Warlords of Erehwon is a fantasy wargame designed by Rick Priestley (co-creator of Warhammer Fantasy Battle and Warhammer 40,000). Published by Warlord Games, it emphasizes narrative play, cinematic action, and streamlined yet tactical rules. The name "Erehwon" is a playful inversion of "Nowhere" (from Samuel Butler’s novel Erewhon), signaling a fantastical, anything-goes setting.
Before we dive into the specifics of the digital format, let’s establish the pedigree. Warlords of Erehwon (pronounced "Er-eh-won" – "Nowhere" spelled backwards) is a fantasy wargame designed for 28mm miniatures. Unlike Games Workshop’s behemoth, which requires specific army lists and proprietary models, Erehwon is model-agnostic.
This means you can use your Citadel Orcs, your historical Viking miniatures, Perry Miniatures knights, or even repurposed board game pieces. The core book provides a "construction kit" for armies, allowing you to build literally any fantasy faction imaginable.
The game is famous for its "Hell or Glory" system, which replaces traditional "I go, you go" turns with a dynamic dice-driven activation system. This single mechanic has converted many Warhammer refugees looking for a less predictable, more narrative experience.
If you are looking for the Warlords of Erehwon rulebook, here are the best ways to get your hands on a copy of the PDF or the physical book:
Official Digital Version: You can purchase and download the official PDF directly from the Warlord Games webstore. Buying the official version ensures you have the most up-to-date rules, including any errata.
Physical Hardback: Many retailers still stock the high-quality hardback book, which often includes an exclusive miniature (like the Skeletal Champion) if bought from specific hobby stores.
Free Online Resources: While the full rulebook is a paid product, Warlord Games frequently provides free PDF downloads for army lists, reference sheets, and FAQ updates on their community site. Quick Overview of the Game:
Designer: Written by Rick Priestley (the creator of Warhammer and Bolt Action).
System: Uses a D10-based system and the popular "Order Dice" activation mechanic.
Style: A flexible fantasy skirmish game that allows you to use any models in your collection, from Orcs and Undead to Samurai and Olympians.
"Warlords of Erewhon" is a science fiction essay written by Theodore Sturgeon, first published in 1953. The essay is a critique of the science fiction genre and its often-negative portrayal of technology and progress. Sturgeon argues that science fiction should be more nuanced in its exploration of the consequences of technological advancements.
Here's a brief summary of the essay:
In "Warlords of Erewhon," Sturgeon critiques the science fiction genre for its tendency to depict technology as a destructive force that inevitably leads to the downfall of human civilization. He argues that this perspective is overly simplistic and neglects the potential benefits of technological progress.
Sturgeon contends that science fiction often relies on a nostalgic, romanticized view of the past, which he terms "Erewhon," a reference to Samuel Butler's 1872 novel "Erewhon," which explores the theme of a society that rejects technology. Sturgeon asserts that this nostalgia for a pre-technological era is misplaced and that science fiction should instead focus on exploring the complex relationships between technology, society, and human values. warlords of erehwon pdf
The essay is considered a seminal work in the science fiction genre, as it challenges authors to think more critically about the role of technology in society and to explore the nuances of technological progress.
If you're interested in reading the essay, I recommend searching for online archives or libraries that may have a digital version of the text. Some possible sources include:
Keep in mind that access to the essay may depend on your institutional affiliation or subscription to online archives.
Warlords of Erehwon: Exploring the Mythic Skirmish Game by Rick Priestley
In the vast landscape of tabletop wargaming, few names carry as much weight as Rick Priestley, the primary architect behind Warhammer 40,000. With Warlords of Erehwon, Priestley shifted his focus from the grim darkness of the far future to a realm of myth, magic, and tactical fantasy skirmishes. For many hobbyists, the search for a Warlords of Erehwon PDF is the first step into a world where Orcs, Undead, and Barbarians clash in fast-paced, narrative-driven combat.
In this article, we’ll dive into what makes this game unique, how the rules function, and the best ways to access the rulebook today. What is Warlords of Erehwon?
Published by Warlord Games, Warlords of Erehwon is a fantasy miniature wargame designed for "warband" scale combat. Unlike mass-battle games that require hundreds of models, Erehwon thrives with smaller forces (typically 20 to 60 miniatures), making it accessible for new players and a perfect "side project" for veterans.
