Crusaders

[ObsidianCrane]

Its one of the cool things about the Warlord forces there are at least 2 ways to theme each army, not just based on the crunch of the doctrines but also based on what is going on in each faction.

[Shakandara]

Resurrection Crusaders? I'm interested, what exactly does that mean? Did you see pics of them? What I really like about the Crusaders is that there are "sub-factions" within them. Gerard's crusaders, Ivy Crown, Lion's Lancers, etc. I was thinking instead of making the entire Crusader faction uniformed by a single theme, painting each "sub-faction" a unique color theme. What are your thoughts on this idea. Also, I apologize for asking so many questions and requesting so much feedback. I am still pretty new to miniature Wargaming and the hobby and have a great deal of respect for those who are experienced in it.

 

I saw them "live", so to say. His Resurrection Crusaders used a number undead models; most he'd modified to have eyes. They were mildly disturbing, but very cool. The thread about them in Show Off is here, but the images seem to be broken. His painting page (with gallery) is here; on a quick glance, I spotted at least one of the figures from the army in Gallery 1.

 

As for breaking the Crusaders down into sub-groups and painting them each in a different set of colors, that seems entirely appropriate. This is pretty much how I treated my Reptus.

 

~v

Edited March 21, 2013 by Shakandara

[ChudMacGud]

I checked out that thread about the undead crusaders, it's very cool, I wish the images worked! I tried to check out his gallery but the link took me to a restaurant site. I've decided to repaint some of my figures. I'm going to have Gerard's knights sport white linen with blue detail, armor being polished silver (seems appropriate with how they are effective against undead) with gold trim. Ivy crown will be red and gold themed, with leather or steel armor. Lions lancers will be yellow with possibly green trim. I plan on collecting all of the crusader figures. I just ordered Ironspines, Lord Ironhaven, Halbarad, and Valandil. I'm stoked to get them started.

I have a tactical question about the Crusaders. What are their biggest strengths and weaknesses on the field. They seem pretty versatile at first glance.

[Shakandara]

IMO, their biggest strengths are their cavalry and healing ability. Past that, they've got really nice rank-and-file soldier choices (inexpensive and effective), and a good group of solo choices. Their ability to summon models as a Free action makes it easy to keep a low profile (read: smaller initiative card count) early in the game, and then be able to bulk up quickly. My favorite builds for Crusaders at 1K usually include some Light Lancers (blazing speed with Ranger/8, MOV 10), a mix of Knights, Unforgiven, Ironspines,Archers, and a couple Hounds of Judgement (the doom kitty if I can afford it too). It produces a nice balanced list that fares well in many situations.

 

~v

[ChudMacGud]

Thanks a lot, this gives me great insight on how to build my Crusader army. I dont have the confidence to paint a cavalry model yet, im still working on my core infantry. I have had my eye on the Pegasus model and thought that having a unit that could fly would be a great asset. Can you give me an example of one of your favorite builds?

[Shakandara]

Here's a couple ideas:

 

Crusaders - 999 points

Troop 1
Duke Gerard w/Armor of Courage
Marcus Gideon, Undead Hunter
Ian, Mage Apprentice
Templar Unforgiven x 6
Templar Ironspine x 4
War Dog x 2

Troop 2
Herne, Light Lancer
Ivy Crown Light Lancer x 4
War Dog x 2

Troop 3
Sir Conlan, Lightbringer
Templar Unforgiven x 2
Templar Ironspine x 2
War Dog x 2

Troop 4
Hound of Judgment

Luck Stone, Totem of Battle

 

Crusaders - 1000 points

Troop 1
Lady Jehanne
Armor of Courage
Isarah, Cleric of Shadarzaddi
Halbarad, Priest of Aurellius
Templar Knight x 4
Templar Unforgiven x 2
Ivy Crown Archer x 4

Troop 2
Sir Malcom, Lightbringer
Templar Knight x 4
Templar Unforgiven x 2

Troop 3
Guardian Beast of Aurellius

Troop 4
Guardian Beast of Aurellius

 

~v

[ChudMacGud]

Thank you for the lists, this will really help me out in understanding and building a formidable Crusaders army. I already have the Ironspines and Duke Gerarde, I can't wait to be able to build a nice army. I also have Valandil, Lord Ironhaven, Ian, Uriel, and Halbarad.

I made a super noob mistake on my last order. Planning on ordering a troop at a time, I ordered Lord Ironhaven, Valandil, Halbarad, and the 9 Ironspines. I didn't even put together that Ironhaven doesn't have a high enough point cost to command Valandil or Halbarad >.< But I plan on getting every Crusader model eventually, so I'm not upset at all lol just thought it would be an amusing story to share, especially to some seasoned Warlord players

Edited April 9, 2013 by ChudMacGud

[Don Rodolfo Graziani]

The troop leader's point cost only impacts which soldier models he/she can purchase. They can field any of the elites regardless of cost. :D So, game on!

 

DRG

[Shakandara]

I made a super noob mistake on my last order. Planning on ordering a troop at a time, I ordered Lord Ironhaven, Valandil, Halbarad, and the 9 Ironspines. I didn't even put together that Ironhaven doesn't have a high enough point cost to command Valandil or Halbarad

 

DRG is correct; you are fine.

 

~v

[ChudMacGud]

Wow that's sweet news! I'm glad I didn't make a noob mistake; just a noob post. Now I can play a very small game when my troop is painted!

[Evilmonkey]

Hey what is everyones take on the Crusader Cav? I am debating picking some up this year to complete my crusaders but was not sure which I should pick up and how many.

[Shakandara]

Love the light cavalry. When used properly, they can be awfully destructive.

 

~v

[Don Rodolfo Graziani]

Just be sure to put any cavalry in Duke Gerard's troop so you get the support bonus from two models instead of three. Makes those cavalry even worse....er, better.

[Shakandara]

That would assume you didn't bring Jehanne for the +2 bonus when Focusing.

 

~v

[Sanael]

Having just attended RCon, and determined that some pretty awesome people play Warlord there, I've had the thought that I wouldn't mind having a 1000-pt army to field for the tourney next year (from which I will almost certainly scrub out in round one, but hey, that's ok). I'm vaguely familiar with the rules (I do have the rulebook, at least), but will be unlikely to actually play a game prior to the con next year (the usual lament, lack of local players).

 

Of my stock of Reaper minis, I have a fair number of Crusaders that aren't on round bases, and some of them already have paint, so my faction/color scheme decisions are pretty easy. But I don't have 1000 points, and I don't know if I even have compatible units. So, if anyone could help with a few list suggestions that don't require a huge amount of additional expenditure on my part, I'd love it!

 

Here's who I have right now:

 

Kristianna and squire.

Halbarad.

Finari.

Unforgiven x9.

Hound of Judgement.

 

Given the fairly thematic nature of Kristianna and the battle nuns, I'd bet she works best with that sort of unit and not the Unforgiven, but I'm hoping this group can build into something useful. If anyone could help with list ideas (and a general idea as to how a given list plays), thanks!