Stoßtruppen of the Free State of Prussia
When the need to take out an enemy strongpoint or assault an especially powerful defensive line of trenches or redoubts arises, the Duke of Antioch often calls upon the famed Stoßtruppen forces of the Free State of Prussia. These elite units often operate in deep forward positions, and quite often they carry secret orders or specific missions from the Princes of the Church or the New Antioch High Command.
The Free State Shocktroopers are selected and trained specifically to perform lightning assaults, master the firearms of close assault, and operate in Fireteams that are perfectly synchronised in their combined arms tactics. Admittance to this elite group is strictly by merit. All members must be decorated athletes, under 25 years of age, unmarried and must have demonstrated a high level of aggression on the battlefield. Of all the soldiers serving Prussia, Stoßtruppen have by far the highest casualty rate. When inducted into the ranks, all swear an oath at the Köningsber Cathedral: “To each, his own, to me, death”.
Faction Rules
You may have up to three FIRETEAMS from the New Antioch Fireteams feature.
FIRETEAM: This model is part of a FIRETEAM made up of two models. All models that are part of the same FIRETEAM can be activated at the same time without the opponent getting their turn in between and can take their ACTIONS in any order they wish, switching between the two models. Note that if the Activation of either member of the FIRETEAM forcefully ends (due to a failed RISKY ACTION for example), it ends both Activations. Allies cannot be part of a FIRETEAM.
Concentrated Attack: If a model in the FIRETEAM makes any kind of Attack ACTION (ranged or melee) against an opponent, where the other member of their FIRETEAM has already hit it with an attack ACTION during the same activation, the cost of a Bloodbath is reduced to three BLOOD MARKERS against this opponent, whether the model is standing or Down.
Captains
Once per Turn, as an ACTION the Lieutenant can instead force the opponent to activate one of their models that the Lieutenant can select from amongst the models they can see. This ends the Activation of the Lieutenant.
Models of the Stoßtruppen Warband add 4” range to all of their GRENADE weapons.
Lieutenants are leaders of small squads or platoons of New Antioch’s soldiers, playing a fundamental role on the distant frontlines of the Trench Crusade, displaying unwavering resolve in preserving the unity and morale of their troops. Lieutenants might be the favoured son or daughter of a noble family or gained their rank by impressing their superiors with their exceptional strategic acumen and audacious bravery.
In addition to their command role, they are also responsible for acquiring new weapons, arms, equipment and food for their troops. All too often this requires looting the battlefields of No Man’s Land or even raiding settlements, since resupply can be sporadic at best.
Having rightfully earned their position, Lieutenants enjoy the privilege of selecting their preferred arms and armour, often with the pick of the rarest battlefield finds. It is not uncommon for a Lieutenant to wield a distinctive weapon, perhaps a family heirloom, an idiosyncratic affectation or an ostentatious piece providing some much-needed swagger
Elite
A Sniper Priest may take a RISKY ACTION to aim. If successful then the Priest may add +2 DICE to any Ranged attack rolls during this same Activation.
Sniper Priests do not use their eyesight to aim at their enemies. The opponent cannot apply any BLOOD MARKERs when they use a Ranged weapon. They still suffer penalties for Range and Cover as standard.
Models of the Stoßtruppen Warband add 4” range to all of their GRENADE weapons.
These devotees of the Church blind themselves ritually as a devotion to God and use only their faith to strike the enemies of the Church. During the Siege of St. Lux stories were told of a sniper priest killing a target three miles away.
Upon recruiting the model, you may choose one of the following holy powers for it to possess.
Models of the Stoßtruppen Warband add 4” range to all of their GRENADE weapons.
A holy warrior who looks after the souls of the soldiers in the company, the cleric chants inspiring battle prayers and can perform various miracles such as healing or even smiting the enemy. A cleric often carries a portable shrine on his back to denote his faith in the company’s Patron, be that one of the Saints of their homeland, a mighty Arch-Angel or the Lord himself.
Infantry
The Engineer ignores HEAVY rules for Satchel Charges.
During their Activation, an Engineer can take a RISKY ACTION with +1 DICE. If successful, the engineer is considered to be in Cover until the model moves. This ACTION cannot be used if the model is in Melee combat.
As a RISKY ACTION the Engineer can disable any mine or trapped terrain they move in contact with. If they fail, the mine blows up as described in applicable rules.
Models of the Stoßtruppen Warband add 4” range to all of their GRENADE weapons.
Combat Engineers are equipped with a Shovel and Engineer Body Armour. This equipment and armour can never be removed. A Combat Engineer can be equipped with any weapon or equipment from the New Antioch Armoury.
