Difference between revisions of "Theme - Black Industries"

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=Theme Rules =
 
=Theme Rules =
 +
: ''For the core rules on how Theme Forces work, [[LPG - Theme Forces|see this article]].
 
===Theme Restrictions===
 
===Theme Restrictions===
 
[[File:Deathjack 2018.jpg|thumb|[[Deathjack]] ]]
 
[[File:Deathjack 2018.jpg|thumb|[[Deathjack]] ]]
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* [[Wraith Engine]] battle engines
 
* [[Wraith Engine]] battle engines
  
* This army can also include one Mercenary solo and one Mercenary unit that will work for Cryx.
+
* This army can also include one Mercenary solo and one Mercenary unit that [[:Category: Cryx Mercenary|will work for Cryx]].
 
** These models/units can be included even if they have the [[Partisan]] [Cryx] rule.
 
** These models/units can be included even if they have the [[Partisan]] [Cryx] rule.
 
** Mercenary units can have non-[[Ranking Officer]] attachments
 
** Mercenary units can have non-[[Ranking Officer]] attachments
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* Three [[Mechanithralls|Brute Thrall]] weapon attachments  
 
* Three [[Mechanithralls|Brute Thrall]] weapon attachments  
 
* Three [[Necrotech]] solos
 
* Three [[Necrotech]] solos
* One other small- or medium-based Cryx solo
+
* One other small- or medium-based Cryx solo with a point cost of 5 or less
  
 
===Theme Bonuses===
 
===Theme Bonuses===
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===Recent Changes===
 
===Recent Changes===
2019.12
+
2020.12 - [[Ol' Grim]] released
* [[Master Gurglepox]] released
 
  
2020.02
+
2021.10 Mega Update
* [[Doctor Stygius]] released
+
* The free solo must now cost 5 points or less
 
+
** Notably, this excludes [[Ol' Grim]] and [[Hellslinger Phantom]] from being req choices.
2020.03
 
* [[Asphyxious4]] released
 
  
 
=Thoughts on Black Industries =
 
=Thoughts on Black Industries =
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* ''6 points
 
* ''6 points
** 3 free Brute Thralls is a solid choice regardless of whether you're going for a zombie horde or warjack spam. It does require you to spend at least 6 regular points for a minimum unit of [[Mechanithralls]], though.
+
** [[Ol' Grim]] - An excellent contesting solo with an ever better gun. Taking him and the Hellslinger with a caster with a damage buff will give you huge value.
** Three [[Necrotech]]s might be good if you're going for warjack spam.
+
** 3 free Brute Thralls is a solid choice regardless of whether you're going for a zombie horde or warjack spam. It does require you to spend at least 6 regular points for a minimum unit of [[Mechanithralls]], though, but having an ambushing unit to score circular zones with is always a plus, in jack lists especially, and 6 points and a requisition is good value for 9 warm bodies.
** [[Bloat Thrall Overseer Mobius]] can normally be skipped unless you're taking regular Bloat Thralls, or if you want extra ranged firepower.
+
** Three [[Necrotech]]s are good for keeping you in scenario, creating contesting Scrap Thralls from fallen warjacks. You need quite a number of warjacks to fuel them though, so they are not an auto include.
 +
** [[Bloat Thrall Overseer Mobius]] can normally be skipped unless you're taking regular Bloat Thralls
  
 
* ''5 points
 
* ''5 points
** [[Iron Lich Overseer]] is in the "maybe" pile, say if you want to run a combined arms force with extra jacks, but you don't have a strong battlegroup caster. The extra damage buff from the ILO's [[Dark Shroud]] drive can be handy too.
+
** [[Iron Lich Overseer]] - They are decidedly outclassed by [[Asphyxious4]]
 
** [[Pistol Wraith]]s are interesting decisions, because they're usually out of the ball-park for being "worth their points", but they're accurate, fire two shots a turn, and can stationary targets that they can hit - forcing an enemy warjack to spend focus to shake means that's one less attack coming your way if that thing survives. If nothing else, they can be incorporeal solos that capture flags!
 
** [[Pistol Wraith]]s are interesting decisions, because they're usually out of the ball-park for being "worth their points", but they're accurate, fire two shots a turn, and can stationary targets that they can hit - forcing an enemy warjack to spend focus to shake means that's one less attack coming your way if that thing survives. If nothing else, they can be incorporeal solos that capture flags!
  
 
* ''4 points
 
* ''4 points
** All the 4 point options are ... eh. You're probably better off spending normal points on them and using your Requisition Points on the stuff listed above.  
+
** All the 4 point options are ... eh. You're probably better off spending normal points on them and using your Requisition Points on the stuff listed above. Unless you deem them essential and are tight on points.
 
** The one exception is [[Doctor Stygius]], since he synergises so well with certain casters. He also makes the [[Skarlock Thrall]] option irrelevant.  
 
** The one exception is [[Doctor Stygius]], since he synergises so well with certain casters. He also makes the [[Skarlock Thrall]] option irrelevant.  
 
** [[Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls]] are a must if you're running a zombie horde.
 
** [[Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls]] are a must if you're running a zombie horde.
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[[File:The-withershadow-combine.png|thumb|[[The Withershadow Combine]]]]
 
[[File:The-withershadow-combine.png|thumb|[[The Withershadow Combine]]]]
  
* The '''[[Seether]]''' is a good option for those Cryx casters that become focus-starved when running a battlegroup-heavy list (which is most of them). It charges for free, has high MAT so often doesn't need to boost, and Carapace makes it survive to melee - which is all it ever needed to become a good jack.
+
* All of the Character jacks are available to anybody (except Gaspy4) here. The cream of the crop of these character jacks are definitely Barathrum and Khadybdis.
** Special mention to the [[Iron Lich Overseer]] + Seether combo, see below.
+
* [[Barathrum]] - A surprisingly hardy jack (for Cryx standards), with steller offensive output thanks to MAT 8 and POW 17 on the claws. With Drag Below it is deceptively mobile, too.
 +
* [[Kharybdis]] - Acid loud keeps it alive on the way in and then in goes to town with either the spray, or the chain strike tentacles. A native 12" threat range is very, very potent.
 
