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Blood Bowl - Spike Journal Issue 06
Blood Bowl - Spike Journal Issue 06
W
elcome to the wild yet picturesque pages of
Spike! Journal as we go down to the woods today and
reveal a whole host of surprises. From enchanting
Wardancers to towering Treemen, we dig up all the dirt on these
acrobatic athletes in an issue so full of facts, it’s fertile ground
for growing a fresh crop of fanatical Wood Elf fans!
I
f ever there was a team that was on the ball from all sides. Once the
‘too talented’ for Blood Bowl then prey is in hand, the Elves spirit it away
it is the Wood Elves. Don’t believe from anyone who would take it from
those who would tell you that Blood them, and all of this is done so fast L. Ron Elfman,
Bowl is just a game of breaking bones that all the opposition can do is watch Guest Editor Spike! Magazine
and pushing in faces! Even so-called the distant outline of a Wood Elf
‘all-rounders’ will often say that planting the ball in the End Zone.
the best way to win is to leave the CONTENTS
mangled remains of the opposition Join us then to find out Woodland Wonderland ............................2
scattered about the pitch and then more about such players as
‘walk it in’. Teams only say that Jordell Freshbreeze and Gloriel Famous Wood Elf Teams ..........................5
because they lack the fundamental Summerbloom, as well as some
skills to actually play the game as laid of the stranger denizens of the Athelorn Avengers.....................................7
down in the sacred texts of Nuffle! deep woods, such as Swiftvine
Glimmershard and the near-mythical Star Player – Jordell Freshbreeze ........10
The first Wood Elf teams to play Zolcath the Zoat! Delight at the
the great game quickly mastered the exploits of Bob Bifford as related by Dirt from the Dugout...............................13
art of it, only pausing momentarily to the teller of tall tales, Nick ‘Grimm-
wonder why most of the other teams Dark’ Kyme and illuminated by the Star Player – Swiftvine Glimmershard .14
they met spent all their time kicking talented Pete ‘Flower-Power’ Knifton!
and punching each other when the Read all about the Athelorn Avengers Rapid Reforestation ...............................16
ball was right there at their feet. Of and their troubles with the Darkside
course, this is not to say the denizens Cowboys messing up their plans! Star Player – Willow Rosebark .............22
of Athel Loren are above snapping
the odd spine if they have to – they Come with us, readers, as we Star Player – Zolcath the Zoat ..............24
can’t let the Dark Elves have all skip along the twisting pathways of
the fun after all! magical Athel Loren and straight into Lesser Known Wood Elf Star Players....26
the loving embrace of a Treeman…
To the Wood Elves a game of Beneath the Canopy:
Blood Bowl is akin to the ancient A Guided Tour of Athel Loren .................30
ritual of the hunt; the opposing team
are viewed as rival predators, the New Weather Tables ...............................32
ball their mutual prey. Tapping into
skills honed by centuries of stalking Chat with the Rat....................................34
through the wild woods of their
homeland, the Wood Elves close in Mighty Blow! ......................................35
WOODLAND WONDERLAND
T
idyll of the Halfling Moot, our senior writing staff were smitten raditionally within Athel Loren,
with the sights and sounds of the Altern Forest. Keen for our less when an Elf comes of age, he
experienced writers to get out of the office and take in more of or she will be charged with
nature’s bounty, we thought the time was right for them to make the keeping safe a section of their forest.
long pilgrimage south in search of the mythical arboreal wonderland These days, whilst essential security
of Athel Loren. We had been made most welcome within the Altern, work still keeps many an Elf in gainful
and our publishers assured us that Athel Loren was no different employment, apprehending trespassers
and that it’d be a fine learning experience for our apprentices! and keeping the borders secure, ever
They were not entirely wrong… increasing numbers of young Elves are
drawn to a career in Blood Bowl – Wood
Elves make wonderful players, being
A
thel Loren is one of the largest forests in all the known world, yet it remains naturally gifted with grace and speed.
largely unexplored by outsiders – a mysterious realm that hides its many Consequently, coaches are often spoilt
secrets under gloomy boughs. Travellers rarely set foot within its borders, for choice when recruiting new players,
and those that do seem destined to vanish in mysterious circumstances. This enabling Asrai teams to operate the
struck us at Spike! Journal as odd. We’ve all seen Wood Elf teams playing Blood most stringent and rigorous of selection
Bowl; fair of hair, pale of skin and graceful of limb. They seem the very exemplars of processes, and weeding out the
noble, Elven values. Of course, appearances can be deceiving... unworthy at an early stage.
The Asrai (as Wood Elves call themselves – Ed) are not so similar to their High THROWERS
W
Elf kin as they first appear, the wild and primal realm of Athel Loren having been ood Elves, like their kin from
separated from the sophisticates of Ulthuan for millennia. Legend tells that, aeons Ulthuan, delight in what they
ago, there was a great war between Elven kind and the Dwarfs of the Worlds Edge consider to be ‘classically
Mountains. This war caused the Elves to abandon their many wondrous cities and correct’ Blood Bowl. They rely upon a
colonies the world over as they retreated to Ulthuan. The Asrai however chose to strong passing game, rushing Catchers
remain within Athel Loren. They had dwelt within this deeply magical domain for forward to receive a perfect pass,
many centuries, shaping it to their will, and in turn living side-by-side with magical before advancing on the opposition’s
beings in this realm of ancient gods had wrought strange changes upon the Asrai. End Zone with alarming speed. As a
They had become more in tune with the primordial wonders of the natural world, result, teams from Athel Loren place
setting aside the high towers and shining cities of their kin and living as one with huge importance on their Throwers,
nature. In turn they had also become insular and distant, highly protective of their dedicating many hours to training
home and the mythical beings they shared it with. skilled players in the fine art of the long
pass. This should come as no surprise,
In short, they became strange, fey creatures, sharing the culture of their for Elves of all types have long been
kin in only the broadest of senses. And yet, for all these differences, the Wood renowned for their love of archery. In
Elves are still Elves. For many years, teams from Athel Loren competed within the the past, young Asrai would spend their
secretive Elven leagues alongside the folk of Ulthuan and Naggaroth. Travelling days practicing their skill with bow and
along otherworldly forest paths, they played many fixtures in distant lands. Not arrow in the wide open archery fields of
unlike the experience of the Druchii, for many years the wider sporting world either Athel Loren. Today those same meadow
didn’t know or didn’t bother to find out what set the Asrai apart. It wasn’t until the glades echo with the shouts of young
Darkside Cowboys debuted on the world stage that sports fans started paying Blood Bowl players perfecting their art
closer attention to the many and diverse teams within the Elven leagues, and rather than the twang of bowstrings and
noticing that not all teams competing were cut from the same dull Elven cloth... zip of loosed arrows.
