The Dwarven Hunter

Packing for the Hunt ~ in Response, Dwarven Huntmasters by Brandmeister

Greetings Noble Brethren, far and near.

Of long note, the good Dwarf Brandmeister once posited in his 'Dwarven Huntmasters' curricula that Stewards of the Hills should send forth Trollslayers, Shamans and even Royal Huntmasters to deal with the vermin that plague the Realms of Elgae. I present hereafter a differing view of the subject.

When most fellows think of an elite Dwarven unit the first image that comes to mind is the honorable and mighty Stalwart or perhaps a fearsome Berserker of Tor Dannu. While these Legendary Axemen may have great function on the battlefield, heavy infantry as such are ill-used when sent to patrol over hill-and-dale.

On patrol one is unlikely to meet a sturdy armoured foe but is more likely to meet the common threat of nature such as wolves, bears, snakes an the like. To bring order to the wild sierra and perhaps a bit of profit from trophy gained most wise stewards send forth troops of packsmen.

The common Packsman, equipped with his hardy mountain mule, a good solid boar spear and wearing a common vanguard or over-padded armour for protection is the choice troop for the hunt. Being accustomed to long rides in the wild, the venerable mule makes excellent speed over rigorous terrain. His good spear easily overcomes any crevasse or ledge these vermin may retreat to. His armour, though not suited to protect against the blade or spear does exceptionally well against tooth and claw. Truly such a troop of hunters will easily rid all but the greatest horde of vermin from your hills.

Submitted for your perusal. - Meagh of the Relic, Clan Reashag

Elite Packsman
32 base attack value
+20% Battle Mule (6.4 points)
+24% Boar Spear (7.68 points)
+20% Vanguard Armour (6.4 points)
+10% Hero Charge Skill (3.2 points)
32 + (6.4+7.68+6.4)*2+3.2 = 76.16 attack value


Edited by Meagh - 22 Jan 2013 at 05:42

Rill wrote: Noble Meagh, Would not a t2 cav commander with 15% charge enhance this unit further?

While Runeriders are fearsome combatants their presence would sacrifice nearly one-third the movement speed of the entire troop. [1.6 attack / 4 movement points] While some may consider this a fair exchange it is my view the Runerider in his mail and plate slows down the entire company far too much. - M.

geofrey wrote: Why not Spiked Armor? It has it's uses against the common beast.

yes it does and it is useful, Brandmeister, covered equiping Trollslayers, with spike armor in his original post. However, for hunting I believe it to be less effective than overpadded or even vanguard armour. [spike only gives 10% buff - overpaded gives 28%; vanguard 20%]. Also only Stalwart or Runeriders employ Platemail. These troops, being highly experienced, take much longer to train than the common packsman and are not as easily replaced. To increase the viability of these hunting excursions both the troops and the equipment should both be easily replaced. - M.

One little thing. Since you are assumming you are attacking, why are you not considering the penalties on attack on the gear mentioned?

Dwarven Battle Mule

[@c=424]

1    20    5

(-5% Attack, -10% Move Speed, +20% on Hills, +20% on Mountains, -20% for Elves, -20% for Humans, -20% for Orcs)

Thus, the bonus wouldnt be 20, but +15%
Same for the boar spear...

Boar Spear

[@c=93]

5    10    1    10    1    1

(-8% Attack, -2% Spear Def, -2% Bow Def, -2% Sword Def, +24% vs Animals)

Instead of 24, it would drop to +16%

cheers,

Yhina wrote: One little thing. Since you are assumming you are attacking, why are you not considering the penalties on attack on the gear mentioned? Instead of 24, it would drop to +16% cheers,

quite right, though I'm not sure if the Boar spear works that way if you're attacking/hunting animals... does it still nerf your attack?