New Rules Leak For Warhammer: Age Of Sigmar – Simple But Cool? [Fluff Update]
June 30, 2015 by brennon
Some new information has leaked surrounding the rules for Warhammer: Age of Sigmar. You can check them out at the link below, offering a snippet of what's going to be coming over the summer. The rules are VERY different before and suddenly you can see why they've just been condensed into four pages...
Additional images have also popped up in greater detail AND there is some more on the actual full rules for the game I actually feel a little bad for Games Workshop that the excitement of the rules coming out this Saturday has been spoiled but I guess that was going to be inevitable. See what you think...
More Images
Full Rules
More Background
We've also had a bit of information drop in considering the background for Age of Sigmar. It's certainly a bit of a change and sounds a little bit like we heard a few weeks ago...
- Nine Mortal Realms exist all based on the Eight Colours of Magic with Chaos being the Ninth.
- Sigmar rules from a realm named Azyrheim. When one of his Stormcast Eternals dies they return there (think Valhalla/Valkyries)
- Four Great Alliances
- Order: Stormcast Eternals, Steamhead Duardin (Dwarfs), Red Slayers (Mercenaries), Aelf (Elves), and Seraphon (Reptilian warriors)
- Chaos: Fully combined army which includes Beastmen, Warriors, Daemons and Skaven
- Death: Undead
- Destruction: Orruks (Orcs) Grots (Goblins) Ogors (Ogres) and other Ravening Beasts.
The Rules
Movement, Shooting, and Combat have all been very much streamlined and things have a lot more abstraction to them than before. It certainly fits into the idea of the game being a skirmish experience. Combat is another of the big changes where battles are fought out in an more mutual way where one opponent chooses a battle then the other until they are all done.
Rules Leak
We don't get any of the real specifics but it certainly makes for some interesting reading. The main bit of text at the start explains that a battle of around 100 models is enough for an evening so THIS is certainly how they see the game going from now on I reckon.
The Models
As well as the rules there were also the models that we spied last week. You can see them in the links below in more leaks from the White Dwarf that will be out this weekend. We've had some discussions about them already but I thought I would add some more thoughts now we've had some time to reflect on them.
Update: Leaked Image of New Sigmarites & Chaos Revealed
More Leaks – Close Ups Of Chaos & Sigmarite Warriors
When it comes to the models I have a few thoughts about them. I actually really like the look of the Sigmarites in their golden armour. I might not like the paint style so much, I would probably paint them to look a little darker, but I think the models are pretty neat.
I particularly like their more 'angelic' looking soldiers at the back and the character atop his demi-dragon type creature.
The Chaos forces...I'm not so sure about. I like the regular barbarian types and the monster at the back but the characters are maybe a little bit too fussy. I think there might be a bit too much 'craziness' to them although I guess they should really have that to match the Sigmarites.
Overall I am quite taken by the new models and I will probably pick up the models from this new set, at the very least, to give the game a go. I'm very interested to see what they do with the rules in the future too.
Will you be giving them a go?
"...THIS is certainly how they see the game going from now on I reckon"
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"I'm very interested to see what they do with the rules in the future too..."
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As long as its fun to play, simple doesn’t bother me.
If its good, its not bad and that good.. I guess
: D
can’t wait to try. I like the idea of a very simple set of rules. Good call from GW, I hope the fluff will be as rich as the Old World was.
Could have just used the LOTR rules, they are great for skirmishes, Note Justin, they are skirmish rules, not battle rules 🙂
LoTR activates by units, not individual models.
Definitely not a Skirmish game like Infinity, Necromunda, etc.., more a battle game, even if it isn’t mass battle.
No it doesn’t, every model is individual, you must be thinking of WoTR. LOTR can, and is played with just a few models aside as per all the original scenarios where you have the Fellowship (9 models) V whatever, but the rules allow you to play with 100 models if you like.
…and is a very good system. Better than W40K or Warhammer. Some really epic scene fight lead by powerful heroes.
I hoped the mankind factions would look more gritty and Dark Ages looking.
These look like blinged up, low tech, Space Marines.
I did enjoy Warhammer as a kid, the polish and quality of the miniatures and books has always been high.
I’m glad they look open to change with the rules.
I like the focus on smaller armies.
It may all be rumours, but I am not tempted to get back into Warhammer with what’s on show so far sadly.
I think those Sigmarites could look pretty good with a red/silver paint job, kinda like Roman legionaries.
I have every confidence these rules and the game will be terrible, random and simple (simple is not the same as elegant). But, like the end of End Times, there is a glimmer of hope that maybe the entire thing will just work. ________ I don’t buy these are the *actual* rules. I think this game has been rushed out with little play testing (which I believe happened 2 months ago) – and you’re getting a released Beta ruleset basically. I fully expect a larger set of rules to be released at some point which you will buy. The only… Read more »
For me I still hope that it does scale up nicely. There’s too many skirmish games out right now (most which are good as they’ve been around for awhile) so I still want this to be big battles with lots of models! The rules themselves, what we can see of them, sound like it can work. We all now how big and bloated 40k is and this is starting right back at the basics. That said need to see the “warscrolls” they talk about before my final impression. I will be giving it a go at my local GW store… Read more »
You’ll note you get a bonus in terms of Bravery for every 10 men you have in the unit.
