MKII Hordes Forces Trollbloods PDF
MKII Hordes Forces Trollbloods PDF
MKII Hordes Forces Trollbloods PDF
to their side and backed by hearty trollkin warriors,
pygmy sharpshooters, and powerful champions who
have banded together to forge their own legends, the
trollkin are prepared to stand their ground against any
army that dares threaten them.
Unite the kriels under your banner with Forces of
HORDES: Trollbloods, featuring:
Complete faction rules and profiles for using all
current Trollblood models in HORDES Mk II.
New troops to bring to the fight, plus the all-new
warlock Captain Gunnbjorn.
An in-depth look at the history and structure of the
trollkin kriels.
A painting and modeling guide to help ready your
forces for battle.
Trollblood Theme Force lists and
rules, which allow you to create
armies based on specialized
forces from the Trollbloods.
PIP 1037
ISBN: 978-1-933362-70-0 PIP 1037 $31.99 www.privateerpress.com
Should we fail,
what awaits us is
nothing less than extinction.
We stand united or we fall.
Embrace any weapon, any strategy,
any desperate hope
SPINE
to preserve kith and kriel.
Before we can enjoy peace
we must endure WAR.
Madrak Ironhide
Credits
HORDES created by Graphic Design President Infernals
Matt Wilson & Layout Sherry Yeary Jeremy Galeone
Kris Aubin Peter Gaublomme
Project Director Kim Goddard Chief Creative Officer Joachim Molkow
Bryan Cutler Josh Manderville Matt Wilson Brian Putnam
Stuart Spengler Gilles Reynaud
Game Design Executive Assistant
Matt Wilson Chare Kerzman Donald Sullivan
Studio Director
Lead Designer Ron Kruzie
Marketing Playtest Coordinator
David Carl
Jason Soles
Miniature Sculpting Coordinator
William Shick
Additional James Carter Internal Playtesters
Gregory Clavilier Simon Berman
Development Customer Service
David Carl Benoit Cosse Adam Johnson Ed Bourelle
Brian Putnam Jeff Grace David Carl
Todd Harris Events Coordinator Jack Coleman
Art Direction Jason Hendricks Jason Martin Bryan Cutler
Kris Aubin Victor Mardnt Dave Dauterive
Aragorn Marks Community Manager Michael Faciane
Lead Writer Victor Martins & Staff Writer Ben Misenar
Douglas Seacat Paul Muller Simon Berman Douglas Seacat
Felix Paniagua William Shick
Additional Writing Volunteer Coordinator
Simon Berman Jose Roig Jason Soles
Jen Ikuta
Matt DiPietro Steve Saunders Brent Waldher
Ron Kruzie David Summers No Quarter EIC Chris Walton
Aeryn Rudel Kev White Aeryn Rudel
Jeff Wilhelm External Playtesters
Jason Soles
Licensing & Contract Alex Badion
Matt Wilson
Resin Caster Manager Our Player Community
Sean Bullough Brent Waldher Mike Emery
Continuity
Jason Soles Eric Ernewein
Miniature Painting Production Director Steve Fortson
Matt DiPietro Mark Christensen
Editing Nick Kendall
Darla Kennerud Ron Kruzie Rob Miles
Allison McVey Technical Director
Sheelin Arnaud Field Test Participants
Mike McVey Kelly Yeager
Josh Saulter
Cover Illustration Quentin Smith
Production Manager John Simon
Andrea Uderzo Tim Simpson
Hobby Manager Doug Colton
Mark Thomas
Illustrations Rob Hawkins
Production Anthony Woods
Jeff Axer
Terrain Trey Alley
Daren Bader Proofreading
Alfonzo Falco Max Barsana
Carlos Cabrera Darla Kennerud
Rob Hawkins Alex Chobot
Matt Dixon Aeryn Rudel
Pat Ohta Jack Coleman
Mark Gibbons William Shick
Joel Falkenhagen
Adam Gillespie
Photography Joe Lee
Imaginary Friends Studios Kris Aubin Michael McIntosh
Andrew Trabbold Rob Hawkins Nick Scherdnick
Andrea Uderzo
Jacob Stanley
Chris Walton Development Manager Benjamin Tracy
Matt Wilson David Carl
Clint Whiteside
Concept Illustration Creative Manager Sys Admin/
Chris Walton Ed Bourelle
Webmaster
Matt Wilson
Chris Ross
2
For Kith and Kriel
Faction Background Playing Trollbloods
The trollbloods represent a loose alliance of scattered and The hardiness of the trollkin and their warbeasts is fully
disparate trollkin tribes, called kriels, who carved out homes realized on the tabletop. Every Trollblood warbeast
from wild lands the human nations deemed of little interest. has at least one means of regenerating healthoften in
The recent wars of mankind have begun to encroach on consuming the bodies of their enemies. Trollkin and pygmy
even these remote havens, eroding the ancestral homes of trolls have the Tough ability, a chance to shrug off even
this persecuted race. In addition, trollkin are beset on all the worst injuries. Trollkin stone magic provides defensive
sides by the scheming Circle Orboros, cruel invaders from benefits that enhance this natural resiliency even further.
across the eastern desert, and the recent rise of terrible These strengths combine to allow Trollbloods to shrug
draconic monsters. off determined assaults and then launch a counterstrike
against their foes.
The trollbloods have answered the call of great war leaders
and shamans to emerge an increasingly united fighting force. In addition to their powerful defenses, a Trollblood army is
The stalwart trollkin and cunning pygmy trolls join the rife with potent support elements. This faction has some of
mighty full-blood trolls and enormous ravenous dire trolls in the very best buffing animi, including plentiful options for
an alliance of common blood that combines modern military increasing damage, stretching threat range, or protecting
armament with the unparalleled strength of primal beasts. friendly models. Solos like the Fell Caller Hero and Stone
Scribe Chronicler provide a wealth of support options,
Every challenge strengthens the resolve and warrior spirit
while Horthol, Janissa, and the Runebearer focus their
in the blood and bones of these brave peoples. They refuse
enhancements on specific model types. These powerful
to break under pressure and fight tooth and nail for a better
warbeasts and support models charge forward alongside
life. Fortified by their natural regenerative powers, their
efficient combat units and solos to . . .
prayers to the mother-goddess Dhunia, and the stone magic
of their sorcerers, trollkin champions stand their ground. Sate the Hunger of Trolls upon the
Carnage of War!
Table of Contents
Stand at Scarleforth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Trollblood Warbeasts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Warbands of the Trollbloods. . . . . . 16 Trollblood Troops. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Trollblood Theme Forces . . . . . . . . . . 25 Painting Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Trollblood Warlocks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Model Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
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3
Stand at Scarleforth
608 AR, Scarleforth Lake
Gunnbjorn hunkered down amid the slender trees and thorny battle beasts. From all reports the intervening lands were
brush and peered across the barren expanse at the bulky, transformed by major irrigation channels from the lake that
heavily fortified skorne structures. Crouching alongside had allowed the plain to support a crop of unfamiliar tall
him were several of the scouts he had earlier sent forward grasses that had not been there before.
to observe the enemy and report on their numbers. Dozens
Gunnbjorn led a solid core of highly capable warriors, all
of well-armed skorne lined the battlements. Others patrolled
well armed and equipped, but their numbers were far less
the perimeter, and more were engaged in sparring and drills.
than would be required to predict success. He expected to be
Numerous heavy siege engines were positioned at strategic
joined eventually by other battle-ready kin but had no idea
elevations and angles, each manned by attentive crew.
how long that would take. Grissel Bloodsong had sent word
Jolias, the senior of his scouts and a reliable tracker, asked, she would send what she could, but her message had been
Think we can take them? vague beyond mention of directing Horthol of the Long
Riders to gather as many bison riders as he could locate.
These scouts had no experience with major battles, a fact
Gunnbjorn had his doubts about the place of some of the
made clear by the question. Did you land on your head
older fighting traditions in modern warfare, but additional
when your mother dropped you from her womb, son?
support would not be turned away. After inspecting the
Gunnbjorn shook his head. Not a chance.
fortifications, he decided the best he could do was gather
Jolias winced at the reprimand but still seemed skeptical. additional intelligence until reinforcements arrived.
What about Truk? Aint nothing can stop a dire troll.
What do we do, Captain? Jolias asked.
He referred to their dire troll bomber, the heaviest asset at
We watch; we wait. Stay alert, and start counting skorne.
Gunnbjorns disposal, left close behind along with most
of their soldiers in one of the larger knots of trees adjacent
Combs Beacon River. He had avoided bringing them across
the open expanse of ground, knowing they might draw
enemy attention. Captain Gunnbjorn had been set on this course almost
The rustic scouts were in awe of dire trolls and thought a month earlier, after an unexpected reunion. He and a
them invincibleunderstandable, given their reputation. smaller group had been moving supplies along the edge of
Gunnbjorn had a more realistic appraisal. Though the marshy river region called the Marchfells. His men had
exceedingly formidable, dires could be killed. While serving been negotiating a treacherous and muddy path through a
in the Cygnaran Army, Gunnbjorn had helped take down region noisy with buzzing insects and croaking frogs, trying
twelve-ton Khadoran warjacks layered in armored steel. to avoid sinkholes and stay to the stable path.
Sufficient force could topple anything. They were focusing too much on their next steps and too
A titans every bit as big and ornery as a dire troll, when little on their surroundings when the sawgrass parted to
worked up by the skorne lash, Gunnbjorn noted. Never reveal numerous amphibious figures converging. They
underestimate this enemy. It'll get you killed. carried long, hook-bladed weapons and emitted a shrill,
warbling noise as they surged forward.
During their journey they had confirmed the skorne had all
but ceased patrols north of Ternon Crag. He and his trolls Bog trogs! one of the scouts shouted, too late. It was
and warriors had passed abandoned watchtowers and other early twilight, and the uncertain light combined with the
empty buildings. None had been burned or destroyed. dense scrub had allowed the creatures to spring an effective
Among them they had found secured weapons stashes, ambush, likely to seize the food supplies being escorted
stored water, and other evidence of recent evacuation. by the group. The attackers came from three directions,
including the depths of the murky river. The sluggers had
The heavily manned fortifications Gunnbjorn now time for only a short burst of fire before they were set upon
scrutinized stood in stark contrast to those. This was clearly and had to resort to their axes.
one of the fortresses guarding access to the lake region; the
sprawling armed complex included two distinct clusters of Gunnbjorn had no opportunity to fire his own massive
walled buildings facing one another across a short, open weapon; he barely raised it in time to intercept one of the
stretch of ground. A similar fortress sat farther to the east hooked polearms lunging toward his face. The slick, scaled,
along the southern shore of the large lake, overlooking what reptilian bog trogs had wiry bodies, but they were smaller
looked to be a skorne facility dedicated to their enormous and considerably less massive than trollkin, particularly
4
one as large as Gunnbjorn. He
gripped his gun with both hands
and shoved hard to send the trog
stumbling. He dropped the weapon
to the path by his feet to free his
hands and drew the axe dangling
from a strap at his belt behind his
back. Before the staggering trog
recovered its balance he delivered
a chop to its chest. It gurgled and
collapsed at his feet, and he jerked
the axe free from the creatures
breastbone.
5
Stand at Scarleforth
They had served together in the Cygnaran Army, but Gunnbjorn grunted, then turned to his band with a shout.
Gunnbjorn resisted the urge to let old bonds resurface. Funs over, boys! Gather whats left of the food, and
Jeremiah Kraye had been good to him, and it had been lets move on. While he gave no outward sign of it, the
partially on Krayes recommendation that hed received conversation had set certain thoughts in motion.
the bazooka that had become his signature weapon. Shortly
thereafter, he had given up the military life, burning some
bridges in doing so. He had kept the weapon, technically
making him guilty of misappropriating military hardware,
but he doubted Kraye had come for that. In Gunnbjorns experience few things eroded morale more
insidiously than a protracted sequence of defeats. He was
Gunnbjorn said, We had things in hand. Your uniform seeing this with the united kriels, still staggering not just from
makes my soldiers uneasy, so youre lucky you didnt eat the loss of Crael Valley but from the entire chain of events
a bullet for your troubles. You should probably turn that that had forced them there in the first place. It had begun
horse around. Above the marsh noises, Gunnbjorn heard with kin being uprooted from the Thornwood. The next real
a distinct rumbling from beyond the nearest trees: warjack blow had come with the battles against the skorne. The kriels
steam engines, at least three or four. Kraye had taken a chance living along the shores of the lake had fled their homeland to
approaching them alone, but his machines were nearby. join Madrak but still had found no lasting security.
The warcaster sighed and looked weary. I wont stay. Just Gunnbjorn saw things differently, perhaps because he was a
wanted to give you a heads-up. He paused a moment as if relative newcomer. The kriels had made great progress since
weighing his words. I know a lot of kriels used to live by the early days in the Glimmerwood. Thanks to individuals
Scarleforth Lake such as Madrak Ironhide and Grissel Bloodsong, they
Used to be a lot of kriels many places you cant find them had acquired an impressive influx of military weaponry
now, Gunnbjorn interrupted. He extracted a cigar from and had organized their warriors into nearly professional
his belt pouch and lit it. They had once smoked together military units. The main element they lacked was consistent
around the campfire, but he did not offer one to his visitor. discipline, something Gunnbjorn hoped to help improve.
What they needed next was their own borders, somewhere
The human cleared his throat. Well, things have been outside Cygnar or Khador.
peculiar in the northern Marches. Something going on with
the skorne. Fewer on the borders, fewer at their forts. If you Gunnbjorns musing was interrupted by the arrival of one
or yours wanted to take back that ground, now is the time. of his forward scouts. The sun was at its peak, and even the
shade afforded by the grove where they lurked provided
Why are you doing me any favors? Gunnbjorn asked. little relief. The scout jerked his head over his shoulder. We
Krayes horse neighed and backed up nervously, perhaps got movement.
because Hrod was standing nearby and eyeing the steed The others followed to a better vantage atop a low boulder
with hungry fixedness. Kraye patted the horses neck and to the northwest. Borrowing a spyglass from one of the
replied, Heard what happened with the Fourth up at Crael scouts Gunnbjorn saw considerable activity at the skorne
Valley. This mention prompted angry muttering among garrisons. Skorne swordsmen and pikemen formed up
Gunnbjorns troops. Kraye continued, Things are ugly up into units directed by their officers, assembling in front
north and not likely to get any better. Got Khador closing in, of a singular figure with the bearing and adornment of a
Cryx burning down our fields. People are afraid, and fear high-ranking leader. This was a tall and muscular skorne
makes them rash. wielding a double-bladed polearm and wearing ornate
We all have to live with the consequences of our actions, armor, including a gleaming red stone the size of a fist set
Gunnbjorn countered. into his breastplate. After assembling a substantial portion
of the garrison soldiers, he marched east with them.
Fair enough, Kraye agreed, but not everyone in the army
condones what happened there. Most of the people riled up Wonder what thats about? Jolias asked after taking back
in the north are just ordinary folk looking to the safety of the spyglass. They leaving?
their families and homes. Doesnt excuse what the Fourth Look! One of the other scouts pointed low to the right on
did, but I dont think its too late to find another way. He the horizon. Is that smoke?
paused to give Gunnbjorn a chance to reply, but the trollkin
stayed silent. Kraye touched the brim of his hat again. Gunnbjorn turned his head in that direction and saw a thick,
Guess Ill be going. Stay safe. He pulled his horse around black plume of smoke rising above the intervening hills,
and spurred to a gallop. indicating some catastrophe. He felt a rising excitement. He
still lacked sufficient warriors for what he had planned. If he
6
rushed ahead he might put their lives in peril. At the same He nodded respectfully to the others and saw them draw
time, his instincts told him he could not wait for another themselves up proudly. His words were no deception;
chance like this. The departing soldiers might return as soon Yorins band could boast of many battles fought, but all
as they quelled whatever trouble the smoke represented, warriors appreciated flattery. He saw no harm in appealing
and taking these key structures once they returned would to their vanity for this cause.
be exponentially more difficult.
Yorin asked warily, A battle? Revenge for Crael Valley?
No plan survives first contact with the enemy, he His kriel had avoided calls to join the others who had
mumbled under his breath. The concept had been drilled gathered under Madraks banner.
into his head during Cygnaran officer training.
No, a fight against the skorne. In your old stamping
Whats that, Captain? grounds, near Scarleforth. Horthol knew Yorins people
had been harassed repeatedly by outlying skorne. Many
Fall in. Lets get the others. Theyve had enough R&R. He
are gathering, but there is not much time. Im sure your axe
saw the anticipation of battle reflected in their eyes.
is thirsty for skorne blood.
Yorin licked his lips and his eyes suggested interest, but
he hesitated. We are on an important errand we cannot
neglect. Perhaps you can help.
Many miles northwest of where Gunnbjorn was situated,
Horthol spurred his bison toward a number of long riders If time allows, I will lend aid. What errand?
on the road ahead. The riders and their great, shaggy Some of the old riders from the north, from Khador, have
mounts were making their way south along the Great been seeking to preserve a herd of bison. One of the last
Northern Tradeway. This road east of the Bloodstone great remaining herds. They have been guarded carefully
Marches had once been important to caravans between and led south, away from railroad construction. The herd
Corvis and Merywyn. After the War in Llael it had fallen has come far but has no place to rest. We were to meet with
into disuse. This stretch bordering on the Glimmerwood their guardians and assist in driving them to safer pastures.
was now overgrown, but several of the kriels in the region Without herds like this, our ways may not endure.
used the path.
