The Hive Guard are a strange Tyranid life form. They are usually not seen until the capillary towers and spore chimneys have formed on the surface of a world the Tyranids are seeking to consume. Then they are brought forth to guard these lifeforms which have no real protection. The Hive Guard stands out as a unique creature even amongst the Tyranids in its extreme specialization for its role. The Hive Guard's six-legged form provides it with a stable-firing platform for its Deadly Impaler cannon.
Tatical Data
The Hive Guard is one of the most dangerous shooting units in the current Tyranid Codex. The big advantage they have is a 24" indirect fire Assualt 2 weapon. The Impaler cannon has quite the punch being able to take out most light vehicles at its Strength 8. Still the amazing BS of 4 means that your shots will probably land on target. Hive Guard is a little delicate in Assualt with only 2 wounds and 2 initiative. So protect them well.
Weapons
Impaler Cannon
The living shard beasts of the Hive Guard's Impaler Cannon are little creatures that guide the large harpoon like spikes. These bony missiles are twice the height of a man and can be fired indirectly at targets in cover. This makes the Impaler Cannon great at denying cover saves since your opponent must be touching the cover and not just behind it to gain the benefits. With a strength of 8 it can even be used against transports and other lightly armoured vehicles in a pinch.