Plans for upcoming Empire update

Progress update: Nearly the entire bestiary and army list is now finished, leaving editing of the main background. This numbers around 120 pages of fluff to go through, which will take quite some time. The Empire has a ton of stuff from WFRP written for it, so I'm currently sorting out the material I don't deem necessary to include. I've also been working quite a bit on the High Elves book, finishing most of the bestiary for them. I might be finishing the High Elves book first, depending on how the editing will go. Won't have time to finish either book before January though.


Though this will take a while to finish due to the massive background and different sources they stem from, I want to give a heads-up on some of the planned changes for the Empire.

One of the bigger ones: Detachments as you knew them will be gone. With 8th ed, it's all about steadfast for infantry, and since steadfast is not mitigated by disruption, Detachments does not really make much of a difference besides giving the enemy more attacks back at you. On top of that, you need a minimum of 10 models to even cause disruption, hence any detachment would need to be 15+ models, almost a unit in themselves. Furthermore, since Steadfast is based on the highest number of ranks in a unit, you are usually better off just adding the detachment models to the main unit instead.

In my planned update, all regimental units can act as detachments if within 3" of each other. Meaning that a full unit of halberdiers can flank charge an enemy unit charging a full unit of swordsmen for instance, and handgunners and crossbowmen can stand and shoot against enemies charging any regimental unit, just not their parent unit. This encourages multiple smaller units rather than just hoarding up on halberdiers, and puts the focus on the Empire's infantry coordinating with each other more, as well as holding a coherent battleline, just like the Empire should. Enemies will now also have to plan more carefully, and must attempt to charge with multiple units to avoid being flanked.


As for other planned changes:

• Grand Masters will be able to ride Demigryphs.
• Spearmen will be able to upgrade to pikes (finally!).
• Free Company will have pistols as an option, and can upgrade to Ambush.
• Archers won't be skirmishers by default, and can have LA.
• Handgunners and Crossbowmen can have LA (allows upgrade to Ironsides).
• Knights will be kept core, but can be upgraded to one of 3 knightly orders (Panther, White Wolves, Blazing Sun). For the remaining Knightly Orders, consult the Expansion.
• Inner Circle Knights counts as special units.
• Hold the Line increased range for generals.
• Demigryphs are moved to Rare, will be increased in cost.
• Imperial Dwarfs added, spears, GW's, HA options.
• Halflings added. Spears, bows, shields.
• Reiksguard Foot Knights added, Reiksguard Knights will stay as normal.
• Flagellants nerfed to WS2, can sacrifice D3 models each close combat phase.
• War Wagon will be added in a future Empire expansion, along with Helblaster variant.
• Steam Tank variants will be added in a future Empire expansion.
• Cheaper state troops, miltia, greatswords, huntsmen, pistoliers, outriders and flagellants.
• Mortar buffed to S3, slight price increase.
• Helstorm buffed to S4.
• Helblaster firing mechanics tweaked, can fire single decks.
• Extended fluff in both the main background and for all units.
• Return of old special characters, as well as the ones from Tamurkhan.
• Imperial Ogres added.
• Arcane Battle Altars will allow upgrades to all different colleges, thanks to rules by Thomas Heasman-Hunt.

Beastmen 8th ed book out now!

Update 24/10:

• Ambush free upgrade for Gors and Ungors, so they can deploy like normal.
• Lowered some more casting values for Lore of the Wild. I want to hear players' suggestions on what other buffs the lore needs to be worthwhile taking over other lores.
• Great Bray-shamans back to T5, 200 pts.
• Bray-Shamans back to 75 pts.
• Gnarled Hide 15 pts.
• Ungors 4 pts, Ungor Raiders 5 pts.
• Bestigors 11 pts.
• Minotaurs 42 pts.
• Centigors 18 pts.
• Cygor 175 pts.
• Jabberslythe 175 pts, added 4+ scaly skin.
• Ghorgon 225 pts.

Also considering nerfing the Preyton to a MB, similar to that of a Great Eagle, and make it a special unit. The model is pretty small for a Mo, and is about the same size as a Great Stag (which is a MB), so it would probably be more fitting and set it apart from the other Mo more.


