The Book of Xenithrax the Vineweaver

[Blue Trails]

The Book of Xenithrax the Vineweaver

Master Set IV - Age of Annihilation

Basic Side:

Spoiler Alert!

If you cannot see the Army Card graphic, check Renegade's Story Page for stats and special powers, plus "character biography" and other non-game unit info.

Character Bio: The great golden dragon Xenithrax reveals herself to the peace summit through a twirl of vines and leaves. The regal bearing of her head indicates to the gathered representatives that she was accustomed to respect on her home world of Arboreas. Here on Valhalla, however, she speaks on behalf of her Valkyrie General, Aquilla.

As she looms across the gathering, reptilian gaze sparking with cold intelligence, her statement is clear without words. Aquilla holds more power than she has ever revealed. And Xenithrax will not hesitate to prove it.


The Glyph of Xenithrax Vines:

Spoiler Alert!

Xenithrax Vines (Vines)
If a Huge figure moves onto this Glyph, this Glyph is immediately removed from the battlefield and that figure may continue its movement. Figures standing on this Glyph roll 1 fewer attack die and 2 fewer defense dice. When a figure on this Glyph moves off of the Glyph, roll one attack die. If you roll a skull, that figure takes one wound. Remove this Glyph from the battlefield after a figure moves off of it, or at the end of the round if a figure is standing on it.

SUMMON VINES
Xenithrax starts the game with three Xenithrax Vines Glyphs on this Army Card. Once per round, after moving and before attacking, Xenithrax may choose an empty space within 4 spaces of Xenithrax and place a Xenithrax Vines Glyph from this Army Card onto that space.

ERUPTING EARTH SPECIAL ATTACK
Range 5 + Special. Attack 4 - Special.
The first target of Erupting Earth Special Attack must be within a Range of 5. After attacking with Erupting Earth Special Attack, you may choose a figure that was adjacent to the defending figure at the beginning of that attack and attack that chosen figure, rolling one fewer attack die. You may continue attacking with Erupting Earth Special Attack in this manner, rolling one fewer attack die than the previous, up to a total of four attacks. A figure cannot be attacked more than once in a turn with Erupting Earth Special Attack.

FLYING

_________________________________________________________________
-Rulings and Clarifications-

Q. Do figures chosen after the first targeted attack also get targeted, and therefore trigger other "targeted" special powers such as Kita the Springrunner's Apparition or Nakita Agents' Smoke Powder?
A. No, they are chosen but not targeted. Also importantly, these figures do not need LoS to the affected figures, may affect figures with which they are not engaged, and may even choose themselves to be affected where relevant.
Source: HEROSCAPE RULINGS AND GUIDANCE: A COMPREHENSIVE TREATISE - 26.2​

_________________________________________________________________
-Combinations and Synergies-

Synergy Benefits Received

- Greenscale Warriors: Lizard King Bonding​

If chosen as their Lizard King, Xenithrax the Vineweaver may benefit from the Greenscale Warriors' Lizard King Bonding activation synergy.​

Synergy Benefits Offered

- Greenscale Warriors: Loyalty to the Lizard King​

As a huge Dragon Hero, Xenithrax the Vineweaver may be chosen as the Greenscale Warriors' Lizard King and may activate their Attack and Defense bonus.​

_________________________________________________________________
-Heroscapers Community Contributions-

Power Rankings​

OEAO: A-​

​

Matthias Maccabeus: B​

​

Unit Strategy Review​

- TBD​

​

​

​

_________________________________________________________________
-2022 Haslab Campaign Version-

Spoiler Alert!

The Book of Xenithrax the Soulweaver

Age of Annihilation

Card design made by @Anitar

Official Pre-Release Card

Spoiler Alert!

