The Phoenix Lords have been doing some serious strength training for the upcoming Codex: Aeldari – just check out Maugan Ra’s terrifying new rules – but they haven’t left their Aspect Warrior followers behind. Not only do the Phoenix Lords support their archetypal disciples with potent inspirational auras, these champions of the craftworlds are simply stronger and tougher across the board.
First on the shopping list? A new wardrobe, of course! Woven from psycho-reactive materials that mould to their every movement, an Aspect Warrior’s sacred raiment offers protection beyond even the Guardians’ upgraded wargear. As such, every Aspect Warrior* now has the new Aspect Armour ability, which offers an impressive invulnerable save.
Dire Avengers, whose usual job is to defend key points on the battlefield, will particularly appreciate their new level of durability. The scions of Asurmen can also hit back much harder than before, owing to the vicious new Avenger shuriken catapults.
The Shuriken ability on their catapults boosts Armour Penetration on a wound roll of 6 – combined with an extra shot and a higher base Armour Penetration, these guns can slice through power armour as if it were paper. Dire Avengers are now Elites – as they richly deserve – but with the Phoenix Lord Asurmen around, these crested warriors can retain that all-important Objective Secured ability.
The Aeldari’s finest tank hunters have also armoured up. Fire Dragons have put in more gym time than anyone else, allowing them to don heavy, plated Aspect Armour for an improved Toughness of 4.
A buff bod is just what they need to get up close, where the new (and extra toasty) dragon fusion gun can do its work. These white-hot atomic blasters now have the extra Strength they need to evaporate the toughest tank armour – and unlike the crude melta weapons of less civilised factions, they fire at full potency no matter how far away the target is.
It’s not just Fire Dragons who can access this new cooking equipment – the new Autarch can ‘borrow’ one when they don’t feel like lugging around a Dark Reaper’s missile launcher. Dragon fusion guns are an even deadlier prospect in an Autarch’s hands, and pair very well with the extra mobility of an Autarch jump generator.
Speaking of jump generators – Warp Spiders may still be missing a Phoenix Lord, but these sneaky Aspect Warriors haven’t been idle. Their death spinners are now a terrifying threat to even the largest units, as the Blast ability allows them to reduce a whole squad of light infantry to finely-diced chunks with nets of razor-sharp wire.
This short range can leave Warp Spiders open to a retaliatory charge – so they’ve taken extra time to practice acrobatic Battle Focus moves with their jump generators, rolling twice as many dice as normal** to ensure they’re far out of the enemy’s reach.
Every Aspect Warriors will see their training pay off when Codex: Aeldari hits the streets. You might be wondering about Howling Banshees – suffice to say they’re so much better now that they’ll be getting an article all to themselves tomorrow. Sign up to our newsletter if you don’t want to miss it.
* Except the Crimson Hunters, who had difficulty fitting the bodysuits onto their jets.
** Just don’t roll a double 1 – warp technology is finicky, and one of your Spiders might just get stuck mid-jump.