The Oncoming Swarm
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ATTN: All Ordo Xenos Inquisitors, Segmentum Tempestus
T Index 999.M41
RE: New Tyranid Splinter Fleet Observed
Designation: Hive Fleet Minotaur
Thought for the Day: Blessed are the narrow-minded
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Extract: Classified by Inquisitor Amalthea on western continent of Knossos Prime. Tyranid strain appears to specialize in infiltration and terror tactics. Allegedly arrived in-system via gene pod in possession of pure-strain genestealer brood. Cult subsequently founded presumably for needed protection for Norn Queen incubation and subsequent infestation by Tyranid microbes and assault organisms. Consequently Shadow in the Warp appeared without warning and without the usual appearance of a hive fleet in planetary orbit. Inquisitor's investigation transcribed on experimental holo-pod. Hive ship calved during final death throes of Knossos Prime. Inquisitor Amalthea did not survive the experience.
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Conclusion: Inquisition believes Minotaur swells its ranks through genestealer cults.
Directive: Seek and Destroy all Space Hulks in the Vicinity of Knossos Prime.
Mission Assets: Inquisition requests three tactical squads of Iron Hands space marines for support.
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ALERT: Planet Ulander Secundus, Governor's Office, Murru Hive reports disappearances of several youths of prominent families as well as possible mutations in the underhive. Investigate possible infestation.
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THE EMPEROR PROTECTS!
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Portraits of the Hive
A tervigon and her spawn. Note the termagants even now being birthed from her amniotic sac.
A trygon prepares to attack.
The sinister hive tyrant leads the assault, shielded from harm by a ferocious guard brood.
A hideous mawloc bursts from the ground.
A mycetic spore bursts open to release a brood of frightful zoanthropes.
A hive guard brood lurks behind the front line to snipe at the prey.
Flanked by a wave of gaunt organisms, a brood of pyrovores prepares to fling itself upon its victims.
As the main body of the swarm advances, biovores launch their spore mines to harass and terrorize the prey.
A Tyranid Prime leads a brood of warriors, adding its strength and cunning to theirs.
More and more mycetic spores begin to litter the landscape as the Hive Mind's assault intensifies.
Digestion pools litter the landscape, creating serious hazards for mechanized troops.
The end is near! A bio-titan lumbers onto the field, bellowing its hunger and smashing aside everything in its path.
As capillary towers thrust themselves from the rebelling earth, a dreaded sight appears...
The Swamlord rises to confound the prey. And at his feet, the remains of his latest victim are feasted upon, further morsels to feed the hive fleet.
The Swarm hungers not only for the flesh of the galaxy, but its very soul! The hated and feared Doom of Malan'tai, bane of the Eldar, appears to sow death and madness.
Army List
A typical army list for Hive Fleet Minotaur stresses lightning raids and multiple threats to distract and disorientate its prey, overwhelming enemy commanders with the sheer number of conflicting priorities.
HQ
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Swarmlord (1): 280 pts.
Tyrant Guard (3) - Scything Talons: 180 pts.
ELITES
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Zoanthrope (3): 180 pts. Mycetic Spore (1): 40 pts.
The Doom Of Malan'tai (1): 90 pts. Mycetic Spore (1): 40 pts.
Hive Guard Brood (3): 150 pts.
TROOPS
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Hormagaunt Brood (20) - AG, Toxin Sacs: 200 pts.
Hormagaunt Brood (20) - AG, Toxin Sacs: 200 pts.
Termagant Brood (20) - Fleshborer: 100 pts.
Tervigon (1) - Stinger Salvo, AG, Toxin Sacs, Cat, Taken As Troops: 195 pts.
Termagant Brood (20) - Fleshborer: 100 pts.
HEAVY SUPPORT
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Biovore Brood (2): 90 pts.
Total: 1845 pts.
Dreams & Mindstorms: The Origins of this Army
As a relative newcomer to 40K, I wondered which of the many armies could inspire me to stick with it and create something that could capture my imagination. Then I found the bugs!
The tyranids have fascinated me ever since I first saw the genestealers on the box of the original Space Hulk board game, long before I ever became a 40K hobbyist. An endless tide of snarling, shrieking monsters punctuated by huge beasts rolling over any opposition and devouring all in their path! It's the stuff of nightmares, something that appeals to a huge Lovecraft fan such as myself.
The paint scheme was designed to convey the slimy and inhuman nature of these alien insectoids, specifically the green highlights which were inspired by one too many childhood activities involving squashed gypsy moth larvae.
Lurking Threats: What is on the Horizon
More conversions are in the planning stages. The Parasite of Mortrex and an even more grisly mycetic spore should be next!
Primordium: The Tale of Hive Fleet Minotaur
My in-progress fanfic for this hive fleet can be found on Warpshadow at the following location...
http://www.warpshadow.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=14105
