Hashmal
Junior Strategist
Posts: 557
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Post by Hashmal on Aug 13, 2019 16:09:10 GMT
It continues! ---
A PRIMER: CREATOR’S MIGHT
Greetings! In celebration of the Mark III.V themepocalypse revamp, I have written a series of overly long articles on each of the Protectorate of Menoth’s available theme forces. Within, I break down the strengths and weaknesses of each them, analyze available options, rank our Warcaster pool in terms of how well they work within, or support, each, and try to give an overall sense of how the theme plays and how you can realize success with it. I’ll even provide a sample list or two to help get the creative juices flowing.
Overall, theme restrictions have notably lessened. Free options are now governed by the points level you are playing at: for every 25 point increments the game is played at, you get one Requisition option (e.g., 1 Requisition option at 25 points; 2 at 50 points; 3 at 75 points; and so on). Past that, you can build an army of any options allowed in the theme – go nuts (Hog Wild is reserved for Minions).
This article focuses on the Creator’s Might theme.
OVERVIEW
Creator’s Might focuses on the machinery and mechanized forces of the Protectorate. This theme is all about ‘jacks and battle engines, with noted members of the Scrutator class and clergymen providing support. This theme is comprised of Choirboys, Priests (this is going places), Warjacks, and Battle Engines. Within the theme you will get:
Warjacks • Non-Character Warjacks • Avatar of Menoth • Blessing of Vengeance • Scourge of Heresy
Units • Vassal Units (none currently exist) • Choir of Menoth • Visigoth Rhoven & Honor Guard • Up to one Mercenary option that works for the Protectorate. Important: The Attendant Priest Ranking Officer is allowed in this theme.
Solos • Covenant of Menoth • Hierophant • Exemplar Warders • Menite Archons • Solos with the Battlegroup Controller special rule • Wracks
Battle Engines • Vessel of Judgment
Structures • Shrine of the Lawgiver
Requisition Options • Two Vassal solos • One other small or medium-based Protectorate solo
Theme Benefits • Protectorate Solos and Choir gain Reposition 3”. • Warcasters can begin the game with Upkeep spells in play on Friendly models/units and do not have to pay to upkeep these spells first turn.
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Hashmal
Junior Strategist
Posts: 557
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Post by Hashmal on Aug 13, 2019 16:11:04 GMT
THEME ANALYSIS
Overall, I’m very disappointed in this theme. With the opening up of themes to include all available options and tying free requisition options to army point levels as opposed to army content, the “Warjack/Warbeast theme” has largely disappeared. Thus, these themes that previously occupied that position need to present benefits appropriate to their relative unit/solo restrictions that make them compelling to play. Creator’s Might falls down in this regard. Reposition 3” is a decent benefit that can be clutch if you’re playing against a lot of Admonisher, Electro Leap, Chain Lightning, or similar “bouncing” effects. It also makes Elias Gade (who can be taken) a badass. The second benefit, however, is extremely weak. Protectorate ‘casters are typically back-line supporters anyway, so benefit little from having the ability to run first turn. With the plethora of focus support options available to the faction, very few ‘casters are strained in getting all Upkeep-style spells out first turn (basically, Vindictus). And this benefit has now changed so that our “Jr.” solos (Severius0 and Tristan1) have to cast theirs first turn—previously they benefitted from the free upkeep rule too. In exchange for a decent ability and a poor one, we get the most restrictive roster of model options in the faction. Additionally, none of these abilities directly affect the stated theme of Creator’s Might: Warjacks or Battle Engines. Making it weirder, we now have two other themes that offer Warjack buffs, yet our “Warjack theme” does not. It makes me scratch my head and wonder what happened here. There is little reason to justify taking Creator’s Might as-is outside of Champions, but some strengths do exist. Diving in: Strengths Good character ‘jack selection. The Avatar is a good boy and appreciates his points drop and Scourge is a beast (though pricey if you’re not taking advantage of his bond). Blessing should never be taken without Severius, so he’s a non-factor. Both Jr. Warcasters are in-theme. This is one of the two themes you get to take Sevy0 and the only theme where you can pair him with Tristan1. In my