THE HEX
The Hex are a faction comprised of living organisms that have been infected with the Hex virus. The virus was created as a result of radiation-based gene manipulation experiments carried out on samples of insect eggs from Atlan. Six eggs responded positively to the experiments and the insects that hatched from these eggs grew into what are now known as the Pure Strains. The virus caused them to grow unnaturally large and develop frightening intelligence. Since breaking free of humanity's containment, they have nested away somewhere in the Archon system. Their countless offspring now gather in swarms and prey upon all other life they come across, spreading the Hex virus as they do so.
In some Hex swarms the virus has developed particularly aggressive characteristics. The symptoms experienced by the infected are grotesque, with foul gasses and oozing fluids being excreted from their bodies. These maladies make this strain of the virus much more contagious than others, with infection almost guaranteed for any living beings that get close to the hosts. The rapid infection rate also benefits the hosts by weakening nearby enemies and making them easier prey.
In some Hex swarms the virus has developed a more passive nature. Instead of symptoms that directly aid in external transmission of the virus, this strain of the virus causes extreme mutation in the host's own body. The virus enhances growth in all parts of the body, resulting in massive, powerful creatures that can dominate any prey. They spread the virus primarily through reproduction, with the largest and strongest mutants reproducing the most successfully.
In some Hex swarms the virus has been exposed to human hosts. The virus developed certain characteristics that leverage human intelligence to improve the neural capabilities of the swarm. Creatures in the swarm can communicate with one another at much further distances due to enhanced sensory organs that have grown in their bodies. They also share a collective memory passed on from generation to generation through the virus, allowing them to learn and implement more advanced strategies and tactics.
Formations & Unique Feats
Virulent Swarm
The strain of Hex virus carried by these swarms is particularly contagious. Even the toughest enemies that come into contact with the infected suffer debilitating symptoms almost immediately.
Mutant Swarm
These swarms are primarily comprised of monstrous abominations possessed of a ravenous hunger for anything they are able to overpower and consume. The strain of Hex virus they carry promotes rapid growth and mutation.
Neural Swarm
The infected in these swarms possess remarkable sensory capabilities that allow for communication across greater distances. This makes it possible for the Pure Strains commanding them to directly influence their actions on the battlefield. As a result, these swarms mobilize with sophisticated tactics and frightening intelligence.
Faction Rule - Hex Hierarchy
Viral Overload
In the Battle Phase, select an enemy unit in Battle Range to get -1 to the results of their Resist Rolls against all attacks until the end of the Phase.
Attunement
In the Control Phase, a selected Abomination unit can control an Archive and score Victory Points on it in the current Round.
Neural Coordination
In the Action Phase, select a Soldiers unit that is no longer eligible to perform an Action in this Round. That Soldiers unit gets to perform another Action in this Round.
Biology
Faction Overview
Psychology & Society
The Hex as a faction follow a strict hierarchy within their swarms. The Pure Strains rule over all others as the faction's progenitors and leaders. The hierarchy flows downward through the ranks based on the size, strength, and intelligence of each individual, with the smallest and weakest drones being at the bottom. Drones will swarm around their leaders to protect them at all costs and rile themselves into a frenzy while doing so, becoming more dangerous to their enemies.
The Hex Hierarchy rule is active throughout the entire battle for all Hex Soldiers and Dregs units. These units have the ability to accompany themselves to a Hex character during battle and they become more powerful when they do so.
Download the Hex specs for the detailed rule description.
The Hex are mostly insectoid creatures that are descendants from the six original Pure Strains. Most trace their lineage back to a single Pure Strain and they share consistent physical characteristics. However, some are the offspring of two Pure Strains that have interbred to create hybrid offspring with varied physical characteristics. These are the lineages of the Pure Strains and the common physical characteristics of each one:
Manti
They have thin, agile bodies protected by a hard, spiked carapace. They have two large, bladed arms, four thin legs, and two retractable wings that fold out from under their carapace. They move extremely fast and have lightning-quick reflexes.
Rech
They have thick, resilient bodies protected by a hard carapace. They have two arms with dexterous hands, four thin legs, and two long sensory antennae. They wield biochemical ranged weapons in their hands or grown onto their bodies.
Coleo
They have massive, resilient bodies protected by a thick armoured carapace. They have two muscular arms, four muscular legs, and huge spiked horns on their heads.
Arak
They have agile, hairy bodies with four arms and four legs. They have six eyes and large venomous fangs protruding from their mouths. They can produce sticky webbing to disable enemies.
Optero
They have thin, agile bodies with four arms and two legs. They have four large wings that allow them to fly at high speeds and also hover in place. They have a long tail tipped with a venomous stinger and large compound eyes that give them a 360 degree field of vision and the ability to see at extremely far distances.
Terma
They have soft, bloated bodies with six legs and sharp spines all over. They have large gaping mouths with lots of sharp teeth and multiple long grasping tongues. They reproduce at an extremely high rate, laying eggs shortly after they consume something.
The Hex virus coexists in a symbiotic relationship with the insectoid members of the faction, but the virus has also come into contact with humans. In human hosts, the virus takes on a more parasitic role, severely diminishing the host's brain function and slowly consuming the host's body. These human carriers of the virus still have basic motor function and survival instincts, but they no longer feel pain and their consciousness is driven by a need to spread the virus they carry.