Age of Sigmar Soulbound: Branchwych

#MORTALREALMSMONDAY

Today Cubicle 7 producer Emmet Byrne reveals a brand new Archetype for Age of Sigmar: Soulbound. We are delighted to bring you these regular updates on Age of Sigmar. Why not jump over to our Facebook and Twitter pages and let us know what you think of this one?

Hi all, today we’re revealing a brand new Archetype for Age of Sigmar: Soulbound — the esoteric Branchwych of the Sylvaneth. 

Guardians of Life and Death

Branchwyches are attuned to the life magic of the forest and are entrusted with most sacred of roles. It is a Branchwyches duty to guard and protect the soulpod glades and to nurture the spirits growing within. They ensure harmony with the Spirit Song — a mystical melody which all Sylvaneth can hear and one that serves as a unifying force among the forest folk. Branchwyches also serve as receivers of the dead, using their greenwood scythes to harvest the souls of fallen Sylvaneth so they may return to the soulpod glades to grow again.

I was there at your beginning. I shall be there for your end. This is my promise and my purpose.

- Shaniir, Warden of the Greenbriar

In Play

Branchwyches are spellcasters who can manipulate the arcane energies of the Jade Lore of Magic. This Lore is focused on growth, healing, and the power of nature and as such its energies are strongest in Ghyran, the Realm of Life. Branchwyches are often accompanied by a bittergrub, a caterpillar like Spite that can grow to the size of large snake. Along with the bittergrub, the Branchwych uses its greenwood scythe to cleave down enemies and reap the bodies of fallen Sylvaneth. When the lamentiri of the fallen are returned to the soulpod groves, their memories are added to the ancestral link that all Sylvaneth can tap into. Some Branchwyches can also use their skill and control over the forest to shape deadly weapons for their allies.

Players who choose this Archetype gain the ability to cast powerful healing spells and summon the might of the forest to strike down their foes. Branchwyches are versatile spellcasters who are adept in combat, entirely focused on protecting the natural order.

Behind the Design

The Branchwych was one of the earliest Archetypes we identified as soon as we knew we were going to include playable Sylvaneth characters. One of the things that drew me to the Branchwych was that it embodied the wrath and will of nature, perhaps even more so than the Kurnoth Hunter. For me, the Kurnoth Hunter is a fierce warrior who represents the destructive power of nature. The Branchwych has the same potential for destruction, but they also represent life and growth — she is there at the beginning and she is there at the end. Like many of the characters and Archetypes in AoSRPG, there is a tragedy and sadness to the Branchwych that is ripe for exploration in a roleplaying game.

What Next?

Over the coming weeks we’ll continue to share information on Age of Sigmar: Soulbound. Be sure to sign up to our newsletter so you don’t miss out.

Artist Info

Clara-Marie Morin. See more of her work here.