Warhammer Age of Sigmar's Flesh Eater Courts have always embodied the first two words of their name, and less so the latter. But that's all changing with the upcoming range refresh, as characters depicting ghoulish judges with crusty wigs are joining the fray. But one model stands out to me above all others: Ushoran the Bold. This creepy guy is a Mortarch, one of Nagash's most trusted generals. He has a litany of titles, known throughout the realms as the Lord of Masques, the First Exemplar, the Sumeros Summerking, and the Sombre Paladin, but to me he's one thing only: a FromSoftware boss. The aesthetic is just too on point to ignore.
The Soulsian Vibe is Real
The cloak filled with the severed, decaying heads of his foes is delightfully Soulsian, as is his crown of bones protruding directly from his skull. But it's the pose that feels truly like a FromSoftware character in the plastic, the hunched back and limp arms. It's giving major Margit, the Fell Omen energy, and with Age of Sigmar's lore nearly as convoluted as Elden Ring's, the similarities continue. This model isn't just a new toy for Death army players; it's a canvas. I can't wait to see what members of the Adeptus Convertorium do with this model. I've already seen someone mock up a version of Total Warhammer's Nakai, The Wanderer using Seraphon bits, and it's a testament to the design of this formidable creature that practically any head and weapon swap completely changes the character while keeping the vibes intact. Talk about a versatile kit!
Conversion Dreams: From Elden Ring to the Mortal Realms
I'm still undecided what I'll do with him, although borrowing that Lizardman idea is sorely tempting. But maybe I'll go full Elden Ring and model a large oaken staff for him to clutch, and craft a glowing yellow knife in his other hand. The head will require some major modelling work, but I'm more confident in my Green Stuff skills than painting an otherworldly blade. Morgott's weapons seem more difficult to model, but an army led by The Fell Omen would be equally terrifying. If I'm going for an Elden Ring army, perhaps I look to the Sylvaneth range to make Erdtree Avatars or the Old World Bretonnians for Tree Sentinels – although the latter won't be to scale, so I might leave them be. A Warhammer Fire Giant would be great fun to model, especially as I've been champing at the bit to pull the trigger on a Mega Gargant. The possibilities are, quite literally, a whole new realm of potential.
The Mortarch Roster Grows
However, I'm getting carried away. There are already great Elden Ring miniatures, albeit not made by Games Workshop. Maybe I need to get creative and make something of my own. And no, before you ask, I'm not going to build it straight out the box because I'm not about that life. Ushoran marks the sixth of Nagash's Mortarchs to be realised in Age of Sigmar, after Katakros, Arkhan, Mannfred, Neferata, and Lady Olynder. Now there's a force to be reckoned with, and if, after the final three have been added, we don't get a Phoenix Lords-esque formation to use them all as a devastating force, then there'll be hell to pay. The community has been buzzing with speculation about who's next.
Hopes for Future Death Releases
Ushoran has made me much more excited for the remaining three characters, though. Players are hoping for a vampire like W'soran, an iconic headhunter like Abhorash – a model of him stuck in an eternal duel with Gilles le Breton would be excellent – or returnees from The End Times like Vlad von Carstein and Krell. If we're going for old characters, my vote would be cast on Luthor Harkon's ballot. If you don't want to see the Pirate King of the Vampire Coast reimagined in the manner of Ushoran, then don't speak to me. The potential for more evocative, narrative-driven sculpts is incredibly high.
All this is a bit of an aside, but Ushoran's evocative, Soulsian model has got me excited for an army of Death, something which has never happened before. Not even a creepy corpse in a judge's wig made of bones managed that. It's a testament to the power of great miniature design that it can cross-pollinate inspiration from other beloved fantasy universes and ignite the hobbyist's imagination in 2026. This model isn't just a new unit; it's a spark for countless stories on the tabletop.
Why This Model is a Game-Changer:
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Aesthetic Crossover: Successfully blends Warhammer's gothic horror with the distinct, melancholic grandeur of Soulsborne games.
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Conversion Potential: The sculpt's dynamic pose and clear silhouette make it a perfect base for extensive kitbashing and creative projects.
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Narrative Weight: As a major lore figure, Ushoran adds significant heft to the Death grand alliance and opens up new thematic army possibilities.
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Community Inspiration: Has immediately sparked a wave of creative ideas and discussions online, from simple paint schemes to full army conversion concepts.
In the end, Ushoran the Bold is more than plastic and resin; he's a mood, an inspiration, and a bold statement of the creative directions Age of Sigmar is embracing. For converters and collectors alike, he's an absolute must-have, a centerpiece that promises to be the talk of any gaming table or display cabinet. The future of Death has never looked so grim... or so exciting. 😈