Firebase Issue Seven FINAL Version

July 2008 – Issue #7
Art by Tim Divar

Editorial
“That’s the end of that one. search for devoted staff to help with Firebase
- okay, so some did approach me themselves,
Atmospheric conditions in
outer space often interfere with
but I’m glad they did! In this issue you’ll find we FIREBASE STAFF
have some talented new artists and writers who
transmitting.” - General Roberts, will become regular contributors to Firebase. Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gabriel Schrock
‘Plan 9 From Outer Space’ We’ve got a fan-made codex that is nothing
short of excellent, complete with instructions Gaming Sub-Editor . . . . Michael Glaeser
Time for release already?! It’s already been
on making your own terrain and a battle report. Modelling Sub-Editor. . . . . . Stephen Gair
three months since I wrote my last editorial?!
Comprehensive event coverage from both
It hasn’t been an easy three months for many Advisor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Adam Smith
sides of the world is included, and even a peek
of us, and I must admit how proud of the staff
into what our staff are working on themselves; I Design & Layout . . . . . . . . . . Jon Mattison
and myself I am this issue. Despite many of us
hope, faithful readers, that you will be pleased
being full time students, having a career, raising Proofreaders . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Alexander
with our efforts. We’re already working on Issue
children and having to deal with the variety of Huw Davies
8, amongst other fun stuff for you, and I think
life we’ve still managed to put together yet James Maliska
you’re going to be in for a treat.
another astounding issue. I sincerely hope you Matthew Phelps
will agree. I’ve got one more bit to say, summer is here!
This issue we’ve been working on making a great
Have a safe and fun one! STAFF
Cover Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tim Divar
magazine better. I’ve been very fortunate in my -Gabriel “Gabe” Schrock, Editor
Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Travis Andrews
Nacho Fernandez
Tim Solosy
Comics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Solomon
Paul Wantland
Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Timo Lorenz
David McGuire
Geoffrey Snider
FIREBASE is published every three months in association with Warseer.com. All text and layout remains the copyright
of FIREBASE. FIREBASE is a fully independent publication and its views are not the views of any company mentioned
herein. All characters and artwork shown in this magazine remain the © and trademark of their respective owners.
No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the express permission of the Editor or Deputy Editor. FIREBASE
can accept no responsibility for inaccuracies or complaints arising from editorial or advertising within this magazine.
All letters and emails received will be considered for publication, but we cannot always provide personal replies.
This fanzine is completely unofficial and in no way endorsed by Games Workshop Limited. FIREBASE is a nonprofit
making fanzine with the aim of promoting Games Workshop games, products and hobby.
Firebase Issue #7 – July 2008 2

Table of Contents
IN THIS ISSUE 18 51
Staff Work-in-Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
News from the Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Adepticon Travelogue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Open Bash Coverage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
APOC Datasheet: Stormhammer . . . . . . . 30
The Imperial Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
What’s Wrong with my Bolter? . . . . . . . . . 34
Tips & Tactics: Army List Efficiency . . . . . . 36
Ruleset: Jungles of Death battlezone. . . . 43
Battle Report: Jungles of Death . . . . . . . . 51
Modeling: Jungles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Modeling: Advanced CoD Ruins. . . . . . . . 77
Scratchbuilding: Tau Orca . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
APOC Datasheet: Tau Orca . . . . . . . . . . . 103
30 89
Scratchbuilding: Tyranid Meiotic Spore . 106
Stripping Forgeworld Tanks. . . . . . . . . . . 110
Comics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Fiction: Four Horsemen Amateur Night. 115
Fiction: Titans Anamnesis . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
BoLS: 5th Edition First Impressions. . . . . 129
Interview: Ross Watson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Dark Heresy: Daemonhosts . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Specialist Games Section . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Staff Work-in-Progress
STAFF WORK-IN-PROGRESS
BEN SKINNER
Top Left: I’m putting together a new 40k
Marine Army for 5th edition; each squad is
going to be painted as if they’re fighting at
night with a light shining on it.
Top Right: An example of the light effect
as used on the Terminator Squad.
Right: I’m also working on some Epic
Chaos Space Marines. The Daemon
Prince is scratchbuilt.

HUW DAVIES
Wolfie
I had a crazy idea to make a really distinctive Spawn
based on the ‘Loper’ creatures from the ‘Return To Castle
Wolfenstein’ game, and after some brainstorming this...
thing was the result. The basis for the torso is the top
half of an Ogre body, with sprue forming the ‘skeleton’
of the arms; I wanted to use the same technique CGI
artists use to get realistic body proportions, building
muscles over skeleton and adding skin last of all. In the
second shot you can see how far I’ve gotten with this,
just needing now to blend in the claws and add horrible
Nurgly skin...

Possessed 2
This one is a weird
mish-mash of
Ogre, Spawn and
Possessed bits, with
a Terminator helm
added for good
measure; as much
as anything else, I
wanted to see how
smoothly I could get
such disparate body
parts to match up.
Ideally I think any
conversion should
look homogenous,
with no obviously
alien parts or a
neon sign pointing
to a certain part of
the miniature saying “Here
Is The Green-Stuffed Bit”
- I spend a lot of time trying
to match up contours and
surface textures on things
for this very reason. So far
I’m pretty pleased with
this guy, I think his posture
looks pretty businesslike
for such a smorgasbord of
components...
Huw Davies’
Possessed 2

Jaws
Inspired in roughly equal
quantites by the Possessed
torso with the teeth
embedded in it and the
‘Butterball’ Cenobite from
the ‘Hellraiser’ movies,
Jaws is as much an exercise
in stretching my sculpting
abilities as anything else.
Again I used an Ogre torso
as the basis, this time filling
the centre-body cavity with
green-stuffed flesh then
painting it with Chaos Black,
Blood Red and Chestnut
ink to give a shiny dark
meat colour to the whole
thing which is just visible
enough behind the teeth to look
suitably disturbing and gross. So far
I’m very pleased with how the mouth
and the various flesh textures have
come out...he should end up being a
very distinctive-looking miniature on
the table.
Huw Davies’ Jaws

GABRIEL SCHROCK
UNSC M12 Warthog LRV
So I recently discovered these beauties. As it
turns out, McFarlane Toys has made a Halo
3 vehicle series. In the first series we have the
Ghost, Brute Chopper and the Warthog. I
couldn’t help picking up three of these. Their
scale is perfect for 28mm uses. They cost me only
$10 each and I’ve had to stop myself from buying
the Brute Choppers, as I feel they would make
excellent bikes for Space Marines or Orks.
I replaced the antennae with a bit of brass wire
because the original one is a bit too thick for
my tastes. The original M41 Light Anti-Aircraft
gun barrels were replaced by plastic rod and
greenstuff binding. The bigger barrels look a
lot more imposing. Here you can see my triplets lined up. Once completed they will receive a data sheet.

JON MATTISON
My whole hobby life is a work in progress,
but really, here’s what I’ve actually
touched in the last few weeks.
I’ve loved the Bretonnian’s as Imperial
Guard ever since Dave Taylor got
published several years ago. So a few
months ago I began hunting for bitz
on eBay and the Warstore. I’d originally
intended to only do a squad for use with
Dark Heresy but then I kept winning
auctions... uh, yeah.
Once I counted them all up it totalled 50

models. Oops. This actually works out just
fine since I’d been working on a Traitor Guard
datasheet for Apocalypse which was a mix
between Lost and the Damned (EoT) traitors
and the Imperial Guard codex. My datasheet
has you taking a Traitor Command squad and
2-5 squads of up to 15 traitors.
As you see above, all flamer operators must
be crazy and have to wear the silly clown
hat.
Next up, all pewter Deathwing.

I grabbed every available Deathwing

model when my local game store went
out of business a couple of years ago.
When the new Dark Angel’s codex came
out I headed to eBay to fill out the roster.
I ended up with 7 squads with Assault
Cannons and a Chain Fist, 1 Lightning
Claw squad and 4 each of Cyclones and
Heavy Flamers to swap in as alternate
heavy weapons. Belial “Wolverine”
(magnatized arms) and a Chaplain round
out the figures. I’m two storm shields
short of completing a Hammer squad. I
will probably resort to using plastic shields
from the new kit.
Currently basecoated bleached bone,
I am now undecided which of the new Left: Jon’s Belial “Wolverine” with magnetized arms
washes to use on them (Mud or Sepia). Above: Two shields short of a Hammer squad

Book Reviews
also offers a few surprises; ever since ‘Daemon

NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY World’, I stick to Ben Counter when wanting to
read about a planet in the Eye of Terror. If you
liked Conan, you’ll love the new Alaric!
Dear Brothers, dear Enemies:
‘RELENTLESS’
Before we get to the reviews, I would like to recommend the following ritual to get into the - RICHARD WILLIAMS
spirit of things: go three days without shaving and watch the movie ‘Conan The Barbarian’, With his first novel,
at least once. Richard W illiams
Things get barbaric in this issue! We’ve got a new Space Wolves novel, the third Grey Knights delivers a story of the
novel (in which Justicar Alaric mutates into a type of Conan) and a Firebase premiere. For the Imperial Navy.
first - and probably only - time we are presenting a piece of Warhammer Fantasy; when a book When the captain of
about Sigmar is published, especially bearing a grandiose title like ‘Heldenhammer’, even us the Relentless dies, it
40K fanatics can’t just ignore it. We’ve got several other interesting topics for you as well, of takes a few years before
course... On to the reviews! a decision concerning
Timo Lorenz his replacement his
(Brother Marine; Book Worm Chapter) made; in the meantime,
First Officer Ward is in
command. He is not
‘HAMMER OF DAEMONS’ Imperium suffer a crushing loss, but Alaric is
exactly delighted to find out that it’s not him but
- BEN COUNTER captured alive and carried off to the Daemon
hardliner Captain Becket who will be promoted
When you pick up a world Drakaasi in the Eye Of Terror.
to Captain of the Relentless. There’s only one
C.S. Goto book you
Upon arriving, he realizes what his tormentors way to cover up his corruption: Becket must die
can be pretty sure
expect of him: he becomes a gladiator, fighting in order for the status quo to be upheld. With
that there will be a
for his master’s reputation as well as that of his help from his squad of officers Ward devises a
couple of Eldar in it.
master’s god Khorne in the planet’s arenas. diabolical plan, bumping off the disagreeable
Ben Counter’s books
A legend about the ‘Hammer of Daemons’ novice during a visit to the planet.
are kind of like that,
circulates on Drakaasi. Will Alaric find it before
except that his forte is After being declared dead, Becket returns
he is killed in one of the fights or, worse yet,
the forces of Chaos. to the ship as a work slave; seeking revenge,
before his soul is corrupted by Khorne? What is
he makes his way up to the commando deck.
When the planet the Hammer of Daemons anyway?
‘Relentless’ is exciting and new. The plot is a
Sarthis Majoris is
Ben Counter does what he does best - he write refreshment within the 40k universe, and First
attacked by Chaos,
about Chaos and its followers, with convoluted Officer Ward’s schemes are diabolical, yet the
the Inquisition sends Justicar Alaric along
schemes and power struggles nestling amidst ending seems rushed, as if the author ran out
with four other Grey Knights. The outcome
bloody battles and obscure daemons. The book of ideas towards the last third of this book.
is devastating; not only do the forces of the

Book Reviews
The elements that make this book so unique progress, losing everything he holds dear on Obviously, this is a matter of taste - but when
within the first 200 pages are somewhat lost the way. Graham McNeill is a good choice reading a short story, I’m looking to discover
towards the end. Had Williams managed for an author because he brought us many something new instead of obtaining some
to retain this style through the last page, novels including the great ‘Fulgrim’ whose extra information for already existing stories.
this book would have been my top protagonist is an enigmatic and tragic hero, Alas, every hoard of treasure contains a few
recommendation for this issue. much like Sigmar. silver coins as well. The last four stories are the
reason I will keep reading short stories, since
‘HELDENHAMMER, He skillfully shows us the facets of a man with
they’re the gems I was referring to.
THE LEGEND OF SIGMAR’ big dreams and goals, and it never gets boring;
- GRAHAM MCNEILL this book is a must for all Warhammer fans, not Both Simon Dyton’s ‘The Emperor Wept’
just because of its magnificent title. and ‘Phobos Worked in Adamant’ by Robey
Finally someone
Jenkins both shed some light on the Adeptus
provides us with a novel ‘PLANETKILL’
Mechanicus. They are suspenseful, intelligent
about the primary hero - SHORT STORIES
stories regarding this often-bypassed part of
of the Warhammer It’s fun to get my hands
the 40k universe. With his story ‘Seven Views
universe. The Fantasy on a book of short stories
of Ulguth’s Passing’ Matthew Farrer delivers
series ‘Time of Legends’ every now and then,
the obscure tale of a warp entity looking for
is the equivalent of despite my love for long,
its master. In the course of 39 confusing and
40K’s cornerstone epic stories. It’s always
refreshingly different pages, this entity is being
literature series, the possible to find little gems
described from the viewpoint of seven different
Horus Heresy. But, within these collections
beings/existences. This story alone makes
enough digression… of stories, even if they
‘Planetkill’ worth reading.
on to Sigmar! are only 50 pages long.
‘Planetkill’ offers a few of The last story is ‘Mercy Run’ by Steve Parker,
The book describes the time in Sigmar’s life
these gems, so let’s have author of the Imperial guard novel ‘Rebel
between the Battle of Astofen and the Battle at
a look. Winter’; here Parker again focuses on Imperial
Black Fire Pass. If you’re expecting a myth like
soldiers. Three tanks are sent on a special
the Iliad or the Nibelungen I have to say you The book doesn’t start off all that glamorously;
mission just hours before the destruction of a
will be disappointed because this book focuses ‘Voidsong’ by Henry Zou is an average 40k story,
planet; a race against time and against their own
more on Sigmar as a person, his dreams, easy enough to see through for old-timers. In
morals ensues. A perfect Imperial Guard story!
feelings, and goals in creating his empire than the treasure-chest of short stories, this is more of
on the epic story line and the complete life a copper piece than anything else. ‘Mortal Fuel’ All in all, ‘Planetkill’ is actually a pretty good
of Sigmar. If that’s what you’re after I would by Richard Williams and ‘The Heraclitus Effect’ compilation. After all, as we all know, a treasure-
recommend reading the ‘Artefact’ book ‘The by Graham McNeill raise the bar. However, they chest is never filled solely with diamonds…
Life of Sigmar’ by Matt Ralphs. don’t diverge from the characters covered in
each authors’ novels, so Williams writes about
He combines the most disparate human tribes
the Relentless and McNeill about Uriel Ventris.
into a unit by means of war, diplomacy and

Book Reviews
‘BATTLE FOR THE ABYSS’ and he perfectly displays the individual traits enemy ship, and being chased by Ragnar, an
- BEN COUNTER of the different Astartes Legions. old Space Marine remembers how he came
Volume 8 of the this close to the abyss.
If the series remains this exciting, and if the
Horus Heresy saga
likes of Dan Abnett, Ben Counter, and Graham The old nemesis, Madox, makes an
is presented by Ben
McNeill can keep bouncing the story back appearance in order to perform a dark ritual
Counter, who also
and forth so perfectly, there’s hope for many with the lost Spear Of Russ. The Space
penned the third
more instalments here. I look forward to the Wolves’ territory is attacked by followers of
volume, ’Galaxy in
9th volume with great anticipation: the war Chaos on all sides; Ragnar is sent on a special
Flames’.
reaches Mars in this one. ‘Battle for the Abyss’ mission to stop the hated Thousand Sons and
Horus’ allies among and the Horus Heresy series are a must for all also to return the Spear of Russ and thus find
the Mechanicum of fans of Sci-Fi, and furthermore basic literature salvation. Upon entering a “mirror world” of
Mars are secretly for all 40k fans. This is my recommendation the planet within the Warp, a long kept secret
building a battleship of for this issue! of the Space Wolves is revealed.
massive proportions,
‘WOLF´S HONOUR’ - LEE LIGHTNER Wolf’s Honour is a not a bad book, but Lee
the Furious Abyss, which they bestow upon
Lee Lightner’s attempt Lightner does not manage to fully capture the
the fanatic, scheming World Bearers. A race
to continue the Space Space Wolves’ esprit and charm as William
within the warp ensues after testing the new
Wolf saga turns King did. After all, who could ever forget
super-ship against a smaller fleet; will the
out to be a difficult the farting Space Marine? Of course, this
survivors of the attack be able to warn the
task. What Nathan story is absolutely necessary for the closure
Ultramarines’ home planet of the approaching
Long’s ‘Gotrek and of the saga but I find it a bit too predictable.
destruction on time? And how do you handle
Felix’ accomplished Compared to other Black Library releases,
your brother turning into the enemy?
with grandeur (the this book doesn’t really have what it takes
I prefer not to go into the content of the continuation of a to enthrall me. It’s neither magnificent nor
Horus Heresy books because they need to be William King series) terrible, it’s just plain average.
explored by the reader. I would hate to give is not a successful
away too much, but ‘Battle for the Abyss’ is undertaking for
a gripping novel and can hold its own in the L i g h t n e r. The
range of Horus Heresy books. protagonist is lacking some new substance in
the sixth novel of this series.
A big plus here is the fact that Ultramarines
are fighting on the same side as Space As usual, this Space Wolf novel begins and
Wolves, Thousand Sons, and World Eaters, ends on a scene set in the present which
and we all know that this is a highly volatile sparks the memory of the main story around
mixture. Ben Counter really allows the reader which the novel revolves. Upon succumbing
to become part of the book and its moods, to the beast within himself while boarding an

Special Report: My First Adepticon
MY FIRST ADEPTICON
By Brian “Lexington” Solomon I’m not such a person; as a
somewhat recent ‘re-convert’
AdeptiCon is a cultural event that’s entirely
to 40K, and never the most
unparalleled in its scope, scale and prestige
spectacular tabletop general, the
within the world of the Warhammer 40K
idea of attending the largest and
community. In past years it has equalled or
most prestigious of tournaments
even replaced Games Day as the première
seemed like a self-defeating
40K hobby event in North America. It is here
endeavour. But I like people. I like
that the armies which go on to terrorise
40K. What’s more, I’m constantly
the tournament scene for the next year are
impressed by the amount of
previewed and perfected. It was at AdeptiCon
dedication and hard work that so
in 2007 that Jervis Johnson gave his now-
many people put into this hobby.
famous talk on the ‘future of 40K,’ laying out
Thus it was with that in mind,
what we would eventually come to know as
along with the prodding of a few
the design philosophy behind 5th Edition.
friends online, that I packed up my
Teams of players prepare year-round to take
camera and some notepads and
part in the much-hyped Team Tournaments.
started the trip out to Chicago to
For anyone who thinks their game of 40K is a
take in three days of observing
competitive one, it’s as near as one gets to the
the biggest 40K event around.
National Championships.
It is apparently something of a running
THE TOURNAMENTS
controversy within the community as to the
Beneath all the fanfare and
viability of tournaments which demand that
brouhaha, AdeptiCon is a
players bring armies with paint tastefully
tournament. The tournament,
applied to their models, but the effect it has to
actually, if you happen to reside
the casual observer is definitely positive – never
within the greater continental
before have I been witness to so many brilliant
area. My own experience with
conversions and stunning paint jobs all in one
tournaments was, and continues
place. The Gladiator tournament in particular,
to be, fairly minimal; but there’s a
which allows Forgeworld and Apocalypse units,
certain magic to seeing so many
was far and away the most visually spectacular.
Games Workshop gamers together
I don’t believe it would have been physically
under one roof, playing to win.

possible to safely store more Gargants in a At the seminar, Phil explained that the
single room. processes in the design studio have changed
a bit recently, becoming more formalised and
The tournament scene, however, is
less random than previously. The Codexes,
unfortunately much less than the sum of
especially, will now be less of the formatting
its more delicious parts. My observations,
and typeset pipe-bomb that previous releases
confirmed by independent (often ranting and
have been. Indeed, we’ve seen this since the
inebriated) analysis, put the number of Tyranid
release of the Eldar Codex, but he explained
and Eldar forces at roughly a combined 80% of
in more detail that there is now a “Codex:
the population, the rest peppered with Orks
Codex” that lays down the rules for formatting
and Space Marines. The contents of these lists
and that the Studio intends to follow this from
need no extrapolation here – suffice to say that
here on out.
they were exactly what one would expect from
such a set-up. It’s a grim premise, and makes
the introduction of a fresh set of rules seem
that much more enticing.
THE SEMINARS
One of the highlights of AdeptiCon is the
set of sessions that are set up every year, led
by dedicated hobbyists and even some GW
Studio members. My first seminar was Friday’s
chat with Phil Kelly, Dark Xenos Overfiend
of the 40K Design Studio and the man
responsible for the Eldar and Ork Codexes;
which are, in my opinion, some of the most
delightful additions to the game in some time. Dave Taylor, of GW’s US Community Team
Phil’s a treat to talk with, and he answered our
The other seminar I attended was with Dave
small group’s questions with an enthusiasm
Taylor, the head of GW’s US Community
that drove home his dedication to the game as
Team, who explained GW’s new direction for
a hobby and a fun-generating device. “If you
community development - which is to say that
write up an army list to use your toy dinosaurs,
they now actually have one. Dave’s a trooper
it’s not something you want to bring to a
and carried on with the session long after its
tournament,” he said. “But if you’re playing in
allotted running time, even though his poor
From the Team Tournament; top to bottom: your mate’s garage...well, by God, bring those
British body had been wracked by one of our
Eldar display, team Flying Hellfish, and the dinosaurs, man!”
foul American diseases. As Dave explained, GW
Four Horsemen banner

is now focused on supplementing and assisting

existing clubs, tournaments and conventions,
rather than creating their own official structures.
Their past efforts at trying to expand their
official reach have not done well, and they’ve
found that for the cost of one tournament
run by themselves they can simply support
three or four community-run tournaments. In
addition, they’ve set up the new Kommando
program, which will be something of a store-
based (rather than area-based) version of the
old Outrider program. All in all, one gets the
idea that GW is serious about supporting its
player base without putting such a dividing line
between ‘official’ and ‘unofficial’ anymore.
THE TEAM DISPLAY GALLERY More Team Tournament; team Space Wolf
The Team Tournament is a tradition at including a massive, show-stopping diorama
AdeptiCon, and teams from across the country piece from the 300+ that sat in the middle of
come to show their colours – and their efforts. the showroom. Enjoy!
Several teams brought displays this year,
From the Team Tournament; top to bottom:

team Howling Griffons, team Threes Krumpany
and team Ulthwe.


Open Bash at the Ammo Bunker
ONE HALL, TWO DAYS, 113,000 POINTS –

ONE MAN’S TALE OF TRAGEDY AND DESPAIR1
FORUM ALIASES HAVE BEEN USED TO PROTECT THE INNOCENT
Without knowing how it was going to work, My role on the day would be threefold -
or who was going to turn up, or in fact any refereeing, taking pictures and covering a WIP
other detail whatsoever Warhammer World area to show some projects being undertaken
was booked. We were now committed to the by people from Ammobunker. However, I also
endeavour. Were we mad, and taking our first wanted to contribute to the Apocalypse battle
step on the road to infamy and damnation? We by providing some models. The final week
“If no one else turns up we are going to look hadn’t a clue; we just knew we had the possibility had me building tanks – two tank squadrons
like the fat kid that no one wants to pick for of something great on our hands… or to end up (one of Vanquishers and one of Demolishers),
the sports team…” I had uttered those words like the aforementioned sports outcast. a single Destroyer Tank Hunter and to round
on several occasions in the run-up to this my contribution off there was my Decimator (a
The event was called ‘The Open Bash’ as it was
day, most of the time keeping the thought to be open to anyone who wanted to come,
to myself although in moments of weakness member or not. The call was put out and the
I had shared this concern with others whose response was good; even though we knew that
general demeanour gave off the same mixture half to two thirds of the ‘definitely be there’
of excitement and utter dread. replies would have become a ‘sorry, can’t make
To explain, I will take you back a few months… it’ by the day itself we could see we’d still be
left with a decent turnout.
I’m a member of a forum called Ammobunker.
A moderator, in fact, though the reason behind As the day grew closer, the worries increased.
this often eludes me but that’s life in my world Not just the obvious worry about people
- I just go where the tide takes me and hope I turning up but also will those who do turn
don’t drown on the journey. Those of us who up have an enjoyable day… or would they
are, for want of a better phrase, ‘in charge’ be disappointed as the day descends into
decided to have a gathering of members where pandemonium or boredom? Most of us began
we can all get to meet each other in person building more models in earnest to make the
and introduce ourselves to those who have not centrepiece of the day – a bloody huge game
yet seen the light that is Ammobunker. of Apocalypse – as spectacular as possible.
The sign that greeted us at Warhammer World

1 Ok, I admit half of the title is pretty meaningless, but I liked the sound of it.

Shadowsword look-a-like). “As long as they’re

undercoated they can get in on the game” was
my mantra in those couple of weeks. As well as
tanks for the Apocalypse game I was trying to
get as many interesting projects together for
the WIP table as possible but I was running short
of time. The thought of calling in sick surfaced,
but that wouldn’t look good right before time
I’d already booked off as holiday…
THE FRIDAY BEFORE
It’s the Friday before the Bash arrives; I’ve
booked the day off work so I can pack everything
in the morning, drive to Nottingham and be at
Warhammer World for early afternoon.
I find myself packing tanks that still smell of
paint from the undercoat I gave them the night
before. If I wasn’t annoyed enough that I didn’t
get them 100% finished, I had three things
break as I pack them. My Nurgle Dreadnought
is carefully packed away along with as many
finished and WIP projects I can muster,
including my Earthshaker emplacement and The Skeleton Guard of Digits
its WIP sibling. To round off the packing I grab
a selection of glue and knives for those last
minute repairs.
It’s not long before I am pulling into the
Mecca of all that is Warhammer. I’ve always
liked Warhammer World; it certainly beats
the usual corporate headquarters. And how
many gaming venues have a bar?
The main thought behind today was a
quick refresher in Apocalypse and giving
us the opportunity to sort out a few details
Everything I took with me bar a bag of with WHW itself. I met up with fellow
figures, it was enough…

really something to see in the flesh (although

for Digits’ Skeleton Guard army that may not
be the most appropriate way to put it).
Jase had spent many hours slaving away in the
run up to this day building a Stormhammer;
it was his pride and joy, the pinnacle of his
tank-building skill. Unfortunately I was on the
opposing team and my Decimator tore apart
his precious tank like a mid life crisis on a man
nearing forty3.
3
Which, in fact, Jase is.
Turn three soon rolled around and as Digits
proceeded to mop up what was left of Jase
and Col’s forces I had a look round the hall.
The Imperial Cathedral The tables for our Apocalypse games were
Ammobunker moderators Digits and Jasevx,
set up ready for tomorrow. Set out was terrain
whose bright idea this was in the first place
we had seen countless times in White Dwarf
(do I thank him or kill him? That was yet to be
The Tau Outpost and on the GW website, such as the huge
decided) as well as a gentleman known simply
as “Big Bad” Col who - due to the pathetic
excuse of ‘working’ - could not make it to the
Open Bash itself. After lunch in Bugmans2,
we got down to a little bit of Apocalypse.
2
Including a small mix up involving Col’s
wife and some mushrooms - “The amount of
money I’ve given them over the years and
they forget the mushrooms… I should get
mushrooms with everything as a thank you…
Rhino and mushrooms, Land Raider and
mushrooms. Those mushrooms probably cost
me five grand…”
The Imperial Guard armies of Jase and Digits
will be the backbone of the Open Bash
Apocalypse game and the two armies are

ruined cathedral4 and the Tau Outpost5. Also

reserved were some more regular generic
tables plus some Mordheim and Necromunda
tables.
4
“I think I can fit that in my car. I’m sure I
could fit that in my car,” Digits was overheard
muttering under his breath more than once.
5
Which doesn’t appear to have any doors.
Arriving amongst us was another ‘Bunkerian’
in the shape of Asmodai Dark, a fellow
Moderator who for the Open Bash had fiendish
plans involving zombies and a monkey called
Sunshine6.
6
It has never been made clear just how much
influence the monkey has had in the direction
of Asmodai’s life; all we know is at times AD
can be heard muttering “the organ grinder,
the organ grinder…”
The day had gone well, the hall was looking
good and we had managed a small 4K-a-side
game of Apocalypse without coming to the
Zombies!

wasn’t celebrating a birthday, a monkey being

accused of molesting itself, arguments over
a smoked sausage and all of us wondering if
we would hear on the news the following day
why one of the group hadn’t turned up at the
railway station or let any of us know where the
hell he was…
THE BIG DAY.
After a slight detour through the middle
of Nottingham City Centre7 I arrived at
Warhammer World at the ungodly hour of
nine in the morning. I turned up just as the
other Mods and their various hangers-on (you
know who you are…) arrived. We now had six
Ammobunker Moderators together in a room; I
was starting to worry that we were approaching
an ‘all your eggs in one basket’ scenario, I mean
one airstrike and AB would be crippled… I have
these odd thoughts sometimes, not sure why.
7
Stupid bloody directions.
Guys looking worried as they see what has just We got down to the business of setting up. It
appeared before them… was decided that two Apocalypse boards just
conclusion that the larger Open Bash game was weren’t right so we joined the two up for one
going to be a disaster. Throughout the day we’d huge game instead. We now had a gaming
had people approaching us and showing an table forty-eight feet long by six feet wide
interest, not only in the armies we were playing giving us two hundred and eighty-eight square
with but - crucially - in what we had planned for feet of gaming area.
the next day. Things were looking good. Asmodai quickly claimed a table for his
After packing our models away to be stored Necromunda style game ‘Something
overnight in the GW storeroom we left Something Something Zombies (‘SSSZ’)’, and
Warhammer World aiming to meet up later… while he and Deserter got down to working
While I shall skip the events of the Friday night I out what they were doing the rest of us began
will mention it involved people turning up from setting up the Apocalypse game. Start time
…a Bug that needs more than a big glass and
‘Up North’, a birthday cake for someone who was meant to be about half ten with those
a bit of card to get rid of.

already present deploying on the board for the low down on health and safety etc. followed;
first turn while later arrivals would then join in my attention began to drift off at this point,
as reserves. Games Workshop leant us three though finding out there was a fire escape
Baneblades from their cabinets increasing hidden behind the façade tower door got
even further the number of super-heavies my attention. You never know when you may
we had, also loaned to us was the stunning need one. I’m not sure if being Warhammer
Forge World Hierophant which was put to use World Number One really constitutes a proper
bolstering the Tyranid ranks at the centre of the job, but I have to give it to him he made us all
board. GW also provided us with a Stompa but welcome and was generous beyond the call of
as no one turned up with any Orks it had to sit duty… especially when you consider the bunch
by the side, looking forlornly at the mayhem it of reprobates he had to deal with.
couldn’t join in with.
“Darn, blast and damnation” aren’t the
It was around this time that a man by the name exact words I used when I realised I had left
of Brian introduced himself, head honcho of the Nurgle Dreadnought I had spent so
Warhammer World (and Games Day organiser long working on specially for the day at the
no less) and here to oversee the event. A hotel, but our esteemed editor8 won’t let me
brief speech welcoming us and giving us the print what I actually said. Getting over that
WiP: Guardsman by Schoolcormorant

annoyance I set about getting the WIP table
set up and unpacking the tanks I had brought
to be used in the Apocalypse battle. More
expletives followed upon the realisation that I’d
also left the glue, the knives and the Decimator
Datasheet at the hotel. Not a good start.
8
Who used the lame excuse of living in a
different country for his non-attendance.
Taking advantage of a wi-fi internet connection
First turn action and a great big flat screen TV that GW

wheeled out, the being known only as

‘Schoolcormorant’ set up his laptop so we
could have images from the forum in the
background. People would also be able
to sign up there and then if they felt the
inclination.
In a brilliant show of timing the most
inappropriate advert then appeared at the
top of the forum page – ‘sexy sounds for
your mobile…’ – damn Google ads and its
keyword-based advertising system! For the
rest of the day we took turns making sure the
page was always scrolled down enough to
hide it… oh well, it’s the little things in life that
make it interesting. Just ask Snow White.
More people arrived. Hallelujah! We were all
thanking whatever deity we believed in that
people were actually arriving. So we had the
boards, we had the terrain set up and we had
the players and their armies in place…after
a briefing by Jase regarding objectives and
other game related details during which
I really did drift off - I have no idea what he
was saying - I left them all to it and wandered
off to look at the Vampire Counts artwork on
display. The game began…
The first turn kicked off and not long after
I was called upon to fulfil my duty as a
referee. I made the life of TheGrizz happy by
confirming that a Gargantuan Creature can
fire its two guns at separate targets and then
assault a third. The joy that can be brought to
someone by one little sentence should not be
overestimated9.
Skelly Armour

9
More short sentences that bring joy…”It’s we went upstairs to have a butchers10. My WIP Nurgle Dreadnought
negative”, “I’m not pregnant”, “No charges are 10
Translation for our non-British readers: ‘A
being pressed” and “Yes, we have it in stock”
butchers’ = ‘a butchers hook’ = ‘a look’.
disappointingly that one wasn’t heard much
over the weekend due to low FW stock levels. In the museum you not only get to see the whole
range of Studio produced armies but also a
While everyone else got down to butchering
selection of classic dioramas such as Mike McVey’s
each other like they were in a Rwandan refugee
‘Horus versus The Emperor’, the Space Hulk
camp, I decided to take a wander. I’ve been to
Corridor section I remember from many, many
Warhammer World a fair number of times, but
years ago11 and a selection of models from the
it’s always worth looking in the Museum to see if
personal collections of ‘Eavy Metal painters and
anything interesting has appeared since the last
other Games Workshop staff.
time. So, dragging a reluctant SC like a parent
11
taking their five year old to school for the first day, Long live Space Hulk!
Meanwhile downstairs the games

continued; miniatures were dispatched in
huge numbers, and tank formations took
what seemed an age to move.
Several turns later…

Several turns later… WiP: Guardsman by Schoolcormorant

In our absence a Warhammer Fantasy game think I scared anyone off, so no harm done. they get home. Something added to the list for
had begun not far from a Lord of the Rings 12
future events.
Even though I had pre-paid for one.
game, both quite a rarity in our circles.
Stupid bloody early time to start. The Apocalypse game continued, tanks
Midday the restaurant opened; with a silent As the players returned from lunch I drifted seeming to dominate the board. Only two
‘huzzah!’ (for I had missed breakfast at the back to the WIP table. I spent most of the aircraft made an appearance (both from an
hotel12) I quickly took the opportunity to eat afternoon talking about styrene and tank Eldar force) which was a bit disappointing as
before the rush. As the first turn came to a close conversions; giving the same spiel about four I was hoping for a Thunderbolt squadron or
the players emptied out of the hall as their own times but enjoying it nonetheless. A couple two. To my surprise the Hierophant appeared
hunger pangs took priority over the carnage; of Dutch gentlemen on a visit to Warhammer on my table as a casualty; it had absorbed the
while they sated their appetite, reinforcements World arrived at the table interested to hear combined firepower from more than 5000 points
arrived in the shape of another Eldar force. The what was going on. Two more potential of Guard and Marines and two Baneblades
best part of the day - and our main objective recruits, I thought; as they left it occurred to before it was brought down. Poor bugger.
for the event - was meeting the other members me we really should have had flyers printed out The day proceeded along these lines: talking,
of Ammobunker. So I thought it was fitting for to hand to people, as those two will never have laughing, taking breaks in Bugmans, meeting
me to take the opportunity to say hello; I don’t remembered the website address by the time people new to me and those to whom I have

spoken plenty of times but never actually met,

trying to find out if GW had any Forge World
items in stock I wanted while hoping I didn’t
get carried away by pre-ordering a damn
Reaver Titan, checking the football scores with
‘Warhammer World’s Brian’ and taking a time
out to have a look at his Dark Angel army. For
a Liverpool FC supporter he had a surprisingly
good choice in Marines.
It didn’t seem long before the day was drawing
to a close. The Apocalypse game lasted its
three turns with the Imperial Force taking the
win by claiming two of the four Objectives
and contesting a third; for the first time that
any of us had taken part in a huge multiplayer
game like this, it went surprisingly well. With
plenty of lessons learned, the models began
to be packed away followed by goodbyes and
promises for next years Bash and various meet-
ups beforehand. THE FINAL RECKONING.
The day proved to be everything we hoped for.
The first objective was simply to meet up in the
first place and have a laugh; I think we can tick
that objective off as met.
The second was to introduce more people to
Ammobunker, and throughout the day we had
people coming up to us with questions and
the Apocalypse players were not just forum
members but also people who had come along
after hearing about the day.
The third objective was to set a great big points
value for the Apocalypse game, the final tally
Old Guard’s squaddies

ran at 113,330 points, which you have to admit have been depressing if no one had come over. Thanks go to Greg ‘TheGrizz’ Alexander and
is pretty damn big. As I left the First Annual Ammobunker Open Chris ‘Deserter’ Hird for kindly providing some
Bash my thoughts had already turned to what I of the pictures from the day
On a personal note I was happy that the WIP
could do for the next one…including, first and —Rictus
table had garnered some interest, as it would
foremost, not to leave stuff at the bloody hotel!
For more pictures of the Open Bash Apocalypse battle, visit

http://z3.invisionfree.com/The_Ammobunker/index.php?showtopic=2317
For more pictures of ‘Something Something Something Zombies’ game, visit:

