Ossiarch Bonereapers: A Deep Dive Into The Undead Legion

Nov 3, 2025 by SLV Team 57 views

Let's dive into the Ossiarch Bonereapers, a truly unique faction in the Warhammer Age of Sigmar universe. These guys aren't your typical shambling zombies or ethereal ghosts. They are a highly disciplined, meticulously crafted undead legion, forged from the very bones of the dead. If you're looking for an army that combines the relentless march of the undead with the tactical precision of a seasoned military force, then the Ossiarch Bonereapers might just be the perfect fit for you.

Who are the Ossiarch Bonereapers?

The Ossiarch Bonereapers are the creation of Nagash, the Supreme Lord of the Undead. Nagash, being the ultimate necromancer, doesn't just raise hordes of mindless skeletons. He crafts his elite forces with purpose and precision. The Bonereapers are not resurrected souls seeking vengeance or mindless puppets animated by dark magic. They are constructs, beings formed from the bones and souls of the dead, imbued with a fragment of Nagash's will and a singular purpose: to enforce his dominion.

These undead warriors are forged in the Necrotopia of Ossia, a land where bone is currency and the Ossiarchs are the tax collectors. Their primary function is to gather the bone tithe from across the realms, ensuring that Nagash's power continues to grow. This bone tithe isn't just about collecting resources; it's about enforcing Nagash's rule and reminding the living of their inevitable fate. The Bonereapers are a constant, chilling reminder of Nagash's power, an ever-present force that cannot be reasoned with or bargained with.

Unlike other undead factions, the Ossiarch Bonereapers possess a strict hierarchy and a deep sense of order. They are organized into legions, cohorts, and smaller units, each with its own specific role and purpose. This rigid structure allows them to execute complex maneuvers and tactics on the battlefield, making them a formidable opponent for any army. Their commanders are not simply powerful necromancers; they are skilled generals and tacticians, capable of leading their forces with ruthless efficiency. The Ossiarch Bonereapers truly stand apart from the other factions in the death grand alliance, having a unique presence and lore.

The Purpose of the Ossiarch Bonereapers

The purpose of the Ossiarch Bonereapers is multifaceted, all stemming from Nagash's grand design. Firstly, they serve as the enforcers of his will, ensuring that the Mortal Realms adhere to his vision of a world ruled by the undead. They collect the bone tithe, a macabre tax levied on the living and the dead alike, which is then used to fuel Nagash's arcane experiments and bolster his armies. This tithe is not merely a symbolic gesture; it is a vital component of Nagash's power, a constant reminder of his dominion over life and death.

Secondly, the Bonereapers act as a shield, protecting Nagash's interests from those who would seek to undermine his power. They are a highly trained and disciplined fighting force, capable of withstanding even the most devastating attacks. Their unwavering loyalty and tactical prowess make them a formidable obstacle for any enemy, ensuring that Nagash's realm remains secure.

Finally, the Ossiarch Bonereapers serve as a symbol of Nagash's ultimate goal: the subjugation of all life. They are a constant reminder of the inevitable fate that awaits all mortals, a chilling testament to Nagash's power over death. Their very existence is a form of psychological warfare, instilling fear and despair in the hearts of their enemies. They stand as a monolithic testament to the inevitability of death and Nagash's supreme authority over it. This helps establish a strong narrative presence that distinguishes them from simpler undead forces.

Key Units and Characters

The Ossiarch Bonereapers boast a diverse range of units, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these units is crucial for building a successful Bonereaper army. Here are a few of the key players:

Katakros, Mortarch of the Necropolis: Arguably the most impressive unit in the Ossiarch Bonereapers roster, Katakros is a master strategist and a devastating combatant. He is a centerpiece model, designed to lead your army and dominate the battlefield. His tactical abilities allow you to manipulate the flow of battle, while his combat prowess makes him a force to be reckoned with in close quarters.
Mortek Guard: These are the backbone of the Ossiarch Bonereapers army. They are heavily armored infantry, equipped with either swords or spears. Their unwavering discipline and resilience make them a tough nut to crack, capable of holding the line against even the most ferocious assaults. They form the core of most Bonereaper armies, providing a solid foundation for your battle plan.
Immortis Guard: These elite bodyguards are tasked with protecting your key characters. They are even more heavily armored than the Mortek Guard and are armed with powerful halberds. Their primary purpose is to shield your leaders from harm, ensuring that they can continue to direct the battle. They’re essentially walking walls of bone and steel.
Necropolis Stalkers: These are the shock troops of the Ossiarch Bonereapers. They are fast, agile, and deadly, capable of tearing through enemy lines with ease. They are armed with a variety of weapons, including swords, axes, and spears, allowing them to adapt to different combat situations. These guys bring the pain where you need it most.
Mortek Crawlers: These siege engines are designed to break enemy fortifications. They are armed with massive bone catapults that can hurl devastating projectiles across the battlefield. They are slow and vulnerable in close combat, but their long-range firepower can cripple enemy defenses before your infantry even reaches them.
Liege-Kavalos: These are the cavalry units of the Ossiarch Bonereapers. Mounted on skeletal steeds, they are fast and mobile, capable of flanking enemy positions and disrupting their formations. They are armed with lances and shields, making them a formidable force in both melee and ranged combat.

