- Followers of Nagash requires Rise of the Tomb Kings to play.
Followers of Nagash is a playable Tomb Kings faction introduced in Total War: Warhammer II with the Rise of the Tomb Kings DLC. It is led by Arkhan the Black and can be found in western Araby, west of Land of the Dead.
The Tomb Kings were previously a great human empire called Nehekhara (now known as the Land of the Dead), themed on ancient Egypt. However, the empire of Nehekhara was destroyed by the necromancer Nagash and his vampires, causing the mummified dead of Nehekhara to rise. The Tomb Kings now seek to reclaim their lost glory, and take vengeance on Nagash and the vampires. The armies of the Tomb Kings consist of ranks of skeleton soldiers and chariots, supported by towering animated statues of bone and stone.
How they play[ | ]
A summary of Followers of Nagash gameplay:
- Units: Tomb Kings focus on ranks of skeleton infantry and chariots, combined with powerful animated statues and constructs.
- Dark Creatures: Uniquely, Followers of Nagash can recruit 4 units from the Vampire Counts unit roster and is unaffected by vampiric corruption.
- Elite units: Tomb Kings have Regiments of Renown and campaign-exclusive Legions of Legend.
- Realm of Souls: As Tomb Kings armies take damage in battle, a bar fills up and eventually mass-heals the army.
- Day of Awakening: In campaign, Tomb Kings do not require money for unit recruitment or upkeep. Instead they have unit/army caps, increased by buildings and technologies.
- Canopic Jars: A unique resource used for various things, particularly by the Mortuary Cult.
- Mortuary Cult: A cult of priests who use resources to craft magical items or elite Legions of Legend.
- Ninth Book of Nagash: In the Eye of the Vortex campaign, Arkhan begins with one Book of Nagash already in his possession.
Background[ | ]
Of all amongst the living dead restored to life by the powers of Nagash, the first and greatest of all Necromancers, the loyalty of Arkhan the Black to his master is second to none. It wasn't long ago when the Arch Necromancer discovered the awakening of the tyrants of the other kingdoms in Nehekhara, especially the arrogant Settra and the Ruler of Lybaras. All of these were searching for his master's most prized possessions, his own Tomes of Power! Such sacrilege he could never allow, especially with the Black Pyramid on the verge of opening. Arkhan was preparing for this day, however. Recently, he was successful in reclaiming the Liber Mortis from Altdorf right under the living wizards' very noses, swiftly returning to the Land of Assassins to gather his forces and prepare for his master's return.
Through Arkhan, his greatest servant, Nagash's will shall be done!
In battle[ | ]
The armies of the Tomb Kings consist of ranks of skeleton soldiers and chariots, supported by towering animated statues of bone and stone. Unique to the Followers of Nagash are four Vampire Counts units:
- Crypt Ghouls - relatively fast moving infantry with poisonous attacks
- Dire Wolves - fast moving beasts suitable for flanking
- Hexwraiths - spectral cavalry with high resistance to physical damage
- Fell Bats - fast moving flyers suitable for keeping archers and artillery occupied
In campaign[ | ]
Followers of Nagash plays largely like the other Tomb Kings factions. See that page for details.
Legendary Lord choices[ | ]
- Arkhan the Black - a Lore of Death spellcaster
Faction effects[ | ]
- -50 diplomatic relations with Tomb Kings factions
- +20 diplomatic relations with Vampire Counts factions
- +10 Winds of magic reserve (all armies)
- Unaffected by Vampiric Corruption
Ninth Book of Nagash[ | ]
In the Eye of the Vortex, Arkhan starts with the Ninth Book of Nagash already in his possession, leaving him to only collect 4 more.
Diplomacy[ | ]
Followers of Nagash are unable to engage in diplomacy/trade with any other Tomb Kings faction.
