Dreadtober 2025 Week 2: Weathering and Hazard Stripes

It wouldn't be an Iron Warriors dreadnought without some hazard stripes, would it?

In this week's update, I have applied some yellow to select areas of the dreadnought - right knee, right wrist, and left under belly areas for that classic Iron Warriors look. These stripes are not quite perfect, but that doesn't stress me. I will patch up with a little bit more black, but the intent is to then weather the stripes and give them a worn and scratched look regardless. This approach always disguises any imperfections in the hazard stripes. Its really a pro-tip that even average painters can benefit from. 

Weathering has also been applied across the main body of the dreadnought. This began with a Nuln Oil wash all over to get into the recesses and make it look worn. Using a sponge, I have then applied some lighter silver and black patches to give the overall impression of this dreadnought not being on his first rodeo. Perhaps even mid-battle. 

Plans for the week ahead are to add decals and think about the base in more detail. 

Horus Heresy 3e Review: Camba Diaz

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4/5 stars. A low points value game master of the legion that also retains some applicability at higher points values too. 

Background.

A very reliable and steadfast commander who arguably lacked the legend of Sigismund and others around him. He more than earned a healthy reputation through meticulous siege actions - both on the offensive and on the defensive. Little wonder he was held in good stead by his Primarch.

Strengths. 

Officer of the Line (2) is worthy of mention from the outset here. This makes him worthy of consideration at lower points value games, but also alongside other commanders at higher points values too. 

With WS=6 and BS=5, he is a very reasonable commander level character. His weapon, Durenda, provides breaching combined with S+1 which makes him reasonably in close combat against standard sergeants and the like. 

He also gets The Line Unbroken gambit which he can use if he doesn't have combat advantage for which he gets a handy A+2. He won't have anyone cross a line he has drawn in the proverbial sand. 

Weaknesses. 

Not quite the character he was in Second Edition sadly, but he still has very strong merit here in third edition as a commander for low points value games, but retains a different applicability through Officer of the Line for higher points value games as well. This can be a powerful choice when you are at 3000 points and want to squeeze in that extra dreadnought (or similar). 

Overall.

A fun character with a strong background in the novels. The rules do him justice here, even if he is a bit different to second edition's implementation. 

Horus Heresy 3e Review: Evander Garrius

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4/5 stars. Solid short range, and melee character. 

Background.

A unification veteran who remembers well fighting alongside the nascent Luna Wolves. He was, however, largely unliked by Dorn due to his brutality. As a result of this, he was seconded to garrison duty. And later, given the opportunity to prove himself (with relish) at the Siege of Cthonia. Which he sets about doing as effectively as any Imperial Fist Lord might!

Strengths. 

His stat line is good with WS=6 and T=5 alongside praetor level other stats. His power fist melee weapon, subjugator, brings his effective strength up to 8 at the cost of lowering his initiative (but D=2 as well!). This is not much of a concern given his defensive abilities. 

The defences come in two forms here. The natural catapharctii saving throws, but also access to Feel No Pain when engaged in a challenge. This is excellent and the main reason he has 4/5 stars from me. 

His side arm, Incineratus, is solid with a S=5 four shot volkite ray gun at short to modest ranges. 

Weaknesses. 

Honestly, he doesn't have that many weaknesses in third edition. I think you just have to remember that he is a melee exponent and then arrange a transport solution for him. 

Overall.

Garrius is an excellent praetor level choice for a up close and personal challenge monster. Sure, he is not Sigismund or Dorn, but he is fluffy enough to play without an opponent crying about it. Very appropriate, but he must be backed up with a retinue, and preferably some modest range firepower to work well. 

Horus Heresy 3e Review: Fafnir Rann

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

3.5/5 stars. Rounded Down. An average close combat master of the legion. 

Background.

He's in the wrong legion. He should have been a Space Wolf if the fates had have allowed it. But he was an Inwit Cluster native, and therefore an Imperial Fist. 

Aggressive, and with a liking for twin axes and shields (hence good on the offensive and defensive), he is noted to be a very ruthless commander within the Imperial Fists. He commanded at the siege of Terra and took a very high tally of the enemy. 

Strengths. 

WS=6 and a reasonable set of other stats make him a reasonable close combat proposition. Combined with his axes, he is hitting at S=6 with Breaching on a 4+. This is reasonable.

He also gets to use his shield without any focus penalty having long since mastering the use of shields and weapon swapping an axe for his shield. [don't forger the shield trait either here].

His Gambit of the Executioner's Tax allows you to exchange focus for critical hits. It is a bit average, but might be useful. I'd suggest keeping your initiative. 

Weaknesses. 

He is good. But he also has a T=4 stat, and needs a transport solution. All he does is close combat - his bolt pistol isn't helping at range. 

Overall.

In short, Fafnir is a close combat master of the legion. He is very reasonable in melee, but not at the same level as Sigismund, or comparable champions in other legions. Fluffy, and a very reasonable choice overall. 

Horus Heresy 3e Review: Sigismund

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4.5/5 stars. Narrowly rounded up due to fluff reasons and him being the only mortal to be able to go toe to toe with the weaker Primarchs. 

Background.

Of all the Imperial Fists, and even the space marines more widely, there are few who are not primarchs that have their names recognised. Sigismund is not just one of a number like Abaddon, Corswain, Kharn, and company - he is unique in the background. Alone, he is preternaturally skilled and sits only a whisker beneath the primarchs themselves. He is death incarnate and undefeated.

Strengths. 

WS=7 is the most obvious stand out here amongst the stat line. This is seriously high, and can line him up as being matched with some of the Primarchs themselves! Precision 4+ is a neat addition here. 

The Black Sword means he will hit at S=6 which is something that the weaker primarchs will need to worry about, and Duellist's Edge gives a valuable focus bonus. 

As Slayer of Kings, he will always issue challenges and can choose which opponent will accept them. And the Death's Champion gambit gives critical hits on a 5+ which is a solid go-to choice. 

Weaknesses. 

Damage = 1 means that he won't cause as much damage as you might like, but the critical hits here will certainly help alleviate. 

Eternal Warrior is excellent for keeping him alive, but that T=4 is the major draw back in an otherwise reasonable stat line. 

Overall.

A very high points cost here to be honest. The only way you get your points back is by getting in combat as swiftly as you can and taking out entire enemy blobs, or preferably their commanders. Heck, just issue an ultimatum to Lorgar to take up his challenge and see how you go? Find your transport solution and get stuck in - he's one of the best mortals in town. 

Wargames Gallery: Alpha Legion Snipers against World Eater Fury

The Alpha Legion snipers have already sapped the World Eaters terminators at this point in the game. As the terminators get closer, they have a few final volleys left before contact. They'd better make the most of it - those lightning claws look sharp to say the least. 

Outcome: World Eaters victory, but by a much narrower than expected margin.