Horthol felt sympathy for the need to preserve the bison
Horthol recognized the leader of the pack and smiled in that remained. The plains they had once roamed had largely
greeting, raising his hammer overhead as a salute. Well been converted to farmland. Besides, he had the feeling
met, Yorin of Nartol! The ground still steady beneath you? many other riders might accompany the herd. Are they
Yorin was a particularly heavy-set kin, one who left his close? We do not have much time.
saddle as little as possible. Steady enough, Horthol. How Yorin smiled widely, Yes, brother! Ride with us!
fares Madrak Ironhide? His bison snorted at Horthols
approach, and several of the other mounts eyed the new
arrival nervously until their riders calmed them. The shaggy
beasts could be territorial and had tempers, so Horthol
eased forward to let them smell his animal. It did not take Gunnbjorn long to return to the trolls and
trollkin encamped just south of their watch position. As his
Madrak is somewhere to the west, with Doomshaper, and
group neared the camp, he felt a growing sensation in the
Borka. These words prompted an awed reaction from the
back of his mind, an overwhelming hunger. He mistook this
others. The sometime tension between those renowned war
for his own growling stomach only briefly before realizing
leaders was well known. Horthol felt reminded of the deeper
the pervasive and intrusive urge originated from his trolls,
worries regarding the troubles that plagued his friend and
the dire troll in particular. It was a dangerous sign that their
blood brother. Madraks eyes had been haunted when last
need had gotten this bad.
they had parted, the axe he bore an increasingly painful
burden. Horthol put those thoughts aside as he answered He stepped into the grove to find the others keeping a wary
cheerfully, He fights for the united kriels, as ever. distance from the dire troll bomber named Truk, who was
pacing in a small clearing with baleful eyes, clenching and
Where are your brother riders? Yorin asked, looking
unclenching oversized fists in agitation. Thankfully the
past him.
volatile barrels of stolen explosives they had trained the troll
Not far, and I hope you will join us. Grissel Bloodsong to throw were safely out of his reach, stacked on a hauling
asked me to gather as many riders as I could find for cart on the other side of the camp. The pyg who ordinarily
some fighting near here. I thought of you and your kriel. rode on Truks back was nearest the agitated dire troll,
7
Stand at Scarleforth
gnawing his fingernails and eyeing his giant companion Charqui, hard tack, moldy cheesewhatever. Anyone
uneasily. Seeing Gunnbjorn, Truk shouted in Molgur-Trul, holds out, they get fed to Truk!
HUNGRY!
They grumbled, but in short order he had a pile of food,
The bomber was fitted with a chained helmet connected to mostly dried and tasteless fare kept for extended marches.
a metal plate under his lower jaw that made opening his Truk eagerly came forward and scooped the entire pile into
mouth widely difficult, but Gunnbjorn knew such measures his mouth in a single swipe. The rest of the kin and the other
were not foolproof. It limited what the dire troll might put in trolls watched with mournful solemnity. It was no feast by
his maw but would not stop him if he were determined. The dire troll standards, but it took the edge off the howling
powerfully built creature had more than enough strength to emptiness and improved the creatures mood.
break the chains.
Gunnbjorn turned to Jolias. Take your boys and see what
The other full-blood trolls were keeping their distance, but game you can find.
Gunnbjorn felt their hunger as well. This included his two
And miss the fighting? Jolias looked pained.
pyres, Gritt and Tarr, as well as his favored impaler Hrod.
The latter approached Gunnbjorn on his arrival and offered We wont strike until nightfall. Work fast. Just find us
a salute with closed fist to his chest, mimicking the motion something. Deer, rabbits, horses. Anything. He eyed the
of Gunnbjorns trollkin soldiers. The pyres were not quite so pyres, knowing they were stupid creatures with dubious
civilized, but he sensed their recognition of him across the self-control. One was sucking on a long strip of rotted
bond they shared. leather soaked in the fetid crude oils that seeped up from
various places in the Bloodstone Marches. Such tarred strips
kept pyres content on journeys like this, but they were also
When a jack ran out of coal, at their limits.
it just stopped moving. When a The scouts hastily left to hunt as the rest of the kin gathered
dire troll ran out of food, it their gear. Scattergunners, sluggers, and thumper crewmen
ate whatever it could reach. moved with admirable alacrity; their training and drilling
had paid off. The pyg bushwhackers were less orderly,
forming a motley gaggle that hastened to catch up with the
Sergeant Dursul! Gunnbjorn spoke the name sharply, rest. Gunnbjorn glared at them to instill urgency in their
addressing his senior slugger, a burly female. Most kin did steps. Pygs had enthusiasm for shooting down the enemy
not utilize military officer ranks, but many sluggers had but were easily distracted outside of battle. Gunnbjorn
served in the Cygnaran military like Gunnbjorn himself and tolerated pygs and other irregulars like the scouts as
were accustomed to the ranks. Have you been neglecting necessary adjuncts to regular military forces, but they
to feed the trolls? certainly tried his patience.
8
Gunnbjorn pulled the heavy lever atop the rear of his bomber enthusiastically let loose. Barrels were hurled to
bazooka to disengage its cylinder and checked the rockets explode with distant thumps against the other fortification
in the rotating chambers one last time. Sure that it was walls. He saw a blaze of fire as a gout from the pyre hit
fully loaded, he closed it firmly and locked the mechanism. the structure and set one of the distant siege engines ablaze.
Additional rockets were strapped to his forearm armor and The two trolls were to sow confusion and pin the northern
along his waist; during the fight he would have no access to structures defenders in place. Together with the pygs,
those among the supply carts. Gunnbjorn hoped they appeared to be a larger force.
He hefted the weapon back onto his shoulder and surveyed There was a loud explosion at the fortress as his scouts
his men, who were watching him with eager anticipation. managed to set their barrels against the wall and ignite
Some would inevitably be killed, either today or in the them, causing a section of the perimeter wall to crumble.
days ahead. He noted every face, every name. They had no His thumper crews opened fire into the cracked section
krielstone, but he would ensure their deeds were recorded. of wall, shaking several venators off the battlements with
the impacts. Gunnbjorn followed with a second rocket,
Once the thumper cannon crews signaled they were ready
striking the compromised wall with a decisive blast. The
to push forward, he gave the silent signal to advance at
wall buckled and folded entirely along a broad breach. The
maximum speed and they marched from the cover of the
defenders atop the adjoining battlements fired on them as
trees toward the southern fortress.
they approached, but only a few of the deadly flechette
They had almost gotten in range before there was an needles found their mark.
eruption of activity atop the nearest walls. He could see the
The unnatural stone soldiers Gunnbjorn knew to be called
silhouette of catapults turning to align with their approach.
immortals poured from the breach and charged with
There was a distant repeated heavy thunk of released tension
heavy swords. The black stone from which they were
as twined cords unwound to send wooden firing arms
carved made them difficult to perceive in the darkness
forward, each hurling an enormous explosive projectile.
except along polished edges that reflected the fire raging
Gunnbjorn drew power from the distant bomber to shield
above the battlements. They moved with alarming speed.
as many of his people from the explosions as possible. He
His men had been well trained and unleashed unrelenting
shouted, Advance, maggots! With a quickness! Fire on my
fire. The eruption of powder-hungry scatterguns joined
signal! They picked up the pace amid the deafening blasts.
the more rhythmic sound of slugger fire in a deafening
After carefully considering the range to one of the engines clamor. A punishing hail of lead shredded through the
atop the battlements, he raised his bazooka and squeezed obsidian attackers. The immortals did not die like living
the trigger. With a hissing of ignited propellant, a great things but shattered into sharp-edged fragments across
flame burst out the rear of the bazooka to light the landscape the scrubby landscape.
in a flash, and the rocket launched. It flew in a perfect
A number of the surviving immortals reached their line
trajectory, partially guided by his will, to impact the siege
and drove heavy blades into trollkin flesh. Gunnbjorn
engine. There was a dull boom, and the mechanism erupted
turned his attention to a larger ancestral guardian behind
in fire and splintered shards that shredded apart the nearest
the immortals, directing them. Hrod followed his line of
crewmen and defenders on the wall. Gunnbjorn cranked
sight instinctively and raised a weighty spear. The troll
the heavy bar in front of the bazooka's cylinder housing to
drew back and released, sending his weapon to strike the
cycle another rocket into line.
ancestral guardian with an impact like a cannonball against
Gunnbjorn drew power from his connection to the full- a stone wall.
blood trolls to invoke an enchantment that settled along the
The formidable animated statue was not destroyed outright
pygs, who were already raising their rifles. Bluish lines of
but went flying back several yards, tearing a trench into the
arcane fire blazed across their gun barrels, glimmered across
soil and sending up a plume of dust. Hrod drew another
their eyes, and informed the hands raising the weapons to
spear from his quiver and closed as it regained its feet.
targets. He ordered, Fire! Make every shot count! With
The guardian reacted with a skillful crossways slash deep
augmented range they fired on the other defenders of the
into the impalers side, breaking several of the trolls ribs.
wall with a percussive crackle Gunnbjorn found singularly
Ignoring the pain, Hrod retaliated with a leveraged thrust
satisfying. Meanwhile the others kept pressing forward,
that shattered the beings carved head and sent jewel-like
taking advantage of this suppressing fire as skorne venators
stones tumbling to the dirt.
on the battlements ducked for cover.
Distracting him momentarily from his immediate
Simultaneously he sent a mental signal to Truk and Gritt to
surroundings, Gunnbjorn felt the rage of Gritt and Truk in
attack the northern complex. He sensed the pyre troll and
the distance as venator fire and catapult blasts tore into their
9
Stand at Scarleforth
thick hides. They nearly frenzied as their anger combined know whether the skorne would retaliate immediately, but
with hunger to make them inclined to succumb to their Gunnbjorn prepared for the eventuality. With a larger force
instincts. The warlock had to focus all his will to force them he would have held the forts with reserves while venturing
to regenerate and take to the better cover of a nearby section deeper into the region, but that was a luxury he did not
of half-finished wall. While he was immersed in that task have. They would have to strike and move to keep the foe
several painful venator needles painfully bit into his upper off balance.
torso and arms. He ignored them and pushed on.
10
Beast Master Xekaar narrowed his eyes at this suggestion. Her attitude discomfited him. Shaking off a slight
Praetorians were inclined to underestimate the paingiver superstitious dread, he took command and divided the new
caste. As one of the highest ranking of the lord assassins beast arrivals into several groups. Two he sent back west to secure
handlers, Xekaar did not plan to disappoint Morghoul or the the buildings they had left behind. He chose the oldest and
supreme archdomina. Ride on. He looked back to where the greenest among the warriors, together with those of his
the maddened titans were periodically howling in rage and soldiers who would require more time to recover from more
pain. I have an idea for dealing with these intruders. serious wounds. None went happily, but he impressed upon
them the necessity of holding those fortifications.
Their suspense was relieved as soon as they identified Calandra immediately chastised the kithkar, Is this all you
the torches and banners of those approaching as trollkin. brought? She waved at his peers on their brawny mounts.
A great shout went up from Gunnbjorns soldiers, and I expected more!
he strode forth to meet the arrivals. They were primarily
kriel warriors and Fennblades from an assortment of Horthol shrugged impassively. There will be others, but
tribes, clearly drawn from Madraks supporters. They had they are guiding a bison herd into this region. I lured them
with them a smaller number of champions as well as two here with the promise of grazing. He looked east to the
encumbered krielstone bearers, their attending scribes, skorne fields appreciatively. It seems I did not lie.
a grizzled older fell caller, and a similarly venerable Gunnbjorn scowled. We have no time to look to a herd of
chronicler. Gunnbjorn approached their leader, someone animals.
he recognized but had met only briefly. Walking alongside
a full-blood axer and bouncer was Calandra Truthsayer, Again Horthol took the rebuke with good humor. They
Oracle of the Glimmerwood. will look to themselves, Captain Gunnbjorn. Lead us to the
enemy and you will have no complaints.
Gunnbjorn greeted her with guarded enthusiasm and clasped
her hands. He was uncertain of her facility at war, having Altogether they were too numerous to travel unnoticed.
heard more about her prognostications than her deeds Gunnbjorn kept to a narrower defile along a section of the
in battle. He had to remind himself she was a shaman of northern river that eventually joined the main lake, slightly
Dhunia and a warlock who had been exercising power over sheltered from observation by hills on either side. He hoped
full-blood trolls far longer than he had. From all accounts she this would take them a good portion of the way unseen.
had fought well during the ultimately futile defense of Crael This hope was dashed when they heard a rumbling from
Valley. Your arrival is well timed, he offered. ahead in the defile. The ground underfoot seemed to shake.
Naturally, Calandra answered with a sly smile. Grissel may Jolias of the scouts pressed his ear to the ground, then
send more to join us, but dont rely on them arriving soon. confirmed needlessly, Something comes. Something with
She set her hands on her wide hips and looked him up and many heavy feet.
down as if appraising cattle at market. I should warn you, the With a few loud orders, Gunnbjorn set his sluggers, pygs,
omens do not point to success. You have the aura of imminent and scattergunners into strategic positions among the
death about you. After this she patted him reassuringly on boulders and ridges along the channel. He readied groups
the arm and added, Ill try my best to fix that.
11
Stand at Scarleforth
of warriors to intercede if the enemy closed on the gunners. sheer bulk of the living tide. The narrow defile that had
Calandra stayed toward the center, and they spread their moments before seemed perfect for its defensible qualities
full-blood trolls throughout. Gunnbjorn positioned himself had become a channel of thunderous death.
at the higher vantage up the side of the sloping hill, where a
Gunnbjorn could conceive no tactical solution, no way for
narrow rise allowed him to see both along the river ahead to
concentrated fire to make a dent in the volume of beasts
his left as well as the plains to his right. From this elevated
crossing the intervening ground. He raised his bazooka and
spot he could survey his soldiers and fire with liberty on
sighted the foremost titan at the center in the lead, hoping
any approaching foe.
that startling them with explosions might divert them. He
He realized his error as hulking forms came into view augmented the range of his sluggers and summoned Hrods
barreling around the curve of the gorge. They were titans, essence to enhance Truks throwing capability similarly.
but more gathered together than he had ever seen before, Calandra shouted to the warriors and got them moving out
rampaging forward as an unstoppable wall of flesh and of the clearest paths down the gorge.
muscle that let loose angry roars. The shaking of the earth
The thumper cannon crews stood firm despite her
intensified. The sizes of the creatures varied, with only the
commands, proving their courage as they calmly loaded
largest outfitted with armor, making him suspect immature
their cannons and fired them into the living wall of gray
beasts were among them. It hardly mattered given the
skin and white tusks. Gunnbjorn launched a rocket at the
12
center of the oncoming titans just as the cannons roared cast the creatures aside. Each titan seemed to endure an
and Truk tossed a pair of explosive barrels straight into the impossible amount of punishment before at last succumbing
titans path. to the call of death. There was nothing Gunnbjorn could
do to create order except to destroy as many enemies as
The armored titan at the front center staggered beneath
possible, so he cranked the cylinder of his bazooka once
multiple blasts and toppled, only to be crushed beneath
again and grimly sighted his next target.
the weight of those behind and around it. Even as Calandra
desperately invoked Dhunias blessings to thwart enemy
blows to the goddess chosen warriors, the maddened titans
crashed into and through them. The beasts seemed unnaturally
crazed, their rotting and sickly flesh showing weeping holes The paingivers ran behind the titans goading them and using
in their hides that looked unrelated to the incoming fire. mortitheurgy to force the dying beasts to move at greater than
From his vantage at the top of the ridge, Gunnbjorn could normal speed. Once the fight degenerated into a brawl, they
see dozens of skorne with whips and barbed implements attempted to numb the pain of the titans and delay the shock
chasing behind the titans, driving them on. He had no time that caused a body to collapse and die. Nadeek shouted to his
to consider this as the enormous elephantine bipeds crushed master, It is working! The duzusk scatter!
everything in their path, scything tusks through flesh and
bone, hammering with clenched fists, and finally stamping Xekaar watched the battle with a critical eye. The titans
obstacles under heavy feet. initial strength is spent, and duzusk are notoriously hardy.
It will not be enough to kill them all. Several of the largest
Gunnbjorn called a rock wall to rise from the earth in front of titans were already down, and others were bleeding and
the main line of his sluggers, where Jolias of the scouts had staggering. He shook his head and came to a decision.
also hunkered. One of the frenzied creatures nearly tripped Coordinate the others to pull aside the more severely
and had to scramble to change its course. The air was filled injured titans. Drive them toward the lake, into the water.
with the sound of scattergun and slugger cannon fire, but the Seeing Nadeeks confused expression, the beast master
weapons seemed to do little to the diseased animals. Lay on indulged him with an explanation. There will be more
the fire! They will fall! he urged, firing another rocket into duzusk where these came from. We have lost the lake,
the mass of titans. The thumper carriages had been broken, however this fight ends. I will not leave the enemy a safe
their brave crews among the first trampled to death. Horthol water supply. The titans fester with disease; in sufficient
and his long riders seemed to be the only ones with the quantity they will despoil the lake and its rivers.
speed to avoid the pressing crush, riding backward before
the forward edge and then wheeling alongside to lay down Nadeeks eyes widened at his masters brilliance and
blows with hammer and axes. boldness. He bowed deeply in respect and then hastened
to obey.
He was focused ahead and almost missed spotting a titan
that had passed beneath as it veered toward him. It was A veteran tormentor pointed to the warlock on the ridge
intercepted by Truk, who tackled the creature and hurled it wielding a massive cannon and barking orders to the others.
toward the river, the pyg on his back cheering him on. That must be their leader, Master!
