For a long time now there has been two ways to collect a Chaos army in Warhammer.
These are the Hordes of Chaos and Beasts of Chaos armies, from May 2008 there will be a third, Daemons of Chaos (Chaos Daemons in Warhammer 40k)
In this article I'll run through the characteristics of the existing two armies and let you know what you are likely to find in the new daemonic Chaos army.
I'll briefly explain what Warhammer and Chaos are, Warhammer is the worlds most popular tabletop fantasy wargame and Chaos form a primordial evil force within the fictional Warhammer world. Chaos has a corrupting influence on all that it touches and exposure whether intentional or accidental can lead to physical mutation and madness. The insane and the desperate sometimes fall to the worship of Chaos either in it's entirety or an individual facet. The four most common facets are as follows; Khorne the blood god, Slaanesh god of pleasure, Tzeentch god of change and Nurgle lord of decay. Right that's the basics covered, on with the article...
First up, the Hordes of Chaos, this army can take one of two main forms. If the army is led by a mortal, then mortal troops form its core choices and daemonic troops count as special choices. Conversely, in armies that are led by a daemonic general, daemons form the core, and mortal troops count as special choices. Troop choices are also influenced by the Chaos god worshiped by the general. Troops may also be incorporated from the Beasts of Chaos army list, which is fully compatible with the Hordes of Chaos rules. It is likely that this will also be the case with the Daemons of Chaos army list.
A Hordes of Chaos army can contain a wide range of both mortal and daemonic troops. The mortal units that a Chaos army can bring to bear include Chaos Warriors, both infantry and cavalry, these are the elite mortal troops of Hordes of Chaos army, and the rank-and-file Chaos Marauders. The daemonic units available are incredibly varied. Each of the four Chaos gods having there own pantheon that they can field. In addition to this any Chaos army can also include the Furies and Spawn of Chaos to the fray.
Secondly, Beasts of Chaos, these armies are predominantly formed from herds of Beastmen, these creatures are part man, part beast. Either men that have became part beast or animals that have became part man through the mutating influence of Chaos. They live in the dark places of the Warhammer world, forming roaming warbands led by the strongest amongst them. Beastmen hordes are lethal in battle, forming a merciless horde of ruthless warriors, fielding huge war-chariots, packs of savage hounds and bands of larger beasts eager to tear apart any enemy that dares to stand in their way. Beasts of Chaos can also fight alongside troops from the Hordes of Chaos list.
Thirdly, Daemons of Chaos, this new army list is likely to be compatible with the Chaos lists just as the existing ones can be used together, for more on this we need to wait and see. What is known for certain is that there will be a whole host of new daemonic troops available. These include the Masque for Slannesh, the Karanak and Bloodcrusher for Khorne and some additional daemonic troops, including the Skulltaker (most likely Khorne) and the Epidemius who's affiliation is yet to be confirmed.
Another thing that is guaranteed is that the new Daemons of Chaos army book will include loads of new background information on the nature of Chaos and the Daemons of four great Chaos powers. I for one can't wait.
Paul Adkins
Total Wargamer
http://www.totalwargamer.co.uk
Specialists in Warhammer, Warhammer 40,000 and Lord of the Rings.
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