A Skeleton Archer unleashing an arrow blessed by Asaph, the ancient Nehekharan goddess of vengeance and magic.
The Skeleton Archers employed by the armies of the Tomb Kings nock and loose volleys of arrows as they advance towards their foe without ever breaking stride. Raising their bows as one, the archers fire, reaching into quivers for another arrow before the first salvo has even reached the zenith of its trajectory. These Undead archers unleash great clouds of death that darken the sky moments before falling amidst the ranks of the enemy. Riders are pitched from mounts, and swathes of enemy infantry fall dead as bronze tipped arrows rain down upon them and pierce their bodies.[1a]
The priest-kings of the ancient Human kingdom of Nehekhara knew the importance of delivering death from afar, and all of them maintained legions of highly disciplined archers. Loyal soldiers for all eternity, Skeleton Archers continue to practice their ways of war as they did in centuries long past. Awakened from the tomb pits of their king's necropolis by the magical incantations of the Liche Priests, every Skeleton Archer arises with a bow still clutched in one hand and a quiver of arrows held in the other.[1a]
Role[]
A Skeleton Archer as depicted in Total War: Warhammer III.[2]
There was a strong tradition of archery in the ancient Human kingdom of Nehekhara, and hunting was a popular sport amongst young princes. However, upon reaching adulthood, a prince was expected to leave behind such pastimes and devote his life to ruling his people. It became tradition for a newly crowned king to honour the greatest marksmen amongst his legions with his royal bow. This chosen warrior was bestowed the title of "Master of Arrows," a position that held much prestige among the common Nehekharan soldiery. However, it was said that should the Master of Arrows miss his target the first time he fired the bow on the field of war, his life was forfeit -- such was the punishment for betraying the king's trust.[1a]
Every arrow fired by the Skeleton Archers of Nehekhara has been blessed by Asaph, the Nehekharan goddess of vengeance and magic, so that they seek out their foes with unerring accuracy. When loosed, these arrows swerve in mid-air, darting towards their prey with the speed of a striking snake. The ritual bestowing each arrow with Asaph's blessing is long and arduous. The wooden shafts are inscribed with incantations using the claws of dune scorpions and the black feathers of desert vultures are used to fletch them. The most important part of the ritual is performed by chanting acolytes in the heart of Asaph's sacred temples, where bronze arrowheads are cooled in the blood of a hundred sacrificed serpents.[1a]
Warfare[]
Skeleton Archers are unencumbered by the large, heavy shields of the Tomb Kings' other Undead legions, allowing them the freedom needed to fire their long, curved bows. This leaves them with little protection against the swords and axes of their enemies, but any foe wishing them harm must first cross the killing ground, weathering a hailstorm of lethal arrows every step of the way. Only the most heavily armoured of foes can withstand such withering salvos. Less protected targets may instead turn and flee from the onslaught, but once an enemy has entered the sights of Skeleton Archers, the Undead will not stop until their foes have been killed.[1a]
Skeleton Archers will relentlessly pursue their opponents, for hundreds of leagues if needed, loosing a volley of arrows every time their retreating foes re-enter range. Whilst their enemies will grow weary, the Undead warriors no longer have such concerns and will only pause in their advance when the last of their quarry lies dead. Surrounded by the arrow-pierced bodies of their slain enemies, these Skeleton Archers will then stand perfectly still, awaiting the orders of their king. If that order is not forthcoming, they stand motionless and forgotten beneath the glare of the desert sun, until they are buried by the shifting desert sands.[1a]
Notable Regiments[]
- Blessed Legion of Phakth - These skeleton archers exist only to serve the Tomb King Phakth, delivering his justice long after their lives have ended.[2]
- Cobra Legion - This unit of bowmen native to the city-state of Lybaras were legendary on the battlefields of ancient Nehekhara.
- Crocogar Legion - Known for slaying Crocogars while patrolling the Great Mortis River, these bowmen operated out of the city-state Zandri.
- Legions of the Asp - Comprised of four legions with distinctive snake banners, these archers were known for their accuracy in life -- and death.
- Legions of the Crested Serpent - Some of the finest Nehekharan archers not native to the city-state Lybaras, this regiment bears sacred totems to the Nehekharan god Asaph.
Miniatures[]
Sources[]
- 1: Warhammer Armies: Tomb Kings (8th Edition)
- 1a: pg. 35
- 2: Total War: Warhammer III (PC Game)