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2018/04/09 12:03:14
Subject: Black Library 2018 News & Rumor thread: Malus Darkblade print on demand
Mysterio wrote: Does the concept of a "Witchhunter" even make sense anymore in the Super High Fantasy setting of AoS?
As Kanluwen said, yes it totally does
- The tone of the Realmgate Wars (aka AOS season 1) was indeed very Epic-High Fantasy, as super humans demi gods fought against daemons and barbarians to reclaim post-apocalyptic Chaos Wastes and rescued the last enclaves of civilisation in the 7 Chaos-held Mortal Realms. This season ended in summer 2016 with "All-Gates".
- The tone of the Season of War (aka AOS season 2) was way more nuanced (it was not CRUSADE anymore), as it saw the building of giant metropolis by the conquering forces of Order (of course soon full of Chaos cultists) - this lasted from summer 2016 (with the Seeds of Hope global campaign) to summer 2017 with Firestorm and Blightwar sets.
- After the end 2017 gap, Malign Portents (aka AOS season 3), starting in January 2018, saw the rise to power of the forces of Death and the return of a kind of grimdark tone, the followers of Nagash and the multiplication of sinister magical omens making the work of the Order of Azyr (algonside fighting Chaos in the nascent civilization) more and more useful and important.
Note that the Order of Azyr was introduced in March 2016 in Grand Alliance : Order.
It is possible that the AOS background is not always easily accessible, and with the rumored AOS second edition coming in June, it's vers plausible that GW will rerelease a big Rulebook presenting the background in its depth and evolution ; a setting composed of 1. post apocalyptic Epic wars, 2. giant cities full of traditional fantasy races and more exotic creatures with all the political plotting it implies, and 3. the good ol' Warhammer GrimdarkTM
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2018/04/09 12:40:56
"... Your blood shall water my Master's rotten earth..."
2018/04/10 10:32:11
Subject: Black Library 2018 News & Rumor thread: Malus Darkblade print on demand
Mysterio wrote: Does the concept of a "Witchhunter" even make sense anymore in the Super High Fantasy setting of AoS?
That was my thoughts. Even if you remove the high fantasy the newness of the cities and cultures I wouldn’t have thought would suit witch hunters and secret orders. Those type of things traditionally come from stacked years of history and suspicion. But I’m going to give this one the benefit of the doubt and see what it reads like.
EAT - SLEEP - FARM - REPEAT
2018/04/10 10:40:33
Subject: Black Library 2018 News & Rumor thread: Malus Darkblade print on demand
Mysterio wrote: Does the concept of a "Witchhunter" even make sense anymore in the Super High Fantasy setting of AoS?
That was my thoughts. Even if you remove the high fantasy the newness of the cities and cultures I wouldn’t have thought would suit witch hunters and secret orders. Those type of things traditionally come from stacked years of history and suspicion. But I’m going to give this one the benefit of the doubt and see what it reads like.
Witch Hunters have already been in several aos stories notably city of Secrets and Hammerhal. (both of which are pretty good)
The cites are all well over a hundred years old at this point in the time line. Plenty of time for Chaos cults to get a foothold and hence the need for Witch Hunters. The witch hunters also mostly come from Azyr where the cities are much older.
2018/04/10 10:49:23
Subject: Black Library 2018 News & Rumor thread: Malus Darkblade print on demand
Mysterio wrote: Does the concept of a "Witchhunter" even make sense anymore in the Super High Fantasy setting of AoS?
That was my thoughts. Even if you remove the high fantasy the newness of the cities and cultures I wouldn’t have thought would suit witch hunters and secret orders. Those type of things traditionally come from stacked years of history and suspicion. But I’m going to give this one the benefit of the doubt and see what it reads like.
Witch Hunters have already been in several aos stories notably city of Secrets and Hammerhal. (both of which are pretty good)
The cites are all well over a hundred years old at this point in the time line. Plenty of time for Chaos cults to get a foothold and hence the need for Witch Hunters. The witch hunters also mostly come from Azyr where the cities are much older.
