Black Crusade Core Rulebook

worlds trapped in the Screaming Vortex, many Chaos Space
Marines fi nd the opportunity to put their formidable powers HUMAN STARTING ABILITIES
to use in furthering their own ambitions—perhaps even
leading their own Black Crusade one day. All human characters begin play with the following
Chaos Space Marines still bear the superhuman strength Skills and Traits at no xp cost.
and resilience—the gift imparted with the implantation of the Starting Skills: Common Lore (Any Two), Linguistics
geneseed that creates all Space Marines. Thus, Chaos Space (Low Gothic), Trade (Any One)
Marines are more resistant to the mutating effects of Chaos Starting Trait: The Quick and The Dead
and better able to survive the capricious attentions of the Warp. THE QUICK AND THE DEAD
A Chaos Space Marine character in BLACK CRUSADE could even
be a Traitor Legionnaire from one of the nine original Traitor To survive in the Vortex, particularly as a human, one
Legions in the Horus Heresy, having survived 10,000 years in must be quick, both in wits and action. Sometimes fast
the warp. Over the millennia (which, due to the time dilation refl exes can compensate for ceramite armour. All Heretics
effects of the warp, may seem like a mere hundred years to with this Trait add a +2 bonus to Initiative Rolls.
him) he could have made his way to the Screaming Vortex.
Alternatively, he could be a more recent traitor who fl ed his the powers and knowledge found among the entities of the
kin into the Vortex. He could even be from the Space Marine Warp, believing their offerings are a path to salvation from
Chapter who makes their home in the Calixis Sector, the Storm unjust tyranny and mindless drudgery. Alternatively, the
Wardens, or any other Chapter of Note. Heretic may be persecuted or betrayed by the Imperium.
The core skills and talents possessed by each Chaos Space Perhaps he was born a mutant or psyker, and thus subject
Marine are due to the implants and rigorous training that to being hunted down, killed, or enslaved. Or perhaps he
transformed him into a superhuman entity. The nature of Space simply ran afoul of one of the labyrinthine Imperial laws and,
Marine creation dictates that characters of this race began life rather than submit to unjust punishment, fought back or fl ed,
as a male human, though gifts of the Chaos gods may have vowing revenge.
rendered that distinction meaningless. A Chaos Space Marine The character’s initial contact with Chaos, and his reasons for
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may have additional traits and talents associated with his heeding it, can vary substantially. Some characters are drawn to
superhuman existence beyond the ones listed here, including power for its own sake. Perhaps he was a military commander,
ones that were Characteristic of the Legion into which he a planetary governor, or an heir to a vast mercantile fortune.
was originally inducted. Of particular note are those acquired Though successful by any Imperial measure, his holdings were
was originally inducted. Of particular note are those acquired
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not enough to grant complacency. Whispers of forbidden
due to devotion to one or more of the not enough to grant complacency. Whispers of forbidden
due to devotion to one or more of the
knowledge offered simple solutions to problems.
Chaos gods. These additional abilities knowledge offered simple solutions to problems.
Chaos gods. These additional abilities
These required sacrifi ces, but they were of
may be selected during Stage 5: Spend
may be selected during Stage 5: Spend These required sacrifi ces, but they were of
no consequence—at least initially. Now
Experience Points. no consequence—at least initially. Now
he plays the part of a hidden instrument
he plays the part of a hidden instrument
within the Imperial order, spreading
DISCIPLES OF within the Imperial order, spreading
Chaos’s infl uence amongst its highest
Chaos’s infl uence amongst its highest
CHAOS offi ces or working to bring the crumbling
offi ces or working to bring the crumbling
edifi ce of the Imperium down through
edifi ce of the Imperium down through
Throughout the worlds of the
T hr oughout the w or lds of the accidents and bookkeeping errors.
accidents and bookkeeping errors.
Imperium of Man, untold millions of Maybe the character sought vengeance.
untold
of
millions
Imperium
of

Man,
humans live their wretched lives under
humans liv e their wr etc hed liv es under It might be that the Imperium had unjustly
It might be that the Imperium had unjustly
the
of

eternal
the eternal vigilance of their deathless punished a relative, sent a close friend to
vigilance
dea
thless
their
punished a relative, sent a close friend to
tyrant. For many, there is little to
tyrant. For many, there is little to the Black Ships, or accidentally infl icted
the Black Ships, or accidentally infl icted
distinguish one day from another. Their decades of starvation upon an entire
distinguish one day from another. Their
decades of starvation upon an entire
quiet lives of hopeless drudgery under culture. He heard about the forbidden ways
quiet lives of hopeless drudgery under
culture. He heard about the forbidden ways
the taskmasters of the Administratum and gained access to their secrets. Ignoring
the taskmasters of the Administratum
and gained access to their secrets. Ignoring
offer little in the way of goals. Many
offer little in the way of goals. Many Imperial directives, he chose to embrace his
Imperial directives, he chose to embrace his
embrace the Ecclesiarchy’s direction
embrace the Ecclesiarchy’s direction chance at revenge and may even have earned
chance at revenge and may even have earned
to worship their Emperor as a false it. Since then, he has been obligated to
to worship their Emperor as a false
it. Since then, he has been obligated to
god, under the pretext of a chance at spread the word of his hidden masters,
god, under the pretext of a chance at
spread the word of his hidden masters,
salvation. Those mortals who embrace recruiting additional servants to the cause.
salvation. Those mortals who embrace
recruiting additional servants to the cause.
Chaos instead are sometimes referred Alternatively, perhaps the character
Chaos instead are sometimes referred
to as Disciples of Chaos. was an academic, an Inquisitor, or a a
was an academic, an Inquisitor, or
As a human character, the Heretic member of the Ecclesiarchy who sought
As a human character, the Heretic
member of the Ecclesiarchy who sought
may be someone who has seen through
may be someone who has seen through out information about the ways of Chaos
out information about the ways of Chaos
the lies perpetrated by those who with the goal of better understanding his
the lies perpetrated by those who
with the goal of better understanding his
conspire with the Imperium of Man. He
conspire with the Imperium of Man. He foe. It might be that the information seemed
foe. It might be that the information seemed
ignored the threat of punishment imposed
ignored the threat of punishment imposed harmless initially, but sometimes knowledge
harmless initially, but sometimes knowledge
by the totalitarian regime for the sake of
by the totalitarian regime for the sake of can corrupt. With the very best of intentions,
can corrupt. With the very best of intentions,
refuting these untruths. Instead, he embraced
refuting these untruths. Instead, he embraced
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he might have successfully used that information to defeat
the Imperium’s greatest foes. However, the scars of such
battles might have lingered and the dark hunger for the
power eventually became unbearable.
Clearly, the motivations and methods of human characters
that serve the Dark Gods can vary tremendously. While they
are unlikely to ever achieve the raw physical abilities of a
Chaos Space Marine, they begin with far more opportunities
to choose their paths. These options can be leveraged into a
character that can spread the word of the Ruinous Powers tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion t
in ways that raw physical force could never hope to achieve.

Stage 2:
HUMANS IN BLACK CRUSADE Stage 2:
The human Disciples of Chaos in BLACK CRUSADE are likely to
have fallen more recently than a Traitor Legionnaire. The ravages Generate
and corruption of the warp are seldom kind to a human body
and psyche; and humans are simply less durable with regard
Therefore it is unlikely that human Disciples of Chaos originate Characteristics
to the Immaterium and its effects than Chaos Space Marines.
from mankind’s distant past in the Horus Heresy or have travelled II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea
from the far ends of the Imperium to reach the Screaming Vortex. “A man can only be measured by his deeds. Useless statistics cannot
Most of the human characters in BLACK CRUSADE come from hope to reveal his true spirit.”
one of the regions near the Screaming Vortex. Many are former
inhabitants of the Calixis Sector, Imperial citizens or soldiers who, – Warlord Mikhail Hassid
for whatever reason, fell from the Emperor’s service. Hunted and haracteristics represent a Heretic’s raw ability, on a

hounded by the corpse-god’s agents, they fled. Most of those scale of 0 to 100, in a variety of physical and mental
who flee the Imperium are captured or slain, but a lucky few Careas. These values primarily dicta the Heretic’s

occasionally make it to sanctuary within the Screaming Vortex. chance of success under stressful situations, but do offer other

Others may have originated in the Koronus Expanse. On hints about the character’s abilities. Remember that when
forgotten worlds far from the light of the Astronomicon, feral performing a Test, players need to roll under their Heretic’s
tribes of heathen savages have lived for millennia. They have Characteristic on percentile dice. The higher the relevant
no knowledge of the Imperium or the God-Emperor, but over Characteristic, the more likely the character is to succeed at
the course of their primitive existence have turned to worship a Test rather than facing the consequences of failure. More
older, darker gods. Such worlds may not even be so primitive, information on Characteristics can be found on page 34.
but have entire civilisations cut off by lost warp-routes or
warp storms. Perhaps a Rogue Trader discovered this world Weapon Skill (WS)
and enslaved these savages, taking them back on his ship as Weapon Skill provides a measurement of a character’s
labour. Perhaps pirate reavers arrived, seeking slaves, plunder, capabilities in melee combat, whether armed with fi st, claw,
and new recruits. Either way, such individuals found their tooth, or chain axe.
way off-world, and eventually into the Screaming Vortex.
Other humans were born in the Jericho Reach. While Ballistic Skill (BS)
they may have begun life as Imperial servants, it is just as Ballistic Skill refl ects the character’s accuracy with ranged
likely they were born on one of the Chaos-held worlds in weapons, including bolters, lasguns, grenades, and even bows
and around the Hadex Anomaly. In that case, though they and arrows.
may have snuck aboard an Imperial vessel passing through
the Well of Night and returning to the Calixis Sector, it’s Strength (S)
more likely they travelled deep into the Hadex Anomaly and Strength measures a character’s ability to lift, carry, and
journeyed through the weaving paths of warp-space to reach generally apply raw physical force.
the Screaming Vortex. In any case, such an individual is likely
to be hardened and embittered to the warp and the Chaos Toughness (T)
gods, as they are the only life he knows. Toughness defi nes how easily the character can shrug off
Finally, there are those humans born within the bounds injury as well as how easily he can resist toxins, poisonous
of the Screaming Vortex itself. The Screaming Vortex is environments, disease, and other physical ailments.
covered in far more detail on page 323, but suffi ce to say,
there are multitudes of worlds on which live savage tribes, Agility (Ag)
glowering forges, and glittering sorcerous cities. Individuals Agility measures a character’s quickness, refl exes, and poise.
from such places may be less interested in vengeance against
a distant and largely unknown Imperium, but very interested
in wresting away the wealth clasped in its weakening claws.


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Intelligence (Int) Follow this procedure once for each of the Characteristics
Intelligence is a measurement of a character’s acumen, reason, until results are compiled for all nine and then fi ll them in
and knowledge. on the character sheet. When recording each Characteristic
on the character sheet, remember to write the fi rst digit of
Perception (Per) the number in the circle. Writing those digits in the circles
Perception describes how well a character perceives his allows anyone to see the Characteristic Bonus values are
surroundings. It refl ects the acuteness of senses. at a glance. Note that one or more Characteristics might be
further modifi ed by choices that the player chooses to make
Willpower (WP) during the later stages of character creation.
Willpower refl ects a character’s ability to withstand the horrors Because these characters have been blessed by the Dark
of the warp, the terrors of battle, and the dreadful inhumanities Gods, each player may re-roll any one result of their choosing.
that he might feel bound to infl ict upon his opponents. Should a player choose to do this, he must keep the new
result, even if it is worse than the old one.
Fellowship (Fel) The only exception to this is Infamy. Instead of rolling 2d10
Fellowship is a character’s ability to interact with other and adding 30, characters generate Infamy by rolling 1d5 and
creatures, to beguile, charm, or persuade them. adding 19. This can be the Characteristic players choose to
reroll. This is covered in more detail on page 304.
Infamy (Inf)
Infamy is a measure of a character’s glory and reputation in the EXAMPLE
Realms of Chaos, with tangible effects on a character’s abilities.
Jason is creating a new BLACK CRUSADE character, a Chaos Space
Marine, so he rolls 2d10 for his Weapon Skill Characteristic and
Characteristic Bonuses gets 11, then he adds 30 for a final Weapons Skill of 41. He repeats

