Necromunda Reliquary
RAW ✔️ The Aranthian Succession – Vaults of Temenos, p72
The Imperial Faith on Necromunda is vast and diverse, encompassing everything from traditional followers of the Imperial Creed to more fringe elements like the faithful of the Redemption. Each of these religious groups often has their own saints, sacred places and relics. This is especially true of the believers in House Cawdor, who find the divine in all manner of cast-off objects, from spent shell casings to bone fragments. Added to this, there is an extensive trade on Necromunda in such items, with reliquarian traders dealing exclusively in relics significant to the Redemption.
What follows are a small selection of these Necromundan relics, along with the classes they fall into. Gangs lucky enough to find one of these objects might benefit from its divine power (real or imagined) and may even carry it into battle with them, granting their leaders and champions a measure of protection or might as determined by the relic in question.
The relics detailed here represent only a fraction of the relics on Necromunda. Players and Arbitrators can, if they want, create their own relics, tailored to their gangs and campaign setting. Creating relics is easy, as all relics fall into one of three categories and one of three classes. Choosing a category and then a class will provide the relic with its game rules and relative power level. As relics come in countless shapes and sizes, the Arbitrator or player then need simply come up with a suitably evocative sounding name and description. Arbitrators might even like to introduce relics based on the exploits of characters and fighters in their games − such as a sacred boltgun once carried by a leader who heroically sacrificed themselves, or perhaps the finger bone of a great villain, slain earlier in the campaign, that has now become a potent protective talisman.
Ministorum Classes and Categories
The Ministorum has a complex (and often convoluted) method for categorising and classifying relics. This ranges from verified objects of great religious significance, that perhaps were once carried into battle by some mighty hero of the Imperium, all the way down to more dubious items of indeterminate origin that might or might not have once been in the possession of some minor dignitary or missionary of the Ecclesiarchy. There are three Classes of relics: Majoris, Minoris and Insignificis as well as three Categories: Aegis, Smiteus and Esoterica.
Majoris: These are the most potent of relics and are both rare and highly sought after.
Minoris: Like Majoris relics these relics are sanctioned by the Ministorum, though they are of lesser importance.
Insignificis: The weakest kind of relic, these objects are often associated with the saints of Necromunda itself.
Aegis: These relics offer protection and warding to the gang or fighter who possesses them.
Smiteus: These relics increase the power of the owner, be it physical might or mental fortitude.
Esoterica: These relics have strange or unusual effects and are often unique in the power they offer.
USING RELICS
The Road to Temenos Campaign uses special Territories called Relics. These Territories grant a boon as usual during the Collect Income step of the post-battle sequence – this represents tithes and donations made by pilgrims come to view the Relic. Additionally, a gang may choose to bear one or more of their Relics into battle with them − though doing so is not without risk!
If they wish, during the Choose Crews section of the pre-battle sequence, a player may equip any fighter with the Gang Hierarchy (X) rule with one Relic. This will grant them a benefit as listed under the Relic's description, however, should the fighter be taken Out of Action, roll a D6; on a roll of a 1, the Relic is added to the stake for this battle.
Gang Relic (Insignificis Esoterica)
Each House has its share of martyrs and heroes, and even the most secular House recognises the power that relics can have on the masses, aiding in many ways from increased morale to gang recruitment.
Boon: D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: If the bearer is on the battlefield at the end of the battle, roll 2D6. If one of them is a 6, add a free Juve to your gang roster. If both are a 6, add a free Ganger to your gang roster. The new fighter can be equipped with weapons and Wargear as normal for a new fighter, paid for from the gang's Stash.
Bullets of the Fallen Saint (Insignificis Aegis)
Ace of Diamonds
A disproportionate number of saints on Necromunda are shot to death. Legend has it that this began with the Lost Saint himself and it is said that his followers then dug the bullets and bullet fragments out of his corpse to carry with them as protective charms which have, in turn, been sold on over the centuries − often, ironically with the promise of offering immunity to bullets.
Boon: D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: The bearer gains a 6+ armour save, that cannot be modified by any means, against damage suffered as a result of hits by a ranged weapon without the Template or Blast (X") traits.
