In the vast expanse of the Imperium, a fledgling empire poised on the cusp of ultimate triumph, a shadow has descended upon the galaxy, casting it into an Age of Darkness.
The architect of this dark era is none other than Horus Lupercal, the Warmaster of the Emperor’s formidable armies, who has defected from his gene-father’s cause.
The eighteen Space Marine Legions, once united in the grand pursuit of the Great Crusade to unite humanity under the banner of the Emperor, now find themselves torn asunder by treachery.
This monumental conflict bears the name of the Horus Heresy, a gruesome and colossal civil war, spanning across the vastness of the galaxy. Superhuman soldiers, clad in cutting-edge armor, turn their devastating weaponry upon those they once called brothers.
The question beckons – where do your allegiances lie?
Enter the enthralling world of Warhammer: The Horus Heresy, a miniature wargame that plunges players into epic battles on the tabletop.
Here, you have the opportunity to pledge your loyalty to either the Loyalist or Traitor factions, choosing from illustrious forces such as the noble Dark Angels or the enigmatic Alpha Legion. Assemble your own army, hand-picking from an impressive array of Citadel and Forge World miniatures, and engage in confrontations of remarkable tactical complexity against fellow players.
Prepare to immerse yourself in a narrative-rich and strategic wargaming experience where the fate of the Imperium hangs in the balance, and the destiny of the galaxy lies in your hands.
What’s inside the Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – Age of Darkness Rulebook
Within this 336-page hardback book lies a treasure trove of lore, captivating illustrations, and comprehensive background information that delves deep into the far-future realm of Warhammer: The Horus Heresy.
It offers invaluable guides to assist you in assembling and painting your collection of miniatures. Additionally, the book serves as your gateway to the core rules, allowing you to reenact the ferocious conflicts of the Age of Darkness with your own armies. Here, you’ll also find an exploration of various modes of play to cater to the preferences of every hobbyist.
Age of Darkness:
The book commences by immersing you in an exploration of the galaxy where the Horus Heresy wars unfold, tracing its history from its tumultuous past to its glorious pinnacle. It covers the technologies, factions, armies, and ideologies that came to dominate this vast realm. This section includes:
- The Age of the Emperor: An overview of humanity’s fall and the rise of the Imperium, delving into the Age of Strife, the Great Crusade, and pivotal groups aligned with the Emperor.
- The Imperium of Mankind: A closer look at the Imperium’s structure during the onset of the Horus Heresy, detailing significant events, figures, and the significance of the Warp, psykers, and the Imperial Truth.
- The Legiones Astartes: An in-depth exploration of the Space Marines, including their creation, weaponry, power armor, and individual profiles of the 18 Space Marine Legions.
- Additional Factions: Insights into other armies involved in the Horus Heresy, such as the Talons of the Emperor, Solar Auxilia, and Mechanicum.
- An Age of Darkness: An examination of the initial stages of the Horus Heresy, setting the stage for this monumental conflict, including events like the Isstvan Drop Site Massacre and the emergence of the Ruinstorm.
- Pivotal Events of the Horus Heresy: A comprehensive timeline of major conflicts and engagements within the Heresy, leading up to the Siege of Terra.
Playing the Game:
In this section, you’ll gain an understanding of how to engage in Warhammer: The Horus Heresy on the tabletop. It covers:
- Core Rules: Principles of the game, turns, phases, unit commands, measuring distances, shooting, melee combat, and Reactions.
- Unit Types: Insights into different unit categories, including Characters, Vehicles, Automata, and Psychic Powers.
- Terrain: Rules for using various types of terrain on your tabletop, from Barricades to Jungles and Ruins.
- Special Rules: A comprehensive list of universal special rules governing various units and weapons.
Gaming in the Age of Darkness:
The final section is dedicated to the hobby aspect of Warhammer: The Horus Heresy, encompassing game setup and army building:
- Showcase: Featuring photographic displays of seven remarkable Legiones Astartes armies from different hobbyists, with commentary on their collecting, building, and painting choices. Also includes four battlefield showcases.
- Modes of Play: An overview of the diverse ways to enjoy the game, including Narrative Play, Matched Play, Open Play, Campaigns, and team games.
- Preparing for Battle: Instructions on starting and completing a game, with information on Force Organisation Charts, table setup, army deployment, victory conditions, and missions.
- Reference & Index: This section offers quick and simple rules summaries and a comprehensive index to aid in easy rule reference.
