Cold One Mounts?

[Illya]

I sure don't think so. After giving it some thought, and checking out my army book, I realized that the Cold One knights, in order to ride their ferocious mounts, have to annoint themselves with the slime of the beasts, in order to be able to approach them without being eaten.

The price they pay for this, due to the poisonous nature of the slime, is that they lose all sense of taste, and most of their feeling.

So, when taking that into consideration, I highly doubt we'll be seeing every dark elf riding around on Cold One mounts. The Ellyrion steeds seem like a much more logical choice.

[Xurré]

I’m sorry... I fail to see the connection between “they lose all sense of taste, and most of their feeling” and “I highly doubt we'll be seeing every dark elf riding around on Cold One mounts”.

Taking it into consideration? Taking it into consideration how exactly? How does this inability to feel in any way, shape or form impede any gameplay mechanics whatsoever? How does it prevent roleplaying in general (in fact, I’d say that it added an interesting twist to roleplaying)? Is there some kind of food-tasting minigame that would make this thing a problem?

It is not as if, when our characters stop having the ability to feel, we as players start to feel them any less. One could even say that it might bring character and player closer together, since the character would now be closer to experiencing what happens to them to how the player experiences what happens to the character (as a player you don’t taste what the character tastes... and now te character doesn’t anymore either).

I’d really like to see that consideration... because to me it now seems like to completely disconnected statements with no relation to each other at all.


- Xurré


P.s. I’m assuming that by “every dark elf” you mean “every high-level dark elf played by a player”.

[Nathar]

No problem. Dark steeds for everyone cold ones for our tanks (cold one knights). They're tanks, it's preferable that they don't feel pain!

Also like Xurré I don't see the problem you're raising. I mean you can tell everyone "hey matey, you can't taste" and well.... I don't see their gaming experience ruined at all. And if cold one knights aren't playable cold ones need to be in somehow and if that's as travel mounts, so be it.

[Azrayne2.0]

I don't see why not, it creates some nice variety. With empire, high elves, and possibly chaos already on horses, it'd be nice to allow some variation where possible.

Losing your sense of touch and taste seems like it would be more beneficial than anything, as far as warfare goes, though it does seem kind of counterproductive for what seems to be, in large part, a hedonistic, sensual culture.

[Illya]

Xurré, for some reason you assume I'm thinking about game mechanics. I wasn't. Of course that wouldn't have any impact on the game itself.

But fluffwise, it's a different story. Not every dark elf rides Cold Ones. A privileged few ride them, nobility and whatnot. I say privileged, but well, I don't know if it'd be worth it.

What I think, is that fluffwise, not game-mechanicswise, it would be wrong. Losing all taste and feeling isn't a price every single dark elf is going to pay to ride a Cold One.

Oh, and I do think they're awesome, and would even make for awesome mounts, if it wasn't for that.

[Azrayne2.0]

Xurré, for some reason you assume I'm thinking about game mechanics. I wasn't. Of course that wouldn't have any impact on the game itself.

But fluffwise, it's a different story. Not every dark elf rides Cold Ones. A privileged few ride them, nobility and whatnot. I say privileged, but well, I don't know if it'd be worth it.

What I think, is that fluffwise, not game-mechanicswise, it would be wrong. Losing all taste and feeling isn't a price every single dark elf is going to pay to ride a Cold One.

Oh, and I do think they're awesome, and would even make for awesome mounts, if it wasn't for that.

Haven't Mythic said that the characters we're playing 'are' an elite minority anyway? And not just random rank/file dudes.

That's what the whole 'player army' deal in the last newsletter was about, I thought.

[Illya]

The nobles of the Druchii ride to battle atop ancient reptiles known as Cold Ones. Only very few Dark Elves can take up the arms of the Cold One Knights, for the lizards savagely attack all who come near them, recognising warm-blooded creatures by their smell. To avoid this the Cold One Knights anoint themselves with the poisonous slime of the Cold Ones so the beasts will accept them. There is a great price to pay though, for the poison numbs the senses so that the riders can no longer taste food or feel a touch. But it is a price worth paying, for the charge of the Cold One cavalry can shatter even the strongest enemy line.