Tarr and Gritt spat gobs of fire into the advancing line, but The beast master tormentor answered, I will deal with him.
the frenzied titans paid little heed to the flames. Both were Go with Nadeek. He loosened the coils of the long whips
quickly overwhelmed. Gunnbjorn felt it keenly as the two he bore in each hand and strode purposefully toward the
pyres were torn limb from limb. ridge. He mentally directed two of the least injured titans
to perceive the trollkin leader as the source of their pain.
Hrod climbed the slope to join Gunnbjorn, but he had The rotting beasts would soon be useless, and he knew he
only one spear remaining. He held it defensively, ready to would be unable to transfer injuries to them, but they did
intercept any beast that came near his master. Calandras generate almost limitless animosity. He siphoned rage from
trolls had hunkered near her. The fighting kin were scattered them, feeling invigorated.
across the central valley in disordered groups, attacking at
every opportunity. Many trollkin lay on the ground bleeding
and moaning; a number no longer moved at all.
Gunnbjorn saw the Oracle of the Glimmerwood enter the Too many things happened at once for Gunnbjorn to track
fray like a dance. She whirled in her quitari skirt, dagger them all. He saw the skorne paingivers cut a number of
in hand, plunging its wicked blade into titan flesh while the injured titans from the herd and send them away, a
simultaneously calling on Dhunias power to smite and fact he took at first as a promising sign. Yet Calandra and
13
Stand at Scarleforth
the old chronicler pointed at them frantically, shouting. what was certainly a skorne warlock; he could sense an
Horthol rode by them and listened, then shouted to rally unnatural malignancy from him as well as his palpable but
his brethren. invisible connection to these frenzied beasts. He pulled the
trigger and felt his heart almost skip a beat when nothing
The bison riders had demonstrated their worth using
happened. A quick mental calculation told him he had
their mounts to intercept wayward titans, but now they
burned through all his ammunition.
inexplicably broke away from the battle. For a moment
Gunnbjorn thought them fixated on the fleeing beasts, but There was a loud crack of the master tormentors whip.
they veered off sharply to the west and continued away at Gunnbjorn saw just a blur of motion, and excruciating
top speed. Madrak Ironhides most loyal friend was leaving agony filled his side as the barbed tip opened a deep
the battlefield! laceration. Another crack, and a cord wrapped around
his right hand. It felt like fire ignited along his arm. The
He had to put this thought aside in the crush of the
skorne yanked on the cord, and he involuntarily dropped
melee, forced to resort to his axe to help Hrod finish off
the bazooka again. He resisted and pulled; the skorne
an immature but powerful titan. Truks bellow then
warlock was strong, but he was stronger. He dragged the
alerted him to two massive and relatively unharmed
skorne a little closer.
titans running up the slope in his direction. He fired a
bazooka rocket straight into the first, but it only staggered Despite this, the pain in his hand from gripping the
as it bellowed and lowered its cracked tusks. Truk had whips rope was so intense it forced a groan from him.
momentarily exhausted his supply of explosive barrels, The skornes face was hidden by his mask, but Gunnbjorn
and the cart holding the last few remained dozens of yards saw the gleaming teeth of a sadistic grin. Orange runes of
farther back in the gorge. Empty-handed, the dire troll power erupted around the skornes hand holding the whip
rushed forward to crash into the nearest oncoming titan and flowed up the cord to burst across the trollkins body
even as Hrod braced to take on the other. Truk and the first with a sensation like a thousand needles piercing him.
titan were of similar mass, but the titan had momentum Something seized Gunnbjorns muscles in a convulsion of
on its side. The dire troll was sent flying with a great gash pain that made it impossible for him to move. He could
in his abdomen and chest from one of the tusks. The pyg have transferred his injuries to Truk or Hrod, but his beasts
on the trolls back scrambled anxiously to his side as he were already badly injured and he did not wish to kill them.
landed in the dirt, narrowly avoiding being crushed.
Truk rallied and moved on against the largest titan,
hammering it with several brutal blows, yet the creature
seemed oblivious to the punishment. Its four arms seized
A darkness approached the dire troll and sent him soaring back, down the slope
from the west, like black toward the center of the gorge they had first occupied.
smoke rolling across the Gunnbjorn sensed the dire troll was very near death and
intervening ground. tried to give him the strength to endure. Again his pyg was
forced to maneuver acrobatically to avoid being crushed to
death. The rider chastised the dire troll as if the creature
Hrod fared much worse. His titan drove into the spear set were responsible for his own plight.
into the ground in its path but did not pause as the shaft
Hrod managed to drive his spear deep into the critically
shattered. Several tons of diseased flesh collided with
injured titan to finish it at last. The second beast turned
the considerably smaller troll, and the sickening sound
upon the weakened impaler and battered him to the
of numerous breaking bones crackled above the din.
ground in a sequence of overhand blows. Gunnbjorn
Gunnbjorn had to throw himself flat, letting his bazooka
felt genuine rage and grief as Hrod died. He had been
tumble away as the impaler soared over him and pitched
an intelligent and worthy companion, one of the first
several times across the ground, bleeding profusely.
full-bloods the trollkin had befriended. Immediately the
Gunnbjorn was distinctly aware of the extent of both second titan collapsed, as if the effort had cost its diseased
trolls injuries but compelled them to their feet and pushed body the very last of its energy.
them to ignore the pain. He felt slightly unsteady himself
The master tormentor approached the paralyzed Gunnbjorn
as he stood. A tall and powerfully built skorne in a mask
with insouciant arrogance. He gathered the length of
and lacquered armor strode toward him from behind the
the whip still affixed to Gunnbjorn with one hand, while
titans, a long whip in each hand. Urging his injured trolls
lashing out with his second weapon, sending a barb to open
to intercept the titans, the trollkin captain backed away
Gunnbjorns cheek just below his left eye. He spoke skorne
and scrambled to recover his bazooka. He turned it toward
words Gunnbjorn could not comprehend, but the mocking
14
tone was clear enough. He swept his hand toward the north hinged cylinder housing. The skorne looked startled and
grandly. Gunnbjorn fought the paralysis in his limbs and turned back, his lip twitching in rage. He lifted the handle of
could almost feel it yield. his whip, clearly intending to finish the job he had started.
He could not help but look where the paingiver gestured. Gunnbjorn had lost a considerable amount of blood, but
A half-dozen of the diseased titans raced toward the lake, Dhunia was with him. His fingers trembled only slightly
while down below him Calandra and her warriors were as he quickly extracted one of his spare rockets from his
desperately finishing the last of the herd. Gunnbjorn armguard, loaded it into the first chamber, and banged the
felt frustrated that she seemed more intent on what was cylinder shut. The master tormentor raised back his right
happening to the north than his plight. But then in a heart- arm, and the long, sinuous cord of his whip soared back
clenching moment he understood: the defeated skorne like a snake readying to bite. He did not see the dire trolls
intended to poison the water with the diseased titans. His enormous barrel already soaring through the air toward
eyes widened, prompting a hissing laugh from the skorne. him. Gunnbjorn called on all his power, augmented by his
The master tormentor hooked his second whip to his belt connection to the trolls, to shield himself from harm. He
and drew a wickedly curved blade, which he rested against pulled the trigger even as the paingiver began the forward
Gunnbjorns neck. His eyes returned to the titans heading motion to snap the whip.
toward the lake, and it was clear he wanted Gunnbjorn to
The rocket shot from the bazooka just as the trolls barrel
see them hit the water.
came crashing down, and the two explosives combined
A sound like rolling thunder echoed in the distance. A to create an earth-shattering blast of exponential potency.
darkness approached from the west, like black smoke rolling The paingiver was only a few yards from Gunnbjorn, who
across the intervening ground. The paingiver suddenly felt waves of force, pressurized air, and fire roll over him
spoke sharply, like a curse; clearly this was not part of his in an attempt to disintegrate him to nothingness. His own
designs. Gunnbjorn realized the moving darkness was a power was strained to its limit as he focused his will on
stampede of bison, moving with tremendous swiftness enduring the concussive blast. When he opened his eyes
toward the lake-bound titans. again, he smiled. All that remained of the paingiver was
his scorched mask.
He watched with no small degree of satisfaction as the
rampaging bison herd and dozens of long riders overran Horthol and the long riders soon rode back to rejoin the other
the titans and their keepers. The titans were knocked down warriors, enjoying their accolades. Gunnbjorn stumbled
by dozens of horned bison heads and then trampled under down the slope to thank the long rider hero, with Truk
countless hooves. The paingivers who had been spurring limping at his side. Calandra intercepted him to fuss over
them onward fell just as quickly to the long riders axes and his injuries, and he was forced to indulge her ministrations.
Horthols hammer. There were many fallen trollkin among the grisly carcasses
of the titans, but for the moment they put aside thoughts of
The paingiver warlock was so fixated upon this interference
grief to enjoy victory.
that he did not realize Truk was alive and regenerating on
the hill behind them and had recovered one of the remaining Calandra checked the searing red welts on his hand so
barrels from his cart. The pyg lit the fuse and patted the dire closely that he wondered if she were taking the opportunity
troll encouragingly. Simultaneously, Calandras bouncer to examine the lines along his palm. She smiled as she met
topped the slope, attempting to move inconspicuously his eyes and said, Thats one death avoided! The first one
despite heavy armor. Gunnbjorn saw the Oracles back is always the hardest.
was tense, her whole body frozen as she stared north, and
He chuckled and accepted this odd benediction. He raised
he realized she was not as distracted as he had thought.
his bazooka to catch the attention of the gathered warriors
At her mental urging, protective energy flowed from the
and spoke in a loud, strong voice. I declare Scarleforth
bouncer to Gunnbjorn. He felt a strange contentment fill
Lake the property of the united kriels! He savored the
him, some tangible blessing of Dhunia that he knew came
cheers that followed, even knowing there would be many
from Calandra.
fights ahead.
Gunnbjorn leveraged all his will against the paralysis and
felt it shake free. He jerked slightly away from the paingiver,
suffering a nasty cut to his neck. Ignoring the pain, he
invoked the bouncers animus to push the paingiver away.
Gunnbjorn leapt and rolled to the side, freeing his arm from
the length of razored cord binding it. Swiftly, he picked up
his bazooka and hammered the release lever to open the
15
Warbands of the Trollbloods
The Strength and Resilience of the United Kriels
The trollbloods are a powerful but disordered alliance of such unity, these leaders fear, the trollbloods may face
several troll species united by a common cause. The majority extinction. The trollkin are a stolid and traditional race,
of its warriors and leaders arise from the civilized trollkin, however, and many oppose the idea of change, preferring
but they are joined by the adaptable smaller pygmy trolls instead to pursue victory kriel by kriel as the trollkin have
and the powerful, larger full-blood trollsat the apex of done for generations.
which are the dire trolls, a species with unmatched ferocity,
regenerative power, and voracious appetites. Bolstered
by these formidable creatures, trollkin warriors represent
Chief and Council
By all accounts of myth and lore, the trollkin are one of
and defend a beleaguered people of ancient customs the oldest races on Caen and have weathered adversity
and a sophisticated culture who have been persecuted to and warfare for millennia beyond counting. Within more
the limits of their tolerance. They fight for their land, the recent recorded history, they were part of the barbaric horde
lives of their families, and their very survival. Betrayed by known as the Molgur, and many of their traditions stem from
former allies and surrounded by both hostile kingdoms that that era. In that ancient time the trollkin fought alongside
wage war across their territories and invading armies bent full-blood trolls, tribal humans, goblins, and ogrun. Even
on enslavement, the tribal kriels of the trollkin have risen to though they were part of the Molgur, every trollkin held
the occasion with acts of exceptional valor. the bonds of kith and kriel above all others. These extended
Rather than being a single nation, the trollbloods comprise families arose from simple tribal origins and formed bands
hundreds of disparate kriels, each fighting their own battles of warriors to protect villages or join together to war against
and only slowly becoming more unified in order to safeguard their enemies.
their kind. Ties of blood and brotherhood connect the kriels, When the Menite priest-kings of old broke the power of
but no overarching hierarchy is responsible for all trollkind. the Molgur, the trollkin people were dispersed and kiths
A loose collection of elders leads each sizable community, and kriels scattered across the dark wilds of western
which recent events have brought into closer contact, but Immoren. Separated from the greater community, the kriels
these bodies are contentious and generally focused on their retained only those traditions and stories inscribed on their
own affairs. Despite this, a few great chiefs have emerged krielstones, and many ancient ways were lost. Full-blood
as true heroes working to bring more of the scattered kriels trolls fared even worse than their smaller, more civilized
into their ranks as they seek to unite their people. Without brethren. The humans that were already expanding
The concept of kith is somewhat complicated by the fact The term kin is a more recent concept applied to the
that many trollkin include in their kith those with whom entirety of the trollkin as a related people. As kiths and kriels
they have shared the rite of kulgat. This solemn and have been fractured by the strife of war and displacement,
mystical ceremony involves the sharing of blood in an oath many trollkin have begun to think of themselves as
that causes a change in the blood of the participant who belonging to a broader connected community. Beyond the
is thereafter recognizable by other trollkin as members bonds of kith and kriel, any trollkin can look at another
of their adoptive bloodline. Most honor this status, and know the shared common struggles and triumphs of
but sometimes it becomes divisive, particularly when a kin. This trend has increased as elders, fell callers, shamans,
participant is not trollkin himself. Although the honor is and other representatives from different communities have
very rarely bestowed upon non-trollkin, several notable begun to communicate more regularly.
individuals have taken the kulgat oath, including King Leto
Raelthorne and Professor Viktor Pendrake.
16
ARMED MIGHT of the TROLLBLOODS
Notable Warbands of the United Kriels Warbands are the chosen fighting force of a war leader, with
favored frontline warriors, support/auxiliary elements, and trolls.
17
Military of the Trollbloods
into the wild reaches of western Immoren often hunted Chiefs are usually powerful warriors entrusted with
down those full-blood trolls unable or unwilling to live overseeing a kriels defenses and making wartime
alongside the scattered trollkin settlements. For generations decisions. In some rare cases a particularly formidable
the connection between trollkin and troll was tenuous, shaman, sorcerer, or fell caller might rise to this position.
explored only by some few shamans. The Menites set upon Chiefs are most often male as a matter of tradition, but not
the hulking dire trolls with singular ruthlessness, and only always. The transition from one chief to another varies
the most feral members of the species, who kept to the deep from kriel to kriel, but it is not uncommon for the position
wilderness, survived. That the trollkin culture endured to be passed to an eldest son, if he is battle-ready. Such
through this time is a testament to their stoicism, solidarity, heirs often spend their lives preparing for this possibility,
and tremendous resilience. endeavoring to prove themselves worthy of the honor and
responsibility. If the kriel includes a better candidate, such
Most kriels settled in the most habitable places they could
as a notable veteran hero, the chief might select him instead
find, often deep within great forests. The Thornwood, the
of passing the responsibility to his offspring. When a chief
Gnarls, and the Scarsfell Forest became home to the largest
dies without leaving instructions, as can happen in battle,
populations of trollkin, and it is these regions that many
the elders are entrusted to select a new chief from among
modern trollkin still think of as their ancestral homelands.
the kriel champions.
Connections with full-blood trolls were retained in these
forests, as some of the larger blood-kin were integrated into Chiefs do not directly lead their kriels except in times of
villages to assist with burdensome tasks and aid in defense. exceptional danger, deferring to the council of elders on
Other kriels were pushed to the most remote boundaries, other matters. Councils recognize a body of leaders is not as
making their homes along the edge of the Bloodstone effective as an individual at making the immediate decisions
Marches or on the shrouded Scharde Islands. The basic required in times of war. Under such circumstances,
routines of life in these kriels has been sustained into the the chief has nearly complete authority over his kriel.
present. A small but notable number of trollkin left the Isolated kiths that lack sufficient members to host a fully
wilds entirely and settled in human-dominated cities and representative council might be ruled by a single shaman
communities, becoming part of those kingdoms and putting or chief; the roles are sometimes one and the same for these
aside many of their traditions. Only a few human cities in remote communities. Even in such instances, usually several
the modern era support trollkin communities large enough community elders will be called upon to provide guidance.
to retain identities as kriels.
In addition to an often tight-knit band of champions, trollkin
Kriels are typically led by a number of key individuals chiefs are also supported by larger groups of warriors who
drawn from those vital to the community, foremost among have sworn themselves to serve their leader. Known as
these a chieftain and a small council of elders who deliberate warbands, these trollkin are utterly loyal to their chief
among themselves on all matters of importance to the and are typically either closely related kith or from the same
kiths of their kriel. They determine how to pool resources, kriel. The most prestigious chiefs might lead warbands
construct housing, and keep villages secure as well as made up of warriors from many kriels, and it is not unheard
making trade decisions with other communities. The most of for some trollkin to travel great distances to enlist in the
powerful shamans of a kriel usually occupy significant warband of a chief about whom they have heard great tales.
positions on the council of elders, as do senior chroniclers, A chieftain who commands a large number of warriors will
sorcerers, fell callers, and experts in important trades like often divide his followers into multiple bands, each led by a
stonemasonry, agriculture, brewing, and hunting. The highly trusted champion. Though rare in the past, the need
chief and elders typically serve as the final arbiters for for such arrangements has grown along with the scale and
most decisions affecting their kriel. Most kriels allow for scope of battles in recent years.
contentious disputes to be decided in trials by combat,
In the centuries after the defeat of the Molgur, more trollkin
which take place atop a large elevated stone platform at a
communities restored their connections with full-blood
village center. These fights can be brutal but rarely result
trolls. Association with the voracious creatures caused
in fatalities. The chief of the kriel arbitrates these trials and
much strife between trollkin communities and neighboring
may decide to stand personally for one side or the other
human villages, but the trollkin were often willing to suffer
if there is a disparity in martial skill between participants.
such inconvenience for the raw strength their troll allies
In kriels with particularly imposing chiefs, it is rare for
brought them. The destructive power of a single troll is
disputes to enter the arena for this reason, which has led to
substantial, and with only minor training the ferocious
the general belief that possessing a strong chief promotes
creatures can become powerful guardians fighting on behalf
peaceful kriel life.
of a kriel. The rare warlocks who hold a mystical connection
18
with full-blood trolls invariably
ascend to leadership roles in their
kriels. Most of these individuals
become chiefs simply by virtue of
the enormous wartime power they
exert over the trolls that follow them
into battle. The trolls of warlock
chiefs are typically considered full
members of the warband.
