, and backwaters available
particularly where ownership is concerned. Most have a
to them and prefer small, shallow-keeled boats capable of
natural inclination to view the property of others as their
utilizing a variety of escape routes. Swamp gobbers are
own, another trait that makes a life of piracy appealing.
often recruited for their knowledge of these areas. Places
Given their short stature, every scrap of respect gained from
such as the Bloodsmeath Marsh and Blindwater have
their fellow sea dogs must be earned, and it is with this in
proven themselves havens for river pirates seeking to evade
mind that only the most ruthless of swamp gobbers find
capture. This has aligned many pirate crews with fringe
themselves taking up piracy as a profession.
groups inhabiting the area. In recent years, river pirates
With the ingenuity typical of their kind, swamp gobber have even been rumored to have smuggled Cryxian forces
river raiders possess a penchant for tinkering, often leading from Five Fingers to the Thornwood, the full repercussions
them to utilize unconventional weaponry when launching of which remain to be seen. Though such dealings are never
an assault on an unsuspecting ship. Most notable among done in the light of day and are rarely discussed between
these contraptions are the mechanized harpoon pistols with crews, many pirate bands continue to serve the Nightmare
which they have become associated. The sight of a gobber Empire when sufficient coin is offered.
raider piercing a man’s chest with such a weapon is bloody
enough, but seeing that gobber then pull himself atop his
victim and finish the poor man with hook or blade can make
even the staunchest of pirates look on in a state of utter
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THE DEVIL’S SHADOW MUTINEERS
MERCENARY PRIVATEER SEA DOG CHARACTER UNIT
Dark dealings make for long shadows.
—Fiona the Black
MAR
Mercenaries – These TACTICAL TIP
models will work for Cryx.
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD OFFICER – Because Mar is an Officer, when she is destroyed
6 6 7 4 14 12 7 MAR she does not replace Morland or Zira. Instead Morland or Zira
SABER Fearless becomes the unit commander.
POW P+S
3 9
When this Although details vary depending on the telling, the trio
MORLAND model destroys a living called the Devil’s Shadow Mutineers have inspired endless
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
enemy model with an
6 7 7 4 14 12 7 stories and rumors. Key elements remain the same A
attack, after the attack is
resolved you can return one nefarious ship by the name of the e il s o , associated
PISTOL
RNG ROF AOE POW destroyed model in this unit with both piracy and the slave trade, set out from Five
8 1 — 10 to play. The model returns Fingers into the uncharted Sea of a Thousand Souls and
CUTLASS with five damage boxes,
disappeared. No trace could be found; it was as if the ship
POW P+S must be placed within 3
4 11 of this model, and cannot had sailed off the face of Caen itself.
activate the turn it returns
ZIRA to play. The destroyed
A year later reports surfaced of a vessel matching the
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD model is removed from description of the e il s o preying on ships along the
6 6 4 7 14 12 7 play but does not provide a Broken Coast. One rumor claimed the crew had been hired
PISTOL soul or corpse token. to seek the homeland of the Orgoth, who cursed them to a
RNG ROF AOE POW When life of madness. Some spoke of mutiny and murder while
8 1 — 10 this model makes a melee the vessel was becalmed hundreds of miles from shore.
DAMAGE 5 EA attack during its activation,
its front arc extends to 360 , Whatever transpired, of the hundred souls who had crewed
FIELD ALLOWANCE C
and it can make one melee that ship, only three returned, each unhinged and changed.
POINT COST 4
attack against each model
SMALL BASE Before their disappearance, the three had been capable
in its LOS that is in its
melee range. sailors but were otherwise thought unremarkable. Morland
MORLAND was a large man, more noteworthy for his temper than for his
Fearless skill with a cutlass, but now he wields a pair of blades with
See above. Morland Mar
deadly ease. His chest is pocked with the scars of gunshot
wounds that would have killed an ordinary man. Zira, who
ZIRA was little more than a novice pistoleer and dabbler in the
Eyeless Sight
occult when she disappeared, is guided by unseen forces
Fearless to deliver unerring shots despite the loss of her sight. Mar,
previously disposed to lift the spirits of the crew through
See above. song, is now gripped by madness and a thirst for murder.
Zira
SABER Witnesses claim to have seen one or another of the three cut
down only to watch them rise again, hungry for vengeance.
Black Penny – This attack ignores the firing into melee penalty.
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89
HAMMERFALL SIEGE CRAWLER
MERCENARY RHULIC BATTLE ENGINE
Nothing cracks a fortified position like Rhulic engineering.
—Durgen Madhammer
90
91
MODEL GALLERY
92
DYNAMO MOROS
Cygnar Character Heavy Warjack Retribution Character Light Myrmidon
93
SEPULCHER
Cryx Colossal
94
THE DEVIL’S SHADOW MUTINEERS
Mercenary Privateer Sea Dog Character Unit
95
PAINTING GUIDE
DENEGHRA, THE SOUL WEAVER
CRYX BANE Step 3) Make a mixture of Cryx Bane Base, Thornwood
The initial work on this armor is done using the airbrush. Green, and Cryx Bane Highlight and apply this as the next
An airbrush allows you to quickly lay down colors to get a layer. For each successive layer, cover less of the model’s
feel for the lighting situation of the model, which will inform surface in order to create a gradient between the shadows
later decisions about where to place shading and highlights and the highlights.
with your brush. For the Cryx Bane armor plates, work from
dark to light. Step 4) Apply a layer of pure Cryx Bane Highlight.
Step 1) Coat each armor plate with a solid layer of Cryx Bane Step 5) Mix Cryx Bane Highlight and Thrall Flesh and apply
Base mixed with a lot of Blue Ink and Brown Ink. The inks help it sparingly to the areas where light would be the most
darken the color to a rich green-black. concentrated, such as the uppermost portions of the armor
plates near the top of the model.
Step 2) Apply a mixture of Thornwood Green and Cryx Bane
Base. Be sure to leave plenty of the dark paint from step 1 Cryx Bane Base Thornwood Green
visible in areas where shadows would accumulate.
Blue Ink Cryx Bane Highlight
Brown Ink
1 2 3
4 5
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STRIPS OF SKIN Step 2) Using the airbrush, apply a zenithal highlight of pure
The strips of skin that stretch between the bones of the Thrall Flesh.
wyrm’s wings and wrap its body are also done with an initial
layer of airbrushing. Step 3) Using a paintbrush, add some highlights of Thrall
Flesh. These will stand out on the airbrushed Thrall Flesh
Step 1) Using the airbrush, basecoat the strips with a layer of you applied in step 2 because the airbrush requires much
Battlefield Brown and Hammerfall Khaki. thinner paint, changing the color and coverage slightly.
Ordic Olive Step 4) Using a paintbrush, shade the wings with a 1:1
mixture of Ordic Olive and Beaten Purple. Apply this thinly
Hammerfall Khaki Beaten Purple over most of the surface to tint the strips of skin, but apply it
thickly where shadows would concentrate.
