Dactylis
The Dactylis is a large and somewhat rare Tyranid. It takes the form of a large slug-like being, sitting at the back of the front lines in a way uncommon with most Tyranids. It uses its two long and multiple-jointed arms to grab parasites called Bile Pods feeding off glands on the back of its cranium and fling them at the enemy, making distinct whip-like cracks with its limbs as it releases them. These Bile Pods then float to the ground much like Spore Mines do, moving around in search of a target. Initial forms of these Bile Pods were more or less identical to Poison Spore Mines, but later versions of the Dactylis had spore-generating colonies that create a variety of payload.
Originating in Epic, the Dactylis got itself a set of rules in Chapter Approved 2001 for 3rd edition 40k. The creature is very useful if you are considering to use a brood of Biovores. Cheaper than two of those with the full set of Spore Mines, the Dactylis has two Spore Mine Dischargers that it can shoot twice in one turn for a significant output. It is also quite tough with T6 W3 and a neat 2+ save, making it quite a bit more durable than a Biovore.
However the looks and function of the Dactylis has been overall retconned now. This time, the Dactylis are Biovores on Steroids and are large enough to be considered as a form of Bio-Titan. What, you would think that the Exocrine should fill in that list, though you'd be rather silly for thinking this as the Exorcine is a direct fire weapons platform while the Dactylis is an indirect bombardment weapon, kind of like the difference between Tank Destroyers and Self Propelled Artillery. Anyways, while its looks and function may differ back in Epic, its role is still the same in that of a Tyranid super-heavy artillery unit.
Fanmade Rules
8th edition
| Name | M | WS | BS | S | T | W | A | Ld | Sv | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dactylis | * | * | * | 8 | 9 | 30 | 3 | 10 | 2+ | 1000 |
| Weapon | Range | Type | S | AP | D | Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dactylis Birthing Cannon | 24”-360” | Heavy 3D6 | - | - | - | See “Launched Mines” ability. |
| Gigantic Shovel Limbs | Melee | Melee | +4 | -2 | D3 | Make 3 hit rolls for each attack with this weapon. |
| Remaining W | M | WS | BS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21-30+ | 8” | 4+ | 2+ |
| 8-20 | 6” | 5+ | 2+ |
| 5-19 | 4” | 6+ | 3+ |
Abilities:
- Birthing Overload: The Dactylis can send it’s metabolism into overdrive, using its own essential biomass to create even more spore mines to fire at the enemy.
- At the beginning of your shooting phase if this model did not move in the preceding movement phase, then you may have this model suffer D3+1 mortal wounds. If so, this you may fire this models Dactylis Birthing Cannon twice (and at different targets if you wish) until your next shooting phase.
- Ruptured Birthing Sack:
- When this model is slain roll a D6. On a 1 nothing happens, remove this model as usual. On a 2-5 place 3D6 Spore Mine models in base contact with this unit, then remove it from the battlefield. On a 6 however the fatal blow has caused the remaining spore mines in the Dactilyis’ birthing camber to exploding, all units with 2D6” of this model suffer D6 mortal wounds.