Ossiarch Bonereapers: Everything You Need To Know
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the world of the Ossiarch Bonereapers, one of the most fascinating and formidable factions in the Age of Sigmar. If you're looking to command legions of meticulously constructed bone constructs, then you've definitely come to the right place. We'll explore their origins, their unique mechanics, some killer strategies, and why they're such a blast to play on the tabletop. So, grab your bone chisels, and let's get started!
Who are the Ossiarch Bonereapers?
The Ossiarch Bonereapers are the supreme legions of Nagash, the Supreme Lord of the Undead. Unlike the shambling hordes of zombies or the vengeful spirits that make up other undead armies, the Bonereapers are beings of perfect order and unwavering discipline. They are not driven by mindless hunger or ancient grudges but by a cold, calculating efficiency. Each Bonereaper is a construct of bone, imbued with fragments of souls carefully selected for their martial prowess and strategic acumen. These souls are combined to form the composite personalities that inhabit each warrior, making them incredibly effective and utterly loyal to Nagash's will. Their entire existence is dedicated to collecting the bone tithe, a macabre tax levied on the living and the dead across the Mortal Realms. This bone is then used to create more Bonereapers, fortify Nagash's domains, and fuel his endless wars. This constant demand for bone makes them a persistent and terrifying threat, as they are always seeking to expand their dominion and enforce Nagash's iron grip on the realms. Leading these legions are the Mortarchs, Nagash's most trusted lieutenants, each a master of war and a powerful sorcerer in their own right. They oversee the vast operations of the Ossiarch Bonereapers, ensuring that the bone tithe is collected and that Nagash's will is carried out without question. The Bonereapers are more than just an army; they are an extension of Nagash's will, a force of absolute order in a chaotic world, and a testament to his mastery over death. Their rigid structure and unwavering loyalty make them a unique and compelling faction in the Age of Sigmar, offering a different kind of undead experience for players who prefer calculated strategy over mindless aggression.
The Lore Behind the Bone
The lore of the Ossiarch Bonereapers is deeply intertwined with the ambition and ruthlessness of Nagash. They were created as the ultimate expression of his power, a force capable of enforcing his will across the Mortal Realms with unwavering efficiency. Their origins lie in Nagash's obsessive pursuit of control over death, and his desire to create an army that would be immune to the failings of his previous creations. The Bonereapers are not raised from the dead in the traditional sense; instead, they are constructed from the bones of the fallen, carefully selected and meticulously assembled into new forms. Each Bonereaper is imbued with fragments of souls, carefully chosen for their skills and experiences. These souls are not whole individuals but rather shards of personalities, combined to create a composite consciousness within each construct. This process ensures that the Bonereapers are utterly loyal to Nagash, and possess the knowledge and abilities necessary to carry out their duties. The creation of the Bonereapers is overseen by the Mortisian priesthood, a cadre of bone-shaping artisans who are deeply steeped in the lore and rituals of Nagash. They are responsible for the selection and preparation of the bones, as well as the binding of souls into the constructs. The Mortisians are among the most trusted servants of Nagash, and their knowledge is essential to the continued existence of the Bonereapers. The primary purpose of the Ossiarch Bonereapers is to collect the bone tithe, a macabre tax levied on all the inhabitants of the Mortal Realms, living or dead. This bone is then used to create more Bonereapers, construct fortifications, and fuel Nagash's endless wars. The Bonereapers are relentless in their pursuit of the bone tithe, and they will stop at nothing to ensure that it is paid in full. This makes them a constant threat to all who live in the Mortal Realms, as their presence is a reminder of Nagash's power and his insatiable demand for bone. The lore of the Ossiarch Bonereapers is a grim and compelling tale of ambition, control, and the relentless pursuit of power. They are a testament to Nagash's mastery over death, and a chilling reminder of the price of defying his will. Their unique creation and unwavering loyalty make them a fascinating and formidable faction in the Age of Sigmar.
Unique Army Mechanics
One of the coolest aspects of the Ossiarch Bonereapers is their unique army mechanics, which set them apart from other factions in Age of Sigmar. Forget about traditional command points; the Bonereapers operate on a system called Nekropolis Allegiance Abilities. This mechanic revolves around Relentless Discipline, which allows you to issue commands without spending command points, giving you a significant advantage in managing your forces. Then there's the Mortis Praetorians, elite units that can protect your heroes by intercepting attacks, adding a crucial layer of defense. Reinforced Battalions offer additional strategic depth, allowing you to customize your army's composition to suit your playstyle. The synergy between these mechanics creates a highly tactical and rewarding gameplay experience. The Relentless Discipline ability allows you to issue commands to your units without having to spend precious command points. This means you can issue more commands each turn, allowing you to react to your opponent's moves and keep your army moving efficiently. The Mortis Praetorians ability allows you to protect your heroes by intercepting attacks that are aimed at them. This is a great way to keep your key characters alive and in the fight, and it can also be used to protect vulnerable units from being targeted by enemy fire. The Reinforced Battalions ability allows you to customize your army's composition to suit your playstyle. You can choose from a variety of different battalions, each with its own unique benefits. This allows you to tailor your army to your specific needs and create a force that is perfectly suited to your chosen strategy. All these special rules combined make the Ossiarch Bonereapers a very fun and unique army to play on the tabletop.