Character Bio: Xenithrax the Soulweaver is an unfathomably enormous avatar of the raw mystical energies that created our universe, made manifest in the form of a primal apex predator not seen on Arboreas’ for countless epochs. A legend even among the magi of the Dryan Lifeborne Order, Xenithrax personifies the undeniable power of life and death, and being drawn to Valhalla where the mystical wellsprings are located, has amplified that power almost being reason. Now Xenithrax dominates the war-torn plains as an indomitable harbinger of Volarak’s absolute determination, bringing low those that would dare raise blades and barrels against the Valkyrie’s forces. Wherever Xentithrax feet tread, the ground heaves and breaks, dropping her enemies to the ground in horror are she sweeps across battlefields with utter contempt for those that would oppose Volarak. There is little escape from the Soulweaver’s reach, those that try to flee find fast moving tails darting under the crust the earth, and thrusting up through the surface and impaling enemies from below.


The Glyph of Xenithrax Vines:

Spoiler Alert!

Glyph of Xenithrax Vines (Vines)
If a huge figure moves onto this glyph, this glyph is immediately removed from the battlefield and that figure may continue its movement. Figures standing on this glyph roll 1 fewer attack die and 2 fewer defense dice. When a figure on a Xenithrax Vines glyph moves off of the glyph, roll one attack die. If you roll a skull, that figure takes one wound. Remove this glyph from the battlefield after a figure moves off of it, or at the end of the round if a figure is standing on it.

SUMMON VINES
Xenithrax starts the game with three Xenithrax Vines Glyphs on this Army Card. Once per round, after moving and before attacking, Xenithrax may choose an empty space within 4 spaces of Xenithrax and place a Xenithrax Vines Glyph from this Army Card onto that space.

ERUPTING EARTH SPECIAL ATTACK
Range 5 + Special. Attack 4 - Special.
The first target of Erupting Earth Special Attack must be within a Range of 5. After attacking with Erupting Earth Special Attack, you may choose a figure that was adjacent to the defending figure at the beginning of that attack and attack that chosen figure, rolling one fewer attack die. You may continue attacking with Erupting Earth Special Attack in this manner, rolling one fewer attack die than the previous, up to a total of four attacks. A figure cannot be attacked more than once in a turn with Erupting Earth Special Attack.

FLYING

_________________________________________________________________
-Rulings and Clarifications-

N/A​

​

_________________________________________________________________
-Combinations and Synergies-

Synergy Benefits Received

- Greenscale Warriors: Lizard King Bonding​

If chosen as their Lizard King, Xenithrax the Soulweaver may benefit from the Greenscale Warriors' Lizard King Bonding activation synergy.​

Synergy Benefits Offered

- Greenscale Warriors: Loyalty to the Lizard King​

As a huge Dragon Hero, Xenithrax the Soulweaver may be chosen as the Greenscale Warriors' Lizard King and may activate their Attack and Defense bonus.​

_________________________________________________________________
-Heroscapers Community Contributions-

Power Rankings​

- TBD​

​

Unit Strategy Review​

- TBD​

​

​

 

[ryguy266]

Re: The Book of Xenithrax the Soulweaver

First reply to a book! Very exciting.
And I'll say it: I think Xeni is a disappointment. Two well-placed ranged squads will erase your 200 points in one round or less. I'd take Nilf or Quahon every time--and save some points while I'm at it.

 

[Anitar]

In my defense, "majestic" is not a personality trait.

I got a bit of a mix-up with Xenithrax's personality. The correct version of my card is here:

 

[vegietarian18]

Re: The Book of Xenithrax the Soulweaver

First reply to a book! Very exciting.
And I'll say it: I think Xeni is a disappointment. Two well-placed ranged squads will erase your 200 points in one round or less. I'd take Nilf or Quahon every time--and save some points while I'm at it.

Xenithrax is certainly different from Nilf and Quahon. Nilf and Quahon are solely reliant on their special attacks, while Xenithrax has weaker breath but the ability to place glyphs. The glyphs definitely do more against range, and his special attack is better against melee too.

Because of the glyphs, he's also much better with Greenscales than other dragons are. I probably would not draft Xenithrax solo in the way Nilf is often drafted solo, but with the glyphs he's a pretty formidable partner for Greenscales.

 

[Blue Trails]

Re: In my defense, "majestic" is not a personality trait.

I got a bit of a mix-up with Xenithrax's personality. The correct version of my card is here:

Fixed.

 

[Knox]

Re: The Book of Xenithrax the Soulweaver

Anyone have a good proxy for this guy?

