When Horus declared his rebellion, the rift cut through every level of Imperial society—and the Mechanicum was no exception.
Long before the first shots of the Horus Heresy were fired, the Warmaster’s agents had been working behind the scenes, courting powerful Magi to his cause. When the treachery finally came to light, Mars itself was torn in two. One of the most pivotal battles in that civil war? The siege of Magma City—a brutal clash now immortalized in the Warhammer World exhibition.
You can relive the whole campaign yourself in Rise of the Dark Mechanicum, the latest expansion for Legions Imperialis. But if you’re after some immediate inspiration, this stunning new diorama is an absolute must-see.
A Battlefield in Miniature… From Above
To truly capture the chaos and sprawl of this urban warzone, the Warhammer World team broke tradition—mounting the entire display on a low base to give viewers a sweeping top-down perspective. The result is breathtaking. Built using a clever mix of existing terrain kits, broken models, and even a stray belt buckle or two, the environment tells its own story.
One of the standout details? The massive forge gates powered by repurposed tank tracks—a perfect reflection of the Mechanicum’s utilitarian design sensibility. Despite the towering architecture, the team carefully balanced the scenery so the tiny Titans, Knights, and infantry don’t get lost among the ruins.
To maintain proper scale, ultra-fine sand was used for the ground texture, with gravel and slate adding natural grit and realism. Everywhere you look, there’s something happening—like the desperate last stand at the subterranean transport hub near a Warlord Titan’s looming stride.
Loyal Iron vs. Twisted Steel
The display perfectly captures the brutal duality of the Martian schism. Loyalist legions of mechanical warriors hold the line against the twisted, warp-tainted creations of the Dark Mechanicum. You’ll spot Butcher, Archer, and Cyclops Stalkers advancing through Swarmer Scout Hosts, and desperate defenders barricading key structures, surrounded on all sides.
It’s a clash of epic proportions—told at the most intricate scale.
Visit Warhammer World and Join the Fight
If you’re anywhere near Nottingham, swing by Warhammer World and see the Battle of Magma City with your own eyes. And if this awe-inspiring installation stirs something in your hobby heart, you’ll find all the Legions Imperialis kits you need just outside the exhibit to start building your own force—be it loyalist Mechanicum or their Dark mirror.
Mars may burn, but your tabletop is waiting.
And remember, Frontline Gaming sells gaming products at a discount, every day in their webcart!
