If the Core section forms the foundation of a Basilean army, the Specialist section is where most of the army’s killing power lives.
This is the section that contains some of the hardest-hitting units in the faction, but it’s also the section where I find myself making the toughest decisions during list building. Basilea has an unusual amount of internal competition. There aren’t many bad units here. Instead, most of the units are competing against other very good units for the same role.
Let’s start with the unit that is usually at the top of my list.
Paladin Knights
Tier: A
Role: Hammer Cavalry
Cost: 215 | Nerve: 17 | Defense: 5 | Speed: 8
Avg Damage vs Def 5: 10.00 | Durability Index: 5,780 | Unit Index: 158.2
They’re fast, durable, and hit extremely hard for their cost. When looking strictly at optimal damage against Defense 5, they produce one of the highest damage-per-point values in the entire Basilean army list.
What impresses me most is how efficiently they combine offense and durability. Defense 5, Nerve 17, and Iron Resolve mean Paladin Knights can survive situations that would destroy many other mounted units.
They also benefit enormously from Basilea’s command abilities. Whether you’re increasing accuracy, improving durability, or setting up critical charges, Paladin Knights are one of the best recipients for support.
Unlike some cavalry units that feel heavily dependent on finding perfect flank charges, Paladin Knights can contribute throughout a game simply by occupying threatening positions and forcing your opponent to respect them.
The only reason they don’t reach S Tier for me is because Basilea has access to Elohi, who occupy a similar battlefield role while bringing Fly and Fearless to the table.
Verdict: One of the most efficient combat units in Basilea and an easy inclusion in many competitive lists.
Order of the Abyssal Hunt
Tier: A
Role: Elite Shock Unit
Cost: 360 | Nerve: 23 | Defense: 5 | Speed: 8
Avg Damage vs Def 5: 16.67 | Durability Index: 10,580 | Unit Index: 172.1
The first time I looked at this unit I was excited in much the same way I was excited for Paladin Monster Slayers.
The more I thought about them and reviewed their profile, the more uncertain I became.
Despite costing significantly more than Paladin Knights, the Order of the Abyssal Hunt produces almost identical damage-per-point efficiency. That’s not necessarily bad, but it does make the comparison more interesting.
Paladin Knights are more flexible, easier to maneuver, and fit naturally into most Basilean lists. The Abyssal Hunt delivers its damage as a much larger and more explosive package. When this unit reaches the right target, things disappear.
Crushing Strength (1) is also surprisingly valuable here. Many dedicated hammer units lose a tremendous amount of effectiveness after the initial charge. The Abyssal Hunt remains dangerous throughout extended combats.
The main drawback is obvious. At 360 points you’re committing an enormous portion of your army into a single unit. Being Unique is another issue. You cannot duplicate them, and you lose access to magical artifacts which hurts more than many players initially realize.
The massive footprint is probably my biggest concern. A 250×100 base is incredibly difficult to maneuver, and I think hindered charges will be a frequent reality unless the terrain and matchup are particularly favorable.
Verdict: One of the most destructive units available to Basilea, but expensive, unwieldy, and likely hindered more often than you would like.
Ogre Palace Guard
Tier: B
Role: Elite Infantry Grinder
Cost: 215 | Nerve: 17 | Defense: 5 | Speed: 6
Avg Damage vs Def 5: 8.00 | Durability Index: 5,780 | Unit Index: 109.6
Defense 5 combined with Crushing Strength (2) creates an excellent grinding profile. Speed 6 is also an advantage that many infantry units would love to possess.
There is nothing fundamentally wrong with this unit.
The problem is that every time I build a list, I find myself comparing them against Monster Slayers, Paladin Knights, Elohi, or other elite options. Several of those units are even competing from the Core section.
That is an extremely difficult comparison to win.
If Basilea had fewer strong units, I suspect Ogre Palace Guard would see considerably more table time. They hit hard, they’re durable, and they don’t require much support to function effectively.
I think they become noticeably more attractive if you’re already planning to bring an Ogre Palace Guard Captain and take advantage of the Core interaction.
Verdict: A good unit squeezed out by intense internal competition.
Sisterhood Panther Lancers
Tier: B
Role: Fast Flanking Cavalry
Cost: 180 | Nerve: 16 | Defense: 4 | Speed: 9
Avg Damage vs Def 5: 5.25 | Durability Index: 3,405 | Unit Index: 74.0
The numbers immediately tell an interesting story here.
Compared to Paladin Knights, Panther Lancers give up a noticeable amount of offensive efficiency. Looking at the profile alone, that’s probably not surprising.
What keeps them relevant is mobility.
Speed 9 and Nimble create an excellent battlefield control package. They can threaten unusual angles, exploit openings, and apply pressure in places many units simply cannot reach.
I even used the Troops regularly before Fracture as a replacement for Gur Panthers after the price increases.
The problem is that Basilea already has excellent options performing similar jobs.
Elohi generally offer better board control. Gur Panthers provide cheaper chaff. Several flying heroes compete for similar tactical space.
I don’t think Panther Lancers are weak. I think they’re simply operating inside a faction that already has several outstanding fast units.
Verdict: Fast, flexible, and useful, but often overshadowed by stronger alternatives.
Sisterhood Scouts
Tier: D
Role: Forward Pressure / Scout Unit
Cost: 145 | Nerve: 16 | Defense: 3 | Speed: 5
Avg Damage vs Def 5: 1.67 Melee / 1.94 Shooting | Durability Index: 2,560 | Unit Index: 23.6
Scout is a powerful rule, but I struggle to find a role for Sisterhood Scouts in Basilea.
Their damage is low, their durability is poor, and as a Specialist choice they compete directly against some of the strongest units in the army. Between Paladin Knights, Ogre Palace Guard, and several other excellent Specialist options, I honestly don’t spend much time considering Sisterhood Scouts when building lists.
I’m sure there are matchups where Scout creates useful opportunities, but I haven’t seen enough elsewhere on the profile to make me want to explore them further.
Verdict: A unit I rarely even consider when building Basilean lists.
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