 

[caps]

Re: The Book of Xenithrax the Soulweaver

Nilfheim? I imagine the 3d scan of Nilfheim would be a good starting point for a would-be modeler to make a proxy.

 

[ryguy266]

Re: The Book of Xenithrax the Soulweaver

First reply to a book! Very exciting.
And I'll say it: I think Xeni is a disappointment. Two well-placed ranged squads will erase your 200 points in one round or less. I'd take Nilf or Quahon every time--and save some points while I'm at it.

Xenithrax is certainly different from Nilf and Quahon. Nilf and Quahon are solely reliant on their special attacks, while Xenithrax has weaker breath but the ability to place glyphs. The glyphs definitely do more against range, and his special attack is better against melee too.

Because of the glyphs, he's also much better with Greenscales than other dragons are. I probably would not draft Xenithrax solo in the way Nilf is often drafted solo, but with the glyphs he's a pretty formidable partner for Greenscales.

Eh. Once per round is not enough to actually deter your opponent, especially on modern maps. Plus, what's to stop me from just running a rat right over the glyph and removing it from the board on my own terms? As for the special, every dragon is better against melee units that need adjacency to operate.
And outside of the actual in-game usefulness of the abilities, these powers are pretty disappointing anyway. For the "unfathomably enormous avatar of the raw mystical energies that created our universe," growing plants and earthbending seems so...lame. At least have the glyphs be a spacetime distortion and call the special "Rend Souls" or something equally cool. Then I might be less disappointed with the actual mechanics.

 

[Good Pig]

Re: The Book of Xenithrax the Soulweaver

Anyone have a good proxy for this guy?

I found a wood elf dragon that I put in the AoA proxy thread. No idea of the scale for the proxy model, but aesthetically it looks like a decent substitute in my opinion.

https://www.myminifactory.com/object/3d-print-gaelic-wood-elf-forest-dragon-241908

 

[caps]

Re: The Book of Xenithrax the Soulweaver

I found a wood elf dragon that I put in the AoA proxy thread. No idea of the scale for the proxy model, but aesthetically it looks like a decent substitute in my opinion.

https://www.myminifactory.com/object/3d-print-gaelic-wood-elf-forest-dragon-241908

The scale of that mini is 1:56. Not sure what Heroscape is though.

 

[Good Pig]

Re: The Book of Xenithrax the Soulweaver

I found a wood elf dragon that I put in the AoA proxy thread. No idea of the scale for the proxy model, but aesthetically it looks like a decent substitute in my opinion.

https://www.myminifactory.com/object/3d-print-gaelic-wood-elf-forest-dragon-241908

The scale of that mini is 1:56. Not sure what Heroscape is though.

The Google is telling me 28mm war games are considered 1:50 to 1:60 scale. So it's smack in the middle of that range. If someone were to 3d print the proxy vs order it somewhere, you can always adjust the scale as needed too.

Based on the orientation of the model I'd guess it should fit alright on a large peanut style base.

 

[Blue Trails]

Re: The Book of Xenithrax the Soulweaver

First reply to a book! Very exciting.
And I'll say it: I think Xeni is a disappointment. Two well-placed ranged squads will erase your 200 points in one round or less. I'd take Nilf or Quahon every time--and save some points while I'm at it.

Xenithrax is certainly different from Nilf and Quahon. Nilf and Quahon are solely reliant on their special attacks, while Xenithrax has weaker breath but the ability to place glyphs. The glyphs definitely do more against range, and his special attack is better against melee too.

Because of the glyphs, he's also much better with Greenscales than other dragons are. I probably would not draft Xenithrax solo in the way Nilf is often drafted solo, but with the glyphs he's a pretty formidable partner for Greenscales.

Eh. Once per round is not enough to actually deter your opponent, especially on modern maps. Plus, what's to stop me from just running a rat right over the glyph and removing it from the board on my own terms? As for the special, every dragon is better against melee units that need adjacency to operate.
And outside of the actual in-game usefulness of the abilities, these powers are pretty disappointing anyway. For the "unfathomably enormous avatar of the raw mystical energies that created our universe," growing plants and earthbending seems so...lame. At least have the glyphs be a spacetime distortion and call the special "Rend Souls" or something equally cool. Then I might be less disappointed with the actual mechanics.

