W5: Tearik Drako - FINAL

TEARIK DRAKO
NWHC Wave 5 – Harbingers of Triumph - Heroes of the Banner




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Figure: Pathfinders - Wrath of the Righteous #032 Rift Drake


General: Einar
Planet: Marr

Species: Drake
Unique Hero
Class: Predator
Personality: Ferocious
Large 7

Life: 4
Move: 6
Range: 1
Attack: 4
Defense: 4
100 Points

BIRD OF PREY
After taking a turn with a Raptorian squad, you may immediately take a turn with Tearik Drako.

BEAK AND TALONS SPECIAL ATTACK
Range 1. Attack 1, 2, or 3.
Tearik Drako starts each turn with 6 attack dice. Choose any adjacent figure and attack by rolling 1, 2, or 3 attack dice. Tearik Drako may keep making special attacks with 1, 2, or 3 attack dice until he has rolled all 6 attack dice. Tearik Drako may target the same or different figures with each attack.

FLYING
When counting spaces for Tearik Drako's movement, ignore elevations. Tearik Drako may fly over water without stopping, pass over figures without becoming engaged, and fly over obstacles such as ruins. When Tearik Drako starts to fly, if he is engaged he will take any leaving engagement attacks.


Character Bio:
With tearing talons and a shredding beak, a formidable drake has joined the battle of all-time for Einar. This unusual bird of prey has been trained by the Raptorians of Marr to strike fear into the hearts of their opponents. A true predator who is on the hunt for its next meal.


- Rulings and Clarifications -

- N/A

- Combinations and Synergies -

Synergy Benefits Offered

-HATAMOTO TARO: Adjacent Tough 1
As a figure who follows Einar, Tearik Drako causes an adjacent, friendly Hatamoto Taro to add one automatic shield to his defense roll using his ADJACENT TOUGH special power.

Synergy Benefits Received

-FYORLAG SPIDERS: Predator Bonding
As a Predator, Tearik Drako may benefit from the Fyorlag Spiders' PREDATOR BONDING activation synergy.

-BEAKFACE SNEAKS: Bird of Prey
After taking a turn with the Beakface Sneaks, Tearik Drako may benefit from his BIRD OF PREY activation synergy.

Synergy Imposed

-ZOMBIE HULK: Zombies Rise Again
As a large figure, Tearik Drako causes an opposing Undead Savage that destroys him to replace him with a previously destroyed Zombie Hulk due to Zombie Hulk's ZOMBIE RISES AGAIN special power.

-MAJOR J15: Breaching Scythe
As a large figure, Tearik Drako causes Major J15 to add 1 automatic skull when making a normal attack against him, due to Major J15's BREACHING SCYTHE special power.

-MARUTUK: Worthy Challenge
As a large figure, Tearik Drako causes Marutuk to roll 2 additional dice when making a normal attack against him and Marutuk may not move normally to leave engagement from Tearik Drako, due to Marutuk's WORTHY CHALLENGE special power.

-THE AXEGRINDERS OF BURNING FORGE and HERACLES: Fearless Advantage
As a large figure, Tearik Drako causes The Axegrinders of Burning Forge and Heracles to roll an extra die when attacking or defending against him due to their FEARLESS ADVANTAGE special power.

Nice!!!

I know I have one of this figure lying around somewhere. Thanks for a cool idea!

I ordered on these. Very cool design, although I am not 100% sold it fits as a Raptorian, but too cool to change it.

Damon wrote:Raptorians include the Sneaks, Darrin, and Quorik - who can fly. It seems that the evolutionary train of Raptorians is expansive enough to include this figure.

Derek wrote:I am not 100% sold it fits as a Raptorian, but too cool to change it.

We need to determine if this figure can be classified as a Raptorian or not before proceeding with the design. Kai - are you OK with it being a Raptorian? If not, I can reword the powers are use something different so that it does have some kind of synergy with Raptorians.

I think the "Raptorians" are the humanoid beakface race (Kenku in D&D).

I could see adding something like Flocking to the Winged Predator but maybe not calling it a "raptorian."

I have done much research on whether or not this figure could be a Raptorian. Marr is known as a planet that engages in much genetic manipulation (original Hasbro back story) - that is why there are so many different Marro figures (including Wo-Sa-Ga, Kee-Mo-Shi, Gnids, the Hive - who are nothing like the rest of the Marro). There is much discussion on this topic on various Heroscapers threads - even SoV has acknowledged this.

So - I would like to continue development of RAHABIK DRAKO as a Raptorian (being from Marr, he is a genetically manipulated Raptorian - just like Quorik, who has wings and can fly, unlike the Sneaks or Darrin Razorback).

Objections? Let me know.

