A GRIM WORLD OF

PERILOUS ADVENTURE
GAMING ON THE DARK SIDE OF THE FANTASY GENRE
Eric Sarlin describes a
style of play in which two
armies - typically large
ones for their points value
- clash in battles that are
big on maneuvers and
tactics but small on
powerful characters,
monsters, and ='Pensive
magic items.
Was-hammer is many things to many
people. For some, the game involves
noble heroes wielding arcane weapons,
sitting astride enormous Oying monsters,
and battling gigantic Greater Daemons
from the nonhem warp gates. For
others, Warhammer is about fielding
large annies of rank.and-file regiments,
maneuvering skirmishers co gain a
tactical edge, loosing huge voUeys of
arrmvs into the cnem}' ranks, and
jockeying for advantage before combat is
joined. This article is for those who
A Bre1ont1ian hunting party scouts an i11\'adillg Empire force. Some of the mosr humble rank
and file troops i11 your army are ideal for lowf antasy games and can s11ggest ewx:atfre
scenarios. like the amb1tsli these Bre1on11ians musr be planning.

prefer maneuvers over monsters,
generalship over giants, and swords
over sorcery. This article is for those
who root for the militiamen, cutthroatS,
pirates, GobUns, Gnoblars, and Skaven
Slaves. ln shon, this aniclc is about low
famasy Wathammcr.
WHAT IS LOW FANTASY?
"Low fantasy"' is a term that describes
the dark and gritty side of the fantasy
genre. TI1e low fanrasy subgenre is
perhaps best characterized by lhe
Thieves' \Vorid series edited by Robert
Lrnn Aspi .rin and Lynn Abbey. Other low
fama.sy works include Michael Cricht0n's
Eaters of 11.Je Detul (a.k.a. 11ie 71JirteentlJ
\Varrior) and George R. R. Martin's
series A Song of lee and Fire as welJ as
the games of Mordheim and Warhammer
Fantasy Roleplay. Low fantasy stories and
settings differ in several ,vays from those
of the more prevalent high fantasy
genre, the best•known examples of
which arc The Lord o/Tbe Ri,,gs and The
Chr011icles of Nanda. Low fantasy tends
10 emphasize the gritty realities and
darker side of Hfe, as opposed 10 the
noble battles and moral absolutes of lhe
world of high fanrasy. Low fantasy also
generally involves a more realistic
treatment of technology, psychology,
politics, physics, and socio-economics.
High fantasy, on the other hand, is more
likel)' to include more magic and
supernaturaJ elements and to presenl
less plausible technologies, social
strucrures. and ideologies. Where high
fantasy has its unblemished and chaste
heroes destjned to overthro,v lhe dark
lord and become the foretold savior and
benevolent ruler of the land, low fantasy
has its thieves, sell-swords, and
cutthroats with ambiguous morals,
dubious backgrounds. and an
inclination to do the right lhing onJ,•
when it pays well.
Currently, the ,vorld of �'arhammer
Fantasy Battle exists somewht:re in
between the high and low fantasy
subgenres. On the one hand, there are a
lot of rough aspects to the W:lrhammer
world that would seem t0 place the
game in the low famasy camp: the all­
mercenary Dogs of War army, Empire

