All the new Space Marines 40k rules are here for The Tome Keepers that were spotted in White Dwarf 458, check out what they got!
The Tome Keepers were a custom Chapter created by some White Dwarfers and now they are getting added to the Index Astartes. Who knows, maybe one day your custom chapter will be in there! Can’t hurt to dream about it. The mag will have tons of background on the Chapter, rules, and even datasheets. Let’s look at what we know so far!
New Space Marines Chapter Coming in the Next White Dwarf!
The Tome Keepers hail from the Chapter planet of Istrouma, but it was not always so. This installment of Index Astartes reveals how, shortly after the Chapter was founded, they came upon the sparsely populated planet. The name and insignia of the Tome Keepers were inspired by an event that followed the Chapter’s arrival. After being welcomed as heroes of legend, they were honored with stewardship of the Istrouman people’s most revered possession. The Tome Keepers swore a solemn oath to protect it and have proudly borne the name ever since.
There is plenty more background on the Chapter in White Dwarf, but good to get an idea of where they came from. If you remember, the Silver Templars got a similar treatment early in the year, check out everything they got back in the February White Dwarf.
Definitely a pretty interesting paint scheme that doesn’t look too hard. It’s always cool to see people running custom Chapters! Maybe you could use these rules as a basis for your own.
New Space Marines 40k Rules For Tome Keepers: WD 458
The Index Astartes culminates in a mini codex supplement that provides rules and even datasheets for the Tome Keepers so you can field them in battle for yourself!
Captain Nasiem
First up is Captain Nasiem, who looks pretty solid, and getting a 2 S8, AP -3, D2 12″ pistol is nothing to sneeze at. It looks like he will have the hit roll aura, allowing CORE units within 6″ to re-roll hits of 1. The rest is from the Ultramarines supplement, so three guesses what may make the cut into their new book lol.
Epistolary Lykandos
Epistolary Lykandos is a named librarian for the Tome Keepers. It looks like he is especially good at denying enemy psykers with his own Aura ontop of Psychic hood. His Aura, Reliquary of Gathalamor subtracts one to enemy psychic tests if the caster is within 18″ of Lykandos. They also take d3 mortals if you roll a 4+ after they fail a test within the aura pretty solid.
Ancient Kae
On top of the standard ancient Astartes Banner aura, Kae gets Seal of Oath. This ability lets you mark a unit at the start of the game and while your units are within 6″ of Kae they can re-roll hits and wounds against the marked unit.
If you have an Impulsor kit already, this makes a great Gladiator Tank!
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Orator Sephax
Orator Sephax is a named Chaplain with a few upgrades. He has 1 extra wound, 1 extra attack, and two special weapons (although loses the option to change them). The Absolver pistol is a bolt pistol with 6″ extra range, +1 S, -1 AP, and +1 Damage. While the Benediction of Fury is a Crozius Arcanum with an extra -1 AP and +1 Damage.
Each of the characters seems pretty decent, although they all have forced Warlord traits, just like most named characters. So it may or may not be worth it.
Tome Keeper Point Values
Each of the models is slightly more expensive than their base counter-parts but their unique abilities and weapons might be worth it.
Do you think the Tome Keepers Space Marines 40k rules are playable? Are you willing to essentially give up Guilliman to get some unique characters?
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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.