Diplomatic traits[ | ]
When controlled by the AI, Followers of Nagash will have the following diplomatic traits:
Immortal Empires[ | ]
- Aggressive
- Power is everything
- Resource Hoarder
- Desert Dweller
Climate preferences[ | ]
Climate preferences for Followers of Nagash:
- Habitable: Savannah, Desert, Wasteland
- Unpleasant: Mountain, Jungle, Island, Temperate
- Uninhabitable: Frozen, Magical Forest, Chaotic Wasteland
Start locations[ | ]
Eye of the Vortex & Mortal Empires:
- Wizard Caliph's Palace, Land of Assassins
Immortal Empires:
- Sorcerer's Islands, Land of Assassins
Victory conditions[ | ]
Eye of the Vortex[ | ]
Campaign Victory
- Collect any 5 of the Books of Nagash
- Hold the following settlement Black Pyramid of Nagash
- Win the following battle
Battle of the Black Pyramid - Win the following battle:
The Staff of Nagash
Domination Victory
- Destroy the following faction(s)
Eataine, Order of Loremasters, Last Defenders, Naggarond, Clan Pestilens, Khemri - Maintain control of 50 province(s), either by direct ownership or through vassals and military allies.
Mortal Empires[ | ]
Short campaign
- Destroy the following faction(s)
Khemri - Maintain a total of 5 units of the following type:
Hexwraiths - Hold 2 settlements, including the following
Black Pyramid of Nagash, Black Tower of Arkhan - Ensure that 5 of the following building(s) have been constructed:
Pyramid of King Alcadizaar, Pyramid of King Amenemhetum, Pyramid of King Khatep, Pyramid of King Phar, Great Pyramid of Settra, Pyramid of Prince Tutankhanut, Vault of Nagash - Control any 17 of the following settlements either by direct ownership or through vassals and military allies:
Khemri, Wizard Caliph's Palace, Black Tower of Arkhan, Al-Haikk, Numas, Ka-Sabar, Galbaraz, Karag Orrund, Lahmia, Rasetra
Long campaign
- Destroy the following faction(s)
Khemri, Court of Lybaras, Exiles of Nehek - Maintain a total of 5 units of the following type:
Hexwraiths - Hold 2 settlements, including the following
Black Pyramid of Nagash, Black Tower of Arkhan - Ensure that 7 of the following building(s) have been constructed:
Pyramid of King Alcadizaar, Pyramid of King Amenemhetum, Pyramid of King Khatep, Pyramid of King Phar, Great Pyramid of Settra, Pyramid of Prince Tutankhanut, Vault of Nagash - Control any 17 of the following settlements either by direct ownership or through vassals and military allies:
Khemri, Wizard Caliph's Palace, Black Tower of Arkhan, Al-Haikk, Numas, Ka-Sabar, Galbaraz, Karag Orrund, Karak Zorn, Lahmia, Rasetra, Teotiqua, Temple of Skulls, Karak Azgal, Karak Eight Peaks, Karak Azul, Ekrund, Barak Varr, Akendorf, Myrmidens, Black Crag
Immortal Empires[ | ]
Short Campaign Victory
- Occupy, loot, raze, or sack 30 different settlements
- Destroy the following factions: Khemri, Court of Lybaras
Long Campaign Victory
- Occupy, loot, raze, or sack 75 different settlements
- Hold 11 settlements including the following: Black Pyramid of Nagash, Black Tower of Arkhan, Khemri, Wizard Caliph's Palace, Al Haikk, Numas, Ka-Sabar, Galbaraz, Karag Orrud, Lahmia, Rasetra
- Ensure that 7 of the following buildings have been constructed: Pyramid of King Alacadizzar, Pyramid of King Amenemhetum, Pyramid of King Khatep, Pyramid of King Phar, Great Pyramid of Settra, Pyramid of Prince Tutankhamut, Vault of Nagash
Chapter Objectives[ | ]
Chapter 1[ | ]
| Rank | Name | Objective(s) | Reward(s) | In-game description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary objective | The Shadowed Realm | Arkhan spies the parched lands in need of taming - he shall bring them into shadow. It is a desert of the dead that should answer not to a Tomb King, but a Liche King, and on the horizon is Khemri itself, where Settra sits smug on the throne. His time will come. | ||
| Bonus objective I | Shadow of the Necromancer | Once a lieutenant to the Arch-Necromancer, but now a king in his own right. He is the Liche King, and one as mighty as he is worthy of a greater rank. | ||
| Bonus objective II | Red Clay | The red clay will come, but for now it shall be fashioned into pots, and on the surface will stories, legends and warnings of doom be inscribed. | ||
| Bonus objective III | The Master's Aura | Rumours reach Arkhan that relics of Nagash have been discovered in Al Haikk. Arkhan should take this realm and purge it if he must, for his master might be close. | ||
