The Book of Arashara Goshiri

[Fi Skirata]

The Book of Arashara Goshiri

C3V Wave 2 - Age of Chaos - Heroes of Paizum​

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The figure used for this unit is a Pathfinder figure from the Beginner Box Heroes set. Its model name is Kyra, Female Human Cleric.

Character Bio: Arashara Goshiri silently watched the sun set over the endless expanse of sand. She was always at home in the desert, although this desert wasn’t her home. It was Aunstrom, the great desert of Valhalla.

Nearby, her scouting party--a band of Greek soldiers and a lovely kyrie by the name of Empress Kiova--were lighting a fire in the shelter of two small ruined walls.

The setting sun glinted off the object in her hand, catching her eye. It was the Eagle of Einar, a gift the valkyrie lord had given her shortly after summoning her from Persepolis. He had said it was an object befitting her stature, centuries old, and that it had always been calling to her.

But it was no mere artifact, not just a trophy for her to flaunt. It was more dangerous than the swords her people wielded back on earth; it was even more powerful than the mystic weapons the warriors of the 10th Regiment of Foot wielded: the "muskets," as they called them.

A deep, reverberating roar echoed above the dunes, startling Arashara and almost causing her to drop the Eagle. Pouring over the dunes like grotesque slime was an army of Utgar’s horrific orcs, led by Utgar’s right hand: Taelord, the fearsome kyrie.

Arashara didn't have to say a word; the warriors of the Sacred Band and Empress Kiova were at her side before the howl died down. They stood, ready, at the top of their dune as Utgar’s hordes swarmed forward. There were too many of them.

Arashara gave the Empress at her side a single glance, and the Kyrie nodded; she instantly took to the skies, flying back the way they had traveled the past three days, back to Lord Einar’s castle.

The Greek warriors charged, and Arashara was in their midst. The orcs were not her quarry; Taelord was. The kyrie monster landed atop a small dune to survey the battle, and that was his mistake. Arashara focused her inner thoughts, and pointed with the Eagle of Einar at Taelord.

The desert came alive. The sands spiralled and coiled and convulsed. The Greeks knew what was going on, but Utgar's army didn't. The sands did her bidding and reached up from the ground almost like a hand, grabbing Taelord, then they moved with the speed of a sandstorm to bring Taelord to her; in his place, filling the void nature abhors, a member of the Sacred Band was carried to the small dune, in the midst of the enemy army.

It was a sacrifice she had had to make, for now Taelord was at her feet.

SHIFTING SANDS
After moving and before attacking, choose two small or medium figures on land spaces within 4 clear sight spaces of Arashara Goshiri and within 4 spaces of each other. Roll the 20-sided die. If you roll a 10 or higher, you may switch the two chosen figures. Figures moved by Shifting Sands never take leaving engagement attacks. Arashara Goshiri may be moved by Shifting Sands.

_________________________________________________________________

-Rulings and Clarifications-

- Shifting Sands : What is a Land Tile?
Would land spaces mean a height 1 tile (rock, grass, sand, concrete, swamp, lava), and exclude height 0 tiles (water, swamp water, ice, molten lava), or is it based on the color of the tile? - ie. does not work on sand tiles?
Yes it works on all : land spaces (rock, grass, sand, snow, concrete, swamp, wall walks, asphalt, road tiles, dungeon and lava field)

- Shifting Sands : Are Moving and Placing different?
Would figures moved by Shifting Sands be affected by Engagement Strike? It says "switch" and "moved by", not "place", so I would think no.
Wrong. The designers have stated that moving and placing are synonymous basically.

- Shifting Sands : A Ladder a Land space?
One thing I wondered: is a ladder a land space?
No, because it isn't a tile.

​

_________________________________________________________________

-Combinations and Synergies-

Synergy Benefits Received

- ROMAN LEGIONNAIRES / SACRED BAND : Einar Warlord Bonding
As a Warlord that follows Einar, Arashara Goshiri may benefit from Roman Legionnaires’ and Sacred Band’s WARLORD BONDING activation bonus.

