Horus Heresy 2e Review: Dark Emissary

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

3/5 stars. Somewhat niche, but playable Sons of Horus HQ for allied detachments.

Background. 

Eyes, ears, examples of the skills that Horus demanded of his traitorous allies, and executioners for those who fell short. The dark emissaries were sent by Horus to keep tabs on his allies and guide them along the required path.

Strengths.

I rather like this unit as it is not only fluffy, but provides an interesting option to the traitor player. 

If part of an allied detachment, then that whole detachment gains stubborn. This is a nice boon which means that the entire detachment is probably going to be using the emissaries Ld throughout at minimum. 

The staff of dark authority (probably a big staff with an eye of Horus on the top in modelling terms?) gives Ld=10 in a small bubble for pinning and morale. This is a great boon. It also functions as a power weapon striking with AP3 and therefore this emissary is ready to tackle other power armour enemies. 

Weaknesses.

This consul has to be built with the allied detachment in mind. What is it going to be: regular tactical squads, breachers, etc? I kind of like the thought of breachers here, but this could go a lot of ways. I'm honestly thinking here of an allied detachment consisting of little more than 1 HQ and 1 Troops, but of course that could be expanded. 

Build.

Dark Emissary in Tartaros Armour, Grenade Harness (105 points).

Unless you're taking terminators in the allied detachment, cataphractii armour is probably sub-optimal so stick with tartaros. Take a thunder hammer to taste? 

Dark Emissary, Boarding Shield (85 points).

Cheap. Cheerful. To be placed with a breacher squad.