* '''[[Slayer]]''' spam becomes a realistic strategy in this theme.  
 
* '''[[Slayer]]''' spam becomes a realistic strategy in this theme.  
 
* The '''[[Harrower]]''' can give you a way to deal with swarms of enemy infantry, with its Thresher attack.
 
* The '''[[Harrower]]''' can give you a way to deal with swarms of enemy infantry, with its Thresher attack.
* The '''[[Deathjack]]''' is always popular. Hits hard, casts extra spells, and less focus burden on your caster. What's not to love?
+
* The '''[[Deathjack]]''' hits hard, casts extra spells, and less focus burden on your caster. He is expensive and still as squishy as any Cryx jack.
* The '''[[Inflictor]]''' is transformed into an ARM 23 Shield Guard.
+
* The '''[[Inflictor]]''' is transformed into an ARM 23 Shield Guard, with Carapace.
  
 
===Support thoughts===
 
===Support thoughts===
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[[File:34075 WarwitchSiren WEB.jpg|thumb|[[Warwitch Siren]]]]
 
[[File:34075 WarwitchSiren WEB.jpg|thumb|[[Warwitch Siren]]]]
  
Solos that can help shift the focus burden off your caster are the [[Warwitch Siren]], [[Aiakos1]], [[Deneghra0]], and the [[Iron Lich Overseer]] (ILO).
+
Models that can help shift the focus burden off your caster are the [[Warwitch Siren]], [[Aiakos1]], [[Deneghra0]], and [[Asphyxious the Sanctified]] (Gaspy4).
  
Special mention goes to the ILO who brings an ARM debuff which can make up for the sometimes pillow-fisted Cryx 'jacks. The combo of a Carapaced heavy (who has no need for the ILO's Stealth) with the Crush drive plus Dark Shroud is not to be sneezed at. Do this with a Seether and it'll hit hard enough to kill almost anything in one activation, and it won't take much more than two heavies to kill even a colossal.
+
Special mention goes to Asphyxious who brings an ARM debuff which can make up for the sometimes pillow-fisted Cryx 'jacks. The combo of a Carapaced mercenary heavy with Dark Shroud is not to be sneezed at. Do this with Barathrum or Kharybdis and they'll hit hard enough to kill almost anything in one activation, and they won't take much more than two heavies to kill even a colossal. On problem with this is that you cannot put Barathrum nor Kharybdis on Gaspy himself, due to the way his Limited Battlegroup rule works.
  
However, the ILO has been somewhat sidelined since 2018.10 when [[Deneghra0]] was released. She brings another ARM debuff and, as a "Junior" Warcaster, is generally superior to a 'Jack Marshal. On the other hand, you can take both.
+
Aiakos1 can run Kharybdis instead and can speed it up with Escort. From the bond Kharybdis also gains Prowl so he's Stealth in its own cloud.
  
 
===Thrall Thoughts===
 
===Thrall Thoughts===
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=List Building Advice=
 
=List Building Advice=
 
===25 points (Brawlmachine)===
 
===25 points (Brawlmachine)===
In 2020.10 Phillip Melvin, one of the LOS authors, put together this list for the [[Brawlmachine]] format. He even wrote about it's playstyle and expanding it beyond 25 points, which you can [https://www.loswarmachine.com/brawlmachine/2020/9/21/brawlmachine-list-building-cryx read here].
+
In 2020.10 Phillip Melvin, one of the LOS authors, put together this list for the [[Brawlmachine]] format. It was then updated for the 2021.10 errata. He even wrote about it's playstyle and expanding it beyond 25 points, which you can [https://www.loswarmachine.com/brawlmachine/2020/9/21/brawlmachine-list-building-cryx read here].
  
: '''[[Lich Lord Venethrax|Venethrax1]]''': [+26 WJP]
+
: '''[[Lich Lord Venethrax|Venethrax1]]''': [+29 WJP]
:* [[Doctor Stygius]]: 4 pts
+
:* [[The Withershadow Combine]]: [7 pts]
:* [[Inflictor]]: 13 pts
+
:* [[Barathrum]]: [13 pts]
:* [[Slayer]]: 10 pts
+
:* [[Erebus]]: [13 pts]
:* [[Stalker]]: 8 pts
+
:* [[Slayer]]: [10 pts]
:* [[Deathripper]]: 6 pts
 
  
: [[Soul Trapper]]: 1 pt
+
: [[Warwitch Siren]]: [3 pt]
 +
: [[Soul Trapper]]: [1 pt]
 +
: [[Necrotech]]: [1 pt]
  
 
: [[Mechanithralls ]] (Min unit): [6 pts]
 
: [[Mechanithralls ]] (Min unit): [6 pts]
:* Command Attachment: [3 pts]
+
:* Weapon Attachment (x3): [Free] {{grey|(6 pts)}}
:* 3x Weapon Attachment: [Free] {{grey|(6 pts)}}
+
 
 +
 
 +
{{Brawl}}
  
 
===25 points & expanding to 50 (Warjacks)===
 
===25 points & expanding to 50 (Warjacks)===
Line 376: Line 379:
 
[[File:Scaverous1.gif|thumb|Lord Exhumator Scaverous]]
 
[[File:Scaverous1.gif|thumb|Lord Exhumator Scaverous]]
  
Scaverous quite likes Black Industries. There's a lot of magic users that can benefit from his feat, he likes Deathjack, and with the 2019 Remix he no longer needs to spam jacks and now he can take the combined arms force he prefers. The only downside is that there is no great target in this theme for his Soul Harvester spell.
+
Scaverous quite likes Black Industries. There's a lot of magic users that can benefit from his feat, he likes Deathjack, and with the 2019 Remix he no longer needs to spam jacks and now he can take the combined arms force he prefers. The only downsides is that a) there is no great target in this theme for his Soul Harvester spell, and b) he often works better in Scourge, especially since the release of [[Death Archon]]s.
  