Each Characteristic has a corresponding bonus. A this process for the rest of his Characteristics:
Characteristic Bonus equals the tens digit of the Characteristic Characteristic
score. For example, a character with 41 Strength has a Characteristic 2d10 Roll Total Bonus
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Strength Bonus of four. Generally, Characteristic Bonuses Weapon Skill 11 (+30) 41 4
are used to determine the measure of success or failure in Ballistic Skill 8 (+30) 38 3
situations or tests that have variable results. Strength 16 (+30) 46 4
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Toughness 10 (+30) 40 4
GENERATING Agility 9 (+30) 39 3
CHARACTERISTICS Intelligence 5 (+30) 35 3
42
4
Perception
12 (+30)
Characteristics are generated one at a time. For each, roll Willpower 13 (+30) 43 4
2d10 and add the resulting numbers together. Then add a Fellowship 7 (+30) 37 3
base number to the result to generate the fi nal Characteristic. Infamy 4 (+19) 23 2
The base number added to each result depends on whether
Chaos
a
c
Human
or
acter
is
a
har
.
the character is a Human or a Chaos Space Marine. Human
the
Space
Human
Marine
to
Space
Marines
h
r
eac
esult,
25
c characters add 25 to each result, while Chaos Space Marines
hile
Chaos
acters
har
d
w
ad
add 30. This represents the Chaos Space Marine’s higher innate
ad d 30. T his r e pr esents the Chaos Space Marine ’ s higher inna te
qualities due to his genetic development. (However, Chaos Space
qualities due to his g enetic dev el opment. (How ev er , Chaos Space
Marine
spend
to
Marine Characters receive less experience to spend at character MY PUPIL,
c
t
a
eceiv
experience
less
e
r
har
acter
acters
Char
creation, so don’t worry, things balance out in the end!) I WISH TO GRANT YOU ADVICE THAT I WISH I HAD
BEEN GIVING SO MANY YEARS AGO. CHOOSE YOUR
SERVANTS, NOT BY THE SKILLS THEY POSSESS, BUT THEIR
ALLOCATING POINTS POTENTIAL TO BE TRAINED.
I HAVE SEEN A LOW MUD GATHERER BRING GREAT
An alternative method for generating Characteristic HONOUR TO THE BLOOD GOD. GATHERING MUD IN THE
scores is to give each player a number of Characteristic CLAY PITS DID NOT PREPARE HIM TO SWING AND AXE. HE
points that he may assign as he wishes. In this HAD ONLY A STOUT FRAME AND A POWERFUL BUILD. I
case, a Heretic begins with a score of 30 in each MOLDED HIM AS HE MOLDED THE EARTH.
Characteristic if he is a Chaos Space Marine and THERE ON THE RUBBLE OF THE EMERALD TEMPLE HE
25 in each Characteristic if he is a human. A player STOOD, A SHORT TIME LATER, COVERED IN THE BLOOD OF
may allocate a total of 100 additional points to his MY ENEMIES, AND BELLOWING FOR MORE. THAT IS HOW
character’s Characteristics, adding no more than 20 to YOU MUST CHOOSE YOUR SERVANTS, YOUNG ADALAIH.
any one Characteristic. This method generally creates YOU NOW HAVE UNTIL THE BELLS OF SANTBON CHIME
characters with slightly higher than average scores. TWICE. I WILL COME FOR YOU THEN, AND I HOPE THAT
When using this method, characters must still YOU HAVE GATHERED ABOUT YOU SERVANTS THAT WILL
generate their Infamy characteristic by rolling. SERVE YOUR SURVIVAL. MAY THE DARK GODS BLESS YOU
IN THIS TEST. PROVE YOURSELF MY PUPIL.
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tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion t
































Stage 3: Select
Stage 3: Select situations that spotlight the character during game play. Each
character must select one and only one Archetype.
Each Archetype also has a Special Ability, unique to that
an Archetype Archetype. By selecting the Archetype, characters gain access
to that Special Ability as well, and may use it as long as the
ictitious characters can generally be categorised into character exists.
specifi c roles that they play within a story. These
Froles, like the young warrior, the elder sage, or the ARCHETYPE LIST
kind-hearted rogue, are sometimes referred to as Archetypes. The Champion (Chaos Space Marine): A warrior and
Characters in BLACK CRUSADE are often wildly different due commander, leader of soldiers by either fear or devotion.
to the free-form character advancement system. However, The Chosen (Chaos Space Marine): A consumate soldier
Archetypes are a broad grouping of character types that help and hard bitten veteran.
give some defi nition to a character concept. The Forsaken (Chaos Space Marine): An outcast from his
The next stage in character creation is to select the sort former allegiance, a lone wanderer who joins other warbands
of Archetype that a character could play during adventures out of neccessity.
in the BLACK CRUSADE setting. Many players may already The Sorcerer (Chaos Space Marine): A Chaos Space
have appropriate concepts in mind, in which case selecting Marine who has mastered the art of the psyker.
their character’s Archetype should be a straightforward The Apostate (Human): An infi ltrator and silver-tongued
process. Alternatively, it might be that a character’s starting serpent, a powerful leader of the masses.
Characteristics suggest a strong proclivity for a certain path. The Renegade (Human): A warrior who survives on skill of
This section presents eight common Archetypes for heroes arms rather than brute force.
of Chaos. Four of these are focused on Chaos Space Marine The Heretek (Human): One initiated into the mysteries of
characters and four are intended for human characters. At technology, a rebel from the cult of the Adeptus Mechanicus.
this stage, players should review their options, then select The Psyker (Human): An unsanctioned and chaos-turned
one of the racially appropriate paths. Keep in mind that this psyker, extremely powerful and infused by the warp.
choice is very likely to have a strong infl uence on the types of







53

Champion SKILLS, TALENTS & GEAR



Champions must be Chaos Space Marines.
“Join me, brothers, and we will make the minions of the undying All Champions begin play with the following:
Emperor pay for the lies and betrayal they have dealt us!”
Starting Skills: Command, Scholastic Lore (any one),
– Skyrar, Master of the Thirst for Vengeance Charm or Deceive, Intimidate or Scrutiny
Starting Talents: Iron Discipline, Air of Authority or
he Space Marines are superhuman in almost every way, Disturbing Voice, Lesser Minion of Chaos or Sure Strike
and this holds true for their treasonous brethren as
Twell. Amongst the Traitor Legions, however, there are Starting Gear: Legionnaire Power Sword
Wounds: 15+1d5
those who stand apart. These Traitor Legionnaires show the
traits of true leadership, honed keen by the constant struggle SPECIAL ABILITY:
to maintain control over warbands of fallen Adeptus Astartes.
Though they are known by many names, in BLACK CRUSADE INSPIRING PRESENCE
these individuals are known as Champions. The Aspiring Champions are natural leaders, and often
Much of the formal structure and military organisation of shape warbands in their own image whether deliberately
the Traitor Legions has disappeared over the long millennia. or not. When an ally within sight of the Aspiring
Instead of squads following appointed sergeants, bands of Champion uses an Infamy Point, as a Free Action the
Chaos Space Marines tend to form around the strongest, Aspiring Champion may choose to allow the ally to
boldest, and most dangerous of their fellows. These Aspiring Aspiring
boldest, and most dang er ous of their f ell ows . T hese use his Infamy Point as if he possessed the Aspiring
t
h
f
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a
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a
i
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o
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p
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i
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o
s
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d
t
s
e
n
e
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u
h
I
s
i
ar
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the
e
Champions are leaders in the making, adorning their amour amour C h a m p i o n ’ s C o r r u p t i o n P o i n t le v e l a nd A l i g n me n t .
their
adorning
Champions
Champion’s Corruption Point level and Alignment.
fr
tr
ophies
with trophies from the slain and wielding ancient and and
with
and
wielding
ancient
om
the
slain
potent weapons that may date back from the Heresy itself.
potent weapons that may date back from the Heresy itself.
They burn with ambition, aspiring to become more powerful
They burn with ambition, aspiring to become more powerful
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champions amongst their fellows. However, only the
champions amongst their fellows. However, only the
most brutal and skilled can survive to become Chaos
most brutal and skilled can survive to become Chaos
Lords.
Lords.
The most powerful and ruthless Aspiring Champions
The most powerful and ruthless Aspiring Champions
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strive to win a coveted suit of Tactical Dreadnought
strive to win a coveted suit of Tactical Dreadnought
armour. Such armour makes them virtually immune to
armour. Such armour makes them virtually immune to
all but the most powerful weapons and allows them
all but the most powerful weapons and allows them
to easily wield weapons even a Traitor Legionnaire
to easily wield weapons even a Traitor Legionnaire
in power armour could not carry. However, such suits
in power armour could not carry. However, such suits
are extremely rare and the most common way for an
are extremely rare and the most common way for an
Aspiring Champion to win one is to challenge and slay
Aspiring Champion to win one is to challenge and slay
an existing Terminator in combat. Amongst a band of
an existing Terminator in combat. Amongst a band of
Traitor Terminators, one usually emerges as the leader.
Traitor Terminators, one usually emerges as the leader.
This Terminator Champion is typically an egotistical,
This Terminator Champion is typically an egotistical,
brutish man, and someone whom the other Terminators
brutish man, and someone whom the other Terminators
aspire to become.
aspire to become.
The most powerful Champions are the Chaos Lords—men
The most powerful Champions are the Chaos Lords—men
with vision and strength to bind both the wills of their brethren
with vision and strength to bind both the wills of their brethren
and the forces of Chaos to their will. They are strong, charismatic
and the forces of Chaos to their will. They are strong, charismatic
leaders with indomitable will and keen martial prowess, and are
leaders with indomitable will and keen martial prowess, and are
often found leading massive warbands, pirate fl eets, worlds, or
often found leading massive warbands, pirate fl eets, worlds, or
even massive Black Crusades against the Imperium.
even massive Black Crusades against the Imperium.
These are some, though not all, of the Champions one
These are some, though not all, of the Champions one
may encounter amongst the ranks of the Traitor Legions.
may encounter amongst the ranks of the Traitor Legions.
P L A YING A B L AC K C R USADE C HAMP ION
PLAYING A BLACK CRUSADE CHAMPION
The following are some of the ways a player can play
the
of
T

er
play
play
ays
w
a
can
foll
e
some
he
owing
ar
and portray a Chaos Space Marine Champion. Of course,
and portr ay a Chaos Space Marine Champion. Of course ,
these should be consider ed guidelines and sug g estions , not
these should be considered guidelines and suggestions, not
their
play
es
canon.
a
nor
up
dir
er
If
directives nor canon. If a player comes up with their own

with
ectiv
comes
own
f
eel
y
k
should
bac
ee
,
personalities
backstory and character personalities, they should feel free
acter
fr
stor
and
har
they
c
to expl or e them.
to explore them.
Many Champions swear their lives and deaths to Chaos,
Many Champions swear their lives and deaths to Chaos,
bargaining their own being in exchange for power and
bargaining their own being in exchange for power and
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54

patronage. The rewards are great—granted the knowledge
and strength of the Ruinous Powers, a Champion can lead
armies, conquer worlds, and even achieve immortality.
However, even as he furthers his own ambition, the Gods CHAMPIONS IN THE VORTEX
who favour the champion also infl uence him, so that his own The Screaming Vortex is host to numerous warbands
victories also further the dominance of his patrons. of Chaos Space Marines, which in turn have many
Leadership styles differ, even among those dedicated to Champions amongst their ranks. However, the Traitor
Chaos. The character may command respect simply by his Legionnaires in the Screaming Vortex are scattered and

heroic actions in the name of the Dark Gods and resolute factional, fighting amongst each other for supremacy and
faith in his followers to act upon their own beliefs. It dominance. Also, the warbands in the Screaming Vortex tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion
could be that his example forces them to strive ever harder are often made up of a motley mix of humans and Chaos
to fulfi l his high expectations of them. Alternatively, he Space Marines, and thus a Chaos Space Marine Champion

might depend upon physical force and intimidation to may find himself a part of a warband comprised entirely
insure his loyalty. Even among a warband of Chaos Space or mostly of humans with only a few fellow Chaos Space
Marines, the Champion might be the scariest entity on Marines at his side.
the battlefi eld. He might even use the promise of rich Over the last ten millennia, members of all nine
rewards—either physical or spiritual—to motivate those of the original Traitor Legions have found their way
who follow him. Regardless of his methods, though, into the Screaming Vortex, along with many renegade
the Champion is usually a master of employing them to Chaos Space Marines from later chapters. The many
command respect, obedience, and dedication. years have done much to blur their histories, though II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea
Of course, raw leadership is useless without the cunning some may still retain recognisable traits of their former
and tactical acumen to use it properly. A Champion must Legion or Chapter.
be as capable of discerning his foes’ weaknesses as he is of The following are some examples of Chaos Space
identifying his own advantages. When outnumbered, as is Marine Champions found within the Screaming Vortex.
so often the case when facing the monolithic forces of the Dark Apostle of the Word Bearers: Members of the
Imperium, he must be capable of identifying and creating Word Bearers Legion are known for their devotion to
situational advantages to carry the day. The universe of the Chaos and the Ruinous Powers as a religion. It is said their

41st Millennium is harsh and unforgiving, and the ranks Primarch, Lorgar, was one of the first to embrace devotion

of those who follow the Ruinous Powers even more so. A to Chaos, and that his influence led to the fall of Horus.

Champion who fails to live up to their expectations—and Their Dark Apostles are twisted reflections of Space Marine
perhaps even the expectations of the capricious Ruinous Chaplains and are able to command obedience and faith
Powers themselves—may soon fi nd himself dead or with the power of their words. It is believed several such
transformed into a Chaos Spawn. individuals reside within the Screaming Vortex.
A Champion may have chosen to embrace the ways of the Member of the Alpha Legion: Members of the Alpha
Immaterium centuries ago—due to the vagaries of the warp, Legion are known for utilizing complex strategies of
this might have been thousands of years as measured in the infi ltration and sabotage to achieve their goals and
physical world. He might even be a survivor of the Horus are well-suited to tactical planning. They also show a
Heresy. Even if he is a more recent convert, the Heretic has willingness to work alongside non-Space Marines to
served the Dark Gods faithfully, fi rst as a standard trooper achieve their goals. An Alpha Legion Champion in the
within a Chaos Space Marine warband, and then later as a Screaming Vortex is uniquely suited to lead a mixed
leader of his squad. warband of human renegades and Traitor Legionnaires,
Over his long decades of service, he likely fulfi lled a range and indeed some have stepped forward to fi ll that role.
of different responsibilities. He has become familiar with Fallen From Grace: There are those Champions in
a broad array of military techniques and a variety of gear. the Screaming Vortex who have fl ed there, not out of
While he certainly has strong preferences when it comes to choice, but out of necessity. Some used to be part of
how to pursue a battle or campaign, he has the skills and larger warbands. However, when they attempted to rise to
knowledge necessary to use the most appropriate approach leadership and challenge those in command, they failed.
for any given situation. His approach may be focused based Facing death, they fl ed to the Vortex, where they can
upon his particular devotions, but he has developed the amass power anew, and one day have their vengeance.
savvy necessary to choose the technique that is most likely to Warlord of the Gloaming Worlds: Then there are
succeed, even if it is at odds with his preferences. those Champions who have occupied the Vortex for
Most Champions are well aware of the rewards for success countless Millennia, riding the cyclical wave of glory
and consequences for failure offered by the Chaos gods. They and failure. At times they may have led other warbands,
yearn for the day that they might ascend to the mighty title or ruled entire worlds in the Vortex before losing that
of daemon prince, and are all too willing to sacrifi ce anyone power to the tides of Fate and the warp. Now they join
or anything that might prevent or even delay them from a new warband to once again ascend within the Vortex.
attaining that goal.