opinion, if you are running this theme outside of Champions (and even inside it), this is something you want to leverage. The Attendant Priest can be taken in-theme. Should there be any non-Idrian Mercs you wanted to have as Faction options, well there you go. The Menite Archon is in-theme. We have three themes where he features. This is arguably his strongest fit, as we have several ‘jacks with Fire-based ranged attacks who can take advantage of Fuel for the Flames. Unfortunately you can also do this in Faithful Masses too and get Initiates, but shut up and work with me here. Weaknesses Extremely narrow model selection. We have few unit options, few solo options, and few Requisition options. You’d think the theme benefits would make up for this, but… Weak theme benefits relative to model selection. I’m avoiding saying the theme benefits suck outright, because I do love Repo 3 and it comes in handy more often than you might think. Poor scenario presence. Prot ‘jacks and battle engines are slow. We have few ways to speed them up. The current scenario package favors midfield and flanking play. Creator’s Might sucks mightily (ehhh?) at both of those. You’ll be playing on the backfoot unless you have a solid plan to contest far flags/zones (hint: Anastasia di Bray). Every other theme runs Warjacks better. This is a major “the hell?!” moment. Our Warjack theme is the worst at running Warjacks. All other themes offer them benefits or model choices that make them a better fit. In no particular order: - Guardians of the Temple offers no benefits, but gives you universal access to Eye of Truth for Blessed attacks (ranged and melee), the two Vassal option for Requisition, and Hand of Silence to fuel Warjacks (who is not in Creator’s Might for… reasons).
- Exemplar Interdiction provides Blessed melee attacks to all Warjacks. If you’re building a melee ‘jack force, that’s a strong incentive to take this theme. You also get Hand of Silence and the two Vassals option, plus access to all the ‘jack Marshals our faction can field (if that’s your jam). And Sevy0.
- Faithful Masses provides +2 to attack and damage rolls for Warjacks should a Friendly Faction Warrior model bite it within 5” of them. An amazing benefit. You also get that same access to the Avatar, Tristan1, and the Menite Archon as Creator’s Might while also having access to that same two Vassal/Hand of Silence package. And that’s not touching on FM’s amazing solo package or the fact that Initiates are available as a Requisition option.
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Hashmal
Junior Strategist
Posts: 557
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Post by Hashmal on Aug 13, 2019 16:13:39 GMT
MODEL ANALYSIS
The good news for this section is that there aren’t a ton of models to analyze (cries internally). So let’s burn through this.
Warjacks
Non-character Warjacks. Many options to pick from here, which will be ‘caster dependent. We have several great ‘jacks to pick from. Standard picks like the Judicator, Crusader, and Dervish are good options. I am also fond of Redeemers. Past that, it will come down to what you are looking to do with the army vis a vis the Warcaster.
Avatar of Menoth. The Avatar is a legit consideration for Focus-strapped ‘casters, though those probably shouldn’t be playing in this theme. Probably better in FM (Gaze + Initiates is a gross combo), but has a home here if you have a game plan for him.
Scourge of Heresy. A decent choice if you want a very hard-hitting Warjack. Taking him outside of Reznik makes him a very expensive character (seriously, that’s an amazing bond), but Arcane Vortex never sucks and he can put out some truly absurd damage numbers if your opponent is lax with their upkeep usage.
Blessing of Vengeance. Poor choice in general. An expensive arc node that is never worth it unless he’s being taken with Severius 0/1/2. And even then, he’s still a tough sell.
Units
Vassal Units. Well, none exist. Ouch?
Always take the Choir.
Rhoven & Honor Guard. A good choice. Eyeless Sight is a great ability and Rhoven’s boys make for excellent Shield Guards and damage pitch-hitters. Plus, Rhoven can lay some smack with Battle Wizard and a POW 14 Cleansing Fire. That’s before we add Sevy0 to the mix.
Mercenary options. Hey, at least we get the Attendant Priest! Unfortunately, there aren’t a ton of Merc units we care to have the AP on. If we were able to run multiple Merc units, this could get interesting, but alas. Typically, this is going to be Idrians, who are good. Other options are niche and dependent on a build or strategy you are going for (like Ambushing Press Gangers for scenario presence).
