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Archaon, also known as Archaon the Everchosen, is a fictional character in the Warhammer franchise, leader of the forces of Chaos, and one of the primary antagonists in multiple settings and media owned by Games Workshop. He is considered one of the most powerful characters in the Warhammer multiverse, having brought about the fabled End Times, and is a major antagonist in Warhammer Fantasy Battle, Warhammer Age of Sigmar, Total War: Warhammer, and Total War: Warhammer II.

Appearances

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Warhammer Fantasy Battle

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Archaon was responsible for bringing about the End Times,[1][2] a cataclysmic event which led to the destruction of the Old World and essentially led to the shutting down of Games Workshop's original Warhammer Fantasy setting and the ushering in of the new Age of Sigmar setting in 2015.[3][4][5] In order to usher in this world-ending event, Archaon had to gather magical artifacts in the name of the Chaos gods, earning the title 'Everchosen' while doing so.[6][7] Archaon's actions also led to the rise of the High Elf leader Teclis.[8]

Age of Sigmar

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In the Age of Sigmar, Archaon is one of the primary antagonists of the entire game, on the same level as the Chaos gods themselves.[9] He is allied with - and outranked by - four out of the five gods,[10] outranking everyone else in the Grand Alliance of Chaos.[11] Though Archaon once led armies of Skaven alongside his human warriors,[12] he no longer does so due to his dislike of them, despite their membership in the Grand Alliance.[11] His control of the forces of Chaos was later challenged by the archdaemon Be'lakor.[7] Having overseen the ceremony to crown Archaon in the first place,[7][12] Be'lakor found the mortal's promotion to be humiliating.[7]

In the standard Age of Sigmar miniature wargame, Archaon is a very powerful unit whose army-level abilities, when supported by his followers known as the Slaves to Darkness, focus mostly on further empowering him.[10][13] In the skirmish edition of the game Warcry, both the Untamed Beasts and Corvus Cabal war parties fight for the sake of gaining his favor.[14][15]

Total War: Warhammer

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In Warhammer's first installment of the Total War series, Archaon is both a major antagonist in the overall narrative as well as a playable character. Within the Chaos faction, he's one of three available leaders, functioning as a melee fighter with access to fire-based spells.[16][17] The Chaos army, when led by Archaon, starts the game with standard Chaos Warriors, Chaos Warriors wielding halberds, and special Chosen infantry wielding two-handed weapons.[16] Unless the player chooses Archaon as their army leader, then the primary objective of the game regardless of faction is to defeat him.[18][19] Increasing invasions of all provinces by Chaos armies eventually results in a grand appearance by Archaon.[20]

Initially, Creative Assembly wouldn't confirm or deny whether Chaos would be a playable faction at all.[21] Eventually, Chaos was revealed as playable and with Archaon as a playable leader of the faction but for a price as paid downloadable content.[22] In another paid DLC, players of the Norsca faction have the option to either join Archaon's Chaos warband or to challenge him for supremacy.[23] An update late in the game's patch history reduced Archaon's diplomatic relations with all factions, an act which video game journalist Andrew Newton described as "fitting."[24]

Total War: Warhammer 2

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Like the first installment in the series, the primary objective for players of the second is to defeat Archaon unless playing as him.[18] Non-Chaos players are given the chance to defeat Archaon in a large final battle during the Mortal Empires DLC campaign.[25] When equipped with a magic weapon called the Sword of Khaine, Archaon becomes particularly difficult to defeat even by another player's massed army units.[26] In addition, a separate army general, Ghoritch, was transformed from a leader in the Chaos faction to one in the Skaven faction after being banished to hell by Archaon.[27][28]

Design

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The character's fictional biography is violent and thematically marked by a fall from grace. Archaon was the product of pregnancy from rape, his mother suffered maternal death thereafter, his father rejected and abandoned him on the steps of a church, and he attempted suicide in order to prevent the prophecy that he'd become a world-ending villain.[6][29] In the Warhammer franchise's narrative, Archaon is described as a former templar of the civilized Empire of Sigmar before his turn to evil.[6][12][22] Writer-actor Clint Lienau noted Archaon's possible inspiration springing from J. R. R. Tolkien's Sauron.[30]

In 2015, Archaon's model for the Warhammer miniatures series was given an updated visual aesthetic for the Age of Sigmar, including a new mount, a mutated dragon named Dorghar, with three heads representing three of the four Chaos gods.[31][32] The model is noticeably large, contains a high number of separate parts for assembly, and functions as a centerpiece model for an army.[9][13]

Reception

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Archaon's portrayal has attracted considerable praise within the gaming community. James Whitbrook of Gizmodo referred to Archaon as the third "most ridiculous badass" of the original Warhammer Fantasy tabletop miniature game, noting that he became the most powerful and evil character not once, but twice.[33] Matthew Pedersen of Gamers Decide ranked Archaon as the top legendary lord playable in Total War: Wahammer and noted him as the clear antagonist of the game's narrative,[34] and Sid Natividad of The Gamer ranked Archaon in the number one spot for playable lords in the second iteration of the game, Total War: Warhammer II, noting him as "too angry to die."[26] Tyler M. of Mengel Miniatures regarded Archaon's backstory, as portrayed in the Black Library novelizations, as tragic due to the circumstances which led the character to become evil.[29]

