® ® ®

FUEL THE ENGINES OF WAR!

As the fury of war shatters the fragile peace following
the events of WARMACHINE: Legends, the nations of
the Iron Kingdoms prepare to unleash new weapons
against their foes. While old grudges bring about new
hostilities, a sinister force prepares to cast its shadow
across all of Immoren as events unfold that will change
the Iron Kingdoms forever!
WARMACHINE: Wrath heralds the next exciting chapter
of the WARMACHINE saga. Lead the charge to war with:
• New troops to bring to the fight, including six new
warcasters and the debut of the mighty battle

®
engines.
• New narrative fiction, including compelling stories
for each WARMACHINE faction.
• A painting and modeling guide to help you ready
your forces for battle.
• New Theme Force lists for each new warcaster,
which allow you to create armies based on
specialized forces found in the WARMACHINE world.

™
HARNESS THE
POWER OF
WRATH AND LET
NONE STAND
AGAINST YOU!

Play WARMACHINE against PIP 1045

ISBN: 978-1-933362-80-9 • PIP 1045 • $34.99 • www.privateerpress.com ™

SPINE
 ®

™
 CREDITS
WARMACHINE Concept Illustration Retail Support & Infernals
created by Michael Franchina Development Jeremy Galeone
Matt Wilson Johnathan Kirtz William Hungerford Peter Gaublomme
Cristian Penas Joachim Molkow
Project Director Henrik Petterson Organized Play & Brian Putnam
Bryan Cutler Michael Phillippi Events Coordinator Gilles Reynaud
Geoff Shupe Jason Martin Donald Sullivan
Game Design
Andrea Uderzo
Matt Wilson Community Manager Playtest Coordinator
Chris Walton
Lead Designer Matt Wilson & Staff Writer David Carl
Jason Soles Simon Berman
Studio Director Internal Playtesters
Development Manager Ron Kruzie Volunteer Coordinator Simon Berman
David Carl Jen Ikuta Ed Bourelle
Staff Sculptors David Carl
Art Direction Sean Bullough No Quarter EIC Jack Coleman
Kris Aubin Brian Dugas Aeryn Rudel Dave Dauterive
Ben Misenar Cody Ellis
Lead Writer Licensing & Contract
Rob Hawkins
Douglas Seacat Miniature Sculpting Manager Jen Ikuta
Todd Harris Brent Waldher
Additional Writing Aeryn Rudel
Jason Hendricks Nate Scott
Simon Berman Edgar Ramos
Sys Admin/Webmaster
Matt DiPietro Chris Ross Douglas Seacat
Steve Saunders Jason Soles
Aeryn Rudel
Jason Soles Staff Miniature Painter Production Director Ross Thompson
Matt Wilson Mark Christensen Brent Waldher
Matt DiPietro
Continuity Miniature Painting Technical Director External Playtesters
Douglas Seacat Kelly Yeager Alex Badion
Angel Giraldez Vidal
Jason Soles Andrew Brandt
Tom Schadle Manufacturing Brad Casey
Editorial Manager Hobby Manager & Manager David Dankel
Darla Kennerud Doug Colton Eric Ernewein
Terrain
Rob Hawkins Logan Fisher
Additional Editing Packaging/Shipping Steve Fortson
Jason Nichols Manager
Aeryn Rudel
Hobby Assistant Jeremy Galeone
Leo Carson-DePasquale Joe Lee Peter Gaublomme
Erin Wilcox
Tommy Geuns
Photography Production
Graphic Design Max Barsana
Devon Goda
Rob Hawkins Andrew Hartland
& Layout Johan Cea
Stuart Spengler Andrew Inzenga
Kris Aubin Phil Chinzi
Shona Fahland Nick Kendall
President Alex Chobot
Josh Manderville Jeff Long
Sherry Yeary Jack Coleman
Stuart Spengler Wout Maerschalck
Bryan Dasalla
Rob Miles
Cody Ellis
Cover Illustration Matt Wilson Dirk Pintjens
Joel Falkenhagen
Andrea Uderzo Own Rehrauer
Jared Delo Green
Creative Director Jarred Robitaille
Illustrations Ed Bourelle
Thomas Marshall
Josh Saulter
Carlos Cabrera Jared Mattern
John Simon
Imaginary Friends Studios Project Manager Michael McIntosh
Tim Simpson
David Kuo Shona Fahland Reese Nash
Slawomir Maniak Mark Thomas
Ben “Wombat” Sanders
Nestor Ossandon Executive Assistant Nick Scherdnik Proofreading
Miro Petrov Chare Kerzman Nate Scott Bryan Cutler
Michael Phillippi Kyle Snow William Hungerford
Dan Rudnicki Customer Service Jacob Stanley Darla Kennerud
Florion Stitz Adam Johnson Benjamin Tracy
Theo Styliandes Aeryn Rudel
Matthias Warren Douglas Seacat
Christer Sveen Marketing Manager
Andrea Uderzo William Shick William Shick

2
 FUEL THE ENGINES OF WAR!
In a very real way, WARMACHINE: Wrath marks a been on this scale. The parts are looking great, and we are
thrilled to see where this new line of production can take us.
expansion of WARMACHINE since the launch of the game’s Wrath marks just the beginning of some exhilarating plans
second edition, Wrath stands as our opportunity to set the we have cooking for the future.
tone for WARMACHINE development in its Mk II era.
We did not stop there, of course. Wrath also introduces
Once you’ve had a chance to absorb the offerings contained
herein, we think you will join us in our excitement of what
WARMACHINE has in store.

First and foremost, the most exciting aspect of Wrath is the

introduction of battle engines, an entirely new model type. unit attachment, but they also transform their Mercenary
These mammoth models are so large and imposing that we units into faction units subject to all the spells, abilities, and
had to create a whole new base size to contain their, well, feats the faction has to offer.
wrath! In the game, battle engines replace neither warjacks
WARMACHINE books are about more than just the models,
nor warriors, but they provide players with survivable,
however, and WARMACHINE: Wrath immerses its readers
in no shortage of action in the Iron Kingdoms. Subtle
will appeal to a broad range of play styles. On the table
maneuvering and raiding have given way to all-out war
they stand as impressive centerpiece models sure to draw
once again. With the bear of the north no longer sated on
an audience, and on your hobby workstation they present
the territory of Llael, determined zealots applying pressure
rewarding opportunities to showcase your painting talents.
in the East, and the restless dead ever threatening, Cygnar
In addition to our excitement regarding their impact on the truly faces its darkest hour.
game, battle engines also herald a new production avenue
WARMACHINE is stronger than ever, and its future is
for Privateer. Now in addition to the metal we normally
shining bright. With this book in hand, you are properly
produce, we are making resin parts for these kits as well. We
have explored resin production in the past, but it has never
forging the future of WARMACHINE!

TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD: PART ONE . . . . .4 RETRIBUTION OF SCYRAH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
NEW RULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 MERCENARIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120
CYGNAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 MODEL GALLERY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
PROTECTORATE OF MENOTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 HOBBY AND PAINTING GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
KHADOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD: PART TWO. . .160
CRYX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

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Forces of WARMACHINE: Khador, Forces of WARMACHINE: Protectorate of Menoth, Forces of WARMACHINE: Retribution of Scyrah, Forces of WARMACHINE: Mercenaries,
WARMACHINE: Wrath, HORDES, Formula P3, Formula P3 Hobby Series, Full Metal Fantasy, Play Like You’ve Got a Pair, Steam-Powered Miniatures Combat, Monstrous
Miniatures Combat, Cygnar, Cryx, Khador, Protectorate of Menoth, Retribution of Scyrah, Trollblood, Circle Orboros, Legion of Everblight, Skorne, warjack, warcaster, warbeast,

No part of this publication may be stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form without written permission from Privateer Press. Duplicating any

permissions are granted, such duplications shall be intended solely for personal, noncommercial use and must maintain all copyrights, trademarks, or other notices
contained therein or preserve all marks associated thereof. Product information is subject to change. Easy puns about feeling our wrath aside, you shouldn’t even be
considering theft of our copyrighted material at this point, not even our digital material. The Wraith Engine is scary enough before it gets angry. Let's not give it an excuse.

First digital edition: April 2013.

WARMACHINE: Wrath (digital version) . . . . . . . . . ISBN: 978-1-939480-26-2 . . . . . . . . . . . PIP 1045e

3
 THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD
PART ONE

THE BLOODSTONE MARCHES, gate, followed by her Lancer, Thorn. The gate guards
FALL 608 AR saluted crisply. None thought it amiss that a warcaster
Across the dunes the winds howled and swirled, sweeping would have odd errands even at this late hour; leaving
sand into an abrasive curtain and forming entire hills Point Bourne without a warjack might have seemed
where valleys had once been. The man who stepped more peculiar than taking one. Bloody clashes across the
from that howling curtain had long lost track of days and Dragon’s Tongue had become increasingly frequent, and
the generals were convinced full hostilities with Khador
a massive greatsword slung across his back. The weight would erupt soon.
of his armament was at odds with the blood-red desert
and oppressive heat. He staggered, face gaunt and eyes Haley was not thinking of Khadorans but of the note
sunken, but his posture showed resolve. The sandstorm slipped under her barracks door. It contained a brief
began to die as his steps took him closer to an oasis. Soon description of a place and a time, written in what
the wind no longer pressed upon him like the hand of an appeared to be her own hand. It was not the first
angry god. message like this she had received. Jarringly, this time
the note was written on Cygnaran Army letterhead,
The surface of a diminished pool of water lay just ahead, with the stamp used by General Sebastian Nemo from
surrounded by a spot of lush growth amid the red sands, his command at Corvis.
meager except for its contrast to the desert. Despite its
proximity he stumbled and fell to one knee as the tortured When she arrived, she realized the directions led her to a
muscles in his legs seized. He gritted his teeth as his vision long-neglected war monument in a wooded clearing near
blurred and the world become indistinct. Consciousness Point Bourne. It was dedicated to those killed at the Battle
threatened to leave him, and he knew if he succumbed he of the Tongue in the First Thornwood War. From how the
would not rise. weeds and vines had overrun it, she doubted it had been
maintained in decades.

beyond its limits. Starvation, thirst, fatigue: these were A vein throbbed in Haley’s temple as she strained to sense
nothing against the force of will. Most men were cowards cortexes or warcasters. She could feel distant glimmers
who died without tapping their reserves. There was no pain, of Kara Sloan and the instructors and apprentices at the
no thirst. All that mattered was the muddy pool ahead. northern Strategic Academy, but nothing nearer. Despite
this, from the shadows stepped a wraith-like woman who
He regained his feet and shambled the last few steps. He tore
off his gauntlets, sank to the sand, and cupped the water in warcaster armor more revealing than protective and no
his hands. He kept his wits, careful not to drink too much. helmet. Haley looked into a mockery of her own face, pale
It was ambrosia on his dried tongue and withered lips, a as a corpse’s.
pleasure so primal and basic it was like pain. He could feel
his vitality partially restored. Haley bid Thorn remain behind as she approached the vine-
covered monument.
His hand went to the blade on his back. He stood and drew
before he was fully aware that another man strode into the “Greetings, sister,” Deneghra said, her voice warm. “So
oasis. The arrival was wrapped in desert silks, his rugged pleased to see you.”

“What do you want?” Haley asked sharply.

him and a sword at his waist. Behind him came several
dozen ragged soldiers, service patches torn from their Deneghra pouted. “No shouted accusations? How
uniforms, clearly acclimated to the desert. The man at the disappointing.” When Haley simply glared, Deneghra
front knelt and bowed his head and the others behind him continued, “Just as well; we don’t have much time. I have
followed his lead. information for you.”

The armored man lowered his sword and rasped, “Rise, “Don’t be coy,” Haley said. “What was that last attack
Saxon Orrik. Tell me of our plans.” about? Answer or I’m not listening to anything else.”
She had thought repeatedly of the night she and Captain
SOUTHWEST OF POINT BOURNE Jeremiah Kraye had conducted an off-the-record strike
The early autumn days were still warm, but the nights in the Thornwood. The sense of triumph after defeating
brought a sharp chill. It was not the cold that made Victoria a lich lord had faded into a sickening certainty of having
Haley uneasy as she strode out of Point Bourne’s southern been used.

4
“We both got what we needed from that.” The certainty of being manipulated had never been
stronger, and Haley demanded, “These assassins, I
“Then there is no reason for me to be here.” Haley
presume you sent them?”
turned to go.
Deneghra smiled sadly. “I know Nemo hasbeen helping
Deneghra spoke quickly. “I will never lie to you again.
you unlock your powers. It pleases me to see you grow, and
I may withhold information, but I know that any lie I
I realize how grief-stricken you would be should anything
speak may break the bond we have renewed. I could not
happen to him. Perhaps because of the death of our father—”
bear that.”
“Silence!” Haley shouted, her self-control nearly lost. The
Despite herself Haley turned back, feeling indignant heat
desire to annihilate Deneghra was so strong she could
rise to her face. “Every word and emotion you feign is
a lie. You are a dead thing, a darkness that profanes my
Suddenly spectral, Deneghra drifted backward into the
shadows. “I did not come to anger you. Do not delay.

Deneghra said, “I came to warn you that the Khadoran main

how often we have met?”
assault will begin soon. In a matter of days.” Haley did not
react. “They will strike Corvis as well. When Sebastian Haley realized she had missed her chance to retaliate. Still
Nemo joins the battle, Cryxian assassins will murder him. fuming and with her stomach tightening, she was already
You will need to depart immediately to stop it.” deciding what soldiers and warjacks she could requisition
without drawing the attention of her superiors and
Victoria Haley stared at Deneghra with steadily rising dread
estimating the fastest way to Corvis.

stepped forward to glare at the wraith witch. “You lie.” NORTH OF THE DRAGON’S TONGUE
RIVER
“Ignore me,” Deneghra said, “and soon news of General
Widowmaker Kapitan Ulvech sighted through the scope
Nemo’s demise will reach you. Can you live with yourself
knowing you could have prevented it?”

5
 THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD: PART ONE

Kapitan Volkov asked, “You are certain he was not lying?”

view than any ordinary spyglass. Ulvech said, “The
“At the end we offered him uiske,” Strakhov said. “He has
screening blind is done, Kommandant. We delayed it as
been drunk ever since. Were he lying, he would want his
long as possible.”
wits. He drinks to smother the bitter taste of his betrayal.”

“Your mad plan,” Irusk said, “you are ready for it?”
reassured him.
“Of course!” Strakhov looked offended. “Just give the word.”
The kapitan glanced at a length of silk he had tied to a burnt
and blackened tree closer to the river, seeing how the wind The supreme kommandant cleared his throat and spoke to
toyed with its length. He adjusted the barrel, pressed his
eye back to the scope, and held his breath as he squeezed sons of the Motherland died to crack that wall. It will not
the trigger. The sound of the report was extremely loud take them long to seal it. One thing the southerners can
amid the silence. The kapitan’s weapon was one of the do is build. They are like beavers.” He let them enjoy a
chuckle before continuing. “Our supply lines through the
a small miracle of precision. Still, this was an impossible Thornwood are in shambles. Cryxians infest the forest.
shot. Irusk’s eyes widened as he saw a small speck—what Clearing the Thornwood will be a bloody and grueling
had to be a man—fall down the face of the distant wall. task that could take years.” None of them looked pleased
at this thought.

Irusk let that sink in before he continued, “That is not what

IRUSK'S EYES WIDENED AS HE we will do. The Cygnarans never tamed the Thornwood;
SAW A SMALL SPECK—WHAT HAD
TO BE A MAN—FALL DOWN THE Our fortress was demolished.” He shrugged as if this were
FACE OF THE DISTANT WALL. a minor inconvenience. “To secure the river demands a city
to garrison. As we do not have time to build one, we will
have to take one the Cygnarans built for us.” He saw in
The kapitan made a dissatisfied noise. “That is the last their eyes the eagerness only the anticipation of bold action
worker repairing Karchev’s Breach who will die by could inspire. “While Kommandant Makarov besieges
sniper fire.” Stonebridge Castle and Forward Kommander Kratikoff
assaults Corvis, the greatest battle will be fought here. The
Irusk clapped the kapitan on the shoulder. “Thank you,
time has come to seize Point Bourne for the empress, for the
Kapitan. Have your men stand down.” He walked away,
empire, for the Motherland!”

southerners labored to erect a structure to screen the breach

so they could repair it unmolested. For weeks the sides had

cobbled together heavy boards on a wooden frame. Now

they could repair the wall in peace. Unacceptable. northern barracks well before alarm bells began to toll.
With the help of her adjutant, Captain Kara Sloan latched
As he approached a large kommand tent he heard the sound
on the last pieces of her warcaster armor and accepted her

as their supreme kommandant stepped inside. Looming

passing long gunner. “What’s the situation?”
above them at the back beneath an open vent in the tent
was the warjack frame inhabited by Kommander Alexander “It’s the Khadorans, sir! Making their big push!” He rushed
Karchev. Next to him was Kommander Oleg Strakhov, who to catch up with his unit.
wore a bored expression.
Sloan and her retinue went to the north wall, where the
Irusk looked to Kommander Strakhov and asked, “Did you sound of the cannons was deafening. The sky was dark,
get everything we need from the engineer?” He referred to dawn hours away. She could sense the cortexes of her
a Cygnaran siege engineer they had captured. Defenders and Avenger atop the wall where she was
expected and her pair of Hunters stationed far out amid the
outer trenches. Their augmented cortex receivers let them
some gentle persuasion, but once he started to talk he did
respond to her commands from a much greater distance.
not stop.” He waved at the maps and sketches on the tables.
She got close enough to extend her sight through the eyes of
“I know the nooks and crannies of Point Bourne better than
her farthest Hunter.

6
 logic. A frontal attack on Point Bourne seemed foolish;
the Cygnaran Army could surrender this small northern
section of the city and retreat behind the higher walls and
utilized blasting powder mixed with charcoal, sawdust, more powerful cannons south of the river. Seizing the
northern shore would avail Khador little. In times of peace,
the enemy and drifted downward with a bright white Point Bourne had served as a major hub of trade along the
glow, Sloan saw heavy Khadoran warjacks, dozens of Dragon’s Tongue River, using dozens of locks to safely
them, moving with a swiftness that suggested warcasters lower ships down a drastic elevation change while the bulk
impelled them. Those at the fore included several heavily of the river’s water was diverted west of the city. Trying
to breach southern Point Bourne across the river and its

heaviest cannons on the walls.

The generals concluded the better strategic course for
Khador would be to seize Stonebridge Castle to the east.
through its mechanikally augmented scope. Through its Stonebridge would allow a stable river crossing and enable
lenses not only was she brought much closer to the enemy, Khador to stage major offenses against Corvis, Bainsmarket,
or Point Bourne at their leisure. The generals had sent Lord
gleamed like suns. A formidable array of warjacks was at Commander Stryker’s Storm Division to Stonebridge, along
the vanguard, with hundreds of Man-O-War soldiers in the with a concentration of Cygnaran warcasters and military
front ranks fanned out to either side, creating a wedge of
heavy armor with the ’jacks at the point. Behind marched
thousands of elite Iron Fang pikemen. The symbols on the on. Their protests were ignored.

As this was unquestionably Gurvaldt Irusk’s army, Sloan

Assault Legion. Beyond them were ranks of Winter Guard
as far as she could see.
Karchev the Terrible striding at the center of a wall of
Her mouth became dry. This was the army that had walking steel but then found the supreme kommandant
toppled Northguard, advancing like an unstoppable tide marching amid a contingent of Man-O-War shocktroopers,
against Point Bourne. This was The Hammer, the 2nd just back from the front line.
Army of Khador, with the 4th Assault Legion at its fore—
Given the movement of the shocktroopers in front of him
and those hardened soldiers earned their motto “Walls
he made for an exceptionally challenging target. She waited
ahead, rubble behind.”
until she saw him invoke a surge of arcane momentum
Swallowing her trepidation, Sloan directed her Defenders to speed his warjacks. Knowing this would diminish his

as well as the Defenders, Avenger, and Hunters linked to

of the Devastators buckled and fell, its armor riddled and its her, augmenting their effective range. Timing the moment,
internal mechanisms compromised. Several other warjacks
and Man-O-War soldiers collapsed as well, but the rest kept
on, undeterred.

The trenches would slow them, but she apprehended the

impossibility of damaging the sheer volume of heavy bullet still pierced through his armored shoulder and out
armor marching against them. Her hands reloaded the back with a trail of blood. The sight of him staggering
automatically, and the shells from the Defender cannon with one hand to the wound gave Sloan some satisfaction.
His escort quickly locked shields around him. She kept alert

added their voices. Additional Khadoran warjacks and the armored advance.
soldiers toppled, but not enough. Sloan fumed, not happy
The enemy swiftly reached the outer trenches. Damaged
to have her predictions vindicated.
warjacks fell back from the front line to allow teams of
After the earlier aborted assault on the walls, the generals Khadoran mechaniks to swarm them like ants, replacing
had concluded the most likely next course for Khador pistons and armored plates. Fresh ’jacks stepped up to receive
would be a large-scale attack on Stonebridge Castle, to the
northeast. Sloan had to admit there were reasons for this Fangs but only slightly diminished their numbers.

7
 THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD: PART ONE

She expected the Khadoran toll to rise as they dealt with the An out-of-breath runner reached the colonel and spoke
trenches, but Kodiaks and Devastators brought enormous urgently into his ear. Kara Sloan and her ’jacks were
metal plates to throw across the narrowest gaps. She stepping off the lift platform when he blew his whistle to get
growled, thinking those plates must have been salvaged her attention. “Captain Sloan!” he shouted down. “General
from the fortress construction she had stopped. Each of Duggan orders withdrawal from the north shore!”
these impromptu bridges eventually buckled under the
She stared at him with naked disbelief. “Surrendering
weight of the ’jacks, but not until several rushed across to
assault those defending the nearest trenches. The wrecks of
to shout after her as she marched away, something about
previously destroyed ’jacks were hauled over and hurled
Stormblades.
in to bridge other gaps. Assault kommandos and Winter
Guard charged through openings between Man-O-War She had never disobeyed an order, but she could not turn
soldiers to close on trenchers.
all her ammunition and looked back to see Trencher
Sloan tried not to think about those she knew amid those
Lieutenant Leslie Durdin, her adjutant, carrying a fresh
embattled lanes, including the man closest to her heart.
belt from which dangled a dozen long rune-inscribed
shells. Kara paused just long enough to remove the old
order a retreat. There were avenues of withdrawal set aside,
and buckle on the new.
but the Khadorans swiftly consumed the trenches while
crushing everything underfoot. Grenadiers and Chargers Lieutenant Durdin’s face was pale with worry. Behind
her soldiers rushed down from the battlements and
but were battered aside. Several old Ironclads directed by began to withdraw. Durdin had to shout to be heard.
“The colonel said—”

“I heard him.” Sloan cut her off abruptly. Even as she spoke
Destroyers came in range of major bunkers to shell them
she saw through her Hunters’ eyes that Juggernauts were
in earnest. Irusk’s assault legion pressed inexorably toward
the breach.
each, making the best possible use of their armor-piercing
rounds. Before she could direct them to engage in melee
second, and only a small portion of its defensive cannons they were hammered to scrap by Khadoran ice axes.

There was an ear-splitting boom, and the wooden screen

a fact Irusk exploited on his advance. This was why Sloan
blocking the breach exploded in a spray of burning
and her ’jacks were placed as they were, but she would
have needed a dozen more to make a substantial difference.
ram pistons into the stone on either side of the gaping rent
Onward the Khadorans came, unwavering despite losses.
in the wall. The hasty repairs that had been done to the
“They’re coming too fast!” she muttered, frustrated. One
thought was keenly on her mind: they had someone whose groaning rumble as the breach widened and stone toppled
expertise was perfectly suited to buying them the time into the lane beyond the wall, landing with deadly weight

there was no sign of her. Sloan turned to one of the ranking and her warjacks followed suit with their cannons. She
released her pent-up arcane power in a surge across the
and shouted, “Colonel Hurston, where is Major Haley?”

The colonel was an older man who had been stationed at

Deepwood Tower before it had fallen. He blinked at Sloan
Marauder crashing through the wall. Her Avenger’s second
and cleared his throat as though embarrassed. “The major
explosive shell shook the ground and toppled several Man-
left perhaps three days ago, on some urgent matter. There
O-War Demolition Corpsmen, letting them have a taste of
has been no word from her.”
falling masonry from the wall.
Of all the times to pull her away, why now? Sloan thought.
Through the smoke and debris strode Karchev the Terrible
“Someone has to stop them at the breach,” she said, her
expression grim. She turned back to stride toward the steam-
again, this time at the ancient warcaster, who rightfully
driven lift used to move warjacks between the ground level
should have died here a century ago during the Battle
and the battlements. Her Defenders and Avenger joined
of the Tongue. Her Avenger shot shook the pavement
her. The lift operator engaged the engines, and the metal
beneath him, but Karchev was unfazed. Kara aimed for
platform began to lower.

8
his head, but he was moving and turning, and her bullet She felt a hand pull at her right arm and turned to see
tore through a section of his chest armor instead. Defender
shells opened other holes. He looked at her and gave a the grime covering her face. The lieutenant pleaded, “We
ghastly smile. need to get to the river!”

Blue-armored soldiers rushed past her, screaming battle Sloan’s anger was undiminished, but seeing her adjutant
and the fearful expressions on the other members of her
of the Rook, as the 3rd Storm Knight Company of the First retinue gave her pause—none of them were protected by
Army called themselves, charged forward while loosing
lightning bolts and then carved into the enemy ’jacks with
storm-powered glaives and halberds. Karchev raised his axe Stormblades would die to hold them, but it would be a
Sunder and chopped down, sending a surge of destructive suicidal stand. If the First Army was to stop the Khadorans
arcane energies that tore apart a dozen Storm Knights and it would not be here.
opened a trench of shattered stone through the lane that
She could not leave the Stormblades without aid. She
toppled two of Sloan’s Defenders. She leapt aside, shielding
mentally touched the cortexes of her warjacks and directed
them across the intervening distance, smashing into the
enemy ’jacks to send them careening through Khadorans
The Stormclad directed by their captain smashed into behind. Firing as she backed away, she focused her will to
one of the Marauders and sliced great rents in its armor direct quake hammer and stun blade strikes and urged the
with its generator blade, which sent lightning to bounce
across the nearest soldiers. Sloan heard the distinct then did she allow herself to be pulled toward the river.
whistling of incoming mortar fire, and explosions began
to rain down, followed by the distinct blasts of Gurvaldt THE SOUTHERN WALL, POINT
BOURNE
Irusk’s unique battle sorcery. More Stormblades and
Gun Mage Lieutenant Ryall and his squad watched from
Stormguard fell.
the battlements near Lock Station Seven as the chaotic

9
 THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD: PART ONE

withdrawal from the north shore proceeded. Flashes of

lightning and explosions lit the northern section of Point
Bourne. Ryall worried about those left outside the walls in
Kommander Strakhov made his move as soon as the
the trenches and battlements.
lieutenant saw through his ruse. Two of the other gun
He was surprised to see battle-weary soldiers climb the
nearest stairs and approach. At their fore strode a large, Piotr and Lachev before the rest of his disguised assault
unfamiliar man in Cygnaran warcaster armor with a kommandos closed. The Cygnarans were nimble, if not
captain’s shield and stripes on his shoulder. With him was a skilled with their swords. It took longer than Strakhov
unit of the largest trencher commandos Ryall had ever seen.
own blade.
as not one looked comfortable in his uniform.
The entire exchange had taken only moments, but the sound
The warcaster nodded, and Ryall offered a crisp salute.
Perhaps it was simply the added impact of the warcaster “Quickly!” He dragged two of the bodies into the control
armor, but the gun mage found the captain’s stare imposing. chamber while his men brought in the others and shoved
He had rarely interacted directly with warcasters, even them in the corner. Two of his team took up watch positions
when studying at the Tempest Academy. The warcaster near the door.
said, “Lieutenant, I’m here to relieve you.” He spoke with a
Strakhov looked at the bewildering assortment of
Thurian accent, common among those born and raised near
pressure gauges, switches, and long-poled levers. This
Ceryl, as he extended a crumpled paper. “You’re to report
station controlled the nearest section of the river locks by
to Lock Station Four.”

Ryall stiffened as he took the paper and examined it. of water into each of the chambers used to raise or lower
“I’ve heard nothing about this.” The paperwork seemed boats. Now would be the test of the most vital intelligence
in order, but he felt troubled. He realized he had no idea wrung from the Cygnaran engineer. Eventually Strakhov
who this warcaster might be. “What’s your name, sir? I found the lever slot described to him. He retrieved a spare
didn’t catch it.” lever handle from a shelf and inserted it into the empty slot,
which had apparently not been used in years. He gripped
The large man smiled easily, and Ryall found himself
the valve wheels and cranked them in sequence as he had
staring at the large jagged scar down his cheek. “Captain
been directed, then yanked down on two of the old hinged
Larson Shackleton.”
levers, followed by the one he had just reattached. He
Ryall frowned. “Shackleton . . . There was a journeyman by was rewarded with a change in timbre in the thrumming
that name who transferred to Stonebridge.”
machinery engaged.
The warcaster took the question in stride. “I was promoted
to captain last month. They delayed my transfer.” His voice There had been a risk the old mechanism would not
work. Cygnar’s mechaniks were diligent, though, and for
much time.” once Strakhov appreciated their fastidious nature. The
mechanism activated an enormous lift at the bottom of the
If they were sending a warcaster to watch this station, where
lock that had been designed for the passage of laborjacks
were his warjacks? Ryall’s instincts told him something
during early construction on the opposite side of the river.
Although several bridges existed along the locks, only one

Trawlins.” The gun mage nodded and turned to leave, but

bridge was currently the most heavily guarded place in
one of the trenchers stepped in his way.
Point Bourne. It included a defensive failsafe that could tilt
Ryall scowled and took a step back, his hand resting on his its surface to send enemy warjacks tumbling into the waters
holstered magelock. “This is against protocol. I must insist—” of the nearest lock.

As large as he was, the warcaster moved with surprising This forgotten ’jack lift was known to only a few
speed. He drew a brutal-looking single-edged sword and mechaniks who worked closely with the engines
closed half the distance before Ryall’s pistol cleared its powering the locks. Strakhov watched out the control
room window as water poured through long-unused lock
channels below. At last a large, metal platform emerged
into his stomach and ripped up under his sternum. After an from the water to provide a stable bridge. Even before
explosion of pain he felt no more. the lift had risen completely, he could see Kommander

10
Karchev and his ’jacks on the street opposite. They They invoked decrees to increase recruitment efforts
had crossed before the surprised Cygnaran defenders and foundry production, bolstering Feora’s garrisons,
reoriented themselves to fire. which presently served as the only protection for Imer,
Sul, and Ancient Icthier. Knowing the Synod’s support
“Kommander,” one of the sentries said, “there’s a
might wane at any time, Feora sent her right hand, the
commotion.”
warcaster Thyra, Flame of Sorrow, to lead raids across
“We need to move.” He was not to join Irusk and Karchev the Black River on Cygnaran soil. As expected, the
in subduing the southern city; he had been ordered back Cygnarans retaliated into Protectorate territory. These
north across the river to ensure the northern trenches attacks served to remind the Synod they needed the
outside the breach were secured. Irusk would need to know Flameguard—they needed Feora. They had reluctantly
if reinforcements were sent from Stonebridge Castle. agreed to deploy several potent relics of the faith to
empower holy weapons built by Visgoth Ark Rezek,
Strakhov primed a cinder bomb from his belt, holding
overseer of the Sul-Menite Artificers. Hierarch Severius
it behind his back as he left the control room. Outside,
demanded the most potent of these be sent north, but
Feora arranged for Vessels of Judgment to be allocated
alongside an older Cygnaran specialist holding a weighty
to the southern garrisons as well.
wrench. Strakhov pointed behind and yelled in Cygnaran,
“Something’s wrong with the controls!” The older man and
one of the long gunners rushed into the control room.
ALL FOCUSED ON A SINGLE
BLACK-ARMORED FIGURE,
and it exploded with a deafening blast to incinerate both NEAR WHICH LAY SEVERAL
the specialist and long gunner while melting the controls FALLEN KNIGHTS, THEIR BLOOD
to slag. The warcaster pointed back at the remaining long SPILLED UPON THE SANDS.
gunners. Red runes circled his hand as he invoked an
explosion to annihilate the four closest, taking with them a
large section of the stairway.
Her patrol was interrupted when she heard the clash of
He leapt past the gap to slash through the throats of the metal on metal, suggesting a skirmish beyond the nearest
last two, who had fallen back. His men followed behind, hills. She marched in that direction as she invoked prayers
blending in with the chaos. They heard shouting nearby, to Menoth to speed her steps as well as those of her warjacks:
a Devout, Dervish, Guardian, and Reckoner.
to their lines.
Topping the hill they saw three detachments of Exemplar
NORTH OF TOWER JUDGMENT, knights below, ranged in a semicircle facing inward with
BLOODSTONE MARCHES blades drawn. A detachment of Exemplars errant farther
Feora, Priestess and Protector of the Flame, walked the back held crossbows ready. All focused on a single black-
rugged hills north of Tower Judgment and scanned the armored figure, near which lay several fallen knights,
desert wastes. She had taken to patrolling the northern their blood spilled upon the sands. Both sides stood
border since the recent loss of a sizable Menoth’s Fury motionless and tense.

Feora approached the ranking errant. “What is

Wurm cultists had been a serious blow.
happening here?”
There had been no additional sign of the cultists, but the
He offered a respectful nod. “We ran into him on patrol.
memory of the storm and earthquake that had swallowed
Said he came to speak with you, Priestess. Our seneschal
demanded he surrender his blade, but he refused. When
her. Feora had rallied the Flameguard afterward and used
we forced the issue . . .” He indicated a fallen knight with
the disaster as an abject lesson, blaming its loss on their
broken banners in a pool of blood.
lapse of faith.
“He is alone?” Feora asked, incredulous.
Immediately afterward, she had leveraged the situation
in a meeting with the Synod to convince the visgoths “There are others, up on the hill.” Feora looked to where
to grant her greater control over their refineries and dozens of indistinct dots speckled the opposite hill. The
mines, each of which needed protection. The Synod
was uneasy with so much of the Protectorate’s military
strength committed to the Northern Crusade in Llael. even as their leader was surrounded intrigued her.

11
 THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD: PART ONE

Sudden motion drew her eye back to where three of the

Exemplar knights attacked together. Their relic blades downward blow that severed the Dervish’s connecting left
were large but perfectly balanced and blessed weapons. arm pistons. Its forearm, hand, and blade fell to the sand.
The stranger ’s greatsword seemed clumsy in comparison, He lifted his sword behind his back with one hand to block
yet he moved with uncanny speed to deflect the first blow the Dervish’s other blade, which hit with a spray of sparks.
while stepping aside to evade the second and batting the The impact was strong enough to push him several feet
third aside with a gauntleted hand, wielding his sword through the sand, but he was unharmed.
in one hand.
Without pause he moved around the ’jack to deliver
another simple but highly effective blow to chop through
its steam engine as if it were nothing more than a block
FEORA HAD NO DOUBT SHE COULD of wood. The Dervish’s pressure chamber was breached
SLAY THIS MAN, BUT WHAT HE HAD with a whistling release of steam, and the ’jack toppled
DEMONSTRATED SHOULD NOT onto one knee. His sword looked unmarred. She asked
HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE. incredulously, “Who are you?”

He stepped closer despite the proximity of both Exemplar

knights and Temple Flameguard. “Vinter Raelthorne the
With a contemptuous sweep of his sword he carved
Fourth, the true king of Cygnar.” He slung the sword
through all three knights, parting breastplates and torsos
onto his back.

gore. Two died instantly while the third dropped to his Such a claim from a random stranger might have been
knees, releasing his sword to clutch at the entrails spilling dismissed if not for the feats she had witnessed. Feora had no
from his midriff, then toppled. A shout of righteous doubt she could slay this man, but what he had demonstrated
indignation went up from the remaining Exemplars. should not have been possible. His appearance matched
what she knew of Cygnar’s former king, who had been
the stranger’s armor. deposed when she was still a recruit among the Flameguard
clergy. She addressed the Protectorate warriors. “I offer him
Feora shouted, “Hold!”
the courtesies of the Law of Envoys.” The knights were
The stranger wore no arcane turbine and she did not sense agitated, but it was their duty to obey, and they lowered
he was a warcaster, but his skill was undeniable. She their swords.
approached him, her Flameguard hurrying behind, their
She walked aside with him, her warjacks staying near.
She said, “Murdering our knights is a dubious method to
The stranger looked to her, and from this closer proximity
initiate a proposal.”
his sharp-edged features were older than she expected,
his hair streaked with gray. He wore a patch over one eye. Vinter was unapologetic. “They chose to die by my blade.
“Feora, Priestess of the Flame? I have a proposal for your Let me be blunt: each of us has pressing responsibilities.
ears alone.” My army will soon reclaim my crown from the usurper,
my brother.”
“Surrender your sword,” she stated, “and we can talk.”
Feora turned her head toward the far hillside with its
He gave her a tight smile. “I surrender nothing.”
dozens of ragged men. “This is your army?”
Feora felt in no danger—not with her warjacks close at
Vinter smiled again. “Not the least part of it. Many of
hand—but his arrogance grated. She took mental control
Cygnar’s nobles follow me. The Cygnaran Army will
of her Dervish and sent it toward him. She said, “Drop the
stand divided.”
sword while you can.”
“The thought of a second civil war in Cygnar pleases me,
Rather than obey he adopted a ready pose, his sword held
but ultimately it matters little to our crusades which king
in both hands at shoulder height with its blade horizontal
leads your heathen kingdom.”
and pointed at the Dervish. Feora thought it unfortunate
she must slay him without learning his purpose, but she “Just so,” Vinter said. “A protracted civil war would weaken
had given him ample opportunity. She could feel the Cygnar against its enemies, which presently includes
Dervish’s blades as if she held them in her hands as it your nation. Both our goals will be aided should we work
sprang forward. She brought the twin swords across in a together.” He paused to allow the bold statement to sink in.
horizontal scissors strike. Feora stared at him in silence. He continued, “Should you
assist me, when I sit once more on the Cygnaran throne, I

12
vow to nullify the decrees making the Church of Morrow heavies. Beyond them Irusk saw the warcaster, an older
the state religion. For their treasonous complicity and man with short-cropped white hair. He had a mechanikally
collusion in my unlawful overthrow, its leading priests will augmented Caspian battle blade in hand.

Creator to reinstate the worship of Menoth in Cygnar. Your

too old for the front line, Irusk would not underestimate any
priests will be empowered to supervise religious matters.
warcaster. The supreme kommandant was familiar with all
We will recognize your theocracy as ally and friend.”

Feora heard a strange ringing in her ears and felt off balance, as Colonel Wies Glowerby, one of the foremost warcaster
as if she had not been breathing deeply enough. She asked, instructors of the northern Strategic Academy. He had spent
“Why not go north to make your offer to Hierarch Severius?” decades training Cygnarans how to wage war. It had been

Vinter grimaced. “I respect the former grand scrutator. But

over warjacks was undiminished. Irusk called out, “Colonel
he holds the position of hierarch temporarily. Mortality will
Glowerby! Surrender and power down your warjacks! No
claim him, sooner rather than later. When he goes to his
harm will come to you.”

The colonel glared and spit to the side. The Centurion had its
“You are well informed.” Feora found it strange to hear her
shield up and its spear readied. The Hammersmith stomped
private thoughts spoken by another. “There is no certainty
each foot, breaking through cobblestones, while adjusting
you can reclaim the throne. Why should I risk aiding you?”
the weapons in its hands. The Cygnaran warcaster shouted,
“You risk nothing. I have numerous powerful allies on “Ha! I was about to make you the same offer!”
Cygnaran soil. I offer them for your use, should you loan
Irusk tried again. “You are at a disadvantage, and there is
military assets toward the elimination of targets of my
nowhere to run. You have fought well. There is no shame
choosing.”

Feora considered this. “Targets whose absence will facilitate sallying forth from the military quarter to intercept their
your resumption of the throne?” advance. They had lured the warcaster and his ’jacks onto
this avenue, where he was now trapped in a cul-de-sac. Yet
“You perceive the situation.” Vinter inclined his head.
even an aged warcaster could be as dangerous as a wild
“My enemies are yours. By my help you can move with
boar when cornered.
unprecedented freedom within Cygnar’s borders. All I ask
is that certain individuals be left untouched. Whether I Already the cost of seizing Point Bourne had been high. Irusk
succeed or fail, your favor will rise in the eyes of the Synod.” had lost more warjacks than he considered ideal, expending
a sizable portion of the division’s heaviest assets. Many of
Feora mulled this over at length. Madman or not, there was
those ’jacks had intact cortexes and could be rebuilt in time,
no doubt Vinter Raelthorne IV was formidable. At last she
taking advantage of Point Bourne’s captured industrial
facilities. Thanks to Strakhov’s gambit, the Cygnarans had
SOUTHERN POINT BOURNE succumbed quickly after seeing the wall was lost, and only
The Centurion broke through the wall of Iron Fang pikemen,
smashing a half-dozen underfoot and killing more with the rest of the Khadoran force had swept into the southern
its shield and spear. Alongside it a Hammersmith made a city to seize key positions while keeping pressure on the
similar advance against a damaged Juggernaut, connecting Cygnarans. Squads of Winter Guard had separated from
mightily with both hammers. The Juggernaut staggered even the main force to hold each district, ensuring the civilian
as the Hammersmith delivered a last blow of tremendous population was secured.

Point Bourne's defenders had withdrawn to the heavily

and the Man-O-War kovnik who had been controlling it and
crashed through the brick wall of a building behind them. Academy and the attached Tempest Academy. Given how
Supreme Kommandant Irusk immediately ordered the many of the nation’s elite gun mages and warcasters had
Iron Fangs to pull back, sending his ’jacks to take their been trained in those halls, its seizure would be a tremendous
victory for Khador but one Irusk expected to take time. The
were exhausted from long hours of ceaseless battle. Irusk military quarter was built like a fortress complex and would
was mindful of his promise to Empress Vanar; he intended be far harder to crack than the city’s outer walls had been.
to lose no more men than was necessary. His Spriggan,
Marauder, and Kodiak squared off against the Cygnaran now. With his army controlling the streets, the defenders
had no access to resupply.

13
 THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD: PART ONE

This colonel was one of the last holdouts. Irusk genuinely Supreme Kommandant Irusk was moving past them, his
hoped for surrender—his shoulder wound burned, and gaze unwavering as he closed on Colonel Glowerby. Beads
of sweat shone on the older warcaster’s brow but he gave
had applied were already soaked again; he could feel the a battle yell and charged with his mechanikal battle blade
wetness against his skin. They had advised him to rest so upraised. The two men met in a clash of steel.
the blood would clot, but he had ignored them.

He knew the sniper responsible for his injury was a shoulder, Irusk felt awkward. The colonel was an experienced
warcaster named Kara Sloan, a young captain and a swordsman, and his warcaster armor made up for his
waning strength. They traded strike and parry twice each,
during their advance, and she had nearly hit him with a the colonel staggering and giving up ground with each blow.
second bullet while he crossed to the south shore. One of He made a desperate lunge, hoping to buy himself a moment
his loyal shocktroopers had taken that shot and died for it. of time, but Irusk anticipated the movement and stepped
Irusk wished he faced Sloan instead of this aged colonel so aside. Overextended, Glowerby was unable to react as Irusk
he could repay her in kind. She was likely ensconced within
the military quarter, atop its battlements, ready to shoot any
Khadoran who approached. of blood as the Cygnaran gasped and stumbled.

Irusk saw the exact moment the colonel made his decision, “Surrender!” Irusk commanded. Behind them the Centurion
broadcast in the set of his shoulders and a small nod with dealt a powerful blow to Irusk’s Kodiak, driving its spear
gritted teeth. Irusk urged his battered Marauder to step into the other ’jack’s hip assembly, but faltered beneath the
forward ahead of his other ’jacks. The colonel raised his onslaught of the two Khadoran heavies. Its shield could not
sword and blue runes manifested in a circle around his be everywhere at once.
fist and then around the weapons of his Hammersmith as
Colonel Glowerby gritted his teeth and sucked in a deep,
it leapt into motion. Next the warcaster pointed at Irusk,
ragged breath as he drove at Irusk in a series of desperate
who stepped quickly to the side behind the edge of the
slashes with the last of his remaining strength. He was giving
nearest building just as an explosion of arcane power
no thought to defense, but his rash gambit forced Irusk to
filled the air where he had stood and tore through the
scramble to block. Irusk barely evaded the last wild swing,
nearby bricks and cobblestones. Irusk was showered with
but the weight of the Cygnaran blade unbalanced the colonel,
a spray of rubble.
who gasped and staggered. Irusk lunged forward to drive
The Hammersmith took the bait and rushed the Marauder his sword through Glowerby’s throat. The colonel’s eyes
to deliver powerful hammer blows in sequence, the last rolled up as Irusk neatly withdrew his blade. He watched
sending the Khadoran ’jack tumbling crippled onto the the man fall limply to the stones. The Centurion froze as its
street. The Centurion also moved forward, its spear fully cortex was overcome by a backlash of mental energies.
extended. Irusk stepped back into the open and pointed his
Irusk stood looking down at the body in the lengthening
sword Endgame as he summoned his own power, shaped to
shadows. The colonel had been a worthy adversary, a
manifest as powerful, clinging energies in front of the enemy
warrior who had done his duty and faced his end bravely.
’jack. It staggered as the pavement beneath its metal feet
The supreme kommandant understood the heart of this
clung to it, slowing its progress. With that warjack delayed,
man—this foreigner—better than he did some of his own
Irusk impelled both his Kodiak and Spriggan to close on the
kinsmen, those kayazy who fattened themselves on the
carcasses of conquered lands he left behind. Irusk spoke
an ancient phrase from the era of the Khardic horselords.
tempered point smashing straight through the armored hull “Today I send you to Urcaen, my enemy, but tomorrow I
of the Cygnaran ’jack with the sound of screaming metal. may join you. Rest and struggle no more.”
It yanked the lance free and struck again, deeper into the
His shoulder throbbing with pain and his soaked bandage
same gaping hole. The Kodiak was next, punching great
having slipped loose, Irusk winced as he walked away, his
indentations in the Hammersmith’s armor with armored
’jacks following. He handed his blade to an aide to clean.
A messenger arrived with news Karchev had cleared
straight into the more slowly advancing Centurion. The
the enemy south of the military quarter’s main gate. The
Cygnaran ’jacks collided in a deafening cacophony. The
Cygnarans were cornered. He felt some small satisfaction
in knowing Point Bourne was theirs. Those hiding in the
fading. As the Centurion regained its feet, the Kodiak leapt
military quarter could enjoy a reprieve behind their walls,
upon it like the bear that was its namesake.
while he gave his men the same. They had earned it.

14
POINT BOURNE, THE NORTHERN catch the arrivals by surprise. His ’jacks would be another
TRENCHWORKS matter, but they were farther back. Strakhov urged Torch
to fire smoke grenades to obscure its position.
sandbags as the rattling chain gun tore into them, then he
The kommandos watched for Strakhov’s signal as he
hurled a cinder bomb through the narrow aperture of the listened to the sound of boots crunching on soil. Linking his
bunker. There was a dull thump and a wash of heat followed sight to Torch, he peered through the smoke at the soldiers
by the screaming of dying trenchers. That chain gun was nearing their trench. They moved listlessly, marching as if
silenced. The kommandos sent choking smoke grenades weary. He heard no conversations, no exclamations of shock
or dismay at the corpses of their comrades.
on any trenchers they spotted. Meanwhile Strakhov’s ’jack He gritted his teeth and stood up suddenly, his riot gun in
hand. He pulled the trigger to blast the nearest soldier. As
other side, killing the last few who had run in that direction. the bullet impacted there was no spray of blood and none
Strakhov’s Destroyer was situated farther back covering
them with its bombard. He had grown weary of guiding the
old thing with its dim cortex through the maze of trenches.

“That’s the last of them on this side, sir,” Lieutenant Kristovich

reported as he unrolled a soiled map. “There might be some dead. Red runes circled his other hand as an explosion
over here.” He circled a region at the outer perimeter. “And of power erupted amid the largest knot of the shambling
there are the tunnels connecting the larger bunkers.” corpses, creating an upheaval of rock and soil as it sent

They had been weaving their way back and forth across
the trenches moving outward from the breach to ensure the
last of the Cygnarans left behind were eliminated. Strakhov the perimeter but were soon set upon.
was beginning to feel the fatigue, and he could see it clearly
The shambling dead did not appear to be mechanithralls.
for hours now. Strakhov was relieved to be back in his own One leapt down into the far side of the trench and exploded
warcaster armor, having left behind the Cygnaran set as in a powerful blast, taking out the two nearest Khadorans.
Strakhov scanned the walking corpses and saw several
had been just as eager to shed their trencher gear.
shots from his riot gun at those. “Back up to the next
His work would not end when the trenches were clear. trench!” he shouted.
Cygnaran patrols were expected to return at any time; it
would be his job to neutralize them. He was also to watch Strakhov felt a warning from Torch even as he climbed out
for reinforcement from Stonebridge, although if Irusk’s
plans went properly, the enemy should be kept busy for coming from the west, behind them. At their center was
several days. There was always the chance Cygnar would
send a battlegroup with one of the warcasters under Lord moved in sultry motion as she walked closer, idly twirling
Commander Stryker’s command to check on the city. a long-bladed polearm. Bonejacks rushed forward from
alongside her on short but swift necrotite-powered legs.
Strakhov heard a distinct whistle from one of the kossite Directly behind her was a rune-covered Slayer whose eyes
woodsmen along the eastern perimeter on sentry duty gleamed with malice, its claws extended eagerly.
and waved his men to follow. He directed Torch and his
Destroyer to take a more circuitous route. He arrived ahead
of the others and saw by the kossite’s hand signals that
dozens of men approached. After a few moments, staring in
that direction, he discerned a platoon of Cygnaran soldiers
making their way through the outer tree line.

He moved back to the nearest trench and hunkered

down, silently signaling his men to do the same. It would
be impossible that such a patrol would not have heard
the distant cannons or seen the smoke rising over Point
Bourne, so they would be wary. Still, the outer trenchworks
looked abandoned, and with the light fading they might

15
 NEW RULES
BATTLE ENGINES HUGE BASE
From armored, horse-drawn carriages that predate A huge-based model occupies the space from the bottom of
warjacks to innovative marvels never before seen in the its base to a height of 5 .
Iron Kingdoms, the battle engines of WARMACHINE are
powerful weapons of war. These giant machines require FACING & LINE OF SIGHT
neither sorcerous control from an army’s warcaster nor A battle engine’s front arc is marked on it base. Its front arc
is further divided into two 90°
engine’s own commander, crew, or consciousness guides
it to rain down destruction upon enemies bold or foolish with its weapons depending on their location. Weapons
enough to stand in its path. located on a battle engine’s left side (L) can target only

Battle engines have their own model type: battle engine. engine’s right side (R) can target only models in its right
Battle engines are not warrior models. Battle engines are
independent models.

Battle engines are on huge bases (120 mm).

FIELD OF FIRE

Crusader

Revenger

Flameguard

This Gun Carriage can

target the Flameguard
unit with its left weapon,
the Ravenger with its
right weapon, and the
Crusader with either or
Gun Carriage both weapons.

16
TARGETING A BATTLE ENGINE
A battle engine never gains the DEF bonus from concealment, unit of the same faction because an ally unit in a Faction
cover, or elevation. army is considered a Faction unit and not a Mercenary
unit. For example, if the Precursor Knights were part
CLOUD EFFECTS AND FOREST TERRAIN of a Cygnaran army, the Knights would be considered
Cloud effects and forest terrain do not block line of sight to Cygnar models and not a Mercenary unit, so Captain Jonas
a battle engine. Murdoch could not be attached to them.

TARGETING A BATTLE ENGINE IN MELEE

RANKING OFFICERS & ’JACK
A model targeting a battle engine with a ranged or magic
MARSHAL
attack does not suffer the target in melee attack roll
penalty. If a ranged or magic attack misses a battle engine
advantage and can never take control of a warjack controlled
in melee, that miss is not rerolled against another model.
It misses completely.

A battle engine can be targeted by combined ranged attacks

while it is in melee.

PREDEPLOYMENT
controls are in its command range at any time during its
Battle engines must be placed before normal deployment.
activation or during the activation of a warjack it controls.
If both players have models to predeploy, they predeploy
their models in standard deployment order.
types of Mercenary warjacks that the unit could control
MASSIVE
A battle engine cannot be pushed, knocked down, or made
stationary. A battle engine cannot be moved by a slam or throw.
Faction warjacks of its new Faction.
PATHFINDER
Although the icon does not appear on their stat lines, all

SERVICEABLE
Friendly Faction models with the Repair ability can attempt
to repair damaged battle engines. To attempt repairs, the
model with Repair must be in base-to-base contact with the
damaged battle engine and make a skill check. If successful,
remove d6 damage points from the battle engine.

RANKING OFFICERS
to any Mercenary unit in the army. While the Ranking

Mercenary models.

,
it loses that ability while this model is in play.

, the

If the rest of its unit has an ability or advantage that keeps

or
Undead

17
 CYGNAR
THE LONGEST HOUR
The Sancteum, Caspia, 608 AR

Sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows and entryway of the cathedral she explained, “These were not
transformed into myriad colors along the gleaming marble ordinary casualties, Brogan. This could have been avoided.
These knights were sent to Korsk on a holy mission and
impressive house of worship of the Church of Morrow. stood vigil at the empress’ cathedral, within sight of her
Within the enormous nave sat thousands of mourners, palace! How is it possible the Khadorans did not intervene?
among them King Leto Raelthorne. Hundreds of Morrowan It is an outrage.”
knights from various orders kneeled in the long, central
He frowned uncertainly. “Cryx killed those knights, not the
aisle with heads unadorned to show respect. A choir
Khadorans.”

Constance said, “The Khadorans did not want our knights

notes faded, Primarch Arius’ resonant voice resumed to there, so the empress let them die. They were betrayed—if
not in deed, by inaction. Morrow expects us to act when
presented with the choice to do the right thing. Isn’t that
The scope and grandeur of the ceremony far exceeded that
the point of the Volition? The Church has indulged Khador
afforded most who died in the service of the Church or the
too long.”
nation. Despite this, Constance Blaize was too consumed
by grief to be soothed by its beauty. As she looked upon Brogan was uncomfortable with such talk. “What would
you do? March to Korsk and confront the empress? You
of Morrow, she could not help but feel the lives of these serve the primarch directly and must exercise restraint,
knights had been thrown away. both in action and in word.” He looked nervously at people
passing by.
She lingered after the funeral, eventually becoming aware
This was an old argument between them. “Our faith allows
face of Battle Chaplain Brogan Corley. He had served with
her for the last two years in the Third Army and had returned
with her and his knights to Caspia for the ceremony. I, too, am Cygnaran born.”

“It was a moving service,” he said. He looked up at the lines He grunted in exasperation. “You enter battle with warjacks
forged on holy ground. You represent the greater arsenal of
deaths serve the divine will. Still, they are in a better place, the Church of Morrow. It is one thing for Cygnaran knights
called to the bosom of the Prophet.” to defend their homeland, quite another for the Sancteum to
take a stand in a war between Cygnar and Khador.” There
Though they enjoyed camaraderie in battle, she felt a
were only a few warcasters pledged directly to the Church,
familiar anger at his platitudes. “Because they were called
Constance senior among them. Several others belonged to
to this task by Morrow we should accept their deaths?” She
the Order of Illumination, a group that served the church
spoke in a low but intense tone.
but had its own agenda.
The battle chaplain frowned. “We live in a time of war;
She added, “I have heard Exarch Dargule has intelligence
indicating one of the cathedral priests in Korsk was killed after
Once again he was retreating into homilies. “Let us walk.” the Cryx were gone. He suspects the Khadorans murdered a
She did not wish to trouble the grieving families with their priest, right in the empress’ cathedral, perhaps to silence him.
discussion. As they left the nave and stepped into the large That is the respect the empress shows our faith.”

