February has arrived, bringing with it the much-awaited first designers’ commentary for the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game‘s new edition.
For many fans, this marks a thrilling time as the latest edition kicks off and players get their hands on the updated rules and clarifications.
Designers’ Commentary: What’s New?
A new edition is always exciting – it’s a chance for players to explore new rules, test strategies, and dive into fresh army compositions. From a design perspective, it’s equally exhilarating to see how the new changes play out in the hands of dedicated players. In these first few months of the new edition, the game’s community is buzzing with new discoveries, questions, and strategies.
However, this also brings some confusion, especially for existing players who are accustomed to the old rules. This is where the designers’ commentary comes in: addressing common questions, clearing up misunderstandings, and correcting small errors that may have slipped through during printing.
Clarifications and Answers to Common Questions
In this month’s commentary, the team tackled several FAQs that arose as players began to familiarize themselves with the new edition:
- Monsters and Pikes: If a monster kills models in a pike formation, does it hit both models? Yes, it does.
- Monstrous Charge & Cavalry Bonus: Does the Monstrous Charge bonus stack with the Cavalry Charge bonus to grant +2 Attacks on the charge? It does not; the bonuses do not stack.
- Gimli on Legolas’ Horse: Can Gimli lead a Warband if he is a passenger on Legolas’ horse? Yes, he can.
- Gríma in an Army Without Saruman: What happens if Gríma is in an army that doesn’t have Saruman? Gríma still works, but without Saruman, he cannot benefit from certain special rules related to him.
Errata and Small Corrections
Alongside the clarifications, a few errata were introduced to correct small mistakes that made it into the final print of the new edition. These corrections include:
- One spear-armed model per support: A model can only be supported by one spear-armed model at a time.
- War Beasts and Movement Rules: War Beasts will not be affected by special movement rules like those from a Spectre’s “A Fell Light is in Them.”
- Radagast’s Nature’s Wrath and Rohan Royal Guard: Updates were made to clarify options in the Army of Edoras.
- Uruk-hai Drummer: The Uruk-hai Drummer is now officially part of the Muster of Isengard Army List.
Bolg’s Warg Base Size
One of the most frequently asked questions was about the base size for Bolg’s Warg. The official rule is that the Fell Warg should be on a 40mm base. However, the model has often been sold on an oval base, which has led to some confusion.
Here’s the update: Bolg is getting a new plastic model in the near future, and the mounted version will come with a 40mm base. Until the new model is released, it’s recommended to use a 40mm base for Bolg in Matched Play, though players can get permission from their opponent or tournament organizer to use the oval base in the meantime.
Looking Ahead
With these clarifications and updates, players can expect a smoother experience when diving into the new edition of the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game. The designers’ commentary provides useful insights and updates that will undoubtedly improve the flow of games and ensure everyone is on the same page.
For any additional questions, players are encouraged to reach out to the rules team via email. Be sure to tune in for the next designers’ commentary in August, where more answers and updates are likely to be revealed!
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