Kings of War 3rd Edition: Brothermark Army Review

Hello Dash28! We are back with another army review from the man of chivalry himself, Mr. Kevin Spear! Kevin has been kind enough to write his thoughts on the Brothermark. A big thanks to him for covering this army. Kevin’s writing style oozes passion for the army, but because of that, doesn’t fit the traditional layout of our army reviews as close as others. It is still an amazing resource for players eyeing up the Brothermark and does hit some more traditional Tier discussion.

If you would like to read Kevin’s review of the other half of Brotherhood, the Order of the Green Lady, you can find that here.

If you would like to see our other army reviews, you can find those here.

Tier Rankings: 

Trying to rank units in Kings of War is not a perfect science. By pure design, many units are meant to work in combination with other choices in the army and can be hard to judge on their own. For this exercise, it’s assumed the unit is being used to its utmost potential within the army. This is not just a math problem to determine the most cost-effective unit but to also see how they compare in scope, role, and impact across not just a single army but all Kings of War armies. For the most part, units will be treated as one entry; however, if an option or size drastically improves a unit it will be separately mentioned.

S Tier: Reserved for units that are widely acknowledged as either being significantly undercosted or having a combination of rules that perform well above units in similar roles. These units are often called “auto includes” as any list stands to be made better with their inclusion. Expect these units to be addressed in future CoK book updates.

A Tier: These units are some of the best the army has to offer. They excel in their specific roles and commonly help form the core of most competitive lists. While not auto include, they are great in almost any army they are taken in and will be seen frequently.

B Tier: These units have a mix of strengths and weaknesses that make them very playable but balanced. These units work great with specific roles in mind; however, their weaknesses mean they do not help every list. In a perfect world, all units would fit into this category.

C Tier: C tier units may still shine in niche lists and roles; however, they will feel underpowered when compared to similar units in other armies. Decidedly suboptimal, you could make them work but frequently will see other things that are just better. You will rarely see many lists take these units.

D Tier: Units that need some considerable love and attention. You will struggle to find any role for this unit that another unit couldn’t do better. Very often you will see these units labeled as “unplayable”.

The Brothermark

In order to understand my take on The Brothermark, we’re going to have to go way back in my own life and begin with what brought me full force into this amazing hobby.  It was the summer of 2004.  I had a part-time job, a steady girlfriend, and (most important to this tale) an absolute ton of free time.  Which was why, on the spur of the moment, I took the 40-minute drive out to a FLGS.  And, if I’m being perfectly honest, it was one of those types of nerd stores.  The type of nerd store whose smell brings many of us older hobbyists back to a certain age. A unique bouquet of old comic book paper, teenage boy funk, and poor ventilation.  Regardless of such… distinct… aromas, I found myself standing in front of a wall of wargaming products, hemming, and hawing over that most important of decisions… which would be my army.  No, not just some army you’d play a few times before trading away it for the latest hotness.  I’m talking about the army that immerses us into our chosen fantasy setting.  The one other gamers associate you with.  The one you keep going back to, time and again.  Who cares if I didn’t know the rules.  Or had the templates.  Or had anyone to play with.  I wanted something that I could connect with from the very beginning. 

This is why I finally settled on two items with my limited funds (1) a box of Bretonnian Men-at-Arms and (2) its accompanying army book.  They were both good choices.  Those minis and my love for all that is chivalric stayed with me throughout my time playing Warhammer Fantasy Battle and continues to this day with Kings of War.  

But, why? Bretonnia, much like the origins of the Brotherhood itself, was just another Arthurian-inspired product in a long line of fantasy and historical ranges.  Although in its day Bretonnian sculpts were some of the best around, that’s not what hooked me.  It was the story.  With its well-known grim-dark motif, GW had flipped the Arthurian narrative on its head.  No longer were we in some cliché-utopian society, in which a feudal community lived contentedly under their kindly and just lords.   Instead, peasants were grubby, inbred things that were ill-fed, downtrodden, and (when on the battlefield) used as cannon fodder.  For their part, the knights “looked the part;” strong, proud, and adhering to a strict code.  But the delectable twist lay in their failure to see the woeful conditions that their charges (the peasantry) had to endure.  This struggle between idealism and reality created a depth/gritty-realism that any player (or rpg-er) could explore for years.   Truly, it’s the reason I continued to play Bretonnia for the next decade… even when its armybook became outdated and the faction was left behind for more… patent-able… products.

