Kolakoski’s Pre-SoV Custom Corner

[chas]

'Balestra' is a fencing move I learned in college. Where did you get the phrase?

[kolakoski]

Well met!

I was looking for a sophisticated fencing attack move on Google. Balestra fit the bill nicely. New card clearly shows that this figure is a male, by the way.

[kolakoski]

Well met!

Question: Are there any reasons why DESTREZA RIPOSTE should be limited to affecting only normal attackers?

I did this in anticipation of perhaps non-existing issues?

[yamissflash]

DESTREZA BALESTRA is an interesting power. A way to make her more reliable but also limiting the maximum damage. I think it would be good to clarify it can only be added once, in case the defender can modify their roll. For example: against WARFORGED RESOLVE with equal rolls before abilities are applied, when is the skull added? Would it be a 20-sided die roll to see who applies first? If the skull is applied first does it get another skull after the shield is applied (because they would be equal again? If the shield applies first does that mean there is no skull added? Also see below.

Originally Posted by kolakoski

Question: Are there any reasons why DESTREZA RIPOSTE should be limited to affecting only normal attackers?

I did this in anticipation of perhaps non-existing issues?

Without the normal attack only clause DESTREZA RIPOSTE sometimes breaks DESTREZA BALESTRA.
1. If an equal number of skulls are rolled (skip to step 2 for one less shield) a skull is added to the attackers roll.
2. Now it’s one shield short, so a shield is added to the defenders roll and a wound is placed on the attacker.
3. Now they are equal so add another skull and the cycle repeats until the attacker takes enough wounds to be destroyed. (I can see the argument that the powers are already done so this doesn’t happen, but it’s not clear IMO).

That aside, it’s just a good idea to future proof designs, especially if you want others to use them. Customs should fill existing space and/or open up new design space, not reduce it by forcing future powers to be written to accommodate one custom’s ability.

[kolakoski]

Well met!

Originally Posted by yamissflash

DESTREZA BALESTRA is an interesting power. A way to make her more reliable but also limiting the maximum damage. I think it would be good to clarify it can only be added once, in case the defender can modify their roll. For example: against WARFORGED RESOLVE with equal rolls before abilities are applied, when is the skull added? Would it be a 20-sided die roll to see who applies first? If the skull is applied first does it get another skull after the shield is applied (because they would be equal again? If the shield applies first does that mean there is no skull added? Also see below.

Without the normal attack only clause DESTREZA RIPOSTE sometimes breaks DESTREZA BALESTRA.
1. If an equal number of skulls are rolled (skip to step 2 for one less shield) a skull is added to the attackers roll.
2. Now it’s one shield short, so a shield is added to the defenders roll and a wound is placed on the attacker.
3. Now they are equal so add another skull and the cycle repeats until the attacker takes enough wounds to be destroyed. (I can see the argument that the powers are already done so this doesn’t happen, but it’s not clear IMO).

That aside, it’s just a good idea to future proof designs, especially if you want others to use them. Customs should fill existing space and/or open up new design space, not reduce it by forcing future powers to be written to accommodate one custom’s ability.

It was for just such things I posted this, PMd various people, and sent stuff to Help With Wurdz. Thanks. Perhaps changing the wording of DESTREZA BALESTRA to "After El Nubarrón attacks an adjacent figure . . . ?"

P.S.: From Superfrog: "Auto-killing squad figures who roll one more skull than he does shields seems completely and utterly broken, not to mention unfun.

"For a 2-attack figure:

"25% chance of no skulls
50% chance of 1 skull: approximately 20% chance of dying to a whiff and 80% chance of no damage.
25% chance of 2 skulls: approximately 20% chance of dealing 2 wounds, 40% chance of dying, and 40% chance of no damage.

"So, 75% no damage, 20% death, and 5% two wounds.

"For a 3-attack figure:

"12.5% chance of no skulls.
37.5% chance of 1 skull: approximately 20% chance of dying to a whiff and 80% chance of no damage.
37.5% chance of 2 skulls: approximately 20% chance of dealing 2 wounds, 40% chance of dying, and 40% chance of no damage.
12.5% chance of 3 skulls: approximately 20% chance of dealing 3 wounds, 40% chance of dealing 2 wounds, 30% chance of dying, 10% chance of no damage.

"So, about 59% chance of no damage, 26% dying, and 15% 2+ wounds.