18
He drew himself up and said, “It is one thing to allege
negligence, quite another to accuse—” He broke off as he saw
a junior priest approaching them with an intent expression.
By foot, the trip between Caspia and the Dragon’s Tongue
The man bowed slightly when he drew near. “Constance
Blaize? Chaplain Corley? My apologies, but you are
summoned.”
belching engine of the Lady Ellena, Cygnar’s fastest train,
“Summoned? By whom?” Blaize asked in surprise. drove powerful pistons and churning wheels to devour
mile after mile of steel track. Their journey to one of the
“Primarch Arius,” the young priest answered. Her eyes
northernmost stations would be completed in less than a
widened, and she and Brogan shared a quick look. The
day and a night.
messenger turned and walked away, and Blaize and
Brogan followed. Constance listened to the conversations of the regular
passengers during the journey, finding it useful in
assessing the mood abroad. After a stop past the trade
city of Fharin the talk among the grim-faced Midlunders
in the open dining car grew bleak. Constance heard tell
“Reserve forces?” She was unable to keep the surprise from
of rationing, of areas with water shortages after wells
her voice.
had dried up or been poisoned, of drought and famine
“That is correct.” Primarch Arius’ heavily wrinkled face after fields had been burned. They also spoke of dark,
was serene. “You are free to return to the Third Army if you monstrous things appearing from the wilds beyond
prefer, but this is a chance to join the northern front, as you the settled areas in the north to raid and pillage. Some,
have petitioned.” pointing to the despoiling of graves, whispered of
witchcraft and infernalism. She heard one older passenger
She hesitated before answering. “I appreciate the honor,
praise Vinter ’s Inquisition, although his companions
but I had intended to be assigned to an active company.
admonished him.
Wouldn’t I serve Morrow best by using his gifts on the
They blamed King Leto for their troubles. Their words

The elderly priest nodded patiently. “Chances for you to

shared a look with Chaplain Corley, who clearly had
serve both Cygnar and the Church will arise. Matters may
similar thoughts.
worsen along the Dragon’s Tongue River; having you in the
region would ease my mind.” Suddenly the car lurched alarmingly. Several people

Constance Blaize had lasting bonds with soldiers of the

the horrendous screeching of grating metal on metal as the
car shuddered and slowed. Constance gripped the table in
only minor skirmishes. But the real war was in the north;
front of her and fought her way to her feet. Chaplain Corley
even Cryx seemed distracted from its coastal raids by larger
checked the passengers for injury.
battles on the mainland. Joining the reserves would place
her closer to where she wanted to be. Her hand strayed to
the leather-bound tome chained to her waist. This was not and his eyes darted over the knights until he saw Constance
the Enkheiridion—the holy book containing the teachings Blaize. The engineer removed his hat. “Something’s
of Morrow and Thamar—but the Prayers for Battle. The blocking the rails ahead, Captain! Could be trouble—might
catechism contained Morrow’s philosophy on warfare you come up and take a look?”
together with teachings of Ascendants Katrena, Solovin,
“Of course.” Constance was not a captain, but she did not
and Markus, the Martial Trinity. She was a Sword of the
bother correcting him. Her rank situation was tricky, even
Church. Her place was in battle.
for those in the military. By the accords between the Church
Arius spoke. “I intend to send someone north on the next and the Cygnaran Army she had similar authority as a
train. Will it be you? It is your choice.” major. In the church hierarchy she had identical courtesies
as a high prelate, but while operating on the primarch’s
orders her command of Church military assets was almost
was as far as the primarch would go toward authorizing her
absolute. None of this mattered to the crew of the Lady
to join the main war effort on Cygnar’s behalf. A Morrowan
Ellena. She shouted to her mechanik crew chief. “Chief
must have patience as much as courage. She met his gaze
Hopkins! Ready the ’jacks!” He hurried back toward the
and said, “Thank you, Your Holiness.” His eyes held
cargo cars.
something of paternal pride as he inclined his head.

19
 Knowing such an obstruction could be a prelude to purchased through the Cygnaran Armory, where they had
ambush, she went with her attendants to her berth where auction rights to old and damaged machines subsequently
her warcaster armor and equipment were stowed. By the
emblazoned buckler and sword were unique, and over the
necessary steam pressure, she was attired for battle. The access panels protecting its cortex, chains held a massive
power of her arcane turbine offset the weight of the heavy ironbound tome, a larger twin to the one hanging at
armor as she strode toward the engine. She directed her Constance’s side.
’jacks to advance along the track embankment and alert her
The Precursors joined up in ranks and followed as they
to any trouble.
approached the obstruction. It was immediately obvious
An assistant engineer opened the door at her knock to reveal the pile of scrap was the wreckage of multiple Cygnaran
a sweltering room with several grubby crewmen checking warjacks, each torn limb from limb. She mentally directed
pressure dials and gauges. The senior engineer said, Gallant and the Defender to clear the tracks while her light
“Stopped in the nick of time!” He pointed to the grease- ’jacks and knights fanned out.
stained window. Squinting, she could make out something
“Trolls?” Brogan asked. They had heard there had been
large lying across the tracks in front of them. “Figure with
previous troll trouble on the line. Blaize indicated melted
your ’jacks . . .”
armor and conduits, the result of powerful unnatural acids.
Blaize nodded curtly. “How close are we to our destination?” One of the ’jacks, an old Charger, had been torn open and its
cortex was missing. Corley hissed under his breath, “Cryx.”
“Just a few miles. Straight through those hills and trees.”
He pointed. “Wouldn’t have taken long at full steam, but The word had barely escaped his lips before dark forms
now . . .” He shrugged. emerged from the trees. Blaize yelled for her knights to
lock shields as mechanithralls and bile thralls closed.
Blaize considered the distance, weighing it against the time
Larger, indistinct shapes advanced behind those,
required to load the warjacks on the train again and get back
shrouded in shadow. Provoked by Blaize’s apprehension,
up to speed. “Once we clear the obstruction and check the
her Defender fired too soon, its shot missing in the veil
perimeter, we will continue on foot. Wait to get underway
of darkness. She directed it to hold while she sent her
until we send the all-clear.”
Sentinels up alongside the Precursors. The warjacks’
chain guns quickly spun up to speed.
HER LANCER RAN FORWARD AS SHE
“Keep a distance from the bile thralls!” she shouted. The
HURLED HER POWER THROUGH ITS
Precursors smoothly stepped back as Sentinel bullets tore
ARC NODE TO MANIFEST AN
EXPLOSION OF LIGHT DISINTEGRATING
creatures and knew the acidic substance they contained
THEIR UNHOLY FLESH.
could slay a person in seconds despite any armor. The
bloated corpses of the thralls were easily punctured by
Sentinel staccato bursts. Her Lancer ran forward as she
hurled her power through its arc node to manifest an
thought. “Here, take these!” He seized a small wooden box
from a nearby shelf. The box displayed several red warning
With the biles cleared, Blaize shouted “Charge!” and
the Precursors surged forward swinging blessed maces
against the mechanithralls. The crackle of rifle fire
When Blaize jumped down from the engine, her steel
indicated the Lady Ellena’s defenders had climbed atop
guardian met her, releasing a jet of steam in greeting as
roof perches to contribute.
it offered a salute with its sword before its visored face.
Without needing further mental or verbal instruction, The shadows melted away to reveal a Slayer helljack and a
Gallant marched alongside her as she walked ahead of the
main engine. Her other ’jacks included a freshly rebuilt
iron had an upper torso like a man’s but no legs, just a
Morrowan colors and displaying the Radiance. segmented tail dangling down like an extended spinal cord.
Soul cages hung from its torso, and one of its three clawed
While it bore the colors of the Church of Morrow, Gallant
arms grasped a bladed staff. Its three skull faces radiated
had been built on the same Cygnaran chassis as the Ironclad.
in various directions, green light emerging from eyes and
The Church had its own ’jacks engineered to Sancteum
mouths. Blaize recognized this as an overseer, a subordinate

20
iron lich that could empower
Cryxian ’jacks with captured souls.

report of its cannon followed by the

impact of the shell into the Slayer
already rushing forward with claws
outstretched. Before the helljack
could reach the Defender, Gallant
stepped to intercept, empowered
by Blaize’s will. Lasting Light, its
sword, gleamed with holy radiance
as it rent the helljack’s armor. The
Slayer clawed at Gallant, but
Lasting Light had crippled one of
its arms. Simultaneously Blaize
directed her Lancer and a Sentinel

could disgorge their acid.

by her ’jacks, Blaize charged to

drive Sun Spear into the Slayer.
The momentum of the thrust
behind the weapon’s tempered and
blessed serricsteel easily pierced the
armored chassis to stab its cortex.
The unholy glow in its eyes began to
fade. She stepped past, alongside the
nearest Precursors, and summoned
spiritual energy to speed her hand
as she slashed in a wide arc through

their line.

The three-armed overseer made a

peculiar hissing sound and raised
its staff to send malevolent green
She approached Brogan Corley where he was administering
atop the train with a caustic sizzle. They screamed as their last rites to the fallen train defenders and joined him in brief
souls were ripped from their dying bodies. Seeing the Slayer prayer. She said, “That could have been much worse.”
fall, the overseer seemed to sense it was overmatched and
He looked toward the train. “Imagine if we had not been
withdrew toward the trees. Blaize looked through the eyes
here.” It was a sobering thought—the Cryxians would
of the Defender while the ’jack’s cannon moved as if held
have easily dispatched the train’s few defenders and killed
by her own hand. The Defender’s cannon bucked to send a
everyone aboard. Even Blaize’s well-trained knights might
massive shell through the lich’s frame, shattering the facing
have been slaughtered if not for her warjacks.
skull. The being toppled with a crash of metal, and she sent
the Defender to shatter its soul cages underfoot. “Cryxian warjacks this far south of the Thornwood . . .”
Constance frowned. She did not voice her larger concern,
Inspired by their warcaster’s valor, her knights dispatched
regarding the reserve garrison nearby. The wrecked
Cygnaran warjacks on the tracks had to have come from
wreckage, and Blaize was relieved to observe her force had
somewhere.
taken no casualties. Gallant displayed long, clawed gashes
along its shoulder and buckler, but it saluted her again with They found no additional Cryxians in a sweep of the
its sword. She smiled and moved on. perimeter. Reassured the train was in no immediate danger,

21
 Blaize signaled to Crew Chief Hopkins, who carried the Brogan drew himself up and cleared his throat. “We could
wooden box given to her by the engineer. He withdrew a . . . burn them.” He spoke the words as if they pained him.

high into the air, where it ignited brightly. Blaize marched

her solemn force north into the trees even as they heard the
immortal souls.” While cremation would ruin the bodies
high-pitched steam whistle behind them, followed by the
for Cryx, Church teaching insisted this greatly complicated
sound of Lady Ellena’s pistons starting to churn.
the passage of souls to Urcaen, to the bosom of Morrow and

cremate their respected dead unless the act was overseen by

the Reclaimant Order. Violence could prompt souls to linger
“Sweet Morrow,” Constance whispered. “Is this my after death for days or weeks. Constance could almost feel
punishment for being too eager for battle? I rescind it. I them clustered here, still suffering. “We will return to bury
rescind it all.”
the hills. “First, we look to the living.”
She did not realize she had spoken aloud until Chaplain
Corley said, “Morrow had no part in this.”

hills had revealed a valley littered with carnage. The air was
They delayed only long enough for the crew chief and his
team to reload the ammunition chambers on the Sentinels
made more putrid by the soggy ground after a recent rain.
and Defender and ensure the ’jacks were stocked with coal
Hundreds of corpses lay scattered across the valley. When
Blaize’s force had arrived on the scene they had interrupted
They marched across muddy ground and arrived at the old
Cryxian scavengers at work picking at bodies and assembling
barracks, fully beset by Cryx.
more of their nightmare kind. After the scavengers were
obliterated, Blaize had led the knights in a prayer to Morrow, The building seemed intact—it was a structure converted
but it had been more for their comfort than for the slain, who from an old fortress, stout and defensible. Long gunners
would require more extensive services. and trenchers perched on battlements kept the dead at
bay. Occasional distinct rattling indicated chain guns
She noted many Khadoran banners and uniforms amid the
placed at the best vantages. Their sporadic bursts
dead, though far more showed Cygnar’s blue and gold. Her
suggested efforts to conserve ammunition. The walls
voice sounded hollow as she observed, “Khador’s offensive
showed several gaping holes.
has begun.” Among the corpses she recognized the badges
of the garrison she had been sent to join, which had been The Defender boomed and sent a shell to tear apart a
thought safely south of the Dragon’s Tongue. massive brute thrall charging toward the breach, while
the guns of her Sentinels added the noise of their hails of
bullets. Her knights and Gallant charged forward. Shouts of
the west. Constance looked up in surprise. “The garrison!
recognition went up from the soldiers on the wall, and the
Some few must have held!”

She was startled to feel Brogan’s hand on her shoulder.

The dead eventually turned to fight the new arrivals,
“Wait!” The battle chaplain looked back to the carnage. “We
their sluggish response suggesting no sentient general
must attend to these bodies. We know Cryx is here.”
directed them. The mechanithralls, formidable with their
Constance shook her head with regret. “There are hundreds powered fists, succeeded in striking down several of
of corpses. Far too many to bury.” It was true the role of Blaize’s knights as they stood with interlocked shields.
The knights held their position to buy time for the
in battle. By the proper blessings and interment the fallen supply wagons to make it to the largest opening in the
could be saved from the horror of necromancy. Some dark wall. Those inside scrambled to assist hauling in crates
of ammunition and food. Blaize entered the fortified
barracks only after finishing off the rest of the nearest
were Cryx’s favored harvest, easily turned into the walking undead, leaving her ’jacks to guard the breach.
dead. “You would need dozens of priests to sanctify them
Taking advantage of the fresh ammunition, the soldiers
all.” She wanted as much as he to deal with the dead, but
she could not conscience taking such time while the nearby
garrison and eventually neutralized them. Constance
garrison was in peril.
sensed there were more Cryx lingering beyond their view,

22
in the shelter of nearby hills and trees. For the moment All was chaos, yet they seemed to be holding their own
there was a lull, giving the Morrowans a chance to gauge until they saw a helljack scuttle out of the trees and
the condition of the barracks’ defenders. approach the walls. They heard the distinct scream of its
Harrower cannon followed by an explosion of blackness
atop the upper battlement. Blaize looked up to see the
of those occupying the garrison were fresh from training.
explosion had obliterated one of the chain guns and its
They looked haggard and scared, eyes dark with fatigue.
She was led to a grizzled trencher with his left arm in a
Its shell smashed through the Harrower’s right shoulder
sling. “Training Sergeant Giles,” he introduced himself.
armor and pistons, but the Cryxian machine remained
intact. She sent her Lancer running forward to extend
“Sergeant, you have held up well.” Blaize returned his her arcane reach. Through its arc node she summoned
salute. “But we should evacuate to somewhere safer before a burst of holy radiance to explode with blinding light,
the Cryx attack again.” punching a sizable hole in the enemy’s blackened armor.
Simultaneously, Gallant crashed through intervening
He gave a laugh that turned into a cough, wincing and
mechanithralls, battering them aside with blade and shield
holding his hand to another bandage along his side.
or smashing them underfoot as it closed on the helljack.
“Evacuate? I don’t think so. The men can’t be moved.”
He waved her inward, along with Chaplain Corley, to the
central bunkroom. THE CHAIN GUN BARRELS GLOWED
WITH HEAT AND CREATED A
HAZY CLOUD OF SMOKE AS THEY
of them, tended by several young junior surgeons and
medics. Blaize inclined her head to Chaplain Corley, and he POURED FIRE INTO THE WAVES

and the two other chaplains of their retinue went to lend a OF THE DEAD.
hand. The healing power of Morrow might enable them to
restore some beyond the help of ordinary surgery, but such
Gallant arrived too late to prevent a second shot from
prayers took time. Constance was forced to accept that the
sergeant was correct: there were too many to move. They
protective crenellation to obliterate the crew manning the
would have to hole up as best they could and send for help
other upper chain gun. Gallant delivered a tremendous
when possible.
blow with its gleaming blade to crumple the abomination’s
compromised hull and followed with another that rendered
it to scrap. Unfortunately, the damage was done. With the
chain guns silenced, waves of mechanithralls and explosive
It was quiet for several hours. Constance and Brogan even scrap thralls rushed the ’jacks. Even with Sentinels
spoke aloud the possibility they had eliminated the bulk of
the Cryxian forces in the area. Yet the woods beyond the Lancer. One scrap thrall exploded directly against its legs,
perimeter were unnaturally quiet, without even birdcall. crippling it.
Shadows moved beneath the trees. Hours before dawn,
She pulled Gallant back toward the protection of the wall.
shambling forms emerged again from the darkness.
Several thralls hammered the warjack, crushing its armor

when they hid their bile thralls behind mechanithralls holy radiance among them, leaving nothing but ash, but still
while headed to the largest breach. Two made it through to more came. She fell back as the trenchers and long gunners
explode in a horrifying wave of caustic acids, melting the
nearest soldiers, including a line of her knights. Such deaths eye she saw Crew Chief Hopkins making for her limping
were particularly ghastly to Blaize because they made it Lancer, fronted by several knights. She shouted for him
to withdraw, but her voice was drowned out. A bile thrall
closed on them and exploded, taking out the chief, his team,
and several knights. Blaize felt a surge of grief so strong it
into the waves of the dead. Blaize fought alongside her left her numb.

She knew that wave would not be the last. When

Constance reached Brogan, he offered a tattered patch.
“From the last group that attacked,” he said. Taken from
a freshly animated mechanithrall, the badge was the same

23
 as they had seen on the soldiers in the field of carnage began to call out orders to her soldiers, lining them up on
they had passed through on their way to the garrison. the nearest side before she descended to gather Gallant, her
Defender, and her remaining knights.
Blaize’s heart sank as she imagined the nearly endless
reinforcements Cryx could generate from that battle and this
one. She turned without speaking to attend to her ’jacks. Her surged forth from the breach. Gallant and the Defender
Sentinels were damaged, and the young soldiers struggled charged to the downed Lancer at full speed, knocking aside
to reload them without Chief Hopkins. She reloaded the the thralls in their way and trampling them underfoot. Her
Defender herself but felt a sudden despair. They would all knights established a defensive perimeter even as Blaize
die here; she was certain of it. Clearly some major Cryxian found Hopkins, his body broken and his eyes staring into
force had unleashed itself on the nearby environs. This was emptiness. She blinked away tears and directed the knights
likely not the main body of the force, but the ample dead on to shield Brogan, who began to intone his prayers. The
undead converged and were annihilated, yet kept coming.

Constance looked beyond the immediate fray to see light

As this bleak mood washed over her like icy water, she
a blue haze hung across the treetops although dawn was
priests were far outpaced by the arrival of wounded, and an hour away. Her pulse quickened as she realized it was
their efforts seemed lost amid the greater misery. She felt a lightning, with no storm in the sky. Other Cygnarans
presence behind her and turned to see Chaplain Corley. Her
voice cracked as she said, “You were right. We should have Where was the box? After loosening it from where it had
burned the bodies.”

area like daylight. She reclaimed her weapon and returned

BLAIZE WAS A WHIRLING
EMBODIMENT OF CLEANSING LIGHT
ALONGSIDE GALLANT, BRINGING
HOLY RETRIBUTION TO THE were too many undead. Blaize was a whirling embodiment of
NECROMANTIC ABOMINATIONS. cleansing light alongside Gallant, bringing holy retribution
to the necromantic abominations. She invoked prayers to
Morrow, singing from the Prayers for Battle as her knights
To her surprise he shook his head. “No, you were right to
think of the living.” His eyes swept the wounded. “I was strength to bring light to the darkest hour! Within our hearts
being pragmatic, but you kept to our teachings. When this is the will to overcome any obstacle. Our Creator saw our
is done, we will sanctify the dead.” He sounded sincere, worth when he left us naked in the earliest days, knowing
and she wondered how he retained hope. we would persevere. We ask for your shielding hand, O

While she watched, a soldier tended by the chaplains got

night. Let us see the dawn!” Each sentence she punctuated
to his feet, healed by the grace of the Prophet. He picked
with sweeping strikes.

Brogan followed to check on the soldiers above. They

remaining knights were strengthened and shielded. Blaize
darkness beyond the walls teemed with the dead. Too felt a connection to the divine as she became a conduit
for those noble warriors who had fallen, speeding their
She could see acceptance and determination in the soldiers’ souls’ passage. She could feel Morrow’s benevolence as the
faces; they might die here, but they would earn a place of weapons of her enemies were turned aside. Her remaining
honor in Urcaen. knights fought back to back even as she fought with Gallant
behind her, momentarily invincible amid white radiance.

shattered Lancer and the fallen Precursors nearby. Following Constance Blaize struck down a massive brute thrall that had
her gaze, Brogan Corley said, “It pains me to let my brothers charged up to her, then looked beyond it. Movement in the
and sisters languish without last rites.”
vicinity had seen her signal. She saw a glowing mechanism
Constance nodded, knowing Hopkins’ body was also there.
striding on massive legs and topped by a series of metal coils
“We cannot get to all of them, but we can reach some few.
sizzling with electricity. It was one of the imposing Storm

24
Striders, new and powerful technology she had never seen in Corley at her side and shook her head. “Not yet. We must
see to the fallen. We cannot leave them to Cryx.”
of lightning to obliterate the walking dead, arcing from one

scope of the slain. “Very well. We’ll send word requesting

The Storm Strider was not alone; the entire hill pulsed with priests from Corvis and Bainsmarket. There will be more
a tide of blue armor. The air was thick with ozone and white dead before we see the end to this.” He added, “There will
streaks of punishing electricity from their blades. Amid the be an end to this. We will hold the northern border—with
storm was Lord Commander Stryker, lit from the voltaic our lives if need be.”
generators on his back as Quicksilver carved through a
Constance felt a surge of pride drawn from shared resolve
Reaper sent against him.
for the defense of Cygnar: her homeland, her people. She
A number of Cryxian ’jacks had gone toward the had been placed here for a reason, and that reason was true
approaching army, away from her garrison. Lord Stryker’s to the will of Morrow. “We will join you in that defense
warjacks—Stormclads and Ironclads—surged ahead of their soon, Lord Commander. Morrow watch over you.”
master to meet them, each laying to with their weapons and
buckling the earth to topple enemies. A long line of storm
knights threshed through the dead as a righteous harvest
while thunder echoed in the valley.

The sight rallied those who survived among Blaize’s escort

and they fought with fresh will, determined nothing should
reach their wounded comrades inside. Several squads of

to plunge into the thinning tide of thralls. Blaize did not

the dead until she felt the hand of Chaplain Corley upon
her side and felt her breathing ease as broken ribs knit
beneath his hand. He raised his mace and together they
fought alongside Gallant until they reached the forward
edge of Lord Stryker’s Storm Division. Blaize and the lord
commander shared a wordless moment of recognition

Only when they were free of the Cryxian threat did

Blaize realize her fatigue. Her shield and weapon felt
heavy in her numb hands, and the inner padding of her
armor stuck to her from sweat and her own blood. She
regrouped with the lord commander, who listened with
concern to reports from his rangers. He turned to her and
spoke in clipped fashion. “We will not be able to stay to
secure this location. I sent orders for wagons to see to
evacuating the wounded.”

“Thank you, Lord Commander.” Constance bowed. “They

are my foremost concern.”

Dragon’s Tongue. We broke through the siege at Stonebridge

but expect Khadoran counterattack at any time. The fate of
Point Bourne is unknown. We could sorely use you and
your remaining warjacks.”

Constance found herself feeling slightly overwhelmed

being told her she should join him. She glanced to Brogan

25
 CONSTANCE BLAIZE, KNIGHT OF THE PROPHET
CYGNAR MORROWAN ALLY WARCASTER
In the furnace of Morrow’s light we seek to temper ourselves.
—Constance Blaize

FEAT: DIVINE SPELLS COST RNG AOE POW UP OFF

BLAIZE
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
INTERVENTION BANISHING WARD 2 6 – – YES NO
By prayers to Morrow, Enemy upkeep spells on target friendly model/unit expire. Affected
6 6 7 5 15 16 9 models cannot be targeted by enemy spells or animi.
Constance Blaize becomes a
SUN SPEAR conduit to speed the souls of CRUSADER’S CALL 3 SELF CTRL – NO NO
POW P+S Friendly faction models beginning a charge while in this model’s control
7 13 Urcaen. The power released area this turn gain +2 movement.
FOCUS 6 in the passage of these souls FLASHING BLADE 1 SELF – – NO NO
DAMAGE 16 protects their remaining This model immediately make one normal attack with one of its melee
brothers in arms as Blaize weapons against each enemy model in its LOS that is in the weapon’s
FIELD ALLOWANCE C
becomes a font of holy might. melee range. These attacks are simultaneous.
WARJACK POINTS +6
SUNBURST 3 10 3 13 NO YES
SMALL BASE Blaize gains one soul token
Models boxed by Sunburst are removed from play. Blast damage affects
for each friendly living
only enemy models.
Faction warrior model
destroyed by an enemy attack or collateral damage of an enemy TRANSFERENCE 2 SELF CTRL – YES NO
While in this model’s control area, friendly Faction non-warcaster warrior
attack in her control area for one round. While in her control
models can spend 1 focus point on this model to boost a melee attack or
area, friendly living Faction warrior models gain +1 ARM for melee damage roll during their activations.
each soul token on Blaize. When Blaize replenishes her focus
during your next Control Phase, replace each soul token on her
with 1 focus point, then Divine Intervention expires.
TACTICAL TIPS
Animosity [Thamarite or Undead] – This model cannot be
included in an army that includes one or more models of the DIVINE INTERVENTION – Normal token-gathering rules, such as the
listed type. nearest available model getting the token, still apply.
CRUSADER’S CALL –
BLAIZE
normal movement.
Flank [non-warcaster Morrowan] – When this model makes a
melee attack against an enemy model within the melee range SUNBURST – Because boxed models are removed from play before
of a friendly model of the type indicated, this model gains +2 to they are destroyed, they do not generate corpse tokens or soul
attack rolls and gains an additional damage die. tokens.

Inspiration [Morrowan] – Friendly Morrowan models/units in

SUN SPEAR
Magical Weapon her in the night, and she immediately apprehended the
comforting presence was a holy manifestation. Radiance
Reach
suffused the dark room, banishing the shadows as
Blessed – When making an attack with this weapon, ignore
spell effects that add to a model’s ARM or DEF.
Constance realized that she had a calling to answer the
divine. She volunteered to become an initiate and began the
process of entering the clergy.
The Radiance of Morrow is more than a symbol of faith for
Realizing there was something extraordinary about
her every thought and action. Morrow is a deity who prefers Constance Blaize, Orven’s vicar sent Constance to
to guide rather than intervene, counting upon his mortal attend the Sancteum Seminary in Caspia. When she
followers to defend the powerless from the depredations first beheld the glory that was the Sancteum—the holy
of the many evils besetting the world. Empowered by her city and heart of the Morrowan faith—she received her
second vision. A resplendent figure she now recognized
inspired by the holy ascendants she reveres. as an archon of the Host of Morrow appeared near the
Archcourt Cathedral pointing toward an ancient statue
Born to a prosperous family in Orven, Constance felt the of Ascendant Katrena near its doors. She saw herself clad
call of Morrow even as a small child. She looked forward to in shining armor and wielding a great spear gleaming
visits to the city’s famous basilica with unusual enthusiasm with the light of the sun and knew what she had been
for one so tender in years. The youngest of three siblings, born to do. Hers was not to be the way of the priest,
she was closest to her oldest brother Corrin, who enlisted calmly preaching sermons in the heavy quiet of a city
in the ranks of the long gunners of Cygnar’s First Army, cathedral or village.
leaving her isolated.

26
27
 Constance spent the rest of her youth in the Sancteum
learning the Morrowan philosophies on the honorable role along the border, the friends he had made in the service. Her
of the soldier and the rites and responsibilities required of letter inviting him to attend her investment ceremony never
the faithful in a time of war. She was taught the Prayers for arrived, and she instead received condolences that Corrin
Battle and immersed in the lessons of the church’s Martial had been killed in action. His squad had been assigned to
Trinity: Ascendants Katrena, Solovin, and Markus. Each one patrol along the western Llaelese border, and he had fallen
of these ascendants had in life been a paragon of faith and
the start of the War in Llael.
divide between soldier and altruistic philosopher. She was
Blaize was devastated by the news but had no time for
soon initiated into the Primarch Knights, the guardians
grief; she was soon sent to join Cygnar’s Third Army at
of the Sancteum. When it was discovered that Constance
Highgate, there to provide support to the countless towns
had been gifted with the rare power of a warcaster she
and villages threatened by Cryx. Empowered by treaties
was taken aside for special training and swore vows
negotiated between the Exordeum and the Cygnaran
directly to Primarch Arius. She thus became a part of the
Army, Blaize rose to the challenge of leading mixed forces
church’s arsenal, one entrusted to control blessed warjacks
of church and kingdom soldiers, providing spiritual
in the service of Morrow wherever the primarch and the
solace as well as strength of arms and increasingly skilled
Exordeum council required her.
tactical expertise to the beleaguered coastal defenders. Her
Throughout her training for this appointed role Blaize services were welcomed by Lord General Vincent Gollan of
remained in frequent correspondence with her brother in Highgate, who was also a Knight of the Prophet, and she
the First Army, where he had reenlisted learned much under his guidance. During this time, Blaize
and advanced to sergeant. She read
with rapt interest his stories of his unknowingly working through her personal grief even as

CONSTANCE BLAIZE, KNIGHT OF THE PROPHET

ARMY OF LIGHT

WARJACKS: Cygnar non-character warjacks, SOLOS: Journeyman Warcaster, Archduke Alain

Gallant Runewood, Morrowan solos
UNITS: Sword Knights, Field Mechaniks,
Morrowan units

TIER 1 TIER 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models Requirements: The army includes Archduke Alain
listed above. Runewood.

Precursor Knight units become FA U. Additionally, Precursor Knight and Sword Knight units gain
Harlan Versh, Illuminated One, gains Advance
Deployment .
TIER 4
TIER 2 Requirements: Blaize’s battlegroup includes Gallant.
Requirements: The army includes two or more Precursor
Heavy warjacks in Blaize’s battlegroup without
Knight units.
ranged weapons gain Advance Move. (Before the start of
Add an attachment to one Precursor Knight unit the game but after both players have deployed, a model
free of cost. This attachment does not count toward FA with Advance Move can make a full advance.)
restrictions.

Permission is hereby granted to create reproductions of this entry for personal, non-commercial use only.

28
she felt a deeper connection to her brother. This camaraderie the faith goes hand in hand with dedication to their nation.
prompted a shift in how she began to see her role as both Although Primarch Arius remains unwilling to go so far as
a Cygnaran and a sworn knight of the Morrowan Church. to send a warcaster of the church directly against Khador,
he has nonetheless consented for Blaize to join the northern
After reports of the disastrous War in Llael, subsequent
effort and ensure the Radiance of Morrow is delivered to
battles along Cygnar’s borders, and even Caspia besieged,
that war-ravaged region. Especially amid the horrors of
Blaize became convinced her powers could be better
war there must be those who strive to protect the innocent
employed elsewhere. As Cryxian raids along the coast
and see to the proper rites for the dead while at all times
decreased, news of heavy Cygnaran casualties in the
adhering to honorable conduct.
northern war front reinforced this certainty, and the young
warcaster repeatedly requested she be transferred to a Blaize is a Sword of the Church. She does not revel in
more active military theater. Feeling it necessary to remain bloodshed, but neither does she shy away from battle in
neutral in the wars between Cygnar and Khador, Primarch defense of Morrow and Cygnar. She stands quite willing
Arius refused her requests to aid her embattled kinsmen.
Khadorans, fanatical Menites, depraved Cryxians, and any
As the threats to Cygnar escalated through the fall of
others who would imperil innocents with their destructive
Northguard and the subsequent loss of the Thornwood,
disregard for human life. Few are those blessed with both
some of these attitudes within the Church of Morrow began
her skillful command of the church’s warjacks and the
to shift. Blaize and other Cygnaran defenders of the church
divinely manifested favor of Morrow, and she knows she
have had their patriotic spirits rekindled—the kingdom
long counted as Morrow’s most staunch ally seems at risk
matter what comes.
of imminent destruction, and they feel their dedication to

29
 MINUTEMAN
CYGNAR LIGHT WARJACK
It is difficult to hide from death that comes from above.
—Chief Mechanik Gralan Rathleagh

MINUTEMAN TACTICAL TIP

MINUTEMAN Advance Deployment
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD FLAK FIELD – Running or failing a charge ends this model’s
6 7 6 6 14 15 — Bounding Leap – Once per activation, so it cannot use Flak Field afterward.
activation, after making
SLUG GUN a full advance but before
RNG ROF AOE POW
L 4 1 — 14 performing an action, HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 8´5 / 2.4 TONS
this model can spend one ARMAMENT: DUAL SLUG GUNS, FIRE-AND-FORGET FRAGMENTATION GRENADES (FFFG)
SLUG GUN focus point to be placed FUEL LOAD / BURN USAGE: 385 LBS / 8.2 HRS GENERAL, 85 MINS COMBAT
RNG ROF AOE POW completely within 5 of its
R 4 1 — 14 INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 605 AR
current location. Any effects
that prevent charging also CORTEX MANUFACTURER: CYGNARAN ARMORY
OPEN FIST
POW P+S prevent this model from ORIG. CHASSIS DESIGN: CYGNARAN ARMORY
L 2 9 using Bounding Leap.

OPEN FIST Flak Field – This model When not being sent to clear infantry, Minutemen are
POW P+S can use Flak Field once
often deployed in pairs to assault heavy ‘jacks, using their
R 2 9 per turn at any time
during its activation but
DAMAGE cannot interrupt its normal the attacks of more lumbering enemies. Relying on being
1 2 3 4 5 6 movement to do so. When nimble over heavy armament, such a pair can quickly
this model uses Flak Field,
cripple many enemy warjacks or keep them occupied until
models B2B with it suffer
an unboostable POW 12 other assets can be brought to bear.
blast damage roll and other
models within 2 of it suffer
an unboostable POW 6 blast
L R damage roll.
L L M C R R OPEN FIST
M M C C Open Fist

FIELD ALLOWANCE U
Able to swiftly reach any
POINT COST 5
MEDIUM BASE
and obliterate the enemy
with a punishing assault,

Army gains unparalleled mobility, as it is designed to

circumnavigate any obstacle. It has become a favorite of
Cygnaran warcasters, particularly those who favor rapid
assault tactics in the otherwise impassable trenches of no
man’s land.

The Minuteman is a product of numerous advances in

mechanikal warfare. Utilizing an exactingly designed series

through an arcane turbine that powers a special propulsion

to annihilating entire swathes of infantry with its short-

range grenade launchers upon landing, clearing its line of
sight to an intended target. The Minuteman can then unload
its dual short-range slug guns into the enemy. Each of these
forearm-mounted guns brings enormous stopping power to
bear, making the light ’jack capable of rending even heavy
warjack armor.

30
 AVENGER
CYGNAR HEAVY WARJACK
When the enemy fears the ground beneath their feet, you’ve already won.
—Major Markus “Siege” Brisbane

HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 12´7 / 8.6 TONS SEISMIC CANNON

ARMAMENT: SEISMIC CANNON (LEFT ARM), STUN BLADE (RIGHT ARM) Quake – On a direct hit
AVENGER
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
FUEL LOAD / BURN USAGE: 750 LBS / 4.5 HRS GENERAL, 50 MINS COMBAT against an enemy model, 4 12 6 4 11 19 —
INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 607 AR all models hit are knocked
CORTEX MANUFACTURER: FRATERNAL ORDER OF WIZARDRY / CYGNARAN ARMORY down. SEISMIC CANNON
RNG ROF AOE POW
ORIG. CHASSIS DESIGN: CYGNARAN ARMORY STUN BLADE L 10 1 4 14
Stall – A warjack hit by
this attack suffers the Stall
STUN BLADE
The constantly escalating war of mechanikal innovation POW P+S
continuous effect. While a R 6 18
between Cygnar and its enemies has produced ever-
warjack is suffering Stall, its
more powerful and lethal machinery. Armed with the base DEF becomes 7 and it DAMAGE
groundbreaking seismic cannon, the Avenger is at cannot run or charge.
1 2 3 4 5 6

sophisticated projectiles that unleash a localized earthquake

to the ground, dazed
upon impact, every round a marvel of mechanikal progress.
and disoriented, where
Roughly the size of a man’s head, each of these shells contains
they are easy targets for
a complex arcanodynamic generator, a series of intricate
L R
and precisely arranged mechanikal rune plates, and a small
crushing charge of cavalry
alchemical detonator. Upon impact the detonator initiates L L M C R R
and warjacks.
an astonishing eruption of arcane force. The ground shakes M M C C
violently with all the power of a mighty earthquake focused The Centurion chassis
in a tiny area. Even should enemy combatants survive this was originally developed FIELD ALLOWANCE U
shattering to provide not only POINT COST 9
superior durability to the LARGE BASE
reliable Ironclad, but an
mechanikal infrastructure
and conduits capable of supporting advanced weapons

platform proved ideal for the Avenger’s expensive seismic

cannon and its stun blade. The heavy Centurion armor

further complement the seismic cannon’s ability to disrupt

enemy movement, the stun blade is a weapon capable of
slowing opposing warjacks to a crawl.

Although ’jack marshals and warcasters in training are

eager for the opportunity to field the Avenger, it is almost
exclusively entrusted to seasoned warcasters who have
proven they will not squander its costly ammunition. The
nation also takes great pains to recover key components
of any Avengers that fall in battle. Cygnar is painfully
aware of its enemies’ ability to reverse engineer its
technological advances.

31
 GALLANT
CYGNAR MORROWAN ALLY CHARACTER HEAVY WARJACK
Only Morrow himself could guard me better.
—Constance Blaize

GALLANT HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 12´3 / 6 TONS

GALLANT Accumulator [Morrowan] – ARMAMENT: LASTING LIGHT (LEFT ARM), BUCKLER (RIGHT ARM)
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
5 11 7 6 13 18 — When this model begins its FUEL LOAD / BURN USAGE: 582 LBS / 5.6 HRS GENERAL, 65 MINS COMBAT
activation within 3 of one INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 604 AR
LASTING LIGHT or more friendly Morrowan
CORTEX MANUFACTURER: FRATERNAL ORDER OF WIZARDRY / SANCTEUM ARMORY
POW P+S models, it is allocated 1
L 6 17 focus point. ORIG. CHASSIS DESIGN: ENGINES EAST

OPEN FIST While

POW P+S in Blaize’s control area this Where Gallant strides, the light of Morrow shines. As it
R 3 14 model’s melee weapons walks beside its mistress each strike of its blade unravels
gain Purgation. (Weapons
DAMAGE the dark invocations of the damned like shadows before
with Purgation gain an
1 2 3 4 5 6 additional die on attack the dawn. Those who would raise a hand against Blaize
and damage rolls against
models with an enemy speed. The huge ’jack knocks aside the blades of the enemy,
upkeep spell on them.)
allowing Blaize to bring her righteous fury to bear.
Shield Guard – Once per
round, when a friendly
L R model is directly hit by a
ranged attack during your
L L M C R R
opponent’s turn while
M M C C within 2 of this model,
you can choose to have this
FIELD ALLOWANCE C model directly hit instead.
This model is automatically
POINT COST 9
hit and suffers all damage
LARGE BASE
and effects. This model
cannot use Shield Guard if
it is incorporeal, knocked
down, or stationary.

LASTING LIGHT
Magical Weapon
Reach

OPEN FIST
Buckler
Open Fist

Constance Blaize, Gallant is a walking instrument of faith.

chassis of the great machine, based on the Ironclad design,

the Morrowan armorers of the Sancteum have made their
own alterations to shape it into the weapon required of
one of their most accomplished warcasters. Gallant is
imprinted with the warrior philosophies extolled by
Morrow and his martial ascendants. A copy of the holy
catechism called the Prayers for Battle is mounted on its
hull, including passages from the Enkheiridion as well
as other teachings related to proper conduct in a time of
war. The tome is open to pages that speak of Morrow’s
entreaties to his followers to protect one another from evil
in all its forms.

32
 TRIUMPH
CYGNAR CHARACTER HEAVY WARJACK
That machine has the eyes of a hawk and the itchiest trigger finger I ever saw.
—Crew Chief Terrence Rail

TACTICAL TIP TRIUMPH

Arcane Precision – If this
TRIUMPH
SPECIAL ISSUE – This only gives the warjack the potential to bond to SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
model forfeits its movement 5 11 7 7 12 18 —
the warcaster. It does not automatically add a bond.
during its activation to gain
the aiming bonus, it ignores HEAVY BARREL
HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 12´2 / 6.8 TONS Stealth that activation. RNG ROF AOE POW
L 16 1 — 15
ARMAMENT: SCOPED HEAVY BARREL (LEFT ARM), ASSAULT SHIELD (RIGHT ARM) Special Issue [Siege] – This
FUEL LOAD / BURN USAGE: 655 LBS / 4.9 HRS GENERAL, 45 MINS COMBAT model can be included in ASSAULT SHIELD
INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 604 AR, REFITTED 607 AR Siege’s theme forces. It can POW P+S
also be bonded to Siege. R 2 13
CORTEX MANUFACTURER: FRATERNAL ORDER OF WIZARDRY / CYGNARAN ARMORY
ORIG. CHASSIS DESIGN: CYGNARAN ARMORY HEAVY BARREL DAMAGE
Blaster – When this model 1 2 3 4 5 6
makes an attack with this
When Major Markus Brisbane brought low the walls of
weapon, before the attack
Sul, he wrote his name into history. He carefully sought roll it can spend 1 focus
point to give the attack a 3
and orchestrated a ceaseless barrage of ordnance using AOE.
an arsenal of Defenders and other Cygnaran artillery. ASSAULT SHIELD L R
During the protracted attack, Siege came to know the Shield L L M C R R
idiosyncrasies of his warjacks well. One Defender in
M M C C
particular showed an extraordinary aptitude for targeting
soon allowed it to select
the weak spots in enemy defenses, almost as if by instinct.
its own targets, freeing FIELD ALLOWANCE C
Siege came to trust the natural capabilities of the ’jack and POINT COST 11
himself to concentrate on
other matters in the heat LARGE BASE
of battle.

Siege’s appreciation for the warjack he eventually named

Triumph only grew throughout the campaign. In the
aftermath of the Menite withdrawal from Caspia, he
made use of his limited time on leave to draft numerous
improvements to his favored warjack. The warcaster

of the Cygnaran Armory to realize his vision, and soon he

armed with a heavy assault shield, Triumph would be

moved into position. The crowning achievement of Siege’s

upgrades was Triumph’s new sighting system, which links
the cortex by conduits directly to a scope integrated into the
warjack’s cannon.

Siege rarely goes to battle without Triumph. Given his

preference for the use of precision ordnance, he equipped
Triumph with mechanikal ammunition that can be imbued

defended positions with a rain of shells.

33
 CAPTAIN JONAS MURDOCH
CYGNAR CHARACTER UNIT ATTACHMENT
He’ll make something out of you boys. Whether soldiers or corpses, time will tell.
—Captain Jeremiah Kraye

MURDOCH Attachment [Small- or TACTICAL TIPS

SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD Medium-Based ASSAULT (ORDER) – The assaulting model ignores the target in melee
6 6 7 6 13 14 9 Mercenary] – This penalty even if is not in melee range of its charge target after moving.
attachment can be added to
CARBINE a small- or medium-based OFFICER –
RNG ROF AOE POW Mercenary unit.
10 1 — 10 in the unit or the unit Leader becomes the unit commander.
MURDOCH
TRENCH KNIFE
POW P+S After a lengthy career leading Cygnaran soldiers, Murdoch
3 9 Tough was chosen by Lord General Olan Duggan of the First Army
DAMAGE 5 Assault (Order) – Affected for special duty. He was asked to bolster Cygnaran numbers
FIELD ALLOWANCE C models must charge or run.
POINT COST 2 As part of a charge, after
SMALL BASE moving but before making
its charge attack, an affected sell-swords bring with them an unusual assortment of
model can make one ranged skills, honed by Murdoch to carry out the bloodiest, most
attack targeting the model charged unless they were in melee
dangerous missions. These attacks require strong nerve and
with each other at the start of the affected model’s activation.
Models that received this order cannot make combined ranged a bloodthirsty demeanor. He employs the meanest, cagiest
attacks this activation. When resolving an Assault ranged soldiers of fortune to see them through.
attack, the attacking model does not suffer the target in melee
penalty. If the target is not in melee range after moving, the
affected model must still make the ranged attack before its
activation ends.
Go to Ground – Once per game while in formation during its
unit’s activation, this model can use Go to Ground. For one
round or until they move, are placed, or are engaged, models
in this unit in formation gain cover, do not suffer blast damage,
and do not block LOS.

model is in play, models in its unit are Cygnar models instead

of Mercenary models.
Trencher – This model is a Trencher model.

Cygnaran Army know that better than Captain Jonas

Captain Murdoch ensures victory behind enemy lines—at

any cost.

It is a rare man to serve over twenty years as a trencher,

and this grizzled veteran has earned a deep respect tinged

to die. On one occasion he took a shot to the head and his

position was captured by the Khadorans; his superiors
quite reasonably assumed him dead. They learned not to
give up so easily when he escaped from the prison camp
and returned to his company, seemingly unaffected by the
bullet he claims is still rattling around in his skull.

34
ARCHDUKE ALAIN RUNEWOOD, LORD OF FHARIN
CYGNAR CHARACTER SOLO
His Grace earned my trust with both the surety of his sword and the integrity of his words.
—King Leto Raelthorne

The Lord of Fharin is one of the few men King Leto RUNEWOOD
`Jack Marshal
RUNEWOOD
Raelthorne looks upon as a true friend, and with good SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
reason. Archduke Alain Runewood has given up the Commander 6 6 7 6 13 14 10
comfort and safety of his estates in aid of his country and Fearless HAND CANNON
his king. He answers the call of his nation and is one of the Battle Plan – During this
RNG ROF AOE POW
greatest leaders of his generation. 12 1 — 12
model’s activation, it can
use one of the following VINDICATOR
Runewood’s friendship to King Leto goes back many plans. A friendly Faction POW P+S
decades, but his loyalty was cemented when he was a model/unit can be affected 6 12
by only one plan each turn. DAMAGE 5
King Vinter Raelthorne IV, he saw too many lives spent • Overcome – RNG 5. FIELD ALLOWANCE C
carelessly. The grim realities of battle made the young heir Target friendly Faction POINT COST 3
warrior model/unit. If the SMALL BASE
to the Duchy of the Eastern Midlunds realize the value of
model/unit is in range, it
life, no matter the station. When the young prince staged for
his coup against his ruthless brother, Alain Runewood was one turn.
• Path to Victory – RNG 5. Target friendly Faction warrior
model/unit. If the model/unit is in range, it gains Fearless
After the coup, Runewood was entrusted to govern and +2 to charge attack rolls for one round.
considerable lands once held by less loyal nobles, • Reveille – Knocked down friendly Faction models in this
particularly Archduke Fergus Laddermore. Another man model’s command range immediately stand up. Models that
might have retired from active command, but Runewood were knocked down this turn are not affected by Reveille.
refused to put down his sword. Wherever his command Elite Cadre [Sword Knights] – Friendly Sword Knight units
gain Reform. (After all models in a unit with Reform have
completed their actions, each can advance up to 3 .)
When this model is
directly hit by an enemy ranged attack, you can choose to have
one friendly, non-incorporeal Faction warjack model within 3
of this model directly hit instead. That model is automatically
hit and suffers all damage and effects.

VINDICATOR
Magical Weapon
Weapon Master

the sight of him swinging his heirloom blade, Vindicator, as

Archduke Runewood would do anything to prevent

the return of tyranny imposed under Vinter IV. He sees
conspiring nobles and smells the scent of the deposed
king’s schemes upon them. Almost twenty thousand men

general of the 7th Division of the Cygnaran Second Army

and are proud to do so. His sword knights will risk all in
his defense, knowing his vision of their nation’s future
must survive.

35
 STORM STRIDER
CYGNAR BATTLE ENGINE
Let us teach them the true meaning of lightning war.
—General Adept Sebastian Nemo

STORM STRIDER TACTICAL TIPS

STORM STRIDER Construct
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD SUPERCONDUCTION – Yes, this includes this model.
5 10 5 6 10 18 10
LIGHTNING GENERATOR – The lightning still arcs to models with
LIGHTNING CANNON Immunity: Electricity Immunity: Electricity, it just cannot damage them. Damage from
RNG ROF AOE POW Lightning Generator strikes is not considered to have come from a
— Circular Vision – This
14 1 — 15 hit or by a melee or ranged attack.
model’s front arc extends
LIGHTNING CANNON
RNG ROF AOE POW
— 14 1 — 15
Kinetic Accumulator – breaking through those expected barriers completely. The
When this model is hit by lightning cannon was the ultimate result of this increasingly
DAMAGE 22 a melee or ranged attack
FIELD ALLOWANCE 2 made by an enemy model,
theoretical research: a weapon so powerful and requiring
POINT COST 9 it gains one power token, such a massive storm chamber it was initially believed to be
HUGE BASE up to a maximum of three.
During it activation, this determined, though, and they soon devised a novel design
model can spend power
tokens to boost attack or damage rolls at one token per boost.
for a self-propelled mechanikal platform for transporting
the weapon. The Storm Strider was born.
Repulsor Field – When this model is hit with a melee attack,
after the attack is resolved the attacking model is pushed 1 The Storm Strider is a total weapons system; all the energy
directly away from this model.
it generates can be applied without waste. Although most
Superconduction – When a friendly model attacks with a of this energy is channeled into the powerful lightning
ranged weapon with Damage Type: Electricity , it gains +2
to attack rolls against enemy models within 5 of this model.
of the machine, charging the very air in its vicinity. This
LIGHTNING CANNON ambient energy has the effect of drastically increasing the
Damage Type: Electricity
accuracy of storm weapons discharged nearby, turning
Critical Disruption – On a critical hit on a warjack, it suffers blasts of electrical energy into brilliant eruptions of voltaic
Disruption. (A warjack suffering Disruption loses its focus
points and cannot be allocated focus or channel spells for one fury. Lightning arcs across the earth with every blast to
round.) annihilate anything in its path—even near-misses can rip
Lightning Generator – When a model is hit with this weapon, apart those unfortunate enough to be standing near.
lightning arcs from that model to d3 consecutive additional
models. The lightning arcs to the nearest model it has not
The destructive potential of the Storm Strider is matched
already arced to within 4 of the last model it arced to, ignoring by its unassailability. Surrounded by a powerful magnetic
this model. Each model the lightning arcs to suffers a POW 10
electrical damage roll .
powerful voltaic conductors. Enemies who somehow
The Storm Strider is undoubtedly one of the greatest and
most unusual accomplishments of the Cygnaran Armory’s
stormsmiths. At rest, the great machine might be mistaken air as the tremendous energies of the weapon surge through
its attacker, irresistibly pushing them away.

storm envelops the machine, blinding those that stare too

long as it gathers its voltaic charge. The stormsmiths who
operate the metal giant from its open deck move amidst an
unending cacophony of lightning strikes and thunderclaps.
Crackling electrical discharges constantly arc between the
spinning workings of the Storm Strider and its platform
until they are unleashed from its lightning cannon.

The stormsmiths of the Cygnaran Armory labored for

storm chambers, and related devices. They built ever-more

powerful weaponry and stretched the perceived limitations

36
37
 PROTECTORATE OF MENOTH
SHADOW OF DOUBT
Eastern Midlunds, Cygnar, 608 AR

Thyra had met with Feora, Priestess and Protector of the

Flame, only a week earlier at a small shrine southwest of
Tower Judgment. The Flame of Sorrow had betrayed her
thick smoke pouring upward. nervousness as she prostrated before her superior, one
of the most influential Menites in the great crusades.

of Cygnar’s Second Army rushed from patrolling the Hierarch Severius had taken a large portion of the Protectorate’s
army to Llael and most of its veteran warcasters were joined to
bundled in robes were passing buckets of water from the the Northern Crusade, and defense of the Protectorate’s capital
and holy lands had been left to Feora. The war between Caspia

the farmstead. both walled cities stood ready against any renewed eruption
of violence. Small incursions and skirmishes periodically
“Where are your father and brothers?” The trencher
erupted in vulnerable regions outside the cities on both sides
sergeant shouted as he took a sloshing bucket from a
young woman he thought no older than sixteen.
border defenders to scramble at every alarm.
“Murdered in the invasion of Sul,” she replied coldly, blades
Thyra’s mind churned trying to determine how she had
suddenly appearing in her hands. He barely had time to
failed her mistress. She could not imagine another reason she
drop the bucket before the cold bite of metal pierced his
would be pulled from the offensive strikes. Feora bid her rise,
abdomen and chest. The other women also drew slender
her voice warm and reassuring. “There is a matter that needs
swords. Beneath their robes they wore leather armor in the
your attention, my daughter.” The term was customary from
red and white of the Protectorate of Menoth, with armored
a superior among the Daughters of the Flame. Feora was the
greaves and bracers.
only one who could speak to Thyra thus.
The members of the patrol who had not yet reached the
She intoned, “I stand ready to do as you bid, Priestess.”

burning barn exploded and a heavy warjack crashed “This will be an unusual operation, one that offers many
possibilities of failure. I do not believe anyone else capable
Menite warjack, built on a Crusader chassis but wielding of this task.” Feora’s face was hidden behind her bronzed
mask, but Thyra had learned subtle cues by which she
From the side of the barn stepped a woman wearing sensed the gravity of this task. “I need you to penetrate
warcaster armor, her eyes unyielding as she urged the the Cygnaran interior to reach and eliminate two heavily
warjack forward. Its blades sliced through the nearest
well as nobles within the corrupt court of the heathen king.”
women put an end to the last members of the patrol before
Thyra felt a familiar anticipation. “My team is ready.”

“There are delicate arrangements that rely upon this task’s

success,” Feora continued. “I am afraid you must endure
working closely with heathens within Cygnar. Upon your
triumph, we may gain additional allies and informants
allowing us to act with greater ease there.”

38
Thyra shifted only slightly, trying not to betray her
apprehension. The missions she undertook required the Tear of Vengeance, a highly decorated warrior whose
standing within the Daughters was almost the equal of
mean death. She could not imagine relying upon outsiders Thyra’s. Instead of the standard blades, Nicia wielded a
in such circumstances. customized weapon that resembled a long handled blade,

Feora raised a hand toward the Temple Flameguard behind

sword cannon bundled in thick cloth to disguise its nature.
her. They parted, allowing a preceptor to step forward
escorting a familiar older man in garments similar to those of All the women wore heavy robes and hoods over their
outlying Idrian tribes in the Bloodstone Marches. His rugged uniforms, which they deemed an affirmation of their
face was dark and leathery from exposure to the sun. That he sacred calling. Thyra bore what looked to be a peasant’s
pack on her shoulders to obscure the stacks of her
presence suggested a degree of trust Thyra did not share. arcane turbine. Behind them marched Blood of Martyrs,
Thyra’s favored warjack. They traveled by night to
“You have worked with Saxon Orrik before, I believe,”
avoid scrutiny.
Feora said.
The massive, smoke-belching machine would ordinarily
“Yes, he has been a reliable guide.” Thyra kept her voice
have drawn attention if not for Thyra’s power to conceal
neutral. She did not care for the ranger, to whom deception
it. By invoking the proper prayers and focusing her talent
was second nature. Orrik simply nodded to her. He seemed
she was able to cloak the heavy ’jack in a mystical shroud. It
at ease, with no sign of the discomforts most experienced
was not invisible but had become something others would
at his age.
not feel the need to notice. Maintaining this required small
She said, “His experience in the wilds seems irrelevant to but constant mental effort.
this task.”
They made good speed deeper into the Cygnaran interior,
“His role in this will be different,” Feora explained. “He skirting several larger towns. Finally, Orrik bade them
will identify your targets. You must be discreet: limit your wait while he went ahead to meet with certain unnamed
attacks to those individuals, except to preserve your life collaborators.
and the success of the mission. This is not the time for
As soon as he was out of earshot Nicia spoke her doubts.
incidental vengeance.”
“Why should we trust this man?”
“Of course, Priestess.” Thyra felt abashed. Controlling
“No one asked for trust. We have a mission from Feora;
her temper had been a struggle she had overcome with
this is not the time for questions.” Thyra regretted her
abruptness, but it served to stop any retort. They stood in
Feora had helped her learn to keep her emotions in check.
strained silence until they saw people approaching, Orrik
She continued to do so as she took her leave of Feora and
at the fore. Thyra tensed. He led almost a dozen heavily
armed strangers, men with the rough look of brigands or
for the mission.

the symbol on their sleeves: a black barbed dagger dripping

a single drop of red blood.

Several Daughters immediately went for their swords,

hissing indignantly. The approaching men stopped
as discreet?” Saxon Orrik’s voice was laden with sarcasm.
in alarm, and several quickly drew swords or pistols.
“Couldn’t we have just hidden in the barn?” He had rejoined
Nicia pulled her weapon free of its covering, growling,
the group after the ambush.
“Daggot Blades!”
Thyra’s lips compressed. “I will trust your advice deeper
Saxon made a sharp cutting motion toward the newcomers
inside the interior, Orrik. We know how these patrols work;
and waved them back while Thyra confronted her
they would have checked the barn. Given recent events, a
people. “Stand down! Immediately!” Her tone brooked
missing squad will not be noticed.”
no argument.
He said nothing, but his eyes expressed his disagreement
“Looks like the lasses are jumpy,” said a large man with
eloquently.
sergeant’s stripes on his sleeve. He holstered his pistol.
Thyra had handpicked a small group of her Daughters, Nicia pointed her weapon in his direction, but Thyra caught
some for their experience, others for their unwavering her eye and gave her a stern look.

39
 “Everyone at ease,” Thyra commanded. She was struggling The entire group remained on edge as they traveled to a
with her own anger. She paused to scan her team and ensure town northwest of King’s Vine called Hatherby. Thyra
they would obey her orders, then pulled Saxon Orrik aside. discovered that traveling with the mercenaries indeed
Nicia followed. made the Daughters less conspicuous. The townspeople
avoided the mercenaries and did not question them as they
Once they could speak without being overheard, Thyra said
might have questioned a group of women alone. The Blades
sharply to Orrik, “No one said anything about working
were a godless, uncouth, foul-mouthed bunch, but a few
with the Blades.”
reminders with blade points persuaded them to exercise a
The older ranger’s eyes suggested amusement.“Bad blood?” modicum of restraint.