Tltis quarter of heroes leads Eric Sar/in S piratical Dogs ofWar army. They are
(Left to Right) Mercenary Captain Scragger. Hireling Wiwrd Melanthius the Bright.
Paymisrress Gemma Phf)·gia (seared coquettishly 011 a treasure chest). and Mercenary
Captain Mw:imilian ,·011 Schiidel. Eric is particularly happy with Captain Scragger, a
conversion combining a Kisle•'ile Kossa,; Marius leitdo,f's hat. and a few plastic bitz.
Free Companies. Brcton.nian Peasants,
Skavcn Slaves, and perhaps most
importantly, the dark and fatalistic tone
tJ1a1 pervades much of the history and
fiction associated with the game. Indeed,
lhc tagline of the Warhammer Fanrasy
Rolcplay book, which lends this anicle
its title, MA Grim World of Perilous
Ad\•enture,� could serve \Veil as a
definition of low fantasy. However,
Warhamme.r Fantasy Batlle also includes
a lot of creatures, characters, and
technologies that are decidedly high
famasy: Greater Daemons. Greasus
Goldtooth, Hellcannons, Slann M.agc­
PriestS, \'alten the Exalted of Sigmar, and
Steam Tanks. A.lso, for all its darkness,
U1c Warhammer world has a sillr side
evinced by troops like Goblin Doom
Dfrers, Snolling Pump \Vagons, Gnoblar
Scrap Laund1ers. and the like. This light·
heartedness is not ac aJJ in keeping with
the low fantasy genre. As such. as it
currently stands. �'arhammer is what we
might call ··middle fanrasy.� a genre in
which we might find Conan tbe
Cfmmerimr and Elric ofMelnibone.
I admire all facets of the fantasy genre.
I'm a fan of The Lord of The Rings. and
in a very reaJ ,va}� falling in love with
The Cbronic/es ofNarnia when I was 9
helped to determine my Lifelong
interests and to place me on a path
wward my current career. However, as
much as I admire high fantas)', I'm also
well aware that reading Thieves' World
and playing Warhammtr Fantasy
Roleplay open� my eyes to the fact that
street bra,vls, corrupt officiaJs. and
daggers in the back c.i.n be as exciting as
dark lords, mighty wizards, ancient
artifacts, and in"'incible swordsmen.
FortunateJy for us, Warhammer, as a
middle fantasy g.ime, can stretch to
accommodate high and low fantasy
styles with minimal 10 no adjustment.
Depending on which armies you choose
ro play, which croops you select, and
how you Opt co model and paint your
minfarures, W'arhammer can be ramped
up for a higher famasy game or geared
down for a lower funtasy one. Both
styles are valid and enjoyable. \'l:'hat
concerns us here, however, is the low
fantasy style. This article details a few
ways that you can set up army rosters
for low fantasy games.
WHAT IS A LOW
FANTASY GAME?
As you can probably imagine from the
description above, low fantasy
Warhammer involves armies that
concencrace on low-powered rank-and­
file troops and eschew high-powered
monsters, war mad1ines, 'Wizards, magic
items. and characters (particularly
special characters). Successful low
fantasy games rely on an understanding
berween the players that their armies
will comprise onJy certain troop rypes.
This understanding can be made tacitly
or drawn up as a more formalized set of
terms. The guidelines described in this
article wilJ help players choose
appropriate low fantasy armies. Though
these guidelines are not official rules.
they can be applied to armies of any
points value and 10 almost any scenario
you might choose to play.
Aside from army composition and game
play, low fantasy can also constitute an
aesthetic style for some hobbyists. As
some of the miniatures shown
,
A GBIM WQRIQ Pf PEBIQIIS llMm■E
throughout this article demonstrate, the
low fantasy genre can provide
inspiration for converting, modeling,
and painting Choosing darker, more
realistic colors for your models and
their clothing can help evoke a low
fantasy Style. Some conversion
st.rategies can be appropria1c for low
fantasy models. such as repL'lcing t.hc
higher fantasy weapons and items of
charac1cr models wi1h more mundane
versions or creating your characters by
converting rank-and.file models. Having
your army "look the pan'" is pan of the
fun of low fantasy garrung.
WHY SHOULD I PLAY A
LOW FANTASY GAME?
So why give low fantasy games a uy?
Why give up those powerful game.­
winning models in favor of a bunch of
lowly foot-slogging infantrymen (or
Goblins or Clan.rats or Ungors or what
have you)? There arc a lot of reasons.
First, low fantasy games are highly
tactical. Players cannot rely on one or
rwo powerful modds, such as 1ooled-up
characters riding large monsters, to win
rhc da)' for them. Instead, to achiel--e
victory, pla}'CtS must rely on 1he basic
clements of good generalship: well­
baJanccd armies, solid dcploymem,
good use of terrain, coordinated troop
movements, strategic shooting, and
engaging only when 1he odds a.re good.
For example, I started playing low
fantasy Wa.rhanuncr with my good friend
Tony years ago . Both of us had Empire
armies. His had more elite troops Hke
Greats\\'Ords and F'lagell::ints, while mine
had more missile l'roops and artillery.
We agreed that neither of us would
include Wizards, magic i1ems, or large
monsters in our forces. To this day,
those battles :ig:l.inst Tony are some of
the most tactical games of Warhamme.r
I've ever played. Many players who have
taken to Warhammer w:ubands recently
have espoused a similar love of low­
powered, no-cheese, highly tacticaJ
games of �'arhammer.
-
John Shaffer made his Aspiring
Champion of Chao�·from plastic
regiment birz and a liule green stuff.
www.GAMIS-WW.Cllil n