100 years is a blink of an eye even in the real world. I’ve never heard of the author Nick Horth but I think the subject makes it worth a punt.
EAT - SLEEP - FARM - REPEAT
2018/04/10 11:09:37
Subject: Black Library 2018 News & Rumor thread: Malus Darkblade print on demand
Everything that existed in Warhammer Fantasy can exist in AOS, plus more. It is one of the strengths of the setting - it can accommodate a wider variety of types of story and character.
2018/04/10 12:46:23
Subject: Black Library 2018 News & Rumor thread: Malus Darkblade print on demand
Like spending half a millenia entrenched, organizing the counter-attack, and needing to make sure no one outside the safe haven knows? That's a pretty strong reason. Then again, it's more than likely that the order of Azyr had it's roots during the previous wars, the Nexus Wars, when chaos thrust itself into the mortal realms. Another 500 years and change to form up based on the lessons of the damages caused by insurgencies.
As the taint of Chaos spreads across the Realm of Life, the sylvaneth of Clan Arleath set out to defend their lands from the vicious ratmen of the Clans Pestilens.
READ IT BECAUSE
It delves into the heart of the forests, and shows a sylvaneth-eye view of the War of Life, featuring the Everqueen herself!
THE STORY
As the taint of the Plague God's corruption spreads across Ghyran, the defenders of the forests seek physical foes against which they can take out their fury. In the Wrathwaters of Glade Winterleaf, the ratkin of the skaven Clans Pestilens spread across the lands, defiling all they touch. Leafmaster Diraceth of Clan Arleath leads his fellow sylvaneth in defence of their realm, and battle is joined – a battle in which the Everqueen herself will play a vital role.
Written by Gav Thorpe
This story is also available in the Warhammer Age of Sigmar anthology Legends of the Age of Sigmar: Sylvaneth.
Trapped behind enemy lines during the invasion of Rynn's World, Sergeant Galleas and his squad must rally the human survivors of the greenskin attack and teach them to fight back, if any of them are to survive.
READ IT BECAUSE
It's the flip side of Steve Parker's Rynn's World, focusing on a small squad of Crimson Fists and a ragged band of humans in the midst of the greatest battle the Chapter ever fought
THE STORY
Veteran Sergeant Sandor Galleas is the epitome of a Crimson Fists Space Marine: proud, courageous, and unyielding, even in the face of impossible odds. But when disaster befalls the Chapter during the ork invasion of Rynn’s World, Galleas’s convictions are put to the ultimate test. Trapped deep in enemy territory, Galleas, his squad, and a band of human survivors, must fight the greenskins by any means necessary if they – and the Crimson Fists Chapter – are to survive.
Written by Mike Lee
Did a fair bit of coach travelling last week, so read :
which certainly had it's odd moments of ..well... being really good.
Overall it was satisfying enough -- damning it with faint praise here somewhat -- and it was nice too see a bit more chaos action/characters we hadn't seen before.
I felt it perhaps suffered a little bit from having a bit too much stuff not about Lucius/others in his retinue, but overall it was enjoyable enough.
I'll certainly be willing to try more by the same author.
which was.. satisfying enough for a book that you'll read once, maybe twice and then pass on.
There's some nice scenes and titans are a cool part of 40k , or can be.
But I felt at times some of the story needed expanding upon. For example whilst some of the opposition are described or perhaps more accurately named -- ie It's a Banelord -- I felt a bit more actual description of exactly what this means or entails would've been nice.
Similarly I don't recall the book actually saying what "Feral" and "Ravager" chaos titans are, one is left to try and sort of work it out by context. Which isn't impossible but still something of both an oversight and a missed oppurtunity IMO.
