The Host of Athel Ballarn

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Giladis
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The Host of Athel Ballarn

#1 Post by Giladis »

Hello fellow Ulthuanites this is your resident Admiral speaking.


Believe it or not it has now been more than two years since I have played High Elves. Sure I bought the new book on the same day it was released and read it the same evening but it wasn't until last monday that I decided to dive back in into the ranks of the Asur. Part of the inspiration for restaring my High Elf army had been the decision to switch to Sweedish Comp(10-20 pts allowed) for the largest tournament in the region and hopefully the general realigment of the entire scene to it (with a few of our own local idiosyncratic perks to add to the flavour). The second event that inspired me are the news of the "End Times" and a potential seizmic shifts in the Warhammer lore. I wasn't born when the original WHFB was released and the 1st edition of WHFRP is also older than I but for some reason I like the background produced back then more than the recent changes, additions that turned the setting into a story/timeline where something has to be happening. So I decided to develop a background of my own(mostly) along with building, painting and playing with the miniatures so that what ever happens with WHFB world I will have a little corner of my own. Ultimately as things will grow they will take shape of my own personal suppliment that others would be free to use if they would find it to their fancy.

So the first few posts will be left empty for the moment and reserved for background and rules that will follow over time.
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#2 Post by Giladis »

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Grey Elves – Asthoi – The Dispossessed

The War of the Beard as the Elves of Ulthuan call their half a millennia long war with the Dwarfs broke the back of the Asur Empire. Five hundred years of slaughter left the Elves weak and their forces divided. Taking the opportunity the Druchii, their dark kin from the north, launched an invasion of Ulthuan and the Phoenix King of the time had to make a decision. In the end he ordered the armies of Ulthuan to return home to defend the island continent from attackers. The colonies over which they fought so ferociously for centuries were to be abandoned to the Dwarfs. All those that wanted the protection of the armies would have to follow them in their retreat to Ulthuan.

When the Asur abandoned Elthin Arvan, as the Old World was known back then, there was a great outcry among the colonists, but eventually most gave up and sailed west to Ulthuan. Yet there were many who were unwilling to leave for a multitude of different reasons; attachment to their lands and cities on which they had laboured so long; pride and faith in their race’s superiority as only an Elf can have; to the point of denial that the Elves could possibly be defeated; a backlash against a nation that was abandoning them or simply that their homes in the old outer kingdoms no longer existed with Tiranoc and Nagarythe decimated during the Sundering. The Phoenix king washed his hands of them and thus they became an independent people, whether they wished it or not. Without the protection of the armies of Ulthuan, they were forced to abandon their cities, some stayed and died in pointless last stands as the Dwarfs, Greenskins and fouler things sacked their homes.

Finding a refuge in the vast and mysterious forests of Athel Loren and Laurelorn, an exodus took place. Some amongst these dispossessed however, refused to partake in it. Some were fearful that malicious entities may inhabit these magically saturated areas, some simply unwilling to let go of lands that rightfully belonged to the Asur, others because they were too far away. Ties between houses and families were the only bonds that remained and thus they followed the plans of whichever highborn they held allegiance to. So most of these Grey Elves, as they came to be known, lead a nomadic and hunted life, their camps protected by illusions weaved by the mages amongst their number, ghosts of an empire now past.

The Grey Elves are now a spectrum of peoples, belonging to one of a few scattered remnant noble houses. Some have built settlements, mansions and spires even. But all hidden, masked and cloaked by sorcery. The new "rulers" of their land have mostly no concept that islands of Elven occupation remain. These Elves seldom travel, and if they do it is generally in secret; whether magically concealed or in the guise of a nomadic knight or ancient sage. Some of the younger Elves grow restless and take to a life of adventure, seeking to gather lost treasures or to vent their frustration by hunting the foul creatures that infest the Old World and that the short lived humans and avaricious dwarves cannot seem to eradicate. These are the fabled Elf Rangers of Elthin Arvan.

Others, over time have moved to the sprawling human metropolises that sprang like festering boils from the corpses of the once great Tors. Still loathing the usurpers of their lands, but realizing that by necessity they must interact with them, they set up merchant houses to achieve some form of wealth and influence, and to rebuild tiny fractions of their lost homes to their former glory, thus many Elven quarters were born. They also found that by taking residence in the ports they gained the means to regain contact with mighty Ulthuan and lobby for the reclamation of the Old World for the Elven race. Clearly their requests don't get much of a response, but they tell themselves it's only a matter of time. Others still wander the lands as they did in the days just after their abandonment, grey spectres haunting the Old World.

This is the story of one such group and its greatest living hero.




p.s. the basis for the idea comes from WHFRP 1st ed. documents about Elf Rangers and Lords of Aenarion. Most of the piece above is from a write up of a discussion on Warseer almost a decade ago between MvS, Rathgar and our own Eldacar.
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#3 Post by Giladis »

ATHEL BALLARN
The Unyielding Realm

Hidden among the peaks and coves of south-western Estalia endures the Elven realm of Athel Ballarn. It is the greatest remaining domain of the Asthoi and a power to be reckoned with in the Old World and beyond. The mountains that surround it are mostly uninhabited. Apart from the ubiquitous Greenskins there are no other threats to be encountered, yet save for a few scattered seasonal villages of transhumant herders’ humans avoid the area. They have learned long ago that those that venture too far into the mountains rarely come back. Though remoteness and natural barriers keep most unwelcome visitors away Elves of this realm spare no effort in order to maintain their seclusion. Each year powerful enchantments are placed upon the bordering lands to confound and repel a would be trespasser. For the most part the people of Estalia are unaware of the Elven presence in their midst, but the rumours of a city of marble and gold have since time immemorial existed on the peninsula. Occasionally these stories would ignite the flames of avarice in the hearts of men and an army would march into the shadow of the mountains. Most never return and those that do speak of a Dragon queen and her fey army.

Image
The borders of Athel Ballarn

At the heart of Athel Ballarn is a dormant volcano and inside it the Elves have built their capital. Tor Ancor is a mighty walled city of limestone and bronze which is home to thousands of Elves. Located on a granite protrusion riddled with caves and boasting several hot springs it sits in a fertile plain hemmed by the sheer sides of the crater. Through magical means the valley is kept in a state of perpetually spring even though the surrounding peaks are at all times covered with snow. The palace of the High Prince stands on a ledge overlooking the city and it is from here that the realm is governed. From within the throne room winding stairs plunge into the bowels of the earth to reach the lair of Dragoness Ireeth and her brood. There in the company of the great wyrms priests of Vaul have made their abode and it is here that they fashion armour and weapons for the soldiers of Athel Ballarn. The shrines of other gods have long ago been removed from the city, where living space is at a premium, elsewhere, mostly into the sacred groves which grow on the lowers slopes of the crater. Throughout the long centuries some Elves have left the city in search of a less confined life and built their homesteads and villas in the surrounding mountains. Life there though spacious is harder for the elements are harsher further one goes from the great golden topaz crystal that adorns the highest tower of the palace. The majority of these rustic elves live in a number of scattered hamlets situated along the only significant path leading in and out of the crater.

Image
Tor Ancor, the Perl of Elthin Arvan

South-east of the city in distant past an enormous eruption cleft a mighty gorge through the mountainside creating the only secure access to Tor Ancor. At its end the Elves had build Tor Tarara, the Watcher’s Keep, a mighty fortress that guards the entrance into the pass. Though having only several hundred permanent inhabitants it is far from empty since this is the seat of Athel Ballarn’s military and houses the barracks of the Oathsworn companies. Though the walls bear the scars of the many sieges through its history to this day the inner walls have never been breached. At the summit of the hill around which the fort is built is the temple to Eldrazor. Even in times of peace its halls ring with the clash of steel upon steel as the devotees of the Lord of Blades practice their ways. Though Khaine is still the principle warrior god in Athel Ballarn the worship of Eldrazor is in ascendancy.

Image
Tor Tarara, the Watcher’s Keep

From the outer gates of Tor Tarara a road winds its way from the mountains towards the coast. Further one goes south more charred ruins can be seen on either side of the road, vivid reminders of the devastation caused by the recent war. At the end of the trek nestled in a protected cove is Tor Colithis, a rich coastal community a few hundred strong, and the harbour of Athel Ballarn. This is the oldest part of the realm, its founding dating back to the time when Elves first set foot in Elthin Arvan during the reign of Phoenix King Bel-Shanaar of Ulthuan more than six and a half millennia ago. Once a trading hub between the High Elf and Dwarf empires in the southwest now it is much diminished in size but has lost none of it former splendour. The white ships of Tor Colithis still sail the world bringing back traded goods and news of what transpires far beyond the borders of Athel Ballarn. In the cliffs below the town is an opening to a cave that houses the pride of the High Prince, the Red squadron. Every one of these warships has been made from the rare redwood pine that grows only on the slopes of the Dragon back mountains in the Badlands. Though the trees had been harvested at great peril the combination of the wood’s natural properties, Elven skill and a hefty dose of magic have resulted in the fastest ships this side of the Great Ocean. Inhabitants though brave sailors, rely on an enchanted fog to protect their settlement. The sea and moorland around the town are constantly swathed with a nigh impenetrable mist that can only be navigated with a help of a special spyglass and the great beacon that shines with magical light above Tor Colithis.