Thrall Flesh
1 2 3 4
ARMOR PLATES Step 2) Add additional Brown Ink and some Green Ink to the
Once the armor is airbrushed, return to the armor plates mixture used in step 1 and apply this as a second shade to
with a paintbrush to smooth the blends and add even the deepest recessed areas of the armor plates. This mixture
more contrast. Use very thin paint to keep from completely should be fairly dark.
covering the airbrush work, applying glazes in the following
steps. (Airbrush the strips of skin before you do this brush Step 3) Reapply sparing highlights of Cryx Bane Highlight
work, as airbrushing can be somewhat imprecise.) with the paintbrush. The paintbrush allows for greater
control, which enables you to be more exact with your
Step 1) Shade the armor plates with a mixture of Cryx Bane highlights than is possible using the airbrush.
Base and Brown Ink.
Cryx Bane Base Brown Ink Green Ink Cryx Bane Highlight
1 2 3
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PAINTING GUIDE
BLIGHTED GOLD Step 3) Mix Cryx Bane Base, Brown Ink, and Green Ink and
Step 1) Prepare a mixture of two parts Blighted Gold, one use that to apply a second shade to the portions of the trim
part Thornwood Green, and a drop of Brown Ink. Use this to that would lie in the deepest shadows.
basecoat the gold trim.
Step 4) Highlight the trim using a 2:1 mixture of Blighted
Step 2) Shade the trim with Thornwood Green and Cryx Gold and Solid Gold.
Bane Base.
Step 5) Add a sparing highlight of Solid Gold and Radiant
Platinum.
Blighted Gold
Thornwood Green
Brown Ink
Green Ink
Solid Gold
Radiant Platinum
1 2
3 4 5
1 2 3
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BLIGHTED STEEL
Step 1) Basecoat the steel areas of the model with Cold Steel.
Cold Steel Brown Ink
Step 2) Shade the steel with Cryx Bane Base plus one drop Cryx Bane Base Turquoise Ink
each of Green Ink and Brown Ink.
Green Ink Thamar Black
Step 3) For the darkest shading, make a mixture of three
parts Turquoise Ink, three parts Brown Ink, two parts Cryx Step 4) Using Cold Steel, add highlights by going back over
Bane Base, and one part Thamar Black. some of the area you have painted.
1 2
3 4
CRYX GLOW
Step 1) Basecoat the glowing areas with Menoth White Step 4) Add a single drop of Green Ink to Yellow Ink and use
Highlight. this to glaze the Menoth White Highlight line from step 3.
Step 2) Create a glaze by mixing Green Ink and Yellow Ink Step 5) Do one last sparing application of Menoth White
and apply this to the glowing areas. Highlight to represent the hottest, centermost portion of each
glowing area.
Step 3) Apply a line of Menoth White Highlight down the
center of each glowing area.
Green Ink
Yellow Ink
1 2
3 4 5
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PAINTING GUIDE
DENEGHRA FLESH Step 4) Apply a final shade of Exile Blue and Sanguine Base
Step 1) Basecoat the flesh with a mixture of four parts Thrall as thin lines between the flesh and the other parts of the
Flesh, four parts Frostbite, and one part Beaten Purple. model.
Step 2) Add Sanguine Base to the basecoat color from step 1 Step 5) Using the basecoat color from step 1 plus Morrow
and use this for the first shading. White, add highlights.
Step 3) Add Exile Blue to the basecoat color from step 1 and
use this for the second shading.
Thrall Flesh
Frostbite
Beaten Purple
Sanguine Base
Exile Blue
Morrow White 1 2
3 4 5
BLACK LEATHER Step 3) Apply a second highlight using Underbelly Blue and
Step 1) Basecoat Deneghra’s black leather with Thamar Coal Black.
Black.
Step 4) Add some Cryx Bane Highlight to the mixture from
Step 2) Apply a highlight of Coal Black, leaving half the step 3 and use this for the final highlights. Be sparing with
Thamar Black from step 1 showing in the shadowed areas. these.
1 2 3 4
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SADDLE LEATHER
Step 1) Basecoat the saddle with Idrian Flesh.
Step 3) Shade over the top of the area with a thin mixture of
Idrian Flesh and Brown Ink.
Step 4) Use a mixture of Coal Black and Brown Ink for the 1 2
final shading.
Idrian Flesh
Brown Ink
Coal Black
3 4
BONE
Step 1) Basecoat the bone areas with Menoth White Base.
Bastion Grey
3 4
WYRM TEETH
Step 1) Basecoat the teeth with a mixture of Coal Black
and Brown Ink and highlight with a thin line of Cryx Bane
Highlight.
1 2
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PAINTING GUIDE
WYRM TONGUE
Step 1) Basecoat the tongue with Midlund Flesh and Carnal
Pink.
MOROS
Moros’ glossy black armor presents significant challenges Step 4) Add delicate, glinting highlights to the glowing
even for experienced painters. You can see here the method channels with Menoth White Highlight.
the studio used to paint this unique character warjack.
Step 5) Clean up the shiny black armor with Thamar Black.
Step 1) Basecoat the model with Thamar Black and Cold Then use a mixture of Coal Black, Exile Blue, and Thamar
Steel. Black for highlighting. This mixture will be the base for the
highlight colors used in the next several steps, with more and
Step 2) Shade the metal portions of the model with a mixture more Menoth White Highlight added as you proceed.
of Ironhull Grey, Beaten Purple, and Coal Black.
Step 6) Add Menoth White Highlight to the highlighting
Step 3) Apply a mixture of Meredius Blue and Thrall Flesh to mixture from step 5 and begin blending highlights onto the
the glowing channels. black areas.
1 2 3
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4 5 6
7 8 9
10 11 12
Step 7) Add more Menoth White Highlight to the mixture Step 10) Basecoat the blades with Quick Silver. Add shading
from step 6 and use this to refine the highlights. with a mixture of Meredius Blue and Ironhull Grey.
Step 8) Add enough Menoth White Highlight to the mixture Step 11) Use a mixture of Meredius Blue and Greatcoat Grey
from step 7 to make a mixture that is mostly Menoth White to apply additional shading to the blades.
Highlight. Use this to apply delicate highlights.
Step 12) Coat the model with matte varnish and allow to
Step 9) Finish the black areas with tiny dots and lines of dry completely before highlighting the metal areas. Use
Morrow White to give the impression of bright reflections. Cold Steel to highlight the darker metal and Quicksilver to
highlight the blades.
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DEEPER OBLIGATIONS
PART TWO
THE THORNWOOD civilians had seen their lives destroyed in Llael, and the
“This is beyond anything I have seen before, brother,” said Sid Northern Crusade had played a part in that. His order taught
Norvor to his fellow paladin Anson Durst. that there were innocents even among unbelievers; such people
deserved protection, not persecution. Llael was no place for a
Durst grunted affirmation. After a pause he said, “Strange
simple man, a soldier of the faith, as Anson viewed himself.
that we will soon join battle alongside unbelievers who
The world and its moral ambiguity had become difficult for
invaded Sul.”
members of his order. Perhaps that was why they were so few.
