Elite specialists are a key tool in the arsenal of any killzone commander, trained and dedicated to performing a single important task in service of the squad. From the keen-eyed Kasrkin Sharpshooter to the arcane expertise of a Legionary Balefire Acolyte, from the medical skills of a Novitiate Hospitaller to a Kommando Comms Boy’s radio know-wots – all kill teams rely on these highly specialised operatives.Well, not all kill teams. The Blades of Khaine have no need for inflexible specialisation – not when they can rely on consummate Aeldari skill. These kill teams are made up of Aspect Warriors from the Striking Scorpions, Dire Avengers, and Howling Banshees shrines, each combining stealth, discipline, and agile fury.
As a result, building a Blades of Khaine kill team is a slightly different experience – all you need to do is pick a single Exarch from one of these three shrines, and any combination of seven Aspect Warrior operatives. You can select a full team of brand new Striking Scorpions, or opt for Dire Avengers, or Howling Banshees, or any combination of all three.
Instead of relying on fixed specialists, any operative may instead use an Aspect Technique during their activation. There are five Aspect Techniques associated with each shrine, meaning 15 in total – think of them like Tactical Ploys that you can use for free, allowing operatives to shrug off injuries, leap great distances, and fade into the shadows with preternatural skill.
This gives the Blades of Khaine a completely different style of play to any kill teams that have come before, as no individual operative takes mission-critical skills to the grave.* Having a backup plan for any role they need to fill allows commanders to play fast and loose with their front-line troops, safe in the knowledge that the operatives behind them can pick up the slack.
For example, dashing a Dire Avenger to the front lines early is a great way to shred clustered operatives with the Death of a Thousand Blades technique, while another ally holds the line with rock-solid defences from the Unstinting, Immovable ability.
Each Aspect Warrior is a deadly combatant even without Aspect Techniques – and every shrine has its own dedicated ability to ensure they’re living up to the legend of their Phoenix Lord, such as the Banshee Mask which demoralises opponents and lowers their ability to hit in close combat.
Likewise, the Striking Scorpions pile on extra damage with their Mandiblasters, which are perfect both for knocking out wounded opponents before the swinging starts and for pushing them past the Injured threshold so they’re less effective on the counterpunch.
Overall, a potent mix of speed, power, and flexibility make the Blades of Khaine a highly aggressive team that rewards bold moves and confident play.
Stay tuned later this week to see how our own Warhammer Community staff painted their own Scouts and Striking Scorpions. Kill Team: Salvation is coming to pre-orders later this month.
* Unless they’re the last one, of course.