Games Workshop dropped the surprise Fall Battlescroll on us yesterday and people have been waiting with bated breath for someone to deal with some of these cracked Battletomes that have been hitting the table lately. We’re going to go through every army and discuss the rules changes, points changes, who won and who lost.

Core Rules

The only change game wide is to the Battle Tactic Scouting Force which was extremely easy to cheat for certain armies. The definition of what is a “Scout Unit” had to change again, since it was punishing to units with a start of game Scout move, so the definition is now “did not use a Reserve move”. Functionally this means it hasn’t changed. The actual change is that faction terrain features no longer count toward the 2nd and 3rd tactics on the card, since it discouraged placing your terrain feature in certain locations in case it might give opponents an advantage.

Sadly, the Obscuring rule is not changed. Lot of people were really hoping it’d get at least some tweaks, so certain characters like Glutos can’t just hide on an objective or a tiny forest and be completely safe from damage. If it’s gonna change, it’s not today.

Order

Cities of Sigmar

Let’s open with the big one. Cities of Sigmar have dominated the charts, probably second only to KO in dominating GTs. Freeguilder (human) armies have been huge since Scourge of Ghyran gave them a massive buff in the form of Zenestra’s new Warscroll prayer that makes the army very difficult to actually lock down.

Points Changes

• +10 points to Battlemage (100)
• +20 points to Battlemage on Celestial Hurricanum (240)
• +10 points to Callis and Toll (220)
• +10 points to Freeguild Marshal and Relic Envoy (100)
• +10 points to Scourge of Ghyran Pontifex Zenestra, Matriarch of the Great Wheel (260)
• +20 points to Celestial Hurricanum (180)
• +30 points to Freeguild Command Corps (170)
• +10 points to Freeguild Steelhelms (90)
• +10 points to Hammerers (180)
• +10 points to Veteran Cannoneers Formation (10)
• +20 points to Cosmopolitan Leader Heroic Trait (20)
• +20 points to Brazier of Holy Flame Artefact (20)

Rules Changes

The only rules changes are to Scourge of Ghyran’s Zenestra. Word of the God-King now requires visible targets, so the cowards against Sigmar can again hide in the woods from her wrath. Her warscroll prayer Sigmar’s Will has been changed so the Salvation part can no longer rip units out of combat. This was highly abusable as killing an entire unit of Cavaliers or a Great Cannon could be surprisingly difficult thanks to the debuffs they can hand out. They also have to be dropped outside of 9” of the enemy and not just out of combat. If Zenestra is surrounded this may make it impossible to even use it.

Impact

Loser

Thoughts

This was all pretty much in line with what I think everyone expected to happen. Cities of Sigmar Freeguilders were pretty much unassailable to most armies, and even if you could lock them down they would just rip their most important units away to safety, which wasn’t really compatible with cool or fun gameplay. 

In addition to Zenestra herself, Battle Mages were much too cheap, and let players be able to cast Cindercloud for basically nothing for -1 Attack, or 3D6 charge to Cavaliers you know as a treat. 10 points up isn’t huge, but combined with the other changes it’s a much more difficult investment. Command Corps really needed the hit too, since taxing command points for free was alot and they were solid fighters to boot, so they weren’t even particularly vulnerable or anything. Callis and Toll are Order’s favorite Regiment of Renown (Well, except for maybe the KO profiteers, we’ll get to them) and so them getting another 10 points is probably expected as well. The enhancements are all also in line with these sorts of Freeguilder lists, so those were naturally gonna go up too.

The only headscratcher is the Thunderers. Can’t say I saw them tearing up any charts lately, but alright?

Daughters of Khaine

Daughters of Khaine have been doing pretty decent thanks to Scourge of Ghyran. The new Warscroll for Krethusa was very kind of Aelf heavy horde lists so that tends to be where the army leans right now. Morathi and her more elite troops have suffered, however and the previously dominant archetype has been in stasis.

Points Changes

• -10 points to Bloodwrack Medusa (150)
• +10 points to Krethusa the Croneseer (160)
• +10 points to Slaughter Queen on Cauldron of Blood (330)
• +20 points to Scourge of Ghyran Bloodwrack Shrine (250
• +20 points to Scourge of Ghyran Krethusa the Croneseer (260)
• -10 points to Avatar of Khaine (110)
• -10 points to Blood Stalkers (130)
• +10 points to Khainite Shadowstalkers (120)
• +20 points to Khinerai Lifetalkers (100)
• +10 points to Sisters of Slaughter with Bladed Bucklers (120)
• +10 points to Witch Aelves with Paired Sciansá (120)
• +20 points to Arena Veterans Battle Formation (20)
• +20 points to Bloodshadow Rites Prayer Lore (20)

Rules Changes

None.

