warhammer the old world Archives - Felix's Gaming Pages

Dwarf Anvil of Doom

In times of greatest peril, the Runesmiths bring forth the Anvil of Doom, a relic of unparalleled antiquity and the most sacred of Dwarfen heirlooms. It is upon these ancient surfaces that the legendary rune weapons of myth were originally shaped. Imbued with the primordial magic of the earth, the anvil is a weapon in its own right; by striking its face with meticulous precision, a patient Runelord can awaken the dormant power bound within, channeling a devastating chorus of ancient runes to smite their enemies and bolster their kin.

Constructing the Jade Lancers

When I made a trip to Warhammer World in June 2025 I was pleased to see the then new models for the Army of Grand Cathay for Warhammer Old World on display. I really liked the Cathayan Sentinel especially the paint job which made it look like it was terracotta. I also saw a posting on the Warhammer Community site about where Lewis from the Warhammer Studio had painted some Jade Warriors as terracotta warriors.

I started thinking about creating and painting a whole army in this style, so I bought a Cathayan Sentinel and the Grand Cathay Battalion.

I started constructing the Jade Warriors. After finishing some of those models I started on the Grand Cannon and the Jade Lancers.

The Jade Lancers represent the elite heavy cavalry of Grand Cathay’s armies, formidable shock troops drawn from the very best of the disciplined Jade Warriors. Clad in ornate, heavy cataphract armour that gleams like polished jade and mounted on barded warhorses, they are a sight to behold on the battlefield. Wielding long Cathayan lances, they are trained not only for devastating charges across open plains but also for intricate manoeuvres through the narrower confines of city streets and fortified breaches, making them exceptionally versatile. Their thunderous arrival shatters enemy lines, embodying the implacable might of the Celestial Dragon Emperor’s domain.

I do think the construction of the Jade Lancers is quite complicated, the horses are made up of quite a few components. Most of the horses have only one hoof on the ground, something that you couldn’t do with metal models, but can with plastic.

Still a fair few to construct.

Dwarf Slayers

Dwarf Slayers are defined by a singular, tragic obsession: to wash away a past dishonour through a magnificent death against a monstrous adversary. Their existence is a relentless hunt for conflict. When the Dwarfen realms march to war, these fierce warriors emerge from self-imposed exile, eager to join their kin and hurl themselves into the thickest fighting where the odds are heaviest.

Terracotta Cathayan Grand Cannons

I started constructing the Jade Warriors. After finishing some of those models I started on the Grand Cannon.

Cast in the likeness of roaring dragons, the Grand Cannons of Cathay unleash torrents of flame and iron upon the foe. Whether saturating a wide front or concentrating their explosive power into a single, devastating projectile for sieges, they remain a cornerstone of Cathayan might.

First models to be made were the crew. I constructed two of the crew first. The third crew member was built, as was the Ogre loader.

I have been thinking about how I will paint the Grand Cannon. The human crew will be terracotta like the Jade Warriors. I think I will also need to reflect on how to paint the Ogre Loaders, who are mercenaries. First thoughts are to paint them as terracotta too. As for the cannon itself, that I think will be more brass than clay. I think a cannon made out of terracotta would explode upon firing.

I think I will landscape the base before affixing the cannon.

I have also gone down the cannon route rather than the Fire Rain Rocket Battery option.

Coming soon, Mercenary Ogres

For Warhammer: The Old World you will soon be able to order (from 4 July for a week-long order period) some classic Mercenary Ogres.

No doubt drawn by the presence of exotic (if scaly) meats, a band of Mercenary Ogres is marching upon the Old World seeking fame and fortune. Or just, you know, obscene amounts of food. You’ll be able to get your hands on a set of three with great weapons, three with hand weapons, and a cheery Captain overseeing his troops. Decked out in less civilised armour and outfits than regular Imperial Ogres, they’re a great way to add more character to your Dwarfen Mountain Holds and Empire of Man armies.

The Captain is one of my favourite Citadel miniatures, and is also one I never had in my collection. Can you guess who will be clicking the order button on the 4th July.

Skeleton Chariots

Skeleton Chariots are the pride of the Tomb Kings, gilded and lethal machines crewed even in death by Nehekhara’s finest warriors. Often fielded en masse, their rattling advance is heralded by clouds of dust, thrown high into the air as they thunder across the sands. Crashing into the enemy with bone-shattering force, these vehicles crush living bodies beneath their heavy wheels as their undead crew lay about the disorientated foe.

