Imagine, if you will, the industrial efficiency and mechanised assaults of the Armageddon Steel Legion. Now combine that with the grim demeanour and unflinching sacrifice of the Death Korps of Krieg. What if you added the refined weapons of the Vostroyan Firstborn to the disciplined firing lines of the Mordian Iron Guard? Catachan strength paired with Attilan speed? Yes please.
These combos are a very real possibility in the new Codex: Astra Militarum – first available in the Cadia Stands Astra Militarum Army Set, which arrives for pre-order on the 12th of November.
Instead of constraining you to a single specific regiment, the new codex has you mix and match tactics to create your favourite flavour of Guardsmen. All you need to do is choose a pair of Regimental Doctrines to dictate how they fight. These doctrines represent traits like superior artillery skills, high-quality armour, impressive discipline amongst the ranks, or experience in guerilla warfare.
There are 15 doctrines making 93 different combinations, allowing you to build an iconic regiment from the lore, or cook up a custom force with its own history and home world.
Some Regimental Doctrines grant unique keywords, like EXPERT BOMBARDIERS or VETERAN GUERILLAS. These specialists are even better at employing powerful Stratagems that mirror classic fighting styles, such as the trap-setting proclivities of the Catachan Jungle Fighters or the flagrant disregard for subordinate safety displayed by Valhalla’s hard-nosed commanders.
Once you’ve settled on your Regimental Doctrines, there are no restrictions on combining your favourite units and heroes, regardless of where they hail from.* The officers of the Astra Militarum are quite comfortable leading any of the Emperor’s loyal servants – the indomitable Ursula Creed wouldn’t let a silly thing like different uniforms stop her from ordering some Death Korps or Atillan Rough Riders into the breach, after all.
In fact, ordering your troops around is easier than ever before – if every model in your army has the ASTRA MILITARUM keyword,** your OFFICERS can make use of the Regimental Tactics ability to spread their directives around multiple units at once, and keep the massed forces of the Astra Militarum fighting at peak efficiency.
What about the squads they’ll be leading – and what exactly are Prefectus Orders? Check back in with Warhammer Community tomorrow for more reveals. A certain sneaky so-and-so with a big knife is up to his old tricks, so make sure you’re among the first to hear by signing up for our newsletter.
* Thankfully, the Emperor’s armies have figured out how to work together properly.
** AGENTS OF THE IMPERIUM get a pass – good news for those bringing a Rogue Trader to battle.