There are currently 9 available Factions in Mordheim : Warband Skirmish, from which you can choose to build your Warband around. Only the Reikland Mercenaries are free to play. Other Factions can be unlocked by paying real money (and used to be buyable with Fate points in previous versions of the game). As you can see from the screenshot on the right, I've unlocked all Factions, except Possessed and Dwarves.
Reikland Mercenaries (free)[]
Their Captain is the best Leader, and can learn Lesser Magic. With access to Shooting and Strength skills (not Speed), they're the game’s true hybrid faction (melee and range). They can't run or hide, but can take a hit and fight like hell!
Middenheim Mercenaries[]
Their Captain is the strongest of all, with also access to Lesser Magic. Designed for close combat, with access to Speed and Strength skills (not Shooting). Like wolves, they're stealthy but ferocious.
Marienburg Mercenaries[]
Their Captain not only has access to Lesser Magic, but also to a network of reliable merchants. Ranged or swashbuckling troops with access to Shooting and Speed skills (not Strength). They are rich and better equipped than any other Factions.
Skaven[]
Lead by Assassins and would-be adepts of The Horned Rat, Skaven are fast, deadly and the most versatile warriors. They have access to Shooting, Strength and Speed skills, making them able both in melee and at range. But they're coward and will often flee at the wrong moment.
Undead[]
A Necromancer with his Dregs and fearsome Ghouls minions. They rely heavily on fear, melee combat and magical support (all in all, their skills access is limited). But their true master is the Vampire, who'll join the Warband only once tribute is paid.
Witch Hunters[]
Only Captain starts with any kind of training (and an armour!). Zealots are enthusiastic peasants ; what they lack in training, they get in potential (as Templars or Fanatics). They're eager for the guidance of the Warrior-Priest Hired Sword and his Prayers of Sigmar (spells).
Sisters of Sigmar[]
Their Matriarch starts with unlocked Prayers of Sigmar. Novices are like untrained but schooled Middenheim Warriors (access to Strength, Speed and Academic skills, not Shooting). Their lack of training is largely compensated by their speed and potential. They all can wield the fearsome Sigmarite Hammers, one of the best weapon in the game.
Cult of the Possessed[]
Fanatics of the Gods of Chaos, that will as soon give them a boon of Chaos, as smite them. Their leader The Magister has access to one of the most pottent, although a little unreliable Magic in the game (Chaos Magic).
Dwarf Treasure Hunters[]
Tough, elite fighters with unique dwarven skills but slow moving with no access to speed skills. They have academic skills that allow them to find more shards, and others that improve their proficiency with ranged weapons.
Strigoi[]
Fast frenzied monsters accompanied by fast humans. Light armored.
Orc Raiding Party[]
Brutal orc mele fighters acompanied of Goblin creatures.
Carnival of Chaos[]
Resistent decomposing melee warriors that follow Nurgle, the Lord of Decay.
Comparison Chart[]
| Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| Reikland Mercenaries | +6 range to Leader
Access to Lesser Magic Marksmen get +5 BS |
Average stats
Henchmen don't have access to Speed skills |
| Middenheim Mercenaries | All units get +5 S
Access to Lesser Magic Captain gets +3 W |
Average stats
Henchmen don't have access to Shooting Skills |
| Marienburg Mercenaries | +100 starting gold
Access to Lesser Magic Store: +10% rarity Store: 20% discount |
Average stats
Henchmen don't have access to Strength Skills |
| Skaven | Vermikin get all but Academic Skills
Fast units (Verminkin start with +1to M/R and +10 to I) Access to Skaven Magic |
Very susceptible to Rout and All Alone test (Verminkin Starts with -30 to Ld)
Very limited Hired Swords choices No flying units |
| Undead | Zombie Handling
Access to Necromantic Magic Ghouls have 2 Attacks Can hire a Vampire |
Dregs limited to Combat and Strength skills
Dregs start with -10 to WS and BS* Ghouls start with -10 to WS and BS* and -30 to Ld Ghouls limited to Strength and Speed skills Ghouls can't equip any items Necromancer have a very limited skill pool |
| Witch Hunters | Templar or Fanatic path
Captain's armor is worth 300g Can hire a Warrior-Priest Crossbow pistol exclusive item |
Zealots starts with -10 to WS and BS*
Zealots don't have access to Strength skills Can't use any sort of bows |
| Sisters of Sigmar | Novices get Academic skills**
Matriarch starts with Prayers Can hire an Augur |
Novices starts with -10 to WS and BS and -16 to Ld*
Novices don't have access to Shooting skills No flying units |
| Cult of the Possessed | Brethern can become Possessed
Magisters start with Chaos Lore Can hire Beastman and Possessed Access to Speed Skills all around |
High rewards but high risks with Skills and Chaos Spells
No access to Shooting Skills |
| Dwarf Treasure Hunters | Clansmen start with +15 to Def, +10 to WS and +24 to Ld
Access to Miner Skill Less prone to dying thanks to Extra Tough |
Clansmen start with -1 to M/R and -10 to I
No access to Speed skills Low range of sight |
| Strigoi | ||
| Orc Raiding Party | Orcs start with +1 to W, +15 to Def
Special Orc Strength skills that causes brutal Charges Access to 3 kinds of Goblins as Creatures |
Orcs start with -10 to I
Only access to Bow Shooting skills No access to Speed skills |
| Carnival of Chaos | Access to Nurglins and Plague Bearers as Creatures
Access to Special Nurgle's Gifts Access to Speed Skills |
Strength Skills access limited to Brutes
Shooting Skills only accesible to Carnival Master |
*But can take up 2 more increases in these stats (compared to Mercs, the standard Factions).
**Namely Wyrdstone Hunter, Streetwise and Haggle skills (on top of Special Sisters skills).