Bad Feeling: Stormblade Solo

[Calibre]

I've noticed a lot of talk about the rumored Stormblade Solo. A lot of people suspects that we might get one with the Collosal release, but I'm quite skeptical. We've been discussing it for a while now and I simply can not see abilities on this guy that will make him live up to expectations. Stormblades is Cygnar's version for the lack of having weapon masters we get the pow 11 weapons +the average damage roll already factored in. To make up for the odd high rolls they get to shoot/assault. Their biggest problem is that they are single wounded warriors packed into multi-wound models bodies, slow, low def, medium armored, without the benefit of blocking tramples. Which means that most of the time they simply don't get where they are going due to being shot down or simply being to slow, and they rely a lot on support to bump up their armor and increase their survival rate. All these requirements create one very expensive unit and the fact we are not able to field them 6-10 only adds to that.

This creates a very awkward position when designing a Stormblade Solo, either he will like Runewood bring some benefits to Stormblades (Here's hoping storm nouns rather) or he will be a Solo completely working on his own. If he brings enhancements to the unit how would you design him, do you enhance the unit's def? do you enhance the unit's spd? do you enhance the units arm?

[Pydracor]

I don't care, I just want a 2 - 3 pts model to fuel Stormclads

Also, it's known by now, that we don't get it with the Colossal release, for Cygnar there's only N3mo and the Stormwall in that book.

[DrBaltar]

If i had the option to desgin him i would give him Electrical Arc (as the Stormblade Leader) and the ability to grant Force Barrier to Stormnoun-infantry (this includes Stormguard). This for 2 points would be a fair deal!

[Anurien]

Nemo3+Finch
and Stormwall.....

that's all folks.

[DrBaltar]

Nemo3+Finch
and Stormwall.....

that's all folks.

Yes, most of us know that by now, but its the third themelist (Stryker1, Haley2 NQ-themlist, Darius NQ-themelist) where this Stormblade solo is mentioned and i suspect that we see him next year in the following warmachine book

[PG_Dino-Czar]

We know nothing -at all- about the upcoming solo, except the possible inference that it will be in the next book. It is absurd to "feel bad" about what it may or may not do.

[Sacredsouless]

I sense much doomsaying in this thread....

but anyway, I wouldn't be surprised to see a slightly more badass Stormblade Captain. Now what I would like to see is a minimum of Tactics: Defensive Line. Then the SB's get ARM 20 while B2B w/ AS. Though I do admit having something like Force Barrier (electricity ftw?) would be pretty sweet.

[Soundsofascience]

Granted: Stealth

Done.

[Thanan]

Reach ps 13 weapon master. Range 10 POW 12 aoe 3 electric gun with RIP one round pow 10.
And assault. Stats as storm blade UA +1 rat.

[Thanan]

Reach ps 13 weapon master. Range 10 POW 12 aoe 3 electric gun with RIP one round pow 10.
And assault. Stats as storm blade UA +1 rat.

[GunMageinTraining]

Things that would be cool on a Storm-noun solo

Point Blank
Elite Cadre
Forced March (GOD WE NEED SPEED)
Force Barrier
Mini-feat: Something speed based
Vengance
Pathfinder
Reach on Charge (stormblades)

Lots of options, though I expect it will be something we don't really want, and only get tangential benefits from if we build around it.

[Strangelove]

Wishful thinking: Backswing + Electroleap + reach weapon.

[bouncymischa]

Stormblades is Cygnar's version for the lack of having weapon masters we get the pow 11 weapons +the average damage roll already factored in. To make up for the odd high rolls they get to shoot/assault. Their biggest problem is that they are single wounded warriors packed into multi-wound models bodies, slow, low def, medium armored, without the benefit of blocking tramples. Which means that most of the time they simply don't get where they are going due to being shot down or simply being to slow, and they rely a lot on support to bump up their armor and increase their survival rate. All these requirements create one very expensive unit and the fact we are not able to field them 6-10 only adds to that.

Somewhat odd, considering that several other factions have Weapon Master infantry with similar statlines. Admittedly, a few of those do have inherent armor buffs like Defensive Line, but that still doesn't provide any defense against things like Sniper. Yet those factions do seem to make effective use of their infantry, despite having similar limitations to Stormblades...

Forced March (GOD WE NEED SPEED)
Mini-feat: Something speed based

I can't help but think back to the days in Mk I when Rhupert handed out +2" movement to units, and ranged-heavy armies (like Cygnar) complained that their RNG 10 rifles were useless on a battlefield where all the infantry units could simply charge further than they could shoot. So then along came Mk II, the +2" was removed, and people started saying "Hey, maybe RNG 10 will actually be useful now!" Now infantry units are getting shot before they can engage, and players are clamoring for more and more speed bonuses so that their melee units can charge/engage ranged units...

