Age of Sigmar: Skirmish Review

In today’s post I’ll be covering Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Skirmish. I’ll be going over what it is, what it’s not, and whether it’s still viable in 2nd Edition. I’ll also be going over a few narrative ideas to help flush out this great little book.

What this book isn’t:

This game is not the fantasy version of 40K’s Kill Team or Shadow War. It does not have complex narrative or character development. This game does have a campaign system in it, but it’s not a narrative campaign. So if you’re looking for that kind of game; you’ll be disappointed.



What this book is:

This is a $10 book that gives you a brief synopsis of the mortal realms. Then it gives you some lore about the city of Shadespire, located in the Realm of Death. Which is the setting for the campaign contained in the book. There’s a section that has some modified rules for battle shock and summonable units. Then the campaign rules, battle plans, etc. The last few pages are points values for most of the models released at the time it was printed. That about sums it up. After all, it’s only a $10 book that came out during first edition. However, I think it’s a great place to get started in the hobby.

Is it still viable now that second edition is out?

Yes, Skirmish uses the core rules for Age of Sigmar, which you can still download for free on Games Workshop.

Why would I start with skirmish instead of buying the starter box?

It depends on the amount of disposable income you have available to you. The current starter box is $160. Granted it’s a great buy, but it might be too steep of a price for someone just starting off in the hobby. You might also like the aesthetic of an army that doesn’t come in the starter box; but are intimidated by the daughting task of buying, assembling, priming, and painting an army’s worth of miniatures. All for a game you may end up not wanting to play anyway.

Skirmish allows you to buy a box of models for an army you actually want to collect, and do battle. So for me, that’s a win if you’re on a tight budget like I am. It also helps if you can't decide on an army out right. This way you can start collecting something, without commiting too much cash to it.

What if I’m torn between two factions I want to collect?

Well the good news there is that you can build your warband from ANY faction. As long as they are from the same Grand Alliance. Meaning you can build a really unique warband. Which is honestly my favorite part.

What if a model I have is not in the book?

Gamesworkshop solved this problem already. Take that unit's point cost, and divide it by five for heros.

That means I can bring my Excelsior Warpriest!!

Is the campaign fun?

The campaign is a blast! I really enjoy building my warband through out the course of it. Think of it more as an escalation campaign, with the clashing of swords drawing more followers in after every battle.

You said you had narrative play ideas?

I do, there’s a blurb for each battle plan that tells a brief story, kind of, through out the campaign.
It also gives you reasons why warbands venture there in the lore. Artifacts, treasures, etc. So, if you’re looking to add more of a back story for your warband. There’s really nothing stopping you, other than your imagination.

One idea I had was about a band of Scourge Privateers being ship wrecked along the coast near Shadspire. Shadespire is quasi-close to a sea on the map of the Realm of Death so it works. They decide to travel to Shadespire out of necessity. After all, they’re ship wrecked in the Realm of Death, and stand a strong chance of dying if they don’t find shelter. Once there they discover some Shadeglass. Which basically captures your soul when you die. So that you don’t end up in Nagash’s army. Their reason for taking the Shadeglass is two fold.

1: So they won’t have to spend eternity in Nagah’s legions.
2: To escape Slanesh should they die outside the realm of death.

They, however, must face a necromancer and his band of skeletons. The Necromancer believes he is tasked with ensuring that no mortal leaves Shadespire with any Shadeglass, or alive for that matter.

Your narrative doesn’t have to be complex. Which is nice. Especially if you and a buddy want to get a good story in on a Saturday afternoon.

All in all, I believe skirmish is worth the $10 price tag. It’s a staple of games played at my house and with friends looking to get into Age of Sigmar.

Until next time,
-Ben