Shadespire

[MoodyGit (Gary)]

First look through cards and you get the same number for each Warband. They both get the same number of faction specific cards in the same break down of objectives, ploys and upgrades. All the remaining generic are two of each, so to be shared equally.

Cards numbered with a total of 437.
I currently have 19 named generic and if the eight factions have the same number that's 232 cards. Big gap so expecting more generic in decks and/or more factions.

Looks like they're looking forward.

[Tom]

Any initial impressions?

[Ray]

Things seem to die easier than I expected, but overall it seems good. Plays quickly, and the two warbands in the starter box appear balanced (at least at the moment while no one knows what they are doing). Cards have enough of an effect on the game to be meaningful without making other decisions pointless.

Overall, I am happy to have bought it and still plan to pick up the extra warbands when they are released.

[Simon]

My (initial) BoardGameGeek review:

"[Disclaimer - this is only based of two players, and only with the basic decks.]

Opened the box, and no issues with cards, tokens or models. Surprised to see GW had supplied baggies, which is always a help - it's almost like they've started to listen.

Had a read of the rules, and it seems simple enough, but with enough tactics, deck-building skill and (of course) luck to be engaging.

Played two games at my local club, just using the basic decks, and it was fun but, on initial feelings, it does seem to hinge quite a bit getting some objective points early, especially the Khorne warband. I did offer to swap sides with my opponent after the first game, but he wanted to give Khorne another go, so ended up with a 10-1 and 12-1 in, both times wiping out the Khorne fighters for no loss of my own.

But I don't think it will always be like that (I had some lucky crit rolls, my opponent missed a lot of attacks).

Will happily continue to play it, but think the game will improve further once some of the expansion races are added."


Game 1 I won 10-1, no Khorne left and all my guys wounded. Game 2 was 12-1, no Khorne and only my boss carrying 1 wound. But I think with some better luck, both on dice rolls and initial objectives, and a better understanding of the objectives (for all 4 of us that played, and I know that both Mike and me threw away objective cards we should have kept) it won't be like that going forward.

[MoodyGit (Gary)]

Even though me and Ray tied I think the glory for killing would have put him at an advantage very quickly. It appears keeping your two softies alive is a key part.

Totally agree with Mike. Keeping to fluff, Khorne should have two attack and one defence, knights should be one attack and two defence. Not space marines get two and two, box filler doesn't.

[Simon]

Have a copy of the rules in (scanned) pdf if anyone needs it?

[Tom]

I very much enjoyed my games of this and am keen to play more. Managing objectives and cards is definitely a large part of it. Especially as you need some glory points to get the upgrades.

My brief Khorne tactica from my two games is to try to use your numbers and speed advantage to only present opportunities for the Stormcast to attack where that would leave them open to being counterattacked in force, and to focus fire. Not only is spreading damage around no good for finishing people off, but being attacked is how the Stormcasts inspire so resist the temptation for chipping opportunity shots and only move in when you have a good chance of finishing off the kill.

[Mike]

Lost to son. 5-4 I was khorne. Could have been 5-8 but he failed to kill my 4th to give me 4 extra glory.

[Simon]

Did you succumb or has Chris got a set?

[Mike]

Did you succumb or has Chris got a set?

Both.