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Hi all, I am in need of some clarification on a points value. In looking at the Arachnarok Spider for my Spiderfang Grots, the handbook lists the same point value for the Arachnarok whether it's just the Spider or if it's a Spider with a Shaman on it. This seems like a no-brainer to get a free Shaman on your spider, so my thought was that you need to add the 80 points for the Shaman if you want him. However, as written in the handbook, it doesn't cost any more. Can I get some help clarifying?

The shaman is a free upgrade for the spider. The other would be if you wanted to take the shaman by himself on foot instead.

It's not exactly a free shaman. You have to make the choice between taking a Flinger or a Catchweb Spidershrine. The Flinger gives you an 18" range, 4+ to hit, 3+ to wound, D3 damage attack. The Catchweb Spidershrine is manned (grotted?) by a Spiderfang Grot Shaman, turning the model into a Wizard and giving it the Gift of the Spider-God spell.

The Shaman certainly seems like the better option... at least most of the time. I can think of several situation where a Flinger would be better to have. The foremost in my mind is when you have multiple Arachnoroks in one list. Matched Play only allows one attempted casting of a spell per turn, so there's no real point in having multiple models that can cast Gift of the Spider-God.

Also, you do realize that the Grot Shaman Warscroll has absolutely nothing to do with this model, right? Your commenting about not having to pay the 80 points makes me think you get to add THAT model as a rider to the Arachnorok somehow. That's not how it works. You get the Wizard keyword and the ability to cast Gift of the Spider-God and lose the Flinger. That's it.

 Kriswall wrote:
It's not exactly a free shaman. You have to make the choice between taking a Flinger or a Catchweb Spidershrine. The Flinger gives you an 18" range, 4+ to hit, 3+ to wound, D3 damage attack. The Catchweb Spidershrine is manned (grotted?) by a Spiderfang Grot Shaman, turning the model into a Wizard and giving it the Gift of the Spider-God spell.

The Shaman certainly seems like the better option... at least most of the time. I can think of several situation where a Flinger would be better to have. The foremost in my mind is when you have multiple Arachnoroks in one list. Matched Play only allows one attempted casting of a spell per turn, so there's no real point in having multiple models that can cast Gift of the Spider-God.

Also, you do realize that the Grot Shaman Warscroll has absolutely nothing to do with this model, right? Your commenting about not having to pay the 80 points makes me think you get to add THAT model as a rider to the Arachnorok somehow. That's not how it works. You get the Wizard keyword and the ability to cast Gift of the Spider-God and lose the Flinger. That's it.

Yeah, it seemed very clear in the wording that the Shaman was separate from the Arachnarok, but in looking at the value you get for having your Shaman on the Arachnarok, it seemed almost too good to get him for free, so long as I already pay for this gigantic murderous spider, lol. Thanks for helping me clarify!

 Kriswall wrote:
Also, you do realize that the Grot Shaman Warscroll has absolutely nothing to do with this model, right? Your commenting about not having to pay the 80 points makes me think you get to add THAT model as a rider to the Arachnorok somehow. That's not how it works. You get the Wizard keyword and the ability to cast Gift of the Spider-God and lose the Flinger. That's it.

Well, it does take up one of your 'Leader' units (in addition to being a 'Behemoth' unit) if the Araknarok Spider is carrying a Spiderfang Grot Shaman. However since you'll generally have more 'Leader' slots versus 'Behemoth' slots that will only be of any concern in certain situations or if house rules are in play.