Nicodem and Ashes & Dust

[Kriltic]

I'm hoping to start using Nicodem a lot more for both casual and tournament games but I was wondering if its worth purchasing an Ashes & Dust for Nicodem? Is it a competitive combo or would it be something to leave for friendly games? He seems fairly fast and resilient, plus its survival tricks and ability to summon SPA's seems fairly funny.

Also if it is worth getting, how many Steampunk Abominations would be ideal to get and would it be worth getting a Desolation Engine, just in case?

Edited January 29, 2013 by Kriltic

[Kadeton]

I haven't tried it myself, but it seems fairly hideous. An A&D with a linked Grave Spirit under the effects of Bolster Undead is a blood-curdling prospect to face. Being able to heal the Ashen Core with Decay as well as throw out blast damage when the enemy crew gathers to kick it to death also seems very nice.

I would expect that you wouldn't need more than the 4 SPAs and 1 Desolation Engine unless you were having a real romper-stomper of a game. I have 8 SPAs and 2 Desolation Engines for my Levi crew, but I think I've only ever got both DEs out in one game.

[Evilbleachman]

Give it a try! Why the heck not. It sounds devious and good for a shocker too.

You could always just pick up a Levi box as well, so you could use the A&D more often with him.

[Kriltic]

It seems a little risky but Im hoping the slight shock of such a pairing may help put someone off to some extent. Plus I think it may be worth the extra SS in some Strategies especially as they seem to offset the others weakness to a degree.

If I did buy some SPAs I'd only go for 4 and a Desolation Engine as I wouldn't expect to be so lucky as to get more... Not unless he can turn Mindless Zombies into SPAs?

[Boshea]

Don't have the rules on hand, but fairly certain only the Desolation engine has the clause that prevents summoning. SPAs are fair game.

[Kriltic]

I meant A&D summoning SPA's when it kills things. Possibly Mindless Zombies should the need 'Arise'... Ill get my coat XD

[IDislexiaHave]

I personally love the idea and think you should try it out and let us know how it goes!!! It will be interesting to see the results.

[Kriltic]

I think I may do, certainly looks fun and and seems to have potential (in theory). I can add it to the list of unusual combos I intend to try. I shall make sure to post them all and let people see how they do!

[Lucidicide]

I'm going to tell you now: Nico, A&D, and Nurse make for one crazy powerful reactivating model. Having to sac to Massive Dose is not a problem for A&D, as you can just kill it yourself.

[Kriltic]

Hmm perhaps... I was thinking of pairing him up with Rafkin to try and pump out SPAs and Zombies... Maybe even with aNicodem too. It should be interesting regardless.

Edited January 29, 2013 by Kriltic

[Clement]

The other real concern is that SPAs can go cruising up the field and totally leave Nico in the dust. If you want to keep up the bolstering fun, be sure to address Nico's lack of speed somehow.

[Kriltic]

Im usually prepared to spend the first turn or two walking up the board with Nicodem, assuming I dont have Toshiro to help out. If I were to use A & D it would be for Strategies and Schemes that will force my opponent to come to me to help reduce Nicodems speed issue.

Also woo, my 100th post! XD

[Mordeqai]

Getting A&D up to 13cb (&+Nurse+Bolster) is a force to be reckoned with on a 3/4/6 damge flip. Especially if you Reactivate.

Brb. Buying Ashes and Dust.

[Tiaden]

It is scary true. But Ashes and Dust + Nurse + 2 Steampunk Abomination (That you really want to be able to use his (0) Contort) is already 24 points. 22 if you grow the Abominations out of Canine Remains, which wont grant you any Corpse Counters. In a regular up to 35 Soulstone game you wont field much more.

So your opponent only needs to take care of 1 Model. He can shoot it, to negate its massive threat for 1 turn. He can paralyze it and god beware he can sacrifice or simply out activate you and kill the Ashen Core. Maybe he has the initative next turn and can kill the Ashen Core.

So Ashes and Dust is a beast with Cb 13. Even with Cb 11 when it rushes outside of Nicodems bolster range. But its just that one Model that can't use Soulstones.

[PZN]

It is scary true. But Ashes and Dust + Nurse + 2 Steampunk Abomination (That you really want to be able to use his (0) Contort) is already 24 points. 22 if you grow the Abominations out of Canine Remains, which wont grant you any Corpse Counters. In a regular up to 35 Soulstone game you wont field much more.

So your opponent only needs to take care of 1 Model. He can shoot it, to negate its massive threat for 1 turn. He can paralyze it and god beware he can sacrifice or simply out activate you and kill the Ashen Core. Maybe he has the initative next turn and can kill the Ashen Core.

So Ashes and Dust is a beast with Cb 13. Even with Cb 11 when it rushes outside of Nicodems bolster range. But its just that one Model that can't use Soulstones.

sadly true

[SoulG]

A&D + Nico + Nurse exist entirely to return the treasure counter on turn one. You can also use them for Deliver a Message but uh... you can use 3 Night Terrors and/or Kirai too.