Impact

Loser

Thoughts

This definitely cripples the current “Krethusa and Foot Aelves” archetype by targeting her and all the stuff she usually takes. The reduction in points doesn’t really help out the army either, I would have liked to see Morathi take a bit of a cut and probably the Blood Sisters as well to make them more viable. That said the Krethusa Archetype is probably still going to remain dominant as with the recursion that is still a lot of troops on the board.

Fyreslayers

Points Changes

• -10 points to Auric Runeson on Magmadroth (250)

• -10 points to Grimhold Exile (100)

• +10 points to Scourge of Ghyran Auric Runeson on Magmadroth (320)

• -10 points to Hearthguard Berzerkers with Flamestrike Poleaxe (120)
• -10 points to Vulkite Berzerkers with Bladed Slingshields (140)
• -10 points to Vulkite Berzerkers with Fyresteel Weapons (120)
• +10 points to Scales of Vulcatrix Battle Formation (10)
• +10 points to Droth-Helm Artefact (10)

Rules Changes

Wrath of the Vulcatrix, the core Faction Pack prayer (legally distinct from Fury of the Vulcatrix in the Scourge of Ghyran pack), was changed so the suped up version now ignores the +1 Attack for the Battle Damaged status. It now only grants +1 per 4 damage, for a max of +3 at 12 damage.

Impact

Slight Loser

Thoughts

The Magmadroths were arguably overtuned, since that prayer was written before the Scourge of Ghyran Runeson on Magmadroth existed. They probably can spare to have one less attack, but the army didn’t have a lot going for it otherwise. The reduction on foot guys is definitely appreciated and will hopefully push the army a little more in that direction.

Idoneth Deepkin

Points Changes

• -10 points to Eidolon of Mathlann, Aspect of the Sea (340)
• -20 points to Eidolon of Mathlann, Aspect of the Storm (300)
• -10 points to Isharann Tidecaster (110)
• -10 points to Scourge of Ghyran Akhelian Thrallmaster (90)
• +10 points to Akhelian Allopex (170)
• -10 points to Akhelian Leviadon (470)
• -10 points to Namarti Reavers (130)
• +20 points to Ethersea Predators (20)

Rules Changes

Abyssal Tendril gives +1 to hit for all manifestations against ensnared units now, which is intended to benefit the Incarnate of the Deep since it’s legally a distinct warscroll and only hits on 4s otherwise.

Impact

Loser

Thoughts

The faction really isn’t doing so hot and this doesn’t really hit the core issues. The point changes feel very slapdash, with -10s to a few places and then +10 to Allopexes because turns out those are pretty good in Ethersea predators.

Kharadron Overlords

This is it, the big boys. Arguably the Top Tier army right now, everyone was expecting they’d be taking a few hits on the chin for what they’ve done over the last month or so. A shooting army that can engage in some seriously painful alpha strike melee combat that is very difficult to defend against, everything is set up to take these guys down a peg.

Points Changes

• +30 points to Endrinmaster with Endrinharness (150)
• +20 points to Grundstock Gunhauler (160)
• +10 points to Skywardens (130)
• +20 points to Vongrim Harpoon Crew (110)
• +20 points to Vongrim Scavengers (120)
• +30 points to Scourge of Ghyran Grundstok Gunhauler (170)
• +10 points to Endrineers Guild Expeditionary Force (10)
• +10 points to Blazebeard and Sons Bamboozling Flakgun (10)
• +20 points to Zontari Endrin Dock (20)

Rules Changes

First, Skyvessel Cover now only applies if the unit (or boat) haven’t charged this turn. Speaking of boats charging, the Frigate has had its Assault Boat rule changed so that only one unit can get Strike First, in addition to the rules change a few weeks back that made those units count as charged (so they can’t charge again, essentially). 

On the Enhancement front, Celestium Burst Grenade is now once per battle instead of once per turn as well as needing to actually see the target. Finally, Skyvessel Upgrades from the Scourge of Ghyran supplement are now considered Great Endrinworks which means you don’t get to pick one from each.

Impact

Loser

Thoughts

I think we all saw this stuff coming. Pretty much every change here was expected. Skyvessel Cover was an absolute nuisance, since you could have a Frigate charge with 2 units of Skywardens, have them both Strike First and even on the kick back you’d be -1 to hit them with your already decimated units. It was simply too much and offered no downside to charging full force into the enemy. The points increases to the Gunhaulers might push them out as they need to make room for stuff, but frankly so might cutting a unit of Skywardens.

The change to the Skyvessel Upgrades to Great Endrinworks was needed and likely was a mistake from rules teams who wrote the book and those who wrote the SoG not being on the same page as it doesn’t make much sense to have 2 separate tables of effectively the same enhancement and then let you take both. 