 
: '''[[Skarre2]]
 
: '''[[Skarre2]]

Revision as of 11:46, 9 February 2022

Cryx Logo.jpg Theme - Black Industries

Cryx Theme Force
Black Industries - Dark Host - The Ghost Fleet - Scourge of the Broken Coast

Cryx’s necrofactoriums churn out a seemingly endless supply of bonejacks and helljacks to wreak havoc on the Dragonfather’s enemies. These black-iron creations fall upon their prey like a pack of hungry beasts indulging in wanton slaughter. Attending the warjacks are a small army of necrotechs, ironmongers, and other specialists who keep the machines operating at peak ferocity.

Black Industry Art.jpg

Theme Rules

For the core rules on how Theme Forces work, see this article.

Theme Restrictions

An army made use the Black Industries theme force can include only the following Cryx models:

  • This army can also include one Mercenary solo and one Mercenary unit that will work for Cryx.
    • These models/units can be included even if they have the Partisan [Cryx] rule.
    • Mercenary units can have non-Ranking Officer attachments
Tip lightbulb.png

Tip !

  • This theme allows all Cryx warjacks, character and non-character.
  • The "Cephalyx models/units" entry refers only to the Partisan Cephalyx, because it is a subset of "can include only the following Cryx models" restriction. In other words, Overlords and Mind Slavers don't count against your "Up to one Merc" slot, but the Agitator does (as of 2019.07).

Full model list

The models allowed in Black Industries are:   [Show/Hide]

This list was last updated: 2020.12   (Edit)

Warcasters

  • All Cryx warcasters

Warjacks

  • All non-character Cryx warjacks
  • All character Cryx warjacks

Battle Engines

Units

Solos

Mercenaries

  • Up to one solo
  • Up to one unit
(★) Because these Partisans are specifically allowed in this theme, they don't use up your "Up to one Mercenary" slot.

Requisition Points

You can spend each Requisition Point on either:

Theme Bonuses

  1. Heavy warjacks in this army gain Carapace.
    Carapace - This model gains +4 ARM against ranged attack damage rolls.
    Note: This theme benefit does not apply to light warjacks or colossals.
  2. One Mechanithrall unit in this army gains Ambush.
    Ambush - You can choose not to deploy this unit at the start of the game. If it is not deployed normally, you can put it into play at the end of any of your Control Phases after your first turn. When you do, choose any table edge except the back of your opponent's deployment zone. Place all models in the unit in formation completely within 3" of the chosen table edge.

Recent Changes

2020.12 - Ol' Grim released

2021.10 Mega Update

Thoughts on Black Industries

Black Industries in a Nutshell

This theme has two aspects; it is Cryx's heavy warjack theme, and it is their steampunk zombie horde theme (the thralls). There are also a plethora of support options available, and it is very flexible when it comes to list design.

    Warjacks    

The Carapace bonus makes one of the main drawbacks of Cryx warjacks, their fragility, practically disappear. They can now get across the table and into melee without having their weapons systems crippled by small arms fire on the approach. The Slayer and Seether, especially, were susceptible as they lose a lot of effectiveness if they lose either arm system.

Secondly, all character warjacks are allowed in this theme, opening up interesting combos.

This makes it the go-to theme for any Cryx player that wants to run a bunch of heavy warjacks. Note that, since Carapace only applies to heavies, if you want to run lights or colossals you may be better in the Scourge of the Broken Coast theme.

    Thralls    

Thralls are the cheap, mindless undead troops of Cryx. They have terrible statlines but make up for it in shear quantity.

Requistion Thoughts

  • 7 points
    • The Hellslinger Phantom is the most expensive option you can get for free, and will be player's first pick (unless you have something specific in mind for your army). He brings some solid ranged combat support to the force.
  • 6 points
    • Ol' Grim - An excellent contesting solo with an ever better gun. Taking him and the Hellslinger with a caster with a damage buff will give you huge value.
    • 3 free Brute Thralls is a solid choice regardless of whether you're going for a zombie horde or warjack spam. It does require you to spend at least 6 regular points for a minimum unit of Mechanithralls, though, but having an ambushing unit to score circular zones with is always a plus, in jack lists especially, and 6 points and a requisition is good value for 9 warm bodies.
    • Three Necrotechs are good for keeping you in scenario, creating contesting Scrap Thralls from fallen warjacks. You need quite a number of warjacks to fuel them though, so they are not an auto include.
    • Bloat Thrall Overseer Mobius can normally be skipped unless you're taking regular Bloat Thralls
  • 5 points
    • Iron Lich Overseer - They are decidedly outclassed by Asphyxious4
    • Pistol Wraiths are interesting decisions, because they're usually out of the ball-park for being "worth their points", but they're accurate, fire two shots a turn, and can stationary targets that they can hit - forcing an enemy warjack to spend focus to shake means that's one less attack coming your way if that thing survives. If nothing else, they can be incorporeal solos that capture flags!
  • 4 points
    • All the 4 point options are ... eh. You're probably better off spending normal points on them and using your Requisition Points on the stuff listed above. Unless you deem them essential and are tight on points.
    • The one exception is Doctor Stygius, since he synergises so well with certain casters. He also makes the Skarlock Thrall option irrelevant.
    • Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls are a must if you're running a zombie horde.
    • Aiakos1, Deneghra0, and Warwitch Siren are all on the "maybe" pile. Consider if you're running warjack spam, and you haven't already picked one of the other Requistion options.
    • Bloat Thrall if you're going for a max Bloat force. They tend to be better against infantry, which makes them slot in nicely with a large battlegroup of heavy hitters.