You don’t have not “not” have your troops in ranked units either? Unless I missed something. And maybe certain weapons get extra bonuses when the unit is ranked – such as spears. And these details will be on the battle scrolls.
I think i’m gonna like the rules for the most part but I will have to play them to make sure. I’m a little worried when it comes to the removing models part. Also not a fan of the random charges but glade that if you fail you won’t move at all. Otherwise I like them. Want to play first to make sure they are fun. Really looking forward to see what they do with the rest of the stuff model wise. The current models they have look good to me. I have to admit though I thin GW copied… Read more »
As long as it’s fun, I’ll give it a go. And if I can run a combined Warriors, Daemons, Beastmen, and Skaven army (of Nurgle) I’m in. Definitely keen on the idea of not having to purchase half a dozen rule books again.
Hopefully FW/WF will have rules for all my Chaos Dwarfs and Tamurkhan stuff, that would be even better (wishful thinking, I know).
That’s why we play with toy soldiers, to have fun, that’s it.
I believe that 4 page game can be fun, and that’s why I’m considering picking up AoS, and giving it a try with my son.
I think you’ll find most find “fun” as into playing a game of skill and tactics and trying to win – like playing chess etc.
I think very few have “fun” playing a game where you’re 50% less likely to win the game from turn 1 because you drew 3 unlucky strategy cards by chance, and your opponent drew 3 favorable ones via chance…
You seem to be ruling out a significant amount of games being fun due to there being an element of luck involved.
And there has certainly been made a case that the current version of chess is far from perfect.
I am not ruling that out – luck is a good part of the game and inherent to all dice based games. You didn’t understand what I mean, which is probably my fault – chess is an example, but pick most games, and sports if you like. Or indeed plenty of other miniature games which don’t kick the ground from under you by chance on turn 1. The point being we want to fairly enter a game of skill and that is significant. Yeah, there’s narrative, and just enjoyment from getting the models out. But we don’t want to lose… Read more »
I’m all for luck in a game. And, with the people that I game with if we look at a game and get to a point where we know exactly how it will end we’ll just stop. Or restart (obviously winners and losers are declared). I don’t know, to me, I define “fun” as enjoyment. I like modelling (I model all sorts of model kits in addition to minis games), I like painting, and I like playing games. I also like playing games with people who like playing games. I’m not into competitive gaming, and I’m not into gaming with… Read more »
I like your analogy of chess @poosh . And as you so eloquently stated earlier, simple rules should not be confused with elegant rules. There was never any meat to the WFB or 40k rules, just random movement, random events, and pushing trays of models at each other. If the new rules are even simpler, my dog could play. I need more tactical depth, or I just get bored and walk away. For me, a game needs to be an accurate simulation of a historic event, or a recreation of a universe that is at least plausible and possible, with… Read more »
I am loving the lotr activation sequence, always loved not knowing who was going next. Like what I am seeing with the battle sequence being alternate activations.
On the whole I like what in am seeing and it has me wanting to get this weeks WD !
I definitely think its worth a go. The Chaos models do look a bit OTT but could be good to play with as an intro army for the game. Also the sigmar troops may be better with a different colour scheme – silver armour could be a good option.
How much you guys reckon the box set will cost? (probably won’t bother buying it, just curious as to estimations)
Would imagine around the $100 mark maybe – so probably around £70? Just a rough guess.
BoW Ben
Well isn’t Dark Vengeance currently £65? I wouldn’t expect it to be much higher than that.
Here’s hoping. Whatever price it is I’m probably pre-ordering haha
BoW Ben
Apparently £75, and you must really like the models @brennon
I kinda do @dags – I really like the Sigmarites even though some of the Chaos models aren’t that inspiring a prospect.
It will cost 125$ according to the leaks.
As a first point GW should be applauded for free rules and going to rules with units. Its a smart move forward and long overdue. However from what I have seen it is way too early to be making a judgement on the rules. Need to see the full rules and a range of the unit rules. The lack of points will work if a careful and considered rebalancing has been done – and is maintained going forward. Personally I am looking for options within the rules that rewards maneuvering and provides meaningful tactical options. I would also like to… Read more »
While nothing having a point cost is a slight worry I really hope they have some force construction rules even if its just something along the lines of you need X number of base troops to get and elite and x number of elites before you can have a legendary character.
Otherwise this game is going to get over powered real quick
With only 4 pages of rules I’m inclined to believe that’s in the Warscrolls, the failure or success of system may lie.
The miniatures is a different beast, looking at the Stormcast Eternals this may be the WoW generation’s miniature game.
