Don’t miss the full rules for Relics, Warlord Traits, and Psychics from the Raven Guard supplement that’s bringing a totally different play style to 40k.
Iron Hands were of the first batch of Chapter previews in this wave. However, now it’s the Raven Guard’s time to shine! Iron Hands may play with a very brutal hammer & anvil style, but the Raven Guard specializes in precision strikes. Take a closer look at what Warhammer Community and the new codex has revealed!
Editor’s Note: Be sure to keep in mind in some cases these rules are paraphrased and may not be the EXACT codex wording. There is a chance we got some terms, and/ or phrases wrong. Other than that, enjoy the new Traits, Psychics and Abilities of the Iron Hands!
Full 40k Raven Guard Codex Rules: Relics, Traits & Psychic Powers
Just to familiarize yourself with their new Chapter Tactic (from the SM codex), they get a cover save at over 12″ away. And if they’re standing in cover already and not a Vehicle, they also proc a bonus -1 to hit! Not too shabby!
Now with this rule in mind, check out how the Raven Guard will be playing once their supplement drops.
Bonus Rules for Doctrines
With the new codex and supplements, the Chapters are getting bonus rules called Doctrines. All Chapters start with the same Doctrine active at the start of the game. However, as the game progresses, they can switch up the rules and pick which Doctrine is best for the stage that turn.
Raven Guard get all of the Doctrines. However, if they have the Tactical Doctrine active, they also get a nifty bonus ability. Raven Guard units will be able to add 1 to hit and wound rolls against Character units. Now this might not seem too great because characters are usually hidden behind enemy lines or screened
But keep in mind, Eliminators are also coming out with this wave and will be able to put mortal wounds even easier. It’s also worth noting any Knight with relics, some IH dreadnoughts, and even IG Tank Commanders are characters…
Warlord Traits
We saw Shadowmaster (which is Shrike’s Warlord Trait as well) let’s take a look at he rest now:
- Master of Ambush: At the start of the start of the battle if this character is on the battlefield you can choose a Raven Guard unit, remove them both from the battlefield and place them at least 9″ away from any enemy models.
- Swift and Deadly: Raven Guard within 6″ can choose to charge even if they advanced
- Master of Vigilance: Unmodified hit rolls of 6 in melee cause 1 mortal wound
- Feigned Flight: When this warlord falls back, they can move across models and terrain as if they were not there. They can also shoot and charge the same turn they fall back.
- Echo of the Ravenspire: Once per battle at the end of your movement phase, they can disappear if they are more than 6″ away from any models, they re-enter at the end of your next movement phase more than 9″ away from any enemies.
Relics
Let’s take a look at the other relics we haven’t seen as well.
- The Ebon Claws: Replaces lightning claws, User Str, -1 Ap, d3 damage
- The Armor of Shadows: Any ap -1 becomes ap -0 when wounding this unit, in addition, 1, 2, and 3s to hit this model always fail.
- The Raven Skull of Korvaad: Once per round a model with this relic can re-roll a hit, wound, or damage roll. If an enemy unit kills this model, that unit is +1 to hit by all friendly Raven Guard.
- Ex tenebrus: Replaces a master-crafted range weapon, 36″ range, assault 3, str 4, -2 ap, 2 damage. You can also target a character if they aren’t the closest and add 1 to the hit roll, the target also does not get a cover bonus to their saving throw
- Oppressor’s End: Replaces Combat Knife, +1 str, -2 ap, 1 Damage. In addition, they get an extra attack, and if the target is a character the damage is changed to 3
Psychic Discipline: Umbramancy
Adding even more speed to the army, you’ll be able to pick up a character within 18″ of your Psyker and fling them down the board turn 1 on a roll of a 7. If you make a Raven Guard Smash Captain and need him in a spot quickly, your Librarian can give him a quick boost!
- Umbral Form: Warp charge of 5, until your next psychic phase this psyker gets a 4+ Invulnerable save
- Enveloping Darkness: Warp charge of 7, select one enemy within 18″ and visible to the psyker. That unit can’t fire overwatch until your next psychic phase and they get -1 to hit
- Spectral Blade: Warp charge of 5, until your next psychic phase, this psykers strength is equal to their leadership. Also, if they target a unit with a melee attack and they have lower leadership, the attack has an ap of -4
- The Abyss: Warp charge value of 6, select one enemy within 18″ and visible to the psyker. Roll 3d6 for each 4+ that unit suffers a mortal wound, if any models are slain the unit gets -1 to leadership until the end of the turn
- The Darkness Within: Warp charge of 6, select up to 3 enemies within 18″ of the psyker roll 1d6 for each of those units, add 1 if the psychic test was more than 10, on a 4+ they take 1 mortal wound
Primaris Kayvaan Shrike: Raven Guard Full Rules REVEALED
Check out the full 40k rules for Chapter Master Kayvaan Shrike from the Raven Guard codex supplement book. It’s death from above time!
What do you think about this rules wave? Are Raven Guard a contender for the new top chapter? Do you think they have a shot at being the best 40k army in the meta?
Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group, and sign up to get your free hobby updates newsletter each morning as well!
About the Author: Andrew Schrank
Andrew Schrank
Job Title: Miniatures & Warhammer Hobby Staff Writer
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About Andrew Schrank: Over the past 15 years, Andrew has played all the games, including tabletop and video games, and immersed himself in the associated lore. Andrew joined the Spikey Bits team in 2018 and covers the Warhammer hobby and tournament scene, along with the latest in tabletop miniatures, each week.
Aspiring diplomat, Lord of Fluff, and Master of Ice Hammer, He loves Star Wars, Chaos Undivided, and Gundam. During his free time, he hunts Platinum trophies on PS5 and reads international news. On weekends, Andrew plays commander and cEDH games, often with unique strategies that push the limits.
He believes each day presents a new opportunity to grow and be challenged.
