​      When Games Workshop (GW) created the lore for the Old World initially, things were vastly different. Over time the lore has been changed, retconned, or completely rewritten. Though some things never change, like the races of the Old World, the deity’s names, or the existence of Chaos, how they are implemented has been hotly debated. The overall statement has always been that the world is meant to be the players' creative expression. The lore exists so little figures can play battles on a tabletop.

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      This can make sticking to one lore exceedingly difficult since many sources contradict each other. However, you can look at it as an advantage. If you don’t like something about the lore, change it. Make the setting your own. Use the existing lore as you see fit. This rule set allows personal interpretation of the existing lore.

     

      With that said, the setting is fairly simple. There exist 4 major playable races, which are subdivided into many factions. Humans, often called Manlings; Elves, sometimes called Asrai or Asur; Dwarfs, also known as Dawi; and Halflings. Each race has its distinct traits which will be explained in the race section of this book. These races often war with one another but are generally known as the forces of order.

 

      In opposition to the forces of order, are the forces of Death, Chaos, and Destruction. The forces of Death are often associated with Nagash, being mostly undead. The forces of Chaos encompass a huge variety of dangerous creatures and factions corrupted by the dark powers of Chaos. Finally, the forces of Destruction are generally evil, but not associated with Chaos or undead, such as Orcs and Druchii.

 

      There are countless books, maps, and lore segments across the internet or in local game stores, so expand the setting to your taste. Remember that you can make this world setting your own