The character has been compared to historical figures signifying warlike behavior. Archaon's grand appearance in Total War: Warhammer was compared by Richard Scott-Jones of PCGamesN to the grand arrival of Attila the Hun in Total War: Attila.[20][35] University of Jena staff member Franz Klug compared Archaon to the second of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, War, as well as the Antichrist as described in the First Epistle of John.[36]

Criticisms of both Archaon's portrayal in the novels as well as the creative direction of Black Library's handling of it have also been made. Alex Lucard, writing for Diehard GameFAN, referred to Archaon as a "roided-up Marty Stu" in his review of the Archaon entry in Games Workshop's End Times series of novels.[37] Lucard later referred to Archaon as the "lamest character" in Warhammer and lamented what he viewed as poor creative direction in Archaon killing Nagash, the lord of the undead in the original Warhammer Fantasy, in order to promote Archaon as the new big bad in the franchise.[38]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Archaon

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Archaon, also known as Archaon the Everchosen, is the supreme champion of the Chaos Gods in the Warhammer Fantasy Battles and settings, a former of the who fell into damnation and rose to lead the cataclysmic forces of Chaos during the End Times. Once a devout Sigmarite warrior named Diederick Kastner, Archaon served as a templar in the before a devastating injury and a prophetic revelation shattered his faith, driving him to embrace the Ruinous Powers and undertake a perilous quest to claim ancient artifacts that would mark him as their chosen vessel. As the Everchosen, he unites the warring legions of Chaos—mortals, daemons, and beasts—under his banner, wielding the daemon-possessed sword Slayer of Kings and riding the hellsteed Dorghar, a savage, three-headed mount. Archaon's campaigns culminate in the apocalyptic End Times, where he orchestrates the final assault against the forces of Order, aiming to shatter the world and usher in the unchallenged dominion of the Dark Gods, including Chaos Undivided. In the Mortal Realms of Age of Sigmar, Archaon endures as the Exalted Grand Marshal of Chaos, the Three-Eyed King, and the World Razor, embodying the relentless hunger of Chaos as he seeks to overthrow Sigmar and consume all realms in eternal ruin. His titles, such as Thirsting Predator, reflect his unyielding pursuit of conquest, making him a figure of dread whispered among warlords and kings across the realms.

Fictional biography

Early life and origins

Archaon, originally named Diederick Kastner, was born in 2391 IC in the coastal village of Hargendorf in , within the . His conception resulted from the rape of his mother, Viktoria, by a Chaos marauder during a raid, and she died shortly after giving birth to him. Abandoned as an infant due to the stigma of his origins, Diederick was left at the steps of a Sigmarite church in the nearby settlement of Eel Torf, where he was discovered and nearly devoured by wolves before being rescued. He was then raised as an orphan by the church's priest, Dagobert, who instilled in him a deep devotion to Sigmar and the teachings of the Empire's faith. From a young age, Diederick displayed exceptional piety and martial talent, serving as a to the templar knight Sieur Kastner, whose name he later adopted following the knight's death in battle around 2406 IC. He joined the Order of the , a knightly order dedicated to Sigmar, where he rose rapidly through the ranks due to his unyielding zeal and prowess in combat. Known for his role in campaigns against beastmen herds and greenskin incursions, Diederick earned a reputation as a formidable warrior-priest, embodying the Empire's crusading spirit against the forces of disorder. His pre-Chaos life was marked by unwavering service to the , patrolling borders and purging abominations, setting the foundation for the tragic path that would later define him.

Fall to Chaos and prophecy

Archaon's descent into Chaos began during a sacred in which he was to be marked as a devoted templar of Sigmar, involving the incision and tattooing of the twin-tailed symbol upon his chest. As the priest cut into his skin to prepare the site, a hidden emerged in the shape of the eight-pointed star of Chaos, revealing his innate taint from birth and shattering his faith in the 's gods. This revelation coincided with a prophetic vision triggered by the appearance of a twin-tailed streaking across the sky like a dying harbinger, foretelling Archaon's predestined role as the champion of the Ruinous Powers who would orchestrate the destruction of the world. The depicted him leading legions of Chaos to raze civilizations, uniting the forces of the Dark Gods in an that would end all things. Horrified by his tainted heritage and the prophecy's implications, Archaon attempted by charging alone into a massive horde of beastmen, seeking death to evade his foretold fate. Miraculously, he survived the onslaught unscathed, his body shielded by subtle interventions from Chaos energies that preserved him for his destiny. Branded a heretic and outcast, he was exiled from the , wandering as a pariah with no place among men. In his isolation, Archaon experienced haunting visions from the Chaos Gods themselves, each urging him to embrace his role as their vessel. Khorne appeared in dreams of endless battle, promising glory through slaughter; Nurgle offered amid decay; Tzeentch whispered of intricate schemes and mutable power; and Slaanesh tempted with exquisite sensations of dominance and excess. These manifestations eroded his resistance, compelling him toward the northern wastes where his true path awaited.