55

Chosen STARTING SKILLS, TALENTS & GEAR



Chosen must be Chaos Space Marines.
“In this galaxy, there is only war!”
Starting Skills: Intimidate, Stealth, Dodge (+10) or
– Adrastus, Bodyguard of Captain Fenrix the Fated Parry (+10)
Starting Talents: Lightning Refl exes, Quick Draw or
mong the damned members of the Chaos Space Rapid Reload, Disarm or Double Team, Sure Strike or
Marine Legions, some members have a seemingly
Ainnate ability to thrive through even the most hostile Deadeye Shot
Starting Gear: Legion Bolt Pistol, Legion
of conditions. These most experienced and dedicated Chaos Chainsword, 2 clips for Legion Bolt Pistol

Space Marines become the Chosen, and other Chaos Space Wounds: 16+1d5
Marines see them as being particularly favoured by the
Ruinous Powers. Chosen are even more hard-bitten, callous, SPECIAL ABILITY: COLD KILLER
and deadly than other Chaos Space Marines and think
nothing of sacrifi cing the lives of their comrades to increase Chosen are masters of confl ict and combat, and few
their own standing with the gods. are better at crippling or killing their opponent. When
Squads of Chosen Chaos Space Marines have decades, a Chosen infl icts Zealous Hatred on a target, he may
often centuries, of combat experience and have learnt how choose to reroll the Crit Result. The second result stands.
to best survive the battlefi elds of the 41st Millennium. These
highly experienced and ferocious warriors are typically in the outfl ank an enemy army to launch surprise attacks on the
opposition’s strongpoints.
a
y

k,
fi
ttac
w
ont
her
they
e
fr
ghting
om
fr
the

an
anguar
d
of
v
vanguard of any attack, fi ghting from the front where they can can opposition’s strongpoints.
Like Champions, there are many Chaos Space Marines
gr
ea
the
the
earn the most glory and take the greatest spoils. Sometimes Sometimes Like Champions, there are many Chaos Space Marines
spoils
.
test
earn
y
and
g
l
or
tak
e
most
who may be called Chosen; dedicated, deadly soldiers.
the Chosen will use their battle ttle
the Chosen will use their ba who may be called Chosen; dedicated, deadly soldiers.
Chosen often band together with other such veterans
ltr
te
a
ills
infi
to

skills to infi ltrate enemy enemy Chosen often band together with other such veterans
sk
and may be defi ned as much by the wargear they
lines and set up up
lines and set and may be defi ned as much by the wargear they
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wield and the tactics they prefer as their dedication
amb
,
ambushes, or or wield and the tactics they prefer as their dedication
ushes
to a particular Ruinous Power. Both weapons
to a particular Ruinous Power. Both weapons
and tactics can be extremely varied, from close
and tactics can be extremely varied, from close
combat weapons such as chainswords and
combat weapons such as chainswords and
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lightning claws, to Reaper Autocannons and
lightning claws, to Reaper Autocannons and
lascannons, and the ever-redoubtable bolter.
lascannons, and the ever-redoubtable bolter.
Chosen come in many forms, from the
Chosen come in many forms, from the
raging World Eaters Berserkers to the jaded
raging World Eaters Berserkers to the jaded
Noise Marines of the Emperor’s Children, and
Noise Marines of the Emperor’s Children, and
likewise their personalities vary wildly. Some
likewise their personalities vary wildly. Some
leap into battle with unrestrained savagery, trusting
leap into battle with unrestrained savagery, trusting
in their berserker rage to overwhelm their enemies, while
in their berserker rage to overwhelm their enemies, while
others may rely on a methodical, stoic approach or even simple,
others may rely on a methodical, stoic approach or even simple,
practical sorceries and dark charms to win the day. However,
practical sorceries and dark charms to win the day. However,
many Chosen are professional and pragmatic. They use all
many Chosen are professional and pragmatic. They use all
tools at their disposal to their fullest extent to ensure victory,
tools at their disposal to their fullest extent to ensure victory,
making them consummate and terrifying warriors.
making them consummate and terrifying warriors.
P L A YING A B L AC K C R USADE C HOSEN
PLAYING A BLACK CRUSADE CHOSEN
T he foll owing ar e some of the w ays a play er can play and
The following are some of the ways a player can play and
portr ay a Chaos Space Marine Chosen. Of course , these
portray a Chaos Space Marine Chosen. Of course, these
estions
be
guidelines
sug
and
ed
g
consider
,
not
should
should be considered guidelines and suggestions, not
ers
canon.
come
own
up
dir
with
nor
es

ectiv
directives nor canon. If players come up with their own
If
their
play
and
personalities
acter
har
c
eel
fr
they
should
backstory and character personalities, they should feel free
y
ee
stor
,
bac
k
f
or
e them.
to expl
to explore them.
the
e
mor
e
focused
f
ar
on
y
art
Chosen
Many Chosen are far more focused on the art of
ar
of
Man
w ar than they ar e upon spr eading the infl uence of
war than they are upon spreading the infl uence of
Chaos
Disdaining
Chaos. Disdaining lofty goals or devoted worship,
.
oted
,
or
dev
orship
ofty
l
w
oals
g
these Chosen dedicate themselves to battle instead,
these Chosen dedica te themselv es to ba ttle instead,
a
tars
liv
hey
e
of
a
militant
T
destruction.
v

becoming avatars of militant destruction. They live
becoming
W
.
hen

ghting
and
for fi ghting and embrace its countless forms. When
for
fi
its
countless
for
embr
ms
ace
not actively engaged in war, they train for it, and
not actively engaged in war, they train for it, and
even when unable to train, their minds run ever
even when unable to train, their minds run ever
56

ahead to the next confl ict. Though they may acknowledge
the Dark Gods with rites and sacrifi ces, this is done in a
pragmatic and often perfunctory manner. These Heretics offer
tribute to the Gods so that the Gods will help them engage CHOSEN IN THE VORTEX
in their speciality and their greatest passion—war in all its A Chosen in BLACK CRUSADE may have come from
countless forms. any of the original nine Traitor Legions or may be
Their constant study and practice has invariably borne a more recent renegade. He may even still share an
fruit. Chosen are virtually peerless warriors. While they may affi liation with his original Legion. However, in the
have a chosen speciality—melee combat, heavy weapons, Screaming Vortex, no Legion holds sway and no
or some other combat doctrine—they are generally Chaos Lord currently dominates the warp storm. tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion
familiar with a broad array of different techniques. Chosen Consequentially, many Chosen who fi nd themselves
constantly analyse the techniques used by their opponents in the Vortex attach themselves to pirate wolfpacks
and their allies. Between battles they often spend time either or Chaos warbands in hope of confl ict. Some attempt
incorporating new techniques into their arsenal or identifying to journey to the Jericho Reach to join the ongoing
ways to counter tactics that they have seen others use. This war there. However, with the power vacuum amongst
endless dedication and training sometimes grants them the the Vortex, more are staying in anticipation of bloody
capability to identify an opponent’s background based upon wars fought amongst would-be leaders.
their fi ghting style and prepared to counter their foe’s moves Reapers of the Extinction Angels: These cold
long before they are undertaken. killers are the most veteran warriors of the Extinction
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being. They accept risks without question and, for many, battle to master the arts of melee combat, particularly
is an end in itself. Glory, power, and material possessions are working in conjunction against hardened targets. To

trivial concerns to these warriors, simply benefits that come from overcome such opposition, a band of these proven
victory and allow them to continue waging war. The opportunity souls attempts to surround and overpower their foes,
to vanquish a foe and revel in their triumph is the reward for using cooperation, misdirection, and crushing blows
which they strive. While they are grateful for the blessings of with power weapons. In cases where opponents are
their Dark Gods and any tools of battle they might wrench from more numerous, the Reapers continue their pack-like
the stilled hands of their foes, the time after battle is not one for approach, often herding foes to one another through
celebration. Rather, it is a time for recovery so that they might cover during the melee.
ensure victory over their next opponent. Novae Armae: These brazen Chaos Space Marines
The life of a Chaos Space Marine is a hard one, but the tread a path of domination through constant
life of a Chosen may be even more challenging. The constant innovation. Never content with their existing
training and overwhelming thirst for battle can begin to stress tactics, skills, or armaments, they vigilantly quest
even their superhuman physiques. Consequently, their lives to discover new weapons and techniques. In many
are often snuffed out early, as they continue to accept ever instances, these Chosen journey to uncover rumours
more dangerous assignments. However, those who survive of xenos or daemonic armaments they might
become ever more dangerous. employ in combat. Other times, they pledge their
These Heretics are unusual in that they seldom fear the loyalty to a warband in exchange for knowledge of
transformation to Chaos Spawn to the same extent as most other a fi ghting style or strategy. Many seek cybernetic or
servants of the Dark Gods. Though they are hardly anxious to warp-spawned mutations. While they care little of
undergo such a conversion, they know that even those wretched the technology or rituals responsible for this gear,
creatures are used in battle by the Ruinous Powers for all eternity. they often work closely with Hereteks or Sorcerers
While they would certainly prefer the powers and privileges so that they may quickly learn how to use the
granted to a daemon prince, Chosen typically are less interested artefacts they uncover.
in the responsibilities involved in leadership or rule. Mercenaries: Loyalty in the Screaming Vortex is
As long as Chosen are granted opportunities for battle, reserved for those who can provide for their own.
these characters embrace those chances with their whole Some small bands of Chosen make a business of selling
being. Their actions may earn them glory and the blessings their loyalty in exchange for the resources needed to
of their Dark Gods, but such praises are not their goal. This continue in their constant battles and training. These
is not due to any sense of false modesty. Rather, to these heartless warriors fi ght mercilessly so that they can
stalwarts, the only glory that can be savoured is that earned on live to fi ght endlessly. They care little for any cause.
the battlefi eld. The only praise worth remembering is the cry Rather, they are only concerned that they are kept
of agony wrenched from the throat of a defeated foe. Unless well supplied with the tools of warfare.
the recognition they receive enables them to engage in further
battle or defeat more and ever more capable opponents, then
that recognition holds no meaning to them. These characters
live for the rush of confl ict. All other matters are to be dealt
with by those the Chosen view as lesser beings. They demand
only their armaments and a foe upon which to test them.



57

Forsaken STARTING SKILLS, TALENTS & GEAR



Forsaken must be Chaos Space Marines.
“The gods permit me to tread my own path. Who are you to Starting Skills: Acrobatics, Survival, Commerce or
question them?”
Security, Common Lore (any one) or Survival +10
– Malich, founder and sole member of the Burning Eye Legion Starting Talents: Hatred (Pick One), Jaded, Light
Sleeper or Blind Fighting, Cold Hearted or Sound
fter the Horus Heresy, as the leaderless armies of the Constitution
now-dead Horus retreated from the Imperium into the
AEye of Terror and the far corners of the galaxy, the Starting Gear: Legion Chainsword, Four Legion
Frag Grenades, Legion Shotgun with 2 clips.
nine Traitor Legions who sided with the Warmaster eventually Wounds: 15+1d5
and inevitably fractured and split. The once-cohesive Legions
disintegrated into a myriad of warbands, pirate crews, and SPECIAL ABILITY: RESOURCEFUL
armies led by a host of charismatic leaders and champions of
Chaos. Though some of the former Legions would periodically Forsaken are well acquainted with the challenges
re-unite under the banner of a particularly powerful champion of operating alone, chief among them the need for
of the Dark Gods, such as Abaddon the Despoiler, the days of supplies. The Forsaken gains a +10 to his Infamy Test
them fi ghting as a unifi ed whole were gone. when obtaining an item or items with an Availability
Though many Chaos Space Marines tend to remain with of Rare or lower.
warbands or hosts of their fellows, there are some who break
with the remnants of the Legions entirely, forging their own warbands and organisations. Their independent attitudes
way independently of their erstwhile comrades. Whether they often make them more willing to admit that there are certain
deliberately forsake their former loyalties, be expelled by their tasks human Heretics can accomplish that the Forsaken
fellows for some transgression, or have some secret reason for cannot. Though he is always mindful of his own goals and
their exile depends on the individual in question. However, continuously works towards them, these attitudes may make
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him more likely to be a part of human warbands.
the
these
eason,
r
w
whatever the reason, these Chaos Space Marines now walk him more likely to be a part of human warbands.
ha
er
tev
Marines
Space
Chaos
now
alk
w
Forsaken are sometimes drawn to a particular facet of Chaos
hostile
,
one
own
erse
a
in
el
ying
on
their
r
al
alone in the midst of a hostile universe, relying on their own Forsaken are sometimes drawn to a particular facet of Chaos
midst
of

univ
the
and driven to spread its
cunning, resourcefulness, and skill at arms to survive. and driven to spread its
t ar
ulness
.
cef
cunning
ill a
esour
, and sk
, r
e
ms to surviv
infl uence. While this
es

of
Legionnair
forsak
en
y
one
,
Occasionall
r
aitor
these
Occasionally, one of these forsaken Traitor Legionnaires infl uence. While this
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might be one of
existence
y
solitar
and
a
arband
time
eak
a
joins
br
breaks his solitary existence and joins a warband for a time. might be one of
s
his
w
.
for
the
his
so
easons
,
and
r
doing
own,
personal
for
has
Often,
he
his
Often, he has his own, personal reasons for doing so, and his the
joining may be tempor ar y . Lik e wise , his ne w comr ades
joining may be temporary. Likewise, his new comrades
may distrust an individual w hose true l oy alties
may distrust an individual whose true loyalties
are unknown or non-existent. However, few
ar e unknown or non-existent. How ev er , f e w
ving
a

suc
ts
can deny the benefi ts of having such a
of
ha
can
y

den
h
the
benefi
resourceful warrior at their side.
PLAYING A BLACK
CRUSADE FORSAKEN
er
the
he
w
of
ar

T
The following are some of the ways a player
some
owing
ays
play
foll
e
a
can play and portray a Forsaken in BLACK play and portray a Forsaken in BLACK
can
should
these
be
.
CRUSADE. Of course, these should be