Finished with version 1.0 of the new Beastmen book. Old players should find most of it very familiar, as I have not tried to go overboard with changes for change's sake. The book plays very similar to the last one, but I've tried to add some more options, as well as taken away some of the ones I did not feel fit very well with it. I would definitely not call myself an expert on Beastmen as I've only played against them a few times, but I've updated the points values on most units to be on par with other books (and cheaper in some cases). Changes are as follows:

• Primal Fury does not give Frenzy on doubles. It only had a 1/36 chance to do so, and there are several ways to get frenzy already in the list.
• Beastmen ambush replaced with normal ambush.
• Marks of Chaos are available for Characters and Bestigors.
• Gorebulls can no longer be BSB.
• Gors are WS3, 6 pts basic. Did not make much sense that they were more skilled fighters than Orcs really, and is consistent with the WS of the Wargor and Beastlord.
• Gors and Ungors may skirmish for free.
• Gors may have morning stars and throwing axes.
• Ungor Raiders may have javelins, can be upgraded to scouts.
• Bestigors have LA by default, can upgrade to HA. Can switch GW's with halberds for free.
• Minotaurs 47 pts.
• Centigors 20 pts, "Sober for Once" gives them FC, as well as +2I. LA optional.
• Razorgors 40 pts, US 3+.
• Razorgor Chariots 110 pts.
• Harpies can no longer scout.
• Chaos Trolls added.
• Chaos Spawn special unit, 3D6M, 50 pts.
• Preyton added, 175 pts.
• Ghorgon 235 pts, Swallow Whole is in addition to normal A, regains 1W if successful.
• Cygor 200 pts.
• Jabberslythe has Hover instead of Fly, 200 pts.
• Chaos Giant 175 pts.
• Gorthor auto-wounds on doubles to Hit.
• Moonclaw's Stupidity no longer affects friendly units.
• Morghur is a Lord choice, has magic items from 6th ed.
• Lore of the Wild has seen some slight buffs overall, lowered casting values. Primal Onslaught is added Lore Attribute.

Hope you guys enjoy it! Let me know of the usual bugs and other changes you like/hate or wish to see.

Plans for Beastmen update

With the Skaven book fresh off the work table, I've now started on the Beastmen book. I am not planning on making any huge changes with this one, but will mostly focus on rebalancing the rules and make each unit worth taking. I've finished most of the bestiary and am currently working on the army list. As I have vacation next week, I plan to get version 1.0 finished before next Sunday.



Updated: Thanks for the input everyone! Currently planning the following:

• Marks will be available for Beastlords/Wargors, Doombulls/Gorebulls and Bestigors only, since they are the ones really being featured with marks in the art and fluff.
• Chaos Trolls will make a return. Considered Dragon Ogres, but they don't really dwell in the forests, so I don't feel they fit with the rest of the theme.
• Magic item selection will contain all items mentioned in the comments.
• As well as a few other changes based on suggestions here, stay tuned for the book, hopefully next week.

As such, I would like to get the community's input on a few things:

1. Should Marks return? If they would, to what extent? Currently considering making them available to characters, Bestigor and Minotaurs only.
2. Return of Dragon Ogres, Chaos Trolls, and Chaos Ogres. Is this an option that is missed by the community? Are all units interesting, or just a few?
3. Magic Items, any particulars that you feel are must-haves?
4. Other stuff that you wish was changed/included?

Apart from that, I'm not planning on adding much else except the Preyton, since I feel the list is pretty solid, and Beastmen cavalry does not really fit. Gors will however, be able to skirmish again. Hurray!

Sneak Peak: Upcoming Galleries

Reposting this with updated pictures of all armies, and better quality shots. So this is my current collection that I wanted to share with you guys, that will hopefully give you some inspiration for your own armies. I will take individual pictures of each unit as they are finished and post in each army's gallery, as well as complete army shots when they are completely finished (which will probably take a few years at least).

Albion:

Back row from the left: Chariots, Clansman Cavalry, Youngbloods with slings, Warband with spears, BSB, Warlord with shieldbearers, Chieftain, Chieftain, the Morrigan, Chieftain, Warlord, Chieftain.

Back row from the left: Half Giants, Giant, Giant, Centaurs, Fenbeasts, Youngbloods with javelins, Warband with great weapons, Druid, Truthsayer, Druid, Woad Raiders.

Back row from the left: Hunters with bows, Stone Thrower, Hunters with javelins, Warriors of Danu, Druid Neophytes, Warbands with shields, Hunting Hounds, Swordmaidens.

Amazons:

Back row from the left: Serpent Priestesses, Matriarch, Mistress, Cold One Riders, Piranha Warriors, Anakonda's Amazons, Jungle Stalkers, Eagle Warriors, Totem Guardians, Jaguar Warriors.

