Soldiers of Valhalla - nominations and discussion

[Arch-vile]

I actually don't have my 'scape with me right now; it's all in storage (the picture I posted was taken a while ago).

[infectedsloth]

Synergies that affect an entire general without restrictions are extremely rare in Heroscape. I could only find one figure that has such a power, and he was a flag bearer. I can't find a reason for Jeb to have such far reaching synergies too. I also have concerns about the sculpt, specifically how he fits with the Mariedians and its small size.

I vote to review Jeb Vandalay.

[caps]

SoA and infectedsloth have persuaded me regarding Aquilla Move Enhancement. I think the figure looks fine, from the shots I've seen. to review.

[Scytale]

Jeb Vandalay has received 4 Nay votes to review (capsocrates, Soundwarp SG-1, infectedsloth, and Son of Arathorn) and is removed from the process.

[Arch-vile]

That's 4 nay votes, Scy, not that it matters.

Thanks for looking him over. Personally, I view the lack of general-wide synergy to be an untapped design space that we should look into, rather than avoiding it simply because it's not common in official units. I understand the fear to go where the official game has not gone before, though I disagree with that in principle.

Besides that, Flagbearers have general-wide synergy. Units such as Kyrie, Finn, Thorgrim, etc. have synergy that effect every unit in the game. Jeb Vandalay is an inspiring dude, and he's used to working with Aquilla's army. But somehow it's not canonic for him to lead Aquilla's forces? What would make that canonic, a flag? Are all general-specific powers out of bounds for non-flag bearers (without further restrictions on class, personality, species,etc.)? I guess that's just a principle I disagree with. Generals were created for a reason: to allow synergy within those generals. Disallowing general-specific synergy is like rejecting the premise of the generals, a core feature of the Heroscape canon, in my mind.

Anyway, I've said my piece, so I'll get out of your hair now. Thanks again.

[1Mmirg]

Now that the vote is over, I'll throw in a thought or two, fwiw.

I agree with Arch that general-wide synergy is undertapped. It has an interesting and valuable place in Scape.

But I also agree with the judges that this unit does not feel right for this kind of bonus. (Of course, I'm not even really sure about this sculpt fitting well and the Vandelay name, for me, gives this unit a less serious feel, at least too me.)

I don't believe the judges have ruled out general synergy (at least, I hope not). That's not how I read their comments.

I'd love to see a figure with a war totem boosting Aquilla units or some other smart general synergy mechanics further worked into Scape.

Again, only fwiw.

[Maklar the Silver Prince]

I would like to submit Cormin the Dark (created by myself) to the SoV.
(Card done by DanielLoche. Thanks!)

Balance - I do believe the point value is correct. He is quite useful for a rather low-costed figure, but he can always fail his Façade roll and then he is probably done for. He also requires spending points on some samurai or expendable figures to make Façade work out for you. Stab In The Back also keeps down his points. He can be just as deadly to you as he is to your opponent. He works well with samurai, deathreavers, and other high defense, counter striking, or low-costing figures.

Playability - The powers are a bit long-winded and complex, but I think it's fine. Stab In The Back is obviously borrowed from Sir Hawthorne, so there is no problem there, and Façade is pretty simple after you use it once, and at the very worse no more complex than other powers like it (Shifting Sands and Hide in Darkness, for example). The stats seem perfect for an assassin-like figure. He seems visually distinct and comparable with classic HeroScape figures.

Creativity - Cormin the Dark definitely adds something new to HeroScape. He has a unique ability, unique stats, and creates new armies and strategies and counter a strategies and what not. He adds a nice figure in his price range. Instead of taking Raelin, I can sometimes see myself taking Cormin, due to his use in certain scenarios. There isn't really another figure like him.

Theme - The childhood friend of Elaria the Pale? I'm pretty sure he can slip pretty easily into the HeroScape universe.

Accessability - The figure is a D&D Half-Elf Hexblade from Aberrations. I had to look for a little while, but I found a total of 90 miniatures, costing from anywhere between 1 and 6 dollars. Most were about in the middle of that range.

Thank you for your consideration.

[flameslayer93]

I like Facade, but how does it work when a figure cannot be attacked? Does the attacker get to choose another target, like how the Nakitas are supposed to work?

[Scytale]

Thanks for the submission. One question: what is the figure used? The availability sounds good, but I'd like to see for myself.

[Maklar the Silver Prince]

Originally Posted by flameslayer93

I like Facade, but how does it work when a figure cannot be attacked? Does the attacker get to choose another target, like how the Nakitas are supposed to work?

Well, the power says the attacking figure must attack the switched figure if possible. So no, the attacker does not choose another target.

Originally Posted by Scytale

Thanks for the submission. One question: what is the figure used? The availability sounds good, but I'd like to see for myself.

Oops, sorry. The figure used is a D&D Half-Elf Hexblade from Aberrations. I believe I found something like 63 on EBay, so the number could have changed.

[MegaSilver]

You said you're not sure of the cost. About how much have you playtested him?

[flameslayer93]

"Well, the power says the attacking figure must attack the switched figure if possible. So no, the attacker does not choose another target."

I meant if it was not possible. With the Nakitas, if Smoke Powder hits, the atacker gets to target something else.

For example, if I use Facade to move Sgt. Drake in place, a shooting figure would not be able to attack (thanks to Thorian Speed). According to your power, this does not negate the ability to attack, merely the ability to target a specific unit.