Well, the fact that the Xenithrax's Vines interfere with smaller figures' movement can be important. For example, your Rat must stop moving as soon as it steps on the Glyph, and it risks destruction without triggering Scatter if it leaves. Neither are insignificant penalties to a Squad that relies so heavily on grabbing chokepoints and slipping around with free movement, even one with the numerical advantage of the Deathreavers.

Also, in defense of the powers' flavor, it should be mentioned that Xenithrax's "vine traps" are subterranean attacks using her three tails. Moreover, if you trust the game's box art, Xenithrax directly channels those energies in combat. Perhaps Erupting Earth Special Attack isn't so much "reshaping the ground" as it is "invoking primordial energy in the form of burning geysers."

 

[gatormustang]

Re: The Book of Xenithrax the Soulweaver

Anyone have a good proxy for this guy?

I found this proxy, which is a free STL. It has feathered wings and horns so to me it looks like a close match. It's actually holding a ball that could be the Xenithrax Vines deployment. The base can be modified so that it does not stand so tall. It comes pre-supported and not supported really reducing the work to 3D print. It has been posted in @TheIsamu proxy thread.

https://www.myminifactory.com/object/3d-print-spirit-dragon-118707

Additionally, I created the Glyph of Xenithrax Vines card and label below. I am currently creating the Book of Thread for it.

[URL=https://www.imagebam.com/view/MEH1N6O][/URL]

 

[Garenex]

Re: The Book of Xenithrax the Soulweaver

First reply to a book! Very exciting.
And I'll say it: I think Xeni is a disappointment. Two well-placed ranged squads will erase your 200 points in one round or less. I'd take Nilf or Quahon every time--and save some points while I'm at it.

I also am too, a little bit. When I first saw him, I was hoping for a mega 400-500 point unit, meant to be your entire army.

 

[Killometer]

Re: The Book of Xenithrax the Soulweaver

I might try running her where Vine glyphs removed from the map go back on her card, so they keep replenishing as they're used and destroyed.

 

[gatormustang]

Re: The Book of Xenithrax the Soulweaver

The Book of Xenithrax the Soulweaver​

Age of Annihilation

Card design made by @Anitar

Official Pre-Release Card

Spoiler Alert!

Character Bio: Xenithrax the Soulweaver is an unfathomably enormous avatar of the raw mystical energies that created our universe, made manifest in the form of a primal apex predator not seen on Arboreas’ for countless epochs. A legend even among the magi of the Dryan Lifeborne Order, Xenithrax personifies the undeniable power of life and death, and being drawn to Valhalla where the mystical wellsprings are located, has amplified that power almost being reason. Now Xenithrax dominates the war-torn plains as an indomitable harbinger of Volarak’s absolute determination, bringing low those that would dare raise blades and barrels against the Valkyrie’s forces. Wherever Xentithrax feet tread, the ground heaves and breaks, dropping her enemies to the ground in horror are she sweeps across battlefields with utter contempt for those that would oppose Volarak. There is little escape from the Soulweaver’s reach, those that try to flee find fast moving tails darting under the crust the earth, and thrusting up through the surface and impaling enemies from below.


The Glyph of Xenithrax Vines:

Spoiler Alert!

Glyph of Xenithrax Vines (Vines)
If a huge figure moves onto this glyph, this glyph is immediately removed from the battlefield and that figure may continue its movement. Figures standing on this glyph roll 1 fewer attack die and 2 fewer defense dice. When a figure on a Xenithrax Vines glyph moves off of the glyph, roll one attack die. If you roll a skull, that figure takes one wound. Remove this glyph from the battlefield after a figure moves off of it, or at the end of the round if a figure is standing on it.

SUMMON VINES
Xenithrax starts the game with three Xenithrax Vines Glyphs on this Army Card. Once per round, after moving and before attacking, Xenithrax may choose an empty space within 4 spaces of Xenithrax and place a Xenithrax Vines Glyph from this Army Card onto that space.