19
Military of the Trollbloods
Many powerful chieftains, shamans, and elders support Though he agrees with Ironhide on certain fundamental
Ironhides efforts, but the tribal and fractious nature of the ideas, Doomshaper is still a trollkin traditionalist
kriels makes gaining a majority consensus difficult. Most uncomfortable with the changes wrought by present
of the warbands and leaders that follow Ironhide do not calamities. Nonetheless, the elder shaman is willing to pay
owe him any formal allegiance or consider themselves any price to ensure the survival of his people. It was he who
his vassals; rather, they see themselves as allies and peers. brought the terrifying dire trolls back under the sway of the
Borka Kegslayer, for example, has led a small army of trollkin; his connection with the full-blood trolls is strong,
trollkin warriors from the Scarsfell to join the united kriels, and he admires both their simplicity and their savagery.
but they are motivated more by the opportunity to wage Doomshaper is committed to helping Ironhide in the war
war on the humans of the south rather than by the cause of he believes will eventually envelop the trollbloods, but
nation-building. he and his warbands also seek vengeance on those who
wronged them. Ironhide seems to retain some hope that a
One of the most significant initial steps to establishing this
lasting peace with mankind is possible, while Doomshaper
larger alliance was the oath of fellowship sworn between
believes warfare and violence can be the only meaningful
Madrak Ironhide and Hoarluk Doomshaper. The dominant
communication between their two species.
military leader among the fractious kriels of the Gnarls,
the cantankerous elder shaman has garnered vast support Despite a lack of complete harmony among the various
among the more warlike elements of his people. The bond groups of trollkin, the unity of the kriels grows stronger
between Doomshaper and Ironhide was forged after each day. Few elders have the time to debate the broader
Madrak was betrayed by the druids of the Circle Orboros implications of a trollblood nation in this time of war,
who sought to assassinate and replace him. Doomshaper however, as increasingly greater numbers of trollkin venture
was vital in thwarting that plot, and the kriels of the from their ancestral homes to seek the aid and protection
Thornwood and the Gnarls have since grown increasingly of the unified kriels. The intertribal councils that govern
connected and mutually reliant. the united kriels have necessarily become responsible for
sheltering and governing ever-growing numbers of refugees.
Trollkin Quitari
Jortor
Golmfar Calandra Kriel
Kriel Truthsayer
Chieftain Madrak Grissel Hoarluk
Ironhide Bloodsong Doomshaper
Quitari are the traditional tartan patterns worn by trollkin Since the rise of Madrak Ironhide, it is becoming increasingly
that represents the wearers home kriels. Each kriel has a common for a trollkin warrior to adopt the quitari pattern of
specific quitari pattern and colors, easily recognizable to those the leader he follows. This practice is especially widespread
who belong to or have had significant contact with someone of among trollkin of the Thornwood Forest and other traditional
that kriel. As trollkin refugees from across western Immoren homelands whose kriels have largely been wiped out by the
join the united kriels, the patterns they wear enable them to wars. Those who frequently fight together might feel compelled
stand out among the crowds to former neighbors and friends. to put aside old traditional patterns to identify more strongly
with their new brothers in arms.
20
The Kriels
at War
Though the trollkin do not fight as
a single army with a strict formal
hierarchy and chain of command,
they are nonetheless formidable
opponents the equal of any who
oppose them. Indeed, due to
the tremendous resilience and
accelerated healing demonstrated
by the various trollblood species,
they can frequently outlast or
out-battle more organized and
numerous enemies. These proud
descendants of generations of
warriors are armed with a wealth
of war expertise. Unlike many
other races on Caen, every adult
trollkin is a prospective warrior.
Every adult, male or female, has
some proficiency in combat, and
only those too few old or young
to wield a weapon are defenseless.
The trollkin are a pragmatic and
proud people willing to lay down
their lives in the defense of their
families and friends.
21
Military of the Trollbloods
escalation of threats across the regionin particular those these modernized trollkin warriors might prove to be the
brought by modern human armieswar chiefs like Madrak salvation of the trollbloods.
Ironhide have seen the necessity of embracing the modern
One significant ongoing source of potential soldiers has
weapons of their enemies.
come from those unmated but mature trollkin called shen,
In the past it was not uncommon for Cygnar and Ord to sell whose violent inclinations and lack of a productive role
surplus weaponry to kriels with whom they had friendly might become a burden to their communities if not handled
relations. The Cygnaran crown has typically looked upon appropriately. Traditionally encouraged to leave their kiths
the trollkin who live within its border as nominal citizens. in order to find mates, shen often band together as trollshen,
Cygnars motivation in selling arms to the kriels, however, groups of five to twenty males of various ages. Trollshen
was not entirely altruistic: the Cygnaran Army saw value also arise among refugee trollkin from decimated kriels,
in having an armed population that could act as a buffer banding together for mutual protection in the wilderness. It
against other enemies, including Khador, the Protectorate, is not uncommon for these roving bands to turn to banditry
and more recently the Skorne Empire. or mercenary work. Since most shen have yet to embrace
a particular tradition, they are excellent candidates for
Cygnar has suspended the sale of military weapons and
military training. Even their sometimes reckless approach
hardware to the trollkin in light of expanding hostilities
to combat can be an asset in the rapidly modernizing kriel
between northern Cygnaran citizens and the kin brought
armieswith the proper guiding hand.
together by Ironhide and Doomshaper. This has not
deterred the trollkin from seeking other avenues to acquire Pygmy trolls, or pygs, have long existed on the periphery
arms; indeed, they have found interested brokers from any of trollkin society. These smaller trollkin cousins were long
number of black markets across the Iron Kingdoms. thought useless in battle, given their capricious attitude and
lack of interest in crafting weapons, but recent pressures
A number of trollkin have served in human armies,
of war have prompted the trollkin to reevaluate their
particularly those raised in human cities, and some of these
opinions. It has become clear that pygs are just as resolute
have brought much-needed military experience to the
in combat as their larger kin and can be deadly fighters if
wilderness kriels. Though their methods might be at odds
given weaponry and training suited to their strengths and
with more traditional trollkin approaches to warfare, the
disposition. They have a lower tolerance for discipline and
tactics of the modern battlefield have been a great boon to
repeated drills than trollkin, but these deficits can be worked
the united kriels.
around. For reasons not entirely understood, dire trolls are
Even the most hardened veteran trollkin champions can naturally inclined to tolerate pygs. The trollkin exploit this
benefit from the kind of training a professional soldier could natural sympathy by pairing the two and arming them with
expect in more hierarchical militaries. Though warbands ever more dangerous weaponry. The pygs readily take to
excel in guerrilla warfare and small raids, they often lack the the use of firearms, and with their natural predilection for
discipline required to maintain order in the large numbers thrill-seeking they make up a substantial portion of the
needed to win massive or protracted engagements. The most modern combatants in trollkin warbands.
warbands of the united kriels attempt to maintain some
degree of organization, but they are sometimes undermined Warband Support Elements
by the actions of proud chieftains who prefer to strike at a Not all those who fight for the kriels are warriors in the
time and place of their own choosing rather than follow the traditional sense. Shamans are increasingly taking up
plans of another, no matter how carefully considered. arms in defense of their people. These mystics command
tremendous Dhunian spiritual powers, and the presence
Despite the ongoing frustration of those trollkin veterans
of just one shaman can turn the tide of battle for a hard-
who have served with one of the militaries of the Iron
pressed warband. Many of these individuals have focused
Kingdoms, their efforts to discipline the forces of the united
on support roles to become advisors and the spiritual
kriels are gradually paying off. Many younger trollkin
centers of their communities, but others lend their power
readily embrace modern weaponry and view its use as a
and strength at arms to warbands on the march. A shamans
natural extension of trollkin adaptability. With training and
presence greatly inspires the trollkin, who view him as a
drilling in the use of such weapons, many of these trollkin
sign that their goddess, Dhunia, has not abandoned their
become brilliant examples of professional soldiery. The
struggle. Many shamans are powerful warriors in their
races inherent strength and courage makes them some
own rights, with Borka Kegslayer being one of the most
of the most stalwart and courageous fighters to be found
famous examples.
anywhere in western Immoren. Fighting alongside armed
and armored full-blood trolls and the slavering dire trolls,
22
Bloodsongs Irregulars
The Primary Warband of Grissel Bloodsong
The fell caller and warlock Grissel Leadership
Bloodsong is one of the most Grissel Bloodsong
respected leaders among the Kithkars Horspar, Mudwound, and Redhand
united kriels. Her role in their Ranking Runebearers Hartol and Granitesong
military has become increasingly Senior Krielstone Bearer Gallum Thornwound and scribes
important in recent months as
Warriors, Support, and Trolls
Madrak Ironhide has wrestled
2 Dire Troll Blitzers
with the curse of Rathrok.
3 Troll Axers
Many view her as his foremost 3 Troll Impalers
general and obey her as if 3 Pyre Trolls
her commands came from 200+ Kriel Warriors, including 30 caber throwers
Ironhide himself. Ironhide 100+ Scattergunners
has entrusted her to lead 18 Scouts
more warbands than any 20 Champions
other chief among the united 30 Sluggers
kriels, but she still relies 100 Pygs (assorted weaponry)
on a solid core of veterans 5 Thumper Cannon Crews
alongside whom she has 8 Skinners
personally fought. 9 Runeshapers
6 Fell Callers
Bloodsongs Irregulars,
4 Krielstones (and associated bearers and scribes)
as she has come to call
them, have earned deep Bloodsongs emphasis on modern tactics and weaponry
respect among the extends even to the dire trolls in her battlegroup.
trollkin who currently Like many trollkin, she was somewhat hesitant when
make their homes Doomshaper first brought the dire trolls back into the
in the Gnarls. While warbands of the kriels, but she warmed to them after
many other warbands the implementation of the blitzer. She was the first
are recovering from recent war leader to prove the effectiveness of these unlikely
battles, the Irregulars have spent recent days patrolling beast-and-pyg teams in combat and considers them
the edges of the forest and guarding the kriels of the ideal mobile artillery pieces. Those she now commands
region. It is Bloodsongs hope that the victories her were chosen specifically for use as blitzers and are
Irregulars have achieved will inspire other trollkin to well behaved by dire troll standards. As a warlock,
embrace the tactics she knows are vital to the success of Bloodsong feels a natural affinity with all trolls. Some
the united kriels. members of her battlegroup have been with her for
years, including her favored axer, Kortu. She is also fond
Though the warbands under her leadership include
of pyre trolls, which were originally introduced by the
warriors of many disparate traditions, the equal value
kriels that joined Madrak from the Bloodstone Marches
she places on more modern types of warfare is evident
and usually brings along at least one. Her warband is
in both the composition and the training of the troops
invariably accompanied by the scent of pitch as they
she commands. She expects her warriors to drill on
make camp, sometimes to the dismay of other trollkin.
a daily basis, rain or shine. Some who come to join
her are displeased with what they see as limitations
on their freedom, but she makes no exceptions. The
sight of Bloodsongs champions practicing maneuvers
alongside pygs causes some other kriels to laugh, but
their effectiveness in battle speaks for itself.
23
Military of the Trollbloods
Sorcerers have long been respected by the trollkin for their alongside trollkin are less prone to losing control compared
devastating potential on the battlefield. A number of the to more rustic breeds, but any troll can snap if starving.
most potent warlocks in recent times have been natural- In dire trolls these challenges are amplified by an order of
born sorcerers, and their victories, accomplishments, magnitude: they both require significantly larger amounts
and other acts of heroism cannot easily be counted. Their of food and become significantly more dangerous if allowed
natural connection to the arcane energies of Caen enables to become hungry.
them to lay waste to their enemies with waves of power.
The presence of skinners and other expert hunters is
Many trollkin sorcerers become runebearers able to turn
crucial to the success of any warband that ventures far
the earth itself against their foes and transform the deeds of
from its kriel. These scouts and hunters keep their kin fed
their people into a powerful weapon.
and their trolls at least somewhat sated. The reality is that
The history and triumphs of the trollkin are inscribed in even the best-supplied kriels are likely to be incapable
stone, and with the proper reverence they can be used as of feeding their trolls to full satisfaction. Some shamans
weapons against enemies and blessings to be bestowed consider the voracious hunger of the trolls the cost for the
upon allies. The krielstones that are brought to war, regenerative blessings bestowed upon them by Dhunia.
as well as the scribes who add to their legacy of valor Any troll encountered on the battlefield is motivated as
by recording further heroic actions, are a vital part of much by a desire to fill his stomach as one to fight for his
trollkin military pride. These monuments are no mere smaller cousins.
decorations; they combine with Dhunian beliefs and the
With hundreds of warbands spread across numerous
strength of prayer to offer potent and tangible blessings
kriels and only limited central leadership, creating and
to embattled warriors.
maintaining supply lines is an ongoing challenge for the
united kriels. It is for this reason they have heavily invested
Full-Blood Trolls and Supply
in the defense of the Gnarls, as it contains numerous
It is the presence of full-blood trolls that gives the enemies
established kriels relatively close to one another. Warbands
of the united kriels the most pause. Many kriels have
that move far from established kriels must hope that any
come to think of these trolls as integral members of their
trollkin communities they encounter will be welcoming and
communities and now craft special weapons, armor, and
generous. Otherwise, they are forced to rely on troll-pulled
clothing for their use. Trolls enjoy more ready access to food
supply carts and whatever game they are able to hunt.
through this arrangement and in return offer their strength
and battle prowess. This is to say nothing of the massive Despite the many challenges they face, trollkin warbands
dire trolls that have begun to accompany the warbands for are growing into a cohesive and powerful army. The
the first time in thousands of years. Whereas other trolls can pressures of their enemies serve them well, for these
actually develop friendships with the trollkin, dire trolls are people excel at nothing if not endurance and adaptability.
simply too savage for such niceties. Even those kriels most Each trollkin knows every battle is crucial to the survival
accustomed to the creatures consider them dangerous and of his people and every victory a step toward the future
untamed in the best of circumstances. Dire trolls are capable they envision.
of almost unthinkable ferocity and are never more than a
minor irritation away from frenzy, so their trollkin allies
must remain vigilant in their presence. The presence of pygs
seems to calm the beasts, but they remain unpredictable
and hazardous in the extreme.
24
Trollblood theme forces
Grim Angus
Headhunters
Warbeasts Units Solos
Trollblood non-character Trollkin Scouts, Pyg units, Trollkin Skinner, Alten Ashley
warbeasts with ranged Dannon Blythe & Bull
weapons
Tier 1 Bloodsongs fell call Hoof It during your first turn of the
Requirements: The army can include only the models game. Bloodsong can still make a fell call that turn normally.
listed above. Tier 3
Benefit: Reduce the point cost of Fell Caller Hero solos Requirements: The army includes two or more Pyg units.
by 1. Additionally, up to one warbeast in Bloodsongs Benefit: Pyg units can be redeployed after both players
battlegroup gains Advance Move for each Fell Caller Hero have deployed but before the first players first turn.
solo in the army. (Before the start of the game but after The redeployed models must be placed on the table in a
both players have deployed, a model with Advance Move location they could have been deployed initially.
can make a full advance.)
Tier 4
Tier 2 Requirements: Bloodsongs battlegroup includes three or
Requirements: The army includes two or more Kriel more warbeasts.
Warrior units.
Benefit: Your deployment zone is extended 2 forward.
Benefit: All Kriel Warrior units can be affected by
25
Hoarluk Doomshaper, Shaman of the Gnarls
Runes of War
Warbeasts Units Solos
Trollblood non-character Krielstone Bearer & Stone Stone Scribe Chronicler,
warbeasts, Mulg the Ancient Scribes, Trollkin Runeshapers Trollkin Runebearer, Troll
Whelps, Janissa Stonetide
Tier 1 Tier 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models Requirements: The army includes two or more Trollkin
listed above. Runeshaper units.
Benefit: Trollkin Runeshaper units become FAU. Benefit: For every two Trollkin Runeshaper units in the army, place
Additionally, reduce the point cost of Trollkin Runeshaper one wall template anywhere completely within 20 of the back edge
units by1. of Doomshapers deployment zone after terrain has been placed but
before either player deploys his army. The wall is a linear obstacle
Tier 2
that grants cover. Wall templates cannot be placed within 3 of
Requirements: The army includes Janissa Stonetide.
another terrain feature including another wall template.
Benefit: The Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribe unit Leader
begins the game with 1 fury point for each Runeshaper
Tier 4
Requirements: Doomshapers battlegroup includes two or
unit or solo in the army. (If the number of fury points
more Dire Trolls.
exceeds the maximum of the Fury Vault ability, additional
fury points are lost.) Benefit: Your deployment zone is extended 2 forward.
Tier 1 Tier 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models Requirements: The army includes ten or more Troll Whelp solos.
listed above.
Benefit: Heavy warbeasts gain +2SPD during your first
Benefit: The FA of Troll Whelp solos increases by +1 for turn of the game.
each Dire Troll in the army.
Tier 4
Tier 2 Requirements: Doomshapers battlegroup includes Mulg
Requirements: The army includes two or more units. the Ancient.
