Uncover the lore, gameplay, and availability of Samus, the Daemon Prince of the Ruinstorm in Warhammer 40k!
Ah, Samus, the Daemon Prince of the Ruinstorm—just the name alone can send shivers down the spine of even the most battle-hardened Warhammer 40k fans. If you’re new here, welcome to the chaotic whirlwind that is Warhammer. And for those who’ve been around the block, you know Samus isn’t just another daemon; he’s a walking (or more like rampaging) nightmare.
Unleash Chaos with Samus: The Terrifying Daemon Prince of Warhammer 40k
Click any of the links below to jump to the info you need the most, or just dig in from the beginning.
- Samus’s Origin and Lore
- Samus on the Tabletop
- Samus’s Powers and Abilities
- Where to Buy and Using Samus
Introduction to Samus, Daemon Prince of the Ruinstorm
Meet Samus, the Daemon Prince of the Ruinstorm, a figure as terrifying as his name suggests. Hailing from the twisted realms of the Warp, Samus is a daemon of pure chaos and carnage. Imagine a monstrous entity whose very presence sends shivers down the spines of even the most battle-hardened warriors. That’s Samus for you. His importance in the Warhammer 40k universe can’t be overstated. Whether you’re a newcomer trying to grasp the vastness of this universe or a longtime fan, understanding Samus is crucial. He’s not just a character; he’s a force of nature, embodying the relentless brutality and chaos that defines the Warhammer 40k narrative.
Samus’s Origin & Lore
Birth of Samus
Samus’s story begins with blood and betrayal, typical of the dark tales that fill the annals of Warhammer 40k. Born from the unholy rituals and the raw, violent energy of the Warp, Samus first manifested during the Great Crusade. His emergence was marked by the slaughter of Garviel Loken, a tragic hero whose death heralded Samus’s birth. This act of murder wasn’t just a simple killing; it was a ritualistic offering that gave Samus his corporeal form.
During the Great Crusade, as the Imperium sought to reunite humanity, Samus thrived on the chaos and bloodshed that followed. His presence was a constant reminder of the thin veil between reality and the horrors of the Warp. Key events, like his gruesome appearances and the havoc he wreaked, are etched into the dark history of this era. Each time he manifested, it was a spectacle of horror, with his name echoing through the minds of those unfortunate enough to hear it.
Role in the Horus Heresy
When talking about Samus, one cannot ignore his significant role in the Horus Heresy. This cataclysmic civil war within the Imperium of Man saw brother turned against brother, and Samus was right in the thick of it. His involvement in the Battle of Calth is a story of sheer terror. As the Word Bearers enacted their dark rites, Samus broke through the weakened walls of reality, bringing with him a maelstrom of death. His rampage was not just about physical destruction; it was psychological warfare, sowing madness among the ranks of the loyalists.
Siege of Terra
But his impact didn’t stop at Calth. As the Heresy progressed, Samus’s influence grew. During the Siege of Terra, the final and most desperate conflict of the Horus Heresy, Samus was a relentless force. His ability to return after being banished made him a persistent nightmare for the defenders of the Emperor’s palace. The siege was a brutal affair, and Samus, with his daemon cohorts, pushed the defenders to their limits. His presence was a testament to the undying nature of chaos and the eternal struggle between order and anarchy.
Understanding Samus is like getting a glimpse into the very heart of chaos in the Warhammer 40k universe. He’s a character born of violence, thriving on the suffering and fear of others. His story is interwoven with some of the most pivotal events in Warhammer lore, making him a central figure in the ongoing saga of war and chaos. Whether you’re reading about his bloody origins or his harrowing battles, Samus is a character that embodies the relentless, unforgiving nature of the Warhammer 40k universe.
- Audible Audiobook
- John French (Author) - Jonathan Keeble (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 05/18/2019 (Publication Date) - Black Library (Publisher)
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Samus on the Tabletop
Forgeworld Model Details
Let’s talk about the big guy himself, Samus. Forgeworld’s model of Samus is a sight to behold, a true centerpiece for any Chaos army. Standing tall and menacing, this model captures the essence of a Daemon Prince in all its terrifying glory. The details are impeccable, from the grotesque musculature to the wickedly sharp claws, making him look every bit the part of a chaos-infused nightmare.
Now, Forgeworld knows that customization is key for hobbyists. That’s why they’ve given you some options with Samus. You can build him with his right hand clutching a dismembered Space Marine, showcasing his brutal prowess in battle. Alternatively, you can go for the open claw look, which is equally intimidating and a bit more dynamic, suggesting he’s ready to tear into his next victim. Either way, Samus on your tabletop will be a focal point that draws both admiration and dread.
