Ossiarch Bonereapers: A Comprehensive Guide
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Ossiarch Bonereapers, one of the most fascinating and formidable factions in the Mortal Realms of Warhammer Age of Sigmar. If you're looking to command legions of meticulously constructed bone constructs, enforce the will of Nagash, and crush your enemies with unwavering discipline, then you've come to the right place. Let's break down everything you need to know about these skeletal overlords.
Origins and Lore
The Ossiarch Bonereapers are not your typical shambling hordes of undead. They are the elite, the pinnacle of Nagash's bone tithe, created from the harvested bones and souls of the Mortal Realms' most formidable warriors and leaders. Nagash, the Supreme Lord of the Undead, sought to create an army that was not only powerful but also perfectly obedient and efficient. Thus, the Ossiarch Bonereapers were born.
These constructs are more than just skeletons animated by dark magic. Each Ossiarch is a composite being, formed from the remains of countless individuals, their skills, memories, and martial prowess blended into a single, formidable warrior. This process ensures that each Bonereaper is a master of warfare, possessing a wealth of experience far beyond their apparent existence. They are organized into legions known as Ossiarch Legions, each led by a Mortarch, one of Nagash's most trusted lieutenants. These legions are not driven by mindless hunger or bloodlust, but by a cold, calculating desire to enforce Nagash's will and collect the bone tithe from across the realms.
The purpose of the Ossiarch Bonereapers is multifaceted. Firstly, they act as enforcers, ensuring that the living and the dead alike adhere to Nagash's decrees. They collect the bone tithe, a levy of bone and souls that Nagash demands from all settlements, using it to fuel his dark rituals and create more Bonereapers. Secondly, they serve as Nagash's shock troops, deployed to crush rebellions, conquer new territories, and defend his dominion from threats both internal and external. Finally, they represent Nagash's vision for the future of the Mortal Realms: a perfectly ordered society ruled by the undead, where death is not an end but a beginning.
The Ossiarch Bonereapers' society is structured around a rigid hierarchy, with Mortarchs at the top, followed by Lieges, Katakrosian Deathglaives, and various ranks of Ossiarch warriors. Each rank has specific duties and responsibilities, ensuring that the legions operate with maximum efficiency. This structure reflects Nagash's desire for order and control, and it is one of the key factors that makes the Bonereapers such a formidable force on the battlefield. Their lore is rich with tales of conquest, intrigue, and the relentless pursuit of Nagash's goals, making them a compelling faction for players who appreciate a blend of martial prowess and dark ambition.
Key Units and Characters
The Ossiarch Bonereapers boast a diverse range of units and characters, each with their unique strengths and roles on the battlefield. Understanding these key players is crucial for building an effective Bonereaper army.
Katakros, Mortarch of the Necropolis
Let's kick things off with Katakros, Mortarch of the Necropolis. This guy is not just any leader; he's a tactical genius, a master strategist, and arguably Nagash's most favored general. Katakros isn't just one being but a composite of generals and tacticians from epochs past, all synthesized into a supreme commander. On the tabletop, Katakros provides significant buffs to nearby units, enhancing their combat prowess and resilience. His command abilities are game-changing, allowing you to manipulate the battlefield to your advantage. If you're playing Bonereapers, including Katakros in your army is almost a no-brainer.
Mortek Guard
Next up, we have the Mortek Guard, the backbone of the Ossiarch legions. These skeletal warriors are incredibly tough and disciplined, making them an ideal choice for holding objectives and forming a solid battleline. Armed with nadirite blades and shields, they can withstand significant punishment while dishing out respectable damage. Their ability to ignore battleshock tests makes them exceptionally reliable in crucial moments. A large block of Mortek Guard can anchor your army and provide a resilient core around which to build your strategy.
Necropolis Stalkers
For those looking for something a bit more elite, the Necropolis Stalkers are your go-to unit. These fearsome warriors are formed from the souls of legendary heroes, making them incredibly skilled in combat. Each Stalker embodies a different aspect of martial prowess, allowing them to adapt to various combat situations. They can switch between different fighting stances, becoming more aggressive, defensive, or mobile as needed. This versatility makes them a valuable asset in any Bonereaper army, capable of taking on a wide range of threats.
Mortek Crawlers
Need some heavy firepower? Look no further than the Mortek Crawlers. These siege engines hurl massive bone projectiles at the enemy, capable of devastating enemy formations and fortifications. Their long range and high damage output make them ideal for softening up enemy lines before your Mortek Guard move in to engage. While they are relatively slow and vulnerable in close combat, their ability to obliterate distant threats makes them an essential component of a balanced Bonereaper army.
Other Notable Units
Other units worth mentioning include the Immortis Guard, elite bodyguards who protect your characters with unwavering loyalty; the Kavalos Deathriders, swift cavalry who can harass enemy flanks and hunt down vulnerable targets; and the Gothizzar Harvesters, monstrous constructs who repair and reanimate nearby units, providing valuable support to your frontline.
Tactics and Strategies
Mastering the Ossiarch Bonereapers on the tabletop requires a solid understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, as well as a keen awareness of battlefield tactics. These guys aren't a horde army; they're more of a precision instrument. Here’s how to wield them effectively.
Utilizing the Bone-Tithe Nexus
First off, let's talk about the Bone-Tithe Nexus. This faction terrain piece is a game-changer. It provides valuable buffs to nearby Bonereaper units, enhancing their resilience and combat effectiveness. Positioning the Bone-Tithe Nexus in a central location, where it can support multiple units, is crucial. Use it to create a strong defensive zone that your opponent will struggle to break through. The Nexus is especially useful for fortifying objectives, making them incredibly difficult for the enemy to capture.