So what does any of this have to do with the Order of the Brothermark?  After reviewing their background and army list, I strongly feel that it follows in a similar vein to Bretonnia when it comes to form and function.  Like their ancient predecessor, the Bromarks have an intriguing/deep background that throws the door wide open for hobbyists, future plot twists, and (currently to a much less degree) players. 

For those who do not know, these knights have “sold out” to the Basilean Empire in order to survive.  The Basileans have provided The Order with the wealth, resources, and manpower needed to restart their age-long duty of guarding the Abyss.  In return, however, they have traded away their most precious resource… their independence; something that won’t be given back unless under the direst of circumstances (read as “war”).  Therefore, in a cruel twist of fate, they have not saved themselves from destruction.  Rather, they have only managed to stave it off; ultimately meeting a far less glorious end when Basilean thought and personnel have fully subsumed the Order’s doctrine and organizational structure.  

And I cannot help but love this choice Mantic took for its storytelling value.  It breathes life, purpose, and emotion into this all-new faction.  You, as the Bromark Commander, are at the center of a number of complex forces that constantly pull at your gut which I can only liken to the traditional elf experience.  Most wargames mark elves as a dying race/faction and, as such, every loss is felt more keenly than in other societies.  They must fight to survive, but each warrior’s death marks another soul that cannot be replaced.   So, if you are a fluff player like me, you’ve got this innate narrative built into the army that plays out every time you take to the field.  Are you a grizzled old Veteran of the Long Watch, trying to continue your vow?  Are you an Exemplar trying to restore the glory of the old Brotherhood?  Or are you a newly recruited Basilean, perhaps secretly trying to push The Empire’s agenda into this newly “conquered” people?  Your answers to these questions could give you the much-needed inspiration for model collecting, army building the army, or narrative play.

Still, and more pressing for the more wargamer-inclined amongst us, are the similarities that affect how this army plays on the tabletop.  Unfortunately, the same issue that plagued Old Bretonnia, now infects our modern Brothermark.  When looking over the unit choice, you’ll find a significant portion of the options to be rather… vanilla.  They are just your standard, out of the box units seen in a dozen other armies.  What can I say about them that hasn’t been said about their approximates in other factions’ time and time again?

• Men-at-arms Swordsmen (Army Rating: B+. I’ve always taken them in hordes as they are the ideal anvil unit.  I think Regiments are possible but Spears are probably the way to go at that level)
• Men-at-arms Spearmen (Army Rating: B.  Basically the reverse of swordsmen as they are great pieces in the defense/support roles for cavalry.)
• Men-at-arms Crossbowmen (Army Rating: B- at troop/regiments.  Less for hordes due to points cost.  Hard to imagine them being worth the 230 pts)
• Paladin Foot Guard (Army Rating: A-.  See explanation below.)
• Paladin Knights (Army Rating: C for regiments due to Order of the Abyssal Hunt but B- for troops.)
• Heavy Arbalest (Army Rating: D-.  WM spam only.  For 5 points more you can have Siege Artillery)
• Bearer of the Holy Icon (Army Rating: B+.  Take when you don’t want a bare bone’s priest or can’t afford a priest with Banechant)
• Villein Skirmishers (Army Rating: C+.  If you’re good with setting up hill charges, this can be a nifty little unit but struggles from low nerve and no Iron Resolve)
• War Wizard (Army Rating: B+.  If you want that chip damage + Banechant combo that becomes more necessary at high points games)
• Ogre Palace Guard (A-. They are palace ogres. Give em items that help with waiver and they’ll punch whatever is in front of them in the face.)

