Dave, Ian, and I decided to start a slow grow campaign. Ian, who has just started out, wants to get some games in but wants to keep the growth at a slow pace (understandably so considering the cost of our toys).

We’ve now been joined by Joe, which brings our merry little band to four. Joe will be collecting the French.

The campaign will begin at 500 points each, then progress to 1,000 and 1,500 points. They’ll be 3 games each at each points level, with each playing the other once and then a Triumph & Treachery game to round off that points level. I’m sure we won’t at all be keeping track who wins what at each level…..

You can check out our first posts below if you want to get caught up:

• Peter: Dwarfs Part 1
• Ian: Warriors of Chaos Part 1
• Dave: Skaven Part 1
• Peter: Dwarfs Part 2 (Rangers)

I’ve now managed to finish the first unit of Warriors, the Ironwardens.

I decided to take my time on both the building and painting of this unit, so the whole unit is equipped with identical Shields to give them some uniformity in regards to their clan. The shield design was then replicated on the banner on freehand.

The Champion had a simple arm swap with some Ironbreaker arms to make him a little more unique.

The freehand banner was done first by getting the banner painted in the usual Castellan green. Once this had dried, I sketched out the anvil design in pencil and then filled it in with paint.

The Ironwardens: Defenders of Karak Zhul’Baraz

Unit Name: The Ironwardens

Location: Karak Zul’Baraz, located in the eastern peaks of the World’s Edge Mountains.

Motto: “By Stone and Iron, We Endure.”

Background: The Ironwardens hail from the ancient Dwarf hold of Karak Zul’Baraz, a fortress known for its deep mines rich in gemstones and its formidable defences. Clan Dull Huddan makes up the ranks of the Ironwardens. Dull Huddan translates roughly as “Enduring Stone” in the ancient Khazalid tongue, reflecting the clan’s values of endurance, resilience, and unyielding strength.

Founded thousands of years ago during the early years of the Dwarfen Empire, Clan Dull Huddan has always been known for its masterful stonecraft and unwavering defence of their hold. Unlike other Dwarfen clans who focus primarily on mining or trade, the clan prides itself on its ability to defend what’s theirs, standing as an immovable bulwark against any who would dare threaten their lands.

The Ironwardens are not just warriors; they are also master engineers and stonemasons, capable of repairing fortifications mid-battle or setting traps that can turn the tide of an engagement. This combination of martial prowess and engineering skill makes them a versatile and deadly force on the battlefield.

Appearance: Each Ironwarden is clad in armour forged from the finest heavy armour, created from exceptionally rare and durable metal mined from the deepest shafts of Karak Zul’Baraz. Their shields are emblazoned with the clan’s rune, a symbol of a hammer striking an anvil.

Tactics and Roles: The Ironwardens excel in defensive warfare, often forming the core of the battle line during sieges or when holding strategic locations. Their ability to hold ground is legendary, and they are often the last to retreat, if they retreat at all. When on the attack, they move slowly and deliberately, using their knowledge of terrain and fortifications to outmanoeuvre and outlast their enemies.

Notable Campaigns
The Defense of the Everfrost Gate: One of the most famous battles involving the Ironwardens was the Defense of the Everfrost Gate. During a brutal winter, a massive Greenskin horde led by the notorious Warboss Gromgut attempted to breach the gates of Karak Zul’Baraz. The Ironwardens held the line for seven days and nights without relief, their axes cutting down wave after wave of attackers. In the end, the horde was broken, and Warboss Gromgut was slain in single combat by Thane Durak Dull Huddan, the Ironwarden’s leader.

The Siege of Redstone Keep: When the Skaven of Clan Mors attempted to tunnel into Redstone Keep, a Dwarven outpost critical to the defense of the eastern mountains, the Ironwardens were called upon to assist. They not only repelled the initial assault but also counter-tunneled into the Skaven’s own network, collapsing the tunnels and crushing the invaders under tons of stone.

Leadership: The current leader of the Ironwardens is Thane Durak Dull Huddan, a battle-hardened warrior who has led his kin through some of the darkest times in the clan’s history. Durak is known for his strategic mind as well as his unyielding determination, embodying the very spirit of Clan Dull Huddan.

Under Durak’s leadership, the Ironwardens have become more than just defenders of their hold; they are a symbol of hope and defiance for all Dwarvenkind. When the Ironwardens march to war, their allies know that the battle will be fought with honour and that they will never stand alone.