EA Mythic has blown the lid off two of the career classes appearing in its forthcoming MMORPG Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, introducing us to the Black Orc and Ironbreaker.

Both are 'tank' classes, the Black Orc unsurprisingly attached to the Greenskins (or Orcs, Goblins and Snotlings) and the Ironbreaker attached to the bearded fellows the Dwarfs. We've posted the information on both classes as received below and, as you'll see elsewhere on this page, EA Mythic has also issued accompanying artwork. WAR is due for release in autumn 2007.


The Black Orc - Greenskin Tank Class
The Black Orc is a huge, hulking brawler who fights dirty and operates on the philosophy that the best defense is a good offense! Heavily armed with choppa and shield, he can face any foe unshaken.

The Black Orc Specialty:

Brawler


Attacks with any and all tools available: fists, feet, elbows, weapons, and any other spiky bits at his disposal

Attacks are designed to jar, disorient, or otherwise disable the enemy; these conditions leave the enemy vulnerable to even more damage

Playing as a Black Orc:


Combat revolves upon engaging one enemy at a time

As a front line fighter, he is well-equipped to withstand enemy attacks

His greatest strength is the ability to disable his primary opponent

Jarring blows and unexpected attacks exploit openings and reduce enemies' ability to fight back

Fighting Black Orcs:


Know your enemy and his abilities; selective engagement is key

Counter his attacks to keep him from reaching the potential of his deadly power

Don't even try to get around him; maneuver to break his chain of attacks and decrease his performance

The Black Orc Look:


Fully armored in heavy armor (with lots of spikes)

Large very heavy shields (also with lots of spikes)

Choppas and great choppas (with spiky bits stuck on)


Ironbreaker - Dwarf Tank Class
The quintessential Dwarf, the Ironbreaker is gruff, quarrelsome and taciturn. He's also your best friend on the battlefield; he's as tough as they come, and considers any blow struck against his allies a Grudge that is guaranteed to be repaid in kind. The Ironbreaker is a steadfast defender and is equipped with famed Gromril armor and elite weapon skills.

The Ironbreaker Specialty:


Nobody holds a grudge like a Dwarf, and every blow struck against him or his enemies fuels his ardor

The greater the grudge born against a particular foe, the greater the effect of the Ironbreaker's attacks

The only escape from his vengeance is death

Playing as an Ironbreaker:


Get between your friends and your foes and use your defensive abilities to absorb and deflect attacks

The longer you battle a foe, the more your grudge bonuses grow, and in turn your strength as a defender grows

Ironbreakers shine in a group, but are capable solo players at short range with the axe and hammer

Fighting an Ironbreaker:


Remove the Ironbreaker through magic and ranged attacks, aiming to eliminate him before he can bring his power to bear

A concentrated melee attack may be the only hope of avoiding the creation of a grudge-fueled melee monster!

The Ironbreaker Look:


Fully armored in heavy Gromril armor (shiny and ornate)

Uses large heavy duty shields (elaborate and well crafted)

Wields an axe or a hammer (also in the fancy dwarfen style)

Screens Here