Post by avvy on Nov 4, 2007 14:16:30 GMT
Khazad-Dum Review
By Nick (Arvendui King or Arnor)
With the release of this new source book came a good many models, including Plastic Dwarf Warriors and Plastic Dwarf Rangers. The iron guard blister was released, and the Vault Warden (Also known as dwarf Tunnel Team according to Legions of Middle Earth), and a Dwarven Ballista. We saw the new heroes Durin and Mardin released, and a new Moria Goblin Shaman, as well as the Moria Goblin Prowlers. We also saw the new GW Dragon released, for $45.
What’s In It?
Page 1
Cover
Page 2
Contents and Legal
Page 3
Overview, a nice picture of Durin
Page 4 and 5
A Picture of a Battle including The Balrog, Durin, Mardin, and some nice terrain.
Page 6
A detailed history of Durin’s Folk, from the time of Durin and Dain.
Page 7
A really nice and detailed map of Khazad-Dum and Middle Earth, although Khazad-Dum could have been bigger.
Page 8
Profiles for Durin and Mardin, which are nice. To say the least, Durin and Mardin are worth their points.
Page 9
Profiles for Dain Ironfoot and Murin and Drar.
Page 10
Profiles for Gimli and Balin, as well as a detailed description of Balin’s failed expedition to Moria.
Page 11
Profiles for the Dwarf King and Captain
Page 12
Profiles for Dwarf Warriors, Rangers, and Iron Guard.
Page 13
Profiles for Khazad Guard and Vault Wardens
Page 14
Profile for a dwarf ballista and a nice picture of them.
Page 15
Profiles for Durburz, a Goblin Captain, and a Goblin Shaman
Page 16
Profile for the Balrog
Page 17
Profile for the Dragon
Page 18
Profiles for the Wild Warg Chieftain, and Moria Goblin Warriors
Page 19
Profiles for the Moria Goblin Prowlers, and the Cave Troll
Page 20
Profile for the Moria Goblin Drum
Page 21
Profiles for the Wild Wargs, the Bat Swarms, and the Giant Spider
Page 22 and 23
Khazad-Dum army list
Page 24
Gaming with Khazad-Dum
Page 25
Painting Khazad-Dum
Page 26 and 27
An example Khazad-Dum Army List with a big picture
Page 28
The Battle of the Silverlode- a army list consisting of a side contingent of Khazad-Dum, and a main once from Lothlorien. (750 points)
Page 29
The March on Arnor- A main contingent of Dwarves with an allied contingent from Arnor, a 750 point army list.
Page 30 and 31
The Army list of Erebor
Page 32
Gaming and painting with Erebor
Page 33
The Muster of Erebor, an example army list.
Page 34 and 35
The Army List of Durin’s Folk
Page 36
Painting and Gaming with Durin’s Folk
Page 37
The Household of Dwali, an example Army List
Page 38 and 39
The Army List of Moria
Page 40
Gaming with Moria
Page 41
Painting with Moria
Page 42 and 43
An example Army List of Moria
Page 44 and 45
The Razing of the West Emnet: A main contingent from Moria, allied with Monsters of Middle Earth and Barad-Dur, including the Balrog and the Mouth of Sauron
Page 46 and 47
The Dwellers Below Army List
Page 48
Gaming and Painting with the Dwellers Bellow
Page 49
The Ravagers of Udun: an example force from The Dwellers Below
Page 50 and 51
Battles in the Dwarf Holds: Rules for Mine Workings, Mirrors, Narrow Bridges, Secret Entrances and Dwarven Doorways
Page 52 and 53
The Battle for Thrali’s Hold: This shows the GW terrain with models in places representing this battle. It includes the outdoor mountainside and the mines inside. Featured models are the dragon, Iron Guard and Vault Wardens
Page 54 and 55
Durin’s Tower Scenario
Page 56 and 57
Attack on the East Gate Scenario
Page 58 and 59
The Battle of Barazinbar Deeps Scenario, as featured in White Dwarf
Page 60 and 61
Ambush at the Crossroads Scenario
Page 62 and 63
The Razing of High Water Scenario
Page 64
Profile Summary
Page 65
Some nice Pictures of Dwarves
Scenario Participants
To play Khazad-Dum you will need the following models:
Good
Durin
Mardin
Dwarf Captain
Dwarf King
Murin and Drar
3 Vault Warden Teams
12 Dwarf Rangers
6 Iron Guard
26 Dwarf Warriors
9 Khazad Guard
6 Iron Guard
2 Dwarf Ballistae
Balin
1 Dwarven Banner Bearer
Evil
Dragon
2 Moria Goblin Captains
6 Prowlers
48 Moria Goblins
Balrog
2 Moria Goblin Shamans
2 Cave Trolls
3 Bat Swarms
Moria Goblin Drum
Durburz
Wild Warg Chieftain
6 Wild Wargs
Note: These are the total models needed for the scenarios, not just as many as you’d have if you had a different set for each scenario. (These are the historical or recommended participants.)
