So I recently let one of my friends (who plays DE) take a gander at my Lizardmen Army Book. She brought up something interesting, though. She thought it would make sense from a fluff perspective if the Temple Guard had Hate, much like Dark Elves. As much as I can see where she's coming from, I think that TG are more of a defensive unit, so something like Hate wouldn't make as much sense. What are your thoughts?
I voted No. As you say; they are a defensive unit. They are just there to stand in the way, so enemies can't reach the Slann. Any kills are nice, but not necessary. What IS necessary though is that the Slann is safe. Therefore I would find it more appropriate if they gain Hate if the Slann is Killed. They have failed tehre mission and are pretty dang mad at it...(although usually there ain't much TG left, i know!) still: No The Hunted
I used to love getting my TG into combat, with a good static CR and good number of high strength attacks I found they could really cause some damage the times they didn't win the combat they would hold thanks to stubborn, cold blood BSB. So I'm not sure I agree that they're a completely defensive unit. Although I'm not sure about hatred, that would make them a little too sick
Had to think about this for a bit. My thoughts are that from a fluff perspective, I've always gotten the feeling that TG were kind of silent until something got stupid enough to get close to the Slann. At that moment they go hacked to bits, while the TG returned to their position unmoving. This basically means they don't miss. From a game perspective, I don't want to pay any more ppm for them.
"When in battle, these silent warriors stand sentry, silent and motionless" Does that sound like hatred? In my view Saurus are the embodyment of emotionlessness. hate is right out. these guys even tend to be immune to psychology (when the big toad is around), and even if hate is not a psychological rule it clearly IS a psychological thing.
Im with the "No" consencus on this one, Its mainly already been stated, but Temple guard to me are the peak of emotionlessness, even moreso than the HE Phoenixguard... thats a point, do Phoenixguard have anything special these days to do with they're silence etc.? I think they used to cause fear....
Agree with the above, they don't have the emotion to hate. Hatred or even frenzy after the Slann is dead maybe, shouldn't need to add to their points since they also are usually dead by that time. Phoenix Guard still cause fear, that would be nice but would make them a bit too powerful. I think they are fine as they are and any more rules would either make their points go up or them to be too powerful. As it is most stubborn units have the rule offset a bit by them being crap in combat, TG are great in combat and can probably win against a lot of things, which when combined with stubborn is very very good.
I voted 'maybe so'... Mainly since I can't decide... I can't see why they should, nor can I see why they shouldn't... So I'm somewhere in between... But I agree with all the above posters... Cheers!
From a game/balancing side, hatred woudn't even be that fantastic. It would make them more badass at killin people, sure. But it would make the models cost more points, and this would kinda suck in my opinion. As they are, they fulfill their primary function fine. Making them more expensive would drain points for other units, and not add much to your army. If you want them to be much better, then they could be given the option to use spears. THAT would be badass, if not disgustingly so.