TEAM: Midgard Delvers (Forge Father Team)

Midgard Delvers(Forge Father Team)
Reviewed during early Season 4 for DBO only


Strengths: 
Strength is their Strength - The Forge Fathers are strong little guys, that's for sure. Their strong Jacks and Steady Guards make this a team that can dish out the pain. Take this straight to the opposing team and crush them.

Jacks of All Trades - I like using the Jacks in the Delvers team. I know it sounds crazy on the surface, but Jack ball carriers can Slamback with a heck of a punch. Whereas the Strikers can't usually Dodge their way out of a wet paper bag. And how much are you loosing to only have a one space move then Throw, vs 4 then Throw, a little, but it isn't the difference for say an Asterian or even a Human - why not Sprint once then Throw? You are probably doing it anyway with the Striker.


Weaknesses:
Slow as Molasses - I have said before, and I'll say it again, Movement for the Forge Fathers is just awful. Factor into that the fact that their Speed stat is also atrocious and you get ... well, a team that doesn't in any way fit my play style.

They Ain't the Brokkrs - So, why would you EVER play the Delvers when you could play the Rockslides? Seriously, why? I mean, the Brokkrs are the better version of these guys. Maybe aesthetics? Well, most people I know would allow a "play as" rule, using it much like the Void Siren/Corporation players, but check with your TO or Opponent first. 

I'll Take That - Man, Stealing from the Forge Fathers is too easy -Yoik! Their Speed factors in here again. Covering your Strikers enough to keep the ball is hard... or a Foul.

Jacks as Strikers - Did I use this as a Strength above? Not sure it really is.... :-)


MVP Recommendations:

Number 88 - I don't think you could design a guy more opposite than the Forge Fathers than Number 88. He is fantastic! Mind Like Water is crazy good! His Movement and Speed are the antithesis of the Delvers - that is why you NEED someone like him on your team.

The Praetorian - You need some Speed and Movement and Scoring potential, this guy brings it. I know I have used this MVP on a lot of teams as a Go-To-Guy, but he really jst adds so much... and The Midgard Delvers are so deficient.











Overall: 
I have played against them more than I have played them. I am never scared when I see them on the other side of the table. I mean, if you are the Delvers and can score first, then turtle-up, you might win, but wow what a boring game - and it is not impossible to crack the testudo. Maybe it just isn't my playstyle. And honestly, I think that considering the Brokkrs exist, the Midgard Delvers are obsolete now. Someone, please tell me I am wrong...

Grade:
D -

TEAM: Rotatek Rockslides (Brokkr Team)

Rotatek Rockslides (Brokkr Team)
Reviewed during early Season 4 for DBO only


Strengths: 
Slam - The number one thing that the Brokkr team does well is Slam. Much like their Forge Father cousins, when they reach their target, they can really put a hurting on them. One guard can really hurt an opposing team, but having 4 starting guards can lead to devastating an opponent. This is the number one thing that a coach should use to his advantage.

Steady - And should your Slam or Slamback not succeed, you are still Steady, regardless of if you are a Jack or a Guard (Strikers are Steady too, but of course cannot Slam or Slamback). Having this on everyone just makes sense for a dwarven team, the Midgard Delvers should really have this too in very least. Steady should be a racial trait for a dwarf. This is a super little passive advantage.

Grizzled - Having this on a Striker is the only mitigating factor against any opposing player that decides to do a Slam against a Brokkr Striker. It does help. This is easy to forget and it is up to you to remind your opponent!


Weaknesses:
Movement - Movement 4 is just crippling to many peoples' play styles - including my own. It often takes a double Sprint to get to the ball. And often getting that extra -1 dice threat on someone then Slamming them can cost nearly an entire rush. Sometimes a card can help some with this, but relying on that is rather fool hearty. If you are playing against a Movement 5 team, maybe you will do alright, but a Movement 6 team will just run circles around this dark little guys.

Speed - Want to hold on to the ball Mr. Striker? Yoink! No, you don't! Want to dodge this Slam MR. Jack? Negative! Dash, evade? Sorry, those just isn't in the cards for you. This is a major disadvantage. Mix this together with the slow Movement and there is a recipe for an easy Steal and "Keep Away" game your opponent can play.


MVP Recommendations:

The Praetorian - This guy will VASTLY improve your game. He makes up for all the weaknesses that the Brokkrs have, and is just about the best Striker in the game anyway. Just keep him safe! (Nightshade could also serve a similar purpose)

Irsala Sephalin - Why Irsala? Well, she is brings an awesome advantage to the devastating power of the Brokkr guards with Gotcha! She also has Steady, just like the rest of the team. And among other benefits, she brings a surprising Speed and a great Skill for a jack.









Overall:  
Before saying anything else, I have to say, they look cool as hell.
Ok...
The Brokkr team is a vast improvement over the Midgard Delvers. The Rockslides could hold their own better against the teams from Season One and Two. In my opinion though, with the teams from Seasons Three and Four in the mix, I just wouldn't play them. Maybe they just aren't my style, but I just can't see them competing against teams like the Nameless or Rebs - at least not without MVP assistance.


Grade: 
C - *

*(for DBO as it is at Season 4, compared to Seasons 1 or 2 teams, they are an easy B + or better)