So with the CID having come to an end, if PP were to keep the rules as they are now (they probably won't), how are people feeling about the theme? I feel like it's a really fun theme to play and see on the board, but I'm not entirely sure it's good enough to replace storm division/heavy metal, even with the changes to the lances (which for the record I believe was a very minor nerf, and in some ways a side buff).
If everything in the CID was released in its current form:
- Gravediggers would be a reasonably average theme in terms of benefits with access to very strong models.
- Kraye would be an A caster who might be able to depose Haley 2 in a couple of pairings because he does some similar things to her while having less hard control but is harder to kill and has access to pathfinder.
- Siege 2 would be a B+ caster who runs Stormblades exceptionally well and can play in a couple of ways.
- The Hunter would be taken with a few casters and would be a good jack to consider with juniors if you are playing into matchups that kill juniors that are too exposed.
- Regular Long Gunners would be bad. Too expensive, don't do enough.
- Regular Trenchers are awesome, their minifeat is meh but the rest of their kit is really strong and are a great line infantry, but the Grenadiers are merely 'ok' in a world of Storm Gunners and Rockets.
- Chain Gun would be an 'occasional' choice because it has a good gun and covering fire.
- Trencher Commandos would be a B+, their UA is nice but their weakness to armour just seems a little too on the nose, but certain casters can help that (especially with Parry).
- Trencher Cannon would be a B, pretty nice because it hits ok while granting free points (or can be taken for free)
- Rangers will be rare, but playable. Trenchers are just so accurate already
- Storm Lances will still be strong as a second line unit, but it will be hard to lead the charge with 2 units of them anymore. 'A' unit.
- Master Gunner is a B-, he seems cool but none of the artillery is worth bringing as much while tacking on his cost.
- Finn is an A+, exceptional model and can easily win games for certain casters.
- Triumph is an A, hits very hard, has shield Guard and has True Sight and magical. A grab bag of utility rules that some lists need. Auto include with either Siege and a sometimes include with other casters.
- Minuteman is a B-, not bad but he isn't going to dethrone the charger. Might have some use with Kraye and Siege 1.
- Murdoch is a C+, Mercs are a hard choice because Hammer Dwarfs lose you a free solo and are quite expensive with Murdoch around and don't make use of either of his abilities. Very occasionally taken but probably the downsides make them a little fragile.
- Buster- A-, very hard hitting but a gun with rules that make it actively worse and unusable in a bunch of situations.
- Gibbs: B, strong and has some interactions with Thorn Mages that could be taken but probably only see's play with Stryker 2, but is pretty good with him.
- Patrol Dog- A+, so very many rules for a 2 point model.
- Express Team- A. A powerful unit who brings good utility and is hard to dislodge, but whether those things are needed is another thing.
- Trencher Mechaniks- C- The most expensive mechaniks in the game who only repair and don't do anything else.
- Trencher Long Gunners- A, an exceptionally cool and powerful unit who can easily turn games.
- Trencher Warcaster- B-, really hard to fit into lists but brings some powerful effects.
- Hitch: A- a nice guy who brings Tactician to a list that *really* wants it as well as some ok battle plans.
- Blockhouse: A- Sturdy, good gun, deploys in a relevant place and reinforces your guys.
- Laddermore: C, she hits hard but that's kind of it. Would need some more utility to be considered.
I could see Caine 3, Caine 2, Kraye, Kara,
Haley 1,
Stryker 1,Sturgis, Caine 1, Stryker 2, Stryker 3, Maddox, Siege 1,
Siege 2 and
Haley 3 all being played in Gravediggers and the one's in bold are the ones who I think will excel and be a part of Cygnars tournament stable in Gravediggers.