Nicia’s face was red with anger. “Several of us have lost The group took shelter in a drafty warehouse near the main
brothers or husbands to the Daggot Blades. We have oaths roadway, a building owned by the Blades and used as a local
of vengeance against them.” base of operations. A section had been converted to barracks
and armory. The doors were large enough to accommodate
Thyra’s sympathies were fully with Nicia; the Daggot
Blood of Martyrs, and Thyra was relieved to relax her mind
Blades were exactly the sort of mercenary scum often
from the occultation. The ’jack loomed over the mercenaries
sent across the river to raid and pillage. For a moment
and glared with palpable hostility, encouraging them to
Thyra’s mind was filled with the screams of her own
keep their distance.
village, her own family, being attacked by similar men.
Gritting her teeth, she had to struggle hard to force the The Menites took over the barracks, leaving the Blades to
memory away. fend for themselves. They settled in to wait, none feeling
comfortable enough to sleep. Dawn was breaking by the time
Saxon sighed and spoke to Thyra. “Given your activities
Saxon Orrik deigned to provide Thyra more information
in the region, it isn’t surprising we might encounter those
about their targets. The two men were Colonel Jiels Thornby,
you have fought before.” His voice was dispassionate. “The
Earl of Grives, and Major Eldon Runewood, Viscount
Blades are mercenaries. They do what they are hired to do.
You have your orders.”
but it was their relationship to General Alain Runewood,
Thyra was not willing to surrender control over the Archduke of the Eastern Midlunds, that mattered most to
situation. “My orders named no one but you. Why do we Orrik. The second target was nephew to the archduke, and
need them?”

“A fair question,” Saxon allowed. “Unlike us, they are Thyra would never have questioned Feora on the
known here and are not wanted or marked for death. The
man they serve is powerful and feared. They have access to Orrik. The ranger was evasive, saying only that his “master”
safe houses, and they can get us close to your quarry.”
this master had entered into an arrangement with Feora.
Nicia said to Thyra, “That one at the fore with the scar across
Killing a pair of high-ranking nobles would undoubtedly
his face matches the description of the murderer of Lacelle’s
help undermine Cygnaran morale, but Thyra saw there was
husband.” Thyra looked over to the tall, wiry woman. Her
something larger at stake. The entire arrangement bothered
body rigid and her face drained of blood, she was staring

she had no way to know that Orrik had selected targets that
For a moment Thyra seriously considered ordering the would actually further the Priestess’ plans. Thyra would
requisite reprisals upon these hated men. She needed Saxon only discover she was being manipulated after the fact.

According to Orrik, the men were en route to join the

the use of the mercenaries seemed plausible. As much as
Second Army at Eastwall. They and their armed escort
she wanted to allow Lacelle her vengeance, Thyra was also
would stop at Hatherby to rest and resupply. Ranking
mindful of Feora’s trust in her.

She said to Nicia, “We work toward a higher cause. Personal one of the local estates; it was there the team would strike.
vendettas—no matter how deserved!—must be stayed. I Orrik apparently had several of the estate servants in his
will hold you accountable for their actions.” Nicia looked pocket. The Menites watched as Orrik produced chalk
bitter but turned to speak to the Daughters. and sketched the layout of the place and its surroundings.
Thyra frowned thoughtfully. The man was no mere tracker
or hired guide but was clearly well versed in espionage.
Who was his real master?

40
Their planning was interrupted by
one of the Blades set as sentries.
“They’re here,” he said to Orrik
with a grim expression. “You’d
better take a look.”

Orrik looked surprised when Thyra

stood to go with him. She said, “I
need to see what we’re facing.”

“Not in that ridiculous getup,” he

said, waving at her peasant’s robe.

“I won’t need it,” Thyra said,

putting it aside, “since Blood
of Martyrs is staying here.” She
cloaked herself in the occultation.
In battle it served to make her

she had used it for reconnaissance

many times.

Thyra saw Nicia’s worried

expression and reassured her, “I
won’t be far. Climb to the roof and
cover me. Take care not to draw
attention.”

Orrik had already put aside

the Idrian-style garments he
preferred for the desert in favor
of nondescript leathers. Similarly,
the Blades had taken off their
company badges. Together they
went outside into the sunlight. A
sizable crowd had gathered along
the main street to watch the arrival
of the Cygnaran Army as if it were
a parade.

Surveying the army, Thyra felt rising apprehension. This King Leto’s most powerful nobles as well as the general in
was a far larger force than she had been led to expect. charge of Eastwall. Thyra felt an immediate visceral surge
She had never seen so many sword knights outside the of hatred. Pointing toward the rear of the column, Orrik
invasion of Sul—at least two full companies, along with a said, “That’s Captain Allister Caine.” She saw him at last,
long gunner company. There were a half-dozen warjacks
among them. Thyra felt the familiar tingling at the back leather overcoat. He showed no sign of having sensed
of her mind that indicated a warcaster nearby and looked another warcaster nearby.
sharply to the rear of the passing column, where several
Under other circumstances Thyra would have been thrilled at
warjacks clustered. Elaborately attired sword knights
the prospect of killing such a man. She was deep in enemy
marched alongside banners showing their heraldry, but she
territory, though, with only a single warjack, while Caine was
did not see the warcaster. Her occultation would mask her
marching with a battalion alongside a Charger, a Defender,
and a Hunter. Toward the fore of the column and among the
Orrik whispered, “The archduke himself!” He pointed to sword knights were two Ironclads and a pair of Sentinels, one
an older sword knight holding his helmet under his arm at of which was staying close by the nobles. Orrik said, “On the
the center of the distinguished group, a banner of priority positive side, our friends are right there, next to the archduke.”
behind him. This was Archduke Alain Runewood, one of

41
 mission. The only way this will work is to separate our quarry
mind. As far as she was concerned, they were already dead. from the rest of the army.” Jacobs and the other nearby Blades
looked uncomfortable at the mention of a suicide mission.

After some further musing Orrik allowed, “We have

access to the papers and seal of our local noble. I can
have the head butler forge a letter offering hospitalities.
“By Thamar’s twins,” Sergeant Jacobs of the Daggot Blades It would be rude for the archduke to refuse outright. If
said with typical vulgarity as they regrouped, “why in he chooses not to attend himself, he will want to send
blazes is Allister Caine here? Isn’t there a war on?” representatives in his stead. Our targets are the most
worthy to sit in his place.”
Thyra and Orrik had remained outside to confirm
the final disposition of the army forces, finding them Jacobs nodded eagerly. “Good idea. Could get all three in
altogether less than ideal. None of the three nobles had one go!”
retired to the compromised estate as expected, remaining
Orrik frowned and noted, “If Runewood does attend, Caine
instead at the army encampment that sprawled along
will join him. Nevertheless, it’s our best move.” He looked
the outskirts of town. Apparently Allister Caine had
persuaded the archduke to partake in local games of
chance at the largest tavern, and the entire area was Thyra saw no better way. “Set your plan in motion. My
crawling with Cygnaran soldiers. people will stand ready. We have only one chance at this.”

Orrik had been brooding about the warcaster’s unexpected

mage is likely here to escort Runewood to Eastwall, together

with his household guard. Your activities of late have likely They evaded the Cygnaran watch and snuck into position
put them on alert.” He grimaced. near the large manor house, a stout structure whose walls
were stone below and handsomely carved redwood above.
The notion of relegating a warcaster to escort duty in the
They kept to the shadows outside a large copse of trees and
interior during a time of war was unthinkable to Thyra,
near a row of tall hedges that might obscure any commotion
and she suspected there was more to it. She felt distinctly
from the nearby town. Entering the manor itself would
ill-informed.
have presented too many risks of discovery. In the distance,
“What if we get ol’ Runewood too?” Jacobs scratched his
side as he mused, “We’d get an ungodly huge bonus for outside the town limits.
that! Imagine!”
Checking the faces of her sisters, Thyra saw Lacelle staring
Orrik’s hungry look suggested he was thinking similarly,
although Thyra doubted it was coin that motivated him. in her husband’s death. She caught the woman’s eye and
“Eliminating Archduke Runewood would be a victory
beyond anything we had hoped.” He shook his head then at the roadway they were watching. The Daughter
and sighed. “Unfortunately, we are not equipped for grimaced and complied, resetting her attention.
such a strike.”
Thyra tensed as she heard the distinct sound of warjack
Jacobs shrugged. “We should send word to Ladderm—” engines above that of marching soldiers. From their vantage
He swallowed the name at a sharp look from Orrik but they saw several dozen sword knights approaching in
muttered, “See what he thinks.” Thyra’s eyes narrowed. At formation on the road, the ’jacks just behind them. She
least now she knew the identity of their master: Archduke
Laddermore, another powerful Cygnaran noble. she had seen neither alongside Allister Caine. The banners
held by the escort marked them for the Earl of Grives and
“We have no time to confer with anyone.” Orrik looked to
the Viscount of Eschex. The presence of the two warjacks
Thyra. “Surely Feora would want Runewood eliminated.
complicated things. Through her mental connection to Blood
What is your assessment?”
of Martyrs she sensed the ’jack was eager to confront them.
“My orders were clear. The elder Runewood was not one of
The sword knights took up positions to either side of the
my targets.” She was pleased with herself for cornering him
main path, the warjacks alongside. The two in the most
earlier about the names. “Regardless, we’re not getting to any
heavily decorated armor dismounted, removed helmets,
of them as it stands.” She spoke in a detached tone. “Chances
and walked toward the stairs to the manor porch.
of success are poor even were we to treat this as a suicide

42
Colonel Thornby, the Earl of Grives, was an older bald through visors and beneath the chins of helmets. Nicia
man, while Major Eldon Runewood was considerably was a whirlwind of slaughter as she charged into a knot of
younger, with the solid build and square features of his sword knights, quickly slaying two with the blade of her
uncle the archduke.
almost tearing off his head. A knight behind her spun with
Thyra nodded to Nicia and dropped her arm. The Daughters
saw the signal and were in motion even as the shot rang out
attacker’s lower back. The knight fell to his knees, and the
from Nicia’s sword cannon to pierce through the colonel’s

an instant later, but the shot missed; the young major was Major Runewood yelled over his shoulder to the Ironclad,
already ducking and spinning toward the sound of the which was already running forward. With a whistle of
noise. Thyra knew the next few chaotic moments would vented steam it lowered its shoulder and barreled into Blood
determine everything. of Martyrs. Thyra had to roll frantically aside as Blood of
Martyrs soared back to crash through the brick wall of the
The Sentinel light warjack charged almost the instant the
manor’s east wing. They heard screaming from within the
house, then the ceiling caved in and an entire section of
the façade crumbled. Before she could regain her feet, the
young Runewood swung downward with his battle blade
rushing forward alongside her sisters, Blood of Martyrs
ahead of her.

The Flame of Sorrow invoked a prayer to Menoth even pain even as she forced herself back to her feet, relying on
as she charged, sending a powerful surge of holy energy adrenaline to ignore the injury.
manifesting as golden runes surrounding herself, the
Daughters, and Blood of Martyrs. By this blessing their
THE WOMEN SWEPT
weapons would be guided to strike true. The plan was for
THROUGH THE KNIGHTS,
her subordinates and the mercenaries to attack the escort,
BLOOD SPRAYING
leaving the warjacks and the targets—should they survive
WHEREVER THEIR
BLADES DANCED
The Sentinel became her first priority. She felt her mind
occupying two places at once as she fully inhabited
Blood of Martyr ’s cortex and felt its massive curved She looked to the Cygnaran noble in his ornamented
swords in its hands even as she felt Grief and Lament armor, his eyes fierce and his sword at the ready. He
in her own. The heavy warjack crashed into the smaller backed away to allow the Ironclad to take his place.
Sentinel, tearing through the Sentinel’s upraised shield Blood trickled down Thyra’s side and her breathing was
with one blow, then slashing across with another to labored, but she felt righteous anger and indignation.
tear the entire arm loose. In a blur of motion, it sliced Even as the Ironclad turned toward her and raised
clean through the multiple barrels of the spinning chain its massive quake hammer, she rushed forward into a
gun and at last delivered a killing thrust into the light tumbling roll between the Ironclad’s legs, landing before
warjack’s chest. Thyra moved swiftly past to engage the major with her blade thrusting forcefully up under
the major. He brought his shield and blade up as he his chin. He tried to deflect with his shield, but Lament
stepped back, his eyes widening at the sight of a Menite plunged through his flesh to skewer his brain and pierce
warcaster closing. the top of his skull.

As the Daughters rushed the knights, the Daggot Blades She yanked the sword loose and turned to face his ’jack,
whose eyes glowed with something akin to anger as its
better suited to turning aside blade and spear points than master fell lifeless. Its massive hammer swung sideways
toward her, but she smoothly ducked and then stepped
inside the hammer ’s reach with her blades. The blessed
bleeding along the road. Those left standing were met by weapons were sharp enough to bite through warjack
Daughters of the Flame. armor, although she knew disabling the machine would
require more than hacking at its hull. She spun to leverage
Augmented by Thyra’s prayers, the women swept through
both her momentum and the strength of her warcaster
the knights, blood spraying wherever their blades danced—
armor into a forceful strike through one of the exposed
they found gaps under shoulders or drove sword points
pistons connecting its waist to its legs. It snapped with

43
 a pop, and the ’jack toppled to one knee. She stepped She kicked open the manor door, wincing as fresh pain
swiftly around to the side and thrust Lament through seared in her side. The foyer and entry hall were not yet
its pressure boiler, which unleashed a scalding plume ablaze and provided temporary cover. Saxon Orrik ran in
of steam in a shriek. It turned awkwardly toward her,
raising its hammer. Lament to his neck in an instant. Glaring out at the Daggot

A familiar voice raised in a scream of rage rose above the

and backed in after, then kicked the door.
escaping steam. “Betrayed!” Thyra barely sidestepped
the quake hammer before it smashed heavily into the “Tell your men to back off,” Thyra hissed at Orrik. “If they
earth. Looking back, she saw Lacelle with her swords
through one of the Daggot Blades. At first she thought
The ranger gritted his teeth as her sword edge bit into
the woman had struck first, then she realized all the
his neck. “I wasn’t part of this. I had no intention of
Daughters were under attack by their erstwhile allies.
betraying you.”
After the sword knights had fallen in the initial rush,
the Blades had taken advantage of their distraction to Underscoring the dubiousness of this statement, Sergeant
attack the Daughters from behind. Thyra felt her rage Jacobs yelled, “Let Orrik go and surrender, and no one else
ignite as she saw that many of her sisters had already has to die!”
been stabbed in the back.
Thyra yanked Orrik to face her. The desire to slit his throat
Orrik shouted, “What are you fools doing?!” was so strong her vision blurred. “You are a liar. And
worthless to me now. I’ll give you a moment to pray to
Sergeant Jacobs called, “Just following orders! Help us
Menoth.” Behind Orrik, in the rubble of the east wing’s
large dining room, Thyra could see Blood of Martyrs
A mercenary broke past Lacelle’s guard and delivered a
trying to dislodge itself from the wreckage. The warjack
mortal thrust to her abdomen. She used her last strength to
was stronger than twenty men, but a fallen beam pinned
cut his throat. Several more closed warily on Thyra.
its arm, and other debris had trapped it in such a way
that it could not bring any leverage to bear. Fire licked the
edges of that room.
THYRA YANKED ORRIK TO
FACE HER. THE DESIRE TO SLIT Orrik’s said, “Remember your orders! I am the only one
HIS THROAT WAS SO STRONG who can arrange matters between my master and yours.
HER VISION BLURRED. She told you to cooperate. We are on the same side!”

“I’m not an idiot! You all work for Laddermore; I heard

your sergeant admit it earlier. It seems they forgot to tell
Thyra pointed and golden runes seized the nearest
mercenary to yank him toward her with such force he
He shook his head. “They work for Laddermore—my master
was almost torn in half. She ignored the others for the
is above him! This was a mistake, and I’ll see it made right.
moment and twisted around the Ironclad to cut the
Kill me, and you unravel everything your mistress has
remaining pistons. With its boiler critically compromised
worked to achieve.”
the ’jack was finally all but useless. She could sense
Blood of Martyrs struggling to free itself from the rubble
of the house without success as flames spread through The report was followed by a choked gasp and the sound of
the interior.
said to Thyra, “Don’t trust him! You saw what they did!”
She parried and evaded the thrusts of the other two
Bullets impacted the outer wall.
mercenaries and pulled back toward the front door of the
manor, which together with the west wing was still intact. Thyra was so angry her blade was already biting into Orrik’s
Nicia joined her after dispatching several Blades who had skin; it would be so easy to cut his throat and be done with
tried to rush her, but she was limping from a nasty cut to him and whatever conspiracy he was mixed up in. But
her left leg. Her hands shook as she reloaded her sword she held herself in check, her arm shaking with repressed
cannon. Several mercenaries were readying pistols, having emotion. What he had said was true: she needed him alive.
learned the folly of confronting the ranking Daughters up Her own life was expendable next to the needs of Feora. If
close. Thyra felt a moment of despair to realize the rest of the Priestess of the Flame wished to deal with these vipers,
her team had fallen. Thyra would have to adapt. She pulled back her blade. “He
lives, for now. If he helps us get out of this. Come!”

44
Orrik and Nicia followed Thyra as she stepped around He pointed beyond the manor. “There’s a tributary of the
pieces of burning wreckage to reach Blood of Martyrs. Black River a few hundred yards north. A boat is waiting.”
The heat was almost unbearable. “Help me!” Thyra said
The three moved swiftly through the darkness with
as she pulled at the beam pinning its arm. The piece of
thick wood was lodged into a corner of the ceiling above,
was moored at the isolated pier. The grim-faced crew
and the warjack’s efforts to free itself had only wedged it
recognized Saxon Orrik and heeded his orders, asking no
tighter. With Thyra’s augmented armor, the three were able
questions about the unusual state of their passengers.
to shove the beam sideways until it fell free. The ’jack was
able to clear away the largest of the pieces of ceiling and get They used a crane and steam-driven winch to lift Blood of
itself upright. Bullets clanged off its armor as it rose to its Martyrs onto the boat. Once the warjack was secured and
full height. hidden in an alcove behind some quickly moved boxes,

Thyra felt her veins turn to ice as she gripped her blades
situated themselves nearby, and the crew pulled heavy
and unleashed her full power. Blood of Martyrs was at
tarps over them to hide them from prying eyes as they
her left and Nicia to her right as she called on Menoth to
pushed away from the shore. Thyra and Nicia did not speak
transform the three of them into shadow, their presence as
in the darkness, each of them lost in their own thoughts
ephemeral as the souls of the faithful. They moved as one,
of the sisters they had left behind. At least the traitorous
passing through the walls of the house and through the
Daggot Blades had died with them. Perhaps Lacelle would
nearest of the Daggot Blades outside to emerge wraith-like
rest more peacefully for that.
on the other side. Their form returned, they set upon the
treacherous mercenaries like incarnations of slaughter and The scrutators would absolve the fallen Daughters and
righteous vengeance. Without Thyra’s invoked blessing, bless them in absentia, but with no reclaimers or priests to
Orrik had clambered over the remnants of the outer ensure their passage, would any of them reach Menoth?
She shied away from the question, knowing it would only
Daughters’ immediate reach. return to haunt her in the quiet hours when she could no
longer evade memories of her murdered family.
In moments the rest were dead, except Sergeant Jacobs. He
had dropped his pistol and sword and was crumpled on the She felt some satisfaction at having completed her mission
for Feora, but she could not suppress her trepidation at
his sword, and seized the man by the collar. Jacobs’ eyes what manner of plots the Protector of the Flame had entered
rolled as he begged for his life. related to Saxon Orrik’s enigmatic “master.” Ultimately,
Thyra knew, she could strive only to be there for her
Orrik said, “We’ll let this one go to take his master a
mistress as a vigilant servant. To stand ready to spend her
message.” He glared at the traitor. “Tell Laddermore he
almost ruined the plans of the Exile today. Next time he
enemies of their faith. In darkness, as the boat entered the
thinks to change our plans, he clears it with me
current, she wondered if she would be able to recognize
nodded desperately.

Thyra’s eyes narrowed, and she stepped swiftly past Orrik.

it swept through Jacobs’ neck. The mercenary’s eyes went

wide as he choked and blood poured down his chest from
the gaping wound. Orrik let the body fall and turned to
face Thyra, his face mottled with indignation. Thyra glared
back, unrelenting. “You can deliver your own messages to
Laddermore,” she spat. “That man betrayed me. His life
was mine, not yours.”

Orrik sighed but did not argue. He looked to the growing

inferno and then back toward the town. They could hear the

Thyra was breathing hard, her side awash with her own
blood, and her eyes lost focus for a moment. She was in
no condition to confront Caine. “I presume you had an
escape plan?”

45
 THYRA, FLAME OF SORROW
PROTECTORATE WARCASTER
Do not waste your anger in tears. Justice is found only in the truth of Menoth
and the deeds of the faithful.
—Thyra, Flame of Sorrow

FEAT: SHADOWS SPELLS COST RNG AOE POW UP OFF

THYRA
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
OF URCAEN CARNAGE 3 SELF CTRL – NO NO
When the Flame of Sorrow Friendly Faction models gain +2 to melee attack rolls against enemy
7 6 8 4 17 14 9 models in this model’s control area. Carnage lasts for one turn.
vows to bring ruin to those
GRIEF OCCULTATION 2 6 – – YES NO
POW P+S chosen army, her allies Target friendly model/unit gains Stealth .
5 11 transform into living shadows PURSUIT 2 8 – – YES YES
LAMENT to strike unerringly If target enemy model/unit advances during its activation, immediately
POW P+S deep in the enemy’s heart. after ending this movement one model in this model’s battlegroup that is
5 11 Immediately place Thyra
in its control area can make a full advance.

FOCUS 6 anywhere completely SILENCE OF DEATH 2 6 – – YES NO

within 2 of her current Target friendly model/unit’s melee weapons gain Grievous Wounds.
DAMAGE 15 (When a model is hit by a weapon with Grievous Wounds, for one round it
FIELD ALLOWANCE C location. When a friendly
loses Tough, cannot heal or be healed, and cannot transfer damage.)
WARJACK POINTS +6 Faction model activates
in Thyra’s control area, at STRANGLEHOLD 2 10 – 11 NO YES
SMALL BASE A model damaged by Stranglehold forfeits either its movement or its
the start of its activation
action during its next activation, as its controller chooses.
you can place it anywhere
completely within 2 of its
current location. Shadows of Urcaen lasts for one turn.
TACTICAL TIP
THYRA PURSUIT – If an affected model made a full advance, ran, or charged
Acrobatics – This model can advance through other models if during its activation, a model in this model’s battlegroup gets to
it has enough movement to move completely past their bases. make a full advance.
This model cannot be targeted by free strikes. This model
ignores intervening models when declaring its charge target.
Try as she might to banish the memories, Thyra cannot
Elite Cadre [Daughters of the Flame] – Friendly Daughters of
the Flame models gain Vengeance. (During your Maintenance stop revisiting the bloody battle that destroyed her
Phase, if one or more models in a unit with Vengeance were village and killed her family. Their deaths were senseless;
destroyed or removed from play by enemy attacks during your the community fell prey to war simply for living in the
opponent’s last turn, each model in the unit can advance 3 and
proximity of a sizable Protectorate garrison they had hoped
make one normal melee attack.)
would protect them. Cygnaran nobles decided those Menite
Overtake – When this model destroys one or more enemy
warrior models with a normal melee attack, after the attack is
soldiers were situated too close to the Black River and hired
resolved this model can immediately advance up to 1 . several disreputable mercenary companies to assist the
soldiers of Eastwall in attacking the garrison. When the
GRIEF
garrison’s Flameguard were beset, Thyra’s village priest
Magical Weapon
exhorted all able-bodied adults to rally to assist.
Weapon Master

LAMENT
Magical Weapon mercenaries, who retaliated with a brutal counterattack.
When the militia retreated back to the village, the
Weapon Master
mercenaries followed after, killing anyone who stood in
their way. Thyra was among the armed defenders in the
Tragedy grants strength and conviction to the survivors.
Few have learned this bitter lesson as well as Thyra, called
the Flame of Sorrow. Among a sisterhood united by loss, died on that day, but it was the sight of her own children
she epitomizes the strength bestowed on those who have bleeding to death amid the ruins of her home that broke
lost everything. Thyra has become a living weapon of the something in her mind and changed her utterly.
Menite cause, her body and soul devoted to avenging the
injustices carried out by those who oppose the Creator. She Thyra’s powers awoke in what she sees as nothing less
moves with a surety of purpose, the precision of her blade than the direct blessing of Menoth in answer to her anguish
strikes sharpened by the focus of a mind repressing inner and prayers for vengeance. In mindless fury she set upon
those who had killed her family, moving her unfamiliar
blood of those deserving vengeance.

46
47
 but extensions of her body. She became an incarnation of priest had not come to her demanding she put an end to the
retribution that moved so swiftly she could barely be seen raids, concerned about provoking retaliations. Enraged at
as she leapt from the shadows to strike down every soldier his attempt to halt what she saw as a divine mandate, Thyra
in reach. Her warcaster potential had awoken, and she struck the priest and drove him away. Although he lived,
called upon this power without realizing it. Others among this assault brought Thyra to the attention of the Knights
the village survivors followed her lead and zealously Exemplar and soon resulted in her arrest, incarceration, and
fought to drive away the Cygnaran mercenaries, who pending execution. She would have quietly disappeared, if
eventually tried to retreat Thyra raced after them, leading not for the intervention of Feora, Priestess of the Flame.

Intrigued by the accounts she had heard of Thyra’s exploits,

like rabid dogs.
Feora confronted the imprisoned zealot leader, in part
to test the strength of the woman’s resolve. Despite her
sentence, Thyra argued she had been chosen for this cause
Menoth’s approval, she devoted herself to killing heathens and could not surrender her purpose. Feora was able to
in the god’s name. Many felt drawn to her cause, and from
these volunteers she assembled a band of zealots, many of warrior and ascertained her potential usefulness. The
Priestess of the Flame used her authority to set the woman
had no sanction from the Menite Temple and acted on free, telling Thyra she could have her vengeance so long
Thyra’s direction. They followed her across the river in as her anger was properly channeled. She would have to
daring night raids and strikes against isolated Cygnaran learn to identify the right places and times to strike. Feora
outposts and towns. This might have gone promised to teach her the better use of her power and arm
on for some time if a more moderate her for battles ahead.

THYRA, FLAME OF SORROW

BLACK WIDOWS

WARJACKS: Protectorate non-character warjacks SOLOS: Nicia, Tear of Vengeance

with SPD 5 or greater, Blood of Martyrs
UNITS: Choir of Menoth, Daughters of the Flame,
Flame Bringers

TIER 1 TIER 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models Requirements: The army includes Nicia, Tear of
listed above. Vengeance.

Daughter of the Flame units are FA U. Models in this army gain Stealth during the

TIER 2
Requirements: The army includes two or more Daughter TIER 4
of the Flame units. Requirements: Thyra’s battlegroup includes Blood of Martyrs.

Benefit: For each Daughter of the Flame unit in the Warjacks in Thyra’s battlegroup are each
army, one warjack in Thyra’s battlegroup gains Advance
Move. (Before the start of the game but after both Phase of the game.
players have deployed, a model with Advance Move can
make a full advance.)

Permission is hereby granted to create reproductions of this entry for personal, non-commercial use only.

48
To Thyra these words were like a blessing she had not After countless bloody skirmishes and daring retaliatory
known she sought. In the following months Feora taught raids, Thyra has clearly earned the right to stand as Feora’s
the young woman how to control her rage rather than right hand, trusted above all other subordinates. When the
either succumbing to it or releasing it, how to become a Protector of the Flame requires a reckoning, whether deep
disciplined warrior as well as a fervent avenger. Thyra was in enemy lands or inside the borders of the Protectorate, it
given warjacks and additional support for her growing is Thyra she sends.
band of zealots and learned to heed Feora’s orders,
Thyra’s obsession with vengeance is at times barely
including when and where she could give rein to her
constrained—the warcaster must constantly remind herself
unquenchable thirst for righteous slaughter. Those brought
that loss of control would mean disappointing the woman
together with similar tales of grief became the Daughters
who restored her sense of purpose. Yet her intimacy with
of the Flame, entrusted by Feora to Thyra’s keeping. The
death has given her a powerful instinctual connection
with Urcaen. Her enemies see her as an avenging avatar,
took comfort in the intense camaraderie of the Daughters.

Thyra’s devotion to Feora borders on the fanatical, and she

trusts the Priestess of Flame completely, even to the point soon follows.

There are some among the upper echelons of the Menite

hierarchy who fear crossing Feora at least in part because
they know Thyra stands as her unquestioning second-in-
command, ready to kill at her behest.

ferocious violence in combat but knows how to step back

from the precipice which often tempts her to join her loved
ones in Urcaen. She demonstrated her power in annihilating

the subsequent strike deep into Caspia, and she continues

to seize every opportunity to make them pay for what was
done not only to her family but to those of all the Daughters
of the Flame as well.

49
 SANCTIFIER
PROTECTORATE HEAVY WARJACK
Fear not death this day; though your graves may go unmarked, your souls are eternal.
—Hierarch Severius

SANCTIFIER TACTICAL TIP

SANCTIFIER
Cenotaph – This model
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD CENOTAPH – This model cannot exceed its allocation limit as a result
5 11 6 5 10 19 — gains one soul token for
of Cenotaph.
each friendly living Faction
OPEN FIST warrior model destroyed
POW P+S within 5 by a continuous HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 12´ / 8.5 TONS
L 3 14 effect, an enemy attack, ARMAMENT: GRAVE MAKER (RIGHT ARM)
GRAVE MAKER or collateral damage of an
FUEL LOAD / BURN USAGE: 675 LBS / 5.6 HRS GENERAL, 1 HR COMBAT
POW P+S enemy attack. This model
INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 606 AR
R 6 17 can have up to three soul
tokens at a time. During CORTEX MANUFACTURER: VASSALS OF MENOTH
DAMAGE your Control Phase, you ORIG. CHASSIS DESIGN: SUL-MENITE ARTIFICERS
1 2 3 4 5 6 can remove all soul tokens
from this model to allocate
it focus points, 1 for each
token removed. cenotaph, manifesting the power of Menoth in Urcaen
Exorcist – While within upon the world by revealing the spectral undead and other
5 of this model, enemy incorporeal abominations that walk between worlds. A
L R models lose Incorporeal.

L L M C R R OPEN FIST the living in order to smash them beneath its grave maker as
Open FIst an undeniable demonstration of Menoth’s power.
M M C C
GRAVE MAKER
FIELD ALLOWANCE U Magical Weapon
POINT COST 9 Reach
LARGE BASE

unthinkable violence, where even death may not grant

escape from the enemy. The faithful crusaders of the
Protectorate of Menoth do not fear death in service of
the Creator, provided their souls might join those of
their brethren in the City of Man. Thus, the Protectorate

order to ensure the spirits of the righteous do not fall

prey to necromantic blasphemies such as enslavement
by Cryx. Menites revere these walking tombs as tangible
manifestations of Menoth’s will on Caen. The Reclaimant
order blesses each hulking warjack with silent benediction,

Menites chosen to usher the dead into Urcaen.

is armed with a simple but potent weapon—a massive

that ventures too near is crushed beneath this symbol of

becomes a repository for the souls of numerous brave

50
 BLOOD OF MARTYRS
PROTECTORATE CHARACTER HEAVY WARJACK
The death of the righteous is a call to action as clear as the words of the True Law.
—Thyra, Flame of Sorrow

HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 12´ / 8.2 TONS BLOOD OF BLOOD OF MARTYRS

ARMAMENT: BLADE (RIGHT AND LEFT ARMS) MARTYRS SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
FUEL LOAD / BURN USAGE: 273 LBS / 6 HRS GENERAL, 1 HR COMBAT 5 11 6 5 10 19 —
While
INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 584 AR, REFITTED 606 AR in Thyra’s control area, BLADE
CORTEX MANUFACTURER: VASSALS OF MENOTH this model gains Side Step. POW P+S
(When a model with Side L 5 16
ORIG. CHASSIS DESIGN: ENGINES EAST/KHADORAN MECHANIKS ASSEMBLY (MODIFIED BY THE
SUL-MENITE ARTIFICERS) Step hits an enemy model
BLADE
with an initial melee attack POW P+S
A warjack absorbs and learns from the personality of or a melee special attack R 5 16
that is not a power attack,
its warcaster over time. Emotions bleed into its cortex, it can advance up to 2 DAMAGE
informing its behavior and disposition. It is no surprise, after the attack is resolved. 1 2 3 4 5 6
then, that the favored warjack of the Flame of Sorrow It cannot be targeted by
free strikes during this
movement.)
Hand of Vengeance –
hull spattered with the blood of the faithful, the ’jack wades
When one or more friendly
into the midst of the enemy, turning aside their weapons Faction warrior models L R
with the impunity Menoth grants his servants. Blood of are destroyed or removed
Martyrs unfailingly seeks out those who have laid low the from play by enemy attacks L L M C R R
while within 5 this model,
righteous and delivers unto them the consequences of their M M C C
this model gains +2 on
transgressions. The ’jack’s desire for vengeance is insatiable; attack and damage rolls for
the Protectorate’s scribes have likened the machine to the one round. FIELD ALLOWANCE C
Parry – This model cannot
POINT COST 9
retribution upon enemies of the faith. be targeted by free strikes. LARGE BASE

The warjack originally entered Thyra’s service in the closing

months of Cygnar’s occupation of Sul. The young warcaster
and her forces fought tirelessly against the invaders,
pushing them back street by bloody street. Although scores
of her ’jacks were reduced to scrap, her favored Crusader
survived. During a particularly savage engagement in
which the majority of Thyra’s soldiers fell, the ’jack laid into

when their victory seemed assured.

The young warcaster recognized that Menoth had sent

this warjack to guard her and mirror the rage she felt.
She rearmed it with the weapons required to carry out its
holy destiny and named it Blood of Martyrs, knowing its

righteous blood the enemy had spilled.

51
 SCOURGE OF HERESY
PROTECTORATE CHARACTER HEAVY WARJACK
Witchcraft is antithetical to the Creator’s law. Death is the only reward of heresy.
—High Executioner Servath Reznik

SCOURGE OF TACTICAL TIPS

SCOURGE OF HERESY
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
HERESY SPECIAL ISSUE – This only gives the warjack the potential to bond to
4 11 7 5 10 19 — Arcane Vortex – This model the warcaster. It does not automatically add a bond.
can immediately negate
PUNISHER any spell that targets it or THRESHER – The melee attacks are all simultaneous.
POW P+S
a model within 3 of it by
L 7 18
spending 1 focus point
HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 12´3 / 10.25 TONS
BLAZING STAR before the RNG of the spell
POW P+S is measured. The negated ARMAMENT: BLAZING STAR (RIGHT ARM), PUNISHER (LEFT ARM)
R 5 16 spell does not take effect, FUEL LOAD / BURN USAGE: 295 LBS / 5.2 HRS GENERAL, 1 HR COMBAT
but its COST remains spent. INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 603 AR
DAMAGE CORTEX MANUFACTURER: VASSALS OF MENOTH
Imprint: Arcane Assassin –
1 2 3 4 5 6 During its activation, ORIG. CHASSIS DESIGN: ENGINES EAST/KHADORAN MECHANIKS ASSEMBLY (MODIFIED BY THE
SUL-MENITE ARTIFICERS)
this model can spend 1
focus point to gain Arcane
Assassin for one turn. Reznik chose the chassis, cortex, and weapons of his
(When making attacks,
a model with Arcane
instrument with care and had the Vassals of Menoth bless
L R Assassin ignores focus every component even beyond their normal rites. Sacred
points overboosting the passages written on the walls of Ancient Icthier were
L L M C R R target’s Power Field and
spell effects adding to its
M M C C
ARM or DEF.)
judged—and, if found wanting, condemned.
FIELD ALLOWANCE C
POINT COST 9 This model can be included
LARGE BASE in Reznik’s theme forces.
It can also be bonded to
Reznik.

PUNISHER
Continuous Effect: Fire
Purgation – Gain an additional die on attack and damage rolls
with this weapon against models with an enemy upkeep spell
on them.

BLAZING STAR
Chain Weapon – This attack ignores the Buckler and Shield
weapon qualities and Shield Wall.
Thresher ( Attack) – This model makes one melee attack with
this weapon against each model in its LOS and this weapon’s
melee range.

Arcane invocations are dangerous and profane when

performed without the Creator’s strict guidance. Most
mortals are too weak to utilize the blasphemous gift
of magic without falling to corruption, a truth High
Executioner Servath Reznik knows all too well. Scourge
of Heresy aids him in his divinely inspired vigilance.
The hulking warjack relishes purging the world of the
occult’s shadow with an intensity rivaling that of the high

52
 ATTENDANT PRIEST
PROTECTORATE UNIT ATTACHMENT
Menoth guides all his servants, whether willing or not.
—Hierarch Severius

TACTICAL TIP Attachment [Small-

or Medium-Based PRIEST
OFFICER – Mercenary] – This SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
attachment can be added to 6 4 4 4 13 13 9
in the unit or the unit Leader becomes the unit commander. a Small- or Medium-Based BATTLE STAFF
Mercenary unit. POW P+S
The Protectorate’s crusades are tremendous undertakings 2 6
PRIEST
that stretch the limits of the small nation’s resources. DAMAGE 5
Although almost every able-bodied citizen can be counted Prayers – This model can FIELD ALLOWANCE 2
upon in time of crisis, the numbers of the faithful are not recite one of the following POINT COST 2
prayers each turn anytime SMALL BASE
priests require of them. The war counselor’s logisticians during its unit’s activation.

know that where the lion’s skin does not reach, it must be
• Empower – Affected model’s weapons gain Magical
supplemented with that of the jackal.
Weapon for one turn.
Many within the Protectorate frown upon hiring • March – for one turn.
mercenaries, but the realities of their situation force • Warding – Affected models cannot be targeted by enemy
pragmatism. Still, all within the hierarchy of the spells for one round.
Protectorate’s army are more comfortable when these
godless hirelings are guided and monitored by a pious model is in play, models in its unit are Protectorate models
overseer. Often, attendant priests rise from the choir’s instead of Mercenary models.
middle ranks, having seen enough service to be formidable BATTLE STAFF
Reach

combatants but not yet being so advanced in years and

spiritual power that they are more valuable behind the
front lines.

In order to best control their amoral charges, attendant

priests must become convincing proselytizers. While
many mercenaries balk at the idea of being led by a

to dismiss. Under a priest’s psalmody, the dangerous arts

Weapons glowing with the power of the Creator lay waste to

the unclean creatures of night and shadow. It is not unheard
of for a group of foul-mouthed, bloody-minded mercenaries
to fall to their knees after battle, beseeching the attendant
priest to cleanse them of their sins and offer them Menoth’s
protection in Urcaen.

53
 FLAMEGUARD CLEANSER OFFICER
PROTECTORATE UNIT ATTACHMENT
Flame is not capricious; it merely flows to the silent rhythms of the Creator’s will.
—Preceptor Ryl Daja

Attachment [Flameguard TACTICAL TIP

OFFICER Cleanser] – This attachment
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD can be added to a OFFICER –
5 5 6 6 12 14 8 Flameguard Cleanser unit.
PURIFIER in the unit or the unit Leader becomes the unit commander. This
RNG ROF AOE POW
OFFICER model can give the Incinerate order.
SP 8 1 — 12 Immunity: Fire

PURIFIER BLADE a number of techniques that exploit the ravenous nature of

POW P+S Bushwhack (Order) –
3 8 During this unit’s
DAMAGE 5 activation, affected models
make their combat actions demonstrated by a master swordsman. With casual ease, he
FIELD ALLOWANCE 1 releases a precise amount of fuel through his weapon upon
before their normal
POINT COST 2 movement. Affected models a carefully chosen piece of ground, causing a roaring sheet
SMALL BASE must make a full advance
as their normal movement
this activation.
rises into the sky as it purges the unholy with the cleansing
Scouring Flames – Once per game during its unit’s activation,
this model can use Scouring Flames. This activation, the base touch of the Creator.

base POW becomes 10.

Sheet of Fire ( Action) – Place a wall template anywhere
completely within 5 of this model where it does not touch a
model’s base, an obstruction, or an obstacle. When a model
enters or ends its activation in the wall area, it suffers an

effect . Models within the wall template gain concealment.

Sheet of Fire lasts for one round.

PURIFIER
Continuous Effect: Fire
Damage Type: Fire

Years of war have forged the Cleansers of the Flameguard

into hardened soldiers. Though their order was originally
created to purge the blasphemous from among the
Protectorate’s own subjects, these citizen-soldiers have

Immoren. The life of a Cleanser is often short, for enemies

of the faith abhor him as a fearful reminder of Menoth’s

believe they have been preserved to guide their subordinates

is most needed.

The weapon of the Cleansers is a challenging instrument of

54
 NICIA, TEAR OF VENGEANCE
PROTECTORATE FLAMEGUARD CHARACTER SOLO
In the hands of the righteous one blade may right many wrongs.
—Nicia, Tear of Vengeance

TACTICAL TIP NICIA

NICIA
Advance Deployment SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
QUICK WORK – This model cannot make the additional attack if it is
still in melee. Fearless 7 5 7 7 16 13 9
Stealth SWORD CANNON
RNG ROF AOE POW
Nicia has killed more enemies than can be counted, but she Acrobatics – This model 10 1 — 12
remembers every death delivered by her blade. Each adds can advance through other
to the litany of devotional acts she will one day recite to models if it has enough BLADE
movement to move POW P+S
the Creator. She only hopes that by the time she meets her completely past their bases. 5 10
This model cannot be DAMAGE 5
have killed enough of them to earn a place among Menoth’s targeted by free strikes. This FIELD ALLOWANCE C
endless army in the City of Man. model ignores intervening POINT COST 3
models when declaring its
SMALL BASE
Only a handful of years ago she lived behind the great charge target.
walls of the city of Sul with her husband, Heltus, a proud Quick Work – When this model destroys one or more
member of the Temple Flameguard. At times the love she enemy models with a melee attack during its combat action,
immediately after that attack is resolved this model can make
felt for him outshone even her love for the Creator. When one normal ranged attack. Attacks gained from Quick Work do
the Cygnarans breached the city walls, Nicia beseeched not count against a weapon’s ROF.
Menoth to protect Heltus in battle, but he was chosen to Rapid Strike – This model can make one additional melee
join the Creator’s warriors in Urcaen. Overwhelmed by attack each combat action.
grief and guilt, she nearly ended her own life. Her hand Sprint – At the end of this model’s activation, if it destroyed one
was stayed by the revelation that one as unworthy as or more enemy models with melee attacks this activation it can
make a full advance.

BLADE
Reach
Weapon Master

she could not yet join her husband in the afterlife. To be

reunited with Heltus, she must prove herself as faithful
and righteous a warrior as he.

Nicia joined the nascent Daughters of the Flame and

dedicated herself utterly to their rigorous training. Her
commitment and prowess soon surprised—and sometimes

battles of the Caspia-Sul War and quickly became a leader

among her order.

She strides through combat with lethal grace, each

movement gauged to bring her within striking distance of
the enemy, and dispatches her foes with blinding speed.
Even as she cuts through one enemy, she fells another
with a shot from her cannon, wheeling her blade around
for another kill. Few enemies have witnessed Nicia’s
murderous devotions and lived.

55
 VESSEL OF JUDGMENT
PROTECTORATE BATTLE ENGINE
No host of men can withstand the fires of judgment.
—Hierarch Severius

VESSEL OF TACTICAL TIP

VESSEL OF JUDGMENT
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
JUDGMENT HOLY RELIQUARY – If the damage this model suffers from Holy
5 10 — 6 10 20 10 Construct Reliquary destroys it, the miracle does not take effect.
DIVINE WRATH Immunity: Fire DESTRUCTIVE POWER – You can use this ability as many times as you
RNG ROF AOE POW Admonisher – When this wish in the same activation.
— 12 1 — 15 model directly hits an
DAMAGE 24 enemy model with a melee
endured through the ages, guarded in the holiest of temples.
FIELD ALLOWANCE 2 or ranged attack, the d3
nearest enemy models Menite pilgrims seek them out, as do enemies of the faith.
POINT COST 9
HUGE BASE within 5 of the model hit In times past, those who would despoil these holy remains
suffer a POW 10 magical have been destroyed in the act. The power of Menoth still
damage roll.
touches the remains of his greatest servants and can cast
Destructive Power – During its activation, this model can suffer down the impure.
a damage point to boost an attack or damage roll. This damage
is suffered immediately after the attack has been resolved. The use of these unquestionably sacred reliquaries in
Holy Reliquary – This model suffers d3 damage points each battle has fueled heated debate among the Sul-Menite
time it activates one of the following miracles. This damage is priesthood. Not all agreed with the decision to deploy
suffered before the miracle takes effect.
them in war. Although some among the Synod protested,
• Cleansing Aura – This model can activate this miracle once recent threats to the faith allowed Feora, Protector of the
per turn at anytime during its activation. When this miracle
is activated, animi and continuous effects on models/units in
Flame to persuade them to allow the machines prepared for
this model’s command range immediately expire.
• Doors of Judgment – Once per turn when a friendly living approves the use of such great constructs as more than mere
Faction warrior model in this model’s command range is icons of faith. The power contained in the specially crafted
boxed by an enemy attack at anytime other than when it is reliquaries within the Vessels is a sign of the god’s most
advancing, this model can use this miracle. The boxed model hallowed blessing.
can immediately make a full advance and can make one
normal attack, then the boxed model is removed from play. Dragging a Vessel to battle requires an almost miraculous
The boxed model cannot be targeted by free strikes during
strength. The most faithful zealots pull it, attended by a
this movement.
ranking priest praying continually to the Creator. When
• Eruption of Faith – This model can activate this miracle once
per turn at anytime during its activation. When this miracle
this priest invokes the power of the holy relics within,
is activated, enemy models currently within 2 of this model the great pipes of the Vessel emit an ominously deep and
and are pushed 4 directly bone-shaking tone. The fury of the Creator envelops those
away from this model in the order you choose. who venture too close, and the impure taint of the occult
DIVINE WRATH dissolves in its presence. The reliquary can even stave off
Magical Weapon the hand of death for a short time, allowing the dying one
last strike against those who have spilled the blood of the
faithful. The power of each Vessel is undeniable, as is the
The armies of the Protectorate do not lack for signs of their
ruthless will of an army that brings such weapons to battle.
god’s favor, but those who witness a Vessel of Judgment
delivering divine vengeance cannot doubt their crusade’s Harnessing the wrath of Menoth carries a price. The
power. Towering over the phalanxes of the Protectorate’s invocation of such devastating spiritual power withers
armies, the Vessel is an unmistakable sight. Its ornate
inscriptions gleam with an inner light, suffusing the the ancient bones at the heart of the reliquary crumble
entire structure with divine radiance. But a Vessel is not a little more, their inviolability broken by the divine
only an inspiring sight; it is capable of the most potent
manifestations of Menoth’s power on Caen.

Each Vessel is a reliquary containing the sacred remains of

one of the Menite priest kings of old—holy warriors who
performed the countless miracles that form the legends and
myths of their faith. Menoth’s favor renders their remains
incorruptible and imbues them with holy might. They have

56
57
 KHADOR
CALLED TO ANSWER
Riversmet, Llael, 608 AR

Andrei Ladislav balanced atop a rickety scaffold, chisel the ground at the warcaster ’s feet. “Kommander, please
in one hand and a heavy mason’s hammer in the other. forgive my clumsiness! Have mercy!” Andrei pleaded.
He glanced down the length of the half-built wall that
“Mercy?” Harkevich asked, obvious amusement in his voice.
surrounded Riversmet. A swarm of masons and builders
“What punishment do you expect to receive for dropping a
clung to what was left of old battlements, their hammers
hammer? This armor has stopped blades, bullets, and once
creating a staccato rhythm as they cleared ruined stonework
even artillery shells. I think I shall survive your hammer,
to make way for newly cut granite. Farther into the ruined
Master Ladislav. Now, get up; you need not grovel.” The
city, still more men labored to repair old buildings and erect
master builder was startled the kommander knew his name.

Andrei climbed shakily to his feet and accepted his hammer

Rebuilding the broken city was a daunting task, one
back. “Thank you, Kommander.”
requiring more men—particularly skilled men—than were
available. The building teams had taken drastic measures, Harkevich waved away his thanks and turned to stare up at
to the point of requiring double shifts despite the meager the wall. “You are the senior builder here, yes?” he asked.
food supplies and the intensity of the backbreaking work. Andrei nodded, and the warcaster continued. “No mean
Even master builders such as Andrei were forced to pick task. The work goes slowly, though. Can you tell me why?”
up tools rather than directing other masons, as he was more
The frank question surprised Andrei, and a hundred lies and
accustomed to doing.
half-truths leapt to mind that might answer the question.
“Madness!” Andrei whispered as he worked. He was about
“The laborers are being treated more like prisoners than
to bring the hammer down on the chisel when the shrill
anything else.” The truth fell out of Andrei’s mouth before
blast of escaping steam sounded. Startled, he struck the
he could stop himself. Once it was out, he felt compelled
chisel head askew. Agony shot up his arm, and he cursed as
to continue. “It is hard to recruit more workers when they
he dropped the hammer. An instant later, the clang of metal
hear of conditions here. Even our skilled masons and
striking metal echoed off the walls.
artisans are complaining, particularly since our tools are
Andrei saw a man in crimson warcaster armor standing inadequate. Such men are not easily replaced. What’s more,
beneath the scaffold, his bearded face staring up at the hungry men do not work well, Kommander. There have
senior builder. Behind the man stood the hulking metallic been many accidents, and morale is very low.” He could
form of a Destroyer warjack painted mostly black, the huge not bring himself to name the man responsible, but he left
cannon on its left arm pointed in Andrei’s general direction. the implication hanging.
Icy daggers plunged into Andrei’s gut when he saw his
Harkevich nodded and frowned. “I need not tell you how
hammer lying at the feet of Kommander Izak Harkevich—
important rebuilding Riversmet is to the empire.” He
and the small dent in his left pauldron.
reached out and placed one calloused hand on Andrei’s
“You dropped your hammer, comrade.” The loud baritone shoulder. “Thank you for your candor, comrade Ladislav.
of the kommander’s voice was clear to Andrei even though I promise I will see what can be done. In the meantime, I
the warcaster was thirty feet below. He stared in stunned will place some of the garrison’s warjacks at your disposal.”
terror as the large, bearded man stooped to retrieve the tool. Harkevich glanced over his shoulder at the warjack behind
him. “I’m sure Ivan and his brothers won’t balk at hauling
Despite being nearly sixty, he clambered down the
stone for few days.”
unstable scaffolding frantically and threw himself to

58
Andrei returned the smile, and nodded. “That is generous It also had undeniable strategic importance, as it stood at
of you, Kommander, and it will help us a great deal.” One the far edge of Khadoran lands in an area contested by
warjack was the equal of twenty strong men, and they the Protectorate of Menoth. The High Kommand hoped a
would speed up the rebuilding process considerably.
Northern Crusade ensconced to the east along the Oldwick
“Never be afraid to tell the me the truth, no matter how
unpleasant it may be.” Harkevich said. “If Riversmet is to
military commander to have the opportunity to see ruins
be rebuilt, I must know the situation of those rebuilding it.”
become a city rather than the reverse, and Harkevich felt
Harkevich made arrangements with a ’jack handler among pride at being instrumental in this.
the workers and introduced his ’jacks, including the
Destroyer named Black Ivan that had served him for many
this plan to fruition. The construction of the hilltop keep at
years. Ivan did not like being separated from Harkevich
the town’s heart proceeded at a reasonable pace, but only
and could be a bit surly when left to the direction of others.
because of direct pressure applied by Harkevich. Other
It vented a sharp whistle of steam, as it often did when
agitated, then turned to follow the handler.
still in ruins, and its exterior walls had more gaps than

Andrei Ladislav, Harkevich could see why progress had

been slow. There was no reason why laborers should be
Izak Harkevich walked down the wide thoroughfare of forced to endure such deplorable conditions. Where was
central Riversmet, listening to the din of construction. the money going?
When he had arrived it had been little more than a burnt
As Harkevich approached the refurbished manor house
ruin. Although there was still much to be done, seeing the
where Lord Vasko Durga had taken up residence, one
town take shape was remarkably satisfying.
answer to that question suggested itself. Clearly the man
Riversmet was on the eastern edge of what was presently considered it his right to live comfortably even if no one
Khadoran-occupied Llaelese territory. During the invasion else in town had that luxury. Lord Durga was the kayazy
of Llael, its destruction had been arranged to demonstrate who had been appointed as administrator overseeing the
the cost of resistance. The city was razed, its buildings Riversmet construction efforts. Like most kayazy Harkevich
completely destroyed, and thousands of its inhabitants had known, he was ruthless, pragmatic, and unafraid to use
slaughtered. The barbarity of Riversmet’s ultimate whatever means necessary to further his economic goals. It
destruction had accomplished one important goal: the had become quite apparent Lord Durga was cutting costs to
line his own pockets. Some graft was expected from Durga’s
in Leryn had yielded without siege. type, and since Harkevich technically had no authority over
civilian kayazy, the kommander had turned a blind eye to it.
Since the beginning of the occupation, Riversmet had
He was starting to think the problem was more serious than
become an increasingly sore point with the conquered
Llaelese. Harkevich had seen how the memory of its
destruction fueled the Resistance and made it more Harkevich entered the manor house and proceeded into
difficult for the Llaelese to accept Khadoran rule. It
was for this reason that Great Prince Vladimir Tzepesci furniture and other accoutrements from Lord Durga’s
had initiated a plan to invest in rebuilding the city, Korsk estate. He found Durga seated behind a stout desk
hoping to appease the displaced by providing homes of exotic, polished wood, scribbling in a ledger. The kayazy
and livelihoods to replace those shattered by war. The looked up as Harkevich entered, his lips curling in a smile
High Kommand agreed on the condition that proper that never reached his eyes.
defensive measures including a fortress be built
there. Contributions from the Tzepesci treasury was
insufficient to the task, so a number of kayazy were
brutally ugly, with small, deep-set eyes peering out above
enticed to pour vast wealth into the city, treating this as
a squashed nose and thin, cruel lips. His face and hairless
an investment.
head bore the scars of a pox he had suffered in his youth,
It would fall to Harkevich to protect the workers so that giving his skin the look of uncured leather. Flanking the
Riversmet could join the Khadoran Empire as a thriving desk stood two large men, each wearing heavy gray cloaks
city. It had once been a vibrant trade hub with a vital that did little to hide the telltale bulge of the wide-bladed
connection to Rhulic lands to the north and might be again. swords they carried at their hips.

59
 to give his name to Vasko Durga and
his two thugs. “It doesn’t matter,”
he said. “But I trust his judgment.”

“And what does this learned master

builder say, Kommander? I am, of
course, always concerned with the
plight of those who work for me.”

Harkevich smiled, trying not to

make it a sneer. “Doubtless,” he
said. “But I am quite displeased
with how slowly the construction
of the city’s outer walls and
the buildings on the interior is
proceeding. I believe this is largely
due to poor labor conditions and
second-rate tools.”

Vasko said, “We cannot do

everything at once. I have
already bent over backward to
accommodate the demands of
the Khadoran military for your
fortress.”

“I would not normally meddle in

civilian affairs, Lord Durga—”

“Then why are you?” Vasko

interjected, his face pinched into
a scowl. “I am doing what I can,
Kommander. I have been involved
in this sort of work for many years
and know what I am about. If more
men are needed, perhaps you can

city from the south to work.”

“Kommander Harkevich,” Vasko said and gestured to one “Famished elders and children?” Harkevich asked. “Hardly
of the delicate chairs in front of his desk. Neither chair had a labor force to speed reconstruction. I am only asking you
any hope of accommodating Harkevich’s bulky warcaster to consider what I’ve said. It is my duty to ensure defenses
armor. “How fares Riversmet’s military today?” here are in place as soon as possible. If we can rebuild
housing and get Riversmet back on its feet, more people
“Poorly,” Harkevich said, ignoring the chairs, “I have
will move here. That will give you your larger labor force,
learned of some startling deficiencies.”
which will help all projects. But the workers need adequate
“Oh?” Vasko said. He set down his pen and sat back in his food, supplies, and living conditions—none of which is
chair expectantly. currently being provided.”

“I’ve spoken with one of our master builders, and his “As I said, Kommander,” Vasko said peevishly, “I’m doing
assessment of the working conditions and morale of the what I can. I will look into the matter.”
laborers is rather grim,” Harkevich said.
“That is all I ask, Lord Durga,” Harkevich said, pushing
“Who is this man?” Vasko asked, his face crinkling in irritation away. He had felt similar frustration every time
a frown. he had met with the appointed kayazy, who was shielded
by the authority given him by the posadnik in charge of this
Harkevich knew better than to answer. Andrei Ladislav had
region. Harkevich was not comfortable meddling in politics,

60
but the memory of the master builder’s forthrightness squad of Man-O-War bombardiers. His warjacks—three
prompted him to try one more time. “I hope things Destroyers, including Black Ivan—waited in front of the
improve so I need not report delays repairing the walls troops. A team of Widowmakers stood atop intact portions
to Kommandant Ivdanovich. An inspection would be . . .
unpleasant for both of us.” Accusing him of graft directly
It was obvious Reznik sought parley, standing alone.
would require proof, but the kayazy’s eyes narrowed at the
Looking at the wracked men and women Reznik had used
veiled threat. They both knew the kommandant in charge
to make an opening statement, Harkevich considered
of the occupation army had little tolerance for corruption.