- EBON ARMOR : Animated Materiel & Eternal War
As a Unique Human, a destroyed Ebon Armor you control may be placed on Arashara Goshiri's Army Card to replace Arashara Goshiri upon her own destruction.​

Synergy Benefits Offered

SACRED BAND : Disciplined Army Defense Bonus
* Having a Disciplined personality, Arashara Goshiri may aid the Sacred Band with their DISCIPLINED ARMY DEFENSE BONUS.
*NOTE: See The Book of Sacred Band for proper application.
​

_________________________________________________________________

-Strategy, Tactics and Tips-

- TBA
​

_________________________________________________________________
-Heroscapers Community Contributions-

Power Ranking

Arashara Goshiri: A ton of points to sink into such a frail figure, but if you keep her safe, Shifting Sands can be positively game-changing. B+

Unit Strategy Review

- TBA
​

 

[Ace_of_Spades]

Would figures moved by Shifting Sands be affected by Engagement Strike? It says "switch" and "moved by", not "place", so I would think yes. Shifting Raelin or any other important small/medium figure into an engagement with three Nakitas could be dangerous, especially with the following attack of 4 greeks/romans. Although, with only 3 defense her survivability seems low for 200 points.

 

[Xotli]

You misspelled "tratagy".

Would figures moved by Shifting Sands be affected by Engagement Strike? It says "switch" and "moved by", not "place", so I would think yes. Shifting Raelin or any other important small/medium figure into an engagement with three Nakitas could be dangerous, especially with the following attack of 4 greeks/romans. Although, with only 3 defense her survivability seems low for 200 points.

Just a quick note: "place" is not in any way different than "move." As to your question, I believe that the answer would be the same as it would be for Tactical Switch, so perhaps check the Book of the Warforged Soldiers.

 

[Fi Skirata]

Would figures moved by Shifting Sands be affected by Engagement Strike? It says "switch" and "moved by", not "place", so I would think yes. Shifting Raelin or any other important small/medium figure into an engagement with three Nakitas could be dangerous, especially with the following attack of 4 greeks/romans. Although, with only 3 defense her survivability seems low for 200 points.

Your answer is in bold:

SHIFTING SANDS
After moving and before attacking, choose two small or medium figures on land spaces within 4 clear sight spaces of Arashara Goshiri and within 4 spaces of each other. Roll the 20-sided die. If you roll a 10 or higher, you may switch the two chosen figures. Figures moved by Shifting Sands never take leaving engagement attacks. Arashara Goshiri may be moved by Shifting Sands.

 

[awesomeunleashed]

Would figures moved by Shifting Sands be affected by Engagement Strike? It says "switch" and "moved by", not "place", so I would think yes. Shifting Raelin or any other important small/medium figure into an engagement with three Nakitas could be dangerous, especially with the following attack of 4 greeks/romans. Although, with only 3 defense her survivability seems low for 200 points.

Your answer is in bold:

SHIFTING SANDS
After moving and before attacking, choose two small or medium figures on land spaces within 4 clear sight spaces of Arashara Goshiri and within 4 spaces of each other. Roll the 20-sided die. If you roll a 10 or higher, you may switch the two chosen figures. Figures moved by Shifting Sands never take leaving engagement attacks. Arashara Goshiri may be moved by Shifting Sands.

Engagement Strike, not LEAs, Fi Skirata. And yes, AoS, they would (though as Xotli pointed out, there is no difference between "move" and "place" for the purposes of Engagement Strike).

You would have to be careful that she isn't sniped, but SS and a wall of SB/Romans is enough protection against melee, IMO. Remember, she can switch herself with, say, your Marcus to move him up and her back at the same time.

 

[Fi Skirata]

Would figures moved by Shifting Sands be affected by Engagement Strike? It says "switch" and "moved by", not "place", so I would think yes. Shifting Raelin or any other important small/medium figure into an engagement with three Nakitas could be dangerous, especially with the following attack of 4 greeks/romans. Although, with only 3 defense her survivability seems low for 200 points.

Your answer is in bold:

SHIFTING SANDS
After moving and before attacking, choose two small or medium figures on land spaces within 4 clear sight spaces of Arashara Goshiri and within 4 spaces of each other. Roll the 20-sided die. If you roll a 10 or higher, you may switch the two chosen figures. Figures moved by Shifting Sands never take leaving engagement attacks. Arashara Goshiri may be moved by Shifting Sands.

Engagement Strike, not LEAs, Fi Skirata. And yes, AoS, they would (though as Xotli pointed out, there is no difference between "move" and "place" for the purposes of Engagement Strike).

