Blackshield Reaver Lord

"I am become the Slayer, the Ancient of Days come hither to consume. Of all these hosts of treacheries mustered, there stands not one shall see the dawn."

- Fragment, Ch XI, Song of the Lords

A Blackshield Reaver Lord was a commander and defacto lord of a Blackshield warband during the Horus Heresy in the 31st Millennium. These ad hoc groups were composed of a wide range of Space Marine outcasts, marauders and those Legiones Astartes of uncertain allegiances or origin, and were invariably led by individuals possessed of a fierce presence and the drive to forge their own destiny, and to sweep others along with them in their quest. Some, were darkly brooding and malign warriors, resentful of the dark fate that had befallen the galaxy. Others enthusiastically embraced their new existence and relished the chance to prey upon those weaker than themselves and to take by force that which they considered their rightful due. Many such Blackshield groups would often adopt entirely new heraldry of their own invention or by a strong-willed leader imposing his vision on the entire band.

History
Once an officer in one of the Emperor's Legions, treachery and fate have caused this warrior to obscure his erstwhile heraldry and to pursue another path entirely. It is around such men that bands of Blackshields invariably coalesced, for they were possessed of a fiery mien and fate visibly rested upon their shoulders. While many appeared to fight because they knew no other existence, a few were said to be following some far grander strategy that only they were able to perceive. There existed no standard type among Reaver Lords, for each was an individual uniquely shaped by the circumstance that caused him to renounce whichever of the Legions had sired him. They ruled their bands with the utmost authority, either through brute force or charisma. All were fearsome and accomplished warriors, peerless leaders and strategists, and the skills they once brought to bear in service to the Great Crusade were now turned towards the cause of caring for their own fates in a galaxy drowning in the blood of its ending.

Notable Blackshield Reaver Lords

 * The Nemean Reaver - This unknown Blackshield Reaver Lord fought throughout the middle years of the Horus Heresy, leading the Blackshield band known as the Dark Brotherhood against numerous foes as he sought to carve out a haven within the Eridayn Cataract. He garnered a reputation throughout the Pale Stars, as was often referred to as simply the Nemean. It is generally believed that he was once an officer of the Ist Legion -- the Dark Angels -- though even this was far from certain. Unconfirmed rumours circulated that he was a survivor of the Rangdan Xenocides, the apocalyptic conflict that saw the nascent Imperium threatened with destruction, and he had already entered into the legends of the Legiones Astartes long before the Horus Heresy. At the Conclave of Optera, he renounced his position and departed with Nathaniel Garro, Knight-Errant of Malcador the Sigillite, for Terra, leaving his lieutenants to take command of the Dark Brotherhood and lead it as they saw fit. It is believed his duty to the Sigillite culminated at the Battle of Terra upon the very walls of the Imperial Palace during the very climax of the Horus Heresy.
 * Nuhmarak - Nuhmarak, the so-called Crippled King of the Void, was a darkly brooding warrior-lord, bitterly resentful of the fate that had befallen the galaxy.

Wargear

 * Power Armour
 * Bolt Pistol
 * Chainsword or Combat Blade
 * Frag & Krak Grenades

Wargear (Terminator Only)

 * Terminator Armour (Tartarus or Cataphractii
 * Combi-Bolter
 * Power Weapon

Optional Wargear

 * Bolter or Pariah Bolter
 * Combi-Weapon
 * Volkite Charger
 * Xenos Deathlock

A Blackshield Reaver Lord may exchange either their bolt pistol and/or chainsword/combat blade for one of the following: A Blackshield Reaver Lord may take any of the following: A Blackshield Reaver Lord may upgrade a single weapon to become: A Blackshield Reaver Lord may exchange their power armour for: A Blackshield Reaver Lord may take one of the following: A Blackshield Reaver Lord may take one of the following:
 * Volkite Serpenta
 * Plasma Pistol
 * '''Archaeotech Pistol
 * Heavy Chainsword
 * '''Charnabal Sabre
 * Power Weapon
 * Power Fist
 * Single Lightning Claw
 * Thunder Hammer
 * Halo Blade
 * A Blackshield Reaver Lord may exchange both their bolt pistol and chainsword/combat blade for a pair of Lightning Claws
 * Melta Bombs
 * Digital Lasers
 * Cyber Familiar
 * Rad Grenades
 * Master-Crafted
 * Pariah Power Armour
 * Artificer Armour
 * Terminator Armour
 * Combat Shield
 * Refractor Field
 * Boarding Shield
 * Iron Halo
 * Jump Pack
 * Space Marine Bike with twin-linked Bolters
 * Legion Scimitar Jetbike with Heavy Bolter