The Battle of Matorea at Warhammer World

The Warhammer Old World diorama, “The Battle of Matorea,” is a breathtaking tableau that vividly brings to life a dramatic clash between the chivalrous Bretonnian Knights and the ancient, undead legions of the Tomb Kings of Khemri. This expertly crafted scene captures a pivotal moment in what must have been a desperate struggle, highlighting the contrasting aesthetics and fighting styles of these two iconic factions.

Settra the Imperishable lays siege to the coastal city of Matorea with a massive undead host as Cecil Gastonne, the Wyrm Slayer rallies its hopelessly outnumbered defenders. Just as the city’s defences begin to fail, the trumpeting of silver clarions sounds in the east, heralding the arrival of Duke Gastille. Have the duke and his knights arrived in time to lift the siege, or will they join the doomed defenders in a heroic death?

At the heart of the diorama, the Bretonnian Knights, resplendent in their vibrant heraldry and polished plate armor, are depicted mid-charge, lances lowered and banners flying high. The dynamism of their assault is palpable, conveying the sheer force and faith with which these champions of the Lady throw themselves into battle. One can almost hear the thundering hooves and the shouts of “For the Lady!” as they aim to shatter the brittle ranks of their skeletal foes. The diorama likely showcases various knightly orders, perhaps even a Duke or a Grail Knight, leading the charge with unwavering determination, their mounts rearing or galloping furiously into the fray.

Opposing this glorious charge, the Tomb Kings of Khemri present a stark and unsettling contrast. Their skeletal warriors, ancient and unfeeling, form an unyielding tide of bone and rusted bronze. Hierophants and Tomb Princes, perhaps astride macabre chariots or mighty constructs like Ushabti, would be strategically positioned, directing their automaton armies with an eerie, silent resolve. The diorama would no doubt emphasize the sheer numbers of the Tomb Kings, with ranks of skeleton warriors, archers, and perhaps even animated constructs like Screaming Skull Catapults or Necrolith Colossi, adding to the sense of overwhelming, relentless pressure. The bleached bones and dusty, tattered banners of Khemri create an atmosphere of dread and ancient power, starkly contrasting with the vibrant colours of Bretonnia.

“The Battle of Matorea” isn’t just a collection of miniatures; it’s a narrative frozen in time. The composition likely draws the viewer’s eye to key points of conflict – a Bretonnian Knight’s lance impaling a skeletal champion, a Foot Knight desperately defending a standard against a tide of mummified horrors, or a magical duel between a Bretonnian Damsel and a Liche Priest. Through meticulous detail and expert painting, the diorama effectively conveys the chaos, heroism, and horror of war in the Old World, making it a truly immersive and captivating piece for any Warhammer enthusiast. It serves as a testament to the rich lore and enduring appeal of the setting, particularly the epic conflicts that define its factions.

More photographs of The Battle of Matorea.

Ork Battlewagon

A Battlewagon is a catch-all term used for any type of Ork assault tank and heavy armoured troop transport. The term Battlewagon seems to refer overall to a category of large Ork armoured vehicles. A Battlewagon can be wheeled, tracked or a combination of the two and is used in many battlefield roles. It always carries a large complement of weapons.

Sometimes these armaments are just Big Shootas, while on other vehicles they are large Killkannons. Battlewagons possess thick armour plating, multiple turrets and death rollers or rams. They also carry mobs of Ork Boyz, either internally or clinging onto its many handholds.

Photographs from Warhammer World.

More photographs of Ork Battlewagons.

Workbench feature on one of my Battlewagons.

The Dropsite Massacre

Within the Urgall Depression, the Salamanders fall back from their faltering attack on the Warmaster’s fortress, expecting the newly arrived Second Wave to bolster the assault and finally break Horus’ defences. Instead, Vulkan’s warriors unknowingly turn back towards their annihilation – the guns of the Iron Warriors arrayed against them in betrayal. Their presumed allies unleash a ruthless barrage of fire into the Salamanders’ lines, turning the black sands into a mire soaked with Nocturnean blood.

Warlord Battle Titan at the Dropsite Massacre

Originally planning to show the pivotal moment of the betrayal, the Warhammer World Studio instead decided to set this diorama late in the battle in order to convey the absolute devastation caused. Panels of trackway, providing access to rapidly deployed emplacements, were built to reflect the Iron Warriors expertise at engineering and siege warfare.