Image
Tor Colithis, Ladrielle’s Light






p.s. the artwork is from Ted Naismith, Feliche and FerdinandLadera
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#4 Post by Giladis »

HISTORY OF ATHEL BALLARN



THE RULE OF KINGS
I. 1-(Imperial Calendar -4164 to -1501)

THE WAR OF THE BEARD


THE TIME OF DETACHMENT
II. 1 - 2273 (Imperial Calendar -1500 to 773)


THE TIME OF BATTLES
III. 1 - 1526 (Imperial Calendar 774 to 2300)

ECHOES OF THE PAST

THE GREED OF MEN

WAR UMONG KIN


THE TIME OF RESTORATION
IV. 1 - present (Imperial Calendar 2301 to present)
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#5 Post by Giladis »

GILADIS
Steward of Elthin Arvan


Image

Among those that fight in the armies of the Phoenix King and the Everqueen there are those who are greater generals, more skilled warriors or more powerful mages but only a few can match the fame of Giladis. His name is known across the elven world; from the Druchii courts in Naggaroth, across the manors of the isle of Ulthuan where Asur dwell to the Asrai halls in the forest of Athel Loren. Born into the house of Minathor, a princely family descended from Tiranoc, he belongs to one of the most illustrious bloodlines among elves. His family is part of the aristocracy of the Asthoi realm of Athel Ballarn in the westernmost reaches of Elthin Arvan, as elves call the Old World. Their palace in hills above Tor Ancor is far removed from the troubles of the world; even the bloodshed of the War of the Beard did little to disturb their tranquil abode. Through long millennia, apart from an occasional merchant or wandering scholar, few disturbed the denizens of Athel Ballarn and they left the rest of the world to their own devices, but Giladis changed all that.

He appeared on the shores Ulthuan during the reign of Bel-Hathor, an exotic visitor from a forgotten land. On Ulthuan little would ever be known of his earlier years except rumours that he for a period of time commanded armies of mercenaries in the service of the merchant princes of Tilea. So when he first presented himself before the Phoenix Throne, after travelling the isle for some months experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of the lands of his ancestors he was treated with great suspicion. Fearful he might be a Druchii agent Giladis was followed by the Swordmasters for many days prior and following his introduction to the Phoenix King. Mostly ignored by the aloof nobles of the court the devilishly handsome Asthoi passed his time reading books, drinking scented elven wines and bedding many a lady-in-waiting. They were drawn to him like moths to a flame enthralled by his alluring charm. It did not take long before he attracted the enmity of their long time suitors and after raising the ire of a particular Caldorian prince, for seducing his fiancée, had to depart for a less hostile environment.

Finubar of Lothern was far from happy when the effete foreigner came to stay in his city. The depth of Giladis’s purse was such that there were few places and even fewer pleasures that were beyond his reach yet where he went trouble followed. Always mindful of trade and profit it was clear to Finubar that where ever Giladis had come from it must be a place of wealth and friendly relations with such a location would be advisable. So the High Prince of Eataine offered Giladis a position in the Lothern Sea Guard hoping to create trust and get the troublesome princeling out of town before someone got killed. Slightly bored and looking for some excitement, much to Finubar’s relief, Giladis accepted. Though pompous and proud, to the point it bordered with arrogance, Giladis to the surprise of all quickly won the hearts and minds of the elves he was sent to accompany. While often acting in what could be described as a haughty demeanour he was not a fool and employed his sharp mind and quick wits to assure the loyalty of those around him just as easily as he captured the affections of the(ir) women.

The Norse raids on Ulthuan particularly intensified at that time giving Giladis ample opportunity to prove his worth. Having nothing but disdain for the race of men he took to the task of clearing Ulthuan’s waters of invaders with ruthless efficiency. Commendation followed commendation and before the Phoenix Court took notice the wayward Asthoi attained the rank of admiral in the Asur fleet. Over the years Finubar and Giladis had several fruitful talks which resulted in the eventual opening of an officially sponsored trade between Lothern and Athel Ballarn. What was previously limited to just an occasional visit of an adventurous Asthoi merchant to the shores of Ulthuan now became a full blown exchange of goods between the cradle of the elven race and one of its lost outposts. Never forgetting his earlier escapades various factions at the Phoenix Court took the first opportunity to get back at Giladis. When Finubar departed to explore Elthin Arvan they ensured it was Giladis who was appointed as the admiral of the southern seas, a post of little influence and far away as possible from Ulthuan.

What should have been a punishment turned into an unwitting reward. Giladis welcomed the break from the routine of patrolling the Shifting Isles and dived into his new appointment with gusto. But before he could do his duty to the realm he would take care of his own needs. Finding the naval facilities at the Fortress of Dawn to simple and uneventful for his tastes he relocated to Tor Elasor constructing the most lavish manor found outside Ulthuan. In just two decades, much to the chagrin of his opponents, he made a name for himself in the far flung colonies of the Asur Empire. Visiting almost every coast of the southern seas he gathered immense riches and acquired powerful artefacts. Most of it was used to expand and beautify Tor Elasor which earned, surprisingly politely aloof, Giladis the admiration of its citizens, who were blindly unaware he was doing it exclusively for his own comfort.

Secure in his newfound position as the most powerful elf within the Asur Empire outside Ulthuan Giladis turned to the favourite elven pastime, political intrigue. Through informants he slowly identified those that would like to see him undone and who were instrumental in engineering his supposed exile. Even though decades have passed Giladis had not forgiven them for it was not important what had happened, but what was their intention. So he began slowly and clandestinely to support their opponents with funds, objects of power and favours bought by coin at different addresses. Soon enough as his pawns gained influence his lavish gifts became public and the ever shifting web of alliances at the Phoenix Court was thrown into turmoil as various factions clamoured for his attention.

So the game continued for decades with fortunes of one family rising and falling at the whim of a distant puppet master. Giladis would have probably over time grown bored of playing with vain nobles had he not encountered worthy foes that occupied much of his attention. Druchii corsairs appeared in greater number than ever before at the southern latitudes and the name of Giladis became a curse on their lips. Many battles were fought and though not victorious in all of them Giladis always managed to turn things into his favour. It was during those years that he earned the nickname Merlord for his uncanny ability to read the flow and swell of the ocean. Even though he was orchestrating a vicious struggle Giladis found time to occasionally visit Athel Ballarn and suggest military reforms that he believed the realm of his birth needed.

While locked in a contest of wits with the most recent Druchii dreadlord, eager to make a name for himself by killing the Merlord, Giladis received word that Bel-Hathor passed away and that Finubar was elected in his place. Though Finubar’s detractors would for a time spread rumours that it was Giladis who made him king there was nothing further from truth. For a number of years Giladis had been positioning himself to be in the strongest position possible to take the Phoenix Throne when the incumbent king dies. Though Giladis could never find evidence for his suspicion he believed Finubar on purpose rearranged Lothern’s squadrons in the north which allowed the Druchii fleet to slip south and prevent him from reaching Ulthuan in time. So when the opportunity presented itself shortly after N’Kari’s rampage across the isle he decided to return in style.

Giladis’s return was one of outmost pomp; minstrels were paid to perform as he marched from the Lothern’s harbour towards the palace of the Phoenix King; his every step followed by cheering of the gathered crowd and air filled with the soft smell of freshly picked flowers. As fanfares announced his approach the mighty doors of the throne room were flung open and a figure bedecked in ithilmar and gold strove in, a cape of crimson red billowing behind him and fiery rubies adorning his breastplate. Yet strangest of all was an outlandish golden war mask that hid his face, gently humming with barely contained magical energy. Following Giladis came carriers laden with the riches of the world; he had returned to Ulthuan like a conquering general celebrating his triumph, a scene unseen since the time of Bel Shanaar. Though the show impressed many, it made Finubar’s face go grim for it was evident this display was an open challenge to his authority.