Quest for the artifacts

Following his fall to Chaos, Archaon received a divine mandate from the Ruinous Powers to prove his worth by retrieving the Six Treasures of Chaos, ancient artifacts said to confer dominion over the forces of Chaos. These treasures included the Crown of Domination, the Armour of Morkar, the Eye of Sheerian, the Slayer of Kings, the Steed of the Apocalypse, and the Eternally Burning Mark of Chaos. Each item was guarded by perils tailored to test Archaon's resolve and allegiance to the Dark Gods, spanning a century of relentless trials across the and beyond. Archaon's quest began with the Eternally Burning Mark of Chaos, obtained by reconsecrating the Altar of True Darkness in Naggaroth, where he offered the hearts of captured creatures to emerge marked on his forehead with the unified blessing of all four gods. He then sought the Crown of Domination in the frozen wastes of Norsca, battling rival champions at the First Shrine to the North in a brutal to claim the helm, forged in the earliest days of Chaos worship, symbolizing absolute authority. Archaon next claimed the Armour of Morkar by destroying a hidden city of savage half-humans over six days and nights of battle, then delving into the where he defeated the animated spirit of the first Everchosen, Morkar, who cursed him as he took the daemonic plate imbued with resilience. With the armour, he confronted the Chaos Flamefang at the Cliff of Beasts to seize the Eye of Sheerian, a gem granting foresight. Swallowed by the beast, Archaon survived protected by the armour and hacked his way out from within, slaying the and plucking the Eye from its belly. To obtain the Slayer of Kings, Archaon dueled a greater daemon of Khorne in the blood-soaked arenas of the Brass Citadel, wresting the daemon-possessed sword—capable of cleaving any armor—from its guardian after a battle that shattered the stone. For the Steed of the Apocalypse, he tamed the savage Chaos steed Dorghar, a multi-headed hellsteed, after slaying its previous rider in the Chaos Wastes. Throughout these quests, Archaon was accompanied by the Swords of Chaos warband, a loyal cadre of Chaos warriors he gathered early in his pilgrimage, though many fell to the unrelenting dangers, including ambushes by forces and betrayals from lesser Chaos lords envious of his rising favor. These losses hardened Archaon's command, forging his followers into an unbreakable host. With all six treasures in hand, Archaon entered the Realm of Chaos itself, a swirling vortex of raw mutagenic power beyond the mortal world. There, in a of ascension, he was marked indelibly by each of the four —Khorne's blood-rage, Tzeentch's arcane insight, Nurgle's enduring rot, and Slaanesh's exquisite torment—solidifying his transformation into their ultimate champion. This marking, visible as glowing upon his flesh, completed the prophecy's demands and elevated him beyond mortal limits.

The Everchosen and the End Times

Upon completing his perilous quests for the six great treasures of Chaos, Archaon was anointed as the Everchosen by the Ruinous Powers, the supreme champion tasked with leading their legions in the cataclysmic assault on the mortal world. This bestowal granted him absolute authority over the disparate forces of Chaos, uniting marauders, warriors, daemons, and beastmen under his banner as the Three-Eyed King and Lord of the End Times. As the Everchosen, Archaon orchestrated the grand invasion of the , sweeping southward from the Chaos Wastes with hordes intent on fulfilling ancient prophecies of doom. His armies laid to key strongholds, including the fortified city of Middenheim, where the fate of the realm teetered on the brink of annihilation. Throughout the campaign, Archaon's forces clashed relentlessly with the beleaguered armies of the , the stout Dwarf holds, and the elegant Elven hosts, shattering alliances and reducing once-mighty civilizations to ruins. The End Times culminated in 2528 IC with the fulfillment of the Twin-Tailed Comet's dire prophecy, as Archaon orchestrated the razing of the world itself. In the shadow of Middenheim's shattered spires, he forged tenuous pacts with subordinate Chaos lords such as Valkia the Bloody and Festus the Leechlord, bolstering his ranks for the apocalyptic onslaught. Archaon personally dueled legendary foes, including the Orc warlord Grimgor Ironhide and the High Elf mage Teclis, while ultimately slaying Sigmar in his avatar form as Emperor Karl Franz, sealing the Chaos Gods' triumph and consigning the to oblivion.