Theme weaknesses

    Carapace limitations    

Carapace only works on heavy warjacks. If you want to have a swarm of light warjacks or 1-2 colossals, you're probably better off in the Scourge of the Broken Coast theme.

Carapace only works vs ranged attacks - your warjacks are still made out of tissue paper vs melee and magic. So make sure you use your superior jack SPD, and clever positioning to dictate which player will strike first.

    Zombies are chaff    

Fundamentally, the thralls are the low-quality troops of Cryx and they come with just terrible stats. In previous editions you can sprinkle a few elite units amongst them, but with the way themes work in Mk3 you're stuck with nothing but the thralls which ... isn't ideal.

    Why not Scourge?    

The Scourge of the Broken Coast theme has much better combat troops available, and it swaps the Carapace on heavies benefit for Gang Fighter on all warjacks. Also, with the 2019 Remix, Scourge gained access to more warjack support in the form of Warwitch Sirens and Deneghra0 so there's even less need for warjack-heavy lists to stick to Black Industries.

What this all adds up to is: Use Black Industries if you're running 3+ heavies (to get the most out of Carpace), a particular character 'jack + caster combo, and/or a ton of thralls... otherwise, there's a good chance your army/strategy will do better in Scourge.

Warjack thoughts

  • All of the Character jacks are available to anybody (except Gaspy4) here. The cream of the crop of these character jacks are definitely Barathrum and Khadybdis.
  • Barathrum - A surprisingly hardy jack (for Cryx standards), with steller offensive output thanks to MAT 8 and POW 17 on the claws. With Drag Below it is deceptively mobile, too.
  • Kharybdis - Acid loud keeps it alive on the way in and then in goes to town with either the spray, or the chain strike tentacles. A native 12" threat range is very, very potent.
  • Slayer spam becomes a realistic strategy in this theme.
  • The Harrower can give you a way to deal with swarms of enemy infantry, with its Thresher attack.
  • The Deathjack hits hard, casts extra spells, and less focus burden on your caster. He is expensive and still as squishy as any Cryx jack.
  • The Inflictor is transformed into an ARM 23 Shield Guard, with Carapace.

Support thoughts

Models that can help shift the focus burden off your caster are the Warwitch Siren, Aiakos1, Deneghra0, and Asphyxious the Sanctified (Gaspy4).

Special mention goes to Asphyxious who brings an ARM debuff which can make up for the sometimes pillow-fisted Cryx 'jacks. The combo of a Carapaced mercenary heavy with Dark Shroud is not to be sneezed at. Do this with Barathrum or Kharybdis and they'll hit hard enough to kill almost anything in one activation, and they won't take much more than two heavies to kill even a colossal. On problem with this is that you cannot put Barathrum nor Kharybdis on Gaspy himself, due to the way his Limited Battlegroup rule works.

Aiakos1 can run Kharybdis instead and can speed it up with Escort. From the bond Kharybdis also gains Prowl so he's Stealth in its own cloud.

Thrall Thoughts

Dawn of the Dead

Spend all your Requistion Points on Brute Thralls and you'll end up with 41 combat models and 8 support models, for 41 points total. It asks the very simple question "Can your opponent kill swathes of models, where 6 regenerate each turn?"

This build has long been a bog standard for Terminus and Skarre1. You may want a Ghost Walk caster and/or Saxon Orrik to help with rough terrain, though.

Death Race

This is a very mobile force. It also leaves all your Requistion Points wide open for whatever you please.

The Wraith Engine is a decent choice for this build, although unfortunately Soulhunters sit around that ARM threshold where +2 ARM isn't going to make much difference.

Again, Ghost Walk or at least Saxon Orrik are much appreciated. A caster with Curse of Shadows like Goreshade2, Deneghra2, or the Witch Coven of Garlghast could run this module exceptionally well.

The Birds

This module has the benefit of not caring about a lot of terrain. This build gels very nicely with Goreshade3's typical gameplan. Casters with scary assassination threats like Asphyxious1, Captain Aiakos, or even the much-maligned Sturgis2 could also get a lot of mileage out of a module of fast, cheap, recurring jammers that come with two free solos.

The Purge

This build is definitely more on the casual side, especially in a meta that favors high-ARM multi-wound models. Still, someone like Bane Witch Agathia could have a lot to offer this sort of build.

List Building Advice

25 points (Brawlmachine)

In 2020.10 Phillip Melvin, one of the LOS authors, put together this list for the Brawlmachine format. It was then updated for the 2021.10 errata. He even wrote about it's playstyle and expanding it beyond 25 points, which you can read here.

Venethrax1: [+29 WJP]
Warwitch Siren: [3 pt]
Soul Trapper: [1 pt]
Necrotech: [1 pt]
Mechanithralls (Min unit): [6 pts]
  • Weapon Attachment (x3): [Free] (6 pts)


For more Brawlmachine list ideas, see Category: Brawl List

25 points & expanding to 50 (Warjacks)

In 2019.02 juckto wrote this expansion guide. It's relatively newbie friendly.