O W A
ver many millennia living hile the followers of Isha thel Loren is an enchanted
within the depths of Athel worship the beauty and realm – a forest as old as
Loren, the Asrai have grace of the natural world, time, saturated by magic
adapted to this otherworldly realm others seek to embody the furious and the last safe haven of ancient
in many ways, and its strange, hostility of nature. These individuals gods and supernatural beings. It’s no
magical properties have worked are hunters and predators, revelling wonder then that even the trees are
upon them in return. Consequently, in the thrill of the chase and the a bit odd! Most Blood Bowl fans’ only
many Wood Elves exhibit attributes exhilaration of the kill. Wardancers experience of Treemen is of those
associated with their gods, Kurnous are the most devout followers of this that habitually play for Halfling teams,
the Hunter, and Isha, the Maiden. aspect. Ordained at an early age and many assume that the Treemen
Those particularly blessed by Isha into their calling, they learn strange of Athel Loren are no different.
are marked by a grace and speed and mystical dances and rituals But this could not be further from
unusual even amongst a race that convey the wildest aspects of the truth! Where the Treemen of
renowned for such qualities as grace nature. In ages past, Wardancers the Altern Forest are friendly
and speed. Those Asrai Blood Bowl were fearsome warriors, fast, deadly and outgoing, not unlike
players that fulfil the role of Catcher and fierce of countenance. Today, their Halfling neighbours,
are often less physically strong many of these wild Elves flock to those of Athel Loren are
than others of their kind, but their the Blood Bowl pitch, their dazzling far more solitary and
preternatural agility more than makes acrobatics and fearsome fighting aloof, shunning others
up for this. Slender and elegant, abilities making them greatly sought almost entirely. Indeed,
these players put many in mind of the after as players. Many an opponent to see a Treeman
tiny birds of the forest that flit from has learned to dread the sight of taking to the pitch for
flower to flower faster than the eye their wild hair and complex tattoos, a Wood Elf team is
can see to sip nectar from knowing all too well that even the still remarkably rare,
Summer blossoms. best defence poses little hindrance to and when they do join
such skilled players. a squad, many pundits
question the role of these
sedentary behemoths among
such a fast and agile team. To the
Treemen of Athel Loren however, such
signings have a deep logic, rooted
DID YOU KNOW… (Ha! – Ed) in their spiritualistic nature
Wood Elf stadiums and grim, protective ways. For the
used to only offer Treemen of Athel Loren, playing Blood
vegetarian meal Bowl facilitates their desire to see
options to fans. This outsiders and interlopers squashed
policy was finally underfoot. Consequently, when these
revoked in 2485 when mighty creatures take to the pitch,
every Arranoc Drakes the fans can be sure of one thing;
player was eaten by the that the line of scrimmage will host a
hungry Oldheim Ogres most violent spectacle!
fans at half-time!
Famous Wood Elf Teams
Star Players
T
he Athelorn Avengers emerged favoured gossip amongst the fans. The Having finally escaped the
from the woodwork to make Avengers’ situation then went from bad shadow of their lack lustre past, the
their debut on the gridiron to worse when Darkside Cowboy fans Avengers have gone from strength
in 2429, joining the famous Elven began turning up to every game the to strength. One of the many teams
Kingdoms League; a league that, as Avengers played, their jeering playing a helping to shape the modern landscape
the name suggests, was exclusively for prominent role in several embarrassing of Blood Bowl – the Athelorn Avengers
Elves (of whatever description). Their losses – the most infamous being became the first Asrai team to lift the
career began promisingly, dazzling the the loss against the Greenfield Blood Bowl trophy when they secured
crowds with agile displays of acrobatics Grasshuggers when Darkside Cowboy victory against Da Deff Skwad at
– something all Wood Elf teams are fans sneakily stood in for the Halfling Blood Bowl XXXVI. With a solid roster
famed for. This promise seemed to side’s cheerleaders for the match. of experienced players and the will to
falter however when they took to the overcome any obstacles, the Avengers
field against the Darkside Cowboys, The collapse of the NAF proved created quite the spectacle as they
who gleefully introduced them to the surprisingly favourable for the Athelorn sprinted down the field, easily slipping
rougher side of Blood Bowl! The game Avengers, the rural Wood Elves adapting past more cumbersome opponents
ended with the Avengers conceding easily to life on the road. With mounting with their famed agility. Though future
after 43 minutes, over half their line-up successes, thanks largely to being able success is far from certain, it seems
so injured they never played Blood Bowl to enter only those tournaments they that the Athelorn Avengers are out of
again. This game gave birth to one of wanted to and avoid certain dangerous the woods and ready to rumble!
the sport’s most famous rivalries, with match-ups, Head Coach Aed Hothriss
the Avengers swearing to become the used every resource available to
more famed and successful team! help advance the Avengers’ fortunes.
Travelling from city to city, the Avengers
This vow, however, was to prove recruited an ever-growing staff of
extremely difficult for the Avengers to therapists, wizards and physicians, all
honour. Yet, after several decades of of whom were tasked with finding a
struggle against their Dark Elf nemesis cure for the players’ crippling fear of the
in the Elven Kingdoms League, the Cowboys. After several years, confidence
Athelorn Avengers were invited into was high and the Avengers signed up
the NAF, having become more well- for the 2493 Elven Luckstone Award
known around the start of the 2470s. tournament alongside the Darkside
Expecting to escape their rivals, they Cowboys. When the two teams played in
instead found themselves placed in the group stages, the game ended with
the NFC Central division, alongside several debilitating injuries, but this time
the Darkside Cowboys. Rumours the Avengers gave as good as they got,
of Avengers players breaking down securing their first draw (and first game
in the changing rooms before any played to full time! – Ed) against their
game against the Dark Elves become long-time rivals.
