hen the Imperial Guard goes to war, it is preceded by the thunderous barrage of heavy artillery. The battleground is churned into a smoking, crater-strewn ruin, amidst which the enemy can only cower for shelter from the fire and shrapnel of the pounding ordnance. Such bombardments might last hours, days or even weeks, and few defenses can withstand the sheer destruction unleashed. When finally the shells cease falling, the vanguard units of the Imperial Guard emerge from the roiling smoke left in the bombardment's wake, and the final assault is launched.

There are many other types of artillery, but the most common artillery piece in the Imperial Guard arsenal is the Basilisk. These self-propelled guns are formed into three-strong batteries.