Both members of the Order of the Wall had only just joined
They called him the Rock of Faith, an epithet that made him
the Northern Crusade. They had been diverted midway
uncomfortable. He had been content to be just a paladin, no
through their trip to the Llaelese city of Leryn, sent instead
more. He had been blessed with strength, fortitude, and skill
to meet with Intercessor Kreoss, who was already marching
at arms. He had not hoped for other gifts, but Menoth had a
south into the Thornwood.
different plan. The recent emergence of his warcaster talent
Other than the sigil identifying their order, the two paladins had forced him to accept new responsibilities. It had changed
were very different. Durst was by far the larger of the two. his place both in his order and among his brothers.
Impressive as Norvor was in his ancient blessed armor, Anson
After the order to join Kreoss reached him, he had sought out
Durst was a giant among men. He was a full head taller and
Grand Paladin Trenton Bouridor for advice. It was unclear to
considerably wider, outweighing the other man by more
him how he could serve the theocracy’s military leaders and
than a hundred pounds. His heavy armor was of a more
yet uphold his vows. The venerable leader of their order had
modern style, recently forged by the Sul-Menite Artificers
exhorted him to remain true to his code and his faith above
and equipped with the arcane turbine that marked him as
all else. He was not an exemplar—the priests and scrutators
a warcaster. Their weapons displayed a similar disparity—
must be respected, but his soul belonged to Menoth, and it
Norvor wielded a traditional firebrand passed down from
was to Menoth he would ultimately answer.
antiquity, while Durst’s mechanikal weapon Recompense had
been forged for war only recently. He was now joined with an unlikely alliance between formerly
embittered armies working together against a profane foe.
The warcaster paladin found it difficult to think amid the chaos
Providence had placed him where he needed to be, for which
of the battle sprawled across the perimeter of the darkened
he prayed thanks to the Creator. Other than the faithful, their
valley below. Dozens of skirmishes were raging around the
army included a host of Umbrean horsemen and heavy infantry
great Cryxian fortress, which seethed with unholy power. The
loyal to Khador’s Great Prince Tzepesci. Yet this blended
sky above pulsed unnaturally with strange, churning storm
army did not march with perfect solidarity. Durst had heard
clouds, while lightning flickered below, adding pale flashes
rumors of heated words between Tzepesci and the hierarch
within the green surges of necromantic energy. The Khadorans
regarding plans for the upcoming engagement. Tensions were
had situated mortars along the hilltops surrounding the valley
high between the Khadorans and the people of the crusade,
and were lobbing shells down into areas where the Cryxians
and each kept to their own camps. It was difficult to imagine
were concentrated. Occasionally these blasts fell perilously
how they would fight together, even without considering the
close to their own soldiers.
Cygnarans they would soon be joining.
Closer to the center the undead enemies were protected by
Compared to the greater army, Durst led a relatively small
a variety of bulwarks and barricades, and the ground was
force. The infantry under his command were divided
riddled with trench-like chasms that facilitated Cryxian troop
between Temple Flameguard and Knights Exemplar,
movements. Both thralls and cephalyx drudges emerged
including several squads of cinerators and thirty knights
periodically from these gashes to rush the nearest attackers.
errant. When he had received his orders Durst had been
Durst understood that such defensive fighting was counter to
bringing fresh warjacks to the Northern Crusade from Sul,
Cryx’s usual tactics, but their position seemed strong. Both the
and so he retained a large battlegroup. Most were light
Khadoran and Cygnaran armies were keeping their distance,
warjacks, including Vigilants and Devouts, but looming over
preferring to deal damage at range, and it seemed as though
these were a pair of formidable Indictors gripping swords
the incoming fire was doing little except further rending the
and shields as tall as a man. The powerful blessings on these
already ravaged valley.
warjacks allowed them to negate unholy magics employed
When word had come to Durst that he was called to join the against them or nearby, and Durst was glad to have them on
Northern Crusade, he had initially been troubled. Countless this assault, given Cryx’s methods.
104
His eye was drawn to sudden activity amid the armies Durst had not been privy to the plans—that was a matter
below. Smoke and distance partially obscured his view, but left to the intercessor, the hierarch, and the great prince—
he could discern the advance of heavy Khadoran warjacks but it seemed clear the signal was intended for them. Kreoss
on the far side of the valley. Closer to them a contingent adjusted his posture on his steed but awaited the word of the
of storm knights in Cygnaran blue was also on the move, hierarch, who was unmoving. At last, the agitated great prince
together with numerous warjacks lit by galvanic coils. raised his spear high above his head and made a circling
These forces pushed inward against the necrofactorium, motion as he spurred his mount to rejoin his soldiers. He
summoning bright flashes of lightning as the clouds surged turned to charge down the hill at the enemy. The Umbreans
overhead in response to the call for storm. followed close behind, cavalry at the fore. Still the Northern
Crusade held back.
Durst lifted Recompense and shouted, “Stand ready to
advance! March on my order!” His voice rang, and his orders Watching the charge of the Umbreans, Durst felt torn, for they
were repeated by his immediate subordinates Seneschal seemed far too few to matter against the great Cryxian horde.
Horrus, who led his knights, and Preceptor Manter, in charge Already the Cygnaran vanguard was encircled, their forward
of his Flameguard. He mentally directed his light warjacks in momentum halted as they engaged the enemy. The Umbreans
support of the phalanxes, each machine ready to interpose would experience the same fate.
itself and accept harm intended for the men. The engines of
Hierarch Severius must have a plan, but every instinct in
his Indictors rumbled in readiness. Their postures reflected
Durst’s being insisted they should attack. Squinting toward the
Durst’s own eagerness to engage.
battlefield below, he saw the talon-like outer spires connected
His men were similarly poised, weapons readied, and he knew to the central necrofactorium light with green balefire. Flames
that the heart of every soldier pounded with the anticipation of licked out and obliterated the nearest living soldiers. He could
battle. He muttered a quick prayer. Feeling taut as a bowstring see ghostly tormented phantoms as the souls of the fallen left
he turned to watch Intercessor Kreoss atop his steed, his lance their bodies to be swept up by the spires. He felt his stomach
in resting position. The intercessor was not far from Hierarch churn—those who fell on that field might lose their immortal
Severius. The warjacks accompanying them stood before souls. They would not pass to Urcaen.
thousands of Sul-Menite soldiers. Vladimir Tzepesci also rode
with them, apart from the rest of his Umbreans, who were
fanned out on the hillside beyond the opening into the valley.
The three leaders surveyed the scene before them, and every FLAMES LICKED OUT AND
soldier awaited their commands. OBLITERATED THE NEAREST
Tzepesci’s steed stomped impatiently, and the great prince’s LIVING SOLDIERS.
posture was agitated as he pointed sharply down to the valley.
Hierarch Severius stood still as a statue. Looking back to the
valley, Durst saw that the Cygnaran force had driven deep
into the Cryxians but was unsupported by the rest of the “By the Creator, this is not just,” he said. The words of Grand
army. Most of their soldiers advanced only far enough to fire Paladin Bouridor echoed in his mind, and he considered the
at extreme rifle range. Several Defenders had been similarly paladin code. Yes, those soldiers were unbelievers, but they all
positioned. shared a united cause; it was Cryx that was the foe here. He
could not stand by and do nothing. He was in motion before
“What are they doing?” Norvor asked.
he had consciously decided to act.