At first Giladis bent his energies to gathering all willing to support him and given the opportunity overthrow Finubar. In his quest he was at first successful for the Phoenix King spent much time travelling beyond Ulthuan but when the Everqueen expressed her support to Finubar’s reign he gave up realising any further effort would be for naught. Some months later Giladis resigned his position in the fleet and sailed east towards the rising sun and home. Soon the trade that flowed between Lothern and Athel Ballarn slowed to a trickle until it almost completely stopped. As far as elves of Ulthuan were concerned Giladis and Athel Ballarn returned back into the realm of legends from whence they have so unexpectedly appeared five centuries before.

Traders frequenting the human realms of Bretonnia and the Empire sometimes brought rumours that an elf matching the description of Giladis had been sighted in those parts, but apart from that to most Asur he became just a footnote in the long history of the elven people. Indeed Giladis did travel the Old World in those years, visiting the other domains of the Asthoi, striking alliances and making friendships. It is said he even spent time with the Asrai of Athel Loren learning their ways and receiving potent gifts from the master smith Daith. While on a diplomatic mission to Laurelorn he finally tied the knot with the girl he promised his heart centuries ago ending the career of probably the most famous elven womanizer.

Then just over two centuries ago when the tides of unreason once more surged forth from the poles and the Druchii returned to Ulthuan in numbers unseen in an age Giladis rose back from the pages of history. As the Asur Empire faced its darkest hour the Merlord sailed into Tor Yvresse at the head of an army a thousand strong. To follow him to Ulthuan Giladis selected the finest Disciples of Eldrazor Athel Ballarn had to offer. Each of these warriors was a match to the fabled Swordmasters of Hoeth. Yet the most attention was drawn not by these deadly bladesmen but by the mighty wyrm Giladis was mounted upon. Green of scale Kuldrang was the spawn of Ireeth and among the mightiest Dragons found outside Caledor. Though small in number, the potency of the Asthoi force was crucial in holding Yvresse against the chaotic onslaught. In the aftermath of the lifting of the siege of the Tower of Hoeth Giladis departed the shores of Ulthuan once more to join the conflict that was raging in the Old World.

The Great War against Chaos as the conflict came to be known lasted for another two years before the champion of Chaos was slain and his horde scattered. While the Asthoi avoided confronting the main enemy contingents directly they were crucial in waylaying lesser forces and rooting out covens of cultists and herds of Beastmen. When the dust settled many of the scattered Asthoi leaders gathered in Athel Ballarn and elected Giladis the steward of Elthin Arvan, guardian of peace and prosperity, and protector of the elven legacy this side of the great ocean. Since then as part of his obligations using the ancient secret shadow paths of the Asthoi Giladis has seen every continent and there is no race that has not felt his wrath, including other elves. He has led armies and fleets, razed settlements and sundered kingdoms all for the glory of the elven race. To face the Merlord is to court death itself.

Image
The court of Aelias, seat of house Minathor, home of prince Giladis
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#6 Post by Giladis »

DRAMATIS PERSONAE (need to find a better title)

Male
Giladis – Prince (House Minathor) (Nightingale)
Bel-Selith – Archmage
Imraldar – Noble
Ralthir(ion) – Noble/Mage
Aenur – Noble/Mage cousin

Caerndan – uncle/fighter
Alithor – fighter
Celendorn – fighter
Khalmandran – fighter (Tidebreaker)
Selafir – grandfather/fighter
Dalhirion – father/fighter
Elithor – fighter
Eliarat – fighter
Thamior – Mage
Billarion – cousin/fighter
Feduliar – fighter
Ailotis – fighter
Atanar – fighter
Amandar – Mage

Female
Filuviel – wife
Cyrnelle – sister
Renalia – daughter
Yonora – pirestess
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#7 Post by Giladis »

REGIMENTS OF RENOWN


Paladins of Lileath

Templars of Khaine

Disciples of Eldrazor

Daughters of Addaioth

Raven Guard

Venerators of Kalgalanos

Asthoi Rangers

Grey Wolves

Asthoi Oathsworn
Gatekeepers of Mirai

Asthoi Militia
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#8 Post by Giladis »

THE HOST OF ATHEL BALLARN (rules and items for the supplement)
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#9 Post by Giladis »

Tactical musings to follow just as sort the posts above...
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#10 Post by Taentagel »

Dude, this looks epic.

Really looking forward to see how it develops.
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#11 Post by Curu Olannon »

I really like the pictures, they really help create character. Where did you find them (I`m assuming by their names on your photobucket account that you didn`t create them yourself, please correct me if I`m wrong)?
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#12 Post by Giladis »

You are correct. These are works of Ted Naismith of LOTR fame and two artists from deviantart whose names I do not know. But I have included the link at the end of the post to the originals to give these gifted individuals tribute for their works.

I had unexpected work in the afternoon so now I continue with my musings...



I have been following the High Elf playing scene and I know what is considered, good, bad, ok, usable or suicidal but really sitting down and taking in the army list showed me we have such wonderfull diversity at our disposal. I would almost say we are spoilt for choice. There are in my opinion only three questionalbe units in the book and those are the Dragon Mage, Sea Helm and the Handmaiden. But I am in luck since chosing the Sweedish Comp (from here forth SAC) for our enviourment and limiting it to max 10 points even this lackluster trio becomes viable.

So where do my ramblings lead? Well of course to army selection :)


Now I am a roleplayer at heart who believes a good story told on the field of battle is much more important than the end result or something as unit efficiency in comparison to its cost. This means I always start building my list from myself or model that represents me on the table top. On most occasions that is the army general. The selection of characters then dictates what other units I will include in the army to best allow these individuals to shine. To me Warhammer table top is like recreating the Homer's Illiad where mighty heroes wade through ranks of common folk in order to face one another while faceless armies clash around them. High Elves facing Warriors of Chaos is like Trojans facing Myrmidons, Elf Prince is Hektor, Chaos lord Achilies. All eyes will be upon them and though the battle may be won or lost elsewhere the legend will be made when they cross their blades.

During the previous book I had a pretty straight forward selection of characters. A Prince who was either a tank or a shooter, a shooter BSB, a Beast/Life/Metal/Shadow/High archmage with 5 spells and a Level 2 High/Beast/Metal that could choose his spells. The loss of magic selection versatility is the one thing I miss the most because now it means if I want to build a strategy around a certain Lore I must select that Lore for both spellcaster. With the increase in price of Armour of Caledor and the disaperance of the Vambraces my footslogging characters have lost much in the shape of survivability but at least in this department we were handsomly compensated.

So currently I am weighting the pros and cons of each and every Lord to come to the conclusion what I am cool with.

An Elf Prince supported by an Archamge or Loremaster I think gives me most flexibility but is an expensive pair easliy closking at almost 1/4 of the entire army. On the other hand the new contender in the form of the Anointed and the Loremaster have appeared. The first one provides me with a tank but in order to be legendary must be supported by beast casters to ensure he can match Chaos Lords, Daemon Princes, Vampire Lords, Doombulls or Tyrants. The other one can also be tanked but not to such an extent and is a lesser fighter but gives the list much needed versatility in the magic phase and has an inbuit potential to be more survivable than the Anointed.

So before I go any further here are the charater combinations I have created so far and around which I will base the rest of my army. I am looking for your imput. The point is to smash face and survive. I know it is very deep :mrgreen:
combo 1 wrote:Prince @ 242.0 Pts
General; Heavy Armour; Lion Cloak
Giant Blade; Shield of Merwyrm; Cloak of Beards; Pidgeon Plucker Pendant

Archmage @ 280.0 Pts
Magic Level 4; Lore of Life
Staff of Sorcery; Khaine's Ring of Fury

Mage @ 150.0 Pts
Magic Level 2; Lore of Life
Obsidian Amulet

Noble @ 135.0 Pts
Dragon Armour; Battle Standard
Reaver Bow; Enchanted Shield
combo 2 wrote:Prince @ 236.0 Pts
General; Heavy Armour
Giant Blade; Shield of Merwyrm; Cloak of Beards; Pidgeon Plucker Pendant

Loremaster of Hoeth @ 285.0 Pts
Magic Level 2; Great Weapon; Heavy Armour
Book of Hoeth

Mage @ 145.0 Pts
Magic Level 2; Lore of High Magic
Khaine's Ring of Fury

Noble @ 146.0 Pts
Halberd; Heavy Armour; Battle Standard
Reaver Bow; Potion of Strength
combo 3 wrote:Loremaster of Hoeth @ 325.0 Pts
Magic Level 2; Great Weapon
Armour of Caledor; Talisman of Preservation

Archmage @ 250.0 Pts
General; Magic Level 4; Lore of Beasts
Talisman of Endurance

Mage @ 120.0 Pts
Magic Level 2; Lore of Beasts

Noble @ 124.0 Pts
Heavy Armour; Battle Standard
Reaver Bow
combo 4 wrote:Annointed of Asuryan @ 300.0 Pts
Halberd
Armour of Caledor; Dawn Stone; The Other Tricksters Shard

