Beast of Nurgle with block as first skill

[Smeborg]

I suspect there are 2 generic ways to play (and develop) the Beast:

(1) As a mobile threat - Break Tackle as the first normal skill (and Pro on doubles).

(2) As a static lump - Stand Firm as first normal skill (and Block on doubles).

Method (1) is probably better on defense, method (2) is probably better on offense (at least for a turn or two). I have favoured method (1) hitherto in both leagues and tournaments. Next season I will see what happens with method (2).

At higher skill levels, of course, (1) and (2) may merge, if the Beast survives and you get lucky. My league Beast is currently: Break Tackle, Pro, +1ST, Stand Firm. Of course he could use Block as his next skill, but sadly the league will end before he can get his 5th upgrade and a chance to roll a second double. He is quite a good cage-breaker (3+ dodge).

I like the idea of developing the Warriors as mini-Beasts by giving them Block, Stand Firm, Tentacles. Of course you give up other things (Guard, M-Blow/Claw) in order to do this, but I think it would be fun, and ought to work well against both AG and bash.

Hope this helps.

[Carnis]

I suspect there are 2 generic ways to play (and develop) the Beast:

(1) As a mobile threat - Break Tackle as the first normal skill (and Pro on doubles).

(2) As a static lump - Stand Firm as first normal skill (and Block on doubles).

Method (1) is probably better on defense, method (2) is probably better on offense (at least for a turn or two). I have favoured method (1) hitherto in both leagues and tournaments. Next season I will see what happens with method (2).

At higher skill levels, of course, (1) and (2) may merge, if the Beast survives and you get lucky. My league Beast is currently: Break Tackle, Pro, +1ST, Stand Firm. Of course he could use Block as his next skill, but sadly the league will end before he can get his 5th upgrade and a chance to roll a second double. He is quite a good cage-breaker (3+ dodge).

Would love to hear why you consider break tackle and especially PRO over block-double a superior choice. My Beast without SF has been chainpushed out of TZs almost every game and yet without having break tackle or taking 5+ dodges he has always ended the half at the TZ of 2 or more players.

I suspect your preference of method (1) is relying on some form of non-bashy/killy overall strategy, or a strategy that does not rely on tieing up opposing players.. The general playbook style of marking with all 4 warriors, all the rotters, most of your pestigors and your beast will always favour method (2). Get 1-2 CAS advantage and your opponent won't be doing anything without rolling a dodge..

[Smeborg]

Carnis - I can't answer your question with any degree of certainty until I spend a season playing style (2).

It's true that I do not play Nurgle as a slayer team. While I accept that Nurgle can be made into a slayer team, I don't think this is their forte. Other teams make better slayers, and will likely beat Nurgle at this game when they meet.

Pro is outstanding on the Beast, as it keeps his Tentacles alive, and saves team re-rolls in critical situations. Pro works perhaps 2 or 3 times in a game for the Beast, which is quite a lot.

I accept that Stand Firm is a good skill on the Beast. But I have hitherto preferred Break Tackle first, as a Beast without Break Tackle will be marked out of the game by a lino (assuming a half-decent coach as your opponent). This is a waste. Break Tackle makes the Beast into a mobile threat which your opponent has to take account of. Thus the Beast has a disproportionate influence on the game.

I won't say more, as this topic has been explored quite thoroughly on other threads. I would also repeat that strategy (1) and (2) are not incompatible, they just differ in time.

All the best.

[DoubleSkulls]

For the warrior I think Guard is a great choice. S5 player are hard to shift so he basically becomes the fulcrum of the line, allowing the beast to do the tentacled goodness.

[Carnis]

There was another thread about NWs with +ST. The concensus was take Block, Tentacles, Guard.. Stand firm is an option ofc, but do not skip a S5 tentacles player..

[corlm]

Ok, thanks alot for that answer. Guess it's tents first and then see if he lives long enough to get another skill.

I have to say that I've found a new favorite team.