Skaven In Old World: A Conversion Guide

Introduction

Hey guys! So, you're a proud Skaven player in Age of Sigmar (AoS) and you're itching to bring your sneaky, scheming ratmen to the battlefields of the Old World? Awesome! You've come to the right place. With the launch of Warhammer: The Old World, many players are wondering how their beloved armies from other Warhammer games translate into this new (yet old!) setting. The good news is that with some creative thinking and a bit of conversion, you absolutely can field your Skaven in The Old World. This guide will walk you through the process, offering tips, tricks, and ideas to ensure your Skaven are ready to swarm the opposition in classic Warhammer style.

Understanding the Lore and the World

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of army composition and rules, let's take a moment to appreciate the rich lore of the Skaven in the Old World. The Skaven are a vast, insidious race of rat-men who dwell in the Under-Empire, a sprawling network of tunnels and cities beneath the surface of the world. They are driven by ambition, treachery, and a ravenous hunger for power. Their society is a chaotic hierarchy, with the Council of Thirteen ruling from the shadows and countless warlords vying for dominance. This understanding of the Skaven's character is crucial, as it will inform your army's theme, tactics, and even the way you convert your models.

The Old World setting itself is steeped in history and conflict. It's a world of mighty empires, ancient grudges, and looming threats. The Skaven, with their vast numbers and treacherous nature, fit perfectly into this setting. Their constant infighting, reliance on overwhelming numbers, and penchant for devious schemes make them a unique and challenging army to play. Whether you're facing off against the disciplined ranks of the Empire, the noble knights of Bretonnia, or the savage hordes of the Orcs and Goblins, your Skaven will bring a distinctive flavor to the tabletop. So, immerse yourself in the lore, read the army books, and let the world of Warhammer: The Old World inspire your Skaven army.

The Challenge of Adapting AoS Skaven

Now, let's address the elephant in the room – or rather, the rat in the tunnel. The Skaven of Age of Sigmar have evolved from their Old World counterparts. The model range has expanded, new units have been introduced, and the overall aesthetic has shifted slightly. This means that directly porting your AoS Skaven army into The Old World isn't a simple one-to-one conversion. You'll need to consider a few key differences:

• Unit Equivalents: Some units have direct equivalents, while others require a bit of creative interpretation. For example, your Clanrats are still Clanrats, and your Stormvermin remain the elite infantry. However, units like the Plague Monks and the newer Skryre acolytes might need some thought to fit into the Old World roster.
• Base Sizes: Base sizes are crucial in Warhammer: The Old World, as they affect movement, combat, and formations. AoS models often have different base sizes than their Old World counterparts. You may need to rebase some of your models to ensure they are game-legal. This is a great opportunity to add some character to your bases and tie them into the Old World setting.
• Army Composition: The army list structure in The Old World differs from AoS. You'll need to adhere to the core units, special units, and rare units limitations. This may require you to adjust your army composition and make some tough choices about which units to include.
• Aesthetic Consistency: While your AoS Skaven models are undoubtedly cool, you might want to consider how well their aesthetic fits into the Old World. Some AoS models have a more stylized or exaggerated look than the classic Skaven. A bit of conversion work, such as adding more realistic details or removing overly fantastical elements, can help your army feel more at home in the Old World.

Don't let these challenges discourage you! They're all part of the fun of adapting your army to a new game system. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can overcome these obstacles and create a Skaven horde that is both visually stunning and tactically effective in Warhammer: The Old World.

Converting Your Models: Making the Old New Again

The heart of bringing your AoS Skaven into The Old World lies in converting your models. This is where your creativity and hobby skills come into play. Model conversion isn't just about making your models legal for the game; it's about adding character, telling a story, and making your army truly unique. Here's a breakdown of some common conversion techniques and ideas:

Base Sizes and Re-Basing

As mentioned earlier, base sizes are critical in The Old World. The square bases are back, and they're essential for forming ranks and files, which are integral to the game's mechanics. So, your first step might be re-basing your AoS Skaven onto square bases. This can be a simple process of carefully removing the model from its round base and gluing it onto a square one. However, it's also an opportunity to enhance your bases and add to the overall look of your army. You can use texture paints, sand, flock, and bits of scenery to create a cohesive and thematic base for each unit. Think about the environment your Skaven are fighting in – are they emerging from the sewers, scurrying through ruins, or swarming across a battlefield? The bases can help tell that story.

