The Free Cities scattered around the Mortal Realms are shelters against the raging darkness of the Ruinous Powers, the icy shadow of Nagash, and the predations of savage Waaaghs! The vast and bizarre nature of the realms means that no two cities are truly the same – whether raised by Sigmar’s hosts, or survivors from the Age of Chaos, each city must adapt to its surroundings and circumstances in order to survive.
There are 11 Cities of Sigmar famed above all others – though their notoriety does not dilute their stranger aspects in the slightest. Much has been written about the realm-straddling Twin-tailed City of Hammerhal, while the Lumineth are always keen to shine a light on their great experiment in Settler’s Gain, but what of the other realms?
We’ve boiled down the roster of Free Cities to a handful of must-visit locales across the realms.
Situated by the pleasant shores of Lake Lethis, on the underworld isle of Stygxx, the necropolis of Lethis is the place to go if you are curious about life after death. Take a year out and pay your keep by working on the enormous underground bellows, treadwheels and waterworks that power the Raven City’s industry – doing so will guarantee you a burial in a warded tomb, protecting you from the clammy grasp of the Supreme Lord of the Undead.
If you’re just visiting, why not stock up on charms, talismans, and gewgaws made to stave off ghouls, gheists, and spectres galore – just make sure to buy only from authorised Lethisian traders!*
The history of Vindicarum is one written in blind faith and blazing fury – perhaps no surprise, as the city is seated on the inclines of Mount Ketnus, in the Spiral Crux of Chamon. The throat of this dormant volcano is filled with boiling quicksilver, and the giant wall surrounding the caldera is known to locals as the Iron Collar. The scars of past rebellions can still be seen if you know where to look, but the searing zealotry of its citizenry ensures life continues without a hitch.
Make sure to check out the local music scene during your stay – religious songs roll down the shrine-studded sides of the mountain at all hours, creating a vibe like no other. You’ll be belting out hymns with the locals in no time – or else!**
From an ocean of fog peer pinpricks of warm light, and with the smell of salt on the air you know you’re in the seaborne city of Misthåvn. Usually found floating among the Shadrac Convergence near the shores of Klarondu, this drifting metropolis of wooden walkways and ravelled rigging is a refuge for criminals, corsairs, and con artists alike. As such, it’s a great place for a really riotous night out – just keep your wits about you while navigating between its numerous flophouses and gambling dens, as one wrong step could send you tumbling into the chilling waters of Ulgu. If you’re out for a bite to eat in Misthåvn, take our recommendation – the seafood is simply to die for. Sometimes quite literally, given the teeth, claws, and magical venoms of the local fish.
Rising out of the Shimmering Abyss in Aqshy, built atop a vast spire of basalt, Hallowheart is a beacon of Sigmar’s authority – a glamorous city of wealth and wizardry. It is a hotspot for the eccentric mages of the Collegiate Arcane, and a must-visit location if you have even a passing interest in magical history. Bring enough Aqua Ghyranis for trade, and you could even leave in possession of a genuine Agloraxi artefact, probably hardly cursed at all!
Complete your trip at one of the many shrines commemorating the Hallowheart martyrs who lost their lives to the Living Inferno – a sobering reminder of the unbridled power of magic in the Mortal Realms.
There are countless smaller cities that any realm-trotter would be a fool to miss. Hop over to the coastal city of Izaland to see the great wall of fire known as the Everflame, which rises twice the height of a sailing ship! Or take a trip to the Colonnade – make sure you visit the noble, raised terrace-estates of the Above, and the… charmingly authentic… environments of the Below. You can even enjoy the cosmopolitan experience on the move in Shu’gohl, the Crawling City, built around the giant bristling hairs on the back of one of the Great Worms that crawl across the Amber Steppes in Ghur.
The new Cities of Sigmar range will give you everything you need to recreate the defenders of these incredible cities with fantastic new miniatures. Battletome: Cities of Sigmar has rules for all 11 major cities, and their human, duardin, and aelven inhabitants.
* You don’t want to be facing down a banshee with a cheap imitation of an honest spiritual ward.
** If you know what’s good for you, you’ll make sure you brush up on your Sigmarite hymns before visiting.