Difference between revisions of "Theme - Hammer Strike"
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{{Mercenary Theme Force}} | {{Mercenary Theme Force}} | ||
[[File:General Ossrum.jpg|thumb|[[General Ossrum]] ]] | [[File:General Ossrum.jpg|thumb|[[General Ossrum]] ]] | ||
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''Fighting in the wars of the Iron Kingdoms has allowed the mercenaries of Rhul to stay apprised of the ongoing struggles abroad. These sell-swords fatten the coffers of mercenary clans and receive valuable combat experience against a variety of opponents. Numerous such clans offer the might of Rhulic ’jacks and veteran warriors to those who can afford their asking price. Together they crush enemy armies to dust beneath the tread of their machines and an unceasing rain of hammer blows. | ''Fighting in the wars of the Iron Kingdoms has allowed the mercenaries of Rhul to stay apprised of the ongoing struggles abroad. These sell-swords fatten the coffers of mercenary clans and receive valuable combat experience against a variety of opponents. Numerous such clans offer the might of Rhulic ’jacks and veteran warriors to those who can afford their asking price. Together they crush enemy armies to dust beneath the tread of their machines and an unceasing rain of hammer blows. | ||
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=Theme Rules= | =Theme Rules= | ||
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===Theme Restrictions=== | ===Theme Restrictions=== | ||
− | | | + | [[File:Earthbreaker.jpg|thumb|[[Ghordson Earthbreaker]] ]] |
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An army made use the '''Hammer Strike''' theme force can include only the following Mercenary models: | An army made use the '''Hammer Strike''' theme force can include only the following Mercenary models: | ||
* {{Rhulic}} warcasters | * {{Rhulic}} warcasters | ||
* Rhulic non-character warjacks | * Rhulic non-character warjacks | ||
* Rhulic models/units | * Rhulic models/units | ||
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===Full Model List=== | ===Full Model List=== | ||
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{{HS models}} | {{HS models}} | ||
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===Requisition Points=== | ===Requisition Points=== | ||
− | | | + | [[File:Siege Crawler.jpg|thumb|[[Hammerfall Siege Crawler]] ]] |
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You can spend each Requisition Point on either: | You can spend each Requisition Point on either: | ||
* One Rhulic weapon crew unit | * One Rhulic weapon crew unit | ||
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* One Mercenary command attachment | * One Mercenary command attachment | ||
* One small- or medium-based Mercenary solo without the [[Lesser Warlock]] special rule | * One small- or medium-based Mercenary solo without the [[Lesser Warlock]] special rule | ||
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===Theme Bonuses=== | ===Theme Bonuses=== | ||
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# Heavy warjacks and weapon crew units in this army gain Reposition [3"]. | # Heavy warjacks and weapon crew units in this army gain Reposition [3"]. | ||
− | #: ''{{Reposition | + | #: ''{{Reposition 3}} |
# Warrior models in this army gain [[Tough]]. [[Category: Tough]] | # Warrior models in this army gain [[Tough]]. [[Category: Tough]] | ||
# Your deployment is extended 2" forward. | # Your deployment is extended 2" forward. | ||
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===Recent Changes=== | ===Recent Changes=== | ||
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* 2019.03 - New model [[Steelhead Gunner]] released | * 2019.03 - New model [[Steelhead Gunner]] released | ||
* 2019.05 - New model [[Balthazar Bamfist]] spoiled | * 2019.05 - New model [[Balthazar Bamfist]] spoiled | ||
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− | + | *2019.07 Theme Remix | |
− | + | ** [[Theme Force|Game-wide Remix changes]] | |
− | + | ** TAC added to the freebies | |
− | + | ** Non Ogrun Bokur solos can now be taken for free. | |
− | + | ** Bunch of Rhulic models got errata'd. | |
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− | * | + | * 2019.07 - New model [[Harlowe Holdemhigh]] released |
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=Thoughts on Hammer Strike= | =Thoughts on Hammer Strike= | ||
[[File:41063 ThorSteinhammer WEB.jpg|thumb|[[Thor Steinhammer]] ]] | [[File:41063 ThorSteinhammer WEB.jpg|thumb|[[Thor Steinhammer]] ]] | ||
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− | + | ===Hammer Strike in a Nutshell=== | |
