The intersection of narrative storytelling and tactical tabletop gaming continues to evolve as Games Workshop introduces a new focal point for the Warhammer Age of Sigmar universe. The latest expansion centers on the “City of Ash,” a setting that pits the forces of order against an encroaching tide of chaos, blending high-fantasy lore with a streamlined approach to miniature wargaming.
At the heart of this release is the Warhammer Age of Sigmar City of Ash battlepack, designed to bridge the gap between casual skirmishes and full-scale army engagements. By integrating specific mission rules with a dedicated game board, the set provides a structured environment for players to experience the conflict within the ruined urban sprawl of the City of Ash.
The release is headlined by the introduction of the Null Myriad Phalanx, a specialized battleforce led by one of the most enduring figures in the setting’s necromantic lore. This addition emphasizes a shift toward more accessible, tactical gameplay through the Spearhead game mode, which allows for faster, tighter matches without sacrificing the complexity of the broader game system.
The Return of Arkhan the Black
Central to the Null Myriad Phalanx is Arkhan the Black, the Mortarch of Sacrament and the most trusted lieutenant of Nagash, the god of death. Arkhan serves as the strategic anchor for this new Ossiarch Bonereapers battleforce, combining mastery over necromantic magic with a formidable military presence.
In this iteration, Arkhan is depicted riding his dread abyssal Razarak, supported by a disciplined array of skeletal warriors. The phalanx is designed to offer a balanced mix of durability and raw power, utilizing the rigid structure of the Ossiarch Bonereapers to overwhelm opponents through attrition and precise magical strikes.
Beyond the leadership of the Mortarch, the phalanx incorporates a Mortisan Soulmason—the architects of the undead—alongside four Morghast Archai, which can be configured as Harbingers depending on the player’s tactical preference. These monsters provide the necessary shock troops to complement the 20 Mortek Guard, the backbone of the legion’s infantry.
Expanding the Tactical Landscape
The City of Ash set is more than a collection of miniatures; it is a comprehensive toolkit for expanding the Age of Sigmar experience. The inclusion of a double-sided game board and specific terrain pieces—including two ruined manors—allows players to recreate the oppressive atmosphere of a fallen city, which directly influences line-of-sight and movement during a match.
To facilitate a quicker entry into the game, the set includes a deck of 36 Spearhead cards and a 72-page handbook. This streamlined system is designed to be compatible across all factions, meaning the terrain and objectives provided in the City of Ash pack can be utilized in any Spearhead game, regardless of which armies are clashing.
| Component Type | Details / Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lead Hero | Arkhan the Black (on Razarak) |
| Support Units | 1 Mortisan Soulmason, 4 Morghast Archai/Harbingers |
| Infantry | 20 Mortek Guard |
| Game Tools | 72-page Handbook, 36 Spearhead cards, Double-sided board |
| Terrain/Objectives | 2 Ruined manors, 5 Relic objectives |
Integration with the Broader Lore
For veteran collectors, the Null Myriad Phalanx serves as a bridge to the wider Age of Sigmar ecosystem. The units within this set are compatible with the Null Myriad Army of Renown, a specific thematic grouping detailed in the upcoming Ossiarch Bonereapers battletome.
The “Army of Renown” mechanic allows players to build forces with a specific narrative identity, granting them unique bonuses or thematic coherence that reflects the lore of the Mortal Realms. By centering the phalanx around Arkhan the Black, Games Workshop is leaning into the “character-driven” aspect of wargaming, where the history of the general is as important as the statistics of the soldiers.
The strategic value of the City of Ash battlepack lies in its versatility. While it provides a complete starting point for new players, the relic objectives and mission-specific rules in the battlepack book offer existing players a way to refresh their campaign narratives, introducing new win conditions and environmental hazards to their tabletop encounters.
Availability for the Null Myriad Phalanx and the associated City of Ash materials is limited to existing stocks, following the standard distribution model for these specialized preview releases.
The next confirmed milestone for the Ossiarch Bonereapers will be the full release and integration of the 2026 battletome, which will further define the roles and abilities of the Null Myriad Army of Renown.
Do you prefer the streamlined approach of Spearhead or the depth of full-scale army battles? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