Solos
Covenant of Menoth. A great choice. This is a tilting solo that provides spell defense, offensive output, and a short-ranged knockdown/stationary immunity. He makes a boss flag holder and can bury that no-spell bubble even deeper thanks to Reposition 3. I’d recommend finding a place for the dude.
Hierophant. A great choice. You’ll be focus strapped running a bunch of Warjacks, so this focus support will be appreciated. Not vital, but never a bad pick.
Exemplar Warders. A great choice. Shield Guards and contester extraordinaires, Warders are stout little beefcakes that help protect from shooting and are generally a pain to dig out. There aren’t usually a lot of warrior models around for them to trigger the healing portion of Inhuman Resolve, but they can buy you a critical turn of scoring/contesting that might otherwise lose you the game.
Elias Gade. A good choice. He’s an Exemplar Warder too! Repo 3 on Elias turns him into a pretty effective murder machine. Highly recommended vs Cryx and Grymkin, who like their Incorporeal solos.
Menite Archon. A good choice. The Archon brings caster-independent Dispel, Grievous Wounds, and generally good beatface. He also has Fuel for the Flames, which you can build to synergize with. Not a choice you reach for all the time, but has a place when you decide to.
Severius0. A must-take. He is an incredible solo that buffs the output of your entire army. Take him. He will always be your first Requisition option.
Tristan1. A great choice. Not as auto-include as Sevy0, but having 2+ Warjacks that are ‘caster independent can be good for an army that doesn’t rely on Warcaster battlegroup spells. I hear he runs a mean Judicator…
Vassals of Menoth. This includes both Vassals and Mechaniks. Vassals are a decent choice: your Warjack-based army will appreciate Focus support. That said, CM does have a pretty good selection of solos, so take as needed, preferably as a Requisition option. Mechaniks are solid one point fillers – take as needed.
Wracks. Another Focus support option in theme. Take ‘em if you need ‘em.
Merc solos. Some compelling options. Anastasia di Bray is a good option for Ambush contesting and providing you a +1 to your starting roll. I could see a build that appreciates Dez from Riot Quest (and a lot more Riot Quest models are coming out, so you’ll have to make some judgment calls about what suits your game plan because keeping track of all of them is quite the headache). And the Hermit is always a good option, no matter the theme or faction.
Battle Engines
Vessel of Judgment. A middling to poor choice. Our BE is slow and expensive. Its Miracles are solidly good (especially the healing one) and its gun is legit, especially backed up by Sevy0/1. However, its middling RNF 12 and SPD 4 give it a fairly anemic threat range and leave it highly vulnerable to counter attack. Given that it hurts itself to do reasonable damage or use any of its abilities, the Vessel is surprisingly fragile and basically mandates 1+ Mechaniks following it around.
Structures
Shrine of the Lawgiver. A poor choice in theme. CM has few quality infantry to feed it souls. Its only real use will be to provide Ghostly to Warjacks (which is good), but bringing anyone back will be a tough sell.
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Hashmal
Junior Strategist
Posts: 557
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Post by Hashmal on Aug 13, 2019 16:16:21 GMT
WARCASTER ANALYSIS
Prepare for a long one. Herein, I break down all Warcasters available to the Guardians of the Temple theme, rating them as Top Picks, Good Picks, and Weak Picks. There’s always some wiggle room between categories, but these rankings, again in my opinion, are sufficient to gauge who best supports the theme.
Please note: I am mostly looking at what the ‘caster brings to the theme and if the theme suits what they want to do. I am not considering if they would do better in another theme unless it’s painfully apparent they would. In my opinion, most Warcasters would do better in another theme.
These are in no particular order within rankings.
Top Picks
Kreoss1. Legitimately might be the only Warcaster that will pick CM above all others. Kreoss1 does very little for his army, but packs a powerful Feat and a somewhat target-agnostic spell list. He appreciates Idrians as a unit and really only can protect one unit at a time with DW, so CM fits for him. Plus, he greatly appreciates the focus efficiency offered by the Sevy0/Tristan1 tag team.
Amon. He is a purely Warjack-focused ‘caster in a theme that’s all about them. He is also one of the few Warcasters that appreciates free Upkeeps, as this lets him get Synergy out for free, Mobility Turn 1, and get up the field pronto while still maintaining a decent camp. He does less with the two Jrs, but should have Sevy0 in his back pocket anyway.
