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Rev's Dragon Guard - B.R. 2019

Posted: Fri May 03, 2019 4:38 pm
by Rev. Sylvanus
The last substantive update to my largest army occurred in 2015. For posterity, here is a link to that army thread.

The Dragon Guard are near and dear to my heart. It has always been one of my goals to bring to the forums a sizable, admirable, and eye-catching Medivo army. I undertook this journey after being inspired by the work of Zahru and Bragallot many, many years ago.

The Guard has featured prominently in my Battle Report days between 2011 and 2013. They've crossed blades with incredible opponents like Lord Mercat and the Mythic Order. I've collected this force since 2010 and has become an expression of my love for the vintage LEGO Dragon Masters line. In the words of another brikwarrior, just call me Daenerys Sylvanus!

The Dragon Guard (2019)

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While Mini Rev #1 was distracted by Peter Pan, I borrowed his LEGO table to set out the Dragon Guard in formation for the first time in many, many years. The force covered four green baseplates (and I even forgot to include a third dragon and my griffin model). The figure count is 118, horse count is 17, green classic dragons at 6, a 3" griffin MOC, 2 ballistae, a dragon cannon, and 3 5" dragon models.

Combat Infantry

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The largest portion of the Dragon Guard force is close-combat infantry. There are 13 in hand weapon squads, 12 spearmen, and 6 halberdiers.
Individual Combat Infantry Units
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The most basic Dragon Guard infantry dual wield hand weapons but may, like their lieutenants, equip a single heavy weapon on occasion.

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The backbone infantry of the Dragon Guard are spearmen bearing heavy shields. The dragon talons on the shields are decorative; phalanx formations and 2/3 cover are common tactics for these soldiers.

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When the spear phalanx needs greater punch, units of halberdiers march behind the shield wall, taking advantage of pole arm reach.
Elite Infantry

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Three squads of elite infantry include 6 Heavy Halberdiers, 6 Fireblades (each with 2d4 talismans), and 6 hand weapon-crossbow skirmishers.
Individual Elite Infantry Units
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Skirmishers in the Dragon Guard equip a single hand crossbow and a hand weapon. Due to their quicker nature, they sometimes accompany Dragon Guard heroes who are on foot.

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When holding the line is essential, squads of heavy, armored halberdiers dig their heels in and dare any to charge into their formation.

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Founded by Helena the Hotshot, the order of Fireblades are elite soldiers who are entrusted with talisman weapons to unleash supernatural havoc on the battlefield. Each bears an OTC fireblade and a magical potion.
Ranged Support

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Melee infantry are supported by a cast of archers. There are 18 bowmen (3 are snipers) in the Dragon Guard. Another 8 soldiers make up 4 two-person giant crossbow teams, and 5 crossbow outriders are mounted.
Individual Ranged Units
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Though lesser in numbers than the close combat counterparts, Dragon Guard archers bring tactical flexibility to the battlefield. Their officers wield true longbows that are used to snipe with incredible accuracy.

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Giant crossbows were introduced to the Guard as a way to hunt down and assist in the capture of lessor dragons. Those trained in the use of the crossbows were then drafted into the army as a bridge between the standard range units and the siege equipment. Two figs word together to operate each giant crossbow so that they do not lose their mobility.

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Outriders were commissioned by Darius after being harried by similar units when fighting the Mythic Order. Each outrider is equipped with a hand crossbow, shield, and spear; and the soldiers flexibly adapt to whatever the battlefield general needs.
Cavalry and Specialists

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The Dragon Guard has a number of specialists in the ranks: 1 Mechanik, 2 Mediks, 2 Winged Warriors, 2 Berzerker Axemen, 1 Infiltrator, and 3 Wizards.
Individual Specialist Units
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Two specialist infantry in the Guard: the WInged Warriors and the Grimfang Berzerkers. Winged Warriors don special armor that grants flight to their movement (at a premium Unit Inch cost).