Before Vasko could reply the ground shook and the dull
Reznik commanded a force at least double the size of
thud of an explosion shuddered through the building. Both
Harkevich’s. The high executioner was supported by at least
four phalanxes of Exemplar knights and two more phalanxes
toward the city’s main gates. A plume of smoke was visible
of the heavily armored Exemplar bastions. Behind the heavy
in the distance, rising above the walls and staining the clear
infantry a full interdiction of Temple Flameguard waited
morning sky a greasy black.
in tight formation, their upright spears creating a forest

He stormed from the room without another word, his mind stood dozens of Deliverers, ready to unleash the fury of their
already preparing for battle. He sent a summons to Black skyhammers. Reznik also had half a dozen light warjacks, a
Ivan and his other ’jacks, telling them to put aside the stones trio of heavy Reckoners, and an unfamiliar ’jack resembling
they carried.

parley was in the best interest of those within the city.

“High Executioner Reznik,” Harkevich called out as he

drew within a dozen paces. He set his gigantic, voltaic
the ragged walls of Riversmet was screaming. A force battle mace Minister on one armored shoulder, balancing
in the colors of the Protectorate of Menoth waited three the huge weapon with practiced ease. “You are trespassing
hundred yards from the walls amid the smoking ruins of on Khadoran lands.”
the shantytown that had sprung up around the city. The
“Territories change hands.” Reznik’s voice echoed from
clusters of shacks and hovels had housed many of the
within his masked helmet. The high executioner’s Khadoran
refugees from central Llael displaced by Cryxian raids to
was perfect, although years living in the Protectorate had
the south. The large force of Protectorate warjacks and
soldiers had marched though the shantytown with steel
“What do you want, Reznik?” Harkevich said, ignoring the
into the ruined city. barb. “You have harmed those under my protection.”

Not content to simply destroy their homes, the Protectorate “I administer Menoth’s justice.” Reznik replied, his
warcaster, huge and imposing in his massive, ornate armor,
had captured a number of the refugees and set them before great sword. “But the suffering of these few heathens is
his army on iron wracks. Their screams as they were bent not the reason I am here.” He reached down and removed
and broken rose above even the hungry crackling of the a sealed metal scroll tube from his belt and brandished it at
Harkevich. “I have a list of names requiring just attention:

Even at this distance, Harkevich recognized High

I read them, Kommander?”
Executioner Servath Reznik standing well in front of his
army, leaning on a great broadsword. The high executioner, “Save your breath,” Harkevich growled. “I won’t turn
Khadoran by birth, was one of the most feared warcasters anyone over to you.”
in the Protectorate. His relentless pursuit of “heretics and
“Unfortunate,” Reznik said, his voice hollow and
heathens” had earned Reznik a reputation for cruelty. He
emotionless. “If you were to deliver these heretics, I would
was also a highly skilled warrior and military commander.
leave without further incident. If you refuse, many within
Harkevich glanced behind him as he advanced across the the city will die for your obduracy.”
open ground. His small garrison was arrayed in front of
Harkevich took Minister off his shoulder and let its head
Riversmet’s gates: a full kompany of Winter Guard supported
fall to the ground with a thump. “Why not settle this now,
High Executioner, between the two of us?” he said.

61
 Reznik inclined his head toward Harkevich. “Kommander, Harkevich smiled down at Vasko. “Let him come, and I will
I will indulge you if you wish, but your name is not on my show him why I am called the Iron Wolf.”
list. I give you four hours to decide. Surrender the heretics
to me or I will send everyone here to Urcaen.”

Harkevich did not answer. He could not. It took every ounce

of self-control he possessed not to order an attack. Instead, Fire! Harkevich sent his will through the link he shared
he began walking back to Riversmet’s gates. The screams of with Black Ivan and felt the sudden shock and recoil of the
those suffering on wracks followed, their pitiful cries and Destroyer’s bombard discharging. He watched the arcing
pleas for mercy piercing the red haze of his fury. shell land in the middle of a group of Temple Flameguard

Fifty yards away from the city, Harkevich looked up at

the Widowmaker marksmen atop the wall. He raised one
shells landed short of the small Protectorate force storming
off the stone walls. The screaming behind him came to a a breach in the town wall, one struck the crumbling edge of
sudden and merciful end. a ruined building and toppled it. The resulting cascade of
rubble was enough to halt the Exemplars’ charge and crush
two of them beneath stone and wood.

Luckily, Reznik had chosen to come through in a spot that

“What names?” Vasko Durga asked, frowning as he walked was uninhabited and had as yet seen no new construction.
beside Harkevich. The streets were empty, most of the It was a rubble-choked wasteland of collapsed buildings
refugees and other noncombatants having moved to the and weedy ruins, a place where Harkevich felt comfortable
center of Riversmet and the fortress under construction.

“It doesn’t matter,” Harkevich said.

the Protectorate advance costly and slow. Harkevich met his
enemies with a token force; he had sent the majority of his
troops to the center of the city where the noncombatants
Harkevich snorted. “I will not submit to fanatics.”

“Be reasonable,” Vasko protested. “A few deaths to buy

pounding the Protectorate force with artillery from the

the wall. He knew it was only a probing attack, but he

“I will not give anyone under my protection to Reznik,”
wanted to send Reznik a clear message: trespass on what
Harkevich insisted. “Not even the boy who empties your
belongs to Khador, and pay in blood.
piss pot.”
The remaining four Exemplar bastions had recovered
“It is madness to make such a decision without all the facts!”
from Harkevich’s earlier attack and resumed their charge
Vasko suddenly fumed. “How will you protect everyone in
supported by what was left of the three units of Temple
the city if Reznik attacks?”

Harkevich had no reply. He hated the thought that Vasko

Protectorate heavy infantry. Many of the Flameguard were
more time to prepare defenses and ultimately save lives. felled by the volley, but the bastions’ thick armor repelled
Reznik’s force was much larger than his own, and the high
executioner did not need to worry about collateral damage advance to within a short distance of Harkevich’s forces.
or protecting thousands of refugees and workers.
Harkevich urged one of his Destroyers to charge. It crashed
Moral choices aside, Harkevich was loath to submit
into the remaining Flameguard at full tilt, its executioner’s
to Reznik’s demands for the simple fact that showing
weakness would invite an even larger Protectorate force
bone. The Protectorate forces were brave, but their weapons
to test them. He had no doubt Reznik was here to collect
the individuals on his list, but the high executioner’s
of the Khadoran heavy ’jack.
presence was also a convenient way to inspect Riversmet’s
condition. Harkevich already viewed the city not as the The four bastions did not halt their charge, leaving the
ruins it appeared to be but as the prosperous town its Flameguard to their fate. Their goal was clear: they
reconstruction would create. were charging directly at the greatest threat, Harkevich

62
himself. He could not tell whether his eagerness fed Within the heart of Riversmet, the foundations and walls
Black Ivan or the reverse, but it was infectious. of a fortress had risen amid the rubble. The area was the

Harkevich urged Black Ivan into a charge and followed. The

of buildings that would eventually house the Khadoran
big Destroyer did not wield the usual executioner’s axe;
garrison. It was here Harkevich had sent the majority of
the noncombatants in the city, as the sturdy stone buildings
twelve-inch claw of sharpened steel. It was with this “bear
claw” that Ivan tore into the bastions, slicing through armor

however, many of the outer buildings had been reduced

but the fourth skirted the warjack to make for Harkevich.
to burning ruin by the assault of deliverer rockets and the
Despite his bulk, Harkevich moved adroitly over rubble and condemner cannons of Reckoner warjacks. He could hear
corpses toward the charging bastion. The bastion’s halberd the shouts and cries of those taking refuge within.
had considerable reach, far more than even Harkevich’s
long-hafted battle mace. The warcaster spun away from
the great steel blade as the Protectorate soldier lunged IVAN TORE INTO THE BASTIONS,
forward, obviously expecting a slower, clumsier opponent. SLICING THROUGH ARMOR AND
Harkevich’s spin carried him past the bastion’s guard and FLESH WITH APPALLING EASE.
allowed him to bring Minister around in a two-handed
blow. Bolstered by Harkevich’s focused will and the steam-
driven strength of his warcaster armor, the voltaic battle
The majority of his Winter Guard, along with the Man-O-
mace struck the bastion’s heavy breastplate like a battering
War bombardiers and the mortar crews, had taken position
in front of the great iron gates of the fortress, doing their
but still alive, the bastion struggled to regain his feet, but
best to keep Reznik’s warjacks and heavy infantry at bay.
Harkevich brought Minister down in an overhand blow,
Harkevich’s troops were pouring a steady stream of artillery

Gradually the hammering sounds of combat subsided, from closing to melee range. The ranks of deliverers that
quickly overshadowed by the weak cries of critically stood behind the main Protectorate force were slamming
wounded men. Harkevich took a deep breath and surveyed their rockets into the fortress walls and gates in an unceasing
the carnage. Eight Exemplar bastions and over a dozen barrage, however, taking a toll on Harkevich’s men.
Exemplar knights lay dead and dying amid the rubble.
Harkevich’s meager force had not suffered a single casualty.
Khadoran fortress, leaving some hundred yards of open
Too easy, Harkevich thought. It hadn’t escaped his notice ground between the two forces. Harkevich spied Reznik
that the attacking force hadn’t contained a single warjack. standing at the fore of his small army, heedless of the
Where is Reznik? mortar shells bursting around him. The high executioner

As if in answer, a thundering blast shattered the post-battle

Khadoran ranks and shedding enough heat that Harkevich

end of the city. A chorus of screams quickly followed the
could feel it on the stiff breeze blowing through the city.
thumping bursts of deliverer rockets, and Harkevich’s
Just as Harkevich and his warjacks emerged from one of the
side streets on the plaza’s eastern side, Reznik raised his right
Knowing Harkevich and his warjacks could not be in two
places at once, Reznik had sent a small force to occupy him
infantry moved back, out of range of the Khadoran artillery.
while the high executioner’s main force had attacked a
Thankful for the respite, the Khadoran line fell silent.
more vulnerable position.
Harkevich could see their fear and exhaustion.
Black Ivan turned its head toward its master and loosed
In the momentary lull, Harkevich and his Destroyers
an angry vent of steam. Harkevich felt his own rage.
moved to join the Khadoran troops massed in front of
“Follow me!” he cried and pushed his three warjacks into
the fortress gates. Before Harkevich had made it halfway
a dead run toward the southern end of the city, his soldiers
across, however, the booming voice of Servath Reznik rang
following after.
out. The Protectorate warcaster held something in his right

Harkevich’s heart sank.

63
 to the mighty Destroyer, and the big ’jack stamped across
the justice of Menoth!” Reznik boomed. “If these persons the plaza to stand by its master. The warcaster met Vasko
are brought forth, I will leave immediately. Shelter these Durga as he returned with his bodyguards.
heathens at your peril!” He paused, the weight of his threat
“Stand aside, Kommander,” Vasko said as he neared. “I did
tangible in the air. “Dmitri Raskova!” Reznik shouted.
what had to be done, for the good of the city. His life will
“Come forth!”
buy safety for hundreds, if not thousands.”

Harkevich held the haft of Minister in a death grip, trying to

“HE BELONGS TO MENOTH,” REZNIK
control his rage. Beside him Black Ivan clenched its bladed
SAID. “BUT I WILL COLLECT HIM
ON MENOTH’S BEHALF.”
and closing. “For the city?” Harkevich cried. “You acted
only to save your own skin!”

The name sent a chill of horror through Harkevich’s body. “No! I merely had the will to do what you would not. ”
Dmitri Raskova was a close ally of the Tzepescis and was
in Riversmet to oversee Tzepesci interests in the city. Before
plaza. “Andrei Ladislav!” the high executioner intoned.
Harkevich could shout a response back to Reznik, he heard
“Come forth!”
the sounds of a commotion near the keep’s gates.
The name of the master builder he had spoken with earlier in
the day tore into Harkevich’s gut like a dagger. Fortunately
by his bodyguards. One of the hulking guards dragged
it seemed Ladislav was not as close on hand, although ugly
the struggling form of a stocky, well-dressed man: Dmitri
murmurs went through the civilians behind the soldiers.
Raskova. He must have been near at hand, keeping an eye
Harkevich had no doubt some among them would be
willing to throw others at the feet of the high executioner.
“Fool!” Harkevich shouted as he ran toward the kayazy.
Vasko turned to whisper to one of his bodyguards, but
He willed his warjacks to move away from him and
Harkevich seized him. “Would you now hand over one of
take up positions in front of his troops, between them
our master builders?” Harkevich said to Vasko. “A man
and the Protectorate force. Durga and his bodyguards
incredibly valuable to our reconstruction efforts, to die like
were already walking across the plaza toward Reznik.
a dog at Reznik’s feet?”
Halfway across, Vasko halted and motioned to the
bodyguard dragging Dmitri, who roughly threw the man
to the ground. gauntlet on his arm. “We have more builders.”

Still vital seconds away, Harkevich realized to his horror The kayazy’s dispassion for consigning an innocent man to
that he would not be able to stop what was about to happen. death disgusted Harkevich. “You do not have the authority
to send anyone else to their death. This is a military
“High Executioner!” Vasko called out. “Here is the man
confrontation, and I am now in charge.”

are blind to the will of Menoth.” “For a military commander, you are quite squeamish,”
Vasko said, a sneer on his thin lips. “You—”
Reznik motioned to the troops behind him and a pair of
Exemplar knights came forward across the plaza. Ignoring “Lord Vasko Durga!” Reznik shouted the third name on
the kayazy, they grabbed Dmitri and dragged him toward his list without waiting for the second individual to be
Reznik. When the knights reached the high executioner sent forth.
with their prize, they pushed Dmitri down on his knees.
Vasko’s face went white. His piggish eyes grew huge, and his
“Dmitri Raskova,” Reznik intoned. “You have been found mouth fell open in horror. “Wait . . . wait . . .” he mumbled,
guilty of heresy, and by the decree of Hierarch Severius, backing away from Harkevich. His two bodyguards drew
your life is forfeit.” The High Executioner’s sword cut their swords with twin metallic hisses as they stepped in
through the air in a silvery blur. Dmitri’s head fell away front of him.
from his body in fountain of blood, and his body pitched
Seeing the naked steel in the hands of Vasko’s bodyguards
forward onto the dirty cobblestones of the plaza.
was all the provocation Harkevich needed. “Ivan, take
Harkevich had a clear view of Dmitri Raskova’s execution as them,” he said softly. Black Ivan responded immediately. Its
he raced into the plaza. He felt the warmth of rage blossom
across his face. Ivan, come to me. He sent a mental command and splattering Vasko and the other bodyguard with gore.

64
That man, loyal to the last, pushed Vasko behind him and Harkevich saw that many of the refugees and workers
futilely raised his sword. Ivan took him apart with a single had emerged from the fortress. Among them was Andrei
swipe of its claw. Ladislav, the senior builder supervising the reconstruction
of Riversmet’s wall. Harkevich walked up to the aging
“Enough,” Harkevich said as he urged the warjack to step
builder and shook his head. “I must apologize, comrade
away from Vasko, who had fallen to his knees before the great
Ladislav. I have knocked down quite a bit of your work.
machine, begging for his life. Harkevich stalked up to the
However, since you will be in charge of the rebuilding
cowering kayazy emissary and grabbed the man by his cloak.
process from now on, I promise you will have the resources
“This is for the good of this city, Lord Durga,” he hissed. He
you need to repair the damage.” Harkevich knew he
began moving across the plaza, dragging Vasko by his cloak.
technically lacked the authority to make such a decision,
“No!” Vasko cried and tried to regain his feet. Harkevich but at the moment he did not care. Let the posadnik argue,
turned and knocked the struggling kayazy senseless with if he dared. Riversmet was under the protection of Izak

have to convince him they were not lining their pockets to

“Here,” Harkevich said as he threw the unconscious form of
the detriment of Khador.
Vasko to the ground at Reznik’s feet. “This belongs to you.”
“You honor me, Kommander,” Andrei said with a bow of
“He belongs to Menoth,” Reznik said, and Harkevich heard
his head. The man took his mason’s hammer from his belt
the slightest hint of amusement in his voice. “But I will
and patted it. “I will do my part. At least broken walls and
collect him on Menoth’s behalf.”
buildings can be rebuilt . . .” he said, letting his gaze linger
“That is all you’re getting, Reznik,” Harkevich said between over the departing ranks of Protectorate soldiers.
clenched teeth.
“ . . . While broken lives are much harder to repair,”
“There are more names on my list,” Reznik responded.

“I doubt any are more important than Dmitri Raskova and

Lord Vasko Durga.”

“True,” Reznik conceded. “Yet I have a sacred duty to bring

these heathens to justice. You have seen how steep the price
is for those who deny me.”

Harkevich smiled. “If you’d like to continue our skirmish,

High Executioner, you are in a bad position. You have more
men than I, but your force stands in an open plaza and
everything of consequence in the city is behind my guns
and my warjacks. Press on and you may gain victory, but I
promise to make you pay a steep price for it.” The Khadoran’s

strength of his position.

Reznik was silent for a moment as he surveyed the

disposition of the Khadoran force. His eye fell on Durga,
just beginning to stir, and Harkevich could almost see the
scales tipping in his mind. When he spoke, his voice held

The truth of the menace behind Reznik’s words was a cold

weight in Harkevich’s gut. “I think you know the way out,
High Executioner,” he said.

Harkevich turned his back on the Protectorate warcaster

and began walking back toward his own line. Behind him he
heard Vasko Durga’s voice suddenly ring out. “Wait! I can
pay you! Wait! I—“ The sound of Reznik’s sword humming

65
 KOMMANDER HARKEVICH, THE IRON WOLF
KHADOR WARCASTER
Harkevich is a living instrument of war. He does not simply make battle with the enemy
but orchestrates their systematic destruction.
—Supreme Kommandant Irusk

FEAT: HOUR OF SPELLS COST RNG AOE POW UP OFF

HARKEVICH
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
THE WOLF BROADSIDE 3 SELF CTRL – NO NO
Kommander Harkevich, the Models in this model’s battlegroup currently in its control area can
6 7 7 6 15 16 8 immediately make one normal ranged attack. Attacks gained from
Iron Wolf, advances alongside
HAND CANNON Broadside do not count against a weapon’s ROF. Broadside can be cast
his warjacks as part of an
RNG ROF AOE POW only once per turn.
indomitable pack. His will is so
12 1 — 12 strong that nothing can stand ESCORT 2 SELF CTRL – YES NO
in their way during the Hour Warjacks in this model’s battlegroup beginning their activations in its
MINISTER control area gain +2 movement. This model gains +2 ARM while one or
POW P+S of the Wolf. Neither enemy
more warjacks in its battlegroup are within 3 of it.
7 14
or his warjacks as they drive FORTUNE 2 6 – – YES NO
FOCUS 6 Target friendly Faction model/unit can reroll its missed attack rolls. Each
forward to deliver a perfectly
DAMAGE 18 attack roll can be rerolled only once as a result of Fortune.
FIELD ALLOWANCE C JUMP START 1 SELF CTRL – NO NO
WARJACK POINTS +5 While in Harkevich’s Models in this model’s battlegroup that are currently in its control area
control area, models in his stand up and are no longer stationary. Affected models can turn to face
SMALL BASE
battlegroup gain +3 ARM. any direction. Models that were knocked down this turn are not affected
Models in Harkevich’s by Jump Start.
battlegroup beginning RAZOR WIND 2 10 – 12 NO YES
their activation within his control area can charge or slam A blade of wind slices through the target model.
power attack without spending focus. If a model in Harkevich’s
battlegroup in his control area declares a charge or slam against
an enemy model, it can make a normal ranged attack before TACTICAL TIP
advancing. Hour of the Wolf lasts for one round.
HOUR OF THE WOLF – If a model has abilities that allow it to make
HARKEVICH ranged attacks, it can still make those attacks. The Behemoth, for
Models in this model’s example, can make a ranged attack from Hour of the Wolf, charge,
. and then make the attacks allowed by the Sub-Cortex ability.

MINISTER FIELD MARSHAL – This includes this model.

Magical Weapon BEAT BACK – The attacking model can advance even if the enemy
model is destroyed by the attack.
Beat Back – Immediately after a normal attack with this weapon
is resolved during this model’s combat action, the enemy model CRITICAL STAGGER – Remember that a model that cannot make
hit can be pushed 1 directly away from the attacking model. special attacks cannot make power attacks.
After the enemy model is pushed, the attacking model can ESCORT –
advance up to 1 . movement.
Critical Stagger – On a critical hit, the model hit loses its initial
attacks and cannot make special attacks for one round.
his wrath as much as a Khadoran who does not love the
Motherland enough to work hard and bring the best of his
Khador’s Iron Wolf has earned a reputation as a peerless or her abilities to bear, whether that person is a farmer, a
merchant, a soldier, or a noble. Every citizen must shoulder
beloved by his men and respected even by the enemies of their share of the burden to strengthen the Khadoran Empire.
the Motherland. Where Izak Harkevich and his iron army
Harkevich’s warcaster talent was recognized early during
cornered, and eventually obliterated by overwhelming his service in the Winter Guard under the reign of Lord
Regent Simonyev Blaustavya. He had immediately taken
battle to exhort his men to victory, followed by the roar to the life of soldiering and had already been considering
of his Destroyers’ bombards. His unblemished record of a permanent career in the military. From a farming family
success has earned him the respect of the soldiers serving near Khardov, he knows he would have led an ordinary
under him despite the uncompromising nature of life under career as a lifetime Winter Guardsman if not for his gift.
his command. His men say his drills are bloodless battles
and his battles are bloody drills—a tough compliment but citizens he protects and the enlisted men risking their lives
one he has earned from a lifetime of military service.
whom he reports. He believes being a warcaster does not
Harkevich has nothing but the highest expectations of his elevate him above his men but requires him to shoulder a
greater responsibility for their lives. Coming from a family
seamlessly alongside his warjacks. Few things arouse line that for centuries worked the Khadoran soil, Harkevich

66
67
 feels a primal attachment to the Motherland. Those unlucky and respect the lives of civilians. Elsinberg itself was barely
enough to be born in other kingdoms are to be pitied. damaged during the battle that resulted in the surrender
of its leaders, and has since shown every sign of smoothly
As a Winter Guard Harkevich had shown he had a keen
integrating into the Khadoran Empire, a fact Harkevich
credits to the civil treatment of its people. Nothing would
tasks in mind as he assisted his superiors in directing the
please him more than to see Llael a productive arm of the
Khadoran Empire, its citizens glad to serve the empress, its
Druzhina in Korsk, he soon demonstrated the exceptional
farmlands fertile with crops rather than churned into mud by
capability to divide his attention to simultaneously direct
a half-dozen or more warjacks, a level of control ordinarily
requiring years to attain. Ranking kommandants were eager
Harkevich has not allowed those experiences to
alongside the border legions. Kommander Harkevich honed compromise his sense of honor. A number of battles in the
Llaelese campaign brought him into disagreement with
and 5th Border Legions during countless skirmishes against
both Ordic and Cygnaran forces.
of the region. Harkevich was stationed at the captured
This extensive service had already established Harkevich’s
fortress of Redwall soon after the Butcher’s assault and
reputation by the invasion of Llael, when he helped seize
the subsequent massacre. He knew that the Llaelese could
the city of Elsinberg alongside Kommanders Tarovic and
ultimately be fruitful citizens of the empire but that brutality
Kratikoff. He considers himself lucky to
would not win their hearts. Even measures he considered
a necessary expedient, like the razing of Riversmet,
who understand their responsibilities

KOMMANDER HARKEVICH, THE IRON WOLF

WOLF PACK

WARJACKS: Khador non-character warjacks, SOLOS: War Dog, Man-O-War solos, Widowmaker
Black Ivan Marksman, Winter Guard solos
UNITS: Battle Mechaniks, Man-O-War units,
Winter Guard units

TIER 1 TIER 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models Requirements: This army includes two or more weapon
listed above. crew units.

You gain +1 on your starting roll for the game. For each warjack in Harkevich’s battlegroup,
place a heavy wreck marker anywhere within 20 of the
TIER 2
back edge of Harkevich’s deployment zone after terrain
Requirements: Harkevich’s battlegroup includes Black Ivan.
has been placed but before either player deploys his army.
Friendly models/units can begin the game Wreck markers cannot be placed within 3 of a terrain
affected by Harkevich’s upkeep spells. These spells and feature or another wreck marker.
their targets must be declared before either player sets up
TIER 4
models. Harkevich does not pay focus to upkeep these
Requirements: Harkevich’s battlegroup includes three or
more warjacks.

Reduce the point cost of warjacks with ranged

weapons in this army by 1.

Permission is hereby granted to create reproductions of this entry for personal, non-commercial use only.

68
troubled him. He eventually came to acknowledge the In recognition of his accomplishments and skill, Harkevich
destruction of Riversmet likely saved tens of thousands has been sent to eastern Llael to secure the region for
of lives in Leryn, but he has long considered such cold the empire while the majority of the Khadoran Army
calculus to be a measure of last resort. The exact methods marches south to confront Cygnar along the Dragon’s
used in the eventual destruction of Riversmet, including Tongue River. He has been given the honor of standing as
unleashing doom reavers upon its last holdouts, he views a bastion at the forefront of Khador’s contested territory
as particularly deplorable. with the Protectorate of Menoth’s Northern Crusade. With
his warjacks at his side, Harkevich intends to make his
Harkevich is ever mindful of the value of his men’s lives
enemies pay dearly for every inch of soil they try to wrest
and prefers to let his warjacks endure the greatest share of
from the Motherland.
the risk in battle. In his tactics, his warjacks are not present
to support his army but rather the reverse. Harkevich is
a skilled kommander of men, though, and employs his
soldiers primarily to steer the enemy into the guns of his

later to mop up the routed enemy after their morale is

broken by the overwhelming force brought against them.

To best implement his tactics, Harkevich has kept up to

date on all developments from the Khadoran Mechaniks
Assembly, constantly determining the exact limits and
capabilities to best use every warjack in Khador’s arsenal.
The Iron Wolf is also famous for his ability to move
large numbers of warjacks at an unprecedented pace to
arrive where the enemy least expects him. He is a master
of logistics and coordinates the delivery of coal and
other supplies to facilitate his forced marches, showing
willingness to march alongside his ’jacks day and night and
to use any means at his disposal to reach his objective. He
takes full advantage of advance reconnaissance, preferring

before a battle. His professionalism has earned him the

commendation of Supreme Kommandant Gurvaldt Irusk,

Khadoran tactics.

69
 DEMOLISHER
KHADOR HEAVY WARJACK
The fixed position will become a thing of the past once we can bring our biggest guns
to the enemy’s doorstep.
—Karchev the Terrible

DEMOLISHER HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 11´5 / 16.9 TONS

DEMOLISHER ARMAMENT: TWIN SHOULDER CANNONS (INTEGRAL)
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
4 12 6 4 10 25 — FUEL LOAD/BURN USAGE: 1,200 LBS / 4 HRS GENERAL, 40 MINS COMBAT
Armored Shell – While
one of its arm systems is INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 606 AR
SHOULDER CANNON crippled, this model’s base CORTEX MANUFACTURER: GREYLORDS COVENANT
RNG ROF AOE POW
— 8 1 4 15 ARM is 21; while both its ORIG. CHASSIS DESIGN: KHADORAN MECHANIKS ASSEMBLY
arm systems are crippled,
SHOULDER CANNON its base ARM is 17. If this
RNG ROF AOE POW model makes an attack, its engineering, Khadoran mechaniks developed a way to
— 8 1 4 15 base ARM is 17 until the integrate the cannons, which in turn led to breakthroughs
SHIELD FIST start of its next activation.
in cortex design to maximize their use. The specialists of the
POW P+S This model’s arms cannot
L 4 16 be locked.
to allow it to stabilize itself even in the midst of punishingly
SHIELD FIST When this
POW P+S model advances into B2B
R 4 16 contact with an enemy Demolisher’s shoulder cannons also carry some of the
model during its activation, heaviest ammunition of any warjack weapon system. The
DAMAGE it can push that model up
great weight of the ’jack is itself a weapon; its hulking form
1 2 3 4 5 6 to 2 directly away from
it. A model can be pushed provides all the cover of a mobile artillery emplacement for
by Bulldoze only once per
activation. Bulldoze has
no effect when this model
makes a trample power
attack.
L R
Girded – This model does
L L M C R R not suffer blast damage.
Friendly models B2B with it
M M C C
do not suffer blast damage.

FIELD ALLOWANCE U SHIELD FIST

POINT COST 9 Open Fist
LARGE BASE

There is no such concept as “excessive force” to the armies

of Khador. The Demolisher embodies this philosophy
perfectly. This truly massive warjack is an intimidating

places, speed is an unnecessary luxury. When the hulking

arms drop to reveal integral cannons. Though this makes

A Demolisher in action embodies the guiding philosophy of

the Khadoran military mind: endure and annihilate.

The Khadoran Mechaniks Assembly has long grappled

with the challenge of delivering short-range but powerful

attention from the enemy and make easy targets for massed

provided a suitable vehicle, however. Through brilliant

70
 KHADOR CHARACTER HEAVY WARJACK
BLACK IVAN
Ivan and I both fight with utter devotion: him for me, and me for the Motherland.
—Kommander Harkevich

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 11´7 / 9.6 TONS BLACK IVAN

ARMAMENT: BOMBARD (LEFT ARM), BEAR CLAW (RIGHT ARM) While
BLACK IVAN
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
FUEL LOAD/BURN USAGE: 845 LBS / 4 HRS GENERAL, 55 MINS COMBAT in Harkevich’s control area, 4 12 6 5 12 20 —
INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 596 AR, REFITTED 605 AR this model gains boosted
CORTEX MANUFACTURER: GREYLORDS COVENANT ranged attack rolls. BOMBARD
RNG ROF AOE POW
ORIG. CHASSIS DESIGN: KHADORAN MECHANIKS ASSEMBLY When this L 14 1 3 14
model advances into B2B
contact with an enemy BEAR CLAW
A lumbering, coal-black engine of destruction, the model during its activation, POW P+S
it can push that model up R 4 16
warjack called Black Ivan is a peerless instrument of
to 2 directly away from
war. The machine strides the battlefield like a living DAMAGE
it. A model can be pushed
thing, sidestepping incoming fire while unleashing its by Bulldoze only once per 1 2 3 4 5 6
own devastating barrage of firepower. Once in striking activation. Bulldoze has
range, Ivan barrels into the enemy, knocking aside no effect when this model
makes a trample power
anything in its path and shredding both flesh and steel
attack.
with savage ferocity.
Dodge – This model
Black Ivan is the prized companion of Kommander can advance up to 2 L R
immediately after an
Harkevich, a warcaster renowned for his tactical ingenuity L L M C R R
enemy attack that missed
it is resolved unless it was M M C C
battles alongside Harkevich, Ivan has learned to anticipate missed while advancing.
It cannot be targeted by FIELD ALLOWANCE C
free strikes during this
allowing the warcaster to concentrate on commanding POINT COST 10
movement.
LARGE BASE
connection is the calming effect Harkevich’s presence exerts BOMBARD
Arcing Fire – When
on the belligerent warjack, which greatly increases its
attacking with this weapon, this model can ignore intervening
natural accuracy in battle. models except those within 1 of the target.

BEAR CLAW
Open Fist
Critical Brutal Damage – On a critical hit, gain an
additional die on this weapon’s damage roll against
the model directly hit.

Over the years Ivan has undergone countless

warjack lost its axe by burying it in a Cygnaran

Centurion, Harkevich ordered the axe replaced
with a mighty grappling claw—a weapon
his spirited warjack could not lose. The most
dramatic changes to the machine, however, have
occurred within its cortex, where the warjack’s
sheer tenacity enables it to surpass the expected
limits of its physical form. While other Khadoran

itself to move with singular haste. The sooner it

reaches the enemy, the sooner it can strike.

71
 TORCH
KHADOR CHARACTER HEAVY WARJACK
The enemy is wise to cower in their trenches, but Torch will burn them out like rats from a nest.
—Kommander Strakhov

TORCH TACTICAL TIP

TORCH
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD SPECIAL ISSUE – This only gives the warjack the potential to bond to
4 12 7 5 10 20 — Immunity: Corrosion the warcaster it does not automatically add a bond.
FLAMETHROWER Immunity: Fire
RNG ROF AOE POW
Relentless Charge – This HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 11´7 / 9.9 TONS
L SP 6 1 — 12
ARMAMENT: FLAMETHROWER (LEFT ARM), SPIKED FIST (LEFT ARM), RIP SAW (RIGHT ARM),
SPIKED FIST during activations it SMOKE BOMBS (INTEGRAL)
POW P+S charges. FUEL LOAD/BURN USAGE: 805 LBS / 4 HRS GENERAL, 50 MINS COMBAT
L 4 16 INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 600 AR
Smoke Bombs ( Action) –
RIP SAW Place a 3 AOE cloud effect CORTEX MANUFACTURER: GREYLORDS COVENANT
POW P+S in play. Its center point ORIG. CHASSIS DESIGN: KHADORAN MECHANIKS ASSEMBLY
R 6 18 must be within 1 of this
model. This AOE remains
DAMAGE in play for one round. lumbering machine is perfectly equipped to deal with all
1 2 3 4 5 6 the challenges of trench warfare. Obstacles and wreckage
Special Issue [Strakhov] –
This model can be included are torn apart beneath its saw, and its powerful legs and
in Strakhov’s theme forces. internal stabilization system allow it to hurdle nearly
It can also be bonded to impassable terrain in order to reach its targets. As it comes
Strakhov.
ever closer, its integral grenade launchers propel smoke
Virtuoso – This model can bombs into the air, obscuring its form before it delivers
L R
make melee and ranged
incinerating death to the huddled ranks of the enemy.
L L M C R R attacks during the same
combat action. When this Strakhov’s new doctrine of war is fully expressed in Torch,
M M C C model makes its initial his ideal weapon of pitiless destruction.
attacks, it can make both
FIELD ALLOWANCE C its initial ranged and melee
POINT COST 10 attacks.
LARGE BASE FLAMETHROWER
Continuous Effect: Fire
Damage Type: Fire

SPIKED FIST
Open Fist

RIP SAW
Sustained Attack – During this model’s activation, when it
makes an attack with this weapon against the last model hit by
the weapon this activation, the attack automatically hits.

If there is a nightmare common to soldiers across western

Immoren, it is the horror of trench warfare. Soldiers who see
Torch descending upon their position watch that nightmare

foxholes. It seeks out its targets with fearsome eagerness,

moving through enemy positions like a great mechanical
predator. Excess steam vents with a terrifying hiss as the
warjack descends into midst of its enemies, burning and

Torch is the product of Kommander Oleg Strakhov’s

exacting designs, a warjack capable of accompanying him

72
 BATTLE MECHANIK OFFICER
KHADOR UNIT ATTACHMENT
A swordsman carries steel in his hand; a mechanik, in his heart.
—Crew Chief Vilna Noors

Attachment [Battle
TACTICAL TIPS Mechanik] – This OFFICER
GRANTED: MAN-O-WAR MECHANIK – This model cannot repair itself. attachment can be added to SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
a Battle Mechanik unit. 4 9 6 4 11 16 9
OFFICER –
marshal while it is in play. When it is destroyed it does not replace OFFICER WRENCH
a Grunt in its unit. Instead the unit Leader becomes the new unit POW P+S
commander and ‘jack marshal. 4 13
Granted: Man-O-War DAMAGE 8
Mechanik – While this
The battle mechaniks of the Khadoran army are no mere FIELD ALLOWANCE 2
model is in play, models in
support specialists but hardened veterans who have taken its unit can make a Repair
POINT COST 2
special action to attempt MEDIUM BASE
part in as many battles as regular troops. Their critical
to repair damaged Man-
task is one of the most dangerous to be found: repairing
O-War models as if they
were warjacks. Models in this model’s unit with Assist Repair
experience are highly valued, and those who specialize in can make an Assist Repair special action to assist in the repair of
the maintenance and battle repairs of the vaunted Man- Man-O-War models.
O-War korps are trained in the use of the steam-powered Lash – This model and friendly warrior models B2B with it
armor themselves. Trusted subordinates in tow, the battle cannot be knocked down.
Repair [9] ( Action) – This model can attempt repairs on any
war to carry out necessary repairs, often by the skin of his damaged friendly Faction warjack. To attempt repairs, this
model must be B2B with the damaged warjack and make a
skill check. If successful, remove d6 damage points from the
important to Khadoran victory as the weapons of the men warjack’s damage grid.
whose armor he keeps functional.

tools and machines of mechanikal warfare utilized by the

is expected to be a master of his trade. By the time a senior Khadoran Mechaniks Assembly, including the command of
mechanik is given a command, he has mastered all the battle-ready warjacks. His skill with repair and fabrication
must be superlative, but it is his ability to
maintain the notoriously dangerous Man-O-War
armor that is his most valuable asset.

Every Man-O-War soldier assumes a great risk

each time he dons his armor. The mechaniks’
presence ensures no man’s armor becomes
disabled, trapping the soldier within. With
incredible swiftness the mechaniks pull scalding
armored plates from the suit to perform their
miraculous repairs. In short order they can
return even a highly damaged suit of Man-O-
War armor to near-total functionality, no mean
feat in the chaos of battle. Accompanied by a

War soldiers gain all the resilience of the mighty

73
 KAYAZY ELIMINATORS
KHADOR ALLY UNIT
I have heard life is cheap on the streets of Korsk. Apparently assassins are not.
—Prince Neplakh Vanar

Eliminators are consummate professionals who

LEADER & GRUNT
LEADER & GRUNT constantly refine their lethal arts. They spend countless
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
Stealth
hours training their bodies and steeling their minds to
7 5 7 4 15 11 9 Acrobatics – This model
can advance through other
their murderous purpose. An eliminator ’s every step
ASSASSIN BLADE is taken with calculation: no motion wasted, no sound
POW P+S models if it has enough
4 9 movement to move betraying their intentions. A partnered pair moves in
completely past their bases. tandem, each anticipating the other ’s every move. When
DAMAGE 5 EA This model cannot be
FIELD ALLOWANCE 2 targeted by free strikes. This
the time comes to perform their bloody services they do
LEADER & GRUNT 3 model ignores intervening so with a grace that would seem like ease were anyone
SMALL BASE models when declaring its present to observe it.
charge target.
Since the expansion of the Khadoran border, the kayazy
Duelist – This model gains +2 DEF against melee attack rolls.
have found themselves increasingly entangled in the
Gang – When making a melee attack targeting an enemy model
in melee range of another model in this unit, this model gains affairs of the army. Accordingly, individual kayazy
+2 to melee attack and melee damage rolls. now often hire eliminators to aid those kommanders
Side Step – When this model hits an enemy model with an in whose success they have a special interest. Though
initial melee attack or a melee special attack that is not a power eliminators spend most of their careers cutting throats
attack, it can advance up to 2 after the attack is resolved. This in darkened hallways and alleys, they are equally
model cannot be targeted by free strikes during this movement.
talented at dealing death on the battlefield. Slipping
ASSASSIN BLADE among the press of combatants, eliminators evade their
Combo Strike ( Attack) – Make a melee attack. Instead of enemies with mocking grace until closing in to deliver
making a normal damage roll, the POW of the damage roll is the killing blows.
equal to this model’s STR plus twice the POW of this weapon.

When the kayazy require a killing done with discretion

and assurance, they turn to the eliminators of the Korsk
underworld. No mere thugs, eliminators practice their

hold their criminal peers in disdain, sneering at those who

require strength of numbers to ply their bloody trade. In
a loose tradition, most eliminators prefer to work in pairs,
choosing their professional partners with
the same care they exercise in selecting their
blades, for their lives and livelihood depend
on the choice no less.

74
 KOLDUN KAPITAN VALACHEV
KHADOR CHARACTER UNIT ATTACHMENT
Men can be motivated to fight by many things. Valachev prefers fear.
—Koldun Kommander Aleksandra Zerkova

TACTICAL TIP Attachment [Small- VALACHEV

or Medium-Based SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
MAGIC ABILITY – Performing a Magic Ability special action or Mercenary] – This 6 5 6 4 13 13 9
special attack counts as casting a spell. attachment can be added to
a Small- or Medium-Based
SABER
OFFICER – POW P+S
Mercenary unit.
4 9
in the unit or the unit Leader becomes the unit commander. VALACHEV
DAMAGE 5
FIELD ALLOWANCE C
Kapitan Valachev is known for a grim pragmatism notable Greylord – This model is a POINT COST 2
even among the Greylords of the Prikaz Chancellery. Greylord model. SMALL BASE
Tasked with carrying out the most secretive of missions, Magic Ability [7]
he is a specialist in commanding irregular soldiers such • Disbinding ( Action) – Enemy upkeep spells on this model
as mercenaries and pardoned criminals. His men have no and/or its unit immediately expire.
illusions about their hopes for survival but consider their • Frostbite ( Attack) – Frostbite is a RNG SP 8 magic attack.
chances better than if they crossed the merciless Valachev. Models hit suffer a POW 12 cold damage roll .

Although Valachev is an accomplished arcanist, his • Zephyr ( Action) – Models in this unit that are in formation
can immediately advance up to 3 . They cannot be targeted by
real brilliance rests in political intrigue backed by an free strikes during this movement.
unflinching will to carry out any task. These traits
brought him to the attention of the Prikaz Chancellery model is in play, models in its unit are Khador models instead
early in his career. The Chancellery has use of ambitious of Mercenary models.
men—particularly those as motivated as Valachev by SABER
political power as occult study. The Chancellery soon Magical Weapon

inducted him into the depths of their shadowy training,

and he emerged one of Khador ’s premier operatives.

Before the invasion of Llael, Valachev led handpicked bands

of mercenaries on missions deep within Cygnar and Ord.
Many of the mercenaries he led were only barely willing
soldiers who received nominal pay and felt motivation
primarily due to the Prikaz Chancellery’s extortion as
exerted through Valachev. Some were taken from the gulags
of the Winter Guard because they possessed a necessary set
of skills. Survivors were well paid and in most cases had
their records wiped clean.

Valachev’s objectives are so secret that only he and his

masters in the Prikaz Chancellery know them. He arrives
among the staff tents of a kommander or kommandant
without deigning to explain his plans. With saber and spell
Valachev obtains victory for his country and ensures that
one day he will take a place among the secret powers of
his nation.

75
 GUN CARRIAGE
KHADOR CAVALRY BATTLE ENGINE
The ideal weapon of total war, for the modern battlefield calls for speed and decisive firepower.
—Supreme Kommandant Gurvaldt Irusk

GUN CARRIAGE TACTICAL TIP

GUN CARRIAGE Construct
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD REAR ATTACK – This does not enable this model to target models in
7 12 6 5 10 20 10 Power Attack Trample – its back arc with charges.
This model can make
HEAVY CANNON
trample power attacks.
RNG ROF AOE POW Khador has long utilized armed carriages of various
L 12 1 4 14 Weapon Platform – This
model can make melee and
HEAVY CANNON
RNG ROF AOE POW
ranged attacks in the same
R 12 1 4 14 activation. When this model were little more than Khardic siege guns dragged on horse-
makes its initial melee drawn sleds. As warjacks rose to prominence, armored
MILITARY RIFLE attacks or a power attack,
RNG ROF AOE POW war wagons went out of favor in many parts of western
it can also make its initial
— 10 1 — 11 Immoren, but the simplicity of the horse-drawn gun
ranged attacks. This model
MOUNT can make ranged attacks appealed to the Khadoran military mind. Because a carriage
POW even while in melee. could carry guns too large for even a warjack, their utility
— 12
HEAVY CANNON was never questioned in Khador.
DAMAGE 22 Crater – The AOE is rough
FIELD ALLOWANCE 2 terrain and remains in play
The huge carriage is drawn by a pair of the powerful
POINT COST 9 for one round. Khardic or Umbrean draft horses, bred to be as large and
HUGE BASE physically powerful as possible. The horses themselves are
MILITARY RIFLE
Rear Attack – When
as heavily armored as possible, ensuring that even this most
declaring and resolving attacks with this weapon, this model’s vulnerable portion of the carriage can weather concentrated

MOUNT The resilience of the Gun Carriage is equaled by its

Knockdown – When a model is hit by an attack with this
destructive power. A crew of Winter Guard work feverishly
weapon, it is knocked down.
Trampling Hooves – This model can charge and make charge
With skill gained from long months of training followed by
attacks with this weapon. During a combat action it did not
make a charge attack, this model can make one melee attack
with this weapon. guns with great accuracy even while racing headlong
toward the enemy. Another Winter Guard serves as a spotter
Smashing through enemy lines with bone-crushing speed, and sharpshooter, taking careful aim from a precarious
the Gun Carriage is the perfect weapon to support Khador’s position atop the carriage at any who attempt to slip past
massed shock attacks. The rolling thunder of the charging its main guns. This is a duty reserved for the most talented
horses’ hooves is punctuated to devastating effect by the marksmen of the guard, as they must be able to compensate
terrible report of its massive guns. Soldiers are crushed for the constant jarring of their position.

colossal guns at point-blank range.

Everything about the Gun Carriage is calculated to

intimidate the enemy. Painted in the traditional imperial
red of Khador, it gives every appearance of an iron fortress
being pulled into battle by a pair of steel horses. The sight
alone gives foes pause, but the deafening sound of its two

stalwart knights and the most hardened veterans. The

as each blast annihilates everything over a wide area.

Such is the power of each explosion that even the ground
is deformed, a testament to the undeniable power of the
Khadoran Empire.

76
77
 CRYX
NO DIGNITY FOR THE DEAD
Iron Highway Between Skirov and Korsk, 608 AR

The Khardic Colossal was aptly named, a train with a main It would not do for so esteemed a company of corpses to
engine larger than any other in western Immoren. It stood be shipped to Korsk unceremoniously. They had languished
nearly twenty feet in height, a massive block of steel with for weeks at Fort Brunzig as preparations were arranged for
thick, armored plating covering the complex arrangement
of steam-driven cranks, rods, and arms that powered the funeral in Korsk, paid for by Great Vizier Blaustavya as a
massive wheels pulling the long chain of cars. special benevolence. Consideration had also been given to
the fact that these Greylords had perished on Khadoran
There were faster trains, but none capable of bearing such
a heavy load. The Colossal was frequently tasked to haul
of the Prikaz Chancellery initially trying to make the bodies
disappear had leaked, prompting uproar. The only way to
armor, or other massive pieces of machinery to be assembled
assuage the furor was a funeral of proper gravitas.

other military hardware. It was fronted with a wedge- One individual grateful for the Khadoran love of ceremony
and the time-consuming efforts that had delayed the
break through any obstruction. Interspersed with the cargo funeral was Lord Exhumator Scaverous of Cryx. He stood
not far from the tracks northwest of Shattered Shield Lake,
looking out from the opening of a freshly excavated cave
each crewed by dedicated rotations of the Khadoran Rail descending into the earth behind him, from which was
Korps. Stationed alongside these were several former emerging his sizable force. Behind him loomed the helljack
Widowmaker snipers. Working for the Rail Korps was a Erebus, a Slayer redesigned and augmented to Scaverous’
respectable way to earn coin among those who had retired
from military service.
The necromancer Darragh Wrathe waited close by, astride
Attacks on Khadoran trains were rare, but the High his undead steed and flanked by a line of nightmarish
Kommand took the integrity of its rails seriously. Both Man- soulhunters. His voice rasped through his iron breathing
O-War soldiers and trained ’jack marshals accompanied the mask, “I must soon return to Lich Lord Venethrax. I
Rail Korps on every major shipment, along with several cannot linger.”
older but battle-ready warjacks. For this particular train a
The necromancer had demonstrated a certain reluctance on
pair of armored Gun Carriages was also assigned as escort.
the mission. Wrathe’s true master was Lich Lord Terminus,
These massive battle carts maintained a steady pace to
who had ordered him to join Venethrax. It seemed Wrathe
either side of the tracks.
could no longer tolerate receiving orders from anyone of
The unusually strong complement of defenders was due to lesser stature. “Once the objective is secured you have my
one of the rearmost cars, an armored container bearing the leave to depart.”
sigils and symbol of the Greylords Covenant. Lengths of
The train released steam in a piercing whistle. Scaverous
thick black cloth decorated with the symbols of the Khadoran
fancied he could smell the corpses coming closer, each a
treasure trove awaiting his key at their locks. The metallic
the exterior. Situated respectfully within the compartment
insectoid appendages along his chest clicked and moved
in constant agitation, a sign of the iron lich’s excitement.
twenty-three Greylords, including several from powerful
and politically connected families.
his scythe Avernus spun and growled as he tested the

78
weapon. The lord exhumator made silent calculations and The metal leaves of Malathrax’s ever-shifting mask
judged the timing to be right. “Now!” He pointed Avernus transformed into the face of a leering beast, and the glowing
forward, and the Cryxians surged into motion.
now. I have another requiring your immediate attention.”

The lord exhumator looked back to the stone slabs with

their rows of carefully arranged skulls, several held in black
The interruption of his work a few days earlier had not been metal clamps set amid concentric silver circles inscribed
welcome. He had previously been sent north to apply his with rows of tiny, exactingly placed runes. “This is not a
specialized expertise in aid of Lich Lord Venethrax’s project good time for interruption, my lord.”
by wresting intelligence from ancient corpses plundered
The lich lord’s eyes glowed ominously. “This is an immediate
from the crypts below Hellspass. Studying the bodies of
priority. A train will soon disembark from Fort Brunzig
multiple generations of engineers, he had discovered they
with the corpses of two dozen members of the Greylords
had been part of a secretive cabal tasked to maintain the
Covenant, including several of high rank. We cannot let this
ancient subterranean machinery securing a dormant athanc.
opportunity pass; never before have we had the occasion to
By the lore Scaverous extracted, he had gained the insight to
seize so many secrets at once.”
help devise an ingenious, massive transport mechanism for
the athanc. A team of Mortenebra’s necrotechs was already Scaverous froze, the small row of metal limbs along his
at work creating this intricate machine. chest momentarily halting in their rhythmic twitching.
“Interesting,” he said. “Still, I could dispatch minions to
Scaverous had next turned to examining other corpses in
recover the bodies while I continue my work . . .”

lain untouched for thousands of years. It was a rare and Malathrax drifted into the room with an aura of menace,
exciting opportunity to gain insight into a largely unknown and Scaverous wavered. “Do you refuse this task?” His tone
period of the region’s history. Moreover, some of the bodies was dangerous.
showed potential as new variants of thralls. The challenge
The lord exhumator was an iron lich built on a powerful
all this represented was one Scaverous was eager to meet.
frame, one eminently built for combat. He possessed
The bones—particularly the skulls—of the dead held considerably more mass than Lich Lord Malathrax, yet he
imprints that could be reconstructed into an echo of a stepped back and raised his clawed hands in submission.
person’s consciousness, personality, and knowledge long The power and mystical might of the lich lords went beyond
after the body died. These shades were often intractable, the physical. “No. It only seemed logical to delegate.”
but Scaverous knew better than any of his peers how to
“I am delegating to you, Scaverous. You are my minion. We
force compliance and extract deep secrets. He savored
need your expertise on the site, to ensure the preservation
nothing more than the acquisition of lore from the dead. In
of the lore within these bodies.”
death minds were laid bare, with every living distraction
stripped away. For a moment Scaverous considered the thrill of having
Malathrax’s own skull for scrutiny but immediately forced
When the weighty door of the lord exhumator’s improvised
himself to focus on the task at hand. He had to admit that dozens
laboratory had been pushed rudely open, he had whirled in
of Greylords ready for examination offered an unprecedented
a temper, reaching for Avernus. “I said no interruptions!”
opportunity. He allowed, “It has been some time since we have
He checked his tirade in an instant, recognizing the looming had an inside look at Greylords Covenant operations.”
form. The metal mask with its moving plates and the
“That is the least of what we might learn,” Malathrax said.
“This group was tasked to an expensive project, one secret
lich lord asked, “Do you object to my presence, Scaverous?”
even from the Prikaz. All information on their activities
Scaverous raised his clawed hands in emphatic negation. was sequestered, as were all records related to the assault
“Of course not, my lord!” The lord exhumator’s tasks fell resulting in their deaths. They provoked Ios to send its
squarely within Malathrax’s domain. “You are curious
about my work? I believe I am close to discovering vital recorded history. I must know the nature of their work.” His
clues to some of the enigmatic external partners who
secured the athanc recovered by Lich Lord Venethrax.” As
Scaverous considered how little they knew of Ios. The
master of covert intelligence, Malathrax was one of the few
ancient corpses that had so occupied him until now seemed
almost irrelevant, or at least a matter he could return to in
great work.
good time. “And so you will. I will leave at once.”

79
 Other blasts followed as guns atop the Khardic Colossal
opened fire, but these shots went over and wide of the
swiftly moving soulhunters. A mortar shell detonated
Scaverous’ forces poured from the cave opening at his near Scaverous, its shrapnel bouncing harmlessly off his
command, rushing across the open ground toward the armor and power field. One of the flying Scavengers was
oncoming Khardic Colossal. Scaverous, Erebus, and a nearly hit but easily banked aside, letting the shell pass
single Reaper moved swiftly, empowered by their green, through the air it had occupied. The Scavenger ripped
glowing furnaces. They were quickly outpaced by the lord its fangs into the men crewing that gun. Several nimble
exhumator’s bonejacks, including Stalkers, Deathrippers, Stalkers leapt up with scraping sparks as their clawed
legs found purchase on the roof of the train, and they
wings, kept aloft by a unique application of unholy rushed along its length toward the next nest of defenders.
sorcery fueled by concentrated necrotite. Several Stalkers A pair of sharpshooters scored precise shots on one but
and Scavengers were relegated to a pair of triple-faced were then set upon by the rest.
iron lich overseers.
The soulhunters on Scaverous’ side of the tracks took on
The soulhunters were faster yet and galloped ahead flesh alongside the closer Gun Carriage’s steeds, hacking
alongside Darragh Wrathe. They fell into a wedge formation, into the shrieking animals with merciless precision.
veering sharply away from the rest to approach the tracks Darragh Wrathe unleashed a powerful blast of hellfire
to explode along the upper deck, where a member of
the railway juggernaut, whose steam whistle now shrieked the Rail Korps had been stationed with a rifle. The
as if in challenge. soldier screamed, green fire eating his flesh as he fell
from the swiftly moving carriage. The battle carriage’s
The driver of the nearest escorting Gun Carriage saw
guns boomed again as they fired point-blank into the
them and urged his horses to a full gallop, turning to
nearest of the soulhunters to tear them apart, but its
intercept. The carriage’s powerful cannons tracked the
team of horses had been badly wounded. One staggered
and tripped, pulling down the other. The weight of the
the vehicle from the recoil. The nimble soulhunters wove
carriage yanked it loose from the team’s harness, and it
evasively as they closed, and the high-explosive shells
rolled briefly before coming to a halt. The soulhunters
failed to strike them directly, instead landing aground with
alongside it hacked at the armored door with their
concussive bursts that ripped craters in the soil. Several
scythes, their blows only denting the metal. The cannon
were hit by sharp fragments of debris but rode on with
on the nearest side continued to turn in its swivel and
the disregard of the dead. Darragh Wrathe drew on his
fired another devastating blast, annihilating one of them.
necromantic power to transform them into black shadows,
spectral and insubstantial, able to leap across the battered Scaverous let Erebus run in that direction but kept a
tight mental leash on the helljack. He knew too well its
bloodthirsty tendencies. It barreled with tremendous
The train engine with its armored ram screamed past
force into the armored carriage and raked the metal panels
on the track, pulling its coal car immediately behind and
with great claws, eager to get to the living within. It easily
others painted with the Anvil symbol of Khador behind
tore the armored door off the hinges and caved in the
that. The soulhunters, still wraithlike, split into two groups
side of the carriage, but Scaverous immediately clamped
down mentally to command the ’jack back. Erebus let
onrushing train to pass unharmed to the other side. As they
loose a shriek of disappointment but did as bid, resuming
galloped to intercept the second Gun Carriage, they left
its loping strides alongside the train. The occupants of
the necromancer’s shroud and took on solidity. Shrieking
the Gun Carriage were left to the soulhunters, but the
incomprehensibly, they clashed into the armored steeds
undead cavalry were quickly blown apart by mortar and
with scythe and sickle, but the Gun Carriage had the greater
sniper fire.
weight and momentum and the Khadoran steeds smashed
through one of their number on impact. The far Gun Darragh Wrathe now galloped alone on his undead
steed near the train, scythe in hand, untroubled at the
obliterating two more of the soulhunters, but not before the destruction of his escort. The two iron lich overseers were
horse team was slashed and faltered, sending the massive almost in position, and Scaverous urged his Deathrippers
carriage tumbling. Its ammunition stores exploded in a blast forward. While the Scavengers and Stalkers continued to
powerful enough to annihilate the remaining soulhunters neutralize weapon crews, the train rushed onward. Likely
and cave in the steel wall of the nearest train car. its engineers thought themselves in the clear; the bulk of

80
the train had already passed the
Cryxians. The lord exhumator
only had eyes for the funeral-
shrouded car, close to the rear.
Only a cargo car and the brake van
followed it.

Scaverous raised his chain scythe

to signal. Peering through the
eyes of his nearest Deathripper, he
gathered power to summon a surge
of destructive energies and send
it across the bonejack’s arc node
to strike the coupling between
the two railcars. The massive
mechanism of hardened iron did
not give way. At his bidding the
two iron lich overseers raised their
staves and released their own dark

metal as the train barreled past.

Darragh Wrathe rode into position
and added his invocation. Green

the mechanism snapped with a

wrenching groan.