The warcaster frowned and shook his head, not understanding
“With me! Advance!” he shouted, sending his Indictors
the strategy. This was not the full engagement he had expected.
running at full tilt down the hillside. Soon the Flameguard
It was as though Cygnar and Khador had each decided to send
and exemplars were rushing alongside him.
a single isolated and inadequate force against the greater foe.
So few of us, he thought, but he was willing to die doing
The Cryxians were reacting like ants whose nest had been
what must be done. Runes surrounded him as he gathered
threatened. Hundreds of thralls surged forth, together with
his power, praying to Menoth to shield his men. Holy sigils
numerous necrotite-fueled ’jacks. It seemed highly likely
erupted around each of his warjacks, delivering a blessing of
they would encircle the Cygnaran knights and cut them
protection to each of them. He shouted his battle cry and ran
down. Those knights appeared to be pushing for a specific
forward to obliterate what Cryxians they could reach.
objective. A flare went up near the rear ranks and Durst
saw some of the officers fighting below turn their way, as
if expectantly.
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DEEPER OBLIGATIONS, PART TWO
Intercessor Kreoss gripped his reins but maintained his “I understand, Your Holiness,” Kreoss replied. He was
composure as he saw the signal flare, then watched the considering the earnestness of Paladin Durst and the credit
Umbreans follow Vladimir in his charge on the right. Not long the man was to the faith. He knew how little Severius cared
thereafter Anson Durst’s small force rushed down from the for the Order of the Wall. “Yet we consented to travel here, to
hill to his left, acting on the paladin’s own initiative. They had fight this foe.”
considerable ground to cross before they would catch up with
“And so we shall.” A hint of annoyance crept into Severius’
the embattled Cygnarans, but then the foe would consume
voice. “On terms of my choosing, not that of a Khadoran great
them. He looked to Hierarch Severius, who was staring
prince, much less their arrogant supreme kommandant. We
straight ahead through his scrutator mask. Kreoss moved his
are not figures on his game board. He withholds his army,
horse closer to the leader of the Protectorate so he could speak
hoping the faithful will suffer in their stead. I think not.”
without his voice carrying.
“By your will,” Kreoss said. He watched as Durst and his small
“Hierarch, that was the agreed-upon signal. Should I give the
group of men crashed into the Cryxians and were swallowed
order to engage?” He was aware of his own impertinence.
by the dark mass of bane thralls. Above the shadowy forms
Whatever the symbolic nature of his new rank, so long as
he saw Protectorate warjacks battling on. Golden runes of
Severius was here, the crusade was his. It was Kreoss’ duty
invoked holy power seemed pale and insubstantial against
to obey.
the brighter green of the surrounding balefire. After a moment
The hierarch seemed unconcerned but after a pause answered he said, “I fear for Paladin Durst. I will reprimand him for his
calmly, “We will not needlessly sacrifice the lives of the faithful impulsiveness, if he lives. It would be unfortunate to lose a
to rescue a few godless Cygnarans from their own folly.” man of his prowess so soon after joining our crusade.” It was
as far as he could go, to remind the hierarch it was a warcaster
106
they watched go to his death. They did not have so many they Swift-moving soulhunters raced to engage his cavalry while
could throw one away. banes emerged from the shadowy darkness to assail his
knights as they advanced on foot. Stryker frantically directed
They both watched in silence as the battle intensified. The
his warjacks into position to allow them to endure the brunt
Umbreans managed to break through the Cryxians to reach
of the assault, trying to maintain some forward momentum.
Durst’s force, but the Cygnaran storm contingent was
His Centurions were helping hold the front, and those
suffering heavy casualties. The necrofactorium’s spires pulsed
knights nearest his Stormclads were weathering the Cryxian
in response to each death like an erratic heartbeat.
counterassault better than the rest.
After a protracted pause, Hierarch Severius inclined his head,
Flying bonejacks picked at the edges of his force, both
giving Kreoss his leave to act.
Scavengers and Shrikes, the latter sweeping through exposed
The intercessor immediately raised his lance to signal his groups of men with bladed wings, leaving a trail of dead and
knights and spurred his horse forward. His warjacks were maimed soldiers behind. He would have given half his force
already in motion and the entire crusade followed his lead. to have Haley at his side, up and healthy again. But that was
They charged toward the shadows surrounding the Rock of not to be. In addition Sloan was still missing in action, as was
the Faith. Brisbane, and Kraye was not back to full strength after his
recent injuries. The war had taken a bitter toll. Nemo and
Darius were directing forces behind him, ready to advance
when he succeeded. Perhaps he should not have kept so
much in reserve.
Lord General Stryker cursed as their advance stalled in a
quagmire of muddy ground and Cryxian resistance. Balefire At last there was movement from the northern hills, among
seared through his army, dropping knights one after another. the gold and white of Sul-Menites. He had to restrain an
They retaliated with blade, lance, and lightning, but every instinctive and almost visceral reaction to the sight of those
thrall or drudge they took down was replaced by two more. colors on his flank. He narrowed his eyes when he saw it was
He felt a surge of dread at the sound of a Khadoran hunting only a small force led by a broad-shouldered warcaster whose
horn rising above the clamor of combat from the south. That shield bore the mark of the Order of the Wall. This group threw
was their signal to hit their objective with all the voltaic energy itself against the Cryxians surrounding the Cygnarans. Stryker
they could muster, but they were still too far away. shouted encouragement to his officers and adjusted their
tactics to take advantage of this new support. Faster than he
“Where are the Menites?” he asked under his breath as he
would have expected, the Menites broke through the Cryxians
spurred his horse forward, aiming uicksilver to fire another
and closed on their goal.
electrical burst into the approaching foes.
“Now! Strike!” he yelled. A torrent of voltaic energy exploded
He knew the answer. They had arrived, but they stood atop
across the intervening space to crash repeatedly against
the northern hills to watch as their old enemies were cut down.
the conduit spire, twisting metal and shattering stone. The
Had their agreement with the Khadorans been made solely
onslaught was less than Stryker had planned; two of the
so they could exploit these circumstances? With the threat of
Storm Striders had been neutralized and the ranks of the
Cryx so clear, such a decision seemed impossible, even for a
stormcallers were thinned. Still, the spire crumbled and fell.
man with fire instead of blood in his veins like Severius.
For a moment they felt renewed hope as the green glow of the
Stryker’s goal was visible ahead—a centrally positioned spire Cryxian defenses dimmed, but after a few seconds the spires
amid the outer defenses Irusk had indicated they should smite surged back to full strength, unleashing renewed torrents of
with lightning. necromantic energy and siphoning the souls of the slain.
Bloat thralls had come forth from the bowels of the central Either the attack had been too small or they had delivered it
necrofactorium to fire corrosive blasts into the front lines, too late, their efforts not following close enough to those of
while smaller bile thralls surged forward heedless of survival. the Khadorans. Stryker felt growing rage at the thought of
Most were annihilated in flashes of lightning, but some few spending so many lives to reach this point only to fail. He
got close enough to explode into acidic sludge that melted shouted, “Pull back!”
flesh and bone to leave puddles of steaming gore in the mud.