The poor man really has a stake in the country. The rich man hasn't; he can go away to New Guinea in a yacht. The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all
We love our superheroes because they refuse to give up on us. We can analyze them out of existence, kill them, ban them, mock them, and still they return, patiently reminding us of who we are and what we wish we could be.
"the play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king,
2018/04/17 12:06:03
Subject: Black Library 2018 News & Rumor thread: Malus Darkblade print on demand
Cheers for the heads up on Corax, ordered via the usual discounter.
Picked up the Cadia Stands hardback and Crusade + Other Stories (awesome title right there! ) anthology while I was at a GW store today, bound to be something good in there.
Fatum Iustum Stultorum
Fiat justitia ruat caelum
2018/04/19 20:31:17
Subject: Black Library 2018 News & Rumor thread: Malus Darkblade print on demand
I am deffinitely going to pick the cain novel but I am not terribly thrilled by it, considering how utterly formulaic (the series' formula, mind you) the plot of the others were.
2018/04/25 13:47:46
Subject: Black Library 2018 News & Rumor thread: Malus Darkblade print on demand
Sure, they do rehash a lot of stuff, but hopefully the break from last one was spent if not on polish, then on recharging batteries and developing original idea. Besides, even at its worst CC is still better and more original than good 90% of stuff BL publishes, so I'll take it over usual bolter/stormcast porn any day
Plus a few more books but who cared for these compared to above
Ohh that's good news - and a great cover
I AM A MARINE PLAYER
"Unimaginably ancient xenos artefact somewhere on the planet, hive fleet poised above our heads, hidden 'stealer broods making an early start....and now a bloody Chaos cult crawling out of the woodwork just in case we were bored. Welcome to my world, Ciaphas."
Inquisitor Amberley Vail, Ordo Xenos
"I will admit that some Primachs like Russ or Horus could have a chance against an unarmed 12 year old novice but, a full Battle Sister??!! One to one? In close combat? Perhaps three Primarchs fighting together... but just one Primarch?" da001
BrookM wrote: Cadia Stands was.. disappointing! Not bad, but if this was the swan song of Cadia and the iconic shock troopers, it was rather.. meh.
Roll on July for the release of the Khan Primarch novel.
I really can't agree with you on "Cadia Stands". I thought it was great, especially since it ties to Justin Hill's short stories in the Astra Militarum omnibus from a bit ago.
Lord Kragan wrote: I am deffinitely going to pick the cain novel but I am not terribly thrilled by it, considering how utterly formulaic (the series' formula, mind you) the plot of the others were.
They are supposed to be formulaic. Like an episode of Big Bang or trailer park boys. It the formula people like. Cain is a very different type of novel for 40k and one that works really well. So often trying something different within a franchise doesn’t work but the Cain thing works people love it. I can’t wait for the next Cain book, love them.
EAT - SLEEP - FARM - REPEAT
2018/04/25 17:49:04
Subject: Black Library 2018 News & Rumor thread: Malus Darkblade print on demand
It wouldn't hurt if the Cain novels diverted from the same old "Fight one enemy, OH NO! Another enemy was doing something behind the scenes all along!" dross we've been getting with just about every novel so far.
Some character development would also have been great.
A pair of Order of Azyr witch hunters (called Talorcan and Esselt – you might just recognise them from an Advent Calendar story…"The Witch Takers") are the focus of The Tainted Heart, and they look simply amazing. Johan has brought them entirely to life, from their haunted expressions to the scars that stand testament to the trials of their chosen life. And the design they are embedded in, with arcane dials and Ghal Maraz, absolutely leaves the viewer in no doubt that these are devoted servants of the God-King Sigmar.
