The Space Marines are the most feared and respected of all of Mankind's
warriors. Standing over 7' tall due to genetic modification and absolutely
lethal from decades of combat training, Space Marines are the ultimate human
fighting machines. Although relatively few in number – a Chapter is
made of one-thousand Space Marines – their prowess and bravery means
that Space Marines can defeat opponents who outnumber them many times over.
When building a Warhammer 40,000 army, the best place to begin is its
respective Codex. These books are indispensable, not only providing you
with the complete rules and army lists for your army, but also containing
guides on painting, assembling, and selecting your army. Lastly, Codexes
contain the army's background story that you can find nowhere else.
Codex: Space Marines is one in a series of army books books that brings the many diverse races of the 41st millennium to life. Each Codex in the series describes an army in detail, from its history to its heroes. Inside Codex: Space Marines, you will find a wealth of information, including:
Army Lists
The complete Space Marine army list, which allows you to choose your forces
for a tabletop battle. Also included are special rules for selecting
unique traits to personalise your own Chapter.
Background
Details the legendary origins of the Space Marines, their illustrious battle history and their current methods of
recruitment, training and fighting.
Hobby Section
Guidance on the iconography and heraldry of the Space Marines, together with expert tips on collecting, painting, and modelling a
Space Marine army.
Special Characters
Complete rules and background information for five special characters:
Lord Marneus Calgar, Chief Librarian Tigurius, Chaplain Cassius, all of
the Ultramarines Chapter, Captain Lysander of the Imperial Fists, and Captain
Shrike of the
Raven Guard. In addition there are rules for two special Ultramarines
units, the Honour Guard of the Chapter Banner and Tyrannic War Veterans.
As well as being a stand-alone army book, this tome is the foundation for specialised Codexes that detail specific Space Marine Chapters. All Space Marines share similar characteristics regardless of Chapter, and Codex: Space Marines describes the standard Space Marine army. However, different Chapters have different traditions and methods of battle, and they are described in further detail in their respective Codexes. If this sounds interesting, then be sure to check out Codex: Dark Angels, Codex: Blood Angels and Codex: Space Wolves.
Once you get the appropriate Codex in your hands, you'll need some troops to command and form the core of your growing army. Next, we'll take a look at the Space Marine Tactical squad boxed set, the perfect place to find your first recruits.
Next: Gathering the Troops.
Previous: Introduction.
