Legion of Nagash Arkhan the Black

[Disciple of Nagash]

This thread is for voting on the Special Character - Arkhan the Black

Please note: This is not to vote whether they fit in with the theme etc. That is what the discussion in the threads is for.

It is to check and ensure we have created fair rules that are not unbalancing, or there is not something grossly wrong that has been over looked.

This Poll will close on 23/04/09

Arkhan the Black ...................620 pts.

M 4/WS 8/BS 4/S 5/T 5/W 4/I 8/A 5/Ld 10

Magic
Arkhan is a Lvl 4 wizard. He may choose spells from either the Lore of Shadows, Death, or Nagash.
He may cast all four Rituals of Nagash per magic phase thanks to the Staff of Damnation

Equipment:
(All Arkhans equipment is considered the superior original version of the copies seen used by the Vampire Counts)

The Tomb Blade of Arkhan
The sword was fashioned by Arkhan countless years ago, the enchantments within stealing the souls of those it slays infusing it master with necromantic might
For each model killed by this blade, a unit or model within 12" is healed, which can be Arkhan himself. This may not take wounds or a unit above their original starting number / size

The Book of Arkhan
As the most trusted of Nagash's Dread Lords, this book was gifted by the Dark Lord to wreak havoc in his name
This Book combines the abilities of Books 4 & 7 of the Books of Nagash. This means he may add 1PD to any casting attempt which cannot cause IF, but may still cause a miscast, and any enemies within 6" suffer -1 to their to hit roles for combat or shooting.

The Staff of Eternal Damnation
The skull atop this black staff glows with baleful magic, it's power driving the dead around it on with terrible hunger
Allows Arkhan to cast all 4 Rituals of Nagash per magic phase instead of the normal 2.

The Scarab Armour
Surrounding the Dread Lords body is a cloud of enchanted Scarabs. These creatures will protect their masters life and will throw themselves in front of any perceived threat.
Confers a 4+ ward for the Bearer and any mount.

Special Rules:
Undead

Master of Undeath
Arkhan gains a +1 to cast spells from the Lore of Nagash. This is in addition to the normal +1 for a total of +2.

The Right Hand of Nagash
Unless Nagash is present, Arkhan must be the armies general. He also causes Terror

The Black Tower
Through his superior tactical knowledge and the abilities of his tower, Arkhan always strikes when it will prove most advantageous to him.
Any army with Arkhan as the general may add +2 to the roll, to see who gets the first turn.

Mount(one choice only)
The Manticore Chariot - 265pts
This hellish construction was made by Arkhan from the remains of a Manticore he slew with his bare hands. Fused together with a Khemrian chariot it has carried its master loyally for hundreds of years, its claws and teeth killing as it did in life.

Counts as monster with the following profile:
M 8/WS 3/BS 0/S 6/T 5/W 5/I 3/A 4/Ld 4

Special Rules
-Undead
-Massive Bulk
The bulk of this creature of nightmares causes horrific damage as it ploughs into the enemy, its wheels, claws and fangs tearing apart its foes with ease
Causes D6+4 impact hits upon charging
-Fly
-Large Target
-Creation of Arkhan: Should Arkhan be killed the Manticore Chariot is also destroyed immediately.

 

[Trevy the Great]

Fine wit' me!

 

[Arion]

Since I was present in its development:

Fine wit' me!

 

[Kaladas Harkon]

Too cheap points-wise, he should be more 650/750-ish. He's quite similar to Malekith, but better. He can cast the rituals, heal himself with his sword, has a 4+ ward, +2 to cast, +1PD per spell, -1 to hit for all enemies nearby, and 4 wounds.

 

[T'Keela]

Hey I've only got two things to add other than I like the whole idea of it. Haha wouldn't mind seeing some fluff for him written as well, but thats just me.:mrgreen:

The Tomb Blade of Arkhan
The sword was fashioned by Arkhan countless years ago, the enchantments within stealing the souls of those it slays infusing it master with necromantic might
For each wound caused by this blade, a unit or model within 12" is healed, which can be Arkhan himself.

I think you need to put a limit on it, similar to how certain VC spells/weapons work, so a single model cannot have is total wounds raised beyond twice its original amount, It'd be kinda cheesy if after four rounds of combat Arkhan was running around with say 12 wounds from killing 3 models in each combat.

The Black Tower
Through his superior tactical knowledge and the abilities of his tower, Arkhan always strikes when it will prove most advantageous to him.
Any army with Arkhan as the general may choose to go first if the player wants to, they do not need to roll to see who gets the first turn.