Sel.'Ond, many players may find low
fantasy games in some wa}' nosta1g.ic. A
lot of gamers may fondly remember
playing Wai-hammer Fantasy Roleplay
with ilS Rat Catchers, Peddlers, Outlav.--s,
and Grave Robbers. Others mav be fans
of low faorasy novels or films a'rid may
enjoy a game or 1,vo in the shallow end
of Warbammer·s fantasy pool. Of course,
many Warhammer players also enjoy
games of Mordheim, and as fantasy
goes, it doesn't get much lower than
the City of the Damned. (Note that
models from the .Mordheim range can
make great characters and rank-and-file
troopers for games of low fantasy
Warhammer.) In shon, many players
have a taste for Jow fantasy games and
the ·'Grim World" ofWarhammer.
Third, low fantasy armies can be
surprisingly competitive, even against so•
called high-Powered armies. One of the
chief advantages of a low fantasy army is
its size. Without a lot of powerful
characters and monsters 10 eat up your
points, you can field a lot of troops.
Sometimes, numbers alone can be
enough 10 win lhe day. Skaven armies
consisting of nothing but a couple of
modest characters and regiment after
regiment of Clan.rats and Skaven Slaves
have become a common (and winning)
force on the tournament circuit (see
�The Art of War: The Horde" in \VD304) .
While the Skaven horde army is an
extreme ex.i.mplc, it demonstr.ucs that,
even when the controlUng player
eschews large monsters, powerful
characters, and numerous Rare and
SpeciaJ d1oices, his army can be a force
10 be reckoned with.
Founh, and perhaps most importandy,
low fantasy is ret another way 10 enjoy
the game of Warhammer and challenge
yourself tactically. By adding low fantasy
games to pitched batdcs, special
scenarios, mega-battles, toumament
games, skirmishes, and warbands, )'OU
can change up d1e cypes of baules you
fight and thereby keep them fresh and
interesting. To be a truly accomplished
12 W■IEDWARf
Tim Huckelbery com·erted
these two roguish
cht1roc1ers. a Hedge
Wizard model, pt:rfect for
representing a low-le,•el
mage, and a one-legged
boatman, which could
represem a Dt1elist in a
Dogs of War army or a
Free Company militiaman
in an Empireforce. Tim
took some inspiration for
these modelsfrom the low
fantasy selling of rhe
Warhammer Famasy
Roleplay game..
Warhammer general, in my mind, )'OU
have to demonstrate that you can win in
a variety of tactical situations - and that
includes those in which powerful models
are not available.
Of course, low fantasy gaming is not
for everyone. For some, much of the
fun of Warhammet comes from seeing
characters perched atop Dragons and
Griffons charging into ran.ks 01
Minotaurs, Steam Tanks, or Chosen
JCnjghts of Chaos. That's ftne.
Warhammcr can accommodate a lot
of different styles of play. The
guideUnes below enable just one of
many such styles.
LOW FANTASY
GAMING GUIDELINES
When two players decide to play a low
famasy game, they needn't come to any
forma1 terms. The players can simply
agree to choose low-powered armies
with few powerful choices Uke Lords,
large monsters, expensive magic items,
and Special or Rare choices. Such an
approach can work for many gamers,
panicularly those who are amenable to
the low fantasy style and a spirit of
cooperation. My pal Tony and I used this
loose style of negotiation when we first
Started playing low fantasy games. We
didn't come to any formal agreements or
even call what were playing low fantasy.
We simply came to an understanding
about the type of games ,ve wanted 10
play and played them. This type of
negotiation can work for many players,
particularly friends who know each olher
well and play together ofl'cn.
Howevc., this loose approach won't
work for all games. Thus, players can use
the checklist included here 10 work ou1
the 1erms of their low funtasy games. The
checklist simpl)' includes a number of
additional resl.f'ictions (whjch should be
used in addition 10 - not instead of - the
restrictions in the Army books). These
restrictions should function to encourage
players to build low fantasy army rosters.
There are a number of ways )'OU can use
this checkJist, and several are described
below: Feel free to come up with your
own variations on these me1hods - as
well as variations on the checklist 11sclr -
to suit rour ms1es.
METHOD 1. Player$ can work
together 10 check off the items
they wish. This method is simply
a more formalized version of tht:
negotiation Style described above
and is highly recommended.
M.ETI:1OD 2. Players take it in
turns to check off a
predetermined number of boxes,
about t.hree or four each. All
restrictions selected apply 10
both armies.
METHOD 3. Both players
select four (or some olher
number of) restrictions, two
for their own army and two
for their opponent's.
METHOD 4. Both players
selec1 four (or some other
number of) restrictions.
Randomly determine which of
the chosen rcstricrions applr
