Idoneth Deepkin – Warhammer Age of Sigmar Guide

We are the Idoneth Deepkin, the children of the ocean, born from the sorrow of our past. Once, we were lost to the tides, but now we rise again, guided by the will of our god, Teclis.

Our kinship with the sea grants us mastery over its mysteries, allowing us to harness its power in battle. Clad in shimmering armor and wielding weapons forged from the very essence of the ocean, we strike with precision and grace.

We are protectors of our realm, fighting to reclaim what was lost, and to ensure our survival against the chaos that threatens our existence. 

Who Are the Idoneth Deepkin?

The Idoneth Deepkin are a unique faction in the Age of Sigmar, embodying the mysteries and beauty of the ocean. Emerging from the depths, they are a race of aelves who draw their power from the sea and its secrets.

Once lost to despair, they were reborn under the guidance of Teclis, the god of light and knowledge. The Idoneth are known for their ethereal appearance, with shimmering armor and fluid, graceful movements.

They employ advanced tactics in battle, utilizing their mastery of water and ambush techniques. 

Driven by a desire to reclaim their lost heritage, they are both fierce warriors and guardians of the ocean’s depths.

What Are the Idoneth Deepkin Army Strengths?

The Idoneth Deepkin army is characterized by its speed, maneuverability, and powerful ranged capabilities, making them adept at striking from unexpected angles.

Units like the Akhelian Guard and the Ishlaen Guard excel in combat, while the powerful magic of their heroes, such as the Tidecaster, can turn the tide of battle. Their ability to ambush opponents and utilize the “Aethersea” mechanic allows for strategic deployment and flexibility.

However, the army also has weaknesses. Many Idoneth units can be relatively fragile, lacking heavy armor and resilience, making them susceptible to concentrated fire. Their reliance on positioning and synergy can also lead to vulnerabilities if key units are isolated or removed from the battle.

Where Should Beginners Start?

If you’re starting your collection of Idoneth Deepkin as a beginner, consider these key models:

  • Akhelian Guard: These elite infantry units are versatile in combat, excelling in both offense and defense. They can form a strong backbone for your army.
  • Ishlaen Guard or Reavers: These units add flexibility to your force, with Reavers providing mobility and ranged options, while Ishlaen Guard offer solid frontline support.
  • Tidecaster: This hero brings powerful magic to your army, providing buffs and unique abilities that can enhance your units during battle.
  • Morrsarr Guard or Leviadon: These units add more depth and power to your army. The Morrsarr Guard are strong combatants, while the Leviadon serves as a powerful centerpiece and can provide significant support with its ranged attacks.

How To Paint Idoneth Deepkin?

Here are some painting tips for new Idoneth Deepkin players:

Color Scheme Ideas

  • Oceanic Elegance: Start with a base coat of deep teal or turquoise for armor, reflecting the colors of the ocean. Highlight with lighter shades of blue or aqua to create depth and a shimmering effect. For skin, use pale blue or green tones, highlighting with white for an ethereal look. Incorporate silver or metallic accents for weapons and armor details, finishing with a wash of dark blue to enhance shadows and textures, giving your models a fluid, aquatic appearance.
  • Coral Reef Inspiration: Begin with a base coat of coral pink or vibrant purple for armor and clothing. Highlight with lighter shades to add dimension. Use a contrasting color like soft green for skin, highlighting with pale tones to emphasize features. For weapons, use a metallic color like bronze or gold, adding details like coral patterns. Finish with washes in complementary colors to create depth and enhance your models’ overall vibrant, living feel.
  • Mystical Depths: Use a base coat of dark navy or deep indigo for armor, creating a mysterious and shadowy effect. Highlight with lighter shades of blue or violet to bring out the details. For skin, apply a pale lavender or grey, highlighting with soft whites for a ghostly appearance. Add glowing accents in bright colors like turquoise or green for eyes and magical effects, and finish with a wash to deepen shadows, enhancing the mystical aesthetic of your Idoneth Deepkin.

Painting Techniques

  • Base Coating: Start with vibrant and deep colors that reflect the oceanic theme of the Idoneth Deepkin. Use shades like teal, turquoise, or dark blue for armor and robes. A solid base coat provides a strong foundation for layering and ensures that subsequent colors appear rich and vibrant, highlighting the ethereal beauty of your models.
  • Drybrushing: This technique is excellent for emphasizing textures on armor and skin. Use a lighter shade of your base color—such as a lighter blue or silver—to drybrush over raised areas and details, like the edges of armor plates and the contours of skin. This adds depth and highlights the intricate designs, creating a shimmering effect reminiscent of water reflecting light.
  • Washes: Applying washes is essential for adding depth and shadow. Use dark washes, like Nuln Oil or dark blue, to emphasize the recesses in armor, clothing, and skin. This technique creates a weathered look and enhances the intricate details of your miniatures, making them appear more dynamic and lifelike.
  • Edge Highlighting: Use edge highlighting to draw attention to the sharp details on armor, weapons, and the edges of clothing. Apply a lighter color along these edges to create sharp contrasts that enhance the overall definition of the models. This technique adds a polished look, emphasizing the elegance and grace of the Idoneth Deepkin.
  • Contrast Paints: These paints are perfect for achieving quick yet striking results. Use contrast paints for larger areas, such as robes or skin, 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 fluid nature of the Idoneth Deepkin.