Though I think this is a nice rule, it's a littler over-powered for my taste, I think it would fit in better if the person fielding Arkhan was able to reroll their result once. This would also prevent you from having to jack his points cost up to keep him balanced.


All in all though he does need his points cost increased to around 600 at least, this is because his profile alone puts him on par in melee with Archon(before unleashing his sword) and I think his magic ability puts him on par with Teclis. Just my 2c.

 

[lord marcus]

under the tomb blade you might want to say 1 wound per kill, otherwise a little low on the points isde, made 650 is better. then he's perfect.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Looking at the above points, I see understand some of them, so I propose the following amendments:

Arkhan's Sword:
Cannot takes wounds above original profile (this was intended anyway buts makes it clearer)
A wounds is regained for each model killed.

I would agree an increase in points to 610

However I won't make these changes until others reply.

 

[Arion]

I agree with the tomb blade change, but with the points, we're talking upwards of 50 points changed, maybe I should check Vekarins addition.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

That would be excellent if you could do that Arion.

 

[Skaramak von Carstein]

Overall, I think that this is good, but would agree that somewhat under-pointed. Other comments below:

Equipment:
(All Arkhans equipment is considered the superior original version of the copies seen used by the Vampire Counts)

The Tomb Blade of Arkhan
The sword was fashioned by Arkhan countless years ago, the enchantments within stealing the souls of those it slays infusing it master with necromantic might
For each wound caused by this blade, a unit or model within 12" is healed, which can be Arkhan himself.

This seems ok, being 'healed' as written (I know it has also been commented on above), and not increased above starting wounds/models.

The Book of Arkhan
As the most trusted of Nagash's Dread Lords, this book was gifted by the Dark Lord to wreak havoc in his name
This Book combines the abilities of Books 4 & 7 of the Books of Nagash. This means he may add 1PD to any casting attempt which cannot cause IF, but may still cause a miscast, and any enemies within 6" suffer -1 to their to hit roles for combat or shooting.

Other than the typo - should be "rolls" - fine.

The Staff of Eternal Damnation
The Scarab Armour

Special Rules:
Undead
Master of Undeath
The Right Hand of Nagash

These work for me as are

The Black Tower
Through his superior tactical knowledge and the abilities of his tower, Arkhan always strikes when it will prove most advantageous to him.
Any army with Arkhan as the general may choose to go first if the player wants to, they do not need to roll to see who gets the first turn.

I would be tempted to say that he gets +1 or +2, meaning that he is better, but can still get it wrong.

Mount(one choice only)
The Manticore Chariot - 265pts
This hellish construction was made by Arkhan from the remains of a Manticore he slew with his bare hands. Fused together with a Khemrian chariot it has carried its master loyally for hundreds of years, its claws and teeth killing as it did in life.

Special Rules
-Undead
-Massive Bulk
The bulk of this creature of nightmares causes horrific damage as it ploughs into the enemy, its wheels, claws and fangs tearing apart its foes with ease
Causes D6+4 impact hits upon charging
-Fly
-Large Target
-Creation of Arkhan: Should Arkhan be killed the Manticore Chariot is also destroyed immediately.

Again, this looks fine at the cost, although a real challenge to build one that looks the part.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Ok, I've amended the Tomb Blade.

As a few people have commented on the Black Tower rule, I would say that he gains +2 to his roll.

If everyone is ok with that I can make the amendment.

In regards to the points cost, we'll wait for Arion to come back......which I hope is soon

 

[Arion]

This thread is for voting on the Special Character - Arkhan the Black

Please note: This is not to vote whether they fit in with the theme etc. That is what the discussion in the threads is for.

It is to check and ensure we have created fair rules that are not unbalancing, or there is not something grossly wrong that has been over looked.

This Poll will close on 23/04/09

Arkhan the Black ...................535 pts.

M 4/WS 8/BS 4/S 5/T 5/W 4/I 8/A 5/Ld 10

Magic
Arkhan is a Lvl 4 wizard. He may choose spells from either the Lore of Shadows, Death, or Nagash.
He may cast all four Rituals of Nagash per magic phase thanks to the Staff of Damnation

Equipment:
(All Arkhans equipment is considered the superior original version of the copies seen used by the Vampire Counts)

The Tomb Blade of Arkhan
The sword was fashioned by Arkhan countless years ago, the enchantments within stealing the souls of those it slays infusing it master with necromantic might
For each model killed by this blade, a unit or model within 12" is healed, which can be Arkhan himself. This may not take wounds or a unit above their original starting number / size

The Book of Arkhan
As the most trusted of Nagash's Dread Lords, this book was gifted by the Dark Lord to wreak havoc in his name
This Book combines the abilities of Books 4 & 7 of the Books of Nagash. This means he may add 1PD to any casting attempt which cannot cause IF, but may still cause a miscast, and any enemies within 6" suffer -1 to their to hit roles for combat or shooting.

