Spearmen ideas poll

This forum is now locked until it is time to start the process of writing the new Dark Elf army book.

Well done to all those who took part!

Moderator: The Dread Knights

Locked

What do you think is the best solution for the spearmen, and why?

Cheaper spearmen (8 points)
4
50%
Citizen levy (fight in 3 ranks)
1
13%
AP and S4 when charged by cavalry
0
No votes
Free refrom at the end of the movement phase
1
13%
Spearwall: +1 to hit with spearelves
0
No votes
Spearwall v2: -1 to hit against spearelves
0
No votes
Spearwall v3: Casualties can still fight back
0
No votes
Spearwall v4: -1 to hit against spearelves and +1 to hit with spearelves
0
No votes
When charged spearmen and enemy fails charge, spearmen can counter charge.
1
13%
+1 strength first round of combat.
1
13%
 
Total votes: 8

User avatar
Reader of posts
Shade
Posts: 110
Joined: Sun Oct 13, 2002 6:45 pm
Location: Netherlands, Huizen

Spearmen ideas poll

Post by Reader of posts »

Because there are so many ideas for the spearmen right now, it seems a good idea to start a poll to see what the public opinion is, so the head-playtesters can see public opinion clearly.
It might be a good idea to make this poll sticky by the moderators.

I think only the ideas that are in the poll should be discussed here. New ideas should be made in the 'sticky' spearmen thread, to keep things clear.

Anyway my vote goes to the free reform rule. It seems most original, unique and quite fluffy. However, I'm not sure if this rule can lead to abuse.
War is not about who is right, but who is left.
User avatar
Naram sin
Assassin
Posts: 501
Joined: Thu Oct 31, 2002 11:36 am
Location: Krakow /Poland
Contact:

Post by Naram sin »

Why someone lock this post??
Innocence proves nothing
User avatar
Maelis
Highborn
Posts: 686
Joined: Sun Sep 01, 2002 1:46 am
Location: Warsaw, Poland

Post by Maelis »

+1S in FIRST round of combat, BUT not only for a charge like with spears for Cav, but also when they got charged.
"Prick your finger it is done
the moon has now eclypsed the sun
an angel has spread his wings
the time has come for bitter things"
-M.M
User avatar
Langmann
Malekith's Tastetester & Physician
Malekith's Tastetester & Physician
Posts: 5170
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2002 9:41 pm
Location: Putting needles into people.

Post by Langmann »

Some of these ideas are either too powerful or not effective enough.

Free reform for example, would make a great banner for 1 unit but 3 or 4 units of reforming spearmen would guarantee flank charges everywhere, you'd own the board. I know beastmen can do it but they don't negate ranks.

+1 S is not as good as 2 attacks from corsairs. So once again spearmen are useless.

We don't at this time know the exact points reduction GAV is willing to concede. So that is a premature option as well.

I think you need to consider different options before voting on anything, it is too premature at this time.

I'll get back to you when I know more, which should be in a few days. Be patient! :D
While running a million dollar company, singing at weddings, and his frequent jetting to Spain Elton Jon style, Dark Alliance found the time to stand on the doorstep of Games Workshop like Moses and the Pharoah and calmly state, "Let my people go."
User avatar
Maelis
Highborn
Posts: 686
Joined: Sun Sep 01, 2002 1:46 am
Location: Warsaw, Poland

Post by Maelis »

I got one question - Do we REALY NEED SPEARLEVES?

We have Rxbowelves, Citguards and Corsairs for light CORE infantry so do we REALY need another unit? Rxbows work well for shooting, Cityguards for defending and Corsairs for agressive attacking, so what else do we need?

We are thinking about Spearelves UPGRADE, but isnt Cityguard formation the one?

I would make our CORE list like that:

Dark Riders
Corsairs
Drannach Warriors (Cityguard)
>"druchii name for rxbow"< Warriors

and thats all! I REALY dont think we need another redundant unit, besides "standard" speareleves never fitted Drak Elf fluff.

