The Einhyr Hearthguard are the elite soldiers of the Leagues of Votann, picked from the best Hearthkyn and Theyns a Hold has to offer. They hit hard, take a beating, and show up when a battle needs a decisive push.
What the Einhyr Hearthguard actually are
Think of them as the Kin’s answer to veteran shock troops. They’re chosen from the most accomplished Hearthkyn and Theyns in a Hold, and every one of them has earned the spot through years on the frontlines. The Leagues run on merit, so rank here means something.
On the battlefield they fill several roles at once: bodyguards, first strikers, special forces, and ship boarders. They usually fight in units called Hearthbands, and commanders only commit them when taking a vital objective quickly really matters.
The squad leader holds the rank of Hesyr. They’re dependable like regular Hearthkyn, but their experience and gear push that natural Kin toughness much further.
- Drawn from the best Hearthkyn and Theyns in a Hold
- Serve as bodyguards, shock troops, special forces, and ship boarders
- Deployed in Hearthbands for missions where speed and force are essential
- Squad leader rank is Hesyr
Exo-Armour and weapons
Their Exo-Armour is built from ultra-dense materials on a servo-assisted frame. It’s tough enough to shrug off anti-tank fire while still letting the wearer move freely and even steady their aim while shooting back. Tactical displays and counteragent AI feed into their HunTR interface.
For ranged work, each Hearthguard carries a Volkanite Disintegrator or an EtaCarn Plasma Gun, plus a shoulder-mounted grenade launcher. Melee options are a Concussion Gauntlet or a Plasma Blade Gauntlet, and the Hesyr can swap theirs for a Concussion Hammer.
The armour can also take Teleportation Crests or Weavefield Crests. Many Einhyr carry mechanical, biological, and neurochemical augmentations on top of all that.
| Wargear | Role |
|---|---|
| Volkanite Disintegrator | Ranged, devastating wounds |
| EtaCarn Plasma Gun | Ranged, rapid fire |
| Exoarmour Grenade Launcher | Shoulder-mounted, blast |
| Concussion Gauntlet | Melee |
| Plasma Blade Gauntlet | Melee |
| Concussion Hammer | Melee, Hesyr only |
| Teleport / Weavefield Crest | Armour upgrade |
Einhyr Champions
Einhyr Champions are Hearthguard who’ve risen through the ranks to become close-combat monsters. Kâhls and Hearthspakes pick them for vital missions, and they sometimes guard Votannic Councils. Plenty of Champions go on to become Kâhls themselves.
They wear Exo-Armour fitted with mass drivers, a Weavefield Crest, and a RAM Shield. In combat they swing a Darkstar Axe or Mass Hammer alongside a RAM Shield-mounted Autoch-Pattern Combi-Bolter. The result is a living battering ram that pulverises whatever’s in front of it.
On the tabletop
In 10th edition the unit moves 5″, has Toughness 5, a 2+ save, 2 wounds, Leadership 7+, and Objective Control 1. Every model can swap its EtaCarn Plasma Gun for a Volkanite Disintegrator, and its Concussion Gauntlet for a Plasma Blade Gauntlet.
The Hesyr can take a Graviton Hammer instead of a melee gauntlet, and can trade the Weavefield Crest for a Teleport Crest. Their Decisive Destruction rule lets them re-roll a Hit roll of 1 when shooting the closest eligible target, which pairs well with the faction’s Prioritised Efficiency.
Key facts
- Elite Leagues of Votann unit, chosen from the most accomplished Hearthkyn and Theyns in a Hold
- Roles include bodyguards, shock troops, special forces, and ship boarders
- Wear Exo-Armour that resists anti-tank fire while keeping full mobility
- Squad leader is called a Hesyr; Einhyr Champions are the close-combat elite who often become Kâhls
- In 10th edition they’re Toughness 5 with a 2+ save and 2 wounds each
FAQ
What are the Einhyr Hearthguard?
They’re the elite soldiers of the Leagues of Votann, selected from the best Hearthkyn and Theyns. They act as shock troops, bodyguards, special forces, and ship boarders.
What’s the difference between a Hearthguard and an Einhyr Champion?
A Champion is a Hearthguard who’s climbed the ranks to become a dedicated close-combat leader. They carry heavier gear like a Darkstar Axe or Mass Hammer and a RAM Shield.
What armour do they wear?
They wear Exo-Armour, built from ultra-dense materials on a servo-assisted frame. It can shrug off anti-tank weapons and can be fitted with Teleportation or Weavefield Crests.