Thursday, 1 September 2016

Age of Sigmar General's Handbook

Until recently, I hadn't played a Games Workshop game in nearly 4 years. As soon as I saw the Khorne models from Age of Sigmar, I knew I had to get my hands on some!

I bought the hardback rule book and started to read. Such a huge twist in the lore! I love the idea of 8 planes that each of the Warhammer races live on, and the struggle between good and evil. I completely missed the End Times era of Warhammer.

Upon reading the rules, I was shocked to see just how simple they were! Old rule books were 200 pages, with around 40 pages of rules. This book is a similar number of pages, with about 6 pages of rules.  Everything is in Warscrolls now. With app support, I think this is a step in the right direction.

The only think that irked me more than the change of rules (bases don't count for anything now! What's that all about?) was the fact there are no points values. I was brought up on points values. Having been a gamer, and in particular, a GW gamer for 28 years, I needed points!

This is where the General's Handbook slots nicely into place. There are several play styles from a narrative campaign, to large scale points value battles. But my favourite aspect of the book is the Path to Glory section.

I have always been a fan of the smaller scale skirmish gaming, like in the good ol' days. Mordheim and Necromunda are favourites of mine, as well as 2nd Edition Warhammer 40,000. The whole idea of a champion leading a small warband into battle, and rallying followers to their banner has always appealed to me, and I'm glad that Games Workshop have brought this feature back into their games. In a way, I almost feel like I belong once again.

So, with a now rather sizeable Khorne Chaos army on the painting table, a small force of Fyreslayers, and also a new Beastman force (or whatever funky new name GW give them when they are inevitably re-released), I have a fair amount to be painting, and gaming with.

Why not get in touch?
Let me know what you think about Age of Sigmar, and the General's Handbook.