The Book of Aquaman (III)

[Arkham]

The Book of Aquaman (III)

C3G DC WAVE 39
JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED

Comic PDF

Mini PDF

The figure used for this unit is a Heroclix figure from the Justice League 52 set.
Its model number and name are #005 / Aquaman.​

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Character Bio - The son of an Atlantean queen and a lighthouse keeper from the town of Amnesty Bay, Arthur Curry grew up to become the superhero Aquaman. He would go on to do extraordinary things, such as becoming the King of Atlantis and a founding member of the Justice League.

Along one of his many journeys, a gift was bestowed to Aquaman by the greek God of the Sea; Poseidon (who also gallivanted as Neptune) after Aquaman defeated Poseidon's treacherous son, Triton. Leaving it behind in the new King of the Seas capable hand. With this Trident, Aquaman's abilities grew even further, granting him the ability to conjure and command the sea.

In rare instances, when Aquaman and his people have been in a dire situation and all hope seemed to be lost, Aquaman has resorted to telepathically calling upon his friend Topo, a giant fearsome sea monster, part octopus and part crab. Summoning the beast from the darkest depths of the sea takes great strain on Aquaman, but desperate times have called for desperate measures.
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-Rulings and Clarifications-

• N/A

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-Combinations and Synergies-

Incoming Synergy:

• As an Aquaman, Aquaman allows Mera to use her Love of Atlantis special power.
• As an Atlantean, Aquaman has these Atlantean Synergies.
• As a Champion, Aquaman has these Champion Synergies.

Outgoing Synergy:

• N/A

Immunities, Benefits, and Weaknesses:

• As a Valiant figure, Aquaman interacts differently with these special powers.
• As a figure that can turn spaces into water spaces, Aquaman can benefit these figures.
• As a figure with the Super Strength special power, Aquaman interacts differently with these special powers.
• As a figure with the Flying special power, Aquaman interacts differently with these special powers.

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-Strategy, Tactics and Tips-

• Aquaman is a Champion, and:
  • features a multi-attack, making him a nice option for Wonder Woman III's attack boost.
  • has a 20-sided die roll, pairing well with Batman III's ability to add to his roll.
  • gets to roll the 20-sided die per wounds on his card. Having Superman III allow Aquaman to defend in an ally's place, thus any resulting wounds can make for a devastating Release the Kraken attempt.
  • can place friendly and/or opponent's figures adjacent to him, potentially at a height advantage or disadvantage, which can set up Green Arrow II's follow up attack(s) from height.
• If Aquaman has a revealed Order Marker on his card, the space he occupies and all spaces adjacent to him are treated as water spaces. This allows Mera, and any others who benefit greatly from water, a great mobile boost in performance without potentially having to suffer the usual height disadvantage of lower water levels.

-Heroscapers Community Contributions-

• Initial playtest: (Arkham)
• Second playtest: (Arch-vile)
• Third playtest: (IamBatman)
• Art: Comic, Figure, Background
• Art by Arkham

Card updates:
Updated "instead of attacking" to "instead of an attack"

 

[Arkham]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

NAME = AQUAMAN
SECRET IDENTITY = ARTHUR CURRY

SPECIES = ATLANTEAN
UNIQUENESS = UNIQUE HERO
CLASS = CHAMPION
PERSONALITY = VALIANT

SIZE/HEIGHT = MEDIUM 5

LIFE = 6

MOVE = 6
RANGE = 3
ATTACK = 6
DEFENSE = 6

POINTS = 370

SUMMON THE SEVEN SEAS
While there is a revealed Order Marker on this card, you may consider the space Aquaman occupies and all land spaces within 1 space of Aquaman that are no more than 3 levels above or below his base as water spaces instead of their normal terrain type. Aquaman never has to stop his movement when entering a water space, and while occupying a water space, he may attack any or all adjacent figures. Roll each attack separately.

RIP TIDE RUSH
Instead of moving normally, you may remove any number of unrevealed Order Markers from this card. For each unrevealed Order Marker removed, you may choose up to 2 figures within 4 clear sight spaces of Aquaman to place on empty spaces adjacent to Aquaman. Placed figures will not take any leaving engagement attacks.

RELEASE THE KRAKEN!
Once per game, instead of an attack, you may choose a water space. Roll the 20-sided die once for each Wound Marker on this card. For each roll of 15 or higher, any enemy figures on or within 1 space of the chosen water space receive 1 wound.

SUPER STRENGTH
FLYING

 

[Arkham]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

Comic:

Spoiler Alert!

Background:

Spoiler Alert!

