Warhammer Lore – Age Of Sigmar: Flesh-Eater Courts

The Flesh-Eater Courts are one of the most fascinating and grotesque factions in the Warhammer Age of Sigmar universe. They offer a unique blend of horror and dark fantasy, making them a compelling choice for both lore enthusiasts and tabletop gamers. Here’s a detailed overview:

Origins and Lore

The Flesh-Eater Courts are the remnants of the ancient kingdoms that once dotted the Mortal Realms. These kingdoms fell into ruin and madness due to the corrupting influence of Nagash, the Great Necromancer. The Flesh-Eater Courts are made up of ghouls, led by delusional and cannibalistic vampire lords known as Abhorrent Ghoul Kings.

The Madness of the Courts

The defining characteristic of the Courts is their delusional nature. They perceive themselves as noble knights and chivalrous warriors, defending their lands and people. In reality, they are monstrous ghouls, feasting on the flesh of the living and spreading terror wherever they go. This delusion is a result of a terrible curse placed upon them by Nagash, warping their minds and perceptions.

Hierarchy and Units

The hierarchy of the Courts is built around the Abhorrent Ghoul Kings and their courtiers. Here’s a breakdown of the key units and characters within the faction:

Abhorrent Ghoul King: The leaders of the Flesh-Eater Courts, these vampire lords are utterly delusional, believing themselves to be noble kings. They possess powerful abilities and can summon more ghouls to the battlefield.

Crypt Infernal Courtier: Winged horrors that serve the Ghoul Kings, acting as lieutenants and enforcers.

Crypt Haunter Courtier: Larger and more powerful ghouls that often act as bodyguards to the Ghoul Kings.

Crypt Ghast Courtier: Lesser courtiers that help maintain the horde of ghouls and ensure their loyalty.

Crypt Horrors: Hulking monstrosities that provide brute strength and terror on the battlefield.

Crypt Flayers: Winged ghouls that can strike from above, spreading fear and chaos.

Crypt Ghouls: The rank-and-file of the Flesh-Eater Courts, these twisted creatures swarm their enemies in great numbers.

Society and Culture

The society of the Flesh-Eater Courts is a macabre parody of medieval chivalry and feudalism. In their delusion, the ghouls believe they are participating in grand banquets, tournaments, and courtly intrigue. They often dress in tattered remnants of noble attire, further enhancing their tragic and horrific appearance.

Religion and Beliefs

The Flesh-Eater Courts revere Nagash as their ultimate deity, but their primary focus is on their Ghoul Kings, whom they worship as divine rulers. The Abhorrent Ghoul Kings, in their madness, believe they are fulfilling a sacred duty to protect and expand their kingdoms, interpreting their cannibalistic feasts as holy rites.

Gameplay Mechanics

On the tabletop, the Flesh-Eater Courts are known for their aggressive playstyle and ability to summon additional units during battle. Key mechanics include:

Deathless Courtiers: A rule that allows units within range of their leaders to shrug off wounds, representing their unnatural resilience.

Feeding Frenzy: A special ability that lets units pile in and attack again, simulating their relentless hunger.

Summoning: Abhorrent Ghoul Kings can summon additional units of Crypt Ghouls, Horrors, or Flayers, reflecting their ability to call more minions to their side.

Strategies and Tactics

When playing Flesh-Eater Courts, there are several strategic considerations to keep in mind:

Utilize Leaders Effectively: Position your Ghoul Kings and courtiers to maximize the benefits of their command abilities and aura effects.

Summoning: Plan your summoning carefully to reinforce key positions or overwhelm the enemy at critical moments.

Synergy: Leverage the synergies between different units to enhance their effectiveness. For example, Crypt Ghast Courtiers can restore lost models to Crypt Ghoul units, maintaining their numbers.

Aggression: The Flesh-Eater Courts thrive on aggressive tactics, using their speed and numbers to quickly close with the enemy and engage in melee combat.

Conclusion

The Flesh-Eater Courts offer a unique blend of horror and tragedy, providing a rich and immersive experience both in the lore and on the battlefield. Their delusional perception of nobility contrasts sharply with their monstrous reality, creating a compelling narrative that is both darkly humorous and deeply unsettling. Whether you are a fan of the Warhammer Age of Sigmar lore or a tabletop gamer looking for a faction that combines brutal combat with intricate strategy, the Flesh-Eater Courts are an excellent choice.