The New Skaven Battletome, Terrain, Model & eSpells!

[Major]

Allrighty people. We are FINALLY getting a new Skaven book and with it some new goodies! What are you hopes/dreams and expectations for this book?

https://www.warhammer-community.com/2019/02/03/pre-order-preview-carrion-empire-and-genestealer-cults/?fbclid=IwAR1HQPuOAUStNn2npLMHQFSeR8WHp7yHg9SUGItVU9-H68J6sYkQJc7emME

GW have said the book will be "forging together the forces of Clans Skryre, Pestilens, Moulder, Verminus, Eshin and the Masterclan into a single Skaventide" So we can assume they aren't all merged?

[Throt the Unclean]

I have to say I'm really disappointed. Especially after the Gloomspite release which was so incredible and cool. 

Dice: The look like the 40k Death Guard Dice, in that they will have a hard plastic exterior with a rubber interior. I hope this is not true, because if it is that means they will be unusable as game dice. Also, I don't like the black color at all. It looks lazy. I know it's personal preference, but I'm just not into it. I had thought the dice would look like chunks of warpstone themselves. I don't really know what they were going for with these. What's the black supposed to be exactly? 

Endless Spells: I don't know what the spells themselves do or how they will work on the battlefield. Hopefully, they are really fun to use and useful, because they look terrible. Two of the three look the exact same, with this weird electricity on them and whirlpool swirl (the same that are on terrain piece), so creative! The third endless spell looks like they just chopped up some rats from the old ratswarm or rats from the abomination base and just threw them on a generic round base. 

Terrain Piece: Looks like the endless spell, except they cut up bits from the plague furnace and threw it around the hole. Nothing new, or unique. 

Battletome: This is the least they could do. Fix the army they absolutely broke. Hopefully it's fun and well written and creative. I have to say I hate the cover art. I really am not of fan of albino Skaven. So even that is a let down to me.

New Model: The only new Skaven model released you have to buy an entire box set to get. 

Idk. I honestly would rather them just released the battletome and nothing else. By the looks of it they desperately needed more time to work on the terrain piece, endless spells, and dice. It all looks so extremely lazy and generic. I'm honestly stunned. After the masterpiece of Gloomspite in terms of looks and creativity. This just looks so uninspired. 

Edit: I'd love to hear what's so confusing about this opinion. lol

[Overread]

I'd wager the 3 warp lightnight icons are some kind of lightning storm spell - area of effect and three storms could be really nasty when it hits the enemy! The bell is clearly going to be a bit like the screaming bell but in spell form - so a buff/debuff spell. The rat swarm is what it is - a swarm of rats much like how Glooms got a swarm of spiders.

The terrain is interesting and hints at having deployment options or fast moving options on the board. Imagine if you can deploy them in advance of the starting zone and can then pop up rats right out of them - that's some powerful potential tricks right there.

 

Also whilst the number of new kits is potentially few (we don't know yet if there's a second wave) lets not forget until today we could have had 1 tome per clan and lost one or more clans in that process. So we've gone from a fragmented army to a unified one. That's MASSIVE and really changes things for Skaven in AoS in a massive way. Clan specific armies just got a lot of new models from the rest of the Skaven range without any alliance limitations nor having to give up alliance abilities and the like.

 

It's a big change and a welcome one to cement the future of Skaven in AoS. I welcome it even without a massive burst of models. 

[Major]

11 minutes ago, Throt the Unclean said:

I have to say I'm really disappointed. Especially after the Gloomspite release which was so incredible and cool. 

Dice: The look like the 40k Death Guard Dice, in that they will have a hard plastic exterior with a rubber interior. I hope this is not true, because if it is that means they will be unusable as game dice. Also, I don't like the black color at all. It looks lazy. I know it's personal preference, but I'm just not into it. I had thought the dice would look like chunks of warpstone themselves. I don't really know what they were going for with these. What's the black supposed to be exactly? 

Endless Spells: I don't know what the spells themselves do or how they will work on the battlefield. Hopefully, they are really fun to use and useful, because they look terrible. Two of the three look the exact same, with this weird electricity on them and whirlpool swirl (the same that are on terrain piece), so creative! The third endless spell looks like they just chopped up some rats from the old ratswarm or rats from the abomination base and just threw them on a generic round base. 

Terrain Piece: Looks like the endless spell, except they cut up bits from the plague furnace and threw it around the hole. Nothing new, or unique. 

Battletome: This is the least they could do. Fix the army they absolutely broke. Hopefully it's fun and well written and creative. I have to say I hate the cover art. I really am not of fan of albino Skaven. So even that is a let down to me.