When re-basing, consider the unit type. Clanrats and Slaves might have simple, muddy bases, while Stormvermin or characters could have more elaborate bases with bits of wreckage or trophies. Consistency is key, so aim for a uniform look across your army while still allowing for individual variations. For larger models, such as the Hell Pit Abomination or the Warp Lightning Cannon, you'll need to ensure the base size matches the Old World rules. This might involve creating a custom base or adapting an existing one. Don't be afraid to get creative – the base is as much a part of the model as the miniature itself.

Weapon Swaps and Kitbashing

Another common conversion technique is weapon swapping. Some AoS Skaven might have weapons that don't quite fit the Old World aesthetic or rules. For example, a unit might have a mix of weapons that are not allowed in the Old World army list. In this case, you can use clippers and plastic glue to swap weapons between models or even use bits from other kits to create the desired armament. This is also a great way to add variety to your units. A unit of Clanrats, for instance, can look more dynamic if some have swords, others have spears, and a few have rusty shields.

Kitbashing takes weapon swapping a step further. It involves combining parts from different kits to create entirely new models or variations. This is an excellent way to represent specific unit upgrades or to create unique characters. For example, you could use parts from the Plague Monk kit to add diseased elements to a unit of Clanrats, or you could combine parts from the Stormvermin kit with parts from the Clanrat kit to create more heavily armored and imposing troops. Kitbashing can also be used to create thematic units. If you want to represent a unit of Skryre acolytes, you could use bits from the Skryre weapon teams and other kits to create models that look like they are tinkering with dangerous technology.

Adding Character and Detail

Beyond base sizes and weapon swaps, you can add a lot of character to your Skaven army through small details and conversions. Think about the Skaven's nature – they are sneaky, cowardly, and prone to infighting. You can reflect this in your models by adding details like ragged clothing, broken weapons, and signs of battle damage. A few well-placed cuts and scrapes on armor or fur can make a model look like it has been through a tough fight. Similarly, adding bits of scenery or debris to the models can help them blend into the battlefield and tell a story about their environment.

Consider adding small details that reflect the Skaven's chaotic nature. A Clanrat tripping over a discarded warpstone shard, a Stormvermin snarling at a rival, or a Warlock Engineer frantically adjusting his machinery – these small touches can bring your models to life and make them stand out on the tabletop. Green Stuff, a type of epoxy putty, is your friend here. You can use it to sculpt fur, cloth, or even minor wounds and mutations. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. The Skaven are a diverse and characterful army, so the more unique your models are, the better.

Army Composition: Building Your Skaven Horde for the Old World

Now that your models are looking the part, let's talk about how to build a Skaven army that is both thematic and effective in Warhammer: The Old World. The army list structure in The Old World is more rigid than in AoS, which means you'll need to pay attention to the core units, special units, and rare units limitations. This can be a challenge, but it's also an opportunity to create a well-balanced and versatile army.

Core Units: The Swarming Masses

The backbone of any Skaven army is its core units: Clanrats and Slaves. These are your cheap, numerous troops that will form the bulk of your battle line. In The Old World, numbers matter, and the Skaven excel at overwhelming their enemies with sheer volume. Clanrats are your basic infantry, armed with spears or swords and shields. Slaves are even cheaper and more numerous, but they are also less well-equipped and disciplined. Use them to screen your more valuable units, absorb enemy charges, and bog down the enemy in combat.

When building your core units, think about the size of your games and the points limit. You'll likely want to include several large units of Clanrats and Slaves to take advantage of their numbers. Consider adding command groups (champions, standard bearers, and musicians) to your units to improve their leadership and combat effectiveness. You can also equip your Clanrats with shields to increase their survivability or spears to give them a better chance of hitting in combat. The key is to find the right balance between quantity and quality. You want enough troops to cover the battlefield, but you also want them to be effective in a fight.

Special Units: The Elite and the Specialized

Beyond your core units, you'll have access to a range of special units that can add punch and versatility to your army. Stormvermin are the elite infantry of the Skaven, clad in heavy armor and armed with deadly halberds. They are more expensive than Clanrats, but they are also much tougher and more skilled in combat. Plague Monks are fanatical warriors devoted to the Plague God, armed with rusty blades and filled with religious fervor. They are excellent shock troops, capable of tearing through enemy lines with their frenzied attacks.