10 each army. An equal number
should apply 10 both annies.
METHOD 5. Both players select a
large number of rcstric1ions
(about five or six each). Only four
restrictions, randomly
detennJned from those selected,
will apply to both armies.
METHOD 6. A$ described above
for Method 5, but randomly
generate different restrictions for
each army,
METHOD 7. Randomly generate
an agreed upon number of
restrictions by rolling a 066 and
consulting the checklist. (To roll
a D66, ft.rst roll one 06 10
represent the tens digit and
then a second D6 to represent
the ones digit. Thus, a roll of 6
and 3 would be a result of 63,
and a roll of 2 and 5 -.vould be
25, and so on.]
METHOD 8. As described above
for Method 7, but randomly
generate different res1.rictions for
each army.
METHOD 9- As described abo,·e
for Method 7 or 8, but randomly
determine lhe number of
res1.rictions to be imposed by
rolling a 06, 06+1, or D6+2.
METHOD 10. Use any of the
methods described above.
Each player may then veto one
restriction that has been placed
on his army. This restriction
may st.ill apply to his opponent's
army however.
 I 681M WINIID PFPfRIINIUIIIIBIDIIIE
No matter which method is chosen.
players are encouraged to execute it
,vith fairness and the spirit of low LOW FANfASY CHECKLIST
fantasy in mind. A Dwarf player who 066 lloU (optional)
RestTictions
chooses a rcstricrio11 such that his
,....a:entch opponent cinnot take;: any 0 � No Lord-level characters. '11
W12acds, for insrance, is missing the 0 No more than 1hrce characters in the army. 12
point of low fantasy games entirely. No more than two characters in the army. 13
0
Also, no matter what method is chosen, No more 1han one character in 1hc army. 14
.J
avoid rcdundan1 restrictions. For
instance, if the restriction .. No Magic 0 No character may cost more than 250 points 15
Items over 50 points" is already in play, with all equipment, options, magic items. and
the restriction MNo Magic Items over 75 special abilities included.
points M would be redundant. Also, if ':) No charactec may cost more than 200 pqints 16
you're planning a battle between 2,00(). with aJI equipment, op1.ions, magic items, :md
point armies, the restriction "No more special abili1.ics included.
than rwo Rare choices" is a redundant :) No c.hacactcr may cost more than l 7S polnlS 21
one, as armies of this size can include at with aJl equipment, options, magic items. and
most two Rare choices Players may not special abili1ies included.
select redundant .resu-ictions if they are No character may cos, more than ,50 points 22
choosing items from the checklist. If a 0
wilh all equlpmcQt, options, magic items, and
redundant restriction is randomly special abilities iQclud<:d.
generated, simply rcrolJ.
0 No character may cos1 more than 1'2S points 23
As a general rule of thumb, don·t play with all e<1ulpmen1, options, magic items, and "'
,vith restrictions tha1 would for-cc one or special abilities Included.
both plarers w 6cld an illegal army. For No Wizards higher than level 3.
0 24
instance, if a Vampire CountS player is
preparing to se1 up a low fanrasy game, D No Wizards higher than level 2. 25
the plarers should not select "No I.] No Wl7.ac� higher than levet-r. 26
Wizards a1 all," as Undead armies must
include spellcasters to keep the arn1r ':) No Wiurds at-all. 31
animated and fighting. Simply don ·1 0 No Magic hems of 100 p0ints or more. 32
selcc1 these restrictions, or reroU if you
are generating them random.Jr.
:i I"l'o Magic Items ovec 7S polnis. ) 33
..J No Magic Items o,·cc SO points. 34
Finally, special characters do not appear
on this checklist. These powerful models 0 No Magic Items over 25 p<>ints. 35
are antithetical co the low fantasy style. 0 No Magic Items at all. 36
Thus, unless players specifically agree
otherwise, special characters cannot be D No more than one Mag.ic Item 41
per character or regiment.
included in low famasy games.
0 Commoo Magic Items orm,. l2
u No Magic Items tha1 bcs1ow a watd save. •3
0 No more than tlu-c..-e Special choices. 44
J No more than two Special choices. •5
0 No more than one Special choice. 46
0 No Special choices at all. 51 1
0 No more than rwo Rare choices. 52
0 No more than one 'Rare choice. 53
:i No Rare choices at all. S4
0 No more 1han two war machines or chariots. 55
0 No more than one w;u machine oc chariot. 56
D No -n,nr machines or chariots. 61
0 No large monsters. 62
0 No flyers. 63
O No single model may cos1 more than 250 points. 64
D No single model may cos1 more than 200 points. 65
0 No single modd may cos1 more than 150 poin1s. 66
i..J Othec:
Cl Other:
,.] Othec:
components to
1 0 Othec:
make something
tnliy e\'fJCOlfrt! Copyright Cl 2006, Games Workshop, lid PermisS1Qn granted to photocopy this checklist for
a,ul unique. personal use only to play games of Warhamme,. All rights resel"V8d.

