Ossiarch Bonereapers: A Comprehensive Guide

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the world of the Ossiarch Bonereapers. If you're looking to command legions of undying bone constructs on the tabletop, you've come to the right place. This guide will cover everything from their lore and playstyle to their units and strategies. Let's get started!

What are the Ossiarch Bonereapers?

Ossiarch Bonereapers are the meticulously crafted legions of Nagash, the Supreme Lord of the Undead, in the Age of Sigmar. Unlike the shambling hordes of zombies or the spectral hosts of the Nighthaunt, the Bonereapers are the pinnacle of undead discipline and martial prowess. Each Ossiarch warrior is constructed from the harvested bones of countless souls, carefully arranged and imbued with a spark of Nagash's power. This process creates beings of immense strength, unwavering loyalty, and chilling efficiency. They are not driven by mindless hunger or spite, but by a cold, calculating purpose: to enforce Nagash's will and expand his dominion. Their society is structured around a rigid hierarchy, with powerful Mortarchs leading legions of Mortis Praetorians, who in turn command the rank and file of the Ossiarch armies. The Bonereapers are the ultimate expression of Nagash's vision for the Mortal Realms – a realm ordered, controlled, and eternally subservient to his will.

Lore and Origins

The lore of the Ossiarch Bonereapers is as fascinating as it is grim. These aren't your typical shambling undead. Nagash, the Supreme Lord of the Undead, created them as the ultimate expression of his will. They are forged from the bones of the worthy (and sometimes the not-so-worthy), meticulously assembled and animated by necromantic energy. Each Bonereaper is a composite being, drawing upon the skills and memories of the countless souls whose bones comprise their form. This gives them a unique blend of martial prowess and strategic acumen, making them formidable opponents on the battlefield. Their origins are rooted in Nagash's desire for perfect control and order. He sought to create an army that was not driven by mindless hunger or petty grudges, but by absolute obedience to his commands. The Ossiarch Bonereapers are the result of this ambition: an unwavering force that will stop at nothing to achieve their master's goals. They represent the pinnacle of Nagash's necromantic art, a testament to his power and his vision for the Mortal Realms.

Playstyle

On the tabletop, Ossiarch Bonereapers offer a unique and rewarding playstyle. They are a durable, elite army that excels at attrition warfare. Their units are generally tougher and more resilient than those of other factions, allowing them to weather heavy fire and grind down their opponents over time. They are not the fastest army, but they are incredibly difficult to shift once they have established a foothold. The Bonereapers also have access to powerful command abilities and synergies that can further enhance their durability and combat effectiveness. Their Mortarchs, such as Katakros, Mortarch of the Necropolis, are among the most powerful heroes in the game, capable of single-handedly turning the tide of battle. However, the Bonereapers are not without their weaknesses. Their elite nature means that they typically have fewer models on the table than their opponents, making them vulnerable to being swarmed. They also rely heavily on their command abilities and synergies, so disrupting these can significantly hamper their effectiveness. Overall, the Ossiarch Bonereapers are a challenging but rewarding army to play, requiring careful planning and tactical execution to master.

Key Units and Characters

Let's break down some of the key units and characters that make the Ossiarch Bonereapers such a force to be reckoned with. Understanding their roles and capabilities is crucial for building a successful army.

Katakros, Mortarch of the Necropolis

Katakros is the undisputed commander of the Ossiarch Bonereapers, and one of the most powerful heroes in the game. He is a master strategist and tactician, capable of coordinating his forces with unparalleled precision. On the battlefield, Katakros is a formidable combatant in his own right, wielding a deadly blade and surrounded by a retinue of elite Praetorians. However, his true strength lies in his command abilities. He can issue powerful orders to his troops, boosting their attack, defense, or movement. He can also manipulate the flow of battle, ensuring that his forces are always in the right place at the right time. Katakros is a must-have for any serious Ossiarch Bonereapers player, and his presence on the battlefield can significantly increase your chances of victory. He is the ultimate embodiment of Ossiarch discipline and martial excellence, a true leader who inspires his troops to fight to the death (and beyond).

