The Dark Master has arrived and closes the year as our last Warlord of 2025. It is fitting to have the first of the Daemon Princes as our final send off, and what a send off he will be!

We have been spoiled for Chaos Supreme commanders, one for each Chaos god, one for the mortals and now one for the daemons. As is fitting for the dark master and one of diabolic intent Bel’akor’s rule hinges around the suffering of his opponents, first being strengthened as they are damaged, and then weakening them further as their wounds overtake them, sending them into despair.

Warlord Rule: The Dark Master

His Warlord rule, The Dark Master reads as follows:

“For each enemy card below 80% base Wounds, increase the attack of all friendly cards by 20%. Additionally for each enemy card below 50% base Wounds decrease the attack of all enemy cards by 20%”

This rule has the potential to create a devastating board state where all friendly cards are boosted by 60% while the opponent’s attacks are decreased by 60%. So yes the effects stack for every opponent card meeting this criteria. Of course this is a difficult balance to maintain as ultimately you need to destroy enemy cards, and therefore remove the source of your bonuses.

Keeping in theme that means that realistically the opponents strongest cards are your greatest weapons. The downfall and failure of heroes is far more rewarding than the average rank and file. You can build into this by weakening the enemy with area attacks, or Poison, or can just brute force your way through using direct damage traits to power up the main follow up strike. This allows you to use any and all of the Chaos gods chosen servants to get the rule working in your own style.

The Age of the Dark Master Begins

Be’lakor himself exemplifies his own rule with both Fear and Inspiring presence bringing the static effect of both buffing your forces and debuffing the opponent, and heightening the effect of his own rule. Meaning with the correct board stat he becomes almost impossible to harm.

Overall his playstyle shows off both his preference for toying with mortals while also grinding them to dust without falter. Embrace all the aspects of the Chaos Gods and bring forth a new age for the new year!