Role in the Mortal Realms

In the Age of Sigmar, Archaon endures as the supreme overlord of Chaos following the cataclysmic End Times, having ascended to the mantle of the Three-Eyed King astride his daemonic steed Dorghar, a colossal three-headed forged from the essence of the . From his fortress in the Allpoints—a twisted nexus granting access to every Mortal Realm save Azyr—Archaon orchestrates the relentless incursion of Chaos, embodying the unified will of the Ruinous Powers as their Everchosen. Archaon commands the vast Grand Alliance of Chaos, encompassing the mortal devotees of the Slaves to Darkness, his elite Everchosen legions such as the Varanguard, and legions of daemonic allies bound to the four . His authority stems from bearing the Marks of all , allowing him to lead diverse warhosts without factional discord, including warriors sworn to Khorne, Tzeentch, Nurgle, and even the skaven's Great Horned Rat in rare alignments. Under his banner, these forces wage eternal war against the Grand Alliances of Order, , and Destruction, with Archaon personally directing Lords and champions to corrupt and conquer the realms. Archaon's campaigns define the Age of Chaos, beginning with the pivotal Battle of the Burning Skies in Aqshy, where he shattered Sigmar's forces, tricked the god-king into hurling Ghal Maraz at an illusion of himself—causing the hammer to fall into a —and unleashed the Everwinter to claim the realm's fiery heartlands, including the Solar Bastion. In Ghyran, he orchestrated devastating incursions such as the Grand Tyrant's World Stampede, plunging hordes into Amber Gorge to ravage Alarielle's jade domains and spread Nurglite blight. The Broken Realms narrative further showcases his strategic sabotage, as he reinforced the Allpoints and deployed murder-spells to fracture Realmgates, isolating Order's strongholds and enabling Chaos's creeping dominion across realms like Shyish and Ghur. These wars pit his legions against Stormcast Eternals, Seraphon, and other defenders, embodying an unending tide of ruin. Archaon's unyielding loyalty to the Ruinous Powers manifests in his ruthless suppression of rival champions, such as defeating the Order warrior Athesia and clashing with daemonic usurpers like , whom he binds to his service despite their schemes. He views other gods' avatars—be they Nagash's Mortarchs or Gorkamorka's rampaging hordes—as mere obstacles to Chaos's supremacy, personally intervening to crush threats and consolidate his position as the Dark Gods' favored instrument.

Appearances in media

Tabletop games

Archaon was introduced as a playable special character in the sixth edition of Warhammer Fantasy Battle through the Storm of Chaos supplement (2004), serving as the primary lord choice for Archaon's Horde, a dedicated sub-list within the Hordes of Chaos army that emphasized mortal warriors over daemons.) This debut positioned him as a high-cost general (390 points) with base stats of Movement 4, Weapon Skill 8, Ballistic Skill 4, Strength 5, Toughness 5, Wounds 5, Initiative 6, Attacks 6, and Leadership 10, armed with the Slayer of Kings (a sword granting Killing Blow) and mounted on Dorghar (a Steed of Chaos with breath weapon capabilities). His rules emphasized artifact integration, such as the Armour of Morkar providing a 2+ armor save and the Crown of Domination forcing enemy units to re-roll successful Leadership tests within 12", synergizing with Chaos Warriors by improving their resilience and psychological dominance in close combat formations. Across the seventh and eighth editions, Archaon's mechanics evolved within the Warriors of Chaos army book (2008 and 2012), retaining his 10 aura that extended the general's Ld bubble to 18" for nearby Chaos units, enabling re-rolls on failed Break tests and bolstering army-wide morale for aggressive pushes. Updated stats included Weapon Skill 9, Initiative 4, and Attacks 5 (or 7 with the Eye of Sheerian ), while special rules like Chosen of the Gods allowed allied Chaos characters to re-roll failed Ward saves, further amplifying synergies with marked Chaos Warriors who could dedicate to specific gods for tailored buffs like +1 Strength from Khorne. These elements made him a pivotal force multiplier, often anchoring anvil units of Chaos Warriors to withstand charges while his artifacts—such as the Slayer of Kings' multiple profiles for hand weapon, , or great weapon strikes—delivered high-damage output against elite infantry.) The End Times supplements for eighth edition, particularly The End Times: Archaon (2015), escalated his rules to reflect narrative apocalypse, granting the Lord of the End Times rule for leading hybrid armies of all Chaos factions without restrictions, alongside enhanced magic access to multiple lores (Tzeentch, , and ) as a Level 4 Wizard. Artifact synergies intensified, with the Eye of Sheerian enabling prophetic re-rolls on dice for army-wide effects, and Dorghar's upgraded breath attack inflicting D6+2 Strength 6 hits, allowing Chaos Warriors detachments to exploit terror-causing charges in massive End Times scenarios. In the first edition of Age of Sigmar (2015), Archaon appeared as a unique Monster hero on Dorghar, with a warscroll emphasizing his role in Everchosen warhosts through abilities like Dark Messiah, which granted nearby Chaos units re-rolls on hit rolls during the combat phase to represent his divine favor. By the second and third editions, his shifted to focus on durability and output, featuring 14" fly movement, 12 wounds, a 4+ save, and the Three-Headed Titan ability for Dorghar, allowing once-per-turn selections of breath effects such as the Filth-spewer (mortal wounds on 3+ within 6") or Skull-gorger (heal wounds equal to slain models' health in melee). The Slayer of Kings provided 4 attacks hitting on 3+, wounding on 3+, with Rend -2 and Damage 3 (escalating to hero-slaying on double 6s to wound), synergizing with Slaves to Darkness detachments by enabling bonuses like +1 to casting rolls for Chaos Wizards within 18". The fourth edition (2024) refines these in the Battletome: Slaves to Darkness, updating Archaon to 810 points with Wounds 25 (split across rider and mount), a 3+ save, and 5+ ward, while Dorghar's Claws & Tails deliver 6 attacks (reducing to 4 if battle-d) and his heads unleash 3 Strength 2+ strikes with 5. detachment bonuses, such as those in the Godless Rally formation, leverage his keyword for reallocation of command points to Chaos units, enhancing mobility and output for Warriors of Chaos infantry, though his core role remains as a high-threat centerpiece capable of disrupting enemy heroes via the Eye of Sheerian's priority manipulation (once per battle, altering turn order on a 4-6). Across editions, these rules underscore Archaon's narrative integration as the Everchosen, balancing overwhelming personal power with subtle buffs to lead diverse Chaos forces.

