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The following rules and Codex changes apply when using a Word Bearers Chaos Space Marine army. The entire army must be Word Bearers, not just one or two squads.

The only Mark that may be assigned to models in a Word Bearer army is the Mark of Chaos Undivided. They are allowed to use any type of Daemon however.

Because of the large numbers of Daemon packs that the Word Bearers can call upon, they may always include additional Troops choices on the Force Organisation chart to replace one each of the Elite, Fast Attack and Heavy Support choices. Effectively, this means they could have nine Troops selections in the same army although they would then only have two each of Elite, Fast Attack and Heavy Support.

Amongst the Word Bearers the most distinctive leaders are their Dark Apostles. Only the Word Bearers include Dark Apostles in their ranks and they are the zealots that drive the Legion onward. Word Bearers Dark Apostles are always recognisable by the Accursed Crozius they carry as testament to their origins. Any Word Bearers Mighty or Exalted Champion can be given an Accursed Crozius to make them Dark Apostles.

Dark Apostles will often have the Demagogue skill (see below) to better motivate their followers, but it is not compulsory.

During the Horus Heresy most of the Chaplains of the Traitor Legions resisted the taint of Chaos and were murdered by their brethren. The Chaplains of the Word Bearers Legion embraced Chaos willingly though and as an act of faith ritually desecrated their once sacred weapons. These Accursed Crozius have a powerful effect as talismans of Chaos, proving that even the most pious of the Emperor's followers can be turned to the path of damnation.

The Accursed Crozius is a power weapon that is available only to Word Bearers models with the Mark of Chaos Undivided. Additionally, the bearer enjoys the protection of the Dark Gods and receives a 4+ Invulnerable save.

The Word Bearers are exceptionally well-versed in the counter-arguments to the Imperial Creed. Moreover their Dark Apostles are skilled orators, able to incite their brethren to a fanatical fervour.

Any Chaos Space Marine units with a model within 6" of a character with the Demagogue ability will automatically pass any Morale test they are required to take. This skill is available only to Independent Characters.