IshMEL's Customs: Updated 7/11/2018

[Ixe]

Prince Ahmed
His value is linked to the treasure glyphs but he's not terribly impressive as a frontliner. Command of the Prince helps you keep him close for an extra attack if you want (essentially giving you short range bonding once a round). I'd be tempted to use him pretty aggressively to get him killed and free his treasure glyph for one of my more important heroes. I really like the idea of Diplomacy for a multiplayer match up in particular. I like the idea of having an extra power that you can bargain with in those scenarios. Even one-on-one, it can be useful for helping you set up some key initiative switches. Cool hero.

[IshMEL]

Thanks @Ixe !

OK so here's a couple from my "Tales Come To Life" series. This time we're going into the works of H.P. Lovecraft.

Leopold Van Nessing ¤. Lovecraftian Investigator of Eldritch Horrors. 95 pts.

Spoiler Alert!

Leopold Van Nessing
General: Aquilla
Species: Hybrid
Unique Hero
Class: Investigator
Personality: Tormented
Medium 4
Life: 5
Move: 5
Range: 5
Attack: 2
Defense: 4

Points: 95


Base: Single
Planet: Earth

THE RELIC OF STHIGYUG-ZOR
When the 20-sided die is rolled for a special power on an opponent's Undead, Horror, or Demon Army Card and at least one of the figures from that Army Card is within 3 clear sight spaces of Leopold Van Nessing, subtract 3 from the die roll.

SWORD OF THE ELEHONI
When attacking an adjacent figure, Leopold Van Nessing rolls 2 additional attack dice. If that figure is a Demon, Horror, or Undead, it rolls 2 fewer defense dice.

IN THE CLUTCH OF A STARK AND HIDEOUS MADNESS
Before taking a turn with Leopold Van Nessing, you must roll the 20-sided die. If you roll a 1-2, you must either end his turn immediately, or place 1 wound marker on this card at the end of his turn. During that turn, add 1 to his Move and Attack.


Figure: Officer 13 #047 Freakshow HorrorClix


With his sword, gun, and satchel, this figure just wanted to become a Lovecraftian "Investigator" of things better left un-investigated. I thought that he could be the Earth-counterpart to Feylund's Van Nessing, so because of cross-dimensional synchronicity and stuff, he's "Leopold Van Nessing" and has mostly the same stats.

He is "In the Clutch of a Stark and Hideous Madness" because he has gazed into the maw of the eldritch truth that mere mortal man was not meant to know -- which either makes him break down, unable to act, or drives him into a feral rage. LVN's Relic is copied from VN's (although LVN's can affect Demons as well as Undead). He's not a great shot, so I used the Sword of Reckoning trick to give him more oomph against adjacent figures, especially the foul beasts from beyond. I used this Lovecraft name generator to, um, generate the names.

Hound of Tindalos ¤. Once it has marked you, you cannot hide! A creature straight out of Lovecraft. 100 pts.

Spoiler Alert!

Hound of Tindalos
General: Valkrill
Species: Horror
Unique Hero
Class: Hunter
Personality: Eldritch
Medium 4
Life: 5
Move: 3
Range: 1
Attack: 3
Defense: 5

Points: 100


Base: Single
Planet: Unknown

Eldritch Hunter
At the beginning of the game, place a Quarry marker on the Army Card of an opponent Unique Hero. When The Hound of Tindalos attacks that Hero, it rolls 3 additional attack dice.

Through the Angles of Space
Before moving the Hound of Tindalos normally, you may choose any empty space that is within 4 spaces of it. Place the Hound of Tindalos on the chosen space. When the Hound starts to move with this special power, if it is engaged it will not take any leaving engagement attacks.

Through The Angles of Time
Immediately after the last turn in a round is completed, if there are no other Order Markers on this card, you may reveal the X Order Marker on this card and take a turn with the Hound of Tindalos.

Bio:


The Hounds of Tindalos dwell in the distant past of the earth, when normal life had not yet advanced past one-celled organisms. They are said to inhabit the angles of time, while other beings (such as humankind and all common life) descend from curves. The Hounds are thought to be immortal, and are believed to lust after something in humankind and other normal life, and will follow victims through time and space to get it. Their appearance is unknown, because no characters who meet them survive long enough to give a description. It is said that they have long, hollow tongues or proboscis to drain victims' body-fluids, and that they excrete a strange blue pus or ichor.

Though the Hounds are sometimes pictured as canine, probably because of the evocative name of the first story in which they appeared, it is not likely that they appear as such- the story states that the name "veils their foulness". Various pastiches suggest that the Hounds are more bat-like in appearance, like the byakhee, or may appear even worse. The name Hounds of Tindalos refers more to the creatures' habits than their appearance.

Because of their relationship with the angles of time, they can materialize through any corner if it is fairly sharp—120° or less. When a Hound is about to appear, it materializes first as smoke pouring from the corner, and finally the head emerges followed by the body. It is said that once a human becomes known to one of these creatures, a Hound of Tindalos will pursue the victim through anything to reach its quarry. A person risks attracting their attention by travelling through time.