You would have to be careful that she isn't sniped, but SS and a wall of SB/Romans is enough protection against melee, IMO. Remember, she can switch herself with, say, your Marcus to move him up and her back at the same time.

Woops I had a dyslexic moment there.

 

[Xotli]

(though as Xotli pointed out, there is no difference between "move" and "place" for the purposes of Engagement Strike).

Actually, what I was pointing out was that there is no difference between "move" and "place" for any purposes whatsoever.

 

[caps]

Do wall walks and road tiles count as "land" spaces? It could be useful to swap a melee hero on the ground with an opponent's ranged figure in a castle.

 

[Fi Skirata]

Do wall walks and road tiles count as "land" spaces? It could be useful to swap a melee hero on the ground with an opponent's ranged figure in a castle.

I believe they do (They seem to fit the same qualifications as the other ones listed).

 

[dok]

The answers to all the questions about what a "land space" is are the same as they are for Mika Connour's Blend Into Shadows.

 

[Arch-vile]

One thing I wondered: is a ladder a land space? I would say "no" but it isn't listed in either Mika's nor Arashara's clarifications and it would probably pop up often in games.

I just realized a very powerful use of shifting sands. Arashara can teleport her troops on the top of a castle while sending the opposing troops to the ground. Greeks finally get the castle swarming advantage they deserve! Some maps like Broken Skyline can be used this way. Send Syvarris up there replacing the opponent's figure, and suddenly you moved Syvarris 8 spaces onto the top of a castle, while sending your opponent to be surrounded by Greeks/Romans.

She is also good with lava field. On OM 3, switch your Greek on lava field with your opponent's Krav, then laugh maniacally.

I was initially very spectical of her 200 points, but I think her uses are many and easily adaptable. She's frail like Kurrok, and unlike her fellow leaders Kato and Sparty though, so use Shifting Sands wisely, and protect her!

 

[Fi Skirata]

One thing I wondered: is a ladder a land space? I would say "no" but it isn't listed in either Mika's nor Arashara's clarifications and it would probably pop up often in games.

Well, since you cannot place a tile (shadow or otherwise) on a ladder, then I would say that it would be counted as something different. Especially since Mika's power says "on any empty land space", which would make one conclude that a ladder is not a land space.

 

[Xotli]

Do wall walks and road tiles count as "land" spaces? It could be useful to swap a melee hero on the ground with an opponent's ranged figure in a castle.

The concept of "land space" is qualified in the FAQ:

Can I place a shadow tile on a water tile?
No. Mika can only place a tile on a “land” tile which does not include any tiles that are the same size as shadow tiles (water, shadow, molten lava, ice,etc).

So any tile that isn't a 0 height tile is a land space. And consequently:

One thing I wondered: is a ladder a land space?

No, because it isn't a tile.

 

[Shockma Ranyk]

(though as Xotli pointed out, there is no difference between "move" and "place" for the purposes of Engagement Strike).

Actually, what I was pointing out was that there is no difference between "move" and "place" for any purposes whatsoever.

Actually this is incorrect. For instance, to place a unit on any space within 5 spaces is to do exactly that, ignoring height, other units in the way, etc. Move a unit 5 spaces requires counting height when moving up, cannot move through opponent's figures, etc. Erevan Sunshadow can pass right through a castle wall with his power, since it uses "place". Isamu however cannot, because his power uses "move".

 

[Sheep]

And this is the argument I use for Jotun and Nakita builds. The Nakita's Engagement Power says, "moves". Jotun's throwing power says, "placing". So therefore since "placing" is different from "moving" the Nakita's shouldn't get to roll for Engagement Strike. But anyways, you can visit a conversation in the Question Thread starting here: Jotun/Nakita Conversation.

I still to this day disagree with all of that argument and still think I was right (and not for selfish reasons either).

 

[Ace_of_Spades]

(though as Xotli pointed out, there is no difference between "move" and "place" for the purposes of Engagement Strike).

Actually, what I was pointing out was that there is no difference between "move" and "place" for any purposes whatsoever.

Actually this is incorrect. For instance, to place a unit on any space within 5 spaces is to do exactly that, ignoring height, other units in the way, etc. Move a unit 5 spaces requires counting height when moving up, cannot move through opponent's figures, etc. Erevan Sunshadow can pass right through a castle wall with his power, since it uses "place". Isamu however cannot, because his power uses "move".

Thank you, Shock. I almost posted something like that, but figured I was missing something. Xotli is usually correct .

