In the fantasy tabletop wargameKings of War, the Northern Alliance stands as a powerful faction known for its resilience, versatility, and icy might. Among its many diverse units, the Clansmen are some of the most iconic and dependable troops available. These warriors are the backbone of many Northern Alliance armies, offering solid combat capabilities, sturdy defense, and a thematic connection to the northern wilderness. Understanding the role, strengths, and strategic use of Kings of War Northern Alliance Clansmen can give any commander an edge in battle and elevate their army’s overall performance.
Who Are the Clansmen?
Background and Lore
The Northern Alliance is a coalition of hardy warriors, mystics, and mythical creatures from the cold northern realms of Pannithor. The Clansmen represent the human tribes who have long called these frozen lands home. Forged by generations of survival in harsh climates, these fighters are rugged, determined, and fiercely loyal to their clans and leaders.
They are not heavily armored elites, but rather well-trained infantry who serve as the core of any battle formation. Their presence in the Northern Alliance army is both practical and symbolic they remind other factions of the enduring strength of human perseverance amid the cold and chaos.
Unit Profile and Battlefield Role
Stats and Equipment
Clansmen are infantry units equipped with hand weapons and shields. Their armor and discipline make them a reliable frontline unit. Statistically, they are not flashy or exceptionally deadly, but they are dependable and cost-effective, which allows players to field multiple regiments or hordes without sacrificing other key elements of the army.
Key attributes often include:
- Solid defense, usually at a 4+ level with shields
- Decent nerve values to resist early routing
- Steady melee stats for holding positions
- Access to regiment and horde sizes
This combination makes Clansmen perfect for objectives, holding flanks, or anchoring the center of your formation.
Regiments vs Hordes
Choosing between a regiment or a horde of Clansmen depends on your overall strategy. Regiments are more maneuverable and cheaper, making them suitable for guarding secondary objectives or protecting the flanks. Hordes, on the other hand, offer more attacks and staying power, allowing them to absorb damage and grind down enemy lines over time.
In most Northern Alliance army builds, you’ll find at least one horde of Clansmen forming the main frontline, backed by regiments in supporting roles.
Upgrades and Unit Synergies
Command Options
Clansmen can be upgraded with various command options such as:
- Standard Bearer: Improves morale and provides a leadership presence
- Musician: Adds maneuverability with bonus movement when needed
- Champion: Boosts the unit’s attack potential slightly
These upgrades are low-cost and can enhance the effectiveness of a unit without drastically increasing point expenditure. In larger battles, even a small boost can be the deciding factor between holding the line or routing under pressure.
Supporting Units
Clansmen shine when supported by other Northern Alliance units. Synergistic pairings include:
- Ice-kin Bolt Throwers: Provide ranged support to soften enemy charges before they hit the Clansmen line
- Huscarls: Elite infantry that can flank alongside Clansmen, delivering devastating blows to weakened foes
- Lords on Frostfangs: These powerful heroes offer both offensive power and rallying inspiration to nearby troops
Combining Clansmen with ranged and elite units creates a flexible, layered army that can handle various battlefield threats.
Clansmen Tactics and Strategies
Holding the Center
One of the most effective uses for Clansmen is anchoring the middle of your formation. Their durability and large unit sizes make them perfect for absorbing initial charges. Place them in terrain if possible to gain a defensive bonus, and support them with heroes or spellcasters for added staying power.
Use Clansmen to control objectives, slow enemy advances, or lock down key areas of the map. Their main job isn’t to break enemy units quickly it’s to survive and maintain pressure until the more aggressive elements of your army arrive to clean up.
Flank Protection
Regiments of Clansmen can serve as flank guards. They may not win prolonged engagements alone, but they are strong enough to delay and redirect faster enemy units. Their presence on the flank also provides a buffer for more valuable ranged or caster units positioned near the center.
Shield Wall Strategy
Utilizing multiple Clansmen units in a staggered formation creates a shield wall effect. This makes it difficult for your opponent to break through your lines, especially if you use terrain wisely. By overlapping zones of control, you can bait enemy units into unfavorable positions and counterattack with faster or harder-hitting forces like Frostfang Cavalry or Snow Trolls.
Advantages of Clansmen in Northern Alliance Armies
Affordability and Flexibility
Clansmen offer excellent value. Their low point cost and decent stats make them an ideal choice for any army looking to maintain numbers without compromising quality. This also allows players to include more specialized units or monsters while still maintaining a solid infantry core.
Consistency
They don’t rely on flashy rules or unpredictable effects. Instead, their value comes from consistency. Whether you’re facing undead hordes or elven archers, Clansmen provide a stable, no-nonsense answer that allows your flashier units to do what they do best.
Thematic Appeal
From a modeling and hobby perspective, Clansmen embody the rugged, snowy theme of the Northern Alliance. Their visual aesthetic furs, axes, and practical armor complements the icy terrain and fits beautifully into themed boards or dioramas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcommitting to the Frontline
While Clansmen are tough, they are not unstoppable. Throwing them into battle unsupported or expecting them to defeat elite units on their own can lead to quick disappointment. Always use them in conjunction with support units or nearby heroes to maximize their utility.
Ignoring Upgrades
Some players skip command options to save points, but in close matches, a musician or standard bearer can change the outcome of a key engagement. Take time to consider which upgrades suit your overall plan and match them accordingly.
Misplacing Regiments
Smaller units of Clansmen should not be thrown into the teeth of enemy assaults. Instead, use them to screen, delay, or guard soft targets. Understanding the role of each unit size prevents unnecessary losses and preserves battlefield control.
The Kings of War Northern Alliance Clansmen may not be the flashiest unit in the game, but they are among the most dependable. Whether you’re new to the faction or a seasoned general, incorporating Clansmen into your battle line ensures a solid foundation upon which to build. Their cost-effectiveness, durability, and thematic consistency make them a cornerstone of Northern Alliance strategy. With the right support and smart tactics, Clansmen can hold the line against any foe, giving your army the time and stability it needs to achieve victory in the frozen north.