War Zone Charadon – Act II: The Book of Fire, is on its way very soon, and along with it comes the updated datasheet for a certain Daemon Prince of Chaos.
We previewed some of Be’lakor’s rules and explained how he can chop a tank in half with his Blade of Shadows, but how does he compare to some of the other legendary heroes and infamous villains of the 41st Millennium?
Using three key categories, Hitting Power, Staying Power, and Force Multiplication, we’re comparing the Dark Master to some of the best warriors Warhammer 40,000 has to offer.
Hitting Power
With 6 Attacks before injuries begin to take their toll, Be’lakor has the potential to inflict up to 36 wounds against a single target with Piercing Strike.
An effective starting Strength of 12, an AP of -4, and the ability to deny invulnerable saving throws from being taken with this attack mode make Be’lakor arguably one of the best Character killers in the game.
If he can get the jump on them (his Move of 12” and ability to Fly will definitely help), his target won’t even be able to fight back if the Dark Master cuts them down in one round of combat – a hardly unlikely outcome.
Against lesser foes, he can slaughter his way through them with Sweeping Strike for up to 12 Attacks.
We haven’t even mentioned Be’lakor’s ability as a Psyker yet. With the ability to manifest two psychic powers each turn and access to the Noctic discipline that’s unique to Disciples of Be’lakor, you can turn the Dark Master into a mass mortal wound generator with Smite, Voidslivers, and Betraying Shades.
Matches in other factions: Roboute Guilliman, Abaddon the Despoiler, The Swarmlord
Staying Power
Be’lakor’s towering stature earns him a Toughness of 7 and no less than 16 Wounds. That’s pretty good to start with, but his Immortal Vigour and Shadow Form abilities will confound all but the most determined attacks made against him.
It may cost you a few Command points, but the Dark Master also has access to one of the best ‘last resort’ Stratagems in the game to help keep him in one piece. Emerging from an apocalyptic explosion entirely unscathed is just so Be’lakor.
Matches in other factions: Magnus the Red, Mortarion, The Silent King
Force Multiplication
The various aura abilities and psychic powers available to many Characters enable them to hugely augment nearby units in their army, and Be’lakor is no exception. First up, his Warlord Trait all but guarantees that one of your units will be hitting home with their attacks.
But that’s not all – Be’lakor’s shadowy presence can be a boon to other nearby units.
One of the Noctic powers available to Be’lakor and his minions is Wreathed in Shades – an excellent choice if you have a squad of Havocs, or another valuable unit, you’d rather shelter from enemy fire.
Matches in other factions: Marneus Calgar, Trajann Valoris, Imotekh the Stormlord
Even though he no longer basks in the favour of the Chaos Gods, Be’lakor can still mix it with the biggest names of the 41st Millennium. He is certainly not to be underestimated.
Make sure you grab yourself a Be’lakor of your own to paint up in preparation for the imminent arrival of War Zone Charadon – Book II: The Book of Fire. Join us again tomorrow when we’ll be looking into the lore of the Order of Our Martyred Lady – these Sisters are ready to join in the fight for the Charadon Sector.