The Arks of Omen series started with a shipboard visit from Vashtorr and introduced us to Boarding Actions, so it’s only appropriate that he gets his own Boarding Patrol rules. He and his daemon engines are a bit too hefty to be squeezing down space hulk corridors, so he deploys his cultists and pulls the strings from the shadows. Rich from the Warhammer 40,000 Studio is here to give us the lowdown.
Rich: Although the rules for Boarding Actions don't allow players to bring Vashtorr himself, we thought it would be a real shame if he couldn't be represented in the games attached to his inaugural series. Therefore, we were really keen to create rules in which the player themselves take on the role of Vashtorr, utilising his machine-omniscience and various tricks and traps to influence the battle without being physically present.
For example, it’s a trivial matter for him to remotely open and close doors, or deny control of objectives from afar. It’s the perfect way to represent Vashtorr, who loves setting a clockwork plan in motion ahead of time and letting the pieces play out without personal intervention.
In this way, these rules truly capture the Deus Ex Machina aspect of Vashtorr – his spirit flows through the systems and machineries, having a vast and far-reaching impact on his foes, and subjecting only his zealous and expendable followers to any risk.
The Cult of the Arkifane operates a little differently than most Boarding Patrols, as Vashtorr is reluctant to trust his cultists. Instead of granting them an Enhancement, you’ll select a Technoarcane Blessing – a powerful effect that gives players a significant first-turn advantage.
One allows your troops to rush forward the moment the game begins, while another saps the Command Points your opponent would gain. Possibly the most unique of them all is Cybernematode Infestation, which claims an objective for Team Vashtorr without any units needing to be nearby.
Download the Boarding Patrol rules now and assemble a horde of Cultists, Accursed Cultists, and Dark Commune. For the glory of the Arkifane!