Warhammer: The Old World Dumps Ratmen

During Warhammer: The Old World’s preorder window, the Warhammer website suffered long queues, and many fans were left out because their favorite models were sold out when their turn came to check out

There is no doubt that the company’s plans for a new factory will change these issues since supply chains are becoming more complex. But fantasy fans are in for another shock when they realize half of their Warhammer Age of Sigmar armies will not work there.

Games Workshop has been very open about the fact that

• Dark Elves, Skaven,
• Vampire Counts, Daemons of Chaos,
• Ogre Kingdoms, Lizardmen, and Chaos Dwarfs.

All won’t be supported in The Old World after an initial PDF detailing rules for old units. It looks like the company is keeping Age of Sigmar separate from The Old World, but it has drawn the line in a very interesting place. A few of these armies seem to make sense. The Vampire Counts have become the copyrightable Flesh-eater Courts, and they are currently revamping an extensive range of models.

Years ago, Dark Elves became the Daughters of Khaine and the Ogor Mawtribes are a far cry from the Ogres that plagued Warhammer Fantasy.  Age of Sigmar does not feature Chaos Dwarves, but they are an iconic Warhammer Fantasy force that many players have continued to play long after the range abandoned, so it is only natural to release a rules PDF to keep them

Just like the Daemons of Chaos, the Lizardmen have only changed their name to Seraphon. The most notable absence is Skaven, the ratmen who have been part of fantasy universes for decades. Is this a sign that Skaven players are in for a treat soon? Why would Games Workshop leave Skaven out of The Old World, a fantasy universe they were a core part of?

Games Workshop has plans for Skaven, and it looks like they will be included in The Old World soon. Maybe next year, perhaps next edition, or later still, but it seems Games Workshop has Skaven in mind.