Lumineth Realm-Lords

Points Changes

• -20 points to Archmage Teclis and Celennar, Spirit of Hysh (560)
• +10 points to Ellania and Ellathor, Eclipsian Warsages (290)
• – 10 points to Hurakan Windmage (140)
• +10 points to Lyrior Uthralle, Warden of Ymetrica (210)
• +20 points to Scinari Cathallar (110)
• +10 points to Severith, Lord of the Seventh Wind (340)
• +20 points to Scourge of Ghyran The Light of Eltharion (270)
• +10 points to Scourge of Ghyran Vanari Bannerblade (140)
• -20 points to Alarith Spirit of the Mountain (280)
• +10 points to Vanari Auralan Sentinels (160)
• +10 points to Vanari Bladelords (150)
• -10 points to Vanari Dawnriders(220) 
• -10 points to Vanari Starshard Ballista (90)
• +10 points to Vanari Battlehost Battle Formation (10)
• +10 points to Scinari Council Battle Formation (10)
• +10 points to Lore of Prismatic Resonance Spell Lore (10)

Rules Changes

None.

Impact

Loser

Thoughts

This is pretty much just a hit on the current Archtype, which is to run a Herohammer Ellania and Ellathor, usually with Bladelords and the Scourge of Ghyran Light of Eltharion along side some cheap wizards and Riverblades. It’s a bit unorthodox, but it’s mostly fine. While it can be frustrating to play against, I’m not sure it needed the hit. 

Seraphon

Points Changes

• -10 points to Lord Kroak (440)
• -10 points to Saurus Astrolith Bearer (120)
• -20 points to Saurus Oldblood (90)
• -10 points to Saurus Oldblood on Carnosaur (260)
• -10 points to Saurus Scar‑Veteran on Aggradon (160)
• -10 points to Skink Starpriest (90)
• -20 points to Slann Starmaster (260)
• -20 points to Stegadon Chief (180)
• -10 points to Terradon Chief (100)
• -20 points to Scourge of Ghyran Saurus Oldblood on Carnosaur (320)
• -10 points to Aggradon Lancers (210)
• -10 points to Engine of the Gods (170)
• -10 points to Kroxigor (200)
• -10 points to Kroxigor Warspawned (210)
• -10 points to Raptadon Chargers (130)
• -10 points to Raptadon Hunters (120)
• -10 points to Saurus Warriors (150)
• -10 points to Stegadon (170)
• -10 points to Realmshaper Engine (0!)

Rules Changes

None.

Impact

Winner

Thoughts

This is absolutely shocking honestly. Points cuts all across the board, both including units everyone uses (Kroxigors, Aggradon Lancers) and all the stuff nobody uses. Even the terrain piece is free now! The army hasn’t been doing so hot in the win rate, so it’s likely the hope is they will do better with more bodies on the table.

Another addition is the inclusion of the Sunpack, due to it being added to the new Spearhead army, so they made it valid again for Matched Play.

Stormcast Eternals

Points Changes

• -20 points to Celestant‑Prime, Hammer of Sigmar (270)
• -20 points to Drakesworn Templar (420)
• -20 points to Ionus Cryptborn, Warden of Lost Souls (380)
• -30 points to Iridan the Witness (260)
• -20 points to Karazai the Scarred (460)
• -10 points to Knight-Azyros (120)
• -10 points to Knight‑Vexillor (100)
• -20 points to Krondys, Son of Dracothion (540)
• -10 points to Lord‑Aquilor (140)
• -10 points to Lord‑Celestant (100)
• -30 points to Lord-Commander Bastian Carthalos (220)
• -10 points to Lord‑Relictor (120)
• -10 points to Lord-Terminos (140)
• -10 points to Lord-Vigilant on Gryph‑stalker (140)
• -10 points to Neave Blacktalon (300)
• -20 points to Tornus the Redeemed (150)
• -20 points to Yndrasta, the Celestial Spear (290)
• -10 points to Lord‑Aquilor (140)
• -10 points to Lord‑Celestant (100)
• -10 points to Annihilators (13)
• -10 points to Annihilators with Meteoric Grandhammers (180)
• -10 points to Liberators (90)
• -10 points to Praetors (140)
• -10 points to Stormstrike Chariot (120)
• -10 points to Vanquishers (100)

Rules Changes

None.

Impact

Winner

Thoughts

I mean, it’s pretty much all good here. Just a sea of green, even hitting some very commonly used units like Ionus, Praetors and Vanquishers. This is big for pretty much every archetype from Dragons to Infantry. Cav didn’t really get the benefit, but I don’t think Palladors need the help. This will likely increase the win rate across the board.

Sylvaneth

Points Changes

• -10 points to Spirit of Durthu (320)
• -30 points to The Lady of Vines (220)
• -10 points to Treelord (210)
• -10 points to Treelord Ancient (230)
• -20 points to Scourge of Ghyran Drycha Hamadreth (300)
• -10 points to Dryads (90)
• -10 points to Kurnoth Hunters with Kurnoth Greatswords (210)
• -10 points to Kurnoth Hunters with Kurnoth Scythes (190)
• -20 points to Spiterider Lancers (190)
• -10 points to Tree-Revenants (90)

Rules Changes

None.

