As any seasoned Warhammer Age of Sigmar player knows, the Mortal Realms are teeming with all manner of deathless horrors.
but few factions are as thematically rich and narratively compelling as the Soulblight Gravelords. With their unique blend of gothic horror, tragic grandeur, and monstrous power, vampires in AoS are far more than just bloodthirsty fiends.
Black Library has been steadily building out the lore surrounding these immortal aristocrats, and with several major vampire-focused releases on the horizon, now is the perfect time to take a look at what’s available—and what it all means for those of us invested in the Soulblight both on and off the tabletop.
Ushoran: Mortarch of Delusion – Madness Given Form
Ushoran, the Blood Rose Prince, is finally receiving the narrative treatment he deserves in Ushoran: Mortarch of Delusion by Dale Lucas. Long a cornerstone of the Flesh-eater Courts, Ushoran is the deranged patriarch who sees himself as a glorious king ruling over a radiant empire. In truth, of course, his subjects are ghoulish cannibals gripped by the same delusions of nobility.
This novel sees Ushoran’s campaign of madness meet unexpected resistance in the form of Kosomir Vornarov, a mortal Master Patriarch of the Howling Vale. What follows is a tense and psychological battle of wills between two figures—one driven by madness, the other by desperate determination.
The book is releasing first as a limited edition, complete with red foil lettering, gilt page edges, and a ribbon bookmark. Each copy is signed and numbered, making this a collector’s item for any fan of the undead.
Soulblight: Masters of Death – A Collection of Vampiric Intrigue
Curated from the works of David Annandale, Soulblight: Masters of Death brings together multiple narratives centered on the aristocracy of undeath. These stories cover several of the most iconic vampire figures in the Mortal Realms.
- Neferata: Mortarch of Blood and Neferata: The Dominion Bones offer a window into the queen of deceit and intrigue, showcasing her battles both political and military as she navigates threats to her undead empire.
- A Dynasty of Monsters shifts focus to the monstrous Avengorii bloodline, where the terrifying Lauka Vai takes center stage. The story revolves around a desperate mortal alliance with the Mother of Nightmares to fend off a rampaging horde of Beastmen.
- The omnibus also includes three short stories—The Threshold, Obsidian, and Dance of the Skulls—which expand the worldbuilding and give additional insight into the diverse facets of vampiric unlife.
Cado Ezechiar – A More Personal Tale of Undeath and Vengeance
Departing from the courtly intrigue and delusions of grandeur, the tale of Cado Ezechiar offers a more somber and introspective take on the Soulblight condition. Once a mortal king whose realm was destroyed by a Tzeentchian cult, Cado accepts the Blood Kiss from Neferata—not for power, but for revenge.
Cado’s story, told across The Hollow King and The Dead Kingdom by John French, follows his journey through a cruel and indifferent Mortal Realms, accompanied by allies both living and undead. Haunted by the souls of his former companions (literally—he keeps them bound within rings), Cado is a rare vampire in Age of Sigmar: one more focused on justice and sorrow than conquest and corruption.
With Cado and his companions soon appearing as miniatures in the new Soulblight Gravelords battletome, this is an ideal time to acquaint yourself with his backstory.
Final Thoughts: A Rich Tapestry of Undeath
The recent and upcoming vampire releases from Black Library represent a significant expansion of the Soulblight Gravelords’ narrative landscape. Each book offers a different angle on the curse of undeath: Ushoran revels in madness, Neferata in power and deception, Lauka Vai in monstrous horror, and Cado Ezechiar in vengeance and regret.
For dedicated players, these stories are an excellent way to deepen your connection to your army, build more immersive narratives, and explore character motivations that can enrich your gameplay. For lore enthusiasts, this is a rare moment where the vampires of the Mortal Realms are receiving the storytelling spotlight they deserve.
Whether you’re fielding a court of deluded nobles, a cadre of nightmarish beasts, or a lone brooding knight, the current crop of literature offers something to sink your teeth into.
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