Malekus. Probably unsurprisingly, Malekus likes Warjacks. This is one of two themes he can be taken in that sport the Menite Archon, so CM offers him a good home. Plus, he really, really likes having Sevy0 (and Tristan1, if you can fit him). Along with Kreoss1, might be the only Warcaster that picks CM over other options.
Reznik1. He is intensely battlegroup-focused and this theme provides him access to Sevy0. Probably doesn’t care about Tristan1 as much. Does nothing for infantry beyond Ignite, so isn’t hurt by the slim unit selection available.
Reznik2. Another battlegroup-focused Warcaster that appreciates the Menite Archon and Sevy0 (Blessed Magical RAT 8 POW 17 Repenters are a hell of a drug). Though he probably finds a better home elsewhere given his vulnerability to things landing on him, Reznik2 does well here.
Tristan2. Another purely Warjack-focused ‘caster in a theme that’s all about them. Tristan doesn’t offer the speed or total damage of Amon, but he makes up for it with True Sight, a great healing spell, a massive efficiency Feat, and above-average hitting ability that doesn’t require external activations to work. He also loves Sevy0.
Good Picks
Severius1. A good pick. Sevy1 is a turd polisher extraordinaire and will never do poorly in any theme. CM doesn’t offer anything to overcome his weaknesses, but he can offer CM good infantry clearing, protection for one unit (Idrians!), and a solid all-rounder toolkit. Plus, even though you can’t take Sevy0 you still get Eye of Menoth.
Severius2. A good pick. Sevy2 sports a baller Field Marshal that can make it very hard to shift your ‘jacks out of zones. He is also an infantry thresher in his own right between free Ashes to Ashes, Rebuke, and his Feat, leaving your ‘jacks to do what they do best: take the hard targets to pound town. His big downside is how slow his army can be, so plan around that. His bigger downside: no Sevy0. Ouch.
Cyrenia. I’m putting this here because she runs double Judicator pretty okay and relies on both Jrs to do it. Plus, she can also tag Rhoven’s boys with her Orders, so that’s fun. Rock Wall is solid protection and Positive Charge is a great spell. Her Feat probably doesn’t exist with this build, but that’s okay. She is a decent choice if that’s what you want to do.
Feora1. Funny enough, Feora1 does jack crap for her battlegroup and little for infantry. With all the Jrs. and focus support available in theme, she does pretty okay in CM. Plus, the availability of easier Fuel for the Flames means she can have a legitimately scary (if still random) Feat turn.
Feora2. Yes, she is a bad ‘caster. But she does nothing at all for infantry, a fair amount for her battlegroup, and has legitimate use for both Jrs. The Archon helps her out somewhat too. Probably not her best theme, but she is one who runs CM better than others thanks to Escort.
Durst. Potato King! Durst runs a fair number of Warjacks well and appreciates the Focus support this theme offers. However, he is very battlegroup-focused, which hurts how much he appreciates the Jrs. A decent pick, but not his best theme.
Weak Picks
Testament. An infantry-focused ‘caster in a theme with almost none. Pass.
Feora3. She runs *one* jack very well. Not the theme for her (hint: it’s FM).
Kreoss3. He’s a jack-of-all-trades ‘caster, but is much better served elsewhere. He can’t take Vengers and his buffs work best on infantry. He doesn’t mind the Jrs., but his game plan rarely involves ‘jack spam.
High Reclaimer. See Testament. Pass.
Thyra. She does not run ‘jack spam well, between limited Focus and zero battlegroup buffs. On the plus side, she appreciates both Jrs. On the downside, that’s it.
Harbinger. There’s almost nothing to Martyr, which is her signature schtick. Pass.
Kreoss2. A combined arms ‘caster in a theme that has almost no infantry. Pass.
Vindictus. With three expensive upkeeps and minimal support, he appreciates the free upkeeps on Round 1! And…that’s it, because he’s much more infantry focused. Pass.