Impact

Slight Winner

Thoughts

Winner in that it probably won’t affect the top lists too much. Most of the meta right now focuses around Monster Mash lists with Alarielle, Belthanos, and then whatever big stuff the player tends to like and then maybe a bit of chaff. This will help with the Treelord and SoG Drycha, but when dealing with models this big a few points won’t move the scale a ton. Likely this will let them add a bit more chaff to screen stuff out, which is useful.

Chaos

Blades of Khorne

Points Changes

• -10 points to Bloodthirster of Insensate Rage (410)

• -10 points to Bloodthirster of Unfettered Fury (390)

• +10 points to Deathbringer (130)

• • -20 points to Skarbrand (430)

• +10 points to Skullgrinder (110)

• -10 points to Wrath of Khorne Bloodthirster (400)

Rules Changes

The largest change is how the Blood Tithe mechanic works. Previously, you could only “unlock” a new power once per round. This made it difficult to interact with and made the bottom tier abilities nigh unattainable, which is why you tended to see the most success from Armies of Renown (Which didn’t need to interact with it.)

Instead, you can unlock abilities on both players’ turns. This is nice if you just had a big windfall where a lot of stuff died, either capitalizing on a strong push into enemy units, or salvaging things when you just lost a lot of guys. Punish the Pacifist and Murder the Mystic were also changed from once per round to once per turn. This is particularly powerful on Murder the Mystic, making summoning Endless spells against them basically a waste of time. 

Karanak’s Stalk the Prey had a clarification that you can still use it if you don’t pick a unit of flesh hounds to come with him if you don’t want to, as the previous ruling could be read as a mandate.

Impact

Winner

Thoughts

I’m not quite sure how I feel about Punish the Pacifist and Murder the Mystic, the ability to use these every turn seems excessive, but I am wholly behind being allowed to unlock abilities faster. After the Gorechosen army of Renown took a huge bash to the kneecaps (not undeserved) the army has sort of floundered a bit so it needed the help. Shoring up the core book rules was the right call here.

I do think Deathbringer and Skullgrinder are paying for the sins of said Army of Renown, but 10 points is getting off lightly so it’s probably not too bad. Bloodthirsters going down is surprising, but perhaps we’ll see more of The Baleful Lords as a result.

Disciples of Tzeentch

Points Changes

• -10 points to Changecaster, Herald of Tzeentch (110)
• +10 points to Fateskimmer, Herald of Tzeentch on Burning Chariot (130)
• -20 points to Kairos Fateweaver (420)
• -20 points to Lord of Change (360)
• -10 points to Magister on Disc of Tzeentch (110)
• -10 points to Blue Horrors and Brimstone Horrors (140)
• -10 points to Flamers of Tzeentch (120)
• +20 points to Jade Obelisk (100)
• -10 points to Pink Horrors (160)
• -10 points to Tzaangor Skyfires (170)

Rules Changes

None.

Impact

Winner

Thoughts

A surprising ton of points drops here. I’m kinda surprised they didn’t tag Kairos for being in every list thanks to his ability to swap out battle tactics. The meta has seemingly switched to a more Tzaangor heavy build so cutting the horrors down likely will help them compete in the “tarpit” category. Jade Obelisk probably needed a hike as 80 points is just far too cheap.

Overall for an army just doing above average, a few points drops is a nice sign.

Hedonites of Slaanesh

Points Changes

• -10 points to Contorted Epitome (150)
• -20 points to Dexcessa, the Talon of Slaanesh (160)
• -30 points to Glutos Orscollion, Lord of Gluttony (440)
• -10 points to Shalaxi Helbane (450)
• -10 points to Sigvald, Prince of Slaanesh (190)
• -20 points to Synessa, the Voice of Slaanesh (190)
• -10 points to Scourge of Ghyran Syll’Esske, the Vengeful (220)
• -10 points to Fiends (140)
• -10 points to Myrmidesh Painbringers (110)
• -10 points to Slickblade Seekers (180)
• -10 points to Symbaresh Twinsouls (120)

Rules Changes

None.

Impact

Winner

Thoughts

Again, for an army that’s mostly just doing OK a bunch of point cuts is nice, especially on high value units like Shalaxai, Twinsouls and especially Glutos. Being able to field more units is going to be very helpful for the very delicate Slaanesh and we’ll likely see an uptick in the win rate here.

Maggotkin of Nurgle

Rules Changes

None.