Grimfang Berzerkers are warriors who are obsessed with bringing down foes bigger and stronger than they. There obsession makes them incompetent for most other tasks. However, when they focus in on larger foes or are outnumbered in close combat, they are small force not to be underestimated.

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Shown above are the soldiers entrusted with the care of the Dragon Guard's war machines. The lead mechanik (center left) is so committed to his work that he's replaced one of his hands with a buzz saw. Present, also, is the army's infiltrator, a special agent commissioned by Darius to oversee his interests inside and outside the kingdom.

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These are those who wield the mystical arts in the Dragon Guard. Several magistick clones fill out various roles (they are not always kitted out with supernatural dice. Sometimes their staves are simply flamethrowers, blast guns, or automatic weapons). The priests with the healing potions are the resident Mediks of the army.
The cavalry of the Dragon Guard are: 10 horse-mounted knights and 6 dragon-mounted knights.
Individual Cavalry Squads
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The Dragon Knights of the Guard comprise two divisions: crimson and cerulean. They sport Rev's proud barding and thunder into battle with lances and heavy blades.

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Dragon Rider knights bring heavy support into the air, easily traversing hills, castles, or engaging in flanking maneuvers normally impossible for ground steeds. The dragons, at this age, are wild and become uncontrollable if freed from their riders. They do breathe fire.
War Machines and Creatures

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War machines in the Guard are: 2 ballistae and 1 Dragon Cannon.
Individual War Machines
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Crewed by two, a ballista in the Guard has the statistics of a Size 3" Gun.

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The imposing Dragon-Fire Cannon has two features. Sporting napalm tanks on the rear, the cannon is a Size 3" Flamethrower. There is also a port on the back of the dragon head, allowing two MKII rockets to be launched.
Creatures: a brik-built griffon and three sizable dragons.
Individual Creature MOCs
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One of the first "impressive" MOCs of the Dragon Guard was a griffin. In battle it has always been a fearsome contender and often primary target of enemy units. Like other creatures in the Guard, the griffin is a flying unit capable of swooping and surprise attacks.

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The Dragon Guard is now home to at least three species of wyvern and dragon (only two are shown). Each dragon has unique stats and abilities. One dragon is traditional and shoots flames, another dragon (wyvern, actually with a pair of legs, a pair of wings, and no arms) is super speedy and has a sonic screech, and the third is armored and can shoot an acid explosion after consuming a friendly or enemy minifig.

Heroes

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The Dragon Guard has a new cast of heroes that you can read about elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

As a project and an army, the Dragon Guard is nearly complete to my satisfaction. In the coming months I'll be greebling some more figures together to try and achieve: one more squad of skirmishers, one more squad of basic halberdiers, one more outrider, and one more knight. If I can find a design I like, I also hope to add two more identical war machines (catapults) to the ballista and cannon lineup. At that point, the draft on the Dragon Guard may finally be closed!

Re: Rev's Dragon Guard - B.R. 2019

Posted: Sat May 04, 2019 12:11 pm
by Rev. Sylvanus
Added spoiler tags for individual photos of units and squads in each category :-D

Re: Rev's Dragon Guard - B.R. 2019

Posted: Sun May 05, 2019 5:40 pm
by Kommander Ken
Aww hell yeah. Can't wait to see them in battle!

Re: Rev's Dragon Guard - B.R. 2019

Posted: Tue May 07, 2019 1:00 pm
by Rev. Sylvanus
Thank you, Ken!

I only hope they will be worthy of their foes and fight well.

The OP is now properly arranged and categorized, and the spoiler sections have their appropriate pictures.

Re: Rev's Dragon Guard - B.R. 2019

Posted: Fri May 10, 2019 3:28 pm
by Kaplan
Great army update! :tiger:

Re: Rev's Dragon Guard - B.R. 2019

Posted: Thu May 16, 2019 9:03 am
by Rev. Sylvanus
Kaplan wrote:
Fri May 10, 2019 3:28 pm
Great army update! :tiger:
Thank you, Kaplan. If it were possible, I would gladly square them off against the Imperium of yours, though the infantry color scheme is quite similar.