    Step 1    

For Step 1 I recommend getting the Cryx battlebox and adding the Deathjack, Aiakos1, and a Machine Wraith.

Agathia1: [+29 WJP]
Aiakos1: [Free] (4 pts)
Machine Wraith: [2 pts]
25 points total (58 points worth of models)

Deathjack is an expensive, but powerful and focus-efficient character warjack that works well with many casters. With Agathia he is an excellent target for Hellwrought, and he can cast Hellfire for a bit of extra "ranged" ability.

Aiakos1 is one of my favourite solos. He can work as a focus battery, fuelling a warjack so your caster doesn't have to. He can speed up his jacks with Escort and/or make them more deadly with Grievous Wounds. Lastly, he is a decent combat solo in his own right. I put the Reaper on him for no other reason than they both have harpoons and that tickles my fancy.

The Machine Wraith is essentially points filler and could be swapped out. It is good at contesting zones and harassing enemy warjacks.

The other models you'll already be familiar with from battlebox games.

    Step 2    

For Step 2 we're going to upgrade the Slayer to a Seether, add a Desecrator, and add a couple of solos.

Agathia1: [+29 WJP]
  • Deathripper: [6 pts]
  • Deathjack: [23 pts]
  • Desecrator: [14 pts]
Aiakos1: [4 pts]
  • Reaper: [13 pts]
Iron Lich Overseer: [Free] (5 pts)
Hellslinger Phantom: [Free] (7 pts)
Machine Wraith: [2 pts]
Warwitch Siren: [4 pts]
50 points total (91 points worth of models)

The Seether + ILO is a potent combo that hits like a ton of bricks. The Desecrator gets bonus focus just for hanging out around Agathia, has an AOE gun, and the AOE stays in play doing damage which gives you a bit of crowd control vs enemy infantry.

The Hellslinger can let you snipe out important targets, and lastly the WWS is a good utility solo, with 3 different spells that let her adapt to what is needed each turn.

    Step 3    

To expand to 75 points, it really comes down to what you like the look of, what's available, and what you need to beat your local opponents. Look at the List Building Advice section for thoughts on what else is worthwhile to pick up.

    Order Codes    

Click here if you want a list of product codes to hand to your local game store for ordering.   [Show/Hide]
  • All prices are Recommended Retail Price from PP's website (as of 2019.09) and are in $USD.
  • Step 1:
    • PIP 34127 ($40) Cryx battlebox
    • PIP 34130 ($65) Deathjack
    • PIP 34108 ($16) Aiakos1 (Aiakos, Scourge of the Meredius)
    • PIP 34025 ($14) Machine Wraith
  • Step 2:
    • PIP 34077 ($35) Desecrator
    • PIP 34096 ($35) Seether
    • PIP 34083 ($18) Iron Lich Overseer
    • PIP 34136 ($15) Hellslinger Phantom
    • PIP 34075 ($12) Warwitch Siren

25 points & expanding to 50 (Thralls)

In 2019.02 juckto wrote this expansion guide. It's relatively newbie friendly.

    Step 1    

For once I'm not going to recommend the Cryx battlebox (Bane Witch Agathia) to start with, despite it being quite cheap dollars wise. Agathia is a good jack of all trades, able to work with a lot of Cryx options ... but I really don't think thralls and her are a good match.

Instead we're going to go with Deneghra1, the ultimate turd polisher, to make these thralls into a respectable force. We'll put in Barathrum as a heavy hitter, the Hellslinger as a solo hunter, the WWS for support, and the rest is just drowning your opponent with zombies.

Deneghra1: [+26 WJP]
Hellslinger Phantom: [Free] (7 pts)
Warwitch Siren: [4 pts]
Mechanithralls (Max unit): [9 pts]
  • Command Attachment: [3 pts]
  • 2× Weapon Attachments: [4 pts]
Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls: [4 pts]
25 points total (58 points worth of models)

    Step 2    

For Step 2 we're going to get that 3rd Brute we couldn't quite fit in 25 points. We're down-sizing the Mechanithralls to a minimum unit with the intent to Ambush them. Soulhunters have been added as a main combat unit, and the Carrion and Machine Wraiths have been added to try & keep up with the Soulhunters and maybe run a bit of interference for them.

Deneghra1: [+26 WJP]
  • Deathripper: [6 pts]
  • Deathripper: [6 pts]
  • Barathrum: [15 pts]
Hellslinger Phantom: [Free] (7 pts)
Warwitch Siren: [4 pts]
Machine Wraith: [2 pts]
Machine Wraith: [2 pts]
Carrion Thralls (Max unit): [10 pts]
Mechanithralls (Min unit): [6 pts]
  • Command Attachment: [3 pts]
  • 3× Weapon Attachments: [Free] (6 pts)
Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls: [4 pts]
Soulhunters (Max unit): [18 pts]
50 points total (89 points worth of models)

    Step 3    

To expand to 75 points, it really comes down to what you like the look of, what's available, and what you need to beat your local opponents. Look at the List Building Advice section for thoughts on what else is worthwhile to pick up.

If you're running thralls I highly recommend Terminus who, by the way, has a bond with Barathrum.

Caster Thoughts

Battlegroup Casters

You can ignore the thralls completely and run this as a pure warjack theme, and if so you'll want a caster that can run a large battlegroup.

Asphyxious3

Mobility speeds his jacks up and provides pathfinder.

His Field Marshal makes them tougher in melee. Combined with their natural good defense, they become extremely difficult to deal with in an efficient manner. His Feat provides a potentially massive focus turn.

