The countdown has begun! In a mere two days, the much-anticipated Cities of Sigmar Army Set will be available for pre-order. This eagerly awaited release marks the arrival of the first miniatures from the intricate and opulent new range. To commemorate this occasion, the Warhammer Community team and the creative minds of the Warhammer Studio embarked on their own Dawnbringer Crusades. Gathering on hallowed yet cursed ground under the eerie light of the bad moon, the two factions converged to exchange ancient vows of single combat and share a round of tea. Once these rituals were fulfilled, discussions delved into the extensive craftsmanship behind this captivating release.
The ongoing round table discussion unfolds today, focusing on the art of designing rules that resonate with the miniatures and background, ensuring that armies vividly capture the essence of the Cities on the battlefield.
Macro Strategies and Micro Designs
Seb, Miniatures Creative Lead, highlighted the innovative approach to crafting fantasy humans, reframing the question of how these cities combat superior aelves and orruks. The idea emerged of uniting diverse forces to strategize and ambush their adversaries through collaborative tactics. This vision evolved into the iconic Castelite formation, embodying the concept of claiming territory, advancing, and erecting impromptu defenses using shields and cannons.
City as Sanctuary
Max, ‘Eavy Metal Lead, eloquently linked the Castelite formation to the notion of Cities as sanctuaries in a sea of darkness. This theme, inspired by real-life human adaptation, shapes architecture and culture. In the Age of Sigmar, the populace seeks refuge within cities, traversing vast distances through Realm Gates to access these havens. This dynamic landscape offers vast potential for variety across the range, paralleling the cities’ struggles to reclaim lost territory while safeguarding their defensive fortifications.
Innovative Mechanisms
Ben, Product Developer, unveiled the integration of gameplay mechanics with miniature design. He emphasized the pivotal role of faction identity in shaping rule mechanics. Drawing inspiration from the Castelite formation’s strategic imagery, the rules were meticulously designed to evoke the tactics and structure of the Cities of Sigmar on the battlefield.
Orders and Unity
The development of the Castelite formation led to the creation of the Orders system, emphasizing the unity of underdogs banding together. This concept, partly inspired by detachment abilities from Warhammer Fantasy Empire books, mirrors the strength derived from collective human efforts against insurmountable odds. This system, which rewards strategic teamwork, resonates with the ethos of shared strength within the Cities of Sigmar.
Tokens of Strategy
A tangible embodiment of these orders comes in the form of tokens included in the battletome. This tactile approach enriches gameplay, enabling players to enact orders on the battlefield. The tokens provide a visual guide, encouraging strategic planning and counterplay, fostering dynamic engagement while preserving tactical depth.
Narrative Integration
Sam, Miniatures Design Manager, delved into the narrative origins of pivotal characters like Pontifex Zenestra. These characters serve as conduits for expressing religious fervor in the Cities of Sigmar, amplifying the thematic richness of the range. Characters such as Zenestra and Tahlia Vedra infuse gameplay with strategic depth, seamlessly intertwining lore, miniature design, and rules.
Versatile Faction Play
The narrative depth of characters like Zenestra informs rule design, resulting in a unit that complements the Cities of Sigmar playstyle. The army’s cohesion is enhanced by rules that reflect their distinctive character, rewarding players for adapting to the diverse tactics of each city.
A Multitude of Cities
The Cities of Sigmar range encompasses 11 diverse cities, each manifesting unique characteristics and playstyles. The rules embrace this diversity, enabling players to embody distinct cities and factions, seamlessly integrating allies from various factions into their armies. This variety ensures limitless strategic possibilities and encourages players to create personalized armies that resonate with their imaginative vision.
Forge Your Legacy
Ultimately, the rules provide a framework for players to shape their armies as they see fit, enabling players to craft narratives that align with their individual playstyle and creative expressions.
Stay tuned for Max’s insight into the artistic endeavors of defining the Cities of Sigmar through an array of captivating paint schemes, forging a harmonious synthesis with the cities’ iconography.
And remember, Frontline Gaming sells gaming products at a discount, every day in their webcart!
