The Gathering - Zombicide Black Plague

So next weekend is the first proper 'games day' for a while and Zombicide Black Plague is on the menu. A mouth watering adventure and we plan to play the newly released electronic scenarios. There will be three of us and plan is for each member to bring at least two painted survivors. Michael at 28mm Victorian Warfare is generously opening 'Awdry Towers' for the event and has been busily preparing Klom the Barbarian as his first survivor. He has done a stunning job on this amazing miniature. Well done sir!

My initial thoughts were to bring Redcap Rodney and Nelly the barmaid.

Redcap Rodney

Redcap Rodney is a Fatty killer for sure with his +1 damage and has proved to be a great addition early in the game. I have been trying to open at least two doors in the first turn and this reveals many rooms worth of zombies. All will be moving towards the survivors who are poorly equipped until they start searching. The first aim is to clear a square that will allow others to search and pray for some decent weapons. Redcap can handle a fatty even with his starting weaponry and this has been required on more than one occasion.

Nelly the Barmaid

Nelly is a speed merchant and I have been using her to open the more distant door. She can retreat to join the others. Her added mobility can often be needed to give much needed support or to hold a position and then run when required.

All in all I think that they should play well together and I am looking forward to giving them a try.

Slippery examined

We have played a few games and Nelly has been an important character because of her Slippery ability. This allows her to move out of squares occupied by zombies with no penalty. Very handy when the board is crowded.

She also starts with a +1 free Move Action meaning she is quick from the start and she can really get out of trouble when needs must. She is also good in Melee even packing a dagger as third hand held item.

Nelly

I had a look through the various Survivors to see who else offers this option and the results are: -

Hitch - who starts with Slippery and picks up +1 free Move or +1 free Melee at orange level. I am not sure about the Slippery at the start. In my experience this version of Zombicide is much more forgiving during the early stages. I do love the Bowie inspired model though. I think that the +1 free Move Action would be more advantageous to have in the first slot.  The effect is that Nelly is probably a better choice.

Inspired Hitch

Milo - he is an interesting choice as he starts with +1 Damage: Magic and has Slippery or Spellcaster for the orange upgrade. He has the option for Hit & Run, a +1 free Move Action or +1 die: Magic as his red upgrade. He can also carry a speed scroll as his additional hand held item.

This gives two clear options.  He starts as a heavy hitting Mage and this can be supported with Spellcaster and +1 die: Magic or Slippery with +1 free Move Action to increase mobility.

Apprentice Milo

I really like this little guy. He would be a great addition to the team. If I did choose him then I would need to get initial movement benefit from elsewhere.

Beauregard - He has Slippery as a choice but only at the Red upgrade, so probably too late.

Beauregard

Summary - I am liking both Nelly and Milo.  I might even take them as a combo and drop Lady Faye. Emmmmm much to contemplate.