I’ve been playing the Privateers (on and off) since early last year and I think I’m pretty good with Shay and okay with Fiona. I’ve never given Broadsides a go – I’m not a huge fan of the ranged game, but a few weeks ago I picked up Drake MacBain. Since reading the Mercenaries Forces of Warmachine book I really like look of his play style. I enjoy my Shae theme force (tier 3) for the synergies that exist in the army. With that in mind I wanted to retain much of that feel in my MacBain led army. Here’s the list I’m thinking of at 35pts –
- Drake MacBain
- Buccaneer
- Nomad
- Alexia Ciannor & the Risen (Alexia and 9 Risen Grunts)
- Lady Aiyana & Master Holt
- Sea Dog Crew (Leader and 9 Grunts)
- Mr. Walls Sea Dog Crew Quartermaster
- 3 Sea Dog Crew Riflemen
- Bosun Grogspar
- Doc Killingsworth
- First Mate Hawk
- Lord Rockbottom
- Gorman di Wulfe, Rogue Alchemist
Now that MacBain is painted this list is ready to field. I think Alexia is an interesting addition to the army. The Sea Dogs are already pretty hard to kill, but when they do finally fail a 4+ tough roll (Rockbottom’s coins and Doc) a Risen is created! MacBain’s Fortune spell will probably be on the Sea Dogs (good for either their ranged or melee attacks) and Fail Safe will be on the Nomad, making it quite durable.
MacBain’s feat is pretty nice – It’ll probably affect 9-10 models (after the upkeeps are paid for), so that’s all of the solos if needs be. Another tempting target would be a few Sea Dogs blocking charge lanes! No knockdown from Bosun Grogspar will be a nice synergy with the feat.
High armour is my only real problem with this list, but Aiyana and Gorman can help with that. Aiyana can help with Incorporeal too. That said, I’ve no real solution to Stealth other than Rift and being tougher than my stealthy prey.
I’d love to squeeze another heavy in to this army to make good use of Energizer, but it’d mean dropping the Buccaneer and a couple of other bits. The knockdown range of the Buccaneer after Energizer is just silly!
I’m hoping to play this with timed turns, but with so many grunts that might be folly!
Owen
Just came across this now as I’m messing with MacBain. How did the list run for you? I’ve been considering running something similar now that I’ve finished painting drake the snake.
I’ve played this list a few times, but dropped it after that. It’s a fun list, but plays quite slowly (at least I play it slowly). I was building towards a tournament, so it didn’t suit. Having Alexia operate behind the Sea Dogs mean’t I created an obscene number of Risen. MacBains’ feat let’s me protect all of the key stuff and it synergises well with Grogspar. It’s a good attrition and scenario list, but armour can be a (slight) issue.
MacBain is a really well rounded ‘caster. Great fun.
Owen