Most Darkling Covens centre around a single powerful Sorceress; these despots may have apprentice spellcasters and captains, but their rule is absolute. Such is the supernatural charisma of the mistress of a Darkling Coven that almost anyone might fall under her spell.

There are many ways to travel the path of wisdom. Some fast and meditate for years, others study obscure and arcane tomes, but for a few their true path lies in martial prowess

Alchemite Warforgers are specialist wizards who wield the raw energies of Chamon. As muscular and sweaty as any mundane blacksmith, these mages pluck glowing runecubes from their crucibles, channelling metallurgic magic to destroy their foes. Their arcane alchemy can change the properties of not only metal, but reality itself.

Ironweld Great Cannons are massive artillery pieces, which act as the roaring bastions of a Castelite formation. Protected by thick oaken gun-shields affixed to the cannon's fore, the crew tirelessly load, fire, and reload their weapon to ensure a relentless barrage of firepower upon the enemy.

Fusil-Majors borne into battle by Ogor Warhulks forming the mobile watchtowers of a Castelite formation, using their lumbering vantage points to spy weaknesses in the enemy line and direct the fire of friendly forces. The obvious threat posed by a massive ogor carrier is usually enough to make any foe think twice about storming a Fusil-Major's fortified position.

Freeguild Steelhelms are the rank and file defenders of the Cities of Sigmar, and the determined heart of the Dawnbringer Crusades – ordinary men and women, tasked with battling all manner of nightmares. These weatherbeaten soldiers may be individually outmatched by the myriad threats arrayed against their mission to retake the realms, but they have three things on their side: discipline, determination, and their faith in Sigmar.

Freeguild Command Corps are groups of experts, champions, and other aides-de-camp, called upon by their Freeguild Marshal to offer battlefield advice and assistance. These specialist soldiers range from towering Arch-Knight champions to priestly Soul Shepherds, from vital War Surgeons to sinister Whisperblades. Whether acting as a retinue or operating independently, together they are a force far greater than the sum of its parts.

The Cities of Sigmar are embattled metropolises founded by free mortals across every one of the realms. These disparate alliances of humans, duardin, aelves, and even ogors battle not only to survive, but to muster grand expeditions and establish new strongholds in Sigmar’s name. They fight with blade and bolt, wonders of military technology, and blistering storms of magic. Above all, the Cities of Sigmar win their wars through sheer indomitable spirit. Whether defending their hard-won fortress-cities or marching into the wilderness as a Dawnbringer Crusade, they spend their lives to relight the dying embers of civilisation.

Freeguild Cavalier-Marshals command their Free City's forces from horseback, and are nigh-unstoppable on the charge. They galloping hard into the enemy, seeking the perfect moment to collapse their battleline in a single decisive attack. Though they often carry the weight of a Dawnbringer Crusade upon their shoulders, these Marshals are inspiring champions who are well used to leading by example.

Freeguild Marshals are experts in the art of war, veteran commanders entrusted with the defence of their Free City. Those who lead from the front are perhaps the most heroic of all, and when battlelines clash, their skill with sword, hammer, and pistol swiftly becomes clear. The respect they have won from their soldiers is stronger than any shield, and their Relic Envoys ensure that orders always get where they are needed.

Freeguild Fusiliers are disciplined gunners, trained to plant their heavy pavise shields in the ground and form a defensive line that is effectively a fortress battlement brought to the field. From this position, ranked Fusiliers can unleash continuous volleys of fire, their sturdy fusil-cannons belching hot death and drifting clouds of blackpowder smoke.

Deep in the city of Excelsis lie several wards sealed off on pain of death, areas forever blighted by Tzeentchian sorceries left in the wake of the traitor Ortam Vermyre's uprising.