Automatically Appended Next Post: The Tainted Heart, by CL Werner (August)
Clint Werner’s, The Tainted Heart, is an impressively affecting story about indomitable love in the wake of adversity. It begins with a malign plague, and a pair of expert witch hunters intent on destroying it. Talorcan and Esselt are emboldened by faith and a most formidable romance, setting them apart from all other duos in the Black Library range. However, the evil they face, ancient and sentient, is not easily subdued, and when circumstances reach the unthinkable, there is nothing the witch hunters will not do to protect one another. In this unusual, thrilling blend of heroic fantasy and tragedy, the Age of Sigmar setting is made rich with a profound exploration of honour, courage, and fallibility. This is a refreshing and poignant re-examination of the archetypal hero, and Clint’s lyrical style and mastery of theme are deeply compelling – an unquestionable treat from one of our most gifted authors. —Hannah Hughes, commissioning editor
BrookM wrote: It wouldn't hurt if the Cain novels diverted from the same old "Fight one enemy, OH NO! Another enemy was doing something behind the scenes all along!" dross we've been getting with just about every novel so far.
Uh, what?
The Traitor's Hand - no second enemy, Chaos cults whole time. Death or Glory - no second enemy, Cain is stuck fighting orks (and looking for tanna) whole book. Duty Calls - yes, tiny subplot with rogue Inquisitor but that's just distraction from Tyranid invasion. Cain's Last Stand, just Chaos. All short stories, ditto. The Emperor's Finest, genestealer infestation and exploring Space Hulk tied to it, no second enemy unless you reach really far and count romantic subplot as one. In the case of Caves of Ice and The Last Ditch, it's two enemies attacking at once, nothing behind the scenes. Really, only the very first book matches your description, and maybe The Greater Good but even that is a stretch.
BrookM wrote: Some character development would also have been great.
The whole point of the novels is being written in hindsight. The character development already happened. And even so, compare Cain from 12th artillery to one from 597th Valhallan. Both behave quite differently if you pay attention.
and further thanks to Mr Taliesin on B & C
spoiled as some of the HH stuff kinda gives away things from books you might not have read yet
Spoiler:
Anarch, by Abnett:
Quote
On the factory world of Urdesh, the assembled forces of the Imperial Crusade deliver a final battle to the commander of the archenemy known as the Anarch and his warrior elite, the barbarian sons of Sek. Victory determines more than the fate of Urdesh for both sides ... It determines the outcome of the entire Sabbath Crusade.
Ibram Gaunt, who is now a close confidant of Warlord Macaroth, finds himself at the center of this conflict. His regiment, the First Tanith Regiment, holds the key to victory in his hands. But as the forces of the Empire and Chaos meet in a final, colossal confrontation, Gaunt realizes that the biggest threat can not come from the outside, but from the inside.
Horus Heresy : Doom of the Death Guard by James Swallow.
Quote
The sky over Terra darkens as the final battle for the throne approaches ... As the traitor Primarchs gather under the warlord's banner, Mortarion is sent ahead of their forces.
But he and his warriors go missing in the warp and are struck by a terrible plague. Once the legendary Death Guard was considered invincible, but now even it is forced to its knees. To save his legion, Mortarion concludes a pact that will eternally condemn his sons. At the same time, a conspiracy unfolds in the porticos of Terras, which is said to bring about rebellion and carnage.
Malcador the Sigilit takes on the matter personally and wants to stifle any uprisings in the bud, but he will need all his knowledge and experience to put an end to the plot.
Horus Heresy: Slaves to Darkness by John French:
Quote
After long and difficult battles, warlord Horus's armies have finally conquered the heavily defended Beta Garmon system and are now approaching Terra. But not everything went according to plan. Horus was wounded and near death, and he is hurriedly brought back to the spirit of vengeance. During his absence, his deputy Maloghurst must enforce the will of the Primarch.
But the traitors are running out of time. Guilliman and the lion both rushed to Terra, and their armies could turn the fortune of war. The armies of the warlord must unite, because only then can they attack the throne world. While Mortarion forms the vanguard of the fleet, Lorgar and Perturabo are forced to line up their brothers Fulgrim and Angron, both of whom have become demons and may oppose the warlord's orders. On the eve of the greatest conflict the galaxy has ever seen, it is up to Maloghurst to hold together his fragmented legion and bring Horus back from the abyss of destruction..