Of course, given that people already argue that RNG 10 is useless and that ranged units need ranged extensions to be viable... it seems like a vicious circle. X3

[PG_Dino-Czar]

Electro Charger [Storm Blades].

Brace yourself now.

[sleet01]

Once-per-game RAT boost for Storm Knights? That'd make the SBs and SLs pretty happy, especially under cNemo's feat.

[rjc243]

I wouldn't mind seeing the Stormnoun solo with some sort of generator that powers the stormnoun's suit of armor. So, a 5" range buff that grants one of the following per turn:
1) +1 spd
2) +2 arm
3) something that boosts offense, but doesnt make them OP. Maybe a pow 10 discharge attack when hit in melee? Would a 1" push to the attacker be to much?

[knight_actual]

I want a landmate Storm.blade solo. Medium base please.

[Bladestorm]

Somewhat odd, considering that several other factions have Weapon Master infantry with similar statlines. Admittedly, a few of those do have inherent armor buffs like Defensive Line, but that still doesn't provide any defense against things like Sniper. Yet those factions do seem to make effective use of their infantry, despite having similar limitations to Stormblades...

I have the impression that the Stormblades are pretty much alone in being a DEF 12, ARM 15 melee unit rather than a DEF 12, ARM 15 + (something else significant that helps survival) melee unit. For instance Bane Thralls get the excellent stealth, Menoth's Knight units get bonds, trolls get tough, elves get defensive line and even the stormguard get set defence.

[Juggernautie]

Tactics: Phantom Seeker-Stealth!

[PG_Dino-Czar]

I have the impression that the Stormblades are pretty much alone in being a DEF 12, ARM 15 melee unit rather than a DEF 12, ARM 15 + (something else significant that helps survival) melee unit. For instance Bane Thralls get the excellent stealth, Menoth's Knight units get bonds, trolls get tough, elves get defensive line and even the stormguard get set defence.

Doom Reavers are a mighty 13/14. So... gottcha, I guess.

(I feel so fulfilled right now)

[Juggernautie]

Tactics: Phantom Seeker-Stealth! Electronic cloud that blocks Phantom Seeker to unit and other friendly models within 3" of the unit.

[Soundsofascience]

Hell, make it turn their claymores into light sabers. Make a melee attack roll to cause their opponent's ranged attack to miss

[Halfhoot]

Doom Reavers are a mighty 13/14. So... gottcha, I guess.

(I feel so fulfilled right now)

That one extra defense is a good bit taking most infantry and straight shooting to 7-8 instead of 6-7 to hit. Add in Rhupert and you could get them to def 14 which is quite respectable... so no I really wouldn't say that is a gotcha. 12 is that I'm a jack easy to hit range that just isn't a problem. 13 at least makes you think about it and 14 makes you miss quite a bit.

Man Iron Flesh would be so nice. Or that spell that gives -2 to hit for living models... but we'll never have that sadly.

He'll have to have some decent defensive stats or some major speed buff to be worth it as an offensive melee solo. I mean Runewood is MAT 7 P&S 12 Weapon master and I've used his melee attack... twice? I mainly use his hand cannon. Otherwise he'll just die from being too close to the front lines. And he has a pretty darn good anti ranged defensive ability. (that extra hand cannon is super sweet though)

[dunce002917]

I don't mind a 3 pt Stormblade Solo if he/she has 2 of the following wish traits:
reach
thunderbolt
tough
weapon master
granted: parry to friendly Storm(noun) models

one would wish...

[phreaker187]

Granted: Weapon master to Storm infantry would be better. While we're dreaming anyway.

[sleet01]

How about Vengeance, Stealth, and Tough? I mean, if we're getting *really* ridiculous...

[PG_Tamwulf]

There are three Cygnar models in Colossals:

Artificier General Nemo
Storm Chaser Adept Finch (who is the UA for 3Nemo)
Stormwall

I guess you could include Galleon as well... it's a Mercenary Warjack Colossal after all.

Don't expect to see or hear about any new Warmachine Cygnar releases until sometime next year. PP still has to finish the Wrath release, Domination release, Colossals, and the up coming Gargantuan release- which is rumored to be next Spring? Then there is the IKRPG this fall... so we might start seeing a teaser model or two for the next Warmachine book around Christmas? Probably Templecon in the beginning of February would be a better estimate.