Archmage @ 275.0 Pts
General; Magic Level 4; Lore of Beasts
Khaine's Ring of Fury; Talisman of Endurance

Mage @ 120.0 Pts
Magic Level 2; Lore of Beasts

Noble @ 132.0 Pts
Halberd; Heavy Armour; Lion Cloak; Shield; Battle Standard
Reaver Bow
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Giladis
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#13 Post by Giladis »

It took me a week to finally get the list ready and tested.
CHARACTERS
Giladis (Prince) @ 241 pts
General; Heavy Armour
Giant Blade, Shield of the Merwyrm, The Other Trickters Shard, Pidgeon Plucker Pendant

Alithor (Loremaster) @ 285 pts
Book of Hoeth

Eliarat (Noble) @ 150 pts
BSB; Halberd, Heavy Armour, Lion Cloak
Reaver Bow, Potion of Strength

Ralthirion (Mage) @ 120 pts
Level 2; High Magic

CORE
24 Asthoi Oathsworn (LSG) @ 318 pts
Full Command; Shields

24 Asthoi Oathsworn (LSG) @ 318 pts
Full Command; Shields

SPECIAL
21 Palace Guards (WL) @ 303 pts
Full Command

14 Disciples of Eldrazor (SM) @ 202 pts
Musician, Standard

14 Disciples of Eldrazor (SM) @ 202 pts
Musician, Standard

7 Disciples of Eldrazor (SM) @ 101 pts

5 Asthoi Rangers (SW) @ 70 pts

RARE
Bolt Thrower @ 70 pts

Bolt Thrower @ 70 pts

Great Eagle @ 50 pts



TOTAL: 2500
MODELS: 115
SAC: 12.1

So last night I went to test the list against a veteran Beastmen player that some of you might know as Hruggek from the Herdstone. I did not read his list since it was a rather easy going atmosphere with two spectators so the exact size of his units might be of by a model or two.

Greater Bray Shaman - WS10, 4+ ward, power dice knife - L4 Beast
Bray Shaman - Crown of Command - L2 Beast
Gorebull - BSB, Charmed Shield, 5+ ward, Gnarled Hide
2x24 Gors - MS, AHW
30 Ungors - MS
2x10 Raiders - M
2xRazorgor
38 Bestigors - FC, +1Ld banner
5 Minotaurs - S
Giant

His list ended as 15.7 so he was starting at an advantage of 360 points.


Image

Here you can see the deployment more or less. One of my RBT-s is out of the picture further on my right flank while the second one is allready dead since this was taken during my opponents magic phase. Those two Gor units are ambushing. In our area we have exchanged Beastmen ambush for normal Ambush to give the poor goats a chance.

Prince started the game in the WL-s, Loremaster in the LSG on the left, Mage in the SM bunker and BSB in the SM on the right waiting to jump into the SW. I got Drain Magic and Apotheosis on my mage. He had 2x Wildform, Amber Spear, Flock of Doom, Savage Beast, Curse of Anraheir.

TURN 1
Hruggek got the first turn even though I had plus one and surged forward. In the magic phase he got 12 PD and I was worried but due to some high rolls the all he did was killing an RBT (which was between WL and right LSG slightly to the back) with a Flock of Doom and then killing 2 LSG on the left with an Amber Spear but also miscasting and dealing a wound to the L2 Shaman and removing 6 PD. In the shooting phase Raiders took out 2 Swordmasters on the right and an LSG on the left.

My turn was a rather conservative one hpoing to keep his main fighting block as far as possible from me. BSB joined the SW while the other combat units nudged a bit to get more favourable arcs of sight. In the magic phase I got 4+1 PD and only managed to get a Miasma on the Bestigor unit reducing their movement by 2. In the shooting phase the remaining RBT, SW and BSB took out the Razorgor on the right panicking the Ungors. The right LSG unit killed a few Raiders infront of them and the left LSG killed a pair of Bestigors. From my perspective the situation wasn't looking good because 400 pts of his troops was yet to enter the game.

TURN 2
No charges were declared, one Gor unit arrived and was placed on my right flank to threaten the RBT and then support the Giant; Ungors rally. Other units moved further towards me. Especially the Giant that went full dictance hoping to force me to divide my shooting between it and the Gors. Unfortunately my opponent failed to clear the LoS of the right SM. Magic phase brough 4+2 PD and a single spell was cast the Curse of Anraheir on the right SM as my opponent realised the situation. The shooting phase took out another SM on the right and another LSG on the left.

So without anything to wait for the SM charged the Giant loosing two guys in the process. The centre of my battleline started to fall back alittle while the left flank edged a bit forward. The mage left the SM bunker and joined the right LSG as I wanted to dispel the Curse. While the Great Eagle landed infront of the Minotaurs but to the side so that if I flee it would land infront of the Besigors and block them for another turn due to the position of the Raiders infront of them unless the Raiders charge one of my CC units. The magic phase was uneventful yet again as I rolled 6+1. Drain magic was Dispeled while another Miasma went through onto the Bestigors slowing them down by 3" this time. The RBT+SW+BSB unleashed their fury on the Gors threatening the RBT an managed to cause a panic test which my opponent passed on a 7. The right LSG took out 2 wounds from the Minotaur unit and the left LSG took out another 2 Bestigors. In the close combat phase SM only managed to do two wounds to the Giant before it stuck but I got lucky as the Giant got "pick up" so I managed to do another would. After the thunderstomp I lost 4 SM but won the combat. Giant passed his stubborn roll.

TURN 3
Gors charge my RBT. Minotaurs charge the bird, I flee and the situation above happens because my opponent does not sacrefice his Raiders (IMO mistake #2). Ungors try to join the Giant+SM fight but fail. The Razorgor on the left moves infront of the SM (I have no idea why). The other Gor unit appears behind my left flank. In the magic phase (2+2 PD) only the Curse is recast on my right SM. Shooting is ineffective and so comes the CC. The Gor unit kills one RBT crewman and sufferes a loss in return, I lose by for 4 but hold my ground. SM kill the Giant and combat reform to charge the Gors.

The SM on the left charge the Razorgor, SM on the right charge the Gors. Great Eagle rallies. The left LSG turn to face the Gors behind them. The SM bunker moves into the gap. Loremaster joins the WL and the Mage joins the SW. My BSB drinks the potion. Instead of just loosing 2 SM four of them die due to the Curse during the charge meaning only my Standard reached the combat - not good. In the magic phase I get 2+2 and manage to cast Wildform on the LSG facing the Gors but Spirit Leech on his wounded L2 is dispeled. The left LSG take out a few Gors, the right LSG do 5 wounds on the Minotaurs, followed by another wound to the unit and one to the Gorebull from the BSB+SW. In CC left SM turn Razorgor into pork chops while on the right my SM standard kills one Gor in return Gors kill the remaining crewmember and I lose due to musician. I fail by 1 and lose the Standard as well.

Image

TURN 4
Bestigors charge the Bird which flees and are blocked yet again by my opponent's refusal to charge with the Raiders (mistake #3). Gors from the right move down my flank towards the SW+BSB+Mage, the Gors in the rear glare at the buffed LSG, Minotaurs move slightly forward waiting for the Ungors to join them for a combo charge. Magic phase dose nothing in particular (3+2) the Gor facing LSG are Cursed. Shooting kills a SM.

I felt that this turn was a make it or break it moment and acted accordingly. First the Mage from the SW unit charged the Raiders infrom the WL and right LSG forcing them to contract followed by a charge from the WL. Hruggek chose to stand because he believed I could reach the Minotaurs that were behind. The two SM units on the left organised so that the Raiders could not move between them to combo charge the LSG into the rear next turn with the Gors. The right LSG and SW turned to face to Gor unit that was coming down the flank. The bird continued to flee. In the magic phase I finally rolled well (5+5) and the Loremaster got to shine. First I tried to remove the Curse hoping to draw out opponents DD. It worked I drew 4 DD out even though the spell meant nothing to me because it would end before any combat happened. The I tried to Spirit Leech his Gorebull and that drew out the last two DD (he chanelled one). With 6 PD remaining I cast Lifeblood on the Loremaster, Iceshard Blizzard on the Minotaurs and the big Miasma (-2) on the Gors in my rear. In the shooting phase right LSG and SW+BSB panicked the Gors. Left LSG killed a few more Gors in preparation for the fight. Ungor Raiders just dissapeared in CC and my White Lion unit along with both CC charaters crashed into the Minotaurs. The Mage overrun as well ending in the middle of the coliding battlelines.