ATHELORN AVENGERS
TEAM PROFILE:
ATHELORN AVENGERS
TEAM COLOURS: The colours of nature, ever changing with the seasons
OWNER: Caesyn Dyn-Athron
HEAD COACH: Aed Hothriss
PLAYERS: Wood Elves and Treemen
TEAM HONOURS: Most Improved Hairstylist 2392, Spike! Magazine’s Most Punctured Player Award 2465
HALL OF FAME: Jordell Freshbreeze, Jem Goldstar, Luarn Proudbow
SPIKE! TEAM RATING: 142 points
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
2429 The Athelorn
Avengers make
their debut in the Elven Kingdoms
2472 The Avengers are
welcomed into the
NAF league, but unfortunately find
2491 The Firebrand Ingots
set a new record for
Most Interceptions in a Single Game
League, winning their first few themselves in the same division while facing off against the Avengers,
games. It’s all looking good for the as their bitter Dark Elf rivals. The thanks to a devious ploy involving
newcomers until they take to the field Darkside Cowboys realise that their powerful magnets and a tampered
against the Darkside Cowboys. After presence is just about the only ball. Head coach Hothriss lodges a
43 increasingly foul-fuelled minutes, thing that can shake the Avengers’ complaint, but it falls on deaf ears
the Avengers are forced to concede, otherwise limitless confidence, and the record stands. The Ingots are
having lost over half of their starting and are quick to inform their fans. later bankrupted when their home
line-up to what the press release later The Avengers suffer a number of stadium is taken over by a grove of
calls ‘career-limiting injuries’. They embarrassing losses when Cowboys several hundred tanglethorn trees.
swear vengeance, and one of Blood fans start turning up to their games to Team owner Caesyn Dyn-Athron
Bowl’s most famous rivalries is born. jeer, chant and generally be as much declines to comment, suggesting only
of a nuisance as possible. that he could recommend a number
of highly qualified horticulturalists.
FOREST FAVOURITES: The Athelorn Avengers’ home ground is set deep within
the realm of Athel Loren. Consequently, their most dedicated fans are an eclectic
mix of Asrai and various forest spirits. At any Avengers game, there is a high
chance the stands will be full of Treemen, Dryads, Spites and untold other
treekin of many and varied types. This can be beneficial to both teams as the
added shade keeps the sun out of players’ eyes, but for opposition players
pushed into the crowd, it can prove quite fatal!
When an opposition player is pushed off of the pitch and into the crowd,
there is a high probability that they will vanish into the dense, arboreal
gloom and not be seen again before the final whistle! Roll a D6 when
an opposition player is pushed into the crowd. On the roll of a 4 or
more, the player vanishes into the undergrowth and takes no further
part in the game. On the roll of a 1, 2 or 3, make an Injury roll for the
player as normal.
R
egarded by many as one of the
greatest players currently in Blood
Bowl, if not the greatest player ever
to take to the field, Jordell Freshbreeze is
a legend upon the pitch. With impressive
speed and mind-boggling dexterity, Jordell
weaves between his opponents like a
silent, unseen wind, scoring touchdowns
before anyone can register he even has the
ball. Read on readers, as we catch all the
details about the uncatchable player!
M
indy Piewhistle is our Halfling on the spot when it comes
to the dishy dirt and salacious scandals that our readers
have come to know and love – this issue Mindy gets
to the root of the rumours surrounding Jordell Freshbreeze’s
supposed buy-out attempt of Orcidas!
SPIKE!: So, Mindy, we’re moving from SPIKE!: Obviously! I have to say SPIKE!: Wow! So you’re suggesting
the pitch to the boardroom for today’s though, buying a company like that Jordell is planning to sabotage
serving of juicy gossip – tell us Mindy, Orcidas just because you want them the Cowboys and ruin a lucrative deal
are the rumours true? to make your shoes seems like a for the company he is planning to buy,
big leap, even for a Wardancer of all out of spite?!
MINDY: Well, I can’t be certain of Jordell’s expertise! Tell us Mindy, just
what goes on behind closed doors what could be motivating Jordell to MINDY: Well, a few of my sources are
but, after watching Jordell going attempt such an ambitious move? saying that the meetings were set up
about his business for the last two to discuss an exclusive new range
weeks, I’m happy to hazard an MINDY: Well, we all know that of Jordell’s footwear for Orcidas to
opinion! I can confirm that he has met wherever Jordell’s career takes him, commemorate the Athelorn Avengers
with several lawyers and accountants he remains a loyal Athelorn Avenger, win at the Blood Bowl XXXVI, but I say
as well as being seen having lunch and the Avengers have an infamous that seems unlikely when the chance
with both the executive and chief rivalry with the Darkside Cowboys! to get revenge over the Cowboys
accountant of Orcidas. What’s even more interesting is is on the table!
that Orcidas has apparently been in
SPIKE!: That’s certainly intriguing! Do negotiations to sponsor the Cowboys SPIKE!: Well, there you have it folks!
you know the purpose behind in a footwear deal my sources Decide for yourself – an elaborate
these meetings? describe as ‘the “height” of fashion’. and convoluted plot that would
ultimately harm the sport’s most
MINDY: Well, my lunch invitation went SPIKE!: That certainly is a lot to famous apparel provider and no
missing in the post, but my sources process, but just what could he be doubt the reputation of Jordell
inside the restaurant said there was hoping to achieve? himself! Or a new range of limited
much talk about opening new lines edition, high quality footwear that
of profit and expanding something MINDY: Well, if I was Jordell, I’d will no doubt continue their legacy
or other. I don’t want to jump to be wanting to use my wealth and of helping you “Become a Star!”?
conclusions but that clearly means influence to buy the company and
that Jordell isn’t content with his own ruin the Cowboy’s deal! No doubt
highly successful footwear range and delivering a massive blow right to a
a lucrative sponsorship deal, but that hated rival’s treasury!
he wants to buy the entire company!
STAR PLAYER - Swiftvine Glimmershard
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
2465 Swiftvine
Glimmershard’s
debut on the gridiron is held up before
current one states that Glimmershard
clearly doesn’t have what it takes to
play Blood Bowl!