Of
course
,
considered guidelines and suggestions, not not
consider ed guidelines and sug g estions ,
dir ectiv es nor canon. If a play er comes
directives nor canon. If a player comes up up
with their own backstory and character acter
with their own bac k stor y and c har
personalities
personalities, they should feel free to to
,
fr
they
eel
f
should
ee
explore them.
The Forsaken has parted ways with other Chaos Space Space
T he F orsak en has parted w ays with other Chaos
own
his
s
g
.
and
y
to
oals
complete
seek
Gener
Marines
Marines and seeks to complete his own goals. Generally, ,
all
these Her etics ar e l oners , distrustf ul of others , and r
these Heretics are loners, distrustful of others, and reliant eliant
on
T
themselv
es
.
confi
necessar
onl
the
k
lac
only on themselves. They never lack the confi dence necessary y
nev
y
hey
er

dence
to complete a task, ev en if they lac k the manpow er . T
to complete a task, even if they lack the manpower. To o
en
te
m
cef
r
orsak
F
,
esour
c
be
er
lev
compensate, a Forsaken must be clever and resourceful, ul,
compensa
a
and
ust
pr
oughl
thor
y
esear
r
a
able to thoroughly research a target and ensure his precise ecise
b
to
le
et
his
and
e
ensur
h
c
a
g
tar
actions succeed. This isn’t to say Forsaken refuse to join with with
actions succeed. T his isn ’ t to say F orsak en r ef use to join
other gr oups—in f act, they ar e often w or k ing in w
other groups—in fact, they are often working in warbands arbands
of Heretics, and are among the Chaos Space Marines most
of Heretics, and are among the Chaos Space Marines most
likely to be found working within non-Chaos Space Marine
likely to be found working within non-Chaos Space Marine
58

Chaos gods, it could also be a rogue daemon or even a conceptual
issue. While they are certainly capable of unleashing their martial
abilities, these abilities may well be matched by a surprising
knowledge, be it philosophical, political, ancient, heretical, or FORSAKEN IN THE VORTEX
even sorcerous. A Forsaken might be as concerned with the Forsaken, more than any other Chaos Space Marine
message that a battle carries to those who hear of it as he is with Archetype in BLACK CRUSADE, are individualists and

his success on the battlefield. This thirst for knowledge may even loners. Consequentially, it may matter little what their
be connected to why the Forsaken has parted ways with other origins are, as they are now consumed with their own
Chaos Space Marines. goals and desires. However, it is also possible that a
Alternatively a Forsaken’s goals may be utterly self- Forsaken is still defi ned by his former allegiance, even tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion
centred. He may desire to become a powerful warlord, or if he has renounced his prior ties long ago.
simply delight in expanding his reputation as a lone and The following are some examples of Chaos Space
incredibly deadly warrior. He may even simply seek the thrill Marine Forsaken found within the Screaming Vortex.
of new challenges and new locales to explore and pillage, or Chaos Bikers of the Outer Wastes: The freedom and
even just wish to pillage and loot his way into wealth. mobility of a Legion war bike, with its powerful engines
Forsaken are often found within the Imperium, working to and impressive operating range, has an appeal to many
crumble the rotting edifi ce from within. They may inspire cults, Forsaken. Many of the worlds in the Screaming Vortex
foment unrest, or carry out acts of sabotage and destruction. see lone Chaos Space Marine bikers roaming their most
Yet, though they may form cults or subversive organisations, desolate wastelands. These solitary warriors roam these
these characters are most often too individualistic to become wastes exploring, raiding for supplies, and searching for II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Ch
capable leaders and are happy to let others rise to direct the new foes to challenge their skills. Eventually, they might
cults they’ve formed. Just as they continuously rebel against join a warband in order to travel to a new world with
authority, they are often incapable of respecting those who new vistas and fresh foes to vanquish. In turn, many
obey it. The Forsaken often have no desire to rule or lead, powerful warband leaders seek out these bikers. The
they leave that to their Legionnaire brethren. However, they ability to range far ahead of the main force on their war
often have a desire to destroy, to unmake, or to gain revenge. bikes, combined with their ingrained independence,
A Forsaken may have chosen to separate from his brethren, makes them invaluable scouts and raiders.
or it might be due to outside infl uence. In some instances, his Raptors of the Ragged Helix: Raptor is a name given
brothers in arms may have betrayed him, or they may have to Chaos Space Marine assault troops, vicious hunters
been slaughtered. He might even have been a loyalist Space who can strike anywhere, falling on their foes like a
Marine, who turned to the ways of Chaos and fl ed his chapter. shrieking gale via their powerful back-mounted jump
Now, he operates alone or with a carefully selected cadre of packs. Such individuals often modify their armour to
like-minded individuals. These others might be humans who give themselves a more terrifying appearance, such as
share similar beliefs and are willing to discuss them in such a the stylised appearance of a bird of prey, and often
way that the Forsaken is capable of viewing them as near peers. add amplifi ers and voxcasters to emit piercing wails
If the Forsaken was betrayed or a sole survivor of and screams. Raptors see themselves as elite troops,
a warband, then he is likely to be engaged in a quest for while other Chaos Space Marines often view them
vengeance. The target of his fury could be an Imperial as self-indulgent egotists. Neither is entirely wrong,
organisation, but it might also be a xenos or even another and it is not unlikely for one “self-indulgent egotist’s”
Chaos-aligned warband, and his vengeance may involve their pride to result in him becoming an outcast. Amongst
crippling, humiliation, or utter destruction. the Screaming Vortex, the Raptors who haunt the
Forsaken holding this outlook rarely plan for an existence asteroid belts of the Ragged Helix are legend. Here
after the success of their mission. Most readily accept their are countless miniature worlds reachable with a single
impending martyrdom as an acceptable price to pay for their thrust from a jump pack. The Raptors range from
revenge. At the same time, they go to great lengths to see world to world, striking anywhere they desire within
that they live long enough to accomplish their goals. This the Helix.
is especially true for those instances where the Forsaken’s Legion Exile: Many forsaken Chaos Space Marines have
comrades in arms were slain. If he still holds a loyalty to his left their fellows because they ran afoul of their fellows
deceased brethren, the notion that he is acting in their name or superiors in some way and found themselves forced to
may be a tremendous motivation. flee the warband or army for some haven. The Screaming

Forsaken are seldom preoccupied with the notion of Vortex is such a place, as it offers a haven away from
becoming a daemon prince. Though not against the idea of the remnants of the Traitor Legions that is nonetheless
Apotheosis, their goals are more focused upon their beliefs situated at the intersection of several vital regions of space.
and their hungers. Conversely, they fear the doom of Here they are able to pursue their plans and launch their
spawndom beyond all else, particularly if their transformation raids, while still having a place to fall back and regroup.
were to happen prior to completing the tasks to which they
have devoted their lives. The very notion of submitting to
another’s will, no matter the power behind that will, is almost
always anathema to the Forsaken.



59

Sorcerer STARTING SKILLS, TALENTS & GEAR



Sorcerers of Chaos must be Chaos Space Marines.
“Those who ignore the blessings of the gods of the warp are doomed Starting Skills: Psyniscience, Scholastic Lore
to suffer at their hands.”
(Occult), Deception or Scrutiny, Forbidden Lore
– Musim, Advisor to Arn-Ord the Merciless (Daemons) or Forbidden Lore (Psykers)
Starting Talents: Psy Rating (x2), Up to 500 xp worth of
Space Marine Librarian who pledges his soul to Psychic Powers chosen from the Unaligned, Divination,
Chaos becomes a Sorcerer and is gifted by his new
A ods. Some think of these gifts as magical, for those Telepathy, or Telekinesis Disciplines (see Chapter VI: The
g
Powers of the Warp), Meditation or Mimic
who receive them come to think of themselves as having the Starting Traits: Psyker
energy of the universe at their command. During the Heresy, Starting Gear: Legion Bolt Pistol, Force Weapon
Librarians and other Legions dedicated themselves to Chaos Wounds: 15+1d5
and received new psychic powers. The only exception were
the Librarians of the World Eaters, who were hunted down SPECIAL ABILITY: SORCERER
and slain by their brethren as a bloody sacrifi ce to Khorne,
for the Chaos God of anger hates all practitioners of sorcery. The Heretic gains the Psyker Trait (listed above), a Psy
Not only during the Horus Heresy have Librarians been Rating of 2, and 1 Corruption Point. When determining
tempted to draw upon sorcery. For those who already tread Psychic Strength (see page 206), he counts as Bound.
a fi ne line between righteous power and damnation, the
a fi ne line betw een righteous pow er and damna tion, the
ener
gy
the
wield
sh

can
means
selfi

of
for
Chaos
to
tion
tempta
temptation to wield the energy of Chaos for selfi sh means can
be overwhelming. Although Space Marine Librarians are tested
be o v erw helming . Although Space Marine Libr arians ar e tested
for
to
withstand
daemonic
the
possession
for the mental fortitude to withstand daemonic possession and
and
fortitude
mental
monitor
the
y
ed
b
y
lur
lures of the Dark Gods, and are constantly monitored by the
k
of
ar
and

Gods
,
constantl
Dar
es
e
the
, ther
e ar
e those w
.
Cha
pter
ho still succumb
Chapter, there are those who still succumb.
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T he line betw een psy c hic pow er and r a w sor cer y is b lurr
The line between psychic power and raw sorcery is blurred, ed,
he
and every time a Librarian uses his powers he is risking ing
his
and
ers
pow
y
risk
arian
is
time
a
Libr
ev
uses
er
,
l
un
y
witting
eac
h
his
o
v
err
a
b
ilities
corruption. He may overreach his abilities, unwittingly
drawing on more power than he can control, and by y
dr a wing on mor e pow er than he can contr ol, and b
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
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tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
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tion
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tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
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tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
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tion
tion
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these means attract the attention of the Chaos Gods. .
these means a ttr act the a ttention of the Chaos Gods
From that moment, he must endure cold whispers in in
F r om tha t moment, he m ust endur e cold w hispers
his dreams, visions of immortality and promises of
his dr eams , visions of immortality and pr omises of
untold power.
There are those who cannot withstand this this
T her e ar e those w ho cannot withstand
and
incessant temptation, and fall to Chaos. These hese
all
.
tion,
Chaos
tempta
T
to
incessant
f
most
heytpes
c
ar
the
acters
ar
e
of
c characters are among the most iconic archeytpes of Chaos Chaos

har
iconic
among
for they ha v e embr aced the R uinous P ow ers in open defi
for they have embraced the Ruinous Powers in open defi ance ance
of the dictates of the Imperium. Sorcerers of Chaos are e
of the dicta tes of the Imperium. Sor cer ers of Chaos ar
vilifi ed and feared, one of the most hated foes of the Imperial Imperial
vilifi ed and f ear ed, one of the most ha ted foes of the
consider
most
w
er
ho
Inquisition, who consider them the most severe of blights lights
Inquisition,
them
e

the
sev
b
of
upon the galaxy.
P L A YING A B L AC K C R USADE S ORCERER
PLAYING A BLACK CRUSADE SORCERER
The following are some of the ways a player can play and
T he foll owing ar e some of the w ays a play er can play and

,
Of
portray a Sorcerer of Chaos. Of course, these should be
portr
Chaos
should
Sor
a
ay
course

cer
these
.
er
be
of
considered guidelines and suggestions, not directives
consider ed guidelines and sug g estions , not dir ectiv es
nor canon. If players come up with their own
nor canon. If play ers come up with their own
stor
y
and
backstory and character personalities, they
bac
k
personalities
they
,
har
c
acter
should feel free to explore them.
T
virtuall
y
The promise of virtually limitless

pr
omise
of
he
limitless
power often wakes a dark thirst for
ever-greater power in the Sorcerer’s
soul. Now, the Heretic enthusiastically
an
for
es
y
virtuall
the
sacrifi

ce
makes virtually any sacrifi ce for the
y
mak
satisfaction of feeding this newfound
sa
tisf
action
this
eeding
ne
wfound
f
of

addiction. Knowledge, artefacts, sorcerous
,
Knowledg
acts
ad ad diction. Knowledg e e , artef acts , sor cer ous
ous
artef
,
diction.
sor
cer
spells—all may be vehicles to feed his
spells—all may be vehicles to feed his
desire. Such a character has no hope, or
desire. Such a character has no hope, or
60