Nomad wrote:I have done much research on whether or not this figure could be a Raptorian. Marr is known as a planet that engages in much genetic manipulation (original Hasbro back story) - that is why there are so many different Marro figures (including Wo-Sa-Ga, Kee-Mo-Shi, Gnids, the Hive - who are nothing like the rest of the Marro). There is much discussion on this topic on various Heroscapers threads - even SoV has acknowledged this.

So - I would like to continue development of RAHABIK DRAKO as a Raptorian (being from Marr, he is a genetically manipulated Raptorian - just like Quorik, who has wings and can fly, unlike the Sneaks or Darrin Razorback).

Objections? Let me know.

Sounds good. I love having a Bio (story) reason for the power.

After a couple of play-tests on Saturday . . . some revisions are in order (added trained bird of prey power) to get the discussion going.

RAHABIK DRAKO

General: Einar
Planet: Marr

Species: Raptorian
Unique Hero
Class: Predator
Personality: Ferocious
Large 7

Life: 4
Move: 6
Range: 1
Attack: 3
Defense: 4
120 Points

SHREDDING BEAK
When rolling attack dice, for each skull rolled, the defending figure rolls one less defense dice. Shredding Beak does not affect destructible objects.

TRAINED BIRD OF PREY
After taking a turn with the Beakface Sneaks, if no Beakface Sneaks attacked an opponent's figure, you may immediately take a turn with Rahabik Drako.

TALON GRAB
While Rahabik Drako is flying, you may choose one opponent’s small or medium figure that it passed over this turn. Place the chosen figure on an empty same-level space adjacent to Rahabik Drako at the end of its move. If the chosen figure is engaged when it is moved by Talon Grab, it will not take any leaving engagement attacks. Figures under overhangs can never be moved by Talon Grab.

FLYING
When counting spaces for Rahabik Drako's movement, ignore elevations. Rahabik Drako may fly over water without stopping, pass over figures without becoming engaged, and fly over obstacles such as ruins. When Rahabik Drako starts to fly, if it is engaged it will take any leaving engagement attacks.

What did the playtests show? Also, I am not the biggest fan of four powers, although I know it has been done before. Like the power for trained bird of prey, although the name doesn't seem right if this guy is supposed to be the same species and not bird/pet/creature. I will have to take a look but if I remember right the miniature is about 1/2 the size of the Wyvern. Maybe only small figures? or maybe only 3 powers? Just throwing out some quick thoughts. Cool so far.

The play tests showed the Sneaks are still nothing special, even with Rahabik. Talon Grab was seldom effective, just like the Wyverns, because once he gets tied down he would risk leaving engagement.

The team of Rahabik, Darrin, Quorick, Sneaks x4, and Guri-oni went 1-1 in two matches, the second one was a nail bitter until the end - Quorik was able to decimate Mezzodemons with her special attack.

The Shredding Beak power was pretty good, flying was good, Talon Grab was meh. I just added the 4th power to get the conversation rolling. I wouldn't mind dropping Talon Grab to keep it at three. With the Trained Bird of Prey power, we could change the species to something else - but Rahabik is more of a Raptor than those Sneaks. I am open.

I think Trained Bird of Prey is pretty cool - it creates a bonding option for the sneaks and it runs counter to Flocking, so decisions would need to be made.

Rahabik is about the same size as the Wyvern, but would sit on a single base.

Just brainstorming here in a little different direction. Only Quorik and Kee-Mo-Shi comprise the Warwitch class as of now. Species and class have been changed. Defense increased by one. Talon Grab has been dropped.

TEARIK DRAKO

General: Einar
Planet: Marr

Species: Drake
Unique Hero
Class: Hunter
Personality: Ferocious
Large 7

Life: 4
Move: 6
Range: 1
Attack: 3
Defense: 5
120 Points

SHREDDING BEAK
When rolling attack dice, for each skull rolled, the defending figure rolls one less defense dice. Shredding Beak does not affect destructible objects.

WARWITCH'S BIDDING
After taking a turn with a Warwitch, if the Warwitch did not destoy a figure, you may immediately take a turn with Tearik Drako.

FLYING
When counting spaces for Tearik Drako's movement, ignore elevations. Tearik Drako may fly over water without stopping, pass over figures without becoming engaged, and fly over obstacles such as ruins. When Tearik Drako starts to fly, if it is engaged it will take any leaving engagement attacks.

Bump. Any thoughts on the revisions in the previous post?