Points Changes

• -20 points to Great Unclean One (460)
• -10 points to Gutrot Spume (130)
• -10 points to Horticulous Slimux (140)
• -10 points to Lord of Afflictions (170)
• -10 points to Lord of Plagues (100)
• -10 points to Morbidex Twiceborn (270)
• -10 points to Rotbringer Sorcerer (110)
• -10 points to Spoilpox Scrivener (80)
• -10 points to The Glottkin (500)
• -10 points to Beasts of Nurgle (120)
• -10 points to Plague Drones (170)
• -10 points to Pusgoyle Blightlords (210)

Impact

Slight Winner

Thoughts

I know that looks like a lot of buffs, but they don’t amount to a hill of Nurglings if you take a close look at how this army has been performing. One of the biggest issues with the army is almost every other army has a way to turn off wards, allowing them to chew through your overpriced non lethal units with ease. Their lethality is also a major issue; SoG Rotigus does a lot to help this but their Battle Traits still don’t have much impact on the table and the warscrolls themselves are all pillow fisted. Nurgle still needs something to help them feel like a real army, until then enjoy the 80 extra points in your lists I guess.

Skaven

Points Changes

• -20 points to Arch-Warlock (150)
• +20 points to Deathmaster (120)
• -40 points to Grey Seer on Screaming Bell (310)
• -10 points to Krittok Foulblade (150)
• +10 points to Plague Priest on Plague Furnace (320)
• -20 points to Verminlord Corruptor (300)
• -10 points to Verminlord Warbringer (300)
• +20 points to Scourge of Ghyran Grey Seer on Screaming Bel (330)l
• -30 points to Brood Terror (230)
• +-10 points to Doomwheel (100)
• +10 points to Plague Monks (140)
• -10 points to Warp-grinder (120)
• -10 points to Warplock Jezzails (130)

Rules Changes

None.

Impact

Neutral

Thoughts

Honestly this probably doesn’t move the bar a ton. The current Skaven Meta is basically the Scourge of Ghyran Screaming Bell, SoG Brood Terror (which was untouched) and Rat Ogors. The hit to Plague Monks and Plague Priest is notable, but Skaven are cheap enough there’s usually enough wiggle room. People might have to change their pet units, but I expect lists will mostly stay the same. The drop to less used Verminlords is a nice entry point, or the Jezzails for example.

Slaves to Darkness

Points Changes

• -20 points to Abraxia, Spear of the Everchosen (280)
• -30 points to Archaon the Everchosen (810)
• -10 points to Centaurion Marshal (120)
• -10 points to Chaos Lord on Karkadrak (200)
• -20 points to Eternus, Blade of the First Prince (180)
• +10 points to Exalted Hero of Chaos (90)
• -10 points to Gaunt Summoner (180)
• -10 points to Gunnar Brand (200)
• -10 points to Scourge of Ghyran Abraxia, Spear of the Everchosen (350)
• +20 points to Chaos Chariot (90)
• -10 points to Mindstealer Sphiranx(150)
• -10 points to Varanguard (330)

Rules Changes

None.

Impact

Winner

Thoughts

This mostly drops the price on stuff that wasn’t seeing a ton of play. The drop in price to Archaon and both Abraxia’s is pretty nice, and may actually see some play in the armies that would like to run these big boys. The most interesting drop is 10 points to Varanguard, which will likely actually matter as Varanguard still see a lot of play.

The point increase to Chariots and Exalted Heroes is probably due to them being absurdly cheap for their cost, even if they’re not that great. 

Death

Flesh-Eater Courts

Points Changes

• -10 points to Abhorrent Archregent (150)
• +10 points to Abhorrent Ghoul King (130)
• -10 points to Abhorrent Ghoul King on Zombie Dragon(350)
• +10 points to Abhorrant Gorewarden (180)
• +40(!) points to Grand Justice Goremayne(150)
• +10 points to Royal Decapitator (110)
• +10 points to Crypt Flayers (3) (160)
• +10 points to Crypt Flayers (2) (90)
• +20 points to Cryptguard (120)
• +10 points to Royal Beastflayers (110)
• +10 Points to Grisley Penant Artefact of Power (10)
• +10 Points to Charnel Throne Terrain Piece (10)

Rules Changes

There are a few changes here that are largely cleaning up some stuff. The A Kingdom Deluded battle trait, theSplintered Femur artifact and the Lords of the Manor formation all got an update to close up some loopholes and largely make them play how you were already playing them. 

The Ghoul King on Royal Zombie Dragon’s ‘For the Kingdom!’ Delusion was reworded to “add 1 to charge rolls for Knights and Monsters wholly within 12” of any FEC heroes, and 2 instead while wholly within 12 of any Kings on Zombie Dragons” this is a slight buff where it only worked on the one that kicked off the delusion before and opens up some interesting list building. Lastly, Felgryn’s Grype can now be used when the token is on the battlefield and not in combat, whereas before the wording was ‘not on the battlefield’, meaning you can pick a new target.