They would have to fight back to the main line, where the rest
The knights had been ordered to protect the stormsmith of the army was providing what cover fire they could. He saw
stormcallers in particular. At the center of his force moved a that the Protectorate army was moving at last, the bulk of it
trio of Storm Striders, but one was washed in balefire, with a marching with no particular haste. His eyes narrowed. The
single surviving operator desperately throwing the levers of zealots had damned them.
its controls. It wobbled on its legs.
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DEEPER OBLIGATIONS, PART TWO
The paladin of the Order of the Wall had fought through “I am Khadoran,” Karchev said. He leveled a stare at Strakhov
to reach them, his own force torn up and tattered, several until the other warcaster turned and continued on.
of his warjacks destroyed. Across the field of battle the two
When his two companions were no longer looking, Karchev
warcasters exchanged a look and Stryker inclined his head.
silently reprimanded himself for his lack of self-control. His
There, at least, stood one worthy Menite.
power had been kept suppressed by the Cryxians for so long
In the other direction the Umbreans had helped close up their he was finding it difficult to maintain restraint. It did not help
flank, which might allow them to retreat. “Recover what fallen that the cortex Strakhov had managed to salvage required
you can!” Stryker ordered. constant guidance. The sensation of controlling the damaged
warjack to govern his movements was entirely different from
It was too little, too late. They had achieved their objective—
how he had controlled his own chassis frame. The process
but to no effect. With the necrofactorium at full strength
required some acclimation, and his mind was fogged. He felt
and feasting on fresh souls, he wondered if they should call
like a man who had been bedridden for years being forced to
a general retreat. The confluence of circumstances that had
run on withered legs.
brought three armies to the field today might never happen
again. He gritted his teeth and looked for Nemo’s lightning- The muted sounds of battle overhead kept up an unsteady
limned form. They had a hard decision to make. rhythm as they moved through the Cryxian base, becoming
louder as the group moved toward the surface. More than a
century of military experience allowed Karchev to see the battle
in his mind. It was clear the allied forces were making a push.
The thought of his comrades leading the charge without him
The warjack to which Kommander Karchev’s body was
ignited renewed frustration in his core. He had been helpless
crudely affixed was a poor substitute for the battle frame he
as he listened to the last battle, vicariously experiencing the
was used to. He allowed himself a rare moment of reflection
defeat of those who had fought and bled to reach him. His
as he stretched his borrowed limbs for the first time since his
lifelong desire to crush the enemies of the Motherland was
capture at Point Bourne by the foul wraith witch Deneghra.
intensified by a burning desire for revenge.
The mere thought of the Cryxian’s name flooded his mind
with rage. He would see her undead flesh broken and crushed By the way Strakhov tilted his head, it was clear he, too, was
beneath his iron fist. She should have killed him when she had mentally playing out the battle above. ust as they entered a
the chance. relatively large chamber dominated by strange machinery,
a loud explosion shook the complex. Karchev watched with
“Karchev?” Strakhov’s voice sounded distant to his ears,
interest as the great churning and interlocking gears taking up
but his fellow warcaster’s disregard for military etiquette by
most of the cavernous chamber ground to a halt. The green
omitting his rank pulled him from his thoughts.
lights illuminating the chamber then flickered and died,
“Yes, Kommander?” Karchev said. leaving them in utter darkness.
“Are you experiencing any issues with your systems?” “What’s happened?” Alexi whispered.
Strakhov asked.
“It would appear Irusk has made his play,” Strakhov
The one named Alexi had jury-rigged his life support systems responded.
to the warjack’s boiler, creating a hodge-podge of tubing,
After several seconds they felt a vibration through the floor.
conduits, and cables. Though the mechanik had managed to
The lights restored themselves, and a tortured screech of
make the systems work, Karchev could acutely feel that they
machinery filled the chamber as the oversized gears and
were operating at well below optimal levels. He was pragmatic
pistons began to churn again.
enough to know the small miracle the crippled mechanik had
achieved given the circumstances, though. He said, “Nothing “Whatever his plan, it has failed,” Strakhov said. He turned
I cannot endure.” to Karchev. “We must move quickly, Kommander. Our escape
window narrows.”
“Are you sure?” Strakhov nodded his head toward the
warjack’s left arm that cradled Karchev’s life-sustaining shell Karchev ignored him, instead focusing on the huge machinery.
against its torso. “No,” he said at last. “We must assist our comrades.”
Growling with effort, he craned his head to follow the “How?” Strakhov asked incredulously.
kommander’s gaze and saw that the warjack’s hand and torso
“We hurt the enemy however we can.” Karchev locked his
were scorched black where they held him, burned by arcane
steely gaze with Strakhov’s. “Get clear of this place. I will catch
spillover from his anger.
up with you if I am able.”
108
“Kommander, you can’t possibly hope to do any significant of his own exploits around the campfire, and many far
damage here . . . .” Strakhov’s words died in his throat. exceeded the original deeds.
Already the air about Karchev radiated with extreme heat.
Surveying the destruction Karchev had unleashed here,
Concentric rings of runes blazed and crackled with building
Strakhov was forced to admit that perhaps the legends did not
energy, expanding from the older warcaster.
go far enough. The entire chamber was scorched black from
“Go. Now!” Karchev said through gritted teeth. the tremendous arcane blast. The gigantic machinery had been
completely destroyed, its oversized pieces wrenched apart and
He commanded the warjack to take him closer to the
scattered into piles of twisted, smoldering scrap. Strakhov’s
heart of the Cryxian machinery without bothering to see
expression was stony. He could not begin to confront the
if Strakhov followed his orders. Instead he focused on
likelihood of Karchev’s current state. The kommander had not
the anger building within him. Piece by piece he let go of
even had the protection of a power field.
mental barriers and restraints he had put in place over the
years. Memories flooded him. The anguish of defeat at the He survived a century ago, Strakhov told himself. He’ll survive
Battle of the Tongue in the First Thornwood War—the rage this time.
he felt when the High Kommand had judged him unfit
He felt a swell of relief when he saw the hulking form of the
for duty—the torment he had endured at the hands of the
cobbled-together warjack, its red armor now mostly blackened
wraith witch. Power white-hot and burning consumed him,
steel. Despite the superficial damage it was still standing,
taking away every memory, every conscious thought of
heavy smoke pouring from its stacks. More importantly,
regret, pain, or failure. Only rage remained.
it still cradled the kommander. Strakhov strained to push
Unlike at the Dragon’s Tongue all those decades
ago, he did not let the power utterly consume
him. Instead he focused it, compressed it,
enslaved it to his will. The pain of trying to
control it was like nothing he had ever felt
before. Karchev felt as if his entire body were
being burned to ash. His skin blistered and
peeled as the power within him reached a
critical point. He poured every last scrap of
what it was to be Alexander Karchev into the
impending detonation.
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DEEPER OBLIGATIONS, PART TWO
aside several pieces of rubble as he called out, “Kommander! warcaster seemed frail, his breath coming in slow, ragged gasps.
Kommander Karchev!” His face was pallid and his complexion almost a blue-grey.