Open Bash at the Ammo Bunker - Spotlight
HAMMER TIME
By way of a dessert to the banquet of Open
Bash coverage, I thought you might like to see
a few shots of the Stormhammer that Jasevx
knocked up for the day as well as the Datasheet
I wrote for it which was used on the day.
Jase based the conversion on a widened and
lengthened Baneblade hull. The sponsons are
mounted so that two sets of heavy bolters have
their arcs of fire pointing backwards, while the
main turrets are positioned so that each one
has a wide arc of fire. Larger Baneblade barrels
were used to represent Vanquisher cannon, as
Jase wanted the tank to have more anti-tank
potential.
The Datasheet I wrote reflects the model; the
two Stormhammer turrets are based on the
Macharius and are upgradeable to Vanquisher
cannon. Two sets of sponsons come as
standard and the tank can be upgraded to be
a command vehicle (reflecting the status of
the model and the background material I put
together).
The additional structure point is due to the
increased bulk of the tank; of course, none
of this made any difference at all when the
Decimator found her within its gun sights…
Many more pictures of the Stormhammer - both WIP and finished - can be found here

STORMHAMMER POINTS: 600
The Stormhammer is rare even when compared to its sister Thus no commander would ever commit his vehicle to battle
warmachines. Like its kin it is an ancient design dating back to independent of supporting infantry and tank formations.
the earliest days of the ImperialArmy and the Great Crusade. Never a common sight as the millenniums have passed its
Based upon a modified Baneblade chassis the Stormhammer presence has become even rarer. While remaining a highly
forgoes a main weapon and instead mounts a huge array destructive warmachine the difficulty of constructing its
of offensive weaponry. While other warmachines take on a modified hull and maintaining the overworked engine during a
specialist role the Stormhammer was created purely to wreak campaign has meant more easily constructed and maintained
havoc amongst the enemy forces. Ideally suited to destroying vehicles becoming more favoured. Both Baneblades and the
en masse infantry and vehicles its mere presence has been newer Macharius tanks tend to be more popular amongst
known to cause the enemy to retreat for fear of losing too many Imperial Guard Commanders and tank crews alike. The
warriors in the opening salvo of a battle. Baneblade has an almost equal level of offensive potential;
The weaknesses of the Stormhammer are two fold. The first while formations of Macharius tanks have proved more
is enemy anti-tank formations. Lacking the long range armour survivable and flexible on the battlefield.
piercing potential of some super heavy vehicles it runs the risk Its distinctive silhouette on the horizon can still instill fear in the
of being destroyed or immobilised before the full force of it’s enemy and inspire hope in its comrades. While some worry
guns can be brought to bear. To help solve this issue a handful of the effect to morale if it was lost, every commander hopes
were fitted with turrets mountingVanquisher cannon; giving for the opportunity to have a Stormhammer form the tip of an
it a much increased anti-armour effectiveness. The second offensive push. Leading from the front it can sweep aside the
weakness is, as with all similarly sized vehicles, its vulnerability enemy clearing a path for its brothers in arms to exploit.
to being outmanoeuvred and being assaulted by infantry.
UNIT: 1 Stormhammer
ARMOUR ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
TYPE: Super Heavy Tank For +100 points the Stormhammer Turrets may
BS FRONT SIDE REAR
STRUCTURE POINTS: 4 be upgraded to mount Twin Linked Vanquisher
3 14 13 12
Cannon. These may fire High Explosive shells or
WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT: Armour Piercing shells. When firing AP rounds
– Two Stormhammer turrets mounting two synchronised Battle Cannon. the to-hit die may be re-rolled and when rolling for
Armour Penetration roll 2D6+8, adding the two
– Four sponsons; each mount Twin-linked Heavy Bolters and a Lascannon.
dice together.
WEAPON RANGE STR AP SPECIAL
For +25 points the Stormhammer may have the
Stormhammer Turret 72” 8 3 Ordanance 1, 7” Blast, following upgrade:
(High Explosive) Primary Weapon
Command Tank: A high ranking officer is using
Lascannon 48” 9 2 Heavy 1
the Stormhammer as a mobile HQ. All friendly
Heavy Bolters 36” 5 4 Heavy 3, Twin-linked units within 24” of the command tank may re-roll
OPTIONS: The Stormhammer may purchase the following upgrades from failed Morale checks.
Codex: Imperial Guard: Hunter-killer missile, improved comms, minesweeper,
pintle-mounted heavy stubber, searchlight, smoke launchers.
Datasheet for use in Apocalypse games. Derived from IP owned by Games Workshop by Rictus and Jasevx
Imperial Register
HEAVY SUPPORT
Scout Stalk Tank v1.0
Points WS BS S I A F S R
130 4 3 5 3 3 12 11 9
Type: Walker, Agile Crew: 1 Chaos Servitor
Weapons: Scout Stalk Tanks are armed with
double pulse-lasers (counts as twin-linked multi-
lasers) in mini-turrets. Because of its monstrous
nature a Stalk Tank ignores opponents armour
saves in close combat.
THE IMPERIAL Options: The Stalk Tank may replace its pulse-
lasers with twin-linked autocannons for free or
REGISTER twin-linked lascannons for +10 points.
It may be given any of the following upgrades from
Greetings citizen and welcome to the second Codex: Chaos Space Marines at the points cost Special Rule: Agile: A Scout Stalk Tank scuttles
installment of the Imperial Register. Based on listed; Blasphemous Rune, Demonic Possession, across the battlefield at a disconcerting pace.
reader feedback, it seems that many of you Dirge Caster, Extra Armour, Pintle Mounted They may move up to 6” and fire all their
liked this addition to the magazine. Thus, I am Combi-weapon, Searchlight, Smoke Launcher. weapons, or up to 12” and fire one weapon.
happy to report that this article shall become a They are slowed by difficult terrain as other
continuous feature! walkers but double the highest die result. Stalk
The goal remains the same: to introduce new Tanks may assault up to 6” and follow all the
units, weapons and wargear to the armies of the rules for walkers in an assault.
41st millennium in order to increase diversity, OGRYN BODYGUARD
creativity and fun. We need submissions from By Eric Farrington
readers like you to keep this project afloat. If
you have ideas, let us know! Ogryns are a stable abhuman strain that can be
found throughout Imperial domains. What they
firebase-magazine@hotmail.com lack in brainpower they make up for in sheer
In this edition we see the return of ogryn brawn. They have a prodigious strength and
bodyguards, the stealthy Alpha Legion resilience that tops even that of a Space Marine.
operatives and trundling stalk tanks! In addition to their strong backs and simple minds
they are extremely loyal to the Imperial creed. It
-Scrivener Glaeser is these qualities that make them ideal soldiers
and shock troops for the Imperial Guard.

Imperial Register
An army made entirely of Ogryns would Special Rules:

potentially be a devastating force, but their Advisor - As Codex: Imperial Guard
inability to grasp such concepts as logistics and Ogryn Proof - As Codex: Imperial Guard
strategy makes such a force untenable. Instead, Bulky - As Codex: Imperial Guard.
they are split into small units and spread Bodyguard - If within 4” of each other the
throughout the regiments and companies of bodyguard may exchange places with the unit’s
the Imperial Guard to help bolster their combat officer at the beginning of any player’s assault
efficiency. phase. He will fight the officer’s opponents
while the officer will now fight those originally
It is common for Ogryns to form an emotional
fighting his bodyguard.
attachment to their commanding officers and
commissars. Their simple grasp of the Imperial ALPHA LEGION OPERATIVES
Creed easily confuses them and they genuinely By Pete Mason
believe the unit’s commanding officer is
Of all the traitor legions the Alpha Legion is
someone sent personally by the Emperor
the most insidious, the most likely to make
himself to lead them into battle. As a result it is
Doctrines: In order to take Ogryn bodyguards use of human infiltrators and spies in its
common for officers whose command includes
in your Imperial Guard force your regiment efforts to undermine the Imperium. The
attached Ogryn units to be accompanied by
must use the Restricted Troops Doctrine that legion frequently works through hidden cults
an Ogryn acting as a bodyguard. After he has
allows you to take Ogryn squads. and terrorist cells to achieve its covert aims.
pledged his life to protect his officer from harm
However its most valuable and effective
the other Ogryns look to him as a role model Numbers: You may include 1 Ogryn bodyguard
agents are the mysterious Operatives. Highly
and something of an inspirational figure. per command squad in your army up to a
trained and motivated they are frequently
maximum of 5. These do not count as one of
Occasionally an Ogryn will show a greater enhanced with concealed implants related to
your HQ choices and may be taken in addition
degree of initiative marking him out as a prime those the Astartes themselves receive. These
to your usual allocation of HQ units in a
candidate for augmetic surgery; this surgery chameleonic figures are able to infiltrate the
mission. Each Bodyguard must join a different
will aim to boost his brainpower allowing the Imperium at almost any level of society and play
command squad.
subject to absorb more advanced training almost any role. Sometimes hidden in this role
such as rudimentary tactics and military Weapons: Ripper Gun (+1 Strength) and Frag for many years Administratum officials, Imperial
structures. While officially given the rank of grenades. These may be exchanged for two Guard commanders and even Inquisitors
Sergeant, amongst the rank and file they are close combat weapons (+1 Attack) or 1 double have all been discovered as Operatives. Only
affectionately known as ‘Boneheads’. A clever handed weapon (+2 Strength) for free. the concealed hydra tattoo they all bear can
commanding officer will often see to it that give them away. While mostly operating in an
Options: A bodyguard maybe upgraded to a
an Ogryn protecting him goes through this intelligence gathering role, when the Alpha
Bonehead for +10 pts. A Bonehead has access
augmentation as soon as possible. Legion goes to war these hidden agents
to the Imperial Guard armoury, although he is
often support their masters by carrying out
Profile: As Codex: Imperial Guard not classed as an officer.
daring assassination and sabotage missions,

Imperial Register
providing precise coordinates for teleport characters in all respects during the game and
assaults, spreading disinformation and sowing do not have to be deployed in coherency or
confusion within the enemy forces. act as a unit during the game. Each Operative OI! MONKEY!
may be equipped differently. FIREASE does not have a staff made
Operative
Pts WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv Wargear: entirely of selectively bred, genetically
50 4 4 3 3 1 4 2 8 5+ Close combat weapon, Frag grenades enhanced Gorilla Warriors. We accept
submissions from the average monkey like
Unit Type: Infantry Stalker pistol – Uses the same profile as a bolt you. For the monkeys, by the monkeys.
pistol. In missions where sentries are used firing
Number/Squad: 1-3 Operatives may be taken So grab a gun, shoot alien scum and
the stalker pistol will not raise the alarm unless
as a single Elites choice for a Chaos Space help to defend the FIREBASE!
the target survives.
Marine, Chaos Renegade Militia, Witch Hunter
Adversaries or a Lost and the Damned army. Special Rules:
They are purchased and deployed as a single Infiltrate, Stealth (The Operative receives +1 to
Elites choice, but operate as independent any cover saves.)
Secrets and Lies – By spreading disinformation
and disrupting enemy communications the
Operative is able to interfere with the enemy’s
plans. While there are operatives in play the
enemy’s receives a -1 modifier to his reserves
rolls. The modifier is not cumulative if more
than one Operative is in play.
Options:
Any Operative:
• may exchange their close combat weapon Email your article to
for a power weapon for 15 points. firebase-magazine@hotmail.com
• may be given a sniper rifle for 5 points. Do NOT embed photos in your
• may be given melta bombs for 5 points. document. Put only the photo name in
your article with caption where it should
• may be given a personal icon for 5 points appear. Do not resize your photos,
that’s our job. Just bundle them up in
a ZIP archive and send them along:
AuthorName.doc, AuthorName.zip

Opinion: Rapid Fire
THERE’S SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY BOLTER!

A LOOK AT THE RAPID FIRE RULES.
By Corax (darkly_tranquil@hotmail.com) shooting must be maximised during the stages of move forwards and try to get into range to shoot
Rapid Fire has been one of the staple mechanics of the game where it is possible. The problem is that twice in the hope of causing more casualties
Warhammer 40k for a long time, and has endured the shooting mechanics, and the Rapid Fire rule through weight of fire. This, however, raises the
over the course of numerous iterations of the in particular do not support effective shooting other problem of Rapid Fire…
system. Although there have been modifications to anywhere near the extent that the hand-to- …which is the interaction of Shooting ranges
from time to time, the basic premise of the hand rules support effective combat. In the past, with Assault ranges and the Assault limitations
mechanic has remained constant – representing this was offset to some extent by ‘Overwatch’, of Rapid Fire. If a unit moves to within twelve
the shooting of assault rifle class weapons carried but since Third Edition, shooting has been very inches and shoots it places itself in a situation
by infantry. This has been reflected in the profile much secondary to close combat. This serves to with one of two outcomes: 1) The shooting will
given in the rules, which assume that a warrior can create a mechanical bias against armies that are cause enough casualties among the enemy
fire the weapon for longer and more accurately primarily shooting oriented, which is hardly fun to cause them to break and fall back, or 2) The
if he stands still than if he moves. The way this for an Imperial Guard player… shooting with not cause enough casualties, and
has been represented has been by allowing a WHAT’S WRONG WITH MY BOLTER? the squad will be assaulted by the enemy in their
unit equipped with Rapid Fire weapons to shoot The essential problem with Rapid Fire is twofold. turn. The real problem here is that the unit that
twice up to twelve inches, and once up to twenty- First, that shooting any distance, or shooting at moves in to shoot does so at the risk of being left
four inches, if it stands still. Or, to move up to its any significant rate, requires you to forgo your swinging in the breeze if the shooting fails to see
maximum base movement, and then shoot twice Movement phase. In a game based on taking the enemy off (as the Rapid Fire rules state that a
to twelve inches. Over the course of various ground and seizing objectives, giving up a turn’s unit that uses Rapid Fire weapons cannot assault
editions, different restrictions and limitations movement is a hefty price for any unit that isn’t afterwards). Given the large number of units in
have been placed on the actions of the shooter, equipped with multiple heavy weapons. If you’re the game that are either Fearless, or have re-
both before and after the act of shooting, further going to give up your movement, you want to get rollable Leadership values, the odds of breaking
complicating the decision to move and shoot or a lot of bang for your buck! the enemy with shooting are relatively slim. In
stand and shoot. Even when a unit does stand to shoot, they will most cases, the unit being shot at will shrug it off
THE SHOOTING/ASSAULT IMBALANCE (assuming for arguments sake a 10 man Space and them move in during their movement phase,
It is an indisputable fact that the mechanics of Marine Tactical Squad) get eight or nine shots off shoot pistols (if equipped), and then assault
40k have been slanted in favour of hand-to-hand against a target more than twelve inches away, of the unit that moved in to shoot them in the first
combat, primarily based on the premise that it is which about six will hit, roughly three will wound place. The consequence of this is a choice for the
more ‘fun’. This fact is clearly supported by the fact (against T4) and one save will be failed (against a shooting unit between closing in to maximise
that hand-to-hand is fought in both players’ turns, 3+ save). This means that the unit has sacrificed its shooting and then being assaulted, or standing
while shooting only occurs during the ‘active’ entire movement phase to kill (on average) ONE back and shooting less effectively, but delaying
player’s turn. This means that the effectiveness of enemy model. The other alternative is for them to the assault for a turn.

Opinion: Rapid Fire
An additional side effect of this is that it forces the or D6”. This is particularly problematic when the the standardisation of movement rates, and rules
shooting player onto the back foot, as he is not key distance for both shooting and assaulting is on assaults. This has resulted in a ‘chessboard’ like
able to move proactively, and must instead try to twelves inches. Back in the old days, when different situation, where movement is highly constrained
stay away in the classic (not to mention boring) races had different movement rates, it was fine to by the 6” increments that everything is measured
gun-line mould so beloved of the Imperial Guard. have relatively standardised gun ranges, as the in, and the need to be the one who gets the
This in turn, brings up the Guard’s, and to a lesser movement rates created a diversity of situations assault trumps all others. Combined with the
extent all other shooting armies, curse – the where unit A would be in assault range, but not range limitations imposed by Rapid Fire, it is
inability to move and seize objectives without unit B, or where A could move in and shoot, and quite possible for units equipped with Rapid Fire
getting assaulted, because shooting alone is still be out of assault range of B. By standardising weapons to never actually shoot them during a
never effective enough to drive the enemy off or the movement phase, the rules have created a game – if they move each turn, then assault (or
wipe them out. situation where if A moves to shoot B, B will be are assaulted) once they are within twelve inches
An example that is quite instructive of the able to assault A, or vice versa. of the enemy.
problems with Rapid Fire is that of the Thousand As everyone knows, it is almost always better to While it could be argued that the choices Rapid
Sons – the only unit in the game that can always assault an enemy unit than to allow it to assault Fire imposes force the player to make a decision
move and shoot at full effectiveness. Putting you, if only to prevent the enemy from gaining between moving and shooting, and shooting
aside for a moment the effect of the AP3 Bolters, extra attacks by charging. This means that as soon and assaulting, the reality is that there is not
simply consider the flexibility that always being as a unit moves close enough to assault, they will much choice at all, as the game requires units to
able to shoot at least once to twenty-four inches almost always do so. Unless the shooting unit is move in order to meet mission objectives and
gives. They are able to advance (albeit slowly) a particularly combat ineffective one like Tau Fire the mechanics of combat necessitate pro-active
towards the enemy while shooting, allowing them Warriors, there are very few situations where the assaulting. The current balance seems to be
to bring their strength to bear without having to unit is better off shooting rather than assaulting. based on the assumption that the effectiveness
sacrifice their mobility to do so. By the time they This effectively means that once a shooting unit is of shooting and assaulting is relatively similar.
get to within twelve inches of the enemy, they within twelve inches of the enemy, they can shoot As was noted earlier, this is simply not the case.
have already subjected the foe to several turns of and forgo the assault, or skip shooting (their There are far more limitations on shooting, and
sustained shooting, and may have whittled their strength) and pile in, if only to blunt the enemy Rapid Fire in particular, than on assaulting, in
numbers down sufficiently to make the ensuing from doing the same, resulting in the effectiveness spite of the fact that it is already demonstrably
close combat a more even affair. It is because of shooting units being compromised even before less potent than assaulting.
they ignore the normal limitations of Rapid Fire they are actually engaged in combat. The purpose of this discussion is not to provide
that they are able to function as a true all-rounder CONCLUSIONS a solution to the problems of the Rapid Fire
unit. Rapid Fire is a mechanic that has evolved over mechanic, but to raise it as an issue among players
6” INCREMENTS the course of a number of editions of 40k, with who are interested in improving the game, and to
At the heart of the Rapid Fire problem is one different versions being applied at different draw some attention to how Rapid Fire might be
basic issue, which is that virtually everything in times. The result of this has been a lack of improved in the future.
40k is done in 6” increments. Everyone (almost) consistency in the interaction of this mechanic
moves, shoots, assaults, falls back in units of 6” with other mechanics of the game, specifically,

Tips & Tactics: Streamlining your Army List
armies before actually playing a game. They

TIPS & TACTICS concentrate on customizing their models and
creating their own vision of what an army of the
Hello readers! I’ve been an avid fan of Firebase I began buying Games Workshop products Dark Millennium would look like. And finally,
for a while, just like all of you. I’m happy to in late 1996 when a friend and roommate of when the time comes for them to actually test
have the opportunity to be the one sharing mine showed me a game called Necromunda. out their newly finished army, they are faced
my own ramblings with the Warhammer Before that I’d played CCGs exclusively, but with two problems: 1) they don’t know the rules
40,000 online community! I hope I can put Necromunda’s three-dimensional quality very well, and so they inevitably lose, and 2) they
my writing (and playing) experience to good caught my eye. Before long I had two gangs, find that all the awesome accessories, wargear,
use as one of Firebase’s contributing writers. and I’d begun looking into another game and extraneous modeling configurations that
I’m offering you the ideas and perspective of called Warhammer 40,000. My first army, they’ve put so much time into aren’t actually
someone who’s been into almost every aspect Chaos, was assembled and primed just a worth using. We’ve all seen it happen a hundred
of gaming. From retail to competitive play, couple months later, and life never been the times – even my first Chaos army was populated
from design and development to coverage same! I’ve played so many other GW games by models wielding a pistol in each hand, as
and commentary, I’ve seen it all. Years back over the years as well, including Talisman, well as back-slung Plasma Guns; the occasional
I managed Cyberia, The Gamer’s Haven in Warhammer Fantasy Battles, Mordheim and Plague Marine wore a Jump Pack. Many times
Normal, IL (home of the original Adeptus of course Battlefleet Gothic. Looking back, I’ll see a new player’s Space Marine army list
Flatlandicus and FlatCon). I’ve worked for it’s hard to believe I’ve spent so much time that includes over three hundred points of
Decipher Inc. doing design and development at the gaming table, but I think I’ve spent an wargear on its Veteran Sergeants alone. While
for multiple CCG products. I’ve traveled to equal amount of time reading Black Library it’s always amusing to see a Devastator Squad
compete in both CCG and miniature gaming novels. Needless to say, I’m a complete 40K Sergeant with an Adamantine Mantle, it makes
events, recording my own podcast radio geek. me wonder if we veterans should be trying just
program to showcase them. Finally, I’ve a little harder to coach the newbies.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you’re able to
been contributing articles to Scrye magazine
put some of my tips to good use! TIP #1 – If you’re just getting into 40K, read the
on and off for almost ten years. So I’m into
rules and watch people play the game. You will
gaming; so what? What about GW stuff? Geoffrey Snider
minimize the possibility of a major headache
later on. Your models won’t have extra guns
STREAMLINING: MINIMIZING about this hobby-game is that the specific way sticking out of their foreheads, and your bikers
YOUR 40K GROWING PAINS a model is built can have effects on how the won’t be wielding Lascannons.
The nature of Warhammer 40,000 differs greatly game is played – this is perhaps its greatest
from your typical game because not only is it strength, as well as its greatest foible! Before going any further, I must clarify that
a game, but also a hobby. Players become this article is for the 40K player who is moving
Part of the nature of this hobby-game is its into the main phase of army building. You’ve
interested in it because of its stunning models,
ability to suck people into a black hole of bought your models. You’ve begun assembling
as well as a fascinating background story upon
story and modeling. Many newer players them (or you might have even finished putting
which the individual histories of its factions
spend months building and painting their all of them together). You have a tentative
are built. One of the most interesting things

40k Tips & Tactics
army list written up, and you’re going to play

a few games before you begin painting. This BEFORE – TAU – 1850 POINTS
is the time when you’re going to be doing a
lot of experimentation. Additionally, this article HQ Fire Warrior Squad (6) – 104 (Photon
is for anyone who doesn’t mind completely Commander Shas’O - 118 (Airbursting Grenades, EMP Grenades, Shas’ui
revamping their army at any given time – you Fragmentation Projector, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Upgrade, Markerlight)
don’t mind re-configuring models after they’ve Multi-tracker, Hard-wired Blacksun Filter)
Kroot Carnivore Squad (17) – 140 (Shaper)
been painted, and you don’t mind buying and
Ethereal – 50 (2 Close Combat Weapons)
painting new models to replace existing ones. FAST ATTACK
ELITE Piranha Light Skimmer (1) – 95 (Fusion Blaster,
I borrowed a Tau army list to use as my guinea
Stealth Suit Team (6) – 322 (Team Leader, Blacksun Filter, Decoy Launcher, Disruption
pig – to demonstrate some of the pitfalls of
Shas’vre, Burst Cannon, Markerlight, Field, Sensor Spines, Targeting Array)
army building, as well as how to minimize them.
Bonding Knife, Hard-wired Blacksun Filter,
This Tau army list’s owner has been playing Gun Drone Squadron (8) – 96
Hard-wired Drone Controller, Hard-wired
4th Edition 40K for about two years. He wins
Multi-tracker, Hard-wired Target Lock, Gun Drone Squadron (8) – 96
sometimes, but wants to have a better win-loss
Targeting Array, 2 Gun Drones), (3 Stealth
ratio in the future. HEAVY SUPPORT
Suits, 3 Burst Cannons, 3 Drone Controllers,
Broadside Battlesuit Squad (3) – 225
One of the first things you’ll notice while looking 6 Gun Drones), (2 Stealth Suits, 2 Fusion
(3 Broadside Suits, 3 Smart Missile Systems,
over this list is the astounding amount of unit Blasters, 2 Target Locks), (8 Gun Drones)
3 Target Locks)
upgrades it uses. Some armies are great for
Crisis Battlesuit Team (3) – 175 (Crisis Suit,
this sort of thing; Space Marines, for example, Hammerhead Gunship – 160 (Ion Cannon, 2
Twin-linked Plasma Rifle, Targeting Array),
have a huge armory of powerful wargear, Burst Cannons, 2 Seeker Missiles, Blacksun
(Crisis Suit, Burst Cannon, Flamer, Missile
and many units can purchase at least some Filter, Decoy Launchers, Disruption Pod,
Pod), (Crisis Suit, Flamer, Fusion Blaster,
upgrade options. Many players go overboard Sensor Spines)
Plasma Rifle)
with an exorbitant amount of this stuff. This is
Skyray Missile Defence Gunship – 165
okay if the wargear is useful. However, sinking TROOPS
(2 Burst Cannons, Blacksun Filter, Decoy
a ton of points into a small number of models Fire Warrior Squad (6) – 104 (Photon
Launchers, Disruption Pod, Sensor Spines,
is inefficient. Yeah, you may be able to play Grenades, EMP Grenades, Shas’ui
Targeting Array)
a game of 1850 points, but if you’re playing Upgrade, Markerlight)
it with 1450 points worth of models and 400
points worth of wargear, you’re going to get could be put towards an additional unit; you army. While a Necron army is not going to have
squashed. could have a Predator with three Lascannons very many upgrade options (most of which are
smashing up your opponent’s tanks instead of useful a fair amount of the time), an Imperial
TIP #2 – Don’t take more wargear instead of
a bunch of Veteran Sergeants with 2+ saves. Guard army can very easily be hamstrung by
taking more models. If eight models in your
over-spending on tank equipment.
army have Artificer Armor, that’s 160 points that This tip’s importance will change from army to

40k Tips & Tactics
Now let’s look at the individual unit to their effectiveness by Stealth Suit teams are similarly versatile.
configurations in the BEFORE list. The first increasing their capacity for They can crack open a stray tank or harass
thing to notice is the weapon configuration using their abilities. enemy troops. Sadly, it is this
on the Shas’O. Tau Crisis Suit Commanders writer’s opinion that giving
Crisis Suit teams are excellent
have the best ballistic skill in the entire army. the unit any upgrades
at gunning down infantry or
Equipping one with barrage weaponry like the beyond the extremely cheap
cracking armor, and they can be
Airbursting Fragmentation Projector doesn’t Fusion Guns (two points
tailored to suit either role. The Crisis
take advantage of such a high ballistic skill (or each!) will make the unit
Suits in the BEFORE list are
BS for short); it should probably be replaced extremely over-priced. With a
extremely versatile, but in
with something that requires a traditional to-hit starting price of thirty points
actuality this is a drawback.
roll. Paired with the potential AP1 that a Cyclic per suit, they’re just slightly
Two of the suits each have
Ion Blaster offers, a Plasma Rifle would be a more expensive than a Crisis
three weapons, only one
great choice for a replacement. Suit, but have less potential
of which they can fire each
for dishing out firepower.
Next is the Ethereal. Here’s a model that a Tau turn. They can fill any fire
Their true strength lies in their
army can really benefit from – he’s fearless, support role needed, but too
ability to infiltrate.
and he allows some of your Tau to use his high many points are wasted on
leadership. Used in this capacity he has great weapons that will rarely see TIP #4 – It’s better to do one
merit, but it’s important to exploit his offensive use. It’s a much better idea to thing well than to do many things badly. Every
strengths as well, otherwise he’s just a fifty focus what Crisis Suits do by equipping them unit in the game has a point cost, and every unit
point piece of terrain. Give him a bodyguard with two weapons each and allowing them the has a specific window of opportunity during
of Firewarriors! In the same way that the Crisis use of a multi-tracker. It’s also important that which it can have its greatest affect on a game.
Commander’s BS is important, a Firewarrior unit the two weapons they possess have similar If a unit isn’t using its abilities to their fullest, it’s
with a higher BS than normal is just as good. strengths and possibly similar AP values. This a waste of points and you may as well not play
Not only does the squad have the ability to hit way all the suits in a unit can fire all of their with it (if it’s having no affect on the game, then
17% more often, but it also gives the Ethereal a weapons on a single target, allowing you to you’re playing with an army that is essentially
greater degree of protection from enemy fire. rely on a much more predictable outcome. smaller than your opponent’s).
No one wants to lose their Ethereal! One of the most common Crisis Suit weapon
The force organization chart (FOC) is full of
configurations that players use has a Plasma
TIP #3 – Utilize the abilities and stats of your slots for your units to occupy. Try sub-dividing
Rifle, a Missile Pod and a Multi-tracker.
units as much as you can. Get the biggest your units so that there are more of them,
Additionally, if you want to add in just a little
bang for your buck. If a model has an initiative subsequently taking up more slots on the
versatility, upgrading the Team Leader to carry
value of 6, don’t give it a Power Fist that FOC. For instance, if there are three slots
a third weapon is always an option. His ability
makes its initiative useless. If a unit has Furious open, and you have two squads occupying
to take hard-wired equipment allows him
Charge, make sure that it is going to be able to those slots, why not divide one of the squads
three weapons and a Multi-tracker, as well as
charge. Don’t hamper your models’ strengths in half (if possible) and take up an extra slot?
a Target Lock.
by giving them wargear that’s inefficient. Add There are some drawbacks to this, as well as

40k Tips & Tactics
some advantages. The sub-division of units use them, and so many different configurations transport, a veteran and his wargear? If that’s
gives their controller greater tactical flexibility. that are effective. However, it’s not normally what you’re going for, that’s fine, but for all
You get more units at the same cost, with very a good idea to give a shooting unit like those extra points you could have another unit
different applications and possibilities. Firewarriors any kind of extra equipment. of five Marines with a Lascannon.
They’re good at firing their
TIP #5 – Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Fast Attack selections for this
Pulse Rifles, and not much else.
Many types of units fall into this category: Eldar force are extremely fragile,
Equipping the squad leader 1 Watch people play.
Viper Jetbikes, Imperial Guard Sentinels, Tau and in my experience have a
with a heavy weapon while the 2 Don’t take more wargear
Crisis Suits (although it’s rare to sub-divide very low incidence of success.
rest of the unit has some great instead of more models.
them), and any other vehicle squadron. Why However, the Tau excel at
move-and-fire capability is a 3 Utilize the abilities and
suffer the drawback of grouping all your allowing their units to cooperate
risky maneuver. Many times, stats of your units.
Landspeeders into one squadron that can be with each other to achieve
targets will present themselves
affected by a single enemy unit’s fire? Break great results. I recommended
at just over 12” from your unit, 4 Do one thing well than
them up into separate squadrons of one. More many things badly. removing a squadron of Gun
and a quick move forward into
targets for your opponent means that he’ll Drones to make room for an
rapid fire range will double 5 Don’t put all your eggs in
have to dedicate more units to killing them. entire unit of Pathfinders and
your firepower; this leaves your one basket.
Tau Troop units are their accompanying Devilfish.
squad leader’s heavy weapon 6 Keep it simple, stupid!
a mixed bag. Pathfinders can really bring a
out of the fight. Again, this is
There are so Tau army together because
another case of valuable points 7 Coordinate your units.
many different they have so many different
going to waste. 8 Investigate the lists of
ways to attributes that augment other
experienced players.
TIP #6 – Keep it simple, stupid! units. Markerlights are their
Wiser words I’ve never heard 9 Stay on your toes. number one asset, allowing
(thanks Dad). Don’t be afraid 10 Learn to Read. other units to ignore cover
to utilize a unit for its basic saves, modify pinning tests,
11 Troops, troops troops.
strengths. Sometimes players hit more often, and fire Seeker
get too caught up in giving 12 Survival of the Fittest. Missiles. Not only do the
their units a plethora of extra 13 Steal home. Pathfinders themselves help
weaponry, veteran upgrades, coordinate things, but their
transport vehicles, etc. There is Devilfish has wargear that allows
absolutely nothing wrong with taking a squad of a deep-striking unit to re-roll its scatter dice
ten Space Marines with Boltguns and a Plasma when it arrives. If you need a strong anti-tank
Gun (160 points). They still have a great deal presence on turn two or three, simply drop a
of firepower, a good armor save, and can tie single Fusion Blaster-equipped Crisis Suit onto
up an opponent in hand-to-hand if necessary. the table with the Crisis Suit Commander’s
Is it necessary to give them a heavy weapon, a Positional Relay.

