Filthy's Customs -Updated 2012-03-29

[Taeblewalker]

I would say "All Vakrian Slingers participating in the Rain of Stone Special Attack must have clear line of sight to on the one target."

Beyond that, they are to the Goblin Cutter what the Roman Archers are to the Roman Legionairres. A great idea, forsooth! And I don't mind that they have Scale as a power instead of Climb x2. It makes them even more like the Goblins.

The only thing I would perhaps like to see, if in fact you wanted to get away from D&D per se, is to use some ranged Goblin units, if any are appropriate. If you are going for D&D-scape, then they are perfect. I am not sold on 60 points either, but that's where playtesting comes in.

[Filthy the Clown]

Originally Posted by Taeblewalker

I would say "All Vakrian Slingers participating in the Rain of Stone Special Attack must have clear line of sight to on the one target."

Spoken like a true Master of Verbiage; thanks, updated.

Originally Posted by Taeblewalker

Beyond that, they are to the Goblin Cutter what the Roman Archers are to the Roman Legionnaires. A great idea, forsooth! And I don't mind that they have Scale as a power instead of Climb x2. It makes them even more like the Goblins.

They are rather goblinesque...Ugly lil guys, reminiscent of those twisted little jawa-freaks in Phantasm. I prefer the Scale verbiage as well, so I am updating accordingly (thanks for pointing this out).

Originally Posted by Taeblewalker

The only thing I would perhaps like to see, if in fact you wanted to get away from D&D per se, is to use some ranged Goblin units, if any are appropriate. If you are going for D&D-scape, then they are perfect. I am not sold on 60 points either, but that's where playtesting comes in.

I must admit that my learning is more inclined to non-D&D...But as kobolds they just seem to fit (although the sculpts could pass as lizardmen of some sort).

And now, to playtesting.

Playtesting - Game 1

Spoiler Alert!

Map: Blind Hill v1 by BiggaBullFrog

Vakrian Slingers x3 180 (at 60/squad)
Dumutef x3 75
Death Knights x3 180
Khosumet 75
22 spaces, 510 points

vs

Axegrinders x3 210
Migol 110
Mogrimm 120
Darrak 60
Isamu 10
16 spaces, 510

Dwarves win.

~The idea was to set the DKs and Dumutef out as a screen for the Slingers (using Unholy Bonding to position Khosumet in order to take advantage of his Relentless Assault bonus). It worked, but the dwarves slowly whittled away at the DKs and Dum, and the dwarves won with 2 Axegrinders, an unwounded Mogrimm, and Isamu (160 points).

The Slingers work really well with this combo, and they make a great meat shield for Khosumet; in fact, most of the damage was done by the slingers adjacent to Khosumet. I took out 1 dwarf and heavily wounded Migol (on a defensive whiff) with Rain of Stone, but I did not want to give up 3 attacks of 2/3. Their weakness is the defense of 2, and their range of 5 can leave one longing for that extra move or space of threat range. The dwarves really man[kobold]-handled them in melee, and I am inclined to think that the slingers are too pricey at 60 (without bonding or additional range, although the 6 movement really gets them around the map).

Either way, they are a blast to play with Khosumet (I must admit; he is my main motivation for creating the slingers in the first place). The sculpts adhere to Kho's Egyptian theme, and they are rather adept at hiding behind obstacles.

Playtesting - Game 2

Spoiler Alert!

Map: Blind Hill v1 by BiggaBullFrog

Khosumet 75
Krav 100
Badru x2 160
Slingers x3 165 (55/squad)
19 spaces, 500 points

MDG 100
Romans x3 150
10th x2 150
NGS 90
22 spaces, 490 points

Slingers win.
~This match was fun, and proved to be a good one for the wolves and slingers. The romans led with legionnaires, while the Krav took the first couple of rounds in order to plink away at the legos. Man, I love the Badru with the Slingers (who seem a better fit at 55/squad). With the Krav as a distraction, I was able to deploy first the slingers and then the Badru with Khosumet in tow: Badru pounced away at the legos/10th [a great match up for them], while the slingers used their high move to create another wall of flesh around the darklord. However, once the MDG-backed 10th started out-ranging the slingers (and pounce attrition thinned out the Badru, I left Kho's side and took the high ground with the slingers. I was left with 1 Krav, an unwounded Khosumet, and one squad of slingers.

This was a good match up for the slinger army, as everything (but Khosumet) shines against slow-moving legos and low-defense 10th. The slingers blossomed into a solid core, as their versatility (Surround Kho? Spread out? Use Rain of Stone?) and mobility make up for their low-end attack and defense. The 55-point mark per squad seems like a sweet spot, but I will iron it out over a few more games.

[Taeblewalker]

I'm glad you seem to be getting a feel for a single number for their cost.

[Filthy the Clown]

After a bit more play testing, I have finalized the stats and price for the Vakrian Slingers. The finished card:


I almost gave in to temptation and added Darklord bonding, but this would require a change in the points. As it stands, I like how the Slingers work out, especially with Khosumet in tow of a bonding squad (either Badru or Death Knights: both fit the theme and allow for adequate support for the defensively weak Slingers).

[cmgames]

If the three Slingers are combining their attacks into one attack, it would be a special attack of 6, not 5. This is consistent with the Roman's, too.

