The Horus Heresy just got a little more chaotic, and this time it’s the rag-tag Imperialis Militia stepping into the fray.
For hobbyists who love kitbashing, thematic armies, or just plain enjoying the narrative chaos of the Age of Darkness, this army list is a breath of fresh air. The latest free rules bring the Militia fully into the new edition, giving players more flexibility, more customization, and more ways to have fun without worrying too much about being competitive. Quinn from the Horus Heresy team explains how the list works, and it’s clear the focus is on fun, theme, and letting your models shine on the tabletop. If you’ve ever wanted to field abhumans, converted civilians, or Necromundan Squats, now’s your chance.
Provenances of War: Pick Your Playstyle
One of the hallmarks of the Imperialis Militia has always been the Provenances of War. These selectable archetypes let you theme your army while giving passive benefits and unlocking optional upgrades. In this edition, Quinn explains that Provenances are now fully cross-compatible. Normally you pick one standard Provenance, but including a Force Commander opens up a second, even if the commander is in an allied detachment. This opens up all sorts of strategic and hobbyist options, letting players experiment with thematic builds while covering the Militia’s natural weaknesses.
The Provenances not only provide mechanical benefits but also encourage players to lean into the story of their army. Want your Militia to feel like a desperate urban defense force? There’s a Provenance for that. Want them to embody guerrilla tactics or use improvised vehicles? That’s covered too. It’s flexible, fun, and gives kitbashers plenty of room to bring their miniatures to life on the tabletop.
Irregulars and Objective Play
The Militia wouldn’t be a true Age of Darkness army without some narrative flair. The new Irregulars special rule lets units score objectives even when Pinned, Stunned, or Suppressed. This captures the essence of the ‘forlorn hope’ – the desperate conscripts and levy forces who hold the line against far superior Space Marine forces. It’s a clever way to reward players for playing the army strategically and allows them to contribute to Victory Points even when their units are struggling. In other words, your Militia doesn’t just die heroically – they still make a difference.
Kitbashing Heaven
This list is a dream for hobbyists. Quinn notes that it accommodates civilian Imperial vehicles as miniatures, Necromundan Squats, and all sorts of unconventional units. It’s built for players who love converting and personalizing their army rather than optimizing for tournaments. The Militia is inherently less competitive, but the design emphasizes fun, story-driven play, and giving even the smallest unit a chance to shine.
Closing Thoughts
The Imperialis Militia in Horus Heresy: Age of Darkness is all about creativity, narrative, and perseverance. Provenances of War, Irregulars rules, and flexible unit options make it a kitbash-friendly army that rewards imaginative tabletop play. While they might not match the firepower of the legions, the Militia allows hobbyists to explore the Age of Darkness from a fresh perspective. For anyone who loves narrative gaming, conversions, or just the joy of fielding unusual units, this list is a must-download.
And remember, Frontline Gaming sells gaming products at a discount, every day in their webcart!