| Bonus objective IV | Never Lost | Arkhan has always been more than a mere Liche - in his mortal days he was a general and soldier first, and never lost a battle! | ||
| Bonus objective V | Prove Your Worth | Arkhan has never totally trusted the advisors sent by the Mortuary Cult, suspecting they serve their own agenda. Let them prove their worth! |
Chapter 2[ | ]
| Rank | Name | Objective(s) | Reward(s) | In-game description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary objective | The Kingdom of Arkhan | As Arkhan's shadow realm expands, he will inevitably encounter the borders of hostiles. Those Tomb Kings are too blind - their rotting eyes lost - to see what gifts Nagash shall bring unto the world. It is the Liche King's task to prepare the way, to coat the land in shadow for the Arch-Necromancer's resurrection! | ||
| Bonus objective I | A Few Dozen More | The Liche King is one of the most powerful creatures that walks this world. And so he must exude such power by attaining the twelfth rank. | ||
| Bonus objective II | Needs More Salt | The rituals and incantations of the Liche King require base minerals such as salt and lime. Arkhan must send minions forth to locate these resources. | ||
| Bonus objective III | Old Dynasties | Uncover the past and the future will be secured - a wise mantra of the Liche Priests, so the Liche King should set them to researching the lost dynasties of old. | ||
| Bonus objective IV | Don't Question Fate | Like his master, much of Arkhan's power resides in the relics and items imbued with power. Needs must that he leave his capital and in search of such a relic. | ||
| Bonus objective V | They Serve | It is right that the Liche Priests serve the Liche King. Arkhan shall have them tame the relics of old and craft new tools for the travails to come. |
Chapter 3[ | ]
| Rank | Name | Objective(s) | Reward(s) | In-game description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary objective | In Sight of the Black Tower | The Liche King's empire will rise from the bones of his enemies. Even mighty Settra shall kneel - if he hasn't done so already - or be destroyed. Continue the conquest - raze what is useless, hunt what is needed, make ready the lands for the Mortarch's call. The kingdom of Arkhan is all. | ||
| Bonus objective I | Outranked | Arkhan is feared throughout the lands - even Tomb Kings will think twice before engaging him in battle. But fear is transient - Arkhan must maintain his power, and increase his rank to ensure compliance. | ||
| Bonus objective II | Leverage | Control of the world is not only about causing death. Dominance of resources, both natural and crafted, is another form of leverage. | ||
| Bonus objective III | Return to the Tower | The Black Tower of Arkhan belongs to no one but the Liche King himself. It is time for him to return. | ||
| Bonus objective IV | Search the Scrolls | Hidden in the scrolls, deep in the meanings of the hieroglyphics, will be clues to ancient dynasties. Seek them out and Arkhan will have access to allies from the age of antiquity. | ||
| Bonus objective V | Craft the World | Let the conniving Liches begin their work. Have them fashion an item that will allow Arkhan to invade his many enemies. |
Chapter 4[ | ]
| Rank | Name | Objective(s) | Reward(s) | In-game description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary objective | All Will Suffer | The living and the dead will suffer at the hands of the Liche King. For countless generations, Arkhan the Black has vented his rage at many foes, but now, on the eve of great change, the Liche King tempers his anger into domination. He prepares the way for the only possible arrival. | ||
| Bonus objective I | Ranking Monarch | A great burden, it will cost much for Arkhan to enact his scheme and put events into motion that may bring back his master. He must be prepared and at the apex of his power. | ||
| Bonus objective II | Deprive Them | To the long-dead, the resources that the living crave are mere trinkets. But depriving the enemy - living or corpse - of them, does indeed give these resources value. | ||
| Bonus objective III | Unleash the Necrosphinx | Even the statuary of Nehekhara fear the Liche King and bend to his cruel will. Even the Necrosphinx shall surrender to Arkhan. | ||
