The Great War Against Chaos was an apocalyptic event during which the forces of Chaos poured into the Old World, bringing it nearly to an end. It was only a coalition of the good that managed to stem the tide – but nothing would be the same again.
Among many other things to change in the wake of this nightmarish conflict, the haughty High Elves finally decided to teach man the secrets of the arcane, setting up the eight Colleges of Magic to channel the eight corresponding winds.
But in the Warhammer: The Old World timeline, the true power of Chaos is a dark, distant spec on the horizon, decades away. As are the Colleges of Magic – but Wizards still practise throughout the realms of Man.
The status of Wizards varies greatly from one province to another. In the Reikland, seat of the Cult of Sigmar, magic is almost universally outlawed and its practitioners are often burnt at the stake as witches. In neighbouring Talabecland, by contrast, where the worship of Taal is commonplace, Wizards enjoy greater freedom.
Superstition and distrust of their powers is rife among common folk, leading most sensible Wizards to seek the favour and protection of Imperial nobles and military officers. Practitioners of magic can be found in courts and barracks across the Empire, masquerading as wise advisers and trusted counsellors, only revealing the extent of their powers when called upon in battle.
You might recognise elements of the eight Winds of Magic among these three wizards and their homunculi… The first is a Battle Wizard in the colours of Middenheim accompanied by an overloaded gnomish familiar. Do we detect a whiff of Azyr about him?
The second wizard and his toad assistant is an Elementalist reminiscent of both Ghyran and Ghur – fitting for a figure who channels wild nature magic.
Our third character is a Necromancer, though she’s clearly (?) one of the virtuous ones who uses the Wind of Death solely in aid of mankind and for no other reason. Her skeleton familiar is suspiciously short; pay that no mind.
All three Wizards will be available at some point in the new year. They’re sold individually (accompanied by their familiars, of course) and are made from Forge World Resin.