40k Tips & Tactics
TIP #7 – Coordinate your units. If your individual

units seem weak or inadequate, make sure AFTER – TAU – 1849 POINTS
there are several different units in your army
that can work together for more effective HQ Kroot Carnivore Squad (17) – 140 (Shaper)
results. For instance, Eldar armies tend to use Commander Shas’O - 130 (Plasma Rifle,
FAST ATTACK
the Avatar of Khaine in combination with lots Cyclic Ion Blaster, Hard-wired Multi-tracker,
Piranha Light Skimmer (1) – 70 (Fusion
of Guardians, ensuring that the Guardians are Positional Relay)
Blaster, Targeting Array)
fearless and will hold their ground. A Farseer
Ethereal – 70 (2 Close Combat Weapons,
gives the Avatar re-rolls to his armor and Gun Drone Squadron (8) – 96
Hard-wired Drone Controller, 2 Gun Drones)
invulnerable saves. The Guardians, in turn,
Pathfinder Team (8) – 206 (Devilfish, 2 Seeker
provide a living shield for the Farseer. Ethereal Bodyguard (12) - 144
Missiles, Multi-tracker)
Tau Heavy Support selections are often ELITE
HEAVY SUPPORT
fraught with the same problems I’ve already Stealth Suit Team (6) –184 (2 Fusion Blasters)
Broadside Battlesuit Squad (3) – 275 (1
mentioned; the only difference is that their
Crisis Battlesuit Team (2) – 146 (Crisis Suit, Broadside Suit, Team Leader, Smart Missile
tanks take the issue one step further. Many
Team Leader, Fusion Blaster, Missile Pod, System, Advanced Stabilization System,
items of Tau vehicle wargear seem very
Plasma Rifle, Hard-wired Multi-tracker, Hard- Hard-wired Drone Controller, 2 Shield
appealing to a newer player, but in actuality
wired Target Lock), (Crisis Suit, Plasma Rifle, Drones), (2 Broadside Suits, 2 Smart Missile
are almost completely useless when subjected
Missile Pod, Multi-tracker) Systems, 2 Advanced Stabilization Systems)
to the scrutiny of an experienced eye. Since
Hammerheads and their sister models have the Crisis Battlesuit Team (1) – 53 (Twin-linked Hammerhead Gunship – 125 (Ion Cannon, 2
ability to move 12,” suffer only glancing hits, Fusion Blaster, Targeting Array) Burst Cannons, Multi-tracker)
and fire all their weaponry (due to the vehicle-
TROOPS Skyray Missile Defence Gunship – 150 (2
mounted Multi-tracker), there’s no use for such
Fire Warrior Squad (6) – 60 Burst Cannons, Multi-tracker, Targeting Array)
wargear as the Blacksun Filter, Disruption Pod,
Sensor Spines or Flechette Discharger.
in close combat. No Tyranid player wants to that mistake is being repeated here with the
TIP #8 – Investigate the army lists of more risk the chance of a Space Marine Librarian Broadside unit. Not every Battlesuit in a unit
experienced players. Veteran players of 40K surviving long enough to cause a wound with must be equipped in the exact same way
usually have many years of experience under a Force Weapon! Likewise, a Sisters of Battle (except in the case of Advanced Stabilization
their belts. They often know exactly how useful army fielded by a veteran player will never be Systems which clearly state they must be
specific types of wargear can or can’t be, and without a Book of St. Lucius, and an Imperial a uniform upgrade). This is why the Team
what units use that wargear better than others. Guard army’s Basilisk will almost always be Leader upgrade is so important, and why it’s
For instance, any seasoned Tyranid player will upgraded to fire indirectly. not necessary to give all Battlesuits in a unit
tell you that Implant Attack is a staple biomorph the Target Lock wargear. There is one initial
for a Hive Tyrant since it doubles the number of Finally, there is one mistake that I see made
target for a firing unit, and any other targets
wounds it inflicts against multi-wound models very, very often with units of Battlesuits, and
are determined by individual Target Locks. This

40k Tips & Tactics
means that one model can fire at any unit it

wants, and the other two (with Target Locks) AFTER – TAU – 1850 POINTS – 5TH EDITION REVISION
can split their fire at one or two other units. I
also recommended the inclusion of a pair of HQ Kroot Carnivore Squad (17) – 140 (Shaper)
Shield Drones to augment the unit’s defense. Commander Shas’O - 145 (Plasma Rifle,
FAST ATTACK
With the ability to allocate shots to the Shield Cyclic Ion Blaster, Hard-wired Multi-tracker,
Piranha Light Skimmer (1) – 70 (Fusion
Drones before taking saves on the rest of the Positional Relay, Failsafe Detonator)
Blaster, Targeting Array, Decoy Launchers,
unit, their 2+ armor and 4+ invulnerable saves
Ethereal – 80 (2 Close Combat Weapons, Disruption Pod)
can shield these expensive Broadsides from
Hard-wired Drone Controller, 2 Shield
Lascannon, Brightlance and Exorcist fire quite Pathfinder Team (8) – 206 (Devilfish, 2 Seeker
Drones)
easily. Missiles, Decoy Launchers, Disruption Pod)
ELITE
The finished product doesn’t look so extremely HEAVY SUPPORT
Crisis Battlesuit Team (1) – 53 (Twin-linked
different from its initial version. It would require Broadside Battlesuit Squad (3) – 280 (1
Fusion Blaster, Targeting Array)
the purchase of six Firewarriors, a Devilfish and Broadside Suit, Team Leader, Smart Missile
eight Pathfinders, as well as the modification of Crisis Battlesuit Team (1) – 53 (Twin-linked System, Advanced Stabilization System,
several models. However, the AFTER version is Fusion Blaster, Targeting Array) Hard-wired Target Lock, Hard-wired Drone
much, much more effective on the battlefield, Controller, 2 Shield Drones), (2 Broadside
Crisis Battlesuit Team (1) – 53 (Twin-linked
and still has enough variety to maintain a Suits, 2 Smart Missile Systems, 2 Advanced
Fusion Blaster, Targeting Array)
desirable level of tactical flexibility, as well as Stabilization Systems)
the ability to keep its owner interested and TROOPS
Hammerhead Gunship – 170 (Railgun, 2 Burst
involved in the game. Of course there’s one Fire Warrior Squad (10) – 100
Cannons, Multi-tracker, Decoy Launchers,
more tip:
Fire Warrior Squad (10) – 100 Disruption Pod)
TIP #9 – Stay on your toes. Games Workshop
Fire Warrior Squad (10) – 100 Skyray Missile Defense Gunship – 160 (2
often revises their rules, releasing new army
Burst Cannons, Multi-tracker, Targeting Array,
books and rules editions every few years. In Kroot Carnivore Squad (17) – 140 (Shaper)
Decoy Launchers, Disruption Pod)
fact, there’s a brand new edition of 40K just
around the corner! Be careful what you do
with your army modifications between now new ballgame, and coincidentally, it happened greatest tally of victory points. Controlling
and then, because what is now considered in the midst of the writing of this article! objectives, coordinating your forces, and
cannon may just disappear from the rulebook Thankfully, all my previously stated rules still completely eliminating enemy units are now
in a couple months. apply. However, there are a few new ones to the most direct paths to victory.
take into consideration. Due to the drastic new
5TH EDITION WARHAMMER TIP #10 – Learn to read. If you haven’t already
ways the game has changed, army construction
40,000 IS HERE! mastered the English language (whether it be
just became much, much more interesting.
Warhammer 40,000 just became an entirely American or British in nature), then you better
It’s no longer a game that simply rewards the

40k Tips & Tactics
get with the program. There’s a whole new most heavily armed, cost efficient Troops in TIP#12 – Survival of the Fittest. Keep your tanks
rulebook. Throw away your 4th Edition rules all of 40K. Take more. Take even more than alive with vehicle wargear. If it looks a little like
and buy a shiny, new hardcover 5th Edition that. Even the previous dark horse of Codex: a Falcon, kills stuff like a Falcon, and you can
rulebook (or the upcoming Black Reach box Tau Empire, Kroot Carnivores, have become keep it alive like you can keep a Falcon alive,
set). Keep it on your bedside table. Keep it on an almost unavoidable staple. They have the then it must be a 180-point Hammerhead!
the shelf by the toilet. Knowing the new rules ability to ‘Outflank,’ giving them monstrous Everyone hates to face off against Eldar
is paramount to understanding army tactical flexibility. There is nothing like seeing Holofield-enhanced tanks, but it might just be
construction. an opponent’s jaw drop when a swarm of harder to kill a Tau vehicle in 5th. Remember
Kroot walks onto his flank, swamping an that if your tanks are alive at the end of the
It’s hard for a Tau player to
unassuming unit with a ton of strength game, they can move forward and contest an
adjust to the new rules…
4 attacks, or opening up with a enemy objective.
or is it? I think it’s pretty
barrage of Kroot Rifle shots.
simple, really, since all that’s Contesting objectives is an especially viable
required is a couple more As previously stated, it’s very easy tactic now. Since any unit (not just Troops) can
boxes of Firewarriors, to go overboard with wargear. contest an objective, a tactically sound Tau
and possibly another There are times when it’s okay force can achieve a sneaky victory of annoying
unit of Kroot. One of to break this rule, though, and proportions. Using the Positional Relay, it’s easy
the largest adjustments according to the 5th Edition to delay the deployment of your reserve units
that Tau players will rules, now is one of those until it’s too late for the opponent to deal with
have to make for the times. Tau vehicle wargear them. However, if you need to use them all at
new rules edition deals gets a rather large boost, once, that’s entirely possible to do as well.
with the shift of scoring making it highly desirable.
TIP#13 – Steal home. With the ability of the
unit status. Troops Equipping any vehicle with Decoy
Shas’O to delay some of your reserves, and
selections are now the Launchers and a Disruption
the ability of Tau hover tanks to withstand an
only scoring units. Yes, pod is now a great idea. Most
amazing amount of punishment, it becomes
Tau players, you must vehicles in 5th need to work
entirely possible to contest every enemy-
now include even more hard to gain a cover save
controlled objective on the final turn of the
models with guns in your of 4+, but Tau vehicles must
game. I’m sorry… did I say that there were
army. I think you can handle it. simply pay 5 points. With the added ability to
twenty Kroot outflanking you? I meant forty.
re-roll glancing hits with a Decoy Launcher, it
TIP#11 – Troops, Troops, Troops. Since units
becomes six times harder to knock one of these After several much-needed revisions to the 4th
that are chosen from the Troops section of
formidable hovertanks to the ground. This is Edition Tau army list, I’ve gone through and
any codex are now the only available scoring
especially important because, for instance, the modified it once again for 5th Edition.
units, and two thirds of all rulebook missions
high armor value (AV) on a Hammerhead will
are based on controlling objectives, Troops Happy hunting with your Tau cadre!
tend to result in many glancing hits over the
selections have suddenly become invaluable.
course of a game.
Coincidentally, Firewarriors are some of the

Jungles of Death
JUNGLES OF DEATH BATTLEZONE RULESET

By Eric Farrington 4. Roll for Set up and Deployment as normal. Jungles are a thick tangle of trees, brush, vines
and other bizarre alien flora.
INTRODUCTION 5. Choose and declare Stratagems.
PLAYING A JUNGLEFIGHT Stratagems allow you to make use of special Clearing — A clearing is an area free from
If you are familiar with the rules for Warhammer rules not normally found in Warhammer 40k. jungle growth. Clearings play a significant part
40,000 playing a Junglefight is easy. Simply These stratagems are unique to Junglefights. in Junglefights as areas of control, landing
follow the steps outlined below. Each step is You can choose to model these upgrades, zones and strong points.
detailed fully in the pages that follow. make paper tokens, or simply use notes to
Trails — A trail is a path that connects clearings.
represent these upgrades during game play.
1. Choose forces. Usually they are little more than dirt tracks
Choose forces as normal for a game of 40K. 6. Deploy your forces. made by the passing of larger animals. The
Place your units on the board per the instructions undergrowth and foliage have been beaten back
2. Agree on Mission Level and set up Terrain. for the mission. Junglefight does not require to allow easier travel through the dense jungles.
Decide which level of mission you want to you to place units in a different order than
play- Alpha, Gamma, or Omega. This will be Hills — Often times, the tops of hills are
normal. Keep in mind, mission special rules like
dictated on the amount of terrain you have relatively clear from the surrounding vegetation.
Deep Strike and Infiltration must be purchased
available and the number of stratagems you They form small islands of rock and shrubs
as stratagems in Junglefights.
wish to use. amongst a deadly green canopy. Standing a
7. Rumble in the Jungle! top a hill gives relatively clear vantage points
Prepare the Battlefield per the instructions for to the surrounding landscape.
setting up a Junglefight. DEFINING TERRAIN
With a Junglefight; players will encounter TERRAIN RULES
3. Select a mission. terrain different than they would in normal Jungle
Any mission found in the main 40K rulebook games of Warhammer 40K. Use the guide • Jungle Terrain is Difficult Terrain for infantry.
or the Rules of Engagement (http://uk.games- below to help you determine which terrain has
workshop.com/warhammer40000/rules- • Jungle Terrain is Dangerous Terrain for
what effect on your board. As always, it is a
of-engagement/1/) can be used with the vehicles, bikes, jump infantry (who use the
good idea to go over the different terrain types
Junglefight rules. I have also found that the extra jump movement), and cavalry.
with your opponent before you begin play. This
Cities of Death missions work well with the will avoid confusion and potential conflict later • Models must make a difficult (or dangerous
Junglefight rules. Simply replace the word during play. Thankfully, there are only 4 types depending on the type of model) terrain test
Building, with Clearing in the Objective of terrain in Junglefight. for every 6” (or fraction of 6”) that they move
descriptions. The Jungles of Death rules will in the movement phase. So a vehicle that
NOT detail any additional special missions. If Jungle — The entire board is covered by
moves 7 inches would need to make 2 tests.
you are playing a Junglefight, all missions will jungle, unless players specify it is one of the
One for 6” and one for the 7-12” bracket.
use the Junglefight stratagems. other three types before the game begins.

Jungles of Death
• Jungle Terrain limits LOS to 6”. If you draw have enough movement to move up a hill, games and Cityfight games may not perform
line of sight across a Trail, the width of the it is placed at the base of the bottom of the the same way in a Junglefight.
trail does not count as Jungle, and therefore hill. A unit can have models at the top and
2. Select Mission Level and Place Terrain
does not add to the 6” of jungle. However, at the base of a hill without losing Squad
• Mission Levels
if you draw LOS through 4” of jungle, 2” of Coherency.
Trail, and then another 2” of jungle, you have Warhammer 40,000 uses three different mission
• The top of a hill is treated as open terrain.
reached the end of LOS. levels- Alpha, Gamma, and Omega. These
• Models on top of a hill have clear LOS to mission levels help determine special rules. In
• Models in Jungle Terrain have a 5+ cover
models on a hill of equal or lesser height. Junglefights, these mission levels also provide
save. Models shot at through jungle terrain
guidelines for setting up the terrain, size of the
have a 5+ cover save. • Models on top of a hill have clear LOS to all
table, and the number of stratagems that can
models in open terrain within an 18” circle.
• Skimmers must choose to begin the game be used.
either above the canopy or below it. If they • Measurements from the top of a hill to models
The level you choose will therefore depend
are below the canopy normal Difficult Terrain on the ground are measured straight across
upon personal preference, the table you have
tests apply. If they are above, they follow the horizontal from the model on the hill. Do not
access to, and the amount of terrain you have
same rules as being on a hill. If a skimmer measure distances at an angle.
assembled.
chooses to switch heights they must pass a
Custom Terrain
difficult terrain test. Alpha — Alpha level missions are played on
Many players will have pieces of terrain in their
4x4 tables. They use 1d3 clearings.
• Units in the jungle who roll more than a single collections that do not fall easily into one of
1 on their difficult terrain test are considered these basic categories. These might include Gamma — This level of mission is played on a 4x4
spooked. They can not move, shoot, or overgrown ruins, a temple building, a rock cave, or larger table. In addition to 1d3 clearings, each
assault this turn. Instead, they are spending etc. Sadly, rules can not be made to cover all clearing may also have up to three trails connecting
their time hacking through brush, shooting at the possibilities. Be sure to discuss how these them with each other and the table edges.
nothing, or just getting their bearings. terrain pieces will affect the game before you
Omega — An Omega game is played on a
begin to play a Junglefight game.
Clearings 6x4 or larger table. It has 1d6 clearings, and
• Clearings are treated as open terrain. ORGANIZING A JUNGLEFIGHT each clearing may also have 1d3 trails just like
1. Choose Forces a Gamma level mission.
Trails
Choose your forces exactly like you would
• Trails are treated as open terrain. • Place Terrain
for normal games of Warhammer 40k. Most
• Trails are 2-4 inches wide. Junglefights make use of the standard Force Alpha — Both players roll a 1d6. The player
Org. Chart, unless you have chosen to play that rolls the highest places the first clearing
Hills
a mission that uses an alternative Force Org. on the board. The first player to set up terrain
• Climbing onto a hill is considered difficult
Chart. Keep in mind, that you may want to rolls a 1d3. The number rolled is the number of
terrain. It requires 3 inches of movement
tailor your force for this particular type of battle. clearings to be placed. Keep in mind, that the
to go up a single level. If a model does not
Tactics and units that work well in standard entire table is considered to be jungle.

Jungles of Death
To place the first clearing on the board, begin Gamma — This mission level sets up using the During their terrain placement turn, either
by placing a marker at the center of the table. same method as an Alpha level mission. Once player can choose to swap a clearing for a level
The first clearing will have the center of the all clearings have been placed, the players will 1 hill of equivalent size. Trails are still placed
board as the center of the clearing. Roll 3d6 then set up trails using the following method. as normal, except the edge of the hill is used
to determine the width of the clearing. The rather than the clearing.
The player that set up the initial clearing rolls a
number rolled is the total width of the clearing.
1d3. The result is the number of trails that will Omega — Omega level missions are set up just
Measure from the center of the board so the
radiate from the clearing. Trails are 2-4 inches like Gamma level missions with a few notable
center marker is also the center of the clearing.
wide and the player who is setting up it up will exceptions. Instead of rolling 1d3 for clearings,
Use yarn, moss, flock, or some other method to
determine the width of the trail. In addition, the a 1d6 is rolled. In addition, once the first three
mark the edges of the first clearing.
player who is setting up may place twists and clearings are placed, subsequent clearings can
After the first clearing is placed, the second turns in the trail as long as no turn is greater be measured from the center of any clearing
player may place the second clearing. To do than a 45-degree course change. Yarn, marker, instead of the initial clearing.
this, roll the scatter dice and 2d6. The Scatter flock, moss, felt, or any method that you prefer
Trails are set up using the same method as a
dice is used to determine the direction the can mark the edges for a trail. However, the
Gamma mission. Keep in mind intersecting trails
second clearing will be placed from the first edges of any trails must be clear to both
simply form a crossroads before continuing on
clearing. The center of the second clearing players.
their original course.
will always be 12 inches away from the closest
Trails must be set up with the following rules.
edge of the first clearing. Mark the center of Just like in Gamma missions, a player may
A trail must be used to link one clearing to
the second clearing with a dice. The results choose to swap a clearing for a level 1 hill of
another clearing at their closest possible points
of the 2d6 are the width across of the second equivalent size instead of placing a clearing
first. If a trail is all ready connecting to closest
clearing. Use the center marker and measure when setting up an Omega mission. In
possible clearing, then the subsequent trail is
out the edge of the second clearing and mark addition, subsequent terrain set up may opt to
placed linking the clearing to the closest board
it with your preferred method. add additional levels to a hill instead of placing
edge from the closest point of the clearing. Any
a new clearing.
If another clearing is needed, the first player subsequent trails must be placed connecting
then sets it up using the same method used to a different board edge from the closest The effect of this terrain set up system, is that
to set up the second clearing. If at any point possible edge of the clearing. Junglefights will always occur around vital
during set up, two clearings come in contact, clearings. Players are always welcome to set
Once all trails have been placed for the first
the two separate clearings join edges to up terrain in a manner more suited to their
clearing, the second player then places trails
become one large clearing. terrain situation or style of play.
for the second clearing. He must follow the
Once all clearings are placed both players are same rules for trail placement as the first 3. Choose Mission
encouraged to fill in the remainder of the board player. If any trails intersect, they simply form a Choose a mission as-per the mission
with appropriate jungle terrain. This filling terrain crossroads and continue on their original path. generation system in the Warhammer 40K
can be as dense or as light as the players wish The process of placing trails continues until all rulebook. Alternatively, you can make up your
and will have little bearing on actual game play. clearings have had trails placed. own missions, use the Cities of Death missions
by changing the focus of the objectives to

Jungles of Death
clearings instead of buildings, the Rules of 6. Deploy your forces The number of stratagems each player can use
Engagment found on the GW website, or any Deploy your forces per the mission instructions. is determined by the mission level. Stratagems
other mutually agreed upon method. Junglefight does not require you to deploy are chosen before deployment begins and
your forces any differently than normal. Again, take effect either before or during the game as
4. Roll for Set-up and Deployment as normal
the only exceptions are Deep Striking and appropriate for the stratagem. Refer to table
Use the rules found in the mission to properly
Infiltration must be purchased as Stratagems. 1-1 below.
set up and deploy for your game. Junglefight
does not change the rules found in the mission 7. Rumble in the Jungle KEY CLEARING STRATAGEMS
description or the Warhammer 40K rulebook Begin playing using the rules found here and in Clearings are very strategic locations in a jungle.
with one exception. Infiltration and Deep Strike the main Warhammer 40k Rulebook. They are the few areas where more elaborate
must be bought as Stratagems. structures and facilities can be placed. The key
JUNGLEFIGHT STRATAGEMS
clearing upgrade allows the player to upgrade
5. Declare Stratagems Junglefight stratagems represent things like
a clearing with special rules which will benefit
After determining set up and deployment special deployment options, unique terrain
nearby friendly troops.
order choose and declare any Junglefight pieces, items of wargear or mission special
stratagems that will be used. Junglefight rules. These tactics and tricks add special flavor The following rules apply to all Key Clearing
allows you to choose stratagems to enhance to games of Junglefight and add a new aspect Stratagems:
the feel of fighting in a dangerous jungle to your games of Warhammer 40K. These
• The Key Clearing stratagem can be played
environment. You may equip your units with stratagems may be represented by scraps of
on any clearing on the Junglefight board.
special equipment, have some dirty tricks up paper, tokens, special models, or anything else
your sleeve, of be able to deploy your forces in you and your opponent desire. • One Key Clearing stratagem per player, per
a unique way. The number of Stratagems that clearing.
Stratagems do not cost any points, but they may
can be used varies by the mission level.
only be used once in any game of Junglefight. • A Key Clearing can only be used once per turn.
Alpha — 1 per player
Gamma — 2 per player
Omega — 3 per player. 1-1. JUNGLEFIGHT STRATAGEMS
The person who is setting up first may Key Clearings Dirty Tricks Armory Deployment Obstacles
declare his first Stratagem. The second Ammo Dump Master Snipers Rappelling Lines Deep Strike Stockade
player then chooses his first stratagem. Command Post Bombardment Brush Clearer Infiltrate Bunker
This continues until the correct number Maintenance Post Booby Traps Anti-Plant Shells Ambushers Animal Lair
of stratagems has been chosen for the Observation Point Spooks Scanners Tunnels Killer Flora
mission level. A stratagem may only Power Center Climbing Jungle Gear Swamps
be chosen once by any player. As a Medical Post Tanglefoot Spotters
stratagem is declared, appropriate Sacred Ground Jungle Weaponry
markers are placed on the board or the Camo
units which are affected are indicated.

Jungles of Death
• The effects of the Key Clearing only affect one • A vehicle within 12” may re-roll a failed • A unit within the clearing may benefit from
unit within the clearing or within a set distance difficult terrain test. the Stubborn universal special rule.
of the clearing as stated in the rules.
4. Medical Post DIRTY TRICKS
• A unit may only benefit from one Key Clearing This clearing houses a host of medical supplies, 1. Master Snipers
benefit per turn. anti-toxins, healing balms, and other advanced The dense terrain of a jungle is the natural
techniques to keep soldiers alive and fighting hunting grounds for snipers. The most skilled
• Key Clearings only benefit the owning army- in harsh jungle environments. marksmen are highly valued for their ability to
capturing a Key Clearing confers no benefit.
• A unit within the clearing may benefit from take out troopers in dense terrain.
1. Ammo Dump the Feel No Pain universal special rule. This stratagem is applied to all units that are
Crates of ammo and energy packs are stacked
5. Observation Point equipped with one or more weapons that have
and ready to be distributed to waiting troops.
This point allows an armies troopers access the Sniper Weapons special rules.
A unit with ready access to such a stockpile
can blaze away with abandon and releasing a to important battlefield intelligence gathered • Troopers with a sniper weapon may see 12”
from aerial surveillance, battlefield imagery,
withering storm of fire. to determine LOS.
spies, and cunning scouts. Line troopers
• The Ammo Dump is used in the owning can use this information to better follow the • No cover saves are possible from shots from
player’s shooting phase. progress of the battle. these weapons.
• A unit within the clearing may re-roll any • A unit within the clearing gains a spotting 2. Bombardment
failed to hit rolls. distance of 12” for determining LOS. Indirect fire artillery and strike aircraft are used to
6. Power Center mercilessly pound suspected enemy positions.
2. Command Post (Pick One)
This might be a communication point, relay Often times, units will be equipped with Details for a preliminary bombardment can
station, or command hut hacked out of the semi-portable recharging stations and power be found in the main Warhammer 40,000
undergrowth and constructed to be a forward supplies. This allows a soldier to overcharge rulebook.
base to help coordinate friendly troops. lasers, and speed up auto-loader systems to
maximum capacity. 3. Spooks
• The command center grants a unit within 12” Troops will seed the area of a suspected
the counter-attack special rule • The Power Center is used in the owning advance with small electronic or organic
player’s shooting phase. devices that make the jungle seem to come
OR
• A single unit within the clearing may re-roll alive. The troops using Spooks have become
• The command center allows a unit within 24”
any failed to wound rolls. accustomed to their odd noises, but it is
to re-roll a failed pinning test.
unsettling to approaching enemies.
3. Maintenance Post 7. Sacred Ground
This ground is especially significant for the • Enemy units will become spooked on a
The clearing is stacked with barrels of fuel,
vehicle parts, and tools. These can be used to soldiers. They are willing to stand there ground difficult terrain roll with one or more 1s rolled
help get vehicles unstuck and working again in and fight to the last man. as opposed to the normal two or more 1s that
the difficult terrain of a jungle. must be rolled.

Jungles of Death
4. Booby Traps • A unit can choose to climb into the foliage 2. Brush Clearer
Booby Traps are a staple of jungle fighting. above instead of taking their normal Some vehicles are fitted with large chain saws or
The close confines and dense undergrowth movement. This can only be done in a Jungle other equipment to quickly move through jungle
makes the detection of such devices incredibly terrain type. The unit counts as moving for terrain and allow follow on forces to follow.
difficult. Often, they are not recognized until it the purposes of firing heavy weapons.
• All monstrous creatures, vehicles with
is too late.
• If they are in the trees, the unit can fire as if Dreadnaught close combat weapons, and
• Place an Ordinance Template anywhere in they are on a level 1 Hill terrain type. Sentinels are armed with Brush Clearers.
the jungle section of the board. This is the • The subsequent turn, the unit may choose to • Units equipped with Brush Clearers may
area that has been seeded with Booby Traps. move normally or stay in the trees. create a trail behind it as it moves. The trail
The template may not be in the enemies’
6. Tanglefoot will be the width of the vehicle/creatures
deployment zone. Place d3+3 Booby Trap
Tanglefoot is a generic name for plant growth base and must be marked accordingly with
markers in this area roughly outlining the
accelerants. They are often dropped from yarn, moss, flock, etc.
perimeter.
aircraft, delivered by artillery, or dispersed 3. Anti-Plant Shells
• Should this section of jungle be destroyed or using some other method over an areas Defoliants are often used to help cut a path
removed for any reason (Example: Anti-Plant intended route of advance. It makes the jungle through difficult and hard to navigate jungles.
shells) then the booby traps are also lost. grow even denser and less navigable. Very potent herbicides and toxins can be
• Whenever a unit moves through the booby • All jungle terrain goes from Difficult to launched in special canisters to rapidly wither
trapped area roll a d6. On a 4+ the booby Dangerous terrain. and kill vegetation to ease an armies passing.
trap is triggered. Anything other than a 4+
ARMORY • Every weapon with a blast marker can be
remove one Booby Trap marker as a dud.
Each armory stratagem only affects one unit in modified to fire Anti-plant shells. In the
The owner of the unit chooses one model to
your army. Please note it down on your army shooting phase, these weapons can be used
take a strength 8 hit at AP 2 with no cover
list and make your opponent aware of the unit instead of a normal blast. No to hit roll is
save. Once a booby trap has been triggered
affected by the stratagem. needed. Simply place the blast marker within
remove 1 marker. Once all markers have
LOS, and mark the radius of the blast marker
been removed, the area is no longer booby 1. Rappelling Lines as a clearing.
trapped. Vehicles take any booby trap hits on Vehicles that are skimmers are excellent for
their front armor. deploying troops straight into the dense jungle 4. Scanners
below without risking the vehicle to dangerous Sophisticated electronics, acute senses, or
5. Climbing sensitive psychic abilities can help soldiers
Jungles are full of tall trees that create a dense terrain. The skimmers can all be equipped with
avoid the worst ambushes and violent attacks
overhanging canopy that can be difficult to see rappelling lines to allow their troops to rappel
by their foes. Often times, such attacks can
through. Often time troops will take cover up to the ground, while the skimmer stays safely
happen at any time and from any direction.
trees to get a better shot at their approaching above the canopy.
enemies, and to cover exposed terrain, while • One unit’s LOS is increased to 18” for
• Skimmers may deploy troops as normal and
staying concealed. detecting and revealing Ambushers.
not choose to go below the tree canopy.

Jungles of Death
5. Jungle Gear experienced jungle fighters will tie branches, • Any unit that does not have a transport
Soldiers that have been fighting in jungles for leaves and other foliage into their combat vehicle maybe kept in reserve and instead
a long time will naturally adapt to the unusual webbing to help improve their ability to hide. deploy via tunnels.
conditions presented by the environment. • The unit with Camo may choose to not move • 1d3+3 tunnels entrances are placed anywhere
They will strip down to lighter armor, get rid
in the movement phase. In exchange, the on the board. These are the trapdoors and
of needless gear, and know how to avoid local
unit’s cover save is increased by 1. secret passages that lead out of the tunnels.
dangers. As a result, they seem to move through
the dense terrain of a jungle much quicker. DEPLOYMENT • When a unit becomes available from reserves
1. Deep Strike they may be deployed from any tunnel exit
• One unit is allowed the Move Through Cover
It is a brave, desperate, or foolish commander the controlling player wishes as if it were a
special rules.
who will risk deep striking his units in a Jungle. table edge.
6. Spotters The risks of catastrophic failure are high.
A unit can be equipped with a man portable • Only one unit may deploy from a tunnel exit
communications device linked up to the • This stratagem allows units to deep strike as per turn. If more units become available then
support units in the rear. As a result, the unit normal per the rules found in the Warhammer there are exits, then the remainders must stay
can call in support fire much more accurately. 40,000 rulebook. Deep striking units always in reserve.
start in reserve.
• One unit may act as a spotter for an indirect • If an enemy model is within 1 inch of the tunnel
fire unit somewhere else in the jungle. Any 2. Infiltrate entrance then the entrance is effectively
targets within LOS of the spotter unit can be Infiltration is a tried and true tactic for Jungle blocked.
fired on using direct fire by any indirect fire unit fighting. Often, an army will keep a core of
4. Ambushers
in the controlling players shooting phase. highly trained and motivated troops to sneak
Some units work ahead of the main lines of
forward through the brush to get into an advance and set up deadly cross fires and
7. Jungle Weaponry
advantageous position before the battle. ambushes. These troops are generally veterans
Veterans of jungle fighting quickly realize that
it is best to kill the enemy before they have • By choosing this stratagem you are allowed of jungle fighting and are willing to wait hours if
a chance to see you. As a result, they will go to use the Infiltrate special rules as found in not days to trap an unsuspecting foe.
past the recommended safety settings for their the Warhammer 40,000 rulebook. Only units
with the infiltrate special rule will be able to • One unit that does not have a transport
flamers, and spray recklessly ahead. vehicle maybe allowed to ambush.
take advantage of this stratagem.
• One unit may supercharge their flamer
3. Tunnels • Place 1d3+3 Ambusher counters on the table.
templates. Any weapons that use the These markers should be labeled blank, except
Often times, an army will honeycomb a jungle
flamer template can be placed as normal for one. This one should have a distinguishing
area with tunnels. This facilitates the movement
and then move the template forward an of troops through difficult terrain, and to mark on its underside. This mark should be
additional 1d6 inches. All models hit, friend appear behind enemy troops. In addition, blocked from opponents view.
or foe, are hit as normal. when traveling the tunnels, troops are relatively
• In the controlling players movement phase, he
8. Camo safe from barrages and aerial attack. These
may move the Ambusher markers as normal.
Camo is particularly valuable in such dense soldiers squeeze through tight crawlways, and
If he so chooses, he can decide to reveal the
and lush terrain as a jungle. Veteran and claustrophobia inducing passageways.

Jungles of Death
ambushers at the end of a movement face. 2. Bunkers Venus Man-Trap. The sentience of such plants
All counters are placed face up, and the Bunkers provide a covered location to site is up for debate, but their threat to passing
marked one is replaced with the ambushing heavy weapons and to shelter from enemy fire. troops is unmistakable.
squad. One squad member is placed on the Bunkers are often used to fortify and protect
This stratagem allows the placement of 1d3+3
marker, and the rest of the squad is placed vital clearings and crossroads.
Killer Flora.
within squad coherency. No model in the
This stratagem provides for 1d3 Bunkers. Each
squad maybe closer to the enemy than the • Any unit that comes within 6” of killer flora
bunker is large enough for a 10 man squad and
initially placed figure. will be suffer from 1d6 attacks at strength 3,
is totally enclosed. They have a rear entry point
AP -. Cover Saves are allowed.
• Ambushers can be revealed by any enemy and allow all models inside to fire out.
unit being able to draw LOS to the counter. If 5. Swamps
• Bunkers provide a 3+ cover save.
LOS is established, flip over the counter. If it is Often times Jungles are filled with swampy
blank, the counter is removed. If it is marked, • They are impassable to troops and vehicles dangerous terrain. This can be due to excessive
then the marker is replaced by a model, and outside of the bunker. rainwater, decomposing sludge, quicksand,
the rest of the unit is placed within squad or any number of alien ecology. However, it is
3. Animal Lair
coherency with no model closer to the enemy dangerous and difficult to move across such
Animal Lairs are the homes of fierce and savage
than the initial model. swampy area.
xeno creatures that live in the dense jungles.
• Once revealed, ambushers move and fight as Some famous examples are Chud Bears and This stratagem allows the player to place 1d3+3
normal for a Junglefight. the fearsome Catachan Devil. These creatures swamp pits. Place the small blast marker, and
will attack unwary soldiers to protect their lairs mark the edges of the area with yarn, felt,
OBSTACLES
and their young. different colored flock, terrain piece, etc to
All obstacles can be placed anywhere on the
distinguish the swampy nature of the terrain.
board before deployment. Allows you to place 1d3+3 animal lairs.
• Swamp pits are Dangerous terrain for infantry,
1. Stockade • Any unit that comes within 6” of an animal lair will
jump infantry, and cavalry and impassable
A stockade is essentially a small wall or barrier require the closest model to suffer from a single
terrain for vehicles and bikes.
made of tree trunks, rocks, and other native strength 5, AP4 hit. A cover save is allowed.
flora. The stockades provide a covered firing
• Any unit that is attacked by an animal must
point to block trails and fortify clearings.
take a pinning test. If a model was killed the
This stratagem provides 1d3+3 stockades. test has a -1 modifier.
Each stockade is up to 6” long.
• Once an attack takes place remove the marker.
• Stockades provide a 4+ cover save As the animal was either killed, captures, or
satisfied that its territory is secure.
• Stockades are difficult ground to cross
4. Killer Flora
• Stockades are removed if passed through by
Alien jungles are often the home of bizarre
a non-skimmer vehicle.
plants. The most famous being the famous

Battle Report: The Mostaza Subterfuge
BAT REP: THE MOSTAZA SUBTERFUGE

Stuck between a rock and hard place, thought pointless details to stop him from thinking Apone swallowed hard. Explaining anything
Lieutenant Apone. about his impending doom. For example, to the Inquisition was, traditionally, something
unsightly pools of perspiration were quickly you only lived to do once.
The rock in question was standing off to one
spreading across the khaki cloth of his 317th
side: Commissar Schmash, his belligerent Stuck between a rock and a hard place,
Helsreach Grenadiers’ uniform, but somehow
scowl hidden from the glaring sun under thought Lieutenant Apone as the Inquisitorial
the Commissar was managing to stand at full
his peaked cap. Dressed in regulation red lander appeared in the skies above, and then
attention in tyre-melting heat wearing a full-
and black, it was not possible for anyone to smiled wryly to himself. In the Guard, you
length leather cape without breaking sweat.
stand out more in a jungle than Commissar could almost call that being at home.
For a moment, Apone’s feverishly-spinning
Schmash, although Apone conceded that
mind wondered if the capes came with air- #
might be the very point.
conditioning, or if it was just that Commissars
“We should have killed them all, Brother
In his best dress uniform, waiting by a landing had no blood for the sun to boil.
Captain. Back there in this Emperor-forsaken
pad for a bad situation to get even worse,
Of course, there was another reason Apone jungle, heresy festers unchecked.”
Lieutenant Apone was amazed
was sweating while Schmash was not. The
at the way his brain would “Your zeal does you credit, Brother Sergeant,”
hard place. It – or rather, he – was approaching
fix on the replied Captain Blackburn, “but misplaced it
from orbit, and the Commissar had made
most will tarnish even the most gilded plan. We had
damn sure Apone was standing in his path.
Dorn, Him-on-Terra and surprise on our side,
The him in question was Inquisitor but a pitched battle would have served us
Masamune. poorly.” One massive gauntlet indicated the
manacled and unconscious prisoner inside
Inquisitor. Apone rolled the word around,
the stasis cage that stood between the vine-
mouthing it silently, letting the sheer fear
draped buttresses of a towering redwood.
it induced send a welcome shiver down his
“We took what we needed.”
spine. Apone was now the commanding
officer, as Schmash had pointed out in his Blackburn felt a curious sense of
usual, blunt fashion. As CO, Apone ought disappointment – he had expected something
to be the one to explain to His Most Holy more impressively foul and corrupt than the
Inquisition just how things had gotten so sturdy but dull-looking man pinned in his cell
fecked up. like a fly in amber. Even the bionics on the
man’s face looked resolutely field-issue and
And they were really fecked up this time.
unadorned. He had a feeling of being on the
edges of events, and he did not like that at all.

