Defend or Defile: The Battle for the Forests of the Old World—Wood Elf Realms vs. Beastman Brayherds

The Old World is a land steeped in conflict, myth, and magic. Among the fiercest forces vying for control over its pristine natural beauty, the Beastmen Brayherds, twisted servants of chaos, clash against the noble Wood Elves, guardians of the ancient and sacred forests of Athel Loren. As war drums echo through the land, these two powerful factions prepare for a battle that will determine the fate of the Old World’s forests.

In this blog post, we delve into the epic showdown between these two mighty armies, providing a detailed overview of the Beastmen Brayherds and Wood Elf Realms, along with essential product information for bringing these factions to life on your tabletop.

Introduction: The Battle for the Forests of Athel Loren

The Old World is not only home to magnificent landscapes but also a constant struggle between light and darkness, civilization and savagery. The Wood Elves, mysterious guardians of the lush and enchanted forests of Athel Loren, now stand in the way of the Beastmen Brayherds—beasts of chaos who seek to defile and corrupt this ancient land.

The Brayherds, led by bloodthirsty Minotaurs and savage Beastmen, seek to destroy the natural beauty of the Old World, tearing through forests with no regard for the land they desecrate. In contrast, the Wood Elves rise to protect their sacred homeland, armed with an arsenal of devastating archers, fierce warriors, and nature-bound magic.

Which side will you choose? Will you fight for the sanctity of the forest, or will you revel in the chaos of its destruction? Whether you seek the thrill of battle with the Beastmen or the honor of protecting nature with the Wood Elves, Games Workshop has released a range of models and battalions to help you bring these factions to life.

Product Details: Beastmen Brayherds Battalion & Arcane Journal

The Beastmen Brayherds offer a chaotic and brutal playstyle for players who thrive on destruction and primal warfare. Their battalion set includes 61 miniatures, featuring a variety of savage beasts ready to ravage their foes:

• 30 Ungors: Agile and numerous, these creatures are the backbone of any Brayherd force.

• 30 Gors: Stronger and more ferocious than the Ungors, Gors form the frontline of the Brayherds’ offensive.

• Cygor or Ghorgon: Choose between two towering monsters that can smash through enemy lines, each offering unique strategic benefits.

• Two Brayherds Transfer Sheets: Customize your army with 204 transfers to give your Beastmen a personalized touch.

Additionally, the Arcane Journal: Beastmen Brayherds is a must-have for any player, providing:

• An in-depth look into the Beastmen’s brutal culture, language, and role in the Old World.

• Rules for two specialized Armies of Infamy: the Wild Herds and the Minotaur Blood Herds.

• Magic items, special characters, and the primal Lore of Primal Magic to enhance your strategy.

The battalion set also includes returning miniatures from various materials, such as plastic models for Shamans and Minotaurs, resin figures like the Doombulls, and iconic metal units, including Chieftains and Razorgor Chariots.

Product Details: Wood Elf Realms Battalion & Arcane Journal

For players who favor agility, precision, and the power of nature, the Wood Elf Realms battalion set offers a diverse array of units that excel in hit-and-run tactics, ranged combat, and magical mastery. The 62 miniatures in this set include:

• 32 Glade Guard: Expert archers armed with Asrai longbows, ideal for harassing enemies from a distance.

• 20 Wild Rangers: Versatile warriors skilled in both ranged and close combat, perfect for flexible battlefield tactics.

• 10 Wild Riders: Fast-moving cavalry that can flank the enemy and strike with precision.

The set includes alternate build options, allowing you to assemble units such as Deepwood Scouts, Eternal Guard, or Sisters of the Thorn. Additionally, two Wood Elf transfer sheets with 186 transfers are included for customization.

The Arcane Journal: Wood Elf Realms offers:

• Rules and background for iconic leaders such as Orion, King in the Woods, and Araloth, Lord of Talsyn.

• Armies of Infamy rules, powerful spells from the Lore of the Wilds, and upgrades for Wood Elf characters.

• Magic items and detailed rules for Wood Elf Kindreds, enhancing the tactical depth of your army.

Returning miniatures include plastic models like Araloth and Eternal Guard, while classic metal miniatures like Orion and Branchwraiths return as well.

Returning Models & New Releases

Both factions feature a mix of returning and new releases, ensuring that players have access to a wide range of units and characters for building their perfect army. Rare and long-forgotten models, such as the Beast Pack (featuring both elves and their beasts), are making their long-awaited return, giving players even more ways to customize their armies.

Why Choose Your Faction?

Beastmen Brayherds: A Chaos-Fueled Frenzy

The Beastmen Brayherds are perfect for players who embrace the chaos and destruction of battle. With powerful monstrous units like the Cygor and Ghorgon, alongside hordes of bloodthirsty Minotaurs and savage beasts, the Brayherds excel at overwhelming their foes through sheer force. If you want to lead primal hordes in a frenzied rampage, this faction is for you.

Wood Elf Realms: Guardians of the Sacred Forests

For those who prefer to protect the natural beauty of the Old World, the Wood Elf Realms offer a strategic and defensive playstyle. With expert archers, agile cavalry, and nature-based magic, the Wood Elves strike swiftly and decisively, using the forest itself to their advantage. If you want to master the power of the ancient woods and defend against the forces of chaos, the Wood Elves are your faction.

Conclusion: The Battle Begins

The battle for the forests of the Old World is upon us. Whether you stand with the ferocious Beastmen Brayherds, eager to bring destruction to the sacred lands, or the noble Wood Elves, determined to defend their ancient home, now is the time to join the fight. With new battalion boxes, miniatures, and rulebooks, Games Workshop has created the perfect opportunity for you to dive into this epic conflict.

Will you lead the Beastmen to wreak havoc on Athel Loren, or will you fight alongside the Wood Elves to preserve the heart of the Old World’s forests? The choice is yours.

Embrace the wilds, summon your beasts, and prepare for war!