ERUPTING EARTH SPECIAL ATTACK
Range 5 + Special. Attack 4 - Special.
The first target of Erupting Earth Special Attack must be within a Range of 5. After attacking with Erupting Earth Special Attack, you may choose a figure that was adjacent to the defending figure at the beginning of that attack and attack that chosen figure, rolling one fewer attack die. You may continue attacking with Erupting Earth Special Attack in this manner, rolling one fewer attack die than the previous, up to a total of four attacks. A figure cannot be attacked more than once in a turn with Erupting Earth Special Attack.

FLYING

_________________________________________________________________
-Rulings and Clarifications-

N/A
​

_________________________________________________________________
-Combinations and Synergies-

Synergy Benefits Received

- Greenscale Warriors: Lizard King Bonding
If chosen as their Lizard King, Xenithrax the Soulweaver may benefit from the Greenscale Warriors' Lizard King Bonding activation synergy.​

Synergy Benefits Offered

- Greenscale Warriors: Loyalty to the Lizard King
As a huge Dragon Hero, Xenithrax the Soulweaver may be chosen as the Greenscale Warriors' Lizard King and may activate their Attack and Defense bonus.​

_________________________________________________________________
-Heroscapers Community Contributions-

Power Rankings
- TBD

Unit Strategy Review
- TBD

​

I am working on the Book of The Glyph of Xenithrax Vines and before I post it I am looking for opinions on a rule clarification for it. The glyph definition states that when a large figure moves on to the glyph to immediately remove it from the battlefield and that figure can continue its movement. So does that mean it still has to roll one die for a potential wound or are large figures exempt from any affects of the glyph?

 

[Anitar]

Re: The Book of Xenithrax the Soulweaver

I am working on the Book of The Glyph of Xenithrax Vines and before I post it I am looking for opinions on a rule clarification for it. The glyph definition states that when a large figure moves on to the glyph to immediately remove it from the battlefield and that figure can continue its movement. So does that mean it still has to roll one die for a potential wound or are large figures exempt from any affects of the glyph?

First: No, it's Huge figures that get to wreck the Glyph. Large figures are fully susceptible to its effects.


Second: The Glyph is removed immediately when the Huge figure steps on it, before you continue your movement. By the time you're moving, you're not "moving off of it", because it doesn't exist anymore; so no, it can't hurt you in that case.

 

[gatormustang]

Re: The Book of Xenithrax the Soulweaver

I am working on the Book of The Glyph of Xenithrax Vines and before I post it I am looking for opinions on a rule clarification for it. The glyph definition states that when a large figure moves on to the glyph to immediately remove it from the battlefield and that figure can continue its movement. So does that mean it still has to roll one die for a potential wound or are large figures exempt from any affects of the glyph?

First: No, it's Huge figures that get to wreck the Glyph. Large figures are fully susceptible to its effects.


Second: The Glyph is removed immediately when the Huge figure steps on it, before you continue your movement. By the time you're moving, you're not "moving off of it", because it doesn't exist anymore; so no, it can't hurt you in that case.

@Anitar good catch and I did mean Huge not Large. My thought was exactly how you are describing it that a Huge figure basically crushes it, but I wanted to make sure that is how others interpreted it. Thanks for your response that clears up how I’m and going to write the bio.

 

[Blue Trails]

Re: The Book of Xenithrax the Soulweaver

The Book of Xenithrax the Soulweaver​

Age of Annihilation

Card design made by @Anitar

Official Pre-Release Card

Spoiler Alert!

Character Bio: Xenithrax the Soulweaver is an unfathomably enormous avatar of the raw mystical energies that created our universe, made manifest in the form of a primal apex predator not seen on Arboreas’ for countless epochs. A legend even among the magi of the Dryan Lifeborne Order, Xenithrax personifies the undeniable power of life and death, and being drawn to Valhalla where the mystical wellsprings are located, has amplified that power almost being reason. Now Xenithrax dominates the war-torn plains as an indomitable harbinger of Volarak’s absolute determination, bringing low those that would dare raise blades and barrels against the Valkyrie’s forces. Wherever Xentithrax feet tread, the ground heaves and breaks, dropping her enemies to the ground in horror are she sweeps across battlefields with utter contempt for those that would oppose Volarak. There is little escape from the Soulweaver’s reach, those that try to flee find fast moving tails darting under the crust the earth, and thrusting up through the surface and impaling enemies from below.