Warpfire Thrower and Poisoned Wind Mortar teams bring ranged firepower to your Skaven horde. The Warpfire Thrower unleashes a torrent of flaming warpstone, while the Poisoned Wind Mortar rains down toxic gas on the enemy. These units are fragile but deadly and can be used to soften up enemy units before a charge or to target vulnerable flanks. Giant Rats and Rat Ogres provide monstrous strength and durability. Giant Rats are cheap and fast, ideal for flanking maneuvers, while Rat Ogres are powerful melee combatants that can smash through enemy formations. When choosing your special units, think about what your army needs. Do you need more hitting power? Take Stormvermin or Rat Ogres. Do you need more ranged support? Add Warpfire Thrower or Poisoned Wind Mortar teams. Do you want to spread disease and chaos? Plague Monks are your go-to choice.

Rare Units: The Monstrous and the Mechanical

The rare unit slots in your army list are reserved for the most powerful and unusual units in the Skaven roster. The Hell Pit Abomination is a grotesque monster created from warpstone and living tissue. It's a massive, resilient beast that can wreak havoc on the enemy lines. The Screaming Bell is a massive bronze bell carried into battle by a throng of Clanrats. Its chaotic vibrations can empower your own troops or weaken the enemy.

Warp Lightning Cannons are potent artillery pieces that unleash bolts of raw warpstone energy. They are inaccurate but devastating, capable of obliterating entire units with a single shot. Doomwheels are fast and deadly war machines that mow down enemies with their spinning blades. They are difficult to control but can be incredibly effective if used properly. When selecting your rare units, consider the overall strategy of your army. The Hell Pit Abomination is a great choice if you want a resilient centerpiece unit. The Screaming Bell can buff your troops and disrupt the enemy. Warp Lightning Cannons provide long-range firepower, while Doomwheels add speed and aggression. Rare units are powerful but expensive, so choose them wisely and make sure they complement the rest of your army.

Tactics and Strategies: Leading Your Skaven to Victory

With your army built and your models converted, it's time to think about tactics and strategies. The Skaven are a unique army with their own strengths and weaknesses, and you'll need to play to their strengths if you want to achieve victory in The Old World.

The Swarm Tactic

The Skaven's primary strength is their numbers. You should aim to field a large army with multiple units of Clanrats and Slaves. Use these units to overwhelm the enemy, bog them down in combat, and screen your more valuable units. The swarm tactic is all about attrition. You can afford to lose troops as long as you are inflicting casualties on the enemy. Use your numbers to your advantage, outflank the enemy, and tie up their key units in combat. Remember, the Skaven are cowardly by nature, so don't be afraid to sacrifice a unit or two to achieve a greater objective.

The Ambush and Deception

The Skaven are masters of ambush and deception. Use terrain to your advantage, hide your units in cover, and spring surprise attacks on the enemy. The Night Runners, with their stealth abilities, are perfect for this role. They can infiltrate enemy lines, target vulnerable units, and disrupt the enemy's plans. The Skaven also have access to magic that can confuse and disorient the enemy. Spells like 'Skitterleap' can teleport units across the battlefield, while 'Warpstorm' can unleash a torrent of chaotic energy on the enemy. Use these spells to create diversions, disrupt enemy formations, and gain a tactical advantage.

The Warpstone Gambit

Warpstone is the lifeblood of the Skaven, but it's also a dangerous and unpredictable substance. Use it wisely, and it can bring you victory. Use it recklessly, and it can lead to disaster. The Warp Lightning Cannon is a prime example of this. It's a powerful weapon, but it's also prone to misfires and explosions. Similarly, spells that involve warpstone can be risky, but they can also be incredibly effective. The key is to weigh the risks against the rewards and to be prepared for the unexpected. Sometimes, a well-timed gamble with warpstone can turn the tide of battle in your favor.

Adapting to Your Opponent

Finally, remember that every game is different, and you'll need to adapt your tactics to your opponent's army and play style. If you're facing a heavily armored army, focus on using weapons and spells that can bypass armor. If you're facing a fast-moving army, try to bog them down with your swarm tactics. If you're facing a magic-heavy army, use your own magic to counter their spells or target their wizards with your assassins. The Skaven are a versatile army, so don't be afraid to experiment with different tactics and strategies. The more flexible you are, the better your chances of success.

Conclusion

Bringing your AoS Skaven into Warhammer: The Old World is a rewarding challenge. It requires a bit of conversion work, some creative thinking about army composition, and a solid understanding of Skaven tactics. But the effort is worth it. The Skaven are a unique and characterful army that can bring a lot of fun and excitement to the tabletop. So, embrace the challenge, unleash your inner rat, and get ready to swarm the Old World! Remember, it's all about the Great Horned Rat and his glorious, scheming children. Good luck, and may your rolls be ever in your favor, yes-yes!