Alright, Necromunda enthusiasts, it’s time to talk about the ultimate thrill-seekers – the Spyre Hunters! These guys have been causing chaos in Necromunda for generations, descending from the upper echelons of the noble houses in high-tech, alien-looking suits, armed to the teeth with advanced weaponry. And guess what? They’re back, with a terrifying new mission: hunting the deadliest prey in the forsaken Underhells of Hive Secundus.
In this deep dive with the Necromunda design team, we uncover the deadly allure of the Spyre Hunters.
Rob kicks things off by reminding us that Spyre Hunters are still the psychopathic young nobles we remember, venturing from their cushy lives at the top of the hive. But this time, they’re not just hunting any old ganger – they’re targeting Genestealers to prove their worth. These scions of Lord Helmawr are now the exclusive carriers of this dangerous legacy. This shift gives the Spyre Hunters a more focused identity and explains how House Helmawr maintains its iron grip on power – through legions of merciless killers who’ve cut their teeth (and claws) on the deadliest foes.
Their advanced suits level up as they rack up kills, becoming even more deadly. But if they’re taken out of action, they face a unique Glitch table that can throw all sorts of complications into their path.
From a design perspective, Alex and Miguel have reimagined the classic Spyre suits with a unified aesthetic tied to the Imperial House. These suits are more than just armour – they’re almost a part of the hunter’s body. Limbs are stretched and broken to fit, and the spine is twisted and reinforced. Each suit has a coffin shape on the chest, marking them as creations of House Helmawr. The fluid, contoured curves of the suits break away from the rigid, gothic shapes of Imperial design, giving them a distinct and unsettling look.
The Spyre Hunters aren’t just any nobles. They come from the vast and sprawling branches of the Imperial House. In the Book of Judgement, we learn that these branches are so extensive that family members might never meet, yet they all prop up the power structure of House Helmawr. This depth adds a rich layer of lore to the already intriguing Spyre Hunters.
Gameplay-wise, the design team went back to the roots, examining the original ‘90s rules for Spyre Hunters. They wanted to maintain their cool and impactful feel while addressing their old reputation of being hard to face. By tweaking their mechanics – like giving them two Activations each and making them immune to pinning unless wounded – they’ve balanced their power. Spyre Hunters now need to be played as true stalking hunters, carefully picking off enemies rather than charging headlong into battle.
Despite their power, Spyre Hunters have vulnerabilities. Weapons like webguns and flamers can seriously mess them up, making strategic play crucial. This all feeds into their theme of being elite, predatory killers.
Modelling your Spyre Hunters is a joy. Each suit has unique weapon options, allowing for customization and variety. These suits are a testament to the dark opulence of Necromunda’s elite – they may be the planet’s most privileged residents, but they pay a heavy price to prove their worth, often losing their humanity in the process.
So there you have it, folks. The Spyre Hunters are back, more terrifying and complex than ever. Whether you’re facing them in the grim depths of Hive Secundus or adding them to your gang, these elite killers bring a fresh wave of horror and excitement to Necromunda.
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