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− | + | Hammer Strike represents the armies of Rhul on the tabletop. Every warrior model in this theme is either a dwarf or an ogrun. It favors a combined arms approach with good guns making up for lack of speed. It plays very similarly to Cygnar. | |
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− | + | Only dwarf enthusiasts should buy into Hammer Strike because most of the troops cannot be used in any other Merc themes. | |
− | + | Sporting a colossal, battle engine, 4 heavies, 2 lights, and a bevy of solos and units, it has roughly as many models as [[Crucible Guard]] | |
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Extended deployment zone, and heavies with Reposition are good things. Repositioning Horgenhold Artillery Corps is better. Tough on high ARM models is alright. | Extended deployment zone, and heavies with Reposition are good things. Repositioning Horgenhold Artillery Corps is better. Tough on high ARM models is alright. | ||
− | + | Rhulic armies can field a lot of ARM and boxes, they're all tough and they are adept at both ranged and melee combat. Hammer Strike rewards taking small-based units and Crawlers, so 20 Forge Guard and 2 Crawlers is a common sight. | |
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+ | <u>Future Updates</u> | ||
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+ | In the 2019.06 dynamic update just about every model in this theme got a small buff to bring the theme's power level up in line with other themes. | ||
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+ | However this ''wasn't'' a major overhaul, nor were there any new Hammerstrike models released at the time (which is what normally happens when a theme gets an update). Also the development team said no major Rhulic releases were planned in the near future, so it can be concluded that this theme is "complete" and nothing will be changing about it for a long time (barring the occasional random new solo such as [[Bamfist]]). | ||
===Theme weaknesses=== | ===Theme weaknesses=== | ||
[[File:Horgenhold Artillery Corps.jpeg|thumb|[[Horgenhold Artillery Corps]] ]] | [[File:Horgenhold Artillery Corps.jpeg|thumb|[[Horgenhold Artillery Corps]] ]] | ||
− | + | Aside from the lack of model crossover with other themes already mentioned, Hammer Strike has four major in-game weaknesses. And yes, they are major. | |
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+ | <U>Low SPD & no Pathfinder</u> | ||
The first is that it's the slowest army in the game without factoring anything else in. Only a few models go faster than SPD 5 and most are SPD 4. There is also no Pathfinder to be found. Only Ossrum can really do anything about this. You may struggle in certain scenarios. | The first is that it's the slowest army in the game without factoring anything else in. Only a few models go faster than SPD 5 and most are SPD 4. There is also no Pathfinder to be found. Only Ossrum can really do anything about this. You may struggle in certain scenarios. | ||
− | The second is melee accuracy. There is no rhulic | + | <u>Low MAT</u> |
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+ | The second is melee accuracy. There is no rhulic Veteran Leader, so your Forge Guard are stuck at a fairly average MAT 7, and your Drillers will be boosting to hit DEF 13 before Sustained Attack can be used. A DEF 14 Warpwolf Stalker is the Forge Guard's worst nightmare. The Basher and Avalancher help with this problem. | ||
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+ | <u>Low POW</U> | ||
− | The third problem is damage boosts other than those on your caster. The Steelhead Gunner's Siege Tactics ability is | + | The third problem is damage boosts other than those on your caster. The Steelhead Gunner's Siege Tactics ability is the only boost. No Hermit, no Ragman, no Aiyana. |
− | Finally, the list has few options for Magic Weapon. Harlow Holdemhigh can remove Incorporeal and so will be in every Hammer Strike list. Tactical Arcanist Corps provide 3 cheap Fireballs, and that's pretty much it besides your caster. Incorporeal models could present a problem if you lose Harlow, but no matter what, you will be unable to shoot Protectorate Warjacks under | + | <U>Few Magic weapons</u> |
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+ | Finally, the list has few options for Magic Weapon. Harlow Holdemhigh can remove Incorporeal and so will be in every Hammer Strike list. Tactical Arcanist Corps provide 3 cheap Fireballs, and that's pretty much it besides your caster. Incorporeal models could present a problem if you lose Harlow, but no matter what, you will be unable to shoot Protectorate Warjacks under Passage. | ||