New Model: The only new Skaven model released you have to buy an entire box set to get. 

Idk. I honestly would rather them just released the battletome and nothing else. By the looks of it they desperately needed more time to work on the terrain piece, endless spells, and dice. It all looks so extremely lazy and generic. I'm honestly stunned. After the masterpiece of Gloomspite in terms of looks and creativity. This just looks so uninspired. 

I really wish you hadn't pointed that stuff out. Now I am noticing it.

Look I am just happy Skaven will likely (almost certainly) be in a far better position than they have been since they got all broken.

- The battletome is much needed, so much so that I couldn't care less whats on the cover, just give me the book! I hope there are great ways to mix clans together and better battleline options in some cases.
- The eSpells I never really use anyway so its all 6 of one, half dozen of the other for me
- New Model... need to see warscroll. Looks cool though.
- Dice I would have LOVED warpstone dice as well and if these are like the nurgle dice then FML but for some reason I still want these. They have a certain appeal to them for some reason.

[Kirjava13]

Awwww I hadn't considered that they might be like the Nurgle dice. Fuuuuuuu- well that's one more thing to be disappointed with. We will see....

The terrain is... fine? It's clearly got bits of other kits on it. Same with the spells. It will be lovely having the tome and the warscroll cards, but the release has the feel of being thrown a bone. The more I think about it the sadder I am and the quieter my squeaks become.

[Gwendar]

I only know of 1 local player who uses the Nurgle dice and (aside from them taking longer to read) they seem alright, although they do sound like they're hollow. What exactly is the issue with them? Balance?

[Malakithe]

Legit dont care if its lackluster compared to GG. If this book is anything near the Legions book then Skaven as a whole will be potentially monstrous. Death didnt get new models until the Nighthaunt and they didnt give a ******. 

Im still getting the dice. Like all of them. 

The terrain was predictable. Some kind of deepstrike and unit replenishment mechanics I imagine. I expect things like 'oh hey I heard you want 40 clanrats in your face so hear you go'

Endless spells are endless spells. The rats will probably debuff movement and cause MW, the warpstone chunks are probably aoe MW and the bell is most likely a predatory MW.

As far as new models the scupts look fine on most kits but I would have like updated kits instead of metal/resin.

Overall Skaven might be my new focus for a long while.

[Major]

I'm a little scared we will lose some stuff, like it just wont be in the battletome.

[Charleston]

6 hours ago, Overread said:

The terrain is interesting and hints at having deployment options or fast moving options on the board. Imagine if you can deploy them in advance of the starting zone and can then pop up rats right out of them - that's some powerful potential tricks right there.

I also see there a good amount of possibilities. And a lot of potential Skaven-ness in the rules. You want to deploy at hole 1? Nice, roll and check if your Skaven hit the right one.

Also Redeployment for Warpgrinders would be a possible option. Like take a unit from the board, redeploy it at one of the holes etc.

I already love the idea to be used for objective games Whack-A-Skaven

[Throt the Unclean]

Some more thoughts I've had about these things. 

New Models: I’ve seen people say elsewhere that Skaven aren’t getting new models because they aren’t a new army. That only new armies are getting new models in AOS, but Gloomspite was just like Skaven. They had existing models and units and when all the various factions were pulled together to create Gloomspite they got a complete overhaul. Skaven was broken up into various factions and is being brought together, they should have their models overhauled.

Also, unlike LoN, Skaven has some of the oldest models, if not the oldest, in AOS. They were old models in fantasy, as Skaven was one of only two faction not to get an update in 8th edition, besides End Times. They didn’t get an update in 7th edition either, I don’t think (I could be wrong on that though). All Skaven got for 1st edition AOS is their factions broken apart and units taken away, nothing added. It’s now second edition AOS. Skaven has so many metal and resin units it’s ridiculous. It desperately needs updated.

Dice: Can anyone explain what the black is supposed to be? It’s all chunky and chipped. lol I’m just dumbfounded that they missed the obvious opportunity to make warp stone dice. lmao I mean someone needs to get fired for that oversight. 

Spells: So, besides them all looking exactly the same, which is just again dumbfounding and lazy, why have a bell? We already have a bell. It’s called the Screaming Bell, right? So it’s not even a new idea. In fact, that bell looks like the same exact bell from the Screaming Bell kit. They couldn’t even bother to create a new bell sculpt. Lmao  

And the rat swarm. Don’t we already have a rat swarm? It’s called rat swarm, right?  And look closely at it. The rats look worse, less detailed on the endless spell than the old metal rat swarm models. I’m pretty sure they are the rats from the abomination kit. So, again, this isn’t even a new idea. 