What do I think?
On Profiles
I thought they were all generally good except that the layout for the big profiles in Khazad-Dum was somewhat confusing. For the larger profiles such as the dragon, the ballista, the drums, and the Balrog, they were laid out in two columns, with the profile part half way down and the special rules in a different column, I thought this was slightly confusing. Otherwise, the scenarios had no problem.
About the Army Lists
I thought that everything about the army lists was fine except I had a slight problem about the Battle of the Silverlode, because the main contingent was from Lothlorien, and I thought that since this was the Khazad-Dum supplement, Dwarves should always be the main contingent. I also think there should be allied army examples for other army lists featured with in the book, as there wasn’t.
Now Tactics
I think that the tactics or gaming guides weren’t even close to satisfactory, as describing a miniatures profile doesn’t really help. I don’t consider this any help, even for beginners. Take Mardin because he is especially potent against trolls. You obviously know that having the book, so it’s no use to you, as you already know you have a bonus on the wound chart. I think they should tell you what to do with your models for gaming advice, and not describe them.
On Painting
As with Ruin of Arnor, they lack step by step guides and complete colour schemes, like in the Two Towers Journey Book. I also think saying “Paint your Vault Wardens with a different rune on the shield of each one,” isn’t helpful. Telling how would be. I didn’t even see a theme suggestion for the dragon which was very disappointing.
At Terrain Rules
I think that the terrain rules were very good, although I could go on and on about lacking in terrain guides as well.
Now the Battle for Thrali’s Hold
Not much to say here except I very good paint schemes and pieces of terrain showcased here, but not any guides about how to get these results for yourself.
Scenarios
Durin’s Tower
A very nice slightly different scenario where the dragon had to escape down the centre of the board, not off the side. I think it is well thought out. Here as well we saw the magnificent Durin’s Tower terrain piece but not a single guide on it. It even said, “this is an extremely hard piece of terrain to build but you may use a flat board for this scenario or attempt to build this for yourself.
Attack on the East Gate
A small game of about 200 points per side, this is a scenario where players attempt to take control of an objective, a gate winch, to open the East Gate.
The Battle for Barazinbar Deeps
A huge game of about a 1,000 points featured in the WD, this is a scenario to play out the initial fall of Durin. This a very balanced scenario, making it fun to play and one of those games that could tip either way at any moment…
Ambush at the Crossroads
Describing the fall of Durin, this scenario is basically to Kill a King, from Legions of
Middle Earth. An average size game at about 500 points
The Razing of High Water
Another scenario with the Dragon, it is medium-large in size at about 600 points. This is based on another Legions of Middle Earth Scenario, Domination.
Overall, we had some great scenarios, with a balance of small and large games.
Overall
To sum it up, a successful release in the way of models, profiles, scenarios, and rules. (The terrain) Most people read a review to determine whether they should buy the supplement or not. I’d say, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for guides on painting, terrain, and tactics, I’d say no, you’ll be disappointed. If you want a book with great scenarios and profiles to great models, this is the way to go, you’ll enjoy it.
Note: All pictures taken from the book of Khazad-Dum without permission from GW.
I hope this will give you a sense of whether Khazad-Dum is your supplement, or not. I hoped you like it and see you around the forums!
Thanks to Kain for proofing and also TonyB for proofing and uploading articles. He gets to much critisism and not enough praise.
Avvy
Nick (Arvendui King or Arnor)
Did you enjoy this article? You can give feedback and discuss it here.
