Fairy Folk - To Fly or Not to Fly??

[Lord Moontree.]

I received my setup turn for the Fairy Folk. In the "Recruitable Troop Types" section is lists "Fairy Folk (Flyer)". In an earlier paragraph is also lists fairy folk as natural flyers.

However, in the Terrain Combat Adjustment chart it shows movement costs that are not in alignment with flying troops (e.g. Plains 5, Forest 4, etc.).

Are these movement costs only for when I have non-flyers in an army group? In other words, do I ignore these costs when an army group consists entirely of flyers and isntead use the costs outlined in the rulebook (usually 2.5 cost except mountains which is 3.5 cost)?

[davekuyk]

This is a common question; I had the same one.

Fairy Folk kingdom troops do indeed fly. They also move at the rate your setup indicates (Plains 5, Forest 4, etc.) So they can fly over sea, get the 20% PC attack bonus, can't be flanked, get a free recon, and the other usual flying benefits. They just don't get the dragon movement rate.

It is good to note that if you mix flyers with non-flyers (for example, you recruit a brigade a Zamorans into your group), then the entire group no longer flies.

[Pine Needle]

Its also worth noting that the flying artifacts (bats, green dragon etc.) give the "flying" bonuses, but no movement bonus. They used to act as a "mini" teleport- no more.

[Lord Moontree.]

Thanks so much both for the clarifications!

[Lord Moontree.]

On the topic of the Fairy Folk, it really seems to me that they should have the Archers cultural trait. It seems their units are built around shooting with the idea of retreating before combat is engaged. They also have Supremacy in Forest. However, shooting is really nerfed in the Forest (0% effective at LR and 50% effective in SR). This seems really bad for the Fairies that are designed around shooting and Forest. The Archers cultural trait would really help them I think. Thoughts?

[Brekk]

Only the Red and Black Dragons currently have the Flying cultural trait, which grants additional movement. Currently, the Red Dragons and Black Dragons are the only factions with the Flying cultural trait, which grants increased movement. All other units described as ‘flying’ should be considered low fliers: they receive bonuses against population centers but do not gain additional movement.

[davekuyk]

Faeries fly, dragons soar.

[Lord Moontree.]

Thanks all! That makes perfect sense.

I'm wondering if from a design perspective it makes sense to give Fairy Folk the "Archer" cultural trait, or would that make them too powerful. It seems to me like they have conflicting design aspects where they want to be in Forest, but then they do no damage since most of their damage comes from shooting. Just a thought.

[Olorin]

It is one of the things we are considering. Traits for all the Kingdoms.

[Pine Needle]

Only the Red and Black Dragons currently have the Flying cultural trait, which grants additional movement. Currently, the Red Dragons and Black Dragons are the only factions with the Flying cultural trait, which grants increased movement. All other units described as ‘flying’ should be considered low fliers: they receive bonuses against population centers but do not gain additional movement.

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