Ossiarch Bonereapers: A Comprehensive Guide

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

What are the Ossiarch Bonereapers?

The Ossiarch Bonereapers are the supreme undead legions forged by Nagash, the Supreme Lord of the Undead, from the harvested bone-tithes of conquered civilizations. Unlike the shambling hordes of zombies or the ethereal spirits bound to his will, the Bonereapers are paragons of order, discipline, and martial prowess. They are not driven by mindless hunger or vengeful spirits but by a cold, calculating efficiency. Their sole purpose is to enforce Nagash's will and expand his empire, the Realm of Shyish.

Origins and Purpose

Nagash, ever the planner, recognized the limitations of his previous undead creations. They were numerous, yes, but also unreliable and prone to infighting. He needed something more, something that could truly conquer and hold territory. Thus, the Ossiarch Bonereapers were born. These are not resurrected corpses; they are constructs built from the bones of countless individuals, their skills and memories carefully extracted and implanted into these new forms. Each Bonereaper is a composite being, a fusion of many souls, making them incredibly resilient and tactically flexible. Their creation process ensures absolute loyalty to Nagash, making them the ultimate enforcers of his will.

Organization and Structure

The Ossiarch Bonereapers are organized into a strict hierarchy, mirroring the military structures of the living. At the top are the Mortarchs, Nagash's most trusted lieutenants, who command entire legions. Below them are the Lieges, powerful commanders who oversee smaller forces. The rank and file are composed of various types of bone constructs, each designed for a specific purpose on the battlefield. This rigid structure ensures that the Bonereapers operate with maximum efficiency and coordination, making them a formidable foe on any battlefield. The structure emphasizes order and control, reflecting Nagash's desire for absolute dominion. Every unit knows its place and purpose, ensuring seamless execution of battle plans.

The Necrotopia

The Ossiarch Bonereapers don't just fight; they also build and maintain the Necrotopia, vast cities and fortresses within the Realm of Shyish. These are not places of death and decay but centers of bone-tithe collection, processing, and the creation of new Bonereapers. The Necrotopia is a testament to the Bonereapers' ability to not only wage war but also to govern and expand Nagash's empire. Within these cities, bone is meticulously cataloged, sorted, and repurposed, ensuring a constant supply of materials for the war machine. The Necrotopia represents the Bonereapers' commitment to long-term planning and resource management, making them a truly sustainable and terrifying force.

Playstyle: Death with Discipline

So, how do the Ossiarch Bonereapers play on the tabletop? In general, playing Ossiarch Bonereapers, the army emphasizes tactical play above all else. These guys aren't about overwhelming your opponent with hordes of bodies or smashing them with brute force. They're about control, attrition, and precise strikes. They excel at holding ground, wearing down the enemy, and exploiting weaknesses in their lines. If you enjoy a thinking-person's army that rewards careful planning and execution, the Bonereapers might be perfect for you.

Strengths

• Durability: Bonereapers are incredibly resilient, boasting high armor saves and abilities that allow them to shrug off damage. They are tough to kill and can weather even the most brutal assaults.
• Control: Their unique command abilities and unit formations allow you to control the flow of battle, dictating where and when engagements occur. They can lock down key objectives and deny the enemy crucial ground.
• Attrition: The Bonereapers are masters of attrition, slowly grinding down the enemy's forces through sustained combat and tactical maneuvering. They are patient and methodical, willing to trade blows to achieve their ultimate goal.
• Morale Immunity: As undead constructs, the Bonereapers are immune to morale, meaning they will never flee from battle. This makes them incredibly reliable and unwavering, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Weaknesses

• Speed: Bonereapers are not the fastest army, relying more on tactical positioning than rapid movement. They can be outmaneuvered by faster armies that can dictate the pace of the battle.
• Vulnerability to Mortal Wounds: Like many undead armies, Bonereapers are particularly vulnerable to mortal wounds, which bypass their armor and inflict direct damage. Armies that specialize in mortal wound output can pose a significant threat.
• Limited Ranged Options: The Bonereapers are primarily a melee-focused army, lacking a wide range of powerful ranged units. This can make them vulnerable to armies that can keep them at arm's length and bombard them with ranged attacks.

