Category: warhammer the old world

High Elf Realms

These High Elves were on display at Warhammer World.

The High Elf Realms army in Warhammer: The Old World stands as a testament to the might and elegance of a race that has held back the tides of chaos and destruction for millennia. Their forces are a perfectly balanced fusion of martial precision, ancient magical power, and a deep-seated pride that allows them to stand their ground against overwhelming odds. Unlike the brute-force tactics of Orcs or the overwhelming numbers of the Tomb Kings, the High Elves win battles through superior skill, strategy, and the devastating application of both arcane and physical force. Every unit, from the humble spearmen to the most legendary dragon, is a master of its craft, creating an army that is both beautiful and lethal.

The core of a High Elf army is built around a disciplined and well-equipped infantry force. Spearmen, with their gleaming, long spears and defensive shields, form the backbone, their discipline allowing them to hold a line against even the most ferocious enemy charges. The Lothern Sea Guard are the pinnacle of this versatility, combining the defensive strength of spearmen with the ranged prowess of archers, making them one of the most flexible and valuable units on the battlefield. For pure offensive power, the Swordmasters of Hoeth are a terrifying sight; their skill with the greatsword is unparalleled, allowing them to carve through armoured foes with deadly precision. And when it comes to holding the line against the most terrifying of foes, the Phoenix Guard, stoic guardians of the Eternal Flame, stand as an unbreakable shield, their halberds and indomitable will turning back even the most fearsome of monsters.

While their ground forces are formidable, the High Elves truly excel in their mobility and the sheer destructive power of their magical constructs and monstrous allies. Ellyrian Reavers provide unparalleled speed for scouting and harassing enemy flanks, while the elite Silver Helms deliver a devastatingly powerful charge that can punch through enemy formations. The legendary Dragon Princes of Caledor ride into battle with the pride and fury of a dragon’s fire, their charge capable of breaking the mightiest of enemy units. The High Elf army is also supported by powerful war machines like the Eagle-Claw Bolt Thrower, which can fire either a single, powerful bolt to fell large beasts or a hail of smaller bolts to scythe down infantry. All of this is commanded by an Archmage or a Mage, wielding the potent Lore of High Magic, bolstering their troops and annihilating their enemies with devastating spells.

Among the most awe-inspiring and powerful creatures to grace a High Elf army are the majestic Phoenixes. These avian demigods are powerful allies and symbols of Ulthuan’s magical might. The Flamespyre Phoenix is a living embodiment of fire, its body wreathed in flames that immolate nearby foes and its piercing shriek melting armour and bone. Its fiery aura makes it a terrifying weapon against enemy infantry, and should it be brought down in battle, it has a chance to rise from its own ashes, a literal symbol of rebirth and resilience. In stark contrast, the Frostheart Phoenix is a creature of pure ice and cold. Its presence on the battlefield chills the air and saps the will of nearby enemies, reducing their combat prowess and turning the momentum of a battle in the High Elves’ favour. Its icy attacks can freeze foes solid, and it offers a powerful counterpoint to the more destructive nature of the Flamespyre. Together, these two great beasts represent the duality of Ulthuan’s magic and serve as potent, almost legendary, battlefield weapons.

Dwarfen Mountain Holds

These Dwarfs were on display at Warhammer World.

In the grim and perilous world of Warhammer: The Old World, the Dwarfen Mountain Holds, collectively known as the Karaz Ankor in their ancient tongue, stand as bastions of stubborn defiance against a hostile world. These colossal fortresses, carved deep into the living rock of the Worlds Edge Mountains and other ranges, represent the heart of Dwarf civilisation. Far from mere strongholds, they are intricate underground cities, sprawling networks of tunnels, grand halls, and cunningly devised defences, all designed to safeguard the Dwarfs’ immense wealth and ancient traditions.

While many of the once-mighty Holds have fallen to Greenskin incursions, Skaven infestation, or the ravages of Chaos, the Dwarfs are a race defined by their indomitable spirit and their meticulously kept “Book of Grudges.”

More photographs of Dwarfs.

The Tomb Kings of Khemri of the Old World

The Tomb Kings of Khemri army in Warhammer: The Old World is a truly unique and visually striking force, embodying the ancient, desiccated might of a once-proud civilisation. Unlike the shambling, reanimated dead of the Vampire Counts, the Tomb Kings are not mindless zombies but rather the resurrected rulers and warriors of ancient Nehekhara, driven by the unwavering will of their mummified monarchs and the potent incantations of their Liche Priests. Their armies are a terrifying spectacle of bleached bone, rusted bronze, and an alien, ancient grandeur.

Skeleton Cavalry
Necropolis Knights
Khemrian Warsphinx

At the heart of every Tomb Kings army is the absolute authority of a Tomb King or Tomb Prince. These mummified rulers, often awakening with a renewed thirst for conquest, command their legions with a silent but absolute will. Their presence is vital, as the very cohesion and movement of the skeletal forces are tied to their magic. Alongside them stand the Liche Priests, the architects of the Tomb Kings’ unlife. These sorcerers of the Mortuary Cult wield the unique Lore of Nehekhara, which not only allows them to blast enemies with powerful curses and destructive magic but also to mend shattered bone and even re-animate fallen skeletons, ensuring the relentless advance of their army.

