Summary
The Horus Heresywas one of the most destructive conflicts inWarhammer,and one of itsmost overlooked settings. Consuming most of the newborn Imperium in the fires of rebellion, it saw the Emperor’s Space Marine Legions and their allies torn in half. Nine followed the Emperor; Nine joined their brother Horus in tearing down the false Imperium.
The Horus Heresytabletop game has long been synonymous with miniature quality. This is understandable, as it was a Forge World project initially. Many of the models in the game are still the mastercrafted resin sculpts of a decade ago, very delicate but beautifully detailed. Here are just ten ofthe best loyalist models found inThe Horus Heresy.
10Dark Fury Assault Squad
Death From Above
The Dark Fury Assault Squadare the elite shock troops of the Raven Guard. It might seem strange that a legion that prides itself on ambush tactics and stealth has something as loud and flashy as jump packs, but the Raven Guard use specially silenced engines to give themselves at least some shock value. The Assault Squad was used for decapitation strikes, killing enemy leaders in the chaos of battle.
The Dark Furies are extremely imposing models, with extended power claws shaped to look like talons, winged jetpacks, custom Mark Six Corvus armor, and poses that suggest they’re landing on whatever prey was unfortunate enough to be caught in their sights.
9Gorgon Terminators
A Familiar Face
TheGorgon Terminatorswere the first version of theiconinc Indomitus terminatorsthat mostWarhammerfans think of when hearing the word. Gorgon Terminators were used by the veterans of the Iron Hands, a legion known for heavy artillery, mechanized assaults, and implacable aggression.
The Gorgon Terminators perfectly embody the concept of proto-Indomitus terminators, which is accentuated by the Iron Hands' traditional utilitarian cybernetic aesthetic. They feature bolted plates and auto-targeting servo skulls, coupled with cybernetic upgrades and power axes, and are posed as if advancing through hellfire to confront a great threat.
8Space Wolf Deathsworn
Space Viking Death Cult
Formed from Space Wolves who had been consumed by animalistic bloodlust, theSpace WolfDeathswornare members of the Cult Of Morkai, the Fenrisian manifestation of death itself. They were both brutal fighters and near suicidal shock troops, able to break through lines and butcher their way through almost anything thrown their way.
Covered with Viking-esque iconography and wearing wolf skulls for helms, these models embody the Viking imagery that the Space Wolves of the Heresy are known for. The Deathsworn march forward, brandishing power axes and Stasis bombs, ready to break yet another traitor line.
7Raldoron
First Captain Of The Ninth
First Captain of the Blood Angels.Raldoronwas one of the most accomplished loyalists of the Heresy, fighting with his legion from their introduction during the Signus campaign all the way until the Siege of Terra. He even went on to be the Blood Angels’ first chapter master post-Heresy, all while dealing with thehorrible fallout for his legion.
Based on the Daemon arm at his base, we can assume Raldoron’s model is likely intended to be from the Signus Prime campaign. However, it could easily be from the later Heresy, when the traitors began to utilize more esoteric means to get an advantage. His ornate power armor designates his status, while his legendary sword skills are on full display as he wipes the monster’s blood off his blade.
6Deathwing Companions
The Ultimate Bodyguards
TheDeathwing Companionsare arguably the most elite bodyguards afforded to regular marine commanders during the Heresy. Each one is a veteran of countless battles and has fought a myriad of horrors that only the mad would dream of. Each Deathwing Companion is fully expected to take a bullet for their charge, painting areas where they have been wounded in battle with bone to display their willing sacrifice.
The models are some of the best available to any Dark Angel player. Each one could easily fit as aWarhammer 40,000-era company master or a similar champion. The winged helmets make them instantly recognizable as Dark Angels, while the poses, especially those wielding a sword and shield, seem to be right out of a fantasy novel.
5Inner Circle Knights Cenobium
Elite Of The First
TheInner Circle Knights Cenobiumare some of the deadliest marines in the Dark Angels Legion. Formed from members of differing branches of the Hexagrammaton, or the “wings” of the Dark Angels legion, the Knights Cenobium were a temporary organization of veterans, hand-picked for their skills to complete some monumental task.
Dark and mysterious, the Knights Cenobium are posed in mid-battle, possibly having just teleported into the heart of their foe. Clad in ornate Cataphractii terminator armor and wielding a sword in one hand and plasma casters in the other, melting and slicing their way to their objective, the Knights make for an imposing figure.
4Fafnir Rann
Lord Seneschal
Fafnir Rannis the Lord Seneschal of the Imperial Fists legion. Raised in the rival clan of Rogal Dorn himself, Fafnir would ironically be one of his most loyal and elite servants. Rann was a brutal leader. Unlike many of his stoic kin, who would utilize overwhelming firepower or masterful swordplay, Rann would butcher his way through with a pair of massive power axes, or in some cases, take a shield. He would later go on to found the Executioners chapter that fought in the Badab War.
The model exudes Rann’s brutal nature. Placed in the chunkier Mark Three Iron armor, Rann is depicted advancing with sinister intent on his foe. In either hand, he wields a massive ax, with his shield strapped to his back. He even has his sigil and the future Executioners’ chapter emblem emblazoned on his tilt shield.
3Sigismund
Greatest Among Superhumans
Arguably the greatest Space Marinethat ever lived,Sigismundwas the first captain of the Black Templars. His feats are legendary, only ever losing two fights, both through means beyond his control. It was Sigismund who slew Kharn for the first time at Terra, wounded Fulgrim to save his brother, and was named as the Emperor’s champion. Sigismund would even go on to found the iconic Black Templars chapter.
Sigismund stands atop the ruins of a tank, readying himself to best yet another foe, his Templar’s tabard swaying in the wind. Crested by an iron halo and in a duelling stance, the Emperor’s Champion prepares for battle once more.
2Jaghatai Khan
The Great Khan
Primarch of the White Scars and Khan of ChogorisJaghatai Kahnis known for being one of the more noble Primarchs compared to his brothers. Unlike the other loyalist primarchs, Jaghatai didn’t exactly like the Emperor. However, seeing the traitors as the greater of two evils, he would align his legion with the loyalists, but only after a brief civil war in which half of them turned traitor, of course.
Rising triumphant above the ruins of the Heresy, sword held aloft, Jaghatai shines as one of the more heroic figures on the board. His unique Mongol-esque body armor and a regal cloak billow in the wind, cutting a contrast between the noble Khan and the broken battlefield around him.
1Vulkan
Lord Of The Salamanders
A fan favorite of theWarhammercommunity,Vulkanis typically thought of as the “nicest” Primarch, which is easy to say when in the company of the mostdangerous beings in the galaxy.Vulkan is a titan of a man, the largest of all his brothers by a wide margin, with charcoal-colored skin and piercing red eyes. Despite his kind reputation, he cuts an intimidating figure. Vulkan and his legion were one of the worst hit during the dropsite massacre, but would cost Horus’ forces dearly in return.
Vulkan’s model doesn’t help matters. He is posed as he brings his hammer down on some hapless traitor, he wears a unique mix of terminator plate and Mark Two or Three tactical armor, with a dragon motif adorning this adherent to the Promethan cult.
