It’s an exciting time for fans of the World of Legend. Not only has an all new faction made its presence felt upon the shores of the Old World with the arrival of the Armies of Grand Cathay, but we recently revealed two brand new kits for the very enemies the Cathayans have travelled so far to battle – the Warriors of Chaos. With wolfships full of Chaos Marauders now looming on the horizon, we caught up with some of the designers to find out more about the creation of these models.
JTY: With Frydaal the Chainmaker invading and conquering the northern reaches of Westerland in the name of the Ruinous Powers, it seemed like the ideal time to turn our attention towards updating some classic Warhammer models. As the bulk of the Chainmaker’s armies consists of barbarous Marauders, the Chaos Marauder kits felt like the perfect place to start.
Rob: Marauders have been a mainstay of the forces of Chaos for a very long time now. They evolved from humble beginnings in the 1980s as Chaos Thugs, and Marauder Tribes as we know them first appeared in the 90s, in the Warhammer supplement Realm of Chaos. This was also when the first true Chaos Marauder models were released. Bare-armed and clad in furs and chainmail, wielding great two-handed axes and cruel flails, these classic metal models really set the tone for the appearance of the Marauder Tribes. Later came the first plastic Chaos Marauders kit, alongside metal Marauder Horsemen, followed a few years later by plastic Marauder Horsemen.
With the opportunity to update these kits, we went back to the drawing board, delving into the origins of these brutal servants of Chaos, both as models and within the World of Legend itself.
The Marauder Tribes dwell in the Shadowlands, an accursed region to the north, beyond the borders of civilised nations. In this place, the shadow of Chaos hangs heavily. The skies are dark for much of the year, and the ground frozen. Whilst older models had tended towards bare chests, we wanted the new models to reflect the influence of the Shadowlands upon the tribes that dwell there.
JTY: With this in mind, it was decided that the new Chaos Marauders should look like a barbarous people that hail from the frozen north. They prize strength and martial prowess above all else, and many, especially those from Norsca, are seafaring raiders that harry the shores of the Old World.
Few are dedicated wholly to the service of the Ruinous Powers, but the Chaos Gods certainly form a key part of their lives and beliefs, something which can be seen in the iconography they display, especially on their banners. For many of the tribes, this is reflected in the cults their warriors belong to, cults that help spread the influence of the Ruinous Powers*. When a champion like the Chainmaker rises to lead them, the influence of Chaos only grows.
To reflect these traits, the new models are dressed crudely in coarse furs and thick cloth, with heavy pelts cut from the hides of the great beasts they hunt draped over their shoulders. Forged armour of the type worn by the Warriors of Chaos is scarce in the Shadowlands, but chainmail, iron helmets, and toughened leather armour are commonplace.
Both kits include enough heads to build every model with or without a helmet. The bare heads feature a wide variety of barbarous hairstyles, whilst the helmets are reinforced with spiked bands and decorated with the horns or tusks of savage beasts. Between their helmets and furs, the average Marauder has a silhouette not dissimilar to that of a classic Chaos Warrior**.
Rob: The weapons the models carry are equally impressive. The new kits include more options than before, with the Marauders on foot having the option to wield hand weapons and shields, flails, or fearsome great axes, whilst the Marauder Horsemen can be armed with spears and shields, or flails. It’s been a real joy to see this classic Warhammer trope reimagined for a modern audience, and I know I can’t wait to get a couple of units painted up for my own horde of Chaos!
Thanks to Rob and JTY for these insights, and check back soon for the next instalment of the Old World Almanack.
* We’ll talk more about the Chaos Cults and the beliefs of the Marauder Tribes later this week.
** Foreshadowing what lies ahead for the most ferocious warriors, perhaps.
