Among the many figures that inhabit the Warhammer Fantasy universe, few command the same awe and dread as Settra the Imperishable. As the eternal king of Nehekhara and a symbol of relentless ambition, Settra stands as one of the most iconic characters in the Tomb Kings faction. Known not only for his immense power and unmatched authority but also for his intricately designed miniature model, Settra has become a favorite among collectors and hobbyists. The Settra the Imperishable model captures the grandeur of this undead monarch with astonishing detail, offering hobbyists both a challenging and rewarding painting and modeling experience.
Who Is Settra the Imperishable?
Settra the Imperishable is the first and greatest king of Nehekhara, the ancient desert kingdom also referred to as the Land of the Dead. In life, Settra united the warring city-states of Nehekhara and ushered in a golden age. Obsessed with eternal life, he ordered the construction of massive necropolises and monuments, intending to become a god upon death. Though his mortal life ended, his spirit rose once more through necromantic rituals, reanimating his mummified body and making him a powerful undead sovereign who refuses to bow even to the gods of death.
Settra in Warhammer Lore
In Warhammer Fantasy lore, Settra is not just another undead ruler. He is proud, ruthless, and demands absolute loyalty. Unlike many other undead beings, he retains his intelligence, charisma, and powerful presence. He leads legions of skeletal warriors, chariots, and constructs with an iron will, seeking to restore his empire to its former glory and beyond.
This makes Settra a crucial character in the Tomb Kings faction, both narratively and in terms of gameplay. His influence is not just symbolic his abilities on the battlefield can alter the course of a game entirely, particularly when represented with the beautifully detailed Settra the Imperishable model.
The Settra the Imperishable Model: Design and Features
The Settra the Imperishable model is a centerpiece figure that immediately draws attention on any tabletop. Known for its grand scale and ornate details, this miniature is designed to reflect the might and majesty of Nehekhara’s eternal ruler.
Mounted on the Chariot of the Gods
One of the defining features of the Settra model is that he is mounted atop the Chariot of the Gods, a magnificent multi-horse chariot adorned with skeletal steeds, golden armor, and towering statues. The chariot itself features elaborate carvings, glyphs, and Nehekharan symbols, all of which are sculpted with intricate detail that gives painters the opportunity to showcase their skills.
- Multiple skeletal horses in motion
- Ancient Nehekharan designs and glyphs
- Chariot ornamentation including banners and golden iconography
- Statue guardians flanking Settra’s throne
This design reflects Settra’s god-king status and his role as an unstoppable force of ancient magic and war.
The Model of Settra Himself
Settra is depicted seated proudly on the chariot, clad in resplendent armor that combines gold, turquoise, and bone. His crown is tall and regal, symbolizing his eternal dominion. He wields the Blessed Blade of Ptra and holds the Scarab Brooch, both of which are finely detailed on the model.
The model captures his commanding pose, with one hand raised in declaration and the other holding his weapon. His skeletal face, adorned with regal embellishments, gives off an air of unending defiance and pride.
Assembly and Customization Tips
Building the Settra the Imperishable model requires patience and attention to detail. Due to the many delicate parts especially the skeletal horses, wheel spokes, and ornamental pieces dry fitting before gluing is highly recommended. Working in sub-assemblies can help during the painting process.
Recommended Tools and Materials
- Precision hobby knife and sprue cutters
- Plastic glue for strong bonds
- Files or sanding sticks for mold line removal
- Pin vise drill for stability if using pins
As the model is fairly large, some hobbyists mount Settra on custom display bases, incorporating sand, ruins, and pyramid motifs to reflect Nehekharan themes. Others may use magnetic connections for easier transport and modular display setups.
Painting the Settra Model
Painting Settra the Imperishable is a true showcase of an artist’s talent. The combination of ancient gold armor, weathered bone, brilliant gemstones, and ethereal magical elements offers a rich palette. Many painters choose a desert theme for the base, with dusty tones and ancient stones, while emphasizing turquoise and lapis lazuli hues in the details for that unmistakable Tomb Kings aesthetic.
Key Painting Challenges
- Creating depth in gold armor through shading and highlighting
- Achieving realistic bone tones on horses and skeletons
- Painting small details like hieroglyphs, gems, and cloth patterns
- Blending magical effects or glowing eyes with contrast paints or glazes
Layering, dry brushing, and washing techniques are commonly used to enhance the model’s visual impact. Painters often highlight the sharp lines of the chariot’s carvings and emphasize contrast between bone and armor.
Gameplay Significance in Warhammer Fantasy
Settra is not just a stunning centerpiece for display; he’s also a powerful figure in Warhammer Fantasy Battles. On the battlefield, Settra acts as both a combat powerhouse and a strategic leader. His abilities enhance the morale and effectiveness of nearby Tomb Kings units, and he is virtually immune to fear and panic effects.
Key Abilities
- Leadership buffs for nearby units
- Powerful magical resistance and bound spells
- Devastating attacks in close combat from both Settra and his chariot
- Special rules that prevent other Tomb Kings characters from using the Hierophant rule when he is present
In terms of game mechanics, using Settra often requires tailoring your army around him, but he rewards that investment with unmatched strength and battlefield control.
Collector Value and Rarity
The Settra the Imperishable model has become increasingly rare since Games Workshop discontinued the Tomb Kings line in Warhammer Fantasy. This has made original Settra models highly sought after by collectors, often fetching premium prices on secondary markets. Some hobbyists prefer to 3D print replicas or kitbash similar models, but nothing quite matches the detail and official sculpt of the original release.
Owning a Settra model is not just about gaming it’s about holding a piece of Warhammer history. The figure represents a peak of design from the classic Fantasy Battles era and continues to captivate new and veteran hobbyists alike.
The Settra the Imperishable model is a perfect blend of storytelling, craftsmanship, and gameplay. Representing the legendary ruler of Nehekhara, this model brings the grandeur and horror of Warhammer’s undead kings to life in miniature form. Whether you’re a painter looking for your next ambitious project or a gamer building a powerful Tomb Kings army, Settra offers unmatched presence on the tabletop. His model not only honors his legacy as a mighty undead warlord but also challenges hobbyists to bring that legacy into vivid, artistic reality.