Benefit: You gain +1 on your starting roll for the game. Benefit: Reduce the point cost of heavy warbeasts by1.
26
Captain Gunnbjorn
The Big Bang
Warbeasts Units Solos
Troll Bouncer, Trollblood Trollblood units with Troll Whelps, Trollblood
non-character warbeasts with ranged weapons solos with ranged weapons
ranged weapons
Tier 1 Tier 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models Requirements: The army includes two Thumper Crew units.
listed above.
Benefit: Thumper Crew units gain Advance Deployment .
Benefit: Reduce the point cost of each Dire Troll Blitzer
and Dire Troll Bomber warbeast by 1.
Tier 4
Requirements: Gunnbjorns battlegroup includes three or
Tier 2 more heavy warbeasts.
Requirements: The army includes two or more units.
Benefit: Models in Gunnbjorns battlegroup gain +2SPD
Benefit: For every two units in the army, place one trench during your first turn of the game.
template anywhere completely within 20 of the back edge
of Gunnbjorns deployment zone after terrain has been
placed but before either player deploys his army. Trench
templates cannot be placed within 3 of another terrain
feature, but can be placed within 3 of each other.
Borka Kegslayer
Drunk and Disorderly
Warbeasts Units Solos
Troll Axer, Troll Bouncer, Long Riders, Trollkin Fell Caller Hero, Stone
Troll Impaler, Winter Troll, Champions, Trollkin Scribe Chronicler, Trollkin
non-character Dire Trolls Fennblades, Trollkin Scouts Champion Hero, Trollkin
Skinner, Troll Whelps
Tier 1 Tier 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models Requirements: The army includes Skaldi Bonehammer.
listed above.
Benefit: You gain +1 on your starting roll for the game.
Benefit: Models/units gain Pathfinder during your first
turn of the game.
Tier 4
Requirements: Borkas battlegroup includes two or more
Tier 2 Winter Troll warbeasts.
Requirements: The army includes one or more Trollkin
Benefit: Reduce the point cost of Winter Trolls by1.
Scout units.
27
Madrak Ironhide, Thornwood Chieftain
War Party
Warbeasts Units Solos
Trollblood non-character Krielstone Bearer & Stone Fell Caller Hero, Stone
warbeasts Scribes, Kriel Warriors, Pyg Scribe Chronicler, Trollkin
Bushwhackers, Scattergunners, Runebearer, Troll Whelps
Trollkin Fennblades
Tier 1 Tier 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models Requirements: The army includes two Pyg Bushwhacker units.
listed above.
Benefit: You gain +1 on your starting roll for the game.
Benefit: Kriel Warrior units and attachments become FAU.
Tier 4
Tier 2 Requirements: Madraks battlegroup includes at least one
Requirements: The army includes two or more Kriel Troll Axer and one Troll Impaler.
Warriors units.
Benefit: Models in Madraks battlegroup gain +2SPD
Benefit: Add one Kriel Warrior unit attachment to the during your first turn of the game.
army free of cost. This unit attachment does not count
toward FA restrictions.
Tier 1 These models are placed at the same time as your models
Requirements: The army can include only the models with Advance Deployment (if any). These models must
listed above. be placed within your normal deployment zone.
28
Calandra Truthsayer
Children of Dhunia
Warbeasts Units Solos
Trollblood non-character Krielstone Bearer & Stone Fell Caller Hero, Stone
light warbeasts, Earthborn Scribes, Kriel Warriors, Scribe Chronicler, Trollkin
Dire Trolls Trollkin Scattergunners, Runebearer, Troll Whelps
Trollkin Scouts, Pyg units
Tier 1 Tier 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models Requirements: The army includes one or more Trollkin
listed above. Scout or Pyg units.
Benefit: You gain +1 on your starting roll for the game. Benefit: Up to one warbeast gains Advance Deployment for
each Trollkin Scout or Pyg unit in the army.
Tier 2
Requirements: The army includes two or more Trollkin solos. Tier 4
Requirements: Calandras battlegroup includes two or
Benefit: For every two solos in the army, one Trollkin unit
more Earthborn Dire Trolls.
gains +2SPD during your first turn of the game.
Benefit: Reduce the point cost of Earthborn Dire Troll
warbeasts by 1.
29
Warlocks of the trollbloods
Although all trollkin warlocks demonstrate magical Dhunian shamans can be found in nearly every kriel, serving
aptitude of some kind, it is their ability to command their the needs of their communities. The trollkin are a deeply
monstrous kin, the full-blood trolls, that marks them as spiritual people and hold their shamans in high regard. They
warlocks. Trollkin warlocks share a deep connection with particularly honor those who become warlocks, as many
the trolls that follow them into battle, and many trollkin trollkin believe those individuals are chosen by Dhunia to
believe this connection is derived from Dhunia herself. serve in this capacity. The shamans who demonstrate the
This elevates trollkin warlocks to a status of leadership skill to control trolls tend to be more warlike than other
that is part war captain and part embodiment of the Dhunian shamans and tap into the destructive aspects of
goddess wrath. the goddess rather than her aspects of fertility, the seasonal
cycle, and growth. A few try to balance both parts of their
The majority of trollkin warlocks are shamans of Dhunia
natures, but most shamans fall into one end of the spectrum
or sorcerers from birth, and they utilize their warlock
or the other.
abilities as natural extensions of their devotion to their
goddess or their innate sorcery. Trollkin sorcerers are easy Trollkin warlocks tend to hold positions of leadership
to recognize, as they are born albino and typically possess among their people, and some are chieftains of their own
a smaller stature than their kin. Rather than considering kriels. Those who prove themselves for their wisdom or
this a weakness or deficiency, trollkin communities value skill in battle attract many followers among the trollkin.
the sorcerers for their arcane aptitude and the benefits such The diversity of trollkin traditions and of warlocks drawn
abilities represent to their kriels. Most sorcerers do not from across trollkin society has created a tenuous power
become warlocks; the defining trait of a trollkin warlock, structure within the united kriels as warlocks with vastly
the aptitude for commanding full-blood trolls, is more different ideas vie for influence over their brethren.
uncommon and requires a special inclination to connect
more deeply with these beasts.
30
Hoarluk Doomshaper, Rage of Dhunia
One of the main points of contention between trollkin bloodshed. Others, weary of the duplicitous nature of
warlocks is how the trollbloods should deal with their mankind, believe the trollkin should strike hard against
enemies, especially the human nations. Some believe their enemies and do whatever it takes to carve out a nation
the trollkin should fight only to gain the homeland they of their owneven if that leads to all-out war.
were promised by the humans, avoiding any unnecessary
31
Grim Angus
Trollblood Trollkin Warlock
There is nothing to killing. It is as natural as drawing breath. The challenge lies in the hunt.
Grim Angus
32
Grim brings to the kriels a wilderness cunning almost When the enemy is at last surrounded, Grim captures those
unmatched in western Immoren, and the skills he who may be of use and executes the rest. Some trollkin find
developed in his previous life give him a powerful edge. his methodical manner on the battlefield overly cold and
He moves through the forest with silent and patient skill, calculating, but Grim Angus has spent his life mastering a
coming down on the enemy with overwhelming force and heartless profession, and old habits die hard: he has no time
ruthless efficiency when he finally strikes. To preserve the for doubt or indecision. He intends to deliver a reckoning to
element of surprise, he prefers firing his rifle Headhunter the enemies of his people, one bullet at a time.
from unseen vantage points or through dense cover.
33
Grissel Bloodsong, Fell Caller
Trollblood Trollkin Warlock
There is beauty and terror alike in that voice of hers, and she can use it to turn the tides of war.
Champion Horthol
34
remained on the battlefront, where her presence emboldens the various threats they face. She now feels a part of a larger
the trollkin who follow her into battle. community as she walks among the rugged and courageous
volunteers serving in Madraks ragtag army. She fights
Contact with Chief Madrak Ironhide has renewed Grissels
not for empty coin, as when she was a mercenary, but to
hopes for a trollkin victory. She has persuaded her people to
preserve her trollkin brethren. This purpose has given her
join Ironhides displaced Thornwood kriels, knowing their
the strength to endure the fresh grief of her lost mate, which
only chance to survive will come from cooperating against
she feels keenly in the calm aftermath of every battle.
35
Hoarluk Doomshaper, Shaman of the Gnarls
Trollblood Trollkin Warlock
There is no warlock more tied to the blood of our people. If we endure, it will be a testament to
Doomshapers works.
Madrak Ironhide
Scroll of the Will of Balasar This model can use this ability By effort and force of will, Doomshaper has gained
once per game when a warbeast frenzies in its control area. unequalled power over full-blood trolls. He has strong ties
When Scroll of the Will of Balasar is used, choose the frenzy
with all troll breeds, and they listen to him as if he were
target of the warbeast.
kin. Bearing bloodstones those brutes consider sacred,
Gnarlroot he has reinforced ancient pacts between species. Hoarluk
Magical Weapon earned immortality in his peoples legends when he strode
Reach unarmed into the forest and returned with several dire trolls
at his side. Those beasts had not heeded the commands of
The legendary Dhunian shaman Hoarluk Doomshaper has their cousins since the time of the Molgur, and word of
explored the face of Caen for more than one hundred years. Hoarluks deed spread to every tribe. These creatures have
Few elders are as vigorous and irrepressible. Hoarluk is since become the greatest weapons of the desperate trollkin.
obsessively fascinated with the mystical power of the blood Even before recent troubles, Doomshaper traveled from
that connects all troll breeds, and he believes troll blood kriel to kriel gathering recruits and leading strikes against
superior to the diluted substance flowing through the veins any humans or other species foolish enough to plunder the
of other races. This scorn and the increasing reality of his Gnarls. He has obliterated at least two logging camps that
species decline fuel his resentment of humanity. Even in began to poach beyond the marked trees and slaughtered
the otherwise secure Gnarls, outsiders have encroached on no fewer than three bogrin tribes that attempted to settle
trollkin lands, and Doomshaper intends to strike back with near his homeacts that have put him at odds with more
a vengeance. The time for war is overdue. temperate trollkin like Chief Ironhide of the Thornwood.
Few are willing to speak against Doomshaper. The mighty Though Hoarluk is not a chief, he wields tremendous
shaman is prone to temperamental outbursts and scathing influence over the tribes of the Gnarls, the mightiest
indictments of those he considers foolish. Hoarluk has surviving bastion of trollkin tradition. No Gnarls chief
challenged countless elders to duels and has yet to be dares to ignore his words.
36
This wizened elder has spent decades recovering lost Trolls are the wrathful instrument chosen by Dhunia, and
krielstones and deciphering ancient runes. He bears the this is the age when they will make their stand. Every
weight of his ancestors on his shoulders, where he keeps battle is Doomshapers apocalypse, as if the salvation of
a collection of transcribed lore nestled in numerous scroll all trollkind hinges on its outcome. Whatever drives him,
cases. This interest is the key to the great previously Doomshapers emergence from the forests of the Gnarls is a
untapped powers the shaman has mastered. dire omen for all who have earned the wrath of the trollkin.
37
Hoarluk Doomshaper, Rage of Dhunia
Trollblood Trollkin Epic Warlock
Once one realizes that all truth and wisdom lie in the blood, spilling it becomes another ritual.
Hoarluk Doomshaper
DOOMSHAPER
Tough Tactical Tips
Attuned Spirit [Dire Troll] Once per activation, this model Goad Because the warbeast is forced, it gains 1 fury point.
can cast the animus of a Dire Troll warbeast in its battlegroup as Agitation This spell cannot cause a warbeast to exceed its FURY
a spell without spending fury. in fury points.
Goad When a warbeast in this models battlegroup destroys
one or more enemy models with a melee attack during its been enough for him to be a simple war shaman. He seeks to
combat action, immediately after the attack is resolved this
model can force the warbeast to advance up to 2.
plumb the fundamental connection between all trollkind
the power invested by Dhunia in their blood. After learning
Hyper Regeneration This model automatically heals d3
damage points at the start of each of its activations. all he could from scrolls taken from ancient krielstones
and venturing into every significant Molgur ruin, Hoarluk
Willbreaker decided to take a more direct approach. He would plunge
Magical Weapon
into the very depths of dire troll consciousness.
Reach
Powerful Attack When attacking with this weapon, this
Unshackling his mind and freeing himself of all restraint,
model can spend 1 fury point to boost all attack and damage Doomshaper merged with the most violent and powerful
rolls for the attack. of these creatures, running with them, living as one of
them, and rising to near-godlike status among them.
Hoarluk Doomshaper spent a century gathering strength He has tapped into reserves no shaman has ever known,
and delving into the deepest mysteries of the trollbloods his escalating power proved in a ritual witnessed by the
essence. His great power has shaken the communities of the most ancient of dire trolls. At the height of the ceremony
Gnarls and Thornwood to their roots and earned the fear Hoarluk cut off his own hand and then regenerated it
and reluctant respect of countless elders. Trollkin in many accomplishing in seconds what would have taken months
circles talk about Hoarluk as a force of nature: implacable, for another trollkin.
incomprehensible, and impossible to ignore. He is a creature Doomshaper has not only unlocked unprecedented
to be appeased and placated rather than persuaded. Those regenerative powers but has also gained insight into the
who fear him believe he has reached the peak of his power, primal nature that binds warbeast to warlock. This has
that a shaman of his age can learn no more. They will soon given him unprecedented influence over his enemies, as he
discover the scope of their error. can now go beyond the blood of trolls to steal the essence
Even as many hot-blooded trollkin continue to flock to of other beasts and use their powers for his own purposes.
Doomshaper to hear his violent rhetoric and fight at his side, His newfound mastery of natural lore rivals that of even the
he remains focused on a more profound goal. It has never druids of the Circle Orboros.
38
So focused was Hoarluk on attaining these powers that unleashed the full fury of this ancient shaman. No prison
he did not anticipate the treachery that nearly unraveled could hold himnot when the dire trolls of the wild could
his efforts. A conspiracy within the Gnarls betrayed him hear his call from miles away. Since he regained his freedom,
in order to cement a truce with Cygnaran authorities. nothing mitigates Doomshapers wrath. Those who feared
Doomshapers subsequent capture and imprisonment have him before cannot imagine what lies ahead of them now.
39
Captain Gunnbjorn
Trollblood Trollkin Warlock
May Dhunia have mercy on our enemies, because I will not.
Captain Gunnbjorn
40
did he find welcome among the communitys trollkin, but Gunnbjorn was away recruiting for the cause in Mercir
he experienced an immediate connection with the full-blood when Cygnars Fourth Army attacked Crael Valley and
trolls gathered there. He knelt before Ironhide. Without forced its defenders to withdraw to the Gnarls. He regrets
a word, Madrak placed his hand on the young warlocks being unable to lend his support but believes he may have
head and welcomed him back to his people. found a better long-term solution. His time with Cygnar has
convinced him the trollbloods must become a real nation
Since then Gunnbjorn has used every waking moment to
with a real army, and he intends to see that come to pass.
help the trollkin better themselves. He rapidly learned to
harness the power over full-blood trolls passed down from
his father. He is a stern but proficient taskmaster determined
to make warriors of the trolls, trollkin, and pygs he leads into
battle, and daily his troops grow more practiced and deadly.
41
Madrak Ironhide, Thornwood Chieftain
Trollblood Trollkin Warlock
Our enemies are countless and our friends few. We must unite as one people or face extinction.
Madrak Ironhide
42
Even with Rathroks power, Madrak slowly lost ground nobles and offered only excuses. Returning empty-
to the inexhaustible enemy. Desperate, the chief sought handed to his people, Madrak barely survived a vicious
audience with his blood brother and negotiated what he assassination attempt by his long-time allies, the blackclad
thought would be the salvation of his people. Although druids, aided by a traitor among his own trusted kin. Only
the kriels gained a temporary home in unused lands, this the intervention of Hoarluk Doomshaper saved his life.
eventually put them in the path of the invading skorne. Madrak has sworn to join Doomshaper in carving a safe
place for the kriels even if it unleashes a river of blood and
When Madrak returned to King Leto to demand the safer
invites the doom of World Ender.
lands promised, Leto claimed to be beholden to his own
43
Madrak Ironhide, World Ender
Trollblood Trollkin Epic Warlock
That axe is fated to sunder Caen and drown us all in an ocean of blood.
Shaman Krasmar Jaggedscar of the Scarsfell
44
battle comes. He has asked the best smiths of his people to indeed the case, how much has this manipulation affected
destroy it, but they cannot even mar its leather bindings. his recent dealings with Hoarluk Doomshaper?
It will not release him. He senses it has tasks to perform,
Ironhides followers still shout his name and praise his
and even death might not be enough to free him from its
strength and wisdom, but others spread warnings.
grasp. Madrak has begun to believe the visions and the
Many kriels are afraid of the storms that
impulses he feels may be a sign of Horfar Grimmr
linger where he passes. It is Madrak
reaching through the axe from beyond the
not his axethey now call the
grave to influence his decisions. If that is
World Ender.
45
Borka Kegslayer & Keg Carrier
Trollblood Trollkin Warlock & Character Solo
Enemies and full kegs are the same to me. They exist to be killedthe faster the better.
Borka Kegslayer
46
47
48
relentless vengeance as they drank until their eyes were KEG CARRIER
KEG CARRIER
solid red and their vision blurred. Borka then drove his Tough
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
forces straight into the throat of the ambush and marched Attached to [Borka
5 5 5 4 13 12 6
unharmed through a hail of arrow fire to unleash the full Kegslayer] This model is
Keg Bash
attached to Borka Kegslayer
fury of his trolls. Though a number of his warriors fell, POW P+S
for the rest of the game. 3 8
the rest took inspiration from their leaders example and Each warlock can have only
attacked the Ruscar with berserk ferocity. Kegslayer fought one model attached to it. Damage 5
his way to the center of the barbarians and shattered the Companion [Borka
Field Allowance C
helmet and skull of the enemy chief with one tremendous Kegslayer] This model is Small base
blow from his mace. included in any army that
includes Borka Kegslayer.