What can be better on attack that Corsairs with SDC and 2A and on defence like Drannach Warriors (Cityguards)with 4+ AS and ability to shoot charging enemy straight in the face. There is no place for spearelves, so lets erase them from our list (you can still create unit of Spearelves by choosing Drannach Warriors WITHOUT rxbows in front line).

Now all this debate about Spears seems to be like inventing the circle again...

Lets better concentrate on choosing RIGHT option for Execs - they still dont have approved fix (while I think that Cityguards have fixed spears more hen better - they are competative for Corsairs and still not a no-brainer choice).


(in fact all this discussion about spearelves realy suprised me, because I thought that Cityguards demand in our Petition realy SOLVED the problem).
"Prick your finger it is done
the moon has now eclypsed the sun
an angel has spread his wings
the time has come for bitter things"
-M.M
Dark Alliance
Morathi's Favoured
Morathi's Favoured
Posts: 9741
Joined: Tue Sep 10, 2002 1:29 pm
Location: In the paintshop

Post by Dark Alliance »

The more I think about it the more my vote goes for Spearelves at 8points a model including shield, with heavy armour as a 1 point upgrade.

Despite what Gav would like to do, Spears are just not an offensive weapon. So if he wants to see them going forwards why not just reduce their cost so we can field more of them, enabling us to get the outnumber + rank bonuses for longer during combat. Then by the second round we have another unit in support, hitting the enemy in the flank.

Initially I liked the idea of free reform but when I try that out by moving boards around a table top the more I realise the potential for overpowering. Langmann is right that with 2 or 3 units of spears doing that you would own the battlefield. If you think about it, the threat is so great they do not even need to be units bigger than 10 strong. With them you could stop any charge hitting any of your key units.

S4 doesn't do it for me 'coz 2 attacks is always better than 1. We have proved that time and again by shooting our rxbs twice rather than once.

None of the other stuff excites me either. I just want a really cheap troop choice and I think the points drop achieves just that and with the right unit. Keep the other spear rules the same and then they are not competing with Corsairs as they will both have different tactical uses.
User avatar
/\\//\
Hunter Of The Night
Posts: 2152
Joined: Wed Sep 11, 2002 4:17 pm
Location: England

Post by /\\//\ »

If we didn't have Spear Elves as a unit then GW would have to change all the Dark Elf Warrior box designs so it showed them in Cityguard formation. I doubt GW would be willing to spend a load of money doing this. Anyway I still think we should have an offensive Spearmen regiment.
User avatar
Purple whisper
Noble
Posts: 413
Joined: Mon Jun 10, 2002 9:04 am
Location: Hengelo, The Netherlands

Post by Purple whisper »

Dark Alliance wrote:S4 doesn't do it for me 'coz 2 attacks is always better than 1. We have proved that time and again by shooting our rxbs twice rather than once.

This isn't true. Against T4+ and/or better Armour Saves S4 is better then two S3 attacks. For the repeater crossbow it is true that two attacks is better, but that is because the modifier works only on 'to hit'; S4 works on both 'to wound' and armour save, and that makes it better in certain circumstances.
User avatar
Nameless one
Trainee Warrior
Posts: 41
Joined: Mon Dec 16, 2002 10:40 pm
Location: Den Haag, The Netherlands

Post by Nameless one »

I voted for cheaper spearmen right now all the proposed alternatives doesn't sound right.

(A whee little voice keeps on banging "give spearmen strength 4 with their weapon" it gives a nice twist against wounding T3 and the T4 troopers. But I just cannot garantue the symbiosum with the rest of the army.
"Don't ask the Nameless One his name: he hasn't got one"
User avatar
Nameless one
Trainee Warrior
Posts: 41
Joined: Mon Dec 16, 2002 10:40 pm
Location: Den Haag, The Netherlands

Post by Nameless one »

I voted for cheaper spearmen right now all the proposed alternatives doesn't sound right.

(A whee little voice keeps on banging "give spearmen strength 4 with their weapon" it gives a nice twist against wounding T3 and the T4 troopers. But I just cannot garantue the symbiosum with the rest of the army.
"Don't ask the Nameless One his name: he hasn't got one"
User avatar
Dark reaper
Highborn
Posts: 711
Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2002 10:43 am
Location: Trondheim, Norway

Post by Dark reaper »

Dark Alliance wrote:The more I think about it the more my vote goes for Spearelves at 8points a model including shield, with heavy armour as a 1 point upgrade.