The article currently has 43 stars.
By Nick (Arvendui King or Arnor)
With the release of this new source book came a good many models, including Plastic Dwarf Warriors and Plastic Dwarf Rangers. The iron guard blister was released, and the Vault Warden (Also known as dwarf Tunnel Team according to Legions of Middle Earth), and a Dwarven Ballista. We saw the new heroes Durin and Mardin released, and a new Moria Goblin Shaman, as well as the Moria Goblin Prowlers. We also saw the new GW Dragon released, for $45.
What’s In It?
Page 1
Cover
Page 2
Contents and Legal
Page 3
Overview, a nice picture of Durin
Page 4 and 5
A Picture of a Battle including The Balrog, Durin, Mardin, and some nice terrain.
Page 6
A detailed history of Durin’s Folk, from the time of Durin and Dain.
Page 7
A really nice and detailed map of Khazad-Dum and Middle Earth, although Khazad-Dum could have been bigger.
Page 8
Profiles for Durin and Mardin, which are nice. To say the least, Durin and Mardin are worth their points.
Page 9
Profiles for Dain Ironfoot and Murin and Drar.
Page 10
Profiles for Gimli and Balin, as well as a detailed description of Balin’s failed expedition to Moria.
Page 11
Profiles for the Dwarf King and Captain
Page 12
Profiles for Dwarf Warriors, Rangers, and Iron Guard.
Page 13
Profiles for Khazad Guard and Vault Wardens
Page 14
Profile for a dwarf ballista and a nice picture of them.
Page 15
Profiles for Durburz, a Goblin Captain, and a Goblin Shaman
Page 16
Profile for the Balrog
Page 17
Profile for the Dragon
Page 18
Profiles for the Wild Warg Chieftain, and Moria Goblin Warriors
Page 19
Profiles for the Moria Goblin Prowlers, and the Cave Troll
Page 20
Profile for the Moria Goblin Drum
Page 21
Profiles for the Wild Wargs, the Bat Swarms, and the Giant Spider
Page 22 and 23
Khazad-Dum army list
Page 24
Gaming with Khazad-Dum
Page 25
Painting Khazad-Dum
Page 26 and 27
An example Khazad-Dum Army List with a big picture
Page 28
The Battle of the Silverlode- a army list consisting of a side contingent of Khazad-Dum, and a main once from Lothlorien. (750 points)
Page 29
The March on Arnor- A main contingent of Dwarves with an allied contingent from Arnor, a 750 point army list.
Page 30 and 31
The Army list of Erebor
Page 32
Gaming and painting with Erebor
Page 33
The Muster of Erebor, an example army list.
Page 34 and 35
The Army List of Durin’s Folk
Page 36
Painting and Gaming with Durin’s Folk
Page 37
The Household of Dwali, an example Army List
Page 38 and 39
The Army List of Moria
Page 40
Gaming with Moria
Page 41
Painting with Moria
Page 42 and 43
An example Army List of Moria
Page 44 and 45
The Razing of the West Emnet: A main contingent from Moria, allied with Monsters of Middle Earth and Barad-Dur, including the Balrog and the Mouth of Sauron
Page 46 and 47
The Dwellers Below Army List
Page 48
Gaming and Painting with the Dwellers Bellow
Page 49
The Ravagers of Udun: an example force from The Dwellers Below
Page 50 and 51
Battles in the Dwarf Holds: Rules for Mine Workings, Mirrors, Narrow Bridges, Secret Entrances and Dwarven Doorways
Page 52 and 53
The Battle for Thrali’s Hold: This shows the GW terrain with models in places representing this battle. It includes the outdoor mountainside and the mines inside. Featured models are the dragon, Iron Guard and Vault Wardens
Page 54 and 55
Durin’s Tower Scenario
Page 56 and 57
Attack on the East Gate Scenario
Page 58 and 59
The Battle of Barazinbar Deeps Scenario, as featured in White Dwarf
Page 60 and 61
Ambush at the Crossroads Scenario
Page 62 and 63
The Razing of High Water Scenario
Page 64
Profile Summary
Page 65
Some nice Pictures of Dwarves
Scenario Participants
To play Khazad-Dum you will need the following models:
Good
Durin
Mardin
Dwarf Captain
Dwarf King
Murin and Drar
3 Vault Warden Teams
12 Dwarf Rangers
6 Iron Guard
26 Dwarf Warriors
9 Khazad Guard
6 Iron Guard
2 Dwarf Ballistae
Balin
1 Dwarven Banner Bearer
Evil
Dragon
2 Moria Goblin Captains
6 Prowlers
48 Moria Goblins
Balrog
2 Moria Goblin Shamans
2 Cave Trolls
3 Bat Swarms
Moria Goblin Drum
Durburz
Wild Warg Chieftain
6 Wild Wargs
Note: These are the total models needed for the scenarios, not just as many as you’d have if you had a different set for each scenario. (These are the historical or recommended participants.)