----------------------------�
Da11 Tlmbridge:S all•Goblb1. low fantasy army appeared ma battle report ill WD275 in which these weedy gree11sldns defe"'ed a11 Efren force.

POTENTIAL King armit!S, for insrnnce, require at

COMPLICATIONS WITH
LOW FANTASY GAMES
As mentioned above, low fanrnsy g-.uncs
a.re not for c,·eryone. Many players enjoy
playing with 1he more powerful models,
and lhat's fine. lf your Chaos force
consislS of notJling but powerful Lords,
Champions, Oaemons, and Chosen
Knights and \l:'arriors, you're going to
have a hard 1ime fielding a low fantasy
anny. In addition, some Warhammer
:lrmks are high fantasy by nature. Tomb
least two characters and must cast a lot
of spells to fight effectively in battle.
Tomb King players can concentrate on
Core choices and, in so doing, do their
best 10 play in the spirit of the low
fantasy guidelines. However, Tomb Kings
wouldn't be my first choice for a low
famasy game. Daemon armies, Chaos
IA.varfs, and Vampire Counts are all
higlHo-middle fantasy armies and thus
will face similar challenges fitting into
low fantasy games.

Ifyou choose to include

Wi:ards in your lonfamasy
g,,mes. make s11re to keep
their /e,·els low and try to
make them look the part, like
Eric Sarlin S model ofAeolus
the AstrrJmancer. ti
practi1io11er of the l<m: of
the Heavens. Eric added
Ske/e1011, Dwarf. and Free
Company bitz to a Mounted
Wizard model and then
sculpted a pouch, fur cloak,
long hair, and a bushy beard
from green s11t}f All of these
small com•ersions help to
make Aeo/11s look like a
wandering seer am/ conjurer.