From the GW Website.

Sure, we'll be elite. But not nobility. It's just that Cold Ones aren't available to just anyone.

[Azrayne2.0]

From the GW Website.

Sure, we'll be elite. But not nobility. It's just that Cold Ones aren't available to just anyone.

Meh, we already know knight's and sorceress's can ride them, is it too much of a stretch to imagine another couple classes doing it as well. How do you know our characters won't be nobility?

Besides, is there anything that states explicitly that they're exclusive to the born nobility, or is it a wealth/power question? Because I'm sure we'll amass plenty of the latter two in our time in the game.

[Dalamar]

As a roleplayer and quite possibly sorcerer player I don't want to be forced to ride a cold one... or I won't get a mount at all.
Sacrificing feelings of taste and touch as Slaanesh worshipping mage is a big no no.

[Feigro]

From the GW website

Sure, we'll be elite. But not nobility. It's just that Cold Ones aren't available to just anyone.

From the WAR (http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/behindTheScenes/developmentDiaries/TheWritingofWAR.php) website:

As a Dark Elf, you'll belong to House Uthorin, one of the most powerful noble houses in Naggaroth. You'll sometimes find yourself caught up in the tangled web of power struggles, shadowy alliances and bitter rivalries that typify the Druchii race.

In addition, if they can completely fabricate a Dwarf mount. I think they can give a little leeway to whatever minute detail prevents players from hopping on back of a Cold One.

[Illya]

In that case, I take it back. I hadn't read that bit, to be honest. We might very well be riding Cold Ones afterall, then.

[Azrayne2.0]

As a roleplayer and quite possibly sorcerer player I don't want to be forced to ride a cold one... or I won't get a mount at all.
Sacrificing feelings of taste and touch as Slaanesh worshipping mage is a big no no.

You can always walk, I guess :p

[Dalamar]

And that's what I'm going to do if Cold One becomes reality (I hope not <.<)

[Xurré]

Sacrificing feelings of taste and touch as Slaanesh worshipping mage is a big no no.
Good. All the more reason to include them... so that we can't go playing Slaanesh worshippers (after all, the reasons why he wasn't included as a Chaos deity still hold for dark elves too).

In fact, I wouldn't be surprised int he least if there are quests where you get to kill Slaanesh worshippinh NPCs just because they're heretics. If you want to roleplay a Slaanesh worshipper you're going to run into trouble one way or another anyway.


- Xurré

[Dalamar]

Big majority of sorcerers and sorceresses are slaanesh worshippers. Doesn't mean they go about talking about it.
And as a Slaanesh worshipper I'd have no qualms at all killing others ;) reducing competition!

[Nathar]

Big majority of sorcerers and sorceresses are slaanesh worshippers. Doesn't mean they go about talking about it.
And as a Slaanesh worshipper I'd have no qualms at all killing others ;) reducing competition!

Where exactly do you get this idea? Most dark elf sorceresses aren't directly affiliated with any diety and especially not slaanesh (as they'd use the slaanesh lore magic and not dark magic).

[V'raneth]

I continue to believe the best way to do mounts for WAR is for them to be class specific. In the case of the Dark Elves, I'd give the tank a Cold One and the rest, Dark Steeds. Perhaps allow the option for Sorcerers.

[Azrayne2.0]

I continue to believe the best way to do mounts for WAR is for them to be class specific. In the case of the Dark Elves, I'd give the tank a Cold One and the rest, Dark Steeds. Perhaps allow the option for Sorcerers.

Well there's a model on the GW site with a sorceress riding one, so I can't see why they wouldn't.

[Tae]

Well there's a model on the GW site with a sorceress riding one, so I can't see why they wouldn't.

