December Custom Contest Poll - CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DEWK

[Dr.Goomonkey]

CONGRATS DEWK! If Y'all are interested in who did all the entries, just be patient, they'll be up in a day or few.

The entries have rolled in, as expected. However, more entries than ever before rolled it! We got 19 entries, more than 10 more than we've ever had (with the previous record being 8, if memory serves). Woo-hoo! In any case, that means the competition should be fierce this time around, just like many of your manticores.

Please select up to 3 of your favorites, and feel free to post explanations for why you did or didn't vote for some. You can even post your complaints about which ones didn't make it into the top 15 (as 4 still needed to be cut).

Also remember that if you are one of the finalists you must vote, but cannot vote for your own creation (I know, I know. It's blatantly superior to all the others. Get over it).

So, without further ado, here are the finalists, in no particular order (I will try to add synergy lists to each of them in the next few days):

#1 The Dewk's Tarkus

Synergies:

Spoiler Alert!

Synergies Received:

• - ARROW GRUTS : Beast Bonding

Bio:

Spoiler Alert!

"Why do we now head northeast? I'm no tactician, but isn't it common knowledge that the most direct route to The Quilato Range is through The Narrows?"

"It is. But have you not heard? General Ironwill, who is a tactician, and shared your opinion, returned last night, badly wounded, with only a third of the advance party he departed with."

"I don't understand; is it not solely Fianteeth who guard that area? While relentless guardians, they are not terribly difficult foes to fell."

"I wish it were so. No, our enemies have summoned a new monstrosity that patrols the air. Ironwill described it as a winged beast, with sharp quills along its body and tail, yet possessing the twisted face of a man. We all know the fearless reputation of the Axegrinders of Burning Forge, but even they could not constrain, much less slay, the terrifying beast amid its flurry of feathers, teeth, and quills. The latter of which they say pierces through armor as if it were cloth! So for now, we trod over the sharp rocks and stench-filled swamp of Malodorr. And I am satisfied with that order."

"As am I!"

#2 DewNoHarm's Crimson Manticore

Synergies:

Spoiler Alert!

Synergies Received:

• - DUMUTEF GUARD : Devourer Attack Enhancement
• - ORNAK : Red Flag of Fury Aura

Bio:

Spoiler Alert!

“Humans! So weak, so worthless, so egotistical!” General Utgar spat as he turned his back on the battlefield.

“So infuriating?” A wounded Taelord murmured as he caught up to Utgar.

“Don’t tempt me to finish what those blasted humans started.” Utgar snarled.

Taelord checked himself and flew a few paces behind his master. General Utgar almost never lost control; even in defeat, the Archkyrie was usually cool, collected, and working on his next strategic move. When Utgar was angry there was not telling what he might do – even to a trusted lieutenant. Given the outcome of the battle, Taelord wished that Utgar had selected Runa for this particular battle instead of himself.

Taelord turned and looked at the battlefield one last time. The mangled bodies of many gruts littered the battlefield. There were some dead humans as well, but not quite as many. Marcus Decimus Gallus was reorganizing the few remaining Roman Legionnaires into files while Sergeant Drake Alexander mustered a larger group of 4th Massachusetts Line soldiers. Although the battle had been close, and not many of the humans had survived, the allied humans now controlled a key passage to a new wellspring.

Knowing that he needed to redeem himself for the loss, even though it was not his fault, Taelord considered the "human situation". Utgar had hardly any humans in his army, considering them generally weak and often disobedient to commands (the ninja Isamu was a notable and celebrated exception). Yet the other generals had successfully utilized human heroes and even organized humans into squads. Utgar would likely not appreciate that particular observation. Suddenly Taelord hit upon a solution.

"My Lord?” Taelord began tentatively after many minutes had passed.

“Yes, Taelord?” Utgar was back in control.

“My Lord, what if – given your prodigious summoning abilities – you found a creature that was a natural enemy to those miserable humans? Something that would strike so hard that it would make the humans fear to take the battlefield? Something so primal and destructive that they could not understand it or even find a strategy that would work against it?”

