Beastmen Brayherds

Beastmen – Warhammer: The Old World

The Beastmen are one of the most ancient and feared races in the Warhammer: The Old World setting, representing the wild, corrupted remnants of humanity twisted by Chaos. They dwell in the deep, haunted forests of the Old World, emerging in brutal raids to tear down the works of civilization and spread anarchy in the name of the Dark Gods.

Background:
The Beastmen, known as the Children of Chaos, are a vile fusion of man and beast, born from the catastrophic influence of Chaos on the mortal realm. These abominations live in savage herds, worshipping the dark powers and reviling all that is orderly and pure. From the twisted depths of the Drakwald to the overgrown ruins of Bretonnia, Beastmen prowl the woodlands, their warhorns echoing before each blood-soaked raid.

They seek not conquest, but destruction. They are driven by an ancient hatred for mankind and all its creations—towns, temples, and laws are affronts to their primal creed. Their goal is to return the world to its original, untamed state, guided by the will of the Chaos Gods.

Forces of the Beastmen:
The Beastmen army is composed of a savage variety of units, including:

• Gors, Ungors, and Bestigors – The core of any Beastman horde, from lightly armed skirmishers to brutal shock troops clad in scavenged armor.

• Centigors – Half-beast, half-horse raiders known for their speed and wild, drunken fury.

• Minotaurs – Massive, bull-headed monstrosities that smash enemy lines with feral strength.

• Cygor and Ghorgon – Towering creatures of muscle and magic-hatred or gluttonous fury, respectively.

• Chariots and Razorgor Herds – Crude yet effective instruments of carnage.

• Beastlords and Bray-Shamans – Brutal chieftains and dark sorcerers who lead the herds with strength and arcane corruption.

Playstyle:
Beastmen excel at ambushes, mobility, and close-quarters aggression. Their signature tactic is striking from hidden paths, launching surprise attacks on vulnerable flanks. Their raw combat power is impressive, particularly when backed by monstrous beasts and the dark magic of the Bray-Shamans. However, they often lack the discipline or staying power of more structured armies, relying instead on momentum and chaos to overwhelm the enemy.

Themes:
The Beastmen embody primal chaos, wilderness, and unreasoning destruction. They are the antithesis of the ordered empires of Men and Dwarfs. Their lore is steeped in forest myths, pagan rites, and ancient evils—the world before walls and kings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who are the Beastmen in Warhammer: The Old World?
Beastmen are corrupted humans transformed by the energies of Chaos into twisted hybrids of man and beast. They inhabit the dark forests and wildernesses of the Old World, forming savage tribes under totemic banners. Each warherd is a reflection of its chieftain’s will and its chosen patron among the Chaos Gods, most often Khorne or Nurgle. Beastmen live to destroy civilization, seeing cities, laws, and order as insults to their primal worldview.

2. What is the Beastmen playstyle in Warhammer: The Old World?
Beastmen armies rely on ambushes, mobility, and brute force. Many of their units can deploy from hidden positions, allowing them to strike at weak points and disrupt enemy formations. While their troops often lack heavy armor or advanced weapons, they make up for it with numbers, speed, and ferocity. A skilled Beastmen general thrives on controlling the flow of battle, forcing opponents into traps or disarray through smart placement and aggressive pushes.

3. Are Beastmen a good army to play in The Old World?
Yes—but they’re not for beginners. Beastmen require a keen understanding of timing, positioning, and opportunism. They are incredibly rewarding for players who enjoy outflanking maneuvers and close combat, but their lack of durable units and ranged options can punish tactical errors. Veteran players often love them for their thematic feel and dynamic gameplay.

4. What's the best way to start collecting Beastmen?
Start with a strong core of Gors and Bestigors supported by a Beastlord and a Bray-Shaman. Adding a unit of Centigors and a Cygor or Ghorgon gives you options for flanking and monstrous support. Consider adding a chariot or some Minotaurs next. Be sure to get the latest Warhammer: The Old World army book or downloadable rules PDF to build your force legally and strategically.

5. Who are the most iconic Beastmen characters?
Several legendary Beastmen figures haunt the lore of the Old World:

• Khazrak the One-Eye – The cunning warlord of the Drakwald, infamous for his vendetta against the Elector Count of Middenland.

• Malagor the Dark Omen – A winged Bray-Shaman who channels the raw, hateful magic of the Beastmen herds.

• Gorthor the Beastlord – A mythic unifier of the tribes, said to have led a tide of destruction across the Empire.

• Morghur the Shadowgave – A nightmarish being and avatar of mutation, spreading insanity and transformation in his wake.

Each of these adds a unique twist to a Beastmen army and opens new tactical opportunities.

6. What are common Beastmen color schemes?
Beastmen are visually wild and tribal. Common themes include:

• Earthy Browns and Tans – Reflecting their naturalistic roots and animalistic fur.

• Dark Greens and Ochres – Emphasizing their forest-dwelling nature.

• Blood Reds and Black – Often used by those aligned with Khorne.

• Rotting Flesh Tones and Molds – Suitable for Nurgle-themed herds.

• Bone and Gray – For a stark, grim look resembling forgotten cave beasts.

Feel free to mix fur colors, tribal tattoos, and crude warpaint to create a unique herd.

7. Do Beastmen have access to magic?
Yes. Bray-Shamans wield the Lore of Beasts and Chaos Magic. Their spells often enhance nearby units, summon wild beasts, or weaken the minds of their enemies. While not as reliable as Elven or Imperial wizards, Bray-Shamans add critical utility and battlefield manipulation to the Beastmen force.