Video games

Archaon the Everchosen appears as a playable legendary lord in the Total War: Warhammer trilogy, developed by and published by in collaboration with . Introduced in the 2016 Chaos Warriors Race Pack DLC for the first game, he leads the Warriors of Chaos faction with a focus on melee combat and destructive campaigns inspired by the End Times lore. His gameplay emphasizes leading hordes of Chaos warriors to raze settlements across the , with unique mechanics allowing confederation of other Chaos factions and recruitment of god-aligned units as the campaign progresses. In Total War: Warhammer (2016), Archaon commands the Warhost of the from a starting position in the Chaos Wastes, with campaign objectives centered on invading the and other factions to fulfill apocalyptic goals, such as destroying key settlements like Middenheim. He is a melee specialist mounted on Dorghar, his daemonic steed, which enhances mobility and charge bonuses, enabling rapid strikes against enemy lines. Archaon's arsenal includes the Slayer of Kings sword, delivering high armor-piercing damage to shred heavily armored infantry and lords, complemented by spells from the Lore of Fire such as Flaming Sword of Rhuin for melee buffs and Flame Storm for area denial. Faction effects under his leadership reduce recruitment costs for Chaos Warriors by 30% and boost weapon strength by 3% per lord level, facilitating aggressive expansion. Archaon returns in : Warhammer II (2017) within the Mortal Empires campaign mode, where he can acquire the Sword of Khaine by capturing the Shrine of Khaine from elven factions, temporarily enhancing his already formidable stats with additional damage and curse effects that risk corrupting his army. This version builds on his base kit with improved invasion mechanics, allowing him to lead multi-faction Chaos alliances against the combined maps of the first two games. In battles, his steed mechanics permit dismounting for fortified defense, while fire-based spells like Piercing Bolts of Burning provide ranged support against clustered foes. Campaign progression ties into End Times events, such as scripted invasions that escalate as he accumulates Everchosen gifts, unlocking stronger units like Chaos Chosen. The character receives further refinement in Total War: Warhammer III (2022), appearing as a base-game legendary lord for the Warriors of Chaos in the Immortal Empires endgame mode. Here, Archaon gains access to three lores of magic—Fire, Chaos, and a unique Everchosen variant—enabling versatile spellcasting, including Chaos Storm for summoning chaotic rifts that damage and disrupt enemies over time. Victory conditions emphasize ruinous conquests, such as destroying Kislev's Boris Ursus for short victory and razing the Empire's provinces for long victory, reflecting his role as the harbinger of apocalypse. Gameplay stats highlight his durability with innate ward saves up to 50% and leadership auras that bolster Chaos units' morale, making him ideal for leading mixed-god armies in prolonged sieges. His steed, Dorghar, features terror-causing charges, amplifying psychological impact on routed foes. Beyond the Total War series, Archaon features in minor antagonistic roles in other Warhammer video games. In Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning (2008), an MMORPG set prior to the End Times, he is referenced in Chaos faction lore as an impending threat but does not appear as a direct raid boss. In Warhammer Quest 2: The End Times (2017), a mobile turn-based RPG, Archaon serves as the overarching narrative antagonist during the apocalyptic events, influencing questlines and enemy encounters without a dedicated boss fight. These implementations emphasize his lore significance over extensive interactivity, contrasting the command-focused depth in the Total War titles.