===List Building Tips=== | ===List Building Tips=== | ||
[[File:Horgenhold Forge Guard.jpeg|thumb|[[Horgenhold Forge Guard]] ]] | [[File:Horgenhold Forge Guard.jpeg|thumb|[[Horgenhold Forge Guard]] ]] | ||
− | The staples of "classic" Hammer Strike lists | + | |
+ | * The staples of "classic" Hammer Strike lists are Gunbunnies (the light warjacks) and the [[Horgenhold Forge Guard]]. | ||
+ | * [[Siege Crawler]]s are good with [[Ossrum]] and [[Durgen]]. | ||
+ | * [[Holdemhigh]] is mandatory as a counter to Incorporeal models. | ||
+ | * The most expensive requisition point is the [[Horgenhold Artillery Corps]], and you probably want at least 1 plus a [[Steelhead Gunner]]. | ||
===Starting a 25 point force=== | ===Starting a 25 point force=== | ||
+ | If you want to try this list and are struggling for ideas, try this. | ||
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*[[General Ossrum]] | *[[General Ossrum]] | ||
** [[Ghordson Driller]] | ** [[Ghordson Driller]] | ||
− | ** | + | ** 3× [[Grundback Gunner]] |
− | * | + | * 2x minimum-size [[Horgenhold Forge Guard]] |
* [[Herne & Jonne]] | * [[Herne & Jonne]] | ||
* [[Horgenhold Artillery Corps]] (free) | * [[Horgenhold Artillery Corps]] (free) | ||
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25 points with a heavy and two units of Artillery Corps to break heavies - and plenty of stuff to go shooting infantry with. | 25 points with a heavy and two units of Artillery Corps to break heavies - and plenty of stuff to go shooting infantry with. | ||
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===[[Durgen]]=== | ===[[Durgen]]=== | ||
− | The case for putting Durgen in Hammer Strike is all the AoEs you can get from the | + | The case for putting Durgen in Hammer Strike is all the AoEs you can get from the rhulic units, jacks and battle engines. He's probably better in SoF, but all the tools he needs are in Hammer Strike. His Forge Guard hit real hard under Primed, and Balthazar Bamfist keeps them from dying to blast damage, including when they themselves blow up. Earthbreakers, Gunners, Ogrun Assault Corps, Herne and Jonne, Horgenhold Artillery, Siege Crawlers, Bamfist and one unit of Forge Guard make up his army. |
===[[Gorten]]=== | ===[[Gorten]]=== |
Revision as of 16:13, 22 January 2020
Theme - Hammer Strike Mercenary Theme Force |
Fighting in the wars of the Iron Kingdoms has allowed the mercenaries of Rhul to stay apprised of the ongoing struggles abroad. These sell-swords fatten the coffers of mercenary clans and receive valuable combat experience against a variety of opponents. Numerous such clans offer the might of Rhulic ’jacks and veteran warriors to those who can afford their asking price. Together they crush enemy armies to dust beneath the tread of their machines and an unceasing rain of hammer blows.
Theme Rules
Theme Restrictions
An army made use the Hammer Strike theme force can include only the following Mercenary models:
- Rhulic warcasters
- Rhulic non-character warjacks
- Rhulic models/units
Full Model List
This list was last updated: 2021.11 (Edit)
Warcasters
Warjacks
- Light
- Heavy
- Colossal
Battle Engines
Units
- Herne & Jonne
- Horgenhold Forge Guard
- Horgenhold Artillery Corps
- Hammerfall High Shield Gun Corps
- Ogrun Assault Corps
- Tactical Arcanist Corps
Solos
Requisition Points
You can spend each Requisition Point on either:
- One Rhulic weapon crew unit
- One Tactical Arcanist Corps unit
- One Mercenary command attachment
- One small- or medium-based Mercenary solo without the Lesser Warlock special rule
Theme Bonuses
- Heavy warjacks and weapon crew units in this army gain Reposition [3"].
- Reposition [3"] - At the end of an activation in which it did not run or fail a charge, this model can advance up to 3", then its activation ends.
- Warrior models in this army gain Tough.
- Your deployment is extended 2" forward.
Recent Changes
- 2019.03 - New model Steelhead Gunner released
- 2019.05 - New model Balthazar Bamfist spoiled
- 2019.07 Theme Remix
- Game-wide Remix changes
- TAC added to the freebies
- Non Ogrun Bokur solos can now be taken for free.
- Bunch of Rhulic models got errata'd.
- 2019.07 - New model Harlowe Holdemhigh released
Thoughts on Hammer Strike
Hammer Strike in a Nutshell
Hammer Strike represents the armies of Rhul on the tabletop. Every warrior model in this theme is either a dwarf or an ogrun. It favors a combined arms approach with good guns making up for lack of speed. It plays very similarly to Cygnar.
Only dwarf enthusiasts should buy into Hammer Strike because most of the troops cannot be used in any other Merc themes.