| Bonus objective IV | Family Tree | We have no time for family trees, they are consigned to history. No, Arkhan must seek out the lost dynasties using his Liches. | ||
| Bonus objective V | Ancient Legions of Lybaras | Over millennia, many great legions have been lost in the sands. Let the Liche Priests chant, and hopefully they will find what was once lost - or at the very least fashion some relic to help this cause. |
Chapter 5[ | ]
| Rank | Name | Objective(s) | Reward(s) | In-game description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary objective | The Black King | Finally, after countless centuries, Arkhan the Black, the Liche King, shall raise and destroy and take what is rightfully his - the world! Bequeathed to him by the Supreme Lord of the Undead himself. All shall bow before the Black King, they will have no choice for their souls shall belong to Arkhan. | ||
| Bonus objective I | Worthy of Nagash | To rule the world in his master's stead, the Liche King must be worthy of Nagash himself. Arkhan must attain rank 30. | ||
| Bonus objective II | Relics of the World | All the world's treasures and relics should be reaped by the Liche King, but not for any mundane accumulation of wealth. A few rare specimens may hide a faction of his master's dark spirit. | ||
| Bonus objective III | Control the Black Pyramid | The Pyramid of the Arch-Necromancer is no one's right but his most loyal servant - Arkhan. Destroy any usurpers who dare try. | ||
| Bonus objective IV | Nehekhara's Mine | The Land of Nehekhara: greatest of all civilisations and birthplace of both Arkhan and Nagash in the distant past. It must become the Liche King's possession! | ||
| Bonus objective V | Death Cult | The Liche Priests offer obsequious bows to their Liche King. All he asks to prove their loyalty is a tool of ultimate power he can use against Nagash's enemies. |
Strategy[ | ]
In battle, the Followers benefit from partial access to the Vampire Counts roster. This is most helpful in the Crypt Ghoul, who gives a better damage dealer in the frontline than any Skeleton Warrior will do, with higher melee attack and armor piercing. They also poison enemies, which reduces enemy effectiveness. Dire Wolves and Fell bats are similar to the Carrion of the Tomb Kings roster (wolves and bats may be slightly faster) so they have access to an abundance of harassing and chasing units. Hexwraiths are a useful ethereal cavalry unit that can take a lot of physical punishment and do solid armor piercing damage. Tomb Kings don't have any ethereal cavalry and no real heavy cavalry aside from units like Sepulchral Stalkers. Overall the armies of the Followers get a power boost in the early game with Crypt Ghouls and a niche boost with the Hexwraiths.
In the Vortex Campaign, Arkhan is surrounded by enemies. To the East lies Knights of the Flame, who should be crushed, but then lies the Chevaliers de Lyonesse, powerful crusaders who hate undead. There are also Dwarfs nearby who will prove difficult for early Tomb Kings armies to beat, wait until later in the campaign to fight them if you can. To the South lies Clan Eshin and Deathmaster Snikch (In Mortal Empire Snikch is absent giving a bit more breathing room), who should not be particularly hard to beat. Yet beyond them lies the Lizardmen of Tiktaq'to. To the North, Count Noctilus, to the West, the battle royale that is Lustria. As one can surmise, the Followers are surrounded by enemies (or at the very least no friends) and it may be best to play a slower, defensive campaign, than an overly aggressive one. Focus on leveling up Arkhan as well as your Lords and heroes, they will do more work than the rest of your army in the early to mid game.
The only benefits you have in the early game are your starting Tomb Scorpion, Crypt Ghouls, and Arkhan's magic, use these three to win your battles. Also because Arkhan is a spellcaster, it is better to get a Tomb Prince or Necrotect in the initial hero dilemma.
It should also be kept in mind that the player needs to destroy Settra and Khemri as soon as possible, encouraging the push East. Every other faction that gets in your way is a just a distraction or a buffer from you continuing your eternal war with your nemesis.
Trivia[ | ]
- The Followers of Nagash cannot be played in a co-op game. This is likely to prevent the other player playing another Tomb King from getting vampire count units.
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