For Holy Terra Because space is scary

2Aug/115

Question for the masses

I’m working on a special character for a project and I want to get some feedback to see if I’ve created something well-balanced and priced.  So, here’s the stats:

Usable with C:SM
Captain stats and wargear, plus:
Jump Pack
Relic Blade that grants 3++ in CC
Storm Bolter

Captain special rules, plus:
Hit & Run
Allows one command squad to purchase jump packs for +50 points

How much would be a reasonable cost for this?  I’ve got a cost in mind, but I’d like to hear what everyone else thinks is good.

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  • Elle

    As you can get a captain with jump pack,  relic blade & stormshield (i.e. 3++ both in and ouside combat) for 170. I wouldn’t see issue with exchanging the 3++ against shooting with a stormbolter without affecting the points.

    Assuming his Hit & Run ability will also be shared with command squad, I’d value the additional special rules at around 20-25pts.

    So total value 190-195pts

    • http://forholyterra.hobbycore.net Paul Bagosy

      Typically there’s a discount on a special character – take, for instance, Cato Sicarius, at 200 – he’s got 55 points worth of wargear (assuming his ), which leaves 45 points to spread between four special rules – one model buff, one unit buff, one army buff and a game buff.  

      I’d value his buffs at about 70 points, so about a 20% points discount overall.

      • Elle

        I’ve had a bit more thought since my original post and will mention comparing to Kayvaan Shrike, who is easily the closest character to the one you propose.

        Dual Lightning Claws & a Relic blade are equal value.. Compare his rending (only use against vehicles) to your characters increased invulnerable in combat which seem fair enough.And you’ve a stormbolter on top.
        ~
        Your Hit & Run seems an acceptable comparison to Kayvaan’s infiltrate, as both will affect his unit.
        ~
        That simply leaves Combat Tactics, which as it replaces a fairly decent ability (or another ability if you have another special character) can’t really be valued as too high… Of course your gives the honour guard an additional option as well.

        So 195pts seems fair, I could say 185-190pts but I’d er on the side of higher to avoid complaints from players.

        • http://forholyterra.hobbycore.net Paul Bagosy

          Granting the entire army fleet is a pretty big buff (think Assault Terminators), vs my character unlocking an upgrade that still has a cost.  I’m thinking, in terms of comparison, that he stacks up against Khan more than Shrike -

          Captain stats, Relic Blade (+ instant death), grants his squad both Hit and Run and Furious Charge, and he gives everyone (including transports) the ability to Outflank – All for 160.  Add a jump pack to that, and you’re at 185, which is essentially more for the same points.

          As for the command squad jump packs, Khan can add 45 to get a bike that ups his statline, grants him fleet and unlocks a new troops choice – again, more for even less points.

          • Elle

            Have to point out that Khan doesn’t have a Relic Blade, tis a Power Sword.

            You may have a point with the Combat Tactics, but it still replaces another ability and you can always take another character alongside yours to gain an ability anyway.

            Perhaps considering your points 185pts for yours will be fairer, you have to remember that one of the drawbacks with Special Characters is that you cannot choose their abilities. You’re countering that by making the character yourself, so I wouldn’t see it as fair to give the full ‘discount’ you mentioned previously.

            Of course, at the end of the day it is really only your opponents opinion that matters *smiles* If they are happy with you running it at 170pts or something, then do so.