Up until now, we've assumed that all models have been armed with a hand weapon. Swords, axes, clubs and maces are all hand weapons, as are more esoteric weapons, such as punch daggers, brass knuckles and fighting claws. We even use this rule to cover natural weapons, such as claws, teeth and horns.

We assume that all troops and characters have turned up to the battle with at least one suitable fighting hand weapon each, although many troops are also equipped with one or more other, more specialised weapons. As the main rules assume that every warrior has a hand weapon, we don't need to discuss further special rules – a model with a hand weapon fights precisely according to the rules laid out in earlier chapters.

However, there are many other types of weaponry available to the warriors of Warhammer.