Cities of Ash & Null Myriad: AoS's Next Skirmish Wave

The latest dispatch from Games Workshop heralds significant new releases for Warhammer Age of Sigmar, spotlighting the Spearhead: Cities of Ash box and the intriguing Null Myriad Phalanx. This isn't just about new miniatures; it’s about Games Workshop continuing to refine and expand the strategic landscape of the Mortal Realms, offering both narrative depth and mechanical innovation.

Let’s cut straight to the crunch. The *Spearhead* format, as we’ve discussed previously on The Crit Sheet, is more than just a smaller game mode; it’s a deliberate design choice to lower the barrier to entry and provide a focused, rapid-fire experience. The Cities of Ash Spearhead box will undoubtedly deliver a self-contained force, likely centered around a unique hero, a core battleline, and a thematic support unit. For Cities of Sigmar, this means a chance to explore a distinct sub-faction identity without the overhead of a full army. We can anticipate specific command traits, artifacts, or possibly even unique unit profiles that lean into the 'Ash' theme. Will these Freeguilders gain bonuses for fighting in scorched earth territories, or perhaps have abilities that represent a grim resilience forged in the fires of conflict? Given the success of previous Spearhead releases, expect a cohesive, synergistic force designed to hit the table running, offering a taste of the faction's potential without overwhelming new players with the breadth of the main battletome. It’s a brilliant move to keep the game accessible while expanding its narrative scope.

Then there's the Null Myriad Phalanx. This is where things get particularly interesting for veteran Soulblight Gravelords and Ossiarch Bonereapers players alike. The 'Null Myriad' name is historically tied to the Ossiarch Bonereapers, specifically their anti-magic capabilities. Applying this moniker to a formation of Deathrattle Skeletons suggests a fascinating mechanical twist. Could we see Deathrattle units gaining a measure of magical resilience, perhaps a ward save against spells, or even an ability to disrupt enemy incantations? This would be a game-changer for a unit traditionally known for its sheer numbers and ability to tarpit, transforming them into a potent counter-meta option against magic-heavy armies. Imagine a screen of Deathrattle Skeletons shrugging off arcane bolts or even actively unravelling enemy buffs. It introduces a tactical layer that pushes beyond simple attrition, forcing opponents to reconsider their magical supremacy.

From a lore perspective, the Cities of Ash offer rich new ground for storytelling. What kind of city endures such devastation that 'Ash' becomes its defining characteristic? Perhaps these are settlements forged in the aftermath of Kragnos's rampages, or those defending vital but perilous volcanic regions. They could be grim, determined survivors, their faith in Sigmar tempered by hardship, their tactics brutal and pragmatic. This provides fantastic hooks for Game Masters looking to integrate new narrative threads into their Age of Sigmar campaigns, moving beyond the traditional archetypes of the Free Cities. As for the Null Myriad Phalanx, its very existence begs questions: Have necromancers begun to mimic the anti-magic techniques of the Ossiarchs? Is there a burgeoning alliance of convenience, or a stolen secret that empowers these skeletal legions against the arcane? The implications for the wider death factions are profound, hinting at new internal conflicts or emergent threats within Nagash's dominion.

So, is this good for the game? Absolutely. The Cities of Ash Spearhead is a smart entry point, providing a curated experience that highlights a specific faction flavor. It’s perfect for those looking to dip their toes into Cities of Sigmar without needing to parse the latest Cities of Sigmar Battletome immediately. The Null Myriad Phalanx, on the other hand, represents a tactical evolution for a foundational unit type, potentially shaking up the Soulblight Gravelords meta and offering new strategic depth. It’s a clear sign that Games Workshop isn't content to rest on its laurels, constantly seeking ways to inject both mechanical novelty and narrative richness into its flagship fantasy wargame. While Dan Abnett's HIVE pre-orders were part of the same announcement, our focus today is clearly on the tactical and narrative shifts coming to the Mortal Realms.