Shards of the Aceros (Minoris Aegis)
Two of Diamonds
Centuries ago, a pilgrim vessel, the Aceros, crashed on Necromunda, killing all those aboard. Considered a powerful act of martyrdom, the ship became a relic in its own right and relic hunters quickly set about pillaging the pieces of the ship's shattered hull, selling them on as holy objects to any who might want a measure of the protection.
Boon: 2D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: The bearer gains the Catfall skill.
Crone's Teeth (Minoris Aegis)
Three of Diamonds
Even outside of House Escher, there are stories of the Blades − those first women warriors who were the mothers of the ancient Clan House. Crone's Teeth are said to be the teeth of the Blades, worked into a gilt necklace. Fighters, especially women, who wear the relic are said to become fearless and ferocious in battle.
Boon: 2D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: The bearer may add 2 to any Cool check they make.
Angel Feathers (Majoris Aegis)
Four of Diamonds
Space Marines are the stuff of legends on Necromunda, often only glimpsed in stained glass windows or as time-worn statues. The Angel Feathers relics are flakes of metal and paint said to have fallen from the armour of one of these great warriors − and those who possess such an item, claim it grants them the protection of the God-Emperor Himself.
Boon: 3D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: The bearer may re-roll failed armour saves.
Footprint of Saint Mina (Majoris Aegis)
Five of Diamonds
Whether or not Saint Mina of the Adepta Sororitas ever set foot on Necromunda is debatable − though there remains a cast of a footprint reputed to be hers, bearing the icons of her order. Considered a powerful protective item, some gangers carry it into battle where they claim it can stop bullets and turn aside blades.
Boon: 3D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: While the bearer has not taken a Wound, they gain a 4+ armour save that cannot be modified by any means. They lose this save as soon as they suffer a Wound.
The Pilgrim's Coin (Insignificis Aegis)
Six of Diamonds
The Pilgrim's Coin is a relic said to be the first coin minted by House Helmawr allowing passage to the sacred sites of Necromunda. This token marks the path the first pilgrim walked on Necromunda, as well as a record of the hives and sacred sites they visited. Even now, possession of this rare coin allows free passage through the religious places of the hive, if you can reach them.
Boon: D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: The bearer gains the Unstoppable trait.
Lor's Lucky Rathide (Insignificis Aegis)
Seven of Diamonds
Rats are not often considered lucky on Necromunda − there being far too many of them for anyone to see them as special. Occasionally, though, there are some who seem touched by the saints themselves, such is the charmed life they lead. To catch and skin such a rat is very lucky indeed (not so much for the rat though!), as is the case with Lor's Lucky Rathide − a mouldy skin of a rat said to have once defied Lord Helmawr and lived.
Boon: D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: The first time each battle the bearer makes the Fight (Basic) action, no Reaction attacks may be made against them.
The Book of Brayne (Insignificis Aegis)
Eight of Diamonds
Officially, House Cawdor does not recognize the works of Brayne, or the so-called Book of Brayne, as it is presented by the fringe elements of the Redemption. Of course, this does not stop the supposed original copy of this ancient tome being a powerful relic to Redemptionists, its wisdom reinforcing their own conviction and turning them into beacons of the faith.
Boon: D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: The bearer gains a 6+ armour save that cannot be modified by any means against weapons with the Melee trait.
Gelt Oil (Minoris Esoterica)
Nine of Diamonds
In the heart of each hive, great machines toil endlessly, churning out arms and equipment for the Imperium. To the workers of the factories, these ancient machines are often seen as gods or mechanical hive saints, revered for their contribution to the wealth of Necromunda. Oil drained from the Great Engine of Primus, revered site of Saint Cognus, is known as Gelt Oil, a substance with countless uses and mystical properties.
Boon: 2D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: The bearer gains the Evade skill.
Skull of Iron (Insignificis Esoterica)
Ten of Diamonds
Older even than the reign of House Helmawr and the arrival of the Imperium on Necromunda, are the Iron Lords of the Araneus Continuity. The Skull of Iron is said to be a relic of this time, though equally it might just be a normal human skull encased in a thin layer of metal, with only the faithful able to discern the true difference.