~Z

[Filthy the Clown]

Originally Posted by cmgames

If the three Slingers are combining their attacks into one attack, it would be a special attack of 6, not 5. This is consistent with the Roman's, too.

~Z

I actually wanted it at 5, not 6 (it is not a direct combination of 3 attacks of 2, but rather a powered attack directed at a target of strength). The extra mobility and defense, and conditional factors for the special, offset the Special Attack's strength difference between Slingers and Roman Archers.

[Darkmage7a]

Nice touch extending the sling beyond the window box. I like the squad too. Just wondering should it be ValKrian/Valkrillian Slingers or are you creating a new person/place named Vakran or something? Either way would be cool but the it would be nice if the second one was expanded upon.

[Dad_Scaper]

Checking in to let you know how much fun I had playtesting Priscus. You can find my SoV vote here.

[Filthy the Clown]

Originally Posted by Darkmage7a

Nice touch extending the sling beyond the window box. I like the squad too. Just wondering should it be ValKrian/Valkrillian Slingers or are you creating a new person/place named Vakran or something? Either way would be cool but the it would be nice if the second one was expanded upon.

I mused over the name in an earlier post:

The name might also need to be changed to something more generic (Kobold Slingers), as Vakrian is naturally very similar to Valkrill (in that case, they could also be Valkrian Slingers).

I decided to keep the Vakrian, as the Slingers hale from a land known as Vakria, an evil land shrouded in the dark mists of chaos (I made it up; unique, huh? ). I like the similarities to Valkrill, but if this causes confusion, I am comfortable changing the name to a more noted reference: Valkrian (or Valkrillian?) Slingers.

Originally Posted by Dad_Scaper

Checking in to let you know how much fun I had playtesting Priscus. You can find my SoV vote here.

Thanks! I am glad that you enjoyed playing him. His aura and Special Attack (and the absence of Spartacus' Movement and Defensive boosts) add a new take on the Gladiators, IMHO.

[Killometer]

Cross-posted from the SoV

Originally Posted by Killometer

Honestly, when I first looked over Priscus' card, I was a little underwhelmed by what I (at the time) felt like was his Inspiration-Lite focus. However, he looked balanced, and brought the Gladiators a much-needed Special Attack, plus Filthy put together a fantastic nomination, so I decided to vote Yes to review him.

I'm certainly glad that I did-he has proven to be an excellent addition to the Gladiator line-up.

Two of the Steamrollers significant weaknesses have been numbers and lack of a Special Ability. Priscus helps address both those.

With a cost 90 points less than Spartacus, a fourth squad of Capuans is now in reach for many more point totals. Altenatively, those points can be spent on another Gladiator Hero, or a ranged unit to entice your opponent to move within striking range of the Caps.

Shield Pin is a thematic Special Attack with a very valuable, but not over-powered bonus.

Taste of Freedom is Priscus' key selling point. Attack bonuses have always been highly regarded and highly priced in Heroscape. This one is one of the least expensive, but has the potential to affect many figures. It is severely limited, however, by only affecting Gladiators, and only functioning when all Order Markers are placed on Gladiatiors, including requiring one on Priscus.

Interestingly, the tactical overlap of Priscus and Spartacus (what I liked least on first consideration of Priscus) resulted my favorite army: Spartacus, Priscus, Capuans x3. This army requires careful Order Marker juggling, since both heroes require them to function fully. This added a level of strategy to the Steamroller that is previously lacked, and 5+ attack Gladiators are a sight to behold, especially when they are facing a hero-heavy army.

IN my opinion, Priscus' main weakness is that Taste of Freedom's limitations result in some default army builds, much as Spartacus' Gladiator Inspiration does, but fortunately Priscus' price allows room for more variety than Spartacus, is one wishes to build it in.

In the end, Priscus adds flexibility, complexity and a much needed Special Attack to an army that benefits from all those things. I vote YES to induct Priscus into the Soldiers of Valhalla.

[Filthy the Clown]

Originally Posted by Killometer

Cross-posted from the SoV

Many thanks for the feedback and for the vote, as well as for taking the time to playtest! For reference purposes, I added all existing feedback to the SoV nomination post and to the initial post on my Customs thread.

[Filthy the Clown]

My latest creation: Baruk Kurab, Hobgoblin Hero for Valkrill



Baruk is stout in his own right, with a cost and stats similar to other 100 point Heroes: Gurei-Oni, Mind Flayer Mastermind, and Sir Denrick, among others. His Special Attack is a great way to thin out massed commons, but it comes with a caveat: it can also harm adjacent friendlies.

The real fun with Baruk, at least in theory, is when pairing Baruk with Wild, Guard Common Heroes: Drow Chainfighters. When bonding with Baruk, the Chainfighters can use their mobility to attack ranged threats to Baruk. Plus, their chain grab can be used to pull units into adjacency with the Hobgoblin, allowing Baruk to stack up enemies and hit them all en masse. This can lead to some interesting hit N run tactics, among other things.

The sculpt is the D&D Savage Encounters Hobgoblin Hand of Bane, available at Auggies.

I plan on some more testing in order to finalize his cost and abilities, and I look forward to any feedback.