Documentos de Académico
Documentos de Profesional
Documentos de Cultura
This codex is a semi-official play test work written by Tim Huckelbery, an employee of Games Workshop. The Tyranid Swarm and Genestealer Cult
are two completely separate armies, but remember if you are fielding two detachments and have at least 1 HQ and Two Troop choices from each side
you can have both in the same force.
Some quick notes for all you Cult leaders out there:
This is a codex in work still, though its pretty much final now. Several short stories are still to be finished & added, plus Id like to add a
sample army list and possibly a tactics article too. Once its finished, hopefully well see it in Citadel Journal (the more people writing in
to the Journal staff urging them to print it the better too! They are at Journal@games-workshop.co.uk). Alas, no plans for this to appear
in White Dwarf though.
Permission is given for people to post this up on websites, or email it around, or make copies for others. Spread it around! Only
restrictions are please dont change anything, keep the email address below correct, and keep my name on it. The goal is for others to
try out the list & comment back, especially on the new missions added at the end. Please email me back if you post it up on your
website too Id love to check out how it looks!
Thanks in advance to everyone in advance. And may the Hive Mind guide you all to victory!
Tim Huckelbery
Grand Magus
Timh@games-workshop.com
Introduction Codex: Genestealer Cults
You Say You Want a Revolution? Well, You Know.
Throughout the Imperium, an insidious threat has been spreading for many years. From planet to planet, system to system, worlds are
falling to a subversive force guided not by material conquest or love of battle, but by inbred genetic drives unfathomable to mankind.
Spread by seemingly random chance throughout the galaxy like seeds in the wind, the alien Genestealers arrive quietly on unsuspecting
and unprepared worlds. Once they set a foothold in the unsuspecting populace their drive to conquer asserts itself, and far too many
times the planet is thus doomed. Their true alien masters arrive from the void between stars to consume the living biosphere of the
planet: the way of the intergalactic Tyranids, who must devour fresh life for new genetic materials.
Codex: Genestealer Cults represents the forces commonly developed by the Genestealers and their offspring. The Cult will slowly grow
on a planet as more and more natives are infected with the Genestealer implants, binding them to the Cult and insuring their future
children are also bound genetically to the Cult. Each Genestealer can infect scores of natives via small ovipositors in their long whip-like
tongues, corrupting their genetic makeup forever. Parents are hypnotically conditioned to cherish and care for their inhuman children by
the strong Brood Telepathy of the Hive Mind, linking all those who carry the Genestealer mark together. These resulting Genestealer
Hybrid offspring can also infect others, and thus the Cult grows larger and larger.
Leading the Cult is small inner circle cynically using the bulk of the membership to take over either a local area, or the entire planet
eventually. Under the common guise of a religious cult, the leaders know only that they must remain free of outside interference and
must grow constantly, driven by unwavering instinct. The leaders have no hesitancy in having their followers die and die often, to
preserve the Brood. They will send them off to battle, and sometimes maybe join them, but the overriding goal is preservation of the
Cult hierarchy. This especially holds true for the Magus, the most human and most powerful leader of the Cult. As long as one
Genestealer, or the Magus (especially him, as he can more easily hide in normal society) can escape, then the Cult will live on again.
This is the difficulty the Imperium faces in dealing with these infestations if only one member escapes, the entire Cult can reemerge
generations later, more powerful than before.
Hypnotically the Magus leads his followers; they will follow him anywhere, often to a painful death in his protection. His psychic powers
are a part of his alien heritage, part of the Hive Mind mentality that flows through all those in the Cult. The more pure their Genestealer
makeup, the stronger the mental link, such that Cult forces can communicate at vast distances via the Brood telepathy. The Cult forms
a Rabble in Arms, but a fanatical rabble. All are ready to die for the cause, not knowing that the cause is a fraud. Even the Cult leaders
are unaware of their true nature. Genestealers are merely following the genetic instructions from their Tyranid creators. Infect Others.
Sow Confusion. Preserve the Seed. Make all ready for the Arrival.
Cult weapons and equipment are for the most part stolen, bought via illegal means, or home-made resulting in quite a range of
armaments. They usually have access to a very wide variety of weapons & vehicles (via converted military or government authorities),
but this comes at a cost as they often cannot keep them adequately maintained. Vehicles are limited to those which are easy to steal or
build, thus the Cult lacks specialized vehicles and must rely on the more common varieties. Attempts to gain more esoteric and
powerful weapons sometimes happens via raids on weapons depots or by converting higher ranking authorities to the Cult, but time
spent in such efforts is at the expense of gaining more commonly available items.
Cults also must rely on home-made war machines, converting many civilian vehicles into military use. The Cult limousines that are used
to transport members around without revealing their true natures are adapted for use in battle by adding extra armor turning a city
vehicle into a lightly armored combat transport. Lacking any real military doctrine or training, the Cult prepares for battle as a hodge-
podge sputtering vehicles, members mounted on horseback or bike or whatever they can find, and masses of ground troops armed with
whatever weapons they can find.
Once the Cult has grown to a large enough strength (and at this point is usually involved in armed combat), their Hive Mind signal
becomes strong enough to attract the Tyranid Hive Fleets slowly roaming between the stars. Like their hidden puppet-masters, the Cult
is also driven to consume. It will always be impelled to overthrow any local or planetary forces, to ensure its safety and continued
growth. Actual combats between the Cult and other forces increases the signal, creating a beacon indicating that food is plentiful. Once
the Tyranids arrive, all is lost any surviving Cult forces are absorbed into the Hive Ships, and the planet is rendered down for bio-mass
and new genetic materials. Even if the Tyranids are fought off, the planet usually lays in ruins or must be Virus Bombed to ensure no
Genestealer presence remains. One by one, worlds are being lost to the Imperium as the seemingly unstoppable disease spreads
across the galaxy.
For many Tyranid players, you get a chance to expand your brood with some actual tech weapons and vehicles while still staying loyal
to the cause. If youre a fellow bug player, youve probably always been envious of all those tanks and guns the other side have, and
this is your chance to get them in a greater spread than most other Imperial armies. You can essentially create an Imperial Guard army
in the guise of your Cult. For other players, its a chance to finally play those nasty stealers that always make mincemeat of your finest
warriors, without having to go whole hog with a Tyranid army. Cults are a nice blend of Imperial and alien forces, with a little Orky
randomness mixed in.
You also get the fun of almost literally custom making your army. No two Cults have looked the same in my experience, while its pretty
darn hard to tell say one Blood Angel army from another. Your Cult forces are strongly imprinted with your hobby skills, as it takes a lot
of effort to make up a Cult force. Youll be painting a large number of figures, plus converting up quite a few as well. Make no mistake
a Cult is a lot of work! But youll wind up with a staggering mix of figures from several different model ranges. Its a strong visually
appealing force on the tabletop.
They are also fun to play, period. In battle, youll be constantly frustrated by the poor shooting and fighting of your often bumbling Brood
Brothers, as well as how quickly they can drop like flies at the merest hint of weapons fire. But youll also be rewarded as they stay
stuck in the fight when lesser armies would have the sense to get out! Your masses of vehicles will always pick the worst times to fall
apart too, of course, but hopefully not before theyve ripped up the enemy nicely. Youll be fielding some of the worst troops in the game,
but also some of the most steadfast as well. But in huge numbers, backed up with the finest assault forces around, they form an overall
effective fighting force.
Lastly, you get the chance to play a force unlike all the others in the Warhammer 40,000 Universe. Genestealer Cults arent defending
the Imperium, or struggling for the survival of their Craftworld, or fighting for the sheer love of it or to right ancient wrongs. They are
attempting to overthrow the local governmental authorities (and anyone else in the way as well!). There is a subversive delight in
plotting the revolution, as the Cult rises from its hidden power base in its bid for conquest. Not an actual military force, the Cult
represents more closely a common uprising, making do with whatever weapons it can steal, make, or improvise. Undaunted, they fight
onwards under the gaze of the all-seeing hypnotic gaze of their inhuman leaders. Let them sweep the unbelievers from the land. Any
not part of the Cult are against it, and must die!
Now the battle cries ring out as the Cult marches forth to overthrow the false rulers of the land! Down with the Imperium and all who
serve it! Forward the Father! Long live the Brood!
Special Note: As of this writing, the actual Codex: Tyranids is still under development. So its very possible that some of the rules here
might be changed when it does appear. So be prepared for some updating and alterations later on, OK?
Codex: Genestealer Cults V. 01-01-00
You Say You Want a Revolution?
Cult Weapons:
Weapon Range Str AP Type
Autocannon 48 7 4 Heavy 2
Autogun 24 3 - Rapid Fire
Autopistol 12 3 - Pistol
Battle Cannon 72 8 3 Ordnance 1/Blast
Bolt Pistol 12 4 5 Pistol
Boltgun 24 4 5 Rapid Fire
Bow 24 3 - Rapid Fire #
Crossbow 24 4 6 Heavy 1 #
Double-Handed Close Combat Weapon User+ - Close Combat ##
2
Flamer Template 4 5 Assault 1
Genestealer Claw Totem User 4 Close Combat ###
Grenade Launcher (Frag) 24 3 6 Assault 1 Blast *
Grenade Launcher (Krak) 24 6 4 Assault 1 *
Heavy Bolter 36 5 4 Heavy 3
Heavy Flamer Template 5 4 Assault 1
Heavy Stubber 36 4 5 Heavy 3
Lascannon 48 9 2 Heavy 1
Lasgun 24 3 - Rapid Fire
Laspistol 12 3 - Pistol
Meltagun 12 8 1 Assault 1*
Missile Launcher (Frag) 48 4 6 Heavy 1 Blast *
Missile Launcher (Krak) 48 8 3 Heavy 1 *
Mortar G48 4 6 Heavy 1 Blast
Multilaser 36 6 6 Heavy 3
Multi-Melta 24 8 1 Heavy 1*
Plasma Cannon 36 7 2 Heavy 1 Blast *
Plasma Gun 24 7 2 Rapid Fire *
Plasma Pistol 12 7 2 Pistol *
Riding Lance User - Close Combat ####
Shotgun 12 3 - Assault 2
Storm Bolter 24 4 5 Assault 2
Stubb Gun 12 3 - Pistol
Two-Handed Weapons
Autogun 2 pts
Boltgun 3 pts
Combi-Weapon *
Bolter-Flamer 12 pts
Bolter-Grenade Launcher 12 pts
Bolter-Plasma Gun 17 pts
Bolter-Meltagun 17 pts
Genestealer Claw Totem 5 pts
Lasgun 2 pts
Shotgun 2 pts
Storm Bolter * 10 pt
Wargear
Book of The Faith * 8 pts
Carapace Armor 12 pts
Chitin Armor Covering * 5 pts
Frag Grenades 2 pts
Krak Grenades 3 pts
Master Crafted Weapon (Magus only) 20 pts
Melta Bombs 7 pts
Patriarch Ichor Vial (one per Cult) 40 pts
Scanner * 5 pts
Targeter * 7 pts
*
Magus and Hierarchs only
Vehicle Upgrades:
Many Cult vehicles may be fitted with the following additional equipment. Any upgrades must be shown on the vehicle model. No
duplicates may be taken for the same vehicle. See individual vehicle entry for restrictions as to which upgrades can be taken for that
vehicle.