2487 Several Dark Elf
squads ally together,
attempting to encourage Glimmershard
the first whistle when several opposing to hire her services to their teams,
players and a few foolish officials
laugh at Glimmershard. Angered by
their mocking, she makes use of the
2484 During a match
between the Bil
Bali Archers and the Underdwellers,
pointing out that she can teach their
Assassins much about brutal, vindictive
behaviour. Their petitions are rejected,
savage claws that spring suddenly from Glimmershard is (allegedly) insulted with Glimmershard stating that she
her fingertips, to puncture some vital several times by the Underdwellers and has nothing in common with Elves from
organs and shower the crowd in blood. their head coach. Surprisingly, there Naggaroth and that allegations of her
The fans are, of course, delighted. are no outbursts from Glimmershard spiteful nature are heinous lies. For
during the match, which causes some good measure she curses them with
for the Oakglade Defenders, causing no found dead in their locker room after
end of contractual controversy, due to the game, each riddled with dozens of
what she describes as discrimination small puncture wounds.
by the head coach. The Defenders
quickly find themselves in the market
for a new head coach when the
RAPID REFORESTATION
RAPID REFORESTATION
T
he Wood Elves of Athel Loren are widely considered to have produced
some of the best teams ever to take to the gridiron. Yet for every
flourishing success, a dozen young squads die on the vine. To find
out more about the cultivation of Wood Elves, Spike! Journal travelled
to the grim, frozen North East to meet with Don Vito of Neucastille,
the overlord of that bleak realm. Unbeknownst to many, the Don
has enjoyed great success training Wood Elves from within his
extensive arboretums. Indeed, there are few coaches in the world
better placed to share his wisdom in the form of a playbook!
L
eaping from the forests into Blood Bowl stadiums affect your choice to score early or late in a drive. Some
across the world, the Wood Elves are a high opponents will struggle to score quickly, so scoring in turn
flying force to be reckoned with on the field. six onwards may be enough to secure a lead. If facing
The combination of Elven agility and speed are second a slower team, they will often prioritise casualties over
to none. They possess arguably one of the best starting touchdowns, so prolonging a drive too much may cause
players in the game (the lethal and elegant Wardancer numbers to dwindle, making the second half (or future
– Ed), and are generally viewed as one of the strongest fixtures – Ed) difficult. All of these important factors
teams going. Even though they invariably lose several need to be weighed up when deciding how to dictate the
players over the course of a season, they are still more timing of your drives.
than capable of scoring in a heartbeat and have an
uncanny ability to turn situations around, no matter how in UNDER PRESSURE
control the opposition may seem! The second key aspect of Wood Elf success lies in
knowing when to increase or decrease the risk. Wood
Wood Elves are a highly adaptable team, able to Elves are likely to be starting a half with few re-rolls, and
score with alarming ease even when they are lacking despite all those players with the Dodge skill, there will
numbers. A team able to steal the ball from the opposition always be Turnovers. Learning when to avoid risk and
in the blink of an eye and spirit it away even faster, Wood take a relatively careful turn in which players simply move
Elves provide a coach with a finely crafted, elite squad. into a better position with as few dice rolls as possible is
Minor mistakes can be quickly smoothed over, but be an important skill. This is especially true if a re-roll has
warned; major mistakes, like trying to out fight a stronger been used early on in the drive. Turning down blocks and
and tougher opposition, can quickly see them undone! dodging away to reposition can feel wrong to a Blood Bowl
coach, but is sometimes a Wood Elf coach’s best option.
GOOD TIMING It’s very unusual for a Wood Elf team to win a game
Much of a good Wood Elf game plan lies in the art of through casualties, and keeping players away from the
‘time management’. Sure, they are more than capable opposition limits them to one Blitz per turn with no other
of scoring easily in two turns, but that doesn’t mean they easy blocks to remove precious players.
always should! A smart coach will realise that as soon as
their team scores, they will be setting up to kick to the The flip side of this is possibly one of the most
opposition and, more importantly, offering them a chance difficult things for any coach to learn – when to step up
to take some blocks on your poor line of scrimmage. the risk and start applying pressure. It’s hard to pinpoint
A Treeman will help soak up some of the hits, but the any exact example as every game is different, but knowing
easiest way to avoid regularly taking a beating is simply to when to start marking opposition players on the corners
pause the drive and score at your leisure! of cages, dodging through tackle zones and leaping with
a Wardancer to blitz opposition ball carriers is a skill that
Many new coaches view stalling (running down the makes Wood Elves fearsome in defence. Quite often the
clock – Ed) as unsporting behaviour. This simply isn’t the biggest problem faced is that the Wood Elf coach might
case. Furthermore, it is often the best way for a Wood leave it too late and not have enough players left to try the
Elf team to preserve players, control the scoreboard and razzle dazzle plays…
ensure victory! Every time you begin a drive you should
ask yourself, “When do I want to score?” Sometimes you
may not want to cross the line too soon, whilst at others
you may need to score very quickly indeed. You could be
enjoying the luxury of a numerical advantage and strong
lead, in which case stalling before extending that lead is
valid. Alternatively, your team might be trailing and you
need to score in a hurry to lessen the gap, in which case
stalling is not an option. Or perhaps there are several
turns left, and scoring too quickly might give the other
team a good chance to score themselves!
League Roster Development
W
ith the basic player costing a relatively
expensive 70,000 gold pieces, it becomes PLAYER SINGLE SKILL DOUBLE SKILL
apparent quite quickly that sacrifices must be Wardancers Strip Ball, Tackle, Mighty Blow
made to start a league team. Buying team re-rolls at team Frenzy, Side Step
creation absolutely makes sense as they are available Throwers Leader, Sure Hands, Guard*
at half the price they will be after the team has played a Dodge, Accurate
game. One re-roll is essential, two would be recommended Catchers Block/Wrestle, Guard*
(three would be wonderful, but just might not be possible). Sure Feet, Side Step,
Diving Tackle
Wardancers are the show-stopping stars of the Linemen Dodge, Wrestle Guard*
team, and no self-respecting Wood Elf coach would (or Block), Kick
begin a season without their two best players. A pair of Treeman Guard, Grab, Block, Jump Up
Wardancers should be the first two slots filled on any Break Tackle
team. Unfortunately, this doesn’t leave much money left to *Wood Elves with Guard are fantastic, but will need
buy the rest of the squad! protecting (ironically!). It is wise to develop these players
to have Dodge and Block as soon as possible to increase
After buying two re-rolls and a brace of Wardancers, their survivability.
