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With the recent announcement at the GW grand tournament of an updated version of the fantasy version rules we've recruited Jasmine to remind us of the original white dwarf article all those years ago and what her fellowship would be today - GBHL Alastair
What is fantasy fellowship and why?
Fantasy fellowship first debuted in White Dwarf magazines years and years ago (and is confirmed to be coming back in the new rulebook!). Essentially (just like in fantasy football), you have a budget to spend on characters to make up an alternative fellowship. It allows you to use your imagination and try and complete the campaign with your own members, whether that be thematically chosen ones, or optimised ones to maximise the chance of victory.
The Rules
The initial White Dwarf rules had very few limitations. The first was to choose your ringbearer and companion. You had three choices: Frodo and Sam, Bilbo and Gandalf or Isildur and Elrond (it also suggested Saruman and Grima as a challenge). You then had a total of 700 points (including the ringbearer and companions points) to fill the remaining 7 places. The only other thing to consider was who to place in what position, with the original fellowship given 1-9 placings, to essentially decide who replaced who. This was relevant for the campaign tree as it would decide who would participate in what scenarios, and what wargear (if any) they would initially start with. These rules were set in place long before we had such a wide range of models and new heroics (especially march) that could certainly make a big difference and provide so many more opportunities. (You can see the first half of the campaign tree for Frodo and Bilbo teams on the right. Isilidur had a different set of scenarios).
Picking my team
Personally, I wanted to make the best team I could, but at the same time I didn’t want to have one that wasn’t possible (for example dead heroes like Elendil). I also wanted to make it a challenge whilst also reflecting the current state of the game, so I chose to only pick heroes of valour (unless accompanied by one in the same army list), unless in some circumstances it made complete sense not to.
I decided to pick Frodo as my ringbearer as it provided me with the most points for my remaining members, and I also had some cool companion ideas.
Jasmine’s Fantasy Fellowship
Number 1 and 2: Frodo (60) and Sam (30)
Not much to say. Frodo gaining mithril coat and sting for free later in the campaign is a really nice bonus.
Number 3: Fredegar Bolger (10) – replaces Merry
Fatty is one of Frodo’s best friends, and it is certainly conceivable that he would set out on an adventure despite being afraid. At 10 points he is going to difficult to protect and keep alive, but he does allow me to bring some better heroes.
Number 4: Gildor (70) – replaces Pippin
Despite not being a hero of valour, he does run into the hobbits straight away, and it is perfectly possible he would help them to Rivendell, and then beyond. His addition (despite initially being unarmed) is very useful early on as he comes with some handy immobilises, a heroic march and also an 8” move!
Number 5: Galadriel LOL (130) – replaces Gandalf
As the most powerful and wisest of all good champions it is easy to see why Galadriel would oversee the Fellowship and ensures that it succeeds. Also there is nothing that provides more protection for the points spent. The protection from shooting attacks, as well as fortify spirit and instill fear can help keep alive all her friends. She also does more than protecting as she has three attacks and heroic strike.
Number 6: Glorfinddel with Armour (160) – replaces Aragorn
One of the best fighters and should have been in the original fellowship, Glorfindel deserves his place. Replacing Aragorn was always going to be impossible due to the free might every turn, but Lord of the West and F7 with an elven blade makes Glorfindel a much better duellist. Armour of Gondonlin protects against all those Ringwraiths and monsters and overcomes one of Aragorn’s biggest weaknesses.
Number 7: Theoden with Shield (80) – replaces Boromir
The king of Rohan would certainly be high on the list of invitees to the council of Elrond. Heavy armour was out of budget, but a shield boosts defence and allows the option to shield. A heroic challenge that could end in a heroic death would certainly be a close fit to Boromir!
Number 8: Deorwine (75) – replaces Gimli
One of Theoden’s closest guards it was easy to see Doerwine being brought along. His main use is for free heroic combats (within 12” of Theoden), and this could be crucial in killing more enemies, or moving the whole company on by grouping on one enemy.
Number 9: Haldir with Bow (75) – replaces Legolas
Known as loyal and a good fighter, he was brought along by Galadriel. Whilst no Legolas, giving him a bow allows him to provide a real ranged threat. Armour can be picked up later in the campaign, so that was an opportunity to save points. Finally his ‘allies till the end’ special rule is amazing as he passes all courage tests and gets a banner re roll within 12” of Theoden.
Do you agree with Jasmines choice of fantasy fellowship? Want to make your own? Let us know as we will be sure to revisit this when the update is released in the near future. - GBHL Team