AnalysisFictionThe Rhinodon is described as a ferocious and deadly warbeast that has an unusual number of natural weapons, allowing it to fight off packs of smaller creatures in the wild. It apparently causes so much collateral damage, especially to buildings and soldiers, that it is rarely used in inter-house fighting within the Skorne Empire and has only seen a rise in popularity with the invasion of the Iron Kingdoms where its tendency toward wanton destruction is less problematic.
The Rhinodon's various natural weapons have seen quite a few incarnations. In its Mk1 incarnation the Rhinodon could attack with its horn (which was quite powerful). In every incarnations the back plates have been represented by some form of special rule, either providing additional armor from the rear arc or causing significant damage to enemies who hit it with free strikes. Role in the FactionRhinodon has long had a somewhat problematic relationship to Skorne's staple melee beast: the Titan Gladiator. The two seem to have similar roles but the Gladiator, being only a few points more expensive, beats out the Rhinodon in number of attacks, power of each attack, base survivability, and (due to the Rush animus) threat range and support utility. The new edition brought the Rhinodon a new animus, Spiny Growth, allowing him to spend 2/3 of his Fury to match the Titan's armor value and deal damage to any warjack or warbeast that attacks him. This seems like it might give him a role as a first-wave warbeast, sacrificing himself to soften up enemy heavies. It also gives him a warlock support role as this animus is a powerful defensive tool for those warlocks who can afford to cast it.
GoalsWith so many issues I can see what the Rhinodon has struggled to find a coherent design. It is unlikely that we will be able to solve all of these, so the goal will be to clarify its role while maintaining the current price point of the beast (dropping the price might be another good way to fix the Rhinodon, but it would make for a pretty boring doctored card!) I will focus in on a specialized role as an anti-infantry beast while maintaining a secondary role as a front line speed-bump. Fictionally I would like to express the Rhinodon's ferocity and unpredictability. Disclaimer: All Warmachine and Hordes related materials are property of Privateer Press. This site and its contents are fan creations inspired by their works and created without permission. |
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