Horus Heresy Titandeath, by Guy Haley:
Quote
Horus gathered his armada and defeated anyone his enemies sent him, even the Emperor's hangman. But an obstacle remains before he can strike Terra and put the Emperor's dream to ruins.
The Beta Garmon system is on the most direct and unique route to the Sol system. To overcome it, Horus gathers an army of unbelievable proportions, including countless Titans. A defeat here would mean the end of the war and Horus is not about to turn back. However, the Empire also recognized the importance of Beta-Garmon. A huge force, consisting of countless Imperial Guard units and also a contingent of titans, is here to challenge the warlord's forces.
A conflict like the Civil War in the Empire has not yet experienced, a titanic battle and a world-shaking battle that will determine the next phase of the war.
The Spear of the Emperor by Aaron Dembski Bowden:
Quote
The scattered worlds of the Elara Veil were once protected by the oath of unity between three mighty Orders of the Adeptus Astartes. The Star Scorpions fell victim to a flaw in their gene code. The Celestial Lions were punished by the Inquisition for sins they had not committed. Today, hundreds of years later, only the Emperor's Spears keep watch. They are barbarian guards who oppose the outer darkness. But, unbroken, they fulfill their long duty.
Amadeus Kaias Incarius, a brother of the Mentor Legion, is given the task of crossing the Great Rift and checking the spear's combat readiness. But instead, he gets entangled in a much-troubled crusade in the dark border areas of the Empire. The decisions he will make far from the Emperor's light will determine the fate of the war-wounded Order.
Primarchs book 10: Corax. by Guy Haley. General ( hardback and e-book) release in January 2019 it says so this will have the limited edition in October.
Quote
During the Great Crusade, Corvus Corax, Raven Guard's Primarch, has to defeat the vast space habitats of the Carinae. Determined to bring conformity to these worlds, he unleashes his legion and a huge warband of the Imperial Guard. But the rulers of the Carinae know how to defend themselves and show themselves mercilessly.
At the height of the conflict, a biological weapon from ancient times is activated in the space city of Zenith, bringing Imperial forces to their knees. Allies turn against each other and the Raven Guard suddenly has to face a tremendous superiority. With the campaign nearing defeat, Corax must balance his desire for revenge against the need for a speedy conclusion to the war.
Dark Imperium II, by Guy Haley:
Quote
On the worlds of Ultramar and in the Great Emptiness between them, the fight for the Empire continues.
Returning primarch Roboute Guilliman wants to reunite his former empire and use it as a base to rebuild the devastated empire of humanity. First, however, he must expel his fallen brother Mortarion and his traitor Legion of Death Guard from his domain.
But when Guilliman places his brother on the contaminated plains of Parmenio, the intervention of a higher power threatens to turn his understanding of the galaxy on its head, and thus its place in it.Primarch and ideologies meet in this sequel to The Dark Empirium.
Also mentioned are John French's Horusian Wars book 2, Incarnation ( July 2018) new 40k novels by Darius Hinks and Andy Clark, an Age of Sigmar novel by Robbie McNiven, and Lords of Silence by Wraight in August 2018 which we already knew.
...google translate there so pardon the odd bit of phrasing.
The poor man really has a stake in the country. The rich man hasn't; he can go away to New Guinea in a yacht. The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all
We love our superheroes because they refuse to give up on us. We can analyze them out of existence, kill them, ban them, mock them, and still they return, patiently reminding us of who we are and what we wish we could be.
"the play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king,
2018/04/29 13:57:23
Subject: Black Library 2018 News & Rumor thread: Malus Darkblade print on demand
Isn't Beta Garmon also the setting for the Titanicus game? Could be a bit of a tie in.
Maybe a bit too hopeful, but Siege of Terra will properly kick off in 2019? With the Death Guard now also fully assembled and turned all the pieces should be in place now, right?
