The Askurgan Trueblades are an order of vampiric warrior-monks who seek to master their bloody curse. Dedicated to self-discipline and martial excellence, these Soulblight vampires seek out the mightiest beasts acr
The Adeptus Arbites enforce the Imperium's laws without exception or mercy. Exaction Squads are formed of only the most experienced Arbitrators, called into service to hunt down dangerous transgressors for interrogation and punishment, no matter where they hide. They do not hesitate to crush any who stand in their way, ruthlessly bludgeoning or cutting them down in blazes of firepower, never halting until their target is in custody.
Rogue Traders are merchants of death and explorers of the unknown, each granted powers and responsibilities beyond measure by their heirloom Warrant of Trade. Gathering hard-bitten companies of crew, mercenaries, and retainers, these bold privateers venture into hazardous warzones and uncharted space in search of profit. Elucia Vhane stands proud amongst these luminaries. The scion of a noble mercantile dynasty, she seeks to eclipse the rich history of her ancestors – or die trying.
Imperial Navy Breachers are the elite fighting troops of the Imperium's many naval assets, from orbital stations to mighty battleships – aggressive blunt instruments instructed extensively in close-quarter fighting techniques. Well-equipped and experienced in hazardous boarding actions, these squads are clad in fully-enclosed void armour, with mag-boots and rebreathers for zero gravity operatioons, and given access to specialised equipment designed for cracking enemy bulkheads.
Kroot Farstalkers are experienced explorers and savvy mercenaries, roaming the galaxy in search of exotic prey and plunder. Farstalker Kinbands act as scouts for wandering Kroot Warsphere ships, seeking out fresh employers and profitable warzones under the command of a skilled Kill-broker – equal parts wily negotiator and keen tactician. Armed with sturdy hunting weapons and strange alien weaponry – taken as loot and payment alike – these stealthy gene-hunters stalk the battlefield, springing deadly ambushes to bring in a worthy bounty.
Amongst the storied regiments of Cadia, the Kasrkin are lauded as the elite of the elite. These special operatives are trusted with more potent weaponry, such as high-powered hot-shot lasguns, and equipped with thicker carapace armour than their peers. The Kasrkin are peerless shots and battle-tested killers – disciplined and professional, they are equal or superior to any unaugmented warrior of the Imperium.
Hierotek Circles of the Necron dynasties operate in secret throughout the stars, cold-hearted coteries of android killers acting in service to obsessive Cryptek masters. These ancient Necron techno-sages are driven by ruthless paranoia and amoral curiosity, issuing missions to their underlings according to labyrinthine plans that few outside of their own kind can understand. The Hierotek Circles employ eldritch science and specialist constructs to overwhelm all opposition, completing their clandestine missions with frightening thoroughness.
Quiet as shadow, as relentless as the driving rain, the Hunters of Huanchi prowl the sacred territories of the Seraphon in search of trespassers. These peerless hunters silently creep up on any who dare corrupt the domain of the Old Ones and riddle them with deadly, toxin-laced darts. Their prey are left helpless as the skinks surge forward to deliver a killing strike.
Merciless destroyers of temples and monuments, the Jade Obelisk are a menace to all who do not worship their malevolent god – a mysterious change-augur known as the Speaker in the Stone. Blasphemous artificers skilled in stonecraft, these masked cultists are each cursed to slow but inevitable petrification. Acutely aware of their finite time as living flesh, they are singleminded in their purpose – to desecrate the idols of all false gods before their mortal bodies succumb.
The Rotmire Creed are artisans of virology, relentless in their pursuit of the perfect plague. A swamp-dwelling cult that worships Nurgle in his aspect as Lord Leech, their blowpipe darts and cruel barbs are daubed with deadly alchemical contagions. Once unleashed, these diseases spread quickly through the ranks of their enemies – a testament to their infectious craft.
The Horns of Hashut are heralds of ruin and desolation, relentless destroyers sent forth by the Father of Darkness. Each region they conquer is pulverised, stripped, and rendered barren for the industrial tyranny of their daemonic god. The Horns of Hashut wage war like a raging taurus, stampeding over their foe to crush them entirely, swinging heavy weapons while unleashing cruel devices of duardin design – choking ash bombs and infernal flamehurlers.
This book is an essential companion for anyone setting out to explore the Gnarlwood – whether you're an experienced player or founding your first warband.