Every year, the Black Library Celebration brings you a new model representing the hero of one of the event’s key stories. Previous years have brought the legendary Inquisitor Eisenhorn, Commissar Severina Raine, and a pair of Talons of the Emperor to life.
This year, the honour goes to Captain Uriel Ventris, hero of the Ultramarines and star of The Swords of Calth, as well as six previous novels.
Today, we’re taking a look at what this paragon of the Chapter will add to your Ultramarines army in games of Warhammer 40,000.
You can add Captain Uriel Ventris to any army with the Ultramarines faction keyword for 110 points or 6 Power. For this cost, he brings everything you’d expect from a Primaris Captain to the table and a fair bit more.
Ventris has the same characteristics as the rest of his Belisarian brethren, making him a fearsome combatant.
Strength 4, -2 AP, and 2 Damage allows Ventris to pose a significant threat to armoured Infantry, as well as unwary Characters. He carries a boltgun and power sword, both Relics of the Chapter that pack quite a punch and give him a handy dose of versatility.
Invictus has a 30” range, so Ventris will fit well in a gun line with Primaris Intercessors, directing their fire with the Rites of Battle ability.
Since his boltgun is Rapid Fire, it becomes even more effective if Ventris stays still thanks to Bolter Discipline.
Up close, however, is where Ventris really shines – which is fitting, as he’s never shy about getting stuck in throughout his books. When he engages his foes in melee, the Sword of Idaeus hits with +1 Strength, -3 AP, and 3 Damage.
Whether he’s scything through units or duelling Characters, Ventris is sure to reap a fearsome tally – especially with his Warlord Trait, Paragon of War, which causes a mortal wound on an unmodified wound roll of 6.*
If you’ve read any of the novels, you’ll know that Ventris is famed for his unconventional solutions to battlefield problems, which is reflected in his Unorthodox Strategist ability. This allows him to reduce the CP cost of the Adaptive Strategy Stratagem from Codex: Space Marines, letting you react to the changing situation in your games and disrupt enemy plans with ease.
The Captain of the 4th ability grants Ventris the Master of the Fleet honorific if he’s included in your Crusade force. Harness the power of Ventris’ strike cruiser, Vae Victus, and rain wrath upon the battlefield in your narrative games!
Whether you’re telling your own tales of this iconic Ultramarines Captain in Crusade games or using him to gain an edge over your enemies in matched play, Uriel Ventris makes an ideal addition to your Ultramarines. As an added bonus, it’s a gorgeous model to paint, too.
You can pre-order the model from Saturday, alongside The Swords of Calth, Ventris’ first adventure since crossing the Rubicon Primaris. While you’re waiting, you can download the novels telling his story so far, and learn all about your new favourite tabletop hero. While you’re at it, let us know on Black Library’s Facebook page what’s got you most excited about Ventris’ rules.
* You’ll find this Warlord Trait in Codex Supplement: Ultramarines.