Unleash Drukhari and Harlequin synergy with Reaper’s Wager, and learn the rules, strategies, and brilliance of this new Warhammer 40K detachment.
The Drukhari are back with a captivating twist, teaming up with their enigmatic Harlequin kin in the new Reaper’s Wager Detachment. Packed with flair, drama, and no small measure of bloodshed, this update brings a unique combination of competition and carnage to the tabletop.
Let’s take a closer look at the themes and rules that make this detachment a thrilling addition to the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
A Tale of Murderous Rivalry
The Reaper’s Wager isn’t just a set of rules; it’s a vivid narrative brought to life. This saedath is a grim drama told through a deadly competition between Drukhari warriors and Harlequin performers. As they enter the fray, these rival killers battle not only their foes but also each other to rack up the most spectacularly violent kills. It’s not just about tactics—it’s about style and bringing their rules to Grotmas Calendar for December!
Harlequins embody the role of the mythic Reaper, while the Drukhari revel in their identity as mortal executioners. Their macabre wager ignites a frenzy of over-the-top performances, with Harlequins and Drukhari alike showcasing their prowess on the battlefield. From bladed transports bursting out of the Webway to acrobatic Wyches leaping into combat, the visual and narrative impact of this detachment is unmatched. You can download the full rules here.
The Rules That Fuel the Rivalry
At the heart of the Reaper’s Wager is the Callous Competition Detachment Rule, a dynamic mechanic that drives the action. Here’s how it works:
- At the start of the battle, the Drukhari are in the lead.
- Each time a Drukhari or Harlequin unit destroys an enemy unit, their faction takes the lead in the wager.
- The faction currently “losing” the wager gains re-rolls of 1 for Hit and Wound rolls, incentivizing them to push harder.
This back-and-forth encourages an aggressive playstyle, rewarding daring maneuvers and bold attacks. The integration of Harlequins into Drukhari armies allows up to 1500 points of Harlequin units in larger games, adding an exciting layer of synergy and variety.
Enhancements: Tools of Precision and Style
The enhancements in the Reaper’s Wager Detachment provide tactical advantages while enhancing the narrative of a theatrical bloodsport. Each upgrade ties into the wager mechanic, giving your units the tools to dominate the battlefield.
- Archraider (15 pts): Grants the Dedicated Transport carrying the bearer the Scouts 9″ ability, enabling better positioning for swift assaults.
- Webway Walker (15 pts): Allows the bearer’s unit to Deep Strike and re-roll Charge rolls if they’re losing the wager, perfect for surprise attacks and comebacks.
- Reaper’s Cowl (25 pts): Harlequin models gain Stealth and Infiltrators, setting up devastating ambushes while staying hidden.
- Conductor of Torment (20 pts): A Drukhari-exclusive upgrade that lets you manipulate the wager by gaining or discarding Pain tokens. This ability can flip the lead between factions strategically.
These enhancements aren’t just buffs; they’re ways to reinforce the competitive nature of the wager while supporting aggressive, strategic gameplay.
Stratagems: Fueling the Frenzy
The Reaper’s Wager Stratagems focus on high mobility, dramatic kills, and turning the tide in moments of desperation. They amplify the macabre rivalry while enhancing your tactical options.
- Malicious Frenzy: Activate during your Shooting or Fight phase to grant your unit Lethal Hits or Sustained Hits 1 for the phase. A deadly boost for key moments.
- Fateful Role: If your unit is targeted in the Fight phase, destroyed models can fight back on a 4+ (or 3+ if losing the wager), keeping the pressure on your opponent.
- Murderer’s Circus: Subtract 1 from enemy Hit rolls when targeting your unit, making them harder to pin down.
- Shorten the Odds: After advancing, your unit can shoot and charge in the same turn, maintaining relentless pressure on your enemies.
- Scintillating Tempo: Prevent enemy units from using Overwatch on your unit after it moves, advances, or charges, ensuring safe passage into combat.
- Dance Macabre: React to an enemy’s movement with a bonus move of up to D6″ (or 6″ if losing the wager), perfect for repositioning or preparing counterattacks.
Each Stratagem adds another layer to the bloody performance, ensuring every phase of the game feels dynamic and impactful.