 

[nate the dawg]

I'm thinking that this gal is going to make some simple soldier builds even more beautiful!

At 500 points, Arashara/Romans x3/10th Reg x2 seems pretty solid. You can lead with the Romans and the warlord, then clean up with WTF.

At 550, I really love Arashara/Marcus/Romans x2/10th Reg x2. Two warlords to bond with, not to mention the flexibility Arashara provides in moving herself and/or Marcus (or an enemy Raelin), all wrapped up in a nice package that allows the 10th to really shine in the end-game if Marcus is nested among them on height.

I really like the Skeletons, but I think Arashara Goshiri is my fave from this wave.

 

[DeathDoom]

Arashara seems like she would be right at home in a Glads/Blasts army. I don't have any experience with them, but the option to sink a Cyberclaw into a cluster of Rats is somewhat intriguing.

 

[Xotli]

(though as Xotli pointed out, there is no difference between "move" and "place" for the purposes of Engagement Strike).

Actually, what I was pointing out was that there is no difference between "move" and "place" for any purposes whatsoever.

Actually this is incorrect. For instance, to place a unit on any space within 5 spaces is to do exactly that, ignoring height, other units in the way, etc. Move a unit 5 spaces requires counting height when moving up, cannot move through opponent's figures, etc. Erevan Sunshadow can pass right through a castle wall with his power, since it uses "place". Isamu however cannot, because his power uses "move".

Incorrect yourself. Fey Step can pass through a wall because it says "any empty space within 5 spaces of his current location." If you replaced "place him on" with "move him to" it wouldn't change the power at all. Similarly, "place" doesn't always ignore height; in Carry, for instance, you can't put down the figure down on any space, regardless of height, because the rest of the power says "adjacent." You can always replace "place" with "move" in a power that's talking about figures (with the possible exception of placing figures on army cards). You can't really replace "move" with "place," but that's usually more about it being grammatically awkward.

Now, some people have made the argument that "move" means the figure technically has to physically fit on every space between origin and destination, but even then you're on shaky ground with clear counter-examples such as Spear of Summoning and Glacier Traverse. But if that is a difference (if!), it's the only one.

And this is the argument I use for Jotun and Nakita builds. The Nakita's Engagement Power says, "moves". Jotun's throwing power says, "placing". So therefore since "placing" is different from "moving" ...

Stop right there. This has been discussed endlessly: it's clarified in the Book of Nakita Agents, and in threads here, here, and here, the latter of which contains this quote from :

wrong. The designers have stated that moving and placing are synonymous basically.

I'm not sure it gets any more clear than that.

I still to this day disagree with all of that argument and still think I was right (and not for selfish reasons either).

It's okay to disagree. Disagreement makes the world go 'round. However, when you're disagreeing with game designers about the rules of the game they designed, you have to face the fact that you may be on shaky ground.

 

[dalu]

I second what Xotli said.

The designers have stated that moving and placing are synonymous basically.

There is a link in my signature, and the decision was made from the beginning in 2006 (or sooner).

Moreover, even if you disagree with the original game designers, the two words are actually used as synonymous in several powers.

An example:

Talon Grab (Wyvern):
While this Wyvern is flying, you may choose one opponent's small or medium figure that it passed over this turn. Place the chosen figure on an empty same-level space adjacent to this Wyvern at the end of its move. If the chosen figure is engaged when it is moved by Talon Grab, it will not take any leaving engagement attacks. Figures under overhangs can never be moved by Talon Grab.

Also I am sure you already consider "moving" and "placing" synonymous in some cases:

Cyberclaw (Gladiatrons):
All small or medium opponent's figures that enter or occupy a space adjacent to any Gladiatron may not move. Figures affected by the Cyberclaw cannot be moved by any special power on an Army Card or Glyph.

As an example you know that Elthale couldn't use Thunder Step if she is in the Cyberclaws, yet the wording of Thunder Step says to "place" her, not to "move" her.

A similar remark can be made about the Glyph of Poftaka:

Glyph of Proftaka (Pit Trap)
Your figure is trapped. The trapped figure cannot move from this space. The figure can move off the Glyph of Proftaka only if a friendly figure occupies an adjacent space.

You know that you can't escape from the Pit Trap by using a power to "place" the trapped figure eslewhere.

An even more clear proof that "move", "place" and even "summon" are synonymous.