AoS a new game for a new generation of wargamers?
@lasse if the look was new and not a port from 40k I might be inclined to agree, its new to fantasy but not really new for GW
Well, I can’t argue with that.
If it is then I really don’t understand anything about anything … 1) WoW players don’t have time to eat let alone paint … model … socialize so they aren’t exactly the ideal target customer 2) Kids around here are crazy about minecraft way more then WoW so the outlandish design of these minis seems off the mark for them (could save you a lot of money on miniature design!) 3) The most successful phenomenon in fantasy right now is GoT/song of Ice and Fire. As we know that one is all about dark, gritty, bloody, no good or evil,… Read more »
I’ve had a look at the rules and it’s pretty much GW giving up on Warhammer.
If leaks are to be believed, WH:F made up around 10% of its sales. If you want to get grumpy about it, then really it’s the players that gave up on it.
I don’t see how you can say GW are giving up on Warhammer. They had the whole End of Times cycle, which seemed to sell pretty well, and this is a complete revamp in an attempt to get players back.
If GW “gave up” on Warhammer, then surely they’d just drop it completely, rather then come release a bunch of new models / rules / etc..
Wow you really are a dick aren’t you?
Wait until you read the rules before attacking someone for their opinions.
But, he didn’t attack you, he just stated a counter to your argument, attacking you would be something like calling you a moron, or a dick (which before you get any ideas is NOT what I’m doing here)
@fleetey the players that gave up on it? really? Why do you think the players gave up on it?
The answer is the way it was managed by GW.
Now GW are trying to save it, and I understand ditching it was an option. There is nothing wrong with the willingness to keep the game, but the need to ‘save it’ is due to decisions they made. Sadly its the normal GW problem bad mangement
I’m guessing Warhammer went down the drain because there are better systems and mini’s out there. Fantasy gaming, on the whole, doesn’t appear to be on the decline — quite the contrary.
I don’t believe GW had any choice, WFB wasn’t selling.They need to get new players/collectors, hooked on the game.
Warhammer was selling, it just wasn’t selling as much as 40k, it was selling more than lotr/hobbit.
If they were giving up on Warhammer……I doubt they would be going through all the trouble of a reboot. Everyone has there own opinions but I am with Dave….as long as it is fun….I am in.
They gave up on the rules system, I’ve read the rules and it’s barely a game. It’s pretty much green plastic army men.
I hope they pull this off, would love to have a skirmish game set in the Fantasy universe. Just wish they would throw out them prodo-marines and get something else. Also hope dwarves are still their own thing, or at least that they keep the line going. …Haven’t had my fill of GW dwarf models yet lol.
I´ll take a look and play…
I might proxy with the free rules and if AoS is any good, consider buying some minis to convert into a small force. If the new sculpts are anything to go by, there’s no way in hell I’ll be paying good money for such ugly models. I imagine plenty of old-school WHFB players will rage quit and put their old armies up on eBay before long.
I seriously doubt I’ll go back to Warhammer instead of sticking with Warmachine, but I’ll at least give it a go.
I’m not sure I like the human models, they look to much like space marines for me. I liked the Germanic look of the empire. They could have kept the old figures and just changed the rules for me. Being a Mordheim fan I like the idea of it being skirmish just not sure I like the style.
I’ll be pre ordering.
At first look it does not look too bad. It will be interesting to see how this will catch on.
All (4 pages) of rules and the AoS stuff in next White Dwarf issue has been leaked and can now be found on the net.
Dare, I post the link here?
Otherwise it’s pretty easy to find, just check the AoS rumour thread on DakkaDakka.
Seen em, shame no close ups of the chaos but lets just say the warpscrolls are going to have to have a tonne of info on them to make that playable.
@brennon couldn’t reply above, fair enough – not for me but nice close ups on twitter. Not that i think they make the models look good but you get what I mean hopefully
Ok now we have seen some warpscrolls, I am happy to pass judgement. I know a lot of comments on twitter are saying more coming but at it’s core it is a simplistic game system with no real tactical elements, fairly substantial gaps in the rules. Army building at least at present is an imbalanced mess. The only balancing factor is the sudden death and that is so ease to abuse/deny there is nothing beyond social contract preventing grade 1 asshattery. Yes you could resolve this with your opponent but why when there are better rules from tonnes of companies.… Read more »
Orruks? Ogors? Aelf? Oh looky here, cheap letter swaps so they can copyright everything down to the races. I gather it’ll be like with LotR/Hobbit miniatures where there’s a “TM” every other word. A hundred models isn’t very much skirmish in my book… Ok you can use less, apprently, but the rules snippets suggest they’re gonna be pushing much bigger forces as hard as they can. I really think it’s high time GW understood that they’d sell more if they enticed people with quality, artistically inspired products, like Wyrd or even Privateer Press (though I personally hate Warmahordes), instead of… Read more »
Nice try GW, but this isn’t Warhammer.