The Delaque have always been the most mysterious of the Clan Houses on Necromunda, and for the first time, the new House of Shadow book shines a light on their dark deeds. As with anything relating to the Delaque, you should take these revelations with a huge pinch of salt.
Multiple Choice History
Whispers cling to the Delaque in the same way that the Delaque cling to the shadows. Were they manufactured in the same labs as the Goliath? Were they brought from another planet to act as spies for Lord Helmawr? Are they the remnants of some underwater empire? Surely that last one is too far fetched, even for the Delaque – water on Necromunda? No one would believe that.
These multiple choice histories are explored in House of Shadow, along with a timeline for the Delaque, which features some of their most infamous acts of assassination and sabotage. There’s also a look at the house structure, including the mysterious Star Chamber, which is said to rule the House, and information on legendary House Delaque gangs. But, of course, how much of it is a rumour, lies, or misdirection, you will have to decide for yourself.
Ruling the Shadows
As well as in-depth background and lore on the Delaque, the book introduces new rules, making your gang feel sneakier than ever before. We’ve already seen what some of the new fighters can do – let’s look at what other tricks the Delaque have hidden in their trench coats. First up is the new Obfuscation skill table. Want to harm an opponent's gang through word of mouth? Start spreading some rumours.
If you prefer to shoot mind-bullets rather than just hurtful words, you can now upgrade your Master of Shadow (Leader) or Phantom (Champion) to be a Psyker. This can happen either when you create your gang or by spending XP during a campaign, giving you some flexibility around when you unleash your psychic talent. Want to take out an enemy ganger? Why waste your own ammunition when you can just have them attack themselves?
House of Shadow also includes rules for Delaque-exclusive Hangers-on and Brutes, extra Dramatis Personae, and new alliances for your gang to form. For example, join up with the noble House Ty and you can use their Onmyodo Nulls to help shut down enemy Pskyers.
With their access to psychic powers, a Delaque gang can play very differently from any of the other gangs on Necromunda, and House of Shadow lets you build one that can fight exactly how you want it to.
While House of Shadow might feature rules for the last of the six “classic” gangs, this is by no means the end of the excitement in the underhive. We’ve got plenty more coming up for Necromunda this year – take a look at our new road map to see a selection of the releases that are heading your way.
If only we’d paid those Delaque spies a few more credits, we could have had even more information. Ah well. House of Shadow will be available to pre-order soon – make sure you’re ready for the rise of the Delaque by picking up a Delaque Gang today.