What do I think?
On Profiles
I thought they were all generally good except that the layout for the big profiles in Khazad-Dum was somewhat confusing. For the larger profiles such as the dragon, the ballista, the drums, and the Balrog, they were laid out in two columns, with the profile part half way down and the special rules in a different column, I thought this was slightly confusing. Otherwise, the scenarios had no problem.
About the Army Lists
I thought that everything about the army lists was fine except I had a slight problem about the Battle of the Silverlode, because the main contingent was from Lothlorien, and I thought that since this was the Khazad-Dum supplement, Dwarves should always be the main contingent. I also think there should be allied army examples for other army lists featured with in the book, as there wasn’t.
Now Tactics
I think that the tactics or gaming guides weren’t even close to satisfactory, as describing a miniatures profile doesn’t really help. I don’t consider this any help, even for beginners. Take Mardin because he is especially potent against trolls. You obviously know that having the book, so it’s no use to you, as you already know you have a bonus on the wound chart. I think they should tell you what to do with your models for gaming advice, and not describe them.
On Painting
As with Ruin of Arnor, they lack step by step guides and complete colour schemes, like in the Two Towers Journey Book. I also think saying “Paint your Vault Wardens with a different rune on the shield of each one,” isn’t helpful. Telling how would be. I didn’t even see a theme suggestion for the dragon which was very disappointing.
At Terrain Rules
I think that the terrain rules were very good, although I could go on and on about lacking in terrain guides as well.
Now the Battle for Thrali’s Hold
Not much to say here except I very good paint schemes and pieces of terrain showcased here, but not any guides about how to get these results for yourself.
Scenarios
Durin’s Tower
A very nice slightly different scenario where the dragon had to escape down the centre of the board, not off the side. I think it is well thought out. Here as well we saw the magnificent Durin’s Tower terrain piece but not a single guide on it. It even said, “this is an extremely hard piece of terrain to build but you may use a flat board for this scenario or attempt to build this for yourself.
Attack on the East Gate
A small game of about 200 points per side, this is a scenario where players attempt to take control of an objective, a gate winch, to open the East Gate.
The Battle for Barazinbar Deeps
A huge game of about a 1,000 points featured in the WD, this is a scenario to play out the initial fall of Durin. This a very balanced scenario, making it fun to play and one of those games that could tip either way at any moment…
Ambush at the Crossroads
Describing the fall of Durin, this scenario is basically to Kill a King, from Legions of
Middle Earth. An average size game at about 500 points
The Razing of High Water
Another scenario with the Dragon, it is medium-large in size at about 600 points. This is based on another Legions of Middle Earth Scenario, Domination.
Overall, we had some great scenarios, with a balance of small and large games.
Overall
To sum it up, a successful release in the way of models, profiles, scenarios, and rules. (The terrain) Most people read a review to determine whether they should buy the supplement or not. I’d say, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for guides on painting, terrain, and tactics, I’d say no, you’ll be disappointed. If you want a book with great scenarios and profiles to great models, this is the way to go, you’ll enjoy it.
Note: All pictures taken from the book of Khazad-Dum without permission from GW.
I hope this will give you a sense of whether Khazad-Dum is your supplement, or not. I hoped you like it and see you around the forums!
Thanks to Kain for proofing and also TonyB for proofing and uploading articles. He gets to much critisism and not enough praise.
Avvy
Nick (Arvendui King or Arnor)
Did you enjoy this article? You can give feedback and discuss it here.
The article currently has 43 stars.