ADEPTUS ASTARTES
"They shall be my finest warriors, these men who give of themselves to me. Like clay I shall mould them and in the furnace of war I shall forge them. They shall be of iron will and steely sinew. In great armour I shall clad them and with the mightiest weapons shall they be armed. They will be untouched by plague or disease; no sickness shall blight them. They shall have such tactics, strategies and machines that no foe will best them in battle. They are my bulwark against the Terror. They are the Defenders of Humanity. They are my Space Marines...and they shall know no fear."
— The Emperor of Mankind
The Adeptus Astartes (commonly known as Space Marines, and colloquially as Angels of Death) are one of the most elite and feared fighting forces in the Imperium of Man. The primary unit of organisation in the 41st millenium is the Chapter, a self-contained army fully equipped with its own transport, non-combatant support staff, etc. There are around a thousand Chapters, each comprising a thousand Space Marines. There are far too few Space Marines to form the Imperium's main military forces; instead they operate as highly mobile strike forces. They are entrusted with the most dangerous missions, such as lightning raids behind enemy lines, infiltration, and tunnel fighting. Through selection, training, and conditioning, Marines are physically, mentally, and spiritually superior to any other Imperial soldier.
Astartes Special Rules
Chapter Tactics
Though all of the Space Marine Chapters are united by the strictures of the Codex Astartes, the teachings of their Primarchs run deep. Whether First Founding Chapters or recently established brotherhoods, all Space Marines feel the call of their genetic heritage. It is this, coupled with unique circumstances and proudly maintained martial doctrines that leads many Chapters to prosecute their wars in their favoured way.
The Chapter Tactics special rule represents a group of rules that are specific to a given Chapter. When choosing an army, you must make a note of which Chapter each unit with the Chapter Tactics special rule is drawn from when making a Space Marine Detachment. All models in the same Detachment or Formation must be drawn from the same Chapter. Once declared, all units in this detachment receive the Chapter Tactics (<Chapter>) keyword. For example, for an Ultramarines detachment, all models in this detachment receive the Chapter Tactics (Ultramarines) keyword.
All models drawn from a given Chapter benefit from that Chapter’s Chapter Tactics rules, as described below. The rules will often refer to a model, character or unit by its Chapter; in all cases, this refers to a model, character or unit with the Chapter Tactics special rule that is drawn from the given Chapter. If a unit contains models drawn from two different Chapters, it counts as from neither Chapter, and thus benefits from neither Chapter Tactic.
For example, ‘an Ultramarines unit’ refers to ‘a unit with the Chapter Tactics special rule that is drawn from the Ultramarines Chapter.’ If an Ultramarines Tactical Squad is joined by an Imperial Fists Chaplain, it counts as neither an Ultramarines unit nor an Imperial Fists unit.
Chapter Tactics
Combat Doctrines
When the Adeptus Astartes fight alongside their battle brothers they employ a strict set of combat doctrines.
If your army is Battle-forged and is composed of Adeptus Astartes units, those units gain a bonus (see below) depending on which combat doctrine is active for your army. You can activate any of the doctrines below, but only once per game, and can only activate one doctrine a turn. The benefits of the doctrine last until the end of the turn.
- DEVASTATOR DOCTRINE: Affected models can re-roll To Hit rolls of 1 for weapons with the Heavy keyword.
- TACTICAL DOCTRINE: Affected models can re-roll To Hit rolls of 1 for any weapon firing Rapid Fire, or Assault keywords.
- ASSAULT DOCTRINE: Affected models can re-roll To Hit rolls of 1 for weapons in close-combat, as well as Pistol keywords.
And They Shall Know No Fear
The Space Marines of the Adeptus Astartes stand unafraid before the greatest terrors of the galaxy.
When a Morale or LD test is taken for this unit, you can re-roll one or both of the dice results.
Combat Squads
It is sound doctrine for Space Marine units to remain flexible, splitting into two entities as the tactical situation dictates.
A full strength, ten-man unit with this special rule can break down into two five-man units, called combat squads, considered to be two five-man squads of the same type. For example, a ten-man Tactical Squad can split into two five-man Tactical Squads using the Combat Squads special rule.
Litanies of Battle
All CHAPLAINS know the Litany of Hate (see below). In addition, before the battle, generate one additional litanies for PRIEST models from your army that know litanies from the Litanies of Battle using the table below. You can either roll one D6 to generate each litany randomly (re-rolling duplicate results), or you can select which litanies the priest knows.