Altogether he might be the single best caster for Black Industries.

Asphyxious3, 9 Slayers

This list became a bit infamous during 2018 and it is, as the name would imply, built around 9 Slayers and a bit of support. The strength of this list has been taken down a bit by (a) people getting used to fighting against it (b) the change to how free points work in Oblivion (2019.09) and (c) the small nerf to Carapace in 2019.07.

What makes this so strong is the combination of Unyielding, Carapace, and Mobility. Your Slayers are ARM 21 vs shooting and ARM 19 vs melee.

They're so fast they can rocket up the board and prevent the enemy getting to the scenario, and position themselves to avoid getting charged. If they do get bogged down they can walk (or trample) out and shrug off most free strikes.

Goreshade1

Goreshade can teleport warjacks with Soulgate, increase their damage with Dark Shroud, and provide even more anti-ranged tech with Stealth.

Also, he's one of the few casters that take the Cephalyx Mind Slaver & Drudges in earnest and not for scenario reasons.

Mortenebra1

She has no trouble running large battlegroups with her Sacrificial Lamb spell.

All her spells are geared around buffing warjacks, when it comes to it.

Mortenebra2

Her battlegroup is more durable with the Salvage Field Marshal, her feat gives them Flank, and 2 of spells (Fail Safe and Locomotion) are warjack-only buff spells.

Venethrax1

He has no trouble running large battlegroups with his Terminal Velocity spell. Free charges make Slayer spam a viable choice. Field Marshal: Countercharge is good fun, too.

Combined Arms Casters

Scaverous
Lord Exhumator Scaverous

Scaverous quite likes Black Industries. There's a lot of magic users that can benefit from his feat, he likes Deathjack, and with the 2019 Remix he no longer needs to spam jacks and now he can take the combined arms force he prefers. The only downsides is that a) there is no great target in this theme for his Soul Harvester spell, and b) he often works better in Scourge, especially since the release of Death Archons.

Skarre2

She can get good efficiency out of warjacks with her Field Marshal: Future Sight, but typically she struggles to fuel large battlegroups and tends to prefer units in her army.

Zombie Horde Casters

Terminus

Terminus likes to surround himself with undead. In this theme he gains access to Erebus and the combination of Terminus' Ravager spell and Erebus' Overtake ability can let Erebus just blitz the enemy.

Other

Trivia

  • Released 2017.09

Other Cryx models/themes

Cryx Logo.jpg       Cryx Index       (Edit)            
Battlegroup & Similar
Warcasters

Agathia - Aiakos2 - Asphyxious1 - Asphyxious2 - Asphyxious3 - Coven - Deathjack2 - Deneghra1 - Deneghra2 - Deneghra3 - Goreshade1 - Goreshade2 - Goreshade3 - Mortenebra1 - Mortenebra2 - Rahera - Scaverous - Skarre1 - Skarre2 - Skarre3 - Sturgis2 - Terminus - Venethrax

Warcaster attachments

The Withershadow Combine - Satyxis Blood Priestess - Skarlock Thrall - Doctor Stygius (Partisan) - Madelyn Corbeau (Mercenary)

Other Warjack Controllers

Jack Marshals: Iron Lich Overseer       "Junior Warcasters": Aiakos1 - Asphyxious4 - Deneghra0

Light

Cankerworm - Deathripper - Defiler - Helldiver - Nightwretch - Ripjaw - Scavenger - Shrike - Stalker

Heavy

Barathrum - Corruptor - Deathjack1 - Desecrator - Erebus - Harrower - Kharybdis - Inflictor - Leviathan - Malice - Nightmare - Reaper - Seether - Slayer

Colossal Kraken - Sepulcher
Units, Solos, Battle Engines, & Structures
Units

Asphyxious4 - Bane Knights - Bane Riders - Bane Warriors - Bile Thralls - BO Boarding Party - BO Ironmongers - BO Smog Belchers - Blackbane's Ghost Raiders - Bloodgorgers - Marauders - Carrion Thralls - Cephalyx Drudges - Cephalyx Overlords - Mechanithralls - Necrosurgeon - Revenant Cannon - Revenant Crew - Satyxis Gunslingers - Satyxis Blood Witches - Satyxis Raiders - Scharde Dirge Seers - Scharde Pirates - Soulhunters - The Devil's Shadow Mutineers - The Withershadow Combine

Solos

Aiakos1 - Agrimony - Axiara - Bane Lord Tartarus - Bloat Thrall - BTO Mobius - Captain Rengrave - Darragh Wrathe - Doctor Stygius - Deneghra0 - Gerlak - Hellslinger - Iron Lich Overseer - Machine Wraith - Master Gurglepox - Misery Cage - Necrotech - Ol' Grim - Pistol Wraith - Satyxis Blood Priestess - Satyxis Raider Captain - Scrap Thrall - Skarlock Thrall - Severa Blacktide - Soul Trapper - Warwitch Siren

Battle Engines & Structures Wraith Engine
Theme Forces
Black Industries - Dark Host - The Ghost Fleet - Scourge of the Broken Coast
Mercenaries
Refer to Who Works for Whom and/or Category: Cryx Mercenary
This index was last updated: 2021.11

Rules Clarifications

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Rules Clarification : Ambush      (Edit)