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Hashmal
Junior Strategist
Posts: 557
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Post by Hashmal on Aug 13, 2019 16:19:59 GMT
MATCHUP ANALYSIS
I'm saving these sections for when the meta settles a little bit and we see some fun times from Infernals, Warriors of the Old Faith, and Flames in the Darkness. There's a lot up in the air right now which makes it hard to gauge (for example, I previously would have said CM is excellent vs. Cygnar, but I believe FitD will feed it its lunch).
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Hashmal
Junior Strategist
Posts: 557
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Post by Hashmal on Aug 13, 2019 16:23:02 GMT
ARMY ANALYSIS & SAMPLE LISTS
Well, we’ve gotten the good options vs. bad options breakdown out of the way and examined what the theme plays into vs. what it avoids like hot fire. Let’s look at how this all comes together and how functional Creator’s Might lists can be built.
Unsurprisingly, your lists will focus on Warjacks. Whether you go melee or ranged will depend on the ‘caster, but ultimately your list will feature a decent representation of our mechanized monstrosities. I’ve even built a list with the Vessel of Judgment too, so you can see what it looks like.
For Units, you’ll typically be looking at Idrians as your Merc choice and Rhoven & Honor Guard. Choir also count, but are a given. I’ve tried to build a list that takes advantage of another froggy option, too.
Solos are good in this theme. Sevy0 is a must-take and honestly, if you’re not taking him you’re either playing Sevy1/2 or doing it wrong. Tristan1 is another compelling option. The two Vassal requisition option is a solid one since you’ll be playing ‘jack heavy, so don’t forget that. The Hermit is also another solid option. Past that, your solo choice is going to be army and Warcaster-dependent. If you’re playing a lot of fire shooting, the Archons are solid. The Covenant is always good, as are the Exemplar Warders. The one thing CM has going for it is a good selection of Protectorate solos (a change from earlier Mk.3 days), so take advantage of that as you are able.
Let’s start with a perennial favorite of the fanbase, even though nobody will ever admit to it: the fat pope and pizza eater himself, Malekus.
Malekus, the Burning Truth - Eye of Truth [20] - Judicator [35] - Repenter [8] - Repenter [8] - Hierophant [0(3)] Scrutator Potentate Severius [0(6)] - Redeemer [11] Menite Archon [8] Menite Archon [8] Vassal of Menoth [0(3)] Vassal of Menoth [0(3)] Wrack [1] Choir of Menoth (max) [6]
This list should look familiar to a few long-time Protectorate players. It is a variant on a list pioneered by Will Pagani at the advent of themes in Mk.3. What I’ve done here is dropped the Reckoner off Sevy0 (there are a lot of Shield Guards out there right now and that will not change any time soon), shifted a few support options to get a Redeemer on him instead, and plonked in two Menite Archons for that sweet Fuel for the Flames synergy.
This list is all about burninating the heretics. The Archons give you some faster and more mobile contesting pieces while being beefy bodies themselves (and not bad targets for Banishing Ward if your opponent intends to debuff them to ensure removal). Eye plus Judicator gives you that sexy Blessed shooting we all love, and stacked with the Archons and Sevy gets those sprays up to POW 17 plus Reliquary (!). Repenters too hit POW 17 and on Feat turn, that’s just absolutely disgusting as these all become weapon masters. Plus, the Archons guarantee that CE: Fire deals POW 14 weaponmaster damage to anything in Malekus’ CTRL area. Eye plus the Redeemer and Judy Booty also makes for a cagey “whoops you’re dead” Scourge assassination that will keep people on their toes. Add in the fact that your Repenters can Run and Open Fire spray with Feat against a KD’d target, along with potential for Fuel in range and… yeah, opposing ‘casters better stay 19” away from the Fat Pope at all times.