TURN 5
Realising that he must do something this turn if he hopes to win my opponent throws everything on the offensive. The Ungors join the fight between WL and Minotaurs hoping to add rank bonus to the fight (mistake #4). Gors in the rear charge the LSG. And then the crucial moment of the battle happens, due to keeping his raiders to close to my right SM unit he is unable to charge the SM bunker with them and open a clear path for the Bestigors to engage in full strength. So he dose the worse of two option and comits a combo charge. Which results in the fact that only his L4 and 3 bestigors will be able to fight while I will be in position to butcher the Raiders (mistake #5). Gors on the right rally. In the magic phase (5+4) another Curse is cast on the LSG fighting Gors while I dispel Savage Beast on the Greater Shaman. There is no shooting and forth comes the CC phase. First we fight the Gor LSG confrontation that ends in a draw and procede with Bestigor+Raiders vs SM. I kill 5 Raiders and do 2 wounds on the Greater Shaman (out of 7A - that was very lucky on my part), in return I lose 3 SM to the Bestigors. When all is counted Hruggek lost by one. His is stubborn but rolls a 10 and his BSB is 1.5" to far and flees. What saves him from total humiliation is the fact that the remaining Raiders passed their test.

Image

The combat against Minotaurs is like a visit to a slaughterhouse. Prince in a challenge finishes of the Gorebull, White Lions and Loremaster kill 3 remaining Minotaurs and another 3 Ungors are killed for no casulties on my side. The Ungors break and I combat reform towards the Gor unit fighting LSG.

In my turn the lone Mage charges the Bestigors that must continue to flee and do so through some impassable terrain which brings them even closer to the table edge. The right LSG charges the fleeing Ungors. Bird flees of the table. SM bunker moves to block the line of sight to the mage when the Bestigors rally so I do not lose him to a last turn magic missle. White Lions march full speed to support the LSG. In the magic phase I chose not to cast so I don't risk a last turn caskade. Shooting caused another panic on the Gors that rallied on the right but this time they passed. In CC Gors failed their Primal Fury and it ended in another draw.

TURN 6
Ungors rally. Bestigors roll an 11 followed by a 9 and vacate the table. At this point Hruggek concedes the game. In my turn I would have shot the remaining Gors on the right and joined the Gor LSG combat with the White Lions so there wasn't much left to play for and it was already getting late.

In the end I lost 417 pts combined with the 360 pts means Hruggek scored 777 pts against 2640 pts that I did. With a 1863 difference I scored a 19:1 victory \:D/

Considering the mistakes my opponent did and the high rolls he got in the crucial moments I will be looking forward to a rematch.

But after nearly 6 months of not playing I am pleased with a win.


Now to the more important part:

What did I learn? What could I have played differently?

I am not sure I would have played anything differently. From my perspective I did not make any mistakes. If you have seen any please point out. As to what I have learned - Loremaster is cool but it needs a decent power dice pool to be effective.


What I am most pleased about is that I have found the spine of my army list that I can concentrate on painting. The SM mage bunker is unlike any bunker I have ever used. They have previously been taken either as minimal core units that couldn't do much when threatened and were only warm bodies to keep my casters safe or were some skirmishers that allowed them greater mobility. On the other hand these guys are menacing and I don't think that any dedicated mage hunting unit would be willing to engage them.



From the core that is the list above I have created 3 more modules that are interchangable with the above list depending what I am about the face or with what I am feeling like playing on a given day.

Module 1
as above

Module 2
exchange the charahters above with these:
Loremaster - Armour of Caledor, Talisman of Preservation - 325 pts
Archmage - Level 4, Lore of Beast - 220 pts
Mage - Level 2, Lore of Beast -120 pts
Noble - BSB; Reaver Bow; Halberd, Heavy Armour, Lion Cloak - 130 pts
TOTAL: 2499 MODELS: 115 SAC: 12,3
Module 3
exchange the charahters above with these:
Anointed - Armour of Caledor, Dawn Stone, Other Trickters Shard - 300 pts
Archmage - Level 4, Lore of Beast - 220 pts
Mage - Level 2, Lore of Beast -120 pts
Noble - BSB; Reaver Bow; Halberd, Heavy Armour, Lion Cloak - 130 pts
TOTAL: 2499 MODELS: 115 SAC: 13,5
add Scarecrow Banner and Sword of Battle to White Lions
Module 4
exchange the charahters above with these:
Prince - Heavy Armour, Giant Blade, Shield of the Merwyrm, Other Trickters Shard, Pidgeon Plucker Pendant - 241 pts
Archmage - Level 4, Lore of Life - 220 pts
Mage - Level 2, Lore of Life -120 pts
Noble - BSB; Reaver Bow, Potion of Strength; Halberd, Heavy Armour, Lion Cloak, Shield - 152 pts
TOTAL: 2500 MODELS: 118 SAC: 10,5
add another Great Eagle, a Swordmaste to each of the bigger units, remove a Swordmaster from the bunker
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#14 Post by Loremaster Avarael »

I am SO excited to see a fellow player that loves a good story. I am a big fan of your previous army fluff and am really looking forward to follow your progress with the new army incarnation. As far a character selection I take the Loremaster as my avatar upon the battlefield and back him up with an Annointed in larger games and the effect of those two in my unit of Edges (Fluff name for SM) is devastating. the builds are as follows:

Loremaster:
Heavy Armor, Shield of the Merwyrm, Sowrd of Might and Book of Hoeth

Annointed:
Heavy Armor, Enchanted Shield, Sword of Bloodshed and Potion of Strength



P.S. It's great to have you back on the front lines. FOR ULTHUAN!!!!
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#15 Post by Giladis »

The End Times are coming so I went to my local store (there is a major summer discount going on) and bought an addition to my collection in the anticipation of more lenient allies rules and potential unbound armies.


So I give you Dagdanu the Forest Lord

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In addition I rebased the Avatar of Khaine (Daemon Prince Khorne from either WoC or DoC book)

Image

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And the two facing each other

Image
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#16 Post by Loremaster Avarael »

I like the pose you did for Durthu. I hope he wades through hordes of skeletons smiting terrorgheists as he re-claims Athel Loren.
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#17 Post by Giladis »

I am going to a tournament tomorrow quite unexpectedly, 2000 points minor AC, 3 games.

Using the extra models from my friends collection due to the fact it is a show of tournament at game con. so the list has to be as flashy and as eye catching as possible.

This is my list. Wish me luck cause I'll need it.




Prince @ 639.0 Pts
General; Heavy Armour; Shield
Talisman of Preservation
Crown of Command
Dragonhelm
Biting Blade
Dragon: Star

Noble
Lance; Heavy Armour; Shield; Battle Standard
Banner of the World Dragon
Griffon

Mage
Magic Level 2; Lore of High Magic
Staff of Sorcery

6 Ellyrian Reavers
Spear; Normal Bow; Light Armour


5 Ellyrian Reavers
Spear; Normal Bow; Light Armour

5 Ellyrian Reavers
Spear; Normal Bow; Light Armour

10 Archers

10 Archers

20 Phoenix Guard
Halberd; Heavy Armour; Standard; Musician; Keeper of the Flame
Lichebone Standard

Great Eagle

Models in Army: 60
Total Army Cost: 2000.0
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#18 Post by Giladis »

I had I minor loss against double Daemon Prince WoC and wins against HE and DW in the end managing to take 3rd place. More detailed reports and some photos (not mine) will follow shortly.


Oh and Star Dragon has just two modes Awsome and Craptastic :lol:
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#19 Post by RE.Lee »

Don't keep us waiting! I think everyone has to agree about the Star Dragon - either it does the job or eats a cannonball turn 1/2 ;)
cheers, Lee

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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#20 Post by Giladis »

There were no cannon balls involved. I have a free morning so reports will follow.
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#21 Post by Giladis »

Hmm yes those reports...

Anyways I am hoping to do reports for the big event that is coming up in march. The biggest annual tournament in Serbia that will take place in Novi Sad. They are using Swedish AC version 14.1 and apart from two battleline games one of each of these scenarions will also be played - King of the Hill, Breakthrough and Blood and Glory.

To have a legal list ones army must have less than 14 nor more than 20 AC points.


So this is what I have come up with. Feel free to share you throughts and suggestions.
Alithor - Loremaster of Hoeth (general) @ 325 pts
Armour of Caledor, Talisman of Preservation

Eliarat - Noble (bsb) @ 149 pts
Heavy Armour
Reaver Bow, Potion of Strength, Enchanted Shield


25 Spearmen @ 255 pts
Full Command

25 Spearmen @ 255 pts
Full Command

10 Spearmen @ 120 pts
Full Command


20 Phoenix Guards @ 375 pts
Full Command; Razor Standard

21 White Lion @ 358 pts
Full Command; Standard of Discipline, Sword of Battle

21 Swordmaster @ 333 pts
Full Command; Banner of Eternal Flame, Sword of Might

5 Shadow Warriors @ 70 pts


4 Repeater Bolt Throwers @ 280 pts


TOTAL: 2500
AC: 15.0


p.s. Giladis is taking a vacation for that one
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#22 Post by RE.Lee »

It did take some time, yes. ;) Interesting list - always nice to see massed infantry. I'm concerned about lack of chaff perhaps? With little control over the movement phase you're blocks might be fighting battles not of their chosing. Whats the plan with the 10 spearmen?
cheers, Lee

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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#23 Post by Giladis »

As a reserve position for the Loremaster if I think going into the second line might beneficial.

