The Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – Age of Darkness boxed set contains a total of 42 Space Marines – that’s two Praetors, leading a whopping 40 Legionaries in Mark VI power armour. But just why is this iconic armour – affectionately termed “beakie armour”* – so awesome?
The Horus Heresy is in many ways the origin story of the Warhammer 40,000 universe – and Mark VI power armour is very much the origin of the Space Marine aesthetic. Those hobbyists with exceptionally long memories** will remember the RTB01 kit, which was packed with plastic beakie Space Marines, was the first boxed set for Warhammer 40,000.
In fact, the new Legion Tactical Squad has been deliberately designed to echo this iconic kit, right down to the chain bayonettes. What’s more, the new special and heavy weapon kits also hark back to those original designs.
Mark VI armour was first issued during the later stages of the Great Crusade, and it was in wide service by the time of the Horus Heresy. And while it may be most associated with sneaky forces such as the Raven Guard or the Alpha Legion, every Legion was issued with this mobile, relatively lightweight armour mark – even the Iron Warriors, who were well-known for their preference for heavier armour.
By the time of the Siege of Terra, the Loyalist Legions defending the Imperial Palace had whole Chapters equipped with Mark VI armour, while the Dark Mechanicum hacked the data vaults of those still loyal to the Emperor to provide the designs to Horus and his forces. With countless Forge Worlds under the control of the Warmaster, production of Mark VI armour continued apace, and the Emperor’s Children in particular used it en masse during the Siege of Terra.
Of course, if you prefer to set your games earlier in the Age of Darkness, Mark III and Mark IV armour are pretty cool too (and both types of armour were very much still in use by the Siege of Terra). There is no “correct” Legiones Astartes armour Mark – just choose your favourite and put it to use! And now you can get Marks III, IV, and VI in multipart plastic kits, it’s never been easier to start your Legion.***
You’ll be able to get your hands on this legendary armour fit soon, when the Warhammer: The Horus Heresy boxed set drops – sign up for our newsletter to keep up with the latest on the Age of Darkness. Be sure to also keep your eye on Warhammer TV, as we’ll have painting videos for Mark VI armour in the colours of all 18 Legions.
* Or ‘Corvus Armour’, if you want to be all formal.
** And equally long beards…
*** Still not chosen your side for the Horus Heresy? Head over to the website and use the Legion picker.