CHRONICLES OF TACTICA XIX Flameweaver Noble
Welcome back to Chronicles of Tactica, where we dive into individual models from the Eldfall Chronicles range and explore how to make the most of them on the tabletop. Continuing our look at the Wayfarers, today we’ll examine the Flameweaver Noble—a model that perfectly blends enchantment and firepower.
PROFILE CHARACTERISTICS & PLAYSTYLE
The Flameweaver Noble comes in at a hefty 21 points but can still be taken twice per list, which is rare for such a high-cost model. It has the Mage Class, useful for generating Mana and snagging the occasional reroll, and the Enchanter Class, which pairs beautifully with the three powerful Enchantments it has access to.
Statistically, the Flameweaver isn’t remarkable except for its stat of INT 14, which is excellent, and ARM 3 plus HP 2, both outstanding for a spellcaster. In terms of Skills and Traits, its outstanding one is a Special ability, which allows you to spend Mana for rerolls when casting Spells—either on itself or on friendly models within its Awareness. This can be incredibly useful for building a reserve of insurance against bad rolls, provided you have the time to set it up.
The Inventory is straightforward: a Sword (mainly to threaten the Engaged State at 1” range due to mediocre combat stats) and a Scepter of Sorceries, which provides yet another source of spellcasting rerolls, making the Flameweaver extremely reliable at slinging Spells.
Speaking of Spells, the Flameweaver’s arsenal is split between Enchantments and Fire Sorcery. On the Enchantment side, we have three options:
- Burning Touch: Grants Burn I and Sweep I to a model. Good for crowd control, though Helian League might lack ideal targets.
- Melting Touch: Adds Ignore Armor and Burn I, perfect for dealing with high-ARM targets.
- Flameskin: Punishes anyone who attacks the enchanted model, a strong deterrent if the attacker only has 1 HP.
These Enchantments are only half the story. The Flameweaver also wields Fire Sorcery Spells up to Level 3:
- Ignite: Familiar to Helian League players from the Flameshaper—reliable at long range.
- Flare: A perfect “panic button” Spell if you get surrounded.
- Fireball (Level 3): The star of the show. A powerful, long-range AoE Spell that can be lobbed at the ground, offering immense utility and threat potential.
On the tabletop, the Flameweaver Noble often shifts roles depending on the game’s progression. Early on, it may hang back, building Mana and Enchanting allies, serving as the ultimate backline support piece. Once the battle intensifies, the model transitions into a fearsome artillery piece, hurling Fireballs with ample rerolls—while a robust ARM and HP help keep the model on the field longer than most spellcasters.
TOP UPGRADES
- Gift of Longevity:
Since INT affects both dice rolls and PW for flame-based Spells, this 1-point Upgrade is doubly beneficial. - Additional Protection:
Any model with a potent non-Dodge reaction (in this case Fireball) and decent ARM benefits greatly from Additional Protection. Just remember it reduces Awareness, which might limit offering rerolls to allies. - Tactical Expertise:
Positioning is key for a ranged piece like the Flameweaver. This Upgrade helps you reach or move closer to optimal firing spots.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Flameweaver Noble is a fascinating addition to the Helian League arsenal. On one hand, the model supports your team with Enchantments and rerolls, staying true to the League’s theme. On the other hand, it’s a self-sufficient, long-range damage dealer capable of wielding Fireball to control the field. Like most spellcasters, the Flameweaver prefers to avoid direct engagements, but its ability to fill two distinct roles and strengthen Helian League’s ranged “fire from afar” doctrine makes it well worth the premium cost.
