One of the things that hasn't changed for psykers is that their powers do not come easy. A psyker must still pass a Psychic test to use a power by rolling equal to or under his Leadership with 2D6. That's no big deal. However, rolling a 2 or a 12 during this test exposes the psyker to the Perils of the Warp rule, which inflicts an automatic S6 hit that allows NO saves. That can be a big deal, though less so on the result of a 2 because the psyker's power still works.

Know Thyself. These conditions make the Leadership and Toughness characteristics of your Librarians very, very important. High Leadership will help your Librarian pass the test in the first place, while the high Toughness will protect him if he fails and protects him from Instant Death. On the Leadership front, it makes a lot of sense to take the 115-point Epistolary over the 100-point Codicier – the extra 15 points gets you Ld10 along with the option for a second psychic power.

Special Character Librarians also present attractive options. Mephiston, the Chief Librarian of the Blood Angels, has a higher Toughness than any other Librarian available, along with Ld10. Tigurius, the Chief Librarian of the Ultramarines, also has Ld10 along with several amazing special rules (like Hood of Hellfire, which doubles the range of his psychic powers). Though both of these characters are restricted and are relatively expensive, Space Marine commanders should give them serious consideration. Both are bargains when you compare their wargear and special rules to their points cost.

In short, you should carefully consider what Librarian you take into battle to reduce his chances of failing a Psychic test. It's no fun watching your 100-point-plus Librarian's brains leak out of his ears.

Next: Powers.
Previous: Introduction.