Athoria Games Slow Grow League

[W.A.Rorie]

 

Horus Heresy 3.0 Slow Grow Campaign

The Tarkath Front – War for the Galcoran Reach

Duration:: August 2nd 2025 - January 31st 2026

Starting Points: 500 pts

Monthly Growth: +500 pts per month (up to 3,000 pts by January)

Entry Fee: $30 (free if you purchased the Saturnine box)

 

⸻

 

The fires of Istvaan spread unchecked, and now the Galcoran Reach burns. Word of Horus’ betrayal has reached this distant sector in the galactic north, now caught behind the Warmaster’s inexorable advance toward Terra. Ill-prepared for rebellion, the Reach erupts into chaos as warlords, forge-priests, and rogue commanders gather their strength in the Tarkath Sub-Sector, the industrial heart of the region and its last hope for resistance or domination.

 

Campaign Structure

Players are divided into two factions:

• Loyalists
•  Traitors

 

Teams must remain balanced, so please let us know if you’re flexible on which side you’d like to play.

 

Each month represents a new battlefront in the Tarkath Sub-Sector of the Galcoran Reach, with:

•  A unique star system
• A custom mission
• Special campaign rules

 

Pairings and mission packets are released on the first weekend of each month.

 

Lists are updated monthly; new 500pt increments must be submitted by the end of the first weekend each month.

 

List Writing Restrictions

• No Characters with the Unique Special Rules
• Your first 500pt list MUST contain a High Command Unit

 

⸻

 

How to Score Points

Each month you can earn up to 3 points for your team:

• Fully paint this month’s 500pts
• Win your monthly game
• Add to your army’s story with a short passage of written lore

 

Lore passages should be 1–3 paragraphs describing your battle, your commander, or your force’s actions that week. All points contribute to your team’s total to determine control of the current system at the end of the month.

 

⸻

 

Monthly Outcomes and Finale

• The faction with the most points at the end of each month wins control of that system.
• Victorious factions gain a small strategic bonus for future games.
• The campaign will culminate in a massive Apocalypse-scale battle to decide the fate of the Tarkath Sub-Sector.

 

⸻

 

T-Shirt and Campaign Materials

• Entry fee goes toward a custom campaign T-shirt.
• Please send your preferred shirt size to =]Redacted by Order of the Holy Inquisition[= on Discord.

[W.A.Rorie]

Here is this month's mission (August 2025)

 

**Warzone Tarkath**

* Dravik’s Maw System *

 

Once a dumping ground for dead fleets and rusted war machines, Dravik’s Maw now fuels the Tarkath war fronts with scrap munitions and jury-rigged armor. Its forge-slums and salvage gangs strip anything that still holds a charge, shipping parts to the system’s forges. Battles here are desperate and dirty—fought over the bones of old wars to arm the next.

**Teams** 

 

**Traitors** 

 

*Summoned by Erebus and bound by oath, bribe, or threat, the Traitor host is a mongrel warfleet of IIIrd, IVth, XIVth and XVIIth Legion forces—a Dark Compliance force tasked with breaking the Tarkath Sub-Sector to Horus’ will. They bring the fires of Istvaan with them, seeking to scour loyalty from every forge, hive, and heart.*

 

• Brendan C aka Brendan C (Traitor Leader)- XIVth Legion - Death Guard
• John R. aka Pavo-  IIIrd Legion - Emperor's Children
• Geoff G aka Spookyboogie-  IVth Legion - Iron Warriors
• Adam N aka @The_Oni_of_Hindsight- IVth Legion - Iron Warriors 
• Lily B aka Saint Lily-  XVIIth Legion - Word Bearers
• Travis W aka Norcross99- XVIIth Legion - Word Bearers                        
• Chris J aka GrimmWeiss- XVth Legion -  Thousand Sons              
• Wynter G aka Hollow- XIVth Legion - Death Guard

**Loyalists**

 