Engineer Body Armour
Grants a -2 modifier to injury rolls made against the Combat Engineer (this is included in the Combat Engineer’s profile). All weapons with keyword SHRAPNEL suffer -1 DICE on all injury rolls against the Combat Engineer and SHRAPNEL attacks do not cause extra BLOOD MARKERS on a model wearing this suit. The effects relating to SHRAPNEL work even against attacks that ignore armour.
Shovel
| Range | Melee |
| Modifiers | Wielding is Optional |
A model equipped with a shovel always starts the game in cover if deployed on ground level, even if placed in open terrain. As soon as the model moves, it is no longer in cover. A model that is covered in this way retains the benefit of Cover even if the attacking model has an unobstructed view of it. If a model equipped with a shovel has two hands free, it can use it in Melee Combat as if it were a Trench Club.
Battlefield shovel allows troops to dig in and fight from cover in virtually any battlefield.
The combat engineers specialise in destroying bunkers, discovering minefields and building battlefield emplacements. Casualties are extremely high in the combat engineer units, but they consider it an honour to fight and die for New Antioch and the Church.
Due to their knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medics are experts at inflicting debilitating injuries and excruciating pain. Unless the target has the Keyword DEMONIC or BLACK GRAIL, add +1 DICE to any injury rolls the Medic makes in melee against opponents who are Down.
The Medic adds +1 DICE whenever they use their Medi-Kit to aid friendly models.
Models of the Stoßtruppen Warband add 4” range to all of their GRENADE weapons.
Combat Helmet
Ignores additional BLOOD MARKERS caused by the Keyword SHRAPNEL.
The simple combat helmet has proven its value on the battlefield time and again.
Standard Armour
-1 to all Injury Chart rolls against the model. Can be combined with any shield.
With the advancements in metallurgy and technology, both Faithful and Heretic armies are well-equipped with suits of alloy armour that can withstand an impact from a bullet or turn aside the sharpest of blades. Standard armour is usually mass-produced, but highly effective even against high-calibre weapons.
Medi-Kit
Models with a Medi-kit can take a RISKY ACTION to remove one BLOOD MARKER from any one friendly model (including themselves) within 1" range or allow one friendly model (including themselves) that is Down to regain their footing.
Battlefield first aid has brought many soldiers back from the brink of death. Blessed ointments can seal fatal wounds completely, while the black blood of demons used by twisted heretic medics allows mangled troops to return to the fray.
Misericordia
| Range | Melee |
| Hands | 1 Hands (Melee) |
| Modifiers | Ignore Armour |
Ignores the armour of opponents that are Down.
The misericordia dagger is designed to put enemies out of their misery by finding chinks in the armour: eye slits, neck joints and so forth.
The Sisters of St. Cosmas are a highly trained elite medical corps, specialising in battlefield first aid and surgeries on the front lines of the Great War.
The Sisters take a modified Hippocratic Oath that compels them to help any wounded soldiers of the Faith, no matter how dire the circumstance, as well as dispatching heretics and other enemies they find on the battlefield without pity or mercy.
Armed with a combat surgical knife that doubles as a Misericordia, they are as equally adept at saving lives as taking them from those they find lying wounded in No Man’s Land. They carry medical kits with a plethora of battlefield drugs that are especially useful for nullifying the pain of even the most ghastly wounds, and getting soldiers back on their feet and back into the fray, even if just for a few moments so they can accomplish their mission or die trying.
Models of the Stoßtruppen Warband add 4” range to all of their GRENADE weapons.
Reinforced Armour
Grants a -2 modifier to all injury rolls against the model wearing this armour.
Reinforced armour is a master-crafted suit made individually for the most important and elite troops. Each one is richly decorated and often carries the personal device of the warrior who wears it.
Well-armoured, large soldiers who wield the heavy weaponry of the company. They are selected from amongst the best and given heavy chemical enhancements.
When a Shocktrooper charges, roll 2D6 instead of 1D6 and then add the highest of the two dice to their charge move.
Models of the Stoßtruppen Warband add 4” range to all of their GRENADE weapons.
A Shocktrooper can be equipped with any weapon, armour and equipment from the New Antioch Armoury.
Assault Troops that specialise in attacking enemy defensive positions. They are masters of rapid assault and melee combat. Experts at combined arms and Fireteam tactics.
Models of the Stoßtruppen Warband add 4” range to all of their GRENADE weapons.