Boon: D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: Once per battle, during the Priority phase, before rolling to determine priority, if the bearer is on the battlefield their gang may generate one gang tactic from those available to their gang.
Veil of Veronos (Minoris Esoterica)
Jack of Diamonds
Veronos was among the first Cardinals of Temenos and first keeper of the Cathedral of the Emperor Deified. His body was interred in the crypts below the cathedral and his face covered by a sacred shroud. Years ago, stories began to circulate about how this shroud had been stolen and since then, it has become a commonly peddled item among the relic sellers of the hives.
Boon: 2D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: The bearer of this Relic adds 6" to the range of their Gang Hierarchy (X) rule.
Eyes of the Mercator (Insignificis Esoterica)
Queen of Diamonds
It is said that the Mercator Gelt minted the first coins on Necromunda when House Helmawr brought peace and stability to the planet. One of these early coins, known as the Eyes of the Mercator for the staring visage on its face, has become a relic in its own right and is a prized token of luck and faith − especially among those who subscribe to the notion of money as their god.
Boon: D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: If the bearer is on the battlefield when the battle ends, the gang may add an additional D6x10 credits to their Stash.
Chains of St Soronous (Majoris Esoterica)
King of Diamonds
Voost Soronous was said to have been a great healer and biomechanist of the Sanguine Guild. Also a faithful member of the Ministorum, he alone entered Hive Mortis during the great plague to try to heal its people. When he returned to Primus, his own people refused him entry for fear he had been infected − chaining him to the Bridge of Sorrows across the Riftways beneath the hive. The bloody chains from this tale are said to have great healing properties.
Boon: 3D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: The bearer may roll a D6 each time they suffer a wound, on a 5+ they ignore the wound.
Numbers of Cognus (Minoris Esoterica)
Ace of Spades
The Horologium is a sacred item on Necromunda and no part of it is more sacred than the numbers that constantly tick away quotas and work shifts. It is said that Saint Cognus blessed the great Horologium of Primus during an especially impressive production run. The gathered numbers of this clock are a potent relic said to improve the wealth of the bearer's life.
Boon: 2D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: The bearer gains the Overseer skill.
The Patriarch's Vase (Minoris Esoterica)
Two of Spades
The House of Mung is a legend in the underhive, as are the priceless Mung Vases it left behind. Among these, the Patriarch's Vase, a relic said to contain the liquified brain of the Master of House Mung is especially sought after − the latent psychic effect of the Patriarch's brain having a psychedelic effect on all those around the vase bearer.
Boon: 2D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: All fighters (friend and foe) who start their activation within 3" of the bearer must make a Willpower check, if it is failed they become subject to the Insane condition until their next activation. The bearer is immune to these effects.
Likeness of Gaelos (Minoris Esoterica)
Three of Spades
Fragments of Ministorum tomes or pieces of stainedglass windows are rightly considered holy by the people of Necromunda − especially if they bear the likeness of a recognised saint or the God-Emperor. Most famous of these is the Likeness of Saint Gaelos − a statue fragment bearing the partial face of the revered Adeptus Astartes Gaelos.
Boon: 2D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: The bearer gains the Nerves of Steel skill.
Shroud of Temenos (Majoris Esoterica)
Four of Spades
When Martek Helm'ayr died, he was wrapped in a shroud woven of the finest Necromundan spider silk and buried beneath Hive Temenos − or so the story goes. The shroud has since vanished into the underhive, though, for those who can find it, it is said to grant the strength of Martek (or perhaps his protection) to those who carry it into battle.
Boon: 3D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: At the start of each round, after rolling for Priority roll a D6; on a 1-3 the bearer gains the Crushing Blow skill, on a 4-6 the bearer gains the Dodge skill.
Fingers of Valdon (Minoris Esoterica)
Five of Spades
Saint Valdon the Wise was said to have encoded much of his wisdom into great datacrystal stacks so his followers might always heed his sermons. Unfortunately, these stacks were destroyed when Valdon was martyred and since then, only a collection of fragments, known as the Fingers of Valdon, remain, the knowledge contained therein becoming a much sought after relic.
