New Ossiarch Bonereapers Units Previewed for Warhammer New Year

Games Workshop announced new models and rules for the Ossiarch Bonereapers faction in its Warhammer Age of Sigmar game on Friday. The preview, part of the company's New Year lineup, introduces units built from bone constructs that collect a 'bone-tithe' from defeated foes. These releases aim to update the faction's forces for ongoing battles in the Mortal Realms.

Background

The Ossiarch Bonereapers are an army of undead bone warriors created by Nagash, the god of death, to enforce his rule across the Mortal Realms. They march in perfect formation, harvesting bones from the fallen to build more of their kind in a process called the bone-tithe. This faction has been part of Age of Sigmar since its early days, but players have waited for fresh models and rules to match the game's latest edition.

Games Workshop, based in Nottingham, England, makes the Warhammer range of tabletop games and miniatures. Age of Sigmar focuses on fantasy battles with armies clashing over magical realms. The Ossiarch Bonereapers stand out for their disciplined tactics and skeletal designs, often facing off against fast-moving foes like the Lumineth Realm-lords or sneaky Skaven.

This preview comes at the start of 2026, following fan speculation from teaser images shown earlier in the week. A plate of glowing bones in the teaser hinted at bone-themed releases, fueling talk among players about a Bonereapers refresh. The company timed the reveal for January 16 to kick off its annual preview schedule.

Key Details

The preview highlights several new kits, each designed for specific battlefield roles. Players can assemble these plastic miniatures to form cohesive armies.

New Units and Heroes

Kavalos Vanguard forms a new spearhead force centered on speed and charges. It pairs a nimble Teratic Cohort to hold enemies in place with Kavalos Deathriders and a Liege-Kavalaos for the main assault. The Deathriders ride osseous steed-constructs, bone horses made to keep pace with swift enemies without tiring or panicking.

A new chariot kit builds the Kavalos War chariot, pulled by these obedient steeds. It matches the speed of Lumineth Realm-lords cavalry, allowing Bonereapers to close gaps quickly.

Triaxes archers bring ranged power with unique features. They have bone over one eye socket, a row of eyes on the other side, and a third eye that sees an enemy's spiritual aura. This lets them target foes before they hide. Each unit includes three-legged Balefire Braziers, walking cauldrons that light arrows with soul-essence fire. The flaming shots spread dread as enemies watch comrades burn.

Mortis Reapers act as stealth assassins. They slip behind lines in cloaks to target leaders like generals, sorcerers, or priests. Carrying necrocaches—old devices from Nagash's labs—they shatter them to release grave sand. This sand dries flesh instantly, leaving skeletons as a bonus for the bone-tithe. Units move in sync through a shared mind, unnerving even their allies.

Battletome and Rules Updates

All new units appear in the Battletome: Ossiarch Bonereapers. This book includes lore on the Ossiarch Empire, history of their legions, art, and photography of models. It updates the Relentless Discipline battle trait. Now, heroes generate points for abilities—Katakros makes 10 points, a Liege-Mortek makes 5. Extra points boost some powers.

The battletome adds two Armies of Renown, including the cavalry-focused Lance of Ossia. It has two Regiments of Renown, a new Spearhead, and Path to Glory rules with an Anvil of Apotheosis for creating Mortisan leaders. A gamer's edition, warscroll cards, and dice come separately.

Battleforce Box

Battleforce: Null Myriad Phalanx releases with the battletome. Led by Arkhan the Black, Mortarch of Sacrament, it includes a Mortisan Soulmason, four Morghast Archai (buildable as Morghast Harbingers), and 20 Mortek Guard. This set gives players a full starting army for tithe-reaping campaigns.

"The Kavalos Vanguard spearhead uses a nimble Teratic Cohort to pin enemies ahead of the cavalry charge." – Games Workshop preview

What This Means

These releases give Ossiarch Bonereapers players tools to handle diverse threats. The fast cavalry and chariots counter speedy armies, while Triaxes provide accurate shooting against hidden targets. Mortis Reapers offer a way to remove key enemy figures without direct fights, fitting against cowardly leaders like Skaven warlords.

The updated battletome ensures the faction fits Age of Sigmar's current rules, with point pools adding tactical depth. Armies of Renown let players specialize, such as in cavalry for Lance of Ossia. Path to Glory campaigns allow growing custom Mortisan characters.

For Games Workshop, this continues its pattern of refreshing older factions. Bonereapers, without a recent battletome, gain parity with newer armies. The Battleforce box lowers the entry cost for new players, bundling leaders and troops.

Fan communities have reacted with interest, noting how the units address past weaknesses like mobility and anti-leader options. Sales of these kits will boost the company's miniature line, especially as hobbyists build and paint the detailed bone designs.

Stores and online retailers prepare stock for the launch, expected soon after the preview. Players can mix these with existing Bonereapers for larger forces. The reveal sets up more 2026 content, keeping the Age of Sigmar scene active.