At the end of the battle, just over two dozen stalwart If Kegslayer is destroyed or removed from play, remove this
trollkin had bled out their lives amid snow-covered model from play. This model is part of Kegslayers battlegroup.
trees, yet Borkas band had piled up the enemy dead. An Party Foul If this model is destroyed by an enemy attack,
during your next Maintenance Phase one friendly Faction
estimated three hundred Ruscar lay slaughtered, and the
model/unit can advance 3 and make one normal melee attack.
rest, humbled and afraid, fled back to the shelter of their
Top Off (HAction) If this model is B2B with Borka Kegslayer,
wooden halls. Their terror did not end, however. Borka
Borka Kegslayer gains 2 fury points and Stumbling Drunk.
and his followers set upon village after village routing the Stumbling Drunk lasts for one round. (A model with Stumbling
barbarians from their homes and leaving the once-proud Drunk cannot be knocked down. If it is hit by an enemy attack
halls to burn. Never again did the Ruscar dare to venture anytime except while it is advancing, after the attack is resolved
it is pushed d3 in a direction determined by the deviation
south into lands held by the river kriels. Where once they
template, then you can choose its facing.)
had pillaged and slaughtered with abandon, the barbarians
no longer menaced either northern Khadorans or trollkin.
most of their differences. Ironhide puts his life on the line
The survivors of several kriels keep Borkas deeds alive in
for his people, and Borka respects this quality. The plight
memory and story.
of the displaced Thornwood kriels appeals to the aspect of
Borkas reputation grew as he faced similar odds again and Borkas nature that irresistibly drives him to seek the heart
again He has a nose for war, and his path inevitably takes of the worst and most terrible battlesto fight on the losing
him to the bloodiest fighting. Over the next several rules, side and still achieve victory.
he pitted his strength against the human Vorgoi and Vindol
Borka can smell doom lingering about Ironhide like a storm-
tribes and at least once against the Nyss of the Shard Spires.
laden cloud, for Ironhide finds war wherever he goes. Borka
After he freed an entire tribe of enslaved pygs following
itches to be a part of these moments and to leave his lasting
a clash with the fierce trollkin Galtor kriel, they pledged
mark on the troubled times ahead. He believes the south
themselves to his service in gratitude and now follow him
can benefit from his unmatched virility, and he will do his
enthusiastically. The stoutest of their number serve him
part to repopulate the Thornwood. Wherever he travels, his
directly by carrying his kegs into battlea duty of great
war band follows, bringing with them a raucous blend of
honor and importance.
drunken revelry, bloodlust, and an appreciation of mayhem.
Hailing as he does from a region of conflict and competing
kriels, Borka was initially displeased at recent attempts
by elders to unite their people. He considers such unity
unnatural to the trollkin and worries it might weaken them
instead of lending them strength. This has brought him into
disagreement with the Scarsfell Forest elders, whom he
considers ineffectual manipulators full of their own wind
and ignorant of the realities of life at war. Borka will not
place his life or those of his allies in the hands of trollkin too
timid to enter the fray and risk their own skins. These elders
resent Borka and his influence over the young, particularly
as he ignores their orders to go where he wills, when he
wills, and with no regard for their plans.
49
Calandra Truthsayer, Oracle of the Glimmerwood
Trollblood Trollkin Warlock
The future is never set, even when carved in stone.
Calandra Truthsayer
50
51
Warbeasts of the trollbloods
The warbeasts that accompany trollkin warlocks into brutish and temperamental, but the most common full-blood
battle are far more than simple beasts to be broken beneath trolls are intelligent enough to use weapons and speak with a
the yoke of a warlocks will. In fact, calling the full- small but functional Molgur-Trul vocabulary.
blood trolls that serve the united kriels beasts hardly
Ferocity and size seem to go hand-in-hand in these
seems appropriate given their kinship to the trollkin:
creatures: the most ferocious full-blood trolls are also
full-blood trolls and trollkin are actually distant blood
the largest. Dire trolls are massive beasts standing up to
relations. Whats more, because the trolls are willing battle
eighteen feet tall and boasting huge, grasping claws and
participants, their warlocks sacrifice them only when there
jutting tusks nearly two feet long. All dire trolls possess
is no other choice.
near-limitless strength and tenacityas well as an ever-
Full-blood trolls are some of the most resilient creatures in present and overwhelming need to eat anything that
Immoren, and their incredible regenerative abilities allow ventures close enough to grab. They lack the intellect of
them to shrug off wounds that would prove fatal to most the smaller species and were until recently considered far
other creatures. This grants them immense staying power too savage to even approach, let alone command.
in combat. The tremendous health of full-blood trolls also
The adaptability of full-blood trolls is further exemplified
extends to their lifespans, as trolls can live a very long time
by those with a deep connection to a natural element,
if they do not first meet a violent end in battle. The most
such as cold, earth, or fire. These trolls typically dwell in
cunning and resourceful trolls can easily outlive their trollkin
secluded, desolate regions, and their temperaments and
warlock masters, and those with decades of experience
general natures have much to do with their environments.
become singular assets to their kriels.
Furthermore, the often unusual diets of these trolls plays
Though all troll breeds are related by blood, their incredible a role in allowing them to manifest powers related to the
adaptability allows for a vast array of subspecies. All are elements. The winter troll, with its icy breath, originates in
Troll Armament
Dire trolls are not normally equipped with weapons of their own,
though they make excellent weapons platforms. The dire troll blitzer,
with its pygmy trolloperated slugger, is an example of this surprisingly
effective innovation.
52
dire troll BLizter
the cold mountains of the north, while the pyre trolls ability the Bloodstone Marches. The slag trolls penchant for eating
to spew flame might have developed from its consumption stone and metal has forced it to evolve powerful stomach
of the black, combustible oil that wells from the ground in acids it can disgorge as a weapon.
53
Pyre Troll
Trollblood Light Warbeast
Left to its own devices without an ample supply of charred meat, it will make do by eating
its body weight in coal washed down with incendiary black oil.
Professor Viktor Pendrake
D
Continuous Effect: Fire Menoths Fury in the Protectorate of Menoth. Whatever the
Damage Type: Fire source of this blazing regurgitation, its effects
IT
IR
SP
54
Slag Troll
Trollblood Light Warbeast
In some perversity of spirit they persist in consuming that which pains them. They are stubborn and
thick-skulled even by troll standards.
Professor Viktor Pendrake
M
continuous effect unless
D
IT
or removed from play by
IR
SP
the attack. 6
Spew Acid 5
Claw
Open Fist
55
Swamp Troll
Trollblood Light Warbeast
The swamp troll is grotesque in the extreme. You will know it by its ichthyoidal maw, the incessant
buzzing of the flies that are its constant companion, and the prodigious length of its whip-like tongue.
Professor Viktor Pendrake
Regeneration [d3] This service of trollblood warlocks, who value the creatures for
IT
SP
d3 damage points once their startling and unnerving capabilities.
6
per activation. This model
5
cannot use Regeneration
during an activation it runs.
Fury 3
Threshold 9 Tongue Lash
Field Allowance U Critical Consume On a
Point Cost 4 critical hit, if the attack hit a
Medium base small-based non-warlock/
warcaster model the model
hit is removed from play.
Drag If this weapon damages an enemy model with an equal
or smaller base, immediately after the attack is resolved the
damaged model can be pushed any distance directly toward
this model. After the damaged model is moved, this model can
make one normal melee attack against the model pushed. After
resolving this melee attack, this model can make additional
melee attacks during its combat action.
Open Fist
Open Fist
56
Troll Axer
Trollblood Light Warbeast
Outnumbered? Ha! That just means the axers earn their keep!
Kithkar Elken Fallentree
M
D
muscle capable of cleaving through a wall of men in a single against each model in its
blow. It is not unknown for a troll to savor the taste of an arm LOS and this weapons
IT
IR
SP
melee range.
or a leg while its horrified victim bleeds out on the ground. 6
5
Trolls are carnivorous humanoids that tower over the enemy, cutting through
mightiest trollkin. They are smarter than most realize swaths of enemy troops. Fury 3
and have a simple language that allows them Threshold 8
to work effectively in groups. Trollkin Trollkin train their larger Field Allowance U
leaders have extensively used axers to cousins to be disciplined Point Cost 6
bolster their battle lines; indeed, the comrades in war and outfit Medium
presence of just a few axers can make them with oversized iron
all the difference to a trollkin army. axes. Though wild trolls
These hulking brutes terrify the can fashion crude weapons from improvised materials,
those who serve the trollkin are armed with axes of
more refined manufacture.
57
Troll Bouncer
Trollblood Light Warbeast
So the titan charges me, and this troll leaps in front of it with a huge shield. Bam!
The troll isnt budged an inch.
Alten Ashley
Shield Guard Once per Troll bouncers gladly charge into harms way, sometimes
IT
round, when a friendly going so far as to shoulder allies aside to take the hit
IR
SP
6
model is directly hit by a themselves. Trollkin kriels have long singled out such trolls to
ranged attack during your
5
opponents turn while
guard chieftains, shamans, and other important elders. With
within 2 of this model, enemies of the kriels now closing in from every direction, the
Fury 3
you can choose to have this bouncers find their services in ever-higher demand.
Threshold 9
model directly hit instead.
Field Allowance U This model is automatically
Point Cost 5 hit and suffers all damage
Medium base and effects. This model
cannot use Shield Guard if
it is incorporeal, knocked
down, or stationary.
Shield
Shield
58
Troll Impaler
Trollblood Light Warbeast
Do not underestimate the heft and weight of those spears. Ive seen one lift a warp wolf
and pin it to a tree.
Baldur the Stonecleaver
functional similarity to the puny twigs smaller races call model and suffers a damage IN 4
M
roll with POW equal to this D
spears. These savage implements impact their targets with
models STR plus the POW
the force of a freight train, obliterating men and knocking
IT
of this weapon. The POW of
IR
SP
even the greatest beasts off their feet. collateral damage is equal 6
to this models STR.
5
Thrown Add this models
STR to the POW of this Fury 3
ranged attack. Threshold 9
Field Allowance U
Battle Spear Point Cost 5
Reach
Medium Base
59
Winter Troll
Trollblood Light Warbeast
Bah! You southerners tremble at any breeze and whimper at falling snow. This troll will show you
true winter.
Borka Kegslayer
models activation.
IT
Ice Breath
IR
SP
60
Dire Troll Blitzer
Trollblood Heavy Warbeast
Im not saying it isnt the craziest thing I have ever seen. Im just saying it works!
Grissel Bloodsong
M
combat action. When this
D
among trollkin warriors, a rapid-fire slugger cannon model makes its initial attacks,
IT
was strapped to the back of a slumbering dire troll. The it can make both its initial
IR
SP
ranged and melee attacks.
combination of firearms and dire trolls held obvious merit 6
Slugger 5
Claw
Open Fist
61
Dire Troll Bomber
Trollblood Heavy Warbeast
I dont know whats worse: arming a dire troll with high explosives, or giving a pyg the match.
Grissel Bloodsong
have had to draw upon enormous bombardiers to light the fuses of their dangerous
IT
SP
62
Dire Troll Mauler
Trollblood Heavy Warbeast
For the first time in a hundred generations, their fury is joined with our own. What can stand against
the power and fury of Dhunias children united?
Hoarluk Doomshaper
M
D
Open Fist
possessed flesh and an appetite. The modern day has
Chain Attack: Grab &
IT
IR
brought no respite; indeed, the only real defense is to flee Smash If this model hits
SP
6
and hope the trolls glut themselves on slower victims. the same model with both
5
its initial attacks with this
Magnifying tenfold every unpleasant weapon, after resolving the
Fury 5
attribute of regular trolls, dire attacks it can immediately
make a double-hand Threshold 9
trolls are nothing less than
throw, head-butt, Field Allowance U
a menace to all life. Epics headlock/weapon Point Cost 9
refer to them as deathless lock, push, or Large base
throw power
attack against
that target.
63
Earthborn Dire Troll
Trollblood Heavy Warbeast
Such unconscious mastery of the elements is to be both envied and feared.
Krueger the Stormlord
per activation. This model Immoren, but the earthborn was long thought to be a
D
cannot use Regeneration mythical creature found only in legends spoken by trollkin
IT
SP
elders at campfire. It fell to the Shaman of the Gnarls,
6 Snacking When this
Hoarluk Doomshaper, to establish contact with these
5 model boxes a living model
with a melee attack, this reclusive brutes and persuade them to descend from the
Fury 5 model can heal d3 damage mountains and join their smaller cousins in battle. Their
Threshold 10 points. If this model adaptive strength has proved invaluable to the gathered
heals, the boxed model is
Field Allowance U kriels defending seized lands in northern Cygnar. Few foes
Point Cost 10 removed from play.
have the courage or strength to contest the claims of trollkin
Large base Claw who arrive with earthborn dire trolls at their side.
Open Fist
Some think the awesome power demonstrated by the
Adaption When this model hits with a normal melee attack
with this weapon, it can replace the base POW of this weapon earthborn springs from the regenerative vitality of trolls
with the base POW of a melee weapon on a model in its that allows them to knit torn flesh. In the earthborn that
melee range. After the attack is resolved, Adaption expires. power has expanded so that their bodies react instantly to
their needs in combat. Whatever the root of this ability, the
Some trollkin wonder what could have prompted the earthborn boasts a power that allows kriel warlocks to face
goddess Dhunia to birth such savage creatures as the dire and surpass the petty innovations fielded by the cunning
troll. Yet the sign of her blessing shines nowhere clearer machinations of man, skorne, and dragon.
than with the rare and enormously powerful earthborn. In
the ancient times of the Molgur, these bloodthirsty creatures
were more commonly seen. Some shamans believe they
were the first dire trolls, created by Dhunia and shaped from
the very substance of Caen itself. They certainly possess a
particular link to the wilderness and to the mother of all kin,
for their skin ripples and changes to their advantage as they
advance against their prey.
64
65
Mulg the Ancient
Trollblood Dire Troll Character Heavy Warbeast
He is as timeless and immovable as the mountain, a walking monument to the strength of our blood.
Hoarluk Doomshaper
can make a full advance Critical Smite The slammed model is moved only half the
toward the enemy model. distance rolled if its base is larger than the slamming models.
IT
IR
SP
After moving, this model
6 can make one melee attack
young dire trolls meekly retreat when Mulgs heavy tread
5 targeting the enemy model.
approaches their domain, abandoning kills in his path to
Regeneration [d3] This
Fury 5
model can be forced to heal
assuage his endless hunger.
Threshold 10
d3 damage points once
Field Allowance C Mulg had experienced only limited interactions with trollkin
per activation. This model
Point Cost 12 cannot use Regeneration before he first descended from his mountain centuries ago to
Large base during an activation it runs. exact tribute. Envious of their sigils of power, he demanded
Relentless When this runes be carved into the stony flesh of his back depicting
model is damaged by an enemy attack, it gains +2SPD for one his many great deeds and ancient history. Mulg can focus
round. his primordial rage into these runes to stifle the power of
Snacking When this model boxes a living model with a melee enemy beasts set against him.
attack, this model can heal d3 damage points. If this model
heals, the boxed model is removed from play. Hoarluk Doomshaper first recognized the common thread
of the ancient creature in the folk tales of scattered Cygnaran
Big Meaty Fist
Open Fist
kriels. The disparate legends described a tremendous troll,
a walking piece of the mountain. Obsessed, Doomshaper
Rune Club made finding Mulg a personal quest he pursued without
Magical Weapon
result for years. Then in 603 AR, as he made his way to one
Reach of the deepest and most remote areas of the Wyrmwall, the
Critical Smite On a critical hit, this model can slam the shaman unknowingly stirred other full-blood trolls who
model hit instead of rolling damage normally. The model hit followed to observe how Mulg would receive him.
is slammed d6 directly away from this model and suffers a
damage roll with POW equal to this models STR plus the POW They gathered near Mulg when Doomshaper finally
of this weapon. The POW of collateral damage is equal to this
presented himself. The small and stooped trollkin
models STR.
startled those present by invoking the traditional dire
troll greeting ceremony. He put on a display of aggression
Dire trolls draw upon their regenerative capabilities to and invited Mulg to punch him in the chest. Consenting,
achieve extraordinary longevity. Many live for centuries, Mulg smashed his fist straight into Doomshaper s torso,
and they become increasingly dangerous and tenacious shattering his upper body and sending him flying across
with age. Reputedly the most ancient and ferocious dire troll the clearing. Hoarluk lay still as death until he could
ever to walk Caen, Mulg is the paragon of that reputation; muster enough power to mend his battered flesh and
indeed, he is old enough to have seen the Orgoth with stand. Though he coughed blood with every breath, he
his own eyes. He has wandered the wilds of the southern still spoke words of respect to the great troll. No creature
mountains like a craggy troll king, demanding homage from had ever survived such a blow, and the ancient was so
all other trolls who cross his path. Even highly aggressive impressed he named the shaman Krol. The two shared
66
their blood in a primal ceremony, and since that time Mulg has stayed out of the trollkin wars, content to prowl
Mulg has considered Krol a tiny brother. his mountains for food. Hunger gnaws at him constantly,
even when he has eaten his fill. But in recent months he
The precise meaning of the name is disputed,
has felt the call of his blood bond to Krol and heard the
but the most likely translation is not
shamans voice in his mind. When humans captured
food. This represents a profound abstract
Krol and locked him behind their steel bars, a surge
concept to dire trolls, who are inclined to
of rage overwhelmed Mulgs ancient brain. He
eat almost anything. Mulg imparted so
marched to liberate Krol in a blood-fueled
much respect to Hoarluk Doomshaper
crusade accompanied by eager young
through this blessing that the shaman
dire trolls. Anything living that did
gained the unprecedented obedience of
not flee from their path was
other dire trolls.
grabbed in meaty fists and
eaten alive.