A Kharadron arkanaut explores the ocean floor in search of a great treasure… but what he disturbs may spell doom for him and the humans who aid him as the Idoneth Deepkin rise.
READ IT BECAUSE
It's the very first Black Library story to feature the Idoneth Deepkin, the new additions to Warhammer Age of Sigmar, and it's a chilling tale that will leave you wary around water…
THE STORY
Ingdrin Jonsson, arkanaut of the Kharadron Overlords, swaps his sky-ship for an ocean-going vessel as he joins the fisherfolk of the Blackfire Bight for an expedition. With his arkanaut suit adapted to help him survive the crushing pressure of the ocean depths, he delves into the darkness in search of a great treasure. But when he disturbs something ancient and deadly, he brings danegr not only to himself, but to the humans who aid him. For the Idoneth Deepkin are rising, and they hunger for souls…
Written by David Guymer
The poor man really has a stake in the country. The rich man hasn't; he can go away to New Guinea in a yacht. The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all
We love our superheroes because they refuse to give up on us. We can analyze them out of existence, kill them, ban them, mock them, and still they return, patiently reminding us of who we are and what we wish we could be.
"the play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king,
A new month is dawning, and we thought it would be nice to offer you something special: a competition to win a shiny copy of the 'Neferata: Mortarch of Blood' limited edition!
What do you have to do to be in with a chance? Just share your favourite quote from a Black Library story with us in the comments below. You have until Monday the 7th of May – and we'll announce our favourite, and the winner of the book, on the 8th.
The poor man really has a stake in the country. The rich man hasn't; he can go away to New Guinea in a yacht. The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all
We love our superheroes because they refuse to give up on us. We can analyze them out of existence, kill them, ban them, mock them, and still they return, patiently reminding us of who we are and what we wish we could be.
"the play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king,
2018/05/03 10:58:11
Subject: Black Library 2018 News & Rumor thread: Neferata: Mortarch of Blood competition
Just finished Imperator: Wrath of the Omnissiah, and was very disappointed. The storyline itself was very weak and if I had bought the special edition I would be very upset. Thought it was one of Gav Thorpe's weaker stories.
Spirit of noxious immateria, be gone from hence, for as the Emperor of Mankind, manifold be his blessings, watches over me, so I will not fear the shadow of the warp.....
2018/05/03 11:39:56
Subject: Black Library 2018 News & Rumor thread: Neferata: Mortarch of Blood competition
Foxhound25 wrote: Just finished Imperator: Wrath of the Omnissiah, and was very disappointed. The storyline itself was very weak and if I had bought the special edition I would be very upset. Thought it was one of Gav Thorpe's weaker stories.
Considering how poor I find some of his stuff that is very bad news. I have it in my to read pile for this weekend as well, not good.
I'm a bit titaned out, so to speak, currently but might well pick it up at a later date.
Read the recent Ferrus Manus primarchs book, which was.... alright.
Kind of damning with faint praise there somewhat perhaps, it was solid enough overall . Perhaps a few bits were needlessly confusing or could have been edited to make things clearer but it was a nice look at an era -- prior to the HH, before the Emperor went back to Terra -- that we haven't seen much of.
Intrigued me enough to pick up the paperback release of "Eye of Medusa" anyway.
The poor man really has a stake in the country. The rich man hasn't; he can go away to New Guinea in a yacht. The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all
We love our superheroes because they refuse to give up on us. We can analyze them out of existence, kill them, ban them, mock them, and still they return, patiently reminding us of who we are and what we wish we could be.
"the play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king,
2018/05/07 11:52:03
Subject: Black Library 2018 News & Rumor thread: Neferata: Mortarch of Blood competition
EAT - SLEEP - FARM - REPEAT 
Spirit of noxious immateria, be gone from hence, for as the Emperor of Mankind, manifold be his blessings, watches over me, so I will not fear the shadow of the warp.....