There have been no comments since I've posted the revisions four months ago. I'm going to go with these stats/powers in the play-testing phase:

TEARIK DRAKO

Species: Drake
Unique Hero
Class: Hunter
Personality: Ferocious
Large 7

Life: 4
Move: 6
Range: 1
Attack: 3
Defense: 5
120 Points

SHREDDING BEAK
When rolling attack dice, for each skull rolled, the defending figure rolls one less defense dice. Shredding Beak does not affect destructible objects.

WARWITCH'S BIDDING
After taking a turn with a Warwitch, if the Warwitch did not destoy a figure, you may immediately take a turn with Tearik Drako.

FLYING
When counting spaces for Tearik Drako's movement, ignore elevations. Tearik Drako may fly over water without stopping, pass over figures without becoming engaged, and fly over obstacles such as ruins. When Tearik Drako starts to fly, if it is engaged it will take any leaving engagement attacks.

Tearik just seems to be missing something in this version. Hard to put my talon .. I mean, finger on it.

I could see dropping to 100 points to match the Wyvern. Shredding Beak is probably better than Sting but I think Talon Grab + Sting is a stronger combo.

Thanks for the input, Kai. Let's go back to the original with a few tweaks. Dropping Talon Grab.

TEARIK DRAKO

General: Einar
Planet: Marr

Species: Drake
Unique Hero
Class: Predator
Personality: Ferocious
Large 7

Life: 4
Move: 6
Range: 1
Attack: 3
Defense: 4
100 Points

SHREDDING BEAK
When rolling attack dice, for each skull rolled, the defending figure rolls one less defense dice. Shredding Beak does not affect destructible objects.

RAPTORIAN BONDING
After taking a turn with the Beakface Sneaks, before Flocking, you may immediately take a turn with Tearik Drako.

FLYING
When counting spaces for Tearik Drako's movement, ignore elevations. Tearik Drako may fly over water without stopping, pass over figures without becoming engaged, and fly over obstacles such as ruins. When Tearik Drako starts to fly, if it is engaged it will take any leaving engagement attacks.

Play test report from Montana with Damon, Jacob, James, and Joseph. Tearik Drako got in four play tests.

Tearik, Darrin, Quorik, Tandros and Sneaks x4

Head to Head

My Sneaks vs Joseph's Axegrinders x4, Mok = Loss. Mok's special range attack took care of the Warwitch. Tearik fell fast. The Sneaks weren't sneaky against a melee army. Tandros was decent absorbing wounds for a couple of rounds.

Jacob's Sneaks vs. Joseph's Axegrinders x4, Migol, Morgrimm = win for the Raptorians! Maybe Jacob just plays them better. Or, maybe he just didn't have to deal with a Giant and piggy-back riders. Quorik was a beast with his special against Mogrimm. Jacob said that Tearik was nothing more than a diversion.

Team Battle
300 points per player, fathers vs sons. Jacob ran Deepwyrm x3, Bellochar, Isamu and Joseph went with Thorgrim, 4th Mass x3. The Dads had me with Sneaks x3, Quorik, Tearik Drako and James with Migol, Mogrimm, Axegrinders x1. This was a blow out. The sons rolled to victory due mainly to the 4th and Jacob rolling hide in darkness with great ability. Tearik killed a couple of figures, but was lost in the Wait and Fire of the Bluecoats.

Conclusion:
Quorik is good. The Sneaks are terrible. Tearik Drako needs something more. What about this?

TEARIK DRAKO

General: Einar
Planet: Marr

Species: Drake
Unique Hero
Class: Predator
Personality: Ferocious
Large 7

Life: 5 (bumped from 4)
Move: 6
Range: 1
Attack: 4 (bumped from 3)
Defense: 4
100 Points

TALONS AND BEAK SPECIAL ATTACK
Range 1. Attack 2.
When rolling attack dice, for each skull rolled, the defending figure rolls one less defense dice. When Tearik Drako uses Talons and Beak Special Attack, he may attack two additional times.

BIRD OF PREY
After taking a turn with a Raptorian Squad, before Flocking, you may immediately take a turn with Tearik Drako.

FLYING
When counting spaces for Tearik Drako's movement, ignore elevations. Tearik Drako may fly over water without stopping, pass over figures without becoming engaged, and fly over obstacles such as ruins. When Tearik Drako starts to fly, if it is engaged it will take any leaving engagement attacks.


Oh, we still need to play test with the spiders if he is to remain a predator.

TALONS AND BEAK SPECIAL ATTACK
Range 1. Attack 2.
When rolling attack dice, for each skull rolled, the defending figure rolls one less defense dice. When Tearik Drako uses Talons and Beak Special Attack, he may attack two additional times.

Instead of the above, what about using Moriko's SABER STORM power to divide special attack dice? This way you can decide if you need more attack dice against certain targets? You won't get the reduced defense but might give you more flexibility.

