My friends and I want to play a game where we can use a special character and the cost of that special character is included inside the 1500 point max restriction. Right now, I definitely know that my friends will probably purposely choose heros of mass destruction. However, I would like to choose one that supports my army as oppose to one that takes up 700 points and is a one-man-army. Any suggestions?

Don't take a special character. Take more troops and pound him into the dirt.

That's not very many points to be including a special character. Both of your armies are going to be quite small. If you already own the models and/or really want to try it, go ahead and see what it's like.

Well, the reason we want to use special characters is because we want to save as much money as possible on buying models and making a army because to be honest GW prices in Canada are outrageous.

Then get a more expensive army like Chaos, or a cheaper hobby. Few special characters can be used in such small games, and special charcters in general detract from the game.

don't discourage him... my friends and I usually have armys with a special character in them.... its fun and adds a new dimention to the game.

Anyway I would choose belthazar gelt... my friend uses him alot with sucess, flying around and melting my weapons, lol, or you could go with boris, he is relativly cheap compared to most special characters, anyway I think special characters should only be included in armys of 2000 points or more.....

Its up to you but I think that I'll have to agree with benedictus in some aspects that special characters although add an intresting aspect they can detract from the game in such a small army. In the end its up to you ^_^ good luck with the choosing

Why shouldn't I discourage him? I hate special characters. I've seen very few that actually add anything to the game- most are overpowered and excessive. I wish I could be more successful in disencouraging people to take the annoying gits. :)

One of my friends told me to use Valten. He gave me the rules from the Storm of Chaos book, looks pretty strong.

But he takes up two lord choices... I would suggest that you ask if you can use him

Perhaps use Valten type I, I think he is very cheap for his abilities and do pretty well in a close packed infantry army.

However I too would suggest not to take special characters.

Well, I have the choice of not using a special character and stick my faith with plain troops.

Well I'd do that then. Special characters should only be reserved for the largest of battles, where their points cost don't hurt so much. Besides, it's more fun to create your own fluff for a character ^_^

Thyrus Gormann!
As the head Fire Wizard, his magic missile spells are amped out to be more effective. Plus, each turn he can cast Flaming Sword for free on a friendly character, so its good to keep him nearby a fighty character of some sort.
Alternatively, go for one of the Elector Counts (Marius Leitdorf if you want someone fighty, or Aldebrand Ludenhof or Valmir von Raukov for added firepower).
Or, since he's alive again, VOLKMAR!!!! A chariot is always nice. ;)
NOTE THAT I DID NOT ONCE MENTION VALTEN OR KARL FRANZ OR WHATSISNAME!

boris? ar-ulric?

yeah Boris and Ar-Ulric would be good choices, as they are relativly inexpensive, you'll be able to take some troops as well :P

Thyrus, Volkmarr or Valten I. I prefer Valten because me and a couple of friends fought a special char. bash and found out that Valten can kill Snitch and Shadowblade at the same time. :clap: :thumb:

Yes, BUT, if you're going to be a stickler about fluff, then Valten shouldn't be avalable (what with him being dead and everything). Plus, when I think of Valten, the word "over-powered cheesehead" comes to mind.
Still, it's your choice. If you want to use Valten, then that's fine by me.

WHY the sudden change of heart i have made a 100 a 100 lists and 50 have included specaial character and those 50 have all been shut down "dont choose special characters until u got 3000 points" well if u got friend with a special go ahead and try ive played some tyrion vs morathi elvle battle they dont always finsih but there good fun>.

CyA :clap:

I just got back from a convention and I bought a new figure which brings another spec. character to mind who fluffwise is also dead. Marius Leitdorf, the Mad Lord of Averland.

I think valten is very effective for his costs and thyrus or whatever his name is a great lord level wizard but since he is not longer the head dont give him the staff of volands(i cant remember the exact name).

This isnt hero-hammer so special characters really dont change that much about the battle unless your a crappy general and cant deal with it. Only once have I had a lone special character beat a unit and it was a elf lord on a dragon against slaves. Special characters can be fun and in a campaign setting great. They wont or shouldnt be what wins you the game so Im not quite sure why everyone is so up in arms. Choose a character that YOU think is cool and can fit the theme of your army just dont cheese.

If you want to save money then get Chaos like stated and go all deamon. You can also make fluff on your own lord/hero. The only characters I think that should be avoided are Gortek & Felix. They are horrid. :D

I like kurt helborg.
i have used him a few times.
He works good for me!