Events were best placed right out in the open. # each word sound like a death-knell accusation.
If nothing else, it was much easier to kill what To make matters even worse, although
“They took him.”
was in the open. “Patience. Once we have that was frankly redundant at this stage, he
extracted what we need from this traitor, we Apone nodded, happened to know that Inquisitor Masamune
will return and lance the boil that has infested even though it had had been close friends with the missing
this world. No loose ends.” not been a question. officer.
In fact, Inquisitor
He turned to face Scout Caradoc as the Apone decided if his fate was sealed, he might
Masamune had a
lightly-armoured Imperial Fist approached as well go down all guns firing. “They took
disconcerting habit
through the dense undergrowth of the sun- Colonel Mostaza, my lord. Alive, I believe,
of re p e a t i n g
dappled clearing. As usual, Caradoc left not as there was no blood. None of his blood,
everything
a single broken branch or bruised leaf in his anyway. It was a precision operation. Very
Lieutenant
wake. “Report.” fast, with solid intel on our base, our lines of
Apone was
defence and points of alarm. Someone sold
The scout’s voice was a hoarse whisper. “The saying, but
the colours, Inquisitor.”
heretics have picked up our trail.” making
Inquisitor Masamune looked at Apone,
Blackburn frowned, but there had been no
and the Lieutenant realised that in their
time to cover their tracks properly. “Have
brisk walk through the shattered portions
they mobilised?”
of the forward base this was the first time
“Almost. They will be here before the Inquisitor had actually looked at
sunset.” him since he had landed. It was a gaze
that struck the heat of the afternoon
At the same time as their Thunderhawk
right out of him, but Apone had
would reach them for evac, Blackburn
never backed down before any man
realised, and knew his sergeants
before, and was not about to start.
had come to the same
conclusion. They were Masamune sniffed. “Mostaza told me
going to get their pitched about you.” His polished steel power armour
battle, after all. “So Dorn whined like a cloud of mosquitoes as he faced
wills. We will hold this position Apone. “He’s never been one to choose the
until our Brothers can come for company of fools, although I told him he
us. We are the rock, and they might have skewed his average when he
the waves. They can crash against promoted you.” He leaned in, “Prove me
us all they like, but the Sons of wrong. Who are we looking for?”
Dorn cannot be overcome.”
“Astartes.”

Masamune looked over the smoking ruin enough to risk sharing the firestorm coming “No, but I saw them. As they were leaving, I saw
of the command tents one more time, his Apone’s way. The heat-exchangers on Kane’s the symbol of the fist. I swear it, on my life.”
granite face unreadable. The familiar signs powerfist whirred in the silence.
“On your life.” Masamune nodded. “Good
of bolter-fire scarred the structures, the shots
Then Apone saw it, a single bead of sweat of boy. Maybe Mostaza was right about you,
clean and precise. “Obviously,” he drawled.
Schmash’s brow. So he was human after all. Lieutenant.” He shot a glance at Schmash.
“Even Commissar Schmash’s pet lizard would
Somehow, that thought took the tremor out “There’s not many would accuse the Astartes
have spotted that, but which Traitor Legion
of his voice as he spoke. “Not traitors. Loyal out of their own mouths, especially to me, but
are we dealing with, hmm?”
Astartes. Imperial Fists, Inquisitor. The Sons you happen to be right, Lieutenant Apone.
Apone swallowed. Rock and a hard place. of Dorn.” Keep being right, and you might just live
Commissar Schmash had told him his next through this. You have their trail?”
Masamune spun round, sunlight flashing off
words would get him killed, one way or
his armour like exploding glowglobes. There Apone stood to attention. “Yes, sir. We are
another. Schmash himself and the regiment’s
was a fury in his pinprick eyes, but their anger already mobilised.”
other Commissar, Kane, were both pretending
was not aimed at Apone. He did not know
to be fascinated by wreckage they had “Then what are you waiting for? Colonel
who it was aimed at, but Apone was very glad,
already seen, and were standing just a few Mostaza isn’t going to rescue himself. Not
and very surprised, that it was not him. “You
paces away. Not far enough away to show this time.”
have proof?”
disrespect to the Inquisitor, but not close
BATTLE REPORT: THE MOSTAZA SUBTERFUGE In this unique case Jon’s Imperial Fists have
been mislead by a rival inquisitor for his own
By Gabriel Schrock and Jon Mattison about that at all! The experimental nature of selfish gains. The 317th has recently been
this battle report meant I could try out some requisitioned by Inquisitor Masamune to assist
INTRODUCTION
unit choices I normally would not consider; in the search of a holy relic, but their Colonel
Gabe: First and foremost, I chose to do this
namely my megasaur and Inquisitor Lord. has been taken hostage in an effort by the rival
battle report because I wanted a chance to try
out the Jungles of Death rules we’ve published Lastly, my guard are not traitor guard! Don’t inquisitor to gain leverage. As the Imperial
in this issue. The JoD rules have proven to you ever accuse them of such foul heresy! Fists await Thunderhawk retrieval the 317th
be a real treat and I highly recommend you The 317th are hardcore loyalists. “But why must mount a rescue mission or risk losing their
try them out for yourself. Secondly, I don’t are they fighting Imperial Fists?” you ask. This adored commander!
often get a chance to play any games of opportunity allows me to once again bring up THE SCENARIO
Warhammer 40,000. I have various excuses but my favourite aspect of 40k; the background. The Jungles of Death rules mesh very well with
I am ultimately to blame for my failure in the With a little forethought you can justify the Cities of Death missions. For this game we chose
gaming aspect of this fine hobby. This battle use of distinctive units and out of the ordinary to play the gamma level Relief Force advanced
report gave me the necessity to get out there clashes. mission from Cities of Death, simulating the
and actually play a game of 40k, nothing bad desperate nature of the rescue and holdout of

the Imperial Fists. We set up the terrain in a in the thick of the jungle so I can better attack For my standard 2 stratagems there were a lot
mutually agreeable manner. When games are on my terms. Hopefully I can hide them 6” in of great options. Despite being able to castle
played in a strictly non-competitive manner I the jungle and jump out when I’m ready for a up and adopt a defensive position from the
prefer to set up terrain for aesthetic reasons, combined attack. My final stratagem choice is beginning I was feeling a little under-manned
regardless of ramifications. The Imperial Fists Master Snipers for my counts-as Ratling squad. and under-gunned. I realize that this is usually
goal is to hold the ruin in the centre with the With some luck I will be able to pick a deployment the case with Marine armies, but I felt it even
captured colonel and the Imperial Guard need zone with a hill so their precision fire can be used more since so many points had been spent on
to capture aforementioned ruin. Due to the to greater effect and help support the rest of the vehicles.
Imperial Fists being the defenders they get an force’s advance toward the objective.
For my first stratagem I chose Tunnels. If you
extra stratagem, giving them a total of three.
Jon: The Imperial Fist army and accompanying haven’t read the JoD ruleset yet, Tunnels is
ARMY SELECTION army list were provided as-is, borrowed from more-or-less the equivalent of Sewer Rats from
Gabe: My goal is to cleanse the centre clearing another club member named Jeremy. It is Cities of Death. Since my two large tactical
of any enemy presence and have at least one safe to assume that this list is designed for squads each had a lascannon, a plasma gun
scoring unit remaining in the centre by the end the traditional missions provided in the 40k and Tank Hunters, I liked the idea of placing
of the turn. As Imperial Guard are inherently rulebook and therefore isn’t as tuned to the multiple tunnel entrances around the board
weaker in close combat against Space Marines, special scenario we were playing. As the saying in such a way that Gabe would have an extra
and I imagine my opponent will be dug in like a goes, deal with it and move on. variable to deal with. Any of his units covering
tick, it would benefit me to have some dedicated or blocking Tunnel entrance points would be
So a week back, knowing what my army list
assault units to help clear out and hold the ruin less coming to shoot me; and if he ignored
was and reading through the Jungles of Death
with the abducted colonel. them? Surprise! Bang, bang, kaboom!
ruleset I got a refresher on the history and fluff
Fortunately, I have already decided that I will of the Imperial Fists and was happy to find that For my second stratagem I chose Tanglefoot.
be using my megasaur and Masamune and his their specialty was attacking and defending I figured that something that changed all
retinue are designed for close combat. It is at this fortifications. I also read, “The Imperial Fists Difficult Terrain to Dangerous Terrain was a
point that the Brush Clearer stratagem caught my believe in purity and the ‘warrior spirit within’ good thing. Here again, force Gabe to make
attention and I formed the core of my strategy. above all else and will not retreat even when it decisions; stick to the paths? or run the risk of
I will use my megasaur in conjunction with the may be beneficial.” I decided I would let this the dangers of the jungle?
Brush Clearer stratagem to clear a path for the direct my tactical decisions in the game.
bulk of my forces. With my monstrous creature
To begin with, the Relief Force scenario gave
backed up by a Demolisher, Leman Russ and
me a free stratagem which had to be chosen
Masamune in his Chimera, theoretically, I can
from the Key Clearings list. I chose Sacred
deliver a potent force directly into the objective
Ground. While several of the others were
while benefiting from the jungle’s line of sight
tempting I felt that having a Stubborn unit
obstruction.
guarding the prisoner was well in line with the
Likewise, I will also deploy my Grenadier squads fluff I discussed earlier.

317TH HELSREACH GRENADIERS - 1498 PTS

317TH HELSREACH GRENADIERS - 1498 PTS
317TH HELSREACH GRENADIERS with powerfists.) Chimera transport with Grenadier Squad Ceta (Five Storm Troopers,
Stratagems: Master Snipers, Brush Clearer turret multilaser, hull heavy bolter, pintle- two with meltaguns)
HQ mounted heavy stubber and extra armour.
Grenadier Squad Delta (Five Storm Troopers,
317th Command Squad (Junior Officer with
ELITES two with meltaguns)
shotgun, Commissar with powerfist, three
Raymundo’s Ratlings (Ratling squad with five
guardsmen with flamers, one guardsman HEAVY SUPPORT
sniper rifles.)
with meltagun, frag grenades and carapace Commissar Schmash and Megasaur
armour.) TROOPS
Leman Russ (hull lascannon, sponson heavy
Grenadier Squad Alpha (Veteran Sergeant
Inquisitor Masamune and Henchmen bolters, extra armour and rough terrain
with power weapon and nine Storm
(Inquisitor Lord with master-crafted force modification)
Troopers, two with plasma guns)
weapon, bolt pistol, artificer armour and
Leman Russ Demolisher (hull heavy bolter,
frag grenades. Two Acolytes with bolters Grenadier Squad Beta (Veteran Sergeant
sponson heavy bolters and extra armour)
and storm shields. One Acolyte with bolter with power weapon and nine Storm
and power armour. Three Combat-Servitors Troopers, two with plasma guns)

IMPERIAL FISTS STRIKE FORCE - 1500 PTS

IMPERIAL FISTS STRIKE FORCE - 1500 PTS

IMPERIAL FISTS - 1500 PTS
Strategems: Sacred Ground, Tanglefoot, Tunnels
HQ
Master (terminator armor, power weapon,
storm bolter, terminator command squad)
Terminator Command Squad
4 Terminators (4 power fists, 2 storm bolters, 2 assault
cannons), 1 Terminator Sergeant (power weapon,
storm bolter)
TROOPS
Tactical A - 5 marines (4 bolters, 1 meltagun)
1 Vet. Sergeant (plasma pistol, power fist)
1 Razorback transport (twin-linked lascannon)
Tactical B - 5 marines (4 bolters, 1 meltagun)
1 Vet. Sergeant (plasma pistol, power fist)
1 Razorback transport (twin-linked lascannon)
Tactical C - 9 marines (7 bolters, 1 plasma, 1
lascannon), 1 Sergeant (bolter)
Tank Hunters
Tactical D - 9 marines (7 bolters, 1 plasma, 1
lascannon), 1 Sergeant (bolter)
Tank Hunters
HEAVY SUPPORT
Vindicator 1 (demolisher cannon, storm
bolter, dozer blade, extra armor)
Vindicator 2 (demolisher cannon, storm
bolter, dozer blade, extra armor)

SETUP out the available trees from our collections considered it justifiable that Blackburn and his
Using the Jungles of Death ruleset, the entire best we could and sprinkled some other terrain retinue would be in the ruin from the get-go.
table was considered to be jungle and therefore pieces for variety. Two tactical squads with their accompanying
difficult terrain. As you can see in the photo Razorbacks cover the trails leading east and
DEPLOYMENT
above, the temple ruins are placed in a large west into the ruin, the rest of his force is in
As the defender Jon deployed first. We
clearing at the center of the table. Pathways reserves as per the mission rules. The Imperial
decided to allow deployment of his Terminators
lead from the center clearing to other clearings Guard are deployed in a half circle, surrounding
in the centre of the objective clearing, as we
around the table and off the board. We spread the objective, in the south-west corner of the

Beginning of Turn 1, Inset: End of Turn 1
board. Gabe won the roll for first turn and one or two casualties from every infantry unit able to fire, I target the Terminators in
chose to go first. unit! At this rate I’m bound to lose nearly all the ruin with the battle cannon causing three
of my Grenadiers before they even reach the wounds, all of which are saved by cover! At
GABE: TURN ONE
genetically altered hulks in front of them so I least I can relax knowing Jon can’t target most
Unfortunately my deployment didn’t go quite
decide to move them to the nearest clearings of my army next turn.
as I planned. I was unable to hide all of my
and trails. The Megasaur marches forward with
armour in the jungle so I opted to leave the JON: TURN ONE
Demolisher and Chimera in tow.
Leman Russ covering a trail with a clear shot In my own defense let me say that we were
into the ruin. Jon decides to reveal that he is Fortunately, my snipers on the hill have a so focused on putting together a good battle
using the Tanglefoot stratagem at this point. beautiful view over the canopy to one of Jon’s report that we did get ahead of ourselves and
Now all of my poor Grenadiers are running Tactical squads. Their fire takes down one had to take a pause so I could declare my
through dangerous terrain! Apparently this Marine and pins the squad, that’s promising! stratagems, Tanglefoot and Tunnels. Naturally,
is some wicked bush, as it manages to claim The Leman Russ on the trail is my only other Tanglefoot had an immediate effect on Gabe’s

Tactical squads C and D are held in reserve to

make use of the Tunnels stratagem.
GABE: TURN TWO
Grenadier squad Beta breaks and runs
before the imposing Astartes! Cowards. The
remaining Grenadier squads continue their
struggle to get onto safer ground. Of course, I
lost two more in the process from squad Alpha
and Ceta. My Leman Russ is ignored by Jon so
I keep it where it is hoping for another chance
to crack open some Terminators. Gleefully I
move my Megasaur another six inches through
the jungle towards one of Jon’s Razorbacks. I
can’t wait to trash that thing. The Demolisher,
Chimera and Command squad follow the trail
in the monstrous creature’s wake.
troops. The black counters you see in the

photos represent my entrance points for the
Tunnels stratagem.
Now that Gabe had shown himself by deploying
in the south-west corner I am able to react and
move Tactical B into the cover of the ruins with
Commander Blackburn and his retinue and
rapid fires on the advancing storm troopers
killing 3. Their Razorback transport shifts to
get a bead on Gabe’s Leman Russ coming up
the southern trail. Though Tactical A has been
pinned their Razorback transport takes a shot
at the Megasaur but misses.
Commander Blackburn and his retinue also
fire at the approaching storm troopers on the
southern trail and kill 3.
Top: End of turn IG movement phase Bottom: Ratling Sniper view

Delta squad is within Melta distance of Jon’s

second Tactical squad now, but that accursed 2
ruin affords two very lucky Marines some respite
from their scorching heat! The Ratling squad
manages to score two casualties on the same
Tactical squad from last turn, keeping them
pinned. The Razorback didn’t move so I charge
with the Megasaur ready to unleash some real
hurt on Jon and his Marines before his reserves
start to come in. The Megasaur only manages
to stun and immobilize the Razorback. Talk
about anti-climatic. I hope the Megasaur can
cause some more serious damage next turn.
Left: The prisoner is going nowhere. Top: Nom nom nom, tasty Razorback.
JON: TURN TWO therefore useless by trying to power their way
Turn two quickly finds me double checking through dangerous terrain so they start their
my inventory and what I have that can defeat own rally race of speeding along the jungle
this Megasaur. Call me pessamistic (ask my trails hoping to arrive in time to matter.
gaming club) but I’m having Warhammer
Commander Blackburn and Retinue seize
Fantasy flashbacks of Giants and Treemen with
the initiave and exit the ruins to confront
Tough 6, Strength 10, Six wounds, Invincible
the Megasaur; let off a host of shots and
etc. Gabe snaps his fingers and returns me to
get a single wound on the Megasaur. In the
the here-and-now.
resulting assault, Blackburn puts on a sword
I roll for reserves and both my Vindicators are demonstration but never makes contact while
able to enter the board from my “deployment his Vet. Sgt. rolls his eyes, steps in and cuts
zone” which is opposite Gabe’s. The last thing down the Megasaur. The rest of the power-
I need is to get the Vindicators stuck and fisted retinue surpress their snickering.

behind. The Command squad moves towards start on my miraculous come back. My snipers
the Terminators. Hopefully they can soften the are bound to have better luck with those
enemy for Masamune a little. blasted Terminators and set them in their sites.
Three wounds and three frickin’ saves again!
I need some excellent shooting this round if I
Fine, fine. Whatever I cannot set ablaze and
plan on pulling out of this mess. The Flamers
snipe I will blow apart with the tanks of the
in the Command squad start by unleashing a
Imperial Guard! My Demolisher targets the
gout of flame on the Terminators causing two
Terminators only to score two wounds and one
wounds, both of which are saved. Not a good
kill. Weak.
Tactical A spends the turn Pinned and looking

pretty in yellow.
Tactical B stays in the ruins and unloads on
the approaching storm troopers some more.
They survive a plasma overheat but accomplish
nothing else. Their Razorback however gets a
bead on the Leman Russ and destroys his big
cannon.
Tacticals C and D are still tunnelling around
somewhere.
GABE: TURN THREE
My pet! The situation is dire for me right now.
I decide to unload Inquisitor Masamune and
his retinue from the Chimera, they need to
pick up the mess that Commissar Schmash left Left: Flamers & Demolisher vs. Terminators Right: Inquisitor and Retinue disembark.

get a shot off. I still consider the Leman Russ

a danger with its hull and sponson weapons.
Gabe didn’t mention it but I believe that his
Leman Russ had just destroyed my Razorback.
My Vindicators keep coming along.
GABE: TURN FOUR
Wow, my plans have completely fallen apart.
Jon’s last turn has completely sealed my fate.
I am thoroughly impressed how crazy my
Commissar is. With this being my last turn I
have but one last goal to complete. Masamune
must kill Blackburn. I move the Inquisitor and
his retinue towards the Terminators, I turn the
3
Above: Tunnelling reserves find their map. Right: Surviving Commissar says “That all you got?”
JON: TURN THREE enough wounds on the storm troopers
After weathering an alpha strike from his guarding the turret-less Leman Russ to force
flamers and Demolisher, Commander a morale check. The storm troopers decide
Blackburn and Retinue advance to take on the to cut their losses and run away.
Command Squad. After shooting and assualt,
Tactical’s C and D finally find their map and
only the Commissar stands to stare down the
arrive by tunnel entrances. Tactical C pops up
Terminators with a look of, “that all you got?”
East of the ruins and destroys the remaining
Tactical A recovers from being pinned and storm troopers in front of them. Tactical D
tries to act like they’d planned it all along pops out in front of the turret-less Leman
while Tactical B remains in the ruins and causes Russ hoping to survive a turn before they can

melee. The Inquisitor inflicts one wound with take aim and destroy it with lascannon and
his force weapon on the Captain, passes his plasma. Tactical C opens up on the Ratlings to
psychic test and unleashes a massive blow with no effect.
his sword that annihilates his opponent where
It is at this point that we realize that we need
he stands! Jon is not thrilled, but I am!
to wind things down as Gabe has afternoon
JON: TURN FOUR obligations. A quick look at the board shows
Commander Blackburn is cut down but his that the Imperial Fists have the upper hand and
fearless Retinue stays the course. should easily be able to hold out until pick up.
As a formality we roll for Variable Game Length
All my Tacticals hold their ground. Tactical
and the game ends. Inquisitor Masamune and
D wasn’t surprised at all by the Demolisher
his remaining Snipers retreat into the jungles.
bursting through the undergrowth, smoothly
Chimera around to bring its weapons to bear

even though it won’t be shooting at anything.
The Leman Russ is stunned and useless, the
Ratlings stay where they are to get off a couple
more precious shots and the Demolisher
charges through the dangerous terrain to make
way for the Inquisitor’s assault and attack one
of Jon’s reserve Tactical squads.
The snipers fire on the two-man Tactical squad,
causing one wound that is saved; figures. The
Demolisher fires its cannon from the jungle
and the shell simply whizzes over the fortunate
Space Marines. How aggravating! But none of
that really matters. It’s the assault I really care
about right now. Masamune and his henchmen
charge into the stubborn Terminators. One
Combat-Servitor manages to crush a Terminator
with it’s massive industrial cutter. Inquisitor
Masamune singles out Blackburn in the whirling Left: Blackburn’s last moments. Right: Demolisher gets, uh, demolished.

JON: CONCLUSION
4 I suppose I just don’t have enough experience
with force weapons, it just really caught me
off guard for Commander Blackburn to be cut
down with such ease.
There really was a swing of power in turn 3 as
all four of Gabe’s storm trooper squads were
gone and his Leman Russ was losing weapons
left and right.
Initially I was very worried about the points trade
off. Historically I favor infantry-heavy armies
with little to no vehicles. Then, because of the
scenario and terrain I was really worried that I
was “wasting” nearly 300 points on Vindicators
that might never arrive in time to matter.
Thanks for reading!
Above: Thunderhawk view on final approach. Right: “Hey guys, here we are!”
GABE: CONCLUSION staying power. I am disappointed that
I am not particularly disheartened about my my Megasaur did not get a chance to
loss though I do feel the dice of destiny were rampage thru the enemy. His untimely
not on my side as well. I’ve learned a lot from demise has taught me I need to be more
this game, smacked down the opposing HQ aware of my opponents own assault units,
and had a fun time with the Jungles of Death particular power weapons. My overall
rules. I am particularly proud of my snipers strategy was fairly sound, but I probably
and the Master Snipers stratagem. They had should have picked another table quarter,
an entire Tactical squad pinned down for most as my advance was slower and far more
of the game. They deserve a few new recruits painful than I had anticipated. That
added to their ranks. I am also pleased with Tanglefoot stratagem was obnoxious! I am
my Inquisitor Lord and his retinue. That force eager to paint up some more Grenadiers
weapon is deadly, and with three Acolytes and snipers for my army after playing a
taking wounds for him, he has some excellent game this enjoyable.

Lieutenant Apone heard the scream of the He was rising, buoyed up from the darkness Then Inquisitor Masamune was gone. When
assault cannon… by the white lightning in his blood. Apone was sure he was alone, he extracted
the crypt-com from his belt buckle, placing
…and a yellow-armoured giant hacked “Again. Hit him again,” said the aquila on the
it against his ear. The voice that came over
Commissar Schmash off his mount and shadow’s chest.
the link demanded a response three times
crushed the skull of the reptile in one huge,
…the assault cannon screamed… before Apone finally forced speech from his
angular powerfist, brain-matter sizzling on the
agonised throat. “Masamune. Coming after.
flaring electrodes while… …the leader of the space marines was cut in
You,” he gasped. “In force.”
half (No! Yes! Are they the enemy now?) by
A shadow stood over Apone, dark and fearful.
the shining knight. He knew his name. Hands “I would be disappointed if he just gave up
He called out its name, and its name was
grabbed Apone, pulled him across the blood- now,” said the voice. “Very well. Carry on.”
Death.
strewn ground, towards…
Apone gritted his teeth. “I have done. What
“We’re losing him,” another shadow said as
…a roar that shook the jungle. A ship lifting you ordered. Now end this. Before more of
his heart beat a final, fitful march.
off, engines screaming. Mostaza was gone, my men. Die.”
…the assault cannon screamed… borne aloft on thunder. Lifting. Rising. Nearly
“End it? When I am this close to the reliquary?
out…
…and a knight in shining armour slid through You lack the ambition to see what is at stake
the carnage, sword poised for the killing Lieutenant Apone blinked as the shadow grew here, Lieutenant. This is just the beginning.”
blow, stalking his power-armoured prey, but a face. Inquisitor Masamune. He gasped, and The static made the laugh sound chillingly
then… nearly choked on the tube down his throat. It hollow. “Inquisitor Jiro out.”
pulled free with a sucking sound and a splash
Lightning. White fire in his mind. The march ### END ###
of his own blood. Field medics gathered up
was thunder in his chest. The shadow loomed
their paddles and needles and left, to work
closer. “Hit him again.”
another miracle in His name.
…the assault cannon screamed…
“I said you’d live through this,” said the
…the tank, turret a mangled mess of iron, Inquisitor. “You nearly made a liar of me.”
blazing backdrop to an insane melee:
Apone tried to sit up, but an iron gauntlet on
lumbering terminators gathered around a
his shoulder stopped him.
swirling cape of amethyst. Apone dragging
himself through broken bodies, death at his “We failed. We’re getting ready to follow
heels, trying to reach… them in my ship, and we will not fail again.
Gather your strength, Lieutenant. You’ll need
The shadow, with a symbol on its chest. An
it. This is just the beginning.”
aquila. He called out its name.

LET THE INTERROGATION BEGIN!
SHOUT OUT!
Gabe: I need to make special mention of the Imperial Fist’s owner and you, I know I don’t need the flash on my camera anymore to get good
the gaming club where Jon and I did this battle report. Thanks for being pictures for a battle report!
such a sport about lending your army Jeremy, we really appreciate how
Jon: Thanks to the Napa Valley Warhammer Society for the use of their
flexible you and Dennis were. Thanks also to Powers of the North. You
club’s terrain collection. Also thanks to Powers of the North for letting
manage a fantastic gaming group, and though I never make it out
us drop in on your open gaming weekend and put together this battle
there often, every time I have has been a pleasure. Fortunately for
report.

Modeling: Jungle Terrain by Christopher Hird
MODELING JUNGLE TERRAIN Notes on Tools

Craft Knife – I use some cheap large snap
knives. A good source of these is Pound
by Chris Hird aka Deserter gives up to 6 stockades, each being up to 6
shops or Dollar stores.
inches (15cm) in length. Be sure to keep this
STOCKADE
in mind when marking the base, you will need Hot Glue Gun – A must have for any terrain
A stockade is a makeshift barrier in this case
to leave a little extra space on each side. maker. They’re cheap and you don’t have
using local resources in order to provide cover
to wait around the way you do with PVA
for infantry forces. Using some readily available
glue. These get extremely hot (the clue is
materials you can construct a number of barriers
in the name) so younger readers will need
for use with either the jungle fighting rules or
supervision.
for regular games of Warhammer 40,000.
PVA Glue – I use wood glue (my father is
Materials
a joiner meaning I can siphon this off into
Branches and Twigs – I got these from a local
a smaller PVA bottle...) which seems to dry
wood where they are scattered on the paths
quicker than regular PVA.
and in clearings. These are best collected when
the weather is dry, but they can be collected Pin Vice – This is optional (see later).
and dried out for a few days in the house. 2 Cut this out using a craft knife, use either
a steel ruler or by trusting your own 4 Go to your collection of branches and
MDF – This was used as the base for the
judgement. twigs and select a number of medium sized
stockade. I used a thin MDF which I could quite
easily carve with a craft knife. examples that will stack nicely and form the
barricade.
Barbecue Skewers – These are wooden skewers
for making kebabs and the like. Sold in most
supermarkets these are cheap and perfect for
use in jungle terrain.
3 Trim the base edges – the idea is to level out
Sand and Gravel Mix – This is used to add
the base by chamfering the edge so it looks
texture to the base of the stockade.
like it is a part of the board rather than just
Tools randomly placed down.
Craft Knife, Hot Glue Gun, PVA Glue, Pin Vice,
Clippers, Ruler, Pencil and Permanent Marker
Method
1 Begin by marking out the base size on the
wood you have chosen to use. The stratagem

5 Arrange the branches on the base and glue fire. For this I simply drilled into the wooden
the bottom ones onto the base using the hot stockade in a number of places to show the
glue gun. bullet holes.
ANIMAL LAIR
The jungles of the universe are inhabited by
many creatures – some big, some small. Many
6 Mark a number of points around the branches
of the larger creatures choose to build nests or
to show where you will need supports – these
burrows. This guide will help you build one...
are basically stakes that would be driven into 11 Now take some PVA glue mixed with a small
the ground in order to keep the stockade in amount of water and add texture to the base Materials
place. using the sand/gravel mix. You’re finished, Branch – The branch used was a rather rotten
congratulations. Repeat this process and piece of wood; but still solid enough to stay in
you’ll have yourself a set of Stockades for use one piece.
in a variety of tabletop wargames. You could
Plastic Foliage – The leaves I used here are
also raid your bits box to add detail, e.g.
taken from a section of plastic foliage which
skeletons, weapons, discarded equipment
is normally used to add greenery to a bunch
etc to give it that lived in feel.
of false flowers. The foliage was £1 from a
7 Place the top branches or twigs on top of the
department store for a rather large piece (I use
base branches; mark on a skewer the height
them in the aquarium of my pet turtles) and
of the stockade. Cut the required number of
if you shop around you should quite easily be
stakes using the clippers before trimming
able to find something similar.
them with the craft knife.
Twigs
Photo leaves
12 Undercoat and paint the stockade. MDF
Skeleton Pieces
8 Glue stakes into place using hot glue gun. Sand and Gravel Mix
9 Glue the top branches or twigs in place using
Tools
the hot glue gun.
Craft Knife, Clippers, Hot Glue Gun, PVA Glue,
10 I then used the pin vice in order to make
Superglue
the barricade look like it had taken some

Method 6 Add a few twigs to the base as you see fit. make some using green stuff, and have them
1 Take your chosen Branch and mark out a snaking out of the hole of the lair to snatch an
7 Drill a number of holes in the branch.
base. For this stratagem you will require up unsuspecting jungle combatant.
to 6 markers so smaller may be better. 8 Insert the foliage into the holes and glue in
place using some superglue.
2 Cut out the chosen base using a craft knife.
3 Trim the sides of the base to give it a slight
slope, as per the ‘Stockade Step 3’ above.
4 Decide how you will arrange the branch on
the base. Make sure that it is at a slight tilt
leaving a gap that becomes the entrance
to the creature’s lair. Glue the branch down
using the hot glue gun.
9 Mix PVA glue with a little water and add JUNGLE OUTCROP
texture to the base using the sand and gravel One of the most important terrain features on
mix, but leave a blank spot around the base a jungle board is obviously the jungle itself.
of the branch – this will be painted black to There are a number of ways of creating jungle
imitate a hole under the branch. and I would suggest taking a good look around
your local pet shops and department stores for
cheap plastic plants. This tutorial uses a plastic
foliage ‘spray’ in rather an unusual way.
5 Arrange the skeleton pieces around the
entrance to the lair; these are the discarded Materials
leftovers from the animal’s snacks. Plastic Foliage
MDF
Twigs
Sand and Gravel Mix
Tools
Craft Knife, Clippers, Hot Glue Gun, PVA Glue
Method
10 Undercoat and paint. The Animal Lair is 1 Begin by marking the base that you require on
now complete. For variation you could use the MDF. For this medium sized piece of terrain I
tentacles from the Chaos Spawn sprue, or chose a base of around 6 inches by 4 inches.

2 Cut out the base using a craft knife. Again 7 Some pieces of wire may be too thick to 9 Add texture to the base using PVA mixed
use your own judgement or use a steel ruler. bend and glue, for these pieces I took half with a little water and the sand and gravel mix.
a twig which I drilled into before gluing the You could give more variety to this by using
3 Trim down the base edges so that they are
wire piece into the hole. It now looks like the different types of foliage, adding extra twigs as
on a little more natural slope. This will help
branch is actually growing through the fallen fallen logs, adding rocks or anything else that
them blend into the board better.
and rotten tree. strikes your fancy.
4 Take the plastic foliage and begin to remove
10 The piece of terrain can now be undercoated
the leaves – on my foliage they come off quite
and painted.
easily and can be replaced afterwards.
5 You will be left with an armature of thick wire
covered in plastic, with parts that the leaves fit
onto. Begin to cut lengths of this wire – the tip
of the branch is the best part to take.
8 When all the wires are attached to the base

you can begin to put the foliage on. A number
of these were glued onto the base itself, whilst
the majority are just slotted back onto the nubs
6 When you have a handful of pieces cut you
on the wire.
can begin to glue them to the base. Bend them
at a right angle and glue onto the base using
the hot glue gun as shown.

KILLER FLORA 2 Glue the cone to a base using the hot glue 4 Cut spines from cocktail sticks to desired
Jungles throughout the universe are filled gun, as shown. length.
with hidden dangers – many of these come
in the form of carnivorous plant life. This is my
attempt at making markers to represent the
Killer Flora Stratagem, based on a plant that
was mentioned in the back of the Catachan
Codex – the ‘Spiker’. The idea behind this plant
is that it fires out spines coated in poison that
contain the plants seed. The seeds then use
the corpse of impaled on the spike as fertiliser,
growing into another Spiker.
5 Super glue the spines into the openings
Materials
of the cone. It is best to dry fit these before
Pine Cones – I picked these up on a walk
choosing where to glue them in.
through my local wood. I thought that they’d
work well and found some which fit on a
standard 40k base comfortably.
Cocktail Sticks
Bases – I used normal 40k slotta bases.
Sand and Gravel Mix 3 Add the sand and gravel mix to the base
using PVA glue thinned with water.
Tools
Clippers, hot glue gun, PVA glue, super glue
Method
1 Begin by removing the stalks from the pine
cones and cleaning them up – there may be
some seeds to remove.
6 Undercoat and paint as you see fit! I made

six of these, they were simple and cheap,
using found materials, spare bases and other
materials I already had.
See the next page for finished projects.


Modeling: Jungle Trees
Once you’re happy with the length and width

JUNGLE TREES get some super glue and attach the dressing
to the tree. Start wrapping the dressing around
ensuring that you’ve got a tight fit.
By Tepok I started by cutting a pencil in half, and
wrapping the wire around it. This needs to
I got this idea when I remembered an old
be quite rough, if the wire was even it would
White Dwarf article where they made trees
have looked unnatural (I just tried to keep an
using masking tape wrapped around a wire
average thickness).
frame. I decided to use that as my base idea,
but replacing the masking tape with dressing
(bandages) and adding pencils to the wire
frame (more on pencils later). 4: Wrap tightly but leave enough to glue.
What I used:
• Dressing
• Aquarium leaves / plants 2: Wrapped pencil.
• Thin garden wire
• Pencils The next step is sorting out the ‘bark’ for the
• Flock tree. I cut a piece of dressing that is the same
• Some sort of base length as the pencil and long enough so that it 5: Add super glue along this line.
• PVA could wrap around at least twice.
• Super glue Wrap up that end as well. Make sure that the
end of the dressing isn’t straight, as otherwise
the tree will look too unnatural. Add super glue
around both ends of the pencil.
1: Wrap wire on piece of pencil. 3: Cut dressing to size. 6: Glue both ends of the pencil.

Modeling: Jungle Trees
After that it should look something like this:
7: Dressing glued shut on pencil.

Once the super glue is dry, you need to cover
the dressing in PVA glue, I did this by rolling it
in some PVA I had put on a CD:
11: Three finished trees added to an old CD

10: Cover exposed top with leaves. for a base, flock added.
8: Coat entire dressing in PVA glue.

For the next step you need to make sure that
all the PVA is dry, so leaving it overnight is
probably best.
Next, get some aquarium plants and cut their
leaves off. Arrange them in circles around the
top of the trees, I made one circle around the
top of the stem first:
9: Glue aquarium plants to dried stem. 12: Painted in a simple method to your tastes. Inset: Detail of bark and Barry the Squig.

