An Eldfall Chronicles Faction Focus: The Sand Kingdoms

Here is this quite new game called Eldfall Chronicles, and you would like to invest in it. You already downloaded the free rules book and all is looking very nice! The designs of the models are all stunning and that won’t help you decide on the faction. Now what? Here’s us showing in a series of blogs how the Sand Kingdoms, Helian League, Coalition of Thenion and the Empire of Soga work.

Everyone has a specific play style and the same goes for these factions. When one dives deeper into the lore of the Eldfall Chronicles factions, we see a common trait appearing. Strength, speed, wisdom and power. Not taking in consideration that there are neutral models. These are a good mix of all of these traits and sell their skills to the paying faction.

Wisdom is Power

Let’s start our faction focus series with the Wisdom trait. Wisdom in fantasy basically is an acronym for magic and that is to be true here too. In the Eldfall Chronicles world, it is said that the cradle of life lies somewhere within the gates of Calad, one of the greatest cities of the Sand Kingdoms.

Because of the harsh deserts surrounding the cities, many from outside flock towards the cities to find shelter and never leave. This makes the cities of the Sand Kingdoms a true hotpot of knowledge. Out of this knowledge comes wisdom.

Many scholars and wielders have found a way to cast powerful magic spells to defend their home and cities. Some use the art of conjuring, others prefer ranged “missiles” to get the job done.

Scholars in fantasy settings tend to be the old, bearded men with pointy hats that all sound like Gandalf from Lord of the Rings. Here, we see the younger folk defending the elder with powerful spells that create all sorts of defenses, attacks and enchantments,

A closer look at the Sand Kingdoms model stats

In Eldfall Chronicles, the Sand Kingdoms faction seems like a “pushover”, but once they start acting, you will see these folk are a force to be reckoned with. When working together, they are a formidable foe and (in co-op) an even better ally. They keep their distance and try to outmaneuver you and, when one still finds a way to get close, they employ the might of the Vizier of Conjurations. She summons entities that keep attacking at relentless speed. Let’s take a look at what each model from the starter boxes can do:

The Faris Outrider

A master of enchantments. The Faris Outrider has Art of Enchantment III and can cast spells from spell level I, II and III. The enchantments focus on improving survivability on the battlefield. Think of spells like “spectral shield” which increases the target models armor value to a max of stat 6. Equally important is the Spectral Blade, which makes every strike with the sword devastating, as it ignores armor. He might not be the fastest on the board, but in range he can make an already devastating target even worse!

The Taskmage Explorer

Did someone ask for a defensive model? She can basically debuff a model or area to a point where they don’t matter anymore. As a Wizardry III elder, she can cast spells from level I, II and III, she can confuse players, remove certain active spells from the playing area and redirect magic to other targets. Do note, she only has a dagger, so a stab is useful in short term when defending herself, but throwing it loses all functionality of the model without the use of magic. Use the dagger only as a last resort.

The Academy Expeditioner

Whenever the Academy Expeditioner enters the battlefield, the opponent needs to become afraid. We have arrived at the offensive side of the faction. This elder in the Art of Sorcery is a ranged spell slinger, purely there to bring the pain. From Telekinetic Blasts to stunning and making the model panic till the next turn, this is a wielder you should not think lightly of, because before you know it, you have a bolt hurling your way from the other side of the table. Just like the Taskmage Explorer, he carries only a dagger. Use this only as a last resort.

The Vizier of Conjuration

Finally, we have the leader of the pack, the most intelligent model of the group. The Vizier has 2 different magic slots. She can wield Wizardry I, her main study is Conjuration of Earthbound Summons. This means that with enough mana, she can summon earth elementals in the end game. Early game she is insanely good at harassing the opponent with gargoyles and golems that stand ground on their own. She is skilled enough to keep the enemy at a safe distance with debuffing spells.

Why should you choose Sand Kingdoms?

Simply said, because you love magic and love that you can strengthen your group of adventurers with magical beings. Next to that, you are one that likes to play it relatively safe by keeping distance. At least, for as long as you can, because confrontation is inevitable.

Out of all the factions in the game, the Sand Kingdoms are the most fairytale like, so that can also be a reason to choose this faction. You might just like the looks of them and rule of cool still plays a role in faction choice. Whatever your reason for this faction will be, you are guaranteed of a good time. This of course, can not be said of the opponent taking on the scholars.

It’s a kind of Sand Kingdoms magic…

In conclusion, this might not be the easiest and straightforward faction to start off with, using them on the board with great devastation is satisfying enough to make the leap into learning them. The only downside to this faction is the lack of models in the box to represent the summons of the Vizier of Conjuration in the starter box, but know they are separately available for purchase. You can find them in our shop or at the Eldfall Chronicles site, straight from the producer Freecompany.

If you aren’t certain yet if you like the models, you have the choice between the faction box, the Eldfall Chronicles starter set (with 2 factions) and a single model box, where you can have a taste of what the whole faction looks like.

Keep in mind that the max model count is 3 to 5 models. This means there is enough room to learn and upgrade on your own and opponents terms.

Want to know more about the other 3 factions, and perhaps the coming factions within Northern Wind? Stay tuned and keep an eye out for more coming in the next weeks!