The Slaves to Darkness march across the Mortal Realms in the names of Archaon Everchosen, Be'lakor the Dark Master, and the Gods of Chaos themselves, ever-fighting to crush Sigmar's oppressive notions of peace. They have suffered and sacrificed to conquer this land – and inflicted untold suffering in turn. Now none will halt their renewed advance – the armoured tread of their warriors, bone-shaking hooves of knights, and grinding chariot wheels storm across the battlefield in a relentless tide.

The lives of the Fyreslayers revolve around battle, for these grizzled duardin mercenaries will fight on behalf of any who meet their price in gold. Renowned for their fearsome tempers and unrivalled martial skills, the Fyreslayers seek treasure to gather the essence of their long-lost deity, Grimnir. Inspired by Battlesmiths bellowing the deeds of their forebears, stalwart Hearthguard warriors and unyielding Vulkite Berzerkers charge into battle, craving glory and gold alike.

From the blood-soaked wilds of the Mortal Realms, they come, the merciless reavers of the Darkoath. Counted among the dreaded Slaves to Darkness, these fearsome human tribes have sworn vows of carnage and butchery beneath the gaze of their malevolent gods, and they will fulfil them at any cost – for if they fail, their souls are forfeit. Descendants of those unfortunate humans left behind when Sigmar retreated behind the Gates of Azyr, the Darkoath entered into pacts with the deities of ruin to endure the unendurable. As merciless as they are proud, they launch raids from their Chaos-corrupted homelands, fulfilling oaths of slaughter and vengeance.

Ogroid Theridons serve as fearsome shock troops to the armies of Chaos, found wherever the fighting is thickest, carving swathes of ruin through the enemy ranks with staggering strength and skill. Once rulers of a mighty empire that stretched across the Realm of Beasts, the goroans were enticed into Archaon's service by promises of a new homeland, free from orruk invasions – a realm that came to be called the Eightpoints. Now better-known as ogroids, they raise dark citadels, forge mighty weapons, and serve as overseers in the shadow of the Varanspire.

Known across the Realms for their prowess in battle and absolute lack of fear when faced with enemies that tower over their stout forms, Vulkite Berzerkers are rightly feared by their enemies.

Incredibly powerful elite warriors, possibly the strongest in their lodges, the Hearthguard Berzerkers are the first to heed the call of Fyreslayers’ battle horns.

Exalted Heroes of Chaos are battle-tested warriors whose deeds have caught the notice of the gods – and now seek to make a true name for themselves. Determined to win glory and divine favour, they seek out towering monsters and challenge storied champions, for only by slaying a truly worthy foe can an Exalted Hero prove their own might and earn a place in eternity.

Warlords of incredible power and menace in their own right, the Varanguard have grown into creatures of immense cruelty over many lifetimes of merciless slaughter and conquest.

Spoken of in fearful whispers by warlords and kings, Archaon is the shadow of Chaos falling upon the Mortal Realms. Greatest of the Dark Gods’ champions, the Exalted Grand Marshal of the Apocalypse, he is the Everchosen - the doom of all.

The Blade of the First Prince was one of Archaon’s loyal Varanguard – a champion of the Eighth Circle known as Atarus – until he renounced the Everchosen and swore fealty to the Dark Master. Destroyed and reborn by Be'lakor's sorcery, he became Eternus – the chosen agent of the First Prince. The lord of traitors now rides at the head of Be'lakor's legions, crushing rivals in battle and commanding a vast network of spies and agents. Even death cannot halt his machinations, for each time Eternus is slain, he is reborn in a flash of black lightning – a cruel parody of Sigmar's Stormcast Eternals.

Grimhold Exiles are the survivors of fallen magmaholds, warriors who fight to honour their lost kin with each blazing hammer-strike. So inspiring and tragic are these individuals, they are often accompanied by a band of dedicated warriors from other magmaholds who proudly follow them into battle.

Daemon Princes were once mortal champions of Chaos, elevated to eternal daemonhood as a coveted reward from their mercurial patrons. Each of these corrupt monstrosities is a walking testament to the infernal power of Chaos, an immortal warlord blessed with manifold malevolent gifts throughout their long and treacherous Path to Glory. A Daemon Prince soars or strides across the battlefield like an omen of doom, unleashing all the warp-forged weaponry, monstrous strength, and unholy sorcery at their disposal.