there is a small choice to make. To complete the roster
with the minimum requirement of 11 starting players REGARDING CHARACTERISTIC INCREASES
can be done by adding nine Linemen. That would leave Wood Elves will want to take every characteristic increase
30,000 gold pieces unspent to save towards a Team they are lucky enough to get! Movement is favoured over
Apothecary. The alternative would be to draft in a single Armour as it only makes them better at what they already
Thrower or Catcher instead of one of the Linemen, leaving excel at. The same is true for Agility increases. Plus, as
just 10,000 gold pieces remaining. With the Wood Elf any Blood Bowl coach knows, anyone turning down a
passing game being so strong, it is relatively easy to gain Strength boost incurs Nuffle’s wrath for the rest of their
skills on these players, and a lot of coaches choose to coaching career!
bring them in later on as they can catch up quickly with
the rest of the team’s development. As the Linemen Exhibition Play
A
invariably get injured or die, the aim is to save the cash to Tournament roster for Wood Elves usually involves
bring in specialist positionals to replace them. If money is a 1,100,000 gold pieces (or more) starting
short, Journeymen do the job almost as well. treasury, and a package of skills to begin with
that don’t cost anything. While there are many different
options for this team, there are tried and tested rosters
and suggested skills that have done consistently well on
the tournament scene for a number of years.
I
t is hard to list specific set formations for a Wood
Elf offence. Very often a coach will find themselves
setting up with less than 11 players, but typically this
won’t hinder an offence because the team is so mobile
and reactive, and can score with fewer players than most
teams need. There are some general guidelines to follow
though, so here are some suggestions…
A
s the game goes on, you are usually trying to do one of two things.
Often, you want to increase the tempo and apply pressure to force a
I
n Coffin Corner we remember turnover. Depending on the game you may however be looking to slow
those players that are no the game down and stall your opponent to try to force them into a bad turn, a
longer with us – because they poorly positioned turn, or simply to cause them to run out of time on their drive.
were trampled into the turf, torn Here’s a suggestion for how to do both:
apart and possibly set on fire!
PRESSURE DEFENCE
TIMBER!
We remember Filbren Surefeet,
Thrower for the Bil Bali Archers.
During a particularly brutal game
against the Bluchen Berserkers, the
Bil Bali Archers Treeman, Greybark
Twistyroots, stumbled and fell on
his team-mate, crushing all but the
unfortunate Elf’s feet to a paste!
DANCE OF DEATH
We remember Arnoth Quill-tree,
Wardancer for the Oakglade
Defenders. During a match against
the Dwarf Warhammers, Quill-tree
became overly enthusiastic about This defence doesn’t leave any easy ways through, even if the other team goes
showing off his newly developed down a sideline, both Wardancers are within range to defend and can usually
Shadow Dance, which resulted in trap the opposition if they overcommit. This set-up also maximises any early
him being surrounded by angry Turnovers from the opposition or a Blitz kick-off result, with fast Catchers at the
Dwarf players. Subsequent, if front and Wardancers able to create space for them to rush through. It can be
inevitable, events have been caught out by a Quick Snap, so consider moving everyone one square back to
commemorated in the Hammerers’ create some pressure but not overcommit yourself.
fans’ new terrace chant:
REACTIVE DEFENCE
“He ain’t never gonna dance again!
Quill-tree’s feet ain’t got no rhythm!”
M
any teams in Blood Bowl are capable of scoring Wood Elves are blindingly fast. They have power and
in one turn, and Wood Elf teams are perhaps precision with Wardancers able to create opportunities
the best at this. The theory behind the one turn from nowhere, speedy Catchers, and the overall
touchdown is fairly straightforward – your players are set agility of a team that can score with ease. They can
up for the kick-off so that you can easily move them to fill react to any situation, are competitive even when
any squares into which a pushed back player might be outnumbered, and will always have a back-up plan if
moved, thus setting up what is called a ‘chain push’. This things start to go wrong. Yes, they are fragile and will
means that every time a blocked player is pushed back, seldom end a game (or even a drive) without losing
they will have to move into an occupied square, causing someone, but this doesn’t slow them down. With
the player occupying that square to be pushed back enough experience you will appreciate how to master
as well. In this way, it is possible to move one or more the essential elements that make a Wood Elf team
players on your team by blocking and pushing back an successful – managing the clock, the amount of risk
opposing player. you should be taking each turn, and how to control the
pitch, both on offence and defence. If you have the
Once in position, use your Blitz to move behind patience to learn how to use this team to its maximum
your opponent’s Line of Scrimmage and push one of the potential, you’ll soon see why they are regarded as
opposition players there back into your half of the pitch. one of the best teams there is.
After this, you will need to perform a series of blocks with
your remaining players, hoping for a Push Back result
each time in order to chain push that player into your
players. In this way, you can propel a Catcher several
squares into the opposition’s half without them being
activated. Once at they are at least two squares into the
opposition’s half, get the ball to the Catcher, make some
dodges, and use the Sprint skill to score with ease!
Well, that’s the theory of course…
S
ome players play for
thrills, others for fame
and even more for the love
of spilling blood. In the case of
Willow Rosebark, the infamous
Dryad plays for… well, we’re not
entirely sure and no one has
ever gotten a straight answer!
This month in Spike! Journal,
we take a brief look at this
capricious player’s career!
D
ryads are, by nature, fluid and Across the circuit Rosebark is With such a reputation for
temperamental creatures, known for two things: changing her delivering spectacular injury whenever
their moods changing with mind and flattening opponents. Like she takes to the astrogranite, a growing
the season and their actions decided most of her kin, Rosebark’s interests fan club eagerly tracks every rumour
by the weather! With their kind being can turn at a moment’s notice and it is as they watch out for Rosebark’s
notoriously uninterested in Blood not unheard of for her to change teams appearances – some even claim they
Bowl, it came as quite a surprise numerous times during a season, the know someone who knows someone in
when, in 2470, Willow Rosebark took most famous example being the 2481 Athel Loren that can talk to trees who
to the gridiron alongside the Athelorn season where she played for a total knows when Rosebark will be playing!