Bell of Righteousness 15 pts
Extra Armor 5 pts
Hunter-Killer Missile 20 pts
Pintle Mounted Storm Bolter 15 pts
Rough Terrain Modifications 5 pts
Searchlight 1 pt
Smoke Launchers 3 pts
Special Rules
Genestealer Cults forces do not operate like normal armies, as they represent the fanatical members of the underground revolution
masking itself as a religion. They combine strong hypnotic and genetic ties between the troops and their leaders with a near total lack
of military training or properly maintained weaponry. This results in several special rules for Cults in battle.
Important Note: Genestealer Cults need not be lead into battle by the Magus or Patriarch. In the case of neither of them in play, all of
the above rules would be ignored. Hierarchs will not give any of the above special benefits, nor will their deaths require any special
tests to be made.
If Detachment rules are in use, the Cult force can still only have a single Magus and a single Patriarch. You can never have more than
one of each of these in the entire army, no matter how large.
Genestealer Cults have a Strategy Rating of 1D6, and a Vehicle Leadership Value of 7 for campaign use. For Missions involving
Sentries, Cults use 10 Brood Brother Initiates (Initiative 3).
Fighting against Tyranid Forces though not common, it is possible for the natural chemical or electromagnetic peculiarities of a planet
to produce a mutated Cult that is resistant or not-effected by the Tyranid Hive Mind. Thus it is possible to have Cults fighting against
their newly arriving Tyranid masters! All normal rules apply for these combats (though the Hive Mind is probably very puzzled by what is
happening!). By the same token, Genestealer Cults can fight against each other (each being sure it is the true Cult, and the other a
fraud).
Appendix Items - New Weapons, Wargear, Holy Relics, and Vehicle Upgrades
Book of The Faith
Cult Leaders often carry massive tomes with them, enormous volumes detailing the Cult beliefs and prophecies. Between battles they
read to their enthralled followers, both to inspire them for the coming conflict and remove any doubts they might have in their actions. In
actual combat there is little time for reading, but the thick velum (or sometimes less savory materials used in covers and pages) does
often provide a modicum of protection by absorbing what might have been a lethal blow. Unless killed outright by an Instant Death
effect, when the model suffers its last wound do not remove it as a casualty. Instead, place it on its side, and at the end of the current
phase roll a D6. On a roll of 6, the Book has preserved its owner; stand the model back up and it is restored to 1 wound. Note this is
done before determining Assault Results, but still count any wounds the owner originally took towards determining who won the assault.
Cult Relics:
Most Cults have special icons or relics that serve to inspire the faithful. Before battle, special Brood Brothers are chosen to carry them
as they launch their holy crusades against their oppressors. These chosen are called Relic Bearers, and only the most devoted are
allowed this honor and duty. Relics are usually affixed to long poles for all too see, and can either be carried in one hand or strapped to
the back of the Bearer, or his mount or bike. There can only be one Relic Bearer per unit, and thus only one Relic per unit. The two
most common types of Relics are described below:
Cult Censer
During Cult services, special braziers are lit to fill the halls with scented smoke. Unknown to all but the Cult leaders, these fumes are
laced with special chemicals and Genestealer pheromones. Designed to interact with the altered DNA of the membership, they work to
deaden independent thinking and reinforce faith in the Cult. In battle they serve to repress any thought of slowing the fanatical advance
and ensure Cult forces continue towards the enemy. Any unit which has a Censer may roll 3 dice for any Pinning Tests, and use the
lowest two for the result. However, if the test is still failed the fumes have wrecked havoc with the drugged minds of the faithful, and
they immediately Fall Back as if they had failed a Morale Test! This will even effect Bodyguard Initiates for the Magus (who will never
normally Fall Back).
PRIMITIVE WEAPONS
This is a new weapon class, used for those weapons which are simply not up to the normal standards for warfare in the 41st Millennium
(or even the 21st). Though widely used in Cult forces they are all very much inferior to normal military weaponry, and even the poorest
armor is usually sufficient to protect the wearer against such weapons. As such, enemy models which fail a saving throw after being
wounded by a Primitive Weapon are allowed to re-roll the saving throw (once!). Note this includes all types of saving throws (armor,
cover, invulnerable, or any others that might come up), but if the enemy model doesnt have any sort of saving throw they still dont get
one!
Bow: Primitive weapon used on almost all planets, heavily so on Feudal Worlds. Skilled users can fire off arrows at a fast rate at short
distances, or draw back fully for extra range.
Range Str AP Type
24 3 - Rapid Fire, Primitive Weapon
Crossbow: Slightly more high-tech than a Bow, it hits slightly harder but is slower to use.
Range Str AP Type
24 4 - Heavy 1, Primitive Weapon
Double-Handed Close Combat Weapon: A common weapon in Cults (even the poorest Cultist can find or create one from common
materials), these can take many forms huge axes, great swords, halberds, spears, flails, etc. A model armed with one of these large
weapons adds +2 to his Strength, but strikes at -1 Initiative due to the ponderous nature of the attack. It takes both hands to use one
though, so the user will not gain an extra Attack by using it even if he has any other close combat weapons.
Firebombs: While many Cults lack the expertise to make or the access to steal large supplies of Frag Grenades, it is very easy for
Brood Brothers to create their own home-made incendiary devices from small (usually glass) containers of flammable liquids. Hurling
them at enemy units in cover, the resulting flames buy some time as the Brood Brothers advance into Assault. The Cult uprising on
Moltov Prime saw these used to great effect. The planets more famous fermented products were turned into thousands of lethal
projectiles in the bid to overthrow the entrenched aristocratic government, and the battle cry of Let them Drink Moltov Cocktails! was
heard throughout the capitol city.
Firebombs in game play work exactly like Frag Grenades, but the resulting flames prevent any assaulting Cultists from Advancing; any
Cult units involved in that Assault may only Consolidate. Firebombs are also more bulky and unwieldy than regular grenades, so they
can only be used once per game.
Heavy Stubber: A cheap and easy to mass-produce weapon used mostly by Hive gangs or criminals. Reliable and easy to use, it can
spread down a hail of solid slug ammunition quickly and is a favorite weapon in almost every Cult force.
Range Str AP Type
36 4 5 Heavy 3
Poorly Made Flak Armor: Most Cults simply do not have the materiel access to ensure all members get normal Flak Armor, and thus
many of the lower members must make so with cheaper substitutes constructed from whatever is at hand. While not as good as the
real thing, the heavy material provides some protection and gives the wearer a 6+ Armor Save.
Stubb Gun: Possibly the most common weapon in the Imperium, this small pistol is very simple to construct (often being home-made for
many criminal or gang elements). In game play it has the same effects as a Laspistol or Autopistol.
Range Str AP Type
12 3 - Pistol
Profile Points/Model WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv
Magus 40 3 3 3 3 2 4 1 9 5+
Initiate Bodyguard 5 2 2 3 3 1 3 1 6 6+
Independent Character: Unless accompanied by a Bodyguard, the Magus is an Independent Character and follows all normal rules for
Independent Characters from the Warhammer 40,00 Rulebook.
Weapons: The Magus is armed with a Laspistol or Autopistol and wears well-made Flak Armor (5+ Save).
Options: The Cult Magus may select from the Armory as normal - he is very willing to take the finest weapons found or captured by the
Cult (even if he probably isnt very good at using them).
Psychic Power: Hypnotic Gaze. See Special Rules section above for details.
Special Rules: He who runs away Both the Patriarch and the Magus realize that only the Magus has the best chance of escaping
to reform the Cult if the battle goes against them. Thus the Magus can make a Voluntary Fall-Back by making a successful Leadership
Test, leaving behind his Bodyguard to keep on fighting in an Assault and buying him time to escape. He will automatically Regroup after
this movement has ended, or if he reaches the edge of the board.
Weapons: Bodyguard Initiates are armed with either a Lasgun, Autogun, or Shotgun and wear poorly made Flak Armor (Armor Save
6+). Any member can exchange his weapons for a close combat weapon and either a Laspistol, Autopistol, or Stubb Gun for free.
Options:
Any Bodyguard Initiates may substitute their pistol for a Bolt Pistol at +3 pts.
Up to 2 Bodyguard Initiates can also substitute their Close Combat Weapon for a Power Weapon at +15 pts.
Any Bodyguard Initiate model may upgrade to one of the following weapons for the points value indicated:
Boltgun (+3 pts), Flamer (+10 pts), Double-Handed Close Combat Weapon (+1 pt)
Up to four Bodyguard Initiates may upgrade to one of the following weapons at the points cost indicated: Meltagun (+13 pts), Grenade
Launcher (Krak/Frag) (+13 pts), Plasma Gun (+13 pts). No more than two of the same weapon may be chosen for the unit though.
Up to two Bodyguard Initiates may upgrade to one of the following Heavy Weapons at the points cost indicated:
Lascannon (+30 pts), Autocannon (+30 pts), Missile Launcher (+20 pts), Mortar (+20 pts), Heavy Stubber (+10 pts), Heavy Bolter (+20
pts)
Relic Bearer: One Bodyguard Initiate not carrying a Heavy Weapon may be upgraded to a Cult Relic Bearer for free. The Magus has
honored his total devotion to the Cult by allowing him to carry a Holy Relic into battle. This must either be a Cult Censer (+20 pts) or a
Remains of the Unbeliever (+15 pts). See the Cult Wargear for rules for these items.
Special Rules: We fall so that He may live Their absolute faith in the Cause means they will never Fall Back for any reason, and thus
prevent the Magus from Falling Back too (unless Voluntarily, see above). When the unit is hit by ranged fire, the Cult player may apply
up to 3 hits per Bodyguard Initiate before having to allocate any hits on the Magus. In an Assault, after all models have moved the Cult
player may swap the Magus with another Bodyguard Initiate model to represent the fanatical defender rushing forward to protect his
Master from harm. The same thing may be done when the unit is hit by any template or area affect weapons after the
template/marker is placed in final position, the Cult player may swap the Magus with a Bodyguard Initiate.
Transport: If a Bodyguard is taken, they & the Magus may ride in a Cult Limousine (see below) for +40 points
(0-1) Genestealer Patriarch
Oldest, wisest, most revered of all the Father of the Brood. This ancient Genestealer is the primogenitor of the Cult, guiding them
behind the scenes for years on years. Now that the Magus has arisen, the Ancient One feels the call of the stars again and spurs his
children to battle. Only the massive clash of claws on flesh can ignite the Brood Overmind into shining brilliance, a beacon for guiding
the true Masters to the planet and the rich feeding ground their servants will prepare for them.
Profile Points/Model WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv
Patriarch 50 6 0 5 5 3 5 2 10 5+
Genestealer 18 6 0 4 4 1 6 2 10 6+
Independent Character: Unless accompanied by a Bodyguard, the Patriarch is an Independent Character and follows all normal rules
for Independent Characters from the Warhammer 40,00 Rulebook.
Special Rules:
Razor Sharp Claws - In the same manner as for regular Genestealers, attacks from the Patriarch which roll a 6 to hit will inflict a wound
automatically and ignore armor saves. Other attacks which hit on a roll other than 6 must roll to wound as normal and the victim receives
his normal armor saving throw.
Unwavering Strength of Will A Patriarch will never Fall Back, no matter the reason. As long as he is alive, any unit he leads will never
Fall Back either such a thought would be blasphemous in the presence of the Cult Father!
