Warhammer⁚ The Old World ౼ An Overview
Warhammer⁚ The Old World is a new tabletop miniature wargame from Games Workshop, revisiting the classic Warhammer Fantasy setting. The game allows players to delve into a world of legend, with rich lore.
What is Warhammer⁚ The Old World?
Warhammer⁚ The Old World is a tabletop miniature wargame that revisits the world of Warhammer Fantasy Battles. Set in a time before the End Times, it offers a chance to explore a familiar yet unexplored era. The game uses streamlined rules based on Warhammer Fantasy Battles, focusing on tactical maneuvering and strategic army building.
Players can command various factions, each with unique lore and playstyles. The Old World is designed to be a specialist game, with rulebooks and resources available in both physical and digital formats. It’s an opportunity for fans to return to the rank-and-file combat and immersive world that defined Warhammer Fantasy.
Expect large blocks of troops, heroic characters, and epic battles as you immerse yourself in the World of Legend. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new recruit, Warhammer⁚ The Old World offers a rich and engaging experience.
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Lore and Setting
Warhammer⁚ The Old World takes place in a high-fantasy setting, drawing inspiration from historical Europe. It is a world filled with diverse nations, mythical creatures, and rich lore waiting to be explored.
The Old World’s Geographical Location
The Old World, known as Elthin Arvan to the Elves, occupies the northwestern region of a sprawling eastern continent within the Warhammer world. This vast landmass is the primary location for the realms of Men and is generally defined as the area west of the Worlds Edge Mountains. The geography is diverse, encompassing everything from rolling hills and dense forests to towering mountain ranges and expansive coastlines. This varied terrain influences the cultures and conflicts that shape the Old World’s history. Key geographical features include the Empire’s heartland, the chivalrous lands of Bretonnia, and the frozen north of Kislev. The Old World’s location is a crucial aspect of its identity.
Key Nations and Factions
The Old World is home to a diverse array of nations and factions, each with its own unique culture, military, and ambitions. Among the most prominent are the human realms, including the Empire of Man, a sprawling nation known for its innovation and military might. Bretonnia, a land of chivalry and knightly orders, stands as a bastion of honor in a world of darkness. Kislev, a hardy nation bordering the Chaos Wastes, defends against the encroaching forces of evil. The Elves, divided into High Elves and Wood Elves, maintain their ancient kingdoms. These factions vie for power, forming alliances and engaging in conflicts that shape the destiny of the Old World.
The Empire of Man
The Empire of Man is the largest human nation in the Old World, a sprawling realm brimming with madcap inventions and formidable military power. Governed by an Emperor, the Empire is a melting pot of cultures and provinces, each with its own traditions and character. From the muskets of its soldiers to the arcane knowledge of its wizards, the Empire represents a beacon of civilization. However, the Empire faces constant threats from within and without, including incursions from Chaos, conflicts with neighboring nations, and internal strife among its ambitious nobles. Despite these challenges, the Empire remains a key player in the Old World.
Bretonnia
Bretonnia, a land of chivalry and honor, stands as the second most powerful human nation in the Old World. Inspired by medieval France, Bretonnia is a kingdom ruled by a warrior aristocracy of knights, bound by oaths of fealty and a strict code of conduct. These noble knights quest after glory, often undertaking perilous journeys to prove their worth and uphold the virtues of their realm. The peasantry, while not as privileged as the knights, play a vital role in supporting the Bretonnian war machine and maintaining the kingdom’s agricultural base. Bretonnia’s strong military tradition and unwavering commitment to chivalry make it a force to be reckoned with.
Kislev
Kislev, a nation bordering the Realm of Chaos, stands as a bulwark against the encroaching darkness. Known for its harsh winters and resilient people, Kislev is a land of warriors and horsemen, constantly battling the forces of Chaos that spill forth from the north. The Kislevites are renowned for their cavalry, particularly the Winged Lancers and the Ice Guard, elite warriors who wield ice magic. Their society is deeply rooted in tradition and survival, with a strong emphasis on martial prowess and unwavering loyalty to their Tzarina. Kislev’s strategic location and military strength make it a vital shield for the rest of the Old World, bearing the brunt of Chaos incursions.
