Difference between an Ostlander Ogre and an Ogre Bodyguard?

Hi guys,

I just noticed this yesterday, the Ostlanders are allowed to have an Ogre in their warband which isn't a Hired Sword, and can become a hero.

Although, it states that it costs 160gc. Which is twice the cost of an Ogre Bodyguard HS! Are there any reasons why they made the Ogre so darned expensive? Because, for that price I'd rather hire an Ogre Bodyguard instead!

Let the discussion begin!

I think it's that expensive because it's a large and powerful fighter.

The advantages are, that you can give him different equipment, need not to pay upkeep, and he can become a hero so is able to advance quite a lot.

My computer spazzed out as I got a PM at the same time as trying to post a reply. I said pretty much everything Eliazar said though, with the additional points that a hired sword can't provide income, and that there is nothing beyond cash preventing you from having the Ostland ogre AND the hired sword ogre.

Thanks Eliazar,

The thing is, the stats of the Ostlander Ogre is exactly the same as the Ogre HS. So does his options for weapons. The only extra option the Ostlander Ogre has is that he can buy Light Armour for 20gc, which the Ogre HS already has!

It's pretty much redicilous that I've got to pay twice the cost for an Ogre, only because he can become a Hero with some luck..


Cheers!

[edit]
Whoop, didn't see your reply Catferret. Thanks for your input!

I think the chance of becoming a hero and not having to pay upkeep for the ogre make up for the hire cost rather well.

indeed, not having to pay upkeep is gonna be cheaper on a longer term..

Yes, imagine, after 3 games, the hired-sword one costs you quite the same than your ostlander ogre. Then yes, it's more expensive for a starting warband, but it will be more interesting at a long range, if the ogre doesn't die

Ostland ogre is a loads better deal.

Well... It all just sort of depends. The henchman ogre is cheaper in a long run and has more potential, but its only cheaper if you can keep it alive. If I kill it your first game, (and I'll try real hard) I have to say 'oh, bad luck, dude.' And then I do a happy dance.

Its going to die. The hired sword has the same chance of dying but it can get skills that make it harder to kill or more killy. The henchman may gain experience at a slower rate (the Slaver ogre) and if it doesn't become a hero its advances will not be as cool or useful. (+1 Ld...)

Are you using GW dice or casino dice? Do you feel lucky? 160 gold is a lot of drunks.
js

There was a thread not long ago which showed a good deal of groups houserule large henchmen (rat ogre, minotaur, ogre, etc) to roll on the hero injury chart when they go OOA (or simply die on a roll of 1 instead of 1&2). If your group uses such rules, the henchmen ogre has the added bonus of significantly lower odds to die than the hired sword one.

This is where I use my "magic number" of Hired Sword to heroes:

If you compare the price of the Hired Sword Troll Slayer to the Dwarf Treasure hunter Slayer, the permanent Hero costs about (Hired Cost + 2x Upkeep), not including equipment. Holds pretty true with Warlock and the Ogre Bodyguard too, give or take 10gc.

Thanks a lot for the explanation, guys!

I'm going to use the Ostlander Ogre for my starting warband, as it would be impossible to earn one through a campaign.. Ostlanders have this special rule that states that they have to spend everything they earned in a battle!

This topic may be locked now!

Cheers!

Well, if you get enough heroes and enough Rabbit's Feet, you might be able to roll 'Returning a Favor' in the Exploration phase. If you do, it waives the 80gc hiring fee.

Pfreck: The rule about spending cash was changed. You may want to check out the updated rules in the Mordheim Annual.

The old rule was replaced with "Self Sufficient". Basically, they may never hire any Hired Sword except an ogre.

I have never heard the house rule for large creatures using hero injury/or only being dead on a 1. I like it, since the troll is usually the only big guy i can see as worth the cost with his regeneration ability.

Edit: didn't see cat beat me to the punch on the nouveau riche ruling!