Dual Aura 2: Update This!

Something occurred to me yesterday about the upcoming changes to our models. Madrak 1 is much more obvious and we have discussed Madrak 2, but I remembered when Madrak 3 was released and we were trying to make him work. I said at the time that he was one errata or new release away from being really good. I even specifically mentioned Champs and the stone as possibilities. Not only are they getting big buffs, but those buffs are relevant to the particular list that I and a few others were playing at the time. Not only are the new Champs tougher, but the Krielstone is less of a drain on the warlock, and this is key.

For anyone who might not know what I am talking about, the Dual Aura list is designed to hold ground and win on scenario via attrition. Nothing new for Trolls, right? Well, other bricks are severely hampered by their inability to spread out. Outlast and Breakdown each have two circles, but they are too far apart for an old-school brick to hold them both very effectively at all. With two auras and two units of Champs, however, that is much easier. Awaken allows the KSB to function much more independently. Sanguine Bond makes the Champs a little more survivable. 

The original was built by SteelheadHunter81 on the old forums. I don't know if that same person is still around or who that actually is, but I really liked the idea and worked with it quite a bit. I think the original list would look something like this after the point cost changes.

conflictchamber.com/#c7201b_-0agP9D0i0i6G6M6O6O0k0mj8j8bKcB

Trollbloods Army - 75 / 75 points
[Theme] Band of Heroes

!!! Your army contains CID entries.

(Madrak 3) Madrak, Great Chieftain [+29]
- Dire Troll Mauler [15]
- Troll Impaler [11]
- Troll Impaler [11]
Fell Caller Hero [0(5)]
Stone Scribe Chronicler [4]
Trollkin Champion Hero [0(5)]
Trollkin Champion Hero [0(5)]
Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes (min) [6]
- Stone Scribe Elder [3]
Trollkin Champions (max) [16]
Trollkin Champions (max) [16]
- Skaldi Bonehammer [5]
Trollkin Warders (max) [17]

IF it is necessary to split the list, the Warders go with the KSB, and the Chronicler goes with the battlegroup, so he can maybe use Charge of the Trolls on Madrak's unit of Champs. If it is not necessary to split, then the Warders can go in front as a spearhead. Two Champ Heroes may seem odd, but one alone usually can't cover both units of Champs if they do need to spread out. It's just that, especially with Sanguine Bond, Stone Strength or Spellpiercer, and a defensive feat added to the mix, those Ret Strikes will really add up over a few rounds.
But, that slot could go to another Fell Caller, a Sorcerer, or a Minion option or something.

Obviously, this is also meant to take on Ghost Fleet. I have not seen it do that, but I think it could be good against a lot of other infantry-based lists and the Champs can take down most jacks and beasts.

I don't like this BG. The Impaler is badly over-costed and every time I run a Mauler with Madrak 3 it sits bored until Round 3 or 4 when it dies ignominiously. I'm sure I will swap them out for a Bomber and Bouncer or Earthborn, as Earth's Blessing is helpful too. Toby Nathan ran Madrak 3 with Pyre, Bouncer, Impaler, using the animi to turn him into a super-solo. I might try that too.

If you don't feel like you need Band's theme bonuses, I can see how a more aggressive version could work in SOTN or even KC or POD, perhaps with Horgle leading a pair of Slag trolls and a unit of Runeshapers. A minimum stone could run up behind some Fire Eaters.