As the Space Marine Legions hog the limelight in the grand tapestry of the Horus Heresy, it’s important not to overlook the formidable forces that played a pivotal role in supporting the Great Crusade. Enter the Excertus Imperialis – a colossal assembly of human and abhuman troops that stood unwaveringly behind the cause. Amidst their ranks, the elite Solar Auxilia emerged, distinguished soldiers hailing from the Sol System, the cradle of humanity.
A Force of Unprecedented Magnitude
In the throes of the Horus Heresy, the Solar Auxilia faced a momentous decision as they stood shoulder to shoulder with the Legions. These valiant soldiers formed potent Cohorts, forming a colossal military might comprised of everything required for warfare, from immense fleet voidships to agile infantry with heavy weapons. Each Cohort, further divided into Sub-Cohorts, became a strategic unit at the heart of battles, often forming the core of Legions Imperialis forces.
Mastering the Solar Auxilia Special Rules
In contrast to their towering allies and adversaries, the Solar Auxilia’s vast ranks necessitate skilled commanders to orchestrate their maneuvers. Units bearing the Chain of Command keyword can only receive Advance orders unless they operate within the sphere of influence of models endowed with the Solar Auxilia HQ special rule.
Leveraging the Legate Commanders
Commanders, particularly Legates, wield commanding auras that impact the battlefield. However, you’re limited to one Legate per 1,500 points. To augment their influence, Auxilia Tactical Command Detachments and Tank Commanders contribute with their own, albeit smaller, auras.
The Strength of Numbers and Close Formation Fighting
The Solar Auxilia’s strength lies in both infantry masses and armored might. The Lasrifle Tercios, forming the core of their army, boast the Line keyword, granting an extra 2 Tactical Strength for Objective control. Supplementing these Detachments with Auxiliaries bearing flamers, as well as Veletarii and Charonite Ogryns armed with power weapons benefiting from the Rend rule, adds diversity to their arsenal.
Unleash the Power of Tanks
Tanks are the Solar Auxilia’s artillery of choice, adept at neutralizing threats. With Solar Auxilia Armoured Company Formations, you can field substantial Tank Squads led by a Tank Commander. From Malcadors to Leman Russ variants, the Tank Squads provide versatility in annihilating targets. Opting for the Leman Russ Vanquisher variant grants the Armorbane trait, forcing rerolls for successful saves against Vehicles, Super heavies, Knights, and Titans.
The Unyielding Force of Super Heavy Tanks
Auxilia-Super Heavy Tanks Squadrons occupy Heavy Armour slots, boasting the robustness of Legion Kratos tanks. Laden with a plethora of weapons, they feature Point Defence guns – versatile armaments fired at Secondary Targets and even in the Movement phase after Advance or March Orders.
Aerial Support and Ground Supremacy
Solar Auxilia’s might extends to the skies with Thunderbolts and Marauders from Aeronautica Imperialis. Their artillery includes Tarantula and Rapier Batteries, valuable assets against the Legiones Astartes.
Unveiling the Hidden Potential
While Space Marine Legions seize much attention, the Solar Auxilia’s concealed prowess deserves recognition. In the age of the Horus Heresy, their diverse and formidable forces added depth to the narrative. Embrace the history and might of the Solar Auxilia, and dive into the compelling battles of the Horus Heresy era!
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