Novels and literature

Archaon's portrayal in novels provides deep narrative exploration of his character, emphasizing his transformation, ambitions, and role as the harbinger of ruin. The duology by Rob Sanders, beginning with Archaon: Everchosen (2014), chronicles the character's origins as a devout templar of Sigmar named Diederick, his disillusionment upon discovering a foretelling his destiny as Chaos's champion, and his subsequent fall to the Ruinous Powers, culminating in the early stages of his quest for the six great treasures of Chaos. The sequel, Archaon: Lord of Chaos (2014), continues this journey, detailing his trials across the Chaos Wastes, alliances with daemonic entities like , and acquisition of legendary artifacts such as the Crown of Domination and the Slayer of Kings, framing him as a relentless, tormented anti-hero driven by fate and vengeance. In the End Times series (2014–2015), Archaon emerges as the supreme warlord orchestrating the apocalypse. Josh Reynolds's The Return of Nagash (2014) depicts him as a shadowy mobilizing Chaos legions amid Nagash's resurrection, highlighting his strategic foresight in exploiting the undead's return to weaken the forces of Order. Chris Wraight's The Fall of Altdorf (2014) portrays Archaon dispatching the Glottkin horde to ravage the Empire's heart, underscoring his command over diverse Chaos warbands and his indifference to the human cost of his invasions. Reynolds's The Lord of the End Times (2015) centers on Archaon's climactic siege of Middenheim, where he leads the final assault as the Everchosen, embodying unyielding determination and divine favor from the Chaos Gods in the world's destruction. Archaon's presence persists into the Age of Sigmar era, where he rules the Eightpoints as the Three-Eyed King. In Dominion (2021) by Darius Hinks, he commands vast incursions into the Realm of Ghur, directing Slaves to Darkness legions against Sigmar's cities and illustrating his role as an eternal architect of conquest in the Mortal Realms. Chris Thursten's Abraxia: Spear of the Everchosen (2025) follows Abraxia, Archaon's champion, as she conquers the Phoenicium and transforms it into the nightmare city of Blackpyre, emphasizing his enduring authority over Chaos forces. Short stories in Chaos-focused anthologies further delve into Archaon's psyche. Other tales in collections like Call of Archaon (2016) by various authors portray champions vying for his favor, emphasizing his aura of dread authority and the brutal hierarchy of his legions.

Design and attributes

Physical appearance and model

Archaon is depicted as a towering armored , his imposing frame clad in the ancient of Morkar, which bears intricate Chaos and integrates legendary artifacts like the of Domination and the Eye of Sheerian. His pale, scorched skin and scarred face reflect the brutal trials of his fall to Chaos, with the Eye of Sheerian manifesting as a on his forehead following his ascension, symbolizing his prophetic visions granted by the Dark Gods. He is often shown riding Dorghar, a mutated three-headed dragon-like steed with jagged wings and snarling maws, emphasizing his role as the harbinger of . In artistic depictions across Warhammer codexes and official illustrations, Archaon appears with a flowing cape billowing behind him, adorned with trophies from fallen foes and glowing with chaotic energies. His armor is customized with spiked pauldrons, a horned helm, and embedded relics that pulse with otherworldly power, portraying him as a figure of dark majesty and unrelenting fury. These visuals highlight his scarred visage partially visible beneath the helm, underscoring the physical toll of his quest for Chaos artifacts. The miniature models of Archaon have evolved significantly since their introduction. The original metal miniature, released in 1999 as a Games Day exclusive on foot, featured a subdued yet menacing design with Chaos-infused elements like a great and billowing , standing in 28mm scale to represent his lore height exceeding seven feet. A later metal version during the Hordes of Chaos campaign included his mount and more dynamic details. The pivotal 2015 plastic kit for the End Times era comprises 85 components, allowing for customizable armor panels, weapon options like the Slayer of Kings sword, and assembly of Dorghar with interchangeable heads and wings, enhancing its imposing stature on a 160mm round base. This model emphasizes Archaon's grandeur, with fine details on and mutations that align with his artistic portrayals.