 

[Arkham]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

This is meant to accomplish an ideal Aquaman for Justice Leaguers, Mera(+ the other Atlanteans), and for those players who desire an Aquaman who is less map/placement dependent.

If we were to alter anything power wise, I'd be open to the first and 2nd powers becoming tied to a Trident of Poseidon glyph. Don't mind keeping it simple as-is though, sans glyph. Really just a matter of glyph or no glyph to represent the abilities.

 

[Arch-vile]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

Big fan of this one. Not really seeing the point of adding a glyph when what you've got works well.

 

[MrNobody]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

Looks cool. I’ll be honest and say I’ll miss him being an explicit JL design, but there’s no denying how clean this version is.

 

[Lord Pyre]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

I love that he easily adds water spaces for atlantean allies. That's something that's been needed, as Tempest is a bit slow.

Super clean design. My only tweak at this point is not loving 7 defense here. I like me a jacked Aquaman, but 7 defense on him feels a bit much. Even 6 feels better to me. Or 6 life and 5 defense. I also think 400 points for Aquaman is a pushing it a bit, but obviously we'll see how testing goes. This guy is primarily a leader. Outside of the once-per-game and beefy attack, it'll be his allies bringing most of the offensive power.

 

[tcglkn]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

I agree with LP, I like everything here but think 7 defense is a tad high for Aquaman. Would be happy to hear your reasoning for having it that high, but to me it's high.

 

[Tornado]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

He does have 5 Life which is a bit low for a figure over 300. I feel like 6 Life, 6 Defense is pretty standard for 300-ish figures.
I guess it comes down to theme. Does he take more of a beating than goes down or is he a harder nut to crack with a softer interior?

 

[IAmBatman]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

For the 7 defense, I will say that at the upper end of his powers, Aquaman has been portrayed as being physically on about the same level as Superman, and this would be 7 defense without the addition of Man of Steel.

Big fan of this one. Not really seeing the point of adding a glyph when what you've got works well.

Looks cool. I’ll be honest and say I’ll miss him being an explicit JL design, but there’s no denying how clean this version is.

Totally agree with both of these takes. Digging what you have here other than maybe some quibbling with folks over a defense number or two (I'm fine with 7 or 6, fwiw).

 

[Arkham]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

Reasoning was based on him being near Superman levels of strength and endurance, as well as taking his previous 2 versions into account with Aquaman I being 7 def on water, and Aquaman II being 6 def on water with a 50% dodge opportunity in Submerge.

 

[Lord Pyre]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

If it's thematic, it's thematic. I just would never have said Aquaman of all people is on par with Superman. I just haven't seen that in any JL books I've read.

 

[LordVenoc]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

Yeah looks like you're just folding the water boost in naturally given he's technically on them at all times. I liked the JL Marker take, but this is a clean approach. He's obviously gonna work well with Bruce, but very nicely with Diana. Definitely seems fairly on par with modern Aquaman takes.

 

[Arkham]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

I wouldn’t say he’s on par either, but 7 when you don’t have Man of Steel or any other defensive power adding to it, feels reasonable, especially when compared to the other versions’ potential. At least 7 years ago you seemed to feel a bit similar:

So far this one is significantly weaker than our last Aquaman. He has one less attack, and his Water Strength is weaker, since it doesn't add to range like the old one, plus he can't heal. Honestly I wouldn't mind him being more powered up. And he definitely needs Superstrength all the time. Aquaman is always superstrong, don't know what you guys are on.

I didn't realise we gave the original Aquaman SS, I'm not even remembering why we did. Aquaman is strong sure, but is Super Strong?

Moot point now, if the original had Super Strength then this has to also.

He consistently brags that he's nearly as strong as Superman. (Which IS bragging, but he's still darned powerful).

It may be in regards to Super Strength, but you seemed to want II to be a bit more beefed up than I, so I’m just trying to make sure this one is at least comparable defense wise as well. Aquaman I topping out with 7 def and healing and Aquaman II with 6 and 50% dodge chance, I’d say anything below 7 with nothing else defensively feels like the weakest we’ve gone defensively for him.

 

[IAmBatman]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

Yeah the water boost being built-in is a good call. I’m sold on 7.

 

[Lord Pyre]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

Hah you can't use my own thoughts against me! That's 7 years ago! I can't remember last week anymore!

Apparently he constantly brags about how close to Superman he is.

I just like to be sure when we hit defense numbers greater than 6 in general. Too much and it's just not fun to play with when running any sort of mid-level guys. In general I like higher life and lower defense because it's more fun to play against. That's basically it. I'm not going to throw a fit over one extra defense, just wanted to make sure it was thematic.