Utgar did not answer for a long time. “Your idea intrigues me, Taelord.” Utgar finally agreed. Taelord breathed a silent sigh of relief. Then, almost half to himself, Utgar said, “That would let me punish that traitor Einar, especially. Nearly all of his army is composed of humans.”

Two months later, the Archkyries allied against Utgar began receiving reports of a new monster. The reports spoke of a hideous combination of bird and beast that even had a human face. It focused almost exclusively on humans on the battlefield, consuming them even before the battle was over. It was deadly when it took the offensive. When it was backed into a corner, there was still a chance that combatants would be wounded as they struck it. Utgar had found the legendary crimson manticore.

WarBeast's Jungle Beast

Synergies:

Spoiler Alert!

Syergy Benefits Received

• - FYORLAG SPIDERS : Predator Bonding

Bio:

Spoiler Alert!

Fyorlag Spiders took dead wyverns & dead lions that ended up in their webs to concoct their perfect Hero. Much like his kin, Lions, the Manticore hunts best in packs, making alliances with the Fyorlag Spiders and Wyvern. The Spiders find him prey and hold it down while the Wyvern places prey adjacent to jungle trees where the manticore lurks, offering two stinging options.

Toogwick_tuk's Romitaen'c

Synergies: N/A
Bio:

Spoiler Alert!

Romitaen'c meander's around his den, picking at the remains of an unfortunate knight, skewered by iron spikes. Biting through flesh and steel, he swallows, but is not satiated. The iron barbs on tail begin to regrow to full length. The Manticore has become restless, a new hunt shall begin.

Taeblewalker's Manticore

Synergies:

Spoiler Alert!

Synergies Received

• - FYORLAG SPIDERS : Predator Bonding
• - DEATH KNIGHTS OF VALKRILL : Unholy Bonding
• - KHOSUMET THE DARKLORD - Relentless Assault

Scytale's Manticore

Synergies:

Spoiler Alert!

Synergies Received:

• - FYORLAG SPIDERS : Predator Bonding

Sam's Ol' Scratch

Synergies:

Spoiler Alert!

Synergy Benefits Received

• - ARROW GRUTS : Beast Bonding
• - DEATH CHASERS OF THESK : Taskmaster Bonding
• - ORNAK : Red Flag of Fury

ObfuscatedHippo's Manticore

Synergies:

Spoiler Alert!

Synergy Benefits Received

• - ARROW GRUTS : Beast Bonding
  
• - ORNAK : Red Flag of Fury

NecroBlade's Manticore

Synergies: N/A
Logical Explanation:

Spoiler Alert!

Uncommon Hero because there don't seem to by any specific manticore legends. Marauder because that's a synergy-less Class (see Hydra, Asterios). Speaking of Asterios, Legendary Creature seemed appropriate to borrow. Large 5 is hopefully the right size from the thread. Valkrill because the manticore seems a little more evil to me ("manticore" means "man-eater", after all) and again there were no specific examples like Asterios for Einar. Finally, Spike-Tail Shot is based off these passages:

"...and spikes at the tip of its tail with which it defends itself at close quarters, while it hurls them like an archer's arrows at more distant enemies"

"...while the tail of this animal puts out hairs a cubit long and sharp as thorns, which it shoots like arrows at those who hunt it"

So while it can shoot them, I wanted to represent it "defending itself" from "those who hunt it" by making it a defense trigger, and limiting the range to 4 is a nice medium between "close quarters" and "more distant enemies" while allowing some counter-play by the opponent.

Lazy Orang's Akul

Synergies:

Spoiler Alert!

Synergy Benefits Received

• - ARROW GRUTS : Beast Bonding
• - DEATH CHASERS OF THESK : Taskmaster Bonding

Bio:

Spoiler Alert!