Sample 2,000 Point Army
Creating a balanced 2,000-point army list that combines the sinister precision of the Drukhari with the theatrical brutality of the Harlequins under the Reaper’s Wager Detachment offers a dynamic and aggressive playstyle. This list leverages the unique strengths of both factions, emphasizing speed, melee prowess, and the thematic elements of the Reaper’s Wager. -30
Drukhari Contingent (1,000 Points):
- Archon (100 pts)
- Enhancement: Archraider (15 pts)
- Role: Commanding presence with strategic deployment capabilities.
- Kabalite Warriors (10 models) (110 pts)
- Role: Versatile infantry providing ranged support.
- Kabalite Warriors (10 models) (110 pts)
- Role: Versatile infantry providing ranged support.
- Wyches (10 models) (90 pts)
- Role: Agile melee specialists excelling in close combat.
- Incubi (5 models) (85 pts)
- Role: Elite melee unit with high damage output.
- Raider (80 pts)
- Role: Fast transport for Wyches or Kabalite Warriors.
- Raider (80 pts)
- Role: Fast transport for Wyches or Kabalite Warriors.
- Raider (80 pts)
- Role: Fast transport for Wyches or Kabalite Warriors.
- Venom (70 pts)
- Role: Light transport for Archon and Incubi.
- Ravager (110 pts)
- Role: Heavy fire support with anti-armor capabilities.
- Reavers (6 models) (120 pts)
- Role: Fast attack unit for harassment and objective grabbing.
Harlequin Contingent (1,000 Points):
- Troupe Master (80 pts)
- Enhancement: Reaper’s Cowl (25 pts)
- Role: Leader enhancing stealth and infiltration.
- Harlequin Troupe (11 models) (165 pts)
- Role: Core melee unit with high mobility.
- Skyweavers (4 models) (210 pts)
- Role: Fast attack with both shooting and melee capabilities.
- Starweaver (80 pts)
- Role: Transport for Harlequin Troupe.
- Death Jester (90 pts)
- Role: Sniper unit disrupting enemy plans.
- Solitaire (115 pts)
- Role: Lone operative with exceptional melee skills.
- Voidweaver (115 pts)
- Role: Fire support with versatile weaponry.
This leaves you with 100 points to play with and decide a few units you want to run! However, the points are ever-changing in Warhammer 40k (and just changed again), so check out the Field Munitorum for all the current points!
Strategic Overview:
- Mobility: Both factions excel in speed, allowing for rapid engagement and repositioning. Transports like the Raider, Venom, and Starweaver facilitate swift assaults, while units like Reavers and Skyweavers can outflank and harass enemy lines.
- Synergy: The Reaper’s Wager Detachment rule, Callous Competition, encourages aggressive play. As Drukhari and Harlequin units vie for kill counts, the faction currently “losing” the wager gains re-rolls of 1 for Hit and Wound rolls, promoting a relentless offensive strategy.
- Versatility: The combination of Drukhari firepower and Harlequin close-combat expertise creates a well-rounded force capable of tackling various threats. Enhancements like Archraider and Reaper’s Cowl provide tactical flexibility, enabling strategic deployment and infiltration.
Deployment Tactics:
- Forward Pressure: Utilize the speed of transports to deliver Wyches and Harlequin Troupes into the heart of the enemy formation, applying immediate pressure.
- Flanking Maneuvers: Deploy Reavers and Skyweavers on the flanks to harass enemy units, disrupt formations, and capture key objectives.
- Fire Support: Position the Ravager and Voidweaver to provide covering fire, targeting high-priority threats and softening enemy defenses before assaults.
Final Thoughts on the New Drukhari Warhammer 40k Detachment
The Reaper’s Wager is a triumph of thematic design, seamlessly blending narrative and mechanics. It captures the essence of the Drukhari and Harlequins—the former’s cruel precision and the latter’s theatrical artistry—and turns it into a compelling gameplay experience.
With its unique rules and dramatic flair, the Reaper’s Wager is more than just a competitive option—it’s a storytelling tool that adds depth and excitement to every match. So gather your Kabalite Warriors, sharpen your Harlequin blades, and let the wager begin!
See All the New 40k Detachment Rules Here
What do you think about the new Drukhari Reaper’s Wager Warhammer 40k Detachment rules from the first Grotmas Calendar?
About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