Despite what Gav would like to do, Spears are just not an offensive weapon. So if he wants to see them going forwards why not just reduce their cost so we can field more of them, enabling us to get the outnumber + rank bonuses for longer during combat. Then by the second round we have another unit in support, hitting the enemy in the flank.

Initially I liked the idea of free reform but when I try that out by moving boards around a table top the more I realise the potential for overpowering. Langmann is right that with 2 or 3 units of spears doing that you would own the battlefield. If you think about it, the threat is so great they do not even need to be units bigger than 10 strong. With them you could stop any charge hitting any of your key units.

S4 doesn't do it for me 'coz 2 attacks is always better than 1. We have proved that time and again by shooting our rxbs twice rather than once.

None of the other stuff excites me either. I just want a really cheap troop choice and I think the points drop achieves just that and with the right unit. Keep the other spear rules the same and then they are not competing with Corsairs as they will both have different tactical uses.


As I have said before, this is possibly the best solution.
User avatar
Dark reaper
Highborn
Posts: 711
Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2002 10:43 am
Location: Trondheim, Norway

Post by Dark reaper »

I think DA'a solution is the best.
User avatar
Langmann
Malekith's Tastetester & Physician
Malekith's Tastetester & Physician
Posts: 5170
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2002 9:41 pm
Location: Putting needles into people.

Post by Langmann »

I like DA's solution myself as well. ;)

A cheap troop that can be used as sacrificial lambs to draw charges is what I have always wanted.

Plus they can be stacked with large numbers such that they can take a pounding.

The more stats I work out with this unit the better they seem.

@ Purple:

Yes there are some rare circumstances against heavily armoured (and I am talking knights and dwarfs (who are not always AS3+) when S4 is better, and only very slightly.

However corsairs would still be the best troop for all purpose use, IMHO. Spears would get pigeonholed into a unit rarely used.

Finally if we want to bust heavily armoured things, executioners, CoK, CoC, hydra, BG, RBT all come to mind. I have never regretted bringing executioners against dwarfs, small flanking units of them paired with a unit that can hold such as corsairs works quite nicely.

vs T3 AS 5+

corsair 45% wound.
S4 spear 37% wound.

vs T4 AS 5+ (orcs)

corsairs 30% wound.
S4 spear 28% wound.

vs t4 AS 3+ (dwarf core)

corsair 11 % wound.
S4 spear 12.5% wound.

This is why I favor Dark Alliance's idea of just a cheap troop type. Corsairs would still have their advantages. Also it has a fluffy aspect to it. I mean all dark elf cities are composed of reserve troops, even the women fight. Thus these troops should be easily raised, and the cheap price reflects this. For the cheap price of 8 points and 9 points with heavy armour they are decent then for what they can do and worth the cost.

I guess since HE get cheap magic, we get cheap spearmen?

Also the garrison formation can still be an upgrade to the spearmen, thus making a better unit out of spearmen, but at the same time making spearmen worth taking.

Originally I was concerned that Gav would not allow price reductions for certain troop types. Now however he seems interested in that, and so I think we should try and persuade him of this.
While running a million dollar company, singing at weddings, and his frequent jetting to Spain Elton Jon style, Dark Alliance found the time to stand on the doorstep of Games Workshop like Moses and the Pharoah and calmly state, "Let my people go."
User avatar
Naram sin
Assassin
Posts: 501
Joined: Thu Oct 31, 2002 11:36 am
Location: Krakow /Poland
Contact:

Post by Naram sin »

So for 9 points HA, spear but how mutch for a command??
I'm for it but guys one again take a look at Reades and my proposition of new charge reaction.
Innocence proves nothing
User avatar
Maelis
Highborn
Posts: 686
Joined: Sun Sep 01, 2002 1:46 am
Location: Warsaw, Poland

Post by Maelis »

