Let’s talk vampires.
Not just any old bloodsuckers, but the elite, high-drama, lore-drenched champions of undeath that make the Soulblight Gravelords such a blast to collect and command. If you’ve been itching for more characterful units that do more than just raise skeletons and scream about Nagash, Games Workshop just dropped two Regiments of Renown that might be exactly what your next army list needs—Cado Ezechiar’s Blades of the Hollow King and the terrifying Beast of Castle Sternieste.
Whether you’re here for noble tragedy, necromantic monstrosities, or just looking to give your Deathrattle lineup some style and punch, these are worth your attention.
Blades of the Hollow King – Vampiric Vengeance with a Purpose
If you’ve been following the lore, you know Cado Ezechiar isn’t your average vampire. He’s not partying in blood-slick castles or commanding legions out of pure megalomania—he’s out for revenge. Chaos destroyed his kingdom and slaughtered his family, and now he’s waging his own quiet war across the Mortal Realms. He’s reluctant royalty with a sword, a curse, and a conscience.
Now, he’s stepping onto the battlefield in style with his new Regiment of Renown, the Blades of the Hollow King. And if you weren’t interested before, wait until you see who’s rolling with him.
Who’s in the Regiment?
- Cado Ezechiar – Soulbound tragic hero with a killer greatsword and an iron will.
- Sissendra – A vampire duellist with speed, flair, and a knack for stacking Mortal Wounds.
- Aurelias – A necromancer in Neferata’s employ, keeping Cado’s conscience and arcane potential in check.
Together, they form a deadly trio, operating as a single unit with a mix of high melee output, support casting, and survivability.
Signature Abilities
- Solia, the Tutor – Cado can call upon the ghost of his old mentor to either give the unit Ward (5+) or upgrade his sword’s Crits to Mortal Wounds. It’s once per turn and hits hard at the right moment.
- Retribution or Salvation – Aurelias boosts Cado’s spell, letting it deal D3 mortal wounds to an enemy or give a friendly Deathrattle or Deadwalkers unit -1 to wound taken. Buffs or blasts, depending on your mood.
The Vibe:
This regiment isn’t just powerful—it’s personal. Cado and crew play like a high-impact character block that’s flexible, flavorful, and feels like a walking short story from Black Library. If you’ve read The Hollow King or The Dead Kingdom, this is your chance to bring that narrative straight to the tabletop.
The Beast of Castle Sternieste – Draconith Death Unleashed
If Cado is a knight haunted by honor, the Beast of Castle Sternieste is the other side of undeath—unshackled monstrosity. This hulking Revenant Draconith is the second Regiment of Renown, a single-model wrecking ball raised by Mannfred von Carstein himself and gifted just enough free will to do some truly unholy damage.
What Does It Do?
- Deathless Monstrosity – Heals 3 wounds flat out every Hero Phase. Good luck wearing this thing down.
- Red Ruin – At the end of any turn, you can roll a D3. On a 2+, the Beast:
- Deals that many mortal wounds to a unit in combat
- Heals for the same amount
- Vanishes into reserve, setting up for a dramatic return next round
The Vibe:
This is the tactical nuke of Soulblight utility pieces. It hits hard, it won’t die easy, and it has a built-in GTFO-and-redeploy mechanic that keeps your opponent guessing. It’s not subtle, but then again—it’s a giant undead dragon-thing raised by Mannfred. It’s not supposed to be.
How Do They Fit?
Both of these Regiments are available to Soulblight Gravelords, and specifically sync well with:
- Flesh-eater Courts
- Nighthaunt
- Ossiarch Bonereapers
So if you’re playing Death but aren’t a Soulblight main, you still have room to ally in these nightmares. Whether it’s Cado leading a noble sidequest for vengeance or the Beast soaring over your Bonereapers’ phalanx, these Regiments bring serious style to your army composition.
Final Thoughts – Undead With Personality
Soulblight Gravelords have always had killer aesthetics, but with these new Regiments of Renown, we’re getting real character behind the crimson cloaks and rotting talons. Cado Ezechiar and his Blades add tragic gravitas and tactical flexibility, while the Beast of Castle Sternieste is a walking horror movie with wings and a kill switch.
Whether you’re chasing narrative gold or just want competitive edge with flair, these units are absolute standouts. They’re not just tools—they’re stories. And they’re ready to carve their place into the Mortal Realms.
Deathrattle Army Set hits pre-order this weekend, and the Regiments of Renown will be following not long after. So sharpen your blades, channel your magic, and pick a side—justice or ruin.
And if you haven’t already, check out the Black Library novels to see how it all ties together. Trust me—these vampires read just as cool as they play.
And remember, Frontline Gaming sells gaming products at a discount, every day in their webcart!