*What stands against them is a desperate coalition—garrison forces unready for a war from within, Shattered Legion remnants fleeing the tragedy at Istvaan and ragged crusade fleets recalled from humanity's conquests. Outnumbered, under-supplied, and cut off from Terra, they fight not for victory’s certainty, but because there is nowhere left to retreat.*

 

• Roland C aka Roland- VIIth Legion - Imperial Fists
• Spencer E aka Spencer- Vth Legion - White Scars                     
• Andrew B aka @GameRanma- Adeptus Custodes                        
• Anthony J aka Ramah Stormset- VIIth Legion - Imperial Fists  
• Andrew B aka BigBoy- Ist Legion - Dark Angels    
• William R aka @W.A.Rorie- XIVth Legion - Raven Guard        
• John D aka Darth Alpharius- XXth Legion Alpha Legion
• Kaleb J aka Kaleb J- XIVth - Sons of Horus

 

**Week 1 Mission**

Table Size: 4x4
Deployment: Dawn of War
Mission: The Heart of Battle

 

**Pairings**

Lily B v. @GameRanma
GrimmWeiss v. Ramah Stormset (Metal Head Armory Twin Fight)
@The_Oni_of_Hindsight v. Roland C
Geoff G v. Kaleb J
Brendan C v. Spencer E
Travis W v. @W.A.Rorie
Wynter G v. Andrew B.
John R. v. John D.

Edited August 14 by W.A.Rorie
Update

[W.A.Rorie]

Rules Update for Campaign:

 

Great questions, before I dig into them I'm just going to clearly state the rubric I'll be using to rule on questions like this as the league moves on.

 

**From list to list you:**

* can add units
* can add options (including prime traits) and models onto units
* cannot remove units
* cannot remove options (including prime traits) and models from units
* can add and remove detachments
* can redistribute existing units across your detachments as long as you fulfill the core rules requirements for building a legal list

 

So approaching your questions.

• Question 1: Can you give an existing unit a prime trait in a later phase of list building, I'd say that falls under *can add options (including prime traits) and models onto units* so yes.
• Question 2: Can you put a unit in a prime slot but not take a prime benefit? The core book states on page 283 that giving a unit in a prime slot a prime advantage is optional, so you are *fulfilling the core rules requirements for building a legal list.* I hope this is helpful and strikes the right balance between being playable and narratively robust for everyone, let me know if you have further questions.

[W.A.Rorie]

As we draw closer to the start of the League we are starting to post our lists.  

 

@GameRanma's Custodes list

 

Legio Custodes - Slow Grow - [480 Point(s), 1 Auxilary Detachment(s)]

 

++ Crusade Force Organization Chart ++ [480 Point(s), 1 Auxilary Detachment(s)]
Allegiance: Loyalist

 

++ Crusade Primary Detachment ++ [255 Point(s)]
High Command [255 Point(s)]
Tribune [255 Point(s)]: Paragon spear, Misericordia, Arae-shrike

 

++ Auxiliary - Heavy Support ++ [225 Point(s), 1 Auxilary Detachment(s)]
War-engine [225 Point(s)]
Contemptor-Galatus Dreadnought [225 Point(s)]: Galatus warblade, Gravis Praesidium Shield

 

Auxiliary Detachment [1 Auxilary Detachment(s)]
 

[W.A.Rorie]

Ramah Stormset's Imperial Fist List

 

VII - Imperial Fists - Counter Siege - [500 Point(s), 1 Auxilary Detachment(s)]

 

++ Crusade Force Organization Chart ++ [500 Point(s), 1 Auxilary Detachment(s)]
Allegiance: Loyalist

 

++ Crusade Primary Detachment ++ [150 Point(s)]
High Command [150 Point(s)]
Praetor [150 Point(s)]: Archeotech Pistol, Paragon Blade, High Command Detachment Choice (One Auxiliary Detachment)

 

++ Auxiliary - Siege Gauntlet ++ [350 Point(s), 1 Auxilary Detachment(s)]