Impact

Loser

Thoughts

Overall a lot of nerfs here with a few buffs to some inconsequential units to help the medicine go down. The main culprit was Goremayne’s delusion making Cryptguard a horrifying prospect to charge and Cryptguard spam shaping up to be the wave of the future. In this spirit the Stumblefoot Gargant RoR also got nerfed to only work in your shooting phase, hitting this list with a triple nerf. I think the nerf on Goremayne and things like Crypt Flayers and the Ghoul King are a bit far considering, but here we are. The Charnel Throne and Grisley Pennant nerfs also sting quite a bit, leaving you with one bad artefact to take for free and every list starting with 10 points since you absolutely need the chair.

Nighthaunt

Points Changes

• -10 points to Guardian of Souls (140)
• +10 points to Dreadblade Harrows (150)
• +10 points to Glaivewrath Stalkers (90)
• -20 points to Hexwraiths (180)
• -10 points to Mymourne Banshees (90)
• +20 points to Pyregheists (150)
• +20 points to Scourge of Ghyran Black Coach (300)

Rules Changes

Chains of Death only works on visible enemy units now, this seemed to get missed in a lot of recent books so they’re just bringing things back in line.

For the Scourge of Ghyran supplement, since it came out before the book Kurdross and the Black Coach had their Ward bumped up and their save bumped down, to make them consistent with other Heroes in the book. 

Over in the Legends Warscroll, the Glaivewraith Stalkers had its Rend bumped from -2 to -1. -2 was probably too good, don’t want that in a unit people are gonna lose in a year.

Impact

Neutral

Thoughts

It’s a bit early for Nighthaunt to get too many adjustments, but the adjustments here are pretty reasonable. Pyregheist spam lists have made some appearances and they’re often very difficult to interact with, so cutting down just how many are shooting is a reasonable ask. The SoG Black Coach is also extremely powerful and has become a practical auto include in every list (sometimes two!) so it getting a hike is expected. Hexwraiths and Mymourne Banshees can afford to go down to give some more direct melee options so in the end it mostly works out for them.

Ossiarch Bonereapers

Points Changes

• -20 points to Arch-Kavalos Zandtos (190)
• -20 points to Liege-Kavalos (160) 
• -30 points to Nagash, Supreme Lord of the Undead (850)
• -20 points to Scourge of Ghyran Mortisan Boneshaper (100)
• -10 points to Gothizzar Harvester (140)
• -10 points to Immortis Guard (170)
• -10 points to Mortek Guard (110)
• -10 points to Necropolis Stalkers (140)
• -10 points to Teratic Cohort (140)
• -20 points to Scourge of Ghyran Mortek Guard (110)

Rules Changes

None.

Impact

Winner

Thoughts

My bias is showing but I think this is just a slight win. It mostly hits units people don’t use like the Liege-Kavalos and Gothizzar Harvester. It’s a huge win for a certain rarer archetype trying to make Mortek Guard work though, especially cutting down on the SoG Mortek Guard along with the basic kind to make them equal, since they’re basically side grades to each other. It may even shift the army meta in that direction, though I think people will just really like running Deathriders and Archai.

The cost reduction in Immortis Guard is, however, appreciated by everyone.

Soulblight Gravelords

Points Changes

• -20 points to Lauka Vai, Mother of Nightmares (250)
• +20 points to Mannfred von Carstein, Mortarch of Night (450)
• -10 points to Mortis Engine (230)
• -30 points to Nagash, Supreme Lord of the Undead (810)
• -10 points to Neferata, Mortarch of Blood (450)
• -20 points to Prince Vhordrai (470)
• -20 points to Radukar the Beast (250)
• -20 points to Sekhar, Fang of Nulahmia (190)
• -10 points to Wight King (90)
• -20 points to Wight King on Skeletal Steed (200)
• +10 points to Wight Lord on Skeletal Steed (130)
• +10 points to Askurgan Trueblades (130)
• -10 points to Barrow Guard (150)
• -10 points to Deathrattle Skeletons (90)
• -10 points to Fell Bats (90)
• -40 points to Revenant Draconith (200)

Rules Changes

From the Scourge of Ghyran supplement, Frightening Vitality used an unnecessarily obtuse way of changing healing of 1 and 2 to 3 instead. This streamlines the explanation to just say “if you would heal 1 or 2, heal 3 instead.”

Impact

Winner

Thoughts

Although this targets a few key units, like the Askugan Trueblades and Mannfred, this is a huge win for list diversity. Askugan Trueblades were far too cheap for their effectiveness, especially if supported by Prince Vhordrai. I expect they’ll still be taken, just maybe a unit or two less than before and Blood Knights will take more of a starring role.

Meanwhile the Deathrattle side of the book didn’t quite seem to get the love GW hoped for, considering the huge push they did with new models, so those are cut across the board. The Wight Lord was too cheap for what he did, while the Wight King was too expensive, so bringing them closer together makes the option a lot more competitive. I also just personally like the Draconith coming down, I think 200 is a good point for a strong beat stick that can be a bit frail if someone manages to catch it.