Each yeoman is equipped with a bolt action rifle at a reduced cost of 5 ducats. You can swap this rifle for another ranged weapon of lower, equal or greater cost. If the cost is greater, you must pay the difference in ducats.
Yeomen can be equipped with any weapon, armour and equipment from the New Antioch Armoury. At the cost of +10 ducats per model, up to two yeomen can be upgraded to Trench Moles (up to three in warbands of over 1000 ducats value), scouts who make use of tunnels that criss-cross No Man’s Land. They gain the Keyword INFILTRATOR.
Bolt-Action Rifle
| Range | 24" |
| Hands | 2 Hands (Ranged) |
BAYONET LUG
The workhorse of the Great War. Sturdy, highly reliable and reasonably accurate, it is no surprise that most of the infantry of the Great War carry this battlefield classic.
A basic trooper of New Antioch. Brave men and women who have received standard training and sworn an oath to the Duke of New Antioch. What they lack in combat skills compared to more elite troops they more than make up with their numbers and wide selection of weapons available to them.
Mercenaries
At the start of each of their Activations, the Communicant can remove one BLOOD MARKER from themselves, if they have any.
Trench Club
| Range | Melee |
| Hands | 1 Hands (Melee) |
Trench Clubs are one of the most common weapons of the Great War, as melee combat is frequent and brutal. Usually made of wood with a metal tip from iron, lead or steel, trench clubs often feature spikes and hobnails. Most designs have some form of cord or leather strap at the end to wrap around the user’s wrist.
Combat Helmet
Ignores additional BLOOD MARKERS caused by the Keyword SHRAPNEL.
The simple combat helmet has proven its value on the battlefield time and again.
Anti-Material Rifle
| Range | 36" |
| Hands | 2 Hands (Ranged) |
| Modifiers | Ignore Armour, +1D to Injuries |
HEAVY, CRITICAL
Ignores armour. Add +1 DICE when rolling on the Injury Chart.
Enormous long rifles designed to take out heavily armoured targets, vehicles and strongpoints. With the powerful armour available to the armies of the Great war, these terrifying weapons are much in demand. A downside is their enormous weight and terrifying recoil, and thus they are most often used by Communicants or Anointed who possess the supernatural strength to wield such weapons.
Communicants are partakers of the experimental Chemical Communion – the blood and flesh harvested from a Meta-Christ by the Mendelist monks and applied to the genome of volunteers. The most holy and pious of the Church are chosen to partake of the experimental communion, going through many biological changes to become larger and more durable, greatly enhancing their effectiveness on the battlefield. Their divinely-enhanced strength allows them to carry and shoot massive anti-materiel guns as easily as a normal soldier would wield a simple rifle. The process is uncertain, however, with the possibility for unpredictable side effects. Some lose their ability to speak or their higher brain functions become distracted by the heavenly choir only they can hear, requiring exact commands from their handlers.
Because the Church consistently needs funds to sustain its military operations, Communicants are frequently allocated to the highest bidders among the armies affiliated with New Antioch. Their services are in constant demand as they are able to take out enemy fighting vehicles, heavily armoured troops and strongpoints with a single shot.
Mamluks can form a FIRETEAM with any one ELITE model in the Warband they are part of. This FIRETEAM is always in addition to any other FIRETEAM(s) the Warband is allowed to form. If a Mamluk joins a New Antioch FIRETEAM, the model benefits from the Co-ordinated Fireteam special rules.
Mamluks are disciples of Furūsiyya, the Knightly Discipline passed on through generations, they practice ceaselessly and have few equals. This gives their Jezzails the Keyword ASSAULT as well as the Shield Combo ability. Additionally, they suffer no penalties for fighting with off-hand weapons in melee.
Unless the scenario prohibits use of the special deployment of INFILTRATORS, you may deploy the Mamluk on any table edge as long as they are at least 8” away from any enemy model after INFILTRATORS are deployed. Mamluks can also be deployed in your own deployment zone as standard.
Jezzail
| Range | 18" |
| Hands | 2 Hands (Ranged) |
These long arms are by far the most common weapons carried by the soldiers of the Sultanate of the Great Iron Wall. Their barrels are smoothbore which limits their accuracy at range, but this is more than made up for by the fact that this allows them to be loaded with different types of alchemical ammunition made by the Jabirean Alchemists.
Alchemical Ammunication
Adds +1 DICE to Ranged Attack rolls on the Action Success Chart. Can only be used with Jezzails, Alaybozan, Halberd-Guns and Siege Jezzails.
Jabirean Alchemists craft these Jezzail bullets from the slivers of the Iron Wall. Each such shot is carved the Seal of Solomon, guiding them during their path through the air.