Avengers. Rosebark’s professional of eight different teams, despite only With a penchant for settling grudges
career didn’t really take off until playing five games! Normally, such upon the field, some fans allegedly go
years later when, while playing for shifting behaviour would see a player so far as to desecrate groves she is said
the Underbrush Underdogs, she went rejected by prospective employers to watch over, leaving behind ‘evidence’
toe-to-toe with Morg ‘n’ Thorg. due to unreliability, but Rosebark’s that points towards certain Blood Bowl
Since then Rosebark has pursued a mercurial form lends her a strength teams just to encourage her to show
memorable, if rather sparse, career beyond what her willowy stature up. When she does, she is greeted
in Blood Bowl, lending her talents suggests – at a moment’s notice with raucous applause. A firm favourite
to a variety of thorny vines burst forth and her mass with fans of violence (which should be
different teams multiplies with vibrant growth, allowing all of you! – Ed), Willow Rosebark has
over the years – her to match the strength of the largest taken root in the hearts of many eagerly
often without the of Blood Bowl players. Upon her rare awaiting the mayhem that accompanies
team ever having appearances, Rosebark is sure to break her every appearance.
requested them! bones and smash faces, carving open
the opposition defence and allowing her
newly-adopted team-mates to score.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
2470 The first appearance
of a Dryad in a NAF-
sanctioned game is recorded when
2478 After several seasons
away from the game,
Rosebark resurfaces, this time playing
was held sacred by certain forest-
dwellers… Rosebark is implicated, but
when no evidence is forthcoming, she
Willow Rosebark takes to the field for the Underbrush Underdogs in their publicly decries such obvious profiling
alongside the Athelorn Avengers in their match against the Chaos All-Stars. and the case is dropped.
season opener against the Gouged Famously facing off against Morg ‘n’
Eye. Some sources suggest that she’d
already been playing for some time in
the backwater leagues, but her origins
Thorg, the slender Dryad tackles the
hefty Ogre head-on. Just as they’re
about to collide, Rosebark sprouts
2487 Rosebark turns up
during the pre-game
show of a rather one-sided clash
– and her reasons for taking part in thorny vines – almost doubling her between the Greenfield Grasshuggers
a sport to which her kind is generally mass – and to the crowd’s delight, and the Champions of Death, pledging
ambivalent – remain a mystery. she flattens Morg without breaking her services to the thoroughly
stride! Across the land, fans sit up outclassed Halflings. The Grasshuggers
and take notice. still lose, but the deadly Dryad makes
short work of the Undead fiends – it
“Come back…
in Spring…"
Willow Rosebark, Interview
2480 A number of
stadiums within
a short distance of each other are
later comes out that they had been
bolstering their ranks by raiding a
burial cairn in a nearby forest, which
by an ABC reporter during the vandalised by a host of Dryads and Rosebark had presumably declared
Winter of 2483 other forest spirits. It is soon deduced off-limits. The lesson is obvious – don’t
that all of them are built with wood from mess with the trees!
the same grove, which – it is revealed,
STAR PLAYER - Zolcath the Zoat
“
good reason! Well, here at Spike! Journal, we got complaints from other Zoats about him ruining their mystique
the inside scoop on Zoats when we sat down with by being so visible (I still don’t know what a Zoat is! – Ed).
Zolcath, a bona fide Zoat and talented Blood Bowl In recognition of this, Zolcath now requires a prospective team
player. So, seekers of knowledge, read on for the to locate him before hiring his skills. Often this becomes a
enlightening truth about this peculiar figure! rite of passage for a team’s new talent scout, many of them
vanishing within the dark forests of the world forever. Of
It is said that Zoats have an unparalleled ability to bend those who do find him, Zolcath is eager to accept their offer,
the lifewind to their will, so much so that the Wood Elves seek thundering onto the pitch once more!
them out in the hope of learning new skills. When one such
hopeful Elf sought out Zolcath in search of subtle magics to
aid their faltering career on the gridiron, they instead found
CAREER
themselves a teacher. Apparently bored of his isolated life,
this new sport was of much interest to Zolcath. After learning
the basics, he left his refuge, and the bewildered Elf, in
HIGHLIGHTS
search of a team to join.
SOMETHING IN
THE WOODS –
LESSER KNOWN WOOD
ELF STAR PLAYERS
O
f all the Elven races to take to the Blood Bowl
pitch, it is the Wood Elves of Athel Loren that
are the most diverse in appearance. And this
diversity is reflected in the players deemed eligible
for inclusion in Wood Elf teams. Where Dark Elves
and High Elves are rather conservative when it
comes to signing players of other races, Wood Elves
are quick to sign up the many and varied creatures
that share their woodland realm. And why would they
not? Athel Loren is a vast, primordial forest. As old
as the world, this arboreal wonderland is amongst
the most magical and mythical places to be found!
T
hough Wood Elves are often known for their
whimsical natures, Gloriel Summerbloom is
viewed as particularly carefree and free-spirited.
Though she has gone on record as finding the
profound(ly entertaining! – Ed) violence of Blood Bowl
to be distasteful, Gloriel still regularly takes to the field,
justifying her participation with claims that true serenity
can be reached upon the pitch. While violence may not be
her forte, the skill of her throwing arm is beyond doubt,
able to throw a perfect pass with her eyes literally closed,
in what many describe as nature aiding her efforts.
Curnoth Darkwold,
Wild Wardancer
W
hen Curnoth Darkwold burst onto the pitch in
a whirlwind of limbs and tangled hair, he had
no intent of actually playing, but had instead
been attracted to the match by the scent of blood upon
the wind! After killing several players from both teams,
a confused Darkwold was snapped up by an agent
desperate for new clients. As luck would have it, Darkwold
proved to be an excellent asset, for he loved a good hunt
and was thrilled to learn that the other team would be
trying to hunt him too! Darkwold soon gained a reputation
for his savagery, noted both for his questionable hygiene
and his tendency to commit brutal acts of violence – both
traits much appreciated by fans of Blood Bowl.
E
ldril Sidewinder has played Blood Bowl as long as
most can remember, partly due to the incredibly
long life span of his race, but mainly thanks to his
sheer skill on the pitch. The secret of his success (and
longevity) lies in his belonging to a singular class within
Wood Elf and Sea Elf society – the Wardancers. These
warriors combine athleticism and deadly skill, and are
capable of dashing through a melee, weaving and leaping
about their opponents while transfixing them with their
grace such that foes are unable to react or even to think
clearly. So beguiling are the movements of a skilled
Wardancer that some claim it to be some manner of boon
from the dark gods, a misconception that Sidewinder is
ever keen to refute.