The Staff of Eternal Damnation
The skull atop this black staff glows with baleful magic, it's power driving the dead around it on with terrible hunger
Allows Arkhan to cast all 4 Rituals of Nagash per magic phase instead of the normal 2.

The Scarab Armour
Surrounding the Dread Lords body is a cloud of enchanted Scarabs. These creatures will protect their masters life and will throw themselves in front of any perceived threat.
Confers a 4+ ward for the Bearer and any mount.

Special Rules:
Undead

Master of Undeath
Arkhan gains a +1 to cast spells from the Lore of Nagash. This is in addition to the normal +1 for a total of +2.

The Right Hand of Nagash
Unless Nagash is present, Arkhan must be the armies general. He also causes Terror

The Black Tower
Through his superior tactical knowledge and the abilities of his tower, Arkhan always strikes when it will prove most advantageous to him.
Any army with Arkhan as the general may choose to go first if the player wants to, they do not need to roll to see who gets the first turn.

Mount(one choice only)
The Manticore Chariot - 265pts
This hellish construction was made by Arkhan from the remains of a Manticore he slew with his bare hands. Fused together with a Khemrian chariot it has carried its master loyally for hundreds of years, its claws and teeth killing as it did in life.

Counts as monster with the following profile:
M 8/WS 3/BS 0/S 6/T 5/W 5/I 3/A 4/Ld 4

Special Rules
-Undead
-Massive Bulk
The bulk of this creature of nightmares causes horrific damage as it ploughs into the enemy, its wheels, claws and fangs tearing apart its foes with ease
Causes D6+4 impact hits upon charging
-Fly
-Large Target
-Creation of Arkhan: Should Arkhan be killed the Manticore Chariot is also destroyed immediately.

285+75+55+65+25+50+15+40+20-10
=620

Arkhan the Pink (I remembered, see) is 620pts. Not counting his chariot.

Where, Oh where, did you go wrong Vekarin?

 

[Trevy the Great]

I started with a Vampire Lord as a base. What did you use?

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Ok, looking at the suggestions, I have increased Arkhan's points to 620, and have re-written the Black Tower rule to +2 to his roll.

For those who have voted maybe, if that's ok please say so and I will amend your vote.

 

[Arion]

I started with a Vampire Lord as a base. What did you use?

Vampire Lord 6th edition, that actually reduced his point cost.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Bump!

 

[Arion]

Bump!

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

OK:

Lord Marcus
T'Keela
Skaramak

As the rules have been amended as per your suggestions, I will move your votes from "Maybe" to "Yes"

If you have any objections please let me know.

And the rest of you - vote!!

 

[Onikaigo]

I love it. Nothing to suggest or criticize. I'd run this bad boy in any and every game we played with special characters.

 

[Vic]

Tbh I haven't really read the core rules for Army of Nagash, but from what I can see on 1st glance:

I'd remake The Black Tower a little bit.
What I'm thinking is something along the lines that the max bonus you can get is +2. Because Undead most of the time deploys faster than opponent, so +3 would be too much. Having a cap of +2 max bonus will result in the following modifiers:

You deploy your army 1st - you get +2 on dice
You deploy your army the same time as your opponent - you get +2 on dice
You deploy your army later than your opponent - you get +1 on dice (opponent gets +1 and you get +2)

This sounds more reasonable IMO than +3 which is almost unbeatable.


Besides that, the character looks OK - great caster, not so great fighter, but almost impossible to kill and does great dmg to regular troops.

Might be a little bit overpriced, but I wouldn't reduce the 620 cost without real playtesting.

 

[Skaramak von Carstein]

that is fine with me, DoN

OK:

Lord Marcus
T'Keela
Skaramak

As the rules have been amended as per your suggestions, I will move your votes from "Maybe" to "Yes"

If you have any objections please let me know.

And the rest of you - vote!!

 

[Nagash]

all good i think nothin wrong with it

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Great - ok one more day left for voting!!

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Voted Through.

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