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I'm just finishing off my parasite of mortrex and note that while in the codex picture it appears to be wielding scything talons, it's description shows rending claws. If I model based on the picture, will I have any problems over using rending in combat as there are no upgrades possible for this unit?

While on the subject, I have to admit that I don't like the biomorphs on the sprues for gaunts, warriors etc so have modelled them all cleanly. Do I need to have glands shown if I pay for adrenal glands on the warriors for instance?

Do you want an answer from a rules standpoint, or a fluff standpoint?

Rules say WYSIWYG only applies to characters, and even then allows for wargear not shown on the model as long as you tell your opponent what's what pre-game. So from a rules standpoint, he can be wielding a paperclip bent into the shape of a smiley face for all the rules care. If he's armed with rending claws, he's armed with rending claws.

From a fluff standpoint, I'd say model him the way he looks in his codex entry. Those images are meant to represent his distinct look, so that's what you should base the model on.

For Parasite, since there's no model and the unit has no options anyway - as long as it's distinctive and you say "that the parasite of mortrex" you'll be fine.


For your units, it really ought to be marked in some way but you don't have to use the glands and things. Coloured claws, etc is perfectly valid also if you're consistent.

I have seen a few tyranid armies where one model in each brood had a built-up base and that one model had all the biomorphs modelled. Lets you and your opponent see what each brood has, let's you change biomorphs easily (just build a couple of different marker models)