Which raises an interesting point (more so as I've just ordered the model to lead my Cult of Slaanesh TT army) - do the Sorceresses have to coat themselves in slime that numbs their senses ?

As that would seem rather contradictory to a Slaanesh general - that they can't feel any sensations.

[Dalamar]

Which raises an interesting point (more so as I've just ordered the model to lead my Cult of Slaanesh TT army) - do the Sorceresses have to coat themselves in slime that numbs their senses ?

Yes they do, Cold Ones snap at everyone not smelling like them. Which makes them silly idea to just use them as travel mounts. They'd eat party members <.<

As that would seem rather contradictory to a Slaanesh general - that they can't feel any sensations.

Not all sorcerers/esses are Slaanesh worshippers and not all Slaanesh worshippers are sorcerers/esses

[Black Razor]

Well the question goes to ..how do you view characters? Are they heroes .. or are they rank a file? If they are heroes .. cold ones for everybody (personally I would still ride a dark steed.. ). If they are rank and file ..then yes I agree the tank class only should be able to get them. At least thats pretty much how it goes with lore... and I tend to agree with it. I like to think of players as heroes and not rank and file troops soo .. I say cold ones for anyone that wants one.

[Feigro]

Well the question goes to ..how do you view characters? Are they heroes .. or are they rank a file? If they are heroes .. cold ones for everybody (personally I would still ride a dark steed.. ). If they are rank and file ..then yes I agree the tank class only should be able to get them. At least thats pretty much how it goes with lore... and I tend to agree with it. I like to think of players as heroes and not rank and file troops soo .. I say cold ones for anyone that wants one.

This goes back to the point of Nobility on page one.

[Ogharod]

This goes back to the point of Nobility on page one.

One could very well be of "noble" birth, but in that just very low in the line of real nobility.

We already know that the already unrevealed races have special regiments which will be the ones the players will come from.
So it's a "yes" to being a rare Elite in your very own realm but still quite a bit away from the top ranks.

Maybe Cold Ones get in as special mounts. Special mounts always add som flavour to a game :)

[Zihark]

I continue to believe the best way to do mounts for WAR is for them to be class specific. In the case of the Dark Elves, I'd give the tank a Cold One and the rest, Dark Steeds. Perhaps allow the option for Sorcerers.

I second this, it would be much cooler to have some unique mounts for classes. I sure don't want the awsome cold one turn into a generic steed that evryone will ride around on to be honest.

[Fengyun]

This goes back to the point of Nobility on page one.


Because you belong to a noble house does not actually make you noble. You are part of their army. You joined for whatever reason. They are powerful, wealthy, a place you are less likely to be killed. Whatever reasons. Or are you suggesting that EVERY dark elf in game is a noble?

I believe we are part of the houses army. I also think that is the most inane thing ever. Forcing EVERY single player to be from one house really hampers peoples ability to roleplay. Anybody who doesn't want to be from the house will have to make up some stupid story as to why they went rogue to break away.


We also decided early on to make all of the players in a given race members of a specific faction. If you choose to play a Dwarf, you'll join the Oathbearers, a regiment formed by the High King and given an important mission that frames much of the Dwarf content. As a Dark Elf, you'll belong to House Uthorin, one of the most powerful noble houses in Naggaroth. You'll sometimes find yourself caught up in the tangled web of power struggles, shadowy alliances and bitter rivalries that typify the Druchii race. These factions will provide you with allies and support, but they'll also expect you to take on the most challenging and dangerous tasks as they lead their race's war effort.

I decided to look up your source. Context my friend. You completely disregarded what the post was about to make your point look strong. Bad debate tactic sir.

[Feigro]

I decided to look up your source. Context my friend. You completely disregarded what the post was about to make your point look strong. Bad debate tactic sir.

What are you talking about? A poster brings information about Nobles being allowed to ride Cold Ones. Another post says we (the players) aren't Nobles. Then I post information that says we are indeed members of a Noble house.

I don't see the fault in that. Also, you didn't have to look up my source, as I linked it... I'm not hiding anything or taking things out of context. It clearly states players belong to house Uthorin.