“I told you I would . . . catch up.” Karchev chided. His voice When they emerged to the surface, Strakhov was so focused
was still hard, but his words came slowly and with pauses on getting Karchev back to Khadoran lines that he did not
for breath. A cursory examination revealed why. Much even pause to savor the taste of fresh air—albeit fresh air
of the machinery that had connected Karchev’s support tinged with smoke and newly spilled blood. It was not until he
shell to the warjack’s boiler hung in tatters. Strakhov was registered the sight of white- and gold-armored Menites that
disturbed to see fluids leaking from rents in Karchev’s Strakhov paused to take in the larger battle.
armored torso—one oily black, another like clouded water
He saw the blue of Cygnar alongside the red of his
joined by the distinct color of blood.
countrymen as expected, but the sight of so many
Ignoring the reprimand, Strakhov asked, “How bad is the Protectorate troops coming in from the north caused him a
damage?” moment of alarm, then wonder. They were clearly focused
on Cryx, fighting alongside the others rather than against
“Nothing to dwell on,” Karchev said flatly. “Where is . . . the
them. It was as if all of western Immoren had come to
mechanik?”
destroy the cancer that festered within the Thornwood.
Strakhov shook his head. If Karchev felt any remorse over Even so, the Cryxians were far from beaten.
Alexi’s death, he made no outward sign. Not that Strakhov
“We need to get you away from the front lines,” Strakhov
believed by the look of the damage that the mechanik could
shouted over the cacophony of battle.
have done much to help Karchev now. Strakhov needed to get
the kommander back to friendly territory. Karchev did not take his eyes from the battle beyond. “No.
My place is here . . . beside my countrymen,” he said. His eyes
“Can you move?” Strakhov asked.
flared into pools of blazing arcane energy, and his warjack
Strakhov saw the warjack’s eyes flare as Karchev connected carried him forward with a grinding of gears. The machine
with the machine’s cortex to assess its capabilities. “The picked up an ice axe from a fallen uggernaut as it made its
systems function . . . but my pace will be slow.” way toward a beleaguered group of Khadorans struggling to
hold against a large mass of Cryxian thralls.
“I can assist with that.” Strakhov summoned runes to help
empower the ’jack. Cursing under his breath, Strakhov moved quickly to keep
pace with the other warcaster. He had not come this far only
to lose Karchev now. He fired several shots into the Cryxians,
LIGHTNING SPLIT THE SKIES WITH doing his best to clear the way. As they closed on the mass
THUNDER INDISTINGUISHABLE of undead, he found himself acutely aware of how much he
FROM THE ROAR OF KHADORAN missed having a battlegroup to control.
HEAVY GUNS.
Sensing a pair of nearby Khadoran cortexes, Strakhov
veered them in that direction, shouting and pointing.
The pair made their way to the surface as quickly as the Karchev’s warjack trampled through several thralls
damaged ’jack would allow. Thankfully they managed to and annihilated several more with wide swings of its
avoid any significant Cryxian forces. Strakhov assumed that shimmering ice axe. Mechanithralls at the rear of another
the vast majority of the undead were already engaged in the group of embattled enemies turned at the new threat, then
surface battle, which, by the sounds of it, had intensified. gave an inhuman howl and rushed Karchev. Strakhov
He was for a moment overwhelmed with the noise that extended his will to evoke an explosion that ripped through
had previously been muffled. Lightning split the skies with the center of them, obliterating several. He followed with a
thunder indistinguishable from the roar of Khadoran heavy pair of shots from his riot gun.
guns while the sound of steel upon steel rang beneath it all.
The warcasters broke through the undead throng to find
He wondered if the destruction wrought by Karchev had themselves face-to-face with their astounded countrymen.
been of use; he could not help but feel some optimism, Karchev’s warjack looked worse than ever, spewing steam
hoping they had bought those embattled some advantage. and smoke from places it should not have been. Its right
He felt certain he could sense Khadoran cortexes and the leg dragged, leaving a great furrow in the muddy ground.
slight tingle of nearby warcasters.
Strakhov grabbed an open-mouthed Winter Guard lieutenant
Far more concerning was Karchev’s physical state now that his by the arm and shouted, “I’m in command here now! I need to
life support systems had begun to fail. The once-indomitable get Kommander Karchev to the rear!”
110
“K-Kommander Karchev?” the lieutenant stuttered, wide- “Prepare for another charge,” he told Viscount Barak
eyed at the sight of the legendary warcaster being carried Ushka, who rode nearby astride his heavy destrier.
under the arm of the heavily scarred machine. Even now the “Hopefully the last.”
kommander was turning to face additional undead heading
He galloped toward Sorscha’s position. She wore the white
toward them. “Karchev is alive?”
and red of the 1st Border Legion on her warcaster armor
“Yes,” Strakhov said, “and I intend to keep him that way. Find and was advancing alongside some of the highly decorated
a surgeon and some battle mechaniks! Now, Lieutenant!” The members of that force. She saw him approach, and their eyes
startled junior officer tore his eyes from Karchev, nodded, and met. Though her expression did not change, a great deal was
rushed away. conveyed in the look she gave him.
A great shout went up from the nearest soldiers, who He removed his helmet as he neared, ignoring the steam
recognized Strakhov or Karchev or both. Strakhov had not that rose from his sweating face and damp hair. He inclined
considered it until this moment, but he had been gone so long his head. “Kommander Kratikoff. My army is a bit tattered,
that his people had likely given him up for dead as well. He but those who remain are eager for battle. Shall we join
ignored them and approached a Man-O-War kovnik who was forces on the main drive? It has been too long since we
’jack marshaling a Decimator and a Destroyer fighting nearby. fought side-by-side.” He willed that his true feelings be felt
across the bond they shared despite the mundane nature of
“Kovnik, I’m taking control of your machines. Watch my back.”
his spoken words.
Without waiting for acknowledgment, Strakhov strode toward
the warjacks, already reaching out to them with his mind. “It would be my honor, Great Prince Tzepesci.” Her tone was
also cool, but he understood the suggestion of richer emotions
conveyed through the barest widening of her eyes and the
relaxation of the muscles of her jaw and neck. They had been
apart far too long. “Let us deliver the final blow.”
Vladimir Tzepesci pulled his spear free from the Harrower
helljack he had just toppled and then urged his steed back He gave her a warm smile, one he allowed himself only
toward the larger battle. Very few of his warjacks were in private or in the heat of battle. “Yes. Together, we will
left, but he mentally took stock of them, letting his mind finish this.”
flicker through their cortexes as the Umbreans around him
She rallied her men and called for an advance even as Vladimir
rallied. Drago had carved through several brute thralls
signaled to his own officers. When their troops were aligned,
that had sought to flank his position and stood ready for
they sent the warjacks ahead and advanced on the central
more, axes in hand. The allied forces had pushed back the
tower. At the top of the structure, Asphyxious looked down at
Cryxians to close on the main fortress. The moment the
the closing host, unmoving.
necromantic spires had gone dead, a surge of hope had
gone through the gathered men, and even those who had
moments ago been exhausted and terrified were inspired
to fight with fresh vigor.
