Rise from the Ashes with Imperatus, Ashen Phoenix
Imperatus, Ashen Phoenix rises to the tabletop… and then does it again. Greetings House Kallyss players, Fraser here from the Warmachine development team to reintroduce Imperatus to the new age of Warmachine.
Imperatus brings two particularly notable features to the tabletop. Veterans will remember the Phoenix Protocol of the past. Well, it's back... but the eldritch have gone above and beyond in making it more potent than ever before.
The Phoenix Cycle
Throughout the game, Imperatus will cycle between three Phoenix Protocols, each granting uniquely powerful abilities for one turn.
The abilities Phoenix Protocols bring forth can be critical in both keeping Imperatus safe while manoeuvring around the battlefield and engaging the enemy. Be wary, each is fleeting, and only one is active at any time.
Retribution supplements Imperatus’ already impressive damage output, while also letting him sidestep through enemy forces.… However, it has no defensive properties whatsoever, so it can cost him in the survivability department both before and after he rekindles.
Wildfire makes Imperatus particularly dangerous to shoot, especially given the number of shots it will take to go through him twice. Although this protocol doesn’t help much against melee attacks, it can really make the opponent’s life difficult after a rekindle placement.
Voidwalker gives Imperatus the often clutch Ghostly rule, allowing his 80mm to bypass all manner of terrain and other models, while also offering immunity to knock down, further defence against ranged attacks, and dodge. A potentially dangerous combination any opponent will have to be mindful of.
Phoenix Risen
In true phoenix style, Imperatus doesn’t stay dead. And for a superheavy with two POW 20 swords and POW 14 AoE guns, that can be a problem.
Imperatus is near unparalleled in their ability to charge into the opposing army, cause carnage, and live to do it all again the following turn. Impressive, right? Well, 24 points buys you a whole lot of “impressive”. And really, it’s only 12 points per life. Very cost-effective when you think about it.
However, before you contemplate all that, let’s take a look at more of the eldritch devastation Imperatus brings to the battlefield.
Start here with Imperatus
Don’t play House Kallyss and Imperatus has won you over? I don’t blame you.
To get you started, let me guide you through some notable synergies House Kalyss has with the Ashen Phoenix.
Hazaroth, Narcissar of Ruin
Imperatus absolutely shines with Hazeroth, with the feat fully healing Imperatus after her rekindles. And that’s not to even mention Escort and Shadowmancer to bring Imperatus to a 13” threat range and POW 22!
Hellyth, Scyir of Nightfall
Want to try shooting Imperatus at -5 RNG? Or engaging him with dodge and Admonition? Yeah, me neither.
Morayne, The Blade of Twilight
I’m not even going to explain how good no-KD plus Pursuit is.
Scyrafael, Nis-Issyr of Desolations
+2 SPD and DEF you say? I’ll have some of that.
Tyrus, Nis-Arsyr of Spiders
The blessed card only works once. Have fun going through an Inviolable Resolve Imperatus twice.
The Ashen Phoenix is coming to rise again. Imperatus hits hard, refuses to stay down, and brings a fierce new eldritch edge to your Dusk House Kallyss army.
Has Imperatus kindled your desire to fight alongside the Empire of Eternal Dusk? You can start your very own Dusk House Kallyss army here today and be ready for when the Ashen Phoenix begins its rebirth next week.
