Simulacra

A pair of Simulacra^[1b]

Simulacra are a form of animated construct, semi-living statues meant to guard burial cairns.^[1b]

Overview

Created by the ancient tribal Human - and, likely, Elf - denizens of what would become Bretonnia, these humanoid statues stand atop nearly all of the barrows those peoples left scattered across the wild heaths of Athel Loren's outskirts,^[2] particularly densely at the place called Cairnost.^[3] Carved in the likenesses of various forgotten deities of death and mythical soldiers of the underworld, they stand vigil over the tombs,^[1b] much of which show subtle connects to long-vanished Nehekhara.^[2]

Should the cairns be disturbed then powerful, ancient enchantments bind and command them to awaken to confront the interlopers. Legends have grown over the millennia that they also stir on the nights of the new and full moons, restlessly patrolling the land. Regardless of how they are encountered, those fighting them will find Simulacra to be quite resilient opponents.^[1a]

The infamous Lichemaster Heinrich Kemmler came to these burial mounds specifically to awaken those within, and in the process took command of the Simulacra. They subsequently formed part of the core of his forces during his fight against the Wood Elves at the Battle of the Cairns.^[1b]

Weapons and Equipment

• 6th Edition: Hand Weapon.^[1b]

Related Pages

• Tomb Stalker
• Ushabti
• Tomb Scorpion

Notes

The following information is not to be considered officially sanctioned and/or is not written from an in-universe point of view. A detailed explanation of the term "Trivia" as used in the Lexicanum can be found here.

Their models were made by painting classic Wight models as statues, then attaching mossy foliage. Alternative model suggestions were for classic Chaos Warriors or Vampires. They could also be run as Spirit Hosts.^[1b]

In the Army of the Cairns variant army list they are given the Undead and Undead Construct special rule which implies they are Undead,^[1a] but the text about them suggests only spells animate them, not spirits. Kemmler is stated to have used some "necromantic artifice" to command them, which further muddies their nature.^[1b]

Sources

• 1: White Dwarf 311 (UK)
  • 1a: Kemmler's Army of the Cairns, Unit Special Rules, pg. 94
  • 1b: Kemmler's Army of the Cairns, Core Units, pg. 97
• 2: White Dwarf 309 (UK), Return of the Lichemaster Part One, pg. 54
• 3: Warhammer Armies: Wood Elves (8th Edition), Battle of the Cairns, pg. 32