Glyph of Erland (Summoning)
When one of your figures stops here, you may "summon" any other figure (your or your opponent's) by moving it to a space adjacent to the figure on the Glyph. The summoning figure does not receive a leaving engagement roll if it was engaged. Note: If there is no empty adjacent space, you can't use the Summon power.

Of course, there are different ways to "move", "place" or "summon", each with their own mechanics.
Sometimes you must count the spaces, sometimes you get the road bonus, sometimes you are limited by height,...

But the general rule is:

Any power that triggers when a figure is moved somewhere also triggers if the figure is placed or summoned at the same place, unless otherwise stated.

All powers in the list below use either "move a figure" or "place a figure" or the two wording as synonymous.
They will all trigger (if all conditions are met) Engagement Strike from the Nakita or Arkmer, and Ice Spike from the Greater Ice Elemental.

• Barge into Battle (Horned Skull Brutes)
• Carry (Brunak, Theracu)
• Cell Divide (Marro Dividers)
• Chain Grab (Drow Chainfighter)
• Elven Summoning Spell (Emirroon)
• Fey Step (Erevan Sunshadow)
• Knockback (Shurrak)
• Marro Rebirth (Marro Hive)
• Pounce Special Attack (Wolves of Badru)
• Rejected by Death (Thanos)
• Shadow Dance (Mika Connour)
• Spear of Summoning (Saylind)
• Summon Elemental (Kurrok)
• Summon the Rechets of Bogdan (Iskra Esenwein)
• Swamp Water Tunnel (Marro Drudge)
• Tactical Switch (Warforged Soldiers)
• Talon Grab (Wyvern)
• Teleport Reinforcements (Tul-Bak-Ra)
• Throw (Jotun)
• Thunder Step (Eltahale)
• Water Clone (Marro Warriors)
• Zombies Rise Again (Zombies of Morindan)

From C3V or SoV:

• Bloodborn Rising (Nicholas Esenwein)
• Defensive Vault (Varkaanan Blade Dancers)
• Reanimation (Skeletons of Annellintia)
• Shifting Sands (Arashara Goshiri)
• Zombie Rise Again (Zombie Hulk)

Last notes:

1. A figure with the fly power leaves engagement as soon as it starts to fly.
   If it lands adjacent again to the same figure it was engaged with before taking off, it will be subject to any power which triggers for moving adjacent to that figure.
2. A figure (even if it has the fly power) can walk around another one without leaving engagement and without triggering engagement strikes at each step.

 

[Sheep]

"This isn't the post you're looking for."

"Move along now."

 

[ZBeeblebrox]

Guess who is a designer: Oh wait it's GB! (His name appears in the very book you reference as a designer)

So if he says something, then you can take it to the bank. Case Closed.

Now if you want to play that way causually, fine that is your perogiative...but please do not suggest that the ruling is wrong, because its not. If you were playing in a tournament like GenCon, you'd be told so by every Scaper there.

Sorry but you are arguing for House Rules, because the designers have told us "that move and plase are basically the same".

 

[Sheep]

I'm done arguing this, I started it, I'll end it. It's done here. I'll say moving and placing are different, everyone else will say that they are the same, in cases like Engagement Strike. But at the end of the day, we're (for the most part) all friends on here and that's what matters.

~HS2010, tired of arguing of a worthless ruling. And hoping everyone can become friends again.

 

[Arch-vile]

I had my reservations that Arashara was worth 200 points... so I played a game with her with this army:

200 Arashara
200 Greeks x4
100 Marcus
500, 18 spaces

It kicked butt. I thought Cyprien would be a great counter to Arashara, but boy was I wrong. Cyprien got the first strike inflicting 3 wounds on Arashara, but then Arashara used Shifting Sands to place Cyprien on low ground, then surround him with Greeks. That destroyed him. Admittedly, this was lucky, buy Arashara would be great with Major X17 or gladiatrons. Imagine Ara sending Cyprien into Cyberclaw, then just ignoring him until the rest of his army is toast. I still think Arashara will be hard pressed to be worth her 200 points, but she has her moments.

That 4 attack is nice too. She isn't afraid to get down swinging with her men on the front lines. Range as always, though, is her Achilles' Heel. The sheer numbers of Greeks or Romans make up for this I think, since they make a pretty effective screen.

 

[personwholives]

PDF link

For some reason, the one in the OP didn't work for me.