Note: Due to increased bulk and age, the Patriarch cannot use any of the special Cult Genestealer movement & reserve rules. This
means that none of the Genestealers in his Bodyguard (see below) can use them either their total devotion is to his safety.
Psychic Power: Hypnotic Gaze. See Special Rules section above for details.
Bodyguard: The Patriarch may be accompanied by a small cadre of his progeny. This unit of Purestrain Genestealers can be from 3-
12 models at 16 points each.
Transport: If a Bodyguard is taken, they & the Patriarch may ride in a Cult Limousine (see below) for +40 points
Genestealer Hybrid Hierarch
There is much work involved with leading the Revolution, and even the most skilled Magus cannot do everything. Thus Cults usually
have several able lieutenants to lead Cult forces on important actions such as weapon depot raids and sabotage missions. Hierarchs
are nearly-human looking Hybrids, which usually only appear after several generations of the insidious Genestealer reproductive cycle.
They do not share any of the Telepathic skills of the Magus, but the other gifts from their alien heritage result in them becoming skilled
fighters ready to lead Cult units into battle.
Profile Points/Model WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv
Hybrid Hierarch 20 4 3 3 3 1 4 1 8 5+
Initiate Bodyguard 4 2 2 3 3 1 3 1 6 6+
Independent Character: Unless accompanied by a Bodyguard, the Hierarch is an Independent Character and follows all normal rules
for Independent Characters from the Warhammer 40,00 Rulebook.
Weapons: The Hierarch is armed with a Laspistol or Autopistol and wears well-made Flak Armor (5+ Save).
Options: May select from the Armory as normal. Also, Hierarchs may be mounted on horseback for +6 pts (and take a unit of
Mounted Cultists as a bodyguard) or ride in a bike sidecar for +10 points (and take a unit of Cultist Bikers as a bodyguard). Mounted
Hierarchs may take a Riding Lance for +3 pts.
Rules for mounted cultists and bikers are located below in the Fast Attack section. These special bodyguards are chosen as per their
Fast Attack sections but do not count as a Fast Attack unit selection (as they are part of the HQ selection). If either special bodyguard
option is taken, the normal Hierarch Bodyguard option below is ignored (including weapon options) and no transport can be taken.
Unit: The Hierarchs Brood Brother Initiates Bodyguard consists of 5-10 models, at 4 pts each.
Weapons: Bodyguard Initiates are armed with either a Lasgun, Autogun, or Shotgun and wear poorly made Flak Armor (Armor Save
6+). Any member can exchange his weapons for a close combat weapon and either a Laspistol, Autopistol, or Stubb Gun for free.
Options:
Any Bodyguard Initiates may substitute their pistol for a Bolt Pistol at +3 pts.
Up to 2 Bodyguard Initiates can also substitute their Close Combat Weapon for a Power Weapon at +15 pts.
Any Bodyguard Initiate model may upgrade to one of the following weapons for the points value indicated:
Boltgun (+3 pts), Flamer (+10 pts), Double-Handed Close Combat Weapon (+1 pt)
Up to two Bodyguard Initiates may upgrade to one of the following weapons at the points cost indicated
Meltagun (+10 pts), Plasma Gun (+10 pts), Grenade Launcher (Krak/Frag, +10 pts).
One Bodyguard Initiate may be armed with one of the following Heavy Weapons at the points cost indicated
Heavy Stubber (+5 pts), Lascannon (+17 pts), Autocannon (+12 pts), Missile Launcher (+12 pts), Mortar (+12 pts), Heavy Bolter (+10
pts)
Relic Bearer: One Bodyguard Initiate not carrying a Heavy Weapon has been honored for his total devotion to the Cult and may be
upgraded to a Cult Relic Bearer for +5 points. He may carry into battle either a Cult Censer (+20 pts) or a Remains of the Unbeliever
(+15 pts). See the Cult Wargear for rules for these items.
The entire unit may be armed with any of the following: Frag Grenades (+1 point per model), Krak Grenades (+2 points per model).
Transport: If a regular (ie., non-biker or mounted) Bodyguard is taken, they & the Hierarch may ride in a Cult Limousine for +40 points
or Cult Rhino for +45 points (see below for details). Neither vehicle counts as an additional force selection if taken in this manner.
Special Transport: Genestealer Cult Limousine
Cults often convert a few posh urban vehicles into special transports, to carry Cult members in secrecy (especially those they do not
want prying eyes to see, such as Purestrain Genestealers). When the Cult is ready to attack these vehicles are equipped with armor
plating & cannibalized tank fittings, to make useful in the fight. While slowed by the additional armor, their unique fittings allowing them
to transport high-ranking Cult forces around the battlefield or to distant combat zones relatively quickly.
Type: Generic Vehicle it gains no special vehicle rules at all. It only may move up to 12 in the movement phase, and cannot perform
Tank Shock.
Transport: Can transport the Magus or Hierarch & his Bodyguard (up to a maximum of 8 models), or the Patriarch plus 5 Genestealers
maximum (it has been specially modified to carry their larger alien forms). It can only be taken as Transport for the HQ selection if a
Bodyguard is chosen, and does not count as a further HQ selection. Only 1 transported model in 5 may fire any weapons (instead of
the normal 1 model in 2), and no Heavy-type weapons (such as lascannons or heavy Stubbers) can be fired from inside due to lack of
space and firing vents.
Options: Cult Limousines can be upgraded with Smoke Launchers or a Bell of Righteousness only.
Un-Armored Limousines: In desperate times or when caught unprepared, a Cult may be forced to use Limousines without any combat
preparation. If desired, a player may take a Limo for half price (+20 points), but must subtract 1 from all Armor Values. The Limo will
now also count as Fast due to lack of armor plating. All normal transported model firing rules apply, so of the transported models may
fire their weapons rather than 1 in 5 as per Limo rules above even with heavy weapons. The model should be represented by a suitably
civilian car model, but with the windows blackened out of course! An Unarmored Cult Limousine can still have all the normal upgrades
listed above, at their normal price.
Elites:
Purestrain Genestealer Brood
They are the purest warrior no remorse or pity, only blinding speed, clashing teeth, and ripping claws. Almost unstoppable in combat,
they also serve a more important, sinister purpose. Genestealers are driven to infect and corrupt other races with their genetic material
in order to reproduce. Nearly immortal, and able to survive in the most inhospitable environments, they roam the galaxy on Space
Hulks and other random transports. Moving from planet to planet they work to undermine planetary populations and make way for the
advance of the Tyranid Hive Fleets, a more subtle threat that the Imperium is usually too late in realizing.
Profile Points/Model WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv
Genestealer 16 6 0 4 4 1 6 2 10 6+
Weapons: Claws! These are already taken into account in the profile. Note having multiple claws on any model (Genestealers,
Patriarch, etc) does not give them an additional attack, only what is listed in the profile.
Special Rules:
Razor Sharp Claws: Genestealer Claws are razor sharp, able to shred even Terminator Armor. Any of the Genestealer's attacks which
roll a 6 to hit will inflict a wound automatically and ignore armor saves. Other attacks which hit on a roll other than 6 must roll to wound
as normal and the victim receives his normal armor saving throw.
Master Predator: Like most Tyranid bio-constructs bred as predators, Genestealers are incredibly fast and effective in battle. Cult
Genestealers, which have been raised as gods by their devoted worshippers, are even more potent due to their careful nurturing. A
Genestealer brood can choose to either move an additional D6 in the Shooting Phase (ignore any terrain modifiers), or remain
stationary and gain a 5+ Cover Save even if in open ground (as if they were actually in cover). Note that if the latter is chosen, they will
count as being in cover (and thus strike first if assaulted in the current or following turn, etc.). Cult Genestealer broods also roll an extra
D6 when moving though terrain (and thus for example can roll 3D6 when moving through difficult terrain).
Hive Mind Link: Cult Genestealers are fully immersed in the totality of the Hive Mind, the subconscious undercurrent of intelligence that
guides all Cult actions. They need no direction in battle, and are always at the forefront of any combat as they are driven by the Hive
Mind to the perfect location. In any game where the Reserve rules are in use, the Cult player may bring on any Genestealer broods in
any turn desired after the first without needing to roll for them. Any broods not brought into play before the end of the game though
count as being destroyed for Victory Purposes, something to be careful of in random turn length games!
Genestealer Hybrid Brood
When infected with Genestealer DNA, the hosts own genetic makeup is subverted to produce more alien offspring. Unfortunately for
Mankind, human DNA is easily twisted by the alien mutagens and quickly gives rise to Hybrids. The first generation Hybrid offspring
from an infected host greatly resembles the Purestrain form of a Genestealer, with at least one extra arm, purplish skin tone, and
misshapen head. Each successive generation though grows more & more to resemble the parent host race, until by the 4th generation
they are almost identical. These hybrids are important also for the cult, as they can more readily mix with the host population and serve
as functionaries in the Cult organization. After the 4th generation, the next generation though produces more Purestrain Genestealers
thus continuing the cycle anew.
Hybrids serve to bind the Cult together with brood telepathy and by leading Brood Brothers into battle. While they are not as deadly as
Purestrain Genestealers, Hybrids do not share their genetic inability to utilize mechanical tools and weapons. As Cult leaders, they are
usually armed with the finest weapons the Cult can find or steal, leaving the remaining weapons for their followers. Earlier generation
Hybrids (Neophytes) excel in close combat, sharing many of the natural ferocity of their Purestrain brothers as well as multiple arms.
Later, more human appearing generations (Acolytes) who only have one extra arm if any extra at all, are more suited to support away
from the thick of the fighting.
Profile Points/Model WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv
Hybrid Neophyte 12 4 2 3 3 1 5 2 8 5+
Hybrid Acolyte 10 3 3 3 3 1 4 1 8 5+
Unit: A Hybrid unit consists of 5-20 Genestealer Hybrids. Note that these can be any mix desired of Acolytes & Neophytes, at 12
points per Neophyte and 10 points per Acolyte.
Weapons: Each Hybrid is armed with either a Lasgun, Autogun, or Shotgun and wears well-made Flak Armor (Armor Save 5+). Any
member can exchange his weapons for a close combat weapon and either a Laspistol, Autopistol, or Stubb Gun for free.
Options:
Any Hybrid may substitute his pistol for a Bolt Pistol at +2 pts, or a Plasma Pistol +15 pts (maximum of two per unit)
Up to 2 Hybrids can also substitute their Close Combat Weapon for a Power Weapon at +15 pts or Power Fist at +20 pts
Any Hybrid in the unit may upgrade to one of the following weapons: Double-Handed Close Combat Weapon at +1 pt, Genestealer Claw
Totem at +8 pts, Bolter at +3 pts.
Up to four Hybrids in the unit may upgrade to one of the following weapons: Lascannon (+35 pts), Autocannon (+25 pts), Multi-Melta
(+40 pts, only one per unit), Missile Launcher (+25 pts), Mortar (+20 pts), Plasma Cannon (+40 pts, only one per unit), Heavy Stubber
(+15 pts), Heavy Bolter (+20 pts), Flamer at +6 pts, Grenade Launcher with Krak/Frag rounds at +12 pts, Plasma Gun (+14 pts),
Meltagun (+14 pts). No more than two of the same weapon (except for Heavy Stubbers) may be chosen for the unit though.
The entire unit may be armed with any of the following: Frag Grenades (+1 point per model), Krak Grenades (+2 points per model),
Melta Bombs (+5 points per model). The entire unit may be upgraded to Carapace Armor (4+ Save) at +8 points per model.