Support [120 Point(s)]
Rapier Battery [120 Point(s)]: 3x Rapier Crew
• 2x Legionary: Bolter, Bolt pistol, Frag grenades, Krak grenades
• 1x Rapier Carrier (Gravis heavy bolter battery)

 

Heavy Assault [230 Point(s)]
Phalanx Warder-Squad [230 Point(s)]: Boarding shield, Frag grenades, Krak grenades
• 1x Warder Sergeant [10 Point(s)]: Solarite Power Gauntlet, Bolt pistol
• 7x Phalanx Warder [18 Point(s)]: Power axe, Bolt pistol
• 1x Phalanx Warder [28 Point(s)]: Power axe, Bolt pistol, Nuncio-vox
• 1x Phalanx Warder [28 Point(s)]: Power axe, Bolt pistol, Vexilla

 

Auxilary Detachment [1 Auxilary Detachment(s)]

[W.A.Rorie]

GrimmWeiss's Word Bearers List

 

++ Crusade Force Organization Chart ++ [497 Point(s), 1 Auxilary Detachment(s)]

Allegiance: Traitor

 

++ Crusade Primary Detachment ++ [497 Point(s)]

High Command [177 Point(s)]

Praetor [177 Point(s)]: Volkite Charger, Paragon Blade, Burning LoreHigh Command Detachment Choice (One Auxiliary Detachment)

 

Troops [110 point(s)]

Tactical Squad [110 point(s)]: Frag grenades, Krak grenades

1x Sergeant [10 point(s)]: Power Sword, bolter

9x Legionary - bolt pistol, bolter

 

++ Auxiliary - Heavy Support ++ [225 Point(s), 1 Auxilary Detachment(s)]

Heavy Support

Mhara Gal Dreadnought [225 point(s))]: - Warpfire Cannon, Burning Warpfire, Tainted Claw

 

Auxilary Detachment [1 Auxilary Detachment(s)]

Edited August 13 by W.A.Rorie

[W.A.Rorie]

@W.A.Rorie's Raven Guard List

 

++ Crusade Force Organization Chart ++ [500 Point(s), 1 Apex Detachment(s)]

Allegiance: Loyalist

 

++ Crusade Primary Detachment ++ [355 Point(s)]

High Command [165 Point(s)]

Praetor [175 Point(s)]: Corvid Jump Pack, Melta bombs, Pair of lightning claws, High Command Detachment Choice (One Apex Detachment) • 1x Jump Pack Praetor

 

Troops [180 Point(s)]

Assault Squad [180 Point(s)]: Frag grenades, Krak grenades

• 1x Sergeant [20 Point(s)]: Pair of lightning claws, Melta bombs

• 7x Legionary [12 Point(s)]: Chainsword, Bolt pistol

• 2x Legionary [22 Point(s)]: Power maul, Bolt pistol

 

++ Apex - Army Vanguard ++ [145 Point(s), 1 Apex Detachment(s)]

Elites [145 Point(s)]

Seeker Squad [145 Point(s)]: Frag grenades, Krak grenades

• 1x Seeker Sergeant [12 Point(s)]: Melta bombs, Bolt pistol, Kraken bolter w/ chain bayonet (Kraken bolter, Chain bayonet)

• 2x Seeker [20 Point(s)]: Kraken bolter w/ chain bayonet (Kraken bolter, Chain bayonet)

• 1x Seeker [30 Point(s)]: Nuncio-vox, Kraken bolter w/ chain bayonet (Kraken bolter, Chain bayonet)

• 1x Seeker [30 Point(s)]: Augury scanner, Kraken bolter w/ chain bayonet (Kraken bolter, Chain bayonet)

 

Apex Detachment [1 Apex Detachment(s)]

[W.A.Rorie]

@The_Oni_of_Hindsight Iron Warrior's list

 

IV - Iron Warriors - Iron and spite - [485 Point(s)]

++ Crusade Primary Detachment ++ [485 Point(s)]

 