Grand Scrutator Severius - Blessing of Vengeance [13] - Judicator [35] Exemplar Warder [0(5)] Exemplar Warder [0(5)] Initiate Tristan Durant [0(4)] - Redeemer [11] Vassal Mechanik [1] Wrack [1] Choir of Menoth (min) [4] Idrian Skirmishers (max) [15] - Idrian Skirmisher Chieftain & Guide [5] Vessel of Judgment [18]
Promise I’ll make a melee version of CM next (I like guns, sorry). This is my attempt to make the Battle Engine a thing worth taking. Sevy1 has always lent himself well to an offensive gunline and this look is no different. Your goal is to move up the field, shoot the crap out of anything that moves, and mop up the rest. Sevy1 himself provides protection and accuracy via Vision, Defender’s Ward, and Death Sentence, plus he can pinch hit some infantry clearing with Ashes to Ashes. The Vessel has pretty much zero Doors of Judgment targets, but a couple of big bodies to heal. That plus the Mechanik and Vision should lead to a very resilient Judicator. Also, no ‘jack is below ARM 19 in this list (unless Chain Weapons for Blessing), so it sports more durability than you might initially think. I like this list into most things, but it’s not fast: you will need a strong scenario plan. Typically this will involve blowing the balls off of anything that steps into a zone or onto a flag while getting your own butt up the field. More active scenarios will still challenge, however.
High Allegiant Amon Ad-Raza - Castigator [12] - Castigator [12] - Crusader [10] - Crusader [10] - Dervish [7] - Dervish [7] - Dervish [7] - Dervish [7] - Devout [9] - Hierophant [0(3)] Vassal of Menoth [0(3)] Vassal of Menoth [0(3)] Scrutator Potentate Severius [0(6)] - Redeemer [11] Wrack [1] Wrack [1] Choir of Menoth (min) [4] Choir of Menoth (max) [6]
If there’s one Warcaster that typifies “melee Warjack army,” it’s Amon. This list is all about beatface. Leverage your fast-as-hell Warjacks and get up there. This is one of the better CM armies for distant scenarios, as you can sprint up the field quite quickly. The Vassals provide you Focus support (which Amon desperately needs) and Enliven, which is useful (for once) when your entire BG has Parry. The Castigators are there for Combustion, should it be useful (POW 15 Combustion does not tickle), as well as being solid pieces with SPD 5 and POW 22 once Synergy and Sevy0 get rolling (ouch). I personally like putting a Redeemer on Sevy0 with Amon just because the ranged threat allows you to snipe out troublesome solos or put pressure the list otherwise can’t place on the opposing army.
There are a few flex points I’d look to here if you’re feeling some changes. Combustion isn’t the best ability with its maximum threat range of 9”. If you find it not being needed, I’d drop both Castigators down to Crusaders, drop a Wrack, and use those three points to get Anastasia di Bray in here. Amon *really* likes going first and Stacy helps with distant flag/zone contesting while your army zips up the board. You can also go this route dropping Sevy0’s Redeemer to a Dervish. Or you could do a combination of all of that and get the Hermit in there. He might have a bit of trouble keeping up, though, and don’t forget that his debuff aura also affects your own things – not good when half your Warjacks are ARM 16 and all of them rely on multiple boxes for durability.
High Executioner Servath Reznik - Judicator [35] - Redeemer [11] - Redeemer [11] - Redeemer [11] - Revenger [10] - Hierophant [3] Exemplar Warder [0(5)] Exemplar Warder [0(5)] Hermit of Henge Hold [5] Scrutator Potentate Severius [0(6)] - Dervish [7] Vassal Mechanik [1] Vassal Mechanik [1] Wrack [1] Wrack [1] Choir of Menoth (max) [6]
Break’s over, back to gunlines. Reznik1 sports a kit that makes him well suited to Redeemer spam. Brand of Heresy, when it lands, is a hell of a good spell. It allows you to drop heavies and units alike with impunity. This army has been kitted out to leverage that. Pretty straight forward. Advance and shoot the face off anything that moves. You’ll need to be aggressive to not get shut out of scenario, which the Warders help a lot with (as well as protecting from random return fire). Reznik1 can also make each of those lights swing at up to POW 18 with Battle, Ignite, and Sevy0, so don’t be afraid to get busy in melee when you need to. The Revenger is there because it helps keep Reznik1 safe and lets him dig deeper with Brand – or play safe and get a Perdition out.
