Once, the trollkin were a united people. Their untamed tribes were known as the Morgul, and the only thing they had in common was their worship of the Devourer Worm. Over time, they became civilised, embracing the goddess Dhunia. Some would even say the trollkin became too civilised, allowing themselves to be betrayed by man. Now, they are determined to defend their territories fiercely, and many of them have turned their backs on both Cygnaran King Leto and the blackclad druids they once trusted.

The Trollbloods Warpack is a starter pack for the Hordes miniatures battle game. It includes a large sheet with quick start rules printed on one side and an illustration and some pictures on the other, five datacards (two for the warlock and one for each of the other models) and four miniatures: chief Madrak Ironhide (a trollblood warlock), two impaler light warbeasts and one axer light warbeast. Unfortunately, no dice are included and neither is a tape measure, but most gamers will already own those items. Also, the figurines included in this set are sufficient for one player, so an adversary and his own horde of models will also be needed.

Madrak Ironhide is regarded by many as the greatest leader in the history of the eastern trollkin, even though his star amongst his cousins in the south has waned somewhat ever since he allied himself with King Leto, who convinced Madrak to relocate without keeping up his own end of the bargain. Chief Ironhide is still a formidable foe, however. Costing 64 points, this model has the Crusher feat, which allows friendly Trollblood models within his control area to move 1” and make an additional melee attack without having to expend fury points. However, since this only works after destroying an enemy, this feat is of limited use and careful players will make sure their miniatures aren’t stuck close together when fighting Madrak. Madrak has several magical items in his possession: the Scroll of Grindar’s Perseverance (which avoids any damage from one attack once per game), the Talisman of Subdual (which protects Madrak from charges and slam attacks), and his great axe, Rathrok, which can be used as both a melee weapon and a thrown weapon (target warlocks can’t transfer damage after a critical hit, one additional attack against models within 4” may be made after a successful attack and minis normally affected by magic can be hit). Madrak also has the Tough special ability. He can cast three different spells. This intricate model consists of three parts (Madrak’s body, his head and the hand that holds Rathrok). All of these fit together perfectly. Madrak looks like a cross between a small troll and something out of Terry Gilliam’s Brasil or a Nine Inch Nails video. His arms are spread wide open, with Rathrok held in his right hand and the Talisman of Subdual in his left hand. Madrak wears a superbly sculpted robe, but his left chest is mostly left bare. He looks defiant, angrily clenching his pointed teeth.

The impaler warbeasts are living artillery pieces. Their deadly battle spears not only have an extended reach, but can be thrown up to a range of 8 inches. As long as they can be kept in check and only feast on the bodies of fallen enemies, their regenerative abilities and great strength (STR 9) will often help them carry the day. Being trolls, these models are a little bigger than Madrak is and come in no less than six parts (upper body, lower body, right hand with spear, left arm, head and quiver with spears) and a base. Some putty will be needed to fill in the gaps. Unfortunately, unlike the light warbeasts in – for example – the Circle of Orberos Warpack – both models are identical. This is a shame, as Hordes is mainly aimed at smaller battles. In wargames like Warhammer, it doesn’t matter that much if some of the rank and file models are identical, but in Hordes, it’s more fun if all miniatures are different. Both impalers have raised their spears above their heads. They have Mohawks and wear partial armour. Upon close examination, there are some interesting details, like the bandages around their feet, the rope around their spears, their belts and the texture of their studded leather, but some imperfections on the skin are noticeable. However, these won’t be obvious after painting. Both warbeasts are less detailed than Madrak is, but then again they aren’t as important to the horde either.

Because of the size and point value involved, the last model in this horde is not a heavy warbeast, but a light one. Trained by the smarter trollkin, the carnivorous axers can make one melee attack with their Great Axes against every model within melee range. With a Strength of 9, an ARM rating of 18 and their regenerative abilities, that is a pretty powerful advantage. It’s obvious, though, that smart opponents will keep a reasonable distance between the models in their hordes, as this entire Warpack is most effective against enemies who stick close together. Despite being a light warbeast, this axer is bigger than his two impaler brethren, but it comprised of less parts: a lower body, an upper body, two hands holding its axe, an upper left arm, a head and a base. This reviewer has never liked to assemble miniatures, preferring single-piece models, but casting figurines in multiple parts certainly has its advantages. Just as we have come to expect from Privateer Press, there is almost no excess metal. However, assembly can be a little difficult because the hands and arms have to fit nicely together. When assembled, this is a nice-looking model, wielding an impressive axe and a feral facial expression.

This is a nice Warpack that includes four pretty big and appropriately tough-looking models, two of which are unfortunately identical. It offers an easy way to start a Trollblood horde, though.

For more information, see www.privateerpress.com.

Dirk Vandereyken