Reinforced Armour
Grants a -2 modifier to all injury rolls against the model wearing this armour.
Reinforced armour is a master-crafted suit made individually for the most important and elite troops. Each one is richly decorated and often carries the personal device of the warrior who wears it.
Combat Helmet
Ignores additional BLOOD MARKERS caused by the Keyword SHRAPNEL.
The simple combat helmet has proven its value on the battlefield time and again.
| Choose One of the Following |
|---|
| Trench Polearm and Trench Shield |
| Sword / Axe and Pistol / Revolver |
| Mamluk Greatsword |
When a friendly model within 1” of the Monk is Activated, you can declare that the Monk is Activated at the same time. You may then use the Monk before taking any ACTION or movement with the model you originally Activated. This does not allow you to Activate the Monk more than once per Turn.
As a RISKY ACTION, the Monk can provide a friendly model within 1” of it with one of the following benefits. The chosen benefit lasts until the end of the targeted model’s Activation this Turn:
Bullet of the Guided Path: Whenever this model makes an Attack with a Ranged Weapon, add +1 DICE to hit. Cartridge of His Wrath: Add the Keywords SHRAPNEL and BLAST 2” to every Ranged Weapon this model is equipped with. Echo of His Word: Whenever this model makes an Attack with a Ranged Weapon, add +1 to injury rolls caused by that Attack.
Gas Mask
Ignores additional BLOOD MARKERS caused by the Keyword GAS. Any such attacks suffer -1 DICE penalty to all injury rolls.
Mustard Gas, phosgene, chlorine as well as noxious fumes from the bolgias of Hell plague the battlefield. The Gas Mask allows soldiers to withstand such attacks.
The Order of Mendelist Monks is entrusted with the design of divinely enhanced items and the creation of the Communicants, devotees who have undergone Chemical Communion with an infusion of the synthesised blood of a Meta-Christ.
The Brotherhood of Blessed Munitions is one of the sub-sects of the Mendelist Order, whose duty is to provide the faithful with various types of ammunition treated with the chemically altered blood of a Meta-Christ. Such solutions are highly unstable and difficult to handle, and the secrets of their various formulae are jealously guarded.
On the battlefield, the monks brave enemy fire and infernal terrors, committed to their holy task of bringing the Wrath of the Lord upon the heretics. Their patron, St. Barbara, is said to lift those who die on the battlefield to Everlasting Glory.
In Melee, the Observer may attack twice with its Trench Polearm instead of only once.
Attacks that target the Observer suffer -1 DICE to hit.
If the Observer fails an ACTION, you may re-roll the dice. However, if any of the dice you roll gives a result of 1, there is psychic backlash and the Observer suffers a Down result (including any resulting BLOOD MARKERS), and their Activation immediately ends.
As a RISKY ACTION, the Observer may command any model on the board, friend or a foe, that has not been Activated this Turn. If successful, that model is compelled by the Divine Words. The Observer’s Activation immediately ends and the target’s Activation begins immediately after.
Standard Armour
-1 to all Injury Chart rolls against the model. Can be combined with any shield.
With the advancements in metallurgy and technology, both Faithful and Heretic armies are well-equipped with suits of alloy armour that can withstand an impact from a bullet or turn aside the sharpest of blades. Standard armour is usually mass-produced, but highly effective even against high-calibre weapons.
Gas Mask
Ignores additional BLOOD MARKERS caused by the Keyword GAS. Any such attacks suffer -1 DICE penalty to all injury rolls.
Mustard Gas, phosgene, chlorine as well as noxious fumes from the bolgias of Hell plague the battlefield. The Gas Mask allows soldiers to withstand such attacks.
Combat Helmet
Ignores additional BLOOD MARKERS caused by the Keyword SHRAPNEL.
The simple combat helmet has proven its value on the battlefield time and again.
Trench Polearm
| Range | Melee |
| Hands | 2 Hands (Melee) |
| Modifiers | -1D to hit for Chargers |
CUMBERSOME, SHIELD COMBO
Polearms take two hands to use. Melee attacks made against this model are made with -1 DICE if the attacking model Charged this turn.
Trench pikes, billhooks, spears and other long polearms are excellent defensive weapons, but are cumbersome and heavy. They are often used to deal with barbed wire.
Medi-Kit
Models with a Medi-kit can take a RISKY ACTION to remove one BLOOD MARKER from any one friendly model (including themselves) within 1" range or allow one friendly model (including themselves) that is Down to regain their footing.