Modeling: Advanced Ruins
ADVANCED RUINS FOR CITIES OF DEATH

RUMBLE IN THE RUBBLE – PART ONE
by Matthew Phelps • The buildings MUST be
playable…this leads to the
Cityfight….ahh, you’ve got to love it. Done
following requirements:
properly, no gaming board can match its visual
impact and its many challenges; although it — Models (infantry & tanks)
can be a bit pricy. must fit under floors and
be easily accessible.
In the last issue of Firebase we had an article
introducing a quick and simple method of — Rubble, while plentiful,
using foamboard to make cityfight ruins. In this must not prevent
two-part article I hope to build on that article models standing up
and show how foamboard ruins can be taken or create areas that
up a notch. It takes a lot more time and work cannot be accessed by
but visually it is more pleasing and can add a models.
lot gaming-wise.
— Floors must be strong
When I set out to do some ruins I followed enough to hold a
some basic ground rules dealing with the large number of metal
construction and appearance of the ruins, as figures.
well as gaming factors that must be met:
— No internal walls; while
• A ruined building is not a corner – it has walls they look good, they
The basic building model.
on all sides. tend to impede game
• A building requires doorways to get inside, play and limit the space available.
as well as access to other floors.
From these guidelines, I designed a basic
• Ground levels will vary between buildings.
framework that all of my buildings will employ. This
• People will have lived in the buildings before
can be changed to suit certain buildings better,
they were ruined.
e.g. the height between ground floor and the first
• Walls are rarely plain, flat surfaces.
floor can be changed to give a more impressive
• Walls are thick, floors are thin.
entrance hall in a higher status building.
• Buildings will have a pavement-like area
around them. The following illustrations show these principles
• Lots of rubble and variety within are needed. given form.

The walls are made from two layers of The final design was 290x220mm in plan and
foamboard, giving a very solid looking structure. around 300mm in height with three floors in MATERIALS
The ground floor is raised so models have to addition to the ground floor. The base size will 5mm foamboard - available at craft store
‘step up’ into the building. We have 75mm be 370x300mm. 6mm MDF - for basing
between each floor giving room for models Card - I’m using card taken from the back
STEP ONE – CUTTING OUT THE WALLS.
(even with banners) and allowing easy access of notepads approximately 1mm thick
Transfer the design onto the foamboard.
for hands. Windows are positioned centrally
You can either draw directly onto the board Balsa Wood Strip - 5mm square & 5x10mm
between the floor and ceiling, 20mm from
or create templates, e.g. with a computer, or rectangular strip
each. Width will be set to suit each building.
using squared paper, any method that results Balsa Wood Sheet - I used 3mm thick
The base will be larger by 40mm all round.
in an accurate set of templates to work from.
To make it easier to line up the walls, and to You’ll end up with eight templates that look PVA/wood glue
give a little more strength, the corners of the something like this: Spray Mount - glue in a can
building will be like this: Pins
Plaster Filler - used to fill in cracks in walls
Cat Litter - (clean)
Sprue – I used round sprue but any scrap
bits will do, or you can use styrene/balsa
rod as an alternative.
TOOLS
Sharp knife - with spare blades
Steel rule - preferably more than one
Saw
Corner detail Clamps
Heavy books - for use as weights
Using the basic design I had sketched out, I The templates trimmed down close to where
moved onto designing the actual building. the ruined line is. Stationary - pencils, set square etc.
For this tutorial I decided on a simple design REMEMBER when creating the templates how
- nothing too large in either plan or height, but TIP: If the foamboard bows or curves slightly,
the corners fit together. The two END walls
enough to make it interesting. At this stage I apply the templates so that for each wall one
have an inner piece cut back 10mm each side
decided where the damage line on the walls piece bows in while the other bows out - when
where the side walls fit.
would be, saving a lot of time later as you don’t you glue them together they will cancel each
have to cut out full walls only to then break I used spray mount to fix the templates in place. other out, resulting in a flat finished piece.
them up. It holds well but allows you to peel it off and
Using the steel rule and a very sharp knife
reapply it somewhere else in case of a mistake.

cut the pieces out. Foamboard blunts knives STEP THREE – MARKING
quickly and if the blade isn’t sharp enough you ON THE FLOOR LEVELS.
will find the material tearing rather than cutting Mark the floor levels onto each wall; these will
smoothly; it’s best to start with a new blade and be used to line up the balsa wood supports.
have spares close. Don’t worry about making
some mistakes, as these can be incorporated
into areas of damage later on.
The walls drying in the makeshift ‘press’.
Once dry have a test run to make sure all the
walls fit together. If they don’t, go back to step
one…
The floor levels marked onto a wall.

STEP FOUR – FIRST ROUND OF
DAMAGE TO THE WALLS.
Now is a good opportunity to start carving in
the battle damage. Using your knife, rough up
and carve out the edges like below:
The walls cut out from the foamboard.

STEP TWO – GLUING THE
WALLS TOGETHER.
Before gluing, prepare the area with a sheet of
newspaper and have the books ready.
Taking a pair of foamboard pieces, spread PVA
glue over one face taking into account with the
END walls the orientation of the two pieces.
Bring the pieces together firmly using windows
and edges to line up, place on the newspaper
and cover with another sheet. Place the books
on top, making sure the weight is evenly Dry run assembly of the walls. Note the figure
distributed. Due to the shape, you may need to for scale. With damage added; note the corner where
pack some areas under the books with off-cuts two walls have been brought together to get
to ensure even distribution of the weight. the two pieces to roughly match.

Lining up the walls allows you to roughly match Draw centrally on the MDF the same dimensions. Down each side and base edge use a pencil
up the damage from one wall to the other. These are the internal lines of the building (i.e. to pierce the top layer of card so that you get
There is no need for great accuracy. where the inside face of each wall will line up). a ‘dimple’. Position these so that they will line
Take care to ensure the corners are square. up with the adjoining wall, or the foamboard at
At this point you get to see how practical the
the base. Pins will be pushed in at these points
design is. You may decide that a wall needs As the ground floor is raised the area below
to secure the walls while the glue dries.
to be more ruined to allow better access. In needs to be packed out, in this case 10mm
this case I removed more of the wall in the needs to be filled in. Using a ruler and some
highlighted area; originally the first floor would small clamps I created a guide, allowing off-
have come forward too far, limiting access to cuts of foamboard to be glued into position;
the ground floor area. here the first wall will be butted up against the
foamboard. Do this where the biggest wall will
go and remember that the foamboard needs to
be positioned accurately, so that the building
doesn’t end up angled or offset. The other
walls will be positioned from this wall. Place on
some books, and leave to dry.
The ‘dimples’ for securing pins.

The walls temporary assembled again, extra
damage added. Now take the biggest wall where you have
floors running fully along its length and onto
STEP FIVE – BASING &
the adjacent walls, cut some 5x10 balsa strip to
ASSEMBLING THE WALLS.
length; remember if this is a SIDE wall you will
Cut the MDF so that it is 80mm bigger in plan
need to cut the balsa 5mm short at each end
than the building (that’s 40mm per side).
- as in the picture below - due to the corner
Reassemble the walls and measure the internal arrangement. Glue the strips into position and
dimension. Cut out a piece of foamboard to The off-cuts glued in position up against the leave to dry.
these dimensions (this will be the ground floor). guide and left to dry in a press.

STEP SIX – ADDING THE Carve along the damage line. Take the first
FLOORS, STAIRS & STEPS. floor and glue in place, dimple the outside
Take more 5x10 balsa strip and continue the floor wall and pin. Cut some 5mm card strips long
supports onto the other walls, it may be of use enough to run along each of the sides of the
to clamp them into position. Once these have floor and glue into position. Repeat for the
dried, cut some floors out of foamboard so they other floors working upwards. You should end
fit snugly between the walls. Mark out roughly up with something like this:
the line that damage will be carved up to.
The balsa wood in position – note that it is cut

short at each end.
Now it’s time to glue the walls into position.
Starting with the wall to be fitted to the guided
edge of foamboard apply glue to its base, take
an adjoining wall and put glue along its base
edge and where it will meet the first wall. Bring
the two together and glue down on to the base
butting up to the foamboard and lining up with
the lines. Push pins into the dimples. Carry on
till all four walls are in position, using pins to Floors glued in and skirting board added.
secure them and checking everything is square Add some supporting beams under each floor.
and adjusting to suit. Finally take the ground These are made from 5mm square balsa. I used
floor piece and glue into position, then leave The remaining floors’ supports are added. a large ruler (about 40mm wide) to position
for the glue to dry. beams in from the side; the ruler was simply
held in place under the floor, and the balsa
butted up to it. The centre point of the floor was
marked out before using the ruler to position
the two centre beams. Carve damage to match
the floors once the glue has fully dried.
The floors placed in for the damage line to be

The walls and ground floor is glued in place. marked on. The beam pieces glued under the floors.

STEPS: Here I used foamboard, though you To finish off the stairs, cut a piece of foamboard STEP SEVEN – ADDING
could also use balsa strip. In the picture below to act as the internal wall of the staircase. The full DETAIL TO THE WALLS.
you can see the three pieces that make up the wall would be as the diagram below but in this
steps, each 5mm wider than the entrance. The case only a small off-cut of foamboard is required
top step has notches cut out so it will slot into due to the amount of damage it will have.
the doorway. To finish off the steps, side pieces
were cut from balsa sheet; damage was carved
in to suit before all of the step pieces were
glued into position:
The pieces
that make
up the
steps.
The steps
glued into
position. The stairs and internal wall shape and
dimensions.
Decide on a point along the wall where the
STAIRS: This time I used 5mm thick balsa strip. stairs will go and run card along the ground
To make life easier I decided to position the floor, as done previously, up to this point. Glue
stairs against the most damaged wall, which in the staircase then add the remainder of the
means that only a small height of stairs needs to card strip. Add damage to the stairs to match
be built; against other walls multiple flights and the external and internal walls:
The current state of play.
openings in floors would have had to be done.
The external walls are lacking any depth; to
resolve this, cut balsa sheet into strips - I chose
25mm wide as it is the width of my steel ruler,
making it much easier to cut accurately. The
sheet and ruler are butted up against a straight
surface so that the balsa can then be cut. Mark
onto each piece a line that is the thickness
of the sheet material – again, easily done by
Stairs glued into position and inset the butting one piece up against a straight edge
The balsa stairs. damage carved in. then using another piece as a guide.

Glue these into position, pinning if necessary.

Carve to match damage in the walls and to
cover any mistakes.
Card was then used to add more layers to the
walls. Cut strips and glue into position along the
base of each wall and horizontally between the
windows. Cut a second strip 10mm smaller and
glue centrally on to the first. The pieces along the
base have an identical step but differ by running
down to the base; once the glue has fully dried,
the battle damage can then be carved in. Battle damage carved into the card.
The final doorway detail can now be added.
In the pictures above you can see a lintel
Cutting and marking the Balsa pieces.
above each door; this is simply balsa strip, cut
Carefully cut at a 45 degree angle along this to length and then glued into position above
line. You should end up with two pieces that each door. Angled pieces are cut and glued
will fit together at a 90 degree angle. Do not be above them and damage carved in to match.
overly worried about accuracy as damage can It’s best to wait till now to do this, as the wall
be added to resolve any problems. For the side detail determines how much room you have.
walls I also cut a piece of balsa to run vertically
up the centre.
The balsa strips glued in and the damage

carved into them. Cardboard strips glued to the walls. The final door detail in place.

The final detail (for now…) for the walls is some STEP EIGHT – FILLING AND Once completely dry, go over with a knife and
rebar. Rebar are cast-in reinforcing bars, used ADDING RUBBLE. some sandpaper to remove any excess and
to give additional strength; the aim is not to Mix up some plaster filler. Go over the entire to rough up anything that looks unnatural
recreate lifelike rebar but simply to give the model, filling gaps and sealing the foamboard, – especially where you find ‘blobs’ of plaster.
suggestion of something in the concrete and give the damaged areas a rough texture. Repeat the process to get anything that was
– basically it’s just there to add more depth to previously missed and to repair areas where
the piece. excess has been broken off.
Cut some round sprue into small pieces I use cat litter for rubble, because it’s cheap,
approximately 15mm long and distress one easily obtainable and easy to use. We want
end. At each position where a piece is to go plenty of rubble in the building, but we also
cut a small hole at the centre of the wall, squirt want models to be able to stand; for this reason
some PVA in before pushing the ‘clean’ end of we’ll have quite a thick layer but one that will
the sprue in. For positioning I decided upon gradually change in level, minimising any
two pieces at each corner, centrally between awkward areas that might unbalance a miniature.
the windows and centrally along the side walls. Bits of foamboard can be mixed in with the cat
Not all of these positions are used, some are litter to give variety of texture and colour.
left as though the rebar was either missing or
To cut down on the amount of work the ground
had been sheared off.
floor is packed out with foamboard off-cuts.
This should be built up most in the areas where
we want the rubble to be thickest, and angled
gently down. Filler can be used to smooth it
further – it’s not really necessary but you’ll
The walls will look something like this: probably have plenty left from doing the walls.
The DIY Rebar. The first filler run. The ground floor blocked in.

TIP: The next step involves using thinned PVA filler applied to the edges. The trick is to make
(and lots of it) so you may want to clamp the sure these pieces look part of the rubble, and
building down to a solid surface to avoid any not simply stuck on top. I added one large piece
risk of warping. with a small amount of floor attached, placed
so that it came up over the staircase. Rubble
Thin PVA glue slightly with water and, with a
behind the stairs was then kept to a minimum
brush, paint in the areas where the first layer
– this piece of fallen wall helped protect that
of cat litter will go. Liberally throw cat litter
area from falling debris. Now repeat, adding
over the glue.
layers of rubble to fill in any areas that look thin
or too patchy.
The next step of adding rubble is even more messy,
and dusty as well so it’s best to do it somewhere
outside or at least in a shed or garage.
Take some cat litter and crush it. Don’t worry
about consistency as you want it to be a mix of
small pieces and dust. Brush on watered-down
PVA, and add the dust/grit mix so you get a
more natural gradient of rubble. Don’t worry
The rubble completed.
about obscuring any detail, as it gives a more
natural look to have some show through than
if you deliberately
leave areas clear
to show work you
have done. It will
require a couple of
applications of the
dust and grit mix.
The first layer of cat litter.
Leave to fully dry. Once dry, turn the building Mix up some more
upside down over a box lid to let all the excess watered-down PVA
litter fall off. You’ll find it now looks very patchy and paint it over
and thin in areas. all of the rubble
to make sure it’s
Mix up more PVA & water and repeat the first all glued firmly in
step, but adding some large rubble pieces; place.
these are chunks of carved-up foamboard with

Once you’re happy with the look of the rubble, give the drybrushed to hell…but this one still has some final
whole thing a coat or two of Roughcoat or textured paint details to be added. It will get a much more colourful
to give it a nice surface texture. and varied scheme than grey; but to see that, you’ll have
to wait till Part Two…
At this point the building could be painted black and

CAD drawings repeated for better legibility.

CAD drawings repeated for better legibility.

How To: Scratchbuilt Tau Orca
HOW TO: SCRATCHBUILT TAU ORCA

INTRODUCTION
What I was trying to do and not trying to do…
• I am creating an Orca based on the FW design
but I am not trying to reproduce the FW design.
• I am shooting for Level 2/3 quality. Level 1 looks
good at 36” (battlefield quality), Level 2 looks
good at 24”, Level 3 looks good at 12”, Level
4 looks good at 6” while Level 5 looks good in
extreme detail (Golden Demon).
• To minimize complexity and decrease
construction time I am not modelling areas that
are rarely visible e.g. the bottom of the Orca.
• I am not modelling the inside to avoid having to
make the model structurally sound.
• I am not including steps like plaster and sand,
etc.
MATERIALS
• Two pieces of insulation foam; 15” x 10” x • Lots of X-acto knife blades. About $20 worth. • Green Stuff (maybe an eighth of a roll)
1.5” (i.e. about 3 sq. ft. of material. A 24” x (i.e. 10-20 blades)
• Plastic missiles for VML (I bought some used
96” (8’) x 1.5“ piece costs about $10)
• One plastic pipe cap; 3” (about $2) GI Joe missiles from eBay.)
• A square foot of insulation foam ; ½” thick.
• One plastic pipe cap; 2” (about $1.50) • Wooden dowel; 6” long, ½” diameter
(A 36” x 96” x ½” panel costs about $7)
• One sheet of styrene (plasticard); (a 12” x • Plastic rod (to act as pin for dowel
• Wall patching compound (plaster) (I use the
6” x 1/8” piece costs about $4. You will use
quick dry pink-when-wet brand because • Burst Cannons from Crisis Suit model (2-3).
about a quarter of the sheet.)
I know when it is dry, it dries fast, is light
• One Ion Cannon.
weight and bonds well to blue foam) • Three wooden drawer knobs; 1” (I had to
buy a bag of 20 for $5.)

PART 1: BODY, ENGINES, details on all sides. Then cut the dimensional
AND ENGINE MOUNTS shape…curve nose and a 30-60-90 degree
BODY: triangle for stern. Re-draw the details you cut
away.
Curve the edges. Cut the Cut out the recessed area on the back. Foam
nose curve and shape is difficult to cut and has little strength in
I used 2” thick insulation foam. You will need a the foam. Do not worry thicknesses less than a quarter inch. So try to
15” by 10” by 3” piece (1 piece and another piece about being perfect as make any thickness at least ¼”. For details
cut in half) to make the Orca. Draw the basic damage to the surface smaller than that I recommend cutting and
shape of the model. Then cut out the sections. can be repaired with using plasticard (sheet styrene). Also if you try
The main body will be a 15” by 5” by 3”. plaster later. The idea and break the foam instead of cutting it, it will
is to get the shape you rip instead of breaking cleanly. Ripping is bad
like rather than finishing because it is uncontrolled.
the surface at this stage. Measure and cut
Re-draw any details cut central armour
away. plates…these
are a ¼” thick.
Cut out the
basic shape,
test out and
then refine. It
is always easier
to make a piece
too big or thick
and then cut
After cutting the main body piece, draw on the away excess

Cut the turret cavity and test height.
Determine size of the ventral turret. I used a

plastic 3” end cap. You can see armour ridge
and turret placed for sizing.
material rather than making it too small and

trying to add material.
Glue on the armour ridge. Use pins to hold

down the curved surfaces. Glue the flat part of
the ridge first, leave to dry then glue the curved
surface and pin.
Glue tail mount in place

Add target array mounts. Cut and add cockpit. Cut out the turret.
Re-draw ALL details onto the body.
ENGINES:
Cut out the turret ring.
NOTE – I lost the images of the construction

process for the actual engines. These are a
demonstration of what I did. I used an old
blade; notice how damaged the material gets
from my cuts. Foam will rip from a dull or old
blade so it is critical that you use new, sharp
blades. If not you will have a lot of repair work
to do later.
I also chose to reproduce the Hammerhead
engines rather than the Forge World Orca
engines. These engines will NOT rotate.
The engines are 4.5” by 2” by 1.5” to 1.75”.

When cutting dimensions, I recommend

drawing lines onto the foam to guide you how
and where to cut.
Draw out the basic shape and cut.
Cut the rear engine angle. Re-draw the details

that were cut away.
Draw the centre line.
Cut the engine exhaust. The method to cut a

cavity into foam is to grid the area. Always cut
the outside shape and then cut in a grid pattern
Cut the outside angle for engine with each piece no more than 1/8” by 1/8”. This

will prevent the material from ripping. Cut out the vents using the same technique. Now use plaster (drywall repair material) to
smooth out the engine surfaces. Then sand
plaster to make smoother. Re-cut any cavities,
panel indents, etc which have been filled by
the plaster. Add more detail…engine exhaust
ports on side.
ENGINE MOUNTS:
Note there
The grid is cut. Starting with the outside of the
are mounts for
grid pop each piece out. It is best to experiment
stern engines.
on a waste piece first to get comfortable with
These are 3.5”
the technique. If you want a deeper cavity repeat
by 2” by ¼”
the process. Do not try to cut too deep and pop
to ½” mount.
thick pieces; if you do this the foam may rip.
I did not show
these in the
guide.
Cut the panel indents at a 45 degree angle.
Draw the engine intake before cutting at 45-

degree angles to create the fan design.
Bow engine mounts are 5.5” by 2” by 1.5”.
Cut out engine exhaust. Grid the area, cut, pop

out and repeat for the next layer.

Final shape you’ll get. Notice how damaged the material gets from than half the depth of the knob (or whatever
using an old blade. Again it is critical you use you plan to use as the turret). Do not worry
new and sharp blades or you will have a lot of about cutting a concave hole. Once the hole
repair work later. has been cut deep enough make it concave; if
it is too deep fill it with plaster (quick dry wall
Using the same method as earlier grid the area,
repair materials).
cut, re-grid, cut again etc.
Cut out a circle for the coupling ring. After you

have the desired amount of turret showing
angle/bevel the inner side of the ring. This
allows the turret to fit snugly against the ring
(the difference is shown in the first and third
Test look during shaping process. pictures above).
Appearance when positioned next to the
NOTE - What you see above is the actual
engine. See how badly the material was ripped
engine mounts. From this point on the images
by dull or old blades.
are NOT from the ones on the Orca I made,
but a demonstration piece as I lost the original PART 2: SMALL, DORSAL
images. AND VENTRAL TURRETS.
STERN AND TAIL.
SMALL TURRETS:
Paint the inside of the turret housing, basecoat

the turret, etc. Then carefully glue the coupling
ring to the main body while avoiding getting
I used a 1” wooden drawer knob as the turret. any glue on the turret itself. You want the turret
I used green stuff in the hole before placing a to be free rotating.
magnet in it to allow weapon switches.
Add magnetic weapon or extension as
Make the diameter of the hole larger than the
desired.
knob. Grid and cut to a level that is a little more

VENTRAL TURRET: internally before cutting the foam to the Place the turret into the model with the dowel
chosen design. As you can see I created two going through. Mark the dowel where the
compartments and added missiles. closed position is (where the turret is level with
the top of the model). Lift the turret up to an
Now cut a dowel (I used a ½” diameter wooden
open position and again mark the dowel.
dowel) to a length that is an inch longer than the
depth of your main model body. Cut a hole into Measure the depth of the turret cavity within
the foam inside the turret and glue the dowel the model and measure that on the dowel.
in position. Drill a hole into the dowel and place a piece
of ‘something’ to hold the dowel in place. See
previous pictures for what I mean. Determine
how much dowel you want sticking out of the
bottom of the model (I choose ½”) and cut the
I used a 3” plastic plumbing end cap for the
dowel to shorten it. Now you can lift the turret
ventral turret. Draw the openings, back vents
up and hold it in a closed position.
and any other details you want and then cut
them out. The end cap I used was about a ¼”
Cut a hole the same diameter of the dowel in the
thick and I ended up using a Dremel with a
centre of the ventral cavity and ensure it matches
rotating blade to cut it. I ignored the writing
the dowel glued into the ventral turret. You want
on the top face of the end cap as I planned to
it done so the turret can fit into the cavity with
cover it with plaster.
the dowel going through the model.
Repeat process for the open position. Note

the shorter dowel will not stick out the bottom
when the turret is in an ‘up’ position.
To allow your turret to change position,

vertically glue a piece of foam into the turret.
First decide how you want the turret to look

Draw the location on the underside. I decided Cut, grid etc until the hole is deep enough.
on a position just in front of where the ventral
turret’s dowel is located.
To get a convex top surface on the ventral

turret I covered it with plaster it before
sanding it down. I then drew the detail onto
the plaster and then cut it out. The turret is now
complete.
DORSAL TURRET:
Place the turret into the body. I used a 2”

plastic plumbing end cap for the dorsal turret.
I chose not to make it retractable because of its
location. If you wanted it to be retractable you
can use the same method as the ventral turret
but with the following EXCEPTIONS…
Ensure the dorsal dowel comes through
the ventral turret’s opening (do not cut a
hole through to the top of the model). The
perpendicular piece will be holding the turret
up rather than preventing it from going down.

STERN:
Not much here. I designed something simple.

Cut foam or plasticard pieces as appropriate to Detail the electronics areas as you see fit. All
get the look of the bumpers, ramp, etc. of this was made from scrap pieces of foam or
plasticard at different thickness.
TAIL:
I used a piece of foam board for the Targeting
Arrays and detailed…panels were cut,
plasticard pieces added etc.
PART 3:FUSELAGE ASSEMBLED.
PRIMED AND PAINTED IMAGES.
BODY ASSEMBLED:
The tail was cut from a 3.5” by 2” by

½” piece of foam. See detail above
for the angles and panel cut outs.

PRIMED:
Notice the white on the blue…that is plaster

repair areas. My advice is to plaster and smooth
(sand) the parts separately i.e. each engine,
each engine mount, the body etc. Once they
are done glue them all together. Redraw the
panel lines onto the model before cutting into
the model carefully at a 45 degree angle about
1/8” to ¼” deep.
Fill in any gaps at the joints with plaster and
sand smooth.
This is the model after priming.

IMPORTANT REMINDER – do not spray paint
the model as the foam will melt. If you are
planning on spray-painting at all hand prime
the model first.
You can see that I pre-painted the turrets.

PAINTED:
DRAGONFISH
View with the ventral turret
removed. You can see the
ventral turret cavity, dowel
hole and the edge of the
dorsal turret fitted from
below.

TOADFISH

SCALE COMPARISON:
A pair of Hammerheads next to an Orca Mark II and a Hammerhead
placed on top of an Orca Mark II…can you see the Hammerhead?

ORCA MARK II POINTS: 450
The recent expansion campaigns had an unacceptable This variant is the Orca Mark II. It has the addition of three
rate of Orca losses. The reaction was an upgraded version smaller turrets and stronger front armour.
to improve its survivability with an increase in defensive
capability.
Size Comparison
UNIT: 1 Orca WEAPON RANGE STR AP SPECIAL

ARMOUR
TYPE: Super Heavy Flyer Missile Pod 36” 7 4 Assault 2
BS FRONT SIDE REAR
STRUCTURE POINTS: 3 LB Burst Cannon 36” 5 5 Assault 3
3 12 11 10
Seeker Missile 72” 8 3 Heavy 1
WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT:
– Ventral turret: one (1) missile pod and long barreled twin-linked burst cannons.
– Bow, Port, and Starboard turrets: AA mounted long barreled burst cannon with a 180 degree firing arc.
– Landing gear.
OPTIONS: Blacksun filter, disruption pod, decoy launcher, targeting array, up to four (4) seeker missiles.
TRANSPORT: The Mark II has a transport capacity of 55 Tau warriors (FWs, pathfinders, and Kroot). It may carry a maximum of
six (6) battlesuits. It may not carry any vehicles.
SPECIAL RULES:
Hover Mode.
Transport Ramp: Up to four (4) units may exit per turn.
Datasheet for use in Apocalypse games. Derived from IP owned by Games Workshop by Stefan Sheckellsa
SCORPIONFISH POINTS: 680
After facing Imperial super-heavy tanks in the Damocles This variant is the Scorpionfish Missile Gunship and it
crusade and later conflicts, the Tau required greater super- carries a missile loadout of Seeker, Tracer, and Sub-
heavy support for Cadres. The Manta, although an excellent Munitions missiles. Its main weapon is the Variable Missile
weapons platform, was too rare, large, and valuable. Launcher (VML), which is capable of firing any of its three
The perfect choice for modification was the Orca Mark II missile types.
because of its availability and flexible design.
Size Comparison
UNIT: 1 Scorpionfish WEAPON RANGE STR AP SPECIAL

ARMOUR
BS FRONT SIDE REAR
STRUCTURE POINTS: 3 Seeker Missile 72” 8 3 Heavy 1
4 10 10 10
SM Missile – Conc. 96” 6 4 Heavy 1, 5” Blast
SM Missile – Dispersed 96” 4 5 Heavy 1, 7” Blast
– Ventral turret: two (2) twin-linked missile pods. Markerlight (LR) 72” n/a n/a Heavy 1
– Dorsal turret: Variable Missile Launcher. Tracer Missile 120” D 2 Ord. 1, destroyer,
– Landing gear. 5” blast
– Targeting Array (BS already included).
– Bow, Port, and Starboard turrets: one (1) long-range (LR) networked Markerlight with 180 degree arc.
OPTIONS: Blacksun filter, disruption pod, decoy launcher.
SPECIAL RULES:
Orbital Skimmer: The Scorpionfish operates as a skimmer, but can lift off into orbit. If it lifts off, it cannot return to the battle.
Variable Missile Launcher (VML): The VML is a partitioned turret with two sides. Each side is an independent weapon capable
of firing at different targets. It can fire either two (2) seeker or one (1) Tracer or one (1) Sub-munitions missile per side per turn.
The VML is a primary weapon.
Munitions stockpile: The Scorpionfish sacrifices its transport capability to carry missiles. It can hold a maximum of twenty-four
(24) seeker, six (6) Tracer, or six (6) Sub-Munitions (SM) missiles. Each Tracer or SM missile is the equivalent of two (2) seeker
missiles for loadout purposes. Prior to the start of the game, the player determines the missile loadout (number and type). If the
Scorpionfish is destroyed with 50%+ of its missiles unfired, than add two (+2) to the DR on the catastrophic damage table.
Dedicated Missileship: The Scorpionfish has enough crew to direct missiles. All missile types fired from the VML can be fired
either as guided missile (requiring a markerlight) or as an unguided missile where all normal shooting rules apply.
Tracer Missile: The Tracer Missile is a large missile and carries a devastating warhead specifically designed to inflict crippling
damage to war engines and titans.
Sub-Munitions (SM) Missile: The SM Missile is a large cluster munitions missile designed to maximize destructive area. The
SM missile has two settings: Concentrated - a 5” blast template or Dispersed - a 7” blast template. The player decides the setting
prior to rolling to hit.
TOADFISH POINTS: 700
After facing Imperial super-heavy tanks in the Damocles This variant is the Toadfish Assault Lander. It is designed to
crusade and later conflicts, the Tau required greater super- insert a shock force into an enemy held area and provide
heavy support for Cadres. The Manta, although an excellent close fire support until the insertion team needs extraction.
weapons platform, was too rare, large, and valuable.
The perfect choice for modification was the Orca Mark II
because of its availability and its flexible design.
Size Comparison
UNIT: 1 Toadfish WEAPON RANGE STR AP SPECIAL

ARMOUR
BS FRONT SIDE REAR
STRUCTURE POINTS: 3 LB Burst Cannon 36” 5 5 Assault 3
4 14 12 12
SB Heavy Ion Cannon 36” 8 2 Heavy 3, 3” Blast,
OPTIONS: Blacksun Filter
primary weapon
– Bow turret: short-barreled heavy ion cannon with a 180 degree firing arc.
– Port and Starboard turrets: AA mounted long barreled burst cannon with a 180 degree firing arc.
– Ventral turret: left side – twin-linked long barreled burst cannons; right side – missile pod
– Energy Field.
– Decoy Launcher, Disruption pod, Flechette discharger, Landing gear, and Targeting Array (BS already included).
TRANSPORT: The removal of the interstellar sensor arrays and equipment created greater transport space. The Toadfish has a
transport capacity of thirty-five (35) Tau warriors (FWs, stealthsuits, Pathfinders), or eight (8) battlesuits, or eight (8) heavy gun
drones. It can neither carry vehicles nor carry a mixed group of passengers. The Toadfish can disembark jump infantry as a
flying transport. The access point is the rear ramp, which may exit up to four (4) units per turn.
SPECIAL RULES:
Hover Mode.
Energy Shield: Using a smaller version of the Manta’s energy field generator, the Toadfish’s energy field gives it a 5+ invulner-
able save against any hits it receives.
How To: Scratchbuilt Tyranid Meiotic Spore
SCRATCH-BUILDING A MEIOTIC SPORE

By Stefan Sheckells stuff. And, most importantly, it cures hard in five Using grey stuff, make very small blobs – maybe
minutes! Hence, no waiting to continue on to three to five per spore body - then glue these
the next steps to build the model. Caution: the onto the cured body as shown. I placed them
material cures FAST. all on one side located to represent a ‘rear’
end of the spore body. Make small holes in the
Make a small blob and shape it as desired. Add
centre and round out the blobs to appear as
in some basic detail, then glue on the strut; I
sphincters.
think an angled strut looks better than one just
going straight up and down (see photos of
different variants at the end of this article).
BODY AND SPHINCTERS:

I used five minute epoxy because it’s fast and
cheap, about 50% less costly than green or grey
Materials required per spore:

• One 40mm base – note I had a lot of spare
large square fantasy bases, so I used those.
Square bases would mean you couldn’t
use these in an official tournament, but
these are Apocalypse units anyway
• Sculpting material. I used several types to
make the spore – an ounce of five-minute
epoxy and about an ounce of grey stuff
from ProCreate
• A two inch to three inch piece of round
styrene or something to provide the
About grey stuff - I have abandoned using
internal strut for the tentacles
green stuff in favor of grey stuff. I have found it
• Superglue to be a lot less sticky than green stuff meaning

that tools, fingers, etc. do not stick

to the material, making sculpting
easier. This does not decrease its
adhesion to other materials, but you
only have to get the tool wet when
working with grey stuff instead of the
virtual immersion in water I found I
had to use when working with green
stuff so as to ensure it didn’t stick
to my tools. Additionally, it holds
a better edge than green stuff and
is less expensive. I use ProCreate’s
material.
The five-minute epoxy is the white
material. The grey stuff is the grey
material.
TENTACLES:
Pull out a piece of grey stuff. Each
tentacle should be about 2.5 inches
long and about quarter inch in
diameter (thickness). Then gently
twist the material creating a tentacle;
I made eight to ten per spore with
three to four per side, and two each
for the front and back. The tentacles
look more organic if they are not
exactly the same as each other, so
vary their thickness and length. Glue
them onto the model. Don’t worry
if you can still see the strut, as it will OUTER BODY COVERING:
disappear once you paint the model; Mix enough grey stuff to create a flat sheet
you could even paint it like a tentacle 1/16th of an inch thick to cover the spore’s
to hide it inside. body. Place the covering over the spore and
detail as desired; I cut out sections to reveal

detail on the body and create dimensionality.

The detail can be elaborate as Forge World’s or
fairly simple; after all, these are gas bags full of
highly corrosive material designed to explode,
so they are not pretty things.
PAINTING:
Base the model…then prime it, and finally
paint as desired.

The detail can be as elaborate as Forge World’s or fairly simple;

after all, these are gas bags full of highly corrosive material
designed to explode, so they are not pretty things.

Stripping: Forgeworld Tanks
STRIPPING: FORGEWORLD TANKS

By Brandon Palmer (www.gmmstudios.com) The tank I bought on Ebay is a Macharius Next we need a fish filter. You’ll see why in a minute!
Vulcan, but I’m talking too much, let’s get to it! Time to find something to put all this in…
With Forgeworld’s recent delays, often up
to three months, many gamers have turned
to Ebay to find those large additions to their
armies. An average of one weeks wait is, of
course, much better than a month or three…
However, sometimes the costs are higher, even
if things are painted because of this.
The larger varieties of Forgeworld items, mainly
anything that is a model itself except Krieg, is
pretty scarce on Ebay, and most of the times
those items are also painted. However in this
article I am going to show you how you can
take a painted tank or critter and turn it into
Now I have this sweet tank, but how am I going
something brand new.
to strip this massive thing? I have an idea…
First, put all the parts into the bin. I was lucky
First we need lots of Simple Green. You can get
and the guy had just used globs of putty to put
this at Wal Mart for less than ten dollars, and it
it together. Space them out a bit, too. Do like I
is reusable, non toxic, and biodegradable.

Stripping: Forgeworld Tanks
did and put this on a level surface, where a mess with this, I set it up at noon, and had the tank
already exists so it doesn’t look like you made it stripped by 6.
that much worse by the time you are done. Here are the tools I used. I start with the large
pad to get rid of most of the paint, and the
toothbrush is there to get at tight corners and
stuck on bits. I bust out the dental tool for tiny
cracks and that sort of thing.
And here it is with the filter attached. I finally

got some use out of that old codex and phone
book. Note that under all that foam the filter is
empty other than the simple green. Don’t put
in any of those pad thingies you normally put
in them. The only reason the filter is here is to
move the water around, so that the same simple
Now pour in the Simple Green, and be sure to green isn’t always touching the same spot on
make a bigger mess. the tank, and the current helps rub against the And here it is stripped and reassembled. Not
parts as well. By doing this, I figured the time bad for three days wait eh? As a bonus it still
waiting was cut down to a quarter than if you smells fresh and clean the day of writing this
didn’t have the filter. Normally I would wait article.
at least 24 hours before starting to scrub, but
Note that while I like the smell of Simple
Green (it smells to me like root beer) you
may not and I wouldn’t do this in a room
that you don’t want to smell of it for a
good while. Also either do it outside or on
tile like I did, as this is not what the filter
is made for and it might clog up and spill
over. Also, as far as I know this only works
with this cleaner. I do not know if other
This is why you plan ahead. Even adding a bit chemicals would damage the filter. Also, if
of water, it’s too shallow for the filter, so I had to you use anything but simple green, do not
prop it up with a roll of tape. borrow your fishes filter!

