So after much deliberation I’ve settled on Beastmen as my army for Warhammer 8th edition. I like the fact they are one of the least popular forces being collected but I also think I can make them into a great looking army.

My starting point is the theme of the army, which will be Tzeentch. Yes, I know Beastmen’s rules aren’t tied to any one God of Chaos anymore but that’s not important. I’ve always favoured Tzeentch above the other Gods and I’m a real big fan of what was done for Tzeentch in Warhammer Online, a move away from the traditional bright primary colours and presented in the subtler form of the Raven God. As such the Chaos forces from the game will be a big influence on the aesthetics for my conversions and painting.

The first major conversion will be a Doombull who will serve as the “army champion”. The inspiration for this character will be this image from White Dwarf 135.

With a little help from the guys on Warseer I came up with this equipment for him.

Heavy Armour
Enchanted Shield
Sword of Swift Slaying
Gnarled Hide
Shadow Hide
Arabyan Carpet

The Carpet will allow him to fly and will be represented by his large feathered wings. The rest of his gear gives him a 1+ save and allows him to hit first with re-rolls most of the time. The Shadow Hide gift will also influence the final look of the miniature (converted from the latest Doombull mini). I’ll come up with a suitable backstory about this winged shadowy lone minotaur who has been chosen by the Raven God to act as my general’s personal champion.

The rest of the army will be based around big blocks of infantry with subtle references to the Raven God. I also think I’ll be making a Jabberslythe based on this Chaos Spawn from the Warhammer Online game.

It’ll use the Jabbersylthe rules but in terms of background I’ll call him a super spawn :)

NOTE: I’d also like to build a very small Tzeentchian warriors of chaos allied force also based on the Chaos forces from Warhammer Online. They’ll be more heavily converted than most of the beastmen but they’ll be a lot less of them.

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