When the new Space Marine Codex came out I wrote about what I thought of the new chapter tactics for the cold old Iron Hands. You can read what I had to say here. There are a lot of similarities between then and now, but more reinforced with this new supplement.
Upon reading the story that most of us know already about the role the Iron Hands played in the Horus Heresy, this book kicks off with explaining what the IH's were doing during the Scouring and a interesting meeting called the Tempering.
There are some new wars that bring the IH into confrontation with Slannesh worshippers or The Emperors Children. This only makes sense to keep them as enemies since EC did bitch slap the IH really good during the Horus Heresy.
Next up is a cool battle that pits the IH against the Alaitoc Eldar. This gives a good insight to how remorseless the IH really are, and I think this story would make a cool Space Marine Battle Novel.
Ofcourse no good story is complete without fighting Orks. This battle reminds me of Armageddon (Probably the case with most Ork novels), and an interesting confrontation happens between the IH and the Raven Guard that are also fighting in this battle. More of this leads back to the HH, and issues from Istvaan V.
The big battle for them is against the EC again in the Gaudinia System. This battle is about deamonic weapons in a sense and how abhorant they are to the IH, but end up overcoming them. Awesome battle with a cool surprise.
The coolest thing about this supplement is that some life was breathed into the IH. For so long GW has left them on the sideline compared to other First Founding Chapters. The latest HH: Massacre book gave some great Pre-Heresy info, and now this brings us up to the present under the new leadership of Iron Father Stronos that was mentioned in the new SM codex.
This supplements offers some awesome insight into some of the squads of Clan Raukaan by naming them and telling of their demeanor. There is also a break down of some vehicles as well. These are always welcome for those that want to name their units in accordance with the fluff.
The great new rules that can be used are sweet.
March of the Ancients allows for all types of dreadnaughts to be taken as Heavy as well as Elites choices. Now you do not have to take a Master of the Forge to gain this rule. Give me six Iron Clads please.
Scions of the Forge allow you to take TWO techmarines for each HQ choice just like in the codex. However, if you take a Master of the Forge you can take THREE techmarines. That is some serious HP recovery going on.
Gifts of the Gorgon are the new relics. Ofcourse you must forgo the SM codex ones to use these instead.
The Mindforge Stave: Librarian only. Is a force weapon X2 strength AP2 Melee, Concussive, Force, Unwieldy. This relic is awesome for the points cost. cheaper than actually getting a power fist.
The Axe of Medusa: +2S AP2 Melee, Mastercrafted, Severing Strike (gives +4S if a six is rolled to hit), Unwieldy
The Ironstone: Tanks and walkers within 6" of the bearer automatically pass It Will not Die rolls on the roll of a 4+. If a six is rolled the Ironstone also repairs immobilised or weapon destroyed results.
Betrayers Bane: Basically a combi melta that can use the melta always and is mastercrafted.
The Gorgons Chain: This item grants varying invulnerable saves and USR's (better the less wounds taken) depending on how many wounds the model has suffered. The changes happen immediately upon changing the number of wounds so need to roll each save seperately. Very powerful but expensive.
The Tempered Helm: 24" bubble to use beares leadership for morale checks. Also, a single unit within 12" can re-roll 1's to hit in the shooting phase.
Warlord Traits
Adept of the Omissiah: Your Warlord has the Blessing of the Omnissiah USR, if he already has it you can re-roll that roll.
Will of Iron: Gain Fearless.
Flesh is Weak: adds +1 to any feel no pain roll made.
Student of History: Warlord and his unit can automatically fail a morale check.
Merciless Resolve: Warlord has a 12" bubble that grants Crusader USR.
Target Protocols: Warlord and his unit can re-roll 1's in the shooting phase.
There is also
1 new Apocalypse data sheet
7 cities of death strategems
7 planetstrike stratagems
3 Altar of War missions
and 5 Echoes of War missions
All in all this supplement is a win for Iron Hand players. The new fluff is great for those that always wanted some.
I think the real power of this coddex is obviously with the Master of the Forge and Techmarines. I think this supplemet shows off the benefits of switching to the hull point system and what can be done with it versus the old system.
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