The GW Autumn preview has finally unveiled the Khazalite Holds, and this is far more than another duardin refresh.
The new faction doubles down on ancestral tradition, runic engineering, and the stubbornness only Warhammer dwarfs can manage. However, Games Workshop is also folding the Fyreslayers into the same battletome, creating a much broader duardin army. Between stone constructs, cannons, elite infantry, and a king riding a walking altar, this reveal has serious range.
Khazalite Holds Bring Classic Duardin Ideas Into the Mortal Realms
The Khazalites consider themselves the truest duardin, preserving the Ancestor Gods and traditions their cousins have supposedly neglected. Unlike Kharadron pragmatism or Fyreslayer mercenary culture, they believe endurance and tradition will cleanse the realms of the Skaven.
Their first Army Set is led by Hjulda Drakkblud, who searches the surface for lost karaks and her vanished clan. She brings ten Clanshields, heavily armoured infantry wielding axes, hammers, or mixed Kromdron weapons.
Meanwhile, the massive Gholems of Gazul are animated tomb guardians awakened through mournful rites. These stone brutes carry enormous hammers and fit the faction’s whole “ancestral grudges made physical” vibe perfectly.
Long-range fire comes from the Oathkeeper Cannon, combining engineering with runecraft for some serious battlefield punch. The Army Set is also a complete Spearhead force. Additionally, it includes a special-cover battletome and 53 warscroll cards.
The battletome later receives a separate release, with Fyreslayers joining their Khazalite relatives inside its rules and lore. Beyond the launch box, the second wave expands quickly. Thrynns lead karaks as noble warlords, while Runewrights channel rune magic through masterful forging.
Above them sits High Kyng Valankrom, crowned by Grungni and mounted on an immense magically driven War Throne. Better yet, that centrepiece also builds a generic Thrynn on War Throne.
Clangunners add ranged infantry, using accurate thrundok rifles or brutal short-range shotcannons. The Oathkeeper Cannon also builds the Stonebreaker Mortar, giving players a dedicated infantry-cracking artillery option.
Meanwhile, Valayan Guardians defend duardin society with extreme resilience and devotion to Valaya. Likewise, the Gazul kit can build Gholems of Valaya, carved in the warrior goddess’s image.
Fyreslayers receive major attention too. After devastating losses to Helsmiths and Skaven, the Grimmdron now fight beside the Khazalite Holds for vengeance.
Existing Fyreslayer collections remain usable, either alone or alongside the new Kromdron. They also gain Ormyr and his kyndledroth Ashtongue, a wandering beastmaster pair who appear before battles.
A new Regiment of Renown combines an Auric Flamekeeper, Grimhold Exile, and five Hearthguard Berzerkers for any Order army.
Finally, the Magmic Fyrd Spearhead packs a Runefather on Magmadroth, Runesmiter, Vulkyn Flameseekers, and Auric Hearthguard.
Summary and Final Thoughts
Overall, this is one of the strongest faction reveals from the GW Autumn preview. The Khazalites feel recognizably duardin without simply recycling older dwarf aesthetics. More importantly, the range already covers infantry, guns, artillery, constructs, heroes, monsters, and several army-building styles. Folding Fyreslayers into the battletome also gives existing players a clear bridge into the new range.
