Royalty has returned in Dawnbringers: Book IV – The Mad King Rises, the latest instalment in the ripsnorting narrative currently overtaking Warhammer Age of Sigmar. The Twin-Tailed Crusade is (somehow) still making progress across the realms, exhausted but unbroken – both prongs redoubling their efforts even as they recover from hard-fought battles.
In Ghyran, the expedition has reached a treacherous mountain range known as the Neck, deep within the territory of New Summercourt. As if delusional ghouls weren’t bad enough, Ushoran’s cannibal court is currently playing host to a delegation of haughty vampiric diplomats, under the watchful gaze of Sekhar, Fang of Nulahmia.
Every vampire of Neferata’s court is a consummate schemer, their eternal unlife devoted to spreading the Mortarch’s venomous influence – but Sekhar’s talent for intrigue outstrips even that of her rivals. As chief diplomat for the Queen of Blood, she bends friends and foes alike to Neferata’s will with powerful hypnotism, spell-laden speech, and subtle subliminal gestures.
Sekhar and her attendants have wormed their way into Ushoran’s court, banking on his respect for nobility, chivalry, and the blood ties between Mortarchs. From here, they syphon the Summerking’s infected blood, sending shipments of “fine wines” out into Sigmarite cities across the Mortal Realms. Sekhar has kept these wheels turning with syrupy speech and careful diversions, but the arrival of the Twin-Tailed Crusade now threatens to throw her meticulous schemes off-balance.
Like all vampires, Sekhar is swift, deadly, and commands deathly magic with ease – skills that are supplemented by her terrifying serpentine familiar. Ouboroth was once a mighty god-serpent, known amongst the underworlds as the Time-Swallower. Sekhar infiltrated and slowly undermined his priesthood, until Nagash could destroy his scaled rival.
A lowly avatar was all that remained, which God of Undeath bequeathed to Sekhar as a gift for her service – and so that she could use her talents to keep Ouboroth placated. The pair work in tandem on the battlefield, their Serpentine Agility causing incoming attacks to miss unless the hit roll is an unmodified 5 or 6.
Though allowing the ever-hungry husk of Ouboroth to sate itself on souls is a risky deed, Sekhar recognises the power it offers. Once per battle, she can unleash The Time-Swallower’s Maw, dealing mortal wounds to enemy units within 6" but sacrificing Serpentine Agility for the rest of the battle.
The first place Sekhar will be available is in the Fangs of the Blood Queen box, which contains Sekhar, three Fell Bats, and 10 Dire Wolves.
Rules for the Fang of Nulahmia will be available as a free download on Warhammer Community. You’ll also find her in Dawnbringers: Book IV – The Mad King Rises, alongside an Army of Renown specifically designed for cabals of vampiric agents (and their beloved pets).
The Mad King Rises also contains plenty more for Death armies, including six Regiments of Renown – one for each Mortarch! Check back in the new year for more coverage.