Transport: The entire unit (if 12 models or less) can be transported in either a Cult Rhino (+45 pts) or a Cult Chimera (+70 pts). See
below for descriptions. This will not count as a further Elites selection.
Troops
(0-2) Brood Brother Comrades Unit
Cults often infiltrate the trained members of any military forces in the area, as they know in the coming rise to power both their combat
skills and access to weapons will be invaluable! These are usually local members of the Planetary Defense Forces (PDF), but can also
be local Adeptus Arbites detachments, or even Imperial Guard regiments stationed on the planet. Cults often find it difficult to convert
large numbers of these forces to the cause, but their actual military training (compared to the lack thereof for the rest of the Cult) more
than make up for their lack of numbers. They serve a key role in arranging for proper military strategies for the Magus, and also alerting
the Cult of any possible signs that the true nature of the Cult has been detected by local authorities.
Profile Points/Model WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv
Brood Brother Comrade 8 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 7 5+
Hybrid Neophyte +12 4 2 3 3 1 5 2 8 5+
Hybrid Acolyte +10 3 3 3 3 1 4 1 8 5+
Squad: The Squad consists of 5-10 models, and can be lead by a single Hybrid Acolyte or Neophyte (see below).
Weapons: Comrade units are armed with either a Lasgun, Autogun, or Shotgun and wear Flak Armor (Armor Save 5+). Any member
can exchange their original weapon for a close combat weapon and either a Laspistol or Autopistol at no extra cost.
Options: Any number of models can upgrade to a Bolter for +3 points. One model in the unit may have one of the following: Flamer (+3
pts), Meltagun (+8 pts), Plasma Gun (+8 pts), Grenade Launcher (Krak/Frag, +8 pts)
Two members can form a Heavy Weapons team, together also armed with one of the following heavy weapons: Lascannon (+20 pts),
Autocannon (+15 pts), Missile Launcher (+15 pts), Mortar (+15 pts), Heavy Bolter (+10 pts), Multi-Melta (+50 pts), Plasma Cannon (+45
pts). See Codex: Imperial Guard for details on two-man heavy weapon team rules.
The entire unit may be armed with any of the following: Frag Grenades (+1 point per model), Krak Grenades (+2 points per model).
Hybrid Leader: The unit may be lead by either a single Hybrid Acolyte (+10 pts) or Hybrid Neophyte (+12 pts). The Hybrid Leader is
with a Laspistol or Autopistol, wears well-made Flak Armor (5+ Save), and can select items from the Armory as normal.
Transport: The unit (and Leader) may be transported in a Cult Chimera (+70 pts) or Cult Rhino (+45 pts). See below for descriptions.
This will not count as a further Troops selection.
Cult Chimera
Profile Points Front Side Rear BS
Cult Chimera +70 12 10 10 3
Type: Tank
Crew: Brood Brother Comrades
Transport: Up to 10 Cultists from a single unit, plus up to 2 characters attached to the unit.
Weapon Options: The Chimera must be armed with a single turret mounted weapon for +10 points: Multi-laser, Heavy Flamer, or
Heavy Bolter. In addition, it may be fitted with a hull-mounted Heavy Bolter or Heavy Flamer for +5 points.
Cult Rhino
Profile Points Front Side Rear BS
Cult Rhino +45 11 11 10 3
Type: Tank
Crew: Brood Brother Comrades
Weapons: Storm Bolter
Transport: Up to 10 Cultists from a single unit, plus up to 2 characters attached to the unit.
Brood Brother Initiates Unit
The bulk of any Cult is made up of non-military forces: ordinary people caught up in the Cults recruitment. Some are common
criminals, hive gangers, deluded revolutionaries, or those with simply nothing else to lose. Many are not even aware of the true
nature of the Cult until they reach the higher levels of the organization. Like all Brood Brothers, they are eventually implanted with the
Genestealer seed, and many have been proud parents to hybrid offspring. No matter what, they are fully willing to join their alien
progeny in battle; bound together by the strong hypnotic power of the Brood they form the backbone of the Cult forces. As access to
weapons for the Cult is limited, and the finest weapons found or captured are usually given to the leaders and trained members, the
Initiate units are usually left to themselves to find weapons resulting normally in an eclectic range of weapons in each unit. Though
they have no real training in military matters, their fanatical zeal and sheer weight of numbers is usually enough to overrun any
opposition in their bid to overthrow the local government forces.
Profile Points/Model WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv
Brood Brother Initiates 4 2 2 3 3 1 3 1 6 -
Hybrid Neophyte +12 4 2 3 3 1 5 2 8 5+
Hybrid Acolyte +10 3 3 3 3 1 4 1 8 5+
Squad: The unit consists of 10-50 models, and can be lead by a single Hybrid Acolyte or Neophyte (see below).
Weapons: Each member is armed with either a Close Combat weapon, Laspistol, Stubb Gun, Autopistol, bow, or crossbow. Note you
are free to mix weapons in the unit Initiate units rarely if ever all have the same weapon. Also note that Initiates do not wear any
armor, and thus do not normally get any saving throws when wounded.
Options: Each Initiate armed with a Close Combat Weapon may take one additional Close Combat Weapon for +1 point. If they are
armed with a Laspistol, Stubb Gun, or Autopistol they may also take a Close Combat Weapon (keeping the ranged weapon) but at +2
points.
Any number of models may upgrade to one of the following weapons for +1 point: Lasgun, Autogun, Shotgun, or Double-Handed Close
Combat Weapon.
One model in the unit may have one of the following weapons: Flamer (+5 pts), Grenade Launcher (Krak/Frag, +8 pts), Bolter (+3 pts)
One Initiate for every ten members of the unit may have a Heavy Stubber at +6 points per weapon (thus a unit of 10 members can have
one Heavy Stubber, a unit of 20 can have two, and so on).
Instead of taking any Heavy Stubbers, units with a Hybrid Leader may have one member armed with one of the following: Lascannon
(+17 pts), Autocannon (+12 pts), Missile Launcher (+12 pts), Mortar (+12 pts), Heavy Bolter (+10 pts).
The entire unit may be armed with Firebombs for +1 point per model.
Relic Bearer: One Initiate not carrying a Heavy Weapon has been honored for his dedication to the Cult and may be upgraded to a Cult
Relic Bearer for +6 points. He may carry into battle either a Cult Censer (+20 pts) or a Remains of the Unbeliever (+15 pts). See the
Cult Wargear for rules for these items.
Hybrid Leader: The unit may be lead by either a single Hybrid Acolyte (+10 pts) or Hybrid Neophyte (+12 pts). The Hybrid Leader is
with a Laspistol or Autopistol, wears well-made Flak Armor (5+ Save), and can select items from the Armory as normal.
Special Rules - Infiltrate: As the Initiates resemble (outwardly at least) simple common humans, they can often approach the enemy
without the enemy forces actually believing them to be hostile or at least very much of a threat. Many are actually skilled in this (ex-
gang members especially). Of course, if Hybrid is leading the unit this can be more difficult than normal, but the heavy robes most
Cults adopt can keep him disguised until the unit is ready to act. One (and only one!) Initiates unit may then Infiltrate (if the scenario
allows it), as long as the unit does not have any Heavy Weapons or a Relic Bearer, contains 20 or fewer models, and is not in a vehicle.
Even the dimmest Ork might think a very large group of humans scuttling towards them would look suspicious!
Fast Attack:
(0-2) Sentinel Squadron
Sentinels are a common sight in most Imperial Guard forces, usually striding out in patrols of the advance force. As they are often out
on independent patrol, their pilots can fall prey to Genestealer attack and once implanted with the alien seed become valued Cult
members.
Armor
Profile Points WS BS S Front Side Rear I A
Sentinel 35 3 3 5 10 10 10 3 1
Squadron: 1-3 per Squadron
Type: Open-topped, Walker
Crew: One Brood Brother Comrade
Weapon: Each Cult Sentinel is armed with one of the following weapons: Multi-laser at +10 pts or Heavy Flamer at +5 pts.
Options: Sentinels can only take the following upgrades: Extra Armor, Searchlight, Smoke Launchers, Hunter-Killer Missile, Rough
Terrain Modifications. One Sentinel per squadron may carry a Bell of Righteousness, but if chosen that squadron cannot use any of the
special rules below (its hard to scout effectively near the enemy while a loud bell is ringing!).
Special Rules Scouts: Sentinel pilots are usually at the forefront of any fighting force, scouting out the advance terrain and picking
out good deployment locations. As such, they may use the special Sentinel Scouting rules from Codex: Imperial Guard.
Weapons: Each member is armed with a Close Combat weapon and either a Laspistol, Stubb Gun, Autopistol. Note you are free to mix
weapons in the unit Initiates rarely if ever all have the same weapon. They wear poorly made Flak Armor (Armor Save 6+).
Special Rules: Mounted Cultists count as Cavalry, and gain all regular special rules for them from the 40K Rulebook.
Options:
Any number may also take a for a Bow for free, or one of the following at +1 points: Lasgun, Autogun, or Shotgun. One model in the unit
may also have one of the following: Grenade Launcher (Krak/Frag, +8 pts), Flamer (+8 pts), Bolter (+3 pts).
Any number of models may also take a Riding Lance for +2 points. Like the options above, this will not replace any additional
weaponry they may already have they are well trained enough to stow their lances or weapons until needed. See below for Riding
Lance Rules.
Relic Bearer: One member has been honored for his fierce devotion & superior riding skills and may be upgraded to a Cult Relic Bearer
for +10 points. He may carry into battle either a Cult Censer (+20 pts) or a Remains of the Unbeliever (+15 pts). See the Cult Wargear
for rules for these items.
Mounted Hybrid Leader: The unit can be lead by Hybrid Acolyte on Horseback for +12 points. The Hybrid Leader is with a Laspistol or
Autopistol, wears well-made Flak Armor (5+ Save), and can select items from the Armory as normal. He may also be armed with a
Riding Lance for +2 points.
Riding Lances: Most mounted Cultists use a long lance or spear in combat, so they can strike their enemy with the full momentum of
their charge. The extra range gives them an edge in assaults, doubling their Initiative in the first combat round of that Assault and
allowing them to strike simultaneously against enemy in cover. It can only be used if the Cultist charged though, and only to make a
single attack (no matter how many attacks the model may normally have). Riding Lances cannot be combined with any other close
combat weapons or effects (except for that from a Patriarch Ichor Vial), so the user will normally only strike at their own Strength with a
single attack when using the Lance. It can be used over again in fresh Assaults in subsequent turns though.
(0-2) Brood Brother Cultist Bikers
Bikes are a common combat transport throughout the Imperium, used on most planets by Adeptus Arbites police forces to underground
gangs or criminal elements. They (and their riders) are often absorbed into the Cult, where they provide a hard-hitting, fast moving
force to augment their slower moving Brood Brothers.
Profile Points/Model WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv
Initiate Biker 10 2 2 3 3(4) 1 3 1 6 6+
Hybrid Acolyte Sidecar +20 3 3 3 3(4) 1 4 2 8 4+
Weapons: Each member is armed with either a Close Combat weapon, Laspistol, Stubb Gun, or Autopistol. Note you are free to mix
weapons in the unit Initiates rarely if ever all have the same weapon. They wear poorly made Flak Armor (6+ Save).