Key Units and Their Roles
Let's talk about some of the key units that make the Ossiarch Bonereapers so effective on the battlefield. First up, we have the Mortek Guard, the backbone of any Bonereapers army. These skeletal warriors are incredibly durable, thanks to their Unstoppable Advance ability, which allows them to shrug off wounds that would fell lesser troops. They're perfect for holding objectives and grinding down enemy forces in prolonged engagements. Then there are the Kavalos Deathriders, swift and deadly cavalry units that excel at flanking maneuvers and hunting down enemy heroes. Their speed and hitting power make them a constant threat to your opponent's back lines. For ranged support, look no further than the Mortek Crawlers. These siege engines hurl massive bone projectiles across the battlefield, pulverizing enemy formations and fortifications. Their long range and high damage output make them essential for softening up enemy defenses before your main force engages. And, of course, no Bonereapers army would be complete without a Mortisan Boneshaper. These vital support units can heal your warriors and even bring fallen models back to life, ensuring that your army remains a force to be reckoned with throughout the battle. Their ability to keep your troops alive and fighting makes them an invaluable asset, especially in longer games. Each of these units plays a crucial role in the overall strategy of the Ossiarch Bonereapers, and mastering their individual strengths is key to success on the tabletop. By combining their abilities and coordinating their movements, you can create a force that is both resilient and deadly, capable of crushing any opposition that stands in your way.
Strategies for Victory
To achieve victory with the Ossiarch Bonereapers, you'll need a solid game plan. A key strategy revolves around attrition warfare. The Bonereapers excel at wearing down the enemy through relentless, grinding combat. Use your durable Mortek Guard to hold objectives and absorb damage, while your Kavalos Deathriders harass the flanks and disrupt enemy formations. Leverage the Mortek Crawlers to bombard key targets and soften up enemy defenses before your main force engages. Another important tactic is resource management. The Bonereapers rely on their Mortisan Boneshapers to keep their troops alive and fighting, so protect these vital support units at all costs. Use their healing abilities to replenish your ranks and bring fallen models back to life, maximizing your army's staying power. Don't be afraid to sacrifice units to achieve strategic objectives. The Bonereapers are a resilient force, and they can often afford to take losses that would cripple other armies. Use this to your advantage, and be willing to trade units for position or tactical advantage. Finally, take advantage of your army's unique abilities. The Relentless Discipline mechanic allows you to issue commands without spending command points, giving you a significant advantage in managing your forces. Use this to coordinate your attacks and react to your opponent's moves. The Mortis Praetorians can protect your heroes by intercepting attacks, adding a crucial layer of defense. Use them to shield your key characters from harm and keep them alive for as long as possible. By mastering these strategies and adapting them to the specific circumstances of each battle, you can lead the Ossiarch Bonereapers to victory and claim the Mortal Realms in the name of Nagash. Their resilience, combined with their unique abilities, makes them a formidable force on the tabletop, capable of overcoming even the most daunting challenges.
Why Play Ossiarch Bonereapers?
So, why should you choose the Ossiarch Bonereapers as your army? Well, for starters, they offer a unique and rewarding gameplay experience. Their reliance on tactical maneuvering and attrition warfare sets them apart from other factions in Age of Sigmar. If you enjoy outsmarting your opponents and grinding them down through relentless combat, then the Bonereapers are definitely for you. They also have a distinct aesthetic that is both imposing and elegant. Their meticulously constructed bone armor and intricate weaponry make them a visually striking army on the tabletop. If you're looking for a force that looks as good as it performs, then the Bonereapers will not disappoint. Furthermore, the Bonereapers have a compelling lore that is deeply intertwined with the overarching narrative of the Age of Sigmar. Their origins as the supreme legions of Nagash give them a unique perspective on the conflicts that rage across the Mortal Realms. If you're interested in exploring the darker side of the Age of Sigmar and delving into the machinations of the God of Death, then the Bonereapers offer a rich and rewarding lore experience. Finally, the Bonereapers are a relatively easy army to learn, but difficult to master. Their straightforward rules and resilient units make them a good choice for new players, while their tactical depth and strategic options offer plenty of challenges for experienced veterans. Whether you're a seasoned general or a fresh recruit, the Bonereapers have something to offer everyone. If you're looking for a unique, rewarding, and visually stunning army that is both easy to learn and difficult to master, then the Ossiarch Bonereapers are the perfect choice. So, what are you waiting for? Join the legions of Nagash and claim your place among the bone-forged warriors of the Mortal Realms!
Alright guys, that wraps up our deep dive into the Ossiarch Bonereapers. Hopefully, this has given you a good understanding of who they are, how they play, and why they're such an awesome faction. Now go forth and conquer... for Nagash!