They are your basic unit options that provide the same advantages/disadvantages that are provided to all the other armies you’ve looked at or played with.  They do what they do.  “But, Kevin…” I hear you saying “… they come with Iron Resolve and even if they didn’t, they provide the solid core that many armies need in order to run a well-balanced list.”  

Yes, I hear you and, in fact, totally agree with this line of thinking.  If you choose to play Bromark, you will inevitably include a number of the above units because of their innate tanking abilities.  After the Healing Potion, the Aegis Fragment is a great buy and should be considered on any mainline unit.  Though, if you find yourself short on points, I would advise putting these on your hammer units first as your hammers will have lower nerve and you’ll want them wrecking face for as long as they can.  With that in mind, make sure to watch out for units that can one-shot 15/17 units.  This will be your downfall if you quickly lose 1-2 of these precious resources.  

Regardless, a good rule of thumb when selecting units with iron resolve is to always assume a horde’s nerve to be 2 (or 3 if Aegis) above its stated value while regiments can safely be scooched up 1 (or 2 if Aegis).  The combination of Iron Resolve and the Aegis Fragment makes Paladin Knight troops rather viable swiss-army knives.  Their durability, range, and attacks allow them to safely take on chaff (even if they are charged) or non-offensive anvils (I’m looking at you Earth Elementals) while also giving your opponent headaches if they allow give up flanks.  Heck, I had a troop hold up a horde of Butchers for 3 turns because of it.  Consider including at least one!

The Paladin Foot Guard also has a unique twist as one can be upgraded to Paladin Defenders.  These premier Foot Guard give themselves and any infantry with the Paladin keyword within 6” the Elite special rule.  But, if I’m honest, I’ve struggled to get this aura on other Paladin infantry in any clutch moments.  Typically, the 2 Foot Guard regiments in my list break away from one another, attempting to support other combats or act as anvils.  If you’re infantry heavy (read this as 3+ units of Foot Guards), then I assume it will be easier, but it’s hard to lean towards infantry heavy armies when you have a unit like the Order of the Abyssal Hunt. Whether to take the Two-hander upgrade is a personal choice, but I find that (1) Def 5 hard to give up, (2) the footguard have a limited number of attacks, and (3) you can always get CS1 on them through banechant.   

But barring these twists, there’s a limited number of innovative ideas that I can provide for these core units.  Using them in their traditional roles works can often work well with the Bromark’s propensity for bloody, grindy combat.  There’s a reason why vanilla is the world’s favorite flavor after all.

So, if it works so well then why do I have a problem?  Well, it’s not really these vanilla units’ fault that you get a vanilla feel when playing the army. Rather, it’s what the army list is missing that keeps it from a truly unique playstyle.  The Brothermark is starving for unit selection.  It just doesn’t have it.   As it stands, Kings of War currently has 25 unique armies (26 if you count the Ratkin slaves).  If we remove the Bromark from the equation, each army contains just a smidge over 27 unit choices (27.125) with a range between 22 (Order of the Green Lady and the League of Rhordia) and 33 (Forces of Nature).   Core lists (those armies that don’t pull units from other lists) tend to have a larger selection of units, averaging 28 units (28.23), and larger ranges, from 25 (Nightstalkers and Skaven) to 33 (FoN).  Thematic Lists (those that do pull core units from other lists) average 24.5 units (24.428) and range from 22 to 28 choices.  The Brothermark has 20.  That’s right, 20.  Their list has no Swarms, no Large Infantry Heroes, no Large Cavalry or Monstrous infantry in any form, and no Monsters.  They have a single unit that flies (The Paladin on the Dragon) that also counts for its Titan choice.  And what even limits the list building further are a number of choices that are simply outclassed by other options in the list, further limiting your unit selection (I’m looking at you Paladin Knights, Heavy Arbalest, Dictator and Penitents).  Unless you take the dragon, play a sub-optimal list, and/or remember your fluff, it will look like and play like a typical human force.  

