Introduction to the Ossiarch Empire
Welcome to the world of Warhammer Age of Sigmar. If you are reading this from a hobby room in Mumbai, a gaming cafe in Bangalore, or a quiet corner in Delhi, you are part of a rapidly growing community of Indian tabletop gamers. Today, we are diving deep into one of the most disciplined and visually striking armies in the game: the Ossiarch Bonereapers. Unlike the shambling zombies or chaotic spirits of other Death factions, the Bonereapers are a professional standing army. They don't just kill; they collect a tithe of bone to construct more of their own kind. If you enjoy playing a faction that rewards strategic positioning and resource management, this guide is for you.
What Makes Ossiarch Bonereapers Unique?
The primary draw of the Ossiarch Bonereapers (OBR) is their distinct playstyle. In a game where most armies rely on a limited pool of Command Points, the Bonereapers use a unique system called Relentless Discipline. This reflects their nature as a highly organized military force. Every unit in your army is essentially a cog in a grand machine, capable of executing complex maneuvers that would leave other factions in disarray. For an Indian player looking to start their first army, OBR offers a very 'elite' feel. You won't have hundreds of models to paint, which is a blessing if you are trying to balance the hobby with a busy career or studies.
The Bone Tithe System
Lore-wise, these beings serve Nagash, the God of Undead. They offer civilizations a simple deal: provide a regular supply of bones, or be harvested entirely. On the tabletop, this translate to a faction that is incredibly durable. They have access to various ways to ignore wounds and bring back slain models, making them one of the 'tankiest' armies in the game. When you play OBR, you aren't just playing a game of dice; you are playing a game of attrition.
Core Army Rules and Mechanics
To master how to play Ossiarch Bonereapers, you must understand their special rules. The most important is the Relentless Discipline system. Instead of getting standard Command Points at the start of a round, you generate points based on the heroes and units you have on the board. These points are used to issue special commands that are unique to the Bonereapers.
- Nadirite Weapons: Most of your frontline troops carry weapons that get better when you roll well. This makes even your basic infantry capable of punching above their weight class.
- Deathless Warriors: This is your bread and butter for survival. It gives your units a chance to shrug off damage even after failing a save roll. In the heat of an Indian summer gaming session, staying cool while your opponent's attacks bounce off your shields is a great feeling.
- Hekatos Leadership: Your unit leaders (Hekatos) can issue commands without needing a hero nearby, representing the autonomous tactical brilliance of the bone-constructs.
Key Units to Build Your Army
Starting an army in India can be a bit of an investment due to shipping and local hobby store pricing. You want to make sure your first purchases are high-value units that will stay in your list for a long time.
Mortek Guard
These are the backbone of every Ossiarch list. They are elite infantry with incredible defensive stats. When equipped with shields, they become a wall that is almost impossible to move. In most 2,000-point games, you will want at least 20 to 40 of these models. They are the ones who will hold the center of the board while your specialized units do the heavy lifting.
Kavalos Deathriders
Every army needs speed. The Deathriders are your heavy cavalry. They are fast, durable, and hit like a truck on the charge. In the sprawling tables often used in Indian club meets, having the ability to redeploy quickly is essential for scoring objectives.
Gothizzar Harvester
This is arguably one of the coolest models in the range. It is a giant construct that follows your infantry into battle. Whenever a model (friend or foe) dies nearby, the Harvester can use those bones to repair your units or even bring back dead Mortek Guard. It turns your army into a self-healing machine.
Arch-Kavalos Zandtos or Liege-Kavalos
You need a leader who can keep up with your cavalry and provide essential buffs. These heroes generate extra discipline points and make your units much more efficient in combat.
Choosing Your Subfaction (Legion)
The Ossiarch Bonereapers are divided into different Legions, each with its own flavor. Choosing the right one depends on your preferred style of play.
- Mortis Praetorians: The most balanced choice. They excel at counter-charging, allowing you to punish opponents who try to attack your lines.
- Petrifex Elite: If you want your skeletons to be as tough as tanks, this is the one. They get buffs to their save rolls, making them incredibly difficult to kill.
- Stalliarch Lords: Perfect for players who want to play aggressively. This legion focuses on speed and charging.
Strategic Tips for Success
When learning how to play Ossiarch Bonereapers, positioning is everything. Because your army moves relatively slowly (except for the cavalry), you cannot afford to be in the wrong place. You must anticipate where the battle will be in two turns and start moving there now.
The Layered Defense
Always keep your Gothizzar Harvester behind a block of Mortek Guard. This creates a 'castle' effect. Your opponent will struggle to kill the guards, and even when they do, the Harvester will simply put the bones back together. It is a frustrating wall for your opponent to hit, which is exactly where you want to be.
Resource Management
Don't spend all your Relentless Discipline points in the first turn. Save some for the crucial combat phase where a 'Shieldwall' command can save your entire unit from being wiped out. Think of it like managing a monthly budget; don't spend it all on day one.
The Indian Hobby Context: Painting and Maintenance
Playing Warhammer in India comes with unique challenges, specifically climate. The high humidity in many parts of the country during the monsoon can make spray priming a nightmare. When painting your Bonereapers, I recommend using brush-on primers or waiting for a dry day with humidity below 60%. Since the army is mostly bone, the 'Slapchop' method or using Contrast paints works wonders. A base of Wraithbone followed by Skeleton Horde contrast paint will get your army table-ready in no time, leaving you more time to focus on strategy.
Storage is also key. The dust in Indian cities can settle into the fine details of your models. Invest in a good air-tight plastic container with some foam padding or magnetic sheets to keep your legion safe and clean between games.
Conclusion
The Ossiarch Bonereapers are a rewarding faction that offers a mix of tactical depth, incredible models, and a resilient playstyle. Whether you are playing at a local store in Pune or a friend's house in Chennai, showing up with a fully painted legion of bone-constructs is a statement. They are an army that demands respect on the battlefield and rewards players who think several steps ahead. Start small with a Vanguard box, get used to the discipline points, and soon you will be collecting the bone tithe from all who oppose you in the Mortal Realms.
Are Ossiarch Bonereapers good for beginners?
Yes, they are a great starting army because they are elite and have fewer models to paint and manage. Their high durability also makes them forgiving if you make a mistake in positioning.
Where can I buy Ossiarch Bonereapers in India?
You can find them at specialized hobby stores in major cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi. Many online retailers also ship across India, though you should always check for local stock to save on shipping costs.
What is the best way to paint bone quickly?
The fastest way is using a light primer followed by a wash of Contrast paint like Skeleton Horde or a traditional wash like Agrax Earthshade. This brings out all the skeletal details with very little effort.
Can I use Ossiarch Bonereapers in other game modes?
While they are designed for Age of Sigmar, their models are often used in homebrew RPGs or as proxies in other fantasy tabletop games, making them a versatile addition to your collection.