Packaging and Presentation
When you’re spending good money on a high-quality model, presentation matters. Samus comes in a collector’s edition black box, which not only keeps the pieces safe but also adds a layer of prestige. It feels like you’re unboxing something truly special—because you are. The box is sleek and durable, perfect for storing the model parts as you work on assembling and painting him to perfection. Plus, it makes for a great display piece itself when you’re not actively working on Samus.
Rules and Integration
Horus Heresy Games
Now that you’ve got Samus built and looking like the stuff of nightmares, how do you bring him to the battlefield? In Horus Heresy games, he fits right into the Word Bearers Legion armies. As a Daemon Prince of the Ruinstorm, he’s a natural fit, adding a hefty dose of chaos to your strategies. His rules make him a formidable presence, able to wreak havoc on the battlefield with his raw power and relentless aggression.
Integration into Codex: Chaos Daemon armies is seamless, thanks to his versatile rules. Whether you’re aiming to bolster your forces with a powerful leader or looking to add some serious melee strength, Samus delivers. His ability to return even after being banished makes him a persistent threat that your opponents will have to deal with, often repeatedly.
Warhammer 40k Games
But Samus isn’t just confined to the Horus Heresy. In Warhammer 40,000 games, you can field him in Chaos Daemons and Chaos Space Marine armies. This versatility is a huge boon, allowing you to leverage his strengths across different scenarios and army compositions. Unfortunately, the model has moved to a Legends proxy unit, meaning you can just use the model as a Daemon Prince, as you can see above. You can download all the Daemons rules here or grab the CSM codex below.
- Games Workshop - Warhammer 40,000 - CODEX: Chaos Space Marines
- An infernal tome to harness the Heretic Astartes in Warhammer 40,000
- 160 pages of macabre art, rules, riveting background material, and epic photography to inspire you
- Includes Combat Patrol and Crusade rules, 48 datasheets, eight Detachments, and more
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Samus’s Powers & Abilities
Daemonic Abilities
Samus isn’t your run-of-the-mill daemon; he’s the embodiment of chaos and terror. One of his most disturbing abilities is possession. When Samus takes over a mortal, it’s not just about control—it’s a complete transformation. The possessed gains terrifying strength, their sanity shredded, becoming a living weapon of chaos. This isn’t a temporary thing; the madness stays even after Samus departs, leaving a trail of broken minds and bodies.
The strength Samus bestows upon his hosts is another story of horror. Imagine a regular human suddenly capable of feats that defy all logic, tearing through enemy lines with brutal efficiency. This isn’t just about raw power; it’s the sheer unpredictability and savagery that make these possessed mortals so dangerous. They become whirlwinds of destruction, driven by the unholy rage that Samus inflicts upon them.
Reincarnation and Immortality
Now, onto one of Samus’s most frustrating traits for his enemies: his reincarnation. You might think banishing him would be the end of it, but Samus laughs in the face of such notions. Destroy his corporeal form, and he’s back before you know it, more furious and deadly than ever. This ability makes him a persistent nightmare on the battlefield, always looming, always ready to return.
Samus’s influence doesn’t end there. His connection to the Warp is profound. Even when not physically present, his presence can be felt, a dark whisper in the minds of those sensitive to the Warp. He manipulates and corrupts from afar, sowing chaos and fear, preparing the ground for his eventual return. It’s this constant threat that makes Samus a force to be reckoned with, an ever-present shadow over the battlefield.
Availability & Using Samus in Warhammer 40k
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Availability
So, you’re ready to bring this terror to your own army? Acquiring Samus is straightforward. Head over to Warhammer’s website, where you can find Samus, Daemon Prince of the Ruinstorm, for $145. It’s a solid investment for any Chaos army looking to add some serious menace. However, the model is often sold out, so actually grabbing the model can be tough.
Gameplay Tips
Using Samus effectively in battles requires some strategic thinking. First off, leverage his possession abilities. Send him to disrupt enemy lines by turning their own against them. His reincarnation ability means you can use him aggressively without the usual fear of losing a key unit permanently. Combine Samus with units that can benefit from the chaos he creates. His presence can turn the tide of battle, making even the most stalwart foes question their sanity.
Pair him with fast-moving, hard-hitting units that can exploit the gaps he creates. While Samus is busy wreaking havoc and drawing attention, these units can strike at weakened points in the enemy’s defenses. Additionally, use his ability to return to your advantage. Let your opponent think they’ve gained the upper hand by taking him down, only for Samus to come back and crush their hopes.
Final Thoughts on Samus in Warhammer 40k
So there you have it—Samus, the Daemon Prince of the Ruinstorm, is more than just a menacing figure. He’s a whirlwind of chaos with a flair for possession and an irritating (for your opponents) habit of coming back from the dead. Whether you’re new to Warhammer 40k or a long-time fan, Samus adds a layer of strategic depth and sheer terror to your games. Ready to unleash this nightmare on your foes? Just remember, with Samus on your side, chaos is always just a summon away.
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About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
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About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