Syvarris crept, three Aubriens at his side, stalking their quarry through the forest’s half-light. Reports had reached him of attacks on Elven travellers in this area, of a great winged lion with a man’s head. The beast sounded fiercer than most, and he could not afford to risk it finding the Home Tree. It must be hunted down and killed, without delay.
It was not hard to track.
‘Syvarris!’ one of his fellow hunters called. ‘I think I’ve found something.’
Syvarris made his way over, and the crouched archer handed him a thigh-bone. It was slight, delicate - it could only have belonged to an elf. Small patches of rotting, congealed flesh still clung to it, and he could detect a slight, acrid stench of stomach acid; it must have been regurgitated.
‘How old?’ Syvarris queried.
‘No more than three days.’
Syvarris tensed. He wasn’t certain what scared him more - the chance of encountering this beast, or the possibility it had flown to terrorise new hunting-grounds. 'Well found, Erolith.’
'Sir, look!’
Syvarris turned on the spot - one of his other men was pointing to the sky. He looked up, and
instinctively tightened the grasp on his bow.
The creature was gigantic - a great lion with reddish brown fur and a large, spined tail. Its wings were unfeathered membranes, resembling those of some giant bat, and its mane was lush and red, barely obscuring a face too humanoid to be that of a beast - too large, rough and bestial to be that of an elf.
'Take cover!’ ordered Syvarris.
Too late.
The manticore looked down, and began to swoop. The elves split up - Syvarris and Erolith to the creature’s right, the other two to its left, trying to outflank and outsmart it. They each strung their arrows, waiting for the right moment. When it landed, the forest shook to hear its primal roar - its voice sounding like the blasting of a thousand trumpets. Then came Syvarris’s order.
'Now!’
They each loosed their arrows, but the beast merely shrugged those of the Aubriens off, seemingly unharmed. When Syvarris’s arrows flew, however, they found their mark, deep in the beast’s flank. The winged lion roared in rage, its voice cutting through the forest once again; terrified birds began to take flight from the trees. Syvarris allowed himself a moment’s satisfaction.
Then - the beast turned left.
It lashed its tail over its head, gigantic spines detaching, flying at speed towards the archers who had split into the second grounp, impaling them against the trees. Blood trickled like bright red sap onto the forest floor as, in a split second, the beast turned again. It lashed its tail to the right this time, and more spines flew towards Syvarris and Erolith. The elves dodged, running in opposite directions as the barrage of spikes thudded into the trees. Syvarris could feel one spike slice into his shoulder, but somehow managed to miss the worst of it.
He loosed another arrow, and it embedded in the creature’s neck. He could see the beast buckle and stumble; it seemed close to death - but then its cruel yellow eyes gleamed with hatred. It lunged at Erolith.
One swipe of those mighty claws, and the elf was slaughtered. Syvarris,unsheltered and alone, and with trembling fingers, strung another arrow as the creature devoured his erstwhile companion whole, the beast gaining in strength with each gut-wrenching bite. Composing himself, his breath coming in short, sharp gasps, Syvarris loosed his arrow. It found its mark, cutting into the manticore’s back, and the creature turned, its rage palpable - its face visible. The elf reached for another arrow.
One more, right between the eyes.
He drew back the bow string and released. He could hear his arrow sing through the air.
He blinked; the beast was gone.

flameslayer93's Manticore

Synergies:

Spoiler Alert!

Synergies Received:

• - DUMUTEF GUARD : Devourer Attack Enhancement
• - ORNAK : Red Flag of Fury Aura

Confred's Manticore

Synergies:

Spoiler Alert!

Synergies Received:

• - ARROW GRUTS : Beast Bonding

capsocrates' Madyakhor

Synergies:

Spoiler Alert!

Synergies Received:

• - DUMUTEF GUARD : Devourer Attack Enhancement

Astroking112's Manticore

Synergies:

Spoiler Alert!

Synergies Received

• - FYORLAG SPIDERS : Predator Bonding
• - DEATH KNIGHTS OF VALKRILL : Unholy Bonding
• - KHOSUMET THE DARKLORD - Relentless Assault

Bio:

Spoiler Alert!

In order to further the spread of carnage and destruction, Valkrill has summoned a beast of mythic proportions: the legendary Manticore has descended to Valhalla! With its fearsome wings, the beast can fly across great distances, letting it perch atop ledges and rain down poisonous quills on its prey below.

Only the SoulBorgs and Wulsinu seem to be impervious to these deadly quills, but most combatants aren't so lucky. Humans in particular have reason to fear the Manticore, as it savors the taste of their flesh so much that some warriors have even reported it healing itself while feasting on fallen comrades!