Maple Highgrove,
Young and Sappy
U
nlike many Treemen, Maple Highgrove was born
with a sense of wanderlust that constantly pulled
him away from the forest where he had sprouted.
Unable to contain the feeling that there were greater
things beyond the boundaries of his arboreal realm, Maple
set out on his journey just as soon as his roots were
tough enough for trekking. As luck would have it, the first
individuals he encountered was a group of Wood Elves
practicing for an upcoming Blood Bowl match. Several
years later, Maple is still growing on the gridiron, the young
Treeman wrapping his opponents in writhing roots and
bludgeoning them with powerful blows.
“I just w
a
and stre nted to get out t
tch my b h
Maple H ranches.” ere
ighgrove
, on why
he left h
ome
let the
sely and e
“Listen clo f blessed air guid
r s o
whispe
d.” e’s
your han om, Spike
! Magazin
mmerblo Straight
Gloriel Su e to Throwing
G u id
inner’s
2493 Beg
BENEATH THE CANOPY - A GUIDED TOUR OF ATHEL LOREN
B
lood Bowl fans are a widely travelled sort. They will
follow their teams the known world over, visiting far
off and exotic lands to support them in competition.
But sadly, most such road trips rarely stop to take in the
wonder of the scenery – fans seem content to view the
world as little more than a series of stadia! We here at
Spike! Journal, being the experienced travellers that we
are, think that this is a shame. We would encourage our
readers to extend their trips by a day or two and to take the
time to explore. It’s a wonderful world, sports fans!
N
estled between the towering Grey Mountains and the endless plains
of Bretonnia, the forest of Athel Loren is a verdant woodland and home CAMPING IN ATHEL
to countless secrets. This mysterious realm is consistently ranked as LOREN – TIPS & TRICKS
one of the greatest mysteries of the Old World, right above that otherworldly With little in the way of inns
Bretonnian lady who lives in a lake and hands out swords all the time. In recent and taverns, Athel Loren is the
years, this once-secretive realm has thrown open its borders to visiting Blood number one place for those bit
Bowl teams and their dedicated fans, making this the ideal time to visit as your by the camping bug. Though
favourite Spike! Journal takes you on a magical tour of these untouched lands. beautiful, the forest can be
From towering trees seeded at the dawn of the world, to the tiniest flowers dangerous, but Spike! Journal is
humming the tune of nature, Athel Loren is THE place to visit in 2497! here with some helpful tips for a
healthy, hearty trip:
Ever wanted to leave the hustle and bustle of city life behind, spread your
wings and visit somewhere a bit quieter and a lot more mystical? Well then, • Avoid open fires and use
Athel Loren might just be the place for you! Managed by dedicated defenders only deadwood as kindling
who push back against the ever-encroaching grip of civilisation, crossing the • Don’t pitch your tent under a
forest boundary plunges you into a twilight realm you’ll never want to leave. Full tree – it might get offended
of surprises, a visit to these ancient lands is always unique and changes with • Pack plenty of Spite repellent
the seasons, making it an ideal destination all year round. • Bring your own meat or the
locals might hunt you!
Hiking tours are the beating heart of any holiday in Athel Loren, with well-
trodden paths taking you to lands barely touched by mortal feet. Twisting roads
and branching paths offer new routes to explore with each visit, and even
returning to the start of your journey will surprise and delight, as the pathways THINGS TO DO IN
shift and trees move. For those lacking a sense of direction have no fear, for ATHEL LOREN – THE
local guides knowledgeable of Athel Loren’s hidden beauties are always on RUNNING OF THE STAGS
hand to offer help – just look for them beckoning to you from between the No getaway is complete without
trees! For those wishing for a guided tour, the best seasons are Spring and partaking in the local traditions.
Summer, when the locals shake off their winter lethargy and are brimming with The spiritual successor of
the desire to share their secrets! Estalia’s Charge of the Minotaurs,
the Running of the Stags is
Those seeking a more authentic Athel Loren experience need not look rapidly becoming one of Athel
far. Simply venture off the paths and open your eyes to a whole new side of Loren’s oldest traditions.
the forest. Pass the time watching the many fantastical creatures skittering The highlight of every summer,
to and fro, hidden away from the prying eyes of greedy lumberjacks and visitors get to run in front of a
sadistic hunters. Fall asleep upon the soft grass of peaceful glades, lulled to charging herd of stags ridden
deep slumber by melodious birdsong and giggling Spites within the treetops. by Elves wearing traditional
Watch as the forest truly comes alive before your eyes and shows you sights Athel Loren dress. Risking life
you’ll not forget until your dying day! and limb, you can try to outrun
the Wild Hunt in the most
So, take a chance and visit Athel Loren! The perfect getaway for anyone dangerous game around!
wishing to leave all their worries behind – the only danger is that you may
never be able to return to the place you once called home!
WEATHER 2 Morning Dew: The pitch is dew-covered from the cold of night,
making everything a little slippery. Any player attempting to move an
TABLES extra square when Going for It! will slip and be Knocked Down on a roll
of 1-2. Additionally, a -1 modifier applies to all Pick-up rolls.
B
lood Bowl players are made 3 Blossoming Flowers: The flowers are budding and the pollen count
from some stern stuff and is high, forcing the hay fever-suffering referee to seek shelter. Players
rarely let such trivial things as cannot be sent off for fouling even if a double is rolled for the Armour
the weather stop them from taking roll or Injury roll.
to the pitch (Unless they’re Elves and 4-10 Temperate: It’s not quite warm but, then again, it’s not quite cold –
it will ruin their hair! – Ed). Rain or ideal Blood Bowl weather! This counts as a ‘Nice’ result for purposes
shine, sleet or tornado, no matter the of the Changing Weather result on the Kick-off table.
time of the year, excited fans are sure 11 Thick Fog: A haze of fog has descended onto the pitch, greatly
to find a game worth watching! reducing visibility. Players can only move a maximum of six squares,
although they may still Go For It! after. Only Quick and Short passes
If both coaches agree, they can be attempted.
can use one of the following tables 12 High Winds: The winds are whistling through the stadium and the
in place of the Weather table in players can barely hear each other. Roll a D6 each time a player
the Blood Bowl rulebook for the wishes to use a team re-roll. On a 2+ they may use the team re-roll
duration of the match. This is ideal as normal. On a 1, the original result stands without being re-rolled
for representing matches played at but the team re-roll is not lost and this does not count as the use of a
different times in different seasons. team re-roll for this turn.
