Age of Sigmar: Arena of Shades – Miniature Spotlight
We got our hands on the new Arena of Shades and built the new models. Let’s take a closer look!
Arena of Shades is coming to stores this weekend. You can currently pre-order it if you want to make sure you get a copy. However, we got a preview copy and have been pleased with the new minis and rules in the box.
What’s In The Box?
By now you’ve probably seen most of the contents. The Box is a new battle box that features two armies duking it out — the Daughters of Khaine and Nighthaunt. There a bunch of miniatures actually in the box but we focused on just the new ones.
High Gladiatrix
The High Gladiatrix is the new models for the Daughters of Khaine. She’s got some cool rules and can kill off other heroes with a finishing blow. Model-wise, I assembled the model and learned a few things. First up, yes, that whip is just as spindley as you’d imagine. It’s a few sections and you have to clip and clean each one.
This is one of those bits that you’re going to want to hold in place until whatever you’re using to bind the plastic sets. Superglue with some instant dry stuff might work fastest — but the long term bond could break. I opted for plastic glue which meant that I would need to hold it in place a tad longer and ensure the bond was dried out enough to support itself. Thankfully, it’s pretty light and it didn’t take long at all.
The only other tip I have about assembly is watch out for that right shoulder joint. Make sure you dry fit it and understand how it slots in before you add glue.
Crossboos & The Booky-man
The Craven Throne Guard, aka the Crossboos, are quickly becoming one of my favorite units in the Nighthaunt range. They aren’t blowing my socks off with their rules, but their models are good (in that Nighthaunt sort of way). Plus, it’s just fun calling them Crossboos. I really wish that GW had included a unit of 10 in the box. I’m hoping we see that expanded out whenever they get a full solo box release because 5 of them just isn’t enough.
Assembly-wise, they are pretty straightforward and easy to build. The only real tricky part was clipping and cleaning their arms because they are so thin. Just be mindful of that and you should be just fine putting them together.
The Scriptor Mortis, aka the Booky-man, is another one of those fun models to assemble. There’s not a whole lot real tricks to this one either. Watch that right side as it’s got a double-shoulder joint that might throw you off if you’re not paying attention. For the most part, it went together pretty smooth. Nothing stood out as a problem part on this one. Maybe watch out for those smoke-trails and such but that’s about it.
Arena of Shades is your first crack at these three new units. If you’re playing either (or both) of these armies the box itself is a pretty good deal. It’s even better if you split the cost with a friend! It’s basically a Start Collecting! Box for either 1/2 of the armies. And we know that both armies are getting a new Battletome soon, too.
So pre-order the new Arena of Shades now or pick it up from your local store this weekend and get a jump start on these soon-to-be updated armies!
I’m really looking forward to the new Nighthaunt book. They have gotten quite a few new units since their last update…