67
warriors of the trollbloods
The trollkin who take up arms against their enemies several years only rarely, such as in the face of a truly
come from many different kriels and cultures and even ominous threat. In contrast, some modern warriors take
boast a variety of appearances. It is their traditions, up arms to follow a charismatic and successful chief. These
howeverthe burdens and triumphs they shoulder warriors are typically motivated by a thirst for glory and
together no matter the kriel from which they hailthat hail from kriels that engage in feuds between themselves.
bind them as warriors of their race. Most commonly, though, warriors fight simply to protect
themselves and their kin. Today almost every adult trollkin
Stoic determination is a hallmark of all trollkin warriors,
has been involved in at least a few skirmishes, as enemies
and those who fully embrace that virtue and risk themselves
encroach from all sides.
time and again to defend their kin might find themselves
becoming heroes to their people. The trollkin who earn Trollblood supply lines are tenuous, and hunger is a constant
the right to be called champions are the warriors companion for most warriors. When food is available, the
every idealistic young warrior aspires to become. These lions share goes to the full-blood trolls that accompany the
exceptional fighters are the trollkin their people will speak warbands. Few trollkin leaders take liberties with rations,
of for generations, their great deeds inscribed in living stone and it is some consolation to the warriors that their chiefs
so none will forget their heroism. Unlike other warriors, eat no better than they do. Even the most honored elders
who hope one day to return to the peace of their kriels, and mystics join their kin on the battlefield, giving up
champions fight until they are no longer able and only then privileged lives to help ensure the survival of their people.
put down their weapons to advise kriel chiefs.
Individuals of particular potency often serve alongside
In times past, most warbands comprised warriors a forces warriors; sorcerers command the raw power
gathered temporarily to fight under the banner of a chief of the elements, and shamans can invoke the rage of
for a specific cause. Such a group might stay together for their goddess against the enemies of the kriels. With so
One of the greatest military advantages of trollblood warriors is their Both trolls and pygs regenerate more rapidly; they are able to regrow arms
resilience and the speed with which they recover from injuries. Among or legs in mere minutes or hours. Their regenerative capability is so great
trollblood species, trollkin possess the slowest regenerative capabilities, that severed limbs themselves become whelpsstunted and short-lived
but even their capacity is far beyond humanitys. Trollkin have the yet sentient creatures. Pyg whelps are the smallest variety of these and
ability to regenerate limbs and missing organs, though the process can frequently become attached to trollkin soldiers. It is not uncommon for
take several months. This allows the severely injured to return to battle- bands of trollkin or pygs to be accompanied by one or more small whelps,
readiness after taking wounds that would permanently cripple a human which are treated like pets or mascots for the unit.
being. Less crippling injuries can often be shrugged off in a matter of hours
if enough food is readily available.
68
trollkin champions
many walking reminders of the strength of their people, almost unheard of among fighters of previous generations.
warbands are able to maintain surprisingly high morale Traditional warriors such as champions, however, have
despite prolonged hardship. their own closely observed codes of honor and behavior,
which do not always make it easy for these groups to work
The only true divide among trollkin warriors exists
together without conflict.
between those communities of more traditional minds
and those that have embraced the weapons and tactics of Even the most modernized trollkin warriors remain deeply
modern warfare. For generations, most trollkin warriors connected with the traditions and ceremonies of their
learned their discipline at the feet of their elders and people. Like their forebears, who learned their deadly craft
wielded weapons handed down to them by their kith. This in ritualized training, they are powerfully bonded to their
tradition has become increasingly difficult to maintain in culture. For example, ritual tattoos are common among
the face of the escalating war for survival that has swept many trollkin warriors; these symbolic designs utilize
up the trollkin as a people. special toxic pigments the trollkin do not metabolize and
that resist the skins ability to restore itself.
In order to arm and prepare as many trollkin as possible
to be effective warriors, the leaders of the united kriels Every trollkin places a high value on individual freedom,
have begun to embrace modern training regimens. Some even those who serve in the most disciplined warbands
pragmatic and forward-thinking trollkin military leaders as sluggers or part of thumper crews. This compelling
have adopted the tactics and training techniques of Iron desire for freedom is one of the greatest motivators for all
Kingdoms forces. Proponents of modernization have members of the race, and each of them fights for a day
proven their methods can produce new warriors faster and when his kith and kin can choose to live the lives they
to a high standard. Such warriors take orders from superiors want, free from oppression.
just as professional soldiers do, and their leaders tolerate
none of the brawling that often occurs among the wilder
ranks of a vanishing time. These modern warriors are
more disciplined than most of their kind and are trained to
respect the trollkin semblance of a chain of commandtraits
69
Kriel Warriors
Trollblood Trollkin Unit
Our enemies fight for nations and kings and ideas. We will win today because instead,
we fight for our kin.
Brothan Quillvin, kriel warrior
70
Kriel Warrior Standard & Piper
Trollblood Trollkin Unit Attachment
Hear the skirl of the pipe, lads: it sends us into battle! Afterward, it will march the lucky among us home.
Haglin Moorborn, kriel warrior
71
Kriel Warrior Caber Thrower
Trollblood Trollkin Weapon Attachment
They throw them with such exuberance youd think they were happy just to be rid of the things.
Professor Linus Wesselbaum
THROWER
Attachment [Kriel Warrior]
This attachment can be added
Tactical Tips
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD to a Kriel Warrior unit. Take Up Effects include spells and animi. Remember that if this
5 6 5 4 12 15 8 model remains in play as a result of Take Up it is the same model.
Caber
THROWER
POW P+S Tough
7 13 Only particularly strong and stout trollkin, who boast
Take Up If this model
is destroyed or removed endurance considered extraordinary even among their
Field Allowance 3
from play, you can choose kith, can regularly carry these massive weapons across
1 Thrower 1
a Grunt in this unit within long distances.
Up to 2 addl Throwers 1ea 1 of this model to take
Medium base its place. Effects on this
model expire, and it gains
the effects on the chosen Grunt. Remove the Grunt from the
table instead of this model. This model has the same number of
unmarked damage boxes as the chosen Grunt.
Caber
Reach
Momentum Instead of suffering a normal damage roll, a
small- or medium-based, non-incorporeal model hit by this
attack is slammed d3 directly away from this model. The POW
of the slam damage roll is equal to this models STR plus the
POW of this weapon. The POW of collateral damage is equal to
the STR of this model. In addition to suffering a normal damage
roll, large-based models hit by this attack are knocked down.
72
Pyg Burrowers
Trollblood Unit
These pygs pop up, blazing away, and enemies fall down. Nice and simple.
Grissel Bloodsong
73
Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes
Trollblood Trollkin Unit
The krielstone is the memory of our people. With it in our midst the greatest heroes of our past
stand alongside us.
Stone Scribe Lethral Halfhand
LEADER
LEADER Tactical Tips
Fearless
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD Protective Aura - If the Leader is destroyed Protective Aura expires.
5 7 5 4 12 13 9 Tough
GRUNTS Fury Vault While this
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD model is in a friendly throughout adolescence to master the raw strength
5 7 5 4 12 13 9 warlocks control area necessary to lift one and carry it into battle. Although these
during the warlocks trollkin possess unmatched strength, they insist this is as
Hand Weapon
activation, the warlock
POW P+S much a feat of will as muscle. Some gain reputations across
4 11 can move fury points from
himself to it. If this model the kriels as they strive to carry successively heavier and
Field Allowance 1 is in a friendly warlocks more powerful stones.
Leader & 3 Grunts 3 control area, the warlock
Leader & 5 Grunts 4 can leach fury points from Stone scribes accompany these bearers to witness the
Medium base it during your Control brave deeds of the kin in battle, which they will carve into
Phase. This model can have krielstones for future generations. Scribes also train in
up to 1 fury point on it for
the art of capturing the sacred power of krielstones onto
each model currently in this unit. When a model in this unit is
destroyed or removed from play, remove fury points from this ceremonially prepared scrolls created from rubbings of
model in excess of the number of models remaining in the unit. their surfaces. Scribes cherish the stones and their bearers
If this model is destroyed and replaced by a Grunt in its unit, and will gladly sacrifice their
place its fury points on the new Leader.
lives to defend them.
Protective Aura Once at any time during its units activation,
this model can spend 1 fury point to use Protective Aura. When
it does, for one round this model and friendly Faction models
gain +2 ARM while within 4 of this model + 1 per fury point
on this model.
Self-Sacrifice If this model is disabled by an enemy attack,
you can choose a non-disabled model in this unit within 3 of
this model to be destroyed. If another model is destroyed as a
result of Self-Sacrifice, this model heals 1 damage point.
GRUNTS
Fearless
Tough
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Stone Scribe Elder
Trollblood Trollkin Unit Attachment
The stories carved upon the krielstone fill it with the warrior spirit of our greatest heroes.
It thirsts for battle and honor as much as you do.
Elder Stone Scribe Gylys Riverheart
75
Pyg Bushwhackers
Trollblood Unit
Half a dozen of the little buggers ambushed us on the road. Killed ten of our men before we even knew
where they were shooting from.
Long Gunner Sergeant Kenn Malone
LEADER & GRUNTS After witnessing the pygs in action, trollkin leaders saw
LEADER & GRUNTS
Advance Deployment their potential and decided to organize and arm them with
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
6 5 4 4 13 12 7 Combined Ranged Attack some of the rifles and powder given to them by Cygnar.
Rifle Pathfinder By slightly altering the stock and trigger mechanisms, the
RNG ROF AOE POW
Tough
trollkin modified these weapons to suit the diminutive pygs.
14 1 10
What the pygs lack in discipline, they more than make up in
Bushwhack (Order)
Hand Weapon During this units activation, tenacity, enthusiasm, and ingenuity; theyve even adopted
POW P+S
affected models make their improvised calls and hand signals to coordinate more
3 8
combat actions before their effectively in the dense undergrowth. Bushwhackers move
Field Allowance 2 normal movement. Affected ahead of trollblood forces, using stolen spyglasses to scout
Leader & 5 Grunts 5 models must make a full
advance as their normal and identify the best places to set up calculated offenses.
Leader & 9 Grunts 8
Small base movement this activation.
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Thumper Crew
Trollblood Trollkin Weapon Crew Unit
I recognized the heavy thump at once. Then a ball flew over the bulwarks and bounced through the
courtyard, shattering men and walls alike.
Duke Kielon Ebonhart IV of the Northern Midlunds
Among the largest and most prized weapons given to Chief LEADER
LEADER
Ironhide by King Leto was a batch of carronade guns the Tough
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
Cygnaran Navy had slated for retirement. The kriels now GRUNTS
4 6 5 5 12 14 8
use these short-range weapons as slow-moving, powerful Tough Thumper
artillery. Because the carronades require less blasting powder RNG ROF AOE POW
than conventional cannons, they are ideal for a people with
Thumper 14 1 14
Light Artillery This
no ready means of producing their own powder. weapon cannot be used
Axe
POW P+S
to make attacks or special
Though not originally intended for land use, these weapons 4 10
actions during activations
have proven vital to the trollkin. Without such armament this model moves. This GRUNTS
the kriels would find it much more difficult to stand against model cannot gain the SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
aiming bonus when
4 6 5 5 12 14 8
enemies such as the skorne, whose own titan-borne cannons
attacking with this weapon
and other siege engines represent a significant threat. Much Axe
and cannot charge. If POW P+S
to their chagrin, even the carronades original owners have this model attacks with 4 10
had to defend against them. The former Thornwood kriels this weapon during its
activation, it cannot attack Field Allowance 2
deployed these weapons during their battles to seize lands
with any other weapons Leader & 2 Grunts 3
in northern Cygnar and establish fortified posts from which
that activation. Large Base Leader
to repel any who would contest their claims. Medium Base Grunt
Momentum Instead of
The trollkin affectionately call these weapons thumpers suffering a normal damage
roll, a small- or medium-based, non-incorporeal model hit
after the distinct noise they make when fired. The guns
by this attack is slammed d3 directly away from this model.
compact size makes them relatively easy to transport The POW of the slam damage roll is equal to the POW of this
from one battlefield to the next, so they are well suited to weapon. The POW of collateral damage is equal to the POW
the rapid redeployments and unexpected strikes favored of this weapon. In addition to suffering a normal damage roll,
large-based models hit by this attack are knocked down.
Range Finder While B2B with one or more grunts in this unit,
the leader gains +2 to attack rolls with this weapon.
77
Trollkin Champions
Trollblood Unit
Brotherhood is forged in battle, and by brotherhood we will stand where others fall.
Champion Torush Fennborn
LEADER & GRUNTS Most champions, particularly those from the Thornwood,
LEADER & GRUNTS
Fearless share tales of woelost mates, children, and parentsand
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
5 7 7 4 12 16 9 Tough they find life between battles a solemn reminder that they
Hand Weapon Defensive Line While this are the last of proud bloodlines. As champions ready for
POW P+S model is B2B with one or their next conflict, they draw upon the strength of their
4 11 more models in its unit, it brothers in arms, inspire hope in all their kin, and stride
gains +2 ARM.
Damage 8 fearlessly to embrace their fates. Each champion knows he
Field Allowance 2 Hand Weapon will die in bloodshed but until then intends to send as many
Leader & 2 Grunts 6 Weapon Master enemies ahead of him as his weapons can reach.
Leader & 4 Grunts 10
Medium base
Trollkin champions are
hardened and experienced veterans who have risen to
become the great heroes of their kriels. They are bound
by a shared awareness of a greater destiny and formalize
their fraternity using the kulgat blood oath. Drawing
strength from one another, they fight for the
survival of their people with seamless,
coordinated precision. Many of
their brave stories for survival
will end in death, but before
falling they claim glory by
cutting down their enemies
with a weapon in each hand.
78
Trollblood Trollkin Champion Character Unit Attachment
Skaldi Bonehammer
I live for sport, and there is no greater contest in this life than battle. So raise a mug with me
and we will fight until our hearts are full.
Skaldi Bonehammer
Hammer
Reach
Weapon Master
79
Trollkin Fennblades
Trollblood Unit
Though they will come upon you like a tide of thunder, their storm will break upon your blades.
Chief Mortor of the Fennblades, during the Last Charge of the Calacians
80
Trollkin Fennblade Officer & Drummer
Trollblood Unit Attachment
Over em or through em, ladsmakes no difference to me!
Fennblade Kithkar Toln Canngrave
81
Trollkin Long Riders
Trollblood Trollkin Cavalry Unit
If the trembling earth sends fear into the lungs of the enemy to steal their very breath, know it is the
long riders who come.
Benlor Saddleborn of the Jelkilar Kriel Long Riders
LEADER & GRUNTS quite different lives. Though these regions boast horses
LEADER & GRUNTS
Fearless strong enough to bear armored trollkin warriors, such
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
7 7 7 4 12 17 9 Tough creatures proved uneasy with the smell of full-blood trolls,
Cavalry Axe Bull Rush (Order) and the kriels found a better match in the temperament of
POW P+S Affected models can make bison. Innumerable herds of bison once roamed many of
5 12 slam power attacks and Khadors open expanses, including the stretch of territory
must run, charge, or make
Mount south of Bitterock River. The best warriors of those kriels
POW a slam power attack this
activation. A slammed soon mastered riding these creatures, delighting in the
14
model suffers a damage undeniable appeal of their raw mass and speed.
Damage 8 roll with POW equal to
Field Allowance 1 the current POW of this The most famed of trollkin battle riders, long riders are
Leader & 2 Grunts 7 models Mount . The noted for their endurance. They sleep and eat in the saddle
Leader & 4 Grunts 11 POW of collateral damage on long journeys, and they dismount only when absolutely
Large base from a slam is equal to
the current POW of the necessary. Those who spend time with them insist that the
Mount . If an affected moods and attitudes of the mount and rider eventually
model makes a successful slam but moved less than 3, it makes become linked, such that when one is angry or agitated, so
an attack roll against its target. If the target is hit, it suffers is the other.
a damage roll with POW equal to the current POW of this
models Mount but is not slammed. After a model in this
unit resolves a slam power attack, that model can make one
normal melee attack.
Cavalry Axe
Reach
Brutal Charge This model gains +2 to charge attack damage
rolls with this weapon.
Mount
Critical Knockdown On a critical hit, the model hit is knocked down.
82
Trollkin Runeshapers
Trollblood Unit
The rune Kora denies the pull of the earth and makes even the heaviest stone as light as a feather.
Runeshaper Elder Gorkalis to an apprentice
83
Scattergunners
Trollblood Trollkin Unit
Nothing wrong with splitting a skull with an axebut axes dont belch smoke and fire!
Sergeant Gorlash, scattergunner
LEADER & GRUNTS Every shot of these tremendous guns consumes an obscene
LEADER & GRUNTS
Tough quantity of blasting powder, a fact that has motivated
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
6 6 5 5 12 14 8 ongoing raids to gather more kegs of powder. Often the
Scattergun Tough as boiled leather, scatterguns are loaded with an assortment of metallic
RNG ROF AOE POW dedicated scattergunners scrap, chain links, or iron nails that enhance the carnage
SP 8 1 12
are the equal of any quotient. Enemies that foolishly stand too close together
Gun Blade soldier fielded by the can be ripped to shreds with a single blast. Scattergunners
POW P+S
kingdoms of men and are just as ruthlessly proficient in close combat, using
3 9
twice as hardy. Trollkin the hefty axe blades attached to the ends of their guns
Field Allowance 2 to decimate any enemy unlucky enough to survive their
are increasingly turning to
Leader & 5 Grunts 5
modern weapons to help wailing ranged assault.