Battlefield first aid has brought many soldiers back from the brink of death. Blessed ointments can seal fatal wounds completely, while the black blood of demons used by twisted heretic medics allows mangled troops to return to the fray.
When the need is great, the Synod of Strategic Prophecy sends Observers to support the war effort. This order of warrior monks lives a life of absolute solitude, sharpening their minds and bodies, making of themselves living weapons in the Hands of God.
Once a soldier joins the order, they never leave the Temple of The Word. The slightest disturbance to their prayers and training interrupts their ability to commune with the Lord of all Creation. Thus the days of the Observers are spent in secluded, cloistered cells, when not practising their martial or mental disciplines.
The rare exception is when they are summoned to the battlefield. Here, amidst the chaos and carnage, their unique abilities can decisively shift the balance in favour of the faithful. Observers wear a specially crafted helmet enabling them to attune to the Voice of God. This remarkable connection grants them the capacity to simultaneously perceive the immediate past, present and future, to a degree. This allows them to perform unrivalled martial feats.
But a living human is not meant to hear the Holy Words, so it comes at a cost. Since the Voice of God never decays, they must concentrate with superhuman focus to extricate the righteous guidance amidst the narrative spanning from creation’s inception to the present moment. The ceaseless resonance of the Divine Echo ringing in their ears renders sleep impossible. Therefore they must resort to potent sedatives and mind-altering drugs for them to endure the heavy burden of their battlefield role for any length of time.
The Observers diligently practice the recitation of the Words of God, granting them the power to issue commands to anyone they address, friend or foe. The special metal of their helmet allows them to replicate the Holy Word as closely as it is possible, compelling any creature in creation to obey them momentarily.
Scripture Guardian has a halved Dash distance (i.e. 3”).
The Scripture Guardian reads words from the holy (or unholy!) text it carries. This is an attack ACTION with 18” range, and it can be used in either Melee or as a Ranged attack (though not both during the same Activation). Use Ranged and Melee Characteristics as appropriate. This attack ignores armour and cover. For each BLOOD MARKER the target has, add +1 to the Injury roll. Note that if armed with a melee weapon, both the Melee attack and the use of the Vengeageful Scripture can be used simultaneously.
Combat Helmet
Ignores additional BLOOD MARKERS caused by the Keyword SHRAPNEL.
The simple combat helmet has proven its value on the battlefield time and again.
Reinforced Armour
Grants a -2 modifier to all injury rolls against the model wearing this armour.
Reinforced armour is a master-crafted suit made individually for the most important and elite troops. Each one is richly decorated and often carries the personal device of the warrior who wears it.
The Witchburner can select any model in the opposing warband within 24” (even if hidden or out of sight) and bring the Judgement of Heaven upon them with a Litany of Condemnation. This is a RISKY ACTION. If successful, the model suffers one BLOOD MARKER (models with the Keyword HERETIC, BLACK GRAIL or DEMONIC suffer two BLOOD MARKER) as it bursts into celestial flames. This holy fire even affects units that are immune to FIRE weapons.
The Witchburner has taken vows to persecute heretics with extreme prejudice. Nothing will stop this holy task. The Witchburner is immune to FEAR.
Due to the dignity of their status, the Witchburner cannot take the Dash ACTION.
Combat Helmet
Ignores additional BLOOD MARKERS caused by the Keyword SHRAPNEL.
The simple combat helmet has proven its value on the battlefield time and again.
Reinforced Armour
Grants a -2 modifier to all injury rolls against the model wearing this armour.
Reinforced armour is a master-crafted suit made individually for the most important and elite troops. Each one is richly decorated and often carries the personal device of the warrior who wears it.
Gavel of Justice
| Range | Melee |
| Hands | 1 Hands (Melee) |
If the Witchburner hits an enemy with the Gavel of Justice, the target of the attack automatically sustains Divine Judgement as explained in the Witchburner’s Abilities, even if the attack did no damage otherwise. This does not count as the Witchburner having used the Divine Judgement ACTION. Thus the Witchburner can potentially cause multiple Divine Judgements during a single Activation.
The staff of the Witchburners is both a mark of their office and a weapon imbued with the wrath of God against those who have broken Divine Law. It dooms the souls of those found guilty to burn in flames for all eternity.
The Witchburners are the field officers of the Inquisition. They are tasked with hunting down and punishing witches, warlocks and heretics that cannot be brought to face justice by conventional means.
On the battlefield they have the power to channel divine retribution on those deemed to have transgressed against God, causing sinners to burst into flames with mere words of condemnation. Since none are sinless, none are safe from their words of condemnation.