"It will also lead to weird plays where if the attacker rolls one skull, and El Nubarron is in a defensive aura, he may choose to not roll the extra dice in order to maximize his chances of whiffing."

Uh oh! That's too dangerous. Will have to minimize the pain. Something like this:

DESTREZA BALESTRA
After El Nubarron attacks an adjacent figure, and the number of skulls rolled is exactly equal to the number of shields rolled by the defending figure, roll a 20-sided die. On a roll of 15 or higher, the defending figure receives a wound.

DESTREZA RIPOSTE
After rolling defense dice against a normal attack from an adjacent figure, if the number of shields rolled is exactly one less than the number of skulls rolled by the attacking figure, El Nubarron takes no damage. Roll the 20-sided die. On a roll of 15 or higher, the attacking figure receives a wound.

[kolakoski]

Well met!

The playtest for Captain Xuè was fun and informative. For El Nubarrón, not so much.

First Mate makes for a powerful first OM. Black Flag inclined me to choose Vydar heroes for First Mate, and gave the Buccaneers of Tortuga quite a punch. The regular Pirate army benefitted from her presence as well. This playtest was irregular in that it was 400 points, 12 spaces, and that my luck was extremely good. She plays pretty much as expected. The only issue with her may be price.

As for El Nubarrón, he did not get much action, and I'm going back to the drawing board with him to address some issues raised by Superfrog and Dad_Scaper. Something like this:

EL NUBARRON
General: Einar
Human, Unique Hero, Rogue, Tricky, Medium 5
Life 5, Move 6, Range 1, Attack 3, Defense 3

BRIGAND DISTRACTION
If El Nubarron is activated with Rogue Hero Bonding, opponents' figures roll 1 less defense die against El Nubarron's normal and special attacks.

DESTREZA BALESTRA SPECIAL ATTACK
Range 2, Attack 3
If the defending figure is 2 spaces distant, its base must be no more than 3 levels above El Nubarrón's height or 3 levels below El Nubarrón;s base. Destreza Balestra Special Attack may also affect any one figure adjacent to both El Nubarrón and the defending figure. Roll attack dice once for all affected figures. Each figure rolls defense dice separately.

DESTREZA ENGAGEMENT STRIKE 12
If an opponent's small or medium figure moves adjacent to El Nubarrón, roll the 20-sided die. If you roll a 12 or higher, the opponent's figure receives a wound. Figures may be targeted only as they move into engagement with El Nubarrón.

POINTS: 105

[kolakoski]

Well met!

Several changes/edits. Looking good. Special Attack (Range 2) makes melee figures come to you and risk Destreza Engagement Strike 12.

EL NUBARRON
General: Einar
Human, Unique Hero, Rogue, Tricky, Medium 5
Life 5, Move 6, Range 1, Attack 3, Defense 3

BRIGAND DISTRACTION
If El Nubarron is activated with Rogue Hero Bonding, opponents' figures roll 1 less defense die against El Nubarron's normal and special attacks.

DESTREZA BALESTRA SPECIAL ATTACK
Range 2, Attack 3
If the defending figure is 2 spaces distant, its base must be no more than 3 levels above El Nubarrón's height or 3 levels below El Nubarrón;s base. Destreza Balestra Special Attack may also affect any one figure adjacent to both El Nubarrón and the defending figure. Roll attack dice once for all affected figures. Each figure rolls defense dice separately.

DESTREZA ENGAGEMENT STRIKE 12
If an opponent's small or medium figure moves adjacent to El Nubarrón, roll the 20-sided die. If you roll a 12 or higher, the opponent's figure receives a wound. Figures may be targeted only as they move into engagement with El Nubarrón.

POINTS: 105

[kolakoski]

Well met!

We're ready to go for the 26th thanks to @mac122!

I know; I know, I have said this before, but I think this one is nearly nailed. I've given him an engagement strike of 12, rather than 13 (Arkmer) or 15 (the Nakitas), as he has the best weapons and training for this (theoretically). Whatever the appropriate number, it goes well with his Range 2 Special Power. He is already a true Rogue. Brigand Distraction makes the Nottingham Brigands even more important to him. It makes sense that noticing an enemy nocking an arrow within easy bow shot would be distracting.

[kolakoski]

Well met!