Skeleton Archers and Skeleton Warriors

The most numerous and fundamental units in the armies of the Tomb Kings of Khemri are the Skeleton Warriors and Archers. These soldiers were once the living legions of ancient Nehekhara, loyal footsoldiers who were entombed with their kings to continue their service in the afterlife. Now, centuries after the great ritual that cursed their land, they are reanimated by the incantations of Liche Priests, rising from their sandy graves in a tide of brittle bone and rusted weapons.

Though individually weak and lacking the martial prowess of their living counterparts, their true strength lies in their numbers and unwavering loyalty. They march in relentless, disciplined ranks, forming the unyielding core of the Tomb Kings’ army, serving as an anvil against which the foe is broken. The Skeleton Warriors, armed with spears or hand weapons and shields, are a formidable block of infantry, while the Skeleton Archers, with their warbows, provide a storm of arrows to harry and weaken the enemy from a distance.

Dwarf Warriors

Solid, broad, and fiercely resilient, Dwarf Warriors are built for the grind of war.

When they advance, the momentum of their heavily armoured frames hits the enemy like a tidal wave of iron.

With a resounding crash, they shatter enemy defences and plow through formations, leaving only ruin in their wake.

These Dwarf Warriors were on display at Warhammer World.

More photographs of miniatures of the Dwarfen Mountain Holds.

Terracotta Cathayan Grand Cannons

I started thinking about creating and painting a whole army in this style, so I bought a Cathayan Sentinel and the Grand Cathay Battalion.

I started constructing the Jade Warriors. After finishing some of those models I started on the Grand Cannon.

First models to be made were the crew.

These were a lot easier to construct than the warriors.

Next step will be to make some more models.

The Battle of Matorea at Warhammer World

The Warhammer Old World diorama, “The Battle of Matorea,” is a breathtaking tableau that vividly brings to life a dramatic clash between the chivalrous Bretonnian Knights and the ancient, undead legions of the Tomb Kings of Khemri. This expertly crafted scene captures a pivotal moment in what must have been a desperate struggle, highlighting the contrasting aesthetics and fighting styles of these two iconic factions.

Settra the Imperishable lays siege to the coastal city of Matorea with a massive undead host as Cecil Gastonne, the Wyrm Slayer rallies its hopelessly outnumbered defenders. Just as the city’s defences begin to fail, the trumpeting of silver clarions sounds in the east, heralding the arrival of Duke Gastille. Have the duke and his knights arrived in time to lift the siege, or will they join the doomed defenders in a heroic death?

At the heart of the diorama, the Bretonnian Knights, resplendent in their vibrant heraldry and polished plate armor, are depicted mid-charge, lances lowered and banners flying high. The dynamism of their assault is palpable, conveying the sheer force and faith with which these champions of the Lady throw themselves into battle. One can almost hear the thundering hooves and the shouts of “For the Lady!” as they aim to shatter the brittle ranks of their skeletal foes. The diorama likely showcases various knightly orders, perhaps even a Duke or a Grail Knight, leading the charge with unwavering determination, their mounts rearing or galloping furiously into the fray.

Opposing this glorious charge, the Tomb Kings of Khemri present a stark and unsettling contrast. Their skeletal warriors, ancient and unfeeling, form an unyielding tide of bone and rusted bronze. Hierophants and Tomb Princes, perhaps astride macabre chariots or mighty constructs like Ushabti, would be strategically positioned, directing their automaton armies with an eerie, silent resolve. The diorama would no doubt emphasize the sheer numbers of the Tomb Kings, with ranks of skeleton warriors, archers, and perhaps even animated constructs like Screaming Skull Catapults or Necrolith Colossi, adding to the sense of overwhelming, relentless pressure. The bleached bones and dusty, tattered banners of Khemri create an atmosphere of dread and ancient power, starkly contrasting with the vibrant colours of Bretonnia.

“The Battle of Matorea” isn’t just a collection of miniatures; it’s a narrative frozen in time. The composition likely draws the viewer’s eye to key points of conflict – a Bretonnian Knight’s lance impaling a skeletal champion, a Foot Knight desperately defending a standard against a tide of mummified horrors, or a magical duel between a Bretonnian Damsel and a Liche Priest. Through meticulous detail and expert painting, the diorama effectively conveys the chaos, heroism, and horror of war in the Old World, making it a truly immersive and captivating piece for any Warhammer enthusiast. It serves as a testament to the rich lore and enduring appeal of the setting, particularly the epic conflicts that define its factions.

More photographs of The Battle of Matorea.