Leader & 9 Grunts 8
Medium base equalize their declining
numbers, and many of
them have taken to firearms with enthusiasm.
84
Trollkin Scouts
Trollblood Unit
Its a good thing their eyesight is so good, because if they got any closer to the enemy
their smell would give em away.
Alten Ashley
85
Trollkin Sluggers
Trollblood Unit
Son, that many bullets sound like just one thing: victory.
Captain Gunnbjorn
86
Fell Caller Hero
Trollblood Trollkin Solo
The songs of our people shake the earth itself.
Toreth Kellsweaver, fell caller
Sword
Weapon Master
87
Stone Scribe Chronicler
Trollblood Trollkin Solo
Remember Gelfas who laughed in the face of death. He raised his axe in defiance and brought ten
enemies to join him in his bloody grave.
Kartol of the Bloodsmeath, stone scribe chronicler
CHRONICLER when losses are great, or when facing more numerous foes
CHRONICLER
Tough on hostile ground. One tale favored among the kriels and
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
6 7 6 4 12 13 8 Storytelling This model enjoyed despite endless repetition involves Grindar and
can tell one of the following Gelfas, two famous trollkin heroes who participated in the
Battle Axe
stories anytime during
POW P+S Orgoth Rebellion.
4 11 its activation. When this
model tells a story, choose The saga begins with the Valley of Mist, which tells of
Damage 5 a friendly Faction unit. The
story affects this model and
a small group of trollkin who advanced through a fog to
Field Allowance 1
Point Cost 2 will affect the unit if it is ambush a band of the oppressors. Just as things begin to
Medium base currently in this models look grim for the great Chief Grindar, the Charge of the
command range. Stories last Trolls recounts how his son Gelfas arrived with full-blood
for one round. A unit can be affected by only one story each round.
trolls and battled to save his father. The Heros Tragedy
Charge of the Trolls An affected model gains +2 to melee tells of the next few days, when this brave eldest son gave
attack and melee damage rolls against enemy models in the
melee range of a friendly Faction warbeast. his life to buy time for reinforcements to arrive. By this
sacrifice, and despite his heavy heart, Grindar went on
Heros Tragedy An enemy warrior model that destroys
one or more affected models with a melee attack during its to lead one of the greatest victories that helped drive the
activation is knocked down at the end of its activation. Orgoth from the land.
Tale of Mist Affected models gain concealment and Feign
Death. (A model with Feign Death cannot be targeted by
ranged or magic attacks while knocked down.)
88
Troll Whelps
Trollblood Solo
Youve got to be kidding me. Did that thing sprout out of its leg?
Sergeant Jarretty, 284th Trencher Company
own head, torso, and limbs, matching the troll from which it Spawn Whelps This model does not have to be put into play
at the start of the game. When a friendly Faction warbeast is
arose and following its progenitor by blood instinct.
damaged by an enemy attack, immediately after the attack is
Though the rapid growth of a whelp is amazing, the resolved you can put one Troll Whelp that did not begin the
game in play into play. You can place this model anywhere
process does not produce a full-fledged troll. The creatures within 2 of the warbeast.
are smaller, with disproportionate limbs matching the
appendage from which they are spawned and without
the mental faculties of a true troll. Troll whelps are not
particularly dangerous, and they rarely live longer than
a few years.
89
Trollkin Champion Hero
Trollblood Solo
For hours he held his ground, until the very earth was soaked with the blood of their dead.
I lost count of how many fell before they ended him.
Elder Bortas of Helgin Kith
Great Axe
Reach
Weapon Master
Thresher (HAttack) This model makes one melee attack with
this weapon against each model in its LOS and this weapons
melee range.
This is not to say all trollkin heroes are the same; indeed,
they are as different from one another as all great leaders
must be. Some are bloodthirsty berserkers with sour
90
Trollkin Trollblood
Runebearer Solo
The tales of our people live in stone.
Runebearer Grivyl of the Gnarls
91
Trollkin Skinner
Trollblood Solo
Theres moren one way to skin a cat. Or a gorax.
Herg Tornjaw
Skinning Knife
Weapon Master
92
Horthol, Long Rider Hero
Trollblood Trollkin Dragoon Character Solo
That one is all heart. If I put him at the front of battle, victory is certain. If I ask him
to watch my family, I sleep assured of their safety.
Madrak Ironhide
Long Hammer
Reach
Critical Stagger On a critical hit, the model hit loses its
initial attacks and cannot make special attacks for one
round.
Mount
Critical Knockdown On a critical hit, the model hit is knocked down.
93
Janissa Stonetide
Trollblood Trollkin Runeshaper Character Solo
Janissa can work stone with the delicacy of an artisan or the fury of nature.
Grissel Bloodsong
STONETIDE
STONETIDE Tactical Tips
Pathfinder
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD Magic Ability Performing a Magic Ability special action or
5 6 6 4 12 15 8 Tough special attack counts as casting a spell.
Earthsplitter Force Lock Enemy models
POW P+S in this models melee range
the greatest natural stone formations in the land. Ignoring
3 9 cannot advance except to
change facing. the petty borders of the Iron Kingdoms, Stonetide moved
Damage 8
from place to place guided by the whispered grinding of
Field Allowance C Leadership [Runeshapers]
While in this models the stones, which only she could hear. The highest peaks
Point Cost 3
Medium base command range, friendly of the Wyrmwall Mountains spoke to her of a time before
Runeshaper models gain her people and taught her to strike down the enemies of
Force Lock.
Dhunia with the strength of the avalanche. The cracked and
Magic Ability [8] scoured earth of the Bloodstone Marches informed her of the
Rock Hammer (HAttack) Rock Hammer is a RNG8, AOE3, great rock masses that moved beneath the world, shifting
POW14 magic attack. On a critical hit, models hit are knocked down.
positions on a scale of time impossible to imagine. She
Tectonic Shift (HAction) Choose a table edge. Enemy learned to compress the rhythms that moved these plates
models currently within 3 of this model are pushed 3
into a thought she could comprehend, and in so doing she
directly toward the chosen edge in the order you choose.
awakened the ability to cause the earth itself to shake or to
Wall of Stone (HAction) Place a wall template anywhere
completely within 5 of this model where it does not touch
thrust stone above its crust.
a models base, an obstruction, or an obstacle. The wall is
When Stonetide returned to the Gnarls, she found her home
a linear obstacle that provides cover. Wall of Stone lasts for
one round. in shambles. Refugees from Crael Valley had poured into the
kriels, overcrowding them and causing a shortage of food.
Steady This model cannot be knocked down.
Everywhere she looked, doom encroached upon her people,
Earthsplitter and she began to understand why Dhunia had granted her
Magical Weapon such favor. For the first time Stonetide found a motivation
Armor Piercing (HAttack) When calculating damage from beyond the purely spiritual and took up her great stone
this attack, halve the base ARM stats of models hit that have
pickaxe, Earthsplitter, in defense of her kin. She had initially
medium or larger bases. This attack gains +2 to damage rolls
against models with small bases. crafted the weapon as a tool to help her explore the stone,
but with the proper runes applied to it Earthsplitter became
a deadly weapon capable of sundering the heaviest armor
Janissa Stonetide heard the call of stone before she could
like so much brittle shale.
even speak. Her earliest memory is of the lullaby she heard
sung in the wordless, rolling cadences of the living rock Stonetide now knows why the stones speak so clearly to
beneath her home. By the time she had come of age, she her: so she may deliver their message of hope to kith and
had already been initiated into the deepest secrets of the kriel and bring down their vengeance upon all who would
runeshapers of the Gnarls. By her twentieth year, it was oppress and torment the trollkin.
she whom the elders petitioned for aid in manipulating the
most complex runes.
When she knew she had learned all she could from her
elders, Stonetide set off into the wilds. For years she traveled
the length and breadth of western Immoren, seeking out
94
95
painting trollbloods
Trollbloods is a great army to paint for characters include splashes of color, often on
those who want some variety in their tartans and prominent details. These tartans add
color palette. The overall faction paint scheme an eye-catching component to the models and
is unified by the grey-blue flesh tone and also provide a place for painters to improvise
balanced with a wide range of contrasting warm by creating their own tartan designs. All these
brown tones, while the various breeds of full- elements combine to make the Trollbloods the
blood Trolls offer painters the chance to depart perfect choice for the creative war gamer.
from the standard color scheme. The units and
Painting Terminology
BASECOAT HIGHLIGHTING
The initial coat of paint on which everything else will be built. It is A lighter color applied to the basecoat in the raised areas of a
important that the basecoat is very clean and every color is where miniature to create the look of light hitting the surface. When
it should be. Your shades and highlights will coordinate with the highlighting in multiple steps, keep a little bit of the underlying color
basecoat and main color choices. showing, overlapping them like the shingles on a roof.
DRYBRUSHING SHADING
The quick way to highlight a textured surface. Use a lighter color, but A darker color applied to the basecoat in the recessed areas of a
remove most of the paint from your brush by stroking the bristles miniature to create shadows. Exaggerating the shade and highlight
on a paper towel until the paint is almost gone. Then carefully and colors will add to the visual appeal of a model.
quickly move the brush back and forth across the surface of the
WASH
miniature.
A tinted mix liberally applied to the basecoat to create detailed
GLAZE shading. The wash will run into the smallest crevasses on a model and
A mixture of water and a small amount of ink that is applied in dry as a shadow, so it needs to be a darker color than the basecoat.
successive layers to subtly tint an area. The wash mix works well as 4 parts Mixing Medium, 1 part paint/ink,
and 3 parts water.
96
Trollkin faces
Step 1) Lay down a solid basecoat of Trollblood
Base. Use a 50/50 mix of Trollblood Base and
Sanguine Base to shade the skin.
Step 2) Wash the lips and eye sockets with a mix
of Trollblood Base and Murderous Magenta.
1 2
Step 3) Use a mix of Trollblood Base and Cryx Bane
Base to apply a final layer of shading.
Step 4) Highlight with a 50/50 mix of Trollblood
Base and Trollblood Highlight. Be sure to leave
some of your basecoat showing for the midtone.
Step 5) Apply Trollblood Highlight sparingly to
the tops of the cheeks, jaw, brow, and skull for
3 4
the final highlight.
Step 6) Use a mixture of Battlefield Brown and
Exile Blue with a drop of mixing medium to color
the chin growths.
Leather
Step 1) Basecoat the leather areas with Idrian Flesh.
Step 2) Shade the leather with Umbral Umber.
Step 3) Use a mixture of Brown Ink and a small 1 2
amount of Thamar Black for additional shading.
Step 4) Highlight the leather with Bootstrap Brown.
Step 5) Apply final highlights using a mixture of
Bootstrap Brown and Rucksack Tan.
3 4
97
Step 3) To create the highlight color, add
Whelp SKin Tones Trollblood Highlight and Khardic Flesh to the
Pyre Troll Whelp basecoat color.
Step 1) Basecoat the miniature with a mix of Step 4) Finish the belly with a coast of Khardic Flesh.
Sanguine Base and Trollblood Base.
Sanguine Base Thamar Black
Step 2) Add Thornwood Green and Thamar
Black to the basecoat color for the shadows. Trollblood Base Trollblood Highlight
1 2 3 4
Step 3) Add Trollblood Highlight and Morrow
Winter Troll Whelp White to the basecoat color for the highlights.
Step 1) Basecoat the miniature with a mix of
Frostbite and Trollblood Base. Step 4) Finish the belly with a coat of Morrow White.
Frostbite Thornwood Green
Step 2) Add Meredius Blue and Thornwood
Green to the basecoat color for the shading. Trollblood Base Trollblood Highlight
1 2 3 4
Earthborn TROLL Whelp Step 4) Finish the belly with a coat of Thrall Flesh.
Step 1) Basecoat the miniature with a mix of
Trollblood Base and Gnarls Green. Trollblood Base Trollblood Highlight
Step 2) Add a mix of Thornwood Green and Umbral Gnarls Green Traitor Green
Umber to the basecoat color for shading.
Thornwood Green Thrall Flesh
Step 3) Add a mix of Trollblood Highlight and
Traitor Green to the basecoat color for the highlights. Umbral Umber
1 2 3 4
98
Step 4) Apply additional shading using Cryx Bane
Weathered Stone Base. Use a generous amount of mixing medium
Step 1) Basecoat the krielstone with Bastion Grey. at this stage so you do not obscure the texture.
Mix equal parts Trollblood Highlight and Menoth
White Highlight and heavily drybrush this mix to all Step 5) Highlight with a blend of Trollblood
the surfaces using a flat brush. This gives the stone Highlight and Menoth White Highlight mixed
some texture, so the chalkier the effect the better. with plenty of mixing medium to augment the
translucency of the paint. Apply edge highlights
Step 2) Carefully drybrush again with Menoth using Menoth White Highlight.
White Highlight.
Step 3) To define the shadows, mix Greatcoat
Grey with Formula P3 Mixing Medium and
water, then apply this over the stone. Bastion Grey
Greatcoat Grey
Trollblood Highlight
Cryx Bane Base
Menoth White Highlight
1 2 3
4 5
1 2 3 4 5
99
Step 7) The final stage is drybrushing. Drybrush
Wet Blending Bison Fur Jack Bone over the Beast Hide, Beast Hide over
Step 1) Apply Beast Hide at the top of the fur the Bootstrap Leather, Bootstrap Leather over the
area and Bootstrap Leather nearby as your base Battlefield Brown, and Battlefield Brown over the
colors. Keep the paint heavy and thick so it will Thamar Black.
stay wet for the next steps. Leave a space of the
basecoat showing between the two colors to
create a mixing field.
Step 2) Use a clean, moist brush to mix the two
colors in the mixing field. Be careful not to mix
the two colors entirely into just one color. You
should leave the two base colors alone on either Beast Hide Thamar Black
side and mix only the area between them. Bootstrap Leather Jack Bone
Step 3) Apply Battlefield Brown as your third base Battlefield Brown
color next to the Bootstrap Leather that remains
unmixed. Leave a mixing field between the two
colors. (You may notice there is a pattern here.)
Step 4) Mix the Battlefield Brown and Bootstrap
Leather in the second mixing field. Remember, both
colors must be wet in order for them to mix properly.
Step 5) Repeat the process once more by applying
Thamar Black to the bottom of the fur as the last
base color. Then mix it with the unmixed Battlefield
Brown. Let this dry completely before the next step. 1 2
Step 6) Mix a wash of Battlefield
Brown, mixing medium, and a touch
of water. Apply this wash to the upper
half of the fur.
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100
Step 5) Carefully highlight the Sanguine Base
Tartans stripes by mixing in progressively greater
Step 1) For this pattern, solidly basecoat the amounts of Khador Red Base until the brightest
tartan using several thin coats of Exile Blue. Use parts are 100% Khador Red Base. Lighten the
different color tones on the cloth and skin to help small square junctions where the red stripes cross
distinguish them visually. each other with Khardic Flesh. Further highlight
Step 2) For shading, blend a 50/50 mix of Exile the brightest of these by mixing in Ryn Flesh
Blue and Armor Wash into the deep crevices (1:1) and applying this to the most raised areas.
and along the fabric edges. Then mix Exile Blue The thin Menoth White Highlight stripes dont
with progressively greater amounts of Frostbite require any highlighting or shading. Use Exile
to gradually build up the highlights in areas that Blue for any necessary touch-ups.
would typically catch the light.
Step 3) Using Menoth White Highlight, paint
equidistant thin lines across the cloth. Dont
worry about painting through the deepest
crevices; drawing the brush only across the raised
surfaces ends up shading the line nicely. Exile Blue Sanguine Base
Step 4) Study tartan images to determine Armor Wash Khador Red Base
where to place the second color. Using the same
Frostbite Khardic Flesh
technique as step 3 but with a slightly larger
brush, lay down stripes of Sanguine Base to Menoth White Ryn Flesh
create a basic pattern. Highlight
1 2 3
4 5
101
Trollblood Gallery
102
BORKA KEGSLAYER & KEG CARRIER CALANDRA TRUTHSAYER,
Warlock & Solo ORACLE OF THE GLIMMERWOOD
Warlock
103
KRIELSTONE BEARER & STONE SCRIBES
Unit
PYG BUSHWHACKERS
Unit
104
TROLL BOUNCER TROLL IMPALER
Light Warbeast Light Warbeast
KRIEL WARRIORS
Unit
105
FELL CALL hero STONE SCRIBE CHRONICLER
Solo Solo
TROLLKIN SCATTERGUNNERS
Unit
106
MULG THE ANCIENT DIRE TROLL MAULER
Heavy Warbeast Heavy Warbeast
107
TROLLKIN LONG RIDERS
Unit
108
TROLLKIN CHAMPIONS
Unit
TROLL WHELPS
Solos
109
THUMPER CREW
Weapon Crew Unit
110
TROLLKIN FENNBLADES
Unit
PYG BURROWERS
Unit
111
TROLL AXER SWAMP TROLL
Light Warbeast Light Warbeast
TROLLKIN RUNESHAPERS
Unit
112
Should we fail,
what awaits us is
nothing less than extinction.
We stand united or we fall.
Embrace any weapon, any strategy,
any desperate hope
SPINE
to preserve kith and kriel.
Before we can enjoy peace
we must endure WAR.
Madrak Ironhide