wish, for redemption. Rather, they live for the purpose of
satisfying their dark lords so that they might receive ever
more potent blessings.
Many of these Heretics have made the deliberate decision SORCERERS IN THE VORTEX
to dedicate their lives to Slaneesh, Nurgle, or Tzeentch, Sorcerers within the Screaming Vortex show
though some choose to avoid dedicating themselves to a their devotions to the Ruinous Powers in a variety
particular power. Khorne, however, specifi cally obliterates of different ways. Some travel beyond its boundaries
any psyker who would beseech him for power. Sorcerers revel to aggressively recruit new followers to the ways
in the ways of the warp and the Dark Gods, often invoking of Chaos, thus granting their cruel sponsors more
them by name as they strive to extend their infl uence upon the followers. Others choose a path of devotion to a tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion
material world. Though less powerful than a full daemonic particular deity, embracing everything that lord
manifestation, the physical capabilities of a Chaos Space offers. Yet others devote every moment of their
Marine in conjunction with their extensive knowledge and time to uncovering lost secrets and discovering new
training in the dark arts yields a being capable of unleashing information. For these Heretics, the source of the
a vast array of destructive and corrupting powers. They lore is far less important than the knowledge and the
have seen things that are far beyond mortal comprehension, power it represents.
wielding powers that they cannot begin to understand. Plague Priest of Mire: These Heretics are dedicated
Such Heretics constantly seek out additional sources of
esoteric and forbidden information. They have studied a broad to spreading the infl uence of their dark sponsors
through the gift of his pestilence, making their
array of arcane knowledge, including xenos practices, legends, home on the pestilential world of Mire deep within II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Characte
and secrets long thought lost. No targets or types of data may the Vortex. Through their link to the Immaterium,
be off limits. While they are likely to favour arcane knowledge these potent psykers invoke the glories of the Lord
tied to the dark arts, they realise that the Ruinous Powers may of Decay upon their unwitting opponents. As the
have uses for seemingly mundane bits of data. Virtually any Dark God’s diseases take hold, the Plague Priest’s
information is useful as it could be enough to persuade their foes often become the latest additions to his army. As
sponsors to empower them yet further. The notion of forbidden these new followers embrace the ways of Chaos, the
knowledge is anathema to these Heretics, as they know that Sorcerer’s potency grows with additional blessings
their personal destinies transcend any mortal strictures. from his dark sponsor.
Heretics that choose this are confi dent that they can
one day achieve the title of daemon prince, but they do Sorcerer King: In some cases, a Sorcerer seeks to
hold worldly power in conjunction with his stores
not patiently wait for that day to arrive. Rather, they hunt of arcane knowledge and ability. For these Heretics,
down additional knowledge, securing it for themselves and an army of followers offer more direct solutions to
guarding it zealously. As they continue this search, they also obtain hidden knowledge—and protection from
spread the infl uence of their gods wherever they go, leaving others who might seek to take the treasures that they
the taint of the warp in their wake and initiating countless have acquired. Sorcerers who follow this path often
mortals into the ways of Chaos. maintain a holding within the Screaming Vortex,
Most Sorcerers of Chaos are members of a larger warband.
This can lead to confl ict, as the sorcerer is rarely willing to where they can store their arcane resources and
mentor their disciples. These rulers may then venture
accept the commands of its leader, unless that leader has the forth from their holdings to retrieve artefacts and
force of will and strength of arms to maintain an iron command. components for their rituals that they undertake in the
Many warbands have splintered when a Sorcerer of Chaos names of the Ruinous Powers.
attempted to take command, leading a portion of the members Unholy Curator: A rare few Heretics are more
towards a goal distinct from that of the warlord. This may even concerned with acquiring knowledge of any kind, so
result in the warlord’s death, reminding his fellows of the risk that they might offer it in supplication to their Dark
of maintaining such a powerful individual as an advisor. Gods. These potent Sorcerers use their talents to strip
One thing that defines a Sorcerer of Chaos in BLACK CRUSADE

is the powers they wield. As described on page 212, there are a knowledge and secrets from the minds of any prey
they encounter. This information is then carefully
multitude of Psychic Powers, some of which may be oriented with archived in the hopes that it might be used to garner
one of Tzeentch, Nurgle, or Slaanesh (Khorne has no patience for a boon from their unholy sponsors. Heretics of this
psykers, and does not grant psychic powers). Sorcerers dedicated path often travel extensively, constantly in search of

to a specific Chaos God may be able to call upon that God’s most any new information so that it might be provided to
awesome powers, but at the exclusion of others. the Chaos Gods.
Unaligned Sorcerers, on the other hand, call upon all the
Chaos gods and thus may wield powers oriented towards any
of the Ruinous Powers. However, their lack of dedication
means they may not have access to a particular God’s most
potent abilities.






61

Apostate STARTING SKILLS, TALENTS & GEAR



Apostates must be Human.
“The corpse-emperor cannot hear your pleas, but there are others who Characteristic Bonus: Apostates gain +5 Fellowship.
are happy to grant your every wish.”
Starting Skills: Awareness, Charm, Command,
–Archdeacon Gabriel Huang of the Holy Oath Deceive, Scholastic Lore (any three), Forbidden Lore
(any three), Inquiry, Dodge or Parry, Intimidate or
he forces of the Imperium maintain a stalwart barrier Commerce, Charm +10 or Deceive +10, Command
against Chaos intrusions within the worlds and
Torganizations of their monolithic realm. Between +10 or Inquiry +10, Security or Stealth or Logic
Starting Talents: Air of Authority, Hatred (any
the incessant speeches of the Ecclesiarchy and the ruthless one), Peer (any one), Total Recall, Unshakeable Will,
enforcement of the Inquisition and the Adeptus Arbites, Weapon Training (Las, Primary), Disturbing Voice or
the Imperial Creed is effectively reinforced. Through the Radiant Presence, Polyglot or Mimic, Inspire Wrath or
ministrations of the Adeptus Administratum and the legions Iron Discipline or Lesser Minion of Chaos
of Imperial bureaucracy, the rule of Imperial law is brutally Starting Gear: Good-Craftsmanship Laspistol, Best-
maintained. However, every so often one of those within that
maintained. How ev er , ev er y so often one of those within tha t Craftsmanship Sword or Common Craftsmanship

r
d
sh
n
sma
i
S

p
w
C
r
o
t
f
a
ur
v
vast bureaucracy falls from grace. When this happens, the Power Blade, Flak Armour or Mesh Armour, Chaos
b
ast
hen
this
.
W
,
the
ha
ppens
f
alls
eaucr
acy
gr
ace
fr
om
d
a
,
e
l
e
w
B
r
m
r
r
ou
A
l
F
k
a
o
P
consequences can be disastrous. . s symbol pendant, unholy tomes, 2 laspistol clips..
ous
consequences can be disastr
t
n
, u
s
p
t
a
o
s
me
o
a
, 2 l
s
s
n
i
ho
p
ly t
e
l c
l p
o
i
l
nd
mb
y
Those who served within the the
T hose w ho serv ed within W ou n d s :
Wounds: 9+1d5
Imperium’s inner workings can
Imperium’s inner workings can
:
be ideally placed and equipped
be ideally placed and equipped SPECIAL ABILITY:
S
A
Y
P
ECIAL
BILIT
to destabilise the very structures
to destabilise the very structures
SERPENT’S TONGUE
they spent a lifetime creating
they spent a lifetime creating S ERP ENT ’ S T ONGUE
and supporting. The Apostate is a master of infi ltration, deception,
and supporting.
n
t
l
,
d
fi

o
r
e
,
i
t
e
a
c
n
p
A
e
o
a
t
s
i
o
n
t
h
T
p
e
t
s
r
i
f
o
i
e
t
s
a
m
a
Some Apostates a and seduction, allowing him to ingratiate himself
Some Apostates
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m
i
t
i
o
i
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with organisations who would normally kill him
w
l
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e
.
s
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on sight. Once per game session, the Apostate may
e
t
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o
o
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a
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a
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make a Challenging Charm or Deceive Test to gain
t
o
D
h
n
c
n
i
t
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
tion
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tion
i
s
t
n
a
o
t
a
le
n
cho
h
n
the Peer Talent with one organisation of his choice
t
i
T
f
P
e
r
o
n
t
h
s
i
e
h
w
g
c
i
e
o
e
a
r
o
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A
t
o
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p
o
t
i
e
n
.
f
o
t
s
t
e
s
e
r
h
h
s
r
f
for the remainder of the session. If the Apostate has
e
I
a
nd
em
r
i
f
o
a F e l l o w s h i p o f 5 5 o r h i g h e r , h e c a n g a i n t h e P e e r ( 2 )
a Fellowship of 55 or higher, he can gain the Peer (2)
o
i
s
s
n o
r a cho
n
a
t f
e
n
r
g
Talent for a chosen organisation instead. .
t
n i
T
a
i
d
a
e
s
t
n
le
a
o
newly turned against the Imperium, whether through some
newly turned against the Imperium, whether through some
personal rebellion against the Imperial Creed, succumbing
personal rebellion against the Imperial Creed, succumbing
to the dark lure of power, or any number of other reasons.
to the dark lure of power, or any number of other reasons.
These may begin their work against the Imperium in the
These may begin their work against the Imperium in the
very organizations they serve in. Apostate preachers and
very organizations they serve in. Apostate preachers and
cardinals may subtly twist the words they speak, using
cardinals may subtly twist the words they speak, using
their fi nely honed powers of persuasion to change beliefs
their finely honed powers of persuasion to change beliefs
until their fl ocks have become unwitting servants of Chaos.
until their fl ocks have become unwitting servants of Chaos.
Traitorous members of the Administratum may redirect funds
Traitorous members of the Administratum may redirect funds
and supplies into their own coffers, starving entire planets to feed
and supplies into their own coffers, starving entire planets to feed
his own greed. Meanwhile, treasonous Munitorum agents may
his own greed. Meanwhile, treasonous Munitorum agents may
subtly alter orders so that entire Guard regiments are redirected
subtly alter orders so that entire Guard regiments are redirected
from critical warzones, or even assault the wrong worlds.
from critical warzones, or even assault the wrong worlds.
Other Apostates are long-time foes of the Imperium and may
Other Apostates are long-time foes of the Imperium and may
even be the first agents of Chaos to begin an incursion upon a
even be the fi rst agents of Chaos to begin an incursion upon a
target world. They enter the planet under the cover of an Imperial
target world. They enter the planet under the cover of an Imperial
loyalist. These Heretics begin their subterfuge under the pretence
loyalist. These Heretics begin their subterfuge under the pretence
of an honest merchant or a loyal servant of the Ministrorum. Only
of an honest merchant or a loyal servant of the Ministrorum. Only
once they have established a presence and friendly relationships
once they have established a presence and friendly relationships
with the world’s residents can their true work begin.
with the world’s residents can their true work begin.
These characters may rely upon subtlety, perhaps calling
These characters may rely upon subtlety, perhaps calling
controversial facets of the Imperial Creed or seemingly
controversial facets of the Imperial Creed or seemingly
pointless bureaucratic procedures into question. As they
pointless bureaucratic procedures into question. As they
develop a sense of trust with their targets, they can begin to
develop a sense of trust with their targets, they can begin to
gradually draw those subjects to the path of the Chaos Gods.
gradually draw those subjects to the path of the Chaos Gods.
62
62
62

PLAYING A BLACK CRUSADE APOSTATE
The following are some of the ways a player can play and
portray an Apostate. Of course, these should be considered APOSTATES IN THE VORTEX
guidelines and suggestions, not directives nor canon. If The Archetype of Apostate presents a broad concept,
a player comes up their own backstory and character which may apply to any number of individuals across the
personalities, they should feel free to explore them. galaxy. Any character who has garnered the opportunity
An Apostate is a master of deception, manipulation, and
misdirection. He can quickly read people’s reactions and gauge to spread the word of Chaos among potential recruits
and used it could be an Apostate. The examples who
how they are likely to think and feel. Though he likely lacks any have established a presence within the Screaming Vortex tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion
moral integrity and possibly emotional responses, he is intimately commonly follow one of these paths:
familiar with these weaknesses and knows how to use them to Former Member of the Calixian Ecclesiarchy: The
control other people. He can comfortably lie to control his prey, Ecclesiarchy in the Calixis Sector is rife with hidden

choosing falsehoods carefully to fit his targets. intrigues, cults, and undiscovered corruption. The
Much more than a simple confi dence artist, many Apostates
are motivated by a deep spiritual devotion to their cause. A Inquisition works tirelessly to purge it, but there are
always those who slip through the cracks. A former priest,
Heretic who follows this path may believe that only through confessor, or cardinal in the Ecclesiarchy is a charismatic
a willing dedication to Chaos may humanity achieve their and charming individual, able to convince those that not
ultimate potential and salvation. In some cases, an Apostate only is he a trusted ally, but things they may have believed
fi rmly believes that he is in direct communion with a specifi c all their lives are incorrect. His knowledge of the Imperial
Chaos God. As a consequence, he is likely to be very strongly Creed and the particulars of faith in the Calixis Sector II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Cha
devoted to this deity, viewing that entity as his personal sponsor. allow him to twist that faith in others, so that without
In other cases, the Apostate sees himself as the voice of all the realising it, he can tempt them on the path to Chaos.
Gods, not one in particular, and offers prayers and sacrifi ces to Disenfranchised Member of the Jericho Adeptus
whichever deity may be appropriate as the situation calls. Munitorum: An Apostate in the Munitorum would
His zeal is unparalleled; he believes his cause is not just right
but also vital. Through his twisted worldview, the Apostate be ideally placed to see the futile waste of men and
supplies in the Crusade to conquer the Jericho Reach.
believes that he really is helping those that he draws to the Through this he may have realised the impotence of the
corrupting infl uence of the Dark Gods. Even when confronted Imperium, and this stoked the fires of revolution in his

with the brutal consequences of his actions, he is likely to heart. Such individuals have an unparalleled knowledge
identify them as acceptable costs. Some must fall by the wayside of the Imperial war machine, and may be able to develop
as examples for those who might achieve the greater blessings. a rapport with unsuspecting members of the Imperial
Apostates are often defined by their skill in leadership and

corruption and these attendant skills must often be learned. Thus, Guard. Such a Heretic might see actions against the
Imperial War Machine as the ultimate way to save the
many Apostates begin their lives as a part of the very Imperium lives of untold human soldiers who would otherwise be
they later decide to destroy. He might have served within the fed into the meat grinder of the Jericho Reach.
Ecclesiarchy, spreading the word of the false God-Emperor to all Interloper within Sector Governor Hax’s Lucid
who would listen. It could be that that at the heart of his faith he Court: An Apostate in the Lucid Court of the Calixis
discovered a core of death, decay, and corruption, which left him Sector Governor Marius Hax would be ideally placed
disenfranchised. Alternatively, the Apostate might have served to see the waste and corruption of the Imperial and
the Administratum. It could be that he had even established planetary nobility and inspire him to prey on that
himself politically, and manoeuvred his way into the position corruption. These individuals may be able to worm
of a planetary governor—or covertly pulled the strings of the their way into the highest strata of Imperial society,

official governor. From these lofty heights, he was exposed to able to bring it down from within. As his infl uence
the back room manipulations of the populace and might even spreads, such a Heretic could draw the nobility of an
have taken part in deciding about acceptable losses and other ever-broader region to the ways of the Ruinous Powers.

sacrifices for the continued survival of his world. Corrupted Rogue Trader of the Koronus Expanse:
For most Apostates, the call to power is a vicious cycle. Even
when they manage their greatest triumphs, they look over the In the role of a travelling merchant and diplomat, a
Rogue Trader is uniquely suited to establish contact
horizon or across the stars and begin to plan for their next with the governments of many Imperial worlds in
objective. As the Dark Gods grant them boons, they may also a relatively short time frame. From this position, an
feed this lust through sibilant whispers of additional blessings Apostate could establish an interplanetary network
that could come as ever more challenging tasks are offered. dedicated to the promulgation of heretical beliefs. This
Ultimately, this hunger for power must lead an Apostate
towards the path of a daemon prince. From the moment could quickly enable the heretic to assemble a potent
and diverse force with a broad range of resources.
they realise the amount of control that comes with this lofty
transformation, their very souls ache for the blessing. Of course,

in striving for this goal, they must make ever-greater sacrifices
and accept ever-greater risks along the way. Few manage to attain
their aspirations before their lives are cut short through failure.