Atop one of the upper platforms of the central tower, Deneghra
Amid the deafening clamor of the battle, with the smoke and
staggered as the entire structure shook from an enormous
reeking haze that surrounded them, it was difficult to tell
explosion far below. She knew at once it must have come
exactly what had transpired to cripple the Cryxian facility.
from deep within the interior. She regained her footing as the
Whatever the cause, it was enough that the necrofactorium was
shuddering ceased—as did all the thrumming and vibrations
now inert—the seemingly unending barrage of necromantic
of the fortress machinery. The stillness was ominous. Lich
destruction had ceased, and with it the tortured howling of
Lord Asphyxious turned a baleful glowing eye from the battle
captured souls. A roar went up from several places among the
below and toward her.
gathered mortal armies. Those soldiers that had been held in
reserve now charged forward to join the fighting. “An explosion below,” she said, unnecessarily. “I do not know
where.” She had no skarlocks that were not already engaged
Vlad scanned the Khadoran lines, noting where Irusk was
in the battle beyond the fortress, though she expected some of
leading his forces at some distance from the Umbreans.
her other minions would bring her news of the disturbance
At last he saw the one he sought—Forward Kommander
when they were able.
Sorscha Kratikoff fought not far off, urging on her warjacks
while unleashing her ice magic upon the foe. He directed “The central engine chamber,” Asphyxious said in a
his soldiers to regroup and positioned his few remaining rasping growl. “How could an intruder penetrate so deeply
warjacks to best advantage. undetected?”
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DEEPER OBLIGATIONS, PART TWO
“Karchev,” Deneghra answered, the name rising unbidden Lich Lord Asphyxious had been staring out at the seething
to her lips. Her mind raced as she considered how far his armies as if transfixed. Now he moved back from the ledge,
prison was situated from anything vital. She had taken every perhaps with reluctance. “Yes, it is time,” he said slowly.
precaution. It seemed impossible he could have affected
“I will take to the air to delay the foe. We will rendezvous later,
anything from where he was and equally impossible that he
at the appointed place.” She knew that, had she been alive, her
could have escaped it without her subordinates noticing. Then
heart would be beating faster now. Asphyxious must leave,
again, the battle had been occupying most of them. Many of
now. She felt the indistinct echo of what had once been fear.
the self-willed undead that would ordinarily have remained
Vast armies closed around them, and she knew she might be
within the bowels of the necrofactorium had been sent to seal
flying to her final death.
the cephalyx tunnels.
They faced each other for a moment, and though his inhuman
“With any luck, he perished in the attempt,” Asphyxious said.
and unliving face was the same as ever, she could feel a faint
His tone carried venom, but he returned his attention to the
stirring of what little emotion he could muster ripple through
armies below, as if this development were not disastrous.
the energy emanating from him. He stepped closer to her and
She stared at Asphyxious and could not help some indignation. said, “I will bid all my minions to ensure no harm comes to
She had exhorted him multiple times to see to their prisoner, thee until we stand together again.” Then he turned to descend
to find a way to help her break and transform him—though into the depths.
perhaps no will, even the lich lord’s, could have reached the
recalcitrant Khadoran. She had never encountered a mind so
impervious and unyielding.
She could feel the draining away of the energies that had Deneghra mounted the saddle of her great necromechanikal
been flooding into her and Asphyxious, energies that had beast and took to wing, summoning a wave of necrotite-
allowed them to hurl spells and control warjacks from afar, tainted air to help propel them high above the battlefield. The
multiplying their powers. She latched onto what lingering serpentine construct let loose a chilling, metallic howl that
necromantic energies she could, pulling them into her soul caused the mortals below to pause in their advance and gaze
cages. She could see the outer spires going dark one by upward in mute horror.
one as the power that sustained them faded. With those
As she raced forward, the wraith witch raised her right hand
inoperative, the outer defenses collapsed, and the arrayed
and gathered her arcane power. Her mount was circled by
armies surrounding the necrofactorium reacted like a
green runes in a complex pattern of interlocking rings. Then
vast single organism. What had once been wary was now
the air split open above her and a howling gate opened a
emboldened.
crack into the cold outer reaches of Urcaen, from which
With her augmented awareness shut down, the helljacks at the tumbled screaming and tormented souls. Invoking this
fringes of the facility complex were left bereft of direct guidance vortex was a tremendous strain that would cost her, but for
while the enemy rushed forward with renewed zeal. She had a moment she felt a shadow of the power that had flowed to
witnessed a new army arriving from the north and through her through the necrofactorium. To add to the souls pouring
the eyes of bonejacks in that quarter had seen rank upon rank through the gate, she reached out to collect those gathered by
of Protectorate soldiers. For a moment she had thought this soul keepers amid the fighting below.
new force might fall upon its erstwhile enemies and buy them
Lightning blazed through her thralls, and others were cut
some time. Then the Menites advanced in concert alongside
down by withering rifle fire. She heard incoming fire from the
the Khadorans and Cygnarans, raising their weapons only
Khadoran colossal, though she knew it could not reach her.
against the undead.
An unearthly wind surrounded her, knocking aside all lesser
A noose of warjacks and living soldiers closed on the outer projectiles and lending swiftness to her mount. She leaned
thralls and began to tear through them. The enemy’s fears had forward and plummeted to fly swiftly across the undead army
been banished and hope restored. She instructed one of her below, using the soul energy she had stored to pour power
skarlocks below to unleash the forces they had kept back as into every helljack and bonejack under her control.
their last defense. With another mental order she had brute
Their eyes lit with green fire and they surged forward to
thralls crank the wheels to open the nearby aperture where
attack. Ghostly thralls poured forth from the necrofactorium,
her mount awaited.
the last reserves. Her mount opened its fanged maw to
“My lord, you must leave now,” Deneghra said. “The passage unleash a spray of corrosive bile that hissed across the nearest
should be intact, despite whatever happened below. They will ranks of charging Iron Fang uhlans. She invoked her magic to
seal it behind you.” send several others tumbling off their steeds from the force
112
of focused necromantic bursts. She stripped
away the protective armor of the nearest
storm knights and saw them dissolve beneath
an outpouring of thrall bile. She delighted in
delivering death, feeling the gathering of souls
as an almost sensual pleasure even as she
pushed her helljacks onward in an escalating
frenzy of destruction.
113
DEEPER OBLIGATIONS, PART TWO
dropped what they were doing to stand at attention. Years of composure. After a long moment, Irusk continued. “Your
military life caused Strakhov to snap up as well, despite his presence has been sorely missed in these last months.” It
fatigue—an ingrained reflex. was the kindest tone Strakhov had ever heard in that voice.
Supreme Kommandant Gurvaldt Irusk walked down the Karchev nodded. “I am eager to resume the fight.”
aisle of soldiers, his armor and uniform showing signs of his
“There will be ample opportunity in the days to come. The
own role in the recent battle. Nonetheless his posture was
Motherland has no shortage of enemies.” The two shared
ramrod straight, and his keen eyes betrayed none of the
a long look, and Karchev slowly smiled and again inclined
fatigue the rest of those gathered could not hide.
his head. Irusk turned smartly and marched away, leaving a
“Kommander Strakhov,” he said, his powerful voice ringing respectful silence behind him.
with authority. “Your return from the dead has been a subject
of much . . .” Irusk paused as if carefully considering his words, SOUTHWESTERN THORNWOOD,
TWO WEEKS EARLIER
then continued, “discussion among the kommandants.”
