The newly revealed Gnome team for Blood Bowl brings a fresh and unique playing style to the game, adding whimsy and challenge for both new and experienced coaches alike. Let’s delve into the details of this diminutive but daring team with insights from Blood Bowl rules writer Jay:
Team Composition:
- Gnome teams fall into the Stunty category, where most players possess the Stunty trait.
- The team consists of various Gnome positionals, Woodland Foxes, and Altern Forest Treemen, providing a distinctive blend of Skills and Traits.
Playstyle:
- Unlike Halflings, Gnomes are more aggressive and “fighty,” emphasizing a different playstyle on the field.
- Gnomes come with Jump Up and Wrestle skills instead of Dodge, making them adept at sacking the ball carrier and protecting themselves from hits.
Key Players:
- Gnome Linemen: Cheap and cheerful, Gnome Linemen disrupt opponents with their combination of starting skills, including Right Stuff, allowing them to be launched downfield by Treemen.
- Altern Forest Treemen: These powerful players add strength to the team’s front line and can be used to throw Gnomes across the field with the Throw Team-mate trait.
- Gnome Beastmasters: Equipped with the Guard skill, Beastmasters support their allies and boast an extra point of Armour Value.
- Gnome Illusionists: Masters of tricks and illusionary magic, Illusionists use the new Trickster trait to confound opponents and reposition strategically.
- Woodland Foxes: Agile and elusive, Woodland Foxes dart through defensive lines with ease, boasting the My Ball trait, which prevents them from willingly giving up the ball.
Unique Traits:
- Gnomes offer a mix of Skills and Traits that set them apart from other Stunty teams, providing a fresh challenge for coaches.
- The combination of Jump Up, Wrestle, and Trickster traits allows for maneuverability and strategic play.
- Woodland Foxes serve as primary scorers, showcasing their agility and tenacity on the field.
Gameplay Strategy:
- Utilize Gnome Illusionists alongside Jump Up and Wrestle to navigate opposition lines effectively.
- Employ Gnome Beastmasters to bolster the team’s resilience against stronger opponents.
- Capitalize on Woodland Foxes’ speed and agility to secure touchdowns, despite their reluctance to relinquish the ball.
Special Considerations:
- While part of the Halfling Thimble Cup, Gnome teams do not have access to a cheap Halfling Master Chef, a detail clarified in the May Designer’s Commentary.
Overall, the Gnome team promises a fun and challenging experience for Blood Bowl enthusiasts, offering a blend of whimsy and tactical depth on the gridiron. Keep an eye out for pre-order details on Warhammer Community to get your hands on this delightful new team!
And remember, Frontline Gaming sells gaming products at a discount, every day in their webcart!