Powers, abilities, and artifacts

Archaon exhibits superhuman strength and resilience, forged through his trials in the Realm of Chaos and blessings from the four Chaos Gods, allowing him to withstand wounds that would fell lesser warriors. His mastery of magic grants him unparalleled sorcerous prowess, enabling him to channel spells as a Level 4 Wizard in Warhammer Fantasy lore who can select any spell lore. In Age of Sigmar gameplay, he functions as a Wizard (2), capable of casting two spells and unbinding two per hero phase, drawing from Chaos-aligned lores to unleash devastating arcane effects. Additionally, an aura of fear emanates from his presence, bolstered by his artifacts, causing enemy morale to shatter and units to break in terror during battles. Regeneration is a key aspect of his durability, with abilities allowing him to heal wounds inflicted on himself or allies through daemonic pacts and god-granted boons, such as siphoning health from slain foes. Archaon's signature artifacts, known as the Six Treasures of Chaos, were quested for across the world and beyond, each bestowing immense power and marking his ascension as the Everchosen. The Crown of Domination, forged from the skull of the first Everchosen and adorned with the Eye of Sheerian, instills unbreakable leadership in his followers while striking paralyzing dread into enemies, enhancing allied morale and causing foes to falter in combat; in gameplay, it contributes to his commanding presence on the battlefield. The Armour of Morkar, ancient plate worn by the inaugural champion of Chaos, renders Archaon nearly invulnerable, shrugging off all but the mightiest blows with a supernatural resilience equivalent to a 3+ save and protective wards. The Slayer of Kings, a daemon-possessed sword binding the greater daemon U'zuhl, devours the souls of slain heroes and champions, growing stronger with each kill; its edge thirsts for nobility, automatically destroying targeted heroes on critical wounds in Age of Sigmar rules, where unmodified wound rolls of 6 on multiple attacks against the same hero result in instant slaying. The Talisman of Preservation, a gleaming relic warding against fate's cruel hand, provides a 5+ ward save against all damage, including mortal wounds, stacking with his other protections to make him exceptionally hard to kill. The Eye of Sheerian, plucked from a slain Chaos dragon's skull, grants prophetic foresight, allowing Archaon to anticipate enemy moves; once per battle, it dictates battle round priority by rolling a die to determine first turn, replacing standard priority rolls. The six treasures culminate with Dorghar, Archaon's daemonic mount, detailed below. Archaon's mount, Dorghar—the Steed of the , a daemonic beast stolen from the daemon prince Agrammon's menagerie in the Realm of Chaos—further amplifies his might, having evolved from a corrupted star dragon into a three-headed chimeric horror capable of flight and rapid charges across 14" movement. Dorghar's heads unleash flame breath in coordinated assaults, spewing filth (Nurgle), devouring skulls (Khorne), or consuming spells (Tzeentch), with gameplay effects including mortal damage to nearby units, healing via slain models, or banishing manifestations on successful rolls. Its claws and tails rend foes with 6 attacks at Strength high enough to wound most targets on 2+, dealing 3 damage each and providing mobility through flight, while the heads add 3 more attacks with superior accuracy and damage output of 5. In lore, Archaon's feats underscore his godlike status, including surviving immersion in the raw energies of the Realm of Chaos without succumbing to mutation or madness, and slaying avatars of the Chaos Gods' greatest daemons during his trials, such as besting a Bloodthirster of Khorne and navigating Nurgle's plagues through sheer will. These accomplishments, detailed in his quest narratives, affirm his role as the ultimate harbinger of ruin.

Creation and development

Origins in Warhammer lore

Archaon was first introduced in the 5th edition supplement Warhammer Armies: Champions of Chaos (1998), where he appeared as a supreme Chaos lord and special character unit leading the forces of Chaos Undivided. Designed to embody the ultimate threat from the north, Archaon served as a dark counterpart to the Empire's heroic figures, particularly Emperor Karl Franz, providing players with a high-level capable of challenging the Empire's armies in balanced scenarios. His inclusion marked a significant expansion of Chaos lore, emphasizing a unified champion who could rally disparate Chaos warbands under one banner. Archaon's prominence grew with his role in leading the Chaos forces during the Storm of Chaos campaign in 2002. The conceptual origins of Archaon draw from mythological archetypes of fallen heroes and tyrannical overlords. His backstory as a devout templar of Sigmar who discovers forbidden prophecies foretelling his destiny as a destroyer evokes biblical narratives of , such as Lucifer's against divine order. Similarly, the theme of betrayal mirrors Arthurian legends, where noble knights like turn against their lieges, leading to cataclysmic downfall. Additionally, Archaon's portrayal as a tragic, once-honorable figure corrupted into an apocalyptic warlord parallels J.R.R. Tolkien's , a reduced from servant of order to eternal adversary of the free peoples. Early lore developments further solidified Archaon's role in subsequent publications. This was reinforced in later codexes, such as the 6th edition Hordes of Chaos, which narrated his quest to reclaim the Six Treasures of Chaos—legendary artifacts that proved his worthiness and granted him dominion over Chaos hordes. Archaon's narrative is deeply intertwined with the ancient prophecies of the Old World setting, positioning him as the fulfillment of long-foretold dooms. In the lore, texts like the Book of Nagash and Chaos scriptures predict the rise of an Everchosen born of dual heritage—Imperial and Norscan—who would unite the wastes and unleash the final cataclysm upon civilization. This prophetic mantle, revealed to Archaon (originally Diederick Kastner) through a heretical tome, drives his transformation and quest, embedding him within the broader mythological framework of inevitable ruin that permeates Warhammer Fantasy's cosmology.