Comics…

Comics…
Firebase Issue #7 – July 2008

KR Multicase

Fiction: Four Horsemen Amateur Night
THE FOUR HORSEMEN: AMATEUR NIGHT*

In a Firebase exclusive, the Four Horsemen ride forth once more to take petty bickering, scathing insults and immature
point-scoring to new heights in this latest installment of their exciting adventures!
By Graeme Stevenson has worked. Weep for your frail troupe, she- trap on your overactive windpipe.’
Carnage stretched as far as the eye could witch. They will soon be crushed beneath the ‘What trap?’ scoffed the Warlock. ‘You are
see. Armoured shapes lay in piles where they iron boot of Chaos.’ beaten. As you can see, my tactical superiority
had fallen, their bodies and the rocky terrain Azaena chuckled at the notion. ‘I think you has won the day.’
surrounding them splattered crimson. Sleek overestimate your chances, Morg,’ he said. Preening, he turned to receive congratulations
alien vehicles moved through the heaped ‘For example…’ and adulation from his spectators. Hink the
corpses; efficient killing machines slowly The Eldar forces opened up with a devastating Guardsman was looking pale and flighty,
drawing a steel noose around the throats of a broadside of fire. Morg’s berserkers were which rather dulled his moment of triumph.
half-dozen defiant survivors. cut to pieces in mid-stride – their numbers Beside him, Gusha the Ork was rummaging
Undaunted, the knot of Chaos berserkers whittled down to almost nothing in a single in the massive cardboard box that served as
stood their ground as the Eldar foe drew catastrophic blaze of energy. Thick, gelatinous transport for his miniatures. No appreciation of
closer. They were hopelessly outnumbered, blood sprayed across the battlefield. his genius there, then.
but fear was as foreign a concept as mercy to ‘I really wish you wouldn’t do that,’ Azaena Azaena’s smugness further dissolved when
such daemonic fanatics. With a nod from their complained as Morg enthusiastically squirted Gusha began putting handfuls of Ork boyz on
massive brooding warlord, they charged the ketchup over his fallen models for the the table behind the Eldar forces.
wall of Eldar guns, baying like hounds. umpteenth time. ‘There’s such a thing as too ‘Gusha, what are you doing?’ he asked.
The Eldar commander watched this ragged much realism, you know.’
charge with cool detachment. There was no The Nob didn’t look up from his task, tongue
‘Blood for the Blood God,’ said the Chaos protruding while he set down Killa Kans. ‘I’s bin
way the berserkers could reach his lines in time Warrior, spurting the red sauce over his
– such an array of firepower would atomise ‘ired.’
scattered infantry with gusto. ‘My Gods must
them long before they could close. It was an be honoured.’ ‘You’ve been what?’
act of futility.
‘But you’re getting it over the dice and ‘I’s bin ‘ired. I’s freelancin’.’
‘You can surrender any time, you know,’ he everything,’ grumbled the Eldar. ‘And it’s not ‘Hired?’ Azaena sounded confused. ‘What are
offered his opponent graciously. ‘There’s no like we can wash the scenery.’ you talking about?’
shame in knowing when you’re beaten.’
‘Whine while you can, effeminate one,’ Morg ‘I’s agreed ter ‘elp in exchange fur…fur…’
The monstrous Chaos warlord snorted with said. ‘You will soon feel the iron jaws of my Gusha paused in placing down gangs of bikes
contempt. ‘On the contrary,’ he said. ‘My feint
*You will find previous installments of the Four Horsemen series online at http://forum.blacklibrary.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9105

to furrow his green brow over a crinkled note. ‘You can’t do this!’ Azaena continued. ‘It’s ‘Hink!’ Azaena cried in desperation. ‘Tell him!
‘Fur “an equal share in all assets sequestered totally against the rules!’ Tell him you can’t...Hink?’
from the weak-gened Eldar”,’ he read ‘Pah – rules are for the weak! I am the The Guardsman was sheepishly putting down
carefully. embodiment of Chaos!’ a line of basilisks behind Gusha’s cluttered
‘Employed? What?’ Azaena was getting ‘And what do you mean by “an equal share of hordes. ‘Sorry, Azaena,’ he said, his face
increasingly agitated. ‘By whom?’ all assets”? What assets?’ he demanded of the crimson.
The Nob hooked a thumb over his shoulder at Nob. The Warlock gasped dramatically and clutched
Morg. ‘’Im.’ ‘Treshur an ‘at,’ said Gusha vaguely. his heart through his tunic. ‘Et tu, Brutus,’ he
‘But…you can’t!’ Azaena protested to the hissed.
‘Treasure? What treasure?’
Chaos Warrior. ‘I gave the human a fair choice,’ Morg said by
‘Alla preshus metals an’ stuff them tanks is way of explanation. ‘He could relinquish either
Morg gurgled with satisfaction. ‘Now you feel made outta,’ the Nob clarified, busy with a
the cold chill of defeat creeping up your flimsy the use of his army…or his legs.’
Squiggoth in each hand.
spine,’ he said. ‘The treachery of Chaos knows ‘You monster!’ Azaena spat at the gloating
no bounds.’ ‘Precious…what? What are you talking about, Warrior.
you green fool?’ Azaena’s
voice was climbing to ‘Flattery will not save you,’ Morg chastised. ‘My
a hysterical pitch. ‘What victory is mere moments away. I only lament
treasure? This is a toy army!’ that my genetic superiority forces me to
discern the irritating pitch to which your voice
Gusha was unmoved. ‘I has climbed.’
reckons ‘em shiny bits
is gold or summink,’ ‘You’re cheating! I won’t play!’ declared the
he stated with some Warlock, crossing his arms defiantly.
authority. ‘Then I win!’ roared Morg. ‘Chaos is
‘Gusha, these are triumphant!’
plastic models – there ‘You don’t win, you armoured clod – I’ve
is no treasure!’ abandoned the game!’
Morg was giggling Morg raised his fists in victory. ‘Another tribute
maliciously. ‘There is for the skull throne!’ he boomed.
no escaping the jaws ‘Does that bucket on your head interfere with
of my trap, bleating your hearing?’ the Warlock snapped. ‘I just
he-she,’ he said. said…’
‘Prepare to meet an
ignoble end.’ ‘Enough woman’s shrieking,’ interrupted Morg.
‘You have fled the battlefield in disgrace,

leaving only the stench of your fear. Incidentally, At that moment, a

I find that more palatable than your effeminate grinning umpire in a
perfume.’ Games Workshop t-shirt
‘’As we won, then?’ Gusha wanted to know, appeared.
having lost the thread of the conversation ‘Wow – there’s a lot
immediately after the word lament. happening here, guys,’
‘The transvestites have been vanquished,’ he said, surveying the
confirmed Morg, resting a heavy gauntlet on cluttered table. ‘Love the
the Ork’s shoulder. ‘You may claim your prize, costumes, by the way.’
faithful dog.’ ‘Oh, thank Kaine – an
‘Magic,’ said Gusha. He surveyed the Eldar official,’ Azaena gushed,
forces with wiggling fingers, not unlike a clasping the man’s arm.
glutton selecting from a box of chocolates. At ‘Morg here is cheating.
length, he plucked up a model from He has enlisted another
the table and popped it in his mouth, two armies to get him out
crunching noisily. of the hole he dug with
his clumsy leadership.’
‘Hey, that’s my Farseer,’ objected
Azaena. ‘It took me ages to paint ‘Okay,’ said the
that!’ umpire. ‘It is kind
of unusual to have four
different armies on the
table at the same time.’
He frowned. ‘Is…is that
tomato ketchup?’ ‘Your tiny squeaking words have no power
‘Tell him,’ urged Azaena, pushing over Chaos,’ growled Morg, rudely shoving
the confused employee towards the official aside. ‘Attempt to foil me and I shall
Morg. ‘Tell him he isn’t allowed to smash your stupid bearded face.’
do that.’ The umpire laughed in a slightly desperate
The umpire looked up at the hulking Warrior manner, slick with sweat. ‘Ha ha - that’s great,
and swallowed. ‘Well, it isn’t so much that he’s guys. I love how you stay in character. I just have
not allowed,’ he said, beginning to sweat. to, uh, go over here.’
‘Just that it’s…erm…unusual. 40K was Hink watched him hurry away with trepidation.
originally designed for two opposing ‘This is going to get ugly,’ he said, reaching for
players, after all.’ his flak helmet.

‘Trust Morg to ruin everything,’ snapped ‘They’re Riders of Rohan,’ the kid pointed out. quickly. Within minutes, kids were shouting
Azaena, hands on his hips. ‘I just knew this ‘They’ll run right over me if I attack.’ and bickering as the careful order of tabletop
would be trouble, Hink – I told you inviting him ‘They are dung-stained farmers,’ scoffed Morg. gaming unravelled like a smashed audio
would end in disaster. It’s always the same.’ ‘A single tank would crush them to jelly.’ cassette.
‘I just thought it would be a good way to meet ‘I can’t have a tank,’ the kid said. ‘We’re playing Hink and Azaena fought their way through the
new people,’ Hink said forlornly. ‘Some new Lord of the Rings.’ anarchy while shell-shocked, ketchup smeared
players, you know? Amateur night sounded Games Workshop staff staggered from table
perfect.’ ‘It matters not,’ the Chaos Warrior blustered, to table, trying to establish why Gandalf was
slamming down two Land Raiders on the being stomped on by a Defiler and just exactly
‘I suppose you’re right,’ Azaena sighed. table directly in front of the horsemen. ‘You
‘Between Morg’s condiment fetish and having where all this sauce was coming from.
are a disciple of Chaos! Rules are there to be
to explain the rules to Gusha again every round, exploited, not obeyed.’ The Warlock ducked a tartar sachet and gripped
I’m surprised we’ve stuck it this long. Where is the Guardsman. ‘They’ll be lynching the staff in
Morg, by the way?’ ‘Okay,’ the kid said, brightening while his a minute – we’d better get out of here!’
ginger opponent continued to pale. ‘I’ll fire my
The youngster with the Chaos Undivided lascannons at your Riders.’
symbol on his t-shirt was busy filtering out
any dice below a four when a vast armoured ‘Lascannons?’ whispered
shadow fell over his table. the other kid.
‘What folly is this?’ grunted Morg, staring down ‘Yeah, that should wipe out
at the tiny boy. ‘Your army seems to consist only all these guys at the front,’
of peons with sticks. Where are your marines?’ the acolyte continued.
‘Marines?’ the kid echoed. ‘These are Mordor ‘Allow me,’ M o rg

Orcs, mister.’ interjected. A thick mass
of tomato ketchup sprayed
‘Orcs.’ Morg pondered this. ‘A mercenary force, over the ginger kid’s army.
then. Good. I approve of your annexation.’
‘Oh, and I’ve got these
He scanned the other side of the table, where a twin-linked heavy bolters,
pallid ginger-headed boy was nervously eyeing too…’
the gigantic marine, then leaned low over his
adopted charge to exclude the other from their More red sauce splattered
conversation. the table, completely
engulfing the Riders of
‘Tiny acolyte,’ he muttered, ‘have you not Rohan.
noticed that your foes are all weak humans
riding flesh mounts? You should be lathered in The ginger kid began to cry.
the gore of victory by now!’ The mayhem spread

Hink flinched as a Grey Knight terminator

bounced off his flak helmet. ‘What about the
others?’
They looked at Gusha. The Nob was sitting on
What are you wearing to the GT?
the floor and dipping plastic Catachans into
something that might have been salsa.
Actual Text:
‘Okay, forget Gusha,’ Hink corrected. ‘But let’s THEORY HAMMER rarely survives
at least get Morg out of this.’ contact with the enemy
‘Morg?’ snorted the Warlock. ‘He’s probably
the reason things are in this state.’
Sure enough, as they struggled past a knot of
kids arguing over whether or not ordinance
blast templates were applicable to fantasy rank
formations, they spotted the Chaos Warrior. He
was standing in the eye of the child hurricane,
roaring with laughter while broken miniatures,
condiments and scenery were thrown every
which way.
‘Morg!’ Azaena shouted. ‘I might have known
you’d be to blame for this! Not only have you
trashed the entire store and traumatised the • 11 different designs
staff, but you’ve corrupted every child here • more designs to be added
with your twisted chaotic theories! You’ve Actual Text:
completely ruined everything!’ He stomped • Shirts and Sweatshirts available
MATH HAMMER
his foot. • Variety of colors and styles don’t make a
‘Then my work here is done,’ the armoured move without
• White print on Dark shirts
titan intoned sagely. knowing the odds
• Black print on Light shirts
Remember, you will find previous
installments of the Four Horsemen
series online at http://forum.blacklibrary.
com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9105
www.mathhammer.net
Have a design request? Submit it at jmattison@mac.com

Fiction: Anamnesis
ANAMNESIS
TRAGEDY HAUNTS A TITAN LEGION IN THE AFTERMATH OF A WAR AGAINST THE ORKS
By Mark Erlight the precipice. But, like a statue, Benhadad The duellists raised their weapons in salute.
stood with a quiet stillness as he watched the
Home, thought Ophan, though it was an Hashmallim nodded.
smog-smudged sphere of Accatran’s sun rise
unhappy homecoming. The heavy lump in her
between the smokestacks. A pistol shot rang out. A momentary mist of red
hands - the heavy lump of Benhadad’s duelling
puffed from Benhadad’s coat and he began to
pistol - was proof enough of that. Ophan glanced across the city and noted
fall. Ophan began running before the sound
the sun’s rays reflecting off the copper-clad
The cylindrical citadel of Third Titan Silo rose had even died in her ears.
structures in warning light amber. How apt, she
out of a morass of trapezoid-roofed basilicas,
thought. Benhadad lay spread-eagled on the ground.
matched in height only by gargoyle-mouthed
Blood was welling from a wound near his
smokestacks. The roof of the silo was a landing Ophan’s internal chronometer, mere battle-
shoulder blade.
field of thick ceramite scarred by millennia conditioned biology, told her that the time had
of erosion and the scorching engines of bulk come. She walked to Benhadad who silently held Ophan knelt and cupped his head.
lifters. Titan elevators, square platforms out his hand. She placed the handle of the weapon
‘Benhadad!’ It came out as an anguished cry.
supported by massive struts, clung to the sides in his grip and he drew it from its holster.
It was the first time she had addressed him as
of the cylinder. Two of these were occupied by
‘Thank you, Ophan. For everything.’ anything other than princeps.
the towering forms of the Cyberwolf and the
Canis Indomita. ‘Nex magna, princeps.’ Benhadad’s breathing was quick and shallow.
He was trying to speak. Ophan put her ear to
The titans were Warhounds, giant bipedal gun ‘Not today, I hope. Not today.’
his mouth. She made out one word, very faint.
platforms. Massive cannons hung under their
Ophan felt a lump in her throat as she walked
armoured pauldrons. Canine-featured heads ‘Seraphine.’
back to the small group of observers. Hashmallim
protruded from their bows. They stood statue
bowed his head in sympathy as she returned, ###
still, glowering at each other like scarred old
his ancient form lending the movement added
warriors. Benhadad watched Seraphine sweep into the
gravitas. She wanted to rebuke them - Benhadad
room, her titan crew trailing her like ensorcelled
Ophan waited beside Hashmallim the Skitarii for doing this, Hashmallim for allowing it. But
suitors.
and a small knot of dignitaries - forgechiefs and she caught the Cyberwolf in her peripheral
technoshamans. Benhadad stood apart, at the vision and held her tongue. The briefing room was a circular chamber
edge, looking out over the urban landscape. haphazardly lit by floor lights. The ship’s
Ophan saw a lithe figure step into position,
astropath was ensconced in the centre,
The wind gusted. Ophan saw Benhadad draw countenance hidden by black robes. The
his skeletal form pierced by the needle
his greatcoat closer and she resisted the urge heraldry of the Cyberwolf was clearly visible on
spikes of neural enhancers and cognitive
to lunge for him in case he was blown over the gorget round the princep’s neck.

Fiction: Anamnesis
amphetamechs. Hashmallim was already at his ‘Then perhaps we can get on,’ interrupted the forces in extirpation of ork presence. Ensure
post, attended by a coterie of neo-cybernetic astropath from his comms pit. Benhadad saw destruction of stockpiled munitions and
officers. Benhadad and his retinue, the bridge annoyance written on the psyker’s face. If the exorcism of xenotech. Glory to the Omnissiah,
crew of the Canis Indomita, took up their ritual honoured princeps were going to break with etcetera, etcetera. Send acknowledgement.
positions. protocol, then so was he. The assembly took Nex magna!’
their positions.
Benhadad was tempted to smile as he greeted #
Seraphine, but his innate sense of decorum kept ‘Princeps commanding,’ said Benhadad,
his face neutral. She had few such inhibitions ‘decode ident eight oh eight six, interrupt five.’
and grinned broadly as she approached.
The astropath’s body went limp, as if he had
The Cyberwolf’s heraldry was clearly visible on been switched off. Benhadad became alert as
the gorget round Seraphine’s neck. She wore the astropath started his telepath-trance.
her machine-link wiring like silver dreadlocks
‘Transmit Ringfire adeptus alpha alpha, conduit
and was garbed in the shapeless black robes she
choir Accatran, receptor Thirteenth Titan
had favoured since becoming princeps of the
Carrier, vocal input Grandmaster, T, W, Legio
Cyberwolf. It did little to hide her lithe grace.
Destructor, decode on receipt, princeps,
‘So glum, Ben,’ said Seraphine. ‘You weren’t Canis Indomita, Legio Destructor, princeps,
always so.’ Cyberwolf, Legio Destructor, fidelity ninety-
five percent, received segment three three
She ran a hand over his head and he felt the
nought ano four nought millennium forty-
tingle of electroneural contact as her fingers
first, class three temporal indicator, duration
brushed his skull ports. It was an oddly intimate
twenty-five seconds.’
gesture. Benhadad felt his crew bristling at the
act, particularly Ophan. He knew Seraphine did The astropath’s voice switched timbre, as if
it deliberately, just to rile them, just for the hell he were performing a poor impersonation of
of it. the legio’s grandmaster.
‘We have kept you too long from battle,’ said ‘Is this man on...? Ahem. Princeps
Benhadad. ‘You yearn for the machine. I can Benhadad. Princeps Seraphine.
tell.’ Proceed thirty light-years from
station to planet Bromos.
Seraphine’s grin deepened and Benhadad saw
Planet is infested and
something feral in her expression.
Ocanan Phalanx Troops
‘We’re not meant for space, Ben. We were report destruction of their
built for striding the battlefield, sowing fire and orbital support. Assist
terror. Damn right I can’t wait for landfall.’ extant Imperial Guard

Fiction: Anamnesis
Benhadad felt the titan interlink surge ‘Disengaging motor suppression interlocks,’ ‘Cerebral rebalance,’ commanded Benhadad.
through his mind - a mass of energy jabs and said Ophan.
He felt Ophan’s mind take up the strain, their
electrochemical impulses. He was sinking
Something felt wrong... off. Benhadad took a minds linking closer than they’d ever done
deep into an ocean of millennia-old memories,
step forward. He felt unsteady, and the titan before. Benhadad felt Baalist’s frustration and
numbed by data ice. He detected the ghost of
swayed slightly. shame, but there was little that could be done.
a presence, transient wisps of thought, down in
His bridge officers were control conduits, but as
the dark, fragmented cortices of the stack. Baalist was the new cog in the machine, a
princeps Benhadad sat at the apex of the mind
replacement after the death of their last tactical
Complete dislocation abated as Benhadad felt link. For all intents and purposes, he was the
officer. Benhadad experienced data flashback,
other minds join his own. Energy spikes levelled titan, and he needed to keep a clear head.
memory silt dredged up from the titan’s ancient
off as Ophan inserted as weapons moderatus.
storage stacks. A leviathan data-spirit stirred The Canis Indomita stepped out from under the
Sensory flood receded as Baalist inserted
within the machine, a cascade of mecha- shadow of the bulk lifter. Swirling fogs of brown
as tactical officer. Benhadad regained some
neurons that threatened to subvert the tactical gas washed over them, lit by lightning flashes.
semblance of control as their minds began to
systems. Benhadad suppressed it, forcing his
work in concert, taming and controlling the Words were largely superfluous, thought
own will, his own mind, onto the cognitive
steel beast that was the Canis Indomita. passing between them unbidden. They said
imprinters. The Canis was in testy mood.
them anyway. It was just part of the Canis’ ritual
‘Disengage motor suppression interlocks,’
Generations of crew had etched their of operation. Benhadad liked it. It asserted
commanded Benhadad. His voice sounded
personalities onto the Canis Indomita, writing their humanity.
tinny and distant to his own ears.
their lives randomly over the animal-like core
‘Increase external auspex gain,’ said
‘Too soon,’ countered Ophan. ‘You feel a little that sustained the titan. The machine hadn’t
Benhadad.
groggy, princeps.’ made its mind up about the new crewman,
yet. Baalist had been tested and trial runs ‘We’re at maximum passive,’ reported Baalist.
‘I’m getting synaptic feedback static,’ said
had indicated compatibility, but there was
Baalist. ‘Communications?’
something about the battlefield that changed
Benhadad could see the control cabin again, the thought processes of the Canis. Benhadad ‘We’re getting atmospheric discharge
lit by the intermittent blink of control runes. believed it would work out, given time. interference, princeps. Range will be low.’
He could feel its tight confines, and the close
‘You look a little drunk, Ben,’ said Seraphine. ‘Seismic augurs?’
proximity of his crew. He heard the dull clanks of
the bulk lifter disengaging its mooring arms. The voxsignal was coming in from the ‘Residual input from multiple subduction
Cyberwolf. Benhadad could feel the tremors zones.’
‘Negative on enemy presence, princeps,’ said
of his packmate’s footsteps as it moved off
Baalist. ‘Bringing up full occipital sensor feed.’ ‘How about weapons, Ophan?’
at speed. Seraphine was in her element,
Benhadad felt a bracing flurry of information off the leash. He wondered if she had heard ‘Power plant nominal. Turbolasers online.
gust into his mind. He saw beyond the machine, the rumours that the technoshamans were Promethium magazine at one hundred percent
into the billowing, earth-hued gases of Bromos’ watching her. He wondered if she would care. capacity. Void shields will be charged in one
atmosphere. minute thirty.’

Fiction: Anamnesis
Benhadad set the Canis loping forward and ‘Ha! The planetologists inform me that this is lightning strike hit the ground, flinging rock
even the bulk of the giant lifter faded from the temperate season. Has contact been made into the air and making the Canis reverberate
sensors at a depressingly low range. with the Imperial Guard?’ with the sonic shockwave.
‘Where’s the damn muster point?’ said ‘Hazterrain Sentinels were dispatched to the ‘Ground’s getting softer,’ said Baalist.
Benhadad. Imperial Guard Ocanan 1st’s last recorded
‘Raise suspensor yield ten percent,’ said
command post, but they have not returned. Xi
‘Forty degrees to port, three hundred metres,’ Benhadad. ‘And keep an eye on it. If we trip or
Company have located a downed tank carrier
said Baalist. sink, the nearest titan recovery team is a light-
to the East of our location. The site has been
year behind us.’
‘Multiple contacts,’ said Ophan, ‘Chimera class heavily looted.’
personnel carriers. At least we’ve found our ‘Raising suspensor yield. Reassigning delta
‘How long has it been since we last had contact
support infantry.’ auspex array to geological interpolation.’
with the Ocanan’s?’
Benhadad slowed the titan, sweeping the On a whim, Benhadad checked the target auspex
‘It has been eight months and three days
ground ahead with sensors to avoid treading on by sight and found Seraphine within a quarter
sidereal time since last contact.’
anything important. The squawk of a voxsignal metre of doctrine position. Showing off.
sounded in Benhadad’s consciousness with the ‘The Warhounds will advance to the command
There were whispers about her command
carrier marker of Accatran Skitarii - Hashmallim, post. Follow at a discrete distance, commander.
of the Cyberwolf. Princeps were supposed
the patient Skitarii commander who had been I don’t want to find myself tripping over
to command the titans, not let the titans
walking in the titan pair’s shadow for nearly a anyone.’
command them. The legion’s relationship with
hundred years.
‘As you command, princeps.’ the machine spirits was fraught with hidden
‘Where’s the Cyberwolf?’ asked Benhadad. dangers. He was thankful that he had yet to
Benhadad disconnected and switched to the
hear darker whispers, of machine possession,
‘Can’t get a vox ping,’ replied Ophan. titan-encrypted channel.
of dreaded Abominable Intelligence.
Benhadad could feel the other titan padding ‘Cyberwolf, assume drogue, echelon left.’
He had tried to warn her. She had laughed it off
around through the Canis’ seismic sensors. He
‘My weapon load would be better on point, and chided him.
lifted a giant foot and stamped the ground, no
Ben,’ replied Seraphine.
doubt setting the Chimeras rocking on their Benhadad saw the ground ahead darken
tracks. The Cyberwolf turned and moved into ‘No. I will set the pace. Keep formation - I can’t noticeably through the brown brume of the
vox range, but only to the very edge. Seraphine, see beyond a hundred metres in this muck.’ atmosphere, felt the timbre of the seismic
always pushing the limit. feedback become more dissonant. He slowed
Benhadad led the titans forward at moderate
the Canis as the rocky terrain splayed out
‘Hasmallim, report,’ commanded Benhadad. speed. They moved over a lightning-scorched
before them.
plain, kicking up a tonne of dusty rock with each
‘We are assembled, princeps,’ said Hashmallim.
step. Electricity discharged through air heavy ‘Cyberwolf, all stop, but hold formation.
‘My Skitarii will be confined to the Chimeras
with poisonous metals, throwing fog shapes Sending sensor feed.’
whenever possible. As if this poisonous miasma
into existence and creating sensor ghosts. A
wasn’t enough, an acid storm is moving in.’

Fiction: Anamnesis
Seraphine would see the data feed and jumble had been swifter than he had hoped, a Benhadad was caught off guard when the
interpret it as he had. They waited a few testament to the experience of their princeps. Canis growled. But it was just a figment of his
moments in silence for the Chimeras to get He felt something from Ophan, a premonition imagination - gas rattling from exhaust vents.
into comm range. that preceded the formal feed from her
‘Hashmallim’s Sentinels found ork,’ muttered
targeting augurs.
‘Commander, Skitarii.’ Benhadad.
‘Anomaly, forward, port 15 degrees, 28 degrees
‘Hashmallim here, princeps.’ ‘Or ork found them,’ said Ophan.
declination,’ she reported.
‘We have a large boulder field ahead, impass- The sky rumbled with earthquake intensity and
‘Signal stop.’
able to tracked vehicles. It isn’t on the map.’ acid sleet began to drop from the heavens.
Benhadad zoomed in on an optical, picking out
‘Official planetary charts predate the Great #
a slab-sided rock with a chunk blown out of it.
Crusade, princeps.’
‘Senses sharp,’ commanded Benhadad. ‘We’re
‘Lightning strike?’
‘There are mountains to the East, so follow approaching the command post. Cyberwolf,
the field counter-clockwise. The Warhounds ‘Artillery,’ said his weapons moderatus and he tighten formation.’
will advance through it directly to target and felt as well as heard her certainty.
The falling sleet had done nothing for the
scout the Guard position, before circling back
‘You should take a look at this, Ben,’ said range of their sensors.
to rendezvous with you.’
Seraphine.
‘Ground underfoot looks like impact ejecta,’
‘Understood, princeps. If you see an ork, stick
The Cyberwolf transmitted images of a crevice said Ophan.
the Omnissiah up its fundament.’
between two rocks. They showed a downed,
‘Confirmed,’ said Baalist. ‘We’re approaching
Benhadad smirked at the old aphorism, a one-man hazardous terrain walker. The Sentinel
a crater lip.’
traditional and sacrilegious saying of Accatran’s had been smashed to the ground, its internals,
eccentric military. The smirk was out of character lifesupport and pilot strewn out in a bugsplat Benhadad guided the Canis down the ridge,
and he shook his head free of it. The response smear. causing a minor landslide of steaming, sodden
was not his. He felt a hint of Ophan in it. earth. The ground in the crater was spongy, a
Benhadad felt data movement down in the
result of impact liquefaction. Benhadad felt
By will alone, Benhadad moved the Canis depths of the Canis’ stacks. Something brushed
confusing seismic echoes as the Cyberwolf
Indomita into the boulder field. his mind like a shark bumping the underside of
stumbled into the crater after them.
a boat. He purged the feed lines with a light
#
cerebral flash and it was gone. ‘I’m reading a massive energy signature,’ said
Benhadad dug the Canis’ foot claws into rock Baalist.
‘Resume advance, weapons free.’
as the titan threatened to topple. He guided
‘We’ll do a visual pass, keeping it to starboard.
the warmachine over the uneven ground, using As they neared the edge of the boulder field,
Weapons, stay ready. Tactical, I want a full
giant boulders as steppingstones. Ophan spotted another Sentinel, its cab laid
auspex sweep. Cyberwolf, form column, take
open like a burst can.
The progress of the titans across the rock drogue.’

Fiction: Anamnesis
Benhadad urged the Canis Indomita into a trot, ‘When you’re ready, weapons moderatus.’ began blasting out the words in unison with
ploughing through the fog of atmosphere and the Cyberwolf. Nex magna. A High Gothic
Benhadad felt Ophan’s mind slip into
tainted water. translation of a phrase the legion had stolen
engagement mode as she angled the
from the orks. It was the battle cry of the Legio
‘Dump fort!’ reported Baalist, and Benhadad’s turbolasers at the fort.
Destructor and they blasted it at the orks like it
vision was flooded with image scans of orks in
‘Secondary cogitators estimate twelve shots to was any other weapon: big death, Big Death,
shapeless environment suits scrambling to their
overload the shield,’ said Baalist. BIG DEATH!
gunnery positions. Dump forts were typical
ork contraptions, combining two functions ‘Then one more for luck,’ said Ophan. The The two titans picked up speed. Benhadad
with brutal simplicity. Dropped from orbit turbolasers discharged at her command, just watched as Seraphine attacked. Her
as gravity-fed projectiles, their spent forms another flash on a world lit by lightning. They megabolter chewed up infantry and outriders
retained enough integrity to function as crude counted down the rounds in perfect mental while her plasma blastgun turned gun mounts
firebases. harmony. into glowing slag.
Light-flashes freckled over the fort as the ‘Reactor core temperature rising,’ said Baalist The Canis’ void shield flashed as something
Cyberwolf rotated its torso to a lateral position distantly. ‘Heatsinks saturated. Recommend big brushed it with a grazing miss.
and fired its megabolter. A dangerous tactic ceasefire.’
‘Report,’ commanded Benhadad.
when moving at speed and something only a
Ophan let off one more blast.
master Warhound helmsman could pull off. ‘Artillery round,’ said Baalist uncertainly.
‘Bombardment complete,’ reported Ophan.
‘Cease fire, Cyberwolf,’ Benhadad snapped. ‘Trace back trajectory. Ophan, can you give me
‘Lets do another recon pass-,’ began Benhadad something to punch open that firebase?’
‘Just poking the nest, Ben.’
as the proximity alarm sounded. The Cyberwolf
‘Hopsplat round,’ said Baalist, ‘Can’t pinpoint
‘Measuring heavy energy shielding,’ said passed within a whisper of their flank, loping
the launch platform.’
Baalist, ‘Double digit void-levels.’ toward the orks, already emitting the Chant.
‘Primary heatsink is saturated,’ said Ophan,
‘Targets recorded and locked,’ said Ophan. ‘No more dancing, Ben,’ said Seraphine, ‘time
‘but we can pump supercoolant through the
to take the fight into their faces.’
In a few moments they were out of sensor range promethium tank heat exchangers as long as
and lost again within the swirling miasma. Benhadad began to rebuke her, but his tongue we don’t hold onto it too long.’
was stayed by an electro-adrenaline rush. His
‘Time to use this muck to our advantage,’ said ‘Cyberwolf, stand back to overwatch position,’
crew’s thoughts echoed Seraphine’s, and
Benhadad. ‘Cyberwolf, echelon left. Watch my said Benhadad, and their packmate peeled off
more, so did the ancient instincts of the Canis
back, Seraphine.’ to give them a clear shot.
Indomita.
Benhadad rotated the titan’s torso and began Ophan fired the turbolasers. A rapid volley
‘Bring us about, flank her and prepare to give
a circling course round the fixed target. Return of energy beams punched through the fort’s
covering fire. And begin the Chant.’
fire was desultory, the environment masking armoured hide. At Ophan’s unspoken word,
even the bulk of the titans. External loudspeakers fitted to the titan’s hull Benhadad guided the Canis into range of

Fiction: Anamnesis
their secondary weapon and Ophan began ‘Princeps, we hit the Cyberwolf! We should Baalist suffered contorting spasms, his brain
unloading great gouts of burning promethium move forward to support her.’ unable to accommodate the neural flood
into the structure. passing through it. The mental banks of his
Uncertainty paralysed the titan, its controllers
mind burst and electrons splashed through his
‘Magazine depletion at forty-five percent... unable to reconcile their interpretation of
brain. Like a defective pathway, the machine
sixty...seventy-five...ceasing fire.’ events. Benhadad’s mind rejected the idea.
cut him off.
Impossible. The Cyberwolf was on station.
Gelatinous fire poured down through the
Benhadad watched Baalist die with
dump fort, consuming anything it came into ‘Crazy-art, crazy-art!’ exclaimed Baalist.
detachment. He had lost control of the Canis.
contact with. Ork munitions began to touch off,
An ork projectile flared from the direction His engram discipline was slipping away. The
blowing chunks of metal into the air.
of seismic source. A big, powered hopsplat Canis’ ancient stacks were taking over, the
Benhadad felt feint tremor on the seismic round, it veered haphazardly through the air, possible reactions and counter-reactions to
sensors. On the insubstantial ground of the its payload mass of shaped uranium whipping the situation bubbling up from the collective
crater, it was a feather-light impact signature randomly about behind it on a chain. The memories of his countless predecessors.
that a less experienced princeps would not unpredictable weapon appealed to the
He felt Ophan there too, fighting a losing
have been able to place. warrior-gambler mind of the ork. It would hit or
battle to retain the integrity of her personality.
it would not, but there was no effective way to
Ork gargant. She was bleeding out through a link bound too
game the odds.
close to him. A childhood memory came back
Ophan had already raised the turbolasers.
The ork gods favoured the missile. It struck to him and he could not discern whose it was.
‘Contact, firing!’ the Canis Indomita. The void shield shorted.
A new gestalt began thinking, an amalgam
The payload clanged against the titan’s
Less than a second passed between detection of Benhadad, Ophan and millennia of dead
frame, buckling armour. The mass imparted
and the weapon discharge. The target was an experiences. The Canis Indomita focused its
its momentum as it rebounded, and the Canis
invisible mass hidden by fog, but Benhadad gaze on its enemy.
began to topple onto its back.
felt an icy dread lance through the neural array
#
from Ophan. #
The gargant lumbered out of the mist like a
‘Where’s the Cyberwolf?’ he demanded. The Canis was outwardly still, but its central
giant metal ork clad in scrap armour. It moved
cognitive system was a hive of activity. The
‘We hit them,’ said Ophan, her voice dry. on four limbs like an ape, unable to maintain
shield overload had burnt out neural nodes and
But there was conviction in it, reinforced by balance on its short back legs. An artillery
shut down systems. Data was being rerouted
certainty in her mind. piece had been chained to its spine block,
through long disused paths, shifting the
barrel swaying as the warmachine advanced. A
‘They’re on overwatch station,’ stated balances of control within the stack. Protective
pair of exhausts protruded from its shoulders,
Benhadad. ‘We’re out of comm range. Move constructs put in place by generations of
huffing out gouts of black smoke. Its forearms
us towards the overwatch point.’ princeps dropped out of the loop. The crew’s
terminated in shearing claws which gouged the
minds drew closer than ever to the raw metal
Ophan turned in her seat and looked at him, a earth with each knuckle-dragging movement.
of the Canis’ core.
mix of emotions contorting on her face. Its blocky control cabin was fixed low, giving it

