The Forest Awakens: A Wood Elves Army Painted for The Old World
The ancient forests echo with the sound of drawn bowstrings and the rustle of leaves as the Wood Elves emerge from their woodland realm.
Today marks a significant moment for fans of Warhammer: The Old World – the official release of the Wood Elf Realms collection. After years in the shadows, defenders of Athel Loren are finally ready to take the field once more.
This commission takes a darker spin on the Wood Elves – one that digs into the nastier side of Athel Loren. Instead of the usual bright greens you’d expect, this army explores those shadowy depths where nature holds serious grudges.
Children of the Forest: A Closer Look at Painted Wood Elves Army
Dragon Lords of the Canopy: Archers on Forest Dragon
From the mist-shrouded upper canopy of Athel Loren comes one of the most formidable alliances in the forest realm – the partnership between the Wood Elves and the ancient Forest Dragons.
The bond between dragon and rider is not one of master and mount, but of mutual respect forged through centuries of shared purpose. The archers positioned on its back wear armor adorned with symbols of their forest kindred. In battle, they strike from above with deadly precision.
Ancient Guardians: The Treemen of Athel Loren
The spiritual heart of any Wood Elves army lies with its Treemen, and this darker interpretation makes them particularly imposing. This commission features two magnificent examples – one kitbashed with a spear (using the AoS Sylvaneth Treelord model) and another representing the Treelord Ancient.
When these ancient ones march to war, they carry with them the collective grievance of every tree felled and every glade despoiled across the centuries.
The Wild Hunt: Orion and Noble Cavalry
Orion, the King in the Woods, stands at this force’s heart in his classic metal form. This legendary figure drives the hunt’s primal fury, and the darker scheme brings out his more savage side.
Next to him you can see Wood Elf Noble on Elven Steed, leading two Wild Riders.
Masters of the Sky: Great Eagles and Warhawk Riders
The Wood Elves have always worked closely with Athel Loren’s creatures, and these aerial units show that partnership at its finest. The Great Eagles are magnificent predators that can hunt across vast distances, their keen eyes spotting threats long before ground forces notice them. The Warhawk Riders are warriors who’ve earned these fierce raptors’ trust through years of training and mutual respect. Together, they provide unmatched battlefield mobility and the ability to strike where enemies least expect them.
Swift as the Wind: Glade Riders and Wild Riders
Fast cavalry defines Wood Elves tactics, and this collection showcases both ends of that spectrum. Glade Riders are the disciplined scouts and border guards who patrol the forest’s edge, equally comfortable with bow and blade. Wild Riders take a different approach entirely – these warriors have given themselves over to the hunt’s savage joy, charging into battle with reckless abandon. Both units excel at hit-and-run tactics that can frustrate slower enemies.
The Archer's Art: Glade Guard and Waywatchers
No Wood Elves army works without showcasing their legendary archery skills. The Glade Guard form the reliable backbone of any force, their longbows capable of precision that borders on supernatural. The product of generations of woodland hunting traditions, they bring skills honed over centuries to every battle.
Magic and Mystery: Wood Elf Mages and Kurnoth Hunters
The mystical side of the Wood Elves gets representation through their Mages, who channel the raw life force of Athel Loren itself. These spellcasters draw power directly from the forest around them, making them formidable practitioners of nature magic. The Kurnoth Hunters, technically from the AoS Sylvaneth range, fit perfectly into a Wood Elf army.
Spirits of the Wood: Dryads and Branchwraith
The Dryads are now part of the AoS Sylvaneth range but they work perfectly in a Wood Elf army. They move through the forest with uncanny grace, showing up wherever someone threatens the woods. The Branchwraith leading them has been around for centuries, connecting the elven and natural sides of the army.
Your Forest Awaits: Commission a Wood Elves Army
This Wood Elves army demonstrates how creative painting can completely transform a faction’s character while respecting its core identity. The darker palette doesn’t diminish the Wood Elves’ connection to nature – instead, it explores the aspects of the natural world that civilized folk prefer to forget.
If you’re inspired to field your own guardians of Athel Loren, whether in traditional forest colors or this more gothic interpretation, we are ready to help.
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