Age of Miniatures Weekly - 10

Edition #10 | Welcome to Your New Hobby Adventure!

Hello and welcome to the tenth edition of Age of Miniatures!

We are thrilled to have you here. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone looking to enhance your skills, this newsletter is designed to guide you through the exciting world of painting and playing with miniatures.

Our mission is to help you unlock your creativity and enjoy the rewarding hobby of miniatures.

Each week, you’ll receive tips, tutorials, and updates about the latest trends in the miniature gaming community, including painting techniques, model releases, and gaming strategies.

We’re building a community where we can share experiences, learn from each other, and celebrate our victories, no matter how small.

We encourage you to dive into this adventure with us and feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or even photos of your miniatures!

Thank you for joining Age of Miniatures. Let’s embark on this creative journey together!

Stay up-to-date on the latest releases from Games Workshop, including new models, returning favorites, and exclusive made-to-order kits.

A brand-new book has hit the shelves, and it’s making quite the statement. Warhammer 40,000: The Ultimate Guide claims to be the definitive visual and lore-filled companion for both newcomers and veteran players. But does it live up to the title? Let’s take a closer look.

What’s Inside?

This book is divided into three main sections:

• A Visual Guide – Stunning illustrations and high-quality images of painted miniatures create an immersive experience.

• The History of Warhammer – A brief but insightful look at Warhammer’s origins, Games Workshop, and the franchise’s evolution.

• Faction Lore & Background – Covers the Imperium, Chaos, and Xenos factions, offering both new and familiar lore insights.

A Feast for the Eyes

One of the book’s strongest features is its breathtaking artwork and photography. It showcases beautifully painted models, side-by-side comparisons of older and newer miniatures, and large spreads that bring the Warhammer universe to life. Long-time fans will appreciate the nostalgic look at how far the miniatures and designs have come.

The Lore Deep Dive

The book condenses Warhammer 40K’s vast lore into digestible summaries. While veteran players may already know much of this information, it serves as a useful refresher, especially with updated lore from recent game developments. For newcomers, it provides a solid starting point without the need to sift through countless codexes and novels.

Shortcomings?

Despite its strengths, the book does have some drawbacks:

• Brief History Section – The history of Games Workshop and Warhammer is limited to a few pages, missing the opportunity for a richer backstory.

• Faction Coverage Imbalance – The Imperium gets the spotlight, while Aeldari (including Drukhari and Harlequins) are bundled together in a single section, leaving some fans disappointed.

• No Chaos or Xenos Galaxy Map – While the Imperium gets a grand galaxy-spanning map, Chaos and Xenos factions are left out.

Is It Worth It?

At $45, Warhammer 40,000: The Ultimate Guide is a visually stunning and accessible introduction to the universe. It may not be a deep-dive lore book, but it’s a great resource for those looking to explore or revisit the world of Warhammer 40K.

For long-time players, it’s a solid addition to their collection. However, die-hard Aeldari fans might be better off sticking with their faction-specific Codex.

The Pyregheists are the tormented remnants of those who, in life, sought to protect the souls of the deceased through crematory rites. Their defiance of the Supreme Lord of Undeath, Nagash, has doomed them to an existence of endless agony—save for the brief reprieve they feel when condemning another soul to eternal damnation. Now, these spectral wraiths carry out Nagash’s will, spreading Balefire and destruction.

Background and Lore

The Pyregheists are yet another cruel punishment devised by Nagash for those who defied him. As part of the Nighthaunt legions, they are spectral harbingers of vengeance, bound to inflict the very pain they endure upon the living.

Key Figures of the Pyregheists

• Deacons of Flames – Once priests of the Shyishian mortuary cult, they are now cursed to extinguish the souls of the living in Balefire pyres.

• Balefire Guards – Former protectors of holy cremation sites, now tasked with guarding the Deacons and spreading their cursed fire.

• Flamewraiths – Tormented spirits who once lit sacred pyres but now ignite the living with hellish Balefire.

• Torchwraiths – The most wretched of the warband—former graverobbers and necromancers condemned to burn forever, their only solace being the ability to spread their torment to others.

A Mission of Destruction

Nagash has sent the Pyregheists to the Gnarlwood, where the ever-growing wilds defy his vision of dominion over death. Their objective: to incinerate the Idols of the Old Ones, ancient relics that protect the ruins of a fallen Seraphon temple-ship. However, standing in their way are the Lumineth Ydrilan Riverblades, determined to restore the once-great River Derovan. Before the Pyregheists can complete their grim work, they must first overcome these luminous warriors.