So two of the three spells are things we already have both in idea and as sculpts. Is this just not the epitome of lazy? How little did they care or try? 

Terrain: So, besides it looking completely awful, and generic, it looks like the other two endless spells, and made up of existing pieces of the Screaming Bell (just like the endless spells). I get the idea of having a gnaw hole. It’s an obvious choice. But again it’s something the we already have. It’s not a new idea. We have many models that can make gnaw holes and teleport units. Now it just becomes more predictable because the enemy has a physical marker as to where units will pop up?

Battletome: I hope the contents are incredible, but I’m not expecting much considering what they’ve given us with everything else. The fact that Skaven has obviously had to share creative time with the Flesh Eater Courts on this release could point to a less than stellar book. They obviously didn’t get individual attention and focus. 

And about the cover, I’ll just say this. If you were going to have a battletome of the human race and a cover that represented it, would you put an albino on the cover? Does an albino represent the majority of humans? No. So why would it represent the Skaven? lol Also, it’s a Grey Seer that isn’t wearing grey robes. lol I’m mean come on! 

Edit: Even the armies that that didn’t get complete overhauls had new mechanics and ideas brought into their army with the endless spells and terrain pieces. We don’t even get this, as it seems right now. Old ideas, old mechanics, not even new sculpts. lol

Edit 2: This just came to me. After Skaven's update, most of their fielded models will still be on square bases, in second edition AoS! Unless GW comes out and says otherwise. Maybe that's why Skaven has some units not for sale, so they can simply restock them with round bases? All this rumor and speculation about out of stock models getting updates and it's just their bases getting the update. hahaha

Also, my prediction is that Skaven are going to be just inept as they've always been. The quirkiness and chance of self-harm is cute and a fun and interesting characteristic that makes them stand out, but it's always come at the expense of their competitiveness. The chance to do great damage to the enemy has always been far outweighed by the chance to self-harm. That desperately needs to be addressed. I hope it is. 

[basement dweller]

To be honest, im just happy to have a book to get all my rats back together again...i think the gloomspite treatment will now be the hope and dream for all armies...but a book is better than no book....

[Skreech Verminking]

Well, I am in some way rather disappointed, that our well very old range hasn’t gotten an update in models.

Still, I think the book that they brought out looks fantastic, even if it Isnt thanquol who has been shown on the cover. The endless spell also look very interesting and could have some potential to a good and fun play (although I dislike the esthetic of the warpstone storms a bit)

the faction dice, are probably one of the best they have made right now. They are readable. Although the dice seem to be missing the warpstone part mostly, I’m guuessing, that the black plastic thingie around it is showing the Stony environment the skaven live in.

[Throt the Unclean]

5 hours ago, Gwendar said:

I only know of 1 local player who uses the Nurgle dice and (aside from them taking longer to read) they seem alright, although they do sound like they're hollow. What exactly is the issue with them? Balance?

Yes. The Death Guard dice were not balanced at all and didn't roll. They were completely unusable as dice, which is what they are. They could still be used as various types of markers, but even then they were hard to read at a glance. Thankfully, these Skaven dice are much easier to read, but I doubt they will be anymore useful as dice. GW doubtlessly knew about the issues with those dice, which makes it strange that they decided to make the Skaven dice like that, especially considering no other dice they've ever sold for AoS were like that. I would rather GW had made special Skaven markers instead of dice at this point. 

[Russrmc]

Lol

Gamers : we want stuff! 

Gw: here's stuff! 

Gamers : we hate it! 

GW: YOU HAVEN'T EVEN SEEN IT YET 

Gamers: ... 

Gamers : we want stuff! 

[Throt the Unclean]

8 minutes ago, Russrmc said:

GW: YOU HAVEN'T EVEN SEEN IT YET 

Oh, we've seen it. lol We've seen it in existing models, plus they've released pictures. 

But I get what you're saying. Like I said, I hope the book is incredible and the spells and terrain are fun to use. But it's possible to have valid criticisms about products before they're available for purchase. I don't have to hold the products to know I don't like the design of them when I have pictures.

[Laststand]

3 hours ago, Skreech Verminking said:

Well, I am in some way rather disappointed, that our well very old range hasn’t gotten an update in models.