In your Command phase, if this model is on the battlefield, it can recite one litany it knows that has not already been recited by a friendly model this turn. Roll one D6: on a 3+, the recited litany is inspiring and takes effect until the start of your next Command phase.
When a PRIEST unit from your army recites a litany, replace all instances of the <CHAPTER> keyword on that litany (if any) with the name of the Chapter that your PRIEST is drawn from.
Litany of Hate (Aura)
The Chaplain fuels his battle brothers with hatred and exhorts them to strike the foe harder and harder, without mercy.
If this litany is inspiring, then while a friendly <CHAPTER> unit is within 6" of this PRIEST, each time a model in that unit makes a melee attack, you can re-roll the hit roll.
| D6 | LITANIES OF BATTLE |
| 1 | LITANY OF DIVINE PROTECTION (AURA)
The Chaplain exhorts his charges to steel themselves against even the most dangerous weapons the enemy can bring to bear. If this litany is inspiring, then while a friendly <CHAPTER> non-vehicle unit is within 6" of this Priest, each time a model in that unit would lose a wound, roll one D6: on a 5+, that wound is not lost. |
| 2 | CATECHISM OF FIRE
The Chaplain calls upon his brothers to unleash a relentless storm of close-range firepower. If this litany is inspiring, select one friendly <CHAPTER> unit within 6" of this PRIEST. Each time a model in that unit makes a ranged attack against the closest eligible target, add 1 to that attack’s wound roll. |
| 3 | EXHORTATION OF RAGE
The Chaplain bellows his fury at the enemy, his brothers surging forwards to strike them down. If this litany is inspiring, select one friendly <CHAPTER> unit within 6" of this PRIEST. Each time a model in that unit makes a melee attack, add 1 to that attack’s wound roll. |
| 4 | MANTRA OF STRENGTH
The Chaplain focuses his mind on the purity of the blood that runs through his veins, bestowed upon him by the Primarch himself. If this litany is inspiring:
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| 5 | RECITATION OF FOCUS
The Chaplain recites creeds that focus the minds of his brothers to ensure their shots strike true. If this litany is inspiring, select one friendly <CHAPTER> unit within 6" of this PRIEST. Each time a model in that unit makes a ranged attack, add 1 to that attack’s hit roll. |
| 6 | FIRES OF DEVOTION
The Chaplains words speak to the very souls of his battle-brothers, inflaming them with ardour and their blade arms with divine strength. If this litany is inspiring, select one friendly <CHAPTER> unit within 6" of this PRIEST. Each time that unit fights, if it made a charge move, was charged, or performed a Heroic Intervention this turn, then until that fight is resolved, add 1 to the Attacks characteristic of models in that unit.
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Space Marine Warlord Traits
If an ADEPTUS ASTARTES CHARACTER model is your WARLORD, you can use the Space Marines Warlord Traits table below to determine what Warlord Trait they have. You can either roll one D6 to randomly generate one, or you can select one. If you wish, instead of selecting a Warlord Trait from either of the tables below, you can select a Chapter Warlord Trait for your WARLORD, but only if they are from the relevant Chapter.
When you have determined a Warlord Trait for an ADEPTUS ASTARTES CHARACTER model, replace all instances of the <Chapter> keyword in their Warlord Trait (if any) with the name of the Chapter that your model is drawn from.
| 1 | FEAR MADE MANIFEST (AURA)
The Emperor’s enemies quail beneath this champion’s wrathful gaze. While an enemy unit is within 6" of this WARLORD:
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| 2 | THE IMPERIUM’S SWORD
This warlord hurls himself forwards with unbridled ferocity, cutting down the foe like a reaping whirlwind.
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| 3 | IRON RESOLVE
Faith and duty drive this warlord relentlessly onwards as he shrugs off injuries that would lay lesser warriors low.
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| 4 | CHAMPION OF HUMANITY
This commander has slain enemy generals beyond counting.
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| 5 | STORM OF FIRE (AURA)
This warlord expertly guides his warriors’ fire. While a friendly <CHAPTER> unit is within 6" of this WARLORD, each time a model in that unit makes a ranged attack, on an unmodified wound roll of 6, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1. |
| 6 | RITES OF WAR (AURA)
This commander and his warriors have vowed to secure victory. While a friendly <CHAPTER> unit is within 6" of this WARLORD, that unit counts as double for the purposes of controlling objectives. |
Chapter Relics
If your army is led by an ADEPTUS ASTARTES WARLORD, you can, when mustering your army, give one of the following Chapter Relics to an ADEPTUS ASTARTES CHARACTER model from your army. Named characters and VEHICLE models cannot be given any of the following Relics.