Special Rules: Cult Bikers ride Bikes (what, you were thinking they were riding Dreadnoughts?), and gain all regular special rules for
them from the 40K Rulebook.
Options:
Each Initiate Biker armed with a Close Combat Weapon may take one additional Close Combat Weapon for +1 point. If they are armed
with a Laspistol, Stubb Gun, or Autopistol they may also take a Close Combat Weapon (keeping the ranged weapon) but at +2 points.
Any number of models may exchange their weapons for either a Shotgun, Lasgun, or Autogun for +1 point. One model in the unit may
have one of the following: Grenade Launcher (Krak/Frag, +8 pts), Flamer (+8 pts), or Bolter (+3 pts).
The entire unit may be armed with Firebombs for +1 point per model.
Relic Bearer: One Cult Biker has been honored for his loyalty and may be upgraded to a Cult Relic Bearer for +10 points. He may
carry into battle either a Cult Censer (+20 pts) or a Remains of the Unbeliever (+15 pts). See the Cult Wargear for rules for these items.
Hybrid Leader Sidecar: The unit can be lead by Hybrid Acolyte at +20 points. The Hybrid Leader is armed with a Laspistol or
Autopistol, wears well made Flak Armor (5+ Save), and can select items from the Armory as normal. He rides in a special Sidecar,
driven by an Initiate. The combination of bike & sidecar counts as a single model, much like a Space Marine Attack Bike, and follows
normal movement rules for Bikes. The model in the sidecar determines the profile, with +1 Toughness (as per normal bikes) as well as
+1 Attack and +1 to his regular Armor Save. Note these rules apply as well if a Hierarch takes a Biker Bodyguard & rides in a Sidecar
to lead them.
Important Note: Cult Bikes do not have any weapons mounted on them; they only have the weapons the riders carry. These are more
like civilian bikes than the weapon-ready Marine or Ork combat bikes.
Weapons: Brood Brother Light Attack Vehicles are fitted with one of the following weapons: Autocannon (+20 pts), Missile Launcher
(+15 pts), Heavy Stubber (+5 pts), Heavy Bolter (+15 pts), Heavy Flamer (+15 pts)
Options: Light Attack Vehicles can only take a Searchlight as upgrades. One Light Attack Vehicle per squadron may carry a Bell of
Righteousness.
Cult Truckers
Another common Cult improved vehicle is a simple civilian transport, with a large open bed in the rear to carry Initiates into battle.
Some armor is added, and usually the ubiquitous Heavy Stubber as well, to finish off the conversion into Cult usage. While not as well
armed or armored as other Cult vehicles, they are cheap and more readily available. In combat, they thunder across the battlefield in a
torrent of kicked-up gravel as the Initiates in the rear hang as best they can, trusting their lives to the Patriarch for protection!
Profile Points Front Side Rear BS
Cult Battle Truck 30+Initiates 10 10 10 2
Squadron: 1-3 Battle Trucks per Squadron
Type: Open-topped, Fast
Crew: Brood Brother Initiates
Vehicle Options: Cult Battle Trucks can have one vehicle mounted Heavy Stubber for +5 points. Trucks can only take Rough Terrain
Modifications, Smoke Launchers, Searchlight, or Extra Armor as upgrades. One Truck per squadron may carry a Bell of Righteousness.
Transport: Each Cult Truck must carry 5-10 Brood Brother Initiates at +4 points each.
Profile Points/Model WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv
Brood Brother Initiates +4 2 2 3 3 1 3 1 6 -
Weapons: Each transported Initiate is armed with either a Close Combat weapon, Laspistol, Stubb Gun, Autopistol, bow, or crossbow.
Note you are free to mix weapons Initiate units rarely if ever all have the same weapon.
Options:
Any transported Initiate armed with a Close Combat Weapon may take one additional Close Combat Weapon for +1 point. If they are
armed with a Laspistol, Stubb Gun, or Autopistol they may also take a Close Combat Weapon (keeping the ranged weapon) but at +2
points.
Any number of models may exchange their weapon for one of the following at the points values indicated:
Lasgun at +1pt, Autogun at +1 pt, Shotgun at +1 pt, Double-Handed Close Combat Weapon at +1 pt
All transported Initiated may be armed with Firebombs for +1 point per model. Note that either all are armed with them, or none.
Relic Bearer: One transported Initiate per Truck squadron has been honored for his suicidal bravery and may be upgraded to a Cult
Relic Bearer for +8 points. He may carry into battle either a Cult Censer (+20 pts) or a Remains of the Unbeliever (+15 pts). See the
Cult Wargear for rules for these items.
Heavy Support:
Brood Brother Heavy Weapon Teams
Trained Cult members are often assigned to provide long range support to the advancing forces. PDF members will usually have
training for these common heavy weapons, and better yet easy access to them! Cults commonly send raiding parties to liberate
stored weapons from local depots, often with the aid of recruited officers who provide security codes and other support.
Profile Points/Team WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv
Brood Brother Comrade 15 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 7 5+
Crew
Hybrid Neophyte +12 4 2 4 3 1 5 1 8 5+
Hybrid Acolyte +10 3 3 3 3 1 4 1 8 5+
Unit: The unit is formed from 1-3 Heavy Weapons teams, with each team consisting of a crew of 2 Brood Brother Comrades. See
Codex: Imperial Guard for details on two-man heavy weapon team rules.
The unit can be lead by a single Hybrid Acolyte or Neophyte (see below).
Weapons: Each model is armed with a Lasgun or Autogun and wears Flak Armor (Armor Save 5+), and one Heavy Weapon per team:
Autocannon (+25 pts) , Lascannon (+30), Heavy Bolter (+15), Mortar (+20), Missile Launcher (+20). The weapon cost is added to the
15 points per crew pair to arrive at the total weapon cost (for example, a Lascannon crew would cost 45 points, and a full team of three
crews armed with a Lascannon, Autocannon, and Mortar would cost a total of 115 points).
Hybrid Leader: The unit may be lead by either a single Hybrid Acolyte (+10 pts) or Hybrid Neophyte (+12 pts). The Hybrid Leader is
with a Laspistol or Autopistol, wears well-made Flak Armor (5+ Save), and can select items from the Armory as normal.
Cult Tanks
Once the Cult has infiltrated military units, the next step is to gain access to weapons depots and storage yards. Soon, local materiel
officers find a dramatic increase in missing parts and vehicles wrecked beyond repair on remote exercises or transferred to other
commands. All of these of course being siphoned to the growing Cult force. Many tanks are simply left alone in the depots, and stolen
right before the Cult makes its bid for power. Other vehicles are salvaged in battle, or even built in secret using stolen Standard
Template Construct (STC) data. The Cult rarely if ever gains combat access to the more rare and valuable tank types, due to higher
security and scrutiny (and difficulty in operation too!), thus most Cults only can field the more common Imperial tanks. But once
repainted in the common Cult colors of Blue and Purple, they are invaluable in the fight!
Cult Tank Options: All Cult Tanks listed below can take any of the vehicle upgrades from the Armory list.
Transport: Any vehicles listed below with Transport capability can only carry the Magus, Hierarchs, Brood Brothers & Hybrids. They
cannot carry Genestealers, or the Patriarch. And dont even think of transporting Mounted Cultists or Bikers!
Recommendation: Fleet blockade of the Roxxas system, followed by light planetary bombardment and assault landings. Heavy
resistance to be expected, including Alien presence (cross-ref morphology Genestealer).
Imperative Primus: Target Heretic retrieved, either alive or corpus.
Imperative Secundus: All alien and genetic deviants destroyed. Planetary population expendable.
Designated Forces: Nova Marines, two Imperial Guard regiments (Tallarn 14th & Xanderan 22nd).
Comments: Armistadt must not be allowed to escape again! Initiate house to house identification of remains if needed. Planetary
Bombardment alone cannot guarantee success. This attempted before, and he has been sighted three times since (ref file: Prandium-
Deathworld). Do not make this foolish mistake again - we must know he is eliminated!
Signed: Agmar (Personal Note ensure Kryptman gets this data to add to his study his insights have been invaluable)
Message Ends********
Legends have sprung up on dozens of worlds of a charismatic preacher, elderly but still vital, who brings the word of the faithful to the
masses then leaves to spread the word elsewhere. On Mossba he was known as The Blessed Gilessen Bogtat. On Prandium,
Revered Pater Noveen the Meek. It was on Ichar IV that he took the name that the Inquisition hunts him by to this day: Learned Brother
Janos Armistadt.
Under a variety of names and shifting guises this being has moved from system to system, preaching to the downtrodden and raising up
new religious fervor while secretly initiating Genestealer infiltration. How long he has lived is unknown (certainly many decades longer
than a normal human). He has always managed to stay a step ahead of any arriving Imperial forces sent to deal with the revolutions he
instigates. Unlike most other Magi, he usually leaves the planetary system once a Cult is established, rarely staying for outright
revolution to begin. One of the Purestrain Genestealers he brings with him to each new planet begins a new life as Patriarch for the
emerging Cult. After his departure (along with a cadre of Genestealers and Brood Brothers) the Cult usually continues to flourish, due to
the training and experience he imparts on the new leaders.
On Ichar IV he lead the Brotherhood, a religious fundamentalist group which masked his secret objectives. It was Inquisitor Agmar who
finally realized that the descriptions of the missing Magus from that uprising (only barely averted due to a combined Imperial Guard and
Ultramarines counter-attack) matched those of religious leaders seen on several other planets stretching back over many decades. On
each of these worlds, serious revolts had later begun, not hapless uprisings as commonly seen in badly governed worlds but well-
orchestrated and professional insurrections. Agmar alerted others, and the mysterious preacher was sighted shortly again and nearly
captured. Since then though Armistadt has been more careful, adopting a new disguise as he arrives at each new world. One step
behind usually though are the Arbites and Inquisitorial forces, keeping him from staying too long on any one planet. It is still not known
how long or why he operates in this manner, or how many other Magi might also be doing so, or even his true name. It is even more
uncertain if he is possibly aware of his true Tyranid heritage, or if he might even be guided from afar by the Hive Mind. The fact that
these are still unknown has been the cause for great concern amongst the Inquisition, especially Agmar who has made it his personal
quest to eradicate this threat to the Imperium at any cost.
Arch-Magus Armistadt may be chosen to lead your Genestealer Cult Army. If selected, he will count as a HQ choice, and replaces the
Magus selection (you cannot take both Armistadt and a regular Magus). He must be taken exactly as described below and may not be
given any extra equipment from the Armory. The points value indicated for him includes all of his items except for Bodyguard and
Transport. In addition he can only be used in battles where both players have decided to allow special characters. Armistadt is an
Independent Character and follows all normal rules for Independent Characters in the Warhammer 40,000 Rulebook, unless
accompanied by a Protectorate (see below).
Profile Points WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv
Arch-Magus Janos Armistadt 107 3 4 3 4 3 4 1 10 4+
Weapons: Armistadt is armed with a Master Crafted Bolt Pistol, The Serpents Tooth, and The Shepherds Staff
Wargear: Armistadt wears Carapace Armor (4+ save) with a Chitin Armor Covering under his flowing robes.
Psychic Powers: As a Magus, Armistadt has the psychic power Hypnotic Gaze as described above, plus the new power Test of Wills.
