Tomb Kings

Lore & Background

Long ago, the great empire of Nehekhara flourished under the rule of powerful Pharaohs who commanded armies that could rival any force in the known world. However, hubris and a forgotten curse led to its downfall, leaving only ruins and mummified corpses beneath the scorching sun. For millennia, these warriors slept within their tombs, guarded by magical wards and animated constructs, waiting for a time they would be needed once more. The awakening of the Tomb Kings is often attributed to the machinations of dark necromancers or the shifting tides of magic in the world. When the seals are broken, the Pharaohs rise from their sarcophagi, commanding legions of Skeleton Warriors and elite Mummies that never tire, never fear, and never break. They seek not just survival, but the restoration of their empire's former dominion, viewing all living races as usurpers who must be purged to make way for the eternal rule of the dead.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled through the canyon, carrying the scent of dry dust and ancient decay. High Priestess Kaelen watched as the massive stone doors of the tomb groaned open, revealing a blinding light that was not sunlight, but the glow of necromantic fire. From the shadows emerged the Pharaoh, his golden mask gleaming under the stars, flanked by rows of skeletal soldiers standing at rigid attention. 'The living have forgotten us,' the Pharaoh's voice echoed, sounding like grinding stones. 'But today, they shall remember.' As the first arrow flew from a distant village, the army moved as one, a wave of death rising to reclaim what was theirs.

Reader's Guide

The Tomb Kings excel at overwhelming enemies with sheer numbers and magical superiority. Their core infantry consists of Skeleton Warriors, which are cheap to recruit but fragile, requiring careful management in battle. Elite units like Mummies provide high defense and resistance to magic, while Scorpion Chariots offer devastating ranged damage that can decimate enemy formations. Strategically, players should focus on rapid expansion early on, utilizing the 'Raise Dead' mechanic to replenish armies after battles without returning to a capital city. In multiplayer, their ability to summon endless waves of skeletons forces opponents to adapt quickly or be overrun. Magic is central to their playstyle; abilities like 'Ankh of Rebirth' can save key units from death, while 'Winds of Change' provides powerful buffs to the entire army. Their weakness lies in their lack of mobility compared to faster factions and vulnerability to fire-based attacks. Players must balance aggression with defense, ensuring their expensive heroes and monsters are protected by a shield wall of skeletons.

Did You Know?

• The Tomb Kings were originally created for the Warhammer Fantasy Battles tabletop game before being adapted into Total War: Warhammer II.
• Their armies often include giant constructs like Stone Guardians, which act as living siege engines on the battlefield.
• Unlike other undead factions, Tomb King units do not suffer from morale breaks in the same way, making them relentless in combat.