Let's take a closer look at the new archetypes in the Void Shadows DLC: the first-tier archetype — the Bladedancer and the second-tier archetype — the Executioner. Both are primarily focused on attributes desirable for any melee combatant. These new archetypes not only complement each other excellently but also open up numerous lucrative synergies with existing character-build options.
Bladedancer
Available Second-Tier Archetypes: Assassin, Master Tactician, Arch-Militant, Executioner.
Characteristics: Weapon Skill, Strength, Toughness, Agility.
Skills: Athletics, Medicine, Carouse, Awareness, Demolition.
The Bladedancer is an elusive acrobat, skillfully manoeuvring through the battlefield in a deadly dance. With each kill, they gain charges of Death From Above: an ability allowing the Bladedancer to perform a short jump, dealing damage to all enemies in the impact zone. Death From Above damage scales with Agility and Weapon Skill. If such a display of prowess isn't enough, the Death Waltz heroic act enables the Bladedancer to repeat this pirouette multiple times in succession: the more Agility the character has, the longer they can continue this dance of death. And when deep behind enemy lines, completely surrounded, the Bladedancer can effortlessly return to the cell where they began their turn by utilising the Acrobatic Artistry ability, leaving bewildered foes unable to punish the bladedancer’s incisive incursions. This impressive arsenal will satisfy anyone looking for ease of strategic positioning and manoeuvrability across the battlefield, such as a Master Tactician or Arch-Militant.
But what if the "death" in Death Waltz attracts you more than the "dance?" The Bladedancer is ready to shed blood, whether it be that of their enemies, allies, or even their own. Performing a blood sacrifice, forfeiting their own life force, the Bladedancer strikes swiftly and precisely, critically injuring their foes. This deadly focus can also serve as a defensive measure: the Bladedancer's mastery with two-handed and dual-wielded swords is so great that they can conceal themselves in a literal Blade Shroud, reflecting incoming shots back at their enemies, albeit at the cost of overstraining and damaging themselves.
Executioner
Available First-Tier Archetypes: Warrior, Operative, Bladedancer.
Characteristics: Weapon Skill, Strength, Toughness, Intelligence.
Skills: Athletics, Medicine, Lore (Imperium), Lore (Xenos).
This archetype is available to Warriors, Operatives, or Bladedancers who revel in the heart-wrenching screams of their victims. The Executioner specialises in manipulating damage-over-time effects, vastly increasing their potency and converting them into debilitating injuries. Each of the Executioner's strikes is meticulously calculated to maximise the deadliness of afflictions on their enemies: comprehensive knowledge of anatomy allows this gruesome warrior to dismantle foes piece by piece, deepening lacerations and intensifying haemorrhaging as their knowledge of Medicine increases.
The Executioner is perfect for characters with the Biomancer or Pyromancer Psyker origins. Connoisseurs of incendiary bombs, toxic grenades, flamethrowers, needle weaponry, and other exotic instruments of pain will also find the Executioner especially delightful.
With Reckless Abandon, the Executioner carelessly plunges the entire battlefield into excruciating agony, sharing in the torment themself and enhancing damage-over-time effects at the cost of their own health. The Executioner can then hurl all opposition into peril with their heroic act: Carnival of Misery — foes are set ablaze, poisoned, and suffer heavy bleeding. But that’s not all, for the Executioner's heroic act doubles the damage over time of these effects! And after all their foes are burning, poisoned, and bleeding, you can savour in their agony until they fall silent, for the terrifying master of torture draws power from their very suffering. By way of the Gift of Torment ability, the Executioner receives bonuses to armour, evasion, and deflection, scaling with the number of enemies afflicted by damage-over-time effects.
And, finally, the Executioner’s Where It Hurts initiates the toccata-finale in their wonderful symphony of pain. After using this free-action ability, the Executioner’s next attack immediately triggers a burst of multiple damage-over-time procs on the target, ending those effects along with the lives of their hapless victims.
Be the fiercest adversary your foes have ever encountered — call forth a typhoon of blood with a whirlwind of attacks and let them tremble in your wake! Armed with new, powerful abilities, you and Kibellah will paint the battlefield in the noble hues of the Death Cult: an exhilarating performance for you and a convocation of doom for those who dare to confront you. See you in the first DLC amidst the Void Shadows!