Armistadt has refined his hypnotic powers to the level that he can actually reach out and take control of enemy minds. At the start of the
Cult players Assault Phase, Armistadt may attempt to use this power against a single enemy model with 6 to which he has Line of
Sight. First he must pass a Psychic Test as normal, then both models roll 2D6 and add it to their Leadership. If Armistadts total is
higher, he has taken over the mind of the enemy, and can immediately make a normal Assault move with the model. The Assault
Phase is then conducted as normal, but Armistadt also controls that model and it counts as being part of the Cult Army for the rest of the
phase. If the result is a tie, or the enemys total is higher, nothing happens. The power will only work on living creatures so Vehicles,
Demons, Necrons, Thousand Sons, Avatars, Wraithguard, etc. are not effected. Tyranids of any type are not effected by the power
either. At the end of that Assault Phase, the effects wear off and the enemy model regains control of his senses.
Special Rules: As a Magus, Armistadt can use the He who runs away special rules described above. Also, his ages of
experience give him an additional edge in ensuring his safety. If desired, when attempting to make this voluntary Fall-back test he can
declare that he is deciding to quit the battlefield altogether and flee the area. If his test is successful, he is simply removed from play,
but no Victory Points are scored for his removal. He will though count as being dead for purposes of any other special Cult rules.
Special Wargear:
The Shepherds Staff
Moving from planet to planet, Armistadt has acquired a collection of rare and arcane artifacts, which have served him well as he has
sown the seeds of heresy and revolt throughout the Imperium. While not confirmed, it is believed that the Staff was captured in a
pitched battle with rival Chaos Worshippers. Where they got (or stole) it from was never revealed, but the Staff has become a signature
mark of Armistadt ever since. Glowing with unholy power and coronal discharges, the Staff counts as a Power Weapon in Assaults. The
Staff takes both hands to use as a weapon though, so if used then no other combat bonuses for extra attacks can be used.
The Staff also amplifies Armistadts hypnotic powers throughout his followers, allowing any unit he is leading to re-roll any and all
Leadership-based tests they are required to make. For any effects that cause automatic failure of a test, the unit may still make a single
test but may not re-roll it. This power is in effect even if the Staff is not being used for combat at the time.
Transport: If a Bodyguard is taken, they and Armistadt (up to a maximum of 8 models) may ride in a Cult Limousine for +40 points (see
HQ-Transport for full rules). He will never take an un-armored Limousine though, as he is almost never caught un-prepared!
Bodyguard: When necessary to fight, Armistadt commonly leads a personal cadre of followers into battle. This will either be a
Protectorate (see below) or a unit of 3-12 Genestealers at 16 points each. Note that none of the Genestealers in his Bodyguard can use
their normal Cult Genestealer special movement rules their total devotion to his safety keeps them too busy to run faster or seek
cover.
Profile Points/Model WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv
Protectorate 9 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 7 5+
Genestealer 16 6 0 4 4 1 6 2 10 6+
Protectorate: The Protectorate is formed from 5-10 models of highly trained & fanatical Brood Brothers chosen among all others to
serve as his personal Bodyguard.
Weapons: Protectorate members wear well-made Flak Armor (Sv 5+) and are armed with a Close Combat Weapon.
Options: Each Protectorate member may make any weapon options as per the regular Magus Bodyguard entry, with the exception that
they may not take any Heavy Weapons. Armistadt knows the importance of keeping on the move, and never likes to be tied down in
the midst of combat! Protectorate members cannot be upgraded to Relic Bearer either.
Suicide Bombers: Honed over the years, Armistadts incredible powers of hypnotic persuasion and mind control can create
bodyguards even more fanatical than normal. His Protectorate are even willing to commit suicide for him, knowing that they will have a
place at his side in the afterlife. Protectorate members are armed with special contact bombs, designed for maximum explosive power
in a shaped charge. At the start of either players Assault Phase (but after all models have charged) each Protectorate model may
detonate their bomb, instantly killing themselves but causing any one model in contact to take an automatic Strength 6 hit. Only models
in base contact are effected, and any casualties (both Protectorate and enemy) count toward resolving the Assault. Once any Suicide
Bombs are completed, resolve the rest of the Assault Phase as normal. This special attack can be used against vehicles as well, with
each model causing an automatic hit with an Armor Penetration value of 6+D6 no matter the vehicle type or speed. In a Death or Glory
Attack, each Protectorate member who stands and detonates his bomb will be removed as a casualty as normal. Note that the player
must declare how many Protectorate models are being used in attacking a vehicle or doing a Death or Glory attack before rolling any
dice to penetrate! Even if the first bomb destroys the vehicle, all of the declared Protectorate models are still removed from play.
Manos the Mad
Manos (certainly not his original name) began life on a backwater planet, the first generation offspring in a newly formed Cult. Oddly
though for a first generation hybrid, he appeared fully human. His parents were killed mere months after his birth though, attempting to
rescue their Genestealer master from the wreck of a burning transport vehicle. Orphaned, Manos was raised by a local seminary and
thoroughly immersed in proper Imperial Cult and worship of the Emperor.
Young Manos showed himself to be quite brilliant and fervent as a student. His devotion to the Ministorum was all-encompassing; early
on he lead several local crusades against heretics, saving hundreds of souls from living as unbelievers. Soon he was readied to leave
the planet and embark on what looked to be a successful career as a Preacher. Then his true heritage emerged.
A small blue growth appeared under his left arm, which grew rapidly in mere days to become an additional arm! Shocked to the core to
discover his heresy as a mutant, he immediately severed the limb and burned the foul flesh. Praying to the Emperor for deliverance he
drifted off to a troubled sleep filled with monstrous visions of hissing demons with deep hypnotic eyes. Salvation was not forthcoming
though as the next morning he awoke to not only find the arm regrown, but a hard layer of blue chitin forming over his now purple-ish
skin! Needless to say his world view shifted a bit, and he snapped quite utterly and completely. Effortlessly slaughtering his former
brethren, he boarded his ship and left the planet.
Abandoned by his former God-Emperor, one vision now fills his brain to find his true father, a mighty being of daggered teeth and
razor claws who must be out there somewhere in the stars. Only he can cure poor Manos of his heresy, and forgive him of his sins.
Manos travels from system to system in search of his father and new god, hiding his heresy with robes and skin-paint. Periodically his
alien urges take control, and he spreads the Genestealer infection amongst the local populace before regaining his senses and
continuing with his quest for redemption.
Manos may be taken as an single Elite choice in a Genestealer Cult Army, and can join and lead a unit in the same manner as other
Independent Characters. He must be taken exactly as described below and may not be given any extra equipment from the Armory.
The points value indicated for him includes all of his items. In addition he can only be used in battles where both players have decided
to allow special characters. Manos is an Independent Character and follows all normal rules for Independent Characters in the
Warhammer 40,000 Rulebook.
Profile Points WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv
Manos the Mad 60 4 2 4 5 2 4 2 10 5+
cvr
Weapons: Manos is armed with a Close Combat weapon plus a special Flamer which fires The Flames of Blood. He also carries The
Brazier of Damnation, The Eye of Judgement, and The Crown of Iron.
Flames of Blood
Manos mixes flammable liquid with his own vile blood, producing a toxic potion he stores in special canisters. When fired from his
Flamer, it results in an even more potent effect than a regular Flamer hit, thus proving to others the depth of his heresy.
Range Str AP Type
Template 4 4 Assault 1
A Genestealer Ark may be taken together as an single HQ choice in a Genestealer Cult Army for games of 2000 points of higher only. It
must be taken exactly as described below and may not be given any extra equipment from the Armory. The points value indicated for it
includes the Genestealer Patriarch, plus the Ark and other associated crew & weapons. In addition it can only be used in battles where
both players have decided to allow special characters.
Armor
Profile Points WS BS S Front Side Rear I A
Genestealer Ark 175 6 3 5 14/12 14/10 14/10 5 4
Type: Tank, Open-topped
Crew: Patriarch, Genestealer Hierarch, Genestealer Hybrids, Brood Brother Comrade
Weapons: Pintel-mounted Storm Bolter, plus Heavy Flamers mounted in the hull and both side sponsons.
Options: The side sponsons may be dropped if desired. If this is done the cost for the Ark is reduced to 135 points.
Special Rules:
The Ark: The vehicle, Patriarch and crew all constitute a single model. The Patriarch cannot take a Bodyguard and neither he or anyone
else can leave the vehicle. If the vehicle is destroyed, he & the crew are automatically killed. The enemy cannot target separate parts
of the Ark from the Patriarch
Hybrid Gunners: Each of the Heavy Flamers can fire together as if they were a single weapon, not three (one of the benefits of having
extra arms!). Thus all three can be fired even if the Ark moves up to 6 inches. The fire may be targeted at any enemy desired as well,
not just one unit. The Comrade driving the Ark can fire Pintel-mounted Storm Bolter as normal, as per the rules for that vehicle upgrade.
Command and Control: The Ark carries an array of command & control equipment, with multiple video systems displaying the gathered
data for the Hierarch. He can then relay this information to his fellow Cult units. This allows any one unit with Line of Sight to the Ark to
re-roll any shooting misses once per turn, as long as the Ark also had Line of Sight to that target.
Power Field: Power fields are usually much too wasteful, cumbersome and energy draining for regular vehicle mounting, but for a single
special vehicle the Cult will spare no expense! Built into the Patriarchs Throne, it gives the Ark an Armor Value of 14 all around for
shooting attacks. In Close Combat however the regular armor values of 12 to the front and 10 to the side & rear take effect.
Movement: The Ark has a maximum movement of 12. If the Ark moved 6 or less in the Movement Phase, then it can make an assault
movement of up to 6 in the Assault Phase. As a tank, it can perform Tank Shock in the Movement Phase, but if the unit passes its
Morale Test the Ark must stop there and remain stationary in the Assault Phase to fight them. If the Shocked unit fails its test, the Ark
is free to keep moving and continue the turn as normal.
Close Combat: The Ark fights in an Assault exactly as a Dreadnought, using the characteristics given above. Any extra attacks from
additional weapons are already included in the Attacks characteristic. All hits are worked out using the Strength value in the profile,
with the normal effects for Genestealer Claws. Note that since the Ark is a Vehicle, it will never Falls Back in an Assault, even if
defeated.
Optional Cult Army Variants
The structure and nature of a Genestealer Cult varies from planet to planet, and also with the age of the Cult. The Army list shown
above is for fairly mature and established Cult on any of the common Civilized Worlds of the Imperium. Players may also want to try
these variant rules below, to cover Cult uprisings in other situations. Both players should agree to using them before the game though!
For more information on different planet types in Imperial Space, see pages 114-115 in the Warhammer 40,000 Rulebook, and feel free
to try out other variant lists for some of the other worlds described there. Any of the special characters can be used in all Cult types.
Feudal/Low-tech Planets: These planets are mostly in a medieval setting, or tech levels lower than the Imperial norm
Special Rules:
- No Tanks or Heavy Support (except as below)
- No Fast Attack except for Mounted Cultist units
- Mounted Cultists can be chosen from Troops as well as Fast Attack (player choice)
- No restrictions on the number of Mounted Cultist units [(0-2) restriction no longer applies]
- Mounted Cultists & Hierarchs have superior riding skills:
Trot: In addition to the normal rules for Cavalry models in the Warhammer 40,000 Rulebook, Mounted Cultists may choose
to move at a Trot. See Codex: Imperial Guard for details on this special rule.
