Anyone know a good way to field one of the Wizards in a 500 point army? I know they are hella expensive but i hate not fielding a decent caster, even in the smaller games, if anyone can post their suggestions on how to field the wizards in 500pt games, please post here

Here is what i am brewing in my head right now...

Gandalf on cart

Knight of the white tower
8 Rangers with spear
4 Guards of the fountain court with shield

Beregond
12 Womt with shield and spear.

Only 27 models, but all 27 are practically immune to shooting (scenario dependent). Gandalf's immobilization spells can nullify an enemy hero/monster while the Knight of the white tower can use his big ol' sword to take em out.

I would prefer Saruman rather than Gandalf. Better caster and cheaper. Although in this case, it wouldn't really help.

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"Leave Sauron to me."
If you're in the Raleigh, NC area, let me know.

I've never tried, but I'd say that looks quite good.
Cart would be useful to make Gandalf more effective in combat, and also help him to get away from enemy infantry

Well, Gandalf has cast blinding light (which his cart will extend the range of), and is a more effective combatant/tank because of the cart. He also has Glamdring and Narya, which are both very handy for survivability (and are handy for taking down the Great Goblin)

I am agreeing with a Mars Bar.

That sounds quite silly

Oh well...

I've played Saruman the White with Wood Elves in 500pt games. The surprise factor of having a Wizard at that point level is part of the benefit so it doesn't work well for repeat games. WEs are a cheap enough basic force you can still have decent numbers. I don't know how well it can work with the new Warband rules though considering the limits. I'll have to see about mocking up a list later.

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Wait ye the finish! The fight is not yours.
Beowulf

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I say do it.

This game isn't always about winning, it's about great characters like Gandalf, good looking models and having fun!

I now have an image in my head of Gandalf trotting around on a cart and whacking goblins on the head with his staff! I'd pay to see that!

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I think a drug habbit would be cheaper...

I've often fielded spellcasters in smaller battles, and found they are reasonably successful (that being said, their rules have changed, and I haven't seen the new rules in detail yet). You should be able to use Gandalf to great effect, though I'd probably recommend trying to squeeze a few more troops out of those points as you will need men to protect Gandalf.

Only just discovered how terrible strengthen will has become, I honestly have no clue as to why anyone would nerf THAT spell but whatever. Anyway, I imagine I'll field this/some similar concept next time my group meet just because magic is a damn handy tool. I reckon I'll swap the knight for Madril though...

I could drop all the elites, swap my 55pt hero for Damrod, and take a kings hunter instead, is this worth it?

As far as 1000pt games go, how about this?

Saruman on horse
Gandalf on cart
Radagast on Sleigh

Thror
12 Erebor warriors (6 shield, 6 spear)

Dwalin
12 Erebor warriors (6 shield, 6 spear)

This, to moi atleast, seems like a great list, the wizards collectively nullify cavalry, bowfire, and can wear out the will of a 3/3/3 model in one turn. The two dwarf warbands strike me as competent enough to handle on their own should they deploy away from the wizards.

This. I couldn't agree more.

I've used Gandalf in 500 points and he was just fine. I think that the new SBG rules, coupled with the increase the number of heroes that the warbands system brought, have made it more viable to take these iconic heroes than ever before.

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Strengthen Will did not get nerfed, if anything, it got better because Gandalf can cast it on himself now. Other than Terrifying Aura, if you have no other target, then just have him cast it on himself.

For the 1000pt list, I would take Thrain instead of Thror. While the Arkenstone is a great ability, it's kinda nullified by the fact he only has 1 Fate. Thrain has a little bit more survivability and is a heavier hitter if your opponent decides to take Azog (which is a real possibilty once the model comes out).

_________________
"Leave Sauron to me."
If you're in the Raleigh, NC area, let me know.

Good point, i guess he can now just use his free point to boost his own stock. Could be handy if he has a few turns before the lines meet/has already laid down a blinding light...

However the spell no longer works as nicely if you field him with Arwen or Elrond

Because of natures wrath?

If not, why?

Strengthen Will is better than before, it's Blinding Light that got nerfed.

_________________
"Leave Sauron to me."
If you're in the Raleigh, NC area, let me know.

How?

Because it only works for 1 turn, unless you channel it. It should have been that the range gets doubled if you channel it, not having to channel it to make it any good.

_________________
"Leave Sauron to me."
If you're in the Raleigh, NC area, let me know.