Originally Posted by chas

Destreza Balestra can't affect a second figure if El Nubarron is two away and not adjacent to the original target, unless you wrote it incorrectly. How about letting him move an extra hex if coming adjacent to his target instead (with or without the second figure target ability?

Just when I thought I had it together. It's best if El Nubarrón attacks from 2 spaces away so that an opponent's melee figure must move adjacent and risk Engagement Strike.

DESTREZA BALESTRA SPECIAL ATTACK
Range 2, Attack 3
The defending figure's base must be no more than 3 levels above El Nubarrón's height or 3 levels below El Nubarrón's base.

[kolakoski]

Well met!

Ordered wrong figures for El Nubarron, so proxies again this weekend. Also ordered a Caligni Stalker and Draugr. Both are plentiful. The latter will work for Draegon.

Draegon
General: Utgar
Undead, Unique Hero, Savage, Relentless, Large 6
Life 6, Move 4, Range 1, Attack 4, Defense 4

Battleaxe
If Draegon attacks a small or medium figure, add 2 dice to Draegon's attack.

Life Drain
Each time Draegon destroys a figure, you may remove a wound marker from this Army Card. Draegon cannot Life Drain destructible objects.

Points: 140

[kolakoski]

Well met!

For today's testing:

EL NUBARRON
General: Einar
Human, Unique Hero, Rogue, Tricky, Medium 5
Life 5, Move 6, Range 1, Attack 3, Defense 3

BRIGAND DISTRACTION
If El Nubarron is activated with Rogue Hero Bonding, opponents' figures roll 1 less defense die against El Nubarron's normal and special attacks.

DESTREZA BALESTRA SPECIAL ATTACK
Range 2, Attack 3
The defending figure's base must be no more than 3 levels above El Nubarrón's height or 3 levels below El Nubarrón's base.

DESTREZA ENGAGEMENT STRIKE 12
If an opponent's small or medium figure moves adjacent to El Nubarrón, roll the 20-sided die. If you roll a 12 or higher, the opponent's figure receives a wound. Figures may be targeted only as they move into engagement with El Nubarrón.

Disengage
El Nubarron is never attacked when leaving an engagement.

Points: 105

[kolakoski]

Well met!

It was just chas and I yesterday for our second playtest day this month.

Captain Xuè continued to play strong, with Calibrax as First Mate, creating devastating OM 1 turns. Any suggestions as to price would be gratefully received.

"We had three playtests today with El Nubarron, Kolakoski's newest custom. We used two armies apiece for the first two games, and one each for the third. Very weird things happened, however I suggested some changes and he will continue to redesign him.

"In the first game, I mind shackled K's NB at the end of the game, the first time my Ne-Gok-SA came adjacent to him! In the second game when I was running the Custom, NB with his new abilities ran right up to a Deathwalker and took him out! In the third game, he was killed off at the end of the game. More testing will be necessary for this figure." ~chas

As for El Nubarrón, chas made several suggestions for changes before we even began and, after he was Mindshackled into chas' hands, displayed some promise, as aforesaid. The next time he is tested, he will look something like this:

EL NUBARRON
General: Einar
Human, Unique Hero, Rogue, Tricky, Medium 5
Life 5, Move 6, Range 1, Attack 5, Defense 3

DESTREZA BALESTRA
Range 1, Attack 5
El Nubarrón may add 2 to his movement if he then attacks with Destreza Balestra.

DESTREZA RIPOSTE
If El Nubarrón is attacked by an opponent's adjacent figure, before defense dice ae rolled, roll the 20-sided die. If you roll a 15 or higher, the opponent's figure receives a wound.

[DESTREZA DEFLECTION
If El Nubarrón is attacked by an opponent's non-adjacent figure, add an automatic shield to El Nubarrón's defense dice.]

[DEFENSIVE POSITIONING
While El Nubarrón is engaged, he has no visible Hit Zone.]

DISENGAGE
El Nubarrón is never attacked when leaving an engagement.

POINTS: ???

Question: Is not Destreza Balestra clearly a special attack? Must it have "Special Attack" in its name? I have no idea how many points to assign him. Suggestions?

P.S.: Just bought the figure for this. These figures are plentiful and cheap. He's an Undead Savage and synergizes with the Zombie Hulk. Lowered his movement to 4. Don't know how there could be any issues with him but price (or, perhaps, making him a Pirate).