RAPTOR STORM SPECIAL ATTACK
Range: 1 Attack: 1, 2, or 3
Tearik starts each turn with 6 attack dice. Choose any adjacent figure and attack by rolling 1, 2, or 3 attack dice. Tearik may keep making special attacks with 1, 2, or 3 attack dice until he has rolled all 6 attack dice. Tearik may target the same or different figures with each attack.

Good idea, but I think I will keep the name of the special attack for now.

TEARIK DRAKO

General: Einar
Planet: Marr

Species: Drake
Unique Hero
Class: Predator
Personality: Ferocious
Large 7

Life: 5
Move: 6
Range: 1
Attack: 4
Defense: 4
100 Points

BIRD OF PREY
After taking a turn with a Raptorian Squad, before Flocking, you may immediately take a turn with Tearik Drako.

TALONS AND BEAK SPECIAL ATTACK
Range 1. Attack 1, 2, or 3.
Tearik Drako starts each turn with 6 attack dice. Choose any adjacent figure and attack by rolling 1, 2, or 3 attack dice. Tearik Drako may keep making special attacks with 1, 2, or 3 attack dice until he has rolled all 6 attack dice. Tearik Drako may target the same or different figures with each attack.

FLYING
When counting spaces for Tearik Drako's movement, ignore elevations. Tearik Drako may fly over water without stopping, pass over figures without becoming engaged, and fly over obstacles such as ruins. When Tearik Drako starts to fly, if he is engaged he will take any leaving engagement attacks.

This version looks really vicious (and will not be ignored!). With two bonding options (Spiders and Raptorians) and a double-special attack, maybe bump him to 110 at least.

Tearik is better than most 100 pointers, but on par with a few.

Let's do some play tests to see if we need to bump the points.

Almost a year later . . . added card to OP and updated the stats and powers.

I think a few purists (like Scytale) would debate this wording:


BIRD OF PREY
After taking a turn with a Raptorian Squad, before Flocking, you may immediately take a turn with Tearik Drako.


By interrupting "Flocking" you are moving from one Army card to another and taking turns.  It is probably easier (i.e., less debate), to have it be "after."  Since the Beakface Sneaks are the only Flocking squad now, it might be better to name them versus Raptorian Squad.  This is a very nit-pick sort of thing but it might get poked at.


BIRD OF PREY
After taking a turn with the Beakface Sneaks, after Flocking, you may immediately take a turn with Tearik Drako.

FLOCKING
After taking a turn with the Beakface Sneaks, if at least one Beakface Sneak attacked an opponent's figure, you may move up to two Raptorians you control that did not move or attack this turn up to 6 spaces each.

Tearik Drako ... 100
Beakface Sneaks x6 ... 280 (12 figures)
Q. Warwitch ... 390
Sentinels of Grax ... 490
Isamu .. 500

Absolutely! Thanks for scrutinizing.

How about this? I don't think we need the after flocking clause.

RAPTORIAN'S BIRD OF PREY
After taking a turn with the Beakface Sneaks, you may immediately take a turn with Tearik Drako.

I'm also thinking that the points should be 110 for starters with that special attack.

OR

RAPTORIAN'S BIRD OF PREY
After taking a turn with a Raptorian hero or squad, you may immediately take a turn with Tearik Drako.

This would be really fun for Darrin or the Warwitch = 130-ish points. Maybe too much. We could change the class so that it doesn't bond with the Spiders also. With your new scorpion figure, maybe we don't need another predator.

Nomad wrote:Absolutely! Thanks for scrutinizing.

How about this? I don't think we need the after flocking clause.

RAPTORIAN'S BIRD OF PREY
After taking a turn with the Beakface Sneaks, you may immediately take a turn with Tearik Drako.

I'm also thinking that the points should be 110 for starters with that special attack.

OR

RAPTORIAN'S BIRD OF PREY
After taking a turn with a Raptorian hero or squad, you may immediately take a turn with Tearik Drako.

This would be really fun for Darrin or the Warwitch = 130-ish points. Maybe too much. We could change the class so that it doesn't bond with the Spiders also. With your new scorpion figure, maybe we don't need another predator.

The Warwitch is really powerful, and has the same multi-special attack option.  That could be a LOT of Special Attacks to go Warwitch then Tearik.  Hmmm.

What about:

RAPTORIAN'S BIRD OF PREY
After taking a turn with a Rogue Raptorian hero or squad, you may immediately take a turn with Tearik Drako.

Rogue includes Beakface and Darrin but excludes the Warwitch.

I would go with just Rogue or Raptarion, not Rogue Raptorian. The problem here is like the Wild Human or Giant clause in Dreadgul's debate. Are the beakface Rogue as well?