Gear up, Age of Sigmar enthusiasts, as we delve into the fascinating lore behind the legendary Ionus Cryptborn, the formidable Lord-Relictor of the Hammers of Sigmar Stormhost. As his epic new miniature goes up for pre-order on Saturday, it's the perfect time to dive into the gripping history of this iconic Stormcast Eternal. Get ready to discover the story behind the miniature!

Ionus Cryptborn, once known as Eonid ven Denst, was a prince from the shadowed realm of Shyish. His story, a tapestry woven with threads of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering loyalty, unfolds across the vast landscapes of the Mortal Realms. As a Lord-Relictor of the Hammerhands Warrior-Chamber, belonging to the prestigious Hammers of Sigmar Stormhost, Ionus carries the aspect of the grave with him – a haunting presence that ensures few rest easy in his company.

Before his rebirth as a Stormcast Eternal, Eonid ven Denst was an Amethyst Prince of the Prime Innerlands in Shyish. This was a secret he shared only with his fellow Lord-Relictors, a clandestine past that hinted at the noble lineage and formidable strength he possessed even before the reforging. Eonid's prowess became evident when he slew the many-skulled Hydragor that threatened the courtiers of King Thanator's manse, a feat that earned him admiration and respect among his peers.

However, it was during the Days of Shattered Bone that Eonid truly distinguished himself. In the face of Nagash's dominion, Eonid stood as the lone voice of dissent, displaying the rare courage to speak against the god of death. This act of defiance marked him as a figure of resilience and independence, qualities that would shape his destiny in ways unimaginable.

Taken by Sigmar, Eonid ven Denst was reforged into Ionus Cryptborn, a Lord-Relictor of the Thunderstrike Brotherhood, an Exemplar Chamber of the Hammerhands within the Hammers of Sigmar Stormhost. His rebirth was not without challenges, as Nagash taunted him upon his arrival with visions of his deceased wife in torment, demanding a tithe of souls. Undeterred, Ionus pressed on, ready to fulfill his newfound purpose.

One of the defining moments in Ionus Cryptborn's journey occurred during the first strike in the Realmgate Wars at the Brimstone Peninsula in the Realm of Aqshy. This fierce confrontation set the stage for his continued service to Sigmar, forging a legacy that would be remembered through the statues erected in his honor around the Brimstone Beachhead.

In the aftermath of the Siege of Excelsis and the passage of more than three hundred years, Ionus found himself at Fort Ignis. Unlike his comrades, he chose to remain clad in his armor, avoiding the celebratory banquets. This stoic demeanor hinted at the burdens he carried and the weight of his responsibilities as a Lord-Relictor.

Vandus Hammerhand, a fellow Stormcast Eternal, saw beyond Ionus Cryptborn's grim exterior, recognizing the hero beneath. The two shared a bond of brotherhood, forged through countless battles and trials. This camaraderie became a cornerstone of Ionus's existence, providing solace in the face of the challenges that awaited him.

As the Twin-Tailed Crusade traversed the realms in Dawnbringers: Book III – The Long Hunt, Ionus Cryptborn found himself drawn into an alliance of necessity. The Goretide, legendary warriors of Khorne, blocked the Dawnbringers' path, forcing them to seek an unlikely ally – Ionus himself. The God-King's prodigal son and first Lord-Relictor had spent decades searching Shyish for a cure to the flaw in the Reforging, an affliction that affected his closest friends. Despite the sepulchral rasp that now characterized his voice, Ionus was called upon by Sigmar for a higher purpose.

During his quest in the Realm of Death, Ionus formed an unexpected friendship with Cthorak, a sinister draconith with a morbid quest of his own. Together, they descended upon battlefronts with Cryptborn's personal Stormdrake Guard, and after victory, they silently carried away Stormcast Eternals who had been changed by the relentless storm of Reforgings.

The reunion with Vandus Hammerhand in Dawnbringers posed questions about the nature of their relationship. Was it a friendly reunion, or did it foretell impending disaster for both warriors? The answer lay in the unfolding chapters of Ionus Cryptborn's ongoing saga – a tale etched in the annals of the Mortal Realms, where the Lord-Relictor's valor and determination continued to shape the destiny of the Hammers of Sigmar Stormhost.

Ionus Cryptborn  is available for pre-order now.