63

Heretek Mechanicus chose to embrace. Consequently, their research
often extends specifi cally towards areas that are forbidden
to loyalist Tech-Priests. These include sapient technological
artefacts, the physiology of the psyker, the ways of the
“The path of the Omnissiah has left humanity dithering in the
darkness, incapable of advancing on the paths of knowledge. Immaterium, and the vast array of xenos technologies.
Embracing the warp reveals technology that the primitives on Mars Because of the nature of their split, these fallen Tech-
could never dream of wielding.” Magos lack a central authority or consistent belief structure.
Because of this, their ideology is far more diverse than that
– Magos Caine of the Five-Fold Path of their former brethren within the Adeptus Mechanicus.
Hereteks may shun the Omnissiah as a false god, worship
ong ago, during the darkest hours of the Horus Heresy,
the Legions of the Adeptus Astartes turned against each him as a part of the Ruinous Powers, or simply ignore their
Lother. However, they were not the only organisation former beliefs to focus on their research.
subjected to schism. The Mechanicum, the Tech-priests of Mars
and keepers of the secrets of technology, dissolved into war. The PLAYING A BLACK CRUSADE HERETEK
renegades sided with the Warmaster Horus, unleashing dark The following are some of the ways a player can play and
technologies and dabbling in warp heresy, before fi nally being portray a Heretek. Of course, these should be considered
a

nor
canon.
not
ectiv
es
dir
,
and
guidelines
If
estions
g
sug
en
driv en fr om Mars b y the r r esur g ent l l oy alists . T hose r r eneg ades guidelines and suggestions, not directives nor canon. If a
driven from Mars by the resurgent loyalists. Those renegades
driv
fr
.
alists
oy
T
ades
eneg
hose
ent
b
Mars
om
y
g
esur
the
their
with
bac
own
er
play
up
comes
k
and
y
c
acter
har
stor
ar
the
the
of
corners
Imperium
ed
the
into
fl fl ed the Imperium into the f f ar corners of the g alaxy . . T her e they player comes up with their own backstory and character
fl ed the Imperium into the far corners of the galaxy. There they
g
e
they
her
alaxy
T
eel fr
or
ee to expl
personalities
, they should f
e them.
a
dar
k
rst
Her
etek
T
ec
h-
mec
hanicus
corrupted
became the fi rst Hereteks, a dark mechanicus, corrupted Tech-
became
the
became the fi rst Her etek s s , , a dar k mec hanicus , , corrupted T ec h- personalities, they should feel free to explore them.
fi
Even among the open-minded Explorators of the Adeptus
Priests enthralled to the warp Ev en among the open-minded Expl or a tors of the Ade ptus
Priests enthralled to the warp
ar
ust
m
A
e
hic
a
w
bjects
h
su
Mec
e
hanicus
oided
ther
,
v
a
all
t
cost.
be
and heretical technologies. Mechanicus, there are subjects which must be avoided at all cost. A
and heretical technologies.
oring
enthusiasticall
viola
Her
enos
x
y
etek
tes
es
,
those
expl
strictur
As these technophiles
As these technophiles Heretek enthusiastically violates those strictures, exploring xenos
heotec
ling
c

hnol
,
of
o
,
e
ar
Strif
and
gy
h
fr
tec
Ag
da
b
the
om
e
in
b
new
their
embraced their new technology, archeotech from the Age of Strife, and dabbling in
embraced
el
of
op
tters
ma
dev
.
en
p
He
ev
enough
to
may
ar
be
the

bold
w
masters and the ways matters of the warp. He may even be bold enough to develop
masters and the ways
entirely new devices, innovating and combining components in
of the warp, they
of the warp, they entir el y ne w devices , inno v a ting and comb ining components in
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o
tools
g
forb
den
as
id
might
e
so
shar
.
manners
f
ev
ar
en
to
He
the
ignored all of the
ignored all of the forbidden manners. He might even go so far as to share the tools
of his trade and the secrets of its ways with those who have not
that
strictures
strictures that of his tr ade and the secr ets of its w ays with those w ho ha v e not
been trained by the Cult of the Machine God.
the Adeptus been tr ained b y the Cult of the Mac hine God.
the Adeptus
y
o
continuousl
gy
ne
hnol
el
s
Now
Now he actively seeks out new technology and continuously
he
w
y
activ
seek
out
tec
and
tion
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for
mer
w
tters
tha
experiments
his
tec
hniques
ma
ne
t
in
with
experiments with new techniques in matters that his former
en
brethren forbid. He no longer believes that any information,
forb
ethr
He
an
er
ong
infor
l
br
tha
es
no
tion,
id.
t
believ
y
ma
be
experiment,
he
experiment, or device can be ignored. Rather, he deliberately
ed.
deliber
ignor
or
device
,
a
can
tel
ther
Ra
y
focuses on those technologies that the cult’s teachings once
focuses on those tec hnol o gies tha t the cult ’ s teac hings once
taught him to avoid, with particular interest in fusing the
taught him to a v oid, with particular
things
tec
warp with technology. Few things are beyond the Heretek’s
o
gy
Her
hnol
ar
p
w
ond
ar
etek’
e
bey
w
e
the
with
s
F
.
scope of inter est, though inevita b l y man y of his in v entions
scope of interest, though inevitably many of his inventions
w
ar
.
and constructions tend tow
and constructions tend towards the tools of war.
ds the tools of
ar
As he builds these weapons for his fellow devotees,
As he b uilds these w ea pons for his f ell ow dev otees ,
l
r
b
y
e
has
body
also
own
uilt
his
Her
the
etek
the Heretek has also invariably rebuilt his own body. It
b
in
It
v
aria
.
or
e
w
may be that he has few organic components left and
may
be
tha
left
has
and
g
components
f
t
anic
he
those tha t r emain ar e often mar k ed b y the b lessings of
those that remain are often marked by the blessings of
His
not
Chaos
g
impr
ods
.
o
v
e
onl
the
the Chaos gods. His enhancements not only improve
y
enhancements
his tec hnol o gical acumen, they also in v aria b l y gr ant
his technological acumen, they also invariably grant
comba
is
him additional abilities in combat. He is likely to be much
a
him
ad
ditional
lik
be
He
m
y
uc
t.
to
in
h
el
ilities
b
pa
y ar
hardier as well as much more capably armed.
dier as w
b
l
har
ell as m
e ca
uc
h mor
med.
etek
Some
err
be
as
to
r
Some think of those referred to as Hereteks to be a
s
think
of
ed
ef
to

those
a
Her
unifi ed force, like the Adeptus Mechanicus itself. This is not
unifi ed for ce , lik e the Ade ptus Mec hanicus itself . T his is not
the case—there is no galaxy-spanning Heretek organization.
the
g
etek
no
case—ther
is
Her
e
aniza
or
tion.
alaxy-spanning
g
ruled
y
h
b
countless
e
ar
efdoms

fi
ther
Ra
Rather, there are countless fi efdoms and Forges, each ruled by
e
ther
,
g
or
F
eac
,
es
and
a f allen Ma g os (or sev er al Ma gi) pow erf ul enough to domina te
a fallen Magos (or several Magi) powerful enough to dominate
cadres of their fellows and enslave thralls and servants. Just as
es
of
serv
e
as
ants
cadr
v
thr
ell
.
alls
and
ows
ensla
their

Just
f
and
amongst the warbands of the Traitor Legions, the corrupted
amongst the warbands of the Traitor Legions, the corrupted
Tech-Priests fi ght and war amongst each other, or even exist
Tech-Priests fi ght and war amongst each other, or even exist
aloof and apart.
aloof and apart.
Hereteks often follow a path of constant innovation. He
Hereteks often follow a path of constant innovation. He
may be capable of powering devices directly from the warp and
may be capable of powering devices directly from the warp and
controlling them with summoned spirits. He might dabble with
controlling them with summoned spirits. He might dabble with
concepts of mechanical sapience, memory transference, or even
concepts of mechanical sapience, memory transference, or even
attempt to capture and preserve souls within his devices. Many of
attempt to capture and preserve souls within his devices. Many of
64
64
64

STARTING SKILLS, TALENTS & GEAR

A Heretek must be Human. HERETEKS IN THE VORTEX
Characteristic Bonus: Hereteks gain +5 Intelligence. There are countless Hereteks or their equivalent
Starting Skills: Logic, Common Lore (Adeptus scattered across the galaxy. Those encountered in the
Mechanicus, Tech), Tech Use, Dodge or Parry, Security or Screaming Vortex are most likely to hail from the
Tech Use +10, Forbidden Lore (Archeotech) or Forbidden regions surrounding it. A BLACK CRUSADE Heretek’s
Lore (Xenos) or Forbidden Lore (Warp), Scholastic Lore career may have begun on one of these worlds.
(Astromancy) or Scholastic Lore (Chymistry) The Lathes: The Lathe Worlds are the principle Forge tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion t
Starting Trait: Mechanicus Implants (see page 144). Worlds in the Calixis Sector. Though they stringently
Starting Talents: Die Hard, Technical Knock, work to apply their dogmatic principles to all things
Weapon Training (Las, Primary, Shock), Weapon they do, there are those Tech-Priests who reject such
Training (Bolt) or Weapon Training (Plasma) or Weapon hidebound thinking and rebel. A Heretek who hailed
Training (Power), Mechadendrite Training (Weapon) from the Lathes comes from a dogmatic background and
or Mechadendrite Training (Utility), Meditation or may well have succumbed to the lure of Chaos while
Total Recall, Armour-Monger or Weapon-Tech, Lesser researching sequestered knowledge from the dark days of
Minion of Chaos (Must be servitor or servo-skull) or the Horus Heresy and the schism in the Mechanicus, or
Cold Hearted, Enemy (Adeptus Mechanicus) even forbidden research from the Dark Age of Technology.
Starting Gear: Best-Craftsmanship Lascarbine, These characters are likely to focus on accruing additional II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character
Common-Craftsmanship Power Axe or Good artefacts and data necessary to expand upon the research
Craftsmanship Great Weapon (Greataxe), Light which led to their banishment.
Carapace Armour, any two Good Craftsmanship The Explorator Fleets: The Adeptus Mechanicus
cybernetics, unholy unguents, combi-tool, dataslate, sends Explorator Fleets deep into the Koronus
Optical Mechadendrite or Utility Mechadendrite or Expanse, seeking lost knowledge. The Explorator
Ballistic Mechadendrite with Laspistol, Lumenin Magos are already predisposed to curiosity and easily
Capacitors or Maglev Coils or Ferric Lure Implants tempted into exploring secrets they should not. Warp-
Wounds: 12+1d5 tainted or xenos technology may hold an unhealthy
fascination to them and it is entirely possible for one to
SPECIAL ABILITY: TRAITOR TO MARS discover something that sets him fi rmly on the path to
damnation. Hereteks who follow this path are likely to
The Heretek was once a Tech-Priest of Mars (or has
been equipped by those who were). He still possesses be dominated by their curiosity.
the tools of his former life. The Heretek gains the The Forgotten Worlds: There are worlds within the
Mechanicus Implants Trait (listed above), as well as two Koronus Expanse, such as the war-world of Zayth,
Good Craftsmanship Cybernetics of his choice (also listed where humanity has been out of touch from the
above). In addition, he gains the Binary Chatter ability. Imperium for millennia, and the Tech-priest orders
This ability increases the loyalty of all minions who are have been corrupted by innovation and unrestricted
servitors or other cybernetic constructions by 10. thought. Such experimentation may lead entire schools
of these technologists to the path of Chaos. Individuals
subjected to these beliefs might also beseech the
these inventors mindlessly hew to the idea that new information
is always better than established techniques. For them, the joy Ruinous Powers for protection when their heretical
of a new idea or the recovery of an unknown technique is an ways are discovered by the Imperium and persecuted.
exhilarating triumph, even if that idea or technique has already The Dark Forges: There are Forges that have long
been made obsolete. With each new development, his passion for fallen to Chaos, feudal bastions of dark engineering
further success grows as does his hunger for new information. and damned craftsmanship, such as Forges Castir and
The Heretek is often driven by his hunger for knowledge Polix on the Hollows and the war-forges of Sammech in
and is willing to use the Ruinous Powers as a source. At other the Hadex Anomaly. A Heretek from these forges may
times, he seeks out legends of xenotech and archeotech. He may have never trained under the stifl ing strictures of the
even coordinate raids upon Imperial strongholds for the sole Adeptus Mechanicus and may have startling and radical
purpose of recovering their records of such legends. In many viewpoints on the nature of the Machine God and its
Hereteks’ minds, there is no greater cause than technological interaction with Chaos. They are likely to be the strangest
advancement. Any sacrifi ces may be made towards that end. and most terrifying of their brethren, to the point of
It is relatively rare for a Heretek to earn a title of daemon barely being recognisable as human. Their research may
prince. All too often, these characters end up transformed into be completely esoteric or it might be so focused on the
a component of one of their own creations, with too little paths of the Ruinous Powers that all who viewed it could
left of his own physical body to even receive such a reward. be overwhelmed by its malevolence.
However, those who are granted this boon continue to spread
their warp-tainted technology across the galaxy.