Sevy0’s Dervish was originally another Redeemer but I dropped him to a Dervish in favor of getting the Hermit in there. The Dervish helps clear out jamming models, as it can then Side Step out of the way of your army’s lanes. Road to War also sets up some cagey plays. The Hermit is in the list primarily for Telemetry: Reznik1 is renowned for missing a critical spell and losing the game as a result. Getting his spells up to MA 9 with the Hermit and Sevy0 mitigates against that almost as much as possible (the true sauce is Hermit, Sevy0, and a Reclaimer Gatekeeper for Future Sight in Exemplar Interdiction. And you know what? It might be worth it).
Hierarch Severius - Blessing of Vengeance [13] - Crusader [10] - Crusader [10] - Crusader [10] - Judicator [35] Anastasia di Bray [3] Exemplar Warder [0(5)] Exemplar Warder [0(5)] Vassal Mechanik [1] Vassal of Menoth [0(3)] Vassal of Menoth [0(3)] Wrack [1] Choir of Menoth (max) [6] Press Gangers (max) [12]
As down as I am on the theme, it’s not hard for me to build lists in it at least. This is an admittedly weird list designed to overcome a ‘caster’s key weaknesses. Sevy2 has two big ones: he offers no speed increase and he has no damage buff. This typically leads to an army that is slow and risks being pillow fisted (by Prot standards). On the plus side, Field Marshal Oracular Vision is a hell of a drug, one that we will leverage to the nines here. The goal of this list is to run up, get hit, and then hit back harder. Classic Protectorate. We are mitigating the Crusader’s innately awful threat range by giving them the resiliency to stick their head out and get punched. If there isn’t a good threat that will kill them (let’s say an Ironclad charges, for example), feel free to Oracular the charge attack and then tank the rest out, then deliver a pain train in retaliation. If there is a significant change of the ‘jack being crippled beyond reasonability or just outright dying (a Tormentor charges, for example), I recommend eating the charge attack and then using Vassals for Enliven, popping Oracular on the free strike as you saunter away.
To mitigate Sevy2’s speed deficit on scenario, we’ve added in not one but two Merc options with Ambush. Anastasia gives you +1 to go first, which is sweet, and the Press Gangers just make a nuisance of themselves until they die. You’ll note this army is light on infantry clearing, but Sevy2 can damn near solo an entire infantry-based army himself. Your goal is to get up the field, leverage Oracular, use Ambushers to pressure scenario, and get busy when the lines collide. You can bait out charges with Enliven, assuming your opponent doesn’t have a good way to shut it down.
High Exemplar Kreoss - Judicator [35] - Hierophant [3] Exemplar Warder [0(5)] Exemplar Warder Elias Gade [0(5)] Initiate Tristan Durant [4] - Judicator [35] Scrutator Potentate Severius [0(6)] - Redeemer [11] - Redeemer [11] Vassal Mechanik [1] Choir of Menoth (min) [4]
I leave you with double Judicator. This is a variant on the popular pre-Oblivion Kreoss1 double Judy build (pioneered by the lovely bingham of Conflict Chamber, who you should definitely throw dollars at). The points increase on Judy and the loss of a fourth free option has reduced this list in power somewhat, but it’s still good. Game plan is as straightforward as it ever was: you’re playing two ARM 21 Judicators. Leverage that. The solo package is open to debate. I personally elected to get Gade in over a second Warder, as I would look to this for a potential Grymkin drop and Gade is money vs. Gremlin Swarms. If you don’t see a lot of Grymkin or wouldn’t use this against them, then he’s probably better served as a second Warder. Two Warders typically mean you win the gunfight vs. any other list. Biggest weakness this list has is scenario, so have a real solid plan for that.
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Hashmal
Junior Strategist
Posts: 557
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Post by Hashmal on Aug 13, 2019 16:26:03 GMT
And that’s a wrap for Creator’s Might. I’m definitely down on this theme overall, but it still remains an easy option to build for if you have a bunch of Warjacks and nowhere to go. The shining light here is your ability to take both Sevy0 and Tristan1 plus two Archons. If you can somehow leverage that into something magical, that’s where the theme will ultimately take off.
