I am happy to introduce the latest trait: Deathblow. This rounds off the AoE traits with one for each attack type, and also rounds off the number of traits in the game to twenty. As can probably be guessed by the name of the trait, the trigger point will be when a card dies. The rule itself reads as follows:

“When this card is destroyed it makes an attack dealing 80/100/120% of its melee attack value to the card opposite and 15/30/45% to all adjacent enemy cards.”

This therefore is potentially the most damaging trait out there for percentage of attack conversion, able to deal a massive 210% of melee attack at max level when in the centre lane! This is offset by the obvious major drawback of the card having to die to trigger it, and then the loss of control as to when a card is killed, and by which card. This is as much up to the opponent as the player, so will require careful timing on both sides of the field to maximise, or minimise, its effectiveness. 

Thematically this represents a few different scenarios; one when a character is just too stubborn to die, and makes sure to take the opponent with them. Another could be that in its death-throes it will flail/explode/attack uncontrollably or even crush its opponent beneath its bulk. Finally it could be that a character is so enraged, maddened or immune to pain that it takes a while for them to realise that they’ve actually been killed! With such a broad spectrum covered, it can fit nicely into any faction and still feel at home which is always an important goal.

With the theme covered, there are mainly two types of card that will be getting this trait: Small cards, who utilise their fragility to maximise damage output; or large cards that are a priority for your opponent to remove, but now pose themselves as a real trade-off where killing them can be as threatening as leaving them alive!

So the important question, as ever, is who is getting the new trait? Here’s the full list:

Aeldari

Uthrielle – Craftworld Saim-Hann Wraithlord

Lathrangil – Harlequin Solitaire

Kalistri the Huntress – Ynnari Howling Banshee Exarch

Necrons

Engine of Murder – Sautekh Dynasty Canoptek Tomb Stalker

Apparition Construct – Sautekh Dynasty Canoptek Wraith

Servants of the Emperor

Prisoner #01159004151 – Penitent Engine

Penitent Persephanae – Adepta Sororitas Sister Repentia

Eta-7 Sparta – Adpetus Mechanicus Sicarian Ruststalker

Space Marines

Sven Ironfist – Space Wolves Redeptor Dreadnought

Mephiston – Blood Angels Chief Librarian

Malek Rageborn – Space Wolves Wulfen

Brother Gabriel ‘Broken Knife’ – Dark Angels Deathwing Terminator

Brother Brand – Space Wolves Blood Claw

Chaos

Khan’zhar the Red – Wrath of Khorne Bloodthirster

Heartrender – Bloodletter of Khorne

Orks

Da Choppasaw – Bad Moons Deff Dread

Tyranids 

Specimen: LV-009-SA-ζ – Hive Fleet Leviathan Mawloc

Specimen: LV-209-WT-Φ – Hive Fleet Leviathan Carnifex

Remember, always make sure to take your enemy down with you!