With the Manticore on Valkrill's side, the Archkyrie will need to plan carefully to avoid losing the war!

aksisu11's Manticore

Synergies:

Spoiler Alert!

Synergies Received

• [B]- FYORLAG SPIDERS : Predator Bonding

Runners Up:

Spoiler Alert!

Most all of these I thought were good, but were similar enough to other entries that had similar ideas behind them with (arguably) better execution. Thanks for entering and good luck in the spring!

Tiranx's Ghand the Man Eater


JaesShurrig's Manticore of Temephses


HEROSCAPERMTL's Zarunak

Bio:

Spoiler Alert!

Thought to be only myth, the manticore were wild beasts armed with razor sharp teeth and claws. They were known for unleashing frightening roars that rendered enemies defenceless. Getting too close to one was ill advised, as a single swing of it's barbed tail cleared countless openings on the battlefield. Though tough to defeat, one by one the manticore fell by the hands of men.

With the last manticore about to meet his demise by Parmenio and his sacred band, Utgar summoned him to Valhalla. Enraged by the virtual extinction of his kind, The manticore swore allegiance to Utgar and vowed vengence upon mankind. Utgar was pleased with his new warrior, and so forth Zarunak was born.

Dark_Stranger's Androphagos

Bio:

Spoiler Alert!

Thrilled by the ferocity of the chimera Racheim, Valkrill soon began scouring Feylund for more such mystical predators. He found what he sought in the form of Androphagos the Man-Eater, a ravenous killing machine whose deadliness--whether in melee combat or at a distance--is equaled only by his eternal hunger.

[Scytale]

The poll's description says to pick 3, but the poll itself only lets us pick 1.

[The Dewk]

Haven’t voted just yet, but wanted to put my initial thoughts on “paper” before I made my final decision. Thought I’d share.

Jungle Beast
Strange name for not being a “Beast”! Really good on a map with trees or bushes. At 100 points and being able to bond with Spiders, still probably better than a Wyvern on a map that doesn’t have trees or bushes, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Romitaen’c
Weird name, reminds me of Sudema 30 points less than Nilf, with a weaker, shorter ranged Nilf ability and no bonding. He will very rarely run out of barbs, so I personally think the marker aspect should be removed, and a cooler ability added.

Manticore (Relentless Aquillan Predator)
Only 20 points more than a Wyvern, but definitely worth more than those 20 points if you’re bonding with spiders (and nothing wrong with that, as the Wyvern is mediocre)! I think he’s priced just right with an interesting special – it kills bunched up squads and kills heroes, what more could one ask for?

Manticore (Einarian Predator)
Another Wyvern replacement! Priced well, with a relevant, yet circumstantial special. Possible two attacks is fun.

Ol’ Scratch
Whoa, this guy has a tough hide (or rather, a lot of blood) with that 7 life! Unearthly voice is very unique, and very cool. Double attack isn’t overpowered here, as the range of 4, attack of 4 on a 190 body (although a bonding-with-Arrow-Gruts-body) keeps it in check.

Manticore (Utgarian Beast)
Another Arrow Grut bonder, but I feel this one is a bit too inexpensive. An easily rollable autowound ability and his status as an uncommon just puts him a little too over the top for me.

Manticore (Valkrillian Marauder)
I like how the tail has been turned into a defensive ability rather than an offensive one. This Spike-Tail Shot doesn’t even mean the end of ranged units, as they can just get 5+ spaces away before firing. I also liked the reused Legendary Creature ability here as well. It is appropriately priced, and would make a decent clean-up unit.

Akul
Another Arrow Grut bonder, but this one is ridiculously overpowered. 4 powerful abilities, bonding, and decent stats for only 130? One could get 9 attacks with a single Order Marker (and the only other way to do that is with ol’ Q9, the best offensive unit in the game. And even he can only make 9 attacks of 1)! I like powerful units, but this one is too powerful.

Manticore (Utgarian Devourer)
I don’t know about that Ferocious Jump – I’d rather get two attacks with his normal attack + Poison Spires (was it supposed to be Spines..?) and not risk the instant death of my 125 point investment.