___________________________.J10uGBIMi11n11.JWQRIQ Pf PfBlffllS IDIIEIDIIE
l<>ll'fantosy does11 't
i)ecessarily mean wimpy.
Paul C«rrick S Ore Warboss
(wir/r remomble scenic base)
is big am/ bad. b111 the model
((Ses 111or11J · 110111ml colors
and mum/one equipment.
As you set up the terms for your low
fantasy games, keep in mind that certain
restric1ions won·, work for some armies.
For instance, T-«entch forces cann01
expecl 10 do well if they cannot include
Waards. Brctonnian and Tomb Kings
armies cannot legally take the field
without at leas1 two character models.
Many High Elf generals will get nervous
if they can't take the field \v:it.hout at
least a couple Special and Rare choices.
SOme restrictions wiU hinder some
armies more than other-s and thus can
make for very unbalanced and unfair
games. For example, while Empire and
Dwarf armies can expect co do well "'Ith
no WtZards, many annies "'ill be largely
helpless (and perhaps even illegal)
without them. Remember that the goal
of low fantasy gaming is to play highly
tactical games with large armies of
largely rank-and-file trOOps. not to win a
cheap victory by choosing restrictions
that force your 0pPonent to field an
ineffective, nonsensical, or illegal army.
Some of these problems can be avoided
if both players select forces from the
same Army book and fight out a low
fantasy Mcivil war" of sorts. In theorr, if
both players arc fielding the same type
;
roster and field a cheesy army. Tho_.i;c
players iilcely 10 do so (and you know
who )'OU a.re) arc advised to sta)· a"'3Y
from low fantasy or to change their M.O.
and select an army in rune with the
tenor of these games.
For au of these reasons, then, it's
impOrtant for opponcncs co remember
and act according to the spirit of the low
fantasy game as they set up the terms of
their battle and craft thei.r army rosters.
Low faniasy games wi.11 work well only if
both players arc willing to cooperate
and set up a cool game that emphasizes
good generalship over Power gaming.
LOW FANTASY ARMY
RECOMMENDATIONS
Below is an army-by-army discussion of
the forces of the Warhammer WOild
along with a few recommendations
about how to field a low fantasy force
with each standard army list. Many of
the troops choices are categorized as
low, middle, or high fantasy. As wilh
all the recommendations in this
anicle, what follows is simply a set
of guidelines, not hard and fast rules.
The recommendations below are far
from exhaustive. When a troop type
that is not listed below comes into
question, common sense should
sen'C as your guide.
Beasts of Chaos
The Bcastmen list can be used to selecr
a force that is both appropriate for low
fanwy games and competitive. The low
fantasy Scast army typically includes
large regiments of 8eastmen and
Bestigor, emphasizes the army's speed
and maneuverability, and takes
advantage of cunning ambushes.
of army, they wiU be equally
Low: Beast and Bestigor Herds,
handicapped by the low fantas r
Chariots, \Varhounds, Wargors,
restrictions selected. In practice,
and Mortal choices like Marauders
howC\'Cr, even when both pla)•ers are
and Warriors.
working from the same Army book,
their model collections will likely result .Middle: TroUs, Ogres, Cemigors,
in the restrictions affecting them Minotaurs, Bra)·•Shamans.
differently. For instance, if one player's High: Lord-level characters,
Empire co1Jec1ion i.ndudes no war Dragon Ogres, Shaggoths, Spawn,
machines and a lot of Wizards and elite Giants, Daemons.
troops, he may have difficulty against an
artillCl")'•hcavy force with a lot of Srntc
Troops (or vice versa), depending on
the restrictions in play.
Of course, even with the low fantasy
restrictions in effect, it's still
possible 10 Mmini-maxM an anuy
WWW.GIM6=WW.COln5

With its Imming theme and mmed colors. John Sf,affer�· warba,ul has a lowfant<UJ'feel.
Brctoonians
At first glance, the pageamry of a
Bretonni:m army may seem to place
forces from the land west of the Grey
Mountains ftrmly in the high fantasy
camp. However, with the right troop
choices and paint scheme, low fantasy
Bretonnian armies are possible and can
be effective fighting forces. As you're
planning your low fantasy Bretonnian
army, don't think about Bretonnia's
finest nobles bedecked in their parade­
da)' finery. Think about robber Imig.hes,
Imming parties, and weary wa.rbands on
years-long knigtuly errands.
Low: AU the Core choices, especially
Peasant Bowmen and Men-at-Arms,
Mounted Yeomen, Field Trcbuchct.
Middle: Questing Knights.
Grail Pilgrims.
High: Pegasus Knighcs, Grail
K.nighcs, Hippogryphs.
Chaos Dwarfs
As Chaos Dwarfs arc no1 curremly
supported by an Army book of their
own. they have limited choices in terms
of magjc items, special characters, and
mhcr typicaJ higt1 fanrnsy choices. As
such, thcr can be a low fant'asy general's
dream. However, man}' of the models,
such as Lammasus and Death Rockers,
that dr:iw the hardcore collectors to this
army are among its more high fantasy
elements. Even so, Chaos Dw:1rfs can be
fielded as an effective horde-style force
with lots of large units of inexpensive
greenskins supported by hard-hining
unju of Chaos Dwarfs and Black Ores.
Low: Chaos Owarf Warriors,
Hobgoblins, Ore BO)".t, Goblins,
Black Ores, Sneaky Gits, Hobgoblin
Bolt Thro,\•er.
Middle: Bull Centaurs.
High: Death Rockets, Earthshakers,
Great Tauri, L.ammasus.
16 wllltIWllf
St:arch your
bit: box/or
t1ppropriute
archire-and
ow-of-prinr
models like
these rwo by
Joh11 Swan11
(Top} and
Len Sttllfran
(Bottom).
Dark Elves
Dark Elf forces fare well in Io,v faniasy
games. One of the Elves' chief
weaknesses, low Toughness, is less of a
liability on low fantasy batc.l.efields where
high-Strength attacks are few and far
between. WiLh excellent maneuverability
and a 101 of accurate shooting, the low
fantasy Dark Elf force can be one to be
reckoned with. jNote: make sure 10 use
the updated Dark Elf list from 1VD287.)
Low: All Core choices, Shades, Cold
One Chariots, Cold One Knights,
Exccu1ioners, Black Guard.
�Uddle: Witch Elves, liarpies, Reaper
Bolt Throwers.
High: Manticores, Black Dragons,
Dark Pegasi, Cauldrons of Blood.
Rank and file troops, with or wi1ltout
com•ersion. can make grem low
fan1asy characters. Loolri11gfor
something a Uule differentfor his
Empireforce. Len S11/lim11 chose this
Teutogen Guardsman from the
Middenlteim range co lead his troops.
Dogs of War
OogS of W.u an: THE low fantasy army.
As mercenaiy scum, 1hey fi1 in perfectly
with the gritty n�alism of the low Camas)'
genre. As an aml)' ,,,ith no magic items
of its own and few super-powerful
choices, Dogs of War also fit in well with
1.he low-powered ethos of low fantasy
games. '11le only things you need 10
watch 001 for are the Regiments of
Renown, some of which can lean coward
high fantas), For a link co the online
Dogs of War rnlcs, go to www.games­
workshop.com/whitedwarli'wd313.
LOW: Almost evel)1hing in the list.
Middle: Halfling Hot Pois, Beorg
Bean;truck and the B<:armcn of Urslo,
Golgfag"s Ogres.
High: Asarnil the DragonJord,
Birdmcn of Ca1razza, GiantS of Albion,
Lord-kvel Wi.zards.
_________________________.,.1u111
r.R111IM._WntJPIIUUlf�IQVBQHRI
Empire
Empire armies arc well-suited to low
'"Salty" fantasy games. However, much like lhc
/ronrhorne Dwarfs. Empire armies derive many of
leads u unil lhcir strengths from selections that arc
ofDwarfa in by and large appropriate for low fantasy
the authors battles. As such, Empire generals must
Dogs of be careful co play in the spirit of the
Ut,r army. game and lca\'l! their powerhouse
Empire forces at home.
Low: State Troops and other
Core Infantry choices should be
l.he mainstays of low fantasy
Empire annies. Knights,
Flagellants, and Special units
can be included in moderation.
Middle: Some of the more powerful
magic items.
High: Steam Tanks, Aelblastcr VolJey
Guns, Griffon Standards, Gri.ffons.
Pegasi, Lord-levelWizards.
High Eh-cs
Many High Elf plarcrs will balk at 1he
idea of low fantasy g.1mes, because
much of the strength or the arm}' of
Ulthuan comes from Special choices,
Rare choices, and powerful \':"1zards.
Ho\vever, High Elf armies, with their
above-average Core u-oops. can do well
in low fantasy games. Like aU Elven
armies, High Elves don't suffer as a
result or tl1eir low Toughness in IO\v
fantasy games as much as they do in
regular games ofWarhammcr, as the
a,,crage Strength characteristics of the
opposition tend to be lower.
Low: Core and Special choices.
Middle: Repeater Bolt Throwers,
Rare Infantry.
High: Great Eagles, GnJfons,
Dragons, p0werfulWizards,
Lord-level characters.