65

Renegade an Imperial Hive or he might command a fl eet of warp-
capable ships attempting to liberate multiple systems from
the Imperium’s infl uence. The difference between these is
a matter of scope, but the Renegade’s philosophical stance
“We live for Chaos so that we may die for ourselves.”
holds true in either situation.
—Grand Marshall Angelica Benoit of the Free Most Renegades believe the only way for any change in
Systems Coalition the Imperium to occur is through the rigorous application of
military force. Negotiation is not an option; the time has come
he Imperium is a brutal, totalitarian regime, an iron
monolith of vast bureaucracy bound together by ancient for action. Whether his motives are revenge on the institution
Toaths and intractable laws. However, this monolith that wronged him, power and glory, or freedom against an
sits upon a foundation of countless trillions of citizens and, unjust system, most Renegades conclude their opponents are
with such numbers under its control, it is no surprise that the even more objectionable than the Ruinous Powers. At least
Imperium is often beset by rebellions against its oppressive rule. the Chaos Gods are admittedly amoral and self-serving. In
Such revolts may be populist uprisings of the dregs of Imperial contrast, servants of the Imperium pretend to perform their
destructive actions in the name of their deathless God-
,
and
illed
la
bour
ers
tions—m
ed
unsk
utants
,
populations—mutants, unskilled labourers, and indentured destructive actions in the name of their deathless God-
indentur
popula
Emperor. This hypocrisy has sickened them and they fi rmly
ha
they
f
eel
ps
P
erha
they
to

little
or
w
workers. Perhaps they feel they have little to l o s e Emperor. This hypocrisy has sickened them and they fi rmly
l
ose
k
e
v
.
ers
believe that they must be eliminated for the good of humanity
olt
should
succeed,
ev
their
r
g
h
ain
and much to gain should their revolt succeed, o o r r believe that they must be eliminated for the good of humanity
and
to
uc
m
and his own personal glory.
su
ps
btle
they
y
b
the
ted
infi
v
perhaps they have been infi ltrated by the subtle and his own personal glory.
been
perha
e
ltr
ha
a

These characters are not necessarily strongly devoted
orn
s
w
messa
messages of the Ruinous Powers and have sworn These characters are not necessarily strongly devoted
ow
of
P
ers
the
and

v
g
e
uinous
R
es
ha
to the cause of Chaos. Instead, many have chosen their
their souls to a darker allegiance. to the cause of Chaos. Instead, many have chosen their
their souls to a darker allegiance.
new allegiance because it was the only alternative
Alternatively, these revolts may be well planned new allegiance because it was the only alternative
Alternatively, these revolts may be well planned
option available. These devotees might see the price
and co-ordinated defections of powerful military
and co-ordinated defections of powerful military option available. These devotees might see
of their soul and eternal torment as the price
forces, such as entire regiments (or even armies!)
forces, such as entire regiments (or even armies!) of their soul and eternal torment as the price
that must be paid so that others might live in
of Imperial Guard and planetary defence forces or
of Imperial Guard and planetary defence forces or that must be paid so that others might live in
freedom. Renegades with this outlook may be
starships in the Imperial Navy. Sometimes, entire planets freedom. Renegades with this outlook may be
starships in the Imperial Navy. Sometimes, entire planets
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shocked to discover that they are unable to
or star systems make the decision to break from Imperial
or star systems make the decision to break from Imperial shocked to discover that they are unable to
separate ways from Chaos or be stunned
rule, setting off devastating and lengthy wars. The
rule, setting off devastating and lengthy wars. The separate ways from Chaos or be stunned
to discover that there are heinous
Imperium seldom forgives such actions and fi ghts
Imperium seldom forgives such actions and fi ghts to discover that there are heinous
costs to pay for the blessings that
what it considers vilest treason to a bitter and
what it considers vilest treason to a bitter and costs to pay for the blessings that
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they have received.
violent end. they have received.
Alternatively,
these
Many such rebellions are led by
Many such rebellions are led by Alternatively, these
characters might be power-
powerful individuals, men and characters might be power-
powerful individuals, men and
mad despots who seek
women of authority who
women of authority who mad despots who seek
nothing more than their
have been corrupted by
have been corrupted by nothing more than their
own personal fi efdoms. It
the power they possess own personal fi efdoms. It
the power they possess
may be that they revel in
(or sometimes, by the may be that they revel in
(or sometimes, by the
the slaughter. Perhaps
power offered to the slaughter. Perhaps
power offered to
the strictures of the Imperium were
them by the warp).
them by the warp). the strictures of the Imperium were
shackles that they have thrown aside.
Now, these renegades shackles that they have thrown aside.
Now, these renegades
Now, they can freely exert their martial
seek to break away from
seek to break away from Now, they can freely exert their martial
ways for their own personal glories.
the Imperium’s constricting
the Imperium’s constricting ways for their own personal glories.
A Renegade almost always has a a
laws and freedom-stifl ing
laws and freedom-stifl ing A Renegade almost always has
strong military background and a selection
oppression, or they seek to strong military background and a selection
oppression, or they seek to
of allies that assist him in exploiting those
grasp such power for themselves.
grasp such power for themselves. of allies that assist him in exploiting those
talents. Though he lacks the raw physical
talents. Though he lacks the raw physical
capabilities of a Chaos Space Marine, he
P
PLAYING A BLACK capabilities of a Chaos Space Marine, he
B

L
A
A
K
AC
YING
L
is far more capable of inconspicuously
is far more capable of inconspicuously
C R USADE R ENEGADE infi ltrating Imperial society. He can
CRUSADE RENEGADE
infi ltrating Imperial society. He can
he

comfortably blend in among mundane
of
some
e
The following are some of the ways a player can comfortably blend in among mundane
owing
play
T
er
can
ar
w
the
foll
a
ays
human populations so that he might
play and portray a Renegade in BLACK CRUSADE.
play and portr ay a R eneg ade in B LACK C RUSADE . human populations so that he might
conduct acts of sabotage, incite revolution, or
Of course, these should be considered guidelines
Of course , these should be consider ed guidelines conduct acts of sabotage, incite revolution, or
and suggestions, not directives nor canon. If
perform covert assassinations.
and suggestions, not directives nor canon. If a a perform covert assassinations.
player comes up their own backstory and character
player comes up their own backstory and character Unfortunately, a Renegade is also less likely
Unfortunately, a Renegade is also less likely
to have been exposed to the full horrors of the
personalities, they should feel free to explore them. to have been exposed to the full horrors of the
personalities, they should feel free to explore them.
warp. Though he has doubtless been unhinged
Once a loyal soldier of the Imperium, the
Once a loyal soldier of the Imperium, the warp. Though he has doubtless been unhinged
Renegade has lost faith in the crumbling monolith. as part of his initiations into the dark pacts, his
Renegade has lost faith in the crumbling monolith.
as part of his initiations into the dark pacts, his
exposure has been comparatively limited. It
Now he fi ghts against it, believing he is capable of exposure has been comparatively limited. It is is
Now he fi ghts against it, believing he is capable of
defeating the titanic, but rotting, foe. He might belong
defeating the titanic, but rotting, foe. He might belong likely that his mind lacks the necessary resiliency
likely that his mind lacks the necessary resiliency
to a cell of several traitors within a small portion of
to a cell of several traitors within a small portion of to truly survive comprehensive interactions with
to truly survive comprehensive interactions with
66

STARTING SKILLS, TALENTS & GEAR

Renegades must be Human. RENEGADES IN THE VORTEX
Characteristic Bonus: Renegades gain +3 Weapon Most of the Renegades found in the Screaming
Skill and +3 Ballistic Skill. Vortex are former Imperial servants, often from the
Starting Skills: Athletics, Awareness, Dodge, Parry, Imperium’s militant arms. However, some may have
Scholastic Lore (Tactica Imperialis), Common Lore (War), grown up amongst the savage and heathen tribes in
Operate (any one), Command or Intimidate, Dodge +10 the Screaming Vortex, earning their infamy in the most
or Parry +10, Survival or Stealth, Tech Use or Medicae vicious bloodletting imaginable. tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion t
Starting Talents: Jaded, Quick Draw, Rapid Reload, However, these denizens of the Screaming Vortex
Weapon Training (Chain, Las, Primary, SP, SP), Heavy have taken up arms in defi ance against the Imperium,
Weapon Training (Any One), Weapon Training (Bolt) and in the eyes of the Adeptus Terra, this makes them
or Weapon Training (Shock), Catfall or Combat Sense, renegades, traitors, and heretics. This is whether they
Sure Strike or Deadeye Shot or Marksman, Double Team are a former Imperial Guardsman from the Jericho
or Disarm or Takedown, Ambidextrous or Hip Shooting Reach or a heathen warrior on a planet deep within
Starting Gear: Best-Craftsmanship Lasgun or Good the Vortex who never heard of the Imperium until he
Craftsmanship Boltgun or Common Craftsmanship joined a passing Chaos warband. Under Imperial law,
Plasma Gun or Common Craftsmanship Heavy death is all these men and women in the Screaming
Flamer, Best-Craftsmanship Laspistol or Common Vortex have to look forward to, and that simply makes II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea II: Character Crea
Craftsmanship Bolt Pistol, Best Craftsmanship them fi ght all the harder in return.
Chainsword or Common-Craftsmanship Power Mace, The following are some examples of human
Carapace Armour, medikit, dataslate with annotated Renegades found within the Screaming Vortex:
version of Tactica Imperialis Former Imperial Guardsman of the Achilus
Wounds: 10+1d5 Crusade: Far more soldiers of the Imperial Guard fall
prey to Chaos than the Imperium would admit. Many
SPECIAL ABILITY: ADROIT of these end up as cannon-fodder in the warbands of
the Ruinous Powers or slain on the bayonets of their
The Renegade is a skilful and talented individual who
substitutes raw power for honed ability. The Renegade still-loyal former comrades. However, some rise to
must select one Characteristic at Character Creation. possess power amongst the constant confl ict between
Throughout the game, he adds one additional Degree of warbands and win respect. These individuals have
Success to successful Tests involving that Characteristic a particularly martial background and are usually
(this includes Skill and Characteristic Tests). consummate soldiers. They may hail from the Imperial
Guard regiments found in the Calixis Sector or the
multitude of soldiers in the Crusade for the Jericho
the Ruinous Powers. Because of this, the Renegade may
have a less complete understanding of his allies and the full Reach. The Crusade may have even driven them to
consequences of his devotion to Chaos. rebel, as multitudes of soldiers are thrown into the
These Heretics are ones who have been forced to make a meat-grinder of Tyranids, Tau, and the Chaos worlds.


very diffi cult decision to turn against the Imperium. These Former Battlefleet Calixis Officer: The Imperial Navy
characters grew up in the protective arms of the Imperium. is ever on the watch for offi cers who may turn traitor.
They were suffi ciently devoted to it that they chose to join Those who do are in the unique position of starting a
its militant arm, or at least a planetary defence force. Since mutiny that may take control of an entire voidship, a
that time, the Imperium has failed the Renegade. It might be priceless prize. Therefore, those who do succeed are
that his unit was deployed as a suicide squad. It might be that charismatic and shrewd leaders, with a fi rm grasp of
while he was serving off planet, another force destroyed his naval tactics and the principles of starship navigation. A
home and all that he held dear. It could even be that military former Navy offi cer may come from Battlefl eet Calixis
restrictions prevented him from taking the measures he felt or the Crusade Fleet in the Jericho Reach.
were necessary. Whatever the cause, he has taken the most Former Calixian Conclave Inquisitor: By far, some
imaginably severe response to that disappointment. of the most dangerous Renegades in the Screaming
A Renegade is unlikely to aspire to the title of Daemon Vortex are those rare former members of the Ordo
Prince and might not even be aware of that possibility. Calixis Inquisition. Whether Acolytes who succumbed
Similarly, he might be naive to the consequences for failure. to Chaos or fully fl edged Radical Inquisitors who delved
In fact, mutations and other blessings might come as a to deeply into forbidden powers, a fallen member of
complete surprise if he is granted them as either punishment the Inquisition is a valuable ally and implacable enemy,
or reward. Instead, his goals are likely temporal—focused on for their knowledge of the Imperium’s innermost
overthrowing at least some portion of the Imperium. While workings is second to none.
following that path, he might focus on honing his combat
abilities, acquiring additional forces and equipment, or
converting other military units to his cause.