[Bloodsplatter artist]

Not to go to far of topic but the general theme here is that stormblades are subpar? I saw a post earlier about how they had similar stats to most other Weapon master units. I think they might be less troubled by the lack of defensive mechanics and more by the lack of other strong infantry to spread the agro around. If you look at most other armies they have multiple "deal with me now units" and it becomes much harder to focus fire. On the other hand those same armies know that if they kill the stormblades are trenchers or gunmages won't be able to damage their heavy hitters.
I mean if menoth could suddenly take stormblades would they still be a bad unit?

Also while in the wish list zone having a supper BA broken *** solo like Tarter sauce would be awesome. I know big T gives banes some sort of buff so how cool would a solo that grants positive charge to a unit be? Doesn't do anything to make them live more but if they reach mele they're carving up even WG deathstar.

[Sacredsouless]

Wish list? How about two Weapon Master Stormglaives at MAT 8, has the electrical arc rule, a chain attack, and gives Storm-nouns defensive line and force barrier. And heck, give them Quick Work and Tough too, that would be amusing.

[John Q.]

A solo that has a good attack, and gives desperate pace to stormblades. Boom. Not broken, but good and goes a long way to making them better.

[Bloodsplatter artist]

I'm not sure what he would really grant them if he did though. Stealth doesn't really make sense, they're not phisicly more dureable then other humans so tough is out. Not quite sure what else there is to make them more survivable other then a raw stat boost. The field idea sounds promising arm is a prety worthless stat if it's not insanely high but a built in def buff could be cool. Maybe like the leaders power field but for defense. Only problem is they would have to clump up and get aoe'd to death

And yes my auto correct is the bane of my posting existence. I have no idea how to turn it off.

[sleet01]

Good lord, man, either edit that post or fire your auto-correct! I cannae tell what yer sayin'!

[Oilslick]

Random guess, new cav solo

[jking_3rd]

I'd like to see a model w/ with multiple options, like :
Unit enhancing, whether Tactics or *Action (not Order as it wouod remove the Assault charge) granting the following:
1) DMG -Smite *Attack to get Slaming front line infantry into backline infantry.
2) Move - Sidestep to get movement forward (Voltaic / magnetic attraction) & use the melee atk that gets lost when Assault kills the initial target
3) gives Quick Work since the SBs sometimes need the ability to use both attacks available.

along with personal abilities like:
4) Reach
5) a Thresher option
6) even a Bile Thrall like or Thunderhead like semi-radial purge ability.

Obviously something like this should be a character, and may cost 3pts. Afterall Nicia cost only 3 and offers a nice improvement to her fellow Daughters.

[Ysthrall]

Doom Reavers are a mighty 13/14. So... gottcha, I guess.

(I feel so fulfilled right now)

Also, Doom Reavers have Spell Ward, IIRC.

I like John Qs idea of a solo with Desperate Pace. It's not much, but its a good-un. Force barrier would be nice, but it feels a little strong for 2 points.

At 3 points, lets have Vengeance

[testuser]

Indeed Doom Reavers have spell ward and +1 spd and magical weapon etc etc

[King-of-Storms]

You can have your Stormknight Solo.

I want Stormnoun heavy infantry. Honest to God eight wound boxed heavy infantry wth electrical weapons and the normal stormnoun works (electro-leap, eye of the storm, etc.)

Cygnar can do without another character solo. If Cygnar must have another solo let it be generic (non-character) with a FA 2. I'm leaning towards a Morrowan type solo that can tell Cryx "Access denied" for soul tokens. Cryx is giving me a headache as of late.

[vintersbastard]

That one extra defense is a good bit taking most infantry and straight shooting to 7-8 instead of 6-7 to hit. Add in Rhupert and you could get them to def 14 which is quite respectable...

Good thing that they can't take Rhupert, then.

He'll have to have some decent defensive stats or some major speed buff to be worth it as an offensive melee solo. I mean Runewood is MAT 7 P&S 12 Weapon master and I've used his melee attack... twice? I mainly use his hand cannon.

But isn't that mostly because he's a very nice buffer? I doubt that a model like Nicia is kept out of melee just because she can shoot.

I'd like to see a model w/ with multiple options, like :
Unit enhancing, whether Tactics or *Action (not Order as it wouod remove the Assault charge) granting the following:

Please, not *actions. I don't want to see another Finn. Elite Cadre or any-time abilities would be nice, though.

[Nuriochi_sol]

I'd love to see Vengeance... on ANYthing in Cygnar.

[Defenstrator]

I'd be happy if he buffed their survivability or melee ability. The UA and WA are all about the guns, lets cover their weaknesses or buff their strengths.

I'd even be happy if it was just another bubble that they got their +2 RNG and POW from like the leader, so t least they could use that higher CMD to actually spread out.