When I first saw the Bloodwrack Shrine, and it's weak shooting attack from the Medusa on top, I was very disappointed, to the point of dismissing it all together as a unit that would never see use in competitive settings.
However after some time, I have come to the conclusion, that I need to examine the Shrine more closely. Hence this thread.
What is it?
First of all, it was important for me to manage my own expectations. This is not an Ironblaster or a Skillcannon. Tbh its "shooting" attack is of little importance, when evaluating the model.
But if it's not an über ranged damage dealer, what is it then?
It is first and foremost a CHARIOT (with several additional uses).
The Bloodwrack Shrine is much more comparable to a Cold One Chariot or for instance a Gorebeast Chariot, than it is to Ironblasters and even Cauldrons of Blood .
So I will compare it to a Cold One Chariot, since that is imo its direct competition to get into a DE list.
Cost:
CO Chariot 115 ppm
Shrine 175 ppm (+52% more expensive)
Defensive stats:
CO Chariot T5, W4, 3+ armor save
Bloodwrack Shrine T6, W5, 6+ armor save
If we look at the std # of attacks needed to kill the models, you get this chart:
As you can see, the chariot is more survivable vs S3 attacks due to its armor save, but the shrine pulls ahead vs S4 attacks and above. Keep in mind that the Shrine is also 50% more expensive, so in general the CO Chariot is more durable compared to cost (except vs S7 attacks).
For comparison reasons, It can be said that the Bloodwrack Shrine is in many cases +25% more durable that the CO Chariot.
Offensive Stats (Charge):
Notes: Both have d6+1 S5 impact hits on the charge. Bloodwrack Shrine has a slightly larger frontage.
CO Chariot: 4 WS3 S4 attacks + 2 ASF MP WS5 S5 attacks.
Shrine: 2 ASF MP WS4 S4 attacks + 3 ASF MP WS5 S5 attacks + any models in BtB test I or suffer S4 (no as) hit. The Avert Your Gaze BtB attack varies in strength depending on opponents. Vs I1 zombies it will often add 4 S4 hits, vs I3 Empire knights, it will often add 2 S4 (no as) hits, vs I5 elves it will often add 1 S4 hit.
All in all, the Bloodwrack Shrine is stronger on the charge and especially in grind.
So far the Co Chariot and the Bloodwrack Shrine come out pretty close to each other.
The Shrine is better offensively in most circumstances, mostly around +20-90%, depending on your opponent. It may or may not be enough to overcome the +50% cost increase.
Movement:
CO Chariot M7 swiftstride, NO march.
Shrine M5 swiftstride, CAN march.
CO Chariot is a better charger, Shrine is more maneuverable.
Psychology:
CO Chariots cause fear, but also suffers from stupidity.
Chariots cause terror, and buffs friendly units LD by +1 within 6", and debuffs enemy LD by 1. A great boon, when there is a reasonable chance to win first round of combat due to impact hits. Further enhances terror. And synergizes well with many spells and abilities.
Buffing friendly units LD by +1, is also a great ability as many DE elites have LD9. CO Chariots, CO Knights, BG, Executioners etc. This gives the DE general more freedom, and you can have LD10 across the army.
Shooting:
2 Repeater crossbows vs Bloodwrack Stare.
Difficult to compare. Stare has higher potential, especially vs low I and high armored units, but Crossbows are universally more applicable.
Unique differences:
Bloodwrack Shrine can join units, which can be a very powerful ability. Firstly it displaces 15 infantry models, so in a pinch it can be used to join a small to medium unit to add 3 ranks, if you are in need of breaking steadfast. The shrine is also much more durable than standard elves, so if you need to receive a charge, the shrine can join a unit to make it significantly more tough, and in many causes, the unit can win on SCR due to the low # of wounds it will sustain.
Furthermore this means, that Shrine can be protected from BS shooting. Especially those pesky poison shots, which even though the CO Chariot has a 3+ armor save against, still hurts.
Shrines also provides MR1 to itself, and any unit it joins.
