Age of Sigmar
Introduction
The "Age of Sigmar" is a tabletop miniature wargame produced by Games Workshop, serving as the successor to the long-standing "Warhammer Fantasy Battle" series. Launched in 2015, it represents a significant shift in the narrative and mechanics of the Warhammer universe. The game is set in the Mortal Realms, a collection of eight interconnected realms, each embodying different aspects of magic and elements. This article delves into the intricate lore, mechanics, and factions that define the Age of Sigmar, providing a comprehensive exploration for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Setting and Lore
The Mortal Realms
The Age of Sigmar is set in the Mortal Realms, a vast and diverse multiverse comprising eight distinct realms: Azyr, Aqshy, Chamon, Ghur, Ghyran, Hysh, Shyish, and Ulgu. Each realm is a manifestation of a magical wind, with its own unique geography, inhabitants, and cultures. The realms are interconnected by Realmgates, allowing for travel and trade, as well as conflict.
- **Azyr**: Known as the Realm of Heavens, Azyr is the domain of Sigmar himself. It is a realm of order and enlightenment, characterized by its celestial landscapes and grand cities.
- **Aqshy**: The Realm of Fire, Aqshy is a land of volcanoes and deserts, embodying passion and fury.
- **Chamon**: The Realm of Metal, Chamon is a place of alchemical wonders and technological marvels, where the landscape itself is in constant flux.
- **Ghur**: Known as the Realm of Beasts, Ghur is a wild and untamed land, dominated by savage creatures and primal forces.
- **Ghyran**: The Realm of Life, Ghyran is a verdant paradise of lush forests and fertile plains, teeming with life.
- **Hysh**: The Realm of Light, Hysh is a place of enlightenment and clarity, where knowledge and wisdom are highly prized.
- **Shyish**: The Realm of Death, Shyish is a somber and eerie land, where the dead hold sway and necromancy is a common practice.
- **Ulgu**: The Realm of Shadow, Ulgu is a mysterious and deceptive realm, shrouded in darkness and illusion.
The Pantheon of Order
Central to the Age of Sigmar's narrative is the Pantheon of Order, a coalition of gods and demigods led by Sigmar, the God-King. This pantheon includes notable figures such as Alarielle, the Everqueen of Ghyran; Grungni, the Dwarven god of smiths; and Teclis, the High Elf mage. Together, they strive to bring order and stability to the Mortal Realms, opposing the forces of Chaos, Death, and Destruction.
The Forces of Chaos
The primary antagonists in the Age of Sigmar are the forces of Chaos, led by the four Ruinous Powers: Khorne, Tzeentch, Nurgle, and Slaanesh. Each deity embodies a different aspect of chaos and corruption, seeking to spread their influence across the realms. The Chaos forces are composed of various factions, including the Bloodbound of Khorne, the Disciples of Tzeentch, the Maggotkin of Nurgle, and the Hedonites of Slaanesh.
The Rise of Nagash
Nagash, the Supreme Lord of the Undead, plays a pivotal role in the Age of Sigmar's narrative. As the ruler of Shyish, Nagash seeks to dominate all life and death, challenging both the Pantheon of Order and the forces of Chaos. His legions of undead, known as the Legions of Nagash, are a formidable force in the Mortal Realms.
Game Mechanics
Core Rules
The Age of Sigmar employs a streamlined set of rules designed to facilitate fast-paced and dynamic gameplay. The core mechanics revolve around phases, including the hero phase, movement phase, shooting phase, charge phase, combat phase, and battleshock phase. Each phase allows players to perform specific actions, such as casting spells, moving units, and engaging in combat.
Unit Profiles
Units in Age of Sigmar are defined by a series of profiles, including characteristics such as movement, wounds, bravery, and save. These profiles determine how units perform in various situations, influencing their effectiveness in battle. Additionally, units may possess special abilities and keywords that grant them unique advantages or synergies with other units.
Command Abilities
Command abilities are powerful effects that can be activated by leaders and heroes during the hero phase. These abilities can enhance the performance of units, disrupt enemy plans, or alter the course of battle. Command abilities require the expenditure of command points, a resource that must be carefully managed throughout the game.
Allegiance Abilities
Allegiance abilities are special rules that apply to armies with a specific allegiance, such as Order, Chaos, Death, or Destruction. These abilities provide thematic and strategic benefits, encouraging players to build cohesive and thematic armies. Allegiance abilities often include unique command abilities, artifacts, and spells.
Factions and Armies
Stormcast Eternals
The Stormcast Eternals are the poster faction of Age of Sigmar, representing the forces of order and righteousness. Created by Sigmar himself, these immortal warriors are clad in shining armor and wield powerful weapons. The Stormcast Eternals are organized into chambers, each with its own specialization and role in battle.
Seraphon
The Seraphon are an ancient race of celestial reptilian warriors, descended from the Lizardmen of the Old World. They are summoned from the stars to battle the forces of Chaos, guided by the enigmatic Slann Starmasters. The Seraphon possess a wide array of units, including powerful dinosaurs and agile skinks.
Nighthaunt
The Nighthaunt are a spectral army of vengeful spirits, serving the will of Nagash. These ethereal warriors are immune to conventional attacks, making them a formidable opponent on the battlefield. The Nighthaunt are characterized by their haunting appearance and chilling abilities, capable of instilling fear in their enemies.
Orruk Warclans
The Orruk Warclans are a diverse and brutal faction of greenskins, driven by a relentless desire for war and conquest. This faction includes the Ironjawz, savage brutes clad in heavy armor; the Bonesplitterz, feral orruks who worship Gorkamorka; and the Kruleboyz, cunning and treacherous swamp-dwelling orruks.
Daughters of Khaine
The Daughters of Khaine are a bloodthirsty faction of aelves, led by the enigmatic Morathi. These warriors are devoted to the god Khaine, seeking to spill blood in his name. The Daughters of Khaine are known for their agility and ferocity, striking swiftly and decisively in battle.
Narrative and Campaigns
The Realmgate Wars
The Realmgate Wars were the first major narrative campaign for Age of Sigmar, chronicling the struggle to control the vital Realmgates that connect the Mortal Realms. This campaign introduced players to the new setting and factions, providing a backdrop for epic battles and heroic deeds.
Malign Portents
Malign Portents was a narrative event that foreshadowed the rise of Nagash and the coming of the Soul Wars. This campaign explored the dark omens and portents that heralded a new age of conflict, with players participating in battles to determine the fate of the realms.
Soul Wars
The Soul Wars is a major narrative arc that centers on the conflict between the forces of Order and the legions of Nagash. This campaign introduced new factions, units, and mechanics, expanding the lore and depth of the Age of Sigmar universe. The Soul Wars culminated in a climactic battle for the control of Shyish and the fate of the Mortal Realms.