The Banner of the World Dragon costs 50 points. This makes it accessible to the High Elf Specials - White Lions, Phoenix Guard, Swordmasters and Dragon Princes.
But check out these Army List entries. The first three allow a Magic Banner up to 50 points while Dragon Princes allow a Magic Banner up to 75 points.
The BOTWD is the most expensive High Elf banner. Checking the Common Magic Items in the BRB, the most expensive is the Rampager's Standard at 55 points.
So High Elf units have no access to a 75 point banner yet the Dragon Prince army list entry gives permission.
This got me wondering - was the Banner of the World Dragon originally meant to be 75 points and either GW bottled it or we have a typo.If the later then suddenly the Lions, Guards or Masters may be in for a shock.
Guess we won't know until the first High Elf errata.
Off to the Grassy Knoll......
Only 1 typo? Compare it to Mork's War banner at 100 points and (d6) magic resist. At 75 points it's still a bargain.
ReplyDeleteIt's either that or GW are prepping for 9th edition and releasing 75 point banners.
Morks warbanner is awesome. I have written a couple of lists with it and the nullification of Magic Items is good.
DeleteIts all just the system they use.
ReplyDeleteMagic item 'allowances' go up in 25 point increments.
Maybe, maybe not
DeleteCan you name one that dosn't?
DeleteI'm not questioning that that is the system they use....I'm saying "maybe" that's the explanation. I don't necessarily buy that the gave them 75 points so they could buy Rampager's Std
DeleteWell 9th edition is just round the corner according to some. Who knows the real machinations of GW design team...
DeletePrecedent for really obvious typos or mistakes has been set with many of the latest books. Look at WoC errata remembering that Kholek has Heavy Armour.
ReplyDeleteSeems a simple fix for Pete Comp Lite - change BotWD to 75 points. Means HE have to choose the Lionstar or the 2++, but not both. Unless you have a naked BSB. Choice is good.
J
Your kidding about the comp idea right? I thats ridiculous. And the typo things is strange unless there is something they left out possibly.
Delete+ Lionstar with BOWD only "works" as a points sink if you actually sink lots of points into it. The "our elites are too expensive-give us 550pts max/unit" agreement no longer exists.
Delete450pts with BOWD included = less than 30 Whitelions....not exactly a death star.
BOWD: good vs a few things...waste of points vs most things
Joel v
No way do I think it should be comp'd. Like most things for most builds it can be worked around.
DeleteTBH if someone puts 1600 points in a unit - I go after everything else and try for a 12-8. No way to fight it but unless they play numpties they won't win tournaments and unlikely to get repeat friendlies
Sorry Joel, it really is a very, very good banner, and I think it's undercosted at 50 pts. All the High Elf lists I've worked up have it, because I'd be crazy not to take it.
DeleteSo it may well be a typo, and 75 points wouldn't be an unfair cost for it.
I'm wondering if it wouldn't work better on Dragon Princes anyway. I think it has a lot of value in tarpitting key units in an opposing army, and for that, the mobility of the now M9 Dragon Princes is pretty damn useful. Why trudge at M5 when you can speed along at M9 Swiftstride? Disc Lords, Bloodthirsters and Abombs (with compulsory warpspikes) won't like 6+ Dragon Princes charging them with this banner, and beating them on static res.
It's just the 2nd phase the Dragon princes suck at Str 3, or if they get charged.
DeleteMost armies have items that players would be crazy not to take. Welcome to the fold, High Elves...
DeleteSam, you're right, but M9 should help with which fights they take. They're less likely to be chaffed, and more likely to get key charges off. A 2+/6++ save helps with non-magical shooting, though they have less bodies, and Doom Divers/Bolt Throwers won't mind it all. Pros and cons either way, but there is some advantage to putting it on the Dragon Princes.
DeleteMeals, I think all armies have items like that, including the 7th Ed High Elves book (Helm of Fortune was always nice I thought). It's still a very good banner for the price, I don't care what anyone says.
i think Sam might be right, my reading of that, along with the "any army with at least one dark elf" is hinting at things to come... the question now being what are these 75 point banners going to be?
ReplyDeleteYou could see things like 25 pts core, 50 pts Special and 75 points rare allotment for banners for all the books coming out from now on.
ReplyDeleteLets not forget our beloved Skaven... Sacred Banner of the Horned Rat for 70 points, which can only be taken by the BSB? Not that anybody would...
ReplyDelete