Runefang
The swords that united an Empire, forged by Dwarf runesmiths and gifted to Sigmar and the first Elector Counts.
Runefang is a legendary runic sword of immense power and renown within the Empire of Man, one of a set of magical blades gifted to Sigmar and the tribal leaders who became the first Elector Counts by Dwarf High King Kurgan Ironbeard during Sigmar's lifetime. Forged by Dwarf runesmiths in the Old World, the Runefangs became potent symbols of Imperial authority and resistance against the forces of Chaos. They remain in the Empire, never passing to the Stormcast Eternals, who belong to a different age.
- Original Wielder
- Sigmar and the first Elector Counts
- Origin
- Dwarf Forges (gifted by High King Kurgan Ironbeard during Sigmar's reign)
Lore & Background
The Runefangs are not merely weapons of steel but masterworks of Dwarf runecraft, inscribed with runes that pulse with ancestral power. They were forged during Sigmar's lifetime by the Dwarfs of Karaz-a-Karak, specifically to honor Sigmar and the tribal leaders who would become the first Elector Counts, with the set of twelve established later. Each Runefang is a unique blade, wielded by its respective Elector Count in countless battles against the forces of Chaos and other foes. The weapons are imbued with Dwarf runic magic, not the essence of the Old Ones, and their power allows bearers to strike with a force that can cleave through daemonic armor and break the strongest wards.
In Their Own Story
The air on the battlefield was thick with the scent of ozone and blood as the Chaos horde surged forward. A lone figure clad in golden armor stepped from the mist, Runefang heavy in his grip. The axe hummed, its runes flaring with a blinding white light that pushed back the shadows. With a roar that echoed across the valley, he swung the legendary blade, cleaving through a daemon prince as if it were made of glass. The ground shook, not from the impact, but from the raw divine energy released by the weapon.
Reader's Guide
Runefang functions as a conduit for the raw power of Sigmar and the Stormcast Eternals. In combat, it allows its wielder to channel massive amounts of magical force into physical strikes, capable of destroying high-tier daemons and breaking through enchanted defenses. The axe is not easily wielded by mortals; only those blessed with divine favor or resurrected as Stormcast can handle its weight and power without being consumed. It requires a strong will and a pure heart to activate its full potential, often responding to the emotional state of its bearer. Currently, Runefang is primarily associated with the Stormcast Eternals, specifically those who serve in the vanguard against Chaos. It acts as both a weapon and a symbol of unity for the Empire's defenders, reminding them of the legacy of Sigmar.
Did You Know?
- Runefangs were among the few weapons capable of harming daemons during the early wars of the Empire.
- Each Runefang is unique, with its own name and history tied to the Elector Count it was gifted to.
- Their runes glow brighter when near sources of Chaos corruption, acting as natural detectors for evil.
- Contrary to some legends, the Runefangs do not speak to their wielders in the voice of Sigmar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Runefang in Total War Warhammer?
Runefang is a legendary runic axe from the Empire of Man, originally the personal weapon of Sigmar Heldenhammer during his mortal life. It is one of the most iconic symbols of the Old World's defiance against Chaos and the Dark Gods.
Who forged Runefang and where does it come from?
The axe was crafted in the Sigmarite forges of the Empire, shaped specifically to turn the tide against Chaos forces. Its creation is tied directly to Sigmar's own era, making it one of the oldest revered artifacts in the setting.
Who wields Runefang now in the lore?
After Sigmar departed the physical realm, the axe passed through the hands of several champions before ultimately entering the custody of the Stormcast Eternals in Aethelgard. It now functions as a focal point for their divine retribution on the battlefield.
Why is Runefang so important to the Warhammer narrative?
As the very axe Sigmar Heldenhammer swung against giants and Chaos, it embodies the founding myth of mortal resistance in the Empire. Its survival and continued use by the Stormcast Eternals links the old mortal world to the current divine order.
Is Runefang still active or has it been lost?
Runefang remains an active artifact, still held by the Stormcast Eternals and ready for combat against Chaos. It has never been destroyed or lost, preserving its role as both a potent weapon and a living symbol across the ages.
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