We are the Slaves to Darkness, the chosen warriors of chaos, bound by our devotion to the Ruinous Powers. We embrace the gifts of darkness, forging our strength from the chaos that consumes the realms.
Whether we are brutal marauders, twisted sorcerers, or relentless knights, we fight for glory, power, and the promise of eternal life beyond death. Our ranks swell with the corrupted and the ambitious, all united in our relentless pursuit of domination.
Who Are the Slaves to Darkness?
The Slaves to Darkness are a formidable faction in the Age of Sigmar, dedicated to the worship of the Ruinous Powers of Chaos.
Composed of mortals who have surrendered themselves to the dark gods, they embody the raw, unpredictable forces of chaos. This faction includes a diverse array of warriors, from brutal marauders and relentless knights to powerful sorcerers.
United by their ambition and the promise of power, the Slaves to Darkness seek to conquer and reshape the realms in their dark gods’ image.
With a focus on strength and resilience, they are relentless warriors, thriving on the chaos that fuels their existence.
What Are Slaves to Darkness Army Strengths?
The Slaves to Darkness army boasts several strengths, primarily their versatility and resilience. They can field a wide range of units, from heavily armored warriors like Chaos Knights to powerful spellcasters, allowing for varied tactical approaches.
Their ability to combine melee and magic effectively makes them adaptable to different battlefield situations. Additionally, many Slaves to Darkness units have strong leadership and morale, often able to withstand heavy losses and regroup effectively.
However, they also have weaknesses. Many units can be expensive in points, limiting the number of models on the battlefield.
Their reliance on close combat can leave them vulnerable to ranged attacks, requiring careful positioning and strategic planning to mitigate these challenges.
Furthermore, while they can be powerful, their effectiveness often hinges on the presence of key characters or units, making them susceptible to targeted enemy actions.
Where Should Beginners Start?
If you’re starting your collection of Slaves to Darkness as a beginner, consider these key models:
- Chaos Warriors: These durable infantry units are the backbone of many Slaves to Darkness armies, offering solid combat capabilities and resilience on the battlefield.
- Chaos Knights: Fast and heavily armored, these cavalry units can hit hard and disrupt enemy lines, adding mobility and striking power to your force.
- Dark Omen of Chaos: This character can provide valuable buffs to your units and enhance your army’s magic, making it an essential addition for strategic play.
- Varanguard: These elite warriors offer incredible combat prowess and versatility, making them powerful assets in any Slaves to Darkness army.
How To Paint Slaves to Darkness
Here are some painting tips for new Slaves to Darkness players:
Color Scheme Ideas
- Dark and Sinister: Start with a base coat of black for the armor and skin of your Chaos Warriors. Highlight with dark metallics, like gunmetal or bronze, to give a weathered, battle-worn look. Use a deep red or purple for cloaks and banners, adding splashes of brighter colors for details like glowing eyes or runes. Finish with a wash of dark brown or black to enhance shadows and create a grimy, sinister appearance.
- Chaos Corruption: Use a base coat of muted green or brown for the skin to reflect the taint of chaos. Highlight with lighter shades of green or yellow to emphasize the grotesque features. Paint armor in dark gray or rusted metallics, using washes to enhance depth. Add vibrant colors like bright pinks or blues for details, such as mutations or glowing symbols, to create a striking contrast against the darker tones.
- Twisted Elegance: Begin with a base coat of dark blue or purple for the armor, creating a regal yet ominous appearance. Highlight with lighter shades of blue or silver for a polished effect. Use deep reds or golds for fabric and banners, adding intricate patterns or symbols to enhance the look. Finish with a wash to bring out details, emphasizing the balance between elegance and chaos.
Painting Techniques
- Base Coating: Start with a solid base coat to establish the primary colors of your models. Use dark colors like black, deep red, or muted greens for armor and skin to reflect the sinister nature of the Slaves to Darkness. A strong base coat provides an even foundation for layering and helps subsequent colors appear vibrant and true to their intended shades.
- Drybrushing: This technique is excellent for highlighting textures, particularly on armor and fur. Use a lighter shade of your base color to drybrush over raised areas, such as the edges of armor, the tips of weapons, or the details on capes. This adds depth and emphasizes the intricate designs, giving your miniatures a more dynamic and visually appealing look.
- Washes: Applying washes can significantly enhance shadows and create a sense of realism. Use dark washes like Nuln Oil or colored washes (e.g., green or brown) to emphasize the recesses in armor and skin. This technique creates a grimy, weathered look that reflects the corruption and chaos associated with the Slaves to Darkness, adding character and depth to the models.
- Edge Highlighting: Use edge highlighting to accentuate the details on armor, weapons, and fabric. Apply a lighter color along the edges to create sharp contrasts that draw the eye. This technique enhances overall detail and gives your miniatures a polished yet chaotic appearance, fitting for the followers of the Ruinous Powers.
- Contrast Paints: These paints are ideal for achieving vibrant results quickly. Use contrast paints for large areas, such as skin or cloaks, to take advantage of their self-shading properties. This allows for depth without extensive layering, making it easier for beginners to achieve stunning results while capturing the chaotic essence of the Slaves to Darkness.