The rank and file of a Tomb Kings army consist of Skeleton Warriors and Skeleton Archers, seemingly endless hordes of reanimated soldiers from millennia past. While individually weak, their strength lies in their numbers and their terrifying resilience. Being undead, they are immune to psychology and cannot be broken by fear or casualties, simply crumbling away if too much damage is inflicted upon them. This allows them to form unyielding battle lines, holding back even the most ferocious charges through sheer weight of numbers. Supporting these infantry masses are the swift Skeleton Horsemen and Skeleton Horse Archers, providing mobile flanking forces or harassing fire. The thundering charges of Skeleton Chariots, crewed by skeletal warriors or even the elite Tomb Guard, deliver powerful impact hits and sow chaos in enemy ranks.

Beyond the basic skeletal legions, the Tomb Kings boast a terrifying array of monstrous constructs and elite animated guardians. The heavily armoured Tomb Guard, the sworn protectors of the kings in life and death, wield great weapons or halberds, forming unyielding elite infantry blocks. Towering Ushabti stalk the battlefield, colossal animated statues often armed with massive bows or great blades, capable of cleaving through entire units. More exotic horrors include the serpentine Sepulchral Stalkers that emerge from the sands to strike down foes, and the swift Necropolis Knights, fearsome riders atop giant, coiling constructs. For truly devastating blows, the Tomb Kings can field immense Necrolith Colossi or the terrifying Necrosphinxes, gargantuan constructs that embody the wrath of the ancient gods. Finally, the Screaming Skull Catapult hurls enchanted, flaming skulls that ignite the very air, spreading fear and destruction. The Tomb Kings army is a stark reminder of a glorious past, a relentless, unfeeling force that seeks to reclaim its ancient glory and sweep away the living empires that now stand upon the sands of their ancestral lands.

Bretonnians of the Old World

These miniatures from the Bretonnia army in Warhammer: The Old World were on display at Warhammer World.

The Kingdom of Bretonnia army in Warhammer: The Old World is a vibrant and iconic force, deeply rooted in the chivalric ideals of Arthurian legend and medieval France. Unlike many other factions, the Bretonnian military philosophy is almost entirely dictated by their unwavering faith in the Lady of the Lake and the rigid Code Chivalric. This results in an army that is highly specialised, emphasising powerful cavalry charges and the spiritual purity of its knights, supported by the common folk who make up the vast majority of the kingdom’s population.

At the core of any Bretonnian army are its Knights. These aren’t just mere soldiers; they are noble warriors, each striving to uphold their vows and ultimately achieve the ultimate quest: to drink from the Grail and become a Grail Knight. This pursuit of virtue is reflected in their distinct unit types. From the impetuous, glory-seeking Knights Errant who are yet to prove themselves, to the disciplined and unwavering Knights of the Realm who have taken their first vows, and finally the truly legendary Questing Knights and the near-mythical Grail Knights, each tier of cavalry represents a deeper commitment to the Lady and a greater martial prowess. Their signature tactic, the thunderous Lance Formation, allows them to deliver devastating charges, often shattering enemy lines in a single, glorious assault.

While the knights are the shining spearhead, the backbone of a Bretonnian army is undoubtedly its peasantry. Comprising the vast majority of the kingdom’s population, these humble folk serve out of duty and fear, led by their knightly lords. Men-at-Arms form the infantry blocks, wielding spears or halberds, and are often tasked with holding the line or protecting the flanks against enemies that the knights cannot outmanoeuvre. Peasant Bowmen, armed with longbows, provide ranged support, their arrows often tipped with prayers to the Lady for divine guidance. Though seemingly disparate, the peasants and knights form a cohesive, albeit socially stratified, fighting force. The Grail Reliquae, borne by devout Battle Pilgrims, serves as a powerful symbol of faith, inspiring courage in nearby peasant units and representing the very essence of Bretonnian piety on the battlefield.

Beyond these core elements, the Bretonnian army can include powerful figures like Dukes and Barons who lead their hosts, often mounted on majestic Hippogryphs or Royal Pegasi, soaring above the battlefield to strike decisive blows. Damsels and Prophetesses, handmaidens of the Lady, wield the divine magic of the Lore of the Lady, bolstering their allies and unleashing holy wrath upon their foes. For siege warfare or breaking heavily armoured foes, the Field Trebuchet provides powerful, albeit often inaccurate, artillery support. The overall impression of a Bretonnian army is one of glorious, disciplined charges, a blend of martial prowess and fervent faith, where every battle is fought not just for land or glory, but for the honour of the Lady and the chivalric ideal.

The Battle of Matorea

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.

The Siege of Volganoff

The Siege of Volganoff was originally displayed as the Siege of Altdorf at Games Day 2010 and was then put into place at Warhammer World in 2015. A few years later it was reduced in size. The Chaos forces were replaced with Orcs and the the “new” diorama was entitled the Siege of Volganoff.

The diorama has changed quite a bit over the years. More photographs of the Siege of Volganoff.