Destruction

Gloomspite Gitz

Points Changes

• -20 points to Dankhold Troggboss (220)
• -10 points to Droggz Da Sunchompa (170)
• -20 points to Frazzlegit Shaman on War‑Wheela (140)
• -10 points to Loonboss on Giant Cave Squig (90)
• -20 points to Loonboss on Mangler Squigs (170)
• -30 points to Skragrott, the Loonking (200)
• -10 points to Snarlboss (120)
• -30 points to Snarlboss on War-Wheela (150)
• -20 points to Trugg, the Troggoth King (360)
• -10 points to Boingrot Bounderz (110)
• -10 points to Fellwater Troggoths (170)
• -20 points to Mangler Squigs (140)
• -10 points to Moonclan Shootas (120)
• -10 points to Moonclan Stabbas (110)
• -10 points to Sneaky Snufflers (100)
• -10 points to Squig Herd (100)
• -10 points to Squig Hoppers (160)
• -10 points to Sunsteala Wheelas (120)

Rules Changes

Big stuff for the Sunsteala Wheelas. They can now use their Careening Destruction against cavalry and on both turns now. It does some mortal wounds for passing over enemy units, it can’t stop in combat but that’s pretty wild.

Impact

Winner

Thoughts

This is really good for the gitz! Squigs have lost a lot of ground to the “primarily all Troggs with a few wolves for battle tactics” meta and so naturally Troggs didnt get a drop, but their bosses did. That might bring Trugg and the Troggboss back on the menu. Squiggs of all kind got drops, which might make them more appealing again.

I’m surprised Skragrott got a huge drop too, since he still sees a lot of use. Even the Sunstealas despite getting a notable power increase. Just good stuff overall.

Ironjawz

Points Changes

• -10 points to Ardboy Big Boss (110)
• -20 points to Gordrakk, the Fist of Gork (340)
• -10 points to Megaboss (160)
• -20 points to Megaboss on Maw-krusha (320) 
• -10 points to Warchanter (110)
• -10 points to Zoggrok Anvilsmasha (160)
• -10 points to Ardboyz (170)
• -10 points to Brute Ragerz (110)
• -20 points to Brutes (180)
• -10 points to Gore‑gruntas (170)
• -10 points to Weirdbrute Wrekkaz (90)
• -10 points to Scourge of Ghyran Weirdbrute Wrekkaz (100)

Rules Changes

None.

Impact

Winner

Thoughts

Pretty good stuff! Massive cuts across the board, pretty much every list is gonna get something positive out of this. They tactically avoided taking the big pigs down any points, but they also didn’t go up either. This means both the army itself and the Big Pig Regiment of Renown remain preserved and other armies may need to cut it due to their points going up, but not because of the RoR.

Gordrakk, the Megaboss and all the Infantry going down is huge and will cumulatively add up to let them include another unit or two.

Kruleboyz

Points Changes

• -30 points to Gobsprakk, the Mouth of Mork (280)
• +10 points to Murknob with Belcha-banna (90)
• -20 points to Snatchaboss on Sluderaker Beast (200)
• +10 points to  Swampcalla Shaman with Pot‑grot (120)
• +10 points to Gutrippaz (100)
• +10 points to  Kruleboyz Monsta-killaz (120)
• +10 points to Man-skewer Boltboyz (100)
• +10 points to Marshcrawla Sloggoth (140)
• +30 points to Swamphorde Bullies Battle Formation (30)
• +20 points to Slippery Skumbag Heroic Trait (20)
• +10 points to Egomaniak Heroic Trait (10)
• +30 points to Mork’s Eye Pebble (30)
• +10 points to Swamp Staff Artefact (10)
• +10 points to Tough ‘Un Heroic Trait (10)
• +20 points to Skaregrob Totem Terrain Piece (20)

Rules Changes

The Beast-Skewer Killbow clarifies it is until the end of turn. You could only pick one unit to benefit from this ability per turn, as written if you had 2 or more the effect would be permanent. So next round you could pick a different Killbow and repeat. The situations this would come up are very niche, as you’d need multiple of the unit and Monsters for them to hit, but it’s useful against, say, Sons of Behemat or Magmadroth Fyreslayers.

Impact

Loser

Thoughts

Hoo boy, once Kruleboyz start climbing up GW wants to beat them back down.

In terms of actual gains, Kruleboyz probably made out the best of all the factions in Scourge of Ghyran. They’re not winning the most, not by any means, but they went from bottom tables to respectable position as a contender. The new subfaction Swamphorde Bullies was the biggest gain, making Gutrippaz and Monsta-Killaz a real menace to stuff that would previously walk over them. This combined with Kruleboyz in general being a very cheap army meant a lot of infantry that punched above their paygrade, supported by Monsters who were also pretty strong for their cost.