Empress Ayn Vanar walked unannounced into the command
Strakhov needed no clarification. He had acted outside his tent where Supreme Kommandant Irusk and Great Vizier
orders in his efforts to rescue Kommander Karchev. By any Blaustavya were meeting, savoring the look of surprise on
interpretation of military law he had at the least deserted his both their faces before they hastened to offer her the proper
post, a grave infraction. Warcasters were given tremendous obeisance. They were meeting with Aleksandra Zerkova,
latitude and might escape punishment for such an offense, whose expression remained cool. Apparently she was not
but that was not always the case. surprised so easily. “Forgive my interruption, Supreme
Kommandant. I am in no mood to sit idly while others
He kept his expression neutral. “I saw an opportunity to
manage my affairs.”
recover Kommander Karchev, so I took it.”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” Irusk offered quickly. He
“A bold decision—one that led to our forces being deprived
inclined his head toward Zerkova. “We were confirming
of your leadership in exceptionally dangerous times. And
that the encampment is secure once again. The Greylords
this is not the first time your personal initiative has put
have seen to it.”
operations at risk.”
The empress nodded. “And making arrangements for my
ongoing safety, I gather.”
“THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME YOUR “That is our foremost concern,” Blaustavya said. “We intend
PERSONAL INITIATIVE HAS PUT for Obavnik Kommander Zerkova to escort you in the days
OPERATIONS AT RISK.” ahead, while we march on the Cryxian fortress.”
She looked from one to the other and then said, “I welcome
her protection. But there are other matters that will soon
require her attention.”
“I stand by my decision, Kommandant.” Strakhov’s voice
remained completely level, his eyes never leaving Irusk’s. “Your Majesty?” Irusk asked.
“What if you had failed?” Irusk demanded. She gave him an even look, but not an unkind one. There
were certain protocols in the military, with its strict chain
Strakhov did not flinch. “Failure was never an option, sir.”
of command. She knew it was unseemly to exercise her
Irusk kept his intense stare on Strakhov for several long authority in this way, with Zerkova present and Irusk the
moments, his face unreadable. Strakhov could not help but ranking officer, but sometimes it was important to remind
notice how deathly quiet everything around him was. The her senior officers whom they ultimately served. She had
only sound he could hear was his own heartbeat. He was not been playing a dangerous and difficult game, and this was
afraid, though. It was for such tasks as this rescue that he had the last piece to put in place. She turned to Blaustavya and
been trained, and he had been successful. asked, “What of the traitor?”
Finally Irusk released his gaze to turn to Karchev. “It is “He confessed and was hung. Too clean a death, by my
good to see you well, Kommander,” he said. Though his reckoning.”
expression did not change, his voice wavered slightly and
“And this tent is secure? From both friends and enemies?”
he paused. Strakhov felt startled to realize the supreme
She could not resist a bit of emphasis on the first half of that
kommandant, overcome with emotion, needed to regain his
equation.
114
“Absolutely,” he said, looking wounded. “My agents “I am sure that is true,” she said, locking her eyes on his.
have secured this area, and the Greylords have mystical “Great Prince Tzepesci will undoubtedly say something
precautions in place. We may speak openly.” Zerkova was similar regarding his agreement with the Menites. The
watching the exchange with an appraising look in her one outcome is the same. Your actions forced me to come here,
good eye. This was the first time she had been taken into the to reassert my authority and to demonstrate to my army that
empress’ confidence, so her curiosity was understandable. you and I are in accord. It is vital they know that everything
you do is an extension of my will, that any authority you
“Traitor?” Irusk asked, his tone mild, though his jaw was
possess flows from me.”
clenched. “You found a spy?”
After a pause she released his gaze and said, “Unwittingly,
Ayn gestured for Blaustavya to explain. He sighed before
you also created an opportunity. This battle in the Thornwood
speaking. “Before our journey here from the capital, we
against Cryx is vital, not only for the threat they pose, but for
discovered a member of our retinue had been compromised.
the aftermath of victory. We must ensure that the Khadoran
It is fortunate for us that, cunning though they are, the lords
Empire is positioned for the next stage in this war. Peace will
of Cryx are less adroit at manipulating the living than they
not last. We must subjugate all enemies, including those who
are the dead. Their methods to ensure compliance were
pretend to be friends. The moment Cryx is dealt with, they
heavy-handed and so not difficult for us to discover. I suspect
will plot against us. Both sides will be vulnerable.”
the plot was hastily arranged. I would have ordered the man
executed immediately, but the empress had other plans.” She could see Irusk taking this in. He said, “That matter has
The way he emphasized his words left no doubt as to his occupied my thoughts since this alliance began.”
disapproval of her choice in this matter.
“Let it distract you no longer,” Ayn said. “I am here to remove
Ayn gave him a stern look and he grimaced. She said to Irusk, that burden, to allow you to focus on the battle at hand. We
“You may have wondered how the Cryxians knew precisely will not allow our enemies to move against us. Rather, we
where we were to meet.” will seize the initiative.”
Irusk nodded once and said, “I thought it likely a lapse by She continued, “I will leave the details to you and the great
the Cygnarans.” vizier, but I have certain requirements. First, I intend to
speak to our soldiers, to commend them and inspire them,
She nodded. “A reasonable conjecture, but no, not in this
before you leave to confront Cryx. When you have gone
case. The fault was ours. Mine. I allowed this traitor to learn
to attend to that task, Kommander Zerkova will escort me
of the meeting and to deliver that information to his master.”
north, to ensure my safety until I rendezvous with those
Irusk’s eyes widened and he stared at her in disbelief.
who will deliver me to the capital. Meanwhile, Zerkova
Zerkova’s expression suggested surprise and approval. She
will prepare an ambush for Hierarch Severius on his
was a woman quite familiar with complex and risky plots.
return journey to Llael. You will muster other forces to
Ayn continued, “This was against the great vizier’s seize Armandor and Torre Torcail in Ord and Stonebridge
recommendation, of course. I was confident that having Castle in northern Cygnar immediately after we have our
foreknowledge would enable us to take sufficient precautions victory over Cryx. You will fight in good faith alongside
to ensure the attempt would fail. Naturally there would be our ‘allies’ against Cryx but regroup to secure positions
risk. I did not wish to tip our hand and alert the Cryxians that after that battle, separating sufficiently from elements of
we knew their plans, lest they change them. They might have the Cygnaran Army to prepare for a renewal of hostilities
sought to intercept me during the crossing of the Thornwood against them. Ensure they are in no position to retaliate
instead. The temptation to take out the leaders of both nations when word of our actions reaches them. There will be
at once would be an opportunity they could not let pass. So, delay and confusion, amid which you will seize advantage
in one sense delivering this information may have ensured for the empire.”
my safe arrival.” She did not say it aloud, but she had also
Their silence was absolute. The empress felt satisfaction to
weighed the fact that it would not bring her any grief if King
see that she had surprised them so utterly; even Blaustavya
Leto were to be killed in the attempt.
had not known of this. On his face and Irusk’s she could
“Why put yourself in such peril?” Irusk asked. discern some deeper uncertainty, but on Zerkova’s there was
nothing but readiness and admiration.
“You placed me in an unusual position, Supreme
Kommandant, when you entered into your alliance with
Cygnar.”
115
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