Introduction

Possessed are central to the entire concept of Chaos Space Marines, especially Word Bearers (my Chaos legion). Their primarch commits some of his sons to a risky mission in the Warp. Those that returned are hosts. Called Gal Vorbak they are the first true possessed. Further experimentation yields mixed results with none of the new Possessed reaching the same strength of the Gal Vorbak.

Possessed are among my favourite models in the Games Workshop range, I have at least 30.

Background

The original plastic models were available back in 7th edition (and probably before). For its time, it was a small kit with only 5 models, but there were a lot of options. You could build five Possessed and convert 5 more from standard Chaos Space Marines.

During 8th edition, there was a line refresh with Chaos Space Marines and Obliterators being remodelled and 3 new kits. Introduced with the Shadowspear Army Box, were the new Venomcrawler, Master of Possession and Greater Possessed. Greater Possessed were a separate unit to the Possessed until the 9th edition codex. The Shadowspear models were available in the Start Collecting Box exclusively, leading to a lot of eBay trading. As cheap Chaos Space Marines everywhere.

With the 9th edition codex, there was another refresh. This time, the Possessed kit was replaced. Possessed were “Primarised” increasing in size to match the Greater Possessed they became just Possessed. 

What’s in the box

That brings us to this review. It might be a bit late. The Chaos Space Marine – Possessed kit was released almost 18 months ago now. But maybe you want a Chaos Space Marine (CSM) army, and it’s not CSM without Possessed. Plus, with a balanced dataslate soon, they could be a competitive option again, replacing Chosen in armies. 

The box includes 5 x 40mm bases and 2 sprues. There are fewer options than the old kit, but there’s enough to build a few different models. There are 2 backpack options for the champion and at least one alternative arm for each model. 3 are shown with options for the heads, but the heads can be swapped on all models. There is also a base option, and the powerpacks can be mixed across all models. Not including the backpacks, it gives about 18 different combinations to make sure all of your Possessed aren’t identical. 

Preparation and construction

Unfortunately, the different weapon options are model specific, restricting how much you can mix the models. The parts in these kits are the wrong scale to modify current Chaos Space Marines. You could use them with some sculpting to modify Primaris Marines (Assault Intercessors would be my choice).

The instructions are clear, and for the most part, the castings are clean with minimal flash. Most of the sprue attachments are well thought out and accessible from underneath. The plastic is the same as all current kits, cut easily enough, and responds to light sanding.

The builds are mono dimensional with some very close fitting parts. I recommend removing all of the pieces from the sprue and cleaning them up before dry fitting.

The models come together well without any gaps (unlike push fit). If you have any issues getting a tight fit check that you’ve cleaned the joining surfaces well enough. They lack the positive engagement of newer kits (released in 10th edition), but they are relatively easy to assemble. 

The trickiest steps are the first step (parts 1 and 2) and 5a (Parts 35 and 36). You need to get the angle right on the torso for the legs to make a clean join with the hose (that is part of 36), meeting the hole on 35. All up, it took about 1.25 hours for me to put them together in two bursts. 

Paint and final steps

Now the tricky part, painting. I prime black and then heavy dry brush a bright silver (Vallejo Aluminium Air) to catch the trim (Word Bearers). Working out where the armour stops and flesh starts is harder on the new models than the old. I’ve gone with a demonic flesh with a strong red accent. It reduces the contrast between ceramite (armour) and a trait of Possessed is their armour moulds with them. 

Here are some I prepared earlier. It will take me a week or more to complete the latest additions. If you look closely you’ll see that Squad has 2 champions.

Are they good again?

Possessed are fast (9” move) and more tanky than Chosen (3 wounds, toughness 5 and 5+ invulnerable save). They are expensive (140 points) and lack output, though. With only 1 AP, 2 Damage, and devastating wounds, you may be disappointed. The current meta has a lot of 3/4 wound models (Chosen, Wraithguard, Wraiths, and Aggressors). A Master of Possession can join them (80 points) giving a 6+ Feel No Pain and limited, precision, ranged. 

They lack the advance and charge of Chosen (unless you make them Slaanesh and spend a CP). Or their output (thanks Chaos Lord) and are inconsistent against vehicles and monsters. But they can get up the board pretty fast without Rhinos (a Chosen weakness) and are more tanky than Chosen. If they receive a points drop, they could be a good trading piece and objective/mission tool. I’m going to be testing that theory later this month.

So are they good yet? To be determined