So that’s all taken away. It’s hard to say exactly how much it will hurt them but your average Kruleboyz list is gonna see the biggest hike of probably everything in the game right now, and will have to really make do with what they can. Pretty much as they always have.

Ogor Mawtribes

Points Changes

• -20 points to Frostlord Thundertusk (280)
• -10 points to Huskard on Thundertusk (260)
• +10 points to Slaughtermaster (150)
• -10 points to Gnoblar Scraplauncher (140)
• +20 points to Gnoblars (130)
• -10 points to Leadbelchers (120)
• -10 points to Mournfang Pack (170)
• -10 points to Stonehorn Beastriders (270)
• -10 points to Thundertusk Beastriders (210)
• +10 points to Scourge of Ghyran Gnoblar Scraplauncher (140) 
• +10 points to Scourge of Ghyran Ironblaster (180)
• +10 points to Mawpath Menaces Battle Formation (10)
• +10 points to Greedy Eaters Battle Formation (10)

Rules Changes

None.

Impact

Neutral

Thoughts

A bit of a hit for the Foot Ogor players, the current meta for the faction. A slight increase to the Slaughtermaster, Ironblaster and their Gnoblar Screen in addition to their subfaction of choice will add up to about 40 more points which may mean moving some points around, but they’ll get there. I’m honestly surprised they didn’t hike up Ironguts.

Beastclaw Raiders players will be happy, at least, that Thundertusks are down and both kinds of beastriders. A small dip but anything one can get.

Finally the Mantrapper is back, and due to his ability to shut off the Fly keyword may come in handy against certain armies like KO.

Sons of Behemat

Points Changes

• +10 points to Kragnos, the End of Empires (590)
• -10 points to Scourge of Ghyran Kraken-eater Mega-Gargant (470)
• -20 points to Mancrusher Mob (370)
• +10 points to Mantle of Tusk and Horns (10)
• +10 points to Extra-calloused Feet (10)

Rules Changes

None.

Impact

Loser

Thoughts

Since most Sons of Behemat characters hover around the 500 point mark, a 10 point shift one way or another can have huge knock on effects, especially when their most used enhancements will add a 20 point tax now when taken together. Suddenly what just narrowly fit into 2k doesn’t fit and you have to remove an entire quarter of your list.

This is at least helped a bit since many Sons of Behemat players take the Ironjawz Big Pig regiment of renown, so we may see people lean more on that, or take the now very cheap SoG Kraken-Eater or Mancrusher Mob to compensate.

Regiments of Renown

Just because these don’t fit nicely into the Grand Alliances (since many are cross-Alliance) we’ll cover a few rules changes that were brought up here. Amusingly all four changed Regiments start with S.

Saviours of Cinderfall

Up 20 points to 290. It’s pretty much Order’s favorite RoR right now, since it added a deep striking unit that can take out wizards and Manifestations, and also a solid fighting unit to boot. At its cost its probably still worth it for those with the room to spare, but it likely will be the first thing people cut.

Sky-port Profiteers

Order (and a few others) other favorite Regiment of Renown, up 30 points. It’s not quite as popular as Saviours of Cinderfall, as its very expensive and not everyone needs what they’re selling, but the ability to teleport any infantry unit is crazy effective especially for armies who need a teleport (or at least need another one). The ability to shut off control scores or wards isn’t bad either. This one over 300 so it likely will see less play, but I can still see people contorting themselves to make it work.

Sorrowmourn Choir

I’m sure most forgot this existed, it was from Broken Realms when they made RoR to let you bring the Mortarchs into other Death Armies and this was Lady Olynder’s. In short the change here was to make the Ethereal save work like it does in the current book (i.e. can benefit from positive modifiers now).

Stumblefoot Gargant

The Projectile Vomit ability for the Gargant was changed so it is only in your shooting phase and only targets enemy units. The reason for the change was a theorycrafted idea of using it in Flesh-eater courts to proc Accusations of Regicide by intentionally vomitting on your own guys and once they take damage, getting the +1 damage. Since this was basically the only way this was going to see the table (and it really didn’t get going as an idea) this guys probably going to be out of a job.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to feel a bit…underwhelmed here. The meta has been suffering a bit, with the summer being absolutely riddled with Blades of Khorne Gorechosen, Cities of Sigmar Freeguilders and Kharadron Overlords…being themselves dominating the top tables with other armies struggling to keep up.

We finally got the kneecapping we badly needed as we move into the fall, but that always feels worse than lifting up the armies that need the help and I’m not sure we really got that here. Now, granted, we have a lot of Battletomes coming up to shake things up and it makes sense you might not want to change too much ahead of a radical change like that but it does feel a bit hollow. I guess we’ll have to see if these strong armed changes are what the meta needs to flourish.

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