As well as the new Codex: Drukhari, a classic character is coming to pre-orders this weekend – Lady Malys, who last had rules in the murky mists of 2010 during the fifth edition of Warhammer 40,000.
Even as a pre-eminent Archon among the kabals of Commorragh, she keeps the attention that falls upon her activities low by design, and many simply overlook the depth of her scheming. It wouldn’t do to have her sneak back onto the tabletop without some fanfare, though, so we’ve dug through the archives and uncovered some interesting things about her long and lethal life.
Aurelia Malys has always possessed a sharp mind, rivalling any among the Dark City’s spires, which allowed her to guide the Kabal of the Poisoned Tongue through dozens of deadly upheavals and always end up higher in the totem pole than before. These machinations saw her attain a prominent position in the cutthroat political circus. She even became Supreme Overlord Asdrubael Vect’s personal consort for a time – until the ruthless Archon tired of matching wits with an intellectual equal.
Her sudden jettison from the heady heights of power and influence left a wicked scar on Malys’ pride, and it wasn’t long before she began to carve out a spot in Commorragh for herself. Vect, for his part, sent a constant stream of mercenaries and assassins her way, but they never managed to find their mark thanks to her impressive foresight and the gifts of a mysterious benefactor.
Rumour has it that early in her ascent to power, Lady Malys encountered a strange and formidable entity in the Webway, believed to be none other than Cegorach – the Aeldari Laughing God. This capricious presence challenged her to a game of wits and was overjoyed when the Drukhari prevailed, leaving behind a strange semisentient blade and a spectacular crystal heart as it disappeared back into the Webway.
Nobody save Malys herself knows if she really cut out her own heart and replaced it with the crystalline artefact, but the thing about good stories in Commorragh is that they don’t need to be true to hold power. The very idea that her seemingly supernatural powers of foresight were earned by besting a trickster god is enough to ward away many who might challenge her. Although it could all be mere legend, none can deny that her already disquieting abilities began to border on the prophetic.
For Malys, one plan is never enough to ensure she maintains the upper hand, and the sheer complexity of her criss-crossing gambits earned her the nickname of ‘the Mazeweaver’. Those trying to outwit her can never be sure that they aren’t just playing their part to perfection in her exquisite schemes. Even those rare individuals who have bested the Kabal of the Poisoned Tongue are left wondering if it wasn’t all part of some labyrinthine plot yet to be revealed.
Neither will they ever know, for every move Lady Malys makes is pre-planned, and if her first contingency isn’t enough, the next three or four will probably cut it. On the battlefield, it’s almost impossible to get the drop on her forces, as her legendary Precognisance has diverted critical units to advantageous positions long before the enemy makes their first move.
LADY MALYS:
PRECOGNISANT
If your army includes this model, after both players have deployed their armies, select up to three DRUKHARI units from your army and redeploy them. When doing so, you can set those units up in Strategic Reserves if you wish, regardless of how many units are already in Strategic Reserves.
Lady Malys will be available for pre-order alongside Codex: Drukhari on Saturday.