Still, I think the book that they brought out looks fantastic, even if it Isnt thanquol who has been shown on the cover. The endless spell also look very interesting and could have some potential to a good and fun play (although I dislike the esthetic of the warpstone storms a bit)

the faction dice, are probably one of the best they have made right now. They are readable. Although the dice seem to be missing the warpstone part mostly, I’m guuessing, that the black plastic thingie around it is showing the Stony environment the skaven live in.

Are we all discounting the possibility of a second wave/week or releases? Who is to say what is announced isnt just week 1 and more will be shown at LVO at the weekend?

[EMMachine]

18 minutes ago, Laststand said:

Are we all discounting the possibility of a second wave/week or releases? Who is to say what is announced isnt just week 1 and more will be shown at LVO at the weekend?

Yeah, I thought the same when reading that Thread:

There are at least 14 articles (without counting multilingual releases in case of Battletomes and the  Carrion Empire Box ) that we can pre-order next week (the same amount as this weeks genestealer Cult release).

 

[Skreech Verminking]

23 minutes ago, Laststand said:

Are we all discounting the possibility of a second wave/week or releases? Who is to say what is announced isnt just week 1 and more will be shown at LVO at the weekend?

Well there may be a possibility, still I don’t know anything so don’t relay too much on my fanmade hopes😅

[michu]

I am not disappointed. For me the Gnawholes look cool, same goes for endless spells (ok, the warpstone tornadoes are the least favourite). I would like updated units too, but I disagree that we got a short end of the stick. As some people already said - look at LoN. If Skaven will get better with those new rules people will stop complaining (that much).

[Skreech Verminking]

24 minutes ago, michu said:

I am not disappointed. For me the Gnawholes look cool, same goes for endless spells (ok, the warpstone tornadoes are the least favourite). I would like updated units too, but I disagree that we got a short end of the stick. As some people already said - look at LoN. If Skaven will get better with those new rules people will stop complaining (that much).

Same, the gnawholes look fantastic and I’m more or less happy to finally beeing able to use possibly better artefacts and commandtraits as well as allegiance ability.

and the one thing that excites me most are the battalions, we will finally get for armies combination with like clanrats and or Stormvermins.

[michu]

Oh yeah, that too. I dreamed,  for who knows how long, about setting my army in 1 drop.  

[Kamose]

I don't play Skaven and don't have anyone who plays Skaven nearby anymore, but here are my two cents:

Battletome:  Cool!  You guys got a new Legions-style Battletome.  We don't know anything about the rules changes, updates, and new goodies in it so I can't say anything about how good they will be.  I will say I like the new Grey Seer art on the cover!  I will also say that I can't think of any 'Legions' Battletomes that are not  decent and fun to play.  I got into Beasts of Chaos and I'm having a great time.  

New model:  I'ma be honest...I don't know enough about Skaven to know which model in the picture is the new one.  Is it that little guy, front and center? 😔

Terrain:  They look appropriately Skaven-y and I'm sure they will let you do redeploy, reinforcement, deep strike shenanigans.  Compared to the other terrain like the Loonshrine or Herdstone they prolly won't appear all that imposing, but they are literal holes in the ground.  How imposing do you think they can be?

Dice:  Really not understanding the hate for these.  They are some of the most clearly readable dice I've seen from GW in a long time.  Many people are comparing them to the Nurgle dice and maybe they are similar in construction.  I have a friend that uses them and they work fine.  They wouldn't pass muster in a casino; we don't play in a casino.  These warpstone (that's what the green pips are!) dice look very nice and can be easily read from across the table.  That's all I ask for in dice.

So from the position of the near ignorance we all currently enjoy:

TLDR;  cool Grey Seer on the battletome, new model(?), wouldn't know good terrain from a hole in the ground, pretty dice!

PS:  Every release can't be a Gloomspite release.  GW doesn't have the resources for that.  Just enjoy what you have, play the game, have fun. Hell, my new Beasts didn't even get handy warscroll cards and I'm not complaining.  They're fun!  That's all that matters.
 

[MrZakalwe]

All I'm hoping for is the return of the Verminus Clawpack or another way to protect my weapon teams from ranged attacks. A General trait that allows him to take wounds on nearby Skaven would be good and thematic too (I find my heroes are sniped a little too easily).

Other than that I'm just going to be happy to have Skaven back under one banner.

 

One thing I will say is the Allegiance abilities for mixed Skaven will have to be damned good to make me not take Grand Alliance: Chaos for the Crown of Conquest. 

[5kaven5lave]

I’m sure they did a rumour mill where they teased the word ‘Abomination’ within the last month or two. New HPA?

[michu]

I don't think so, the recent one is quite new and looks good.