Araby:

Back row from the left: War Elephant, Grand Vizier on flying carpet, Mamelukes, Roc, Basilica Cannon, Caliph on flying carpet, Mamelukes, Bladedancers, Djinn, Vizier, Vizier, Efreet, Corsairs, Janissaries, Vizier, Prince of Thieves, Saladin, Malik ibn La'Ahad, Vizier, Hashishin, Jasmine Silverveil, Caliph, BSB, Caliph, Sheik, Slave Guards.

Back row from the left: Nomad Hunters, Flying Carpet Riders, Desert Riders with bows, Naffatun, Camel Riders, Bowmen, Desert Riders with spears, Warriors with shields, Palace Guard, Warriors with spears.

Bretonnia:

Back row from the left: Pegasus Knights, Questing Knights, Louen Leoncoeur, Grail Knights, Damsels, the Fay Enchantress, BSB, Repanse de Lyonesse, the Green Knight.

Back row from the left: Knights of the Realm, Paladin on Pegasus, Knights of the Realm, Suliman the Saracen and Odo d'Outremer (he is invisible!), Knights Errant, Tristan the Trobadour and Jules the Jongleur.

Back row from the left: Mounted Yeomen, Damsels, Peasant Bowmen, Priestesses of Shallya, Men-at-Arms, Men-at-Arms, Foot Knights, Foot Knights/Paladins on foot, Foot Knights.

Back row from the left: Peasant Bowmen, Herrimaults with Bertrand the Brigand, Grail Relique, Field Trebuchet, Men-at-Arms, Peasant Levy, Men-at-Arms.

Cathay:

Back row from the left: Dragon Cannon, Fire Arrow, Stormhurler Ballista, Warlord in Bastion Chariot, Wu Jen, Warlord on Qilin, Strategists, BSB, Duizhu, Emperor's Guard, Warlords, Zhao Fei, Xen Huong, .

Back row from the left: Foo Dogs, Celestial Dragon, Phoenix, Monkey Warriors with the Monkey King, Field Engineers with Sky Rockets, Nightblades, Hill Tribesmen, Field Engineers with Dragon's Breath, Field Engineers with Fire Bombs, Celestial Dragon Monks.

Back row from the left: Dragon Lancers, Drum and Gong, Steppe Archers, Imperial Infantry with crossbows, Repeater Crossbowmen, Imperial Infantry with spears, Imperial Infantry with swords.

Dark Elves:

Back row from the left: Cauldron of Blood, Cauldron of Blood with BSB, Dreadlord on Black Dragon, Manticore, Avatar of Khaine, Assassins (they are really sneaky!), Executioners, With Elves.

Back row from the left: Cold One Chariot, Malekith with Chariot, Morathi, Cold One Knights, Darkshards, Sorceresses, Harpies, Darkshards, Dreadspears, High Sorceress on Cold One, Dreadlord on Cold One, Black Guard.

Back row from the left: Dark Riders, Reaper Bolt Throwers, War Hydra, Manflayers, Shades, Corsairs, Dreadlord, BSB, Dreadlord, Corsairs with handbows.

Dogs of War:

Back row from the left: Galloper Guns, Goblin-hewer, Venators, Marksmen of Miragliano, Alcatani Fellowship, Lucrezzia Belladonna, Ghazak Khan, Leopard Company, Tilean noblewomen, Leonardo da Miragliano, Marco Colombo, Mercenary General, Mydas the Mean with Paychest, Borgio the Besieger, Lorenzo Lupo, Money Lender.

Back row from the left: Desert Dogs, Birdmen, Wolf-Boyz, Witch Hunters, Gotrek & Felix, Besiegers, Lost Legion, Republican Guard, Armoured Orcs, Vespero's Vendetta.

Back row from the left: Freelancers, Asarnil, Stradiots, Crossbowmen, Handgunners, Slayer Pirates, Paymaster's Bodyguard with Paymaster, Cursed Company.

Back row from the left: Stradiots, Giant, Stradiots, Crossbowmen, Sellswords with bows, Sellswords with shields, Pikemen, Sellswords with halberds, Hireling Wizards.

Back row from the left: Cannon, Ribault, Ballistas, Scorpions, Duellists, Pit Fighters, Manann's Blades, Pikemen, Sellswords with flails.

Back row from the left: Curin's Cataphracts, Captain on Pegasus, Stradiots, Ogres, Elf Rangers, Halflings, Mercenary General, Raven's Rangers, Mercenary Elves, Dwarfs, Norse Chieftain, Dwarf Goldseekers, Dwarfs.