I totaly agree with DA and Langmann - Spearelves with reduced cost are JUST FINE - and they get "upgrade" or "additional rule"-> The Cityguards.
"Prick your finger it is done
the moon has now eclypsed the sun
an angel has spread his wings
the time has come for bitter things"
-M.M
User avatar
Maelis
Highborn
Posts: 686
Joined: Sun Sep 01, 2002 1:46 am
Location: Warsaw, Poland

Post by Maelis »

I totaly agree with DA and Langmann - Spearelves with reduced cost are JUST FINE - and they get "upgrade" or "additional rule" - The Cityguards.
"Prick your finger it is done
the moon has now eclypsed the sun
an angel has spread his wings
the time has come for bitter things"
-M.M
User avatar
Maelis
Highborn
Posts: 686
Joined: Sun Sep 01, 2002 1:46 am
Location: Warsaw, Poland

Post by Maelis »

I totaly agree with DA and Langmann - Spearelves with reduced cost are JUST FINE - and they get upgrade or additional rule - The Cityguards.
"Prick your finger it is done
the moon has now eclypsed the sun
an angel has spread his wings
the time has come for bitter things"
-M.M
User avatar
Maelis
Highborn
Posts: 686
Joined: Sun Sep 01, 2002 1:46 am
Location: Warsaw, Poland

Post by Maelis »

I totaly agree with DA and Langmann - Spearelves with reduced cost are JUST FINE - and they get upgrade or additional rule - The Cityguards.
"Prick your finger it is done
the moon has now eclypsed the sun
an angel has spread his wings
the time has come for bitter things"
-M.M
User avatar
Maelis
Highborn
Posts: 686
Joined: Sun Sep 01, 2002 1:46 am
Location: Warsaw, Poland

Post by Maelis »

I totaly agree with DA and Langmann - Spearelves with reduced cost are JUST FINE - and they get upgrade or additional rule - The Cityguards.
"Prick your finger it is done
the moon has now eclypsed the sun
an angel has spread his wings
the time has come for bitter things"
-M.M
User avatar
Maelis
Highborn
Posts: 686
Joined: Sun Sep 01, 2002 1:46 am
Location: Warsaw, Poland

Post by Maelis »

I totaly agree with DA and Langmann - Spearelves with reduced cost are JUST FINE - and they get upgrade or additional rule - The Cityguards.
"Prick your finger it is done
the moon has now eclypsed the sun
an angel has spread his wings
the time has come for bitter things"
-M.M
User avatar
Maelis
Highborn
Posts: 686
Joined: Sun Sep 01, 2002 1:46 am
Location: Warsaw, Poland

Post by Maelis »

I totaly agree with DA and Langmann - Spearelves with reduced cost are JUST FINE - and they get upgrade or additional rule - The Cityguards.
"Prick your finger it is done
the moon has now eclypsed the sun
an angel has spread his wings
the time has come for bitter things"
-M.M
User avatar
Maelis
Highborn
Posts: 686
Joined: Sun Sep 01, 2002 1:46 am
Location: Warsaw, Poland

Post by Maelis »

I totaly agree with DA and Langmann - Spearelves with reduced cost are JUST FINE - and they get upgrade or additional rule - The Cityguards.
User avatar
Sulla
Malekith's Best Friend
Posts: 2261
Joined: Fri Nov 08, 2002 5:56 am
Location: Flying my manticore 'Bloodmaw', looking for prey.

Post by Sulla »

Not really interested in any of these rules sorry Reader...
User avatar
Langmann
Malekith's Tastetester & Physician
Malekith's Tastetester & Physician
Posts: 5170
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2002 9:41 pm
Location: Putting needles into people.

Post by Langmann »

I am locking this post since we have two now going on! It's confusing, plus some issues have changed.

Trust me I will know shortly what Gav says about this and I will get back to you when I know EXACTLY what is on the table.
While running a million dollar company, singing at weddings, and his frequent jetting to Spain Elton Jon style, Dark Alliance found the time to stand on the doorstep of Games Workshop like Moses and the Pharoah and calmly state, "Let my people go."
Locked