In the Old World there are many dark powers that plague the existance of right-thinking folk, and one such is known as Khaine, the God of Murder. The younger brother of Morr, the God of Death, Khaine is said to have been jealous of his older brothers dominion over the souls of the dead and sought to spite his brother by taking souls for himself, wrongfully stealing the lives of their mortal hosts before their time.

Some of these cultists have found there way to Mordheim, and some were there already, survivors of the fallen cities demise. They seek the wyrdstone for the temporal power it will give them, allowing them to purchase more lethal equipment and attract more members, but primarily just revel in the opportunity to wreak death and plunge their knives into yielding flesh without need to hide from the authorities.

These cultists move about, masquerading as mercenaries, merchants, and men about town, and often times they are to some extent as they need both a cover and an excuse to move around to serve their God without getting caught and killed by the authorities. In Mordheim this hold true as well, and the Cultists masquerade as mercenary warbands. Many times, they wear masks while acting out their dark purposes so that any survivors cannot give away their identities.

Starting Funds

The warband starts with 500 gc to spend as it wishes following unit numbers and weapons restrictions.

Choice of Warriors

A Cult of Khaine band must include a minimum of 3 models, and can have a maximum of 12 models including 5 Heros and 1 leader. A starting warband must be lead by a Chosen One, but should he be killed they may not acquire another; a new leader will step forth from amongst the members of the band.

Hirelings & Dramatis Personae

The following Hired Swords will work for the Cultists of Khaine:

• Ogre
• Blade Master
• Executioner
• Graverobber
• Highwayman
• Mordheim Survivor

Heroes

Henchmen

Equipment

Starting Experience

Spells

The Chosen One has access to the Prayers of Khaine spell list.

Heroes

Henchmen

Playing a Cultist of Khaine Force

A Cult of Khaine band has several obvious advantages. They are very much a skirmishing force, with a good mix of HtH and short-ranged shooting weapons and pretty good gear options.

Pros of the Cultist of Khaine force

1. Excellent range of equipment choices.

2. Largely unaffected by Fear.  

3. The Prayers of Khaine list has some interesting and unusual effects in it that offer unique options.

4. The Fiends are very dangerous and off-putting Henchmen. A well orchestrated rush by frenzied warriors can push an opponent directly into a very bad place.

5. Good mix of HtH and Ranged.

6. Excellent close-in force.

Cons of the Cultist of Khaine force

1. Few in number.

2. Limited number of Hirelings available. The Cultists of Khaine have to fight their own battles without much assistance.

3. Limited number of warrior types. Essentially, there are only four types of warrior other than the Chosen One himself. Also, the Chosen One is the spellcaster and is irreplaceable making for a key vulnerability. In practice if the Chosen One dies a Cult of Khaine becomes basically non-viable.

4. Lightly armored.

5. Limited Henchmen. The Fiends are great, but the Stabbers are correspondingly weak.

The Method behind the Madness

I think the Cultists of Khaine represent a very dark and brooding force, with a very gritty feel to it. The force has got a little bit of everything, and should be able to hold their own against more specialized opponents. They play out a little differently than most of the forces, and provide an interesting challenge both to players and modelers. I personally use a mix of Vesperos Vendetta miniatures (with Vespero as the Chosen One and the others as Stabbers), the Possessed Brethren models for the Rippers and Ravers, and some Chronopia Devilers w/ 2 Swords as Fiends.