- Initiate units cannot have Heavy Weapons except for Heavy Stubbers, and only 1 for every 20 members of the unit .
- Initiate units can take an additional Close Combat Weapon or a Double Handed Close Combat Weapon for free.
- Instead of regular Heavy Weapon teams, Feudal Cults may only use the following war machines. Unlike normal heavy weapons,
these massive machines can only move if both crew are alive. If one crewman is killed, it and its crewman must remain stationary for
the rest of the game. All other rules for Cult Heavy Weapon teams apply, as per the Heavy Support section.
Hiveworlds: Massive population concentrations in Hive Spires, surrounded by deadly wastelands (Necromunda is the most famous)
Special Rules:
- No Tanks, Sentinels or Mounted Cultists allowed
- No restrictions on the number of Cultist Biker Units [(0-2) restriction no longer applies]
- No restrictions on Heavy Weapon Teams [(0-2) restriction no longer applies]
- Initiate units can have two Heavy Weapons instead of just one per unit, or one Heavy Stubber per 10 members of the unit
- Initiate units can form Cultist Gangs of 5-10 models (only 1 Heavy Weapon or two Heavy Stubbers though per Cultist Gang unit)
- Up to one Cultist Gang may Infiltrate as well as a one regular Initiate unit
- Cultist Gangs can Infiltrate even if they have up to one Heavy Weapon
- Cultist Gangs can use a special 4 unit coherency distance between members of the unit
Space Hulk/Fresh Cults: These represent Genestealer-infested Hulks, or Cults very early in their development cycle
Special Rules:
- At least one Initiate unit must be taken, and the total number of Initiates in the Cult must be no less than the total number of Hybrids
- Genestealer and Hybrid Broods can be chosen as Troops as well as Elites (Cult player choice)
- No regular Magus (Cult is too recent to create one yet) but Hierarchs can be used as normal
- Patriarch & his bodyguard can use the Genestealer special movement & reserve rules (Cult is less organized, but hes younger and
lighter on his feet)
- No Comrade units, and no Fast Attack, Tanks, or Heavy Support selections allowed (you may choose more Troops if the scenario
would call for these as mandatory selections)
- No Cult Relics, Books of the Faith, or Bells of Righteousness (Cult has not had time to form religious trappings yet)
Optional Rules: Support Weapons
Support Weapons are rare devices of awesome power, many dating back to the time of the Heresy or before. Each usually requires
specialized equipment and repair, and are a rare sight outside of Adeptus Mechanicus forces though sometimes seen detached to other
Imperial armies. Rarer still they wind up in the hands of heretic cults bent on revolution or destruction. Even though difficult to ready
and maintain, they are superb in combat and relatively easy to use.
Player Consent: Support Weapons can only be used if both players agree to allow them. If allowed, Genestealer Cults may choose
Support weapons as per the rules below, with each battery counting as two Heavy Support selections.
Special Rules:
Movement and Crew
Support Weapons have a crew (usually of two Operators) who must stay within 2 of their weapon at all times.
Support Weapons cannot be transported.
Crew from one Support Weapon can be used to re-crew other Support Weapons as needed. Once the operator moves to within 2 of
the weapon he becomes its operator, but cannot be used to fire it in that turn. If already within 2, he can fire it as normal that turn.
All Support Weapons in a battery must remain within 4 of each other.
Choosing Cult Support Weapons: Cults can form Support Weapons into Batteries of 1-3 Support Weapons. The Support Weapons
in each Battery do not have to be the same weapon; you are free to mix weapons in the Battery as desired. However, obtaining Support
Weapons for the Cult ties up many valuable resources that could have been spent in gaining other weapons. Due to this, each Support
Weapon Battery selection counts as two Heavy Support choices. The points value per Support Weapon include the cost for the two
Brood Brother Comrades serving as Crew.
Profile Points/Team WS BS S T W I A Ld Sv
Brood Brother Comrade - 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 7 5+
Crew
Hybrid Neophyte +12 4 2 4 3 1 5 1 8 5+
Hybrid Acolyte +10 3 3 3 3 1 4 1 8 5+
Hybrid Leader: Support Weapon Batteries can be lead by a single Hybrid Acolyte (+10 pts) or Hybrid Neophyte (+12 pts). The Hybrid
Leader is with a Laspistol or Autopistol, wears well-made Flak Armor (5+ Save), and can select items from the Armory as normal.
Hybrids cannot operate Support Weapons; they simply do not have the training!
Subterranean explosion If a Hit, place Blast Template at that location & work out explosion as below. If an arrow, move the template
the distance of the higher of the two dice rolls (Mole Mortars are not very accurate!). The Torpedo then explodes just below the surface,
creating a crater the size of the Blast template which remains in play for the rest of the game. These craters act as Difficult Terrain and
offer a 5+ Cover Save to any models in or behind them, but do not block Line of Sight. All models covered or touching the template take
a Strength 4 hit at AP5. Any unit that suffers casualties in this manner is Pinned automatically, unless they are immune from Pinning.
Airburst! If Doubles are rolled, the torpedo has emerged into the air and exploded, spraying shrapnel all around! Scatter the template
as per the roll, but use Ordnance template to represent the huge airburst. Any models covered or touching the template take Strength 3
hit at AP5. No crater is created for an Airburst. Units suffering casualties in this manner take Pinning checks as per normal Barrage
Pinning rules (note it is not Ordnance Pinning, even though that template is used for the area of coverage).
Armory Raid
(Raid Scenario Type)
Cult forces are attempting to break into guarded military installations in order to capture weapons and ammunition, or at the very least
destroy then and deny use to the enemy. Enemy forces are not expecting the attack, but once alerted must try to prevent the vile
insurgents from stealing away with the valuable supplies.
This mission can be used if both players have agreed to play a Raid type scenario, and want to try something a little different. If the Cult
player had agreed to play Attacker, if the Mission Selection roll is a Strongpoint Attack mission then he can choose to play this mission
instead.
This is a variation on Strongpoint Attack mission, and the Cult are always Attackers. Here the Bunkers represent Ammo Storage
Buildings. All normal rules for a Strongpoint Attack apply, with the following changes:
Destroying a Bunker is only worth +100 points, though undestroyed Bunkers are still worth +200 points for the Enemy.
Capturing Materiel: If destroyed, leave wreckage behind to mark the location. The Cult can also gain Victory Points for getting to these
areas, as it gives them a chance to make off with weapons, ammo, etc. To search for materiel, the unit must spend one turn with at
least one member on foot in the wreckage area. The unit cannot be engaged in an Assault and cannot shoot that turn for the searching
to count.
+50 extra points for each Cult unit that gets to a destroyed Bunker and still is no less than 50% strength at the end of the game.
+100 points for each Cult unit that gets to a destroyed Bunker and has made it off the board via their own deployment zone before the
game has ended. The unit must be no less than half strength when it leaves the table though to count.
Note that a unit can only get one or the other, not both.
Genestealer Broods, Mounted Cultists, Cult Bikers, or vehicles cannot count here though, though a unit being transported on a vehicle
can capture materiel as long as it spends on turn disembarked at the area.
Campaign Effects: Cult units which manage to leave the table with captured materiel gain +50 experience
Buying Time
(Breakthrough Scenario Type)
The Revolution is going badly, and the Cult is retreating. The most loyal and fanatical members have been assigned to slow down the
advancing enemy forces in a hastily prepared defense so that the Cult leaders have time to escape. The enemy know they must punch
through these forces to reach the real leaders and wipe out the Cult infestation.
This mission can be used if both players have agreed to play a Breakthrough type scenario, and want to try something a little different.
If the Cult player had agreed to play Defender, if the Mission Selection roll is a Rearguard mission then he can choose to play this
mission instead.
Overall this is a variation of Rearguard Mission, where the Cult are always Defenders. All normal rules for a Rearguard Mission apply,
with the following additions:
The Cult would never allow their Magus to stay behind in such a suicidal defense. If the group to be used in the game contained the
Magus, the Cult player should treat him as an identically powered & equipped Hierarch, or ideally replace the Magus and his Bodyguard
(if chosen) with an equivalent force of a Hierarch and bodyguard.
Brood Brother units automatically gain the benefits of always having Line of Sight to their Magus though as per the Our Father Watches
Us, Let None Fail Him! special rule, due to their total devotion to the Brood.
The Cult may not use Hidden Set-up, but it does get to place Obstacles. These can only be Razorwire, as there is not time to create
tank Traps, but the Cult gets 6+D3 sections to place.
Alternatively, it may elect to use only 3+D3 sections of Razorwire but may place any units in Reserve instead.
The Cult will place its units first, then the Attacker. The Cult will go first.
Victory Points are used to determine the winner. Bonus points for:
Enemy units of greater than 50% strength, or undamaged vehicles, which manage to get through the Cult defenses and exit the board
via the Cults deployment area table edge (long edge only!) gain +200 points. A vehicle transporting a unit when exiting, or a vehicle
squadron, will at most give +200 points though. Characters or single figure units like a Wraithlord do not count.
Damaged enemy vehicles which exit the board via the Cult table edge are worth +100 points.
If the entire Cult force is wiped out, the enemy win automatically as they now can easily run down and capture the Cult leaders before
they can escape.
Campaign Effects: If the Cult force is wiped out, enemy units that are still at 100% strength and are in the Cult deployment zone gain
+50 experience. Obviously they will be the ones to go on and capture the Magus!
Creating Your Cult
One thing youve probably noticed by now is that this army list has very few actual figures made for it! This article is here to help
though, with some tips and ideas for converting up existing figures to fill the gaps. Well go through the list model by model, but first
some overall notes:
Bald is Beautiful Your Genestealer Magus & Hybrids should always be bald. Try to trim or file away any facial or other hair on any
models you use for them. Skin tones should range from very nearly human coloration for the Magus, to more and more pink/purple the
more the hybrid ranges towards pure Genestealer. Ditto for appearance the Magus should look very human in form, and the hybrids
more bestial. Acolytes should look almost human, with perhaps only slightly purple skin tones or a claw instead of a hand. Neophytes
are closer to the purestrain form, so they should have 3 or 4 arms, strong purple skin tones, and very alien faces. I like to paint all
Patriarch, hybrid & purestrain eyes with a flat black, with just a touch of Grey as the highlight. This contrasts well with the pink/purple
skin, and gives a sinister and alien look to them, like sharks eyes.
Cult Colors Most Cult players like to use blue and purple for their clothing and vehicle color scheme, for obvious reasons. I would
recommend this also its a visually strong scheme, and not in use by any other armies. One other thing is to try and unify your style of
clothing as much as possible. Remember, your Cult is a religious force, not a military one. Try not to mix around with different styles
too much if you like your Cultists in robes, try to get everyone in robes. Obviously neither of these are hard and fast rules, but I think
youll find your Cult looks sharper if they project a unified color and clothing approach.
OK, enough decorating tips on to conversions. As a good general idea though, leaf through your Citadel Annuals in all the sections,
not just the 40K part, for model ideas. Many of the figures below are not from the 40K range!
