Age of Sigmar: Chaos Ascendant – Slaves to Darkness Units to Watch
Chaos is getting a significant upgrade in their new Slaves to Darkness battletome, and a few units that can’t be ignored.
The Slaves to Darkness have always been a powerful army, and that’s about to get turned up to 11. Their new battletome is being officially released in a few weeks, and their new rules are off the charts. Between upgraded heroes, an awesome new Eye of the Gods table, and even some brand-new units, Archaon’s forces have never been better. There are a few units in the new book to watch that rise above even their fellow warriors in power and utility. I am not a competitive player, so take my thoughts with a grain of salt, but these are my favorite non-unique units in the new book.
Chaos Lord on Karkadrak
The rhino lord has been one of my favorite Chaos models since its initial release, and it’s even deadlier in the new battletome. While it did lose a bit of durability with the loss of its axe heal, its offensive and support powers have been vastly improved. All of its attacks have an increased Rend, making it a much deadlier prospect once it hits combat.
Its nastiest change, however, is the “The Knights of Chaos” command ability. It now gives the Lord Always Strikes First on the turn it charges and allows a nearby unit of knights or chariots to fight immediately after it. That means you get two deadly units making their attacks, and THEN you get to pick another unit as your first activation. That will probably make this character a priority target for your enemy, but if it makes it to the lines with a buddy squad nearby, it can delete whatever you point it at.
Chaos Chosen
As if the new models these guys are getting wasn’t enough, the Chaos Chosen had one of the most significant glowups in the book. They gained an extra wound, an extra point of Bravery, and a higher save for the cost of a slightly lowered movement. Their weapons are nastier as well, now dealing two damage instead of just one, and once per battle, they can fight a second time at the end of the combat phase. Probably best of all, they start the game with a buff from the Eye of the Gods table, and they became Battleline in the Host of the Everchosen subfaction. These are pretty much an auto-include for me, especially as a Retinue for a Chaos Lord on foot.
Ogroid Theridons
The new kids on the block, these totally-not-minotaurs are a welcome addition to the Chaos lineup. You can choose between the defensive option with falchion and shield or go hooves to the grooves with great weapons. They finally give the Myrmidon some friends and make for a good semi-retinue for the big berserker. They’re a great anvil in an army full of hammers, so having at least one unit is never a bad idea, Myrmidon or not. And if you’re playing Beasts of Chaos, they make cool Minotaurs if you don’t like the current models.
What Slaves to Darkness units are your favorite?