The Glyph of Xenithrax Vines:

Spoiler Alert!

Glyph of Xenithrax Vines (Vines)
If a huge figure moves onto this glyph, this glyph is immediately removed from the battlefield and that figure may continue its movement. Figures standing on this glyph roll 1 fewer attack die and 2 fewer defense dice. When a figure on a Xenithrax Vines glyph moves off of the glyph, roll one attack die. If you roll a skull, that figure takes one wound. Remove this glyph from the battlefield after a figure moves off of it, or at the end of the round if a figure is standing on it.

SUMMON VINES
Xenithrax starts the game with three Xenithrax Vines Glyphs on this Army Card. Once per round, after moving and before attacking, Xenithrax may choose an empty space within 4 spaces of Xenithrax and place a Xenithrax Vines Glyph from this Army Card onto that space.

ERUPTING EARTH SPECIAL ATTACK
Range 5 + Special. Attack 4 - Special.
The first target of Erupting Earth Special Attack must be within a Range of 5. After attacking with Erupting Earth Special Attack, you may choose a figure that was adjacent to the defending figure at the beginning of that attack and attack that chosen figure, rolling one fewer attack die. You may continue attacking with Erupting Earth Special Attack in this manner, rolling one fewer attack die than the previous, up to a total of four attacks. A figure cannot be attacked more than once in a turn with Erupting Earth Special Attack.

FLYING

_________________________________________________________________
-Rulings and Clarifications-

N/A
​

_________________________________________________________________
-Combinations and Synergies-

Synergy Benefits Received

- Greenscale Warriors: Lizard King Bonding
If chosen as their Lizard King, Xenithrax the Soulweaver may benefit from the Greenscale Warriors' Lizard King Bonding activation synergy.​

Synergy Benefits Offered

- Greenscale Warriors: Loyalty to the Lizard King
As a huge Dragon Hero, Xenithrax the Soulweaver may be chosen as the Greenscale Warriors' Lizard King and may activate their Attack and Defense bonus.​

_________________________________________________________________
-Heroscapers Community Contributions-

Power Rankings
- TBD

Unit Strategy Review
- TBD

​

I am working on the Book of The Glyph of Xenithrax Vines and before I post it I am looking for opinions on a rule clarification for it. The glyph definition states that when a large figure moves on to the glyph to immediately remove it from the battlefield and that figure can continue its movement. So does that mean it still has to roll one die for a potential wound or are large figures exempt from any affects of the glyph?

Anitar is correct here. Also, once you finish your Book, I'll incorporate a link to it into this thread's OP.

 

[Mr. Phats]

Re: The Book of Xenithrax the Soulweaver

Really sucks that the campaign didn't back... This would've been awesome.

 

[Blue Trails]

I've updated the OP to conform to the information revealed at Renegade's recent convention. The original OP has been preserved for posterity in a spoiler tag at the bottom of the new one.

 

[Owlman]

Very stoked for Aquilla's dragon! I may be late here, but the vine glyphs make a figure occupying it -2 to defense and -1 to attack. If the figure moves off the glyph you can roll a die, on a skull they get a wound, so it's basically risking a disengage. I think Xeni here will absolutely see competitive play this year... *evil grin*

 

[Garenex]

I think in the hands of a skilled player, Xenithrax could be quite good, but the skill level seems very high, in choosing when and where to place the glyphs, and how aggressive to be with trying to get the multiple attacks. It may be very easy to fall into a similar trap which happens with Mimring a lot, where you move it too far forward to get one big multi-attack and then get swarmed.

 

[stay_golden_PONYBOY]

I think Krug is going to be a decent counter to her. He can trample vines and if she hits him with Erupting Earth before he reaches her, he just hits a lot harder.

Greenscales as a screen may produce a similar effect on Krug.

I imagine that defense of 3 on her will make for some exciting combats.

 

[Nukatha]

The Haslab publicity paint job is far better than the official new one. I'll be using that as my reference when painting her.