Now, whether they imply we're just dregs of the House army (as you suggest), or actual Nobles itself, is the debatable part. Either way, If I'm not mistaken, if you're a member of a House, doesn't that entitle you to climb it's ladder of power? Is so, then it's surely possible by rank 40 Dark Elf characters will be of the status, wealth, and power, to earn them a Cold One in Dark Elf society. Being members of one of it's more Prominent houses, after all.

[Dalamar]

Now, whether they imply we're just dregs of the House army (as you suggest), or actual Nobles itself, is the debatable part. Either way, If I'm not mistaken, if you're a member of a House, doesn't that entitle you to climb it's ladder of power? Is so, then it's surely possible by rank 40 Dark Elf characters will be of the status, wealth, and power, to earn them a Cold One in Dark Elf society. Being members of one of it's more Prominent houses, after all.

If you are member of the family, sure. If you are member of the army a.k.a. servant of the house then no. You might rise among the army's ranks, not within house status.

[Azyrn]

I would like to see ridable cold ones but be really special/unique to a class.

[Xurré]

I second this, it would be much cooler to have some unique mounts for classes. I sure don't want the awsome cold one turn into a generic steed that evryone will ride around on to be honest.
While it might be nice to have class-specific mounts I don’t really see that happening. For one, that would mean they’d have to make 24 mounts instead of six. And secondly I can already see people who didn’t happen to pick the class which gets the Cold One mount complaining “why did I get a boring horse instead of a cool dinosaur to ride!”.

And considering that it’d be a high-level mount only I hardly see that as “everyone will ride around on”. Though personally I don’t care what mount we get one way or the other.


Because you belong to a noble house does not actually make you noble. You are part of their army. You joined for whatever reason. They are powerful, wealthy, a place you are less likely to be killed. Whatever reasons. Or are you suggesting that EVERY dark elf in game is a noble?
No, that’s not the suggestion at all. The suggestion is that every dark elf player might be a noble. Which, considering that we’re all the elite and the heroes and such with the war basically riding on our shoulders isn’t that strange at all.

Or at the very least that players become nobles when they reach high level.

I believe we are part of the houses army. I also think that is the most inane thing ever. Forcing EVERY single player to be from one house really hampers peoples ability to roleplay. Anybody who doesn't want to be from the house will have to make up some stupid story as to why they went rogue to break away.
I don’t see that. Roleplaying isn’t about your backstory, it isn’t about making up some history for your character and then pretending that means something. Roleplaying is about your character’s personality; it’s about how your character reacts to the situation they find themselves in. And in this case you happen to be part of a noble house (possibly born into it); that’s just the cards that life dealt you.

I decided to look up your source. Context my friend. You completely disregarded what the post was about to make your point look strong. Bad debate tactic sir.
I fail to see what in the full quote goes against anything that was said.

All players are part of a faction. For dark elves this is House Uthorin. In this you’ll get to experience the typical dark elf things. The war effort rides on you, making you very important.

I’d say that considering how important we are and how powerful the house is we belong to they might even make an exception for us; the quote given states that nobles ride to battle on Cold Ones, it doesn’t state that those who aren’t nobles don’t. In fact, I’m fairly certain a number of Malus’ retainers did ride Cold Ones but weren’t nobles by birth (they just seemed to be employed by Malus).


- Xurré

[Thrakkesh]

1). Got disagree with you Tae. Cold Ones are tough to control but they're not stupid. If they try to eat party members, the Dark Elf just has to smack him enough times to get his attention. (Okay sometimes, in fluff the Cold One doesn't always listen, but still!) Hit it in the ribs a few times and tell it to get it's act together.

