What Is Combat Patrol: Emperor's Children (Callous Blades)?
Combat Patrol: Emperor's Children — officially named the Callous Blades, led by Lord Kaphrael — is one of Games Workshop's newer Combat Patrol boxes, released as part of the Emperor's Children return to the Warhammer 40,000 range. Priced at £105, it delivers 17 miniatures built around the themes of perfection, sensation, and excess. This is a relatively new release — rules details should be verified against current GW publications.
Box Contents: What Do You Get?
- 1x Lord Exultant (Lord Kaphrael) — the warlord of the Callous Blades warband, a champion of Slaanesh
- 6x Flawless Blades — elite close-combat warriors obsessed with physical perfection
- 10x Infractors (or Tormentors) — line infantry with Slaaneshi weapons and abilities
- 1x Transfer Sheet — Emperor's Children iconography and markings
Playstyle: How Do Emperor's Children Play?
Emperor's Children are a Chaos Space Marines faction dedicated to Slaanesh, the Chaos God of excess and sensation. Their playstyle emphasises speed, aggression, and powerful melee combat. Key traits:
- Speed and Aggression: Emperor's Children units typically have above-average Movement and abilities rewarding first-strike play.
- Lord Exultant: A melee powerhouse warlord who leads the charge and buffs nearby Emperor's Children units.
- Flawless Blades: Elite shock troops — send them into valuable enemy units to strip expensive models off the table.
- Infractors/Tormentors: The backbone infantry, capable of holding objectives while threatening in close combat.
Important: Emperor's Children rules details may change with new codexes and FAQs. Always verify against the latest GW publications.
Value: Is the Emperor's Children Combat Patrol Worth It?
At £105 for 17 new-sculpt miniatures, this box represents strong value as an entry point for a recently returned faction. As a newer release, the models are among GW's most current sculpts.
Recommended Paints for Emperor's Children
- Pink Horror or Screamer Pink spray for the classic Slaanesh pink armour
- Druchii Violet shade for armour recesses
- Emperor's Children (named paint) for highlights
- Leadbelcher and Balthasar Gold for metal trim and ornamentation
- Pale flesh tones for exposed skin elements
Growing Your Emperor's Children Army
From the Callous Blades, expand with Noise Marines for long-range sonic weapons, more Flawless Blades for elite melee, or a Daemon Prince of Slaanesh as a centrepiece. The Emperor's Children range is expanding — watch for additional releases.
See all Combat Patrol factions compared in our Warhammer 40k Combat Patrol complete guide.