Pete Undenmod created 1his low fantasy

Dwarfs command group by choosing
Dwarfs fit wcU into low fantasy games uncom•emional colors for his High Elves
and remain very competili\'C under the and by applying a green patina to the
low famasr guidelines. One problem is armor to suggest that they'l'e been i11 the
that Dwarf armies can be a little too fieldfor a long time.
powerful in low funt:l$f games, as they
have noWizards, no monsters, and few
other choices that would normally be
restricted by the checklist. As such,
Owarf plarers arc advised to tread lighdy
(a challenging thing for O\"l.":!.ffs to do!)
when rnaklng tl1eir selections for a low
fantasy game.
Low: AJJ or the Core and most or the
Special choices (but keep the
Longbeards and other elite u-oops in
reasonable proportions).
Middle: Slayers, Organ Guns.
High: Master Runes, Anvils of Doom,
Grrocopters , Flame Cannons,
Lord-level haracterS.

WWW.CUIS�Wiiiiiiiif.i.Uill ti
V
7ko lowft111tasy Ore models
by Andy Gould (Left) mu/
Greg Mauhews (Rlght).
Hordes of Chaos (DaemonS)
Daemon armies are high fantasy -
period. Hordes of warp-spawned
extradimensional beasts simpl)' don't Iii
in with the aesthetics of low fantasy.
Thus, if you own cwo or more armies
and arc in the mood for a low fantasy
game, leave your Daemons at home and
bring your other guys along. However, if
you want to give low fantasy Daemons a
try (and why not?), there are a few
things )'OU can do to curb some of 1he
higher fantasy excesses of a Daemon
army. First, steer clear of the Daemonic
Lcgionslist from the Storm o/Cbaos
book. Though this list is perhaps a more
func1ional way 10 organize a Daemon
army for standard baules, it simply
doesn·1 work for low famasy games. Use
tbc Hordes of Chaos list, and make sure
)'our force is led by an Exahcd Daemon
or, even bcuer, an Aspiring Champion
with the Chalice of Chaos.
Low: Mortal and Beasts choices.
�fiddle: Daemonic Units.
High: Daemonic Heroes and Lords of
alJ kinds, Spawn.
Hordes of Chaos (Mor1als)
Many players are au.racted to Chaos
armies because or l.he powerful units
and models therein. The low fantasy
Chaos army cakes a very different
approach. As you prepare you low
fantasy Chaos roster, think of
marauding norscmen rather than
the great champions and mons1ers
of the Dark Gods.
Low: Marauders, Marauders,
Marauders, and more Marauders!
Warhounds, Marauder Horsemen,
Beast Herds, and Aspiring Champions
arc aJso good low fantasy selections.
Chaos Warriors, Sorcerers of Chaos,
Chariots of Chaos, and Knights of
Chaos can be included in moderation.
ttUddle: Chosen Warriors,
Chosen Knights.
High: Lord-level characters,
Daemons, Spawn.
18 WIii£IIWARf
UzardD)en
Llzardmen armies are unusual in that
they include some of the most p0wcrful
and points-heavy models in the game
like Siano Mage-Priests and some of the
most humble and inexpensive models
like $kinks. As such, the diallengc of
creating a comperiti\'C low fantasy
Llzardmen army is finding the right
combination of models from the more
humble end of the spectrum. Though
many players favor the Temple Cities
anny list, consider using the Southla1\ds
army list, as it is more conduci\'e 10 low
fanlaS)' games.
Low: Skink Chiefs, Skink Priests.
Skink Skirmishers, Sk.ink Cohoru,
Saurus Warriors, Chameleon Skinks,
Jungle Swarms, Horned One Riders.
A-fiddle: Scar Veterans, Saurus Cavalry,
Kroxigor, Salamander Hunting Packs,
Temple Guard.
High: Slann Mage-Prics1s, Old Bloods,
Carnosaurs, Terradons, Stegadons.
Len Sullivan S Temple Guard Ch(lmpion
makes a good low fantasy hero model.
Ogre Kingdoms
Ogre! Kingdoms armies are middJe
,1 fantasy by nacurc. Whi.le a force
consis1ing of 001.hing bur
monsters (aside from Gnobla.rs)
is decidedly high fantasy. the
mercenary and cannibal.ist.ic narure of
the force tempers the high fantasy
elements to such an extent that the army
can fonction in low fantasy games if the
general is sclecth·e in his choices.
Low: Bruisers, Bulls, Gnoblar
Fighters, Gnoblar Trappers.
MiddJe: Hunters,
lronguts, Maneaters.
Jiig.h: Lord-level characters, Butchers,
Leadbelchers, Yhctecs, Gnoblar
Scraplaunchers, Slavegiams, Gorgers.
Ores & Goblins
Greenskins are a mainstay of the fantasy
genre and can be perfect for low fantasy
games. res hard 10 image a non-human
force more appropriate for a low fanwy
battle than an army that consists of
nothing but weed)' Goblins. Even with
some Ores thrown into the mix, t.he
Ores & Goblins list provides ample
opporrunity for the low funtasy general
10 filJ his ranks.
Low: Goblins of all 0avors including
I lcroes and Lords. Ore Boyz, Ore
Arrer Boyz, SnOl.lings. Rock Lobbers,
Spear Chukkas.
i\tidd.Je: Savage Ores, Black Ores,
Squig Herds, fanatics, TroUs,
Ore Heroes.
High: Ore Lords, Doom Diver
Catapults, Sno1bng Pump
Wagons, Giams.
Skaven
Skaven arc the dcfiniti\'C horde army
and lhus, a, first glance, ma)' seem ideal
for low fantasy games. After all, large
armies with few powerful models is
what lo\v fantasy battles arc all about,
right? WeU, yes and no. As the horde
approach is what defines the Skaven and
gives 1.hc army one of its primary
strengths, Sk..1ven generals will find little
10 restrict them in the low fantasy
guidelines. Large Ska\'Cn hordes often
run roughshod over the opp0sition in ti
standard games of Warhammcr and may
find ii even easier to do so in low
fantasy games. There's no eas)' solution
here, other than for both Skaven players
and tl1eir opponcntS 10 take ii under
advisement and play within the spirit of
the low fantasy guidelines.
Low: Guucr Runners (anything with
tl1e word "gutter.. in it is perfect for
low fantasy), Chkftains, Assassins, a!J
Core choices except Globadicrs.
i\liddle: Plague Priests, Plague Monks,
Rat Ogres.
mgh: Warlords, Grey Seers, Ma.SlCT
Moulders, Warlock Engineers,
attached Weapon Teams, Jezzails,
Globadiers, Plague Censer Beare.rs,
Warp-Ligh1ning Cannons.
 A GRIM WQRIQ OE PER■OIIS IQVDfflllE

Swarr Sper1gler S Hood Elf model

uses rwo Gob/i,r shields ro make a
,·ery rustic Eternal Guardia,1.

Tomb Kings & Vampire Counts mentioned above, low Toughness is

Undead armies are fairly high fantasy b)' not as big a liabili{}' in low fantasy sneaky gits. CaU to arms you, Night
na1ure. Armies of walking corpses and games. Thus, the lack of more resilient Goblins, Gutter Runners, Zombies,
the magicks required 10 raise them don·1 Oryads, Tree Kin, and Trcemen is not Shades, and Warhounds. Low fantasy
exactly jibe wi1h the street fights and as big a sacrifice as it would be in a Warhammer is a fun variation of a grea1
dircy realism of the low fantasy standard game. game, and a grim world of pe,ilous
subgenre Nonetheless, if players keep Low: Nobles. Glade Guard, adventure awaits.
Ule guideHncs in mind, low fantasy Glade ruders. Eternal Guard,
Undcad armies of a sort are Possible and \Vardancers, \'<'aywatchers ..
highlr plarable. For their low fantasy
games. Vampire Counts players may Middle: Spcllsingers, Wild Riders.
wish 10 consider some of the alternative High: All Forest Spirits, lord·
army lists such as the Necromancer·s level characrers, Warha"•k Riders,
Arm}' (see \t�rbammer Armies: Vampire Great Eagles.
Counts, p. 78) or the Armr of s,,1vania
(sec Storm of C/Jaos, pp. 88-89). RUFFIANS THAT
Tomb Kings. Low: Core WILL SWEAR, DRINK,
choices, Charims. DANCE, ROB, MURDER,
Tomb Kings, M.iddJe: Hcro-le,'CI AND COMMIT THE
characters, Tomb Guard, Screaming .
Skull Cat-apulfs. · ' ·
OLDEST SINS
Tomb IGngs, Higb: Lord-level So musrcr the grear unwashed ran,k
characters. Ushabti, Carrion, Tomb and file, the mercenaries, maraudCrs.
Scorpions, Bone Giants. peasants. levies, militiamen, and
_
Vampire Counts. Low: Core chOiccs.
Vampire Counts, MjddJe: HerO­
level characters, Gra,•e Guard,
Black Knights.
Vampire Counts, High: Lotd-level
characters, Spirit Hosts, Fell Bats,
Banshees, Black Coaches.
Wood Elves
Wood Elf skirmish and
ambush tac1ics work welJ in
low fantasr games both in
terms of their efficacy and
their thematically
appropriate guc=rrilla
sryle. Sy simply
avoiding the Forest
Spirits, Wood Elf
players can easily field
effecti,•c low fantaS}'
Elven forces. As

