Kurnoth’s Heralds: The Wild Hunt Returns
Warhammer Underworlds: Spitewood – Path to Glory Review
Welcome back to Path to Glory! We continue our coverage of the new releases and turn our gaze to the deep places of Spitewood, where the spirits of the forest ride once more. The Kurnothi return in the form of Kurnoth’s Heralds, a warband of half-spirit, half-centaur hunters who thunder through the Mortal Realms to deliver the will of the god of the hunt himself.
Many fans have waited for a second Kurnothi warband since Skaeth’s Wild Hunt first graced the Underworlds. In fact, our founder, Aman, texted our group chat that “he was back” after seeing these gorgeous sculpts. And well, these new models are spectacular, bringing the full majesty of the hunt to life: hooves, antlers, and all. Thanks to Games Workshop for providing us with a preview copy. Now let’s see if their rules can match their striking appearance.
The Rhythm of the Hunt
The Heralds’ inspiration demands two conditions: they must make a successful attack action and begin that action within their own territory. It’s a two-step process that sounds punishing at first glance, but it’s less daunting in practice. Every member of this warband is built for accuracy, giving them solid odds to achieve it early — and the rewards for doing so are worth every bit of effort.
The Blessing of the Grove
Since the warband’s inspiration favors remaining in friendly territory, it’s fitting that they gain protection for doing so. Swift Sentinels ensures they cannot be flanked while in their own half, and while the Flying runemark might not always come up, being difficult to trap or surround can make a world of difference when facing aggressive opponents.
The Chase Unending
This once-per-game ability is a gem. Pushing a fighter two hexes may not sound dramatic, but it can completely change the course of a round. It can extract a wounded Herald from danger, help one retreat to friendly ground to attempt inspiration again, or let you close in on an enemy without charging. When used cleverly, it can turn Ylarin in particular into a relentless pursuer who keeps attacking without pause.
Arrows of Renewal
Lenwythe’s signature ability allows her to make two ranged attacks in quick succession. The restriction that both attacks must target different enemies can limit the impact, but it offers flexibility with either two chances to trigger her inspiration or, once inspired, a way to disrupt multiple foes at once. Driving enemies off objectives and staggering them for her companions’ attacks can make a tremendous difference in the midgame.
The Pride of the Hunter
Ylarin alone can call upon this ability, granting his next attack both Cleave and Ensnare. It’s best used early, before he risks being cut down, to ensure his first swing connects. Though his inspired profile already brings Grievous, this boost can guarantee the initial strike lands, setting the tone for the rest of the battle.
The Hunters of Kurnoth
Ylarin – The Huntmaster
Ylarin stands as a commanding leader. His profile, Move 4, Wounds 5, 1 Shield, is solid for a 3-glory fighter and comparable to leaders like Dromm or Vasillac. His first weapon, a range 1, 4-sword, 1-damage strike with Grapple, is ideal for triggering inspiration attempts. His second weapon, a range 2, 2-hammer, 2-damage attack with Crit-Grievous, is even better. Once inspired, that weapon becomes range 2, 3 hammers, 2 damage, and retains Grievous, the same deadly profile as Dromm or Vasillac. Combined with The Endless Hunt push, Ylarin becomes an agile and accurate skirmisher who thrives in home territory.
Cullon – The Ironhoof
Cullon mirrors Ylarin’s physical presence but sacrifices a little resilience, trading his leader’s 1 shield for 1 dodge. He’s worth 2 glory rather than 3. His axe attack starts as a range 1, 2-hammer, 2-damage swing, which feels modest next to his companions, but the transformation upon inspiration is dramatic. His upgraded weapon becomes range 1, 3 hammers, 3 damage with Cleave, a brutal profile that rivals the best melee fighters in the game. Cullon is your late-round closer, capable of delivering the final blow that tips the battle.
Lenwythe – The Spirit’s Eye
The warband’s ranged specialist begins with a range 3, 2-hammer, 1-damage bow that carries Crit-Stagger. Her defence and wounds match Cullon’s, giving her moderate durability. She also carries the same hooves weapon for close-range inspiration attempts. Once inspired, her bow improves to 3 hammers and gains full Stagger, significantly enhancing her reliability. While she lacks the raw damage of her comrades, her Precision Volley keeps her relevant. She can pin down enemies, drive them from objectives, and open them up for devastating melee follow-ups.
The Flow of Battle
Kurnoth’s Heralds bring an elegant mix of speed, precision, and risk. Their dual-condition inspiration is challenging, but their tools reward planning and patience. They thrive when the battle flows through their half of the board, darting forward for strikes and falling back to reposition. Once inspired, they shed their defensive posture and hunt with wild abandon, punishing anyone who strays into range.
Though their defensive stats have drawn criticism, their offensive output more than compensates. Compared to warbands like the Gorechosen, the Heralds trade a small measure of toughness for faster inspiration and superior attack profiles. In practice, that means opponents cannot afford to ignore them.
Paths Through the Glade
The best Rivals decks for them will depend on your preferred rhythm of play. Blazing Assault + Countdown to Cataclysm offers aggressive momentum, rewarding early attacks while keeping their inspired profiles fueled. Blazing Assault + Reckless Fury or Blazing Assault + Raging Slayers can also serve them well, frontloading accuracy and aggression to help hit those first inspiration rolls.
For a more balanced style, Hunting Grounds feels tailor-made for them. Pair it with Countdown to Cataclysm or Emberstone Sentinels for defensive flexibility and positioning control. Raging Slayers, in particular, deserves mention for giving them early accuracy bonuses, a subtle but powerful edge when your entire game plan depends on landing those first strikes.
Verdict: The Hunt Never Ends
Kurnoth’s Heralds are a thrilling addition to Warhammer Underworlds. They reward clever positioning, disciplined aggression, and the ability to read the flow of the battle. Once they are inspired, few warbands can match their raw offensive potential.
They are not the easiest warband to master, but players who learn to dance along the border of their territory, timing their strikes with precision, will find them devastating. The hunt has returned to the Underworlds, and the forest remembers every trespass.
Share your thoughts, your favorite decks, and your most triumphant hunts with us. We want to hear what drives your Heralds to victory on your Path to Glory.
