Warhammer Lore – Age Of Sigmar: Beasts Of Chaos

The Beasts of Chaos are one of the most primal and fearsome factions in the Warhammer Age of Sigmar universe. They represent the raw, untamed fury of nature and the ancient powers of Chaos.

Origins and Lore

The Beasts of Chaos, also known as Beastmen, are the wild children of Chaos, a faction composed of savage, bestial creatures that worship the Dark Gods in their own feral ways. They are the embodiment of nature’s brutality, twisted by the influence of Chaos. Their origins date back to the Age of Myth when the Mortal Realms were young and the forces of Chaos had not yet fully corrupted the lands. As the realms fell under the sway of the Chaos Gods, the Beastmen emerged from the shadows, representing the untamed and anarchic forces of nature.

Culture and Beliefs

The Beasts of Chaos live in a society that is as brutal and chaotic as the gods they serve. They are organized into herds led by the strongest and most cunning among them, typically a Beastlord. These herds roam the wilderness, constantly seeking to destroy civilisation and spread chaos. Their society is a savage hierarchy where might makes right, and only the strongest survive.

They worship the Chaos Gods, particularly the more bestial aspects of each deity. Their rituals are bloody and primal, often involving sacrifices and frenzied celebrations of violence and destruction. They believe in the survival of the fittest and the inherent strength of the wild, seeing the forces of order and civilisation as weak and corrupt.

Key Units and Characters

The Beasts of Chaos are composed of a diverse array of creatures, each with its own role in the herd. Here are some of the key units and characters:

Beastlord: The brutal leaders of the Beasts of Chaos, Beastlords are fearsome warriors who lead their herds into battle with a combination of strength and cunning.

Great Bray-Shaman: Powerful sorcerers who can channel the raw magic of Chaos, Great Bray-Shamans are key to the Beasts of Chaos’ rituals and battlefield strategies.

Gors: The backbone of the Beastmen herds, Gors are savage warriors who fight with wild abandon.

Ungor Raiders and Ungors: Smaller and less powerful than Gors, Ungors are cunning and numerous, often acting as scouts and skirmishers.

Bestigors: Elite warriors of the Beastmen, Bestigors are heavily armed and armoured, excelling in brutal melee combat.

Bullgors: Massive, bull-headed creatures with immense strength, Bullgors are devastating in close combat.

Tuskgor Chariots: Fast and deadly, these chariots are driven by bestial fury and are capable of causing significant damage on the charge.

Cygor: A giant, cyclopean beast with an insatiable hunger for magic, capable of throwing boulders and devouring spellcasters.

Ghorgon: A towering, four-armed monstrosity that revels in bloodshed and carnage, capable of tearing through enemy lines with ease.

Chaos Warhounds: Swift and deadly pack animals used to harry and disrupt enemy formations.

Society and Structure

The society of the Beasts of Chaos is centred around the herdstone, a mystical and profane monument to Chaos that serves as the heart of their territory. The herdstone is a focal point for their dark rituals and a symbol of their defiance against the forces of order. Beastmen herds are nomadic, constantly moving to avoid retaliation and to find new victims.

Leadership within a herd is determined by strength and brutality. The strongest Beastlord rules, supported by Bray-Shamans and other powerful creatures. There is constant infighting and challenges for dominance, as any sign of weakness is an invitation for another to take power.

Gameplay Mechanics

On the tabletop, the Beasts of Chaos are known for their aggressive playstyle and ability to summon reinforcements from the wilderness. Key gameplay mechanics include:

Ambush: Many Beasts of Chaos units can set up in ambush, allowing them to appear on the battlefield from unexpected directions, perfect for flanking manoeuvres and disrupting enemy plans.

Herdstone: Placing a herdstone on the battlefield grants various bonuses to nearby units, such as increasing their bravery and making it harder for enemies to dispel spells.

Rituals of Ruin: These are special abilities that can be activated during the game, representing the dark rituals performed by the Beasts of Chaos to gain the favour of the Chaos Gods.

Primal Fury: A rule that grants Beastmen units extra attacks when they charge, reflecting their wild and ferocious nature.

Strategies and Tactics

When playing Beasts of Chaos, there are several strategic considerations to keep in mind:

Ambush Tactics: Utilize the ambush mechanic to outflank and surround your opponents, creating chaos and disrupting their formations.

Herdstone Placement: Place your herdstone strategically to maximize its benefits, especially in terms of boosting the bravery and effectiveness of your units.

Aggression: The Beasts of Chaos thrive on aggressive, hit-and-run tactics. Use your speed and ferocity to engage the enemy on your terms.

Unit Synergy: Leverage the different strengths of your units, such as using Ungor Raiders to harass and weaken enemies before launching a devastating charge with your Gors and Bestigors.

Conclusion

The Beasts of Chaos are a faction that embodies the raw, untamed power of nature corrupted by Chaos. Their savage, primal nature makes them a unique and formidable force in the Mortal Realms. Whether you are drawn to their rich lore, their brutal playstyle, or the sheer variety of monstrous units at your disposal, the Beasts of Chaos offer a deeply engaging and challenging experience for Warhammer Age of Sigmar players. Embrace the wild, let loose the beasts, and bring ruin to the realms of order!