Figure: Hound of Tindalos


An attempt to adapt the interdimensional creature out of

Lovecraft

Lovecraft

. See bio!


So how to represent this in 'Scape? The "Eldritch Hunter" represents its relentless pursuit of its quarry. I had another version of the "Angles of Space" that teleported it to spaces next to walls and cliffs, but this version is simpler. You can teleport it 4 spaces (ignoring height, through castle walls, etc.) and then move it normally 3 spaces. The "Angles of Time" is its ability to move outside of normal "Scape time."

As an "assassin" figure it's perhaps too weak when attacking its quarry. Perhaps +4A, or an auto-skull instead?

The Hound will bond with my Blood Demons which would be a good way to maximize the "Angles of Time" power.

[Ixe]

Leopold Van Nessing
Your power names are a little much sometimes ; ). The Madness power is interesting where sometimes I actually want to take the wound and get the bonus (very often, actually). The only way I could see myself throwing the turn is if I was actually about to die. I'm really not sure if it's a necessary choice given how unlikely the roll is in the first place. The Relic power is straightforward and his sword gives him a bit more punch but he's a pretty poor shadow of Van Nessing for only 10 fewer points. Van Nessing's true strength is that you can get an extra turn out of him. When you factor in generally better powers and stats to boot, I have a hard time seeing myself picking Leopold of the two. Of course if you get both, they really give d20 dependent undead a bad time.

Hound of Tindalos
I really like this guy. He's nicely maneuverable to get around the enemy and go right for his quarry. I think +3 attack dice is sufficient since 6 attack can be plenty frightening when brought to bear on a key figure like Raelin. The time power is interesting since it's like getting a free turn with the hound and adds to the theme and tension of slowly stalking your prey. While bonding with your hunters could help, the group of them would be pretty vulnerable with shallow board presence. I really like the idea of him instead creeping up behind your army and pouncing when the moment is right. Very cool!

[Lazy Orang]

Leopold looks like he could be awesome - emphasis on the could. I wish that In the Clutch of a Stark and Hideous Madness (which yeah, is a tad much, but I still love the name. If you wanted it cleaner, perhaps just Stark and Hideous Madness?) was more likely to trigger, because that feels like the most interesting part of the design, but one that has a good chance of not even triggering once before he dies because of how unlikely it is. I really like the tension of the choice there, but wish you had to make it more often.

The Hound of Tindalos looks really cool, though - no suggestions here, it's just good.

[obfuscatedhippo]

IshMEL - your customs are always loaded with theme and creativity - and the Hound is just perfect for capturing the Lovecraftian fiction and flavor. Wow. Amazing stuff! The Elder Gods are pleased, thanks for sharing!

Originally Posted by IshMEL

Hound of Tindalos

Spoiler Alert!

General: Valkrill
Species: Horror
Unique Hero
Class: Hunter
Personality: Eldritch
Medium 4
Life: 5
Move: 3
Range: 1
Attack: 3
Defense: 5

Points: 100


Base: Single
Planet: Unknown

Eldritch Hunter
At the beginning of the game, place a Quarry marker on the Army Card of an opponent Unique Hero. When The Hound of Tindalos attacks that Hero, it rolls 3 additional attack dice.

Through the Angles of Space
Before moving the Hound of Tindalos normally, you may choose any empty space that is within 4 spaces of it. Place the Hound of Tindalos on the chosen space. When the Hound starts to move with this special power, if it is engaged it will not take any leaving engagement attacks.

Through The Angles of Time
Immediately after the last turn in a round is completed, if there are no other Order Markers on this card, you may reveal the X Order Marker on this card and take a turn with the Hound of Tindalos.

Bio:


The Hounds of Tindalos dwell in the distant past of the earth, when normal life had not yet advanced past one-celled organisms. They are said to inhabit the angles of time, while other beings (such as humankind and all common life) descend from curves. The Hounds are thought to be immortal, and are believed to lust after something in humankind and other normal life, and will follow victims through time and space to get it. Their appearance is unknown, because no characters who meet them survive long enough to give a description. It is said that they have long, hollow tongues or proboscis to drain victims' body-fluids, and that they excrete a strange blue pus or ichor.

Though the Hounds are sometimes pictured as canine, probably because of the evocative name of the first story in which they appeared, it is not likely that they appear as such- the story states that the name "veils their foulness". Various pastiches suggest that the Hounds are more bat-like in appearance, like the byakhee, or may appear even worse. The name Hounds of Tindalos refers more to the creatures' habits than their appearance.

Because of their relationship with the angles of time, they can materialize through any corner if it is fairly sharp—120° or less. When a Hound is about to appear, it materializes first as smoke pouring from the corner, and finally the head emerges followed by the body. It is said that once a human becomes known to one of these creatures, a Hound of Tindalos will pursue the victim through anything to reach its quarry. A person risks attracting their attention by travelling through time.