  • If you attach a WA or CA to this unit, and the attachment doesn't have Ambush, then they all get to Ambush anyway. (Locked Thread)
  • Ambush and Apparition both occur at Step 5 of the Control Phase. However, Ambush specifies the "end" of the Control Phase so you cannot use Apparition on a model that Ambushes. (Infernal Ruling)
  • Declaring Ambush:
    • Choosing whether a unit deploys normally or ambushes needs to happen before deployment.
    So it goes: do the starting roll, Player 2 chooses sides, Player 1 declares Ambushes (if any), then Player 2 declares Ambushes (if any), then Player 1 starts deployment. (Infernal Ruling)
    • If you have both Prey and Ambush, then you declare your Prey target at the normal time (even though the Prey-er isn't currently on the table). (Infernal Ruling)

Rules Clarification : Carapace - None yet. (Edit)

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Rules Clarification : Black Industries      (Edit)

  • The entry which allows "Cephalyx models/units" only applies to Partisan Cephalyx. That's because the theme's rules start off with "this army can only include the following Cryx models"​. Partisan Cephalyx are the only ones that fill that condition.
  • The Cephalyx Agitator also works for Cryx and can go in Black Industries but, because it is not a Partisan, it will use up your Mercenary solo slot.
  • (Infernal Ruling)
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Rules Clarification: Theme Forces     (Edit)

Themes that change a model's Faction   [Show/Hide]
  • Many themes swap which Faction a model counts as. They're slightly inconsistent with how exactly this is worded. Despite this inconsistency - whenever a model is considered a different faction to normal, it will not be its original faction. (Infernal Ruling)
For instance Lukas stops being a Crucible Guard model when taken in an Infernal army, and as a consequence he cannot take Toros or Vanguards in Infernals. (Infernal Ruling)
Rerolling the starting roll   [Show/Hide]
  • You cannot use the theme benefit to reroll if it is a draw. Instead both players reroll until there is a loser, and then the loser can use their reroll benefit (if they have it). (Infernal Ruling)
  • If both players have a reroll, first the original loser uses their reroll.
    • If the original loser still loses, fine.
    • If the original loser now wins, the other player can use their reroll.
    • If it is now a draw, both players reroll until there is a loser. Then the player that hasn't used their theme benefit reroll can still use it, if they want.
Warjacks/Warbeasts with bonds   [Show/Hide]
  • A warjack/warbeast with a bond can always be included in a theme force, whether or not they're in the list of allowed models, but only if they're controlled by that bonded model.
  • This applies even if that bonded model isn't a full warcaster/warlock (changed as of 2018.06).
Including Mercenaries   [Show/Hide]

Number of Mercenaries

  • If your "up to one Merc" ...
    • ... can take warbeasts/warjacks, then you can add warbeast(s)/warjack(s) (without exceeding your "up to one" allowance)
    • ... comes with a Companion model, then you'll get that Companion (without exceeding your "up to one" allowance)
  • There is a bug in Warroom that allows you to not only take one Merc solo/unit, but the entire FA of that Merc solo/unit. It's a bug.

Mercenaries and Ranking Officers

  • Adding a Ranking Officer to a Merc unit doesn't increase the number of Merc units you can take.

Other

  • See also the section on Partisans
Including Partisan Mercenaries   [Show/Hide]

Partisans & Theme Forces (Edit)

  • Partisans are Mercenary/Minion models, so there are two ways you can add them to a theme force:
    1. Freely: If the Partisan is on the list of allowed models, then you can take as many as you want plus another Mercenary unit/solo. (Infernal Ruling)
      They can be explicitly allowed (for example Jaws of the Wolf allows "Kayazy models/units" so Partisan Kayayz can be used freely).
      They can be implicitly allowed (for example Scourge of the Broken Coast allows "living Cryx models/units" and Partisan Cephalyx fit that criteria, so they can be used freely). (Infernal Ruling)
    2. Limited: If the Partisan isn't on the list of allowed models, it does use up your "Up to one Mercenary/Minion" slot, so you can only have the one.
  • Whether you used option 1 or 2 above, once they're in your theme force they count as a Faction model and so:
    • They can be taken as a Requistion Option (if they fit the Requistion description).
    For example Lanyssa can be taken as a free solo in the Legion of Dawn theme. (Infernal Ruling)
    • They will get any theme benefit that they fit the description for.
    For example Storm Division gives all Cygnar models Immunity Electricity, so Partisan Mercs in that theme get immunity too.
    For example Nemo4's Mechaniks get Reposition [3] in Heavy Metal. (Infernal Ruling)
Requisition Points   [Show/Hide]
  • You can choose the same Requisition option as many times as you like, as long as it doesn't put you over a FA limit.
  • You can't mix and match models from different options. Say one option allows 3 Machine Wraiths and another allows 3 Necrotechs. You can't use your Requisition Point to get 2 Wraiths and 1 Necrotech.
  • If you have an option that allows one other solo, you can't use it to get something already on the list. For instance, Ghost Fleet allows 3 Misery Cages (which are FA 4) for one Requistion Point, and it allows 1 other solo. That "other solo" can't be a 4th Cage.
  • If your theme allows "3 weapon attachments" as a Requistion Option, you can spread them into different units. (Locked Thread)
  • Models with the Man-Sized rule count as small-based models for the purposes of being a Requistion Option. (Locked Thread)
Free models and Specialists (ADR)    [Show/Hide]
  • If your theme only allows one merc solo, you can't have one in your main list and a different one in your specialists.
Unit Attachments   [Show/Hide]
  • If a unit is allowed in a theme, any-and-all of its attachments are allowed too. Exception: Ranking Officers are not allowed unless explicitily mentioned.
  • If the theme force gives a benefit to a specific unit, any-and-all attachments to that unit will benefit too. Even if it is a "generic" attachment like the Void Leech. (Infernal Ruling)
    For example, a Trollkin Sorcerer will gain Serenity if its attached to a Dhunian Knot unit in a Power of Dhunia theme force.
  • If your theme allows "3 weapon attachments" as a Requistion Option, you can spread them into different units. (Locked Thread)
  • A non-character unit with a character attachment (i.e. Captain Karli) still counts as a non-character unit. (Infernal Ruling)
When to apply theme benefits   [Show/Hide]
  • With reference to special abilities that themes give to models, Ranking Officers, adding new models, and/or taking control of models:
    1. Theme force benefits are applied when you construct your list or put a new model into play. A model already in play will not lose or gain any theme benefits mid-game based on any changes of faction status or otherwise. (Infernal Ruling)
    2. However, if the theme gives a benefit to models "at the beginning of the game" (such as Devourer's Host letting models begin the game with 1 corpse token) then this benefit does not apply to new models that are put into play mid-game. (Locked Thread)
    • Example 1: Sons of the Tempest says "ATGM units in this army gain Pistoleer". If your opponent takes control of one of them, it keeps Pistoleer while under their control even though it's currently not "in the army".
    • Example 2: Storm Division gives Immunity:Electricity to "Cygnar models in the army." If you include a Mercenary unit with a Ranking Officer, they will get the theme benefit and also keep it even after the Ranking Officer dies.
    • Example 3: Stange Bedfellows gives solos Swift Vengeance. If Nemo4 creates a new solo mid-game, that solo will have Swift Vengeance.

