The Wood Elves return to Warhammer: The Old World as the eighth core faction, stepping out of the shadows of Athel Loren to confront a rising Beastman threat.
In the upcoming Arcane Journal: Wood Elves, writers JTY and Danny discuss how Orion’s Wild Hunt charges into the narrative—and what it means for the future of the Old World.
Narrative Overview – Laurelorn in Peril
The Wood Elves’ story picks up immediately after the Arcane Journal: Beastmen. As Morghur the Shadowgave begins his rebirth and the fury of Chaos surges anew, the Beastmen begin migrating north into the Laurelorn Forest—sacred ground guarded by the reclusive Elves. With the human nations distracted by Frydaal the Chainmaker’s campaign in the Westerland, Laurelorn must fend for itself.
When spring arrives, Orion awakens. He immediately sounds the Wild Hunt—not waiting for the midsummer peak of his power—and races through the World Roots to eliminate Kralmaw, Prophet of Ruin, and a mysterious child that could unite the Brayherds. Unfortunately, Orion’s wrath plays into his enemy’s hands.
“This isn’t a fair fight,” says Danny. “Orion is drawn far from home and into a trap.”
The scenario attached to the narrative reflects this urgency: a 2,500-point Wood Elf army must strike fast against 1,500 points of Beastmen before 2,000 points of reinforcements arrive. It’s an ambush with the tables turned—delay spells disaster.
Wider Narrative Threads – A Decade of War
This isn’t just a standalone forest brawl. The Wood Elf journal connects with every Arcane Journal released so far:
- Settra pushes into the Border Princes from the south.
- Frydaal ravages the northwestern Empire.
- A Waaagh! begins brewing in Bretonnia.
- Grand Cathay prepares its first invasion of the west.
As JTY explains, “We’ve mapped out the first nine Arcane Journals to tell a connected, decade-long narrative arc,” spanning regions, factions, and secret powers—hinting that even the elusive World Roots and the Geomantic Web of the Old Ones will play a deeper role.
Two Armies of Infamy – Wild Fury vs Woodland Nobility
Orion’s Wild Hunt
The first Army of Infamy is an aggressive cavalry list themed around Orion’s rampage. While it’s possible to run this army without Orion himself… why would you?
- Units earn extra Victory Points for slaying a nominated quarry.
- It trades the classic sit-back-and-shoot style for rapid movement, hit-and-run strikes, and overwhelming aggression.
Of course, it’s still a Wood Elf list—fragile if pinned, and not built for attrition.
The Host of Talsyn
Araloth, hero of Talsyn and veteran of Morghur’s last defeat, leads the second list—a more infantry-centric force rooted in Glade Guard, Eternal Guard, and noble command structures.
- Less mobile than the Wild Hunt, but more durable and defensively solid.
- Think of it as the Wood Elf version of a High Elf army: elite, organised, and deceptively flexible.
Araloth still has his signature falcon, Skaryn, and shares the spotlight with returning characters like the Sisters of Twilight and even Ariel—though they remain on the fringes of this narrative, much like Tyrion and Teclis do in the High Elf arc.
New Rules and Lore – Kindreds, Spells, and Spirits
The Lore of the Wilds gives the Asrai potent magic rooted in nature, secrecy, and speed—perfect for ambushes and misdirection. In parallel, the Beastmen’s own lore will focus more on terror and decay, reinforcing their corrupted, Chaos-fueled identity.
Character upgrades include:
- Alter Kindreds – fast, elusive, and fey.
- Noble Kindreds – disciplined and martial.
These function like Chaos mutations or Bretonnian vows, but framed through the Asrai’s lens. They deepen army customisation and are rich with modelling potential—ideal for hobbyists who love narrative-driven kitbashes and themed conversions.
The return of the Beast Packs (yes, the ones from 1987) adds even more flavour, and the new box allows for multiple thematic loadouts—bringing classic miniatures back into meaningful play.
Looking Ahead – Cathay and Beyond
The journal ends with tantalising hints: Grand Cathay’s warships will soon arrive, not bearing merchants but armies. After that? Another Arcane Journal is on the horizon—its subject currently [REDACTED], of course.
What’s clear is that The Old World isn’t just a nostalgic revival—it’s a living, breathing war-torn setting, with tightly connected storylines and a rising tension that will reshape every faction involved.
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