he Warriors of Chaos are making a dramatic return to Warhammer: The Old World, re-entering the fray after centuries of absence. As the Empire of Man succumbs to infighting and civil war, a power vacuum emerges that these black-armored marauders are more than ready to fill. Warhammer Community sat down with JTY and Danny to explore the lore behind these implacable warriors and their dark masters.
Chaos in the Old World vs. Other Realms
JTY explains that Chaos in the Old World differs significantly from its manifestations in the Mortal Realms or the 41st Millennium. Here, the focus is on Chaos Undivided, rather than followers of specific gods. This version of Chaos is more chaotic and raw, harking back to the proto-Chaos of early Warhammer before the individual gods became prominent figures. During this time, the voices of the Chaos gods are less clear, their daemons are not as widespread, and their devoted followers are fewer.
A Weakened Yet Growing Threat
Chaos is weaker during this period, much like the time before the Horus Heresy in Warhammer 40,000 when Chaos was reintroduced into the galaxy. The event that derailed the Chaos gods’ influence in the Old World was when Be’lakor failed to possess the 11th Everchosen. This failure weakened the gods’ grasp on the world, causing their influence to recede. However, the gods have been biding their time, waiting for the right moment to strike again.
Danny notes that the rise of Asavar Kul, the 12th Everchosen, is what begins to put the Chaos gods’ plans back on track. His predecessor, Khaardun the Gloried, was unable to fulfill his role, leading to a lull in Chaos’s power. But now, that lost power is creeping back, and warbands are on the march once more.
The Return of the Everchosen
The concept of the Everchosen is central to the lore of Chaos in the Old World. These mighty champions, chosen by the Dark Gods, only emerge every few centuries, each with a specific role to fulfill. Asavar Kul is particularly significant because he sets the stage for Archaon, who is destined to destroy the world.
At this time, Kul is still gathering his forces, adventuring through the Chaos Wastes, and earning the blessings of the gods. His rise is accompanied by the emergence of his lieutenants and other champions of Chaos, such as Frydaal the Chainmaker and the returning Galrauch the Great Drake, the first dragon to fall to Chaos.
Chaos Champions and the Narrative
In the current period of the Old World, many known Chaos champions are active. Figures like Arbaal the Undefeated, Engra Deathsword, and Sven the Bloody-Handed are all operating, alongside Kul’s other lieutenants. Valnir the Reaper and Scyla Anfingrimm are also alive, contributing to the ongoing war against the forces of Order.
The narrative focus right now is on characters like Frydaal, and as time progresses, there may be opportunities to introduce other named characters from the World of Legend into the storyline.
What’s Next?
The Old World Almanack will return on Thursday, diving deeper into what’s inside the Arcane Journal: Warriors of Chaos. This closer look will provide more insights into the lore and the direction of Chaos in the Old World.
The return of Chaos marks a significant shift in the balance of power in the Old World, and as the narrative unfolds, the impact of these dark forces will only grow.
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