The longer segment of the train

began to pull away, the overseers
following after it. The Reaper
launched a harpoon to sink into
the side of the funeral car, its
length of chain unwinding. Erebus
leapt forward and sunk its claws
clean through the metal sides. Both
helljacks dug in their metal feet to
gouge trenches in the earth. Neither
was an ideal anchor, but the combined weight helped slow would still have to deal with the iron lich overseers and
the cars as the rest of the Khardic Colossal screamed onward. the bonejacks embattling the train’s forward defenders.

Several dozen mechanithralls were running to join the

lord exhumator from the cave, sent as reinforcements in time to do what was required. He felt rising excitement
fending off any additional defenders. Darragh Wrathe rode at the notion of the Greylord corpses awaiting him as he
alongside the slowing Greylord car. clambered into the dark funeral car. He was surprised to
see Darragh Wrathe dismount and follow him inside. At his
Scaverous eagerly closed on the car even as he directed his
look the necromancer explained, “I am keenly interested in
will and power to guide Erebus and the Reaper. Erebus
your work, Lord Exhumator. I have studied the matter; I can
tore the chains securing the doors and scrambled inside.
assist in your preparations.”
These cars came to a stop, and the Reaper moved to stand
watch outside with the bonejacks and mechanithralls. Scaverous knew Wrathe had a reputation for skill in the
As Scaverous looked down the track a metallic shriek art, through he was skeptical of any still-living mortal’s
indicated the front of the train braking, but he knew expertise, given the centuries required for mastery. “Perhaps
massive trains like this relied on additional brakes in the you can be of use,” he allowed.
rearmost car, which they had separated. Braking with only
Wrathe inclined his head. “Your expertise in this arena is well
the engine car would take time, and anyone disembarking
known. It would be an honor to learn at your side.”

81
 Scaverous found his sudden courtesies suspicious but mind to the helljack he saw it evade an incoming bombard
decided Wrathe might have a genuine thirst for knowledge. shell. The explosion blasted into the open door adjacent to
“We must proceed with greater haste than I prefer. We do
not have the luxury to transport so many bodies, so we the blast and its shrapnel clanged harmlessly off his power
will recover only the heads. Separate them, but preserve as
much of the upper spinal cord as possible—and take care of heads they had been accumulating entirely blown apart.
not to damage the skulls.”

The darkness inside the car did not impair them. Erebus
Go!” The helljack was already leaping out the open door.
was already at work cracking open and tipping over the
Scaverous used his power to layer protective magic across
its armored chassis, greatly augmenting its resilience.
Looking through the Reaper’s eyes, Scaverous saw that the
new threat had not come from the forward portion of the
train but from the car immediately behind theirs. He should
Scaverous’ cargo. While Scaverous could stow a few skulls
have considered that possibility.

quantity they were acquiring.

With an expert eye, Scaverous judged the bodies had

much of a problem, but in addition a number of Man-O-War
been dead at least a month. Still, compared to the ancient
soldiers had clambered down, including both shocktroopers
and Demolition corpsmen carrying great mauls that glowed
manipulating recently, these were quite fresh. The
blue with cold. Scaverous’ expectation that the brake car
information in their skulls would rise easily to the surface,
held only engineers was clearly wrong; it contained a
but the echoes of their personalities would be strong,
resentful, and reluctant to part with secrets.
troops was a kovnik and beside him, a Destroyer warjack
with a smoking bombard. An ancient Berserker jumped
down from the open car doors with a pair of axes in hand.
FLESH SLOUGHED AWAY,
Both ’jacks were responding to the verbal orders of the
THE GREYLORD’S FACE AND
kovnik. Scaverous impelled one of his Deathrippers to rush
SCALP FELL TO THE FLOOR LIKE
forward as green runes of power circled his clawed hand.
A DISCARDED GARMENT.
He sent his power forward as a ripple of entropic energy
amid the foremost Man-O-War. Black energy wriggled like
worms to tear through the metal armor.
He triggered Avernus to growl to full cutting speed and set
Scaverous turned to Wrathe, who had his scythe in hand
upon the nearest corpse. The weapon quickly cut through
and was looking out the door, invoking his own destructive
necromancy. “Deal with them! I require more time!”
head and upper spinal cord came loose, the distinct Greylord
The necromancer nodded once and leapt down to mount his
rusty steed as he took mental control of the mechanithralls
onto the next, waving Wrathe to assist with the grisly work. surging forward to attack. The Man-O-War struck by
Erebus proceeded with marginally more care, stacking the
bodies at one side of the car while tossing emptied wooden and metal-rending jaws and claws of his ’jacks. Wrathe
invoked a wave of sickness to sap the strength of the living
than Avernus, but he showed aptitude at handling corpses enemies nearby. Their retaliation was nonetheless brutally
effective against mechanithralls and bonejacks. Another

the Reaper.
the mental warnings from his Reaper that enemies were
closing. He expected soldiers from the forward portion of Scaverous could not watch the fray—his mission was in
the train, but they would advance cautiously rather than jeopardy. He must be selective. He searched through the
rush to their deaths. corpses, looking closely at rank insignia and the degree

Scaverous took closer heed after his Reaper sent a mental

alarm that it was being ; the train’s defenders
older man with a long beard and bearing the runic symbol
should still have been far out of range. As he extended his
of a koldun lord. Beside him lay a rune-inlaid axe, and a

82
silk cord bound a scepter into the clasp of his dead hands. Berserker hacked into it mercilessly with its axes. Scaverous
Scaverous wasted no time examining his belongings but
triggered Avernus again. With a grinding noise and a spray cortex, severing his contact with its mind. Erebus leapt to
rake claws into the Berserker. The battle seemed to be going
poorly, but he could not interrupt his interrogation with the
willful shade, not now.
critically and then spoke words of ritual power as he carved
runes into the pliant skin with one of his metal claws. He As the shade stood imperious and unaffected by the
felt great distaste at conducting this rite hastily, without the warcaster’s will, Scaverous sensed something unusual
proper materials and tools, but Lich Lord Malathrax had about the way his necromantic energies were interacting
sent him to answer certain questions. He compensated for with the skull in his hands. He summoned manifested
decay to surround his clawed grip as wriggling worms
invoked the necromancy and compelled the remnant shade of energy that bored through the head in his grasp. Flesh
imprinted in this vault of a once-great mind to manifest. He sloughed away, the Greylord’s face and scalp fell to the
ignored the warning of his Reaper as the Berserker set upon
it with powerful axe blades, carving deeply into its chassis. to his attentions. The shade of the koldun lord scowled
at him, only now apprehending the nature of the head in
A dark silhouette came into being before Scaverous as the
the warcaster’s hands. “What black magic are you about,

standing regally and imperious as he once had in life.

examine what seemed to be Khadoran runes inscribed in
thin lines of silver metal set into the skull itself. Had this
Khadoran, “You will obey me, shade, and answer my
been done while the man was still alive? He had never
questions. Defy me and I will deliver unending agony.”
heard of such a procedure, but it would have been painful
Had there been any witnesses in the dark car they would
beyond imagining.
have seen Scaverous speaking only to the mangled head
grasped in his claw.
fully, but he suspected they had been intended to shield the
koldun lord’s mind in life and in death. If so, the Greylords
Covenant was taking extraordinary efforts to protect its
Lord Klovechi! I do not fear you.” His eyes darted around
secrets, perhaps due to the Prikaz Chancellery’s concerns
the car to take in the tumbled corpses. “What horror is
over increased espionage from foreign powers.
this? Where am I?” Shades were rarely cognizant of their
surroundings, and their small perception of the world was Scaverous could not see how to unravel this new defensive
measure quickly. The approach most likely to lead to
retained limited awareness. success would be to pry loose the metal laid into the skull,
after isolating it from any Greylord ritual accoutrements.
The lord exhumator ignored the question and continued his
He did not have time for this, though, and he would not
ritual. Bands of darkness shaped like hoops of razor-edged
risk damaging the skull.
steel closed in on the koldun lord and wrapped tight around
him. Scaverous said, “Describe to me the last moments of As if discerning the pattern of the lord exhumator’s
your life. Why did the Iosans attack your fortress?” thoughts, the shade spoke again. “Begone, abomination!
Trouble no more the bodies of my brothers and sisters.
The shade brazenly raised a hand to invoke words of power.
Flee while you can!” He invoked some of his order’s ice
Scaverous had seen such attempts before and knew it would
magic, and temperatures plummeted as a bolt of raw cold
not work. Death severed such powers. He was therefore
startled to see icy blue runes appear around the shade’s
energies were easily dispersed across the warcaster’s power

lord shatter to ash. The lord exhumator hissed in disbelief.

His eyes scanned the chamber, and he saw thin lines of Outside, the mechanithralls and bonejacks had taken
a toll on the Man-O-War corpsmen, but most had been
Greylords. Their baubles and pendants, their ornaments of annihilated in return. The Berserker was down, finished
rank and station—all carried residual potency. Destroying in a charge by Darragh Wrathe, but the Destroyer closed
them would take too much time. on Erebus with its executioner axe. One of the bonejacks
yet survived, but its legs had been shattered by an ice
The entire funeral car lurched from a massive impact, and
maul. Scaverous sent his power through its still-intact arc
its armored wall dented inward and split open, spilling
node once again, turning Erebus ghostlike and spectral.
daylight inside. The Reaper had collided there as the

83
 At his mental urging, the helljack rushed forward to slip The shade immediately moaned and grasped his head, then
past the Man-O-War soldiers and Destroyer, whose blows staggered forward wearing a look of tremendous confusion.
passed harmlessly through its body, to strike the ranking “Koldun Kommander Zerkova? Is that you?”
kovnik. Erebus took on solidity as it reached forward
Outside, Erebus had taken a powerful slash from the
with both claws and ripped the kovnik in half amid a
Destroyer. As much as he hated to divert any of his
spray of gore.
attention from the shade, Scaverous impelled his will
Across the runes that connected the ’jack to Scaverous, the into the helljack to empower its claws. The rest of the
warcaster received the fallen mortal’s soul. Those of other
Man-O-War soldiers soon followed. He used the power of mechanithralls, but those were then shot to pieces by the
these dead to send more destructive energies through the

rear train and sending that man’s life-energy to reanimate a burn them one by one.
fallen mechanithrall. Erebus became locked in a clash with
Scaverous asked the rapidly fading shade, “Why did the
the Destroyer, which remained dangerous even without the
Iosans attack? What happened in those last minutes? What
direction of its master. Scaverous felt the shade struggling
did they seek?”
in his mental grasp as even this degree of distraction
endangered the interrogation. The koldun lifted his spectral hands to claw at his face. “I do
not know how they found us, but the relic is safeguarded!
The walls of the rail car had become increasingly
They won’t get to it, Kommander. It will be sent on, per
compromised, and as Scaverous moved within the interior
your instructions. I will obey my vow. We will take as many
of them with us as we can. Now, go!”

his glowing necrotite furnaces; several shots rang off his Scaverous felt rising excitement even as the shade began to
iron ribcage, and one penetrated his inner workings. What
concerned the warcaster, though, was the bullet that pierced
“The facility below Skirov is secure.” He staggered back as
the skull he held in his hand. Scaverous hissed as he backed
if hit. “No! . . . So dark . . . cold . . .” With those last words
quickly away from the opening, cradling the cracked bone.
the shade dissipated completely. Scaverous scowled. How
“No! No . . . ”
much priceless information had been lost because of his
He peered at the skull and saw the bullet had pierced clear limited time with the koldun? But perhaps he had enough
through the frontal bone plate and out the parietal, sending to satisfy Malathrax.
webs of fracture lines from both the entry and exit points.
Finished annihilating the Destroyer, Erebus leapt with
Even as he conducted this examination the manifested
bestial enthusiasm atop the last train car, whose roof
shade staggered and began to fade. Although constructing
a partial shade from a damaged skull was possible, it was

Through the eyes of his crippled Deathripper, Scaverous

and clenched his hand without thought, scraping the bones saw Khadorans gathering outside the distant forward
against one another.
the iron lich overseers were at work, but they would not
The entire façade of the koldun lord changed: his attire
be able to hold the defenders long. Scaverous could not
became ragged, his hair unkempt, his eyes milky. “What is
simply abandon the remaining Greylord corpses at his feet.
happening? Why is it so dark? Did we fail? I set it in motion,
He triggered Avernus and quickly carved through the necks
as soon as I realized we were beset . . . ”
of several ranking Greylords, tucking their heads into his
Scaverous tilted his head at the shade with sudden ribcage before leaping down from the car.
interest. Could this behavior relate to the damage that
Scaverous rushed for the cave entrance, waving for Erebus
had just occurred? The shade was fading, yes, but the
and Wrathe to follow. He waited only for the bulk of his
koldun’s thoughts had become even further addled once
forces before he collapsed the opening of the tunnel behind
the integrity of the skull had been broken and the runes
them. Even as he turned to make his way back to Cryx
disrupted. Scaverous transformed himself into a less
feeling pangs of regret that he had not salvaged more from
substantial form and stepped into the shadows, hoping to
the funeral car, his thoughts were already on the work
exploit this confusion. He pressed with a metal claw along
ahead of him in his laboratory.
one of the widening cracks in the skull.

84
 can use the Retribution as a diversion? They are already
stirring in Khador. They may strike again for a chance to
recover a relic so important to them.”
He reported to Lich Lord Malathrax at a small underground
Goreshade spoke again. “My lord, I do not think we should
complex amid the mountains southwest of Hellspass,
abandon our plans. If the Retribution can be manipulated
among the Thundercliff Peaks. He was startled to see that
into attacking Skirov, the ensuing confusion may provide
the eldritch Goreshade had joined the lich lord. A sizable
the opportunity to acquire the relic ourselves. I volunteer to
contingent of bane thralls and knights stood watch on the
lead that effort. Our forces stand ready.”
surface guarding the cavern’s various entrances. Bane Lord
Tartarus drifted among the banes like a king of the dead, Lich Lord Malathrax waved an iron-clawed hand
paying the lord exhumator no attention. indulgently. “Very well. I am skeptical whether this relic
has any real value; bring it to me when you secure it. Lord
Scaverous offered the barest courtesies to Goreshade.
Exhumator, assist Venethrax once he begins to move. For
Although he respected the eldritch’s skill, it was unclear
now, continue your examination of the remaining Greylords.
how Goreshade ranked in the Cryxian halls of power
and which lich lord he served—if any. Both these matters
made Scaverous uncomfortable, but Malathrax indicated Scaverous inclined his head. “Of course, my lord.”
Goreshade would join them as an expert on matters He took his leave, hastening toward the laboratory
Iosan. The eldritch listened closely as Scaverous related where the rotting heads of several Greylords awaited
the details of what he had learned from the shade of the him. Something in Goreshade’s posture and tone when
koldun lord as well as from subsequent interrogations of discussing the Nyss relic had struck him as slightly
the other corpses. peculiar, but thoughts of such matters quickly faded as
he plunged back into his work.
“I need time for a thorough examination of the remaining
Greylords. I expect to discover useful details regarding the
Iosan attack. I do not expect to learn much about this Nyss
relic they were studying, however; it seems Kommander
Zerkova kept those details to herself. The relic emanated
extreme cold, but it was resistant to examination and they
learned little else. Given their use of winter magic it’s
understandable the Greylords found it fascinating.”

Lich Lord Malathrax pondered this and turned to Goreshade.

“Your assessment of the attackers?” Scaverous suspected he
was testing the eldritch.

Goreshade answered without hesitation. “The Retribution

of Scyrah. From the forces described by the dead, it would
seem the Dawnguard has joined them, with myrmidons.
This means Houses Nyarr and Shyeel have stopped
pretending they are not bound to that once-outlawed sect.
There is desperation in the halls of power in Ios.”

this Nyss relic? Can you identify its nature or why the
Retribution of Scyrah risked so much to acquire it?”

“No. Its connection to the Nyss might be enough for them.”

Malathrax’s mask clicked over to become a serene child.

“That this relic was sent to Skirov is fortuitous.” He turned
to Scaverous and said, “Goreshade and I were planning
an attack on the garrison there, seeking to draw Khadoran
attention away from Hellspass while Lich Lord Venethrax
begins the tedious process of moving his prize. Now there
may be a better way. Why expend our resources when we

85
 LORD EXHUMATOR SCAVEROUS
CRYX WARCASTER
All secrets are laid bare in the grave, all mysteries revealed when bones are stripped of the flesh.
—Lord Exhumator Scaverous

FEAT: BLACK GATE SPELLS COST RNG AOE POW UP OFF

SCAVEROUS DEATH WARD 2 6 – – YES NO
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD Through profane rites known
by only a few masters of Target friendly Faction model/unit gains +2 ARM. If an affected warjack is
6 8 6 4 14 17 7 damaged, you choose which column suffers the damage.
necromancy, Lord Exhumator
AVERNUS Scaverous tears an opening EXCARNATE 3 10 – 13 NO YES
POW P+S in the shroud between life and When a living enemy warrior model is boxed by Excarnate, remove it from
6 14 death to release a backlash of play. You can then add one Grunt to a friendly Faction small-based undead
unit in this model’s control area. The Grunt must be placed in formation
FOCUS 7 foul energies inimical to life.
and within 3 of this model.
DAMAGE 18 This unholy surge empowers
the magics of death wielded FEAST OF WORMS 4 10 4 12 YES YES
FIELD ALLOWANCE C
by his allies while hindering While in the AOE, enemy models suffer -2 ARM. The AOE remains in play
WARJACK POINTS +5 as long as upkeep is paid.
the feeble arcane efforts of his
MEDIUM BASE GHOST WALK 3 6 – – NO NO
enemies.
Target friendly model/unit gains Ghostly for one turn. (A model with
While in this model’s Ghostly can advance through terrain and obstacles without penalty and
control area, friendly Faction models gain boosted magic attack can advance through obstructions if it has enough movement to move
rolls. When Scaverous casts a spell, reduce the COST of the spell completely past them. An affected model cannot be targeted by free
by 1. When an enemy model casts a spell or uses an animus strikes.)
while in Scaverous’ control area, increase the COST by 1. Black ICY GRIP 2 8 – – YES YES
Gate lasts for one round. Target enemy warrior model/unit without Immunity: Cold
DEF and cannot run or make special attacks.
SCAVEROUS
Terror TELEKINESIS 2 8 – – NO
Place target model completely within 2 of its current location. When
*
Undead Telekinesis targets an enemy model, it is an offensive spell and requires a
magic attack roll. A model can be affected by Telekinesis only once per turn.
Cull Soul – This model gains one soul token for each living
enemy model destroyed within 2 of it. When this model
replenishes its focus during your next Control Phase, replace
each soul token on it with 1 focus point. TACTICAL TIP
CULL SOUL – A model can have more focus points than its Focus as
AVERNUS
a result of Cull Soul.
Magical Weapon
THRESHER – The melee attacks are all simultaneous.
Reach
EXCARNATE – The boxed model does not provide a soul or corpse
Thresher ( Attack) – This model makes one melee attack with
token. The new Grunt can activate the turn it is put into play.
this weapon against each model in its LOS and this weapon’s
melee range.
required to unbind the tongues of the dead, to manifest
their shades from echoes left on their bones and force from
Soldiers of the Iron Kingdoms hope that if they die in battle
them answers to his questions.
their deaths will be quick, granting release from agony. Those
who fall beneath the reaping blade of Scaverous, the Lord Undead immortality has given Scaverous the potential to
learn every secret, every piece of lost lore, every forbidden
rite lost to history, and he is willing to pay any price for
that makes him truly formidable. The souls of the dead that sum of knowledge. His master, Lich Lord Malathrax,
are both ammunition and fuel for Scaverous. Those slain has observed his efforts with approval, particularly as these
and cast aside are fortunate compared to any possessed of vital secrets began to result in unmistakable advantages
for Cryx. It was because of these gains that Scaverous was
necromantic interrogation. gifted with the honor of iron lichdom and entered the
Cryxian elite.
Scaverous has served the Nightmare Empire for many
centuries. His mortal life as a historian and arcanist who Scaverous’ experiments have consumed an untold number
dabbled in the black arts was but a harbinger of the work of corpses and souls. No longer can the whims of a willful
that has consumed him since. Bestowed the gift of undeath spirit deny him information. Through carefully inscribed
for his obsession with and skillful pursuit of knowledge, runes and the manipulation of the energies separating Caen
from Urcaen, Scaverous can compel virtually any spirit to
of Skell and later abroad to gather intelligence. He spent give up its memories. He was at the forefront of creating
decades specializing in those exacting necromantic arts a previously unknown discipline known as forensic

86
87
 necromancy. These techniques have been passed to a number valuable corpses or other well-protected necromantic items
of the empire’s most promising necromancers, all laboring it is Scaverous and his helljacks he sends. Scaverous relishes
for Lich Lord Malathrax plumbing intelligence from the these opportunities, as he has an insatiable hunger for lore.
bodies and souls of the dead. None of these practitioners He has been accused by certain peers of a tendency to be
can approach the accomplishments of Scaverous. distracted down odd byways in his pursuit of potential
information, but many times this habit has allowed him to
When the Orgoth immolated themselves rather than fall to
pluck loose the keys to the most deeply buried mysteries.
Toruk’s armies, Scaverous was sent to assist Terminus in
ransacking the ruins of Drer Drakkerung. The smoldering He has acquired many secrets and pieces of information
corpses of the Orgoth held a rich harvest. It was largely he holds entirely to himself and has not shared even with
through his efforts that so much of their terrible occult Malathrax, as he savors the delight of conversations with
secrets fell into the hands of Cryx. When the secrets of the the dead to which only he is privy. He secretly longs
soul cage were extricated from the souls of the Orgoth, not only to learn as much as possible but to hoard that
the power of the Nightmare Empire grew incalculably. information as his own. Nothing gives Scaverous greater
Similarly, only a few lifetimes later it was Scaverous’ work satisfaction than knowing that which all others have
on the mainland that yielded up the secrets of the Cygnaran forgotten. The moment he is exposed to lore unknown
arc node to Cryx. to him, he feels driven to explore it in its full scope and
depth. His thirst for lore is insatiable, and he keeps a
In his role as the foremost forensic necromancer, Scaverous
number of his favored repositories—the skulls of his
spends more time lurking in the Iron Kingdoms than many
subjects—with him at all times, held within the ribcage of
high-ranking undead of Cryx. When Lich
his torso. He has been seen muttering and plotting with
Lord Malathrax requires the retrieval of
them, speaking to voices only he can hear.

LORD EXHUMATOR SCAVEROUS

FUNERAL RITES

WARJACKS: Cryx non-character warjacks, SOLOS: Necrotechs, Scrap Thralls, Skarlock Thrall,
Deathjack, Erebus Cryx solos with Magic Ability, Wraith solos
UNITS: Mechanithralls, Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls, BATTLE ENGINES: Wraith Engine
Cryx units with Magic Ability

TIER 1 TIER 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models Requirements: The army includes one or more Wraith
listed above. Engine battle engines.

For every helljack in the army, add one Necrotech Wraith solos in the army gain Advance
solo to the army free of cost. These solos ignore FA Deployment .
restrictions. Free Scrap Thralls are not included along with
TIER 4
the Necrotech.
Requirements: Scaverous’ battlegroup includes Erebus.
TIER 2
Your deployment zone is extended 2 forward.
Requirements: The army includes the Withershadow
Combine.

Models in this army with Soul Taker each begin

with one soul token.

Permission is hereby granted to create reproductions of this entry for personal, non-commercial use only.

88
There are few who can claim to truly understand the lord
exhumator. Even among the horrors of Cryx he is something
of an outsider, as his necromantic peers judge his absorption
and preference for conversing with the ancient dead to be a
rather uncouth obsession. In Scaverous’ estimation, though,
all other conversations pale in comparison, even those with
the most learned of the undead. Secretly he longs to gain
access to the skulls of Cryx’s own lich lords, each of whom
he knows to be a treasure trove of accumulated occult lore,
although he is careful to keep such desires hidden lest they
be mistaken for treasonous ambition.

Scaverous feels no qualms about indulging in

carnage in the pursuit of his goal. The living
are less than uninteresting to him;
they cannot be properly processed
until they are dead. It is often
expedient to pry secrets from a
freshly gathered soul, and on
occasion Scaverous is tasked
with capturing, killing,
and interrogating such
individuals. In other
circumstances a target
corpse is ancient and
well protected deep
in enemy heartlands.
Scaverous personally leads
hand-selected battlegroups
to acquire these subjects.
The further Cryx can extend
its reach, the easier it becomes
to venture into previously
untapped graveyards and tombs,
thus opening a wealth of lore to
the lord exhumator. Every skull
he gathers is an inexhaustible tome
in his private library.

Scaverous has access to singularly

potent death magic, refined over centuries.
Through the exertion of his will he can weaken
the boundary between the worlds of the living and the
dead, causing a surge in the black energies upon which
necromancy thrives in order to augment his own arcane
power while sapping that of any who stand against him.
He has also mastered a technique whereby he can seize
the energy of a freshly harvested soul to immediately
reassemble and animate a fallen undead warrior in
his army. These terrible acts are nothing to an entity
as dedicated to unearthing the secrets of the grave as
Scaverous. No atrocity can be committed in the pursuit of
such an encompassing knowledge.

89
 SCAVENGER
CRYX BONEJACK
It is the hunger of the grave given form.
—Lich Lord Asphyxious

SCAVENGER HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 6´4 / 1.5 TONS

SCAVENGER Finisher – This model ARMAMENT: SNAPPING JAWS (HEAD)
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
7 7 7 4 16 13 — gains an additional die FUEL LOAD / BURN USAGE: 35 LBS NECROTITE, 61 LBS COAL / 18 HRS GENERAL, 3 HRS COMBAT
on damage rolls against INITIAL SERVICE DATE: UNKNOWN
SNAPPING JAWS damaged models. CORTEX MANUFACTURER: UNKNOWN
POW P+S
H 4 11 Flight – This model can ORIG. CHASSIS DESIGN: UNKNOWN
advance through terrain
DAMAGE and obstacles without
penalty and can advance The living denizens of western Immoren learned long ago
1 2 3 4 5 6
through obstructions to watch for death rising from beneath the ground, but now
and other models if it has they are discovering that it also stalks them from darkening
enough movement to move
skies. Scavengers descend into the ranks of man’s armies,
completely past them. This
model ignores intervening driving them before their ragged mechanikal wings and
models when declaring its snapping beaks.
charge target.
Foul necrotechs imbue the cortex of each Scavenger with
H C C C C M Sprint – At the end of
this model’s activation, if
H H M M it destroyed one or more
enemy models with melee to the air dripping trails of gore. The bonejacks take an
FIELD ALLOWANCE U attacks this activation it can
unwholesome joy in seeking out the wounded and the
POINT COST 4 make a full advance.
MEDIUM BASE
vultures they resemble.

90
 DESECRATOR
CRYX HELLJACK
Its mechanisms draw power from the wellspring of annihilation: the Void itself.
—Goreshade the Cursed

TACTICAL TIPS DESECRATOR

DESECRATOR
AMPHIBIOUS – This model can attack other models that are in deep SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
water. Accumulator [Bane] – 5 12 6 5 12 18 —
When this model begins
CRITICAL SHRED – If the model hit was destroyed by the attack, this PLAGUE BRINGER
its activation within 3 of
model cannot attack it again. A model can make additional attacks RNG ROF AOE POW
one or more friendly Bane L 9 1 4 12
only during its combat action.
models, it is allocated 1
focus point. VIVISECTOR
POW P+S
HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 10´5 / 7.3 TONS Amphibious – This R 5 17
ARMAMENT: PLAGUE BRINGER (LEFT ARM), VIVISECTOR (RIGHT ARM) model ignores the
FUEL LOAD / BURN USAGE: 96 LBS NECROTITE, 265 LBS COAL / 12 HRS GENERAL, 2 HRS COMBAT effects of deep and DAMAGE
shallow water and can
INITIAL SERVICE DATE: UNKNOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6
move through them
CORTEX MANUFACTURER: UNKNOWN
without penalty. While
ORIG. CHASSIS DESIGN: UNKNOWN
completely in deep water,
it cannot be targeted by
ranged or magic attacks
Among the proudest achievements of the necrotechs of
and can make attacks
Cryx, the Desecrator is a terrible and unnatural machine. only against other models L R
It draws from the same illimitable darkness that spawns in deep water. While
completely in deep water,
L L M C R R
the Void-imprisoned banes to exterminate all life within its
this model does not block M M C C
reach. Armed with the malignant Plague Bringer cannon—
LOS.
an alchemical weapon of incalculable destruction—and its
Steady – This model cannot FIELD ALLOWANCE U
whirring vivisector, the Desecrator wades through battle
be knocked down. POINT COST 9
enacting the murderous will of Cryx’s generals.
LARGE BASE
PLAGUE BRINGER
Damage Type:
Corrosion
Scather – This attack’s AOE remains in play for one round.
Enemy models and non-Faction friendly models entering or
ending their activations in the AOE suffer 1 point of corrosion
damage .

VIVISECTOR
Critical Shred – On a critical hit, after the attack is resolved this
model can make one additional attack against the model hit.

The Desecrator rises from the ocean’s deep, black waters,

a terrible sight to behold. The soldiers of the mainland
dread encountering its hulking alien form, as their armored

plague bringer renders. Troops have been known to turn

their weapons on themselves rather than suffer its wasting

the machine already upon them and their blood-curdling

91
 EREBUS
CRYX CHARACTER HELLJACK
It hungers for death, for souls to feed its master.
—Master Necrotech Mortenebra

EREBUS TACTICAL TIPS

EREBUS
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD AFFINITY [SCAVEROUS] – Because Scaverous is the model gaining
6 10 7 5 14 18 — When this model destroys
the soul token, use his location when determining which model
a living enemy model
eligible to claim the destroyed model’s soul token is closest to it.
DEATH CLAW while in Scaverous’ control
POW P+S area, Scaverous gains the COMBO STRIKE – This ability cannot be used while either of this
L 6 16 destroyed model’s soul model’s arm systems is locked. A model with a crippled weapon
token. system cannot use it to make chain attacks or special attacks,
DEATH CLAW
POW P+S including power attacks.
Overtake – When this
R 6 16 model destroys one or more
enemy warrior models with HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 11´10 / 6.5 TONS
DAMAGE a normal melee attack, after
1 2 3 4 5 6 ARMAMENT: TWIN DEATH CLAWS (LEFT AND RIGHT ARMS)
the attack is resolved this
FUEL LOAD / BURN USAGE: 100 LBS NECROTITE, 205 LBS COAL / 12 HRS GENERAL, 2 HRS COMBAT
model can immediately
advance up to 1 . INITIAL SERVICE DATE: UNKNOWN
CORTEX MANUFACTURER: UNKNOWN
Poltergeist – When an
ORIG. CHASSIS DESIGN: UNKNOWN
enemy model misses this
model with an attack,
L R immediately after the attack The lives Erebus has claimed leave the helljack steeped in the
is resolved you can choose
L L M C R R spiritual detritus of a thousand bloody deaths. Invisible to
to push the enemy model
M M C C d3 directly away from this
model. out at those who strike its blackened carapace. No weapon
FIELD ALLOWANCE C DEATH CLAW of man can repel Erebus, any more than the sharpest steel
POINT COST 8 Open Fist can stop the inevitable slide into the grave.
LARGE BASE
Combo Strike ( Attack) –
Make a melee attack.
Instead of making a normal
damage roll, the POW of the damage roll is equal to this
model’s STR plus twice the POW of this weapon.

Every helljack possesses a terrible hunger for violence,

but the insatiable bloodlust of the machine called Erebus
marks it out even among the Cryxians. Born of Skell’s black
iron forges, Erebus knows only the hunger of its master,
Lord Exhumator Scaverous, and the desire to serve him. It

murdering all in its path and gathering their souls to fuel

Scaverous’ arcane powers. The unclean channels of its
cortex hum with savage instincts, and its black iron claws
twitch endlessly, even when Erebus sits idle.

Scaverous spared none of his considerable acumen in the

necromantic arts when he set about constructing his iron
servant. He performed powerful rituals and desecrations
upon the ’jack’s inert chassis, shaping and twisting its
consciousness. The machineries of soul extraction lie buried
beneath its armored plates.

92
 MALICE
CRYX CHARACTER HELLJACK
Within its black-steel environs swims a torrent of wrathful spirits.
—Lich Lord Terminus

TACTICAL TIP MALICE

MALICE
Ghost Shield – This model
DRAG – “Any distance” means “as much as necessary,” not “any SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
gains +1 ARM for each soul 6 10 7 6 13 17 —
distance the player chooses.”
token currently on it.
BARBED HARPOON
Possession – When this RNG ROF AOE POW
HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 11´10 / 6.3 TONS model hits an enemy L 8 1 — 14
ARMAMENT: BARBED HARPOON (LEFT ARM), DEATH CLAW (RIGHT ARM) warjack that has a
FUEL LOAD / BURN USAGE: 88 LBS NECROTITE, 196 LBS COAL / 12 HRS GENERAL, 2 HRS COMBAT functional cortex with a DEATH CLAW
melee attack, it can spend POW P+S
INITIAL SERVICE DATE: UNKNOWN R 6 16
a soul token to take control
CORTEX MANUFACTURER: UNKNOWN
of the warjack. Immediately
ORIG. CHASSIS DESIGN: UNKNOWN after the attack has been DAMAGE
resolved, you can make 1 2 3 4 5 6
a full advance with the
The product of fell experimentation lasting many centuries,
warjack and can then make
the helljack Malice hosts a legion of vengeful spirits, the one normal attack, then
specters of those who fell under its claws. These trapped Possession expires.
and tormented souls swarm across its hull, swimming in Soul Taker – This model
and out of its plates and mechanisms, shrieking constantly gains one soul token when L R
in a dissonant, deathly cacophony of madness. A dark and a living enemy model is
L L M C R R
destroyed within 2 of it.
terrible chorus howls within the helljack. Blasphemous This model can have up M M C C
whispers permeate its cortex, driving the machine to ever- to three soul tokens at a
greater heights of slaughter. Malice exists only to glut itself time. During its activation, FIELD ALLOWANCE C
on the souls of the living; it feasts jealously on the fallen in this model can spend soul
POINT COST 9
tokens to gain additional
the heat of battle. LARGE BASE
attacks or to boost attack or
damage rolls at one token
Direct contact offers the spirits trapped within the helljack
per attack or boost.
their only escape, as it is then they are able to pour out in a
Well of Souls – This model begins the game with one soul
fearsome spectral contagion that overwhelms and possesses
token.
the cortexes of any enemy warjacks it touches. Spirits
leaping from Malice to their new host temporarily seize BARBED HARPOON
Drag – If this weapon damages an enemy model with an equal
or smaller base, immediately after the attack is resolved the
damaged model can be pushed any distance directly toward
this model. After the damaged model is moved,
this model can make one normal melee attack
against the model pushed. After resolving this
melee attack, this model can make additional
melee attacks during its combat action.

DEATH CLAW
Magical Weapon
Open Fist

control of the other warjack, turning it on

its companions before they escape into the
wilds of Urcaen.

93
 REVENANT CREW RIFLEMAN
CRYX WEAPON ATTACHMENT
Still as death and with cold eyes unblinking, they have aim regrettably true, lads.
—Jan Herreo, bosun’s mate

Attachment [Revenant
RIFLEMAN Crew of the Atramentous] – terrifying crews. Often found high in the riggings, they
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD This attachment can be display great skill in shooting down their victims from
6 6 5 4 13 12 7 added to a Revenant Crew aloft, and they prove terribly effective in boarding parties
LONG RIFLE of the Atramentous unit.
and shore attacks. Scattered among the ranks of other
RNG ROF AOE POW
14 1 — 10
RIFLEMAN
Combined Ranged Attack scouts, eliminating the possibility of such foes reporting
CUTLASS
POW P+S Undead whatever intelligence they may have gathered.
3 9 Death Ties – If this model
FIELD ALLOWANCE 2 is destroyed while in
formation, return it to play unliving pirates into truly nightmarish opponents and
1 RIFLEMAN 1
UP TO 2 ADDITIONAL 1 EA
at the beginning of your extends the range of the pernicious revenants beyond that of
next Maintenance Phase. their typical victims. When the time comes for the revenants
SMALL BASE
Place it within 3 of the
unit commander. If the unit
commander leaves play jumping over the bow or through an island fort’s gates. They
before this model returns to play, then remove this model from
play before choosing a new unit commander. the swirling melee. The luckiest victims die instantly; those
Gang – When making a melee attack targeting an enemy model who are only wounded may awaken aboard a cursed ship,
in melee range of another model in this unit, this model gains at the mercy of a damned crew, offered the dire choice to
+2 to melee attack and melee damage rolls.
join or perish.
Point Blank – During its activation, this model can make melee
attacks with its ranged weapon, with a 0.5 melee range. Do
not add this model’s STR to damage rolls made with ranged
weapons. Charge attacks made with ranged weapons are not
boosted.

Ghost Fleet is a disturbing, if subtle, hint that even the

dead can adapt. As the revenant crew has grown over
time, an increasing number of the cursed sailors of the
Atramentous have carried their weapons with them into
undeath. Additionally, other members of the ghostly crew
have claimed weapons from the hands of their victims,
who grasped them as they died. The same unnatural curse
that preserves the revenants from destruction also protects
their weapons from total dissolution. Once a weapon falls
into the hands of a revenant, it will be jealously guarded
for eternity.

94
 IRON LICH OVERSEER
CRYX SOLO
In time, all serve Lord Toruk. No soul escapes his notice,
no battle his attention, no shed blood his thirst.
—Iron Lich Vociferon

TACTICAL TIP OVERSEER

Commander
OVERSEER
MAGIC ABILITY – Performing a Magic Ability special action or SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
special attack counts as casting a spell. ’Jack Marshal 6 7 6 3 14 16 9
Terror FELL STAFF
POW P+S
An iron lich overseer exists to extend the will of its masters Undead
6 13
and their machines beyond their ordinary reach. It slowly Circular Vision – This
DAMAGE 8
turns as the battle unfolds to allow each of its three faces to model’s front arc extends
FIELD ALLOWANCE 2
survey the enemy as it unleashes volleys of soul-claiming POINT COST 3
Magic Ability [7] MEDIUM BASE
that follow it to war. These machines draw on the vitality of • Cloak of Darkness
( Action) – This model
gains Stealth . While warjacks this model controls are B2B
with it, they also gains Stealth. Cloak of Darkness lasts for one
annihilation of Drer Drakkerung, when the Orgoth war round.

witches unleashed unparalleled destruction upon the • Dark Fire ( Attack) – Dark Fire is a RNG 10, POW 12 magic
attack. When a living enemy model is destroyed by Dark Fire,
Cryxian army. The lich lords left no tool to decay, no matter
this model gains its soul token regardless of the proximity of
how badly damaged. This included powerful necromancers other models.
who had suffered massive physical and mental trauma but
Soul Matrix – While in this model’s command range during
were not entirely destroyed. Because of their unique skills their activation, warjacks controlled by this model can spend
and arcane talents a method was found to preserve them. soul tokens on this model to gain additional attacks or to boost
attack or damage rolls at one token per attack or boost.
The restructured liches are composite beings with a
Soul Taker – This model gains one soul token when a living
enemy model is destroyed within 2 of it. This model can have
up to three soul tokens at a time. During its activation, this
model can spend soul tokens to gain additional attacks or to
boost attack or damage rolls at one token per attack or boost.

FELL STAFF
Magical Weapon
Reach

process ensures some degree of cooperation, and in time

these competing personalities merge into a single mind—
undeniably insane, but with heightened awareness as well

success of these initial experiments, the lich lords began

using the consciousness-blending process as a means of
punishing effective but willful servants.

At its core, an overseer is powered by a complex

necromechanikal apparatus known as a soul matrix, which

commands. Given the divided state of the overseer’s mind,

of the slain.

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 WRAITH ENGINE
CRYX BATTLE ENGINE
It is no mere machine; it is a force of destruction sent to consume our enemies, body and soul.
—Master Necrotech Mortenebra

WRAITH ENGINE TACTICAL TIP

WRAITH ENGINE Terror
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD WRAITH WALKER – This model loses Incorporeal when it makes a
6 10 7 4 10 18 10 Undead melee or ranged attack.
SCYTHING BLADE Apparition – During
POW P+S your Control Phase, place walk in its shadow. Its malignance saps the vitality of
L 5 15 this model anywhere
the physical world, rotting iron and spoiling flesh that
completely within 2 of its
SCYTHING BLADE ventures too closely.
POW P+S current location.
R 5 15 Dark Shroud – While in this The Wraith Engine’s present form draws on knowledge
DAMAGE 20 model’s melee range, enemy
gleaned from centuries of necromantic research and
FIELD ALLOWANCE 2
POINT COST 9 Ectoplasm – During this
nature of the Void and the dread underpinnings of occult
HUGE BASE model’s activation, it
can spend one or more power. Lich Lord Tenebrous has stood at the forefront of
soul tokens to place 3 these efforts, never hesitating to coerce and threaten the
AOE cloud effects on the table anywhere completely within most brilliant and depraved minds of the Scharde Islands
its command range, one AOE per soul token spent. The cloud
to labor on his private projects. In the Wraith Engine they
effect remains in play for one round.
succeeded in creating a terrible machine that draws power
Soul Collector – This model gains one soul token when a living
enemy model is destroyed in its command range. This model
can have up to three soul tokens at a time. During its activation, energies of the Void to distort the very fabric of the
this model can spend soul tokens to gain additional attacks or to physical world.
boost attack or damage rolls at one token per attack or boost.
Unhallowed – While another friendly Faction model is
Incorporeal and in this model’s command range, the other victims in the creation of the Wraith Engine, employing
friendly Faction model gains +2 ARM and does not suffer blast an exacting process that bound the spirits within the
damage. machine’s numerous receptive components. Necrotechs
Wraith Walker – At the end of your Control Phase, this had etched these mechanisms with blasphemous, binding
model can gain Incorporeal for one round unless it gained runes, amalgamating the spirits into a collective machine
Incorporeal during the last round.
intelligence loyal only to its Cryxian masters. Its animating
SCYTHING BLADE souls forsaken by the gods and suffering unimaginable
Reach torment, the nascent construct seeks only to murder the
living and glut itself on their souls.
The Wraith Engine is an imposing testament to the raw
As this hideous apparatus powers up, it begins to oscillate
power and perverse brilliance of Cryx. Unleashed upon the
between the physical world and the nightmare of the Void.
enemies of the Dragonfather, it is guided by a malignant
Tendrils of shadow manifest around it, feasting upon
intelligence bound to diabolical machineries. It lurches
light itself as the engine roars. Merely the presence of this
abomination wounds the mortal world. The raw energies of
steel and the incessant wailing of the discarnate dead caged
the Void manifest in the air around the machine, clouding
its victims’ eyes and weakening their resilience. Knowing
Wraith Engine slips between spectral and corporeal states,
the Wraith Engine’s mindless thirst for death will never
sometimes seeming to vanish from the world entirely only
be slaked, its masters keep it chained until it can feast
to reappear elsewhere, all the while sowing death and
despair throughout the enemy’s ranks.

The living are wise to flee the Wraith Engine. Those who
do not are cut down like wheat before the scythe, their
souls reaped to feed its hideous engines. Each part of
the machine is inhabited by tortured, fragmented spirits
trapped for eternity within its confines. It is suffused
with the power of the grave; an echo of the Void manifests
in its presence and strengthens the ghostly dead that

96
97
 RETRIBUTION OF SCYRAH
PRIDE OR REDEMPTION
Northeastern Khador, 608 AR

At Lord Arcanist Ossyan’s urging, the myrmidon Hypnos House Vyre, one of the ruling houses of Ios, albeit one
whose reputation had suffered in recent decades.
The shot exploded into the bipedal goat creature with
“Other Hallytyr did not provoke the War of Houses.” He
tremendous power, sending rippling waves of black energy
to tear through two of the spear-wielding humans charging
those of us who fought in that needless war.” She stared
alongside it. Empowered by internal arcanikal emitters,
with menacing intensity.
the projectile had been surrounded by a pulsing nimbus of
shadowy energy that sapped the satyr’s energy and left it Ossyan had anticipated hostility, but it surprised him how
bewildered as Ossyan’s Banshee closed to impale its chest little time had diminished the hatred. House Vyre had
with a heavy void blade. The smaller blade in its other purged itself of all remnants of those dark days and had
hand followed immediately. The myrmidon stepped back done all they could to prove their worth to Ios. He inclined
as the massive beast staggered, bleeding profusely, and fell his head. “Most of us were not villains. I fought for my
twitching to the snow-covered earth. house because I was young and thought it my duty to
follow orders.”
Looking for other enemies, the lord arcanist regretfully
observed the battle was ended. Human and beast corpses Ravyn stepped toward him with a scowl. “Every member
lay across the rugged hills. Ravyn swept her weapon of House Vyre is responsible for those atrocities.” Hypnos
Hellebore through the last of the foes, hooded humans stepped forward protectively alongside Ossyan and stared
wearing bronzed armor. Her myrmidons were shattering a
profusion of ornately carved pillars of stone surrounding
Ossyan compelled the myrmidon to back away. He said,
the clearing; the mage hunters took up positions around the
“Those who did not obey were executed. Should we all
perimeter, crossbows in hand.
have fallen on our blades?”
“They were not much of a threat,” he said. He had expected
“Perhaps it would have been better if you had.” After a
moment something in her eyes relented and she looked
Ravyn’s expression was cold. “Do not underestimate away, as if she felt she had gone too far.
druids; they have given us trouble before. These we caught
The lord arcanist had not spoken the entire truth. Although
by surprise.”
he had never bloodied his hands on innocents, he had
stood silent during Ghyrrshyld’s “experiments.” He had
seen children taken into laboratories, never to return.
Showing no reaction to his compliment, she glanced at
Only some had been soulless. Like others, he had thought
the downed satyr behind him and his bulky myrmidons
the experiments were a necessary expedient for their
with their unusual weaponry, entirely different from those
race’s salvation. They had not understood the depths of
employed by House Shyeel. She said, “You have proven
Ghyrrshyld’s madness. Ossyan felt no need to share this
you know how to kill. But it will take more than that to
private shame. “All I ask is for a chance at redemption—not
demonstrate you are a true friend of the Retribution.”
only for myself but for the Vyre soldiers now pledged to the
Ossyan had joined her only a few days before and found Retribution.”
her suspicion grating. She was determined to think the
Ravyn straightened and sighed. “The assistance of
worst of him. “I would think you would see the value
your house is welcome, but absolution is not mine to
of another Hallytyr assisting your cause.” He spoke of
grant. Scyrah will judge you in the end.” The words cut

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through him. She signaled to one of her ranking mage
hunters. “Strike Force Commander Nyshyl, attend.” of time, and executed a technique allowing him to slide
through small gaps in the ordered sequence of moments.
The woman was extremely lean. Everything was sharp-
This greatly accelerated the speed of his steps and reactions.
edged about her: her features, her short and spiked hair, even
He bade his myrmidons follow more cautiously.
her demeanor. She bowed to Ravyn. “Yes, Eternal Light?”
He almost ran past one of the mage hunters hunkered behind
“This is Lord Arcanist Ossyan Vyre. Include him on your
a fallen log watching through a break in the trees ahead.
patrols.” To Ossyan she said, “Heed Nyshyl’s counsel; she
Down a short incline and along a thin, winding stream a
knows this area and you do not. My opinion of you depends
on her assessment when next we meet.” Ossyan locked eyes
of a half-dozen Winter Guard. A Greylord was scrambling
up the bank followed by hulking, shadowy forms. The
Ossyan said, “Patrol? I thought the force I brought might be Greylord tripped and fell.
put to better use.”
One of the pursuers raised a heavy serrated axe over his
Ravyn’s smile was prim. “Khador is vast. Your bumbling head and brought it down with a meaty thunk. “Bane
might draw the Greylords out. I go west to Khardov. thralls,” hissed one of the mage hunters. Amid the shadowy
Station your soldiers at the Klywen base. Should I need undead was a gaunt shape, lacking the thick and heavy
your myrmidons, I will send word.” She turned her back on plated armor of the others. It was a walking corpse with
him in dismissal, and he swallowed a retort. pallid skin traced by countless unsavory black runes.
Ossyan’s studies told him this must be a skarlock thrall.
The creature snatched a satchel from the fallen Greylord,
then hissed indistinct words and waved to the trees on the
opposite bank.
Ossyan learned in the days ahead that most of the sect’s
mage hunters were in Khador, desperately searching for “Strike!” Ossyan called without hesitation. His senses
the once-shunned god of the Nyss, the father of winter. and reactions were still augmented by the time-slipping
The god’s frozen vault could be anywhere; Khador was ten invocation, and he shot forward from between the trees
times the size of Ios, and a third was rugged mountains. as a blur. Several of the less experienced mage hunters

After days of marching in silence Nyshyl eventually began

in the shadows surrounding the armored dead. Nyshyl
to ask questions. Most seemed to suggest her disapproval.
When on the eighth day she asked, “How did you manage
the crossing into Khador?” he heard the unspoken addition, The warcaster felt naked without his myrmidons, which
“. . . given you are utterly incapable of subtlety and were were still pushing through the trees, but he knew he could
accompanied by noisy myrmidons.”

He answered, “We used tunnels near Laedry, an abandoned

the skarlock. The focusing orb of his cannon blazed like a
human mine that intersected an older web of caves.”
miniature sun as an energy lance pierced the creature and
“Loathsome things lurk in those depths. I am surprised you
made the journey without incident. Fortune favors you.” slowing the nearest bane thralls. The skarlock crumpled as
Here she implied, “Those with luck have no need of skill.” the burning lance seared a hole through its chest.

Ossyan spoke automatically. “‘Fate dances on puppet The bane thralls hissed and turned to confront him, eyes
strings for those who weave reality’s skein.’” gleaming green with baleful light. He did not hesitate,

She looked at him and asked, “A House Vyre maxim?”

“Yes. Our house makes its own luck.” The actual explanation cleanly through the nearest thrall. He easily dodged two
was more involved, but he expected she had no interest in incoming axe blows, but one attacker anticipated his shift
esoteric philosophy.

Before she could reply a sound to the northwest caught

thrall with a wild sideways slash. The mage hunters fought
their attention. Nyshyl readied her crossbow and slipped
smoothly side by side to eliminate the rest.
away with her mage hunters, communicating in silent
signals with their hands. Ossyan hastened to follow. The Ossyan’s hands shook as he looked down at the deep
ease with which the mage hunters glided between trees and notch carved into his armor. He felt an unnatural cold
thorny undergrowth made him feel clumsy. He gathered his seeping into his skin from where the thrall’s axe had

99
 it’s nonsense.” He handed her
the documents. She studied them
in silence, pausing only when a
subordinate approached to report
the nearby woods clear of Cryx.

Finally Nyshyl looked up. “They

are ciphered. We broke this code
years ago.”

“Are the contents relevant?”

Ossyan felt his pulse rising.

Nyshyl hesitated before replying,

“One is from the Greylord Zerkova
to subordinates in Skirov. It mentions

delivery of a vital research specimen.

It is vague, but . . .” She looked up at
him. “This may be just the clue we
were seeking.”

Ossyan’s mind was already

hurtling ahead. “What do we
know of the Greylords in Skirov?”

“They have no significant

presence there that we knew of.
Greylords prefer to hide their
laboratories underground; this
one might have gone unnoticed
by our agents. Intelligence
suggests Zerkova lacks the
cooperation of her superiors, so
she may have kept this secret
even from them.” She swallowed.
“We must inform Ravyn.”

She made as if to move, but he

nearly penetrated, but there was no blood. Nyshyl gave seized her arm. “Wait!” She looked down at his hand and he
him an inscrutable look, but her slight nod conveyed released her. “How strong is the Khadoran Army in Skirov?”
grudging respect.
“A modest force,” she answered reluctantly. “Less than a
His myrmidons smashed through the undergrowth on the thousand, spread between several district and outer wall
opposite shore. Hypnos leapt across the stream to arrive outposts as well as the central garrison. Mostly Winter
at his side, its posture suggesting affront that he had put Guard, although they do have warjacks. A prison called
himself in harm’s way. Ossyan set the myrmidons to Khardstadt outside the city has its own garrison, including
sweeping the nearest trees for additional Cryx. The mage Widowmakers. Why?”
hunters followed suit, with only Nyshyl lingering. She said,
Ossyan felt gathering potential, with a tingling in his
“We have never run into Cryx in this area.”

Ossyan’s eye fell on the satchel the skarlock had stolen His family line had the power of occasional divination and
prophecy. He felt certain that events conspired to place
him here, now. When he had set forth from Ios he had
told himself he would risk his life to achieve acclaim and
make no sense of the writing. “This isn’t Khadoran,” he respect for House Vyre and erase the stain of the War of
said as the mage hunter approached. “It looks similar, but Houses. He had not thought he would be tested so soon.

100
He looked her in the eyes and used his most persuasive He nodded grimly. She pressed the satchel they had
voice. “We must seize this opportunity. We do not know recovered from the Greylord courier into his hands and
how long until Zerkova arrives, and the Greylords may watched him rush away.
notice their courier missing. Ravyn is hundreds of miles
away. My soldiers are close and ready for battle.”

Her eyes widened, and she shook her head. “You do not
have enough men. Even if you did, this is too large a matter Within hours of Ossyan’s return, the Vyre houseguard
for you to decide.”
completed one of the Arcantrik Force Generators they had
“We have myrmidons of House Vyre! We have soldiers
brought from Ios in pieces. These were among the major
prepared to lay down their lives! Skirov has a town garrison,
weapons House Vyre had brought to the Retribution, and
likely fat and lazy so far from the front line. We do not need
the House Vyre consul had ordered Ossyan to demonstrate
to defeat them all, only break through to our objective. If
their power as soon as possible.
we strike hard and fast, they will withdraw. I can make that
happen.” He held a hand up and summoned a swirling Nyshyl stared in awe at the apparatus, which towered to
mirror-bright orb of energy that caused her hair to stand twice the height of the myrmidons. Enjoying her reaction,
on end as a tickling sensation crawled across exposed skin. Ossyan explained that the underlying mechanisms were
“We will not fail,” he said as the orb faded and he lowered
his hand. House Aiesyn to maneuver giant blocks of stone, or from

The display unsettled her, and she looked between him and
warjack components. House Vyre had adapted Shyeel
his myrmidons. “If we cannot locate Ravyn, we should look
technology to manifest and hurl tremendously destructive
for Lord Vyros of the Dawnguard or another ranking leader.”

Frustrated, he stepped closer to her and spoke with almost-

manic intensity. “Sometimes individuals shape history at gauntlets, which they could also use to temporarily negate
moments called crisis points. Momentum gathers through
feet off the ground when in transit or repositioning from
water in a river that swells after a rain. Some people can
march on Skirov, but only marginally.
who make bold decisions when the pressure of history is
As the assault on Skirov proceeded, Ossyan quickly showed
behind them. Everything hinges on these decisions. Those
his skill at anticipating the enemy. When the defenders saw
whose will fails them at these crisis points invite disaster.”
As he spoke he was remembering when he should have
wall cannons. Ossyan sent his myrmidons to shatter the
trusted his conscience and exposed Ghyrrshyld, early in
main gatehouse as mage hunters clambered over the wall to
the War of Houses. He had quailed, and thousands had
suffered. He would not repeat that mistake. “We have
in disciplined teams, forcing the Khadorans to hunker down
found our goal. I will return to Klywen, gather my house,
or be shot off the battlements. Several old Juggernauts and
and begin the attack—with or without you.”
Destroyers emerged from the splintered gates to retaliate but

As Ossyan readied his house soldiers, Nyshyl pulled aside ’jacks. Arcanists quickly mobilized to replace damaged
one of her most trusted mage hunters. “You must take word myrmidon components and weld rents in armor.
to our superiors. Kaelyssa, Garryth, or another senior strike
Houseguard halberdiers rushed through the remains of
force leader. Be swift, and impress upon them the urgency.”
the gates to storm the stairs and seize the battlements. The
He stared at her and asked, “Are you joining him in this
madness? We should let him fail alone.” sporadically. The Arcantrik Force Generator levitated

“I tried to warn him we do not know enough about

Skirov. I pressed for time to gather more information, but
and sparked. This energy was unleashed to sunder stone
he refused.” She shook her head. “Despite this, if Nyssor
with rending blasts of power, causing panic and chaos
is here I must witness what transpires. Our leaders must
among the outer defenders.
know what happens so they can pick up the trail.”

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 Ossyan and his myrmidons advanced to confront not to underestimate them. He had spent considerable
reinforcements rushing toward them along the main time studying the cultures and histories of the human
street. The lord arcanist invoked energy runes to augment nations. He knew Skirov to be a city noted for the piety of
its people; many were of the harsh Menite faith, and even
tore apart Winter Guard, those soldiers exploded with
such tremendous kinetic force they shredded through on churches or temples lest religious sentiments become
their nearby peers. Halberdiers marched forward behind
overlapping shields to close on those who remained. garrison at the heart of the city, the intended destination of
the coded message they had intercepted.