Mortek Guard

The Mortek Guard are the backbone of the Ossiarch Bonereapers armies. These are the rank-and-file infantry, and they are incredibly durable and disciplined. Armed with either Nadirite blades or spears, they form unwavering shieldwalls that can withstand even the most brutal assaults. What makes them truly special is their synergy with other Ossiarch units. They benefit from command abilities that boost their attack and defense, and they can also be supported by Mortek Crawlers and other heavy weapons platforms. Mortek Guard are essential for holding objectives and controlling the battlefield, providing a solid foundation for your army to build upon. They are not the flashiest unit, but they are reliable, resilient, and absolutely crucial for any Ossiarch Bonereapers army.

Necropolis Stalkers

Necropolis Stalkers are the elite infantry of the Ossiarch Bonereapers, and they are among the most terrifying warriors in the Mortal Realms. Each Stalker is possessed by the spirits of multiple legendary warriors, granting them a unique blend of skills and abilities. On the battlefield, they are incredibly versatile, capable of dishing out devastating melee attacks or providing tactical support where needed. They can switch between different fighting styles on the fly, adapting to any situation. This makes them incredibly difficult to predict and counter. Necropolis Stalkers are perfect for flanking maneuvers, assassinating enemy heroes, or breaking through enemy lines. They are expensive, but they are worth every point, and they can easily turn the tide of battle with their raw power and versatility.

Mortek Crawler

The Mortek Crawler is the heavy artillery piece of the Ossiarch Bonereapers. These massive war machines hurl volleys of bone shards and necromantic energy at the enemy, obliterating anything in their path. They are slow and cumbersome, but their firepower is unmatched. Mortek Crawlers are perfect for softening up enemy formations before your Mortek Guard advance, or for providing long-range support to your other units. They are also surprisingly durable, able to withstand a significant amount of damage before being destroyed. However, they are vulnerable to fast-moving units that can get close and engage them in melee combat. Therefore, it is important to protect your Mortek Crawlers with screens of Mortek Guard or other supporting units. With proper positioning and support, Mortek Crawlers can be a devastating addition to any Ossiarch Bonereapers army.

Strategies and Tactics

To truly master the Ossiarch Bonereapers, you need to understand their strengths and weaknesses and develop effective strategies and tactics. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

Maximize Synergies

The Ossiarch Bonereapers are an army that thrives on synergy. Many of their units have abilities that buff other units, or that are enhanced by the presence of other units. Therefore, it is important to build your army around these synergies. For example, Mortek Guard benefit from being near Lieges, while Necropolis Stalkers can be buffed by Katakros. By carefully positioning your units and using command abilities effectively, you can create a powerful and resilient fighting force.

Control the Battlefield

The Ossiarch Bonereapers are not the fastest army, but they are incredibly durable. Therefore, it is important to control the battlefield and dictate the terms of engagement. Use your Mortek Guard to hold key objectives, and use your Mortek Crawlers to provide long-range fire support. Deny your opponent space to maneuver, and force them to come to you. Once you have established a solid defensive line, you can then use your Necropolis Stalkers and other elite units to launch counter-attacks.

Weather the Storm

The Ossiarch Bonereapers are designed to weather the storm. They are incredibly resilient, and they can withstand a significant amount of damage before being broken. Don't be afraid to take a few hits, and don't get discouraged if you fall behind early in the game. As long as you can hold your ground and continue to grind down your opponent, you will eventually emerge victorious. Patience and perseverance are key to success with the Ossiarch Bonereapers.

Utilize Command Abilities

Command abilities are crucial for the Ossiarch Bonereapers. Katakros, in particular, has access to a wide range of powerful command abilities that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your army. Use these abilities wisely, and time them carefully. For example, you can use Katakros's "Supreme Lord of the Undead" ability to boost the attack and defense of your Mortek Guard, or you can use his "Master Tactician" ability to reposition your units and outmaneuver your opponent. Mastering the use of command abilities is essential for unlocking the full potential of the Ossiarch Bonereapers.

Conclusion

The Ossiarch Bonereapers are a unique and rewarding army to play in Age of Sigmar. They offer a blend of durability, firepower, and tactical flexibility that is unmatched by any other faction. With careful planning and skillful execution, you can lead your legions of undead warriors to victory and establish Nagash's dominion over the Mortal Realms. So, gather your bones, hone your strategies, and prepare to conquer! Thanks for reading, and happy gaming!