Fiction: Anamnesis
a hunch backed demeanour. Red light spilled Benhadad drove the turbolaser into the array’s support chains and released the armour
out from its twin vision slits, projecting the ground, using it as a crutch with which to right locks. The Canis shook like a dog, shedding
malevolent glare of its pilots. the Canis. Ready signals flicked off as the strain metal to the sound of a collapsing building.
and fouling disabled the weapon.
The Canis, still lying on its back, drew in its legs The Canis began to move again, lighter, naked
like an animal cowering in fear. The gargant was temporarily occupied as it and still limping like a cripple. Most of the
tried to shake off the foot that clutched its claw. external sensors had gone, ripped away with
Benhadad did not feel lost or powerless. The
They moved off slowly as the gargant recovered the armour. Their vision became myopic, but
opposite - he had never felt more powerful.
like a slothful giant. The Canis limped into the their course was set.
Crew and titan were literally of one mind.
broiling mist, driving the stump into the earth.
The audio blast came on schedule, and they
‘Get ready,’ he said, and was unsurprised to hear The gargant was soon lost to sight and sensor,
heard the ork machine’s artillery cannon bellow
Ophan speak the same words simultaneously, and the burning remnant of the dump fort
in reply. Even with the foot-mounted seismic
matching his in tone and timbre. dimmed to a candle of light.
sensors reduced to half and the deadening
As the gargant loomed over the stricken They adjusted course to elude their enemy in effect of the crater surface, Benhadad could
Warhound, it reared up, raising its forelimbs. the fog. feel the lumbering ork warmachine. The orks’
As it did so, it opened a shearing claw to drive blood was up and they were on the move.
‘We can’t run,’ said Benhadad and Ophan
into the Canis. The gargant began to fall.
simultaneously. Somewhere out there was ‘Timing is critical,’ they said. ‘Inferno cannon
Benhadad struck out with the Canis’ feet, the Cyberwolf, crippled and vulnerable to the ready.’
striking a claw with a juddering crunch. He brutish ork.
Their circular path drew them closer to the
began to push laterally, shifting the gargant’s
The Canis was panting like an animal, driving gargant and could hear the audio blast well
centre of gravity and pushing it off balance.
gusts of atmosphere over its reactor’s heat enough to make out the words.
The gargant threw out its other arm, trying to
exchangers in a last ditch attempt to avoid
prevent itself from toppling over. The open ‘Nex magna!’
meltdown.
claw closed over the Canis’ left foot. Force of
Big death.
the grip and the gargant’s momentum began ‘Systems status,’ they said, and replied to
to tip the Canis from its back onto its side. The themselves in turn. ‘Core temperature on They came up behind the gargant as it
howl of distressed metal reverberated through critical boundary; critical damage to mobility; smashed down on the dumped audio array.
Benhadad’s bones. estimated loss of speed at point zero three Ophan emptied the inferno cannon onto its
percent per step; turbolaser inoperable; back. Benhadad counted down the volume in
The gargant struck the ground with its free
inferno magazine at twenty-five percent; the promethium reservoir until it was empty.
claw, driving it into the soft earth. The other
armour penetration negligible. They were effectively unarmed, and the Canis’
tightened on the Canis’ foot. Alarm feedback
damaged leg was buckling.
shot up from the left foot as control lines began ‘We have a plan. Set timer.’
to sever. Benhadad instructed the foot claws The gargant performed a lumbering turn, gobs
The Canis Indomita began to drop excess
to clutch as the gargant tore it off. They were of incendiary liquid dripping from its back. It
weight. The turbolaser’s power transformer
damaged, but free of the gargant’s grip. raised a claw to strike the Canis Indomita.
fell to the earth. Benhadad popped the audio

Fiction: Anamnesis
The exposed artillery piece on the gargant’s Skitarii watched from a discrete distance, guns The cabin heaters cut out and he felt the
back exploded as its ammunition cooked off. ready for more stray orks. room chill as function sigils spun down to the
The warmachine died with it, flames flickering blue glow of their standby states. Seraphine’s
The Cyberwolf lay on its side, legs stretched
out its control cabin. link cables were still securely fastened to the
out. There were no outward signs of damage.
ancient lump of the Cyberwolf’s data stacks.
‘Nex magna,’ spat Benhadad.
Almost like she’s sleeping, thought An array of alarm lights, translucent teardrops,
The battle-rush subsided and Benhadad’s mind Benhadad. rotated through a series of melancholy alert
turned to the fallen Cyberwolf. sequences.
Benhadad climbed to the access hatch and
### manually cycled through the small airlock. Benhadad’s guilt was compounded. He felt like
Within the Cyberwolf’s main body, two integral an intruder. He was trespassing in the domain
‘Seraphine.’
servitors stared disinterestedly through him. of a wounded machine-spirit.
A last breath escaped Benhadad’s lungs. Ophan They mouthed sentences from their report
He would atone.
felt his blood congealing on her hands. logs, mindlessly waiting for someone to
acknowledge them.
A shadow fell over them and she looked up
into the face of Benhadad’s killer. He was a The titan’s resting position made the floor
young man, lithe and gaunt-faced. a steep slope, and Benhadad made his way
awkwardly to the control cabin. He yanked
‘He demanded this,’ said the man. ‘He would
the door release and the poison gases of
not back down. We... I could do nothing else.’
Bromos’ atmosphere spilled into the main
Already, Ophan could see more than a hint body.
of the Cyberwolf behind his eyes, a hint of
He swallowed hard. The sorrow and guilt
Seraphine. The background noise of Accatran’s
hit him harder than he had expected.
ceaseless industries faded from her hearing.
She lapsed into Benhadad’s memories, could Seraphine hung from her command
remember them as clearly as her own - a well chair, her emergency skinsuit holed by the
of experience shared during and after the molten-globule shrapnel of a turbolaser hit.
campaign on Bromos. Her mouth hung open in a rictus scream, the
froth of her decomposing lungs sloughing
#
slowly from it. The hole in the cockpit was
Benhadad felt the acid sleet’s pelting despite barely the size of his fist, but it had been
the thick, rubberised hazard suit. Hashmallim’s enough.
Mark Erlight is an imaginary person loosely based on a real one. He owes his continued
existence to interest in his writing. You could kill him by not reading this story.

Bell of Lost Souls: Macharian Crusade
The Fly Lords have rolled out some of our favorite toys and put the new
rules through the ringer. I figured you all might want to hear some of our
impressions after seeing and playing several games.

Interview: Ross Watson
INTERVIEW: ROSS WATSON

DARK HERESY, SENIOR DEVELOPER
First, would you tell us a little about yourself Gamers also form a very unique community, really make the Warhammer 40,000 universe
and why you got into gaming? building on such things as imagination and come alive.
Sure! I’ve been a gamer for over twenty years the ability to present larger-than-life roles, both
I myself am greatly interested in a career in
now, ever since my dad bought the “red box” villainous and heroic.
game design. What advice would you give to
of D&D for me. I love the way that gaming What attracted you to Warhammer 40,000? those wishing to become game designers?
builds such a broad range of experiences and
Initially, it was the very evocative imagery A broad range of gaming knowledge is crucial;
knowledge about subjects that range from
of John Blanche and Ian Miller combined I would recommend that first you get access to
feudal Europe to quantum physics and beyond.
with some really nifty concepts like the Eldar a large library of material. In-depth knowledge
Wraithguard and the Space Marines-as- of one particular setting or system is great,
warrior-monks. Over time, I became but it’s important to know how games fit
drawn into both the hobby side (I enjoy into the “big picture” of the industry.
converting and painting miniatures, Secondly, there are a lot of great
although I have slowed down with that resources out there on the web.
stuff of late!) and the fiction. Places like ENWorld.org and RPG.
net are some good starting points
Ultimately I would say my favorite
to find projects that are looking for
thing about the Warhammer 40,000
freelance authors, artists, editors, and
universe is the sheer immensity of
more. Thirdly, don’t be afraid to get
scale. It’s sci-fi with the dial turned
out there and ask questions!
up to 11, over-the-top awesomeness
to the tune of heavy metal. If you can attend the big conventions
like GenCon or Origins, that’s one
I got the chance to be part of the
place to start networking and
action first back in 2003 when I
building connections with gaming
was part of the US White Dwarf
companies that you want to work
Studio for a couple of years. A
for. You could, for example, begin
lot of what makes Firebase great reminds
by volunteering to help set up the booth and
me of the best elements of White Dwarf, and it’s
run some demo games. I would say that most
great to see you guys carrying on that tradition.
people in the gaming industry remember
Fans like those who make and read Firebase
what it was like to start out, so I would suggest

sending some polite e-mails asking for advice 40,000. All this, plus some quality control, Will the direction of Dark Heresy be changing
or inquiring about any open opportunities they scheduled updates to the websites, keeping now that FFG is at the reins? Will the game
may be aware of. in touch with the fan community (for instance, continue to focus on Inquisitorial henchmen,
this interview!), and much more. or will the scope be broadened to the whole
My last piece of advice is this: If you really
40K universe?
want to be a game designer, and gaming What are the greatest challenges you
is something that you truly love, don’t are presented with developing Dark The Dark Heresy game line is centred around
be afraid to let that show. I don’t mean Heresy? the Inquisition. Nevertheless, there will be
a marathon session of “Let me tell you different roles to play in the Warhammer 40,000
For me, it’s critically important for
about my character,” but one thing that universe coming soon. Keep an especially
me to stay true to the FEEL of
can really “sell” is your enthusiasm sharp eye out around GenCon!
Warhammer 40,000. My top goal
and commitment. is for the game to put the player’s What can players expect to see in terms of
I’m sure some of our readers are imagination into the grim darkness new products in the Dark Heresy line?
curious about how games like Dark of the far future. Once you get that Well, the big question is, “Will there be more
Heresy are made. What’s your average right, everything else follows along. books coming down the line?” The answer is
day as Senior Developer like, and how What’s the creative process like yes; we’re hard at work developing more books
does it affect the project(s) you are when dealing with a universe that is for Dark Heresy, and we’ll have some teasers
working on? already so defined? Do you find this available at GenCon this year. Disciples of the
Game Development has a lot a blessing, or a constraint? What Dark Gods is a very solid addition to the game
in common with running a sort of permissions do you have to line, with lots of new rules and creatures and
roleplaying game as the Game “carve out” your own background conspiracies to add into your game.
Master, just on a slightly different level. material in the 40K universe? Here are a couple of new, shiny bits of
I do a lot of research and preparation (the For the Dark Heresy game line, the Calixis information for Firebase readers. First, the re-
Warhammer 40,000 universe is a big, big Sector is pretty much fair game — almost print of the GM’s Toolkit is going to include a
place, and keeping true to the background is anything is possible. That’s quite a blessing, higher-quality GM’s screen, fully wrapped with
important). The Game Master organizes the indeed! When it comes to the creative process, a linen finish. Best of all, the new GM’s Toolkit
supporting cast, manages the rules, and builds I’d say it’s twofold; first, we want to make sure is the same price as the original.
the story the player characters inhabit; they the game products are new and interesting.
also work with the writers and artists to build Second, I am very pleased to say that the next
Next, the game experience must fit into the
the words and pictures that bring the game book after Disciples of the Dark Gods is titled
existing Warhammer 40,000 universe. There’s
to life. Developers create new rules and clear Creatures Anathema, a tome describing Aliens,
some brainstorming for new ideas and fresh
up existing frameworks to make the game run Beasts, and Daemons of the Calixis Sector...
angles, then we trim off the parts that don’t
smoothly, take a concept and sculpt it into and how to extinguish them in the name of the
quite work. I’m simplifying quite a bit, but I
bold, fresh products, and coordinate with Emperor.
think I’m getting the basic idea across.
Games Workshop to make sure that the game
line upholds the best traditions of Warhammer

Will the initial plot be

advanced in future
supplements?
I suppose that depends on
which plot you mean, and I
hate saying that, but dozens
of different threads and stories
for the Dark Heresy game exist.
Some of those plots we are
deliberately leaving alone for
Dark Heresy gaming groups
to explore on their own.
Following in the footsteps of
Rick Priestley, there are always
some stories that should be left
unfinished. However, there are
certainly events in the Calixis
Sector which will continue to
develop as we move forward!
Can we expect downloadable
adventures in the future?
I don’t have any plans for such
things at this time, but who
knows what might happen
further on down the line…
I would say that the advantage of Dark Heresy character for Dark Heresy and explore new
How do you see your game existing
is the ability to put yourself into a vast set of worlds, hunt down Chaos cultists, or support
alongside Inquisitor? What do you think are
roles within the Warhammer 40,000 universe. your comrades in a shell-torn war zone.
the advantages and disadvantages of each
For instance, every time I look at the expanded
system? What is your favorite character to play in Dark
equipment lists in the Inquisitor’s Handbook, I
I’ll be honest — I’ve never played the Inquisitor Heresy?
get a thrill seeing that a particular bolt pistol
miniature game. The book had some excellent is favored by Calixis Sector Commissars, My strongest attachment is to the Arbitrator.
background material and fiction in it, but when for instance, and imagine myself in the flak I love their no-nonsense, “I am the Law”
it comes to pushing toy soldiers around, I much greatcoat, exhorting Guardsmen for bravery attitude.
prefer the 28mm scale! in the Emperor’s name. You could make a © Games Workshop. All Rights Reserved.

Dark Heresy
PANARU: TWICE BOUND
DAEMONHOSTS DAEMONHOST
Created by Inquisitor Elias Tenir, Radical
member of the Ordo Xenos, this is a minor
daemon bound into a kroot originally
Daemonhosts… I don’t know about you but C’haugo, Herald of Despair captured from one of the many warzones in
they were pretty much the first thing I looked WS BS S T Ag Int Per WP Fel W the Damocles Gulf. He uses it as a shock troop
at when I got the book. After a quick perusal it 33 32 1551 44 22 85 66 94 23 30 to scatter his enemies so that the rest of his
struck me that if your psyker suddenly decides warband can pick them off.
Psy Rating: 8
they’d prefer life as a creature of the warp, it Panaru
might drag the game down slightly if you have Unholy Changes: Elongated Limbs (grants WS BS S T Ag Int Per WP Fel W
to throw one together mid-session. All of the 3m reach with claws), Horns, Wings, Bloated 29 26 12
64 37 16 81 58 71 17 30
following were created randomly to be ready Form, Bleeding Mouth and Eyes, Cat’s Eyes.
prepared Daemonhosts to be used as and Psy Rating: 5
Daemonic Phenomena: In its presence paint
when you need then. I have included a small Unholy Changes: Glowing Eyes, Quills,
peels as if burnt, metal rusts and wood rots.
amount of background material in case you Inner Fire
Once the Daemonhost has passed everything
wish to use them as antagonists.
returns to normal. Lights dim, candles snuff Daemonic Phenomena: In its presence a
C’HAUGO, HERALD OF DESPAIR: out, a gloom spreads. A single high pitched single high pitched note can be heard and
UNBOUND DAEMONHOST note can be heard, as can the buzzing of flies, the air is hot, as though standing in front of a
This being has burnt worlds and made armies although no source can be seen. furnace.
dance to its tune. However, the true sadness
Psychic Powers: Regenerate, Shape Flesh, Psychic Powers: Holocaust, Incinerate,
lies in its creation. A pious Cardinal by the
Seal Wounds, Blood Boil, Beastmaster, Regenerate, all Minor Psychic Powers
name of Viktor Flintock discovered a plot
Telepathy, all Minor Psychic Powers.
within his congregation to overthrow the Skills: Awareness (Per) +10, Deceive (Fel)
planet’s government. Upon confronting the Skills: Awareness (Per) +10, Deceive (Fel) +20, Forbidden Lore (Daemonology, Heresy,
conspirators they kidnapped him and bound a +20, Forbidden Lore (Daemonology, Heresy, Warp) (Int) +20, Psyniscience (Per) +20, Secret
daemon of Nurgle into his flesh. In the struggle Warp) (Int) +20, Psyniscience (Per) +20, Secret Tongue (Military) +20, Speak Language (all)
of wills that followed the bindings were broken Tongue (Ecclesiarchy) +20, Speak Language +20
and C’haugo emerged triumphant. (all) +20
Traits: Daemonic, Dark Sight, Fear 4, Flyer
Immensely cruel with a streak of morbid Traits: Daemonic, Dark Sight, Fear 4, Flyer (AB), From Beyond, Natural Armour (2),
humour, C’haugo infiltrates Imperial society (ABx2), From Beyond, Natural Weapon (Horns, Natural Weapon (Beak) (1d10+12 E), Unnatural
disguised as either a grossly fat high ranking Claws) (1d10+15 R), Unnatural Strength (x3) Strength (x2)
member of the Ecclesiarchy, or a member of
Threat Rating: Malleus Terminus Threat Rating: Malleus Extremis
the nobility, and then manipulates the planet
into tearing itself apart from the inside.

Dark Heresy
EPSILON-OMEGA-7: THRICE Unholy Changes: Animalistic, Blades The Grey Lady

BOUND DAEMONHOST WS BS S T Ag Int Per WP Fel W
Daemonic Phenomena: In its presence
Created by the foulest of tech-heresies, 33 26 1554 49 27 80 62 75 19 30
muttering familiar voices can be heard dimly.
Epsilon-Omega-7 was created by a sect of
Psy Rating: 6
Malygrisian in an attempt to bind a daemon Psychic Powers: Burning Fist, all Minor
using technology. It worked perfectly, and the Psychic Powers Unholy Changes: Seeming Normality
daemon now hunts at the whim of its masters.
Skills: Awareness (Per) +10, Deceive (Fel) +20, Daemonic Phenomena: In its presence
It appears to be a large wolf like creature,
Forbidden Lore (Daemonology, Heresy, Warp, everyone tastes gritty ashes and shadows
but standing upright on its hind legs as its
Archeotech, Adeptus Mechanicus) (Int) +20, flicker and distort, seemingly to the shapes of
forward legs end in three foot long talons.
Psyniscience (Per) +20, Secret Tongue (Tech) strange figures. In addition, people perceive a
Thrice-anointed silver sigils of the Omnissiah
+20, Speak Language (all) +20 sickly sweet smell.
are pinned to its flesh.
Traits: Daemonic, Dark Sight, Fear 4, Flyer Psychic Powers: Personal Augury, Cellular
Epsilon-Omega-7
(AB), From Beyond, Natural Armour (2), Control, Shape Flesh, Glimpse, Precognitive
WS BS S T Ag Int Per WP Fel W
Natural Weapon (Claws) (1d10+8 R), Unnatural Dodge, all Minor Psychic Powers
37 33 847 57 21 88 60 58 14 30
Strength (x2), Warp Weapons
Skills: Awareness (Per) +10, Deceive (Fel) +20,
Psy Rating: 4
Threat Rating: Malleus Extremis Forbidden Lore (Daemonology, Heresy, Warp,
Ordos) (Int) +20, Psyniscience (Per) +20, Secret
THE GREY LADY: ONCE-
Tongue (Military, Administratum) +20, Speak
BOUND DAEMONHOST
Language (all) +20
The origins of the Grey Lady are lost in the mists
of time. While some say she was created after Traits: Daemonic, Dark Sight, Fear 4, Flyer
the Calixian Sector was founded others claim (AB), From Beyond, Natural Weapon (Claws)
she was there long before humanity arrived. (1d10+15 R), Unnatural Strength (x3)
What is known is that she will show herself to
Threat Rating: Malleus Terminus
those who lack direction, or are at a crossroads
in life and offer a divination; a divination that
will always come true. All that she asks for in
payment is a single favour and a drop of the
petitioner’s blood. In appearance she is plain
and wears only grey, though her dress will
change to fit the environment she is in. As ever, feel free to leave feedback
on Warseer or via email at
dragonlover63@googlemail.com
Dragonlover
Illustration by Peter Laycock

SPECIALIST GAMES SUPPLEMENT
Editorial
News from the Editor.

Greetings Gamers, and welcome to the able to provide new rules supplements as possible, and find out whether the Dark
Specialist Games section! and hobby guides far more often than Eldar, the Necrons, or the Imperial Guard
the erstwhile (And in recent years very Minervan Tank Legion emerge victorious!
First off, the news:
overworked) Specialist Games department
We almost had two news items for this More than fifty people contributed to Epic:
(Basically one man, Andy Hall).
issue, but the second (And very big) item Raiders... surely you’d be doing them a
will now have to wait for the next issue, Number 2 is very good news for the disservice by not at least looking at the art,
don’t worry, it’ll be worth the wait. Specialist Games range, in my opinion, even if the Epic rules fly over your head!
and I’m looking forwards to the new blister
The first and lesser piece of news however, In honour of this massive and exceptionally
packs that we’ll be seeing over the coming
is that the Specialist Games division of cool Epic supplement, we at FB-SG have
months that will return missing models to
Games Workshop is going to be folded decided to run an Epic-themed issue, with
the Specialist Games range (For example,
back into the main Games Workshop retail introductory articles, model galleries, and
new Blister Packs have already brought
structure. Thus, instead of the Specialist a painting guide, and a continuation of our
back the missing Necron BFG ships to the
Games website sitting separate from the ‘Tale of Specialist Gamers’ series with a
Online Store).
rest of Games Workshop (And therefore focus on the Epic-playing participants.
going unnoticed by the majority of GW’s So to all appearances, the future of
And finally, submissions:
new customers), the main Specialist Games Specialist Games is of a well-supported
Do you want your Specialist-Games articles
resources (Such as the Free Rulebooks, and range of games, with a larger range of
to be read by more than 100,000 people?
how-to articles) will henceforth be available models available than are currently on sale.
directly from the main GW website. If so, drop by the Specialist Games
Second up, this issue of
subsection of Warseer and check out our
The consequences of this are twofold: Firebase:
‘Firebase submissions’ threads... we want
This issue of Firebase has some truly
1 - Less updates to the rules / less new you to help continue producing Specialist
awesome company, in the form of our
Specialist Games-related articles by Games Games articles for this, the most popular
second Feature Presentation, Epic: Raiders.
Workshop (As the SG website is being Games Workshop Fanzine in the world.
closed down, so too is ‘Fanatic Online’). This 130 page rulebook / hobby guide
Thanks for reading, and remember to check
contains army lists, artworks, hobby guides,
2 - Greater availability of Specialist Games out the new edition of 40k, it is quite good.
and a massive fan fiction story detailing the
models, and a higher profile for the Free
three armies that took part in the war for a - Ben Skinner, Specialist Games Editor
Rulebooks and the Specialist Games range.
planet known as Scarab. I won’t spoil the
Number 1 doesn’t overly concern me, as surprise as to which army wins in the end,
we have Fanzines like Firebase, Warp Rift, but I do exhort you most sincerely to rush
Dark Magenta, etc, which are willing and out and download Epic: Raiders as soon

Issue 7 Specialist Games contents.
Magazine Credits:
Firebase is fueled by your submissions.
Editor’s Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Please contact Ben (Chaos And Evil) via Editor: Ben Skinner
Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Warseer to submit articles, photos and art.
Design: Jon Webb
An introduction to Epic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 We are always looking for new ideas and
feedback, so get in touch. Art: Sam Harvey, Jon Webb
Gamer’s Tale: Feral Orks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Rogue’s Gallery is a chance to showcase the Contributors: Hena, Jonathan Brown,
Gamer’s Tale: Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
best of what you can do. Please send hi res William Sturtevant
Painting Guide: Epic Tyranids . . . . . . . . . . 17
.jpgs to dancingmonkey also via Warseer. Picture Credits (with many thanks from
Gamer’s Tale: Escher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Firebase is an equal opportunities Jon): Jonathan Brown, Bob “Harkon
Rogue’s Gallery: Focus Epic . . . . . . . . . . . 23 employer. Greywolf”, Mark Logue, Dave Thomas,
Oliver Paun.
(Apologies if I missed anyone).
Breaking News:
+++data stream inbound+++
+++clearance level Gamma+++
+++positive ID made+++
Via our spybots, we have discovered
that Forgeworld will be releasing an Epic
scale Aquilla Lander in the not too distant
future. Keep an eye on the magazine for
more news and pics as we get it.
Our spy cameras

managed to gain
this shot before
being destroyed.

Specialist Game Focus : EPIC
Focus on epic.
With its roots in Games Workshop’s dim and distant past, Epic is a game that has stood the test of time. Ben
Skinner investigates the history of this truly Epic game
Let’s go forward Apocalypse - Two armies line up, fifteen feet its 28mm scale counterpart.
Epic is my favorite Wargame. I’ll tell you that apart. One side charges the other, and guys
Let’s have some history
now because this is an opinion piece and with Power Fists make things go BOOM.
The world was first introduced to Epic in
that means I can (And should!) be honest.
Apocalypse is a mega-battle game... it’s 1988 through the Adeptus Titanicus game
I own an Imperial Guard force and a Tyranid not meant to be tactically challenging and system. This was a game featuring giant
force for Warhammer 40,000, I own two it’s not meant to be a ‘simulation’ style robots (Titans) that battled each other.
space fleets for Battle Fleet Gothic, some game... it’s meant to be wacky-fun and when There were two factions (Imperial & Chaos)
Inquisitor figures, and several Necromunda Baneblades detonate it’s hilarious... but it’s and they were fighting something called the
gangs, but despite the charms of the other not Epic...
Warhammer 40,000-set wargames, for me,
Let’s start simple
nothing captures the spirit of a battle in the
• Epic is a tabletop wargame set in the
41st millennium like Epic.
41st millennium, in which vast armies do
Apocalypse? That’s a bunch of fun, sure, but battle. Humble guardsmen clash with
it’s literally a world away from the gameplay Chaos Marines, mighty Titans do battle,
experience that Epic offers. and aircraft scream overhead.
Epic - Two armies line up, about quarter of a • Epic was designed
mile apart, and start moving in towards each to be a tactically
other. Small skirmishes occur, leading to challenging wargame, The first Epic Space Marines proved very
bigger firefights, or perhaps tailing off as the and by that I mean popular. ‘Horus Heresy’.
enemy slips away. Thunderhawk Gunships that it is designed with It was awesome.
land and disgorge Space Marines into the the same ethos as a ‘historical’ wargame
As well as the giant robots, Games Workshop
teeth of the enemy, Titans stalk each other system like DBM.
also produced some small space marine
or vital targets in the enemy army, the armies
• Epic is a ‘simulation’ style wargame, models in metal, for use as objective markers
manoeuvre like skilled boxers, waiting for
rather than a high-fantasy wargame like and the like. In an almost offhand manner,
the enemy’s guard to slip so he can throw a
Warhammer 40,000, indeed in many these 6mm tall Marines were given some
surprise right hook and put his opponent’s
respects it conforms more closely to the rules that allowed them to skirmish against
forces into disarray.
rules of the 41st millennium setting than each other whilst the Titans did the real

And so, in 1997, Games Workshop released

The box art from the 2nd edition its third edition of Epic (This time known as
starter set, which placed Titans in Epic 40,000). Despite being the best looking
the background (Literally) and placed Epic to date, it was not awesome.
emphasis on tanks and infantry.
Lets see What went wrong
with Epic 40,000
Titan forces received reinforcements in the I’m going to be controversial here ; Honestly,
form of the infamous Imperator configuration Games Workshop aimed too high, moved
Emperor Class Titan, and the Ork Mega- too quick, and confused the hell out of a lot of
Gargant. They were ridiculously awesome, gamers. Epic 40,000 was the most balanced
even if they were invariably painted in and most tactically challenging wargame
fighting overhead. However, gamers soon bright primary colours (Veteran Gamers will that Games Workshop had produced up
started to collect whole armies of these tiny remember this time as ‘The Red Period’). until that date... but the majority of Games
Marines and fight battles with only one or
two Titans, and whole swathes of infantry.
That was awesome.
So awesome, in fact, that Games Workshop
decided to make a complementary game
system that was purpose-designed for
infantry/tank battles. It was called Epic:
Space Marine, and it was released in 1989.
The second edition of Epic: Space Marine
was released five years later in 1994, and
officially transplanted the Epic setting from
the Horus Heresy to the 41st millennium. The
starter boxed set came with Marines, Eldar,
Orks, tanks for all three races, and a Mars
Pattern Warlord Titan. Again, awesome.
Towards the end of the second edition, the
The contents of the Epic 40,000 starter set blew previous editions of Epic out of the
water, with cool terrain and a huge variety of models, but the rule system failed to catch
the imagination of the gaming public.

Workshop’s customers aren’t interested in a Sales tanked, the rules were widely derided own table half.
tactically challenging wargame, they want a as ‘too abstract’ by the fanbase, and within
- Make sure there are no enemy formations
game where their Space Marine commander a year the entire game line was withdrawn
in your table half.
runs up the field and punches Orkz in the face from sale; Epic had gone from a Core Game
with a clenched fist the size of a microwave System to a Nothing in under a year. - Kill your opponent’s most expensive (Points,
(There’s nothing wrong with that of course, not pounds) formation.
And so (With a dramatic flourish) began the
such things are awesome!).
great Dark Age of Epic, and it wasn’t until So, 4 out of 5 of the victory conditions have
Epic 40,000 threw out the thousands of 2004 that Epic was sold again, this time nothing to do with killing your opponent’s
special rules and wacky game effects of 2nd under the name of Epic : Armageddon. army... Epic is all about capturing and
edition, and replaced it with a streamlined, defending territory, as represented by
tactically challenging gaming experience. objective markers (There are 3 in each table
“Sales tanked...the entire game
half, one of which must be placed on a
Epic 40,000 had a stunning array of new line was withdrawn from sale” board edge). That’s awesome, in my opinion;
miniatures produced to support it, both
When I want some fun, I play Warhammer
plastic and metals were amongst the
40,000, but when I want to come away from
best models Games Workshop has ever The ruleset has been re-written from the
the tabletop with a headache, I play Epic;
produced. The MkII Land Raider was first ground up, and Epic: Armageddon turned
Bearing in mind capturing all those different
designed for Epic 40,000. The Lucius Pattern out to be a deft mix of Epic 40,000’s tactical
types of objective combinations whilst
Warlord Titan was first designed for Epic challenge, and Epic: Space Marine’s flavour
fighting your opponent at the same time is
40,000. The modern design of Thunderhawk and complexity of detail.
a real challenge!
gunship... oh you get the idea!; Regardless
So, with that dual heritage in mind, is Epic’s
of its failure to thrive, without Epic:40,000, Hmmm, I could go on like this with an in-
4th edition awesome, or a failure?
Warhammer 40,000 wouldn’t be the game depth analysis all day... how about I save you
that it is today. Let’s look at the game and me some time and bullet-point some of
When you play a game of Epic, you’ll find Epic’s major features?
Epic 40,000 was a simulation style wargame,
that there are 5 victory points available. You
marketed to a customer base who were (And Let’s see...
need at least two points to claim a win (And
still are) largely more interested in having a - A Modern turn sequence
of course you need to be claiming more
straightforward gaming experience (Heck,
victory objectives than your enemy!): Players activate formations (Composed of
most GW customers are only just discovering
infantry squads, tanks or Titans, etc) in turn,
the world of wargaming, and it’ll be quite - Capture an objective marker placed on the
so the action flows back and forth between
a few years before they branch out and try enemy’s board edge.
the players in a manner more similar to Chess
other, more challenging, gaming styles).
- Capture two objective markers in the than Warhammer 40k’s I-Go-U-Go system;
Epic 40,000 was a real gamble on Games enemy’s table half. You’ll never be shooting for twenty minutes,
Workshop’s part, and Epic 40,000 was, then taking armor saves for twenty minutes,
- Capture three objective markers in your
unfortunately, a dismal failure. because the initiative sequence flows back

and forth between the players. different units (Although that does exist,
Standard Guard 3000pt List Tactical Marines move at 15cm per move,
- A unique and intuitive morale system
• 1 Baneblade SHT whilst Land Raiders move 25cm and Rhinos
Using ‘Blast Markers’ instead of ‘Leadership move 30cm...), but also different types of
Tests’, the more Blast Markers a formation • 1 Stormsword SHT movement style, so that you can move a
has, the more its Morale is shaken. Take • 9 Leman Russ Tanks formation once and shoot, or move it twice
too many blast markers too quickly and the and shoot with a -1 modifier to-hit, or not
formation becomes broken, easy eh? • 1 Leman Russ Vanquisher Tank move at all and receive a +1 modifier to-hit.
- Complex gameplay • 1 Hydra Anti-Aircraft Flak Tank - Overwatch
Many wargames are Complicated, but few • 2 Thunderbolt Fighter Aircraft Overwatch is cool.
are Complex. • 1 Warhound Titan - A thriving Tournament Scene.
- Simple rules • 3 Hellhound Tanks If you live in the UK, there are ~15 Epic
Many wargames have complicated rules, • 40 Storm Troopers Tournaments per year, most near Nottingham
few genuinely need them. but some down South too, so if you’re into
• 130 Guardsmen (Including a few Tournaments you’ll find that the best of the
- Vast armies officers in there somewhere) best are more than willing to show you how
See the boxout for my typical standard-sized • 4 Sentinels to play the game.
Imperial Guard army list:
• 14 Chimeras (To carry the - The rulebook is free.
Very roughly, that’s an army that would be Guardsmen) You can download the rulebook for free from
eight or nine thousands points in Warhammer
• 4 Valkyrie Transports (To carry the 40 the Specialist Games section of the Games
40k.
Storm Troopers) Workshop website.
To put it another way, a standard game
• 6 Commissars - Tiny, tiny tanks.
of Epic is at 3000pts, and the entire Epic
Deathwing (100 Terminators) is 1625pts. A
Warlord Titan is 850pts, and a Chimera is list in Epic... the game system
6mm tanks are not uncool.
25pts. Yes you can fit the entire Deathwing is so balanced that games
into a game of Epic and take a Warlord Titan are decided by the Tactics
too, and still have 525pts left over to spend you and your opponent use
on other formations, or maybe add Librarians (Modified somewhat by the dice!) not by the
and Chaplains etc to your Terminators.... army list you bring to the table.
- Razor-sharp balance - Varying movement speeds.
It is nigh-impossible to write a ‘Beardy’ army Not just different movement speeds for

Nothing is cooler than 6mm scale Land available, but more Septs will doubtless If you decide to dip your foot in the Epic
Raiders. Not even Tony Stark. come online in time) ocean, I recommend you download the
Epic rulebook... you’ll find that if you put
Let’s ask, ‘what armies are • Adeptus Mechanicus Titan Legion &
together a typical 3000pt army list, it’ll tend
available?’ Skitarii Army
to cost around £80 (It’s an oft-repeated fact
Multiple army lists are available for each
• Inquisitorial army (Including awesome that a company and a half of Epic Marines
army type, so that a ‘Steel Legion’ army
6mm Grey Knight models from costs less £££ than a single tactical squad for
list (Mechanized infantry in chimeras with
Forgeworld) 40k... and in Epic they’re worth 1500pts!).
many tank types as backup) will look very
different to a Baran Siegemasters (Low-tech Let’s ask, ‘What’s missing?’ Anyways, I don’t recommend you buy a
Siege army with trenchworks and static gun Sadly, there are still a couple of armies not whole army all at once. Probably the best
platforms) army list, even though they’re readily available at Epic scale. way to check if you’re likely to enjoy playing
ostensibly the same army type (Imperial Epic is to buy a £12 plastic infantry boxed
• Dark Eldar
Guard). This is an approach that GW has set. Either a Marine, Chaos/L&TD, Imperial
flirted with Warhammer 40,000 over the • Tyranids Guard, Eldar or Ork boxed set will give you
years, but has never been able to achieve. hundreds of models (The £12 Ork boxed
• Necrons
set contains 244 greenskins of various types
Here’s a brief listing:
Games Workshop doesn’t currently have the I believe, for example) and a good variety
• Space Marines (Both Codex Marines and resources available to have a team dedicated of unit types to have a few playtest games
a whole swathe of variant Chapter army to expanding the Epic range. with your mates at small points values, say
lists)
However, the Tyranids were available during “a determined Epic player can
• Imperial Guard (Steel Legion, Cadians, Epic’s 2nd and 3rd editions and a determined
source a Tyranid army from Ebay “
Death Korps of Krieg, Elysian Drop Epic player can source an army from Ebay
Troopers, Baran Siegemasters, etc..) (Albeit at a premium). Likewise a few Necron
around 1000pts (Equivalent to playing a
models were released by GW in the ancient
• Orks (Ork Waaghs, Feral Orks, Gargant 500pt game of 40k before jumping in and
mists of time, and Ebay is again your friend.
Bigmobs, etc...) buying a full 1500pt army).
Both the Dark Eldar and the Necrons are
• Chaos Space Marines (The Black Legion, featured in the Epic : Raiders supplement If you enjoy it, grab yourself a Thunderhawk
Red Corsairs, World Eaters, Thousand book, which is available alongside this issue Gunship, or some Titans, or a whatever else
Sons, Death Guard, etc...) of Firebase. I suggest you read it as it’s 130 takes your fancy, and discover the full tactical
pages of awesome, and it’ll tell you in-depth complexity of Epic.
• Chaos Lost & The Damned
the easiest ways to proxy / obtain good Dark
If you don’t enjoy it, flog the box on Ebay,
• Eldar (Pretty much every craftworld you Eldar and Necron models.
there are plenty of people out there who’ll
can think of has an army list)
Let’s ask, ‘So what’s the best want your 6mm warriors.
• Tau (Currently only a ‘generic’ army list is way to get started
Personally, I kickstarted Epic in my area two

years ago by buying a small Marine army label ‘Warhammer 40,000’s big brother’. “Epic- A version of the game with tiny
and a small Imperial Guard Army, and simply models that is dominated by titans,
May your dice always roll 6’s, although if
offered games to my mates ; Two years after which are robots the size of a large
you’re rolling dice in Warhammer 40,000,
I started trying to find Epic opponents in my building and have the ability to pwn...
you’ll probably be rolling ten times as many
area I now have dozens of local opponents, everything...
dice as an Epic player, because ultimately,
and more are starting up Epic all the time.
Warhammer 40,000 and Epic are completely ...There is also infantry, whose only
Conclusion different games, offering completely function in Epic is to provide valuable
I hope this article has proved useful in different gameplay experiences. traction to Titans walking across snowy
helping you understand what Epic is all paths.”
Check it out, because Epic: Armageddon is
about, and why it fully deserves to wear the
awesome.