The garrison marched forth against them, reserve Winter

reinforcements from the main garrison as the shock of Guard in Khador ’s red and black, but their faces held no
the initial attack wore off. She shouted over the tumult, fervor and their officers sounded shrill facing the barrels
“What of the soldiers at the prison? There are hundreds of House Vyre riflemen. Their shaky lines collapsed
more there.” under charging halberdiers closing from the flanks. As
Ossyan had predicted, these rear-guard soldiers lacked
Ossyan smiled and extended his hand to send a glowing
the resolve of those on the front lines. He ruthlessly
bolt through the neck of a sniper atop the roof of a nearby
sent myrmidons trampling through them, tossing
bodies aside and crushing others underfoot. Several
keep them busy.”
more ’jack marshaled Khadoran heavies were sent, but
Ossyan coordinated the firepower of his machines and
heavy rifle teams with consummate precision. There was
He explained, “Their priority is preserving the prison,
nothing like the Arcantrik Force Generator in these lands,
and there is no reason for them to emerge from a secured
and they could not seem to understand the shimmering
position. They won’t know our numbers. After a few
waves of energy it unleashed. Ios had long practice
exploiting outsiders’ fear. The defenders routed before
even half had fully engaged.
than his predictions; it was not the Retribution way to
operate without reconnaissance. He hoped to demonstrate Ossyan sent halberdier squads to ensure those withdrawing
how predictable enemies were when understood. stayed scattered and checked the soldiers he had earlier
positioned against expected reinforcements from the
western walls. They had not seen movement from that
HE RUTHLESSLY SENT MYRMIDONS quarter. He saw smoke beyond the garrison building and
TRAMPLING THROUGH THEM,
TOSSING BODIES ASIDE AND and blade near him. “Were any of your strike teams sent
CRUSHING OTHERS UNDERFOOT. ahead?” She shook her head. With no time to investigate, he

Hypnos were at the lead as they smashed through another

As the battle through the streets continued, he was proven
line of faltering Winter Guard. The Khadorans broke and
correct: no reinforcing soldiers came from the prison.

to the squat stone garrison was cleared. Ossyan knew he

keeping citizens off balance. “Remember,” he instructed,
must not be complacent; even without militia, the armed
“every Khadoran adult is a potential soldier. They volunteer
Khadorans greatly outnumbered his men. When they
in their youth. All have been trained, and many have
realized that, he would be in trouble. They were reeling
weapons. Still, it will take time for them to organize. Do
from the assault, but that would not last.
everything you can to dissuade them from gathering.” He
sent teams of ghost snipers prowling the rooftops to either Ossyan and the mage hunters went into the garrison
side of the garrison approach with instructions to look for
armed bands of citizens and shoot the leaders. “Anyone
who barks an order, strike down. Leave the civilians unless accommodate their weight.

After a few minutes of looking through rooms he heard

Skirov was an old city with many stout buildings of stone, shouting and rushed toward the source. He entered a room
its rugged people bred from warrior stock. Ossyan knew in shambles—a storage area, as shown by shattered boxes.

102
 sacred script of the Nyss, known only to their priests and
off a wide stone descending stairway. These had likely been sorcerers. Ossyan felt a jolt as he realized this was their
hidden behind the boxes but were now torn loose. The stone goal. All of the Retribution was scouring Khador seeking
steps were half-shattered by the weight of some massive the very stone he beheld.
tread. The wide doorframe leading into the room showed
damage as well; something bulky had smashed through.
the wagon, each with a torso like a man, topped with a
Along the steps lay the bodies of Greylords, and all was
monstrous face, and wielding scythe and sickle. Flanking
silence below. Taking in the scene as she arrived, Nyshyl
these were crab-like helljacks. Ossyan felt a tingling in the
said grimly, “Someone has been here.”
back of his mind as his eyes fell upon an armored entity next
“The smoke!” Ossyan rushed toward the back of the garrison, to the wagon. It was no bane, but neither was it alive. It held
along a trail of debris from whatever had passed this way, an uncommonly long and beautiful sword that left a trail
including more dead Winter Guard. Amid them were other of frost in its passage. The creature turned toward Ossyan,
corpses—ancient, blackened plate armor containing the showing a sunken face and glowing eyes. A gleaming
skeletons of the long dead. The rear entrance to the garrison sigil on its forehead declared it accursed by the gods. Its
had been blown inward. A bleeding Khadoran slumped armor was inscribed with green sigils, and attached to the
against the wall, groaning. Ossyan swept past, mentally back armor protruded spikes and exhaust pipes emitting a
summoning his myrmidons. stench: a warcaster’s arcane turbine fed by necrotite. Ossyan
realized this had to be Goreshade, he who in life had been
He drew again upon his power to perceive the shifting
Ghyrrshyld, House Vyre High Consul and self-proclaimed
tides of possibility around him. Earlier all the major lines
Narcissar of Ios.
of fate had pointed toward his victory. Now the web was
disrupted. He had been asking the wrong questions. Some Dread ran through him with a rush of old memories and
bright sun of destiny lay ahead of him, beyond the garrison, shames. These thoughts stopped him in his tracks, along
and all the strands gathered in that direction. Was this the with the awareness that his myrmidons had not arrived and
he had only a few mage hunters with him. He tapped into an
dark and terrible? The streams of time swirled into a inner reserve of bravado and shouted, “Goreshade, be gone!
roaring vortex. Ossyan realized his path had been caught You shall no more profane that which is too holy to endure
in these currents. He began to feel a cold certainty that he your touch!” Even as he spoke he knew the weakness of his
had been manipulated. Seething, he released his vision and position was obvious.
returned to ordinary sight. He became dizzy and stumbled
The eldritch tilted his head and delivered what sounded
as he walked into the daylight, seeing wrecked buildings
and the signs of some other battle nearby, one unrelated to
a lance of power in a bright blaze. Not at Goreshade, but
his soldiers.
at one of the nightmarish steeds pulling the heavy wagon.
Nyshyl reached out to steady him. “Lord Arcanist, are you
all right? We should summon your thanes—” a pulsing wave of time-distorting energies surged out,
washing over the soulhunter next to it as well as Goreshade
Ossyan could not stop. He could not let the enemy escape,
himself, making their motions sluggish.
not when they were so close. The rest of her mage hunters
were here, and his myrmidons were crashing through the
garrison at his summons, but most of the Vyre houseguard the wagon’s steeds to topple both undead creatures. Others
were on the other side of the garrison, securing the

torso. The eldritch’s laughter choked off to a hiss of rage.

They rounded the next building and saw a column of
Cryx charging the Khadorans who had made the mistake
his accelerated perception Ossyan anticipated them. He
of confronting them. There were bane thralls and bane

glanced off his warcaster armor with a spray of sparks. The

them in the hisses of some forgotten tongue. Behind them,
helljacks were already stepping toward him on arachnid
nearer Ossyan, was a stout wagon with steel-reinforced
legs. Goreshade also approached, slowed by the remnants of
wheels; upon this sat a massive, square vault of white
the chronophage cannon’s energies but advancing steadily.
marble as beautiful and bright as the banes were dark. Its
A number of bane thralls and knights in the rear turned to
surface was inset with runes in gleaming silver, forming a
face them as well.
script similar to Shyr, the language of Ios. It was Aeric, the

103
 Ossyan looked to where Nyshyl was reloading her crossbow.
Her lips were compressed in a hard line and her face looked
pale and bloodless, but her hands were steady. He felt a
sudden and unexpected admiration for her courage. Goreshade slashed his blade before him as if to test its
He saw clearly that they were all about to die. His attack
on Skirov had been executed with brilliantly calculated
distant cousin or nephew. A lord arcanist, so young? House
haste, but he should not have left the garrison ahead of his
standards are not what they were.”
myrmidons and soldiers. He raised a hand and invoked his
power, letting runes spread from his hand to cover Nyshyl Ossyan raised his chronophage cannon, hoping to blast
and her team with arcane energy. He felt as if a spike drove the eldritch before he closed. Goreshade became shadow
into his head as his arcane energies surged unexpectedly. just as Ossyan’s lance passed through the smoky darkness.
The eldritch grinned; clearly this was some manifestation More shadows emerged to latch onto Ossyan, sending black
of Goreshade’s power. Ossyan ignored the pain. “Run!” he ripples along his armor and creating patches that vanished
shouted to Nyshyl. “Now!” entirely. A chill invaded his bones.
Nyshyl looked at him in surprise and quickly assessed Suddenly Goreshade reappeared from the darkness and
the situation. Then she gave a shrill whistle and the was upon him, his long blade striking. Ossyan parried and
attempted to evade, but his motions were clumsy next to the
Leviathans targeted her with a shot, but thanks to Ossyan’s
arcane efforts, she easily evaded it. his time manipulation, which he now maintained on Nyshyl
and her mage hunters. Blades met with a ringing jolt, and
Locus was wrenched from his grasp. The next moment the
at the other to gather his will and send bolts of disruptive
energy at each. He gritted his teeth against the rending pain
pierce through his side and out his back. Ossyan gasped
that invoking magic near Goreshade provoked. The helljacks
but felt only tremendous cold, as if his body were encased
froze, their systems temporarily scrambled. Ossyan drew
in ice.
Locus and stepped forward to meet Goreshade, knowing
every step hastened his own death. Goreshade withdrew the sword, blood transforming into
icicles along its edge. Ossyan could not move, and he
labored to breathe. The eldritch said, “You spent too much

Augmented by the enchantment Ossyan had bestowed, Ossyan fought through the numbness to croak, “Just
Nyshyl felt capable of unprecedented speed. She had finish me.”
made an accurate tactical assessment of the situation and
“I think not. You are of my blood. I have a better fate in
followed orders, but still she felt distressed at leaving
mind. You will die, to be reborn as I was, ageless and cleared
Ossyan to face the eldritch alone. But what could she do?
of doubt.” His glance went to the marble vault. “I will be the
A part of her knew she should withdraw their force from
salvation of our people, and you will bear witness.”
Skirov immediately. They could continue the hunt once the
rest of the Retribution was with them. Ossyan’s myrmidons came running at full speed,
weapons charging with deadly potential. Goreshade
Ossyan would be dead by then. She had to admit that
moved behind Ossyan and held his sword’s edge to the
seeing Goreshade there, amid his banes and helljacks, had
lord arcanist’s throat. The myrmidons slid to a stop. “I
provoked a singular and tremendous fear. She was too
won’t restrain them,” Ossyan said defiantly. “Kill me
young to have fought in the War of Houses, but she had
now, or they will destroy you! Death is preferable to what
heard the stories. Ghyrrshyld was spoken of as a nightmare
you have planned.”
secretly relieved to abandon Ossyan to his fate. “So you say,” the eldritch whispered, “but the desire to live
still burns in you. Else why did they stop? It is your will that
She remembered what he had said of decisions and crisis
guides them.” The Leviathans had shaken off the earlier
points. It had seemed nonsensical, but she understood it
disruption Ossyan had invoked and now stepped toward
now. She made herself think as a mage hunter and calmly
the Vyre myrmidons.
assess Goreshade’s force. She had seen the vault of Nyssor.
She could not live with herself if she left now.
to give the mental directive for his myrmidons to attack, to

104
throw his life away. The eldritch smirked and dragged him His obsession about earning the Retribution’s respect for
toward the wagon, nodding to several soulhunters to begin House Vyre seemed inconsequential now. This marble vault
to haul it again. represented a seed of hope, the chance his people could
avoid oblivion. Ossyan was too afraid of what he might
At that moment Nyshyl and her squad burst from the trees.
see to enter his meditative trance and look at the strands of
history and fate around the vault. For this moment at least,
around the low building behind them. The mage hunters
he decided to let the future remain uncertain.

intervening wagon, the bane thralls, and Ossyan himself. He saw Nyshyl staring at him with a measured look. “You
Most missed, but two landed and staggered the warcaster are not what I expected,” she said slowly. “Ravyn was right
enough that he let go of Ossyan, who lurched away. to allow you a chance to prove yourself.”
The Force Generator thrummed, and a pulse of rippling
Their eyes drifted to the wagon and its monumentally
energy smashed into the eldritch, knocking him back into
valuable cargo. Ossyan felt again the tugging of destiny’s
the marble vault. There was the sound of approaching
strands. He mused, “Gods willing, we will all have a chance
footsteps—dozens, hundreds—as the houseguard ran
to redeem ourselves in the days to come.”

growled in frustration and vanished into shadow.

The lane erupted into battle chaos. Ossyan sent his

myrmidons forward and guided their attacks even as he
staggered back, still bleeding, putting distance between
himself and the Cryxians. The Banshee and Hypnos crashed
into the Leviathans. The Banshee emitted a discordant wail
to unravel any arcane magic Goreshade might have been

banes inexorably toward it before exploding them into

hunks of rotted meat and bone.

Ossyan summoned arcane power to encompass the

clearing, turning every enemy into a magnet for incoming

found their targets. The banes hacked down his Banshee

and delivered punishing blows to the Daemon and Hypnos
but were torn apart in turn by retaliating myrmidons
and halberdiers. Slumped against the wall of the nearest
building, Ossyan became so preoccupied directing his
myrmidons that when Nyshyl arrived at his side he was
startled to realize the battle had ended.

He coughed and winced as she checked his injury. “I’ll

live,” he said. “Where is Goreshade?”

“Gone,” she answered grimly. “Escaped.”

“We’ve not seen the last of him,” he said as she helped him
stand. He directed his surviving myrmidons to seize the

to depart. Ossyan could not allow himself to consider

the enormity of what they had done—and still must do.

look upon. The palpable cold that radiated from it seeped

into the bones of everyone who stood near. Its icy touch
reminded Ossyan unpleasantly of Goreshade’s blade. It was

something so cold. Winter had never been favored in Ios.

105
 LORD ARCANIST OSSYAN
RETRIBUTION WARCASTER
Time has been no friend to our people, but it can be even deadlier to our enemies.
—Lord Arcanist Ossyan

FEAT: GRAVITY SPELLS COST RNG AOE POW UP OFF

OSSYAN ADMONITION 2 6 – – YES NO
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
WELL
Lord Arcanist Ossyan taps When an enemy model advances and ends its movement within 6
6 5 5 6 15 15 8 of target model in this model’s battlegroup, the affected model can
into the vast lore of House
CHRONOPHAGE CANNON immediately advance up to 3 , then Admonition expires. The affected
Vyre to bend the natural laws
RNG ROF AOE POW model cannot be targeted by free strikes during this movement.
to his will. Shaping gravity
12 1 — 13 with consummate skill, he ARCANTRIK BOLT 2 10 – 12 NO YES
transforms his enemies into A warjack damaged by this attack becomes stationary for one round.
LOCUS
POW P+S CHRONOMANCER 2 SELF CTRL – YES NO
6 11 while the foes’ own feeble While in this model’s control range, models in its battlegroup gain Future
Sight. (A model with Future Sight can boost attack and damage rolls after
FOCUS 7 rolling.)
far from their intended targets.
DAMAGE 16 QUICKEN 3 6 – – YES NO
FIELD ALLOWANCE C While in Ossyan’s control Target friendly model/unit gains +2 SPD and +2 DEF against ranged and
WARJACK POINTS +6 area, enemy models roll magic attack rolls.
one less die when making
SMALL BASE SHATTER STORM 2 6 – – YES NO
ranged attack damage rolls.
When target friendly Faction model/unit directly hits and boxes an enemy
When resolving a ranged model with a ranged or melee attack, center a 3 AOE on the boxed model,
attack damage roll against then remove that model from play. Models in the AOE are hit and suffer
an enemy model while the enemy model is in Ossyan’s control an unboostable POW 8 blast damage roll.
area, friendly Faction models roll one additional die. Gravity
Well lasts for one round.

CHRONOPHAGE CANNON
TACTICAL TIPS
Magical Weapon DISPEL – Because they expire immediately, upkeep spells that had
an effect when the model was hit or damaged will have no effect.
Temporal Distortion – After resolving an attack with this
weapon that directly hit an enemy model, center a 4 AOE on the SHATTER STORM – The boxed model does not provide a soul or
model directly hit. The AOE remains centered on the model hit corpse token.
even if it moves and remains in play for one round. If the affected
model is destroyed or removed from play, the AOE leaves play.
While in the AOE, models suffer -2 DEF. A model beginning its
bloodline. It is by proof of his genius that he has risen to
activation in the AOE cannot run or charge that activation. direct House Vyre’s formidable arcane arm, and he has been
responsible for many of its recent arcanikal innovations.
LOCUS
His reputation and clout within the house allowed him to
Magical Weapon
persuade the consul that joining the Retribution must be
Dispel – When this weapon hits a model/unit, upkeep spells on
that model/unit immediately expire. done in order for their house to regain its former glory and
compete with its foremost rival, House Shyeel. House Vyre
is one of the few major Iosan houses capable of fabricating
The fundamental laws of reality twist and bend beneath
the powerful myrmidons essential to the nation’s security,
the will of Ossyan, Lord Arcanist of House Vyre. His
but its reputation was indelibly stained when the former
arcane mastery is unnerving to lesser minds, which are
narcissar, Lord Ghyrrshyld, provoked the War of Houses
intimidated by the audacity required to wield the very
and sent all of Ios spiraling into an unprecedented and brutal
laws of nature as weapons. With a gesture time itself
bends to his whim, and he can alter his perception to see
House Vyre has endeavored to restore its name but has been
otherwise invisible manifestations of the convergence of
unable to wash itself clean of this dark legacy. While Ossyan
fate. Armed with perfect foresight he is a deadly arcanist
used political arguments to persuade his pragmatic consul
and battlefield general. His myrmidons and soldiers
that the Retribution’s popularity would help reclaim House
move with the assurance of destiny as he unleashes
Vyre’s strong standing, his own motives for joining the
House Vyre’s sophisticated armaments upon the enemies
Retribution are deeper and far more personal.
of the Retribution.
The terrible deeds of Ghyrrshyld weigh heavily upon most
House Vyre has come late to the Retribution’s cause, but
members of House Vyre, but the lord arcanist feels them
Lord Arcanist Ossyan played a key role in seeing this come
to pass. While he answers to Consul Alyssa Vyre, who rules
during the War of Houses, and although he was not directly
the house, he is himself a high-ranking member of the direct

106
107
 responsible for the worst excesses of House Vyre, he worked years. He developed unique theories regarding the
in the facilities where Ghyrrshyld conducted depraved
experiments on Iosan children. Ghyrrshyld asserted these mechanism of decision. To Ossyan time is simply another
occult activities were necessary to discover the source of the form of energy, like heat or force. He theorized that certain
Iosan soulless problem, but Ossyan had grave doubts about individuals with uniquely strong personalities and wills
what was transpiring behind sealed doors. Nonetheless,
like others of his house he stood silent and did not try to mind, was what others interpreted as destiny. He learned
stop the experiments. In the days after Ghyrrshyld’s fall, to view the world through the lens of probability, seeing
House Vyre purged itself of its worst criminals and any momentous events shaped by the ego of great individuals,
other remnants of unholy occult apparatus. They sought to for better or ill. While his house had fallen into ill repute,
rebuild their legacy and reputation as the foremost arcane Ossyan knew they could rise above it if given the chance
experts in Ios, bending their skills toward more acceptable to rectify the course of Iosan history. It was this line of
research and experimentation that eventually led Ossyan
designs. It was in this time that Ossyan rose to prominence to a certain sympathy with the Retribution. Although
he knows Ghyrrshyld was deranged, he agrees with the
with guilt over the horrors he might have stopped had he former narcissar on one point: a war with humanity over
the survival of Ios is inevitable. To survive what would
come, Ios must not only arm itself but also be willing to
Spending as many hours studying history
march beyond its borders and reclaim its destiny by force.
as working with his house’s foremost
arcanikal experts, Ossyan cultivated With mankind the most likely enemy against which his
his powers considerably in these house’s myrmidons will be deployed, Ossyan has sought

LORD ARCHANIST OSSYAN

THE HOUR OF WAR

WARJACKS: Retribution non-character myrmidons SOLOS: Arcanist, Ghost Sniper, Sylys Wyshnalyrr,
The Seeker
UNITS: Stormfall Archers, Houseguard units, BATTLE ENGINES: Arcantrik Force Generator
House Vyre units

TIER 1 TIER 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models Requirements: The army includes two or more Arcanist solos.
listed above.
For each Arcanist solo in the army, one myrmidon
You gain +1 on your starting roll for the game. in Ossyan’s battlegroup gains Advance Move. (Before the
Additionally, increase the FA of Arcanist solos by +1 for start of the game but after both players have deployed, a
each myrmidon in Ossyan’s battlegroup. model with Advance Move can make a full advance.)

TIER 2 TIER 4
Requirements: The army includes two or more Requirements: Ossyan’s battlegroup includes Hypnos.

Friendly models/units can begin the game

affected by Ossyan’s upkeep spells. These spells and
unit free of cost. This attachment does not count toward their targets must be declared before either player sets up
FA restrictions. models. Ossyan does not pay focus to upkeep these spells

Permission is hereby granted to create reproductions of this entry for personal, non-commercial use only.

108
to learn everything he can about them. He
realized he could not view all of humanity
as identical but must ascertain the
individual strengths and weaknesses
of each human culture and nation.
He studies mankind so he can
predict them, and prediction
requires deeper understanding—
not simply knowing numbers
and troop strengths, but grasping
the complex roots of the events
that have shaped human history.
A predictable enemy can be
more easily defeated, exploiting

unconscious patterns.

Ossyan was not in the least surprised

when the discovery of Nyssor’s frozen
vault prompted a surge in popular
support for the Retribution of Scyrah
throughout Ios, as he had expected their rise
to prominence. After Houses Shyeel and Nyarr
joined their fates to that of the Retribution, the course
required for redemption became clear to him: his house
must also commit itself against mankind. Sitting passively
would ensure they faded into obscurity.

The arrangement between House Vyre and the Retribution

would never have transpired without the lord arcanist’s
orchestration. Not only did he persuade his consul of the
need to keep House Shyeel in check, he has personally
delivered singularly formidable weapons to the Retribution,
including additional myrmidons and the Arcantrik Force
Generator. In return, all he seeks is a chance for his house to
prove its worth and cast aside the pall of the War of Houses.
The upper echelons of the other hallytyr see this sudden
show of support as a purely political move, but Ossyan is
genuinely committed to the Retribution’s cause. He intends
to do everything in his power to ensure no single leader can

arcanist views peers like Dawnlord Vyros and Adeptis Rahn

with wary skepticism, distrusting their motives and ready
to counter anything they do to elevate their houses while
exploiting the Retribution.

When House Vyre finally joined Houses Nyarr and Shyeel

in alliance with the Retribution, Ossyan volunteered
to lead their strike forces himself. He sees this as an
opportunity not only to exonerate his house of its bloody
past but also to attain personal redemption. He is quite
willing to throw himself into danger and risk his own
destruction if it means expunging his soul of the guilt
that plagues him. He desires nothing more than to prove
himself worthy of Ios’ people.

109
 ASPIS
RETRIBUTION LIGHT MYRMIDON
To walk beside an Aspis in battle is to enjoy the safety of a defensive fortification.
—Dawnlord Vyros

ASPIS TACTICAL TIPS

ASPIS Field Dependent – While
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD BEAT BACK – The attacking model can advance even if the enemy
6 8 6 5 12 16 — its Field Generator system
model is destroyed by the attack.
is crippled, this model loses
REPULSOR Phoenix Field and Shield
POW P+S Guard, and the Repulsors
L 3 11 lose Beat Back. HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 9´1 / 2.3 TONS

REPULSOR ARMAMENT: TWIN REPULSORS (BOTH), PHOENIX FIELD (FIELD)

Phoenix Field – Remove
POW P+S d6 damage points from this PEAK OPERATIONAL DURATION: 2.4 HRS COMBAT
R 3 11 ARTIFICER: HOUSE SHYEEL
resolving continuous effects
DAMAGE during your Maintenance
1 2 3 4 5 6 Phase. Retribution warcasters have come to rely upon the Aspis
Shield Guard – Once per
for its great versatility. As one demonstration of the
round, when a friendly technological advances it represents, it is the first light
model is directly hit by a warjack efficient enough to replicate the Phoenix Field,
ranged attack during your which gives it great resilience. A warcaster accompanied
opponent’s turn while
L G G R within 2 of this model,
by one of these myrmidons with its regenerating
you can choose to have this protective field can feel secure in taking risks that might
L L M C R R
model directly hit instead. otherwise be reckless.
M M C C This model is automatically
hit and suffers all damage
FIELD DAMAGE 10 and effects. This model
cannot use Shield Guard if
FIELD ALLOWANCE U
it is incorporeal, knocked
POINT COST 4
down, or stationary.
MEDIUM BASE

REPULSOR
Beat Back – Immediately after a normal attack with this weapon
is resolved during this model’s combat action, the enemy model
hit can be pushed 1 directly away from the attacking model.
After the enemy model is pushed, the attacking model can
advance up to 1 .

A marvel of Iosan force mastery, the Aspis is an unmistakable

devices on each of its hands, allowing it to manipulate

enemy approaches, the myrmidon automatically moves

its hands to reshape and strengthen its shield, applying

mages of House Shyeel. The Aspis reacts with tremendous

at nearby allies and will utilize its force manipulators to

assist in this protective function, literally catching bullets

enemy, the Aspis focuses the energy of its shield into force

weapons to smash even larger enemies back, hurling them

away from its ward to be picked off at leisure.

110
 BANSHEE
RETRIBUTION HEAVY MYRMIDON
Silence grants wisdom. Deny your enemies that advantage.
—Garryth, Blade of Retribution

HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 12´10 / 6.5 TONS BANSHEE

ARMAMENT: FORCE CANNON (INTEGRAL), HEAVY VOID BLADE (LEFT ARM), LIGHT VOID BLADE Wailing – While within
BANSHEE
(RIGHT ARM) SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
5 of this model, enemy 5 10 6 5 12 19 —
PEAK OPERATIONAL DURATION: 2.1 HRS COMBAT models cannot give or
ARTIFICER: HOUSE VYRE receive orders and cannot FORCE CANNON
cast spells. RNG ROF AOE POW
— 12 1 — 14
Before the Banshee is even seen, the continuous high- FORCE CANNON
Magical Weapon
HEAVY VOID BLADE
pitched wail it emits in battle can be heard, a disruptive POW P+S
sonic emanation so strong it unravels magic in the Momentum – Instead of L 7 17
myrmidon’s immediate proximity. Its force cannon begins suffering a normal damage
LIGHT VOID BLADE
roll, a small- or medium- POW P+S
to hum, and the whine rapidly ascends into an ear-splitting based, non-incorporeal R 4 14
wail. As the cannon’s shriek reaches its crescendo the model hit by this attack
is slammed d3 directly DAMAGE
powerful sound. The myrmidon then wades into the midst away from this model. The 1 2 3 4 5 6
POW of the slam damage
of enemy troopers, wielding its two void blades with the roll is equal to the POW of
skill of an expert swordsman. The weapons throb with this weapon. The POW of
strangely distorted energies. The razor edges of these collateral damage is equal
blades slice not only physical skin and armor but can harm to the POW of this weapon.
In addition to suffering a
normal damage roll, large- L R
so grievous even powerful magic cannot heal them. based models hit by this
L L M C R R
attack are knocked down.

HEAVY VOID M M C C
BLADE
FIELD ALLOWANCE U
Magical Weapon
POINT COST 10
Reach LARGE BASE
Critical Grievous Wounds –
On a critical hit, the model
hit by this weapon loses Tough, cannot heal or be healed, and
cannot transfer damage for one round.

LIGHT VOID BLADE

Magical Weapon
Critical Grievous Wounds – See above.

111
 DAEMON
RETRIBUTION HEAVY MYRMIDON
All things can be bent to one’s will. It requires only the proper force.
—Lord Arcanist Ossyan

VORTEX CANNON TACTICAL TIP

DAEMON Magical Weapon
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD VORTEX BLAST – The model directly hit only suffers one POW 12
5 10 6 5 12 19 — Vortex Blast – If this attack damage roll.
misses, nothing happens.
VORTEX CANNON If it directly hits an enemy
RNG ROF AOE POW
model, before making the HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 12´11 / 6.8 TONS
— 10 1 * 12
damage roll, push models ARMAMENT: VORTEX CANNON (INTEGRAL), HEAVY RUNE FIST (LEFT ARM), LIGHT RUNE FIST
HEAVY RUNE FIST within 2 of the model hit (RIGHT ARM)
POW P+S 2 directly toward it in the PEAK OPERATIONAL DURATION: 2 HRS COMBAT
L 5 15 order you choose. Then ARTIFICER: HOUSE VYRE
LIGHT RUNE FIST center a 3 AOE on the
POW P+S model hit. Models hit suffer
R 3 13 a POW 12 damage roll. point. This released energy mimics gravity, creating an

DAMAGE
HEAVY RUNE FIST
Magical Weapon of Caen.” Those few soldiers who have survived its effects
1 2 3 4 5 6
describe a terrible feeling of being warped as the nature of
Open Fist
space itself was pulled out of place and their very being was
Blessed – When making an
distorted. In comparison, a death beneath the myrmidon’s
attack with this weapon,
ignore spell effects that add
to a model’s ARM or DEF.
L R energies to disrupt the crude magics of other races, they are
LIGHT RUNE FIST
L L M C R R Magical Weapon also brutally powerful weapons in their own right.

M M C C Open Fist
Blessed – See above.
FIELD ALLOWANCE U
POINT COST 9
LARGE BASE The Daemon can be seen
at the vanguard of any
onslaught led by House
Vyre. It has fast become one of the Retribution’s foremost
assault myrmidons. Heavily armored and carrying
complex, brutal weapons, the Daemon epitomizes House

in their arcanikal studies, and they manipulate force in a

very different manner. Whereas Shyeel uses accumulated

incoming attacks, Vyre instead uses the bulk of those

energies to empower the weapons of their myrmidons.

A Daemon’s vortex cannon seems to defy the laws of nature

much for the way it bends and swallows the light as for its

Vyre myrmidons to show the destruction that could be

hurl into the enemy’s midst, rippling outward from a central

112
 SPHINX
RETRIBUTION HEAVY MYRMIDON
The answer to its riddle is writ in blood.
—Dawnlord Vyros

HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 12´11 / 6.7 TONS RUNESPEAR

SPHINX
ARMAMENT: RUNESPEAR CANNON (INTEGRAL), HEAVY FORCE CLAW (LEFT ARM), LIGHT FORCE CANNON SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
CLAW (RIGHT ARM)
Magical Weapon 5 10 6 5 12 19 —
PEAK OPERATIONAL DURATION: 2 HRS COMBAT
ARTIFICER: HOUSE VYRE
Psychic Relay – Models RUNESPEAR CANNON
hit by this weapon suffer RNG ROF AOE POW
-2 DEF against magic — 10 1 — 12
House Vyre has long relied upon the mystical power of its attack rolls. Psychic Relay
lasts for one turn. HEAVY FORCE CLAW
arcanists in battle, and its specialized Sphinx stands ready to POW P+S
augment the power of the Retribution’s warcasters in their HEAVY FORCE L 6 16
war abroad. As with all Vyre myrmidons, its asymmetrical CLAW LIGHT FORCE CLAW
shoulder casings house specialized mechanisms designed Open Fist POW P+S
R 4 14
Reach
mounted runespear cannon and to its force claws. DAMAGE
LIGHT FORCE
CLAW 1 2 3 4 5 6
House Vyre was feared in recent times for its part in the
War of Houses, and the occult principles under which its Open Fist

warcasters are eager to

house is now allied with the army of the Retribution of exploit. Its runespear
Scyrah, but the Sphinx is a visible reminder of the days cannon has proven to be L R
when Ios was torn by civil war, and not all warcasters potent weapon against L L M C R R
are comfortable with the sight. Nevertheless, the Sphinx human warcasters in
M M C C
provides a tactical advantage that the more pragmatic
augmented projectiles FIELD ALLOWANCE U
make those enemies POINT COST 7
vulnerable to subsequent LARGE BASE
arcane strikes. Because
of this ability the Sphinx
is often employed alongside battle mages, who can send
forth an overwhelming mystical barrage to follow its
initial strike. The massive force claws thrum with House

strength. Even the smaller of the two is capable of pulling

apart an enemy soldier like a pitiful insect.

113
 DISCORDIA
RETRIBUTION CHARACTER HEAVY MYRMIDON
There is order in chaos only when one orchestrates that discord.
—Adeptis Rahn

DISCORDIA HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 12´10 / 6.8 TONS

DISCORDIA Field Dependent – While ARMAMENT: SONIC PULSE CANNON (FIELD), TWIN BLADE FISTS (BOTH)
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
6 10 7 6 12 18 — its Field Generator system PEAK OPERATIONAL DURATION: 2.1 HRS COMBAT
is crippled, this model loses ARTIFICER: HOUSE SHYEEL, WITH MODIFICATIONS BY ADEPTIS RAHN
SONIC PULSE CANNON Imprint: Kinetic Field and
RNG ROF AOE POW cannot attack with the Sonic
— SP10 1 — 14 Pulse Cannon.
BLADE FIST Imprint: Kinetic Field –
POW P+S During its activation, this
L 6 16 model can spend 1 focus
BLADE FIST point to use Kinetic Field.
POW P+S This model gains +2 ARM
R 6 16 against ranged attacks Some of the mechanisms manipulating these energies
and does not suffer blast must be kept in perfect alignment and adjusted after every
DAMAGE damage. While within 3 of
major engagement, and Rahn sees to this task personally,
1 2 3 4 5 6 this model, friendly models
gain +2 ARM against as no one else knows the internal mechanisms as well as
ranged attacks and do not he does. Although the technologies employed in Discordia
suffer blast damage. Kinetic are not yet ready for wider installment and application,
Field lasts for one round.
the adeptis utilizes the myrmidon as a test bed for his
Special Issue [Rahn] – This
L G G R model can be included in
Rahn’s theme forces. It can
apply them more broadly. As mighty as its sonic weapon
L L M C R R also be bonded to Rahn.
eager to reproduce.
M M C C SONIC PULSE
CANNON
FIELD DAMAGE 10 Magical Weapon
FIELD ALLOWANCE C
POINT COST 10 BLADE FIST
LARGE BASE Open Fist

Rahn, this myrmidon has been engineered for a uniquely

protective role, serving as a pillar of
shielding strength at the heart of its
battlegroup even in the worst inferno of
battle. Discordia stays near its commanding
warcaster, enveloping itself and its allies

that makes them nearly immune to the

projectiles of the enemy until the time
comes to respond with all necessary force.

in a syncopated pattern that causes the air

to thrum and distort before the myrmidon
emits a withering blast of sonic pressure.
Unleashed and focused through arcanikal

literally shakes matter apart, disintegrating

everything caught in the wake of the
rending shriek.

114
 HYPNOS
RETRIBUTION CHARACTER HEAVY MYRMIDON
The energies of the arcane are paradoxical: both fragile and puissant. Hypnos is prepared
to sunder them with force delicate in the making and violent in its application.
—Lord Arcanist Ossyan

HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 12´10˝ / 6.5 TONS HYPNOS

ARMAMENT: HEAVY ARCANO-PULSE FIST (LEFT ARM), LIGHT ARCANO-PULSE FIST (RIGHT ARM), Arcnode
HYPNOS
PHASE GUN (INTEGRAL) SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
While 5 10 7 6 12 19 —
PEAK OPERATIONAL DURATION: 2 HRS COMBAT
in Ossyan’s control area,
ARTIFICER: HOUSE VYRE PHASE GUN
this model’s ranged RNG ROF AOE POW
weapon gains Void Lock. — 10 1 3 14
(A model directly hit by a
It is the prerogative of House Vyre’s lord arcanist to HEAVY ARCANO-PULSE FIST
weapon with Void Lock
personally design and fabricate the myrmidon most suited cannot channel spells, be POW P+S
to accompany him in battle. Hypnos is the result of Lord allocated focus, or be forced L 6 16
Arcanist Ossyan’s exacting work, a labor for which he for one round.) LIGHT ARCANO-PULSE FIST
POW P+S
spent years exploring tomes detailing the underpinnings Sacred Ward – This model
R 4 14
of myrmidon cortexes in search of ways to modify them cannot be targeted by
enemy spells.
and improve them for his needs. Such adjustments also DAMAGE
introduce room for more individualized behavior to PHASE GUN 1 2 3 4 5 6
develop, which Hypnos shows in its behavior. It is more Magical Weapon
inclined to act on its own than other myrmidons; it will HEAVY ARCANO-
sometimes patrol of its own accord near Ossyan, searching PULSE FIST
for potential threats to its master. Between battles it stares Magical Weapon
at other myrmidons, constantly observing and analyzing L A A R
When a warjack is hit by
this weapon it becomes L L M C R R
Ossyan worked to forge an insoluble connection between stationary for one round. M M C C
himself and Hypnos, one that would allow it to draw LIGHT ARCANO-
PULSE FIST FIELD ALLOWANCE C
Magical Weapon POINT COST 9
LARGE BASE
See
above.

energy from the lord arcanist and become an extension of

his capabilities. This applies beyond the installation of its
arc node; the lord arcanist can trigger otherwise hidden
relays within Hypnos’ cortex to allow this synergistic

with synchronized energy; those struck by it become

nonconductive to mystical channeling, thwarting the use of
arc nodes as well as the delicate synergy between warbeast
and warlock.

Supplemented with its potent phase gun, Hypnos is capable

with the cortexes of warjacks. Even a glancing blow from

these weapons can stagger a warjack in mid-stride as its
cortex signals are overloaded, causing it to seize up and
become helpless.

115
 HEAVY RIFLE TEAM
RETRIBUTION HOUSEGUARD WEAPON CREW UNIT
The seemingly strongest armor is ultimately vanity; all strength is flawed.
—Houseguard Issyr Falwyn Lys

These teams are drawn from the ranks of the houseguard

HEAVY RIFLE
LEADER Armor Piercing – When
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
4 4 5 5 13 13 8 calculating damage from
this weapon, halve the base are warjacks and other armored foes able to respond with
HEAVY RIFLE ARM stats of models hit
RNG ROF AOE POW that have medium or larger
14 1 — 7 bases. This weapon gains
+2 to damage rolls against heavy but mobile support for other houseguard elements,
SWORD
POW P+S models with small bases. but in recent months the Retribution has tasked them to
3 7 Light Artillery – This
GRUNT weapon cannot be used team cripple heavy armor as mage hunters close on enemy
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD to make attacks or special warcasters, and together they swiftly neutralize the might
4 4 5 5 13 13 8 actions during activations
this model moves. This
of the enemy.
SWORD model cannot gain the
POW P+S
aiming bonus when
3 7 even more dangerous when their target has already been
attacking with this weapon
FIELD ALLOWANCE 2 and cannot charge. If
LEADER & GRUNT 2 this model attacks with a marvel of Iosan gun ballistics and arcanika, employing a
LEADER LARGE BASE this weapon during its
heavy nonexplosive shot forged of tempered steel intended
GRUNT SMALL BASE activation, it cannot attack
with any other weapons not to blast an enemy apart but to pierce through armor
that activation. leaving a gaping hole. Utilizing an integral force generator
Range Finder – While B2B with the Grunt in this unit, this this shot is accelerated to a frightening velocity, far beyond
model gains +2 to attack rolls with this weapon.

A thunderous report followed immediately by the sound of

stagger, their armor punctured and internal

mechanisms devastated by the gun’s massive
rounds. Far behind the front line, the team works
in tandem to choose and dispatch each target.
The pair’s spotter carefully takes sight with
specialized instruments and aids the gunner in
the constant calibration of his weapon’s complex
sighting apparatus. From the secure hold of the
cannon’s bipod, the gunner can be certain that his

he pulled the trigger than the spotter reloads the

gun, already sighting their next target.

116
 HOUSE SHYEEL ARTIFICER
RETRIBUTION BATTLE MAGE SOLO
The most inscrutable forces of the natural world are weapons at our disposal.
—Artificer Vlyss

TACTICAL TIPS ARTIFICER

ARTIFICER
MAGIC ABILITY – Performing a Magic Ability special action or SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
special attack counts as casting a spell. Force Barrier – This model 5 9 7 4 12 17 9
gains +2 DEF against
POLARITY FIELD – Remember, if a model cannot be charged, it POWER GAUNTLET
ranged attack rolls and does POW P+S
cannot be slam power attacked.
not suffer blast damage. 4 13
BEAT BACK – The attacking model can advance even if the enemy
Magic Ability [6]
model is destroyed by the attack. DAMAGE 8
• Force Wall ( Action) – FIELD ALLOWANCE 2
For one round, while POINT COST 3
within 3 of this model,
MEDIUM BASE
friendly Faction models
that produces the majority of the Retribution’s myrmidons. gain Force Barrier.
• Magno Blast ( Attack) – Magno Blast is a RNG 10, POW
13 magic attack. If the attack hits an enemy model, before
applications of their craft. These studies unlock secrets
resolving damage immediately push models within 2 of the
beyond the ken of even their fellow magisters, allowing model hit 1 directly away or directly toward the model hit in
the order you choose.
repulsion. Though directing these forces is delicate work, • Polarity Field ( Action) – For one round, this model cannot
be charged by a model beginning the charge in this model’s
of invoking great destruction upon his foes. front arc.

As the Retribution’s war continues, more of House Shyeel’s

POWER GAUNTLET
Magical Weapon
Beat Back – Immediately after a normal attack with this weapon
is resolved during this model’s combat action, the enemy model
hit can be pushed 1 directly away from the attacking model.
After the enemy model is pushed, the attacking model can
advance up to 1 .

seeking to establish remote sites for the construction of

myrmidons. Proximity to battle offers many opportunities
for these potent arcanists to test the limits of their mastery,
and accordingly they gladly join the fray. Surrounding

their allies. The air hums in their presence, and with

to shield their allies or tear the enemy apart. Those who

and armor cling to them as if bound with invisible chains.

work, the terrible destruction wrought no more than the

result of idle experiment.

117
 ARCANTRIK FORCE GENERATOR
RETRIBUTION BATTLE ENGINE
It is not necessity that spurs innovation, but vengeance.
—Adeptis Rahn

ARCANTRIK TACTICAL TIP

ARCANTRIK GENERATOR
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
GENERATOR RANGE BOOSTER – Weapons with RNG “SP” are not affected.
4 10 — 7 10 19 10 Construct

TELEFORCE CANNON When House Vyre joined the Retribution of Scyrah in its
RNG ROF AOE POW Polarity Field – This model
— 14 1 — 14 bloody war, Retribution leaders saw the house’s exotic and
cannot be charged by a
DAMAGE 20 model beginning the charge deadly arcanika as its main contribution. The Arcantrik Force
FIELD ALLOWANCE 2 in this model’s front arc. Generator was key to convincing the Retribution of House
POINT COST 10 Range Booster – If this Vyre’s value. The weapon demonstrates the cunning way
HUGE BASE model forfeits its movement
during its activation to gain technologies in innovative ways. The underlying generators
the aiming bonus, its range
weapons gain +2 RNG this turn. If this model gains the aiming
bonus, while B2B with this model friendly myrmidon models to lift massive components during myrmidon fabrication.
also gain +2 RNG on their range weapons for one turn.

TELEFORCE CANNON
Magical Weapon unparalleled forces of destruction.
Ammo Type – Each time this weapon is used to make an attack, Lord Arcanist Ossyan unveiled the massive construct
choose one of the following abilities:
before the Retribution’s leadership, explaining it as the
• Blasted Earth – This activation this weapon’s base POW logical combat application of certain force manipulation
becomes 16 and it gains AOE 4. This weapon’s AOE is rough
terrain that remains in play for one round.
• Momentum – Instead of suffering a normal damage roll, a
small- or medium-based, non-incorporeal model hit by this
attack is slammed d3 directly away from this model. The conditions with appropriate force. Additionally, the
POW of the slam damage roll is equal to the POW of the Arcantrik Force Generator is able to travel under its own
weapon. The POW of collateral damage is equal to the POW
of the weapon. In addition to suffering a normal damage roll,
large-based models hit by this attack are knocked down.
ignore the pull of gravity and hover just above the ground
along a chosen course. Showing keen awareness of the
• Rapid Fire [d3+1] – When you decide to make initial attacks
with this weapon at the beginning of this model’s combat needs of the Retribution, Ossyan also demonstrated how
action, roll a d3+1. The total rolled is the number of initial the great devices could be disassembled for deployment
attacks this model can make with this weapon during the to Retribution bases hidden among the lands of humanity,
combat action, ignoring ROF. where Vyre arcanists can easily and quickly reassemble
each force generator for war.

The Arcantrik Force Generator has had a profound impact

very fabric of reality. Seen from afar, it squats amongst the
on both the Retribution and its enemies. Human armies
Iosan army like some huge and patient insect. Its shimmering

employs inexplicable energies to tear the earth apart and

calibrate and tune the mighty arcane instrument. As they
deliver swift death.

large metal disk at its core spins up to speed, crackling with

power, and an unsettling feeling washes over those nearby.
Rubble and other small objects are lifted up, suspended

sequence. The air grows thick, and with a gut-churning

sensation the generator discharges its accumulated energy
in either several smaller pulses or a single blinding,
roaring blast that can smash through warjacks and walled

the generator’s operators bring it close to an overload to

produce a cataclysmic burst that leaves the earth sundered.

118
119
 MERCENARIES
DESPERATE MEASURES
Rhydden, Llael, 608 AR

Captain Amador Damiano surveyed the road ahead. There heavy, Rocinante. Each one was over a hundred years old
but maintained in top condition.
the occasional shattered building, and empty villages strewn
“Looks like the refugees have appointed a spokesperson.”
with corpses. Sighing, he bit into one of his remaining apples
Jaspar pointed to a tall, bearded man approaching with a
and focused instead on its sweet taste and crunch. The fruit
reminded him of his family estate, and he had only a small
villagers who had been meekly following the soldiers
bushel with him. Ord had always been a poor kingdom, but
since Greywind Tower. Damiano’s company had passed
compared to the situation in Llael, it was a paradise.
several such groups on their trek through Llael. Most were
“You going to hog all those apples, Captain?” Lorio Jaspar
asked as he walked up. Jaspar was a young man, handsome garrisons strong enough to keep the walking dead at bay.
and dark-featured, and a fellow Ordsman. He wore the
The man’s hair and beard were in a style popular among the
armored plates of a halberdier, but the single black pauldron
Llaelese wealthy, but his clothing was torn and stained. The
on his left shoulder marked him as a Steelhead lieutenant.
girl behind him wore a tired yellow dress, and her face was
Damiano replied, “I brought these to make the march more a mask of grime. Damiano nodded to the Steelheads who
bearable. I’m paying you well enough; you should have had intercepted the pair, and they were allowed through.

“Captain,” the bearded man said, bowing low. “My name is

away. “If that makes me a hog, so be it. What are we all but
Barygan Faryll. Thank you for speaking with me.”
well-armed pigs eating from a very large trough, anyway?”
“Is that your metal man?” the little girl asked suddenly,
“I think the Llaelese would prefer fewer swine in their
pointing at the hulking form of Rocinante standing nearby.
pigpen, sir,” Jaspar said. “We’re risking a lot being here.”
Damiano ignored Barygan’s whispered shush and smiled
Damiano shrugged. “At least we’re on their side this time.
at the child, who he guessed to be around seven years old.
The Khadorans haven’t pushed east, and with Cryx raiding
“That is Rocinante,” he said. “Would you like to say hello?”
the countryside I doubt the Resistance will be ready to
She nodded slowly, her blue eyes awed. “Go ahead,” he
continued. “Don’t be afraid.” She moved past him, her face
might believe.” He sighed. He had been pushing his men
with back-to-back contracts, and their enthusiasm was
Over the many decades, Rocinante’s cortex had taken on a
guard duty. Damiano by contrast savored battle; it was in number of personality quirks. The strangest of these was the
his blood. machine’s peculiar reaction to children; Rocinante seemed
to like them and even gravitated to them. Damiano had
Damiano felt pride as he surveyed his men hunkering in the
noticed the warjack lingering over the corpses of children
dirt alongside the road to eat, make repairs to equipment,
they’d encountered on their march, gently prodding their
or simply take a quick rest after the hard march from Merin
small bodies as if trying to wake them from a deep sleep.
in central Ord. He had helped forge these Steelheads into a
Rocinante reached out one giant hand to the girl. She grasped
out of Tarna, Ceryl, or Ternon Crag. They included a full
and down. “Hello, Rocinante. My name is Jolia,” she said
commanded four warjacks: three Mules and his personal hesitantly. The warjack loosed a long, low rumble of steam.

120
“Captain,” the girl’s father said, trying to recapture
Damiano’s attention, “we need food. Please. The undead support in their efforts to liberate their kingdom.
destroyed our village days ago. We have nothing.”
Damiano called a halt while he surveyed the city. Jaspar
“I’m sorry,” Damiano said, shaking his head. “All the food I came alongside and added, “Stout wall, soldiers and
have is reserved for my men.”

“Surely you can spare something,” Barygan pleaded. “For

the children. Anything.” Damiano asked.
Damiano kept his expression set. “What if I parceled out Jaspar shrugged. “With the garrison here as well as our
our supplies to everyone who asked? Then comes the day Steelheads, we might survive long enough to get paid.”

“Bah!” Damiano waved away the lieutenant’s concerns.

weak from hunger. I cannot risk them to help you.”
“You can spend your time worrying, and I’ll see about
putting a dent in the duke’s wine cellar.”
Looking at the young girl, Damiano could not help but
remember the corpses of children they had seen. “Seek
mercy from the Khadorans,” he suggested. “They seized
“This wine is excellent, Lord Delryv,” Damiano said as he
this kingdom; you are their responsibility.”
held out his glass for more. He noted that Duke Gregore
“We were already turned aside from Merywyn. The
Khadorans care nothing for our suffering.” His face duke was a short Rynnish man with salt-and-pepper hair
darkening, the man continued, “It seems what I have heard and a neatly trimmed beard. Fresh bandages were wrapped
of the Steelheads is true. You are little more than parasites.” around his head and—judging from the stiffness of his
He turned to collect his daughter. posture—his chest. The duke had explained he had been
injured in a recent clash with Khador while assisting
Damiano frowned, then called after him. “Barygan.” The
Resistance forces closer to Merywyn. Damiano admired
man looked back, mistrustful. “If you wish to follow, we
that the man had clearly been in the thick of things. A stern
woman serving as his attendant kept an eye on them from
Barygan scowled but nodded before calling, “Jolia!” The nearby. She had warned the duke not to strain himself, but
girl reluctantly left Rocinante’s side and hurried to join him, he had insisted on greeting Damiano personally.
stopping with wide eyes when Damiano held one of his
“It’s my last bottle of that vintage,” Delryv said. “Another
apples out for her. He pressed it into her hands and stepped
casualty of this bloody occupation.” He raised his glass in
back as Barygan walked with her to rejoin the others.
salute. “I wanted to thank you for escorting those refugees.
When the soldiers resumed their march, the refugees They have joined our community.”
followed after them. Periodically Damiano spotted the
They sat in the duke’s study, one of the few large rooms
young girl lingering near Rocinante. He slowed the pace
within Lord Delvryv’s estate that had not been transformed
just enough for the ragged line to keep up.
into a barracks. It was spartanly appointed, with plain

man than a wealthy noble.

“At least there’s a wall,” Lieutenant Jaspar said as the Damiano took a sip of his wine and thought of Jolia and her
Steelheads drew within sight of Rhydden. “Cannons, too.” father. Likely the man had given the noble an earful about
being refused food. Returning to the matter at hand, he said,
“You don’t expect to initiate an offensive anytime soon?”
once held wine grapes for wine but now supported wheat,
corn, and other food crops. A stout stone wall encircled Lord Delryv shook his head. “Things have been bad for us
it, punctuated by the barrels of light cannons, and armed recently. With Marshal d’Elyse and the Amethyst Rose gun
soldiers stood on its battlements. Rhydden had gone from a mages looking into a Cryx attack near Laedry, we’ve been

any idea how diminished our defenses were . . .”

Resistance. For all intents and purposes, these were the only
Damiano set his glass on the desk. “Glad to help. What
truly Llaelese lands left. Their duke had become the most
military assets do you already have in the city?”
prominent leader of the Highborn Covenant, those nobles

121
 Damiano turned to see the slim,
dark-haired form of Anastasia
di Bray enter with the grace of a
stalking cat. He had no doubt a
brace of throwing knives were
hidden somewhere on her person.
The two men stood to greet her.
The duke winced as he moved
but waved away his attendant.
Damiano pretended not to notice,
his attention on the new arrival. “A
pleasure to see you again, Mistress
di Bray. It’s been, what, two years?”

“Since you collected your fee in

Elsinberg and then left it for the
Khadorans? Yes.” There was acid
in her tone.

“My men and I were hired to guard

Earl Vassis. When he put his hand
cannon in his mouth and pulled the
trigger, the job ended. One platoon
of Steelheads wouldn’t have made
any difference to Elsinberg.”

“A warcaster always makes a

difference. You know that.”

“Come now,” the duke pleaded.

“We are all on the same side. There
is no need to relive the past.”

The duke wavered slightly on

his feet. His attendant made a
noise and came to check on him,
and Damiano noticed blood
seeping through his jacket. The
woman said firmly, “You are
straining the duke. You will have to leave now.”
They’re ready to do what’s necessary to protect the city.
“My apologies, Your Grace,” Damiano said and drained
In addition, we have a small contingent of Cygnaran
the last bit of wine from his glass. He bowed slightly to
soldiers—trenchers and long gunners, primarily—who
Anastasia. “I should see to my men.” He could feel her
were left behind after Merywyn fell. D’Elyse has a larger
steely gaze boring into his back as he walked away.
force with her, but casualties have been heavy.”

“What about artillery? Warjacks?”

“We’ve got cannons on the walls, as you’ve seen,” the duke

“Damn,” Damiano cursed. “What the blazes are they doing
said. “As for warjacks, the marshal left us three Vanguards.”
here?” It was the next day and he stood atop the battlements
of Rhydden’s walls looking to the north. The wide road that
we could repel a sizable enemy force. Perhaps when more
of your men have recuperated, we can plan a coordinated heavy infantry of the Protectorate of Menoth.
attack on some juicy Khadoran target.”
“Shall I give the order . . .?” Jaspar gestured to the nearest
“Still seeking glory, Damiano?” a silky feminine voice asked cannon and its crew, one of ten that faced the northern
from behind his chair. approach to the city.

122
“Not yet.” The Protectorate soldiers—Damiano guessed three Vanguards. He grimaced. “Understand it is my duty
there were almost two hundred—had halted a good to protect the temples of Rhydden. We will not be deterred.”
distance from the gates. “There haven’t been open He turned on his heel and walked back to his waiting ranks.
hostilities yet between the Resistance and the Northern
Crusade. Let’s not change that if at all possible.” A small
group of knights moved away from the main body, one
bearing a white standard. “There. You see?” Damiano “We cannot let them into the city, Your Grace,” Anastasia di
pointed to the small group advancing to within a hundred Bray said emphatically. “They simply seek to reinstate an
yards of Rhydden’s gates. “Let’s go have a chat with our armed presence here.” They spoke from below the
guests,” Damiano said, grinning. battlements. Sentries above looked toward the waiting
knights, whose numbers had increased over the last two days
The midday sun was shining brightly when Damiano
as additional phalanxes had joined them from the north.
stepped beyond the walls of Rhydden. The sun gleamed off
the polished armor of the knights, giving the entire army a “If they only wish to secure the Menite temples . . .” Lord
Delryv said, seated in a chair that several of his soldiers
had carried out for him. He looked pale and his voice was
Behind Damiano two hundred halberdiers followed,
weak. “Their presence would strengthen us against possible
attacks, particularly if this warning about Cryx is true.”
ordered ranks. The halberds could be suddenly lowered
with a single command, creating a bristling wall of razored “I’m skeptical about that,” Damiano said. “We came from
steel. The hulking form of Rocinante lumbered alongside the west, and we saw nothing on the scale he mentioned.
Damiano, the chains securing the cannon jangling. It rested I think Mistress di Bray might be right on this one. Those
knights looked like the vanguard of an invasion force.”

Anastasia placed one hand on the duke’s arm. “We tried

delegation and walked the rest of the way with Rocinante. to work with the Protectorate, and for our pains they
One of the Exemplars carried the twin swords of a seneschal, seized Leryn. I have been inside that city and seen its
likely the ranking commander. transformation. You do not want that repeated here,
Your Grace.”
“Good day to you, Seneschal,” Damiano called amiably.
The duke faced Damiano. “The situation was tense when
the Northern Crusade was here before, but they honored
The seneschal raised the visor on his elaborate helm,
their agreements and left us in peace”
revealing a young face. He walked forward a few paces.
“Who are you?” he asked. Anastasia spoke again. “Whatever courtesies the Menites
offered us before, we can’t expect them again. Leryn was
“Forgive me. I forget my manners,” Damiano said with
their goal then. Now that they have their stronghold, they
a wry grin. “I am Captain Amador Damiano, and my
do not need—or want—us here. They need fertile farmland,
Steelheads are protecting Rhydden. This is not a good time
and that is precisely what you possess.”
for a visit.”
“Your Grace,” Damiano added, “you hired me to protect
“A mercenary,” the soldier spat. “I am Seneschal Tyvius
this city. If those knights mean you harm and you open your
Marden. I bring word that the Northern Crusade extends a
gates to them, I won’t be able to effectively intervene. I’ve
shielding hand to the faithful of Rhydden and its temples.
fought Exemplars before; you don’t want to face them in
A Cryxian menace gathers west of here. We require you to
close quarters, having given up perimeter defenses.” The
open your gates to us.”
duke frowned as if he’d swallowed something sour.
Damiano frowned. “Seneschal Marden, it grieves me you
The duke sighed and rubbed his temples, then nodded.
have come all this way for nothing, but the city of Rhydden
“You have made your point. I will speak with the grand
is already protected.”
exemplar.”
“You will not allow us entry?”
Anastasia shook her head. “Not in your condition, Your
“I’m afraid we simply cannot accommodate you,” Damiano Grace. Allow me to speak for you.”
replied. “However, I will speak with Duke Delryv and
It clearly bothered Duke Delryv that his wounds hindered
inform him of your warning. And your offer of support.”
him, but he eventually nodded. “State my refusal with
Seneschal Marden glanced up at the high walls of Rhydden, due care; I would avoid a confrontation. Damiano,
accompany her.”

