Ask me anything about the new rules!

[GrashnarTheSecond]

I just got my rulebook! Since there's far too much stuff to list (not to mention the fact that I just got it an hour ago), rather than list all the changes, I'm going to let you guys ask questions, and I'll look up the answers.

Some interesting things I noticed during my first flick-through:

Reassuringly, there is a HEAVY focus on the older models as well as the new stuff
Plenty of pictures of upcoming models!
There are various "special' strikes for different types of hand weapons

Profiles in the book (apart from those models that are released on saturday):

Lindir
Rivendell Knight Captain (with picture in the book)
Thror
Thrain
Captain of Erebor
Grim Hammer Captain (with picture in the book)
Gwaihir (new model, likely plastic)
Knight of Rivendell (with picture in the book)
Warrior of Erebor
Grim Hammer
Great Eagle (new model, likely plastic)
Azog
Hunter Orc Captain
Gollum (new profile and new model)
Fell Warg

The smaller rulebook contains 112 pages and has no profiles.

There are seven new army lists for Warbands, as well as a revised White Council list.


In addition to those listed, there's pictures of a new Elrond in armour and an alternative Radagast model.

Gollum gets a completely new profile, Elrond and Radagast remain mostly the same but receive some updates, Gandalf, Saruman and Galadriel don't change. Balin has a new profile but it's listed as "Balin the Dwarf" rather than Balin, Son of Fundin, meaning both profiles remain valid.

That said, let the questions begin!

[General Elessar]

The impression I've recieved from reading other stuff is that the core rules have remained essentially the same, but that there's a few extra details. Is that right?

Also, what's the single biggest rule change?

[GrashnarTheSecond]

The impression I've recieved from reading other stuff is that the core rules have remained essentially the same, but that there's a few extra details. Is that right?

Also, what's the single biggest rule change?

Lots of tweaks, but the core rules are essentially the same yes. Warbands is fully integrated.

The single biggest rules change IMHO is the boost monsters have received with power attacks.

[theavenger001]

Special strikes for different weapons, I've heard of parry, but what are the others and what do they do? Also, what does barge do for monsters?

[GrashnarTheSecond]

Special strikes for different weapons, I've heard of parry, but what are the others and what do they do? Also, what does barge do for monsters?

The different strikes (roughly described, don't want to go into too much detail because of possible legal issues)

Bash (blunt weapons like hammers): Instead of receiving a wound, the enemy may be knocked to the ground.
Feint (bladed weapons like daggers and swords): -1D3 Fight Value, reroll to wound rolls of 1.
Piercing strike (axes and picks): Attacking model is at +D3 strength, -D3 defense for that fight
Stun (clubs, staffs): Instead of receiving a wound, on a 4+ the enemy is FV 1/6+ and has only one attack until the end of the next turn.
Whirl (Flails, whips, etc.): Attacker is at FV 1, but makes a single to-wound-roll at every enemy model in the fight

As for barge; instead of attacking the enemy, they are pushed back 3", and the monster gets to move (and charge) again.

[Fëanor]

This is all sounds pretty cool! Might make it a little complex, but I love more detailed rules. Stun will be annoying to note in bigger battles though..
So these special hand weapon attacks, can you choose to use them, or do you automatically do so?

Thanks for sharing all this!

[SidTheSloth]

you say there are no profiles in the small rulebook... do you mean the one that comes with the starter set has no prfiles or are you speaking of a different rulebook?

[strider]

So to play with any of the new profiles you have to buy the big rulebook. Aaahhh GW once again you screw me over ,god damn preodered starterset .

[Lord Baltimore]

^ that's what I'm saying! Damn you GW, no profiles at all? Come on. Grashnar, does the starter set come with the profiles for the models included, in one of the other little books perhaps ( that is if you did get the starter set). Also, the attacks on weapons, is it a wysiwyg type of deal or is there a fixed weapon type for each entry? Thanks for the info btw, much appreciated!!

[GrashnarTheSecond]

There are rules for the models in the starter set but no points values.

The hand weapon rules are WYSIYG and are optional to use (like the rules for shielding)