Uses:
CO Chariots are a specialized shock troop support unit, which due to its relatively long charge range can threaten a large area. It is a solid chaff remover, and can add some punch on the charge. Great for combo-charging. It is also surprisingly durable. However we all dread that failed stupidity test, which always happens at the worst of times.
Shrines perform various duties, which is its strength and also its weakness. It can perform the same function as a CO Chariot, however its threat range is 2" shorter, and will have trouble facing off against faster enemy units, where the CO Chariot can still compete. However the shrine moves 10" in the remaining moves phase, where the CO Chariot usually falls behind. So it's easier to get the shrine to where you need it, and it will not fall behind your infantry units. When it gets the charge, it hits harder than the CO Chariot, and can even make the enemy flee outright due to terror, and is also more likely to break an enemy due to the -1 LD debuff it applies.
Shrine allows you much more freedom with your general due to buffing friendly models with +1 LD. This could be supporting your infantry center of Executioners, while you general is off on monster hunting / flanking duty with CO Knights or on a pegasus for instance.
Shrine is also a great babysitter of shades. It provides +1 LD in hard to reach places, and can really use the shades mobility to get some value out of its weak shooting attack. When close and able to flank the enemy, the shrine can also add -1 LD to the panic tests from the shooting shades. Furthermore 8 GW shades with a bloodwrack shrine is a substantial flanking threat. On the negative side, shades with a shrine in it, just seem wrong on so many levels.
Shrine is a strong backfield protector. If you go for an "old fashioned" spearmen/swordsmen/corsair bunker for your sacrificial dagger Supreme Sorceress. The Bloodwrack Shrine synergizes well as a protector. It adds the valuable +1 LD to your SS (general), without having to take +1LD banner. It can add MR1 to the unit, and It has a substantial threat range to keep away small to medium units. If need be, it can join the Supreme Sorceress' unit to push her to the 2nd rank and keep her safe from close combat. Furthermore it significantly reduces the # of models hit when/if she miscasts.
(small template) In corner: 7 + mage / In 2nd rank, Shrine: 3 + Shrine + mage
(large template) In corner: 13 + mage / In 2nd rank, Shrine: 6 + shrine + mage
Lastly but in no way least. It actually makes the SS unit into a reasonably tough anvil, which can actually break many enemies with SCR, or at least hold them up for additional turns to allow for time to get your other units to assist.
All in all, the Bloodwrack Shrine can be considered a better, more expensive Chariot, with several additional benefits. Is it enough to warrent a place in many DE lists? Let us see, but the Bloodwrack Shrine is not as far from competitive lists as I initially thought.
Abstract:
• Shrine should be considered an alternative to CO Chariots, with additional uses.
• Obviously it is vulnerable to cannons, as are any chariots. And if you plan on bringing it, you should think on warmachine hunting and target saturation.
• Compared to a CO Chariot its +50% more expensive, and roughly adds 20-30% durability and offensive capability (this varies quite a lot depending on matchup.)
• Bloodwrack Shrine It is less reliably to get the charge, but more maneuverable and does not suffer from stupidity.
• So far a stronger Chariot, but too expensive to justify its cost.
• The question remains, if its ability to join units, and buff nearby friendly units with +1LD and debuffs enemies with -1 LD is enough to justify its cost.
• I believe it is a very strong backfield protector, with strong shocktroop value, much stronger than I initially thought. Is it the end all be all of units: Absolutely not. Is it viable? Certainly. I would but it on par of slightly ahead of the CO Chariot, with a strong niche as best backfield protector.
Edit: A shoutout to The Bad Dice podcast who did a series on the Bloodwrack Shrine, here. Check it out, it is an interesting discussion about the Bloodwrack Shrine.
Good points from BDD: A bunker unit with a lv4 with dagger is a good fit for it, as it will retain a reasonable SCR from just a few models. So you can stab more models and retain SCR. Its also interesting if you give a unit the flaming banner, as the impact hits, will be flaming for nullifying regen before your normal models strike. Many others, check out the podcast.
I even found a use for harpies already and I'm still waiting for my book) which makes for a very good and varied book