Tactics and Strategies

The Ossiarch Bonereapers excel at attrition warfare. Their resilience and disciplined formations allow them to weather enemy attacks and gradually grind down their opponents. Here are a few key tactics and strategies to keep in mind when playing as the Bonereapers:

Form a Solid Line: The Mortek Guard are your backbone, so use them to create a solid defensive line. Their resilience and discipline will allow them to hold the line against most enemy attacks.
Support with Ranged Fire: Use the Mortek Crawlers to provide long-range fire support. Their bone catapults can cripple enemy defenses and soften up their units before your infantry engages.
Flank with Necropolis Stalkers: The Necropolis Stalkers are your shock troops, so use them to exploit weaknesses in the enemy line. Their speed and agility will allow them to outflank the enemy and strike at their vulnerable rear.
Protect Your Characters: Your characters are essential for directing the battle, so protect them with the Immortis Guard. These elite bodyguards will shield your leaders from harm, ensuring that they can continue to inspire your troops.
Utilize Katakros's Abilities: If you're using Katakros, make sure to utilize his tactical abilities to their full potential. He can manipulate the flow of battle and give your army a significant advantage.

Why Choose the Ossiarch Bonereapers?

So, why should you choose the Ossiarch Bonereapers as your army of choice? Here are a few compelling reasons:

Unique Aesthetic: The Ossiarch Bonereapers have a distinctive and striking aesthetic. Their bone constructs and intricate armor make them stand out from other undead factions.
Tactical Depth: The Bonereapers are a highly tactical army, requiring careful planning and execution. If you enjoy strategizing and outmaneuvering your opponents, then this is the army for you.
Resilience: The Bonereapers are incredibly resilient, capable of weathering even the most devastating attacks. Their unwavering discipline and tough armor make them a formidable opponent.
Powerful Characters: The Bonereapers have some of the most powerful characters in the game, including Katakros, Mortarch of the Necropolis. These characters can turn the tide of battle and lead your army to victory.
Expanding Lore: The Ossiarch Bonereapers have a rich and expanding lore, offering plenty of opportunities for hobbyists to delve into their background and create their own unique narratives.

Getting Started with the Ossiarch Bonereapers

If you're interested in starting an Ossiarch Bonereapers army, here are a few tips to get you started:

Start with a Battalion Box: The Ossiarch Bonereapers have a battalion box that provides a good starting point for your army. This box typically includes a selection of key units, such as Mortek Guard, Immortis Guard, and a Liege-Kavalos.
Focus on the Mortek Guard: The Mortek Guard are the backbone of your army, so focus on building a solid core of these units. They will provide the resilience and discipline you need to hold the line.
Add a Character: A powerful character like a Liege-Kavalos or a Mortisan Boneshaper can provide valuable buffs and abilities to your army.
Experiment with Different Units: Once you have a solid core of Mortek Guard and a character, start experimenting with different units to see what works best for your playstyle. The Necropolis Stalkers, Mortek Crawlers, and Immortis Guard can all add valuable capabilities to your army.
Read the Battletome: The Ossiarch Bonereapers Battletome contains all the rules, lore, and background information you need to play the army. It's an essential resource for any Bonereaper player.

The Ossiarch Bonereapers are a fascinating and rewarding army to play in Warhammer Age of Sigmar. Their unique aesthetic, tactical depth, and resilience make them a formidable opponent on the battlefield. If you're looking for an army that combines the relentless march of the undead with the strategic precision of a seasoned military force, then the Bonereapers might just be the perfect fit for you. So, grab your brushes, assemble your bone constructs, and prepare to enforce Nagash's will upon the Mortal Realms!

They are a great army to have in the Warhammer Age of Sigmar. The Ossiarch Bonereapers have a unique aesthetic, tactical depth and resilience making them a formidable opponent on the battlefield.