In response to the Hour of Ruin, the Mortisans of the Ossiarch Bonereapers have been hard at work concocting all sorts of morbid and magnificent new constructs with which to reap the tithe of bones, and help stem the Skaventide. Nagash has been thwarted by the servants of the Great Horned Rat at least twice – which is two times too many for the Supreme Lord of the Undead.
Liege-Kavalos on War Chariot
It’s incredible what the Mortisans can shape bone into, and their skills have been put to great use making sinister new war chariots, constructed from those Liege-Kavaloi who initially scoffed at the idea of these highly manoeuvrable war machines.
Beyond thundering into battle to run foes down, the Ossiarch War Chariots present an effective platform from which a Liege-Kavalos can observe proceedings. These masters of strategy can race around the battlefield, deftly avoiding attacks and commanding their fellow charioteers to mount crushing coordinated charges.
This new kit can also build a Kavalos War chariot, drawn by osseous steed-constructs. Unlike the creatures that draw the chariots of other factions, these steeds are unshakably obedient, able to undertake manoeuvres that would cause panic in flesh-and-blood steeds. They were created specifically to match the pace of the Lumineth Realm-lords, and we imagine Katakros would quite enjoy watching Teclis’ offspring try to escape their crushing advance.
Liege-Mortek
Liege-Morteks act as lieutenants to Liege-Kavaloi. They command more soldiers than their Hekatos underlings, their strategic domain covering immediate battlefield tactics, while Liege-Kavaloi oversee the bigger picture, ensuring the whole war effort marches in lockstep.
The multiple war fronts created by the Skaven threat frequently stretch mortal forces beyond breaking, but the Ossiarchs’ response is to simply craft as many of these sub-commanders as they need, each imbued with centuries of martial knowledge.
In battle, their avian construct familiars act as go-betweens, keeping commanders apprised of the ebb and flow of battle. Each Liege-Mortek has a choice of spear, sword, or axe, and three different heads. With three different versions, wouldn't it be nice if there were a third Mortek unit to go along with Mortek Guard and Mortek Crawlers…?
Mortek Triaxes
After many years of patiently listening to his servants implore him for archers like the grinning Mortek Guard in Kainan’s Reapers, Katakros has acquiesced. Mortek Triaxes are the second iteration of a ranged cohort for the Ossiarch empire. Displeased with the initial offering trialled in small warbands, Katakros demanded his Ossifectors change and resubmit the prototypes like some mad project manager, creating something more cruel and efficient in their place.*
With bone grafted over one eye socket, a vertical row of eyes on the other side, and a unique third eye imbued with power by the Soulmasons – not to mention powerful osseous bows – the Triaxes add a new dimension to the Ossiarch armies. Their extra eye can see an enemy’s spiritual aura, allowing these archers to train their aim on targets before they break cover, which sounds like cheating to us. Each cohort is accompanied by three-legged walking cauldrons known as Balefire Braziers, which the Triaxes use to light their arrows with searing soul-essence, their flaming volleys causing existential dread to consume foes who witness their comrades set alight.
Mortis Reapers
Slipping stealthily into view and boasting some extremely cool cloaks, the final addition to the new martial doctrine of the Ossiarch Bonereapers are the Mortis Reapers. These assassins excel at sneaking behind enemy lines to kill generals, sorcerers, priests, and other figures who might shy away from a fair fight. This method is in contrast to Katakros’ preferred show of tactical prowess, but needs must in a battle against enemies like the Skaven, whose leaders are many, cowardly, and in desperate need of pruning.
Each carries a complement of necrocaches – devices once toyed with by Nagash before being left to gather dust in ancient necropolises around Shyish. When shattered they release a cloud of grave sand that rapidly desiccates flesh on contact, leaving only a skeleton behind – or a convenient downpayment on the bone-tithe depending on your perspective. Sharing orders across a unified mind, units of Mortis Reapers act with the terrifying synchronicity that unnerves even their fellow Ossiarchs, to say nothing of the dread they inspire in the living.
Battletome: Ossiarch Bonereapers
Every single one of these new units and heroes will have rules in Battletome: Ossiarch Bonereapers. We can’t promise it will give you the distilled knowledge of countless military generals – even our writers have their limits – but it will provide you with a wide range of new tactical and strategic options.
Inside you’ll find lore and history for the Ossiarch Empire and their deathless legions, accompanied by gorgeous art and miniatures photography. The Ossiarch Bonereapers also received an updated battle trait, which reinvents Relentless Discipline – your heroes on the field now generate a pool of points you can spend to use various abilities. Katakros himself generates 10, while a Liege-Mortek creates 5, with some abilities gaining power for additional points spent. We’ll be covering this in greater detail on Warhammer Community closer to release.
Additionally there are rules for two Armies of Renown – one of which is the cavalry and chariot focused Lance of Ossia – two Regiments of Renown, a new Spearhead, and Path to Glory rules including an Anvil of Apotheosis, so you can play Mortisan and build your own osseous overseer. There will also be a gamer’s edition, separate warscroll cards, and dice available.**
Battleforce: Null Myriad Phalanx
Releasing alongside the new battletome and miniatures is a battalion boxed set. It’s a bumper bundle of bones carefully arranged into a powerful force under the command of Arkhan the Black, Mortarch of Sacrament. He is joined by a Mortisan Soulmason, four Morghast Archai – which can alternatively be built as Morghast Harbingers – and a unit of 20 Mortek Guard. It’s a great way to kickstart your own tithe-reaping force.
Spearhead: Kavalos Vanguard
The Kavalos Vanguard is a brand new Ossiarch Bonereapers spearhead which utilises a nimble Teratic Cohort to pin enemies down ahead of a cavalry charge. A Liege-Kavalaos and two units of five Kavalos Deathriders are the primary damage dealers, while the Teratic Cohort can be relied upon to claim objectives and herd enemy forces under the hooves of their masters.
Regiment of Renowns: Heralds of the Bone-tithe
One of the two Regiments of Renown in the Battletome will be available to buy alongside the initial release – the Heralds of the Bone-tithe. This small force is led by Vokmortian, Master of the Bone-tithe, who joins the vassals of Nagash to impress upon them the importance of their help in ensuring their dues are paid. It also contains three elite Immortis Guard and 10 Mortek Guard, ensuring that Nagash’s emissary can conduct his duties unhindered.
There we have it – a whole Ossiarch Bonereapers announcement without one single humerus comment about bones. We’re going to give ourselves a pat on the back with our one remaining arm. You can check out the rest of today’s awesome reveals by clicking the button below.
the new year preview
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* A trait he has no doubt inherited from his master Nagash.
** Not made from actual knucklebones.