Back row from the left: Golgfag's Ogres, Giant, Maneaters, Duellists, Mercenary Captains, Ogres, Mercenary Generals, Sellswords with heavy armour and shields, Sellswords (mixed weapons).

Estalia:

Back row from the left: Demigryph Knights, Reiksguard Knights, General, Marius Leitdorf, Karl Franz, Ludwig Schwarzhelm, Kurt Helborg, Grand Master, Reiksguard Foot Knights, BSB, Captain, BSB, Captain, General, General, Greatswords.

Back row from the left: Pistoliers, War Altar with Volkmar, Outriders, Archers, Witch Hunter, Warrior Priests, Luthor Huss, Flagellants, Free Company.

Back row from the left: Knights, General on Griffon, Great Cannons, Handgunners, Halflings, Swordsmen, Pikemen.

Back row from the left: Helstorm Rocket Battery, Helblaster Volley Gun, Steam Tank, Great Cannons, Mortar, Handgunners, Battle Wizards, Spearmen, Balthasar Gelt, Halberdiers.

Empire:

Back row from the left: Conquistadors, Diestros, Knights of the Blazing Sun, Grenadiers, Mountain Gun, Culverin, Mountain Gun, Duellists, Aventuros, Maria de Salvo, BSB, Inquisitor, mounted Captain, Inquisitors, mounted Grand Commander, Battle Mage, Inquisitor, Captain, Grand Commander, Grand Commander, High Inquisitor, War Hounds.

Back row from the left: Caballeros, Altar of Myrmidia, Genitors, Crossbowmen, Almogavars, Handgunners, Rodeleros, Pikemen.

Halflings:

Back row from the left: Fighting Cocks/Rangers, Militia with bows, Thieves, Hobilars, Vigilante Guard, Enchanters, Hisme Stoutheart, Nicolas Warfoot, Sheriff, Militia with swords.

Back row from the left: Moot Ogres, Hot Pots, Militia with spears, Pantry Guard with Chuck Wagon, Militia.

Kislev:

Back row from the left: Ungol Horse Archers, War Wagon, Winged Lancers, Sons of Ursun, Gryphon Legion, Kreml Guard, Hetman, Boris Ursus, Tzarina Katarin, Hag Witch, Hag Mother, Ulrika Straghova, Ice Witch, BSB, Priest of Ursun, Boyar, Hetman, BSB.

Back row from the left: Chekist, Hawks of Miska, Sibyrian Hunters with Kislev Rangers, Armoured War Bear, Urugan Cannon, Streltsi, Bear Pack, Kossars, Druzhina, Gospodar Militia.

Nippon:

Back row from the left: Death Rocket (Mangonel),Taisho, Shugenja, BSB, Kensei, Shugenja, Red Ronin, Hatamoto, Daimyos, Samurai Cavalry, Fire Arrow, Ashigaru Arquebusiers, Ashigaru Bowmen, Ronin, Onna Bushi, Samurai Warriors, Ashigaru Spearmen.

Back row from the left: Red Devils, Mizuchi, Oni, Tengu, Maneaters, Kitsune, Shinobi, O-Sayumi, Ninjas, Kabuki Dolls, Wako Pirates, Warrior Monks with Mikoshi, Sumo Warriors.

Norse:

Back row from the left: Norse Horsemen, War Mammoth, berserkers, Fenrir Wolf, Swordmaidens, Seers, Skalds, Jarls, BSB, Ravenswyrd, King, Erik Redaxe, King, Reavers.

Back row from the left: Frost Giants, Ice Drake, Frost Giant, Half Giants, Snow Trolls, Valkyries, Giant Wolves, Norse Hunters, Ulfwerenar, Marauders, Huscarls, Bondsmen.

And finally, a shot of the entire collection (I'll stop once the shelves are full, I promise!)

Skaven 8th ed book out now!

After toiling away like a Skavenslave, I'm finally finished with version 1.0 of the 8th ed Skaven book! Clocking in at 168 pages (maybe should have tried to make it 169 (13x13)), this is my longest book to date. Most of the changes have already been detailed in the previous blog post, but there are quite a few new ones not mentioned, so it's best to see for yourselves. Certain things were buffed, others were nerfed, and most stayed relatively the same. The book should hopefully be a bit easier to use without the need for a 6 page FAQ (and if need be, I'll patch the book as usual). Let me know of what changes you like, dislike, and want to see me fed to a Rat Ogre for, as well as the usual bugs that I'm sure are still present.

Enjoy!

Updated: 16th Oct
Changes are in the comments.