The Aeldari—once rulers of the galaxy—are now a fractured and mysterious force. Despite their dwindling numbers, they are still a force to be reckoned with, known for their agility, skill, and advanced wargear. From the noble Asuryani to the sinister Drukhari, and the enigmatic Harlequins and Corsairs, each faction pursues its own agenda.
Corsairs (Anhrathe): Rogues of the Void
Corsairs are Aeldari who have left the disciplined life of the Craftworlds behind, choosing a life of piracy and freedom. These rogue Aeldari are cunning and highly skilled, having spent centuries mastering the art of battle.
- Faction Rule: Corsairs are exceptionally mobile, able to perform a free Dash to outmaneuver foes. Their combat experience gives them ACCURATE 1 on their rifles, allowing them to retain one attack dice without rolling.
- Psykers: Way Seekers and Soul Weavers use psychic abilities to shape the battlefield, with Runes of Guidance extending their influence even further.
- Equipment: Soul Weavers can Soul Channel to enhance allies or Soul Heal operatives, keeping them in the fight longer.
Blades of Khaine: Aspect Warriors of Death
When the Asuryani need swift and decisive action, they send in the Blades of Khaine, a kill team composed of Aspect Warriors from different shrines, such as Striking Scorpions, Howling Banshees, and Dire Avengers.
- Aspect Techniques: Each Aspect Shrine brings a unique set of techniques to the battlefield. Striking Scorpions’ Merciless Strikes force opponents to discard successes, Howling Banshees overwhelm enemies with the Scream-that-Steals, and Dire Avengers lay down torrents of fire with Death of a Thousand Blades.
- Equipment: All Aspect Warriors can wield the Rune of Prophecy to manipulate fate or use the Dance of Death to switch positions mid-battle. Exarchs from each shrine can fight or shoot twice per activation.
Hand of the Archon: Assassins of the Drukhari
The Hand of the Archon is a team of elite Drukhari assassins sent on deadly missions by the rulers of Commorragh. Experts in swift, surgical strikes, they revel in causing death and pain.
- Power from Pain: Drukhari operatives gain tokens for inflicting wounds or killing enemies, which can be spent on abilities like Dark Animus and Vitalised Surge to increase combat prowess.
- Toxin Coating: Their blades are coated with toxins, conferring LETHAL 5+, ensuring their attacks are deadly.
- Equipment: The Crimson Duellist can unleash a Brutal Display of bladecraft, tangling enemies in their razorflail, making combat with them terrifying.
Mandrakes: Shadows of Aelindrach
Mandrakes are sinister, umbral beings from the shadowy realm of Aelindrach, hired by the most powerful Archons for their deadly skills. They are half-real echoes of the Aeldari, able to slip in and out of shadow.
- Soulstrike: Mandrakes wield icy balefire, which bypasses conventional armor and drains life force. They are incredibly elusive, slipping into shadows and becoming Within Shadow under certain conditions.
- Equipment: Bone Darts made from the remains of their victims ensure their enemies can’t hide, while Nightfiends, the leaders of the Mandrakes, use Harrowing Whispers to root enemies in place. Their Oubliex allows them to shrug off damage when filled with murderous intent.
Stay tuned for the next briefing on Chaos Kill Teams, where we’ll explore how these heretical forces have adapted for the latest edition. And remember, the Void-dancer Troupe will also have free rules available for this edition!
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