Idoneth Deepkin (Warhammer Age of Sigmar)

The Idoneth Deepkin are the sea-dwelling aelves of Warhammer Age of Sigmar. They are an army of fast, hard-to-pin-down raiders with a strong aquatic look. They suit collectors who like elegant, unusual sculpts and players who enjoy picking their moment to strike. A good first purchase is a core unit such as the Namarti Reavers, a hero, and the Idoneth Deepkin battletome.

What are the Idoneth Deepkin?

The Idoneth are aelves who live beneath the waves. They are part of the Order grand alliance, and they venture onto land in raiding forces that bring the sea with them. Their culture is built around the sea god Mathlann and around the need to gather souls to sustain their people. That gives the army a haunting, slightly sinister feel that sets it apart from the other aelf factions.

The army is made up of several castes. The Namarti are the common warriors, the Isharann are the seers, priests and mages, and the Akhelian are the elite who ride large sea creatures into battle. Together they give you a very varied collection, from slim infantry to big predatory mounts.

How do the Idoneth Deepkin play?

In broad terms, the Deepkin are a mobile, tricky army. They are built around striking quickly and choosing where a fight happens, rather than slowly marching across the table. They also rely on a tide-style mechanic that shapes how the army behaves over a game. Their wizards and priests matter, and so does careful positioning.

If you like a plan that rewards patience and timing, this is a rewarding faction. If you prefer a simple wall of bodies that walks forward, you may want to look at something else. For a wider view of the game and its armies, see our Warhammer Age of Sigmar guide.

Where should I start with Idoneth Deepkin?

A sensible first order has three parts: a battleline unit, a leader and the book. That is enough to learn the army without a large outlay.

1. The battletome. The Order Battletome: Idoneth Deepkin (English) is the place to learn how the army fits together and what each unit is meant to do.
2. A core infantry unit. The Namarti Reavers are a good introduction to the army's look and speed, and they are a comfortable first kit to build and paint.
3. A hero. The Isharann Tidecaster is a spellcaster who gives you a clear idea of how the Isharann caste works on the table.

If you are new to the hobby altogether, read our complete Warhammer buying guide first for the bigger picture of what you need besides miniatures.

Which Idoneth Deepkin kits are worth knowing?

Heroes and characters

The Isharann Tidecaster is the straightforward wizard choice. For something with more presence, Mathaela, Oracle of the Abyss is a named character who is a lovely model to paint and a good centrepiece for a smaller force. Volturnos, High King of the Deep is the army's regal figurehead, and a strong choice for anyone who wants a leader that looks the part.

Elite cavalry and monsters

The Akhelian caste is where the army gets its dramatic mounted units. The Akhelian Morrsarr Guard are elite warriors that show off the faction's sea-creature theme. The Akhelian Allopex is a large, predatory beast kit, and it works well as a showpiece as well as a threatening piece on the table.

Big centrepiece models

The Eidolon of Mathlann – Aspect of the Storm is the largest and most striking model in the range, tied directly to the sea god. It is a kit for painters who enjoy a long project.

Banners, ikons and manifestations

Smaller extras add flavour and function. The Idoneth Deepkin Ikon of the Sea / Ikon of the Storm is a themed accessory for the army, and the Idoneth Deepkin: Manifestations set gives you extra models to summon during play. Check the battletome before buying either, so you know how they will fit your list.

How do I paint Idoneth Deepkin?

The faction rewards a cool, watery palette: blues, teals, pale bone tones and bright metallics for accents. Many painters pick one dominant colour for the whole army and use a second colour for armour and trim, which keeps the force cohesive. Smooth blends and glazing look good on the sea creatures, though a simple, tidy scheme also looks great on the table.

If you are picking up a brush for the first time, start with how to start painting Warhammer miniatures. When you are ready to choose paints, our Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints guide explains the different paint types and what each one is for.

Which book do I need for Idoneth Deepkin?

The Idoneth Deepkin battletome is the book for the army. It covers the faction's background and how its units work together, and it is the reference you will return to when you build a list. Keep in mind that Age of Sigmar rules are updated over time, so check that the book matches the edition you want to play before buying.

Which factions are similar to the Idoneth Deepkin?

If you like the Deepkin's elegant aelf look, the Lumineth Realm-lords are another aelf army with a very different feel. If you are drawn to something more eccentric within Order, the Kharadron Overlords offer a very different style of play. For something darker, look at the Maggotkin of Nurgle, the Helsmiths of Hashut or the Hedonites of Slaanesh.

Idoneth Deepkin FAQ

Are the Idoneth Deepkin good for beginners?

They can be, provided you enjoy thinking about positioning and timing. The models are not difficult to build, and a small starting force is easy to assemble. The play style rewards planning, so expect to learn the army over a few games.

What is the best first Idoneth Deepkin purchase?

The battletome, a unit of Namarti Reavers and a hero such as the Isharann Tidecaster make a good starting set. That gives you reading material, a core unit and a leader without committing to a large army.

Do I need the battletome to play?

It is strongly recommended. The book explains how the army's units and abilities fit together, and that is the best way to learn the faction. Check which edition it supports before you buy.

What colours suit the Idoneth Deepkin?

Blues, teals, pale bone and bright metallic accents are the usual choices, and they match the faction's underwater theme. You are free to choose any scheme you like, and many painters pick one main colour and keep it consistent across the army.

Does Universe TCG ship Idoneth Deepkin worldwide?

Universe TCG ships from Spain to customers around the world, and also runs physical shops in Mollet del Vallès, Barberà del Vallès and Segovia. Shipping options are shown at checkout.

Related guides

• Warhammer at Universe TCG: the complete buying guide
• Warhammer Age of Sigmar
• Kharadron Overlords (Warhammer Age of Sigmar)
• Lumineth Realm-lords (Warhammer Age of Sigmar)
• Maggotkin of Nurgle (Warhammer Age of Sigmar)
• Helsmiths of Hashut (Warhammer Age of Sigmar)
• Hedonites of Slaanesh (Warhammer Age of Sigmar)
• Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints: the complete guide
• How to start painting Warhammer miniatures