But, don’t take all of that in the wrong way. It is not meant to whine or complain or lament the many “perceived woes” that have befallen the Brothermark.  Instead, it’s meant to serve as a reminder about what makes this game so great; the constant state of revision we as a community hold ourselves to in attempting to make this game balanced.  If we want the feel of playing this army to match the awesome depth of its backstory then we need as a community to revisit this list.  And, all that withstanding, it says something that I will probably play Brothermark more often than the Order of the Green Lady simply because I enjoy the backstory so much more.  

What’s great is that the list already includes some absolute stellar examples of thematic and well-balanced Brothermark units. 

S Tier

None…

A Tier

Order of the Abyssal Hunt – I will throw down The Gauntlet and duel anyone who doesn’t think the Order of the Abyssal Hunt is one of the best cavalry units in the game.  At a mere 225 you have a unit that includes Crushing Strength 1, Thunderous Charge 1, Fury, Iron Resolve (+ access to Aegis Fragment and the ability to smack through any combat individual daring to stand in front of them.  Oh, and did I mention that they have vicious against Monsters and Titans?  You could build a list entirely out of these units and that would be enough.  I can’t stop myself from taking at least two (one with Pathfinder and the other with Boots).  Sadly, they are a clear upgrade to the Paladin Knights, making them another impractical regiment selection, which is why I’ve been trying them at the troop level.

Villein Siege Artillery – The Brothermark also packs some of the scariest artillery in the game.  The Villein Siege Artillery will make your opponent cry if taken in mass.  Each packs two shots with a 48” range, Piercing 3, Blast D3+1 that ignore cover.  As with all of these types of warmachines, focus on high value targets, particularly hammers or flyers that could rough up or one-shot your Orders of Abyssal Hunt.  Just note that when you take three, you’re going down the road that will get you those looks (whether it’s fair or not).  I don’t believe taking Artillery is mandatory, but they can definitely be a much-needed crutch if you’re still struggling to perfect your maneuver game.  

B Tier

Exemplar Hunter – Speaking of the Hunt, woe befall anyone who underestimates the Exemplar Hunter .  They sport a new look in this edition with a mix of upgrades and downgrades nerfs in equal measure.  Put them on a horse, take the gauntlet and you will never have to worry about those annoying flying heroes ever again.  Mhorgoth the Mandatory?  Sit down, son!  Summon Crone?  Back to whence you came, harlot!  Magnilde of the Fallen?  Well, okay… maybe the Exemplar Hunter can’t take her on but who can?  Still, and as odd as it may sound, when it comes to actual monster hunting, you have to be cagey with those double attacks.  When entering such a situation, use the Hunter as a support piece, only going in alone when the time calls for it (ie when the monster is either wounded, can’t afford to deal with you, or you need a unit to sacrifice itself).  Just remember, you do not have inspiring on this character anymore (oof) AND have lost fury (double oof as it goes against the fluff).  It’s a great piece when used correctly, just remember to be a smart Hunter

Exemplar Paladin – They provide much-needed inspiration, and if you spend an additional 10 points for the Lead from the Front aura (and why wouldn’t you?), you’ll be giving your villeins the rare Rally (2) while all other infantry get +1.  5 attacks with CS1, elite, and mighty give flyers trying to jump your lines pause.  They are your best bet for infantry-heavy lists.  That said, I don’t think they are your best choice.  Quite simply, the priest will do far more consistent work across the game than this noble on foot.  They will heal up your forces when needed and give your charges the much needed banechant all while doing the same inspiring work.  In a 2000 point game, priests are typically the only hero choice I take for my battle lines (Exemplar Hunters don’t count). 

Villein Bowmen – (Army Rating: B- at Horde. Basically the reverse of Crossbowmen.) Those who are new to the army often give their Phalanx rule a sideways glance and a “but why…?” comment as archers aren’t known for carrying spears. But, this reference is just a cheeky little nod to English Longbowmen at the Battle of Agincourt, where archers protected themselves with a line of pointed stakes. And, for my money, the Brothermark is better off for it. With 3rd Edition shooting what it is, 20 shots at Ra 5+ will not be winning you any games but, the combination of Phalanx rule and a decent nerve will make many cavalry/flying units think twice before charging it. And at a nice little 165 points, I could see a number of Bromark commanders fielding them in hordes. In anything smaller, I feel they are just too susceptible to breaks.