Crimson Manticore
Yay an uncommon Manticore not named just “Manticore”! A fun, but often relevant, offensive ability plus a fun, but often relevant, defensive ability is very cool. The built in healing on a lower life’d hero is nifty too. Very unique unit. Appropriately priced.
ALSO, kudos for the best bio of the lot, IMO.

Tarkus
Another Arrow Grut bonder. Rat and high-priced-squad killer! The shorter range of the special keeps it in check. Terrifying Presence isn’t too relevant, but it works. Seems appropriately priced.

Manticore (Aquillan Beast)
Reusable Airborne Elite Grenade attack that bonds with Arrow Gruts… I like it! It doesn’t just drop out of the sky like the Airborne Elite, and is on a slower body than Zelrig, so it is appropriately priced. The Devour Whole ability won’t be relevant very often, but it’s cool and has good flavor.

Madyakhor
Hmm… 1/8 chance of doing 3 wounds to a hero from 5 range with no bonding… Cool, but I wouldn’t play it at 110 points.

Manticore (Valkrillian Predator)
Poisonous Quills is kind of weird to me – 4 range unless you’re facing Soulborgs or Hounds; the ability doesn’t quite feel complete. Good flavor though, especially with the Feast on Flesh ability. Would play it as a bonder to spiders over a Wyvern!

Manticore (Ferocious Aquillan Predator
Another human killer (I do like that flavor), and another Spider-bonder, but with a very dangerous counterstrike/evil eye defensive ability tacked on. Low attack units will think twice about messing with this guy. Would definitely play it over a Wyvern, the extra 35 points are well worth it.

[Dr.Goomonkey]

Oh whoops! Well... Change of plans, vote for your absolute favorite.

[Astroking112]

Just like last time. I do hope that we'll be able to pick our top three next time, though!

[caps]

I thought the Einar Ferocious Predator and the Utgar Ferocious Beast were the most elegant designs. I liked some of the other's powers better, but they were often paired with *too many* powers.

[Scytale]

Originally Posted by capsocrates

I liked some of the other's powers better, but they were often paired with *too many* powers.

I agree, there's a fair amount of overdesigning here. I liked the runner up designs better than a lot of the others. Tiranx's version of Man Eater keeps the power simple and not overbearing to the unit's value. JaesShurrig's Manticore is nice and restrained in terms of powers. HEROSCAPERMTL has a simple but useful version of Frightening Roar that has just enough flavor and plays the metagame. And Dark_Stranger's Androphagos not only keeps the powers simple but makes for some good decision points in play.

[Dr.Goomonkey]

I can definitely agree that I tended to let in more complex customs, for the most part... I ended up being the only host for this contest and, in all honesty, I don't think I'm all that gifted in terms of judging customs, I just like 'em.

If anybody is interested in co-hosting in the future, do let me know! However, since it looks like we might be able to get more entries now than in contests past, understand that it will disqualify you from entering contests that you help judge on.

[The Dewk]

2 powers + flying isn't necessarily overdesigning, as long as the powers are simple and/or easy to understand. I'm a minimalist myself when it comes to most things in life, and I only see a few overdesigned/cluttered units here. You are doing a great job, @Dr.Goomonkey , and although not everyone would agree that the "correct" 4 were cut, it is what it is!

[flameslayer93]

I like a lot if the designs people entered. Good luck to everyone! (Overdesigned and all ).

[Scytale]

Originally Posted by The Dewk

2 powers + flying isn't necessarily overdesigning, as long as the powers are simple and/or easy to understand. I'm a minimalist myself when it comes to most things in life, and I only see a few overdesigned/cluttered units here. You are doing a great job, @Dr.Goomonkey , and although not everyone would agree that the "correct" 4 were cut, it is what it is!

There's lots more to design complication than number of powers or even amount of text. The longer I've been in the customs world the more I've come to appreciate tight designs.

I certainly do agree that it's a fine crop of submissions here. I usually expect to see rules loopholes and other problems, but the designers here know what they're doing. I'd comment further but I have a stake in the game this time around. Maybe I'll find some time to do so after voting is complete.

[The Dewk]

Originally Posted by Scytale

I'd comment further but I have a stake in the game this time around. Maybe I'll find some time to do so after voting is complete.

Here’s hoping! I’m curious what a customs veteran has to say, in more detail.