For the first time in several years I am actually entertaining the thought of dusting off my old Warhammer Fantasy Battles armies. The reason for this is The End Times. I have not bought the book, but hope to snag a 2nd reprint. Meanwhile I've read and listened to every podcast I can listen through my work's firewall.
Regardless, as I listen and form opinions, I cannot help but draw comparisons to The Hours Heresy. I'm thinking that the new army structure (50% Lords) is designed for us to see a wave of Primarch-like models. I consider Nagash to be the first of these. He is a huge kit. He is game changing. He has good durability. How different is Nagash in WFB to a Primarch in a Hors Heresy army? My opinion is there is not much difference at a fundamental level.
What does this mean? For me it means we are likely to see a new large kit Archaeon for the second book. This will include a combining of the three chaos army lists similar to the new Undead Legion. I also suspect book 2-3 will be the dark times. Book 3 will probably see an elf collaboration. Whomever draws the Sword of Khaine will be the big kit for that book. If book 4 is the end of the cycle then I suspect a Sigmar reborn. This should bring about a combined Empire, Brettonian, Dwarf and perhaps Ogre army.
If the above are true, then players are will be encouraged to expand their armies and pick up these center piece models. This will of course increase sales.
Now this is pure conjecture, and may not pan out. I know this path leads down the "forge a narrative" path. Tournament players will try and "fix' the system. I believe this is folly. I hope to see fantastic armies with awe inspiring centerpieces. More narrative players will have many high and lows, much internet complaining will ensue. I think these will be interesting times.
The other problem with what I have written is that not every army is accounted for. I see Skaven and Orcs & Goblins being wild cards. The Fell Blade is gone so how the Shaven will proceed is unknown. I could see a new large Vermin Lord coming, but that's perhaps more wishlisting than reasonable hope. The O&G as always will get in the way, win some, lose some and in the end fall apart.