Key Units of the Ossiarch Bonereapers

Let's talk about some of the key units of the Ossiarch Bonereapers, each with its unique role in the army.

Mortek Guard

The backbone of the Bonereaper legions, Mortek Guard are durable infantry that can hold the line against all but the most devastating attacks. Armed with Nadirite blades and shields, they are effective in both offense and defense. Their unwavering discipline and resilience make them a cornerstone of any Bonereaper army.

Kavalos Deathriders

These mounted warriors are the shock troops of the Bonereapers, capable of delivering devastating charges and disrupting enemy formations. Riding skeletal steeds and wielding lances and shields, they are a fearsome sight on the battlefield. Their speed and mobility make them ideal for flanking maneuvers and hunting down vulnerable targets.

Mortek Crawler

A massive siege engine that hurls bone-shattering projectiles at the enemy, the Mortek Crawler is a devastating artillery piece. Its long range and high damage output make it ideal for softening up enemy lines before a major assault. It is a symbol of the Bonereapers' ability to wage war on a grand scale.

Gothizzar Harvester

A monstrous construct that collects the bones of the fallen and uses them to repair damaged units, the Gothizzar Harvester is a vital support unit. It can keep your units alive longer and ensure that your army remains at full strength throughout the battle. Its ability to recycle bone makes it a symbol of the Bonereapers' resourcefulness.

Katakros, Mortarch of the Necropolis

The supreme commander of the Ossiarch Bonereapers, Katakros is a brilliant strategist and a formidable warrior. His tactical acumen and martial prowess make him a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. He is the embodiment of the Bonereapers' discipline and efficiency.

Strategies and Tactics

So, how do you win battles with the Ossiarch Bonereapers? Here are a few key strategies and tactics to keep in mind:

• Control the Center: The Bonereapers excel at holding ground, so focus on controlling the center of the battlefield. Use your Mortek Guard to form a solid defensive line and deny the enemy access to key objectives.
• Flank with Deathriders: Use your Kavalos Deathriders to outflank the enemy and disrupt their formations. Their speed and mobility make them ideal for targeting vulnerable units and exploiting weaknesses in the enemy's lines.
• Bombard with Crawlers: Use your Mortek Crawlers to soften up enemy lines before a major assault. Their long range and high damage output can cripple enemy units and make them easier to defeat in melee.
• Repair with Harvesters: Keep your Gothizzar Harvesters close to the front lines to repair damaged units. Their ability to recycle bone can keep your units alive longer and ensure that your army remains at full strength throughout the battle.
• Coordinate with Katakros: If you're fielding Katakros, use his command abilities to coordinate your army and maximize its effectiveness. His tactical acumen can turn the tide of battle and lead your Bonereapers to victory.

Army Building Tips

Building a strong Ossiarch Bonereapers army requires careful consideration of unit roles and synergies. Here are a few tips to help you build a winning list:

• Prioritize Durability: Focus on including units that are durable and can withstand a lot of damage. Mortek Guard, in particular, are essential for holding the line and soaking up enemy attacks.
• Include Mobile Elements: While the Bonereapers are not the fastest army, it's important to include some mobile elements to outflank the enemy and exploit weaknesses in their lines. Kavalos Deathriders are a great option for this role.
• Add Some Ranged Support: While the Bonereapers are primarily a melee-focused army, it's still a good idea to include some ranged support to soften up enemy lines before a major assault. Mortek Crawlers are a powerful option for this role.
• Consider Support Units: Support units like the Gothizzar Harvester can significantly improve your army's survivability and effectiveness. They can keep your units alive longer and ensure that your army remains at full strength throughout the battle.
• Don't Forget Command: Include a strong commander to coordinate your army and maximize its effectiveness. Katakros is the ultimate commander for the Bonereapers, but other Lieges can also be effective.

Conclusion

The Ossiarch Bonereapers are a unique and rewarding army to play in Warhammer: Age of Sigmar. Their durability, control, and attrition-based playstyle make them a formidable force on the tabletop. With careful planning and execution, you can lead your legions of undead constructs to victory and enforce Nagash's will upon the Mortal Realms. So, grab your bone-tithe, muster your legions, and prepare to conquer! Thanks for reading, and happy gaming!