Figure: Hound of Tindalos


An attempt to adapt the interdimensional creature out of Lovecraft. See bio!


So how to represent this in 'Scape? The "Eldritch Hunter" represents its relentless pursuit of its quarry. I had another version of the "Angles of Space" that teleported it to spaces next to walls and cliffs, but this version is simpler. You can teleport it 4 spaces (ignoring height, through castle walls, etc.) and then move it normally 3 spaces. The "Angles of Time" is its ability to move outside of normal "Scape time."

As an "assassin" figure it's perhaps too weak when attacking its quarry. Perhaps +4A, or an auto-skull instead?

The Hound will bond with my Blood Demons which would be a good way to maximize the "Angles of Time" power.

[IshMEL]

Thanks all for your feedback and suggestions! @Ixe @Lazy Orang -- I'm going to change the odds on Stark Raving Bonkers -- do you think 1-5 would do, or is that still too low?

[Lazy Orang]

25% chance is probably enough, I'd say.

[IshMEL]

Originally Posted by Lazy Orang

25% chance is probably enough, I'd say.

OK! I've updated him with the new odds and the shortened power name. Thanks for the suggestion.

Today I present you with some cheap Wizards!



I posted an earlier version of Gryphon with a much more complicated invisibility ruleset that involved him being discovered if making tracks in snow or water... but not sand. Really, I have to stop myself. This is nice and simple, and I think he'll make for a good filler / cleanup unit.



I think I posted Iroth before... that's Definitely Not A Lightsaber! No, it's a Staff of Arcane Energy! Look at it crackle with, um, arcane energy! Anyway, I'm not sure if you'd take him over Arkmer. In Iroth's case, you need adjacent Wizards for attack instead of defense. He'll probably die anyway, so why not go out screaming with a Foolhardy Charge? At least that could be fun.

[Sherman Davies]

Originally Posted by IshMEL

I posted an earlier version of Gryphon with a much more complicated invisibility ruleset that involved him being discovered if making tracks in snow or water... but not sand. Really, I have to stop myself. This is nice and simple, and I think he'll make for a good filler / cleanup unit.

A great instinct, and not one shared by every customs designer. I like the prolific streak you're on - keep it up!

[Ixe]

Gryphon
I like the nice, simple power-set for this invisible wizard. He can pack a nice punch if your opponent ignores him but otherwise works for filler. I always appreciate simplicity taking precedence over thematic nuance. I would say 20 points seems even a little low given his immunity to range but he dies pretty much immediately if attacked in melee and his offense is pretty weak to boot.

Iroth
I think I'd take Arkmer over him for elven wizards but he'd get the nod for humans. Engagement Strike is probably better to stop getting hit in the first place than Staff of Arcane Energy and Arkmer's base attack is as good as Iroth's when he has two wizards on hand. Foolhardy Charge is probably challenging to even use once but it looks like it can give you a solid boost. If I needed it, I don't think I'd balk at having him charge to his own death. Oddly enough, assuming I had him adjacent to wizards in the first place, I doubt I'd actually move him for his charge. He has range so I'd just use him for the attack of 6 and keep him planted.

[IshMEL]

Originally Posted by Sherman Davies

A great instinct, and not one shared by every customs designer. I like the prolific streak you're on - keep it up!

Thanks! By the way I updated my versions of your Invisible Woman and Dr. Octopus cards based on your lava update.

And new to the lineup: Luke Cage!

Spoiler Alert!

OK, so back in Valhalla, a new dwarf. Well, he's old, I posted him here before, but the card is new at least:

Spoiler Alert!

And here's another Wizard I've been working on:

Spoiler Alert!

I think the mechanic for Arcane Exchange works? I wanted to play around with a different kind of protective aura, and Arcane Riposte was an inspiration for this. What I don't know (until testing) is if the ability to redirect wounds is over the top. She could auto-destroy Deathwalkers, use wounds to beef up Krug, and probably other things I'm not thinking of yet. Of course, the probabilities can be easily tweaked so the wounds are more likely to land on her card than elsewhere.

[Ixe]

Sveela
This one seems pretty dangerous. The stats aren't particularly remarkable and Countermagic is gives some fun, mostly thematic counter play to other wizards but Arcane Exchange is the one that I'm really worried about. I'd say it's more manageable since you're only taking one wound, which means a strong hero can still kill something if they roll enough skulls. Even being able to take a wound to save another figure is powerful, but the level of redirection is truly potent. Obviously turning it on your opponent is very powerful (even if your unit dies anyway) but even being able to redirect wounds to her or the back line has a lot of value. I think turning it back on your opponent every probably means she is undercosted right now. Normally I'd think the wound prevention requires the roll to see if it would happen in the first place. Child of Light is just gravy and makes Arcane Exchange even more powerful. Her real value is that she doesn't require order markers to dominate the battlefield once you park her.