I am even considering dropping them and taking a few more penalites for shooting and get some backline archers.


Also after some consulting with my club mates I considering a different loadout for my Loremaster.

Sword of Antiheroes, Shield of Merwyrm and Crown of Command for a double stubborn block on either my Swordmasters (fluffy) or Phoenix Guard (pragmatic).
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#24 Post by Giladis »

So with the tournament on the weekend and having played absolutely no prep games I am going for my last big Warhammer tournament.


The list I have applied with is similar to the one above but slightly altered.
Alithor - Loremaster of Hoeth (General) @ 325 pts
Great Weapon, Armour of Caledor, Talisman of Preservation

Eliarat - Noble (BSB) @ 149 pts
Heavy Armour, Reaver Bow, Potion of Strength, Enchanted Shield


20 Spearmen @ 210 pts
Full Command

20 Spearmen @ 210 pts
Full Command

10 Archers @ 110 pts
Musician

10 Archers @ 110 pts
Musician


18 Phoenix Guard @ 345 pts
Full Command, Razor Standard

21 White Lion @ 338 pts
Full Command, Standard of Discipline, Sword of Battle

14 Swordmasters @ 192 pts
Musician

14 Swordmasters @ 192 pts
Musician

5 Shadow Warriors @ 70 pts


Eagle Claw Bolt Thrower @ 70 pts

Eagle Claw Bolt Thrower @ 70 pts

Great Eagle @ 50 pts 5

Great Eagle @ 50 pts 5


TOTAL – 2491
COMP SCORE – 16,1


If I had only taken Archmage instead of the Loremaster it would have been the most traditional HE army ever.


Whish me luck guys.

One last time for ULTHUAN!!!
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#25 Post by Giladis »

Novi Sad was great, two days of eating, drinking, being festive and gaming. Who could ask for more.

As far as gaming is concerned I am a little out of the loop, especially with the HE so playing had a very familiar yet new feeling to me. The tournament was using Sweedish AC 14.1 with the list limit of 14-20. I apologise in advance for bad photos since I was using my phone due to leaving the camera at home.


Game 1 - Beastmen - Vid Veić Sukreški aka Hruggek over at The Heardstone

He is the person I play most often against and know his army in and out but the addition of chaos marks to the Beastmen book changed great many things. The army list was more or less this one:

Doombull - Stubborn, 3+/4++, Nurgle
Great Bray Shaman - L3 Beast, Ws10, 5++, Ruby Ring, Nurgle
Wargor - BSB, 2+, Nurgle
Bray Shaman - L2 Death, Nurgle
30 Gors - FC, AHW, Nurgle
2x10 Ungor Raiders
2x15 Ungors - FC, Khorne Ambush (using the rulebook one)
Tuskagor Chariot
Razogor Chariot - Nurgle
30 Bestigors - +1 Ld, Nurgle
5 Harpies
2 Razorgors


I deployed to try and press my frontage advantage and grind him through superior quality and parity in numbers.

Image

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Things were going well. I took out a razogor chariot with shooting, a razogor with archers in CC before it eveng got to strike and panicked a unit of ungors on my left flank. At that moment Vid did what I had considered a mistake, he joined the unit of ungors infront of my battleline with his Doombull. I completely forgot that he might be stubborn thinking he has his usual setup of Sword of Swiftslaying, Ramhornhelm, 5+ward, 1+ save and trickters shard. So I charged with both the Phoenix Guard, so the champion can challenge and hopefully reduce the overkill to minimum, and the White Lions containing the Loremaster. To be on the safe side he couldn't get enough overkill points I managed to cast Miasma on his Ws and Iceshard Blizzard.

Image

One combat round later with ten ungors and phoenix guard champion dead I am proudly proclaiming "snake eyes or you flee" to which he responds "stubborn" and I go green realising that I have probably just lost the game. We check ranges and he is in range of the BSB but not the General by the slightest of margins but he rolls a 3 and remains standing. In his turn the hurt starts, ambushing ungors kill both RBT-s, Bestigors slaughter the Spearmen, while Harpies flank charge Swordmaster on the right flank which got hexed by curse of anhreir only to be assised by an overruning unit Ungors. I manage to kill 1 harpy and 4 ungors but lose 4 of my own and am promptly run down after failing the break test.

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Until the end of the game I lose both the White Lions with the Loremaster and the Phoenix Guard in CC. In addition BSB with the Shadow Warriors get a fireball inside the house resulting in everyone dead. I do some damage by end but it is not enough to salvage my position.

Final score 683:2329 / 0:20



Game 2 - Wood Elves - Maksim Karanović

As far as I was concerned it was the most annoying game of warhammer I had in years due to the playstyle of my opponent and ETC line of sight rules. Suffice to say I spend my game trying to get some points of my opponent while hoping he would roll below average on shooting.

Spellweaver - Acorn of the Ages, L3 Beast
Spellweaver - L4 Beast, Moonstone, 4++
6 yes
SIX Shadowdancers with various low cost magic items apart from one that had MR(3)
30(??) Eternal Guard - Ld banner
2x12 Glade Guard - SM, Trueflight
3x6 Glade Riders - SM, Trueflight
2 Great Eagles


To add to the fun he got 4 additional woods, all poisonous. So six turns later spent on the recieving end of shooting and teleporting and one serious combat where he managed to exterminate 18 Phoenix Guards for no damage in return thanks to the 3++ dance and wildform I lost. The scenario played was Blood and Glory.

Final score 717:1862 / 3:17

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Game 3 - Vampire Counts - Dušan Živković

He is a new player and in the end finished last in the tournament and though I won I did my best to give him a fun game by doing some actions that weren't necesary or smart but provided a more interactive and fun game.

Vampire Lord - L4 Vampire, Great Weapon, 4+/4++, Red Fury, Beguile
Wight King - Great Weapon, Nightshroud
35+ Ghouls - champion
2x25 Zombies - FC
34 Grave Guard - FC, Barrows, GW
8 Crypt Horrors
2x5 Dire Wolves
3 Spirit Hosts (one unit)
Mortis Engine



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With a unit of Swordmaster operating on each flank and PG+WL combo holding the centre I started by stalling his main hitters and removing his support with magic and shooting. With the very first spell of the game, boosted Shem's Burning Gaze I nuked the Engine. Shooting took out wolves and some grave guard.

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Everything ended with a big combat in the middle between the White Lions and Crypt Horros front to front, Phoenix Guard in their flank and Ghouls with both characters in the flank of the Phoenix Guard. When the Horrors died White Lions rushed forward with both units of Spearmen towards the middle of the table to claim it from the Grave Guard that have been sitting on the objective since turn 2 to win me the "king of the hill/master of the field" and another 500 points while the Phoenix Guard reformed and held their own against the Vampire (WK died) and the ghouls.

Final score 1667:502 / 17:3


Game 4 - Vampire Counts - Đordje Ratković

Strigoi - Fly, +2 attacks, potion of strength, beguile, red fury, scroll
Little Manfred
Vampire - Fly, +1 hit sword, enchated shield, L2 Death
Necromancer - L1, one use only +D6 PD but suffer D3 wounds
Banshee
25 Skeletons - FC +1M
4x12 Skeletons - FC
2x23 Zombies - FC
5 Dire Wolves
5 Hex Wraiths
2xVarghulf
Terrorgheist


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This guy won the BPA.

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I went with the pretty much the same deployment as in my previous game. Swordmasters on each flank, Archers on one flank and the rest in the middle to form a nice battle line. The crucial moment of the game was in my first turn (in all of my games I went second) when I managed to kill his hexwraiths with a middle fireball after he had allready stopped burning gaze on them. Had I failed that I would have probably ended massacred because I only had a single CC magical weapon in the entire army. Thanks to taking out his scroll with burning gaze and then rolling 21 on 4 dice for the fireball I completely turned the tables on my left flank from a nearly hopeless position to one where my 14 Swordmasters were looking at 2 units of skeletons and direwolves with great confidence. By the end of the game they indeed did clear the flank, including the Necromancer that was there. The little vampire tried to save the flank but suffered a cascade and took itself and a significant portion of one of the skeleton units.

