CHRONICLES OF TACTICA XXI MUSHA BLADEMASTER
Welcome back to Chronicles of Tactica, where we delve into individual models from the Eldfall Chronicles range and learn how to maximize their effectiveness on the tabletop. This week, we’re returning to our regularly scheduled program by taking a look at the last wave of Wayfarer reinforcements—focusing on the versatile but not overly specialized Musha Blademaster.
PROFILE CHARACTERISTICS & PLAYSTYLE
Priced at 17 points with a limit of 2, the Musha Blademaster is in that comfortable “middle ground”
we see often. It’s not so cheap you can spam it freely, yet affordable enough to take two without breaking the bank.
The Blademaster’s classes are classic Soga picks:
- Warrior, providing flexibility in both Active and Reactive roles, and
- Berserker, significantly boosting resilience by mitigating damage.
By Soga standards, the Blademaster’s stats are a bit mediocre. OFF, DEF, and ACC hover around the
average mark, while ARM 2 and HP 2 are slightly below what Soga aficionados might be used to. Still, these stats are well-rounded and don’t lag in any critical area.
The Blademaster’s utility package includes two helpful abilities: Resourceful I, allowing for more Upgrade options, and Duelist, giving an edge against other melee specialists.
Additionally, the Blademaster comes with two Combat Arts: Archery I, granting enough extra range on bows to make distance less of a concern, and Fencing III, greatly enhancing melee prowess in both Active and Reactive roles.
The gear selection underscores the Blademaster’s dual focus, with a Sword and Dagger for close combat, plus a Bow for Ranged Attacks. The sword is a no-frills, reliable weapon, while the bow provides ranged threat, albeit with only STK 1, meaning it won’t obliterate targets from afar. This is a solid yet unspectacular toolkit, befitting a model that can handle a bit of everything.
Putting this all together, the Blademaster can fill almost any battlefield role—ranged denial, reactive fighter, or aggressive piece during its Active role—yet it’s not the absolute best at any of these tasks. What you get is a versatile all-rounder who can adapt to shifting needs, and while it may not excel in one specific area, it remains a capable combatant you shouldn’t underestimate.
TOP UPGRADES
-
Kassen Buki (Any)
Each version significantly boosts the Blademaster’s combat potential. Pick the one that best suits your playstyle. -
Kyujutsu Expertise
Improves ranged performance, although it does reduce mobility. -
Lucky Charm
Rerolls are always valuable. -
Additional Protection
Since the Blademaster won’t often be Dodging, an extra 2 ARM can go a long way.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Musha Blademaster is an extremely versatile piece, reminiscent of the Helrin Expatriate. Unlike the Expatriate, however, it already brings a balanced kit for both melee and ranged combat. Additionally, being semi-neutral means factions looking for an affordable melee boost should consider the Blademaster. While it may not be the flashiest option, it’s a dependable, all-purpose fighter capable of stepping into any role you need. It’s another excellent model to shape into whatever your list requires.