Boon: 2D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: The bearer may apply a +2 modifier to all Intelligence checks they make.
Bones of Helm'ayr (Majoris Smiteus)
Six of Spades
Martek Helm'ayr, also known as the First Helmawr, is the reputed progenitor of the Helmawr line and direct ancestor of the current Lord Helmawr. Even though it is difficult to believe seven thousand year old bone fragments from this illustrious individual still exist, there are countless peddlers who claim just that, and for the right price you can own them for yourself.
Boon: 3D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: At the start of their activation, the bearer may make a Willpower check, if they pass then they may re-roll a single roll to Wound during this activation.
Fire of Redemption (Insignificis Smiteus)
Seven of Spades
Fire is a common symbol of the Redemption, as well as an oft-used tool in their arsenal. While it is difficult to say if one kind of fire is better than another, relic sellers often pass off burning torches and promethium lighters as 'true' fires of the Redemption. The Fire of the Redemption is one such relic, reputed to burn hotter and purer than 'regular' flame.
Boon: D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: Any weapon used by the bearer with the Blaze trait gains +1 Strength
Wheel of Pain (Insignificis Smiteus)
Eight of Spades
To the gangs of the wasteland, engines, wheels and promethium are their gods. Some groups, most notably those of House Cawdor, have even gone so far as to bless vehicles or vehicle parts to grant them great potency. The Wheel of Pain is such a relic, an especially powerful icon of the blessed vehicles and often carried into battle like a banner (when not being used to actually drive a vehicle of course).
Boon: D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: The bearer gains the Bull Charge skill.
Blood of Somnus (Majoris Smiteus)
Nine of Spades
The wandering moon of Somnus has a dark reputation on Necromunda. It is said the first man killed under its purple light was touched by its power and his blood somehow changed and became charged with potency. This blood still exists and is a powerful relic. Some hivers believe that to drink the 'blood' of Somnus before battle grants them the strength to overcome their enemies.
Boon: 3D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: The bearer gains the Hurl skill for the duration of the battle.
Vial of Glurg The Gunk Saint (Insignificis Smiteus)
Ten of Spades
Good gunk is hard to find, but none is so prized as that of Saint Glurg. It is rumoured that Glurg was the first to refine gunk in the underhive and developed special processes that were lost when he drowned in his own supply. There is a special vial of this rare gunk that has become a relic and is considered a powerful totem of the underhive.
Boon: D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: Once per battle, at the start of their activation, the bearer may invoke the blessing of Glurg and touch the vial to their lips. For the duration of their activation, the bearer has the Berserker skill.
Felstyr's Lance (Majoris Smiteus)
Jack of Spades
Felstyr's Lance − a broken power lance − is reputed to hang in the Palace of Bones above the throne of the Thane of Cawdor − though there are many who claim this is a fake and the true relic lies elsewhere. To possess this relic of Necromunda is to have a measure of the General Felstyr's courage and power − or so it is rumoured.
Boon: 3D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: The bearer increases their Cool characteristic by 1 and once per battle, at the start of their activation, they may increase the AP of a single weapon with the Melee trait by 1 for the duration of their activation.
Blade of Shanks (Insignificis Smiteus)
Queen of Spades
Broken knives are not the most uncommon thing in the underhive, though among these are those blessed by Saint Shanks. The saint only blesses those blades which have been broken by committing a particularly impressive murder or similar killing, with the bearer seeing their own luck in combat improved by carrying the relic.
Boon: D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: The bearer gains the Backstab skill for the duration of the battle.
Djangor's Beard (Insignificis Smiteus)
King of Spades
According to the commonly held Necromundan belief, it is extremely rare for a Goliath to grow a beard. This makes the Beard of Djangor a rare relic indeed and a potent symbol of not just the only known Goliath saint, but also the impressive strength he was said to wield. Some have even claimed that wearing the beard is enough for other Goliaths to treat the wearer as one of their own.
Boon: D6x10 credits
Bearer Bonus: Once per battle, at the start of their activation, the bearer may increase their Strength by 1 for the duration of the activation.