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The rest of his battleline started to reposition itself to go around the obstacle in the middle of the field while I was slowly picking his support of and the Swordmasters on the other flank where performing their part in the pincer movement. One of his Varghulfs went for a long charge and managed to reach a spearmen unit in the middle that was depleted by Manfred on an earlier turn with the vampire vortex. In return I took a wound of Mannfred with a Great Eagle that held the charge to slow the skeletons with the Strigoi and Manfred down. In the next magic phase Manfred miscasted and took a wound of the Strigoi and killed himself while failing to kill the Necromancer who in that turn sacreficed one of his wounds to gain 6PD. I though I was a goner since I had 2 DD against his 11 PD (two were chanelled) but Manfred lost 4 on helish vigour and another 5 to the miscast and I survived.

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The fighting continued with Phoenix Guard breaking of to go around the obstacle. BSB, bolt throwers and archers took out the Terrorgheist while Swordmasters slaughtered the other Varghulf before he got to strike. Some zombies were raised to prevent White Lions flanking Varghulf.

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Then the Strigoi went in to support the wounded Varghulf and get some points back as I was slowly dismantling the rest of his army. Phoenix Guards took out one unit of Zombies, the Swordmasters on the right Skeletons and Zombies, BSB shoot the Banshee dead and then jointly dismantled the big skeleton unit in the middle. With the help of Shadow BSB and Loremaster changed positions so it was on the last turn that BSB and White Lions faced of with the Strigoi. In his turn the brave champion stepped forwaed and took a wound of the Strigoi who had healed his earlier wound with magic and in my turn my BSB didn't challenge nor did the strigoi. So my BSB took another wound of the Strigoi before dieing a horrible death along with 4 other white lions but the remaining bodyguards struck 8 times hitting 4, wounding only one and then my opponent failed his last regenration save and the game was over.

I went from a position where a single spell was a difference between being massacred and having a fair game to obliterating my opponent.

Final Score 3060:654 / 20:0


Game 5 - Dark Elves - Roko Veić Sukreški aka KidA over at Asrai

Another of my regular opponents so it was a nice easy going game to wrap up the tournament.

Dreadlord - Cold One, Halberd, Dragon Cloak, Trickters Shard, Dark Elf rebound 4+ ward save
Master - Cold One, BSB + something
Master - Dark Pegasus 1+ rerollable + something
Sorceress - L2 Dark Magic +1 dispel
18 Darkshards - FC
5 Dark Ridders
6 Cold One Knights - FC
18 Black Guards - FC
18 Executioners - FC
24 Corsairs - FC
5 Warlocks
Harybdis
RBT
Harpies



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My deployment was almost identical to the one in the previous game with the exception of Phoenix Guards and a unit of Spearmen changeing places.

The game started slowly with the COK's failing the first of their three failed stupidity tests and Warlocks killing 3 shadow warriors with a doombolt. In return one RBT took out 3 Warlocks while the two surviving Shadow Warriors killed the remaining two. Now free to operate on left flank they would cause much disruption to my opponent until they finally sacreficed themselves to slowdown COK's on the 5th turn.

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It ended up being a very tactical game with me keeping most things under control. Swordmaster on my right flank hellped with Iceshard blizzard and MM saturation on an earlier turn took out the Black Guard, while my shooting got rid of the dark ridders and Spirit Leech turned the Master on Pegasus into drained husk :mrgreen: My only failure was in taking out Haribdis with shooting or my opponent not failing two panic test on the beasts Ld for killing Dark Riders in the shooting phase or Black Guard in CC. That would later cost me one of the RBT's and my BSB.

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His General went on a solo charge into the Swordmaster while his Harpies (after loosing two of their number in the previous shooting phase to the Shadow Warriors) landed behind my Phoenix Guard hoping to charge them so Executioners can have two rounds of combat. Dreadlord won the combat by one and I held but failed my steadfast roll in my turn allowing him to escape of the battle field. The same thing happened with the Harybdis that overrun the RBT. In my magic phase he was saving his dice for the Spirit Leech on the BSB when I cast Iceshard Blizzard onto the Harpies which he promptly allowed to pass resutling in no more Harpies on the table.

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In his last turn Harybdis charged Spearmen with the BSB taking two wounds but killing BSB and a few Spearmen. One the last turn Swordmasters rear charged and ended her reign of terror. In the middle of the field Corsairs and Executioners (that got a little depleeted by a middle Fireball in the previous turn) tried to back of from my advancing White Lions and Phoenix Guard that were ready for a last turn scuffle to get back some points.

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Both decided to flee as a reaction, the Corsairs got a safe distance, White Lions redirected and hot a stand from Executioner but then the Executioners decided to flee from the Phoenix Guard did not roll high enough and were run down along with the BSB. So the game ended much more in my favour than it should have been.

Final score 1728:1071 / 14:6


In the end I was 10/26 but won the most important award - best sporstmanship

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If any of you guys are able to come next year I highly recomend this tournament for its laidback nature, great people and excellent food.



Now onto what do I think how did my list work.

I should have taken the Book and keep the Loremaster out of CC. In both games where he did go into hand to hand inspite his equipment he died very quickly. The Book would have seriously boosted my casting and more importantly dispeling abilities. Games where I faced superior casters I was mostly shut down, when I face equal casters the selection of spells allowed me to dominate. With the Book in the first instance I would be equal and in the second I would dominate even more.

Shooting BSB is nice but I am thinking of take him barebones to save points and keep him out of harms reach in pretty much the same way I should the Loremaster. With the points saved upgrade one unit of Swordmasters into a Prince and spend the rest to strengthen the other into a proper line unit like White Lions and Phoenix Guard, and if any points are left buy two more Phoenix Guard for a nice blocky look.


So this is a list I am considering.


Giladis - Prince @ 255 pts
Dragon Armour, General
Ogre Blade, Shield of the Merwyrm, Pidgeoun Plucker Pendant, Crown of Command

Alithor - Loremaster @ 310 pts
Book of Hoeth, Khaine's Ring of Fury

Imraldar - Noble @ 119 pts
Heavy Armour, BSB
Relic Sword, Enchanted Shield, Dragonbane Gem

24 Sea Guard @ 318 pts
Full Command, Shields

24 Sea Guard @ 318 pts
Full Command, Shields

19 Phoenix Guard @ 360 pts
Full Command, Razor Standard

20 White Lions @ 290 pts
Full Command

20 Swordmasters @ 290 pts
Full Command

2 RBT @ 140 pts

2 GE @ 100 pts


TOTAL: 2500



Do you guys think that maybe Archmage L4 with the same loadout as the Loremaster might be a better choice. Except that I do not know what Lore to take.
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Count
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#26 Post by Count »

Giladis wrote: Imraldar - Noble @ 119 pts
Heavy Armour, BSB
Relic Sword, Enchanted Shield, Dragonbane Gem
Why not
Dragon armor, BSB, Relic Sword, enchanted shield. It will cost 1 more point but you get 6++ ward.
Also Dragon armor on prince too expensive.
addseo1115
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue May 05, 2015 3:43 am

Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#27 Post by addseo1115 »

the "End Times" and a potential seizmic shifts in the Warhammer lore.
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Giladis
The Merlord
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Re: The Host of Athel Ballarn

#28 Post by Giladis »

It has been a while since I added anything here and this time it is more background.

The 5th post has been updated with the story of Giladis himself. A comprehensive timeline is currently being developed and soon the 4th post containing the history of Athel Ballarn will be recieving content.

Enjoy.

Giladis wrote:GILADIS
Steward of Elthin Arvan


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Among those that fight in the armies of the Phoenix King and the Everqueen there are those who are greater generals, more skilled warriors or more powerful mages but only a few can match the fame of Giladis. His name is known across the elven world; from the Druchii courts in Naggaroth, across the manors of the isle of Ulthuan where Asur dwell to the Asrai halls in the forest of Athel Loren. Born into the house of Minathor, a princely family descended from Tiranoc, he belongs to one of the most illustrious bloodlines among elves. His family is part of the aristocracy of the Asthoi realm of Athel Ballarn in the westernmost reaches of Elthin Arvan, as elves call the Old World. Their palace in hills above Tor Ancor is far removed from the troubles of the world; even the bloodshed of the War of the Beard did little to disturb their tranquil abode. Through long millennia, apart from an occasional merchant or wandering scholar, few disturbed the denizens of Athel Ballarn and they left the rest of the world to their own devices, but Giladis changed all that.