Elves (High Elves, Wood Elves)
The Elves, divided into High Elves and Wood Elves, are ancient races with distinct cultures. The High Elves, or Asur, dwell on the island of Ulthuan and control enclaves on the Old World’s western coast. They are known for their martial prowess and mastery of magic. Wood Elves live in Athel Loren and the Forest of Arden. They are guardians of the natural world, fiercely protective of their ancient woodlands and fiercely protective of their homes. Both factions feature in Warhammer. Both Elven kindreds possess a natural affinity for magic and warfare, and their long lifespans give them a unique perspective.
Gameplay and Rules
Warhammer⁚ The Old World brings back a streamlined version of Warhammer Fantasy Battles. The rulebooks contain the game’s lore and all the rules for maneuvering your troops.
Streamlined Warhammer Fantasy Battles
Warhammer⁚ The Old World offers a streamlined experience compared to its predecessor, Warhammer Fantasy Battles. The core mechanics focus on maneuvering blocks of troops and engaging in tactical combat. The game retains the rank-and-file gameplay of Warhammer Fantasy, emphasizing strategic formations and coordinated movements on the battlefield.
While offering a familiar experience to veteran players, the streamlined rules aim to make the game more accessible to newcomers. The focus is on reducing complexity without sacrificing depth, allowing players to focus on strategic decision-making and army composition. This approach should provide both a nostalgic return and a refreshed gaming experience.
The streamlined rules intend to get players into action faster, with a renewed focus on core mechanics.
Rulebooks and Resources
To engage with Warhammer⁚ The Old World, players will need the core rulebooks, packed with lore and game rules. These provide the foundation for understanding the setting and playing the game. The rulebooks contain details on army composition, unit stats, magic, and combat resolution. They are essential for players to build armies and fight battles.
Additionally, Warhammer Digital may offer downloadable editions of rulebooks. These resources allow players to have the rules at their fingertips. The Black Library website is another valuable resource, offering novels and background material to expand your knowledge. These novels delve deeper into the factions, characters, and events that shape the world.
Access to the rulebooks and lore resources are a must for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the World of Legend.
The Timeline
The Old World’s narrative is set around 2276. This is distinct from the End Times period. The setting offers a rich history waiting to be explored through gameplay and lore.
Setting’s Time Period
Warhammer⁚ The Old World is staged in a time before the dramatic events of the End Times. Specifically, the game’s narrative unfolds around the year 2276 on the Old World timeline. This is a significant point, as it sets the stage for a world that is familiar to long-time fans, yet ripe with untold stories and conflicts. By choosing this era, Games Workshop provides a fresh perspective, allowing players to experience the Old World in its prime, before the cataclysmic events that reshaped the Warhammer world forever.
This time period allows for exploration of established factions and characters during a pivotal point in their history. Conflicts are brewing, alliances are shifting, and the balance of power is constantly in flux. The Old World is a place of constant strife, and 2276 is no exception.
Resources
To delve deeper into the lore and rules, visit the Black Library and Warhammer Digital websites. These sites offer a wealth of information, novels, and downloadable rulebooks for conquering the World of Legend.
Black Library and Warhammer Digital
For those seeking to immerse themselves in the sprawling lore of Warhammer⁚ The Old World, the Black Library is an invaluable resource. Here, you’ll discover novels and short stories that bring the battles, heroes, and villains of the Old World to life. Dive into tales of the Empire, Bretonnia, and beyond, exploring the rich history and diverse cultures that define this iconic setting.
Warhammer Digital offers downloadable editions of the rulebooks needed to command armies and wage war on the tabletop. Access the core rules, army books, and supplements, all in a convenient digital format. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, these resources provide everything needed to conquer the World of Legend. Explore these resources today!