Bloodripper Dreadnought

40K3 conversion by Tom and Erik Setzer; Based on 40K2 background and rules by Mike Freeman

Back when i was starting out, the first big model i bought was a dreadnought. Upon studying the datafax, i realised the general lack of firepower. So, i took it upon myself to give a special dreadnought lots of cheesy upgrades. Looking back on them, i think i was on the right track, though i think i can make them a bit more balanced.

Eldar dreadnoughts are not controlled by any mortal body, but an implanted spirit stone of a Eldar hero from ages past. Only the strongest of souls can control a Dreadnought, otherwise they are are used to control Wraithguard robots. Sometimes, when a Exarch dies, they are also implanted into the shell of a dreadnought. Some Exarchs are so absorbed in their aspect that they are not well equiped for the additional firepower role of supporting firepower that Dreadnoughts bring to the Eldar force. Such dreadnoughts are fitted with weapons to to suit their talents in the thick of battle. Rarely do they carry heavy weapons, as their enormity and the reluctance of use by the controller make them added weight, useless. Such dreadnoughts have been deemed "Bloodrippers" by Imperial troops, as they frequently adorn themselves with blood red markings, and they're power fists have many power blades attached to them, making it easy to "slice and dice" enemy troops.

A normal Eldar Dreadnought can be upgraded to a Bloodripper Dreadnought for an additional +15 points.

Also, the Bloodripper may take weapons from the Bloodripper weapons table, as stated below.

Bloodripper Weapon Upgrades

Pheonix Gauntlets............15 points.
These are a complex combination of power fists, blades and plasma guns, used to deadly effect by the Bloodripper. Any Dreadnought that is equiped with Pheonix Gauntlets is counted as having two power fists, and two plasma guns(one on each fist).

Shoulder Weapons
With the frequent loss of heavy weapons, the Bloodrippers are often left without alot of firepower to cover themselves from enemy fire. This was compensated when Bonesingers derived a way to attach common weapon to the shoulders of the Dreadnoughts. The Bloodripper may take any combination of 2 items from the list below. Note that no weapons may be fitted in addition if their is weapons mounted on the Dreadnought's left shoulder.

• Twin Linked Shuriken Catapults............10 points
• Twin Linked Flamer............12 points
• Twin Linked Melta Guns............20 points

Spike Attachments............15 points.
The kneepads, shoulder pads of this Bloodripper are adorned with a variety of armoured spikes, and they are considerably enlarged. Thus the Dreadnought gets +1 attacks and +1 to its armour save (making it a 2+). It suffers -2 Initiative, though. as the large pads make it difficult to move quickly.

Finally, Bloodrippers are subject to some special rules, stated here.

Bloodripper Special Rules

Additional Weapons: The general clumsiness of heavy weapons does not at all suit the fighting style of the Exarchs piloting a Bloodripper, so few chose to arm themselves with them. To represent this, all heavy weapon chosen by a Bloodripper must be fitted in addition, and all heavy weapons cost +10 points more.

Blood Fury: The ferocity and effectiveness of Bloodrippers is legendary, and their combat skill is often beyond reproach. They are adept at finding weak points and striking with intense power. Bloodrippers may lose 1 Attack to add a +1 strength bonus to their power fists, or add a d6 to their armour penetration.

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