We are the bastions of hope and civilization in a world ravaged by chaos and darkness. Born from the ashes of destruction, our cities stand resilient, fortified against the horrors that lurk beyond our walls. United under the banner of Sigmar, we are a diverse tapestry of races and cultures, from stalwart humans to noble elves and cunning duardin. Our armies, bolstered by the might of the Stormcast Eternals, fight to reclaim the realms and protect our way of life.
Who Are the Cities of Sigmar?
The Cities of Sigmar represent the last bastions of civilization in the Age of Sigmar, emerging from the chaos and destruction that once plagued the realms.
These fortified cities serve as safe havens for a diverse population, including humans, elves, duardin, and other races united under the banner of Sigmar.
Each city is a testament to resilience and innovation, built to withstand the horrors of the world outside.
The cities are defended by brave citizens, who serve as guardians against the forces of chaos. Together, they embody hope, determination, and the unyielding spirit of survival.
What Are Cities of Sigmar Army Strengths?
The Cities of Sigmar army is characterized by its versatility and adaptability, offering a wide range of units and playstyles.
This faction can field a mix of infantry, artillery, and powerful heroes, allowing players to tailor their forces to various tactics and strategies.
Units like the Freeguild Guard provide solid frontline support, while ranged units like the Helblaster Volley Gun deliver devastating firepower.
However, the army also has weaknesses. Many units can be fragile and require careful positioning to avoid being overwhelmed. Their reliance on synergy means that losing key heroes can disrupt their strategy, necessitating strategic planning to maintain effectiveness on the battlefield.
Where Should Beginners Start?
If you’re starting your collection of Cities of Sigmar as a beginner, consider these key models:
- Freeguild Guard: These infantry units are versatile and form the backbone of your army, providing effective frontline support.
- Freeguild Crossbowmen or Handgunners: These ranged units offer valuable firepower, allowing you to engage enemies from a distance and control the battlefield.
- General on Griffon or a Hero: A character like the General adds leadership and powerful abilities, enhancing your army’s effectiveness in combat.
- Celestial Hurricanum or Luminark of Hysh: These war machines provide additional ranged support and unique abilities, boosting your forces and adding tactical depth.
How To Paint Cities of Sigmar
Here are some creative paint ideas for new Cities of Sigmar players:
Color Scheme Ideas
- Classic Sigmarite Colors: Start with a base coat of bright white or cream for armor and robes, representing the purity and light of Sigmar. Highlight with gold for details like armor trims and insignia, creating a regal look. For clothing, use rich colors like deep blue or red, adding highlights to emphasize folds and texture. Finish with a dark wash to bring out shadows, giving your models depth and a polished finish.
- Urban Grit: Use a base coat of dark gray for armor to reflect the gritty, urban environment of the Cities of Sigmar. Highlight with lighter grays and add rust effects using orange or brown for a weathered appearance. For clothing, use muted earth tones like browns and greens, highlighting with lighter shades to add depth. Incorporate metallics for weapons and armor, finishing with a wash to enhance details and give a sense of realism.
- Noble Heritage: Begin with a base coat of royal blue or deep crimson for robes and clothing, symbolizing the noble heritage of the citizens. Highlight with lighter shades of the same color to create depth. For armor, use silver or steel, applying a wash to emphasize details and shadows. Add gold accents for a touch of elegance, particularly on insignias and trims. Finish with bright colors for details like banners or shields to create striking contrasts.
Cities of Sigmar Painting Techniques for Beginners
- Base Coating: Start with a solid base coat in bright or muted colors, depending on your chosen scheme. Use white or cream for armor and rich colors like blue, red, or green for clothing. A strong base coat provides an even foundation for layering and helps subsequent colors appear vibrant, allowing the details of your miniatures to shine.
- Drybrushing: This technique is excellent for highlighting textures on armor and clothing. Use a lighter shade of your base color to drybrush over raised areas, such as the edges of armor, patterns on robes, and shields. This adds depth and enhances intricate details, making your miniatures look more dynamic and visually striking.
- Washes: Applying washes is crucial for adding depth and shadow. Use dark washes like Nuln Oil or brown washes to emphasize the recesses in armor, clothing, and weapons. This technique creates a weathered look and enhances the grim reality of battle, making your Cities of Sigmar models appear more realistic.
- Edge Highlighting: Use edge highlighting to accentuate the details on armor, weapons, and the edges of clothing. Apply a lighter color along these edges to create sharp contrasts that draw the eye. This technique adds definition and a polished look, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your Cities of Sigmar miniatures while emphasizing their noble heritage.
- Contrast Paints: These paints are ideal for achieving quick yet vibrant results. Use contrast paints for larger areas, such as robes or armor, to take advantage of their self-shading properties. This allows for depth without extensive layering, making it easier for beginners to achieve impressive results while capturing the essence of the Cities of Sigmar.