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 LOW FANTASY ARMY EXAMPLES
,��

Andy Gould's Grccnskin Horde • 30 Night Goblins 135 pts · 10 Ore Boar Boyz 258pts
Fun Command, Spears, one Fanatic Full Command, Big'Uns
• Ore Warboss 110pts
· 30 Nighl Goblins 160pts • Magie Items & Other Upgrades 140pts
• Ore Shaman 1oop1s Full Command, Spears, two Fanatics
Level 2
· 10Goblin Wolf Riders 150pts
•Ore Shaman 100pts Full Command. Shields. Spears TOTAL 2,000pts
Level 2
•5 Goblin Wolf Aiders SOpts For this army you will need the following:
•24 Ore Boyz 112p1s Ore Boyz Regiment box (x3), Gobltn Won
Full Command •2 Goblin Chario1s 120pts
Riders box (x2), Goblin WoM Chariot box(x2),
•24 Ore Boyz 172pts •1 Ore Boar Chariot SOpts Black Ore regiment box (x2), Boar Boyz
Full Command • 20Black Ores 253pts regiment bOx (x2), Ore Chariot box (xl), Night
Full Command Goblin Regiment box(x3), Fanatic Blister (x2).
and Black Ore Command bllSter (x1)

Mark Midas's Empire •10Crossbowmen 80 pts TOTAL 2.000pts

•Captain 50 pts •10Knights of the White Wolf 290 pts
Full Command For !his army you will need the following:
·Battle Wizard 95p1S Empire Militia box (x2), Empire Detaehm&nl
level 2 •3Oetacttments of 10Free Company 150 pts box (x4), Empire Soktiers regimen! box (x3) ,
· 23Grcatswords 306 pls Empire Knightly O<der box (x2), Greatswords )
•30 Empire Spearmen 235pts
Full Command regiment box (x2), Greatswords command
Full Command, Shields
blister (x1), Empire Gannon/Mortar box (x2) ,
· 30 Halberdiers 180pls •6 Pistoliers 114pts and Empire PistOliers Blister (x6).
Full Command · 2 Great Cannons 200pis
• 30 Halberdiers 180pls •Magic llems & Other Upgrades 90p1S
Full Command

20 WIIII OWARI
Dave Taylor's Empire • 20 Swordsmen
Full Command
• 30Flage�ants 31,2 pis
Prophet o! Doom
·Captain SOpts
• 20 Sw0<dsmen 16Spts • Magic items I other upgrades 181pis
·Captain SOpts Full Command
·Cap1ain SOpts • 3 units of 10Archers 240pts
•Warrior Priest 95pts • 20 Handgunners 160pts TOTAL 3,000 pts
• 25 Free Company l50ptS • 20Crossbowmen 160pts For this army you will need the following:
Full Command Empire Militia regimen! box(xS), Empire
• 1O Crossbowmen 80pts
• 25 Free Company 150pts Flagellanl box (x3). Knightty Order box (x1),
Full Command • 8 P1stotiers 152pts Empire Detachment box (x2), Empire Soldiers
• 2 Great Cannons 200pts box (x2), Empire Cannon/Mortar box(x3), and
• 20 Free Company 125pts Dogs of War Pikemen model$ (x20).
Full Command • 1 Moltar 75pis
• 20 Spearmen 165pts • 20 Dogs of War Pikemen 245pts
Full Command Full Command, Heavy Armor

Chris Walton's Chaos • 20Chaos Marauders

Fu!I Command, Great Weapons
165pts • 5Warhounds 30 pts
• Aspiring Champion of Chaos 96 pis · Magic Items & Other Upgrades 61pts
Chaos Steed • 16Chaos Warriors 210pts
Full Command, Shields
• Chaos Sorcerer 85pis
• 8Chaos Knights 294 pis TOTAL 2.000 pts
• 20Chaos Marauders 165 pts Full Command
FuU Command, Shields, l1gh1 Armor For !his army you will need the fo llowing:
• 6Chaos Marauder Horsemen 102 PIS Chaos Marauders Regiment Box (x5), Chaos
• 20Chaos Marauders 165pis Standard, Flails
Full Command. Great Weapons Warriors box (x2), Chaos Kmghts box (x1),
• 6Chaos Marauder Horsemen 102 pis Chaos Knights blister (x3), Marauder
• 20Chaos Marauders 165pts Standard, Flails Horsemen ragiment box (x2) , and Chaos
Full Command, Great Weapons ChariOI Box (x3).
· 3Chaos CharJots 360 pts

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