New to bloodbowl

[nufflesillegitematechild]

Hey everyone, im thinking of starting to play Bloodbowl, and im kind of at a bit of an indecision at the moment race wise (you could see this as a 'Hey everyone' style post or a 'help me decide whether to get halflings or not' one )

since im new, im considering getting the boxed set, 'just' to get a playing field, block dice, balls, teams, and all the other accessories needed for the game, because I've already got the LRB 3.0.

However, I don't particularly want to play Orcs or Humans... or for that matter, a number of other races... I'm very picky you see

the two teams I guess i could use as a way of getting my friends into bloodbowl (one of them plays fantasy, so i think he would play, but another one plays that most annoying of hobbies, Lotr, (no offence to any lotr players out there! ), but because he likes American football i think i could get him to play. The reason why i want to get my friends into playing is because it is quite likely there is a lack of players in my area, seeing as how Bloodbowl is a specialist game an all.

So anyways, back to the topic... I really can't decide what race I want to play first. Since we won't be playing a league or anything just yet, I have decided that the two races i would pick from would be:

-Halflings (great choice i know )
-Pro Elves
-Skaven

these guys are pretty much the only ones that really appeal to me really, cos I like the the Skaven background and play style, the pro elves... well i really don't quite know why , and the Halflings are my favourite... great background, and I like the idea of Stunties being tossed about by treemen and running through their opponents legs (plus the models for halflings are just inspired )

[slup]

Skaven is most easy to play (but not to master).
Cheap linerats and those amazing gutterrunners makes it a fun team to play.
Be prepared for a lot of punishment due to lack of armour.

Playing elves (no matter the race) is a bit more difficult (but also more rewarding in the long end).
You first need to learn a lot about mathematical propabilities.
Pro elves offers cheaper lineelves, overcoming a major opstacle playing elves: lack of cash.

Only take halflings if you like to loose.
Goblins offer the same, only better.
If you just like to run between your opponents legs, go for Lizardmen.

[nufflesillegitematechild]

hmm... so basically Skaven or Pro Elves then... hmm *ponders for a bit*... if thats the case, I'll most likely go for Pro Elves...

can i just ask about the other Elven teams, and which you would reccomend? Just so i know the differences between them and the pro Elves

thanks Slup for the advice (I'll probably do a halfling team once I properly know all the rules and have some experience under my belt)

[sean newboy]

Halfling are definately more an experienced coaches team than a rookies.

[Snorri]

Go halflings!!!
They are my first team, and I like them (but that doesn't mean I win ).

[nufflesillegitematechild]

i am till toying with the idea of Halflings... It's not like we will be playing a league at first, so the games will mostly be friendlies where it doesn't really matter if i win or lose really, and i heard halflings are a very fun team, and i am playing for fun

also in favour of taking halflings is the fact that if i lose with them that will probably be agood thing for me in the long run! If i can get my friends get to win matches against me there will be a much higher chance that they will stay with the game (i know people who get into stuff like 40k and WFB and quit because they think they are terrible)

hmm.... Halflings................... *ponders*

[Joemanji]

If you try to learn the game with Halflings, you will get really pissed off and quit within the month. There is a reason the box has Human and Orc teams... because these are the best for learning the rules.

[nufflesillegitematechild]

hmm ok

Lets go for a new approach

what side(s) would you reccomend other than Orcs or Humans?

[boondog]

dwarfs are a good "beginners" side (possibly something to persuade your mates to play). No complicate probability calculations needed, and even a beginner's dwarf side can give a more experienced player a tough time. Plus, it's one of the few (if not the only) team that can be played "straight out of the box", i.e. the boxed set team is everything needed to play the side, while nearly all other teams have to buy additional "booster" blisters to start play.

Considering your initial choices, I'd recommend the Skaven. A very popular team (because it's easy to be successful with it). Even a beginner will score Touchdowns with the Skaven, in my opinion a crucial factor in determining whether or not a beginner will continue playing. If one loses his first four games without even scoring a single TD, chances are much higher that one will lose enthusiasm for the game.

[IronAge_Man]

When you're shopping around for a BB boxed set (most likely on eBay), it's worth remembering that a few extra teams of miniatures are handy to have if you plan to run a league; some people throw in some metal teams as well as the plastics when selling BB. Your friends can use the spare teams in a few friendlies, to see what they like. They can borrow or buy the teams off you after that.

[slup]

can i just ask about the other Elven teams, and which you would reccomend? Just so i know the differences between them and the pro Elves

Elves in general.
Play something else first.
Because of each players price you will lack position players (blitzers, catchers etc.) in the beginning and have to rely a lot on your lineelves.

High elves:
The best passing team in the game!
They do not have the same superior positionplayers as other elfteams, but ther ST3 catchers do have some potential.

Dark elves:
The most expensive team in the game!
Witch elves once they have block makes it very fun to play.
Be prepared fo a startingteam mostly based on lineelves.
The most difficult elfteam to play, since they lack dedicated catchers.

Wood elves:
The fastest team in the game, and rated as one of the best.
Wardancers can do their stuff straight out of "the box".
Be prepared for a lot of damage on your team and lack of cash to replace dead and injured players.
Even if they are down to 3 players left on the field they still possess a threat at scoring TD's.

Pro elves:
Kinda like high elves but with cheaper lineelves and better positionplayers.
The best elfteam for shorter leagues.

If you are not afraid of damage, go for wood or pro.
If you like passing the ball go for high.
If you just want to be evil go for dark elves.