The first unit I chose to paint for my new Dwarf army was a unit of Thunderers. It wasn’t just a tactical decision — this choice was steeped in nostalgia. When I played Warhammer Fantasy Battle in the early days of 4th edition, my fledgling Dwarf army included a small unit of Thunderers. They were among the first miniatures I ever painted, and I must have fielded that unit in nearly every game. The image of sturdy Dwarfs, bracing with their black powder weapons, has always stuck with me. Starting my return to the Old World with Thunderers felt like a fitting tribute to those early days. Role on the Battlefield In my current army, I expect the Thunderers to fill a similar role — providing ranged support for my infantry and helping control key areas of the battlefield. While their handguns may lack the range of crossbows, the armor-piercing punch they deliver makes them a powerful tool, especially against heavily armored opponents. Though I haven’t fleshed out specific lore for my army y...

Warhammer has been a part of my life for a long time. I played Warhammer Fantasy Battle back in its 3rd, 4th, and 5th editions, collecting two armies that I really enjoyed using —Dwarfs and Wood Elves. Now, with the return of Warhammer: The Old World, I find myself drawn back to those same factions, rekindling a hobby that once shaped my love for storytelling, worldbuilding, and tabletop gaming. Anvil & Oak is my personal journal, a place to catalog my progress as I collect, build, and (eventually) take these armies to battle. But it’s also a way to engage in the hobby differently this time around—diving into the lore, leaning into narrative play, and reflecting on the experience of returning to Warhammer after so many years. Most of my posts will likely focus on hobby progress, showcasing the slow growth of my Dwarf hold and the expansion of my Wood Elf glade. I’ll also share battle reports as my forces take the field, along with my thoughts on how units perform within the gam...