The Attilan Rough Riders have been away on reconnaissance duties, but they’re finally returning to the front lines, for the second wave of Astra Militarum pre-orders arrives this weekend. These iconic cavalrymen have long been a mainstay of the Guard, and the new multi-part kit updates a classic design into a modern masterpiece.
The original Attilan Rough Riders were released in the first ever Codex: Imperial Guard – way back in the second edition of Warhammer 40,000, when they came on oblong bases.
Many of their most recognisable features have been preserved in the new kit. There’s that traditional Attilan headwear, and a wide variety of face options sporting some excellent moustaches.
It’s not just the riders who’ve had a uniform upgrade – their steeds trade a simple saddle for full-length barding and thick armour. Your valiant horsemen no longer need fear enemy fire with improved Toughness and Armour Save.
Undoubtedly the most important part is the trusty hunting lance – the discerning cavalryman’s choice for delivering explosives to enemy faces. The once-humble spike-on-a-stick has since evolved into a versatile weapon with two payloads, so neither infantry nor vehicles are safe.
Don’t worry about being locked into one choice – you choose which to use whenever they get stuck in, so pick whichever you like the look of most.
One rider in five can be assigned a goad lance – a vicious electrified weapon that can cook heavy infantry from the inside out with a single touch. When they’re out of charge range, rough riders carry standard-issue lasguns usually stashed in stylish leather rifle scabbards.
You can muster your own squadron of Rough Riders when pre-orders arrive this Saturday alongside a new Cadian Castellan, Combat Patrol: Astra Militarum, and the indomitable Aegis Defence Line.