Over a thousand casualties were created for this diorama. One set was converted in a range of static poses, and cast in resin. A second set, with only bodies and legs were also assembled, then moulds made and hundreds cast in resin, before individually adding the arms, heads anc backpacks in different poses.

Orc Boar Boyz

These Orc Boar Boyz were on display at Warhammer World.

Orc Boar Boyz

Orc Boar Boyz represent the devastating, bad-tempered shock cavalry of the Orc & Goblin Tribes. Riding into battle atop ferocious War Boars—beasts so foul-tempered and thick-skulled that they are just as likely to gore an enemy as the Orc riding them is to hack them apart—these heavy cavalry units excel at breaking enemy lines through sheer brute force. A well-timed charge from these heavily armoured green skins can easily trample the disciplined infantry blocks of the Old World into the mud.

Ironhead Squat Prospectors Skalvian Explorator

Built to withstand the brutal expanse of the Great Equatorial Wastes, the Skalvian Explorator is a testament to Ironhead Squat engineering. Part heavy-duty excavator, part armored fortress, this all-terrain behemoth excels at tearing wealth from the ash wastes and hauling it back alive. While the Squats are legendary gunsmiths, the Explorator proves that when you wrap heavy mining machinery in thick enough armor, you get a vehicle that can trade blows with the deadliest war machines Necromunda has to offer.

More photographs of the Ironhead Squat Prospectors Skalvian Explorator.

Empire of Man Witch Hunter

I was placing an order with Games Workshop and looking for something to add to ensure I could get free delivery. I found the online only Empire of Man Witch Hunter which I thought for £9 was cheap for Games Workshop.

This kit contains 3 metal components. I have to say I wasn’t clear if the two weapons had to be attached to the model, or if it was a choice. Looking over the web page on the Warhammer site, that didn’t really help. Searching Google also didn’t bring much to the situation. In the end I decided it was a choice and I went with the smaller sword and pistol rather than the great sword.

The next stage will be adding some scenic sand to the base and then undercoating the model.

Goblin Wolf Rider Mob

Goblin Wolf Rider Mob

Across the desolate reaches of the Badlands and the dark canopies of the Great Forest, many Goblin tribes reject permanent settlements entirely, preferring a life of perpetual migration. They travel in immense, ramshackle caravans of creaking wagons, held together by spit, sinew, and stolen iron. To survive this hostile nomadic existence, these Goblins have mastered the taming of Giant Wolves—monstrous, agile predators bred for endurance and cruelty. Ahead of the main horde ride the Wolf Rider scouts, operating in lean, hungry packs. They are the eyes of the tribe, identifying enemy vulnerabilities and picking off isolated stragglers. On the battlefield, they are masters of harassment; they do not stand and fight, but instead encircle their prey, unleashing a hail of crude arrows before charging in to exploit the chaos. By the time the enemy prepares to strike back, the Wolf Riders have already vanished into the wilderness, leaving nothing but the wounded and the dead in their wake.

Legio Custodes Ares Gunship

The Ares Gunship is a potent terror weapon, bypassing enemy armies as it blazes over their lines in the shadow of its eclipse shields.

Legio Custodes Ares Gunship

Using its immensely destructive Arachnus magna-blaze cannon against the monuments and edifices which an enemy culture hold most dear to their hearts, it strikes a decisive blow against their will to wage war.

Legio Custodes Ares Gunship

This heavily-armed super-heavy gunship is ideal for taking out large targets such as monsters and vehicles, and even packs enough of punch to take down the void shields of Titans. It is protected by its eclipse shield, making it nigh-on impervious to return fire.

This Forge World model was on display at Warhammer World.

Orc Boyz

The battlefield trembles as Orc Boyz coalesce into unruly, rag-tag mobs, driven by a deafening chorus of bellows and war cries.

Orc Boyz

With zero regard for formation or tactical discipline, these frenzied regiments surge forward in a chaotic, enthusiastic tidal wave of green flesh. Clutched in their calloused fists are heavy, crude hand weapons—jagged choppas, rusted cleavers, and spiked clubs—paired with massive, dented iron shields. They do not fight with grace or finesse; instead, they hack, stab, and relentlessly batter their way through the enemy lines, relying on sheer mass and ferocious momentum to pulverize anything in their path.