High Command [175 Point(s)] Warsmith [175 Point(s)]: Cyber-familiar, High Command Detachment Choice (One Apex Detachment)

 

Troops [190 Point(s)] Breacher Squad [190 Point(s)]:

• 1x Sergeant [10 Point(s)]: Bolt pistol, Power maul

• 1x Legionary [22 Point(s)]: Bolter, Vexilla

• 1x Legionary [22 Point(s)]: Bolter, Nuncio-vox

• 5x Legionary [12 Point(s)]: Bolter

• 2x Legionary [22 Point(s)]: Graviton gun

Prime Unit (Logistical Benefit (LB - Support))

 

Support [120 Point(s)]

Rapier Battery [120 Point(s)]: 2x Rapier Crew (Quad Launcher - (Frag) (Shatter))

[W.A.Rorie]

Scores (W-L-D/ Total Points) Start:

• Traitors 0-0-0/ 0
• Loyalist 0-0-0/ 0

 

Points Totals Metal Head Armory Start:

 

1. @GameRanma                0 Points
2. GrimmWeiss                       0 Points
3. Ramah Stormset                 0 Points
4. @The_Oni_of_Hindsight   0 Points
5. @W.A.Rorie                     0 Points

 

[W.A.Rorie]

Rules Updates

 

• No Tanks or Dreadnoughts allowed Month 1 due to lack of Anti tank options to be taken. (Confirmed*)
• Question: Logistical Benefit Prime Advantage and at what step it gets locked in at as a Prime Benefit for later in the league.
  •  Answer: We are going to have it lock in at Step 3, which is when you choose what kind of slot it is. That means if you take a Logistical Benefit Prime Advantage to open up a War Machine slot then that unit must have a War Machine slot as its Logistical Benefit for the rest of the Campaign.

 

*Store Leader:  "just a general ask to everyone to avoid using war machines this round. I did it too, I got lost in the sauce and I apologize."

Edited August 14 by W.A.Rorie
Update

[W.A.Rorie]

GrimmWeiss has requested a change for Traitorous XVIIth Legion Word Bearers (3rd Army of Word Bearers). Request Granted by Store Leader 

[W.A.Rorie]

@GameRanma Updated Adeptus Custodes List

 

Legio Custodes - 2.0 - [435 Point(s)]

++ Crusade Force Organization Chart ++ [435 Point(s)]

Allegiance: Loyalist

 

++ Crusade Primary Detachment ++ [435 Point(s)]

 

High Command [255 Point(s)]

Tribune [255 Point(s)]: Paragon spear, Misericordia, Arae-shrike

 

Command [180 Point(s)]

Shield Captain [180 Point(s)]: Paragon spear, Misericordia

 

"Not a good list but i thought it funny to only have 2 models for the first game!" - GameRanma

 

 

Edited August 15 by W.A.Rorie

[W.A.Rorie]

Scores (W-L-D/ Total Points) Start:

• Traitors 1-0-0/ 0
• Loyalist 0-1-0/ 0

 

Points Totals Metal Head Armory Start:

 

1. @GameRanma                0 Points
2. GrimmWeiss                       0 Points
3. Ramah Stormset                 0 Points
4. @The_Oni_of_Hindsight   0 Points
5. @W.A.Rorie                     0 Points

 

Game 1is in the books Traitors Win, Loyalist lost-  points to be calculated. 

"Don't worry loyalist I did you proud I killed 3 models and only lost 2"- @GameRanma

[W.A.Rorie]

Photos from Game 1 of the League: Saint Lily vs. @GameRanma

 

 

 

 

 

[W.A.Rorie]

"We are in the wake of the Istvaan tragedies, and our forces are just beginning to muster at the opening of the Civil War. The sector we are in (The Galcoran Reach) is caught behind the Warmaster’s advance towards Terra and the Tarkath Sub-Sector that we are fighting over would be a valuable supply line for the traitors if they can secure it. For the loyalists, just denying this industrial jewel to the faithless would be a victory, but securing the sector would provide a powerful launch point for an offensive into the Warmaster’s rear guard."