Sporting a colossal, battle engine, 4 heavies, 2 lights, and a bevy of solos and units, it has roughly as many models as Crucible Guard
Extended deployment zone, and heavies with Reposition are good things. Repositioning Horgenhold Artillery Corps is better. Tough on high ARM models is alright.
Rhulic armies can field a lot of ARM and boxes, they're all tough and they are adept at both ranged and melee combat. Hammer Strike rewards taking small-based units and Crawlers, so 20 Forge Guard and 2 Crawlers is a common sight.
Future Updates
In the 2019.06 dynamic update just about every model in this theme got a small buff to bring the theme's power level up in line with other themes.
However this wasn't a major overhaul, nor were there any new Hammerstrike models released at the time (which is what normally happens when a theme gets an update). Also the development team said no major Rhulic releases were planned in the near future, so it can be concluded that this theme is "complete" and nothing will be changing about it for a long time (barring the occasional random new solo such as Bamfist).
Theme weaknesses
Aside from the lack of model crossover with other themes already mentioned, Hammer Strike has four major in-game weaknesses. And yes, they are major.
Low SPD & no Pathfinder
The first is that it's the slowest army in the game without factoring anything else in. Only a few models go faster than SPD 5 and most are SPD 4. There is also no Pathfinder to be found. Only Ossrum can really do anything about this. You may struggle in certain scenarios.
Low MAT
The second is melee accuracy. There is no rhulic Veteran Leader, so your Forge Guard are stuck at a fairly average MAT 7, and your Drillers will be boosting to hit DEF 13 before Sustained Attack can be used. A DEF 14 Warpwolf Stalker is the Forge Guard's worst nightmare. The Basher and Avalancher help with this problem.
Low POW
The third problem is damage boosts other than those on your caster. The Steelhead Gunner's Siege Tactics ability is the only boost. No Hermit, no Ragman, no Aiyana.
Few Magic weapons
Finally, the list has few options for Magic Weapon. Harlow Holdemhigh can remove Incorporeal and so will be in every Hammer Strike list. Tactical Arcanist Corps provide 3 cheap Fireballs, and that's pretty much it besides your caster. Incorporeal models could present a problem if you lose Harlow, but no matter what, you will be unable to shoot Protectorate Warjacks under Passage.
List Building Tips
- The staples of "classic" Hammer Strike lists are Gunbunnies (the light warjacks) and the Horgenhold Forge Guard.
- Siege Crawlers are good with Ossrum and Durgen.
- Holdemhigh is mandatory as a counter to Incorporeal models.
- The most expensive requisition point is the Horgenhold Artillery Corps, and you probably want at least 1 plus a Steelhead Gunner.
Starting a 25 point force
If you want to try this list and are struggling for ideas, try this.
- General Ossrum
- 2x minimum-size Horgenhold Forge Guard
- Herne & Jonne
- Horgenhold Artillery Corps (free)
25 points with a heavy and two units of Artillery Corps to break heavies - and plenty of stuff to go shooting infantry with.
Caster thoughts
Ossrum
Ossrum is the strongest pick having speed boosts, an excellent feat and good ranged support. There are few Hammer Strike models he does not improve. Ossrum will either be taken in Hammer Strike or Soldiers of Fortune. If you want to run more infantry, play Hammer Strike. If you want to run mostly jacks, the Steelhead Ironhead and Arcanist make Soldiers a better pick.
Durgen
The case for putting Durgen in Hammer Strike is all the AoEs you can get from the rhulic units, jacks and battle engines. He's probably better in SoF, but all the tools he needs are in Hammer Strike. His Forge Guard hit real hard under Primed, and Balthazar Bamfist keeps them from dying to blast damage, including when they themselves blow up. Earthbreakers, Gunners, Ogrun Assault Corps, Herne and Jonne, Horgenhold Artillery, Siege Crawlers, Bamfist and one unit of Forge Guard make up his army.
Gorten
The only thing Gorten brings to Hammer Strike is Solid Ground preventing Knockdown for your tough infantry, but you can get that in both other themes. His army will be painfully slow and probably get taken off the table by guns before it does much. No way he's better here than in Soldiers of Fortune spamming Halberdiers.
Other
Trivia
In Mk1 and Mk2 this was known as The Searforge Commission.
Other Mercenary models
Rules Clarifications
Rules Clarification : Tough - None yet. (Edit)
Rules Clarification : Reposition (Edit)
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Number of Mercenaries
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Other
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Partisans & Theme Forces (Edit)
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See also these Theme-Specific Rulings [Show/Hide]
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