123
 Damiano smiled. “Of course. Don’t worry; this force is all “Captain. I have heard of your exploits,” Kreoss said in a
bluster and no bite. If we show them we won’t just roll over, deep and disapproving tone.
they will look for easier pickings elsewhere.”
“I’m favored by fortune, some would say,” Damiano
responded, smiling. “I’m surprised to see you here,
Grand Exemplar.” Anastasia glared at him and shook
her head, clearly trying to silence him, but he pretended
Standing at the fore of an army gleaming white and pure
not to see.
in the early morning sun was Grand Exemplar Kreoss.
With the leader of the Northern Crusade waited rank after “You do not appreciate the gravity of this situation. A battle
rank of Exemplar knights and the heavily armored looms that will threaten all the faithful,” Kreoss said. “I will
not allow slaughter in Rhydden to bolster Cryx.”
heat shimmers in the air before them. It was an army of
“Your concern is appreciated—” Anastasia began.
of Rhydden two to one. Damiano spoke over her. “As I told Seneschal Marden,
Rhydden is well protected.”
Whatever Damiano might have expected in response to
his refusal of Seneschal Marden, it was not to see what “You command a capable force, Captain.” Kreoss gestured
looked like the entire contingent of Knights Exemplar for
the Northern Crusade led by the grand exemplar himself against what Cryx brings to bear, however. I only wish to
come knocking on Rhydden’s front door. Damiano took extend the protective hand of Menoth.”
some comfort in the fact that Kreoss hadn’t simply started
“Like you did for Leryn?” Anastasia demanded.
burning everything in sight. In fact, it appeared the grand
exemplar was in the mood to talk. Kreoss sighed. “The people of Leryn opened their gates to
us and welcomed us when they heard the voice of Severius.
He did not go to meet with Kreoss alone. Behind him his
I would like to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, but we will
Steelheads fanned out in battle formation. A solid core of
enter Rhydden.” There was obvious frustration in the his
halberdiers supported by the Mules formed the middle of
voice, and beside him Fire of Salvation took a single step
toward Damiano, making Rocinante bristle.

“Grand Exemplar,” Anastasia said smoothly, regaining

Damiano’s right, Lieutenant Jaspar and Anastasia di Bray her composure, “the Resistance and the Protectorate have
on his left. worked together successfully in the past. You can aid the
faithful of Rhydden by securing the area outside its walls.
“It could be worse,” Anastasia said as they approached.
Leave the battlements to Rhydden’s defenders.”
“It could be Reznik trying to gain access to Rhydden. Or
Severius. At least Kreoss is relatively reasonable—for a “That will not do.” Kreoss shook his head. “I must
Menite on crusade.” These words were not much comfort. inspect and protect the temples personally, to ensure
they are not profaned. Your mercenaries must disarm
and leave this area.”
halt. They left Jaspar at the head of the army and walked out
to meet Kreoss halfway between the two armies. Rocinante Damiano did not at all like how the conversation was
lumbered alongside his master.
smaller force of knights, the army alongside Kreoss was
Grand Exemplar Kreoss moved away from his army
another matter. “One moment, Grand Exemplar.” He took
accompanied only by his ornately decorated warjack, Fire
Anastasia’s arm and turned to speak with her in a low tone.
“Our bluff is called. He’s not budging.”
right hand.
Anastasia’s eyes narrowed. “What bluff? We can’t let them
“Greetings, Grand Exemplar,” Anastasia said. “I am
in. Rhydden is the last home of the Resistance. It must be
Anastasia di Bray, and I speak for Duke Delryv. He bids you
preserved!” Her voice took on a dangerous edge. “Are you
welcome and wishes to know your business.”
reneging on your contract?”
“Mistress di Bray.” Kreoss inclined his armored head
Closer to the grand exemplar, Rocinante shifted its weight
toward her.
from one leg to the other as it eyed Fire of Salvation. Its
“And I am Captain Amador Damiano,” the mercenary said movements suggested it was picking up on its master’s
after seeing Anastasia did not intend to introduce him. agitation, but Damiano was too busy scowling at Anastasia

124
to notice. “No member of my family has ever reneged on a “I’ll hold the front. You start organizing the back ranks for
contract! We have to face facts. We don’t have the manpower a retreat.” The lieutenant nodded and disappeared into the
to hold off this kind of force.” wall of armored bodies.
“If they attack, you will defend Rhydden, per your contract.”
Damiano called out to his men. “Hold the line! Don’t let one
of those bastards through!”
“My patience grows thin,” Kreoss said, his voice ringing.
“Give me your answer, or—” He cut off as Fire of Salvation The Protectorate line slammed into the Steelheads, their
stepped forward again in response to the shifting of much larger force spilling around the edges of Damiano’s
Rocinante, whose cannon had drifted to point toward the
Protectorate machine. Rocinante reacted immediately to Exemplar cinerators smashed through the front line with
the advance. There was a sudden ear-shattering boom as limited casualties, although point-blank bursts from
its heavy cannon split the air. The explosive ball struck Fire
of Salvation on its right shoulder, twisting the ’jack around. into the gaps left by the slain. Where cinerator blades struck
Damiano’s eyes went wide as he realized how this would
be viewed. through the Steelhead line.
Behind him Jaspar screamed orders, and a snapping
THEIR RANKS SHIFTED LIKE
their captain’s apparent lead in initiating a full attack. A A LIVING THING, WITH THE
dozen Exemplar knights crumpled to the ground. SUBTLE MOVEMENTS OF TWO
“Pull back! Form ranks!” Damiano yelled. At the same time THOUSAND MEN READY AND
he clamped down on Rocinante mentally and forced the ACHING FOR VIOLENCE.
’jack to withdraw with him toward the Steelhead lines.

Damiano and Rocinante took their place in the center Rocinante and two nearby Mules largely protected
of the main halberdier core. He noticed Anastasia had
vanished, but this was not surprising; she had quick their cannons directly into the swarming ranks of knights.
reflexes and was likely making her way to forewarn the He then urged two lighter Vanguards to move up to the
duke. The clatter of armored men was shockingly loud, crumpling ranks of the Steelhead front line, hoping to hold
but Damiano’s Steelheads were well trained, and they it a few more moments.
quickly presented a sea of lowered halberds, steel spikes
gleaming in the sun.

Kreoss had withdrawn to the center of his own front

ranks, surrounded by the heavily armored Exemplar
cinerators. Damiano could feel the tension in the enemy broken and bleeding. The ensuing chaos would keep
lines. Their ranks shifted like a living thing, with the reinforcements from bolstering the Protectorate front
subtle movements of two thousand men aching for line currently engaging the halberdiers, perhaps buying
violence. The battlefield was silent for a moment, and them time to retreat toward Rhydden before suffering
then Kreoss raised one gauntleted fist into the air. The overwhelming casualties.
Protectorate ranks surged forward, an avalanche of ivory
Kreoss, Fire of Salvation, and a pair of Crusaders were tearing
armor and shining steel.

“Good gods, there are a lot of them!” Jaspar said. He was and his warjack had already scrapped two Vanguards, and
armed in a similar fashion to the warcaster, and he held a Steelhead corpses were falling all around them. Damiano
long, heavy-bladed falchion in his right hand and a plain but
well-made hand cannon in his left. “But they’re charging in The heavy ’jacks had cleared a ragged swath through the
like they’ve never seen a pike hedge before.” Protectorate line, and their weapons kept the area around
him fairly free of enemies. The Llaelese cannon crews atop
“Those cinerators care little for our halberds. Their armor
will protect them from the brunt of it,” Damiano said.
explosive shells into their midst.
Jaspar watched the oncoming tide of Protectorate soldiers
In the chaos of the battle, Kreoss had yet to react to
with worry in his eyes. “What do we do, then?”
Damiano’s approach, and the Steelhead warcaster knew his

125
 only chance at protecting his men against the overwhelming “You can’t do this!” Anastasia di Bray shouted. “If Kreoss is
overrun, Rhydden will quickly follow.” She had painted a
Endangering their leader would force the Protectorate to bleak picture of the Cryxian force, which included a sizable
withdraw at least temporarily, giving the Steelheads the contingent of helljacks and bonejacks in addition to a wide
chance to retreat toward the battlements. variety of Cryx’s nightmarish abominations.

Damiano urged his warjacks to a charge and ran with

not throw their lives away needlessly.”
and his ’jacks. The grand exemplar and Fire of Salvation
The arrival of Cryx had distracted the Menites enough for
whirled around at the last minute to face the new threat.
the Steelheads to disengage and withdraw to just outside
Damiano joined his mind to Rocinante’s cortex to guide
the city walls. Beyond, Kreoss and his army were locked
in mortal combat with a massive Cryxian army led by
Rocinante barreled into Fire of Salvation, slamming aside
the towering necromechanikal monstrosity that was Lich
the Protectorate ’jack’s mace with its cannon and then
Lord Terminus, his tattered wings spread wide. Damiano
smashing its battle blade down. The blade bit into Fire of
guessed the Cryxian force was double the size of his and
Salvation’s shoulder and caused the warjack to stagger,
Kreoss’ combined. He had to admit, Kreoss knew how to
leaving Kreoss momentarily exposed. Damiano urged
command. His knights had shown no signs of breaking
Rocinante to press the attack against Fire of Salvation and
and were holding the Cryx at bay. But the situation looked
used his Mules to occupy the Crusaders. He regretted
untenable. Before the inevitable collapse of the Protectorate
force, Damiano was determined to get his men as far as
he could hope to close on Kreoss.
possible from this place.
Kreoss brought Justifier around in a whirling strike as
“You would leave the folk of Rhydden to that horror?”
Damiano charged in to engage. The Steelhead captain
Anastasia asked, pointing to Terminus as he slaughtered
caught the tip of the heavy spear on the edge of Glory
multiple knights with each sweeping strike of his sword.
and barely turned it aside, then stepped forward
inside the spear ’s reach for a powerful slash to Kreoss’ Damiano shouted, “How will throwing the lives of my men
armored head. Kreoss reacted skillfully, driving the at Terminus help Rhydden? If its people have any sense they
blade built into the butt-end of Justifier into Damiano’s
breastplate. The blade did not penetrate, but the
mercenary stumbled back, drawing his long-barreled
hand cannon Judgment.
spoke fervently. “If we join our men with Kreoss’ and get
He regained his balance and steadied Judgment’s barrel as
he aimed below Kreoss’ breastplate, just above the cuisse, The defenses here are strong, but the soldiers we need to
where only lighter chain protected the hip joint. Before he man them are dying out there. You can save innocent lives,
could pull the trigger, a ragged chorus of dismayed cries Damiano. This doesn’t have to be like Elsinberg.”
rose from the rear of the Protectorate army.
Damiano scowled. “A moment ago you wanted to keep
Damiano pulled his attention away from Kreoss, who had them out!”
turned his head toward the rising clamor as well. A horrid
Her eyes revealed her own fear. “That was before the Cryx
green glow shone behind the Protectorate army, and the
threat became real. The Menites are at least living, breathing
sick weight of dread settled in his gut. The glow advanced,
men. We must work together.”
growing in intensity, and Damiano heard the thunder of
thousands of marching feet. “There is a chance we could hold them off, sir,” Lieutenant
Jaspar said. He’d been listening to them argue as he watched
He was surprised to see Anastasia approaching, having
the nearby battle rage. “The men would follow you.”
worked her way expertly around several knots of embattled
Damiano rounded on his second, surprised at what he was
combatants. “It’s Terminus, the lich lord,” she panted, “and
hearing. Jaspar shrugged at his look. “We’re not going to get
more walking dead than I have ever seen.”
paid if the duke dies. And Mistress di Bray is right. There’s
Cryx had come to Rhydden. no easy escape from this.” He pointed to the sea of Cryxians
preparing to swallow Kreoss’ army.

Damiano gritted his teeth, and once more the thought

arose of the little girl and her father, likely cowering behind
the walls. “So we’re all cornered, eh? Sometimes you get

126
to pick your battles, sometimes you don’t.” He looked to Grand Exemplar Kreoss leaned wearily on his battle spear.
Anastasia and found himself affected more than he would When he saw Damiano approaching he straightened and
have expected by the fear in her expression. He squared his raised his spear in salute. “I am surprised to see you here,
shoulders. “Very well, I suppose we should make a proper Captain,” he said.

“I’ve heard the coffers of the Northern Crusade are quite

“What now, sir?” Lieutenant Jaspar asked, eager for orders. deep.” Damiano smiled ruefully. “If we survive this, you’ll
know how valuable my men and I can be. I can’t help you
“Now, Jaspar, we do something very, very stupid.”

more glorious battles to wage.” Kreoss inclined his head.

Kreoss and Damiano turned to where a mingled group of

Damiano spotted Kreoss and Fire of Salvation on the Exemplar knights and Steelhead halberdiers fought side-by-
right flank of the Protectorate army. They were fighting side against the tide of undead as they backed toward the
two helljacks, coal-black monstrosities of machine, bone, city gates. As if spotting the warcasters Terminus suddenly
and necrotic power. Two more lay scorched on the raised his enormous blade in their direction. As the Cryxians
ground, Fire of Salvation’s work. Damiano had been able surged forward, his wings unfurled and he leapt into the air
to maneuver his halberdiers and rifleman around the
right flank of the two battling armies without drawing blotting out the sun.
the attention of either.

“Lieutenant,” Damiano said to Jaspar, “Rocinante and I

mechanithralls—” he pointed to where a swarm of the half-

machine, half-corpse horrors were hammering away at the

crush them between you and those knights.”

“Understood, sir,” Jaspar replied and started ordering

the ranks of Steelheads behind him. They moved as
a single entity toward the fighting, the lieutenant in
the lead with the two battered Mules and the pair of
Vanguards that remained.

Damiano watched them for a few seconds. The Steelheads

were out in the open without infantry support, but he
needed them to draw away the Cryxian thralls so he could
reach Kreoss. He heard the shouts of his Steelheads as they
joined the battle, and he and Rocinante pushed forward. He
saw the Protectorate warcaster drive his battle spear clean
through a squat bonejack, skewering the necromechanikal
beast like a giant, skeletal insect. Fire of Salvation was
battling one helljack, and another moved toward Kreoss.

Fire! Damiano sent the mental command to Rocinante,

guiding its shot, and the warjack’s cannon boomed. The
projectile smashed directly into the chest of a Slayer driving
toward the grand exemplar. Bits of metal, bone, and necrotic
sludge splashed out as the force of the cannonball knocked
the helljack backward. Damiano urged Rocinante straight
at the staggered helljack. Rocinante rushed past Kreoss and
brought its battle blade around in an arc, slamming the
sharp steel into the Slayer’s torso. The helljack came apart
at the waist, its pieces tumbling to the ground with one
last mechanical spasm. A few yards away, Fire of Salvation
reduced the other Cryxian horror to a scorched wreckage.

127
 CAPTAIN DAMIANO
MERCENARY STEELHEAD WARCASTER
Blood shines gold.
—Damiano family motto

FEAT: CONQUEST SPELLS COST RNG AOE POW UP OFF

DAMIANO After waiting for battle CONVECTION 2 10 – 12 NO YES
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
to reach its peak, Captain When Convection destroys a living enemy model, allocate 1 focus point to
6 6 7 6 15 16 9
Damiano unleashes his a warjack in this model’s battlegroup that is in its control area.
JUDGMENT sorcery to empower his DEADEYE 2 6 – – NO NO
RNG ROF AOE POW soldiers’ sinews with inhuman
12 1 — 12 strength. At his command ranged attack roll this turn.
the army charges forward to DEATH MARCH 3 6 – – YES NO
GLORY
POW P+S cleave through enemy ranks, Target friendly unit gains +2 MAT and Vengeance. (During your
6 12 heedless of retaliatory harm. Maintenance Phase, if one or more models in a unit with Vengeance
Impelled by his will, Captain were destroyed or removed from play by enemy attacks during your
FOCUS 6 opponent’s last turn, each model in the unit can advance 3 and make one
DAMAGE 16 limits and will not rest until normal melee attack.)
FIELD ALLOWANCE C their conquest is assured. SURE FOOT 3 6 – – YES NO
WARJACK POINTS +6
While in Damiano’s control
Target friendly Faction model gains +2 DEF and cannot be knocked down.
COINS 5 While within 3 of the affected model, friendly Faction models also gain
area, friendly Faction +2 DEF and cannot be knocked down.
SMALL BASE models gain +3 STR and
ARM and can only move or
WARPATH 2 SELF CTRL – YES NO
When a friendly Faction model in this model’s control area destroys one
be moved during your turn. Conquest lasts for one round. or more enemy models with a melee or ranged attack during its activation,
Mercenary – This model will work for Cryx, Cygnar, Khador, immediately after the attack is resolved, one warjack in this model’s
and the Protectorate. battlegroup that is in its control area can advance up to 3 . A warjack can
advance only once per turn as a result of Warpath.
DAMIANO
Paymaster [Steelhead] – During this model’s activation, you
can mark one or more coin boxes on its card. For each coin box TACTICAL TIPS
you mark, you can use Paymaster once. When you do, choose PAYMASTER – Each unit can only be affected by a single Incentive
one of the following incentives. Incentives are RNG CMD and each turn.
can target only friendly Steelhead units. A Steelhead unit can be
CONVECTION – A warjack cannot exceed normal focus allocation
limits as a result of Convection.
coin boxes have been marked, this model loses Paymaster for
the rest of the game.
• Battle Maneuvers – Affected models gain Reform this turn.
(After all models in a unit with Reform have completed their or needlessly extravagant, but in battle after battle he has
actions, each can advance up to 3 .) earned the adoration of his men who know he can often
• Money Shot – Affected models gain +2 to ranged attack and achieve what they thought to be impossible.
damage rolls for one turn.
Damiano must constantly weigh the needs of his men
JUDGMENT against his thirst for adventure and glory. He has found
Magical Weapon
the balance required to inspire the men, paying them well
Blaster – When this model makes an attack with this weapon,
for their services while impressing them with his bold and
before the attack roll it can spend 1 focus point to give the attack
a 3 AOE. unconventional tactics. While Damiano enjoys taking risks,
he savors life and does not idly spend the lives of those in
GLORY
his command. He believes it is his responsibility to see that
Magical Weapon

Every mercenary has his price, but for Captain Amador His reputation and bold approach have attracted the more
Damiano, coin is not the allure but only a tool for equipping daring and adventurous Steelhead mercenaries to seek

fame, honor, and the certainty that he will in time become a their captain. These men still expect to be paid what they
living legend. He would sooner accept modest wages for a are worth but are also willing to embrace daring plans

to sit idle standing guard. He takes a satisfaction from battle being among the most accomplished members of their far-

overcoming it. Damiano lives for the moments when defeat has a strong personality and his own style, but the Ordic
warcaster unites them and leads by example. Because his

128
129
 men understand the value of his leadership, they thrive on rise in fortune to the years after the Orgoth were repelled
natural competition as each tries to outdo the others and and the Corvis Treaties were signed. When the nations of
impress their captain with their ingenuity and courage
so through hired intermediaries, and the founder of the
Damiano mercenary tradition gained great wealth from
Damiano is discerning about his choice of contracts,
although he occasionally tempers his drive for greatness
with prudence to maintain the morale of the men. Those Family wealth waxed and waned over the centuries, but
willing to pay his rates get no mere hired blade but a even in the poorest times the Damianos managed to retain
conqueror-for-hire with his own formidable retinue of their ancestral estate in central Ord. More recently family
warjacks and an army of skilled soldiers. Damiano leads his
men with humor and aplomb, exhorting them to seize the escalating wars. Unlike others born to wealth, their young
men and women do not live lives of leisure but are expected
inspires as much loyalty in his men as the coin they are paid.
was raised on the legends of his ancestors and from an early
Perhaps his unusual attitude toward the mercenary life
age burned with the desire to meet or exceed their examples.
arises from being born to it, unlike most of his peers
who took up the trade by necessity or the vagaries of The sorcerous spark has always been strong within the
fortune. For generations the Damiano family has raised Damiano family, but it has become particularly concentrated
aristocrats of war, forming a mercenary dynasty that in the last few generations. Amador Damiano is the third
has produced some of the most notable heir in succession to manifest the warcaster talent, an
exceedingly rare phenomenon. His father arranged for
The Damianos trace their family’s the boy to receive extensive tutoring and training in ’jack

CAPTAIN DAMIANO
FREE COMPANY

WARJACKS: Mercenary non-character warjacks, SOLOS: Steelhead solos

Rocinante
UNITS: Steelhead units

TIER 1 TIER 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models Requirements: This army includes Stannis Brocker.
listed above.
Place Stannis Brocker and Steelhead Heavy
Benefit: Steelhead Heavy Cavalry units in this army Cavalry units after normal deployment. These models
become FA 2. Additionally, reduce the point cost of are placed at the same time as your models with Advance
Steelhead Heavy Cavalry units by 1. Deployment (if any). These models must be placed
within your normal deployment zone.
TIER 2
Requirements: This army includes three or more TIER 4
Steelhead units. Requirements: Damiano’s battlegroup includes Rocinante.

Your deployment zone is extended 2 forward. Friendly models/units can begin the game
affected by Damiano’s upkeep spells. These spells and
their targets must be declared before either player sets
up models. Damiano does not pay focus to upkeep these

Permission is hereby granted to create reproductions of this entry for personal, non-commercial use only.

130
handling, the arcane arts, broadsword dueling, and Ordic Though his troops are disciplined, Damiano is no tyrant.
Provided they heed him in combat and do not draw the
being the third Damiano heir in a row with the warcaster attention of the law or bring shame to the Steelhead name,
talent means his star is in ascension and that nothing can his men may do as they please on their own time. He
stand in the way of his ambition. He truly feels favored by
afforded by the mercenary life, including enjoying their
on recklessness.
as it suits their fancy. Damiano enjoys his own luxuries, and
at times his behavior can be indolent. His ornate armor is
Damiano’s grandfather sold this interest and linked their
comparable to some of the heirlooms cherished by Ordic
fortunes to the rapidly expanding Steelhead Mercenary
castellans. He savors quality food, expensive wine, and
Company. The Steelheads have since maintained
agreements with the Damianos to provide chapter-of-
Damiano has been known to lead his men in rousing
choice considerations and fast advancement to upper ranks.
drinking songs, provoke insufferable nobles to battles of
Amador began as a lieutenant of the Steelheads in Berck and
wits, and engage in occasional random acts of generosity
was quickly promoted to captain and moved to the Merin
to those whose lives have been shattered by war. His mood
branch. He proved himself more than worthy of his fee even
as he earned a reputation for grandiose boasts. Although he
at times larger than life.
made his initial fame out of Merin, he is not tied down; he
has made contacts and earned favors at Steelhead branches Yet once Damiano has agreed to a contract, he deploys his
across western Immoren. Bravos and career mercenaries company with the precision of the greatest Ordic generals.
eagerly seek him out in hopes of joining in his conquests. His Steelheads march in perfect lines and are as responsive
to commands as any regular army infantry. Damiano
Damiano has hired his services across western Immoren,
leads from their midst, inspiring them with his presence,
his sorcerous powers, and his skill with the blade. His
major power in the region. He was particularly active in
the War in Llael, carefully negotiating short-term contracts
as Damiano leads his men to inexorable victory and the
that allowed him to have fought on several different sides
riches that follow.
by the time Cygnar was forced out of that kingdom. His
magnanimous demeanor and shrewd negotiating skills
have enabled him to maintain professional ties with
paymasters who understand that a mercenary’s loyalty is
only as durable as his contract.

131
 ROVER
MERCENARY HEAVY WARJACK
Those pikemen think they’re gonna tangle the old girl up where she can’t shoot ’em and then
cut her apart. That’s gonna be good for a laugh in about ten seconds.
—Sam MacHorne

ROVER HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 12´1 / 8.2 TONS

ROVER Point Blank – During its ARMAMENT: SHIELD CANNON (LEFT ARM), BATTLE AXE (RIGHT ARM)
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
5 11 6 5 10 18 — activation, this model can FUEL LOAD / BURN USAGE: 685 LBS / 5 HRS GENERAL, 55 MINS COMBAT
make melee attacks with its INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 485 AR
SHIELD CANNON CORTEX MANUFACTURER: FRATERNAL ORDER OF WIZARDRY
RNG ROF AOE POW melee range. Do not add
L 10 1 — 14 ORIG. CHASSIS DESIGN: ENGINES EAST
this model’s STR to damage
SHIELD rolls made with ranged
POW P+S weapons. Charge attacks
L 1 12 made with ranged weapons
are not boosted. mercenary use. Three decades after the Nomad received
BATTLE AXE widespread adoption by the Cygnaran Army, Engines
POW P+S SHIELD East exploited a contract loophole to develop the Rover,
R 6 17 Shield
modifying the design just enough for it to be considered
DAMAGE new. They pitched and sold the resulting ’jack directly to
1 2 3 4 5 6 Built on a chassis design mercenary companies, who eagerly paid well for military-
in use for a century and a grade hardware. The Rover was a lucrative design for
half, the Rover possesses a Engines East—if also a sore point with the Cygnaran Army.
combination of brute force
and high durability that The powerful Rover remains a ubiquitous sight on the

L R has long made it a staple

of mercenary companies. reliable, it utilizes parts still readily available on the open
L L M C R R market. Like the Nomad, this warjack is favored by the
The towering shield the
M M C C warjack carries affords
it excellent protection;
FIELD ALLOWANCE U add to that its powerful
POINT COST 8
short-ranged cannon,
LARGE BASE
and the ’jack
is ideal either

mercenary tactic. When the ’jack engages the

enemy, its shield easily pitches aside those not
crushed on impact as its cannon blows apart more
formidable foes at point-blank range. Enemies
who refuse to fall quickly are felled soon enough
by its heavy axe. Mercenary troops wait for it to
tear a hole through the enemy line before spilling
out to engage the disoriented survivors.

132
 ROCINANTE
MERCENARY CHARACTER HEAVY WARJACK
I could not ask for a soldier more loyal or a weapon as deadly.
—Captain Amador Damiano

TACTICAL TIP ROCINANTE

While
ROCINANTE
AFFINITY [DAMIANO] – This model can make this ranged attack only SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
in Damiano’s control area, 5 11 7 6 10 18 —
if it is no longer engaged after destroying the enemy model.
this model gains Quick
Work. (When a model with CANNON
Quick Work destroys one or RNG ROF AOE POW
HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 12´1 / 8.3 TONS more enemy models with L 14 1 3 14
ARMAMENT: CANNON (LEFT ARM), BATTLE BLADE (RIGHT ARM) a melee attack during its BATTLE BLADE
FUEL LOAD / BURN USAGE: 690 LBS / 5 HRS GENERAL, 55 MINS COMBAT combat action, immediately POW P+S
INITIAL SERVICE DATE: 481 AR, REFITTED 544 AR after the attack is resolved R 6 17
CORTEX MANUFACTURER: FRATERNAL ORDER OF WIZARDRY it can make one normal
ORIG. CHASSIS DESIGN: ENGINES EAST
ranged attack. Attacks DAMAGE
gained from Quick Work 1 2 3 4 5 6
do not count against a
The warjack Rocinante has served the Damiano family for weapon’s ROF.)
over a hundred years. Originally a Nomad, this ’jack was Defensive Strike – Once
per turn, when an enemy
model advances into and
started the family mercenary tradition. The ’jack eventually ends its movement in this L R
model’s melee range, this
model can immediately L L M C R R
career brought great fame and fortune to the family before make one normal melee
attack against it. M M C C
Rocinante eventually passed to its newest master, Captain
Guard Dog – While FIELD ALLOWANCE C
Amador Damiano.
this model is within 3 POINT COST 9
of its warcaster and is
LARGE BASE
not knocked down or
stationary, its warcaster
cannot be targeted by free
strikes and gains +2 DEF against melee attack rolls, and models
attacking the warcaster do not gain back strike bonuses.

BATTLE BLADE
Reach

Upon the completion of his training Amador Damiano

to its new master as though it had served him for years.

generation blurs into the next, each successive master seen

as a continuation of the one before.

The Damianos have painstakingly maintained Rocinante.

Its armored plates gleam with gilt scrollwork bearing
the family’s ancient mottos, such as “Blood shines gold,”
“Sworn word, sworn deed,” and “No strike left unpaid.”
Its cannon stems from the days of Cervantes Damiano, who
commissioned the weapon’s creation. In battle, the aged

bellowing cannon to shoot the next. Those who come too

near are felled by its great battle blade as Rocinante places
its body between its allies and the enemy.

133
 OGRUN ASSAULT CORPS
MERCENARY RHULIC UNIT
Round that hill and lay into them, boys! Show them you’re a damn sight
more mobile than their big guns!
—Gorten Grundback

Mercenaries – These
open a gap in an enemy’s position, through which they
LEADER & GRUNTS models will work subsequently hurl themselves. They enter melee with brutal
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD for Cygnar and the enthusiasm, taking advantage of their size and strength to
5 8 6 5 12 15 9 Protectorate. carve a swath of destruction through their foes.
BATTLECANNON LEADER & GRUNTS
RNG ROF AOE POW Ogrun of Rhul live inextricably tied to local dwarven clans,
12 1 3 12 Combined Melee Attack
and ogrun view Rhulic clan lords as equivalent to their own
Combined Ranged
HAND AXE korune. Because of this, many families of ogrun have moved
POW P+S Attack
into the border fortresses, where the two races train side by
4 12
side. Ogrun travel from across Rhul to enlist in the Assault
DAMAGE 8 EA Hailing from the southern
FIELD ALLOWANCE 2 fortresses of Rhul, the
LEADER & 2 GRUNTS 6 Ogrun Assault Corps is
LEADER & 4 GRUNTS 9 one of the most demanded
MEDIUM BASE units as the Forge Guard and the Hammerfall Gun Corps.
mercenary regiments
As with those groups, the Assault Corps saw the value in
in the Iron Kingdoms.
Armed with enormous battle cannons, the Assault Corps
skill and to earn coin they send back to their families. Amid
is capable of laying waste to enemy positions as a mobile
mankind’s bloody wars, they have earned a name as being
guns in concert, unleashing staggering explosions to

134
 SYLYS WYSHNALYRR, THE SEEKER
MERCENARY SEEKER CHARACTER SOLO
There are as many battlefields as there are paths to truth.
—Sylys Wyshnalyrr

TACTICAL TIP Mercenary – This

model will work for SYLYS
ATTACHED – This model cannot be reassigned if its warcaster is Cygnar, Khador, and the SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
destroyed or removed from play. Retribution. 6 4 5 4 13 13 9
SPIRITUAL CONDUIT – Channeled spells and spells with a RNG of
SYLYS STAFF OF SEEKING
SELF, SP, or CTRL cannot gain this bonus. POW P+S
Attached – Before the 3 7
start of the game, attach
this model to a friendly DAMAGE 5
Not all people of Ios follow the Retribution of Scyrah and its
warcaster for the rest of FIELD ALLOWANCE C
bloody vendetta against human arcanists. One major Iosan the game. Each warcaster POINT COST 2
religious sect believes the secret to reviving their fallen can have only one model SMALL
gods lies hidden beyond the borders of Ios itself. These are attached to it.
the Seekers, and Sylys Wyshnalyrr has been among their Arcane Assist – If its warcaster is in this model’s command
number for more than a human lifetime, endlessly searching range during your Control Phase, the warcaster can upkeep one
spell without spending focus.
for a hint that might save his people.
Arcane Secrets ( Action) – RNG 3. Target this model’s
A scholar well versed in the arcane arts, Sylys barters his warcaster. If the warcaster is in range, it gains an additional die
talents to the armies of the human nations in exchange for on magic attack and magic damage rolls for the next spell it
access to their libraries and safe passage across their lands. casts. Discard the lowest die in each roll. Arcane Secrets lasts for
one turn.
Given his attention even the most puissant warcaster would
Retribution Partisan – When included in a Retribution army,
this model is a Retribution model instead of a Mercenary model.
edge in battle.
Spiritual Conduit – While its warcaster is in this model’s
command range, when the warcaster casts a spell and is the
point of origin for the spell, the spell gains +2 RNG.

STAFF OF SEEKING
Magical Weapon
Reach

For many years Sylys stayed aloof from the politics of

Ios, shunning the Halltyr, the Fane of Scyrah, and the
growing popularity of the Retribution of Scyrah equally.
Over time, however, he grew to know the cruelties of war
committed by every nation, causing him to question his
belief in a peaceful solution to Ios’ peril. Recent events
that have stirred new allies to join the Retribution have
prompted Sylys to reconsider the sharp divide between
the sects, and he has consented to provide Retribution
agents certain information he gathers while abroad. Thus
he retains his original goal while serving the armies of the
Iron Kingdoms but also listens for intelligence to pass on
to his Retribution contacts.

135
 RAGMAN
MERCENARY THAMARITE CHARACTER SOLO
Death is feared only by those too weak to make it their servant.
—Lord Mylo di Northryne, “The Ragman”

Mercenary – This model TACTICAL TIP

RAGMAN will work for Cryx, Cygnar,
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD and Khador. MAGIC ABILITY
6 5 6 4 14 12 9 special attack counts as casting a spell.
Animosity [Morrowan] –
WALKING STICK This model cannot be
POW P+S
included in an army that Assuming the guise of a dispossessed wanderer, Northryne
3 8
includes one or more
models of the listed type.
made his way to the smoking ruins of Riversmet. Protracted
DAMAGE 5
FIELD ALLOWANCE C RAGMAN
POINT COST 2 The multitude of corpses spoke to Lord Northryne without
SMALL BASE words. Each of them told a unique story, the contortion of
Magic Ability [7] their faces and limbs in rigor mortis whispering tales of the
• Bone Shaker ( Attack) – Bone Shaker is a RNG 8, POW death that had come for warriors, peasants, merchants, and
12 magic attack. When this spell boxes a living or undead
nobles alike. He spent months walking among the ruins,
non-warcaster, non-warlock enemy warrior model, you
can immediately take control of the model and make a full moving from habitations that had collapsed to sepulchers,
advance with the enemy model followed by a normal melee from mass graves to plague pits, studying death in all
attack, then the boxed model is removed from play. The its manifestations. When the Khadoran occupiers began
boxed model cannot be targeted by free strikes during this
the reconstruction of that shattered country, his morbid
movement.
fascinations had only been whetted.
• Death Field ( Action) – This model gains Dark Shroud.
While within 3 of this model, friendly models also gain Following the war, he became a common sight at the
Dark Shroud. Death Field lasts for one turn. (While in the
mercenary camps that dotted the heartlands of the Iron
melee range of a model with Dark Shroud, enemy models
Kingdoms. With soft words and impeccable politeness,
he made his dark talents available to the most desperate
When this model is directly hit by
an enemy ranged attack, you can choose to have one friendly, of military commanders, asking only that in return for his
non-incorporeal living model within 3 of this model directly hit services he be allowed to walk unhindered and unobserved
instead. That model is automatically hit and suffers all damage
and effects.
ceased. Disquieting as this proposition was, few turned
WALKING STICK down his services.
Magical Weapon
The Ragman has chosen a solitary path of dark ascension;
he knows the knowledge gleaned from studying the dead
eyes of the slain brings him closer to his true path than
the Ragman has become a creature of dark legend. He is most any instruction by his necromantic peers. The dead move
at his whim, corpses rising from where they have fallen to
carefully studying death in its countless manifestations. do his bidding.
He can spend weeks at a time haunting the ruins left in the
passing of great armies. Bartering his services to generals
and kings, he asks only for the chance to walk where death
has tread.

The Ragman hides the truth of his noble birth behind the
remnants of a tattered mask. Lord Mylo di Northryne is a
Thamarite sorcerer and follower of Scion Delesle, the patron
of necromancy and death. Once the head of a small cult
based in the north of Llael, for years he limited his activities
to the lands dominated by his family and took pains to
conceal his arts. Since the Khadoran occupation, however,
he has taken the opportunity to greatly expand his research.
Lord Northryne viewed the dissolution of his country, a
tragedy to many, as the blossoming of a great possibility.

136
137
 CYGNAR MODEL GALLERY

STORM
STRIDER
Battle Engine

138
 TRIUMPH CAPTAIN JONAS MURDOCH
Heavy Warjack Unit Attachment

139
 PROTECTORATE OF MENOTH MODEL GALLERY

ATTENDANT PRIEST FLAMEGUARD CLEANSER OFFICER

Unit Attachment Unit Attachment

140
BLOOD OF MARTYRS SCOURGE OF HERESY
Heavy Warjack Heavy Warjack

141
 KHADOR MODEL GALLERY

GUN CARRIAGE
Battle Engine

142
KOLDUN KAPITAN VALACHEV TORCH
Unit Attachment Heavy Warjack

143
 CRYX MODEL GALLERY

WRAITH ENGINE
Battle Engine

144
SCAVENGER MALICE REVENANT CREW RIFLEMAN
Bonejack Helljack Unit Attachment

145
 RETRIBUTION OF SCYRAH MODEL GALLERY

ARCANTRIK FORCE
GENERATOR
Battle Engine

146
HEAVY RIFLE TEAM HOUSE SHYEEL ARTIFICER DISCORDIA
Unit Solo Heavy Myrmidon

147
 MERCENARY MODEL GALLERY

OGRUN ASSULT CORPS

Unit

148
RAGMAN
Solo

149
 FUEL THE ENGINES OF WAR

150
151
 PAINTING BATTLE ENGINES
Although it may seem like battle engines require One of the nice things about painting battle
their own painting techniques due to their size engines is their size. At such a large scale you
and use of resin parts, the painting guides in can experiment with elaborate painting methods
the Forces of WARMACHINE books work as well for areas that might be more straightforward on
for them as they do for warjacks. If you neglect smaller models. This guide focuses on techniques
to assemble and paint these massive models that will allow you to supplement your standard
piece by piece, though, you’re going to run into paint scheme and turn your battle engine projects
trouble. Since painting a battle engine takes into fun and rewarding challenges.
many hours, you’ll be handling the model a lot.
That can cause damage to the paint job if the
model is not properly mounted to some sort of
temporary handle, so pay close attention to our
tips on assembly.

ASSEMBLY TIPS

Nothing will make your battle engine project easier than the proper mounting and assembly of your model. Painting a fully assembled,
unmounted battle engine presents several challenges, including paint chipping and breakage; it can also make it difficult to reach deep areas
on the model. In general, it is good practice to mount each subassembly to a handle (a wooden dowel is ideal) before undercoating it with
Formula P3 Primer. Crew models should always be mounted to a dowel and painted separately from the battle engine. Don’t worry about
painting areas that would be in complete shadow, such as the bottom of the Gun Carriage or the inner walls of the Vessel of Judgment’s wheels.
Areas like these would not be exposed to the light and should be painted Thamar Black.

It is best to paint the Wraith Engine in a The carriage portion of this Gun Carriage We have started painting this Arcantrik
number of stages. Wait until you finish has been mounted to a handle so it can be Force Generator without the crew and
painting its glowing innards to assemble the painted separately from the crew and horses. pylons. We will paint those pieces
ribcage, then move on to painting the main separately and attach them at the end of
body. Assemble and attach the arms only the process.
after fully painting the main body.

152
COLOR MODULATION Step 4) Add a drop of Brown Ink and a drop
of Turquoise Ink to the previous mixture and
When painting battle engines with large, open
apply additional shading.
areas of uniform color, such as the Arcantrik
Force Generator or Gun Carriage, maintaining Step 5) Use a mix of Khador Red Base and
visual appeal can be tricky. Color modulation is Khador Red Highlight to highlight the areas that
a way of making these monochromatic expanses feature Khador’s standard red. For the pinkish
visually appealing, and it works by using slightly sun-bleached areas, highlight with a 2:1 mixture
different tones of the same color on various of Midlund Flesh and Khador Red Base instead.
panels. The differences may seem subtle but lend
enough variety to keep the look interesting. For your second highlight, mix Menoth White
Highlight into the mixture you used on the
GUN CARRIAGE basic red areas, and mix Ryn Flesh into the pink
The Gun Carriage features two-tone color mixture you used on the color modulated areas.
modulation that starts with the standard Khador Step 6) Apply multiple light glazes of Red Ink
red formula on some parts and adds a pinkish
red that simulates sun-bleached paint on others. two colors and completes the effect.
Step 1) Start by basecoating the majority of the
armor plates with Khador Red Base. For the
armor that will have the bleached paint effect,
Coal Black Red Ink
instead basecoat with a mix of Khador Red Base
and Midlund Flesh. Umbral Umber Turquoise Ink

Step 2) Add Sanguine Base to both basecoat Sanguine Base Midlund Flesh
colors and use this to shade the armor plates of
both surfaces. Brown Ink Ryn Flesh

Khador Red Base Menoth White

Step 3) Add a small amount of Umbral Umber
Highlight
and Coal Black to the previous mixtures for a Khador Red
second layer of shading to both surfaces. Highlight

1 2 3

4 5 6

153
 PAINTING GUIDE

ARCANTRIK FORCE GENERATOR Step 3) Add Ironhull Grey to the mixtures from
The color modulation on the Arcantrik Force the previous step for additional shading.
Generator uses three tones of white. To keep the
Step 4) Mix small amounts of the original three
process simple and maintain similar colors, start
basecoat colors into Morrow White. Apply
with three different basecoats. For each shading
these three new mixes as highlights to their
and highlighting step, add the same colors
respective areas.
to each basecoat mix. Though subtle, color
modulation can add a lot of appeal to the white Step 5)
panels of this battle engine. White mixed with water and mixing medium to
all the panels.
Step 1) The bluish basecoat is the standard
Retribution mix of Underbelly Blue and Morrow
White. For the pinkish-white basecoat, mix Carnal Pink Morrow White
Carnal Pink and Frostbite. For the beige-white
Frostbite Ironhull Grey
basecoat, mix Menoth White Base, Carnal Pink,
and Underbelly Blue in roughly equal amounts. Underbelly Blue Cryx Bane
Highlight
Step 2) For the initial shading, mix Cryx Bane Menoth White
Highlight into each of the basecoat mixtures. Base

1 2 3

4 5

154
SOURCE LIGHTING the panels with the same mixture to create the
suggestion of softly glowing light.
For some models you may want to paint an
effect that simulates light being cast from a Step 2) Apply some energetic patterning to
light source. The barely contained energy of the bottom of the grooves using Menoth White
the Arcantrik Force Generator and the charnel Highlight.

create excellent opportunities to feature this Step 3) Add Menoth White Base and mixing
technique. Depending on the aesthetics of your medium to the Arcane Blue and Carnal Pink
model, the strength of the light source may vary, mixture used in step 1 and paint the new mixture
so it is best to keep the effect subtle. into the grooves. Apply it thinly enough that the
Menoth White Base patterning shows through.
ARCANTRIK FORCE GENERATOR
Step 4) Accentuate the patterns from step 2 with
The omnipresent glowing elements in the more Menoth White Highlight.
Retribution paint scheme can pose a challenge
due to the small size of the grooves and channels Step 5) Use Meridius Blue to outline the grooves
that house the arcane glow. Because the channels and separate them visually from the paneling.
of the Arcantrik Force Generator are so much
larger, you can paint them more easily and add
some extra detail at the same time. Meridius Blue Menoth White
Base
Step 1) Mix a wash of Arcane Blue, Carnal Pink, Arcane Blue
mixing medium, and some water. Apply this to Menoth White
the grooves between panels. Paint the edges of Carnal Pink Highlight

1 2 3

4 5

155
 PAINTING GUIDE

WRAITH ENGINE around some of the pipes; because it is a non-

The Wraith Engine should look like it is
glowing from within, with the eye slits, steam the light source.
vents, and chest cavity being the source of the
Step 5) Wash the area in Yellow Ink with a small
light. It is best to paint the glowing parts and
amount of Green Ink mixed in, again, avoiding
the tattered rags. After the previous was has
Step 1) Prime the model using Formula P3 Black dried, mix a drop of Green Ink with some
Primer and allow it to dry. Then spray the chest, Armor Wash. Apply this to the recesses to help
the inside of the ribcage, and the areas where visually separate the pipes from each other.
light would fall with Formula P3 White Primer. Step 6) Glue the ribcage onto the main body
Step 2) Carefully paint the eye slits, smoke and use Thamar Black to cover any mistakes
stacks, and any other vents that will glow with and areas of overspray. With the glowing areas
Menoth White Highlight.
using the guide in Forces of WARMACHINE: Cryx.
Step 3) Wash the general area of illumination
and the inside of the ribcage with a mixture of
Thamar Black Armor Wash
Green Ink, Yellow Ink, and Necrotite Green.
Necrotite Green Green Ink
Step 4) Use Menoth White Highlight to apply
highlights cast by the light source. Avoid Menoth White Yellow Ink
highlighting the tattered cloth that wraps Highlight

1 2 3

4 5 6

156
STORM STRIDER Step 3) Highlight with a mixture of Arcane Blue
The Storm Strider shown here has been nearly and Menoth White Highlight. Start in the center
completed with the techniques described in and move out in a swirling pattern to give the
Forces of WARMACHINE: Cygnar. Now it is time storm nodes an extra touch of voltaic activity.
to paint the model’s glowing storm nodes.
Step 4) Add more Menoth White Highlight to
Step 1) Basecoat the inside of each storm node the mix and apply another layer of highlighting.
with Menoth White Highlight.
Step 5)
Step 2) Apply a wash of Arcane Blue mixed with undiluted Menoth White Highlight. The storm
water and mixing medium. Apply the wash nodes should have a bright blue glow.
evenly to the nodes and avoid excessive pooling. Menoth White Arcane Blue
Highlight

1 2 3

4 5

157
 PAINTING GUIDE

WEATHERING Step 3)
painting a thin line of Frostbite mixed with
When painting small-scale models such as
Cygnar Blue Highlight to the bottom edge of
troops or solos, keep your weathering subtle
each chip.
or omit it all together. On large models like
the battle engines, however, you can feature Step 4) Apply a dot of Khador Red Highlight
to the rusty portion of each chip to simulate an
add to the realism of the piece. Weathering irregular surface. Now your chipping is complete!
techniques are as varied as the climates and
terrain of the Iron Kingdoms, so take time to Step 5) For the dirt and mud, start by applying
experiment. Here are a few example weathering
techniques to get you started. technique, or a combination of the two to
achieve a mud-splattered effect.
STORM STRIDER
Step 6) Apply multiple layers of highly diluted
The Storm Strider features a two-stage Gun Corps Brown to the mud in a stippled pattern.
weathering technique that involves simulating
rusty chips in the fresh paint and dirt and mud Step 7)
on the stomping legs of the mighty machine. of diluted Beast Hide on the areas immediately
around the rivets to simulate dust sticking to
Step 1) the moisture that gathers there.
chips freehand with Thamar Black. Try various
shapes and patterns to give a varied appearance
to the chipping. Thamar Black

Step 2) Apply Bloodstone to the interior region Frostbite Gun Corps Brown
of each paint chip while carefully leaving a thin
Bloodstone Beast Hide
outline of black around the perimeter. This will
create the illusion that the chip is recessed into Khador Red Cygnar Blue
the surface. Highlight Highlight

1 2 3 4

5 6 7

158
GUN CARRIAGE Step 3) Simulate scratches by applying Cold
The Gun Carriage has a different type of Steel in random slashes.
chipping than the Storm Strider. It is meant to
Step 4) Ease the transition between weathering
simulate an old, battle-weathered paint job that
and scratches by glazing the area with diluted
has taken some punishment.
Brown Ink.
Step 1) Apply a mixture of Exile Blue and

sharp edges and areas around the rivets. Exile Blue Umbral Umber
Step 2) For additional weathering, apply a Coal Black
mixture of Umbral Umber and Coal Black in the
same way as for step 1. Cold Steel Brown Ink

1 2

3 4

159
 THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD
PART TWO

THE BLOODSTONE MARCHES, grip. The black-haired youth winced as metal fingers
FALL 608 AR pressed into his flesh. “I have seen a warcaster beaten by
Magnus ignored the deep pain in his hip and right leg as a man with only a blade.”
he lunged forward, trusting his brace to absorb the shock.
“Kingslayer? That blade is hardly ordinary.”
Foecleaver with the edge of his lighter blade. The black- Magnus let go at last and said, “Nor is he who wields it.”
haired youth smoothly turned this into a riposte, jabbing at He nodded toward the sword the youth held. “Your sword
Magnus’ side, which might have been effective if they had is not Kingslayer, true. But it is mechanikally augmented
been fencing and the warcaster not wearing armor. Magnus to gather the kinetic force of your swings into an invisible
gave a cruel smile as the blade scraped ineffectually against second edge. This does more than protect its metal from
a metal pipe at his waist. He stepped forward, swatting the nicks and scratches. You can penetrate a warcaster’s power
sword aside with his mechanikal arm to sink into the dirt a
few paces away.
The youth looked skeptically at the sword in his hand.
The warcaster expected that to be the end of it, but the boy While lighter than Foecleaver, it was a brutish implement,
hammered of mismatched steel from many different
his blade as he regained his feet—an impressively nimble sources. Its bolted-on guard and pommel were blocky
move given he was also wearing armor, only slightly and had no graceful lines. Yet it carried conduits and rune
mechanikally augmented. He ruined it by forecasting his plates exactingly laid by Magnus, connected within its hilt
lunge with his expression. Fast and strong, the boy forced to a slender but potent customized accumulator. Its single
the older man back with the next sequence of blows. edge was made of hardened steel stolen from Khadoran
warjacks. The armor he wore was similarly assembled, built
for real combat. Magnus did not care that his ward lacked
rest. He was unscathed in the end. appreciation for his handiwork; he would have trusted the
The warcaster smiled and saw the boy’s cheeks redden blade before hundreds of prettier lengths of metal. The boy
with anger. Despite Magnus’ mocking expression, he would learn its quality in time.
was impressed. Thanks, no doubt, to the inquisitors The youth’s upbringing had been sheltered. He had been
who had tutored him, the young man was already a taken from his mother at a tender age and had spent
consummate swordsman. Nowhere near on par with his his boyhood in the company of schemers and plotters.
father, but he had the potential. Talent with the blade Inquisitors had done what they could to prepare him, but
came easily to his family line—even Leto had the gift. they were lesser men, and some lessons had to be learned
But talent meant little, by itself. Magnus opened his
guard to encourage a reckless thrust and clamped onto untested skills. He was nearing manhood, though in
the lad’s wrist when he fell for the ruse, trapping his Magnus’ eyes he was still little more than a boy. Not yet
arm. Magnus butted his head straight into the boy’s seventeen, he was tall and strong, though still lanky. He
forehead, sending him reeling to trip and land on his resembled his father more than his uncle, thankfully.
backside, his head bleeding. He had the raven-black hair and the square features, but
The youth hurled his sword down and rubbed his head. his eyes were more devious than bold. He might become
“Thamar’s teeth!” he cursed. “This is a waste of time!” formidable, if he lived long enough.

Magnus walked closer with Foecleaver in hand and loomed Magnus said, “You understood the lesson. You cannot
ominously over the younger man. The setting sun behind
the warcaster cast his heavily scarred face in shadow. stop.” He did not give the black-haired youth time to think
“Learning the sword is a waste of time?” but simply advanced, striking with Foecleaver.

The young man glared at him. “It doesn’t matter against They sparred amid the dusty hills southeast of the
your warcaster armor. One mistake, and my life is forfeit. Marchfells that looked down on the Black River to the west.
You can be sloppy and take whatever risks you please!” The ominous shape of Tower Judgment was visible to the
south, looming atop the higher hills. Magnus had chosen
Magnus held out his mechanikal hand, and after a slight this place for its perils, as a small stretch of barren land
hesitation the younger man seized it to be helped back surrounded by potentially hostile powers. The area had
to his feet. Rather than releasing, Magnus tightened his no true masters, although recently warlike bands of well-

160
armed farrow had been on the march nearby, territorial and severely damaging one of them. The draft horses hauling
ready to commit violence. The Protectorate of Menoth was the heavily laden wagon whinnied in fear, their eyes rolling,
just south, its patrols likely aware of their presence.
to pull the wagon off the road to the right. Magnus had
To the northeast were the skorne, whose dominion was been hiding just off the roadway and was ready for this. He
expanding as they lay claim to lands mankind considered moved in front of the team, unnerving them. They tottered
and reared, then tried to pull away to the side, losing
with those invaders now. It was possible they would still momentum and slowing the wagon.
accept him as a hired blade despite the overthrow of their
Conqueror. Magnus was not eager to face the paingiver He leapt up onto the driving board, where the soldier
who had—amidst excruciating agony—opened his eyes riding escort was already standing and drawing his sword.
to the futility of the decades he had spent serving Vinter Foecleaver hacked into his shoulder and carved deep
Raelthorne IV. A bitter, albeit necessary, lesson. into his chest, ending that aspiration. Magnus pulled him
roughly off the wagon to fall to the ground, where his
Across the river to the west lay Cygnar and the forces of the body was run over by the wagon wheels. The driver gave
usurper king, where Captain Allister Caine hunted for any a startled yelp and did Magnus a favor: he jumped off the
sign of him or his ward. Magnus had spent the last several other side. He landed poorly, twisting his leg, and was hit
months avoiding contact with old associates, wary of being by his own wagon.
tracked as he prepared for the next step. More important
than anything was establishing the proper rapport with this
young man, in whose bloodline rested Magnus’ best and
A SECOND OBLITERATOR
last chance to reclaim his destiny.
ROCKET HAMMERED INTO
Staying hidden from both enemies and allies had been THE REAR WAGON EVEN AS
LONG GUNNERS LEAPT OUT
recently heard from one of his more reliable agents about THE BACK WITH RIFLES READY.
momentous events afoot. Cygnar’s Fourth Army stirred,
moving to eastern garrisons. The nobles still loyal to Vinter
Raelthorne IV had been meeting in secret. Assassins sent The sword knights in the next wagon and the long
by the Protectorate of Menoth had murdered two of the gunners in the third were already scrambling in response
vassals of Archduke Alain Runewood, a staunch ally of Leto to their commander ’s whistle. Magnus seized the reins
Raelthorne. Vinter was making his move; Magnus could and sought to bring the horses under control, his mind
sense his presence, the long shadow he cast. There was no already divided among his ’jacks. A second obliterator
room for mistakes. rocket hammered into the rear wagon even as long
He fought blade-to-blade against the boy until the youth gunners leapt out the back with rifles ready. The entire
collapsed from exhaustion, the sword unresponsive in his wagon was consumed in an explosion, taking all but a
numb hands. Magnus was weary himself, despite the aid few of these defenders with it.
of his warcaster armor, but he took efforts to conceal it. He Magnus’ Talon endured one shot from the less damaged
also hid the agony of his old injuries, the knots of his aging of the two Chargers, which was regaining its feet, but then
frame. As the moon Calder rose he relented. “Enough,
Julius. Sleep. We wake before dawn.” Renegade closed from that direction as well, its Shredder
spun up to speed and growling.

The Ironclad alongside the middle wagon had been

outside the radius of both blasts. Its glowing eyes locked
The heavily guarded wagon caravan had made good time onto the Talon and Renegade, and it ran in that direction
along the King’s Highway, with King’s Vine ten miles behind with its quake hammer. Magnus pointed his mechanikal
them and the long stretch before Fort Falk ahead. It traveled hand at it to invoke runes that were a manifestation of
misfortune. Just as it reached the Talon there was the
with Cygnaran Army soldiers against incidents on its way pounding of a heavier machine as a Mangler charged
to Corvis. toward it. The Ironclad was unable to avoid the clash
Suddenly an obliterator rocket landed in front of the lead as the Mangler smashed into it, first with its whirling
wagon with a tremendous detonation that tore apart the wrecker flail and then with an augmented punching
road and toppled the two Chargers walking at the fore, spike. The wrecker tore armored plating loose from the

161
 THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD: PART TWO

Ironclad’s upper chassis and battered its head while the Julius looked past the knights and caught the warcaster’s
spike drove deeply into the mechanisms of its left arm, eye, his apprehension clear. He clearly expected Magnus to
shattering pistons intended to drive its hammer. leap down from the wagon to join the fray, or at least send
a warjack.

step out from behind a boulder to stab one of the long Magnus sat still, reins in hand, and gave the boy a cold look.
gunners who had survived the second obliterator blast. The youth’s eyes widened as he realized he was on his own.
The youth had a slightly shocked look as he delivered the At last Magnus saw the expression of panic he had been
killing thrust. It seemed likely. A second long
gunner drew his own sword, gave a desperate yell, and
The last knights were too focused on their foe to realize
made a clumsy swing. Julius still looked dazed, but his
training took over. He parried and immediately riposted
almost fell in his haste to avoid the blade. He withdrew
to stab the second soldier through the chest. The long
quickly—too quickly—without watching his path. But
gunner dropped his weapon and hung there for a moment,
then his expression darkened and he leapt forward like a
held by Julius’ sword. The young man stepped back and
striking viper to catch the knight under the helmet with the
let the corpse fall.
point of his sword. The mechanikal blade punched through
The Ironclad smashed feebly at the Mangler with its hammer, the man’s gorget, and blood spilled down his chest. The
boy spent a dangerous moment staring at the result of his
violence and did not react quickly enough to the other
another powerful blow of its punching spike, then whirled knight, who slashed into his side with a sweeping strike.
toward the sword knights charging toward it. Several had Julius twisted partially away and the armor held, but the
seen Julius and closed on him instead. Impelled by Magnus, blow made him stagger to the side, wheezing. Magnus
knew such a hit would leave a mark, even through armor.
wide arc, letting the chain fully extend to tear through the Perhaps it would serve as a reminder to the boy of what
could happen if he did not stay focused.
inside the ’jack’s reach to hammer it with their battle blades.
The thick armor on the machine took a beating, and its arm
other side. As he circled away he again lunged toward
with the punching spike lost a vital piston, but it endured.
the junior knight in an aggressive attack, leveraging a
heavy blow to knock the Caspian battle blade aside, but
AT LAST MAGNUS SAW THE
EXPRESSION OF PANIC HE HAD then retaliated with a swing the boy barely parried in time.
BEEN ANTICIPATING: THE BOY Fighting a skilled man with a shield was not easy, and here
FINALLY REALIZED HIS LIFE
were two. The only way it could be managed was to keep
both enemies occupied, a draining proposition. Julius fell
WAS IN REAL PERIL.
back again. With the uncertain ground, though, the more
he moved, the more likely it became that he would stumble
Magnus felt a moment of rare nostalgia. It had been years and provide a fatal opening. Magnus’ sorcerous power
since he had made a raid like this without support beyond
his warjacks. He had become accustomed to having Croe, Renegades closer to bring its arc node in reach.
Boomhowler, or Brocker at his side, along with their skilled
underlings. It made him recall what life had been like
slash. The veteran narrowly got his battle blade up to
block. Julius immediately reversed himself to swing at the
Cygnaran supply caravans for the materials to cobble
younger knight closing on his left, cutting just above the
together his ’jacks out of spare parts and salvage.
man’s shield. The mechanikal blade clanged into the man’s
The warcaster savored the sensation of tremendous power
The knight reeled and blood poured from his broken nose.
sword knights before it. Two managed to evade its strike, Julius followed with a downward hack that split the man’s
skull and made a ruin of his face. They’ll want a closed-casket
withdrew his mind from their cortexes to watch with his funeral for that one, Magnus thought.