2). It numbs their senses after prolonged and repeated contact with the stuff. So after a llllllong time using it, yeah, you might start getting numb, but it doesn't do so while you're wearing it or off the bat. This works for two ways--one, your typical Dark Elf really doesn't think more then like a week ahead (which to be fair, is probably the safe route as you could be stabbed in the back any day), and two, your average Cold One Knight is likely to experience this as he travels llllloong distances and fights for prolonged periods atop said cold one, but the average noble would spend a lot more time just running about and doing Dark Elf things as opposed to constantly being on his mount. Thus, they don't make that sacrafice.

At least that's how I always figured it, as losing all sense of taste and feeling seems drastic for ANY Dark Elf.

Also, I've been thinking about it, and would having two sets of mounts be really that out of the ordinary?

I mean, has anyone actually considered that Orcs are probably going to get two mounts? (Boars and Wolves?)

[Zihark]

While it might be nice to have class-specific mounts I don’t really see that happening. For one, that would mean they’d have to make 24 mounts instead of six. And secondly I can already see people who didn’t happen to pick the class which gets the Cold One mount complaining “why did I get a boring horse instead of a cool dinosaur to ride!”.

- Xurré

Im not saying all classes should get a class specefic mount, but just as magus got their disc as their gimmic, the tank class, that might be cold one/dread knight might get the mount as one of his gimmics. Im not seeing lot of people complaining "why can't i ride around on a cool disc like that magus!?".

Warlocks and paladins in wow got class specefic mounts, not much people complained about that since that was just a part of the class, if you choose the warlock/paladin you get a different mount that the other classes can't get (what people did complain about however is that they got it free, but that's another story) the same it can be with the upcoming dark elf tank class.

Oh, and Thrakkesh: It's quite funny you say they arn't stupid since they suffer from the "stupidity" rule xD. They will try to eat the other dark elves/flee actually if there arn't a rider on him or a beastmaster within 12" of the cold one

[Xurré]

Im not saying all classes should get a class specefic mount, but just as magus got their disc as their gimmic, the tank class, that might be cold one/dread knight might get the mount as one of his gimmics. Im not seeing lot of people complaining "why can't i ride around on a cool disc like that magus!?".
I think that says more about how “cool” people really think the disc is than anything. ;)

You’re right though. If it’s a feature specific to a single class (and as a Cold One Knight I can definitely see that, with the Cold One adding fighting capacity and all) then I can definitely see it working.

But in that case I do feel that it needs to be more than just “another mount that just looks different” and actually be worked into the class abilities. And if that is the case then they definitely should have different (only-to-ride-on) mounts for the other classes.

Once again though, I think it’s a bad idea to just have a different looking mount for some classes within a single race. If they have a different mount then actually do something different with it.


- Xurré

[Zihark]

I think that says more about how “cool” people really think the disc is than anything. ;)

You’re right though. If it’s a feature specific to a single class (and as a Cold One Knight I can definitely see that, with the Cold One adding fighting capacity and all) then I can definitely see it working.

But in that case I do feel that it needs to be more than just “another mount that just looks different” and actually be worked into the class abilities. And if that is the case then they definitely should have different (only-to-ride-on) mounts for the other classes.

Once again though, I think it’s a bad idea to just have a different looking mount for some classes within a single race. If they have a different mount then actually do something different with it.


- Xurré


Yes, if they include cold one, I think they should be able to do something with it, special combo's including the cold one perhaps, maybe even using it as a combat pet when not riding it.


Anyway, the cold one is a savage beast, and seeing every dark elf just ride around with it and unable to use it to attack with it would be dissapointing. Seeing only few dark elves run around with it, but still unable to attack would be better, but still a bit dissapointing. THe best would be to use it to attack and kill opponents and use combo's with it etc.

[Illya]

Yes, if they include cold one, I think they should be able to do something with it, special combo's including the cold one perhaps, maybe even using it as a combat pet when not riding it.


Anyway, the cold one is a savage beast, and seeing every dark elf just ride around with it and unable to use it to attack with it would be dissapointing. Seeing only few dark elves run around with it, but still unable to attack would be better, but still a bit dissapointing. THe best would be to use it to attack and kill opponents and use combo's with it etc.

