I see that some of the Deployment cards require the use of Skirmishers and Marauders.

How feasible is it to use these cards to feild a Goblin Army if you don't own either of those expansions?

Also, I realise this is like asking a group of crack addicts whether I should try the drug or not, but would anyone recommend me getting Marauders (since this ain't on the reprint list) but not Skirmishers, or should I go after both?

Cheers,

Giles.

Hi, my name is Todd and I am a crackaholic.

Seriously though, if you play BattleLore with a fair degree of frequency, you'll likely want both. There is no guarantee that either of these will ever be reprinted, on the list or not.

The way the Goblin CtA cards have been set up, two of the four included for each deck are "HoHo only" cards. Combining those with the Original CtA cards would give you some semblance of a Goblin army - but it would be pretty one dimensional, and without the Goblin Bands, fairly fragile. Plus, often you'll either be doing some proxying, using the levy tokens, purchasing another set of HoHo, or coming up with some other solution for handling the shortage of figures that is inevitably encountered.

In my opinion, the Goblin army that the game currently is able to field through the base game and three expansions is very formidable. I am looking forward to what FFG provides in way of Dwarf and Human armies, and if they are similar in scope and ability to the Goblins, the promise of solid campaign-style gaming using solely BattleLore looks like it can be fulfilled. Tack on some more races and one really has some lasting fun in store.

I do think that you can enjoy both as Todd said. If for X reasons you can only buy one of them, I believe that Marauders is much better than Skirmishers for a few reasons. {Goblin power level, interesting new units etc.}

And, just for those reading but not wanting to sift through the contents list of Marauders and Skirmishers:

Marauders contains a Goblin Band (counts as one supporting unit to all other units in its section), 2 Hyena Riders (just like Human Blue Mounted units, except may take an additional hex when pursuing), and 2 Ostrich Riders (green banner mounted units that do not hit on bonus strike, but do have a range of three hexes with their reflex bows, and do not suffer a 1d penalty when firing on the move).

Skirmishers contains a Goblin Band as well, and 2 Hobgoblin Spear Bearers (just like the dwarf and human counterparts, except red banners and have the goblin rush ability and are frightened [like every other single Goblin unit ]), and 2 Slingers (green banner units that essentially battle with 3d when not moving [including, apparently, battle backs] and 2d when moving).

If I am fielding a goblin army, I want two Goblin Bands. The way CtA is set up for the goblins currently, I always fish for the one card that does have a Goblin Band upon it, and then the other using a specialist card, or use both specialists for Goblin Bands if I am not fortunate enough to pick one up in the deployment draw.

Yes, I thought these should have been one expansion And now think that that expansion should include HoHo.

caradoc said:

I can quit playing Battlelore anytime I want ! I just don't feel like it !!!

toddrew said:

Does anyone know where these can be purchased for a price approaching MSRP? All online retailers that I know of are charging upwards of $60.00 for Skirmisher and Marauder expansions. My FLGS doesn't have these anylonger either. I'd love to play with them, but I can't afford that kind of mark-up.

I imagine this will all get cleared up in the coming months - whether the DoW expansions will be reprinted or only "repurposed" (French language sets being released with English cards), whether new races will be introduced or if the game is being brought to a conclusion.

As to the Goblin Skirmishers and Marauders, specifically, FFG should be releasing "repurposed" sets of those relatively soon. Keep an eye on the announcements.

Thanks for the info. I would hope that it's not simply being brought to a conclusion as I feel Battlelore captures a different audience than the Westeros series. I have read the first three novels of Martin's saga, and found that there is very little high fantasy in it. Battlelore, as has been the case under the watch of FFG has included a number of high fantasy elements, through the release of HoHo, Creatures, Dragons, etc.

It's been mentioned a number of times, but I too am in the group that would love to see the core set repackaged in a more finacially feasible package, perhaps one that plays up the fantasy element. In such a case if the core game itself is kept consistent with the orignal, but added two new opposing factions, like undead and elves for example, it would make it a purchase consideration for me and other orignal game owners. While I like some of the tactical elements of the Westeros game it doesn't look like a proper replacement to the fantasy themes war game I want.

Fingers crossed.

BornHero said:

I know my posts tend to take on a "resigned to ill fate" tone whenever I address "the future of BattleLore", but I think this is mostly a self-defense mechanism.

If I ruled the BattleLore universe I would be trumpeting the upcoming dual release of big-box Elf and Tork army expansions, complete with race-specific Call to Arms cards. But I don't have to worry about profit margins in my Uchronia...