Each month, the Exemplary Battles series provides a range of new units and extra missions for use in The Horus Heresy. Last time, the Dark Angels took on the Death Guard at Perditus – now we’re off to deal with the devastation caused in the wake of the Word Bearers’ attack on the Ultramarines.*
The newest Exemplary Battles sends us venturing into the arcologies deep under the surface of Calth, so you can join some of the most vicious clashes between the Ultramarines and Word Bearers Legions. Here’s Andy Hoare, the lead remembrancer from the Horus Heresy team, to talk about this latest free download.Andy: This month we're looking at the Calth Underworld War, a story that picks up from Horus Heresy Book Five – Tempest, and which is explored in Black Library's Mark of Calth anthology. This has allowed us to explore a nugget of 31st Millennium background we've always wanted to do more with, in the form of this month's unique unit – Ultramarines Nemesis Destroyers.
We know that this noblest of Legions often disapproves of unconventional units like Destroyers, but in typically pragmatic terms, the sons of Guilliman aren't willing to completely give them up, and so this unique take on the unit came into being. I've recently started a new Ultramarines force myself, and I'll be adding a squad and trying them out in the scenarios presented in this month's feature as soon as I’ve painted them.Thanks, Andy! These three new missions represent the brutal conflict beneath the surface of Calth, and Zone Mortalis terrain is perfect for recreating these confined spaces on your tabletop. Here’s a map of exactly where to find Calth, for those whose stellar cartography might be a little rusty.
The Ultramarines prize tactical flexibility – so unlike the Destroyer Squads fielded by most Legions, the Nemesis Destroyers prefer to retain their bolters, augmented by specialist rounds. These squads are named for the Nemesis ammunition developed by the Legion’s artificers, which is packed full of adaptable toxins that can bring down even the hardiest foes.
Grab yourself a Destroyer Squad, some bolters, and Ultramarines Legion shoulder pads to create your own Nemesis Destroyer squad. Alternatively, grab a Legion Praetor to lead your Word Bearers against the Ultramarines’ attacks.
* Read about this vicious assault in the Horus Heresy novel Know No Fear.