Meet the Warband

The Pyregheists warband consists of seven fighters, including two powerful leaders. They possess terrifying abilities that allow them to set the battlefield ablaze and ensure their enemies suffer a fate worse than death.

Key Fighters:

• Deacon of Flames (Leader) – Wields either Pyrekeeper’s Tongs or a Brazier-staff, combining melee and ranged attacks with brutal efficiency.

• Balefire Guards – High Toughness warriors who fortify their allies and wield devastating weapons like the Scorch Flail and Flaming Halberd.

• Torchwraith – Agile, flying units with deadly ranged attacks and a cursed ability that lets them strengthen their strikes and cremate their victims.

• Flamewraiths – Swift and relentless specters, spreading fire and destruction with Balefire Torches or Brazier-staves.

Flames of the Battlefield: Warband Abilities

The Pyregheists bring unique abilities to Warcry, enhancing their spectral vengeance:

• Fan the Flames (Double) – Increases the damage of the next melee attack.

• Pyrobber’s Curse (Double, Torchwraith) – Strengthens attacks and ensures fallen enemies are cremated.

• Unblinking Guardian (Double, Balefire Guards) – Increases Toughness for allied Elites and Heroes.

• Light the Pyre (Triple) – Cremates a slain enemy, spreading Balefire beyond death.

• Soulblaze (Triple, Deacon of Flames) – Grants bonus moves or attacks after taking down an enemy.

• Agonizing Penance (Quad) – Forces an enemy to move towards their allies before unleashing devastating area damage.

Will the Flames Consume the Gnarlwood?

As the Pyregheists march forward, Balefire in hand, they prepare to face the warriors of light in an epic clash of fate and fury. Will they succeed in turning the Gnarlwood to ash, or will their torment continue, unfulfilled?

Stay tuned as we explore their journey further. Until then, may the flames guide your path—or consume it.

A new way to build your Warhammer 40k army is here! Hatchette Partworks offers a magazine series that delivers models, painting guides, lore, and mini-games—letting you collect full Combat Patrols over time.

Key Features and Content

Models:

• High-quality sprues, identical to Games Workshop box sets.

• No weapon customization, but includes extras like a Primaris Chaplain on a bike.

Paints:

• Mix of standard and faction-specific paints.

• Great for beginners, but experienced painters may already own many.

Extras:

• Combat Patrol-themed mug, binders for organizing magazines, and various brushes.

• Limited storage in provided binders—future expansions may require more.

The Premium Kit Advantage

For an extra £2 per magazine, premium subscribers receive:

• Large models like a Hive Tyrant and Brutalis Dreadnought.

• Full sprue options for customizable builds.

• Surprise additions like Librarian Titus!

Magazine Breakdown

Build & Paint:

• Step-by-step guides with large, easy-to-follow illustrations.

• Perfect for newcomers but offers little for advanced hobbyists.

Lore:

• Faction overviews and short stories.

• Engaging narratives but some lore repetition.

Mini-Missions:

• Simple but thematic Warhammer 40k scenarios.

• Best for beginners, though complexity increases over time.

Is It Worth It?

• Total Cost (so far): £244.79

• Total Value (if bought separately): £398

• Savings: £144.21

Verdict? A fantastic deal for new players and a great value for experienced collectors seeking specific Combat Patrols!

Unlock powerful tactics and elevate your gameplay with our in-depth guides. Plus, find the best tools and products for your miniatures.

Get ready for a power-packed edition filled with expert tactics, strategic insights, and must-know tips for Warhammer enthusiasts!

Twistweald Tactics Unleashed – Dive into the mind-bending world of Twistweald with our in-depth guide. Learn how to wield their deceptive strategies, outmaneuver opponents, and dominate the battlefield with precision.

Ydrilan Riverblades: Swift, Deadly, Unstoppable – Master the art of fluid combat with the Ydrilan Riverblades. From their agile formations to devastating strikes, we’ll break down the tactics that make them a force to be reckoned with.

Warhammer 40K Value-Added Boxes: Hidden Gems or Overhyped? – Looking to expand your army without breaking the bank? We analyze the latest value-added boxes, comparing costs, contents, and whether they’re a true steal for your collection.

This is an essential read for every Warhammer fan—don’t miss out!

Thanks for reading the tenth edition of Age of Miniatures! We hope you’re as excited as we continue exploring the world of miniatures together. Feel free to reply with any questions or suggestions, and don’t forget to share your own miniatures on our social channels!

Until next week,
Age Of Miniatures