He appeared on the shores Ulthuan during the reign of Bel-Hathor, an exotic visitor from a forgotten land. On Ulthuan little would ever be known of his earlier years except rumours that he for a period of time commanded armies of mercenaries in the service of the merchant princes of Tilea. So when he first presented himself before the Phoenix Throne, after travelling the isle for some months experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of the lands of his ancestors he was treated with great suspicion. Fearful he might be a Druchii agent Giladis was followed by the Swordmasters for many days prior and following his introduction to the Phoenix King. Mostly ignored by the aloof nobles of the court the devilishly handsome Asthoi passed his time reading books, drinking scented elven wines and bedding many a lady-in-waiting. They were drawn to him like moths to a flame enthralled by his alluring charm. It did not take long before he attracted the enmity of their long time suitors and after raising the ire of a particular Caldorian prince, for seducing his fiancée, had to depart for a less hostile environment.

Finubar of Lothern was far from happy when the effete foreigner came to stay in his city. The depth of Giladis’s purse was such that there were few places and even fewer pleasures that were beyond his reach yet where he went trouble followed. Always mindful of trade and profit it was clear to Finubar that where ever Giladis had come from it must be a place of wealth and friendly relations with such a location would be advisable. So the High Prince of Eataine offered Giladis a position in the Lothern Sea Guard hoping to create trust and get the troublesome princeling out of town before someone got killed. Slightly bored and looking for some excitement, much to Finubar’s relief, Giladis accepted. Though pompous and proud, to the point it bordered with arrogance, Giladis to the surprise of all quickly won the hearts and minds of the elves he was sent to accompany. While often acting in what could be described as a haughty demeanour he was not a fool and employed his sharp mind and quick wits to assure the loyalty of those around him just as easily as he captured the affections of the(ir) women.

The Norse raids on Ulthuan particularly intensified at that time giving Giladis ample opportunity to prove his worth. Having nothing but disdain for the race of men he took to the task of clearing Ulthuan’s waters of invaders with ruthless efficiency. Commendation followed commendation and before the Phoenix Court took notice the wayward Asthoi attained the rank of admiral in the Asur fleet. Over the years Finubar and Giladis had several fruitful talks which resulted in the eventual opening of an officially sponsored trade between Lothern and Athel Ballarn. What was previously limited to just an occasional visit of an adventurous Asthoi merchant to the shores of Ulthuan now became a full blown exchange of goods between the cradle of the elven race and one of its lost outposts. Never forgetting his earlier escapades various factions at the Phoenix Court took the first opportunity to get back at Giladis. When Finubar departed to explore Elthin Arvan they ensured it was Giladis who was appointed as the admiral of the southern seas, a post of little influence and far away as possible from Ulthuan.

What should have been a punishment turned into an unwitting reward. Giladis welcomed the break from the routine of patrolling the Shifting Isles and dived into his new appointment with gusto. But before he could do his duty to the realm he would take care of his own needs. Finding the naval facilities at the Fortress of Dawn to simple and uneventful for his tastes he relocated to Tor Elasor constructing the most lavish manor found outside Ulthuan. In just two decades, much to the chagrin of his opponents, he made a name for himself in the far flung colonies of the Asur Empire. Visiting almost every coast of the southern seas he gathered immense riches and acquired powerful artefacts. Most of it was used to expand and beautify Tor Elasor which earned, surprisingly politely aloof, Giladis the admiration of its citizens, who were blindly unaware he was doing it exclusively for his own comfort.

Secure in his newfound position as the most powerful elf within the Asur Empire outside Ulthuan Giladis turned to the favourite elven pastime, political intrigue. Through informants he slowly identified those that would like to see him undone and who were instrumental in engineering his supposed exile. Even though decades have passed Giladis had not forgiven them for it was not important what had happened, but what was their intention. So he began slowly and clandestinely to support their opponents with funds, objects of power and favours bought by coin at different addresses. Soon enough as his pawns gained influence his lavish gifts became public and the ever shifting web of alliances at the Phoenix Court was thrown into turmoil as various factions clamoured for his attention.

So the game continued for decades with fortunes of one family rising and falling at the whim of a distant puppet master. Giladis would have probably over time grown bored of playing with vain nobles had he not encountered worthy foes that occupied much of his attention. Druchii corsairs appeared in greater number than ever before at the southern latitudes and the name of Giladis became a curse on their lips. Many battles were fought and though not victorious in all of them Giladis always managed to turn things into his favour. It was during those years that he earned the nickname Merlord for his uncanny ability to read the flow and swell of the ocean. Even though he was orchestrating a vicious struggle Giladis found time to occasionally visit Athel Ballarn and suggest military reforms that he believed the realm of his birth needed.

While locked in a contest of wits with the most recent Druchii dreadlord, eager to make a name for himself by killing the Merlord, Giladis received word that Bel-Hathor passed away and that Finubar was elected in his place. Though Finubar’s detractors would for a time spread rumours that it was Giladis who made him king there was nothing further from truth. For a number of years Giladis had been positioning himself to be in the strongest position possible to take the Phoenix Throne when the incumbent king dies. Though Giladis could never find evidence for his suspicion he believed Finubar on purpose rearranged Lothern’s squadrons in the north which allowed the Druchii fleet to slip south and prevent him from reaching Ulthuan in time. So when the opportunity presented itself shortly after N’Kari’s rampage across the isle he decided to return in style.

Giladis’s return was one of outmost pomp; minstrels were paid to perform as he marched from the Lothern’s harbour towards the palace of the Phoenix King; his every step followed by cheering of the gathered crowd and air filled with the soft smell of freshly picked flowers. As fanfares announced his approach the mighty doors of the throne room were flung open and a figure bedecked in ithilmar and gold strove in, a cape of crimson red billowing behind him and fiery rubies adorning his breastplate. Yet strangest of all was an outlandish golden war mask that hid his face, gently humming with barely contained magical energy. Following Giladis came carriers laden with the riches of the world; he had returned to Ulthuan like a conquering general celebrating his triumph, a scene unseen since the time of Bel Shanaar. Though the show impressed many, it made Finubar’s face go grim for it was evident this display was an open challenge to his authority.

At first Giladis bent his energies to gathering all willing to support him and given the opportunity overthrow Finubar. In his quest he was at first successful for the Phoenix King spent much time travelling beyond Ulthuan but when the Everqueen expressed her support to Finubar’s reign he gave up realising any further effort would be for naught. Some months later Giladis resigned his position in the fleet and sailed east towards the rising sun and home. Soon the trade that flowed between Lothern and Athel Ballarn slowed to a trickle until it almost completely stopped. As far as elves of Ulthuan were concerned Giladis and Athel Ballarn returned back into the realm of legends from whence they have so unexpectedly appeared five centuries before.

Traders frequenting the human realms of Bretonnia and the Empire sometimes brought rumours that an elf matching the description of Giladis had been sighted in those parts, but apart from that to most Asur he became just a footnote in the long history of the elven people. Indeed Giladis did travel the Old World in those years, visiting the other domains of the Asthoi, striking alliances and making friendships. It is said he even spent time with the Asrai of Athel Loren learning their ways and receiving potent gifts from the master smith Daith. While on a diplomatic mission to Laurelorn he finally tied the knot with the girl he promised his heart centuries ago ending the career of probably the most famous elven womanizer.

Then just over two centuries ago when the tides of unreason once more surged forth from the poles and the Druchii returned to Ulthuan in numbers unseen in an age Giladis rose back from the pages of history. As the Asur Empire faced its darkest hour the Merlord sailed into Tor Yvresse at the head of an army a thousand strong. To follow him to Ulthuan Giladis selected the finest Disciples of Eldrazor Athel Ballarn had to offer. Each of these warriors was a match to the fabled Swordmasters of Hoeth. Yet the most attention was drawn not by these deadly bladesmen but by the mighty wyrm Giladis was mounted upon. Green of scale Kuldrang was the spawn of Ireeth and among the mightiest Dragons found outside Caledor. Though small in number, the potency of the Asthoi force was crucial in holding Yvresse against the chaotic onslaught. In the aftermath of the lifting of the siege of the Tower of Hoeth Giladis departed the shores of Ulthuan once more to join the conflict that was raging in the Old World.

The Great War against Chaos as the conflict came to be known lasted for another two years before the champion of Chaos was slain and his horde scattered. While the Asthoi avoided confronting the main enemy contingents directly they were crucial in waylaying lesser forces and rooting out covens of cultists and herds of Beastmen. When the dust settled many of the scattered Asthoi leaders gathered in Athel Ballarn and elected Giladis the steward of Elthin Arvan, guardian of peace and prosperity, and protector of the elven legacy this side of the great ocean. Since then as part of his obligations using the ancient secret shadow paths of the Asthoi Giladis has seen every continent and there is no race that has not felt his wrath, including other elves. He has led armies and fleets, razed settlements and sundered kingdoms all for the glory of the elven race. To face the Merlord is to court death itself.

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The court of Aelias, seat of house Minathor, home of prince Giladis
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