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Post by paradox on Aug 14, 2019 5:19:42 GMT
Dunno, Ive gotten lots of milage put of repo on warders, and even Sev0. Its a much better benefit than it might seem, IMO. Sev0 getting loose with an Immolate, or *gasp* even a charge, then repoing to a pretty safe spot happens. Repo warders get to play offense and defense. And in line with that, Im looking forward to repo archons. I also feel the loss when I swap themes. It hurts scenario play being unable to do work, then repo to a flag or block scoring in a zone. I still feel solid about CM, though it has lost some comparative power. Still a better theme than Guardians. PS: Feora3s best theme is HoD and we all know it.
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Hashmal
Junior Strategist
Posts: 557
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Post by Hashmal on Aug 14, 2019 14:26:56 GMT
I might have come across more dismissive of Repo3 than intended, because my experiences and feelings echo yours. I really do like it. There's nothing like a Warder punking a contesting model then Repositioning on the flag to score. And I have indeed done the Immolate/Charge/Repo behind a building with Sevy0. I call it decent in comparison to other theme benefits (Mark Target, Hand of Vengeance, Pathfinder on Warjacks). In a vacuum though, it's solidly good.
Admittedly I did glaze over on Repo'ing Menite Archons. That will be a hell of a thing.
And you hush about my waifu, even though you are right.
Edit: I'm not sure on Guardians vs. Creator's Might. I have a few ideas that Guardians is well-suited for. My problem with CM right now is that it has *very few* discernable strengths: more mobile Choirboys and solos and double Juniors being the two. Menite Archons in theme is a strength, but that's shared with Faithful Masses who also have Zealots and Sunbursts to take advantage of Fuel for the Flames (I have some fun things brewing for that article). Guardians at least brings flanking pressure, very high speed (relative to most armies, not just Prot), and a cheap as chips sticky tarpit in TFG. My biggest pisser with that theme right now is the lack of a Hierophant (WHY) but I believe there is a case for taking it. Especially given the scenarios as they exist right now.
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doopsie
Junior Strategist
Posts: 341
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Post by doopsie on Aug 15, 2019 2:05:16 GMT
I like the following for Tristan2 in CM but the exact same list can be done in Exemplar Interdiction. It's just a matter of if you want repo on choir/solos and free upkeeps turn 1, or blessed on weapons and Aegis on the Warder.
Tristan 2 Heirophant Devout Indictor x2 Templar x2 Castigator x2 min Choir x2 Wrack Vassal of Menoth x2 (req point) Vassal Mechanik x2 (req point) Exemplar Warder (req point)
I really like it, as you have 4 shield guards for Tristan, plus the Devout stops spell assassination, which helps with Tristan's biggest problem (he's squishy). Plus, with his ARM-buff, you can have 5 ARM21 jacks, which generally need to be one-rounded or Tristan and Mechaniks will bring them back to full operation. Downsides being it's not taking great advantage of theme benefits, and it can really suffer in scenarios that want you to spread out (at which point typically Tristan is as central as possible, Templars or Indictors are contesting distant zones at the extreme edge of Tristan's control range).
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Post by paradox on Dec 18, 2019 19:15:28 GMT
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Hashmal
Junior Strategist
Posts: 557
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Post by Hashmal on Dec 18, 2019 22:15:40 GMT
Some of the stupid. Juniors still have to spend to upkeep. But that is far less restrictive than having to hard cast Turn 1.
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Post by mandra on May 7, 2020 12:12:31 GMT
There is a good list played with this theme today?I have a fair number of warjacks and want to try them!
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sorokin
Junior Strategist
Posts: 775
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Post by sorokin on May 7, 2020 21:32:18 GMT
There is a good list played with this theme today?I have a fair number of warjacks and want to try them! Amon dervish spam never gets old i guess.
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Post by paradox on May 8, 2020 13:56:01 GMT
Theme: The Creator's Might 75 / 75 Army
High Executioner Servath Reznik - WJ: +28 - Hierophant - PC: 3 - Scourge of Heresy - PC: 16 - Redeemer - PC: 11 - Redeemer - PC: 11 - Revenger - PC: 10 - Judicator - PC: 35 (Battlegroup Points Used: 28)
Scrutator Potentate Severius - PC: 0 - Redeemer - PC: 11 Vassal of Menoth - PC: 0 Vassal of Menoth - PC: 0 Exemplar Warder - PC: 0
Choir of Menoth - Leader & 5 Grunts: 6
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