Thorgrim is the descendant of the most ancient and noble of all Dwarf Lords. The very blood of Grungni flows in his veins and the wisdom of Valaya sits upon his beetling brow. The High Kings have kept the Great Book of Grudges, the oldest and most important of the many Books of Grudges which exist throughout the Dwarf realms. This book, known as Dammaz Kron, recounts all the ancient wrongs and deeds of treachery perpetrated against the Dwarf race. Its pages are written in the blood of High Kings, and its tattered parchment is much thumbed and studied.

Occasionally, the Dwarfs have the opportunity to set right some ancient wrong, in which case the High King has the satisfaction of striking out the record in the book. This hardly ever happens as, when it comes down to it, Dwarfs much prefer to hold a grudge rather than let bygones be bygones. Even grudges which have been crossed out can still be read and are never forgotten, but fondly recalled together with the story of how vengeance was finally exacted. Dwarfs are very good at bearing grudges, and Dammaz Kron recounts many episodes of the infamy of other races and of the gods themselves. The Dwarf language has no word for forgiveness, but many subtle variations on revenge, recompense and retribution.

Since an early age Thorgrim has dreamed of avenging his people and perhaps, one day, to put aside the Great Book of Grudges by striking out every single grudge it contains. Such a thing would be impossible even in a thousand lifetimes, but Dwarfs are determined folk and once their mind is made up they are obstinate. The Great Book of Grudges is Thorgrim's constant companion. He keeps the book by his side night and day, sleeping with its gnarled old pages beneath his pillow, and carrying it about with him in his waking hours. He has managed to strike out several long-held grudges, including winning recompense of 1000 gold pieces from the Burgomaster of Altdorf for damage done to the reputation of Borin Bullroarer during the Great Altdorf Stampede.

When Thorgrim goes to war, which is often, for there are many dark deeds of infamy to avenge, he carries the Great Book of Grudges with him. He is borne aloft on the Throne of Power by his four sturdy throne bearers, and brandishes aloft the Axe of Grimnir. Atop his brow he wears the Crown of Karaz-a-Karak.

 

The following Special Character has not been playtested as thoroughly as the ones presented in the army books and is not necessarily as balanced or fair. Consequently, you must agree with your opponent about whether you can use him or not before the battle begins. If you do use this character in your games, then why not email us and let us know what you think?

Thorgrim is the High King and can be fielded in a Dwarf army. He counts as two Lord choices. He must be fielded exactly as described here and may not be given any additional equipment. He must be the army's General if taken.

WEAPONS & EQUIPMENT: Thorgrim wields the Axe of Grimnir, wears the Armour of Skaldour and the Dragon Crown of Karaz and reads from the Dammaz Kron. He is borne into battle upon the Throne of Power.

Axe of Grimnir: This axe bears the Master Rune of Skalf Blackhammer (auto wounds) and a Grudge Rune (nominate character or monster, re-roll to hit against this model). In addition, non-magical armour cannot save against hits from the Axe of Grimnir. Magical and ward saves are taken as normal.

Armour of Skaldour: This bears the Master Rune of Gromril (1+ save) and the Master Rune of Spite (4+ ward save). It also has the Rune of the Furnace (immune to fire attacks).

Dragon Crown of Karaz: Thorgrim and any unit he is with is immune to all psychology except Hatred, and become Stubborn.

Dammaz Kron: The Great Book of Grudges means that Thorgrim and any unit within 12" of him hate all foes.

Throne of Power: The Throne of Power is carried by four sturdy veterans, which give Thorgrim an additional four normal WS 5, S4 attacks. Any attacks against the Throne must be resolved against Thorgrim himself. When joining a unit, the Throne takes up the same space as ordinary rank-and-file models for the purposes of formation, rank bonus and so on. The Throne has Magic Resistance (2).