Ossiarch Bonereapers: A Deep Dive Into Nagash's Legion

Hey guys! Ever heard of the Ossiarch Bonereapers? If you're into Warhammer Age of Sigmar, these bone-construct badasses are something you definitely wanna know about. They're not your typical undead horde; they're Nagash's elite, the pinnacle of his bone-shaping craft. Let's dive deep into what makes them so unique and downright awesome.

Who are the Ossiarch Bonereapers?

The Ossiarch Bonereapers are the meticulously crafted legions of Nagash, the Supreme Lord of the Undead. Unlike the shambling hordes of zombies or the vengeful spirits that make up other undead forces, the Bonereapers are paragons of order and discipline. Each Ossiarch warrior is a construct of bone harvested from countless sources, shaped and animated by powerful necromantic energies and the spirits of exceptional warriors and leaders. They're not just skeletons; they're purpose-built war machines, each designed for a specific role within the Grand Necromancer's armies.

Origins and Purpose

Nagash, being the ultimate control freak, needed an army that wouldn't succumb to the usual undead pitfalls like mindless rage or crumbling to dust. Thus, the Ossiarch Bonereapers were born – or rather, constructed. Their primary purpose? To enforce Nagash's will, collect the bone tithes from across the Mortal Realms, and crush any opposition with ruthless efficiency. They're like the galactic empire's stormtroopers, but made of bone and powered by necromancy. Their creation was a labor of centuries, a testament to Nagash's mastery over death magic and his insatiable desire for absolute control.

The Legion Structure

The Ossiarch Bonereapers are organized into legions known as mortis praetorians, each led by a Mortarch, one of Nagash's most trusted (and feared) lieutenants. These legions are further divided into cohorts, each specializing in different aspects of warfare. You've got your frontline infantry, your heavy hitters, your ranged support, and even your cavalry – all made of bone and operating with chilling precision. This rigid structure ensures that the Bonereapers can adapt to any battlefield scenario and execute Nagash's strategies flawlessly. It’s all about order and efficiency, baby!

Key Units and Characters

Let's take a look at some of the standout units and characters that make the Ossiarch Bonereapers such a formidable force.

Mortek Guard

The Mortek Guard form the backbone of the Ossiarch legions. These are your rank-and-file infantry, but don't underestimate them. They're incredibly resilient, disciplined, and armed with lethal nadirite blades and shields. What makes them truly unique is their ability to fight in perfect synchronization, forming unbreakable shield walls and executing complex maneuvers with ease. They are created from the ground up using the strongest bones from many different creatures. This base is then enchanted to create the perfect soldier. These troops are fearless and will never retreat from the battle.

Kavalos Deathriders

Need some fast-moving bone cavalry? The Kavalos Deathriders are your guys (or skeletons, technically). Mounted on skeletal steeds, these warriors are shock troops, designed to smash through enemy lines and sow chaos. Their lances are tipped with deadly barbs, and their charge is enough to send even the bravest warriors scattering. When these hit the field you can be sure they are there to do some damage and look good while doing it.

Mortek Crawler

For some serious firepower, look no further than the Mortek Crawler. These siege engines hurl massive bone projectiles, pulverizing fortifications and turning enemy infantry into, well, more bone for the Bonereapers. Think of them as the undead equivalent of artillery, raining death and destruction from afar. The best part is when these hit their mark, it is so satisfying. These are hard to get around once they are dug in. So plan wisely!

Katakros, Mortarch of the Necropolis

No discussion of the Ossiarch Bonereapers would be complete without mentioning Katakros, perhaps the greatest military mind (living or undead) in the Mortal Realms. He's not just a powerful warrior; he's a master strategist, a brilliant tactician, and an expert in logistics. Katakros leads the Bonereapers with unparalleled skill, ensuring that every battle is fought on his terms and every victory is secured with minimal losses. If there is one thing to fear, it is his intellect! When he is on the field, everything is by design.

On the Tabletop: Playing as Ossiarch Bonereapers

So, how do the Ossiarch Bonereapers play on the tabletop? In a word: resilient. These guys are tough as nails, able to withstand incredible amounts of punishment and keep on fighting. Their disciplined formations and powerful abilities make them a force to be reckoned with in any battle.

Strengths

• Durability: The Bonereapers are incredibly hard to kill, thanks to their high armor saves and abilities that allow them to shrug off wounds. You will have to commit to killing these troops.
• Discipline: They excel at holding ground and executing complex maneuvers, making them ideal for objective-based gameplay.
• Elite Units: While they may lack the sheer numbers of some other armies, the Bonereapers more than make up for it with the quality of their troops. Each unit is a powerhouse in its own right.

Weaknesses

• Low Model Count: The Bonereapers tend to have fewer models on the table than their opponents, making them vulnerable to being overwhelmed by hordes. Watch out for those large units!
• Vulnerability to Morale: While they are disciplined, the Bonereapers can still be affected by morale-reducing effects, which can disrupt their formations and weaken their fighting ability. But it is not easy to break them!
• Limited Ranged Options: While the Mortek Crawlers provide some ranged firepower, the Bonereapers primarily excel in melee combat. If you are going to shoot them, you better bring the heat.

Tactics and Strategies

When playing as the Ossiarch Bonereapers, it's all about leveraging your strengths and mitigating your weaknesses. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Hold the Line: Use your Mortek Guard to form unbreakable shield walls, protecting your more vulnerable units and controlling key objectives.
• Hammer and Anvil: Use your Kavalos Deathriders to flank the enemy and smash into their lines, while your Mortek Guard keeps them pinned in place.
• Target Priority: Focus your fire on high-value targets, such as enemy heroes or heavy infantry, to cripple their fighting ability.

Collecting and Painting Ossiarch Bonereapers

If you're looking to start collecting Ossiarch Bonereapers, you're in for a treat. The models are incredibly detailed and a joy to paint. Plus, there are plenty of ways to customize your army and make it your own.

Building Your Collection

A great way to start is with the Ossiarch Bonereapers Start Collecting! box. It gives you a good mix of units to get you started, including Mortek Guard, a Mortek Crawler, and a Liege-Kavalos. From there, you can expand your collection with other units like the Kavalos Deathriders, Stalkers, and the mighty Katakros himself.

Painting Tips

When it comes to painting your Bonereapers, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Bone Color: Experiment with different shades of bone to create a unique look for your army. You can use a combination of browns, creams, and whites to achieve the desired effect.
• Metallic Accents: Add some metallic accents to your models to break up the bone and add some visual interest. Gold, silver, and bronze all work well.
• Weathering: Don't be afraid to weather your models to make them look like they've been through countless battles. Drybrushing and washes are your friends here.

Conclusion

The Ossiarch Bonereapers are a truly unique and fascinating faction in Warhammer Age of Sigmar. With their disciplined formations, resilient warriors, and powerful abilities, they're a force to be reckoned with on the tabletop. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, the Bonereapers offer a rewarding and challenging gameplay experience. So, what are you waiting for? Join the legions of Nagash and bring order to the Mortal Realms! And, let's be honest, who doesn't want an army of bone constructs?