CHRONICLES OF TACTICA VII CITADEL GUARD
Welcome back to Chronicles of Tactica, a series where we delve into individual models from the Eldfall Chronicles range and explore their tactical use on the wargaming tabletop. Today, we return to the Helian League to explore the profile of Citadel Guard, the “Chosen of Hyperia”, impervious to arcana and trained to be the shield of the party. Read the lore here.
PROFILE CHARACTERISTICS & PLAYSTYLE
Let’s start with the basics: Cost and Limit. The Citadel Guard has a Limit of 2 and comes in at a hefty 19 points, placing the model among the more expensive ones. The Citadel Guard boasts the Soldier Class, a common subtheme in the Helian League that enhances what are already strong stats. Additionally, the Guard gains the Sentinel class, making it an Armsmaster in the Reactive turn. Right from the start, it’s clear that this model is designed for a defensive role.
When examining the stats, we get a mixed bag. On the one hand, the Guard has an outstanding DEF of 16, ARM of 6, and HP of 2. On the other hand, she suffers from a terrible SPD of 4, making her the slowest model in the game (aside from some stony boiz atm). However, for her role, the Citadel Guard typically doesn’t need greater Speed. This role is perfectly exemplified by the Protector Skill. If the Hierophant is the heart and engine of your list, the Citadel Guard is the ribcage that protects your heart! She is all about taking hits for the Hierophant, ensuring the latter survives almost any attack and can do her job. To enhance the Guard’s survivability even further, she comes with Vigilance to prevent pesky backstabs and Resistance II (Sorcery, Enchantment) to make any Sand Kingdoms player weep – she is in another sense almost impervious to all harmful Spells.
So far, we see a very defensive package designed to escort and protect your more fragile models, allowing them to shine. On the field, the Citadel Guard will advance steadily, accompanying your most important pieces, keeping them from harm, and obliterating anything that comes within her (admittedly short) Reach.
But don’t be fooled—this Citadel Guard isn’t just about defense! Let’s start with her Shield, which adds an extra layer of protection by boosting your ARM against Ranged Attacks and reducing the likelihood of Melee Attacks landing. Pair this with Fencing I, and you have a model that’s incredibly hard to hit! Next, she has a Short Sword, offering some versatility in melee combat. But the real highlight of the set is the Small Bludgeon: its low STK is compensated by the Sentinel Skill, and its impressive PW and Armor-Piercing ensure that when the Guard lands a hit (with DEF 16 and a -6 to Hit, they definitely will), it packs a serious punch! However, there’s a small catch: all weapons have RCH 0. To fully unleash the Citadel Guard’s striking power, you’ll need to get her up close and personal with your opponents. But don’t worry—she’s got the durability to make it happen.
TOP UPGRADES
- Glyphscribe: Reduce Weight,
- Additional Protection,
- Companion of Hairon,
- Expeditionary Tactics: Surge Order.
The first and most obvious Upgrade for the Citadel Guard is Glyphscribe: Reduce Weight, applied to her armor. It gives her +1 AG and the all-important +1 SPD, bringing the Citadel Guard up to average Speed. This makes her much easier to play, as she can keep up with the rest of the team and has an easier time closing in on the enemy. The next Upgrade, Additional Protection, takes a different approach by doubling down on her defense. As mentioned before, increasing an already high ARM to even higher levels is incredibly beneficial, especially when the Citadel Guard has access to Healing Spells from the Hierophant!
Companion of Harion is another Upgrade worth considering. It’s great for any model with the Soldier Class and it significantly boosts stats. Finally, we must mention Expeditionary Tactics: Surge Order. This Upgrade can give the Citadel Guard some much-needed mobility, but it’s often better suited for another party member, as the Citadel Guard typically wants to reserve her single Upgrade slot for one of the above options.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Citadel Guard is the perfect tank and bodyguard for your more fragile units, particularly the Hierophant. The Hierophant, in turn, can heal the Citadel Guard, creating a powerful synergy between the two. The Citadel Guard’s resistance to Smites allows her to keep enemies engaged while everything around her burns in the radiant fires of the Hierophant. But a thing to note is to be deliberate with your Movement to ensure you maintain a strong position on the field.
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