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INTERVIEW·WHITE DWARF 409

This Month in the Design Studio: Tyranid Family Groups

January 2014·pp. 142–145

THE SHORT VERSION

Mark Harrison and Matt Holland explain how shared anatomy links new Tyranids to existing creature families. Gargoyles inform the Harpy, while the Hive Crone’s silhouette and parasites advertise another role. They discuss the Exocrine’s bracing limbs and dominant gun symbiote, the Haruspex’s harvesting mouth and the Guard creatures’ protective anatomy, showing how biological purpose shapes the sculpt.

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This Month In Miniature design Tyranid anatomy

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Find this article in White Dwarf 409, pp. 142–145.

This is an original summary. Refer to your magazine for the complete article, rules, images and painting steps.

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ShowcaseWD 409 · pp. 6–7

Tyranids: Harpy

The new plastic Harpy carries stranglethorn or heavy venom cannons and produces spore mines for attacks on infantry below. The feature draws attention to its large wingspan, rear-facing dorsal vanes and three supplied spore mines, contrasting its swept-back silhouette with the Hive Crone made from the same kit.

Warhammer 40,000Tyranids
January 2014Read summary
ShowcaseWD 409 · pp. 6–9

Tyranids: Hive Crone

Built from the Harpy’s core components, the Hive Crone changes its outline with dorsal chimneys, a different head and downward-facing spikes. Its four tentaclids are living anti-aircraft missiles; digestive sacs feed the drool cannon for ground attacks once the skies are clear. Close-up captions distinguish the two creatures’ weapons and heat vents.

Warhammer 40,000Tyranids
January 2014Read summary
ShowcaseWD 409 · pp. 10–11

Tyranids: Haruspex

Mark Harrison’s Haruspex turns the Tyranid harvesting process into a large centrepiece monster. The article examines its distended mouth, grasping tongue and crushing claws, explaining how the feeding beast breaks down both prey and hard material during the final consumption of a world.

Warhammer 40,000Tyranids
January 2014Read summary