Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Khazalite Holds Army Impressions

I feel conflicted about the Warhammer Age of Sigmar Khazalite Holds army. This new duardin faction returns to classic fantasy dwarves in all their grudge-holding glory, and they look incredible. In fact, they feel like the best versions of that archetype combined into one heavily armored force. However, they also seem safer and more familiar than the outrageously creative designs for which the game is known.

That is not intended as an insult worthy of recording in a book of grudges; I adore these models. Going hands-on with the new Army Set made me fall in love with the faction in a way I have not experienced since last year’s Helsmiths of Hashut, and I cannot wait to paint them and test them in battle. If anything, they reinforce my belief that Warhammer Age of Sigmar produces some of the company’s best models. Nevertheless, when the game features steampunk sky-pirate dwarves and eyeless underwater elves riding sea monsters into battle, the Khazalite Holds feel somewhat conventional.

Classic Dwarves, Refined

That is not necessarily a bad thing. These may be my favorite classic dwarf models in any game. They capture the dwarves’ stocky, steadfast nature dynamically, with an original armor design that still pays homage to everything that came before. To my eye, they resemble a cross between Old World dwarves and the Dwarf Warriors from the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game.

The robotic Gholems of Ghazul and the cannon are equally evocative, drawing on the “genius smiths” archetype through stunning miniatures that clearly reward dedicated painting. The cannon is effectively a miniature diorama, which I thoroughly enjoyed constructing, and it will serve as a centerpiece for any force.

Khazalite Holds Army Set Contents

The Khazalite Holds Army Set I was able to preview is available for pre-order through Warhammer ahead of its October 31 release date. Discounts should also be available through Miniature Market in the US and Wayland Games in the UK.

The set contains a complete Spearhead force:

• 10 Clanshields warriors
• Three Gholems of Ghazul or Valaya
• An Oathkeeper Cannon or Stonebreaker Mortar
• Hjulda Drakkblud

Concerns About the Duardin’s Future

Despite my enthusiasm, one concern remains. This new faction has absorbed the previously separate Fyreslayer duardin army. Although the forces complement each other and most older units still appear to be available, the change makes me worry that the Kharadron Overlords could be next. Within the lore, uniting every dwarf force under one banner is explicitly identified as an ultimate goal.

More specifically, I am concerned that the next edition may move toward a highly traditional dwarf faction at the expense of the wonderfully bizarre options currently available. If all three forces are combined into one army, something will presumably have to be removed.

Grudges Translated into Gameplay

I have no complaints about the rules for this new force. I always appreciate factions that connect their lore closely to their mechanics, such as the Ogor Mawtribes, whose grotesque gameplay won me over. For the Khazalite Holds, that defining mechanic is grudges.

They become extremely angry when enemies defeat their kin, mix up their coffee order, or insult their favorite football team. As a result, losing troops paradoxically makes them more powerful. They are also exceptionally effective at holding objectives, which suits stubborn warriors who refuse to yield.

Powerful War Engines

Enemies should also beware the faction’s two war engines: the Oathkeeper Cannon and the Gholems. The Oathkeeper Cannon provides a selection of rune effects that can debuff opponents on a 3+ each turn in both full games and smaller Spearhead matches. Meanwhile, the Gholems can quickly dismantle most infantry units, regardless of the system in which they fight.

A Reliable and Indomitable Force

That description could apply to the entire Khazalite Holds army. It appears to be a highly reliable and durable battalion. Its warriors are slow-moving but indomitable, advancing like an avalanche that steadily and inexorably destroys everything in its path.

I am eager to test their mettle on the tabletop, and I love what I have seen so far. Even so, part of me wishes they were just a little stranger.

Warhammer 40,000 Pre-Painted Scenery

Want an impressive table of Warhammer 40,000 terrain with minimal effort? After spending a few hours with the new pre-painted scenery, I am already convinced that it is an essential purchase.