Warhammer: The Old World | Theatres of War | What match ups or narratives will be next?

Summary

Stuart surveys the major Warhammer: The Old World storylines and considers which conflicts, factions, and Arcane Journals might come next. His central point is that future releases could build on unresolved conflicts already introduced, and that new narratives will likely be tied to updating or adding miniatures.

Current theatres of war

• Southern theatre: Much of the game’s early narrative has focused on the Border Princes, the Badlands, Bretonnia, and nearby mountain regions. The Kingdom of Bretonnia, Tomb Kings, Orcs & Goblins, and Dwarfs have all been connected to conflicts in this area.
• Northern theatre: Later releases increasingly develop the threat of Chaos in the north. The Empire, Grand Cathay, High Elves, Beastmen, and Wood Elves are drawn into the growing conflict, with Cathay helping the Empire and the High Elves involved largely at sea.
• Eastern theatre: The Breaching of the Great Bastion tells a prequel story about a Chaos invasion of Cathay in 2276. Stuart expects the eastern storyline could eventually connect with the wider northern invasion.
• Upcoming conflict: River of Bones is expected to bring the Tomb Kings into Athel Loren to face the Wood Elves, extending a storyline that began in the south into a broader conflict.

Possible future matchups and stories

Stuart suggests several ways future Arcane Journals might continue existing plotlines:

• Tomb Kings versus Bretonnia: The Tomb Kings’ southern attacks could lead to further fighting in Bretonnian territory.
• Orcs & Goblins versus Bretonnia: A siege of a Bretonnian city or castle could naturally continue the regional conflicts. Stuart says this is a matchup he would especially like to see.
• Goblins versus Dwarfs: Goblins could threaten Dwarf mountain holds, possibly introducing new army variants such as Night Goblins or Forest Goblins, as well as Spider Riders.
• High Elves versus Dark Elves: Stuart thinks the High Elves need a conflict of their own and sees the Dark Elves as a fitting rival faction to reintroduce.
• More Empire and Chaos stories: Further Chaos incursions could support new Empire narratives, including a possible Reikland-focused release that updates older mounted troops and commanders.

Factions whose return or development is uncertain

• Grand Cathay and Chaos seem likely to receive more attention as their stories develop.
• Skaven and Vampire Counts are important to the setting, but Stuart doubts they will arrive immediately. He speculates that they may be saved for later releases or for the build-up to the Great War against Chaos. A Skaven force connected to Clan Pestilens is raised as an unconfirmed possibility.
• The upcoming Barrow Kingdoms army list may offer a way to explore a different undead theme, though Stuart cautions that it may remain focused on “dry” undead rather than introducing Vampire Counts.
• Ogres might appear as mercenaries or within Cathay forces, even if a full Old World army release does not happen soon.
• Lizardmen seem unlikely to fit the current narrative focus.
• Daemons of Chaos are not expected to feature prominently until the larger Chaos storyline advances.

Key takeaway

Stuart’s main suggestion is to look for logical matchups that continue stories already underway. He also notes that narrative plans are closely linked to miniature releases: future journals may provide opportunities to replace older metal or resin models and expand existing armies.

Featured voices and sources

• Stuart, presenting on Miniature Realms
• Counterattack Bases, the video sponsor
• Referenced publications: Warhammer: The Old World rulebook; the Arcane Journals for Kingdom of Bretonnia, Tomb Kings of Khemri, Orc & Goblin Tribes, Dwarf Holds, The War of Settra’s Fury, High Elf Realms, Empire of Man, Warriors of Chaos, Grand Cathay, The Dawn of the Storm Dragon, The Raising of Westerland, The March of Chaos, Beastmen Brayherds, Wood Elf Realms, and The Breaching of the Great Bastion; plus the novel Lords of the Lance.