Another preview of rules for the coming Genestealer Cult codex. This one focuses on the Gene-Sects, different Cults with their own stratagems and rules.
via the Warhammer Community
https://www.warhammer-community.com/2019/01/31/31st-jan-genestealer-cults-rules-preview-part-3gw-homepage-post-2/
It’s only two days until Codex: Genestealer Cults and a swathe of new units are available for pre-order, so we’re continuing to ramp up the excitement with another rules preview. Today, we’re peeling open another layer of the rules in the codex by taking a look at the nuances that the some of the galaxy’s most (in)famous and powerful cults have to offer.
Gene-sects
The new codex includes six varied gene-sects of the Genestealer Cults. Having emerged on different worlds across the galaxy, these cults have developed their own beliefs and sub-cultures that set them apart from others of their kind. Each cult not only has its own Cult Creed but a bespoke Stratagem, Warlord Trait and Sacred Relic that represent these idiosyncrasies. For example, the Cult of the Four-armed Emperor is renowned for its well-planned and highly effective ambushes, so if you want to make the most of your army’s Cult Ambush rule (see Part 1 of our rules preview), you’ll want to use this Cult Creed.
Their meticulous preparation also offers the cult a Warlord Trait that grants D3 additional Command Points (again, great for using Stratagems that interact with the Cult Ambush) in addition to a handy re-roll, and even a means of countering a key enemy Stratagem.
However, if you prefer brawn over brains, the cult known as the Twisted Helix will serve you better – check this devastating Cult Creed:
That’s right – we’re talking Strength-5 Acolyte Hybrids and Strength-6 Aberrants – which is doubled to 12 if armed with heavy improvised weapons or power hammers! You can also make your Twisted Helix Patriarch nothing short of apocalyptic by juicing him up with the Elixir of the Prime Specimen.
And if you like the idea of all your eggs in one basket, you can increase your Patriarch’s Attacks and Strength characteristics further still with the Biomorph Adaption Warlord Trait, and bolster its profile to mind-blowing levels with the Might From Beyond psychic power.
Let’s take a quick look at the other four Cult Creeds.
For fans of War Zone Vigilus, you’ll be pleased to know that the Pauper Princes – the main gene-sect present on that embattled world – are also featured in the codex. Their Cult Creed sees them fight with an almost rabid ferocity, ensuring they’ll be getting plenty of hits in once combat is joined.
If you favour a more militaristic approach to your cultists, the Hivecult may well be exactly the gene-sect you’re looking for.
The tech-savvy Bladed Cog have learned to splice and augment their hybrid genetics with cybernetic enhancements for a formidable combination of alien, man and machine.
If you like the idea of an army dominated by Atalan riders and Achilles Ridgerunners, the hardy cultists of the Rusted Claw will be a natural fit.
The new Cult Creeds are certainly set to give your army a powerful boost! Next up, let’s take a quick look at another sub-faction within the army – the Neophyte Regiments of the Genestealer Cults, otherwise known as…
Brood Brothers
These units are drawn from the cult’s followers that have infiltrated the ranks of their world’s Planetary Defence Force or Astra Militarumregiments. The most common of them form a direct part of the Genestealer Cults army, complete with their own datasheets – Brood Brothers Infantry and Heavy Weapons Squads, Cult Sentinels and Armoured Sentinels, Cult Chimeras and the Cult Leman Russ.
Brood Brothers units can also be drawn directly from the Astra Militarum faction, representing military assets that have been subverted by the cult. They form their own Brood Brothers Detachment, one of which can even be included in a matched play army for every Genestealer Cults Detachment. Instead of the Cult Creed shared by their Genestealer Cult brethren, Infantry units in Brood Brothers Detachments gain a bonus to their Leadership as well as the Unquestioning Loyalty ability (also featured in Part 1 of our rules preview series).
If you’re suitably excited about the new Cult Creeds and all the other new rules in the codex, be sure to check out Warhammer Live from 6.15 pm GMT tomorrow (Friday 1st Feb) to watch the Genestealer Cults in their inaugural game.