Genestealer Magus There are several old Citadel figures for these, but almost any character model will work. In my Cult, I liked the
idea of everyone wearing robes, or at least heavy overcoats. Thus my choices for Magus models lean towards several Warhammer
fantasy wizards, Eldar Warlocks (with the heads replaced of course!), and other robed figures. Ive worked up one based on Chaos
special character Ahrimans body with a bald head from the plastic Chaos Warrior regiment, and another from the Empire Grand
Theogonist (who rides on the War Altar). Remember the Magus should look almost 100% human, with only a slightly purple skin tone;
other than that any regular looking human model will work well for him. Remember youll only need one in your Cult, so really go to
town on him!
For those who want the old models from Mail Order, here are the part numbers:
Magus with Staff 072596/5
Magus with Scanner 072596/6
Magus with Laspistol & mike 072596/7
Magus with Staff 2 072596/1
Magus Advisor 072583/7
Patriarch He should be a very large, very ancient looking Genestealer. You could work one up based on the regular Genestealer
model (perhaps by adding extra armor plating & ridges, and doing paler skin tones), but frankly Id recommend getting the old Citadel
model for him via Mail Order. Heres the part numbers: 072596/7, /8, /9.
Hierarchs Like the Magus, any human looking figure will work here. I envisioned my Hierarchs being more into commando style
missions, so I like using the more action-looking figures. Bald heads are still important, so I picked ones such as the Catachan Lt model
(010504701), Necromunda Underhive Scum with Bolt Pistols (059906304), Necromunda Delaque leaders (059900610, 059902417),
and any of the Imperial Preachers or Missionaries from the Sisters of Battle line.
Cult Limousine You have a choice here of working from a commercial plastic model limo or car here, or converting from regular citadel
vehicles. If you go with the former, make sure it has some armor plating attached, unless youre going for the Unarmored Limo option.
The later is harder, but gives a more unified appearance (as if all the Cult vehicles had been worked up from the same common
stockyard). Ive made up some using Rhino hulls, with Chimera siding, small bike tires, and a lot of thin sheet plastic. I created the
transmission and axel housings using a metal Hellhound fuel hose (010505509) & Leman Russ sponson rear half cylinders
(010505310). Almost anything will work fine though, as long as it doesnt look too big or too heavily armored.
Purestrain Genestealers Anyone having problems with these should go back to playing Space Marines. Youre just not ready to take
over the world just yet <g>.
Genestealer Hybrids
I like pretty much using regular human models here, with some swapping of arms & heads to give the hybrid look. Well cover each type
separately:
Acolytes: Like the Hierarchs, these should look very human, but be wrong on at most one area. For example, a nearly human form,
but purple skin tones. Only two arms for them normally (3 at most!), but one can be a stealer claw. Use the plastic stealer arms & claws
here to swap out for regular human arms & hands.
Neophytes: These should look more alien, with 3 or 4 arms and a strong purple skin tone. Ive made several using the Ork Slaver
model (again, using the robes as the unifying theme for the Cult) with new stealer claws. I even turned the Red Gobbo from
Gorkamorka into a Hybrid! You can even use the plastic genestealer bodies, with human arms (the plastic Catachans work fine here).
The overall goal though should be models be like Genestealers with a slightly human look, as opposed to the Acolytes who should
appear more like humans with a slightly Genestealer look.
There are quite a few old Citadel Hybrids too. I recommend just the two below though:
Hybrid with Power Sword & Autopistol: 072557/6
Hybrid with Autogun: 072557/10
I like these two as they are the best looking of the bunch, and you can easily convert them to have other weapons. The first one can be
changed to carry any manner of pistol or most close combat weapons; the second to take pretty much any two-handed weapon or even
a heavy weapon.
Brood Brother Comrades Dead easy here: Imperial Guard or Adeptus Arbites are the obvious choices. File off the offending Imperial
symbols and youre ready to paint! Id stick with the more military looking style models here to differentiate them from your Initiates; I
use Valhallans mostly (heavy overcoats) with some of the old Arbites models too.
Brood Brother Initiates & Bodyguard Speaking of which Youre spoiled for figures here. Necromunda models are the first choice for
most Cult players (I went with Delaques to continue the bald & robed scheme of my Cult). You can also use regular Warhammer
Empire figures (especially the plastic Soldiers of the Empire regiment figures), especially for your Feudal style Cults. Frateris Militia
models are also great too. No matter what you choose though, your Initiates should present a much more rag-tag look than your
Comrades. These should look more like armed civilians, rather than a military force.
Mounted Cultists & Hybrids I like using Bretonnian Squires here, with my Hybrids coming from the Tallarn Rough Rider line. Kislev
Horse Archers can also work well for your Cultists too pretty much any horsemen with little or no armor will work.
Cultist Bikers & Hybrids I use Chaos Bikes here, as they have a nice Hog look to them. I filed off the chaos symbols and most of the
spikey bits, and replaced both bolt guns with metal Chaos Bike targetters (to look like headlights). I also trimmed away the TV set
scanners on the handlebars too. The overall goal was to make them look more like civilian bikes than military weapons. Ork Warbikes
also work well here too (file off the Evil Sunz bits!) a mix of the two bike types give the right biker rally feel to the unit. As for the
riders, the legs from the plastic Ork or Chaos riders are OK with some trimming, but I like using other torsos like plastic Necromunda
Goliaths. Heads from plastic Catachans mix in well too, or left over pilot heads from the plastic Sentinel. Arms are harder I either stick
with trimmed regular Chaos or Ork driver arms, or convert from metal biker arms like the Gorkamorka Biker. I generally only have one
arm on the wheel though they all look wilder that way!
Hybrid Sidecar use the regular Space Marine Attack Bike sidecar chassis, chair back, and mudguard. Lots of figures will work as a
basis for the sidecar hybrid, especially Gorkamorka Ork or Digga Truck gunners. You can build up a sidecar shell around the hybrid
using sheet plastic, or even the old metal Space Marine Landspeeder fairings. Both the new plastic Sentinel and also the old metal one
also give a great sidecar shells too!
Cult Light Attack Vehicles Ork Wartracks and Warbuggies, natch. Replace the Orks (especially their heads) with human parts (again,
gotta love the plastic Catachan & Sentinel pilot heads here). Replace the weapons as necessary with metal or plastic ones (IG heavy
weapons work well here).
Cult Battle Trucks Same comments as above, but using Ork Wartrukks or even Gorkamorka Digga Trucks here as the basic model
though. As a note, you dont need to try & fit all the Initiates into the truck though. I generally put one or two on the board to show my
opponent that yes, there are indeed reckless Brood Brothers on board; the rest are set aside away from the playing area. When they
get out or the truck is destroyed, I put the rest out on the table.
Brood Brother Heavy Weapon Teams Regular IG heavy weapon teams, of course. Anyone not realizing this immediately might not be
cut out for doing a Cult <g>.
Cult Support Weapons These are old Citadel Models, all available via Mail Order. Here are the part numbers:
Tarantula: 072170/1, /2, /3, /4 (part 3 is a Multi-Melta, so youll need two). Other heavy weapons also can fit too with some work.
Rapier: 072045/14*2, /15, /16, /17 (part 14 is a track side, so youll need two)
Mole Mortar: RTB3/L, RTB3/K
Thudd Gun: 072045/6, /7, /11, /12, /10, /8*2 (part 8 is the wheel, so youll need two)
Really ambitious modelers and True Hobbyists will of course have a go at scratch building them. I salute you all!
For the gunners, I like using IG models with either lascannon controls or comm links. Mortar loaders are perfect for Mole Mortar crew
too. Again, these are supposed to be Comrades, so I use more militaristic looking IG or Arbite figs here.
Special Characters:
Janos Armistadt the Traveler I used the old Warhammer Fantasy Light Wizard as his basis, cutting off his sword and staff top. The staff
top was replaced with the bottom of Arhimans staff, and the sword with a nice looking Bolt Pistol with a scope attachment. For his
Protectorate, I used the Light Wizard Acolytes so the entire unit had a very strong unifying look. The acolyte figures are easily
converted to carry pretty much any weapon needed. For their Suicide Bombs, I used Epic 40K Hydra radar dishes (030500805), though
any small techie bit will work well.
Warhammer Empire Light Wizard: 073791/6
Warhammer Empire Light Wizard Acolytes: 073800/1, /2
Manos the Mad The main body comes from poor old Uriah Jacobus (010802101), but his right arm was replaced with a plastic
Genestealer arm. I added a regular flamer in his new lower right arm (plastic flamers work well; I used a metal Necromunda
Redemptionist Deacons flamer 059900708 though as it had some nice flame markings). The Eye of Judgement was made from the top
of a Necromunda Weird Telepath (059905201), cut off and placed upside down. At the top I added the tip from an Eversor Assassin
Array (010800303) to create the actual Eye. I kept the rest of the array though it makes a great backpack for a hybrid! I added a
Mounted Wight sheathed sword (020702711) to top him off. Originally Manos was my Cult Icon Bearer from my 2nd Ed Cult army, but
one of the perks of writing an army list is that you get to create new special characters and he was just calling out for some special rules!
Genestealer Ark This is a big one, and not for the feint of heart! The main chassis is a Griffon, but with sponsons added by cutting off
the hull sidings after the second panel. Plastic Leman Russ sponsons are added, with heavy flamers from the vehicle accessory sprue.
If you choose not to add sponsons, just assemble the Chimera side armor as normal. A heavy flamer is also added in the hull weapon
mounting (the plastic one from the vehicle accessory sprue, or the metal one from the Baal Predator 010117504). The rear bed was
covered with sheet plastic, then screen mesh. A Hellhound Fuel tank assembly (010505503, 010505506) was mounted in the rear, and
a regular storm bolter to the top hatch. For the record, the plastic sprues used here are:
Chimera Body Frame B
Chimera Body Frame C
Tank Tracks Frame T
Tank Wheel Frame W
Tank Accessory Sprue
Leman Russ Body Frame B (sponsons)
Leman Russ Body Frame C (sponsons)
The Patriarch model is an old Citadel model of a Patriarch on a Throne (072583/1, /2, /3, /4, /5, /6). I used more Hellhound Fuel hoses
below and in the rear of the throne to create the look of heavy power lines running into it. His Hierarch advisor can be any model,
though I used one of the old Magus models (Magus with Laspistol & microphone). I cut off the Laspistol and added a human hand to
give him a better pose. Its a tight fit to get both the throne and the Hierarch in the rear area, but it can be done. The figure popping out
the hatch was made from a Delaque Heavy Stubber body (059900607) cut in half, and given new hands.
To tech up the Ark, I added the front plate and support from a Tarantula (072170/4, /2), plus some space marine bike TV sets to each
side. Any other tech looking items (like video cameras from Apothecary backpacks) can be added as desired; I added some Leman
Russ plastic handholds as it looked like it could be a rough ride for the Hierarch! I added two Epic 40K plastic Genestealers to the front
as garnish, and its ready to strike fear in the hearts of all unbelievers!
1) Initial Hulk sighting, along with investigation report and first infestation
2) Infestation start infested human retires to countryside/isolated area to marry, start settlement
3) Settlement growing, birth notices. Very secretive, no pics allowed
4) Cult emerges as new religion. Report by local Ministorum officials totally safe, of course!
5) Commando raids by Hierarch & infiltrated PDF forces
6) Captured Arbite spy brought before Magus (ala Conan brought before James Earl Jones). Depth of Arbite infiltration revealed
7) Revolt starts! Bits from several combats. Lots of betrayals in imperial forces. Surprise Eldar showup?
8) Victory! Cult basks in glory, as a Hive Fleet arrives & blots out the sun. Fade out