constructs?

[wrinklestiltskin]

Hey guys,

I'm still in the process of building my warband, so I haven't actually played a game yet. I was looking at the spells and stats in the book for an enchanter warband. Looking at the stats for constructs, I couldn't figure out why I would turn any model into a construct. There must be some benefit to doing it, but I just didn't see it.

So can anyone explain to me why or when I should take the construct spells on an enchanter?

thanks!

[Dakota Mike]

Well, they're bought and replaced for free (out-of-game cast), but the fact that they take up a warband slot is tough.  

Only the large construct has stats worthy of a slot in the long run.  Their movement is what really kills them for me though. I've house-ruled all constructs movements up by 1".  So Large Const. is 5" movement, Med. is 6", and small is 7".  This makes them more competitive I think, without unbalancing them.  It makes sense that since a small construct is shorter than a normal human, it might be a little faster too.  Likewise, I don't think a Knight in full armor should be able outrun a large construct, so a move stat of 5" also makes sense.

I think this simple change is all that's needed, especially when so much of the game is about movement.  The "Hunt for Golem" mini-campaign helps constructs too, but campaign results can't be guaranteed.

[wrinklestiltskin]

  So I didn't miss anything. Thanks for clearing that up!

[robh]

We were looking at removing the slot requirement so creating one is extra to the warband strength, otherwise they are a bit of a liability at lower wizard levels.

[Dakota Mike]

So I didn't miss anything. Thanks for clearing that up!

Well, I don't think I'm the final word by any means, but you're welcome if it helped!

[JoyrexJ9]

We were looking at removing the slot requirement so creating one is extra to the warband strength, otherwise they are a bit of a liability at lower wizard levels.

It's strange that the Necromancer's raised Zombies don't count against the warband limit, but constructs do.
I was thinking of trying the Enchanter out next game, but the constructs really aren't that good are they?

[tyrionhalfman]

Yeah I agree that it would make more sense to count him outside the member's limit like a raised zombie that way you don't have to leave an empty slot on the gamble of succeeding with the spell

[ImhotepMagi]

I think one of the major problems is that except for the large construct, a soldier is better in all respects for the slot it occupies. And even then the large is so slow that its only real use is as a bodyguard and walking wall.

The only advantage of leaving that slot open is you can use the gold to make your other soldiers better troops. But that is a dicey decision given that numbers beat quality every time. Leaving the slot open is a definite gamble.

It would be nice if constructs had some sort of advantage to balance out the speed disadvantage and the hoops required to get them. No slot would be a nice start.

[rufus sparkfire]

Well, constructs never count as wounded, so remain at full effectiveness until destroyed. And they're immune to some spells. So it's not all bad.

As for zombies, the reason they don't count towards the limit is that they only last one game.

[ImhotepMagi]

True, but wounded is an optional rule. The spell immunity is a good point, but kinda situational. Unless you are playing wounded or your opponent brings those spells, you are left with a really slow soldier with poorer fighting ability but slightly more armor and health that you have to dice for in order to get (albeit for "free", spell slots not withstanding).

In a smash and grab game, speed and combat effectiveness outweigh the staying power. Don't get em wrong, I love my big ol'  rocky construct, but it's totally a style over substance choice for me.

[rosafari]

I've put a question about constructs and warband slots in the FAQ thread - wondering if it's possible to hedge your bets..

 

Enchanters can take Push for a casting value of 10 - just point your Large Construct at the centre of the table and give it a kick start!

[JoyrexJ9]

The way Animate Construct is worded it sounds like you need to replace an actual soldier
"If the spell is successfully cast, the construct immediately becomes a member of the warband, taking the place of a soldier."

This could be interpreted that it replaces a living soldier, i.e. one you've paid for rather than an empty soldier "slot"
Which would suck even more!

[wrinklestiltskin]

If it didn't take up the slot of a soldier, I'd be interested in the spell.