Index: Imperium 2
AKA Imperial Pick and Mix
Officio Assassinorum:
Not only have these four been given a massive point cost reduction, I really think that they be able to be more than a one trick unit and will become more adaptable and be able to eat through any target. Everyone comes with a 4++ and can appear on the battle field outside of 9” of an opponent.
Vindicare: All that weird ammunition he had in 7th edition has been rolled into one easy to fire sniper rifle. Exitus Rifle- 72” range, S5 Ap-3 D3 Damage, ignores cover bonuses, enemy cannot take INV save, INFANTRY is wounded on 2+, can target characters even if they are not the closest unit, on To Wound of a 6+ it deals D6 damage instead of D3. And a pistol that does the same at 12” range. The Vindicare’s stealth suit forces an opponent to -1 from shooting against this assassin, which becomes a -2 To Hit if the Vindicare is in cover.
Callidus: Not as physically powerful as the other assassins, but the Callidus comes with some cool little abilities to wind up your opponent. The Reign of Confusion can force your opponent to spend additional Command Points, Hit and Run allows for falling back, shooting and charging and Polymorphine means there is a chance the Callidus can appear closer to an opponent than 9”. The Neural Shredder is a little bit underwhelming. 9”, no S, AP or damage, instead roll 3D6 and if it is higher than the targets LD value they suffer D3 Mortal wounds.
Eversor: This guy has been best described as a suicidal maniac, able to appear 9” away from an enemy, charge 3D6, claw into an enemy, which if the Evesor is ever bested in combat has the chance of dealing Mortal Wounds as a last act before being removed. This is the only assassin with a different stat line to the rest, with a bonus wound and Attacks. I really think that the Eversor has been the most improved of the four assassins.
Culexus: This assassin was the dark horse for me last edition. Not only was the Culexus able to nullify Psykers, but became a steam rolling murderer of anything psychic. Similarly to the Sister of Silence the Abomination rule forces Psykers to -2 from any psychic and deny the witch tests (which after a close inspection can be stacked with the Sisters of Silence ability to make the tests at -6). The Animus Speculum has now become a shooting phase weapon, at Assault D3 S5 AP-4 which can become Assault D6 against Psykers.
Final thoughts: All four have their uses, but what makes them especially dangerous in this edition is that all models have the chance at wounded all other models. Which means the Vindicare could shoot down a flyer, the Callidus break down dreadnoughts, the Evesor will dismantle Riptides and the Culexus can beat the living snot out of a Dreadknight.
