T
he Word BearersCreated by Adrian Johnson
Lorgar
, our mighty primarch, was always one of the most scrupulous followers of the weak Imperial Cult. He was sure that his steady, methodical progress during the Great Crusade, as he converted planets to the Imperial Cult with dedicated zeal, would earn him the Emperors undying gratitude, and elevate him to a pre-eminent position among the Primarchs. It was thus a shattering blow when the idiotic Emperor instead reprimanded him for his "Tardiness" in carrying out the "Primary Objectives" of the Great Crusade. The task of the Space Marines was to fight, said he, not to waste time in pointless ritual and monument building.This
shameless act was to lift a veil from Lorgars eyes. We were all able to see the Emperor for what he was: not a God at all, but an irrelevant man who had failed to grasp what humanity needed above anything else was religious guidance. Our faith in the Imperial cult was destroyed. We found substitute in the awesome Gods of Chaos. Here were truly god-like beings that expected to be worshipped, indeed that yearned for displays of devotion and dedication.So
it was even before Horus, Lorgar began to worship the gods of Chaos. He revelled in different aspects of each of the dark powers, but worshipped no one in preference to another. He dedicated us to Chaos in its purest form, as Chaos Undivided, and our fanatic zeal we had shown to the Emperor was quickly and easily turned to Chaos.By
necessity, we had to keep our activities secret at first. Secret covens were set up on the planets that we had controlled or conquered, and worked insidiously to create cult followings for the Gods. When the Heresy began we rose up on a thousand worlds to declare for the glory of Chaos.Following
the defeat of Horus we retreated to the Eye of Terror. From here we continue to spread the word of Chaos, and upon our brethren we impose a strict religious order. For it is Chaos that shall triumph...
The Word Bearers are a fairly well organised Chapter. There are seven companies; each one based around one of the Altars of Chaos it carries. Lorgar resides amongst the High Priests and Terminators of the first company, the "Prime Company" as it is called. It times of war the Word Bearers march out the Eye of Terror with huge banners proclaiming the Dark Glory of Chaos as they lay waste to huge tracts of the Imperium.
Army Selection: |
|
Characters |
50% |
Squads |
25%+ |
Support |
25% |
Daemons |
25% |
Special Rules:
Rapid Fire-
Word Bearers are all Space Marines, and thus benefit from Rapid Fire.Fanatic Zeal
- Word Bearers, before each and every battle, whip themselves into a frenzy of religious fervour. Their unholy blessings and evil incantations gaining a reputation as powerful motivators of these dark troops. To represent this unstoppable temperament, Word Bearers in hand to hand combat roll double the normal attack dice, but only in the first round. In addition, if a Word Bearer is charged, the opposing unit must pass a Leadership Test on 2D6 to gain the normal +1 combat bonus for charging. If s/he fails the test, they do not receive the usual charge bonus, but all other modifiers apply.The Unholy Sacrifice-
Before each battle, the Word Bearer army will cluster round one of the Seven Alters of Chaos, which they bear along anywhere a company goes. On it the High Priests will slay seven Word Bearers (who have really volunteered) and rip out their hearts and thrown them to the warp. It is said in legend that these seven spirits will return during the battle to aid their Brethren who let them have the honour of sacrifice. Therefore, before deployment each battle, roll 2D6 and consult the table below.
2D6 roll |
Result of the Unholy Sacrifice |
2-5 |
The Seven Spirits fail to return, either being devoured by Daemons or being sucked away from the battlefield. |
6-7 |
The Seven Spirits draw Chaotic energy to the battle. All Daemons cost one point less to summon, or two points less in the case of Greater Daemons. |
8-9 |
The Seven Spirits have returned and manifested themselves into a hero they deem worthy. Pick a champion (Aspiring, Mighty or Exhalted), and apply these rules to him: He causes fear, has a +1 to WS, and has one randomly generated Daemon Gift (see Codex: Chaos). |
9-11 |
The Seven Spirits manifest their power into one squad of troops the Word Bearer player picks. They receive a 4+ nullify on spells that target them or are in the are of effect of. |
12 |
The Seven Spirits return in an all-consuming storm of lightning, wind, and black water. The enemy's strategy rating is reduced by 3. |
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