A League Commissioner may also
decide that a league is being held in a SUMMER WEATHER TABLE
particular season and that all games 2D6 RESULT
use one of the following tables. Any 2 Sweltering Heat: It’s so hot and humid that some players collapse
rules that refer to the Weather table from heat exhaustion. Roll a D6 for each player on the pitch at the end
(for example, the Changing Weather of a drive. On a roll of 1, the player collapses and may not be set up
result on the Kick-off table) refer to for the next kick-off.
this table if you are using it. 3 Melting Astrogranite: It’s not just the players that are affected by
the hot weather – even the pitch is melting! Players can attempt to
move one less square when Going for It than normal.
4-10 Nice: Perfect Blood Bowl weather!
11 Blinding Rays: No cloud cover and the beating sun make it
impossible to see very far. Only Quick or Short Passes can be
attempted and the blinding sunshine causes a -1 modifier on all
Passing rolls.
12 Monsoon: A sudden burst of torrential rain and high winds hits the
pitch, making the ball slippery and erratic in the air. A -1 modifier
applies to all Catch, Intercept, or Pick-up rolls and the ball scatters
one extra square in a random direction whenever it scatters.
AUTUMN WEATHER TABLE DID YOU KNOW…
2D6 RESULT A group of Wood Elves once tried
2 Leaf-strewn Pitch: Seems like the groundskeepers haven’t been to invent their own variation of
doing their job properly! Whenever a player is Knocked Down, subtract Blood Bowl that took place in the
1 from the result of the Armour roll. sky on the back of Great Eagles.
3 Autumn Chill: Winter is fast approaching and players are reluctant Although this led to a far more
to leave the warmth of the dugout. Subtract 1 from the result of challenging passing game, it fell
all dice rolls you make to see whether one of your players recovers out of favour with players after
from being KO’d. several Wardancers attempted
4-10 Temperate: It’s not quite warm but then again, it’s not quite cold – to tackle the opposing riders and
ideal Blood Bowl weather! This counts as a ‘Nice’ result for purposes were quickly dumped off their
of the Changing Weather result on the Kick-off table. Great Eagle’s back.
11 Pouring Rain: It’s raining, making the ball slippery and difficult to
hold. A -1 modifier applies to all Catch, Intercept, or Pick-up rolls.
12 Strong Winds: The wind’s kicking off! Immediately roll on the Scatter
template to determine the direction of the wind. During Kick-offs and
Inaccurate Passes, the ball scatters D3 in this direction before normal
Scatter rolls are made.
H
ackspit ‘the Scribbler’ Quillchewer is our ace Skaven
reporter on the pitch, scrabbling about in possibly
mythical places to bring us tales of enchantment from
the touchline. This issue, our intrepid rat met with Friedrich von
Kronnalburg, Professor of Creature Study at Altdorf University,
and self-proclaimed expert on Feyology, to talk about the tree
spirits of Athel Loren and their origins.
QUILLCHEWER: So Professor, whole and these parts still cry out they join the game, discovering a
Treemen have been in Blood Bowl in loneliness! Those tree spirits who wholly understandable and natural
for many years but several new types take to the field are more attuned to love of Blood Bowl!
of tree spirits, and other creatures, such cries and so arrive on the pitch
have joined the game in recent years. in answer to those calls. QUILLCHEWER: So, what explains
Tell us about that? the recent upsurge of such
QUILLCHEWER: Hmmmmm, so why spirits in the game?
FRIEDRICH: Certainly, my good do they stay and play?
rat. Simply put, tree spirits are FRIEDRICH: Well, Treemen have
unusual creatures, intrinsically FRIEDRICH: That is an interesting always been seen as trend-setters
bound to the forests that form them. question. Firstly, not all that follow within arboreal culture, at least where
Because of this, it is rare for them the cries do stay. Indeed, there are tree spirits are concerned – they
to venture outside of their arboreal multiple instances of tree spirits and are the oldest of their kind after all.
residences, let alone tour the world stranger creatures laying siege to So, when small groups of Treemen
as professional sports persons! Blood Bowl stadiums and reducing began migrating to the Blood Bowl
Their unwillingness to do so comes them to ruins. However, the life of a field, word spread to Dryads and
from the fact that they are one with forest dweller is a relatively dull affair, Spites and all other manner of
the forest and the forest feels lonely especially for those spirits who have creatures. They followed in the
without them, crying out for their lived a long time. The Blood Bowl wake of these Treemen. If anything
return. Such a phenomena is known pitch however, as we all know, is a they’ve taken to the sport with even
as a ‘Call of Nature’! feast for the senses! greater gusto, and have certainly
changed the landscape!
QUILLCHEWER: Good-good. QUILLCHEWER: Yes-yes, the game
So why do some of them leaf (Oh yes! is certainly unique! So it attracts QUILLCHEWER: Interesting, yes-yes!
We went there! – Ed)? these tree spirits? Well, that is an interesting take
on the issue. Thank you for your
FRIEDRICH: Well, like every living FRIEDRICH: In a way, yes. time, Professor!
creature, their motives can differ, Overwhelmed by the roaring crowds,
but my research suggests that it cries of the players and the almost FRIEDRICH: It was my pleasure.
is in fact related to the cries of the ritualistic display of a Blood Bowl If you would like more information,
forest. You see, many Blood Bowl match, the tree spirits are bewildered feel free to pick up a copy of my book
stadiums are built from wood and, and unable to hear the cries of – Fey, Fey, Oh What Are They?.
from time to time, a builder will the trees they originally sought.
‘forget’ to ensure their lumber comes In this moment, they believe it
from tree spirit-friendly sources. Such was the game that attracted them
carelessness can cause parts of the rather than the lumber used in the
forest to become separated from the stadium’s construction! Confused,
MIGHTY BLOW!
AARRRGHHH!
“WE LOST THE GAME, AND I GOT FIRED FROM THE TEAM
BUT AETHIOL FRESHBREEZE NEVER PLAYED AGAIN. SO…
YOU KNOW… SILVER LININGS AND ALL THAT.”
EARLIER… OI!
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.
This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this book are fictional,
and any resemblance to real people or incidents is purely coincidental.
British Cataloguing-in-Publication Data. A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.