See also these Theme-Specific Rulings   [Show/Hide]
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Rules Clarification : Black Industries      (Edit)

  • The entry which allows "Cephalyx models/units" only applies to Partisan Cephalyx. That's because the theme's rules start off with "this army can only include the following Cryx models"​. Partisan Cephalyx are the only ones that fill that condition.
  • The Cephalyx Agitator also works for Cryx and can go in Black Industries but, because it is not a Partisan, it will use up your Mercenary solo slot.
  • (Infernal Ruling)
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Rules Clarification : The Creator's Might      (Edit)

  • ​Elias Gade is allowed in Creator's Might. (Infernal Ruling)
  • You can spend the "Two Vassal solos" requistion option on one Vassal Mechanik and one Vassal of Menoth. Warroom has a bug and tells you that you can't. (Infernal Ruling)
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Rules Clarification : Flame in the Darkness      (Edit)

  • You can take any number of Mercenary jacks. You can also select two additional jacks from Khador and Cygnar in any combination you like. Character warjacks with a bond don't count against this limit of 2. (Infernal Ruling)
  • There is a bug in Warroom that allows you to take two Cygnar and two Khador jacks.
  • Morrowan Battle Priest:
    • If your warcaster is a Cygnar model that makes every unit you take a Cygnar unit, and Battle Priests can be attached to any unit.
      Warroom has a known bug where it doesn't allow this interaction.
    • If your warcaster is a Mercenary or Khador model, though, the only units the Battle Priest can attach to are the Morrow ones.
    • If you attach the Battle Priest to The Devil's Shadows Mutineers then it can be returned via Blood Bound. (Infernal Ruling)
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Rules Clarification : Llaelese Resistance      (Edit)

  • It is 2 Cruicible or 2 Cygnar or 2 Menoth.
    You can't take more than 2, and you can't mix and match from multiple Factions. (Infernal Ruling)
  • You can have a non-character unit with a character attachment (i.e. Captain Karli). (Infernal Ruling)
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Rules Clarification : The Talion Charter      (Edit)

  • The 3rd benefit is "Sac Pawn [Sea Dog trooper]", not just any Sea Dog. (Infernal ruling)
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Rules Clarification : The Bones of Orboros      (Edit)

  • Una1 cannot be taken in this theme (yet) due to the conflict between the theme's "Only Construct warbeasts allowed" and Una1's "Must take warbeasts with flight". There are no construct warbeasts with flight (yet). But if/when there is, then Una1 can be taken in this theme. (Infernal Ruling)
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Rules Clarification : The Devourer's Host      (Edit)

  • Bradigus1 is not legal in this theme. The theme only allows living warbeasts, his rules only allow construct warbeasts, and you can't just 'skip' his battlegroup - you have to spend your warbeast points.
  • If you create a new model mid-game (ie with the Well of Orboros and that model can have corpse tokens, that model does not enter play with a corpse. Because it's not the beginning of the game. (Locked thread)
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Rules Clarification : The Wild Hunt      (Edit)

  • The animus benefit doesn't apply to enemy warbeasts. (Infernal Ruling)
  • The animus benefit doesn't stack with the Druid Wilder's Herding ability. (Infernal Ruling)
  • When it comes to other things that alter COST (such as Lamentation), follow basic maths: Double/halve first, then add/subtract.
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Rules Clarification : Oracles of Annihilation      (Edit)

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Rules Clarification : The Exalted      (Edit)

  • If a Construct model loses the Construct advantage mid-game, it keeps the theme benefit anyway. (Infernal Ruling)
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Rules Clarification : Band of Heroes      (Edit)

  • Boomhowler2 uses up your Minion slot. His Fell Calls ability is not enough to make him a "Fell Caller model/unit". (Infernal Ruling)
  • Boomhowler3 does not use up your minion slot on account of having the Champion keyword.
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Rules Clarification : The Blindwater Congregation      (Edit)

  • Void Leeches attached to a Gatorman Posse will gain Snacking, but they won't gain extra hitpoints. (Infernal Ruling)
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Rules Clarification : Magnum Opus      (Edit)

  • If Mosby is attached to a Mercenary weapon crew unit, they would gain 3" reposition and would not lose it if Mosby is no longer in the unit. (Infernal Ruling)
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Rules Clarification : Hearts of Darkness      (Edit)