There are a few characters beyond the Primarchs that loom large within the Horus Heresy. The Emperor, Malcador and Valdor are three of them. And Chris Wraight takes us back to the beginning of the Imperium and the role of Valdor in it’s birth.
From the Book
Constantin Valdor. It is a name that brings forth images of heroism, honour and peerless duty. For it is he who commands the will of the Legio Custodes that most esteemed and dedicated cadre of elite warriors. He is the Emperor’s sword, His shield, His banner and he knows no equal. Clad in shining auramite, his fist clenched around the haft of his Guardian Spear, he is the bulwark against all enemies of the throne, within or without.
Nearing the end of the wars of Unity, Valdor’s courage and purpose is put to the test as never before. The petty warlords and tyrants of Old Earth have been all but vanquished, and the Emperor’s armies are triumphant. What now for the nascent Imperium and what fate its forgotten soldiers, its Thunder Warriors and armies of Unity? A new force is rising, one which shall eclipse all others and open the way to the stars. But change on Terra is seldom bloodless and for progress to be ensured darker deeds are necessary.
Review
Valdor has always been part of the story of the Imperium, but the Horus Heresy has allowed Chris Wraight to give him a lot more background here, and – crucially – background of the Birth of the Imperium.
This is a story from a time in the Warhammer 40k lore of which not much is written. The Emperor has conquered Old Earth, but not all the denizens of the planet are convinced this is a good idea… and the Emperor doesn’t do weak or bloodless.
I was recommended this book some time ago and added it to my To-Read pile on Goodreads. … Why did I wait? … It’s a great addition to the story of the Imperium and in particular that thorny transisition from Thunder Warriors to Space Marines.
Thunder Warrior – John Blanche / Games Workshop
I don’t often say a book is essential reading, but Chris Wraight has got a story here that fits this bill. And he writes well, as well! Go out there and buy it, now!
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This is the top three 40k lists for the All Stars Heat 2 that took place in the UK on the 15th and 16th of April. It involved 49 players vying to be crowned champion in a 5-game tournament.
As we head into 10th edition and beyond we wanted to start providing a source for lists that are being used successfully in tournaments around the world. The size of the 40k community and the sheer number of events means we won’t be commenting, at least for now, but simply providing a resource of formatted lists you can search.
Before I jump into the Top Three Lists, I wanted to remind everyone of our friendly Discord server where you can join in the conversation with the Woehammer crew and suggest articles or series for the website.
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Also if there’s a one day or two day tournament you’d like us to cover drop us a comment on this post and we’ll have a look at it for you.
The Top Three 40k Lists
== Space Marines – Space Wolves Successors – Arks of Omen Detachment = 1CP, [110 PL, 1,999pts] ==
— Successor Traits: Born Heroes, Whirlwind of Rage — Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites
HQ: Captain on Bike [8 PL, 135pts, -4CP] Chapter Master, Combi-Melta, Power Fist — Relic & A Trophy Bestowed: The Armour of Russ (-2CP) — Warlord Trait: Rites of War (-1CP) — Warrior of Legend: Hunter (-1CP)
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Custodes) [98 PL, 2,000pts, 2CP] ++
+ Configuration +
Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites
Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points)
Detachment Command Cost
Detachment Type / Shield Host: Adeptus Custodes, Emperor’s Chosen
Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen
+ Stratagems +
Stratagem: Open the Vaults [-1CP]: Additional Relics
+ HQ +
Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike [10 PL, 180pts, -2CP]: (Emperor’s Chosen): Auric Exemplar, 3. Superior Creation, Castellan’s Mark, Misericordia, Salvo Launcher, Stratagem: The Emperor’s Heroes, Stratagem: Victor of the Blood Games, Tip of the Spear
Trajann Valoris [8 PL, 200pts]: 1. Master of Martial Strategy, 2. Champion of the Imperium, Stratagem: Warlord Trait
