I feel like we REALLY need more actual Druze models. Its weird that Druze have their own sectorial, but so few actual models. And most of their models are either long oop, limited edition or locked in another faction's box. I think one of the reasons you don't see a lot of actual Druze in list is because the models aren't there. There's no model for a Druze Combi, which represents 4 profiles. You can use the Druze Chaincolt to represent any of them but unless you want to buy two or three boxes of identical models you're left with a single model to represent 4+ profiles. There's no LGL, a staple in Druze lists for years. No Sniper unless you buy the Outrage box, which is made up of models for another faction (and is it even in print anymore?). No Killer Hacker, unless you were lucky to get the HS one. Out of the 11 existing Druze models, 6 are out of print (and extremely hard to come by) and one is locked in a out of faction box. No wonder most people build their lists around anything BUT Druze! The long oop original box gave us a Combi, Combi/LGL, Combi/Hacker and DEP. I'm lucky to have one, but they're so rare that I've had people at stores offer to buy my pained models off me when I show up to play (and they are NOT well painted). We need a new box. Either a new 4 model Druze Shock Teams box with a MSR, Combi, Combi/Panzer and LGL or a starter with with at east some of those and some other stuff. I know they said they weren't planning to do NA2 starters, but Druze SHOULD be an exception. The sectorial needs it's namesake troops.
So true, I am fortunate, I have 2.5 boxes of the old and 2 boxes of the new so I can fill in and convert. But lets be honest, CB isn't going to do anything for the NA2 factions outside of releasing generic cross faction models that can go almost anywhere. Sadly as far as getting real updates or new specific units these factions are dead.
Campaigns are the thing most likely to drive NA2 faction updates, IMO. Let’s see what the next global campaign brings.
Yeah, I was able to pick up one of the last few old Druze boxes off the internet when NA2 was announced, and shortly thereafter it was almost impossible. The new box isn't bad loadouts, but you're right that it's basically impossible to fill out the unit without heavy proxying. I think Druze had at least some issues with value for their cost in N3; I haven't really played much with listbuilding for them in N4. Aside from Druze themselves, I do feel like they got a number of new toys to play with. Of course, that doesn't do anything to help with the relatively low proportion of "proper" Druze in people's lists.
So I love my DBS, it's my favorite army, and it's my project army. However I feel like it has one big issue and that is that the Druze themselves are not the stars of the sectorial. Outside some specialist profiles (hackers, maybe the MSR) it's really in spite of the Druze that it's good. The random mercs, pirate, the current ITS rules for REMs, etc are what keep it in play. This has to do with a few things, mostly that Druze (and Arslan) are made as broad toolkits, who cannot really leverage all the tools given to them but are paying for them. My biggest wish would be that the faction refocus on the Druze themselves and making them a good option. Drop the costs a couple points and fix up poor Arslan. DBS should want to field a Druze Shock Team, not a pair of hackers and a motley crew of random other mercs. Give Arslan shock immune, or just a straight 2W, X-Visor or a gun, make him a Druze for forming a link, etc. Poor guy. He's 5pts less than Bixie for instance... Also...I know he's "dead", but Jethro, throw "Knauf" in the sectorial =P
Agreed on all points but I also think Druze themselves should be a couple points cheaper in the Druze Sectoral. Like a Sectoral discount. If not than then drop SWC weapons down by half a point.
That would be a really cool way to differentiate it. Maybe am exclusive Arslan profile as well. I suppose I could also wish for a real DBS HI, but don't think that will ever happen.
I strongly disagree with troops costing less in the sectorial, its a Pandora's box nobody should want to open, and the old Order Sergeants should be a solid indication on why. The Current format of units or profiles bee exclusives to a sectorial is a far better solution.
For sure, CB is slow as hell and it really feels like they are mostly disinterested in Infinity compared to their Kickstarters. True enough for costs. But something to bring the core identity of factions back to their roots would be great. At the rate CB does stuff it's going to be years. I think this is their biggest flaw as a company. The development cycle is slow and incomplete. We don't necessarily need new models, just tweaks to existing stuff. The ITS rules are a great way of getting people to buy more of a thing and experiment, I like those. Of course I would also love for them to put out enough models to fill out all the profile options with a 2-3 poses of just the basic weapons, but that's not going to happen when we have yet another named character rerelease to do. Back to Druze, it would be nice the Druze sectorial was squarely about Druze.
Interesting. I find I run a couple but with Diggers, Pathfinders, etc. they don't typically make up the bulk of my list.
Don't you run the Staple profiles maybe? The KHD can place repeaters very reliably and the LGL/EMGL is the only one in the game that can spec fire so far, the panzerfaust one is pretty solid in a core
I do run pure Core and Haris, that been said that is more than 2/3rs of the force, I should experiment with a 3 man core and a haris.
I typically run 2 hackers/KHDs depending, and the EM/LGL sometimes (GML exists, so this is just kind of extra if you take it). Maybe 3-4 Druze max. The rest is taken up by brawlers, diggers, hunzakuts, REMs, characters, etc. I'm trying to force myself to use the Druze more but you're talking about competing with a Bulleteer or Peacemaker at that price point. That makes it hard to want to take them since they are a much worse options almost all the time.
You do make a good point, but it's not like you Need 100% druze I think the sweet spot Is 3 or 4 druze, to get use from their strong points and from veteran, whithout giving up other options Diggers are a Staple, brawler MSV2 Is almost always in, unless I manager to fit Armand; hunzakut or peacemaker kinda depends on how much hacking I wanna have, and a couple Yuan Yuans ar an essential part of any complete breakfast The only thing I feel druze really really lack Is a desirable Lt choiche
I think for many it's about the principle of it. It is the Druze Bayram Society after all. They should be the stars of the show!
Having read through, there’s a load of good suggestions on what to take and why here which I thank you all for as I may have had a slight wibble today (really was trying to save cash this year. Oh well). I bought pretty much everything I needed to field this army. Thought I’d try something new when my player group starts back up with Infinity in the summer. Given the responses here, I’m sure they’ll be fun!