This time I have gone for another elite unit that has a more traditional style of leadership for the Ascalabotes – a military warlord. I have also attempted to demonstrate how the rules allow you to personalise your units and leaders to create your own back story.

“Tathruk” is not from the military elite, but has come up through the ranks from his days as a lowly officer cadet to now where is leadership, authority, and military prowess are second to none. He bears many scars from his leadership from the front, where he can be found where the fighting is the thickest inspiring his men with his bravery and ferocity.

Tathruk

The squad not only includes Tathruk but “Krok” who carries Tathruck’s personal banner – that of the old rebel alliance. In order to command the Tonitrua there is also “Qrolto” whose bugle allows Tathruk to order and control the primitive Tonitrua without the use of psychic skills.

The unit otherwise fights like any other Elite squad.

Krok

The standard pole comes from the Bolt Action Japanese Infantry sprue.

As Tathruk has no psychic powers, he is unable to control an Alveare Domini, so they cannot be included in an army under his leadership. The military elite would not consider serving under an “academy graduate” not “born to lead” so they cannot be used either.

Qrolto

The bugle comes from the Bolt Action Japanese Infantry sprue.

The army must also include more “Tonitrua” than traditional military units as the military elite are jealous of his victories and do not allocate a large portion of standard military resources to him. The Tonitrua are beloved by him and flock to fight for him as he treats them as “true” Ascalabotes, and not primitive savages.

To give you an example how to represent a war leader like “Tathruk using Xenos Rampart the following is just an idea:

• you could give the unit assault doctine (3+ to hit enemy) 2pts;

• Close quarters doctrine (reduces shooting to 4+/12″) -1pts;
• high powered blades (reduces enemy armour by 1) 1pt;
• and the Xeno trait of inspirational leadership for 2pts.

This makes them close combat demons with an inspirational leader, but at the high cost of 10pts.

4th member of the Squad with rocket launcher

After consideration I will change this figure as one with a close combat weapon would be more suitable.

5th member of the squad with assault machine gun.

Tathruk should also roll on the Warlord commander Trait table and given his history can re-roll once. Even if the second roll makes him “Craven” or a “Runt’ it must be kept as then is has drunk too much Ascalabotian blood wine the night before!

Helmet made by just cutting the lizard frills of one of the heads.

Tomorrow some Xenos Rampart heavy infantry.