When a model from your army is given a Chapter Relic, replace all instances of the <CHAPTER> keyword in that Relics rules (if any) with the name of the Chapter that your model is drawn from.
Note that some Relics replace one of the models existing items of wargear. Where this is the case, you must, if you are using points values, still pay the cost of the wargear that is being replaced. Write down any Chapter Relics your models have on your army roster.
BELLICOS BOLT RIFLE
The forge world of Bellicos was a hidden weapons-testing facility given dispensation to practise near heretical levels of technological innovation. Before it was swallowed by the Great Rift, the planet managed to dispatch a single cargo hauler containing prototype bolt rifles of an incredibly advanced pattern. These weapons are regarded with a borderline religious reverence for their bellicose lethality, and to wield one is considered a paramount honour.
This Relic replaces a bolter and has the following profile:
| WEAPON | RANGE | TYPE | S | AP |
| Bellicos bolt rifle | 24" | Assault 5 | 5 | 4 |
BENEDICTION OF FURY
Borne on a dozen bloody and hard-fought crusades, this weapons unique empathokinetic circuitry has absorbed the bellicosity and righteous wrath of every Chaplain who has ever wielded it. As a result, it now strikes with the force of a thunderbolt. CHAPLAIN model only.
This Relic replaces a Crozius Arcanum and has the following profile:
| WEAPON | RANGE | TYPE | S | AP |
| Benediction of Fury | Melee | Melee | +2 | 3 |
| Abilities: [DEVASTATING WOUNDS] | ||||
GHOSTWEAVE CLOAK
Hand-stitched by blinded servitors and anointed with the distilled blood of a thousand sentries who failed at their posts, this cloak contains strands of mnemothread spun from a thrice-blessed dataloom imbued with obfuscatory data-spirits. It throws up a field of techno-spiritual dissonance that veils its wearer from sight and sensors, allowing them to slip across the battlefield like a wraith.
- Each time the bearer makes a Normal Move, Advances or Falls Back, it can move across models as if they were not there.
- Each time an attack is made against the bearer, subtract 1 from that attacks hit roll.
LAMENT
Dark rumours abound that this weapon is so cruel of essence that those who wield it doom themselves as surely as those who fall under their sights. It is telling of the Space Marines’ selfless courage that they utilise the weapon regardless.
This Relic replaces a bolter and has the following profile:
| WEAPON | RANGE | TYPE | S | AP |
| Lament | 36" | Heavy 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Abilities: [PRECISION SHOTS] | ||||
PRIMARCH’S WRATH
The ancient boltgun known as the Primarch’s Wrath is believed to have come from the personal weapons collection of Roboute Guilliman himself. Perhaps the finest example of its kind ever crafted, it has dispensed thunderous death to the foes of Mankind for millennia. Chased in Theldrite moonsilver and inscribed in microscopic lettering with every treatise on tactics that Guilliman ever penned, this weapon’s quality is such that it allows its wielder to sweep away great swathes of the enemy with a storm of armour-piercing, fragmenting bolts.
This Relic replaces a boltgun, master-crafted boltgun or special issue bolt carbine and has the following profile:
| WEAPON | RANGE | TYPE | S | AP |
| Primarch’s Wrath | 24" | Rapid Fire 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Abilities: | [SUSTAINED HITS 2] |
PURGATORUS
This bolt pistol is a true work of the artificers art. Since its forging in M35, many battle-brothers have used the pistol to purge traitors, tyrants and heretics from the Emperor’s realm. The weapon’s machine spirit is wrathful, its aim inescapable; in many ways, Purgatorus epitomises the very warriors who wield it.
This Relic replaces a bolt pistol, heavy bolt pistol, master-crafted special issue bolt pistol or absolvor bolt pistol and has the following profile:
| WEAPON | RANGE | TYPE | S | AP |
| Purgatorus | 18" | Pistol 3 | 4 | 5 |
RELIQUARY OF GATHALAMOR
By the time the Indomitus Crusade reached the world of Gathalamor, daemonic hordes had already carved a bloody path across much of the planet. Its final defence was led by Knight Centura Ordela Grendoth, whose null-field was anathema to the warp creatures. Gathalamor was liberated by Guilliman, but Grendoth was slain in the battle. Her bones have since been placed inside a reliquary that now possesses a fraction of her power.
The bearer has the following ability:
Reliquary of Gathalamor (Aura): While an enemy PSYKER unit is within 18" of the bearer, subtract 1 from WARP CHARGE generation rolls taken for that unit, and each time a Psychic test is failed for that unit, roll one D6: on a 4+, that unit suffers a Perils of the Warp result.