Tales of a Gamer: FERAL ORKS
Collecting a Waagh Part two

Continuing his journey through the pitfalls of collecting an Epic army, Hena fills us in on the latest
Last time the wrong version of my article enemy. This is bad as Warlord is Supreme they take damage (eg. fail their save).
was put into the Firebase. So some term Commander. Supreme Commander allows War Engines have can withstand up to
explanations and painting guides are re-rolling one failed activation and that is DC amount of damage. Also it means
added to this article that should have been quite important. So the destruction of the that one War Engine is counted as being
in last edition. First the term explanations. formation gives two bonuses for the enemy. DC amount of units when unit sizes are
needed. This has several effects in game.
I mentioned popcorn armies. This is a
“The reason I go for bigger Orkeosaur is 6DC War Engine while Steam
term used to describe armies with a lot of
Gargant has 4DC. For reference Baneblade
activations. In Epic: Armageddon, each mobs with Orks is the ‘Mob rule’. has 3DC, Warhound titan has 3DC, Reaver
formation activated during turn. Activations This special rule gives +1 or +2 titan has 6DC and Warlord titan 8DC. Titans
are commands on what the formation
to rally if the formation is large of course have void shields so Reaver is
can do (for example command ‘Advance’
means that formation may move and then enough” tougher than Orkeosaur.
fire). Activations are done in alternating The missing painting guide from last article
order during turn (meaning that first one Then there was garrisoning. In the GT is added in to the end. Then one more
side activates one and then other side scenario normal deployment area is explanation of Orks special rules in Epic:
activates one and so on). So armies with lot 15cm from your table edge (regular table Armageddon. The reason I go for bigger
of activations can get multiple actions in being 120cm by 180cm or 4’ by 6’). Before mobs with Orks is the ‘Mob rule’. This
the end of turn as other side has run out. deployment though both players put three special rule gives +1 or +2 to rally roll if
objective markers in the table with certain the formation is large enough (+1 for more
I also mentioned BTS. This means ‘Break
restrictions. Garrisoning means that you than 5 units and +2 for more than 10 units).
Their Spirit’. Most Epic: Armageddon
can deploy some formations (there are So most formations in my army qualify for
games use a Grand Tournament scenario.
three rules which allow garrisoning and at +2, which would more likely be +1 when
In that scenario there is five different victory
least one the formation must fulfil) near they are broken though. Without these
conditions. To win you must score at least
one of those objectives. One restriction is bonuses, Orks rally quite badly.
2 of these and more than opponent at the
that all but one unit must move 15cm or
end of turn 3 or later. ‘Break Their Spirit’ Now after a lot of looking at the models I
less and none of the units can be a War
is one of the five conditions. Player can ended with starting to paint Junka Trukks.
Machine. Both Normal Warbands with
get it by destroying completely the most So this lead me to look at the list and
Squig Katapults fulfil this.
expensive formation of the opponent. coming to terms with painting job of Big
So in this Feral Ork army my Warlord is Last was DC. This stands for Damage Junka Brigade. Out come 14 Trukks (12 for
in the formation that is BTS condition for Capacity. Normal units are killed when Big Brigade and 2 for the Nobz) and 14

• Walls same way as in wagon

• Ork head was lightly painted with Dark
Angel Green
• Ork head was drybrushed with Goblin
Green
• Shoulder pads were lightly painted with
Snakebite Leather
• Shoulder pads were drybrushed with
Sunburst Yellow
Boar Boyz
• Alternative schemes for boar fur
stands. So that total of 28 units. Nice. Just • 3. Optional, some brown walls were a) lightly painted with Scorched Brown
a bit more than twice the size of the Mob painted with red to resemble “Red goes b) lightly painted with Vallejo Grey
I last painted. I decided to use the metal fasta” mentality (darker one, colour marking worn off)
Feral Orks for these with added heavy
• 4. Wheels, tracks, carriage and wrench • Alternative schemes continue
weapon for each unit. Nobz stands come
in drybrushed with Boltgun metal
from using plastic Nobs as well as metal a) drybrush with Scorched Brown /
Nobz. Both stands got their own Weirdboy Boiler front Lighter Grey mix
as well as the formation was to have two.
• Drybrush with Boltgun Metal b) drybrush with Vallejo Grey / Lighter
One warboss was put there as well (I intend
to put these on each bigger mobs).
Junka Trukk
Wagon:
• Walls, several colour variations
a) lightly painted with Snakebite Leather
b) lightly painted with Scorched Brown
• Walls, continue
a) drybrush with Sunburst Yellow
b) drybrush with Graveyard Earth

Grey mix bike units (that these are) two or three • Clothing was drybrushed with Yellow
models per stand. This means that the
And added another highlight layer which • Weapon was drybrushed with Boltgun
bases are tad too big to be used. I could
was lighter mix again Metal
use old square bases (2cm x 2cm) but these
• The handle had either wood (see wagon are very So I will cut bases for them from • Boots were drybrushed with Scorched
and Scorched Brown) or metal colours plasticard which will be 2.5cm x 2cm, that Earth
(see boiler front) painted extra half a cm is important (to me anyway).
Ork Nobz:
Ork boyz as earlier. Except with furs Boars painted as in Boar Front on Junka • Skin was lightly painted with Dark Angel
painted in similar fashion to boars above. Trukks. Only I started to do some variation Green
on colours of the boars. Mainly by using
I decided not to base the Junka Trukks • Skin was drybrushed with Goblin Green
different colours to drybrush grey or brown
even if they did have bases for them.
(mixed for example Dwarf Flesh or Blood • Clothing was lightly painted with
However the boar pulled truck was quite
Red with Scorched Brown and then added Snakebite Leather
hard to keep together without base. I fixed
white for second layer of drybrushing). Boyz
this by cutting a Trukk shaped piece from • Clothing was drybrushed with Yellow
are painted the same as the Orks Boyz
thin plasticard (0.35mm thick). Then I glued
below with the top tuft painted red. • Power claw was painted with Blood Red
it in the bottom and painted it black.
Ork Boyz: • Power claw was drybrushed with Blazing
Next target was decided to be ‘Big Uge
• Skin was lightly painted with Dark Angel Orange
Boarboyz Horde. So that’s 15 stands of
Green
Boardboyz. The blisters come with bases • Weapon was drybrushed with Boltgun
for units with three Boarboyz. Since I need • Skin was drybrushed with Goblin Green Metal
to have total of 25 bases for the entire
• Clothing was lightly painted with • Boots were drybrushed with Scorched
army, I’m not going to base them three
Snakebite Leather Earth
per stand. The rules state that I can base
Ork Weirdboy got partially painted with
blue and purple as well. This is because
Wyrdboyz are flashily dressed in order to
everyone see where they go (or used to
back in Rogue Trader and 2nd ed. times). I
used Ultramarine blue with Vallejo Electric
Blur drybrush. Purple was Liche Purple with
drybrush of Warlock purple.
Grots:
• Skin was lightly painted (leaving
crevasses black) with Dark Angel Green

• Skin was drybrushed with Goblin Green • Walls were lightly painted with Scorched Scorched Earth
Earth
• Skin was highlighted with Goblin Green • Wheels were drybrushed with Scorched
/ White mix (1/1 almost) • Walls were drybrushed with Scorched Earth / White mix
Earth / White mix (probably 2/1)
• Clothing has couple of different colour • Wheels were highlighted with
variations • Stone Skull was lightly painted with Graveyard Earth
Vallejo Grey (darker one, colour marking
a) Lightly painted with Snakebite Leather • Wall in front was lightly painted with
worn off)
Vallejo Grey (darker one)
b) Lightly painted with Scorched Brown
• Stone Skull was drybrushed with Vallejo
• Wall in front was drybrushed with Vallejo
• The variations on clothing continue Grey (lighter one, colour marking worn
Grey (lighter one)
off)
a) Drybrushed with Yellow
• Sandbags were drybrushed with
• Stone Skull was highlighted with White
b) Drybrushed with Graveyard Earth Graveyard Earth
• Frame was drybrushed with Boltgun
• Weapon was drybrushed with Boltgun • Sandbags were highlighted with Dwarf
Metal
Metal Flesh
Base:
• Boots were drybrushed with Scorched • Ground was lightly painted with Dark
Earth • Wheels inner bits were drybrushed with Angel Green
Boltgun Metal
Squig Katapult • Ground was drybrushed with Goblin
Katapult: • Wheels were lightly painted with Green
Grots same manner as grot bases
above.
All bases have Woodland Scenics turf
glued to it. I have two different shades,
which are mixed in one container. The
mix is then glued to bases with PVA
glue.

Tales of a Gamer: Imperial Guard
Duty and Honour Part two

Jonathan Brown is back to bring us up to date with the latest developments with his Guard army for Epic.
TO Arms
Having selected and put together most of
the army in the last article, it’s now time to
splash some paint on…
“Every For-mation a
Parade..!”
First up we have the infantry.
These are made up of four formations
1 x Regimental HQ: 1 Supreme

a simple but effective colour scheme.
Commander, 12 IG infantry stands, and
7 Chimeras. • Over a white undercoat, paint the
base details (in my case, a green/
1 x Mechanised Infantry Co.: 1
yellow/white mix drybrushed over
Commander, 12 IG infantry stands, and
Goblin Green base) and basecoat the
7 Chimeras.
infantrymen black.
2 x Infantry Cos.: 1 Commander and 12
• Drybrush Codex Grey over the black.
x IG infantry stands.
• Lightly drybrush Space Wolf Grey over
Colonel needs to recycle a lot of infantry,
that.
so it’s not terribly important which company
Aside from the Chimeras and
they belong to, as long as they know. • Paint the faces and hands Snakebite
Commanders, the contents of each
Leather.
company are identical. I decided I was I wanted a fairly simple colour scheme as
not going to differentiate between regular I have 48 identical stands to paint up. I • Highlight the faces and hands a 50:50
infantry from each company – this tends to always liked the original Imperial Guard Snakebite Leather/Skull White mix.
get fiddly as there are no clear spaces (like colour scheme; vets will remember the
• Paint the lasguns Chaos Black.
Space Marine shoulder pads) to make this plain grey of the Necromunda Regiment.
clear. In any case, my infantry are brave but There’s a reason it’s called “Codex grey”… • Paint the lasgun tip Mithril Silver.
entirely expendable grunts. Doubtless my
So the following is a step-by-step guide to Easy but effective. Tidy up each stage as

you go along. I found it preferable to work The scrolls are picked out in Bestial Brown, The Techpriest Enginseer attached to
in blocks of 12 stands; performing each highlighted with Snakebite Brown, Dwarf the Supreme Commander’s stand was
stage on each block in turn before starting Flesh and finally Skull White. Purity Seals drybrushed silver over black for the power
on the next stage. are Red Gore with highlights of Blood Red. armor, with a light coating of brown ink to
tone it down slightly. The greenstuff robe
The command stands are similar, but as Standard bearers carry the flag which
was given a Red Gore basecoat with Blood
they are made up of unique character identifies the company. For the Regimental
Red highlights.
models they need rather more attention. HQ and Mechanised Company this
Any Colour, As Long As It’s
Grey
The vehicles are painted in a similar
manner to the infantry, an easy-to-apply
grey scheme that looks very effective. One
particular advantage with Epic scale over
28mm is that you can usually get away with
drybrushing techniques that wouldn’t look
good at large scale. The other advantage
Following stages 1-3 for the regular should match up with the markings on the is it is much, much quicker to paint a
infantry, weapons and equipment are Chimera transports. The flagpole itself is complete Epic tank company….
picked out in Chaos Black and either black with a golden decoration and purity
All the vehicles were given a black
drybrushed or highlighted with Mithril seals as per the Psykers’ staffs.
undercoat. Then the following steps were
Silver.
carried out:
Each stand has a Commissar attached to
• Touch up any areas the spray missed
it, who is Chaos Black with Codex Grey
with Chaos Black.
highlights. Also included are red banding
on his coat and cap. This is achieved with • Drybrush Codex Grey over the black.
a base of Red Gore followed by a highlight
• Lightly drybrush Space Wolf Grey over
of Blood Red. The face is done as per the
the Codex Grey Layer.
IG infantry.
• Paint tracks and weapons Chaos Black
Sanctioned Psykers carry staves draped
again.
with purity seals and scrolls. The staff
tops, in the shape of Imperial Eagles, have • Drybrush tracks and highlight weapon
Shining Gold painted over the silver, which tips with Mithril Silver.
is washed in Brown Ink. Once dry, Shining
• Paint the dark basecoat of details
Gold was reapplied to the highlights.
(company markings, searchlights, camo

netting etc). For example, if I wanted by blue. The first Leman Russ company has though this costs more points.
green stripes in the company markings white surrounded by Green, with a black
Putting It All Together
I’d start with Dark Angel Green section on the command tank to denote
This gives me 6 formations, consisting
this model includes a Commissar.
• Highlight the details started in step 6 of 79 individual units and 2,550 points, a
(e.g. paint Goblin Green over the dark Larger turrets such as on Chimeras, Leman respectable core for a 3,000 point army:
green stripes). Russ, Baneblades and Hydras have were
For the time being the army can “borrow”
left separate; these were superglued to
“One particular advantage with the services of the Imperial Navy aircraft
the rest of the model via the pin joint once
attached to my Space Marine armies.
Epic...is that you can get away painting is complete.
with drybrushing techniques that So far I have completed only two vehicle
Next up to be painted are the second
wouldn’t look good at large scale” Leman Russ company, Baneblade
companies in addition to the Chimeras:
company, Hydras, and an Artillery company
With this system I found that I could end up comprising 9 Basilisks.
with a tank that was too bright, particularly 1 x Leman Russ tank company,
if I overdid the Space Wolves Grey stage. In the longer term I have Titans, Moles and
consisting of 9 Leman Russ tanks and
This was easy to rectify with a wash of the Capitol Imperialis to complete.
one Vanquisher with a long-range anti-
watered-down Chaos Black over the whole tank gun. Happy gaming!
model. Again I found it easiest to perform
each step across all the vehicles in the 1 x Super Heavy Tank company,
formation before starting on the next step. consisting of three Shadowswords.
This makes the process more manageable
and keeps the models consistent.
The company markings are placed as If I am short of activations (i.e. the

triple vertical stripes on the forward corner army consists of a small number of
of the track sections, which is repeated large formations, which can easily be
on the turrets. The Chimeras for the HQ outmaneuvered by a more dispersed
and Mechanised companies had white enemy) then I can deploy each
surrounded by red, and yellow surrounded Shadowsword as an individual formation,

Top: Stage by stage infantry painting
guide.
Right: Leman Russ Company.
Bottom: Shadowsword Super Heavy
Company.

Painting Workshop: tyranids
Painting the swarm

One of the most common questions regarding Epic miniatures is: “are
they hard to paint?” Jon Webb is here to show that, with a few basic
techniques, anyone can get a decent looking force ready in no time
INTRODUCTION trick with base coats is to keep them smooth

One of the first things to consider when and thin. Two or three thin layers are much
painting Epic is the scale. The average epic better than one thick layer, especially at
infantry piece is about 3mm high. At this this scale where details are tiny. I based
size, people are not going to be looking at this colour scheme on a combination of the
whether you have painted eyes and teeth cover of the third edition Tyranid codex, and
(although you can if you wish). the traditional Genestealer one.
The trick to painting an Epic force is to find a Colours used are: Deadly Nightshade
good balance between tidy base coats and (still using my pot from the Undead paint
picking out a few details. Keep the Golden box, bought 13 years ago!), alternatively
Demon jobs for your titans and super you could use Necron Abyss, Liche Purple,
heavies; these are the models people will Graveyard Earth and Scab Red for the eyes
be looking at. (See, you can paint them if you want).
Presented here then is a quick guide to STEP THREE
getting Tyranids battle ready in short order. Here, I used a technique known by several
Using only the most basic of techniques I names. Overbrushing, or wet brushing,
was able to churn out the contents of two is a great technique for speed painting.
sprues in a couple of hours. Basically, you load up on slightly thicker
paint, and wipe it on some kitchen towel
STEP ONE
as if you were going to drybrush. However,
The model is cleaned up fully, and
don’t remove all the “wetness” from the
undercoated black. I favour bases on my
paint. This is one of those techniques that is
Epic models, especially top-heavy ones
easier to try than to explain. The idea is that
such as the bulk of the Tyranid range. This is
by brushing across the model, a solid layer
down to personal taste.
of highlight goes on, without the chalkiness
STEP TWO that can result from drybrushing.
The various colours are base coated. The

Painting Workshop: tyranids
The best bet is to try it out on a few old

models. You will know when its working, as
the model will gain a pleasing highlighted
look with minimal effort.
Colours used: Mordian Blue, Warlock
Purple, Desert Yellow, Red Gore, and
Adeptus Battle Grey.
STEP FOUR
The final stage is pretty quick. A very light
drybrush of the highlight colours is painted
onto the models, before a glaze of chaos
black is washed over the chitin plates to
tone down the greys.
Colours used: Ultramarine Blue, Warlock
Purple/Bleached Bone mix, Kommando
Khaki, Blood Red, Codex Grey.
CONCLUSION
So, there we go; A quick four-step guide to
painting your swarm. Once you have done a
decent sized batch, base them up to match
your gaming table and get devouring.
The techniques above can be applied to any
epic models, large or small. Simply swap out
the colours for a dark, medium and light tone
of the required colour and get cracking.
Till next time…
Imperial artillery find themselves overrun by the swarm

Tales of a Gamer: Necromunda
Tales from the sump: Part two

Welcome once again, brave many bodies you can effectively support on One of the most useful skills you could hope
wanderers to another ramble from the meagre pickings of most sump dwellings. to obtain in any gang is Inventor. At the end
If you didn’t agree with my ideas, good for of each game, as long as your ganger isn’t
the tired mind of your scribe, Jon you. Every gang should be a unique creature, dead, injured or off scoring dubious bits
Webb reflecting you own interests and biases. of tat from your territories you get a 1 in 6
Last month I took you on a brief tour of my chance of your ganger bodging together a
So, this time I wanted to go through some
typical starter gang. Hopefully it will have new piece of kit. In my circle, there was always
of my more unusual gangers, and explain
given you newcomers some idea of how to debate as to whether you roll on the trade
a little of the reasoning behind them, and
go about picking a fairly balanced gang, chart or not, but we went with that option,
maybe tell a few of their stories.
and at least given you old hands something rolling a d100, ignoring any duff results.
to contrast with your own ideas. First up I guess I should show what I have
Now more often than not your enthusiastic
been promising. My lascannon toting girly,
When it comes to picking a gang, there are but misguided ganger will end up figuring
affectionately know as Jynx. How did my girls
as many ways to go there are people who out that if you sharpen some scrap metal you
end up scoring what is probably the most
play the game. Everyone has their own idea get a knife, or that the funny green mould
dangerous (yet most useless) weapon in the
about what is the best basic weapon, which growing on the underside of their bed/
underhive? It comes down to a Juve named
heavy gun you can use to smear your foes table/clothes does more than just make the
Babs, and my love of the Ghostbusters.
across the nearest bulkhead, and just how room go fuzzy when you eat it. Once in a

while though, something special happens. in their base.) This was then modified to cannon will be very unlikely to survive, so
hold the charge using some arcane gubbins it works well as a fear inducing area control
This is exactly what happened with my
she found, and the whole unwieldy thing piece. Ultimately, the lascannon is better
Lascannon. I rolled up a heavy weapon,
was then connected to two power sources, suited to frying tanks, and lets face it, there
and ended up with the cannon. (Incidental
the sentinel pack, and the extra charge pack are none of them in the hive… or are there.
in this campaign several big guns were
(handily represented by the plasma bottle
developed, including a missile launcher and One of the things we always try to do in a
on the Escher heavy.
another lascannon. I guess an undiscovered necromunda campaign is mix things up a
archeotech horde was nearby.) bit. After everyone has played a few games,
stories will start to emerge that can affect the
Once I got over the shock of such a massive
piece of kit being created by a Britney Spears “Gangs were encouraged game going forward. Every month, throw
to join in numerous a random event that is a little unusual to
wannabe, I sat down and worked out how
keep things fresh. We played a novel “circus
to build it. The thing to bear in mind is that sideshow games, that comes to town” game, where gangs were
this wouldn’t be some straight off the rack were only slightly lethal” encouraged to join in numerous sideshow
piece of kit. This wasn’t a guard or Marine
games, that were only slightly lethal. Gangs
weapon, it was an underhive special.
had to pay to enter from their stash, but
After a chat with my boss, (and our GM) I In battle, the heavy wielding the monstrosity could win plenty of kit and creds. Gladiatorial
decided that what happened was Babs would run (or stagger) to a good location, fights, duck hunts (with each gang offering
decided to try plugging a lasgun into the throw down the power pack and fire away, up some poor juve as the duck), and such
mains power, and in doing so invented the (all the while trying not to cross the beams!) things are a fun way of easing the pressure on
lascannon. Obviously, it would be impossible a campaign and maybe helping to balance
It’s one of those events that will only
to do this in a combat situation, so I had to out a runaway gang.
happen once or twice, so the model is
find a way of creating portable power. This is
a little redundant, but that’s the joy of The story line that developed pretty much
where Ghostbusters came to my rescue.
Necromunda. Most vets will have one or two from game one in the “lascannon” campaign
Lying in my bits box was a power pack from a odd conversions, the ganger who was more involved my first mission to raid an Arbite
sentinel I had built and sold a long time ago, bionic than man after a bad incident with a base and steal goodies from them. The
glancing at it, my mind suddenly pinged. grenade, or the improbable pistol expert game was a success and saw my girls steal a
Portable power… who carries numerous weapons and due to few crates and crawl their way off the board
some odd skills choices can fire all of them to prevent the Arbite with grenade launcher
The basic premise behind the gun now
every turn, you know the type. from literally bringing the house down. (The
is that Babs mounted a las barrel she had
game was in an old sector that had unstable
customised onto a heavy stubber casing. Ultimately a Lascannon adds a huge amount
dome so gunfire was kept to a minimum.)
(We went through stubbers like there was no of creds to your gang, for a weapon better
tomorrow in the campaign, so most gangs suited to burning through bulkheads rather After this game, we chatted about the future
probably had a burned out gun somewhere than fragging gangers. Anyone hit by the of the campaign and decided the cases

were full of lasguns destined for an on world consider so important I should really make a
guard regiment. This ended up leading to few more. The poor inexperienced juve with
a string of events that ultimately resulted nothing to her name but a knife. One of the
in a couple of guard squads, backed up by most vital territories you can role in the game
the Arbites and dare I say it a Leman Russ.
Using 2nd ed rules we were more than able
“a couple of guard
to represent the tank in Necromunda, but squads, backed up by
sadly I had my cannon by then, and luckily the Arbites and dare I
managed to rake it with heavy fire, killing say it, a Leman Russ”
all the crew except one who was cowering
in a bolter sponson. Kitty then charged intois a settlement. Each game, as long as a
combat and skewered the unfortunate chap hoary old vet goes to spin some yarns, there
with the power sword she had blagged. is a one in six chance some impressionable
youth decides to
Next up on the list of conversions is one I
join up and seek The Doctor will see you now.
glory. Great, more
armor, this time
for free. Once a campaign is underway,
creds are tight, and a juve’s stat line counts
for nothing. Let them go into battle with
whatever family heirloom they managed to
find, and see what happens.
If the juve gets lucky and manages to survive
the hail of bullets no doubt sent her way in
lieu of a more vital member of the gang, then
decisions can be made on equipment based
on any skills and stat increases gained. If the
inevitable happens and she ends her days
screaming face down on the cold floor of the
hive, no problems, she cost you nothing…
As heartless as it sounds, free juves with no draw a close to preceding) I had 22 members
equipment are what keeps the gang going, of the gang, a small guard platoon! Many of
and the vets from suffering. By the end of these girls started out as just another body
the campaign (all good things must come to with a knife, but went on to great things.
an end, and a good GM will know when to Next up, and fresh from my painting desk is

a simple little conversion and paint job that As I was converting the model, I started to silence any rogue scouts or lonely heavies.
really grew for the look of the model. think about an alternative colour scheme. This is a simple conversion, utilizing a
Something about the eye patch grabbed power sword liberated from one of the
I picked up several multiples of the various
my attention, and I suddenly realised this newer weapon sprues. To represent a
Escher gangers sculpted with the plan to
ganger should become Elle, scary Nurse silencer, all I did was pin a thin plastic tube
convert them into more veteran warriors as
star of Kill Bill. to the filed down auto pistol to represent a
campaigns went on.
home made baffle.
A quick google search for pictures, and a
One of the best things about Escher (as I
brief (ho ho), gander at the Ann Summers As you can see, I have started a new scheme
mentioned in part one), is that they can buy
website for painting ideas (honestly it was for the girls. My colour scheme is still based
swords. As such, I wanted another sword
research), and I was underway. around the same palette, but I wanted to
wielding lassie to join my growing gang.
bring out the “gothic” element of the gang,
White PVC is very hard to paint, and I am not
I had already used the ganger with two so decided to lose the punk hair, and focus
totally thrilled with the final product, but a
swords, so decided to replace one of the on more crimsons and blacks. If I had the skill
coat of gloss varnish gave it a suitable shine,
blades with an autopistol to make her a little I would sculpt New Rock boots on them all,
and coupled with the iconic eye patch, she
more rounded. sadly my greenstuffing isn’t that advanced.
does the job.
So that’s it for now. Hopefully you can join
The model is quite an easy representation
me in the next, and final installment where
of any medic skills I roll in a campaign.
I shall endeavour to talk about variant
However, I’m thinking of changing her
campaign rules, and why I dislike tall places.
weapon to a needle pistol, based on my
Until then, keep watching the shadows…
recent viewing of Planet Terror, the latest
zombie gore fest from Robert Rodrieguez.
For my final model for this installment I
present to you Binx. In most campaigns
you get some unusual items, and I wanted
to find a way to represent them, this is the
kind of model you will start to need mid
game. Once you have some good territory
and spare creds you start to buy roles on the
trade chart, just to see how they handle.
Binx is my silent assassin. Armed with a
power sword and a silenced auto pistol,
she will stealth her way forward, (perhaps
with Vents or Infiltration) and use her kit to

Tournament report: GD BALTIMORE
Epic at Baltimore gamesday 2008.

William Surtevant goes undercover at this years Baltimore Games Day, reckoned with (That’s a maximum score of 5
reporting back on all the fun and games, and a brief encounter of the out of 5 for both games! – Ed).
Johnson kind 1st Prize was a $200 voucher and a trophy
June 14th, 2008 was the first Epic: There were long time players and guys from Games Workshop. As a tournament
Armageddon Tournament at Games Day who had only played a few games of Epic. organizer, Steve was gracious enough to
Baltimore (in recent years) and was a great Not one rule debate came up, not one slide the voucher to the 2nd place winner
success. It was organized by Steve Rogers complaint about over-powered armies, Eoin Whelen with his Daemonhunters.
and me along with help from the event not one argument or bad attitude (Epic is Best Appearance went to my converted
staff. The tournament was highlighted by a really well-written rules system! – Ed.). Dark Eldar force and I must say I was quite
a great conversation with Jervis Johnson It was a real treat. We drew randomly for honored. Once again there was a trophy
(creator of this edition of Epic), excellent who played who and right off the bat we and a voucher ($100). Following Steve’s
players, a mix of army lists, and a heck of a had some great match-ups including Eldar steps, I declined mine and slid the voucher
lot of Games-Workshop support. vs. Dark Eldar and Space Marines vs. Chaos to the guy in 2nd place who was Corey
Black Legion. Perez with his Necrons. A stunning army.
Tourney Armies and
Participants: Players came from several different States, The trophies were beautiful – certainly not
10 Participants were involved and army lists all eager to play. Most came by word of cheap by anyone’s standards.
of all sorts were represented there: mouth and Games Workshop’s Games
Day website posting. Epic-playing folks
• Codex Space Marines
in the U.K. will probably see this as a small
• Imperial Guard Steel Legion tournament but the U.S. is geographically
challenged with its players considerably
• Minervan Armored Legion
more spread out. Getting to the
• Daemonhunters tournaments can be quite costly in time
and money here.
• Chaos Black Legion
Winners:
• Dark Eldar
Best Overall went to Steve Rogers with
• Biel-tan Eldar his Demiurg list (Squats) who took on a
novice Minervan Tank Legion player and an
• Demiurg (Squats)
experienced Necron player and pounded
• Orks them both into submission. 10 objectives Games Workshop Support
met in two games made him a force to be I must tell everyone that we were surprised
• Necrons

(Indeed, shocked!) at the extraordinarily Now I had never met anyone from GW, anything obviously but did say he wanted
high level of support GW provided for us. so it was a real treat to finally meet the to do it. In his words, he had no doubt that
man behind the game of Epic. He struck Epic players would buy the models. What
• $300 in prizes
me as quite personable, easy going, and he didn’t say (but I inferred) was that there
• Trophies very tall. Most appreciated was that he might not be enough of us to buy them.
listened intently to our concerns and our
• Exclusive Handouts (Ultra-rare multi-part Jervis was presented with the first printed
ideas. We talked for about 15 minutes or
6mm Space Marines from Forgeworld) for copy of Epic: Raiders as a gift. The fan-
so which I understand is a pretty long time
the tournament participants made supplement was well received and he
to get Jervis’ ear for (At a Games Day? You
Our GW liaisons Dave Taylor, Allen betcha- Ed), so I was stoked.
Jorjorian, and Chris ‘Go-Go’ Gohlinghorst
One thing he wanted everyone to know
were wonderful. They came over several
was that the Epic model ranges are NOT
times before and during the tournament
going away. He did confirm what most of
to make sure all were well. Feedback from
us already knew - there is nothing coming
the staff throughout the day (and into the
down the pipeline anytime soon. Steve
night as things traveled to the Hard Rock
and I asked him various questions, most of
Cafe) was positive. Everyone wanted the
them relating to support, model ranges,
tournament to succeed and most staff were
etc. I had made the suggestion that they
pleasantly surprised that there was the
produce the models without making any
level of participation that we had. There
supplements if that would be easier. My had an opportunity to handle some of the
were many invites to do the whole thing
hope was that old ranges (such as the customized Epic scale Dark Eldar models,
over again in Baltimore. There was even
Tyranids, Chaos vehicles, etc.) could be thumbing through the book for quite some
a half-joking request for us to run the Epic
spooled up while we were waiting for time. During the tournament, not only was
tournament in Chicago!
new ones. He couldn’t commit to doing Epic: Raiders seen by lots of Epic players
Kommando Clubs who were not participating (there were
One of the things dropped to us that I just many,) but a lot of GW staff came by and
don’t know much about yet. I’ll try to get browsed between its covers.
the details in the future but support from
Request from Games
GW may be coming to gaming clubs and
Workshop
that DEFINITELY includes Epic Clubs.
One thing that GW requested from the
Jervis Johnson
Epic community (and players in general)
While I was placing hills and sprucing trees,
was feedback. ‘Go-Go’ and Dave both
Steve walked up and introduced me to
asked us that we get ideas from the
Jervis Johnson.
Community and send it to them. Their

question was simple: “What do you want?”. ownership of their hobby, work with Games
Workshop, and increase the visibility of the
It was an open ended question to bring in
game. This will undoubtedly help recruit
information for them so they could service
old and new players which means more
us customers better. Obvious support
money for GW and more opponents for the
would include production of new models
players – everybody wins. If you love your
and rules. But what else could GW do to
hobby half as much as I do then we could
make our gaming experience better? What
see big changes down the road.
kind of club support would we like? Would
we like to be at the other Games Days? Thanks for reading all of this and taking an
interest in our games.
To give you an example, Lance from
Specialist-Games Direct Sales offered to Just a regular fanatic; William Sturtevant
let people who were ordering Epic models a.k.a. Moscovian.
know about the Games Day tournaments.
The offer came a bit late for the Baltimore
Tournament but with enough advanced
warning that offer could be a huge help
for bolstering future tournament turn-out.
One of my suggestions was an email going
out to former Epic customers letting them
know about other types of Epic events too.
All of this could easily be applied to other
Specialist Games for sure.
On a Final Note
Before this event I had no close friends
within Games-Workshop, I had no
inside information; I had run exactly one
tournament prior to Games Day Baltimore.
Dave Taylor from Games-Workshop
reached out to us and asked for somebody
to get involved which I did… It was time
consuming but worth the time. It was not
easy but it certainly was not difficult either!
Epic players everywhere have an excellent
opportunity starting right now to take

Left: Tyranid Attack.
Above Left: Full scale war
breaks out.
Above Right: Eldar Titan.
Right: Corrupted Titans
engage loyalist Marines and
a Reaver. The Gallery needs you: Please send hi res
jpgs to us of your Specialist Games.

COMING
THIS
OCTOBER
In space no one can hear you scream…
Artwork by: Pavel Zolotoko

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July 2008 – Issue #7

Art by Tim Divar

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Huw Davies’ Jaws

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Once I counted them all up it totalled 50

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I grabbed every available Deathwing

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also offers a few surprises; ever since ‘Daemon

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is now focused on supplementing and assisting

From the Team Tournament; top to bottom:

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ONE HALL, TWO DAYS, 113,000 POINTS –

The sign that greeted us at Warhammer World

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Shadowsword look-a-like). “As long as they’re

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really something to see in the flesh (although

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ruined cathedral4 and the Tau Outpost5. Also

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wasn’t celebrating a birthday, a monkey being

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WiP: Guardsman by Schoolcormorant

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wheeled out, the being known only as

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Meanwhile downstairs the games

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Several turns later… WiP: Guardsman by Schoolcormorant

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spoken plenty of times but never actually met,

Old Guard’s squaddies

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For more pictures of the Open Bash Apocalypse battle, visit

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An army made entirely of Ogryns would Special Rules:

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THERE’S SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY BOLTER!

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armies before actually playing a game. They

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army list written up, and you’re going to play

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TIP #7 – Coordinate your units. If your individual