C Tier

Villein Penitents – I have a soft spot for Villein Penitents as their fluff really hits home for me.  The Brotherhood has a limited population, requiring every able-bodied adult to bear arms in times of need.  Still, I struggle to fit them into my lists since I play an aggressive, movement heavy style.  The smallest they come in are regiments, which make them prone to wavering and mucking up your advancing lines.  But even if you went with an infantry heavy list, there are better choices for chaff and hordes.  At horde level, you could spend 15 more points and get either (1) a horde of swordsmen that have better melee, nerve and def (and come with Iron Resolve), or (2) Villein bowmen that have a ranged attack and phalanx

.  And both would provide unlocks to boot!  I think there is a place for them at horde level if you use them as a delivery system for units of paladin foot knights.  But, that is an incredible niche.  If they were cheaper and/or could provide unlocks, they’d be worth it but as is…ehhhh.

Exemplar Chaplain – the Exemplar Chaplain is incredibly niche as well.  Their rules help all villeins but will probably be providing their buffs (rally and fury) amongst the battle line peasants (leaving your bowmen, skirmishers, and artillery without support).  And if that’s the case then you’re also taking a suboptimal build because they don’t actually inspire!  That means you’re going to need to put more points into other heroes, ultimately making you too hero heavy.  If the chaplain takes a horse, I could see this piece playing the role of disrupter, giving units that have fly or TC a single wound to ground them.  But, in my mind, I’d rather spend the extra points on an Exemplar Hunter.

D Tier

None!

So with that, how can we improve this faction with such strong background and rules potential?  I think it comes down to increasing unique units.  Not counting The Bromark, the average Thematic Army has 13 unique units in the Uncharted Empires Book, ranging from 11 (Green Lady) to 16 units (Twilight Kin).  The Brothermark has 8.  And yes, I know this is partially due to the splitting of The Order into two separate factions but the Order of the Green Lady still has 3 more on the Bromarks.  Adding additional thematic units (those that either further the Abyssal Hunt or the Villein aspects) would push the Brothermark out of the vanilla by generating additional synergies.  Such units could include…

• Bring back the old Villein Initiates.  The Brothermark fluff gives nearly two full paragraphs on them but there isn’t actually a comparable unit.  I don’t believe Paladin Knights count.  According to the fluff, those who don’t make it are sent to be skirmishers or Men-at-Arms.  How can you account for the drop in melee potential? 
• Creating a unique hero unit.  Barring the Avatar of the Green Lady, the Brotherhood has never had a unique hero.   I think this could do a ton for the list and the background as this named hero could be the leader of the Bromark.  Think of the stories/drama that could be written up as this hero attempts to keep the Brotherhood tradition alive amidst the machinations of the Basilean Empire.  
• Simple hero diversification.  If not a unique hero then more types of heroes.  Is there some way we could get a hero on a large cavalry base?  Or a large infantry type hero?  The Brothermark lack “square” shaped units, making the movement phase less complex for its removal.  
• Bring back the Forsaken Beast.  I know they are Monster Hunters but perhaps they turn the strengths of their enemies against themselves while diversifying unit types.
• Large Cavalry Monster Hunters.  Again, diversifying unit types and giving more fluff to the Abyssal Hunt.
• Give more units duelist and/or Dragon Slayer.  I feel if we want to lean into these Brothermark themes then we simply need more of them.  Or what about an Abyssal Hunt Foot Guard unit?  

Regardless of what is done, this Old Cavalier will continue to field his knights on the gaming table in both their current flavors (Brothermark and Order of the Green Lady).  It says something about how balanced this game is even when the army with the most limited options can still compete at the highest levels.  As such, I wanted to thank all those who helped make that happen from Mantic, to the Rules Committee, playtesters, and the countless others who gave their time.  It has been an honor and a pleasure to play your game over the past 5 years.  I raise a goblet to all of you, good ladies and sirs.  May we continue to grow and develop the game we love.