Leveraging Unit Synergies
Next, focus on leveraging unit synergies. The Bonereapers excel when their units work together in a coordinated fashion. For example, Mortek Guard can form a solid battleline, while Necropolis Stalkers flank the enemy and exploit weaknesses in their defenses. Mortek Crawlers can bombard key targets, softening them up for the Mortek Guard to engage. Katakros' command abilities can further enhance these synergies, making your army even more effective.
Mastering the Morale Phase
Don't underestimate the importance of morale. The Bonereapers are notoriously difficult to break, thanks to their disciplined nature and various abilities that ignore or mitigate battleshock tests. Use this to your advantage, holding objectives and weathering enemy assaults that would shatter other armies. However, be mindful of units that can inflict mortal wounds or bypass your armor, as these can quickly whittle down your forces.
Adapting to the Enemy
Adaptability is key. The Bonereapers are a versatile army that can be tailored to face a wide range of opponents. Against horde armies, focus on maximizing your damage output and using units like Mortek Crawlers to thin their ranks. Against elite armies, use Necropolis Stalkers to target key threats and disrupt their formations. Always assess your opponent's strengths and weaknesses and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Advanced Tactics
Advanced tactics involve utilizing command abilities effectively. Katakros, in particular, has several powerful command abilities that can turn the tide of battle. Use these abilities to reposition units, reinforce defenses, or unleash devastating attacks at opportune moments. Timing is crucial, so think carefully about when and how to use these abilities to maximize their impact.
Building Your Army
Creating a strong Ossiarch Bonereapers army requires careful consideration of unit choices, command traits, artifacts, and allegiance abilities. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build a competitive and thematic Bonereaper force.
Choosing Your Allegiance
First, select your allegiance. The Ossiarch Bonereapers have several allegiance abilities that can significantly enhance your army's performance. These abilities typically provide bonuses to your units' combat prowess, resilience, or movement. Choose an allegiance that complements your playstyle and unit choices. For example, if you prefer a more aggressive playstyle, you might choose an allegiance that boosts your units' attack power. If you prefer a more defensive playstyle, you might choose an allegiance that enhances their resilience.
Selecting Your Units
Next, select your units. As we discussed earlier, the Bonereapers have a diverse range of units, each with their unique strengths and weaknesses. Build a balanced army that includes a mix of frontline troops, elite units, ranged support, and characters. Consider including units that can fill multiple roles, such as Necropolis Stalkers, who can switch between different fighting stances as needed. Don't forget to include a few support units, such as Gothizzar Harvesters, who can repair and reanimate your troops.
Choosing Command Traits and Artifacts
Choose command traits and artifacts that complement your general's abilities and your army's overall strategy. Command traits can provide valuable bonuses to your general's combat prowess, leadership, or survivability. Artifacts can enhance your units' abilities or provide unique tactical options. Select command traits and artifacts that synergize well with your allegiance abilities and unit choices.
Sample Army List
Here's a sample army list to get you started:
- Leader: Katakros, Mortarch of the Necropolis
- Battleline: 20 x Mortek Guard, 10 x Mortek Guard, 10 x Mortek Guard
- Other: 3 x Necropolis Stalkers, 1 x Mortek Crawler, 1 x Gothizzar Harvester
This list provides a solid foundation for a balanced and competitive Bonereaper army. It includes a resilient battleline, elite melee units, ranged support, and a powerful support unit. You can customize this list to suit your preferences and playstyle, but it's a good starting point for new Bonereaper players.
Painting and Modeling
The Ossiarch Bonereapers offer a fantastic canvas for painters and modelers, with their intricate bone structures and imposing presence. Whether you're a seasoned painter or just starting out, there are plenty of ways to make your Bonereaper army stand out on the tabletop.
Color Schemes
When it comes to color schemes, the possibilities are endless. While the traditional Bonereaper color scheme involves bone-white armor and dark accents, you can experiment with a wide range of colors to create a unique and personalized look. Consider using metallic paints to highlight the intricate details of the bone structures, or adding weathering effects to create a battle-worn appearance. You can also use different colors to distinguish between different units or ranks within your army.
Painting Techniques
For painting techniques, drybrushing and washing are your best friends. Drybrushing can help you bring out the texture of the bone armor, while washing can add depth and shadow to the recesses. Layering and highlighting can further enhance the details and create a more realistic look. Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you.
Basing
Basing is another important aspect of modeling. A well-designed base can complement your miniatures and enhance their overall appearance. Consider using textured paints, flocking, and small details such as rocks or skulls to create a realistic and immersive base. You can also use different basing materials to represent different environments, such as a ruined city or a desolate wasteland.
Converting and Customizing
If you're feeling adventurous, you can try converting and customizing your Bonereaper miniatures. This involves modifying the existing models to create unique poses, add extra details, or represent custom characters. You can use bits from other kits, green stuff, or even scratch-built components to create something truly unique. Just be sure to plan your conversions carefully and use appropriate tools and techniques.
Conclusion
The Ossiarch Bonereapers are a truly unique and powerful faction in Warhammer Age of Sigmar. With their disciplined armies, intricate lore, and stunning models, they offer a rewarding experience for players of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, the Bonereapers are sure to provide hours of fun and excitement on the tabletop. So, gather your bone tithe, muster your legions, and prepare to enforce Nagash's will upon the Mortal Realms!