STANDARD OF THE EMPEROR ASCENDANT
Woven from threads of spun adamantine in the early days of the Unification of Terra, this banner was carried at the head of the Emperors guard. It is said that its constant proximity to the Master of Mankind has imbued within it indelible traces of his psychic signature. Whatever the truth of this, its presence is a constant inspiration to those loyal to the Emperors cause, instilling them with valour and determination even as their foes quail in its presence.
ANCIENT model only.
- Add 3" to the range of the bearer’s Astartes Banner ability.
- Friendly <CHAPTER> units within range of the bearers Astartes Banner ability gain the [CRUSADER] special rule.
TEETH OF TERRA
The origins of the Teeth of Terra lie shrouded in mystery. Mentions of this large, obsidian-toothed chainsword can be found dotted throughout the histories of many Space Marine Chapters, yet the weapon itself can be traced to no artisans hand, nor can it be found in any Chapter’s Armoury save in times of the greatest need. What is certain is that, when wielded in battle by a true hero of the Imperium, the Teeth of Terra strikes with the force of a thunderbolt, leaving a bloody trail of broken bodies in its wake.
This Relic replaces an Astartes chainsword and has the following profile:
| WEAPON | RANGE | TYPE | S | AP |
| Teeth of Terra | Melee | Melee | +1 | 5 |
| Abilities: [SUSTAINED HITS 1] | ||||
THE ARMOUR INDOMITUS
The Armour lndomitus was forged long before the Horus Heresy. Unlike the plasteel and ceramite of normal power armour, the artefact is made from plates of raw adamantine, making it all but unbreachable by conventional weaponry. When rained upon with heavier fire, the Armour lndomitus manifests a shimmering force field, the secrets of which have long been lost to modern artificers.
- Add 1 to the Wounds characteristic of the bearer.
- The bearer has a Save characteristic of 2+.
- Once per battle, before making a saving throw for the bearer, it can activate its armour’s force field. If it does, then until the end of the phase, the bearer has a 3+ invulnerable save.
THE BURNING BLADE
This ancient broadsword is so large and dense that no mere Human could lift it, let alone wield it in battle. It was recovered from the wreckage of Horus’ battle barge, the only unblemished artefact in a chamber crawling with the filthy taint of Chaos. Some artificers have posited that it is the Master of Mankind’s greatness that shines out from its sacred steel. In the heat of battle, the sword blazes so brightly that it can melt through even the thickest armour.
This Relic replaces a power sword or master-crafted power sword, and has the following profile:
| WEAPON | RANGE | TYPE | S | AP |
| The Burning Blade | Melee | Melee | +3 | 2 |
THE HONOUR VEHEMENT
A single stanza of script, the original of which was said to have been penned by the Emperor himself, the Honour Vehement is inscribed on thrice-blessed parchment and affixed with a purity seal upon its bearer's armour. So potent is the inspirational value of the Emperor’s own evocation that not only those who bear it, but all their battle-brothers are driven into a relentless killing fury.
The bearer has the following ability:
The Honour Vehement (Aura): While a friendly <CHAPTER> unit is within 6" of the bearer, each time that unit fights, until that fight is resolved, add 1 to the Attacks characteristic of models in that unit.
THE SHIELD ETERNAL
The Shield Eternal was a gift from Rogal Dorn to his seneschal during the dark days of the Horus Heresy. This magnificently worked storm shield is a bulwark against which all the wrath of a hateful galaxy can crash. Its warding powers turn aside the maleficent attentions of the witch and the daemon, safeguarding its wearer from mortal blows and perfidious warpcraft alike.
This Relic replaces a storm shield, relic shield or combat shield.
- The bearer has a 4+ invulnerable save.
- The model gains the Feel No Pain special rule.
THE VOX ESPIRITUM
Developed by Archmagos Cawl, the Vox Espiritum is a powerful neural amplifier that causes its wearer’s voxed utterances to resonate on a modulated and heavily warded frequency. Though still highly experimental and not altogether safe, it allows its user to project their bellowed commands - and sometimes even unspoken mental imperatives - directly into the minds of friend and foe alike.
Add 3" to the range of the bearer’s aura abilities (to a maximum of 9"). This does not increase the range of aura abilities that are psychic powers.
TOME OF MALCADOR
Malcador the Sigillite was the trusted aide of the Emperor himself. The most potent Human psyker of the time, the tome he penned on the nature of reality enhances the mind of the reader.
LIBRARIAN model only.
The bearer knows one additional psychic power from any discipline it has access to.