Evolution across editions

In the seventh and eighth editions of Warhammer Fantasy Battle (2006–2014), Archaon's character received expanded backstory through novels, notably the 2014 publication Archaon: Everchosen by Rob Sanders, which detailed his rise from a disgraced Sigmarite templar to Chaos champion. Rules for Archaon in the Warriors of Chaos army book emphasized his role as a versatile lord, with adjustments for balance including restricted access to multiple lores of magic compared to his sixth-edition profile, where he benefited from the "Eye of the Gods" rule for enhanced spellcasting.) These tweaks aimed to prevent him from dominating games while preserving his status as the Everchosen leading Chaos incursions like the Storm of Chaos campaign's aftermath. The End Times campaign supplements (2014–2015) positioned Archaon as the central antagonist, orchestrating the apocalyptic destruction of the Warhammer world in a narrative climax spanning multiple volumes, culminating in his victory over the forces of Order. Mechanically, the End Times: Archaon book introduced sweeping rules changes, eliminating traditional army composition restrictions and allowing players to field unrestricted combinations of Chaos units under his command, marking a shift toward narrative-driven over balanced lists. Following the transition to in 2015, Archaon was reimagined as the Exalted Grand Marshal of the Apocalypse, a realm-spanning emperor ruling the Allpoints from the Varanspire and directing Chaos incursions across the Mortal Realms. A new premium model kit was released, depicting him mounted on the three-headed daemon steed Dorghar, with rules simplified for the streamlined system—emphasizing his command abilities and artifact-wielded powers in the 2nd and 3rd editions via battletomes like Slaves to Darkness. In the fourth edition of Age of Sigmar (2024), Archaon's profile in the updated Slaves to battletome received enhancements, including improved synergy with Chaos manifestations and tailored abilities for narrative playstyles such as Spearhead mode, reinforcing his role as a pivotal in larger-scale events.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Critics have praised Archaon's portrayal in the novel Archaon: Everchosen (2014) by Rob Sanders for its exploration of his tragic arc, depicting a devout Sigmarite knight's fall from grace into Chaos's embrace. The review in Reading Lamp emphasized how the book fills in the vague lore of Archaon's transformation, tracing his from childhood to vengeful world-ending fury, making him a compelling readers root for despite his . Similarly, Bell of Lost Souls commended Sanders for crafting Archaon as a deeply and tragic figure, loathing his fate, Sigmar's abandonment, and the Chaos Gods' corruption, while preserving his aura of dread and power. The novel's gritty quests, involving brutal expeditions through the Chaos Wastes to claim legendary treasures, have also received positive feedback for their intense, unflinching depiction of Warhammer's harsh world. Track of Words highlighted the story's bone-splintering violence, heroism amid sacrifice, and grim pacing that builds inexorably to Archaon's corruption, capturing the essence of lives overshadowed by Chaos. In analyses of Archaon's during the End Times storyline, Bell of Lost Souls articles lauded his depiction as an epic villain orchestrating the world's , with the fifth volume Archaon (2015) hailed as the series' strongest entry for its climactic buildup to the Old World's destruction. However, the concluding novel The Lord of the End Times (2015) drew criticism for a rushed , omitting key events like the fall of major cities to fit the scope, which left some plot threads feeling underdeveloped despite Archaon's central, wrathful presence. Gameplay critiques of Archaon in Total War: Warhammer (2016) have noted his mechanics as potentially unbalancing campaigns, particularly as the Warriors of Chaos leader, where his early-game razing and vassalage options enable rapid dominance. observed how playing Archaon feels like methodically gathering a , but his overwhelming power can overshadow strategic depth in prolonged playthroughs.

Popularity and cultural impact

Archaon commands substantial admiration among enthusiasts, particularly for his commanding presence as the Everchosen and his pivotal role in driving Chaos narratives across editions. His iconic status is underscored by Games Workshop's recognition of him as the "true champion of Chaos," a figure whose unyielding ambition and apocalyptic triumphs have cemented his place as a cornerstone of the franchise's lore. In competitive circles, Archaon-led Slaves to Darkness armies frequently excel in tournaments, reflecting his tactical versatility and appeal to skilled players. For instance, at the Lamoine Last Stand IX event, a list centered on Archaon achieved a top-three finish by exploiting his Eye of Sheerian ability to deep strike reinforcements and control key objectives, contributing to broader meta discussions on Chaos strategies. Similar successes appear in global event recaps, where Archaon's capacity to unite diverse Chaos forces mirrors his lore while enabling high win rates in matched play. In 2025, designated the "Year of Chaos" by , Archaon's prominence was further elevated through renewed narrative focus on his assaults in the Mortal Realms, as highlighted in official reviews of the initiative. Additionally, a new premium miniature model of Archaon, featuring an updated design and his steed Dorghar, was revealed in June 2025, generating excitement among collectors and hobbyists for its detailed sculpt and integration with ongoing Age of Sigmar campaigns. Community engagement extends to hobby and lore-focused activities, with fans debating Archaon's complex arc—from devout Sigmarite priest to harbinger of ruin—as a highlight of Warhammer's tragic villainy. These discussions often center on his "true" ending in the End Times and Age of Sigmar transitions, fostering ongoing analysis of Chaos's philosophical depth. Events like AdeptiCon amplify this fervor through cosplay and custom modeling, where participants recreate Archaon's imposing form using official kits as a base for personalized interpretations. Official merchandise, including premium Archaon miniatures, supports this creativity, with collectors and painters showcasing conversions that emphasize his artifacts and steed Dorghar. Beyond , Archaon's influence ripples into fan-driven content, inspiring fiction that reimagines his conquests and betrayals within expanded Warhammer scenarios. This appreciation underscores his broader cultural footprint, where phrases evoking his rise symbolize ultimate downfall in gaming vernacular.

References

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