The officer yelled in rage and made a powerful horizontal

closed on the boy. He had cause for concern: three against
strike, but Julius ducked below its edge as the man
one was poor odds, even for an experienced swordsman.
overextended past him. Julius thrust at his exposed

162
right side, at the mailed gap below the breastplate. Links brick stamped with the symbol of the Leryn-Corvis Bullion
parted, then flesh, prompting the knight to lurch and Exchange. Julius’ eyes widened at the sight, and Magnus
gasp. Julius struck at him repeatedly, each blow stronger said, “With enough gold, we can buy as large an army as we
than the last, until he battered the knight’s blade aside require.” He dropped the lid and threw the tarp back over
and the man tripped to fall onto his back. Julius took his
sword in both hands and chopped decisively against the the main road and down a dusty path that would take them
middle of his enemy’s breastplate, opening armor and to Ternon Crag.
chest alike like a walnut.
NORTHERN POINT BOURNE
Julius panted heavily and held a hand to his side as he Deneghra advanced on the outer trenches feeling the
stumbled back to the wagon where his mentor sat with a anticipation of hatching plans long in the making. She
bored expression. Magnus gave a slow clap. “Nicely done. savored the sensation of power as she mentally touched the
We’ll make a swordsman of you yet.” warjacks and undead under her dominion. Asphyxious she
“You could have helped! How would letting me die could feel at a greater distance behind her, a font of power
forward your goals?” Despite his words, Magnus could at the center of the army they had assembled together. She
see his righteous acrimony giving way to the addictive
exhilaration of victory. realized a Khadoran warcaster lingered here.

“Had you died here,” Magnus said, “you would not be the At her bidding the undead created from the remnants of
man Cygnar needs.” an ambushed Cygnaran patrol marched to engage the
Khadorans from the northeast. To preserve their appearance
Julius glared back. “I will never be my father. No matter most were simple, animated thralls. Among them were
how you try to mold me into him.” several scrap thralls her necrotechs had prepared. It had
“No, you will not. And I do not want you to be.” been expected there might be sentries here, but the group
awaiting her looked to be considerably more diverting.
The boy reached down to tear a strip of cloth from the tunic
of a nearby body and wiped the gore from his blade. “A Deneghra became spectral as she silently approached
king should not do everything himself,” he continued. “I the nearest Kossite woodsman standing watch. He was
should lead others in battle rather than expect to kill every oblivious to her presence until the point of Eclipse drove
adversary by my own hand.” Despite his words, Magnus through his back and emerged out his chest. He did not
saw a change in Julius’ attitude: he held himself a bit even have time to gasp before he died, his soul ripped
straighter, and the way his hand lingered on the weapon loose with a silent scream to be seized by one of the soul
after sheathing it suggested attachment to the blade now cages at her waist. A subordinate warwitch siren named
that it had proven itself. Kayress neutralized the next-closest Kossite, and Deneghra
and those she commanded entered the outer trenches
“You will command,” Magnus acknowledged. “Still, a unobserved. It helped that the Khadorans were occupied
shrewd leader is ready should his subordinates fail him. No shooting down mindless thralls.
one cares about your life as much as you do. Never trust
anyone else to save your skin. Not those who have sworn to She enjoyed watching their distraction as she approached
serve you, not me, not anyone.” the Khadoran warcaster from behind, bidding her warjacks
follow. She was well versed in cloaking her mind and their
Julius climbed to join Magnus on the wagon bench. He cortexes from other warcasters, a talent honed against her
watched as the warcaster directed his ’jacks to clear the sister. Warcasters became overly reliant on the senses of their
Cygnaran wrecks obstructing the path. Looking at the grisly warjacks and on feeling the tremors of mental commands
remains of the sword knights, he said, “It seems wasteful to sent between their rivals and peers. Most broadcast mental
spend my time killing my future subjects.” commands far more loudly than was necessary. Deneghra
“Become hardened to spilling the blood of your worked more subtly, sending only the barest whispers of
countrymen. You must seize power in order to rule. For thought to the cortexes of her machines.
that, you need an army.” A Destroyer advancing through the maze of trenches while
“I thought you were providing one,” Julius sneered.
moved past the walls of the nearest bunker. It launched a
Magnus stood and pulled a tarp back from the heavy crates shell that soared overhead to explode behind her, its blast
neutralizing only one of many bane knights closing on the
heaved it open with his mechanikal arm, shattering the assault kommandos.
lock. Within lay row upon row of pristine bullion, each

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 THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD: PART TWO

The alerted warcaster turned to face her. He swiftly leapt it sawed the helljack nearly in half. Behind Deneghra,
over the back of the trench and dropped to one knee to Nightmare’s glowing eyes fixated on Torch as it leapt
over a line of sand bags.
recognized Kommander Strakhov, a reputedly cunning
The second Deathripper scrambled around to the outside.
As it neared Strakhov, Deneghra sent power rippling
quick succession, the weapon bucking with recoil. The two
through its arc node to invoke a curse upon Torch that
sizable shells passed harmlessly through her spectral form.
summoned a whirlwind of shadows to envelop it,
Deneghra made a dismissive sound and said, “I thought
weakening its thick armor as its form became translucent.
you were a better shot, Kommander.”
Her next invocation summoned spectral chains to wrap
He cursed back at her in Khadoran, and she laughed as tightly around Strakhov’s torso and arms, limiting his
she willed two of her Deathrippers to rush him, their jaws movements and making him easier to sense for Deneghra
open and eager. A Reaper strode forward just behind them and her minions. The Deathripper was on Strakhov in a
and launched its harpoon, hoping to spear the warcaster
and drag him back, but he leapt to the side and it sank onto his arm with its teeth, drawing blood. The warcaster
harmlessly into the ground instead. drew his trench sword and hammered repeatedly at the
pernicious bonejack until it fell apart.
She felt as well as saw him summon his sorcery to
augment a ’jack that barreled her direction through a Nightmare leapt toward Torch with a rending shriek and
haze of smoke to her right. It had a powerful rip saw tore into it with blackened claws. The helljack ripped
on one arm and a large fist backed by a guttering through chest plating compromised by Deneghra’s curse
flamethrower on the other: Strakhov’s personal warjack, and knocked aside its spiked fist as its flamethrower
Torch. It ran in front of him to intercept one of the ignited to send a spray of fire toward the Cryxian
Deathrippers and hurl it aside with a spiked fist before warcaster. The volatile fluid washed across the helljack’s
turning its rip saw on the Reaper to grind through its chassis instead, setting it afire. Keeping its attention
armor. Pressing downward with inexorable strength, fixed on its chosen victim, Nightmare struck repeatedly,

164
tearing through the Khadoran heavy with devastating
ease. Torch toppled back, its hull rent by the helljack’s off the assault kommandos. She beckoned to them and
claws. Its flamethrower guttered out, and its rip saw ordered, “Kill the Khadoran warcaster!” The spectral dead
ground to a halt. disappeared into the earth blocking the passage. Deneghra
had no expectation they would succeed, but ultimately
Deneghra closed on Strakhov, thrusting with Eclipse. He
it did not matter. Even if he reached the Khadorans
tried to parry, but the spectral chains around him slowed
inside Point Bourne, his injuries and report would only
his movements enough for her to get past his guard. Her
demoralize them.

abdomen. He swiped at her with his sword, but she was She looked back to the Thornwood where Asphyxious’
beyond his reach. She pulled Eclipse back in both hands for army was emerging in its full glory. The lich lord was
a killing strike, but he raised a palm and surprised her with at their fore, surrounded by helljacks, bonejacks, and an
a powerful blast of concentrated arcane force that sent her unending horde of various thralls, wraiths, and other forces.
Looming above the army on either side of Asphyxious was
a pair of Wraith Engines. Deneghra raised Eclipse in salute
She snarled as she stood and invoked a caustic spray of
and pointed toward the breach in Point Bourne’s wall. She
acidic venom that washed over him. He lifted his armored
forearm to cover his face, and the acid merely sizzled and
and soon it was as whole as it had been the day she had
dripped from his alchemically treated armor, leaving him
been reanimated.
unscathed. He lifted his riot gun. The move was predictable,
but it forced her to become spectral rather than closing as LERYN, SEAT OF THE NORTHERN
CRUSADE
shadowy essence. Hierarch Severius sat resplendent on his throne adjacent to
the Covenant of Menoth. The raised platform supporting
Before she could mentally urge Nightmare to intercept
them was in the audience hall of the unfinished cathedral
that had once been Leryn’s Thunderhead Fortress. His
timed the shot well; the incoming shell came for her just as
attendants were arrayed behind him, heads respectfully
she could no longer sustain her wraithlike state. Not being
bowed, still as statues, as were Devouts augmented
entirely a creature of spirit, she could walk in that form only
at great expense to enable their heartfires to ignite at
a moment’s notice. Knights Exemplar and Exemplars
Errant stood watch discreetly from alcoves, and waiting
no pain, but she could feel pieces of jagged metal ripping
on the hierarch’s right was Vice Scrutator Vindictus. All
through her. She temporarily lost her concentration, and the
watched as a road-weary visitor was escorted into the
spectral chains fell loose from Strakhov. He sprinted toward
chamber and made his obeisance. This man wore the
the nearest bunker.
mask of a scrutator, but his simple vestments marked him
Nightmare saw the Destroyer as the more immediate cause as one of junior rank.
of her distress and acted of its own accord, giving a howl of
Hierarch Severius bid him rise and approach. “Scrutator
rage as it leapt across the trenches toward it. Feeling vexed
Jakaril, what news from Imer?”
at its willfulness, she followed Strakhov and arrived at the
bunker doorway just in time to see him duck into a tunnel The scrutator stepped closer, to within a proximity of the
descending into the ground. hierarch forbidden to other castes. Jakaril was part of a
network tasked to provide information from the cities in
She saw the incendiary device he threw just in time to
the Protectorate homeland. He detailed what he knew of
a meeting between Feora, Priestess and Protector of the
and collapsing the tunnel behind him. Deneghra stepped
forward and surveyed the rubble, considering turning
wraithlike and passing through. She had no idea how far
the cave-in extended, though, and entering an unfamiliar “We seized three members of the Priestess’ personal
passage in that state was too risky—she would be destroyed escort,” Jakaril said. “One had an excellent memory, once
if she reformed amid rock and debris. persuaded. He was unable to overhear the conversation
between Priestess Feora and the stranger, but he heard the
Nightmare endured a solid hit from the Destroyer’s
orders she gave afterward. I have a list of reassignments
executioner axe before slashing the Khadoran ’jack
among her garrisons.” He offered a sealed scroll, which
apart, its right claw ripped through heavy chest armor to
Vindictus accepted at Severius’ gesture.
penetrate its cortex. Deneghra called the willful helljack

165
 THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD: PART TWO

“Thank you, Scrutator Jakaril.” Severius spoke in a calm She found Lieutenant Mortimer, who led the platoon.
voice. “Await me outside. I will send orders to the capital He reported, “Can’t see them in the trees, sir! Probably
with you.” The scrutator bowed deeply and withdrew. Widowmakers.” To his right the squad’s sniper was peering

After the doors closed, the hierarch turned to Vindictus.

Haley invoked glowing runes to manifest around the
“Travel south and arrange a meeting with our Priestess of
the Flame and the Synod. They may need a gentle reminder
augmenting their accuracy and making it easier for them to
she has not been empowered to act as head of state in my
absence. I will send word to Visgoth Enjorran Sollers at
drew her hand cannon to assist, and after two volleys the
Tower Judgment to provide whatever forces you need.
Be aware that Feora appointed many of that garrison’s
her a grateful look.

Bodalin, and Delcon Vesher. I am less certain of the others. The boat tipped with the loud groaning of tortured wood.
Keep me apprised.” Haley made her way across the deck to the crane, where the
crew was desperately working to haul her warjacks over the
Vindictus bowed. “I will see it done, Your Holiness.”
railing. They managed to get one of the Minutemen off and
set it down hard. Haley reached out with her hand and drew
on her sorcery to seize Thorn with her mind and steady the
A HUGE SECTION OF THE PIKEMEN ’jack as the crane swung it wildly over the edge. There was
WERE COOKED INSIDE THEIR an ominous rumble and shaking of the deck underfoot, but
PLATE ARMOR, SMOKE POURING the disciplined crew kept working. With Haley’s telekinetic
FROM SLITS IN THEIR HELMETS. assistance, another Minuteman was hauled and released
over the side before the captain shouted, “All hands
abandon ship!”
NEAR CORVIS, THE CITY OF GHOSTS
The trenchers scrambled over the rail to jump the rest
“Brace for impact!” Captain Larson shouted as the ship of the way into the sands. Haley leapt off as well, using
her power to ease the landing. She was already in mental
gaping holes torn through its hull below the waterline. The contact with her light warjacks and sent them away from
captain veered for the gentlest stretch of riverbank on the the riverbank as the upper deck of the riverboat broke
north side of the Dragon’s Tongue. The beach could not from the lower. The remains of the broken vessel were
accommodate a ship of this size but would allow him to caught by the current and drifted downstream; luckily, the
hit ground with the least danger to passengers and crew. bulk of the crew had gotten clear. Haley’s trenchers took

Major Victoria Haley adroitly negotiated the rolling deck as into the trees, but the Khadorans had either withdrawn or
they neared the shore, checking on the trenchers along the been killed. An enthusiastic shout went up as the trenchers
spotted troops rushing toward them from the east—a
seizing a nearby rope with her mechanikal hand. The squad of CRS rangers.

While the new arrivals spoke to her trencher lieutenant,

Victoria Haley checked on Captain Larsen. His head was
protesting metal. The prow struck the sandy banks and dug bleeding, and he stared at what was left of his broken vessel
in, listing dangerously. A crewman at the fore lost his grip with a forlorn look. “I’m sorry about your boat, Captain.
and went hurtling over, landing awkwardly and screaming But thank you for getting me this far,” she said.
as he broke his leg. Bullets from among the trees brought an
abrupt end to his suffering. The boat continued to creak and
groan. Crewmen ran in every direction while the captain cannons. My men and I will hump it to the city; we’re almost
screamed orders. there.” He pointed his chin back toward the bend in the
river. Haley knew they were quite close to Corvis, though
Haley let them worry about the state of the boat and focused the city was obscured by a sloping hill beyond the steep

of arcane energy around herself and her trenchers with a

distortion that would rob incoming projectiles of their captain added, “Give ’em hell for us, Major.”
velocity. Bullets entering that sphere slowed considerably,
making it theoretically possible to see and evade them Haley could not spare the time to escort the captain and
before they struck. his crew to the city but ordered a squad of her trenchers

166
to see to their safety. She approached the swift sergeant General Adept Sebastian Nemo commanded his battlegroup
leading the rangers, a seedy-looking man of short and with a cold dispassion that came from decades on the
lean stature who had introduced himself as Farrety. “I front line, ignoring the screams of the dying as Khadoran
need to get to General Nemo, Sergeant. Know where to
find him?” shrouded Centurion crushed Winter Guard underfoot as it
closed on the nearest of the squat and heavyset cannons and
Sergeant Farrety rubbed the scruff on his chin. “I can take
drove its fully extended mechanikal spear through the iron
you to him, sir. Khadoran attack underway now. They been
barrel. Lightning arced outward to electrocute one of the
working to surround Corvis, but ol’ Nemo’s been keeping
nearest crewmen. Their eye on toppling the thick, warded
’em on their toes.” He grinned, showing a large gap where
walls of Corvis, the Khadorans had brought artillery
one of his front teeth used to be. “Follow me.”
considerably larger than what they ordinarily employed
The rest of the platoon joined her and her ’jacks as they
followed the rangers away from the riverbank. They used individual crews had scrambled to turn the heavy guns
a nearby copse of woods to screen their movements as they toward the Cygnarans, but such great cannons were not
easily repositioned. This was fortunate, as their ordnance
was singularly powerful.

walked. “Whole lot o’ reds up here on the north shore, but warcaster armor as well as by the specialized apparatus
the general’s been at ’em since they started, not letting ’em of his nearby Squire, Nemo projected a tremendous force
get too comfortable. Last night they managed to put heavy
cannons on the ridge to the northeast, outside the range o’
cannons would still be instantly lethal. The storm knights
spoke, toward where the deeper roar could be felt as much of the 4th Regiment of the First Army fought on both his

General Nemo sent most o’ the 2nd Division northwest to platoon of pikemen had charged into them from the side
pin down the main army.” He pointed back behind them, of the sloping hill.

The storm knights smoothly stepped aside to let the

smaller force to take the cannons. We could wait closer to
Thunderhead pass as Nemo directed it straight into
Corvis for him. Safer that way.”
the mass of the Khadorans in heavy armor. The great
“No.” Haley was adamant. “I have to reach him coils atop its back began to crackle and hum as arcs
immediately.” of electricity flowed along its frame, gathering at the
smaller coils along its fists and then letting loose in a
He shrugged and continued onward. Haley sent her
rippling outpouring of deadly energy. The voltaic pulse
warjacks out ahead of them, the two Minutemen to the right
was bright enough to flash light across the hilltop as
and left with Thorn straight ahead.
lightning streamers blazed over the insulated armor
They entered a murky region of Widower’s Wood. It was of the Stormblades, leaving them untouched. The
swampy ground, and none of them except the rangers Khadorans were not so fortunate; a huge section of the
negotiated it with grace. They had to navigate one pikemen were cooked inside their plate armor, smoke
particularly bad section near a muddy stream before the pouring from slits in their helmets. Those few who
ground sloped upward out of the murk to a sizable hill. The survived this assault were set upon by knights wielding
sounds of the cannons had become extremely loud. storm glaives. Several storm gunners stepped forward
to fire their underslung weapons and send additional
As when she had met with Deneghra, Haley kept her
lightning streaking into the Khadorans who had
senses at their keenest, continually reaching out with
weathered the main pulse.
her mind. She thought she could sense Nemo in the near
distance, but she could not be sure. Her heart beat with The Stormblades and Stormguard to Nemo’s right fought
apprehension; it would be easy for a stealthy force to pass alongside his Stormclad to carve through Winter Guard
them unseen amid the noise and the murk. The rhythm
of the cannons faltered, and she heard the sound of battle smashed its massive blade into a Destroyer even as Nemo
joined upslope.

post. Walking ahead of the general were several stormsmiths

who called down deadly strikes from the heavens.

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 THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD: PART TWO

General Nemo had predicted

Kommander Sorscha Kratikoff
would be protecting this cannon
emplacement. She had been seen
at the vanguard during the initial
assault on Corvis’ outer defenses
but had since been elusive. While
her absence made his job easier,
he had armed his force with the
expectation of facing an enemy
warcaster. Every ’jack and soldier
accompanying him diminished
those available to the rest of the
2nd Division, who were presently

against the larger Khadoran force to

the west. Commander Garven, who
led that force, had the assistance of
Captain Jeremiah Kraye, but as yet
Nemo did not know how many
and which Khadoran warcasters
were committed to besieging
Corvis. Until they had proper
reconnaissance, engagements
outside Corvis’ walls were risky.
The general felt a pressing need to

division in withdrawing back to

the city.

Even with his mind tightly

linked with the Thunderhead
supporting the storm knights, he felt a small twinge of
Centurion closed on it. The ’jack raised its mechanikally alarm. He immediately pulled his attention back to his
empowered shield to receive the huge metal sphere, which surroundings and turned on a purely instinctive impulse.
shattered clear through and nearly tore its arm off. Nemo It took a moment for him to realize he had felt the brush of
invoked an intricate arcane pattern through his Lancer’s a foreign and hostile cortex, but this gave him some small
forewarning before two black-armored Cryxian Stalkers
conjured energy temporarily serve in the place of shattered emerged from the shadows of the trees behind him. The
machinery. Impelled by Nemo’s will, the Centurion
charged forward and knocked aside several soldiers, then even for someone of Nemo’s heightened sensitivity. They
ruined the Khadoran cannon with a single spear thrust. moved with eerie silence and tremendous speed on slender,
needle-like legs.
The Lancer advanced, and Nemo used its arc node as
a fulcrum to invoke a powerful explosion of electrical He threw a switch with his thumb to send a surge of power
energy into the tightest knot of the Khadoran defenders. from his arcane turbine to Fulger through its connecting
He saw they had nearly cleared the way to the command cables. The mechanisms at the head of the staff whined with
post, although one of his Fireflies had succumbed to a accumulated energy as he blasted a powerful galvanic bolt
volley of Winter Guard blunderbuss and rocket fire. at the Stalker to his right. The bolt hit its skull-like head and
Nemo’s men were stretched out along a long line, and sent rending energies through its fragile chassis while the
his ’jacks were spread wider than was ideal. He found
himself operating at the limits of his own considerable
There was no time to do anything about the second one,
reach, even with the aid of his Squire. He stepped forward
which leapt the last several feet to barrel into him, hissing.
and made adjustments.
Nemo was knocked off his feet and struggled to breathe as

168
it stabbed at him with its forward legs, each cutting easily with its dagger in a wild series of long-armed strikes. A
noxious liquid ran along the edge of the blade and sizzled
his upper left chest, and the other pierced his abdomen. He
gasped in pain and sought to extract himself while trying slash and intercepted the second with Echo. She grimaced
to knock the ’jack away with Fulger. A sudden, intense in pain as a third managed to get inside her reach to slice her
spasm exploded in his lower back, and his vision swam
with spots. and the blade’s edge parted the plated armor on her leg
with unnatural ease. A blistered red line oozed where it had
He was keenly aware of how far he had allowed his warjacks
pierced the skin.
to roam. The Thunderhead was battling several Iron Fangs
and could not disengage, but his Lancer turned back toward Nemo scowled in anger and lunged forward, momentarily
forgetting his own wounds. The entity did not see him as he
pale and gaunt within a voluminous robe, rushed him from raised Fulger and brought it crashing down. The creature‘s
the shadows; he saw bare arms covered with black runes skull fragmented with a hollow crunch. Its body collapsed,
tendrils of lightning from Fulger still playing along its
a wavy-bladed dagger. It sprinted in a strangely hunched form. Trenchers and rangers added their support alongside
posture. Shadow-wreathed bane thralls came behind it with the two warcaster’s ’jacks to gun down the remaining bane
ready axes. thralls from close range.

Nemo regained his feet and staggered away from the Embroiled in their continuing battle with the Khadorans,
Stalker, which clicked its bone teeth and prepared to spring. few of the Cygnarans ahead had noticed the plight of
Try as he might to marshal his thoughts, concentration their general. Cygnar now had the upper hand, and the
Stormguard captain and senior veterans of the forward
to assess his injuries. It did not seem as though his lung squad had reached the command post. Soldiers on the
had been pierced, but he was bleeding profusely. His
movements felt sluggish when he tried to dodge aside as momentum.
the Stalker came at him again. Simultaneously its master
Nemo turned on Victoria Haley. “What in blue blazes are
rushed him with the knife, as if the two were competing
you doing here, Major? You’re supposed to be in Point
for the killing blow.
Bourne!” Speaking caused fresh pain from his wounds.
He noticed the feel of familiar Cygnaran cortexes only after
Haley grimaced and leaned on her spear, her breathing also
a Minuteman crashed down in front of him, landing after
labored. “Is that a thank you for saving your life, sir?”
using its innovative propulsion system. The Minuteman
could draw on a warcaster’s energy to drive an engine He shook his head. “Convenient timing, I must say. You

allowing soaring leaps. It landed in the path of the second the Khadorans here.”

She stumbled and fell to one knee, her expression confused.

necromechanikal construct. The heavy slugs tore the
She seemed to be struggling under the weight of her
machine to pieces.
warcaster armor. Thorn stepped closer, its head cocked to
There was a rippling distortion and a strange tearing sound one side. Nemo spied the bleeding gash across her upper
from an explosion amid the bane thralls, a vortex of singular leg; the skin around the wound had darkened, and tendrils
arcane energy Sebastian Nemo recognized instantly. Two of black spread outward from it. “That can’t be good,” he
of the banes caught in the blast were torn apart, while the muttered. Ignoring his own pain, Nemo slipped an arm
others slowed as if mired in mud-thick water. A second under hers and grabbed her waist. “Come, Major, on your
Minuteman landed amid them and unleashed grenades to feet!” he ordered as he hoisted her up. Together they limped
toward his soldiers. The trencher lieutenant who had
arrived with the major rushed forward to assist, supporting
The dark assassin had tumbled away from the blasts but
her under her other arm.
then closed on Nemo with preternatural speed, lips pulled
back to show razor-sharp, blackened teeth. Major Victoria Looking at Haley’s listless face, Nemo was struck by how
Haley came into Nemo’s view as she moved to intercept, pale she was and saw that she was shivering. He could
lunging with Echo. Her warjack Thorn was at her side.
under his command over the years. He yelled to one of his
The assassin managed to evade both Haley and Thorn but
nearest men, “Find the regiment battle chaplain! Hurry!”
was forced to turn to deal with them. It stabbed and slashed

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 THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD: PART TWO

THE KOVOSK HILLS, KHADOR The eldritch knew it was obvious he had returned empty-
handed. He replied sharply, “The Iosan forces responded
convoy as it made its way south through the Kovosk with greater speed and force than anticipated.”
Hills, heading toward the largest cavern entrance in their
“A pity,” Malathrax noted, although his eyes quickly
subterranean network. Accompanying the eldritch was
strayed back to the steel cube within the swirling energy
Bane Lord Tartarus along with his lieutenants, Kortesh and
Suneater. A handful of bane thralls followed, their numbers
interests lay. His mask clicked into its demonic visage. “It is
drastically reduced from what they had been. The eldritch
knew he would restore his force in time, but his mood was
they sought could be purely symbolic, given the resources
bitter as he surveyed the throng led by Lich Lord Venethrax.
expended to secure it.”
The undead army was arrayed around an enormous, multi-
Goreshade knew better than to underestimate the mind
wheeled transport. The conveyance was pulled by a dozen
of the entity before him. The question was whether he
soulhunters and several helljacks, but it moved slowly, its
could somehow manipulate Malathrax into providing him
iron wheels leaving deep furrows in the soil. A number of
additional forces to confront the Retribution army before
stitch thralls had been tasked to follow behind and do what
they reached Ios. There was a narrow window during
they could to obscure the tracks. The base of the wheeled
which the House Vyre arcanist and his allies might be
platform comprised thick beams of iron-banded wood,
thwarted. Mulling this over, Goreshade decided he could
several layers deep. A dozen large steam engines were bolted
not risk revealing the value of the Nyss vault; he could not
into this wide base, each churning industriously. They had
let Nyssor fall into Malathrax’s hands. He answered slowly,
“I do not believe its value is symbolic—not to Ios, or the
with blackened steel and adjusted to burn necrotite instead
Nyss. But I have seen nothing to suggest it would be useful
to our needs, beyond being dangled to lure the Retribution.”
them through countless vents and apertures.

the machinery containing the dragon athanc. He asked, “Do

THE ELDRITCH CONSIDERED THE you have any better idea what the relic might be?”
INEXORABLE PASSAGE OF TIME,
“Perhaps,” Goreshade said. “Before they left Ios, the Nyss
AND NYSSOR SLIPPING CLOSER TO
lived in a city called Darsael, which fell into ruin. The relic
IOS WITH EVERY SECOND.
may date from that time, or even from the Lyossan Empire.
Its inscriptions might describe arcane techniques from
Lyoss that were subsequently lost.”
At the center of the machinery atop the platform, several
This prompted some interest from the lich lord. “We should
interlocking bronze and steel hoops spun and whirled so
their arcs created the impression of an ever-moving sphere
you could not have recovered any. Perhaps next time." His
mask returned to the guise of the serene child. "I will call
At its core was a metal cube six feet on a side, suspended
on you again, Goreshade, and soon. I presume I can rely on
invisibly. The cube reminded Goreshade of the vault he had
your services?”
been recently denied. Allegedly, within this cube rested a
similarly priceless prize. Lich Lord Malathrax and Lord Goreshade inclined his head. “Of course, my lord.”
Exhumator Scaverous walked together within the column,
The lich lord drifted back to the column while the eldritch
not far back from the platform. Behind them came several
considered the inexorable passage of time, and Nyssor
lesser wagons containing supplies and gear, including one
slipping closer to Ios with every second. He needed
piled with ancient, withered corpses extracted from the
another ally, someone who could discreetly gather a
crypt below Hellspass as well as the specialized apparatus
force to intercept the Retribution. His eye landed on Lord
required by the lord exhumator for his work.
Exhumator Scaverous, who had fallen back to inspect the
Lich Lord Malathrax saw Goreshade approach and
stepped away from the column to meet him. He said, “The narrowed, and he strode in that direction.
distraction at Skirov worked perfectly. The Khadorans in
the region rushed at once to reinforce Skirov and we easily THE LOCKS OF POINT BOURNE
left Hellspass without interference. Were you able to recover
the Nyss relic?” His mask showed the face of a child, but his
glowing eyes took in Goreshade’s diminished escort. southern city and night was about to fall. He accepted this

170
information stoically, knowing from long experience that One of the mechaniks had the sense to hand the warcaster
every war brought unexpected developments. Karchev a canteen, and Strakhov drank deeply before he spoke
surveyed his battered warjacks, most of which had been in again. “A massive Cryxian army followed us. We need to
muster our forces. Everyone. They’ll be here soon. I got
immediate battle were a Destroyer, two Juggernauts, and a holed up in some tunnels . . .” He shook his head. “No
time to explain.”
and those he left behind. He gathered the Man-O-War
“The lift,” Karchev asked, waving at the lock he had just
soldiers and battle mechaniks of his immediate command
crossed. “Can you lower it?”
and marched north toward the lift bridge that had allowed
them to cross the river. Strakhov winced and shook his head. “Had to destroy the
controls after we activated it.”
Most of his Man-O-War soldiers were in poor shape, almost
as bad as the ’jacks; their steam-powered armor showed Karchev glowered toward the north shore, where amid the
great gaping holes, and several had damaged joints or half- nearest streets he saw the smoke and distinct green glow
functioning weaponry. The hardened soldiers within did of machines powered by necrotite. He said, “I will hold
not complain, but they were clearly worn down. The entire them. Our army is scattered among the occupied districts;
force had expected to encamp for a much-needed rest, and assembling them will take time.” Strakhov hesitated, still
those same soldiers now faced the grim possibility that their
day’s work might not be done. They were exhausted and
The least wounded of the men who had arrived with
hungry and in no mood for added patrols.
Strakhov stayed with Karchev while the injured warcaster
Karchev was aware of this, in the same way he was aware and the others went south, toward the kommand post.
of the levels of coal and water in the warjack frame he Karchev looked back to the walls above the ramp and saw
wore as a second skin. He did not disregard the mood of
his men, only registered it as another indicator of combat Widowmakers. Not enough, but more would arrive in time.
readiness. He gauged them ready. They were Khadorans.
They would endure. but had not yet had time to properly man this wall. A few
moments earlier the most pressing concern had been the
As his force passed the river wall and descended the ramp
possibility of squaring off against the sizable Cygnaran
toward the broad lift platform across the lock, he saw an
garrison holed up in the military quarter.
unusual sight across on the other shore. He continued
watching for several moments until he could be certain. A
ragged band of what looked like Winter Guard and assault and added his Destroyer’s bombard to the shelling. As he
kommandos were staggering toward him. Several were feared, the thick steel platform was only slightly pocked
assisting the wounded. Among them was a man who had by the blasts. It had been constructed to bear the weight
to be—Karchev could see the stacks of his arcane turbine— of multiple steamjacks with loads of building supplies and
Oleg Strakhov, who was limping severely. He looked
hunched and weary, and he moved as though every step troops could quickly dispense, at least without being able
pained him. to reach the support struts underneath. He ordered his

The bedraggled group made its way across the lift bridge,
imminent battle.
several shouting in relief to see Karchev, his warjacks,
and Man-O-War troops on the other side. Karchev let the There was a tense lull as Karchev stared across the water
soldiers pass and waited patiently for Strakhov. There was of the lock to the street opposite, where he could see
no question the man had seen action. He was bleeding from the enemy gathering. Dusk had fallen and the streets
multiple deep lacerations, and blood-soaked grime covered darkened as countless pinpricks of green light gleamed
his entire body. Additionally, his belt was empty of cinder in the shadows, each pair a set of inhuman eyes. They
bombs, and it looked as though he had used most of his seemed to be waiting. On Karchev’s side it was quiet
riot gun ammunition. Then there was the very obvious and except for the various clanking and ratcheting sounds of
equally disturbing absence of the warjacks that had been his mechaniks at work. They were seizing every available
accompanying him. moment to attend to Karchev’s battered warjacks and the
Man-O-War armor. A few additional squads of Winter
“Where’s Irusk?” Strakhov rasped. “I need to warn him.”
Guard and Iron Fangs arrived and took up positions.
“The supreme kommandant is at his kommand post, near the Their peers greeted these arrivals warmly, but Karchev
military quarter.” remained focused on the undead.

171
 THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD: PART TWO

Stepping to the fore of the roof atop one of the taller mental order to open and unleash its rain of death. Its arms
buildings immediately across the river was a familiar pulled apart with the grinding sound of heavy machinery
shape, last seen by Karchev atop the Temple Garrodh in the engaging, and its grenade tubes were revealed. It initiated
Thornwood: Lich Lord Asphyxious. The lich’s entire body a multi-staged launch of dozens of grenades that burst with
was limned with sickly, green energy, and he held his spear a deafening roar to annihilate every thrall within several
imperiously as he surveyed the massing forces on either yards of where it stood.
side of the river as if they had been gathered for his personal
Even as this blast hit the Cryxians trying to cross the
entertainment. Karchev’s lip curled and he felt fresh anger
to see Asphyxious, clearly too cowardly to join the battle
amid those farther back, a pair of Leviathans surged
directly. The undead surged into motion as if responding to
out of the river directly in front of Karchev’s ’jacks. The
some unseen or unheard signal.
Juggernauts immediately set upon them, laying to with
They swept forward toward the ramp with the heedless weighty ice axes. Karchev chopped into the nearest with
disregard for danger only possessed of the walking dead. Sunder, tearing through the crab-like helljack and then

midst, followed shortly by Man-O-War bombardiers. broke out behind him, and through the Destroyer’s eyes
Mechanithralls were blasted apart by the dozens, but Karchev saw that several pistol wraiths had manifested
more rushed forward in their place. Behind them came on the upper wall, having crossed the river elsewhere
helljacks, bonejacks, and other insubstantial creatures and emerged to execute Widowmakers and Winter Guard
half-hidden in shadow. Looming larger than the rest was
a nightmare monstrosity Karchev had never seen, moving a Harrower clambered forward to launch a shrieking
on a squat, serpentine tail and with long arms ending in projectile that exploded amid the mortar crew, consuming
steel-clawed hands each the size of a man. Despite its bulk them in darkness. Man-O-War bombardiers closed upon it
with growling chain blades, chewing through its chitinoid
blurred, occasionally fading from view only to reappear armor of steel, but it cut through several in a great,
sweeping rake of its scythe-like claw.
mechanithralls, including machine wraiths. Ghostly bane
Elsewhere along the river lock, grappling hooks bit stone
knights ignored the lift entirely to drift serenely across the
and revenants clambered onto the platforms. Karchev
surface of the river.

Karchev drew upon the power of his arcantrik turbine. at the western end of the locks and had worked their way
inward underwater, having no need to breathe. Additional
embodiment of his rage, manifested by circles of red runes revenants, bane knights, and other spectral dead were likely
surrounding their weapons. He pointed his axe Sunder penetrating the wall elsewhere in the occupied districts.
toward the water where the largest cluster of bane knights A freshly arrived unit of Iron Fang pikemen charged the
nearest revenants to run them through. While valiant, such
consume them. Khadoran artillery continued to rain down an act was almost futile, as the fallen became spectral, fell
on the ramp where the mechanithralls clambered over
the blasted remnants of others of their kind. The machine Other creatures had found the river no barrier, including
wraiths steered wide of Karchev’s arcane inferno as they
crossed the water, hungering to leap inside the minds of his
There was an inhuman shriek, and a swiftly moving form
Juggernauts. The rune-imbued ice axes of those warjacks
leapt across the bridge. It appeared to be a rune-inscribed
swept with unerring accuracy and reached even the
Slayer with long bladed claws. Its blackened armor
wraiths’ spectral forms to annihilate them in a cascade of
already bore numerous slashes, but it seemed undeterred.
unhallowed shrieks. Bane knights following after suffered
It charged toward the opened Devastator to slash the
a similar fate.
warjack’s exposed innards and shred it into ruin. It then
Karchev impelled his closed Devastator to step forward moved past to the stone road abutting the lift, glowering
to block the lift platform. Obeying, it moved directly into hatefully at Karchev. He struck down with Sunder to open
the path of the mechanithralls that had made it through a rippling crevice in the stone, causing the entire ground to
shake underfoot and temporarily knock the helljack off its
with a sound like the beating of metal drums, delivering
powerful augmented blows that managed to dent its The warjack stepped forward and swung down with its
nearly impervious armor, but it withstood the attack. As executioner axe but landed only a glancing blow before the
more thralls crushed forward against it Karchev gave it the helljack regained its feet.

172
Meanwhile the monstrous Cryxian battle engine became armor, and upon her head she wore a large, ornate helmet
insubstantial and dug its claws into the river’s surface shaped as if formed from draconic scales. She was the
to pull itself swiftly across the river. It reformed on the wraith witch, Deneghra.
other side and raked through the nearest Man-O-War
Deneghra took on solidity as she thrust at him with her
weapon, a feeble strike he might have thought amusing if
on those men’s souls. Its gluttony for fresh souls was so
not for the darkness gathered at its point. The blade barely
great it even seized those from other soldiers killed in its
penetrated the armor protecting his torso, but his stomach
proximity. A horrendous chill seeped from it; frost gathered
experienced a sudden wrenching nausea and his vision
on the weapons and armor of those near, and the very air
blurred as some dark portal swallowed him momentarily
and then disgorged him several yards away. He regained
clawed hands shredded men with gruesome enthusiasm.
clear vision only to see that he was teetering over the lock
Karchev sent his Juggernauts to attack it, expending his
sorcerous power to imbue the weapons of his warjacks with
do nothing as he toppled slowly but inevitably into the icy
his escalating rage.
grip of the water.
He almost did not see the woman approach, she was so
small and insubstantial amid a multitude of larger horrors.
The witch sped across the water with inhuman speed, at
one with the shadows. He saw her only just before she
Deneghra smirked watching Karchev the Terrible teeter
over the brink and fall into the lock with a tremendous
plume of water. Her smile faltered when his great warjack
that curdled his blood. He swept Sunder toward her as
hand clamped onto the edge of the embankment, shattering
she emerged behind him but caught only the metal barbs
webs into the stone but hanging on. The edge of his axe bit
along her back as she spun to face him, a bladed polearm
next to it, and she stepped back as he pulled himself out of
in her hands. Soul cages dangled from her waist, across
the water in front of her.
which was a dreadfully stitched scar. She wore warcaster

173
 THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD: PART TWO

A haze of mist surrounded his warjack frame as the river She saw Nightmare crawl toward Karchev’s helpless form,
water was atomized by a surge of arcane power that the helljack’s legs mangled from the blast, and raise a single
flowed outward to empower the Juggernauts battling clawed hand to extinguish his life. She froze the ’jack with
with the enormous Wraith Engine. A half-destroyed her will and stopped it in time; she had no intention of
Leviathan managed to seize one of them in its claw and giving the Khadoran warcaster the easy escape of death.
hurled it into the water, where it sank to the bottom, Inhabiting her Slayer’s cortex, she tightened its clawed
its heartfire extinguished. The other dealt a crushing
strike with its ice axe deep into the Wraith Engine’s a careful, judicious blow, although still almost cracking his
torso, and the shrieking forms of tormented souls skull. The ’jacks he had been controlling suddenly stopped
spilled loose, fleeing their prison. The Destroyer sent from the mental backlash as he fell unconscious.
to tie up Nightmare delivered a powerful blow into the
The nearby Khadoran defenders were overwhelmed by the
side of its torso before Deneghra impelled her unique
undead. Necrosurgeons began sorting the corpses to replace
Slayer to transform to ghostly shadow and disengage.
mechanithralls that had been destroyed in the crossing.
Mechanithralls and other undead spilled across the
Deneghra focused her necromantic energy into knitting her
lift, rushing to beset both the Destroyer and the nearest
Man-O-Wars soldiers.
that last blast. The discharge had created a small crater in
Karchev swung Sunder, and she barely leapt to the side the stone beneath the crippled warcaster, and the damaged
before it split the stone and wedged itself deeply where
she had stood. Nightmare in its ghostly state streaked torn apart. The maddened spirits that had inhabited its
past the nearest Juggernaut to seize Karchev in its claws

She found the most senior of the nearest necrotechs and

pointed to Karchev. “Find a way to keep him alive.” The
Deneghra leapt up onto Sunder and then kicked off the
necrotech waved to several of its peers and they immediately
axe to vault higher up Karchev’s arm. With an outpouring
gathered, speaking excitedly as they got to work. Several
of necromantic energy she infected him with shadow,
pulled forth lengths of the black piping they utilized for
bloat and bile thralls, while others began disassembling
within his armor. His body became spectral even as she
Karchev’s abandoned warjack chassis to plunder the
entered that state herself.
mechanisms of its interior.
Holding Eclipse in her left hand, she reached with her
Deneghra looked up, across the river to where Lich Lord
ghostly right hand straight through Karchev’s armor as if
Asphyxious watched. He stared in her direction a long
it were not there to seize his neck. With a single, powerful
moment, then turned and withdrew from the roof.
yank she hauled him bodily out of his machine shell, his
own form as insubstantial as hers as it pulled away from the SOUTHERN POINT BOURNE
hoses and tubes attached to his vital organs. She dragged There was precious little time to react after Supreme
his withered and limbless torso down to the ground just Kommandant Irusk received Strakhov’s warning before
before they both became solid.

Karchev gasped, his eyes bulging. She smiled sweetly, The warcasters had barely begun to spread the alarm and
savoring the agony he must feel, so deprived of the distribute orders to gather their dispersed squads. It became
systems that had for decades preserved his life. “Do not immediately apparent that the unique nature of the undead
fear, Alexander,” she said. “There is much for you and I to allowed them far easier ingression into the city than any
discuss. I won’t let you die.” conventional army could have managed.

The air around him shimmered with a sudden wave of heat Machine wraiths, pistol wraiths, and bane knights crossed
as he glowered at her with such raw hatred that it became through walls between checkpoints and began sowing
palpable. She had no time to back away before the air chaos: Destroyers and Juggernauts turned on their masters,
was rent by an explosion of tremendous sorcerous power,
surrounded and annihilated. A sizable force of revenants
skittered across the damaged roadway and nearly fell into landed west of the town and made their way up the locks to
the lock waters, while Deneghra soared across the pavement climb into the city. Leviathans, Harrowers, and Desecrators
to smash into the wall below to the ascending ramp. She did similarly, some guided and bolstered by iron lich
crumpled to the ground, many of her bones broken, and
smoke rose from her torn skin. city’s southern walls to strike isolated posts.

174
When the Khadorans learned that a much more concentrated with large gateways we can barricade. There are high
horde of the undead had swarmed into the streets along government buildings on this southern perimeter that will
the central waterway, they had to conclude Kommander
Karchev had been overrun before they could reinforce
Strakhov considered the map and agreed. “That would
his position. The blood left Irusk’s face as he surveyed
allow us to fall back to the western gatehouse as required,
the smoke rising from the streets to the north and began
and there should be food stores.” He looked at Irusk. “We
to hear screams. Civilians had begun to panic, and many
will need to determine a way to deal with the wraiths and
the banes.”
The Cryxians seemed focused on killing those found in the
open, but that would change in time. “I already have Koldun Lord Barovich working on that
problem; leave it to the Greylords. Let us be on the move.”
It was clear to Irusk that the Cryxians had predicted
him, had orchestrated this attack on the heels of his The supreme kommandant put the hastily conceived plan
own offensive. A keen intelligence was behind these
abominations, one he believed he knew all too well. He
had been expertly played. He should have suspected as decisive orders down the chain of command had an instant
much after Strakhov’s discovery of the nearby tunnels, restorative impact on the men, and they began to move in
but he been overly eager to consider the matter settled. crisp order. Yet amid the martial bustle and preparation
They had managed to drive away the first Cryxians that Irusk could not shake the feeling of impending doom;
had emerged after that attack and had collapsed those in his mind’s eye he vividly saw Empress Ayn Vanar’s
tunnels. He had not dreamed there could be so many disapproving stare. He had faced that cold fury before and
more of them here. had been surprised to live to remember it.

There would be time for self-recrimination later, once

he had done all he could to save the lives of his men and
Tired as they were, the soldiers responded as professionally improvise a plan to restore some of their position. He forced
and quickly as Irusk would have expected. Drills and his attention back to the movement of his army. As the
training took over, providing order and discipline. Each troops began their dangerous retreat through the city, their
marching steps could not drown out the agonized screams
putting aside thoughts of the horror that swept through of the dying.
the town and brothers in arms at posts that had already
been overrun.

Strakhov had been attended by Irusk’s most skilled

battle surgeon and looked considerably better now that
his wounds were bound. He had taken control of several
warjacks that stood ready as part of Irusk’s reserves. He
turned to Irusk and said, “Kommandant, we must march on
Kommander Karchev’s position! We can reach him.”

Irusk shook his head, his mind still reeling at the estimate
of casualties, particularly after he had taken such pains to
preserve life during the assault. “Karchev did his duty. If

a more secure position to hold. We are too exposed here.”

Strakhov’s face showed nothing of his usually jovial

expression, and his eyes eloquently expressed his feelings
on abandoning a living legend of the Khadoran Army. He
collected himself and nodded sharply. He took the map

only a few possibilities . . .”

“Here. This market square. Poorly constructed for street

175
 ®

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MORGHOUL (VARIANT) IRONHIDE, THORNWOOD CHIEFTAIN HERALD OF EVERBLIGHT (VARIANT)
metallurgical advances to make it lighter without sacrificing The current Gun Carriage rests on four stout wheels of SCULPTOR: BRIAN DUGAS (VARIANT) SCULPTOR: STEVE SAUNDERS
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GUN CARRIAGE
fire and can withstand indirect blasts from enemy artillery as APRIL APRIL APRIL
Though many of Khador’s enemies consider the armed
well as, if not better than, the armored hull of the vehicle.
carriage outdated and surpassed by other developments
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of war, it remains a mainstay in the Khadoran military Due in large part to their intricate, independent suspension
even today. The relative scarcity of cortex materials has system, armed carts easily negotiate various types of terrain.

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reinforced Khador’s desire to maintain options that combine This system has seen almost constant improvement over the
high mobility with firepower. While the Gun Carriage of last century. The current Gun Carriage can go anywhere its
today evolved in small steps over the centuries, it stands
as an entirely different weapon than what it once was,
By Aeryn Rudel & Douglas Seacat • Art by Eric Deschamps, Andrea Uderzo, & Chris Walton transformed into a versatile, mobile, and incredibly deadly
weapon platform that complements and supports Khador’s

T
hough they have undergone constant refinement, board and the mobility of the armored wagon. Nevertheless,
warjacks in the field.
weapons like the Gun Carriage have been in use by these early gun carts proved effective and became a staple
Khadorans for centuries. In fact, Khador began to field of war among the nascent armies of the fledgling Iron The major components of the Gun Carriage are described
the earliest gun carriages during the later phases of the Kingdoms. As arms and armor improved over the years, below, as well as how the machine developed through the
rebellion against the Orgoth. After the Army of Thunder warjacks became the battlefield standard for many nations, centuries to reach its present form.
RETRIBUTION OF SCYRAH HEAVY PROTECTORATE OF MENOTH CIRCLE ORBOROS GORAX
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were among the first to succeed at translating smaller techniques for building more powerful but compact cannons
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The current Gun Carriage is a culmination of these with careful selection of horses has reduced this to a single SCULPTORS: BEN MISENAR & BRIAN DUGAS
and logistics to maneuver on the field. Khador’s first massive
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highly efficient engineering corps. The current incarnation Khardic draft horses are preferable, as they are bred for
by powerful draft horses. Northern engineers were not
has changed little in the past fifty years but has seen a strength and stamina; a single draft horse can pull a load
content with the setup time required to unhitch and situate
number of smaller of two tons and still maintain a reasonable pace. A pair
these cannons or with the subsequent loss of mobility for
refinements. In working together can even pull the great weight of a Gun
the artillery. They soon developed the means whereby such
particular, its Carriage at a full gallop when necessary.
guns could remain fixed on more heavily reinforced carts,

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armor has
with armored plating to protect their crew, and over time
incorporated
these took on the role of mobile artillery.
The earliest of these gun carts were crude and
dangerous. Forced to fight from dark, smoky
interiors, the crews were often rendered deaf by the
shattering noise of the cannons. A proper balance
had to be found between the caliber of cannon on

MERCENARY RAGMAN CIRCLE ORBOROS KAYA THE WILDBORNE CRYX SCAVENGER BONEJACK

• In-depth reporting on Privateer Press events worldwide

(VARIANT) CYGNAR CHARGER (PLASTIC) RETRIBUTION OF SCYRAH PROTECTORATE OF MENOTH
SCULPTOR: EDGAR RAMOS SCULPTOR: BRIAN DUGAS DAWNGUARD DESTOR THANE REPENTER (PLASTIC)
SCULPTORS: JEFF WILHELM
MARCH

PIP 41087 • $10.99 SCULPTOR: STEVE SAUNDERS PIP 34078 • $13.99

APRIL

& SEAN BULLOUGH SCULPTORS: BEN MISENAR & BRIAN SCULPTORS: BEN SAUNDERS
PIP 72054 • $12.99 DUGAS & SEAN BULLOUGH
PIP 31089 • $18.99
PIP 35025 • $29.99 PIP 32084 • $18.99

NO QUARTER MAGAZINE:TERRAIN BUILDING • Everything you need to get an edge on the competition
ASSEMBLING THE BUILDINGS
1) Start by creating the blank structures of the three
buildings. Use foam core poster board for the base

PROTECTORATE TEMPLE
construction. Cut the edges with a hobby knife and
use a metal ruler as a guide. After cutting the pieces
out, assemble them by adhering the pieces together
with white glue. Use stickpins to hold the pieces
together as the glue dries. Using stickpins is okay
because the exterior of the buildings will be covered
with wood filler putty to create a stucco-like texture.
By John Salmond 2) To make the octagon-shaped towers of the building,
make a stencil of the size needed, and trace it on the
top of the structure where the tower will be. When
T his Menite temple is a great set piece for any table
and is a wonderful backdrop to a battle featuring
the Protectorate of Menoth. This tutorial will take you
creating the octagon walls, it is important to bevel
the inside edges of the wall at a forty-five-degree
angle. Beveling the interior edge ensures the walls

A Privateer Press WARMACHINE: Wrath Battle Report through the process of building the temple step-by-
step so your own battles will be blessed by the grace of
Menoth and your enemies cleansed by his holy flames.
fit together easily with tight joins on the outside. Use
the traced octagon to make sure your walls are in the
correct location. For the large metal portion of the
church roof, make sure you build an understructure to
support the roof.

Scenario Rules
NO QUARTER MAGAZINE: TERRAIN BUILDING

NO QUARTER MAGAZINE: TERRAIN BUILDING

WHAT YOU’LL NEED 3) Add the plastic domes to the top of the towers with
super glue.
This game marked the fourth meeting Materials 4) Cut out the large metal portion of the church roof
between Ed and me. Just like the other three 1/4˝ foam core Formula P3 Super Glue from a cereal box and glue it in place
times, we opted for straight-up, kill-the- poster board Plastic half-domes 5) Now, cut holes for the remaining windows and
caster carnage. Ed and I like to meet things Basswood Pallet knife doors from the constructed buildings. Keep all of the
head-on, so why should it be any different on Cardstock Sandpaper (220 grit) 1 pieces that are cut out, as these will be needed later
for the windows and doors.
the battlefield? Carving clay Sheet styrene
6) To create the building’s metal framing, cut out thin
By Ed Bourelle & Jen Ikuta • Art by Slawomir Maniak & Andrea Uderzo The Battlefield Cereal box Stickpins strips of card about ¼” wide and glue the strips to
Our skirmish takes place on the border Cutting board Two-part resin the building along the edges of the roof and corners.

E
veryone likes getting new toys. Working at the toy For our battle engine Battle Report, Privateer Press Formula P3 Hobby Knife Finish off the metal strips by adding rivets.
between occupied Llael and Ios. Khadoran Two-part RTV
factory doesn’t change that. With battle engines creative director Ed “The Beast” Bourelle and I fielded interlopers have attempted to establish a Formula P3 molding material
marking the introduction of a new model type in 50-point armies so it would be easy to see how these new Mixing Medium White glue
forward operating base near some Iosan
WARMACHINE: Wrath, a lot of Privateer Press staffers 120 mm-based monstrosities interacted with existing Formula P3 Sculpting Set Wood filler putty
ruins, an act of trespass that Dawnlord
were eager to get their hands on them. In fact, we’re models. Ed is a tall guy who likes to smash things, Vyros Nyarr will not tolerate. Kommander Formula P3 Paint
all pretty darn excited about the battle engines here at so Khador was a fitting choice for him. Kommander Oleg Strakhov leads a force of Assault Arcane Blue Menoth White
Privateer Press HQ. Strakhov, who is known for his kommando-like prowess, Kommandos, Widowmakers, Winter Guard Beaten Purple
Highlight
would lead Ed’s forces into battle. On my side of the Riflemen, a Kodiak, his pet ’jack Torch, and Bloodstone
Morrow White
The first studio-painted battle engine we saw was Khador’s
table, it would be Dawnlord Vyros and a contingent of two Gun Carriages into elven lands. Vyros Pig Iron
Gun Carriage. It’s a thunderous, deceptively fast weapon
Dawnguard defending Ios’ border. brings the forces of the Dawnguard to bear
Bootstrap Leather
Rhulic Gold
2
platform that can smash enemy formations with its heavy Brass Balls
with Sentinels, Invictors, and Destors. Sanguine Base
guns or trample foes beneath tons of iron and horseflesh. Ed wanted to play the battle in deep snow and attempted Brown Ink
Utilizing resources from the other High Thamar Black
At the opposite end of the spectrum is the Retribution to further his agenda by sprinkling snow flock over Cold Steel
Houses, his force also includes Discordia, Thrall Flesh
of Scyrah’s Arcantrik Force Generator. In contrast to the entire board. I politely declined, suggesting more Menoth White Base
a House Shyeel Magister, a Griffon light
the bold lines of the Gun Carriage, the Arcantrik Force conventional terrain. He might look big and scary, but Ed
myrmidon, an Arcanist, and an Arcantrik
Generator is sleek and aerodynamic, looking for all the is a nice guy, and he didn’t strong-arm me into playing on
Force Generator.
world like an elven doomsday weapon. a board with silly terrain rules. He did, however, vow to
smash my army. In the face. Although not a reenactment of the battle at 5
Fort Brunzig in Forces of WARMACHINE:
—Jen
Retribution, our battle was still a meeting of
familiar foes. Vyros claimed victory in his last
encounter against Strakhov, but it was not
as decisive as he would have liked. My hope, 3
though, was the snow would be littered with
Khadoran corpses at the battle’s end.
– Jen
Forest: The trees were
Iosan Ruins: The Iosan Ruins treated as forests.
were treated as obstructions.

4 6

Fire Pit: Models passing through the

Fire Pit suffered Continuous Effect: Fire.

Burnt Forest: This area was treated as rough

terrain that provided concealment but did not
block line of sight like a typical forest.

62 63
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