67

Psyker PLAYING A BLACK CRUSADE PSYKER

The following are some of the ways a player can play and
portray a Psyker in BLACK CRUSADE. Of course, these should
“What you do not understand is that I am the future of humanity, be considered guidelines and suggestions, not directives nor
while you fools are its distant past. Let me show you mankind’s destiny.” canon. If a player comes up with their own backstory and
character personalities, they should feel free to explore them.
– Kataria Skol, Scrying-Wyrd of Blasted Station
Unlike the sanctioned and bound psykers of the Imperium,
n the Imperium of Man, the Adeptus Astra Telepathica shackled with words and rites, the Psyker in BLACK CRUSADE
oversees the recruitment and training of psykers for use is not bound or controlled. His only limits are those set by
Ithroughout the Adeptus Terra (and the Imperium as a whole). his own mind, and he often embraces his psychic abilities as a
The Adeptus deliberately ensures these sanctioned psykers are glorious source of boundless power. This conduit also means
unquestioningly loyal and meticulously trained, as well as both Psykers are often short-lived, consumed by a tidal rush of
hidebound by nature and infl exible in their approach to the energy fl owing through their body. However, those able to
powers they wield. This is no error on the part of the Imperium,
pow ers they wield. T his is no err or on the part of the Imperium, master the currents of the warp and bend them to their will

their
them
the
the
curr
ents
to
of
master
w
p
and
bend
will
ar
instead it is a deliber a te def ence cultiv a ted b y the psyk ers’ tutors . become some of the most dangerous and potent servants of the
instead it is a deliberate defence cultivated by the psykers’ tutors.
er
the
become
ous

and
most
dang
ants
potent
of
of

the
serv
some
and
The souls of humans burn in the warp and those Ruinous Powers..
T
those
p

humans
b
he
souls
of
urn
the
w
ar
in
ow
R
ers
uinous P
ers
mor
e

psyk
of
of psykers more brightly than most. The Because of his constant interaction
most.
T
he
y
brightl
than
action

of
constant
inter
Because
his
entities of tha t alien r ealm ar e dr a wn to with the warp, a Psyker is often a conduit
entities of that alien realm are drawn to
ar
Psyk
a
p
,
the
a
conduit
with
often
is
w
er
those souls lik e moths to fl ames , ea g er for entities native to the Immaterium to
those souls like moths to fl ames, eager
Imma
the
e
to
to
terium
entities
na
tiv
for
to devour and consume them. However, enter into the ph ysical r ealm. At times , he
to devour and consume them. However,
enter into the physical realm. At times, he
a dullard’s mind is far less appetising to
a dullard’s mind is far less appetising to might summon daemons as a deliberate
might
daemons
as
deliber
a
a
te
summon
a Daemon and likely to be passed over action, though other times, their arrival
a Daemon and likely to be passed over
their
though
arriv
other
action,
times
,
al
in favour for sweeter meats.
in favour for sweeter meats. may be entir el y accidental. Either
may be entirely accidental. Either
However, there are those
However, there are those situa tion can pr o v e dang er ous for
situation can prove dangerous for
psykers who have not been the Psyker, as capricious beings
psykers who have not been
the
Psyk
er
,
pricious
beings
as
ca
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trained by the Adeptus Astra such as daemons may not
trained by the Adeptus Astra
suc
daemons
as
h
may
not
Telepathica. These may be
Telepathica. These may be a appreciate being summoned.summoned.
ecia
being
te
ppr
quick-witted and self-taught
quick-witted and self-taught Some Psyk ers w ho turn
Some Psykers who turn
wyrds whose intstincts and
wyrds whose intstincts and to the R uinous P ow ers dev ote
to the Ruinous Powers devote
tion
tion
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intuition have been honed by their liv es to a particular
intuition have been honed by a a
their lives to a particular
lifestyle spent as a fugitive from entity of Chaos , showing
lifestyle spent as a fugitive from
entity of Chaos, showing
the Black Ships and Inquisition a certain affinity for that
the Black Ships and Inquisition
a
t
affi
certain
tha

for
nity

who gather their brethren for
who gather their brethren for God ’ s manif esta tions . Other
God’s manifestations. Other
deliverance unto the Adeptus Psyk ers r emain unaligned
deliverance unto the Adeptus
Psykers remain unaligned
Astra Telepathica. Alternatively,
Astra Telepathica. Alternatively, to any particular God,
to
God,
particular
y
an
they may be feral mystics and
they may be feral mystics and preferring to call on
to
erring
call
ef
on
pr
shamans on backwater planets
shamans on backwater planets an y and all as they
any and all as they
with no inkling of the source c choose.
with no inkling of the source
hoose
.
of their power, individuals Prior to embracing
of their power, individuals
to
Prior
acing
embr
whose powers have only just
whose powers have only just the ways of Chaos,

of
,
the
Chaos
w
ays
awakened, or those who have
awakened, or those who have the Psyk er might not
the Psyker might not
simply slipped through the
simply slipped through the have been aware of his
e
his
v

ar
w
a
of
e
been
ha
cracks of the Imperium’s monstrous psychic potential. It may
cracks of the Imperium’s monstrous
hic
c
It
potential.
may
psy
bureaucracy. There are even those
bureaucracy. There are even those be that he used his powers
pow
his
t
ers
tha
used
he
be
psykers who are entirely black-hearted
psykers who are entirely black-hearted inad v ertentl y , or it might
inadvertently, or it might
and dangerous individuals, and even those
and dangerous individuals, and even those be that he had never even
en


be
ev
t
he
er
tha
had
nev
who willingly embrace the seductive power a attempted to exert his mental force
who willingly embrace the seductive power
ce
ttempted
for
mental
to
ert
ex
his
of the Dark Gods of the Warp. Collectively, the
of the Dark Gods of the Warp. Collectively, the in such a manner. The teachings of the
hings
of
in
.
the
manner
a
T

suc
h
teac
he
Imperium knows these individuals as rogue psykers.
Imperium knows these individuals as rogue psykers. Imperial Cult ar e strict and countless
Imperial Cult are strict and countless
Not all rogue psykers are heretics, ne’er-do-wells, psyk ers den y their own a b ilities for f ear
Not all rogue psykers are heretics, ne’er-do-wells,
psykers deny their own abilities for fear
or traitors. However, the psykers in the Screaming
or traitors. However, the psykers in the Screaming of an Inquisitorial Black Ship. All of

k
of
Blac
Inquisitorial
.
All
an
Ship
of
p-da
lers
ortex
y
b
tha
b
they
Vortex are exactly that. Be they the warp-dabblers tha t lik el y c c hang ed as the Psyk er dr e e w
Vortex are exactly that. Be they the warp-dabblers
Be
exactl
e
V
ar
w
the
ar
t.
w
dr
t
the
lik
Psyk
that likely changed as the Psyker drew
tha
y
hang
ed
el
er
as
from Calthion V, the Scrying-Wyrds of the Ragged
from Calthion V, the Scrying-Wyrds of the Ragged upon his a b ilities—possib l y r eluctantl
upon his abilities—possibly reluctantly—y—
Helix, part of the Cabals of Q’Sal, or one of countless opening and exposing himself to the w ar p .
Helix, part of the Cabals of Q’Sal, or one of countless
opening and exposing himself to the warp.
others, those psykers in the Screaming Vortex have
others, those psykers in the Screaming Vortex have Ev entuall y , his pow ers w ould
Eventually, his powers would come come
recognised the powers of the warp and accepted the to f ull b l oom. T hese fi rst w a v ering ste
recognised the powers of the warp and accepted the
to full bloom. These fi rst wavering steps ps
gifts of the Dark Gods. The psykers of the Screaming towards Chaos may have been taken to
gifts of the Dark Gods. The psykers of the Screaming
towards Chaos may have been taken to
Vortex, for their part, can truly be numbered amongst save the lives of innocents or as part of an
Vortex, for their part, can truly be numbered amongst
save the lives of innocents or as part of an
the Disciples of the Dark Gods.
the Disciples of the Dark Gods. effort to save him from Inquisitorial agents.
effort to save him from Inquisitorial agents.
68

STARTING SKILLS, TALENTS & GEAR

Psykers must be Human. PSYKERS IN THE VORTEX
Characteristic Bonus: Psykers gain +5 Willpower. The path to becoming a rogue psyker, wyrd, or
Starting Skills: Awareness, Psyniscience, Forbidden witch are as varied as the psykers who tread them—
Lore (Psykers), Deceive or Intimidate, Dodge or Parry which is to say infi nitely so. Within the Screaming
Starting Talents: Psy Rating 3, Jaded, Up to 500 xp Vortex there are countless psykers, each different
worth of Psychic Powers chosen from the Unaligned, from the next, with wildly different origins and
Divination, Telepathy, or Telekinesis Disciplines backgrounds. A Psyker could have come from any tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tio
(see Chapter VI: The Powers of the Warp), Weapon number of locations and backgrounds in and around
Training (Primary), Weapon Training (Las) or Weapon the Screaming Vortex, from a wild shaman on a feral
Training (SP) or Weapon Training (Shock), Warp Sense world to a powerful warp-witch on a Reaver warship.
or Child of the Warp Escapee of the Black Ships: The rogue psyker
Starting Traits: Psyker may be a former citizen of the Calixis Sector (or an
Starting Gear: Common Craftsmanship Laspistol Imperial world in the Jericho Reach) who manifested
or Common Craftsmanship Stub Revolver, Good psychic powers. Doomed to be captured by the
Craftsmanship Sword or Common Craftsmanship Imperium’s security forces and placed on a Black Ship
Neural Whip, Flak Cloak, Psy-focus, dataslate fi lled to be transported to Terra, he managed to escape.
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Wounds: 8+1d5 fear and hate it with equal measure. They are also the
most familiar with Imperial society—and likely view
SPECIAL ABILITY: CHAOS PSYKER their powers as a mutation.
The Heretic is an unsanctioned psyker with access Wyrd of the Koronus Expanse: On worlds far from
to the powers of the warp. He begins play with the the Imperium, psykers are born without knowledge or
Psyker Trait (listed above), a Psy Rating of 3, and 1d5 understanding of the warp. To such individuals, these
Corruption Points. In addition, when determining his powers are magic or sorcery and, thus, those who wield
Psychic Strength (see page 206) he counts as Unbound. them are known as wyrds, witches, and sorcerers. These
rogue psykers may believe they must use their powers
However, the purity of his motivations mattered naught. with charms, rituals, gestures, or words, and because
Ultimately, his conversion to the path of the damned was a belief shapes abilities, in a way they do. Such individuals
swift transformation. are likely obsessed with occult lore and superstition.
Psykers turned to Chaos, due to their innate connection to Fallen Sanctioned Psyker of the Imperium: Almost
the warp, may well have a particular entity who serves as their any sanctioned Imperial psyker, from Astropaths to the
patron. While this entity is dramatically less powerful than one Primaris Psykers of the Imperial Guard, is constantly
of the Dark Gods, it can certainly reveal secrets and offer training tempted by the power offered through the warp.
to a Psyker. Of course, it is quite likely this entity has no interest Sometimes, that temptation proves too hard to resist
in selfl essly aiding the Psyker. Instead, it may hope to draw and they tap into powers they should not. Though
the power-hungry fool into a web of deceit where the psyker they started life as a Sanctioned Psyker, the Imperium
finally overreaches his grasp, and inadvertently offers himself to still regards them as gone rogue and hunts them as

be consumed by his supposed ally. On the other hand, a canny vigorously as they would any other. Sometimes more
Psyker may recognise this threat, and string the creature along so, infact—often an Imperial Psyker knows full well the
for as long as possible before betraying it first. (This offers an peril of what he’s done, and done so willingly anyway.

interesting roleplaying opportunity for GMs and players, and Warp-witch of the Vortex: It likely comes as no
something they could explore in the course of the game). surprise that the Screaming Vortex harbours more
These Psykers seldom have the presence of mind to create than its fair share of mutants and psykers, what with
extensive plans or consider lofty goals, though there are its constant exposure to the warp. Though most
always exceptions to this. Rather, these witches often live in of the warp-dabblers on the Vortex’s many worlds
the moment, embracing each instant and the blessings of the spend their too-short lives dabbling with powers
warp that come with it. beyond their comprehension before it inevitably
This lack of foresight also dictates that few Psykers who consumes them, some manage to master the tides
fall specifi cally crave the title of daemon prince. While of warp energy seething within. These psykers may
they might hunger for the powers that come with such rise above their petty upbringings and join one of
a transformation, these characters are seldom anxious to the many warbands that roam the Vortex. There
assume that level of authority. While they wield immeasurable they lend their considerable abilities in exchange for
energies in the names of their Dark Gods, the Psykers’ lives promises of aid and further power.
often end abruptly when they attempt to push themselves
beyond their limits or disappoint their sponsors.




69

HEIGHT AND WEIGHT

These attributes are determined by choice rather than referencing a chart and dice rolls. However, the initial racial choice
should play a major factor in dictating these values. Human characters are loosely restricted in size by their physiology.
Humanity has diversifi ed tremendously over the millennia, but even spreading across the stars, the basics of anatomy
can only be stretched so far. Adult humans range in height from about 1.2 to 2.1 metres in height. Anything outside of
that range would be remarkable. A healthy adult has a weight that is proportionate to their height. On the extreme low
end, a very short person might be healthy weighing as little 30 kilograms. At the opposite extreme, a very tall person
could weigh in at over 100 kilograms without appearing obese. Of course, the ravages of Chaos might place a Heretic’s
weight well outside the range of what is healthy.
For Chaos Space Marines, these values are a little less variable. When clad in power armour, these characters typically
stand 2.1 metres in height. Depending upon their gear load out, they may range in weight from 500–1,000 kilograms.
Again, the blessings of their dark masters may vary this or their physiology might have simply interacted with their
geneseed in an unusual fashion that placed them outside of this range.

Stage 4: blessings of the Ruinous Powers may cause a character’s
appearance to change radically. Decisions made during
Explore the character creation are unlikely to last for the character’s entire
adventuring career.
Passions PERSONALITY

In many ways, each Heretic’s personality is defi ned by his
Failings (see page 73). While those aspects are undoubtedly
“Plumb the depths of the warp, embrace its madness, and show its core to his methods and beliefs, it is likely that there are
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II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
II: Character Crea
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II: Character Crea
glory to those who fear it.” additional key elements as well. At this stage, it may be
worthwhile to consider other elements of the character’s
– Sanctifer LeVay, Cult of the Sacred Union psy c c he . T he mor e thor oughl y better tha t eac h play er defi nes
t
eac
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better
defi
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play
oughl
.
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he
psy
psyche. The more thoroughly better that each player defi nes
e
thor
mor
he
rior to this point in the character creation process, all
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effort has been focused on creating a set of numbers
Pand key words that determine what the newly generated
character can do. The next portion of the process is about
determining why he performs those actions. For many players,
their character’s personality only truly develops over the course
of multiple game sessions. While that is perfectly acceptable,
this portion of the process provides a few initial hooks to that
personality. This stage also provides an opportunity for players
to weave their character’s physical appearance.
GENDER AND APPEARANCE
For humans, a Heretic’s sexual identity and appearance are
entirely of the player’s own choosing. There are many common
stereotypes based upon their archetypes and path of Devotion:
psykers are often gaunt, followers of Nurgle often dishevelled,
and so forth. However, players need not feel bound by these. It
is entirely possible that the character blends in well in order to
better spread his dark master’s infl uence. Alternatively, he may
be a living embodiment of his god’s dark vision.
For Chaos Space Marines, their sex and gender must be
male, due to the requirements of the geneseed (although
millennia of mutation and the infl uence of the warp may
render this distinction meaningless). His power armour is
likely painted in a scheme consistent with his warband and
divine sponsor. However, his appearance beneath his helmet
and any modifi cations to the armour’s appearance are entirely
up to each player’s discretion.
Players should keep in mind as they make these decisions
that all of this is subject to change through game play. The
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