[W.A.Rorie]

GrimmWeiss Updated list

 

XV - Thousand Sons - Too many sons - 

++ Crusade Force Organization Chart ++ 

Allegiance: Traitor

 

++ Crusade Primary Detachment ++

High Command [

Praetor in Terminator Armour : Tartaros, Combi-bolter, Power axe, Pavoni, High Command Detachment Choice (One Auxiliary Detachment)

 

Troops 

Tactical Squad: Frag grenades, Krak grenades, Corvidae

• 1x Sergeant: Bolter, Power sword

• 1x Legionary ]: Bolt pistol, Bolter, Nuncio-vox

• 1x Legionar: Bolt pistol, Bolter, Vexilla

• 12x Legionary: Bolt pistol, Bolter

 

++ Auxiliary - Prosperine Convocation ++

Auxiliary Detachment [1 Auxilary Detachment(s)]

 

Elites 

Khenetai Occult Cabal: Frag grenades, Krak grenades

• 1x Khenetai Blademaster: Paired Achea pattern force sword, Bolt pistol

• 4x Khenetai Blade: Paired Achea pattern force sword, Bolt pistol

 

 

- League Month 1 Game 2- BigBoy: 22 vs Hollow: 3

 

Ramah Stormset: Due to some wysiwyg stuff, I have to change my praetor slightly. He will have a volkite charger and solarite power gauntlet.

 

-League Month 1 Game 3-Ramah Stormset and GrimmWeiss completed their game today. It was 9 to 14 victory to Thousand Sons.

 

 

Scores (W-L-D/ Total Points) Start:

• Traitors 2-1-0/ 0
• Loyalist 1-2-0/ 0

 

Points Totals Metal Head Armory Start:

 

1. @GameRanma                0 Points
2. GrimmWeiss                       0 Points
3. Ramah Stormset                 0 Points
4. @The_Oni_of_Hindsight   0 Points
5. @W.A.Rorie                     0 Points

 

 

 

Edited August 17 by W.A.Rorie

[W.A.Rorie]

The 2 custodes revealed themselves to face the Traitorous Word Bearers. The 2 10 man Word Bearer Tactical squads opened fire on the Custodes. One of the Custodes rush up the middle so to get in to melee. The Word Bearer squads, no longer needing to move fire 60 shots at the Custode. Weathering the fire, the Custode returned with 4 shots of my own killing 2 of them. The Word Bearer assault squad gets in range to charge the tribune and they incapacitates him with their shooting The shield captain moves closer to the assault marines who use a jump away.  The Shield Captain opens fire on the assault marines and failed to wound them, The Shield Captain charge at them killing 1 with volley fire and failing to make it melee. The Word Bearer Tactical Squads combined bolter fire were able to incapacitate him. 

[W.A.Rorie]

Thousand Sons tactical squad Shot engaged the Imperial Fist Wardens with their Preator felling 5 men.  The Thousand Sons Praetor with Khenetai rushed toward the center. The Thousand Sons opened fire again on the Imperial Fist Wardens into battlefield casualties. The Thousands Son Praetor decided to laugh in the face of the Imperial Fist Praetor and underestimated Solarite Power Gauntlet, and was felled. The Khenetai decided to flee back s to collect their Praetor's helmet.  A suppressed Thousand Sons Tactical squad unsuccessfully overwatches and shoots at the Imperial Fist Praetor doing zero damage of overall 23 wounds. Khenetai throw Thousand Sons dead Praetor's helmet at the Rapier squad and tell them to run or die. The Thousand Sons Tactical Squad gets hit hard enough to fall back and reassess how much they want to hold home base. The Thousand Sons Tactical Squad makes connects to the warp, and he accidentally blows a blood vessel. Sometimes happens with the warp.  Their guns blaze into the Imperial Fist Praetor, 4 men with only bolters and a dream, taking him down. The Khenetai serve their last chance by prodding two more marines to death before the Rapier team decides to leave.