 

[tcglkn]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

Yea I think the lack of Man of Steel or Water Strength makes it ok for me. Just the first thing that stood out to me when looking at the design so I wanted to comment on it. Thanks for explaining.

 

[Yodaking]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

7 defense jumped out at me as well, and considering he's going to be able to take high ground, then pull opponents next to him to attack, it could be 8 defense vs. range 4 or less types. Then Mera also gives him +1 def, so now we're talking 9 defense for him.

 

[IAmBatman]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

10 defense if you include Wonder Woman, but at that point you should be taking out Mera/Wonder Woman first anyway.

 

[Soundwarp SG-1]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

Personally I'd prefer 6 life and defense over 5 life and 7 defense just because it feels more heroic, but not something I'm going to fight over.

 

[Arkham]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

FWIW, I have no real preference between the 2, was just trying to keep similar to previous versions. If the majority prefer 6/6 instead of 5/7, that's fine.

 

[johnny139]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

I'm fine either way on 6/6 or 5/7, I think both are justifiable. Maybe 6/6 feels a little more Aquaman - I don't have a ton of experience but I feel like he's more of a "tank hits" guy than a "ignore hits" guy. But yeah, fine following LD preference.

I was never too hot on the JL Marker version, as it just seemed kind of busy, but I think with that fat trimmed I'm a big fan of where he landed. The first two powers are kind of, ehh, "squint to make them work" sort of theme-mechanic combinations, but the whole package is really cohesive, and I think he'll be able to slot into a variety of armies, including as a generalist. Our prior two Aquamen are sort of specific versions, but this one reads very iconic.

Did you have any specific miniature in mind? I feel like it's a good opportunity to go with a classic style mini, but I'm also tempted to push the newer, beardier look, since that's more popular nowadays...

 

[Arkham]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

Did you have any specific miniature in mind? I feel like it's a good opportunity to go with a classic style mini, but I'm also tempted to push the newer, beardier look, since that's more popular nowadays...

Was thinking the short hair no beard classic/New 52/Rebirth look, as that's the incarnation with the Trident he's essentially using for his first 2 powers. Plus, Aquaman II already has the long haired beard look covered at least, and Aquaman I's comic art lacks his classic look as well.

 

[Spidey'tilIDie]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

I've read a fair amount of New 52 Aquaman and I'm not sure where you are drawing the power that he can Summon the Sea from? Can he summon creatures from the sea, like the Kraken? 100%, but to my knowledge he has never been able to control water itself. That's really Mera and Tempest's area (and to a lesser extent Kaldur/Jackson). I'll admit it's a cool mechanic, but I'm not convinced it's thematic at all.

 

[Arkham]

Re: The Book of Aquaman (III) (Breathing)

I've read a fair amount of New 52 Aquaman and I'm not sure where you are drawing the power that he can Summon the Sea from? Can he summon creatures from the sea, like the Kraken? 100%, but to my knowledge he has never been able to control water itself. That's really Mera and Tempest's area (and to a lesser extent Kaldur/Jackson). I'll admit it's a cool mechanic, but I'm not convinced it's thematic at all.

From my understanding he was given the Trident of Poseidon and the Trident of Neptune, which is what the powers are meant to represent as stated before.

Trident of Poseidon:

It can be used for base offensive purpose, but can also be used for a variety of mystical effects, such as cleaving a spatial aperture in the middle of the ocean. The trident is capable of controlling any body of water, creating water elementals, speed ships and other water vehicles with water, create fogs and storms of high intensity, summon waves of water to propel him at great speeds, and create earthquakes by increasing water pressure. It can manipulate and conjure water, as well as disperse energy in the form of bolts and forcefields.

...Arthur having used it to gore the godlike Kryptonian Rao with relative ease, as well as dispatch an army of fanatical Kryptonians under his command by conjuring a tidal wave sweeping them away.[3]

Trident of Neptune:

The Trident is a magical weapon that grants its wielder great power and the divine right to rule the sea. The original Trident of Neptune was forged by the cyclopes out of admantine and Neptune's own essence. It can manipulate and conjure water, as well as disperse energy in the form of bolts and forcefields. The Trident of Neptune may be used by his chosen champions, and was most recently wielded by Aquaman. The Trident beholds a vast number of magical powers such as the power to command the sea (making tidal waves or whirlpools or even making columns of water to stand on), control the weather (summoning rain or storms or creating rainbows), unleash blasts of lightning, transform living creatures into other forms, and it can also make things disappear.