The title itself, "Erehwon," is "Nowhere" spelled backward—a nod to Samuel Butler’s classic satirical novel and a hint that the game is intended to be a "toolbox" for any fantasy setting you can imagine. Key Gameplay Mechanics
What separates Erehwon from its competitors is its mechanical DNA, which it shares with the popular WWII game Bolt Action. 1. The Order Dice System
The most celebrated feature is the Order Dice system. Instead of the traditional "I Go, You Go" format, players put colored dice representing their units into a bag. A die is pulled at random, and the player whose color matches gets to activate one unit. This creates a tense, unpredictable atmosphere where you never know if your reinforcements will arrive in time or if your enemy will strike twice in a row. 2. Tactical Reactions
Units aren't just sitting ducks while the enemy moves. Depending on their status, units can perform "Fire" or "Sprint" reactions, allowing for a dynamic back-and-forth that keeps both players engaged throughout the entire turn. 3. Stat-Based Resolution
The game uses a D10 (ten-sided die) system. To succeed in an action—whether it’s hitting an enemy or passing a morale test—you generally want to roll under your unit's specific attribute. This makes the math intuitive and keeps the game moving quickly. Warbands and Customization
One of the biggest draws for players seeking the Warlords of Erehwon rules is the sheer variety of included army lists. The core rulebook provides stats for: The Undead: Skeletal legions and terrifying liches.
Orcs and Goblins: Brutal strength paired with chaotic weaponry. Dwarves: Stoic defenders with black-powder technology. Elves: Elite archers and masters of magic. Warlords of Erehwon is a fantasy wargame designed
Monsters: Dragons, Giants, and Manticores that can be added to most lists.
Furthermore, the game encourages "proxying." Because it is "miniature agnostic," you can use those old models sitting in your closet from any manufacturer and give them a new lease on life in Erehwon. How to Get the Warlords of Erehwon PDF
If you are looking for the Warlords of Erehwon PDF, there are several legitimate ways to acquire it:
Warlord Games Webstore: The official publisher often sells digital versions of their rulebooks. Purchasing the PDF directly supports the creators and ensures you have the most up-to-date version, including errata.
Digital Bundles: Keep an eye on sites like Wargame Vault or Humble Bundle, where Warlord Games titles occasionally appear in discounted digital collections.
Physical/Digital Combos: Some retailers offer a free PDF copy when you purchase the hardback book, giving you a beautiful reference for your shelf and a searchable file for your tablet. Why Play Erehwon Today?
In an era of overly complex rulebooks and "edition churn," Warlords of Erehwon stands out as a complete, stable, and incredibly fun system. It prioritizes the "Rule of Cool" and narrative flair over rigid competitive balance, making it a favorite for "beer and pretzels" gaming nights.
Whether you're a fan of Rick Priestley’s legendary design work or just looking for a way to use your fantasy miniatures in a fresh, reactive system, downloading the PDF and rolling some D10s is a choice you won't regret.
Are you ready to lead your warband to glory? Check out the official Warlord Games community forums to find local players and shared army lists!
Warlords of Erehwon is a fast-paced, 28mm miniature wargame that focuses on "warband-level" combat, typically involving 30 to 60 models per side.
System Mechanics: It utilizes a D10 (ten-sided dice) system borrowed from Beyond the Gates of Antares and the popular "Order Dice" activation mechanic from Bolt Action.
Author: The game was written by Rick Priestley, the original creator of Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000.
Factions: The core rulebook includes lists for various fantasy races, including Dwarfs, Elves, Orcs, Undead, Goblins, and Halflings. Official PDF Resources
Warlord Games provides several official digital documents for players: Warlords of Erehwon – tagged "pdf" Keep in mind that access to the essay
Warlords of Erehwon is a tabletop fantasy wargame published by Warlord Games and designed by industry veteran Rick Priestley. The game is designed for "warband-scale" battles, bridging the gap between small-scale skirmishes and mass-battle games, typically featuring 20 to 60 models per side. Core Game Mechanics
The system is built upon a hybrid of mechanics from Priestley’s previous works, primarily Bolt Action and Beyond the Gates of Antares.
Order Dice Activation: Instead of traditional "I Go, You Go" turns, players put distinct colored dice into a bag for each of their units. Dice are drawn randomly, and the player whose color is pulled activates one unit to perform an action.
Unit Actions: Players can assign several specific orders to units, including Fire (shoot without moving), Advance (move and shoot), Run (double move), Sprint (maximum move with risk of exhaustion), and Ambush (overwatch-style reaction).
D10 System: Combat resolution utilizes a D10 "roll-under" system for accuracy and skill tests.
Pinning: Units hit by enemy fire receive "pin markers," which reduce their effectiveness and make them less likely to follow future orders. Warbands and Factions
The Warlords of Erehwon Rulebook contains army lists for 12 standard fantasy archetypes:
Core Lists: Barbarians, Beastmen, Dwarfs, Elves, Gnolls, Goblins, Halflings, Knights, Olympians, Orcs, and Undead.
Expansion Content: Additional fan-made and official lists—such as Samurai, Romans, Aztecs, and Ratters—are available through resources like Rick Priestley's This Gaming Life website.
Miniature Agnostic: The game is designed to be played with any fantasy miniatures from any manufacturer, encouraging players to use existing collections. Rulebook Resources
The rulebook is available in both hardback and digital PDF formats. To support gameplay, Warlord Games provides several free downloadable resources:
Quick Reference Sheet: A summary of the turn sequence and common tables.
Special Rules List: A compilation of the various unit-specific abilities found throughout the core book.