So, if COK's are in, it'd be rather cool if the freaky lizards took part in their attacks, maybe not all, but some would be rather nice. Maybe for attacking two targets at once, the lizard chomps on, the COK stabs the other with his spear/halberd.

[Azyrn]

So, if COK's are in, it'd be rather cool if the freaky lizards took part in their attacks, maybe not all, but some would be rather nice. Maybe for attacking two targets at once, the lizard chomps on, the COK stabs the other with his spear/halberd.
That would be very cool.

[Illya]

Warlocks and paladins in wow got class specefic mounts, not much people complained about that since that was just a part of the class, if you choose the warlock/paladin you get a different mount that the other classes can't get (what people did complain about however is that they got it free, but that's another story) the same it can be with the upcoming dark elf tank class.

Offtopic, I know, but for the record, only the lvl 40 mount for paladins was free. The epic was expensive (but still a bit cheaper than a regular), and quite annoying to get if you didn't have enough friends to help out.

[Selandri]

So, if COK's are in, it'd be rather cool if the freaky lizards took part in their attacks, maybe not all, but some would be rather nice. Maybe for attacking two targets at once, the lizard chomps on, the COK stabs the other with his spear/halberd.

Heroes of Might and Magic IV? ;) Okay so it wasn't exactly the same but it had the general feel to it.

I'd honestly prefer steeds to cold ones. Unless they're going to work it into mounted combat, cold ones would look silly. Also it might confuse people if they add lizardmen in an expansion since their primary mount is the cold one as well.

[Selendor]

For me it just comes down to the fact that Empire and High Elves will have horses, and Chaos will have Chaos steeds. Dark Elves with horses would make 3 horses and 1 spikey horse. A little variety would be nice is all. :-P

[Azrayne2.0]

For me it just comes down to the fact that Empire and High Elves will have horses, and Chaos will have Chaos steeds. Dark Elves with horses would make 3 horses and 1 spikey horse. A little variety would be nice is all. :-P

That's pretty much what it comes down to, I think. They'll want to create variety wherever possible, even if it means bending the lore a little or offending the sensabilities of a few RPers.

[Ilairon]

I'd honestly prefer steeds to cold ones. Unless they're going to work it into mounted combat, cold ones would look silly. Also it might confuse people if they add lizardmen in an expansion since their primary mount is the cold one as well.


So it would be confusing for the Dark Elves and the Lizardmen to both use cold ones, but not for the Elves and the Empire to use horses?

Besides, the Dark Elves use a different breed of Cold One than the one used by the Lizardmen IIRC.

[Selandri]

So it would be confusing for the Dark Elves and the Lizardmen to both use cold ones, but not for the Elves and the Empire to use horses?

Besides, the Dark Elves use a different breed of Cold One than the one used by the Lizardmen IIRC.

Fair cop, they do ( I believe the Lizardmen one is 'horned ones', but I'm too sodding lazy to go look. ) I think the difference between human and elven steeds is fairly noticeable, plus horses are a fairly standard mount in many games.

Plus cold ones look more lizardmenesque. *Coughs* I'm not biased! I don't hate heavy cavalry that has to test for stupidity!

Edit: Not saying Druchii cold one knights are not insane cavalry, they are. I just hate stupidity. Hate hate hate hate HATE it. If I wanted randomness screwing up my carefully planned assault I'd play orcs. Which I probably will do when I get more money, new miniatures so smekzy.

[Thrakkesh]

Fair cop, they do ( I believe the Lizardmen one is 'horned ones', but I'm too sodding lazy to go look. ) I think the difference between human and elven steeds is fairly noticeable, plus horses are a fairly standard mount in many games.

Plus cold ones look more lizardmenesque. *Coughs* I'm not biased! I don't hate heavy cavalry that has to test for stupidity!

They caused fear, that alone made them a distant fourth best heavy cavalary in the game IMO (the three better being Lizardmen on Cold Ones, Wights, and of course, Chaos Knights)