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Sons of Grimnir - Rune Golems

The work of the most devoted disciples of Grungni, runic golems are the pinnacle of a Rune Smith's craft. A chance to create a soldier that will last for generations after he is gone. An artificial ancestor. Though some frown upon such a practice as too close to chaos (giving magic legs...are ye daft?) there is no denying the effectiveness of these living seige weapons upon the battlefield.

Forged entirely of Gromril and smote about with potent runes of battle, these animated simulacra are able to smash through infanty and cavalry alike. It is said their smoldering gaze can burn the flesh of an orc from a dozen paces. Though hardened for battle, these works of runic art are also vulnerable to those weapons which might rend their runes of control asunder. As with any tool, they can be broken with the right force.

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These are quasi lore-friendly units. Golems do exist in the Warhammer universe, though their craft is largely arcane and they are widely considered to be too close to chaos for comfort. It would make perfect sense that dwarven runesmiths, who hold centuries of knowledge dedicated to the control and channeling of the winds of magic, would have some knowledge of this craft.

These units are a major departure from typical dwarven strategy, as they are fairly mobile, and thus far Dwarves have had no large land units to speak of outside of heroes and artillery. This was likely done with good reason to ensure Dwarves have a certain feel to how they play, but hell. This is a video game. If you want to play a more mobile dwarven game, I say go for it. Also, a non-engine siege attacker! Black Crag here we come!

These units are a mid-range troop modeled roughly off of Minotaurs from the Beastmen DLC for balance, though nothing will be able to reproduce the epic infantry-mulching charge they bring to the table. As a result, they are slightly more expensive, armored (obviously), but have about 10-15% less hitpoints. This makes them a brittle unit, and are therefore highly vulnerable to armor-peircing damage. So keep them away from Black Orcs and gunners. They are unbreakable, but that is not always a good thing since it means they will happily stay and be slaughtered by troops matched to destroy them.


Balance
- Armored and tough, but fewer hitpoints than most monstrous creatures in its class. Vulnerable to armor peircing damage, and lacks the bone crushing charge animations of other monstrous units. Still very satisfying to watch charge into a line of goblins or orc boyz. Great for mushing up infantry, dangerous to leave alone against some of the large troops since they usually all pack armor peircing damage.

Compatibility
- No known issues so far.

Art
- Thumbnaill artwork was generated in game. Unit tile artwork is a composite I made (and modified, badly) using some CA/GW properties and a model image I found online, which I do not own. I did some texturing work for the face and armor (which I am quite proud of!).

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Rune Golems

--UPDATE: 11/21/2016
- Added Fatigue Immunity. Idea credited to t42bug. Corresponding campaign cost increase to account for the new ability.

Stats
- Unit size: 9
- Total Hitpoints: 5067
- Armour: 125
- Leadership: 75
- Speed: 56
- Melee Attack: 32
- Melee Defence: 36
- Weapon Strength: 98 (AP)(AL)
- Charge Bonus: 44

Special
- Armored
- Anti-Large
- Armor Peircing
- 50% magic resistance (Gotta keep it in, probably good at keeping it out)
- Unbreakable
- Causes Fear
- Siege Attacker
- Fatigue Immunity

Campaign Recruitment and Upkeep
- Cost: 1950
- Upkeep: 325
- Available through the Gromril Forge (Smith lvl2) and above.
- Requires a Gunsmith's Forge (workshop lvl2) in the province.

If you like this unit, check out my full compilation!
I also have a compilation that utilizes only vanilla assets to ensure you don't have to buy any DLC.

There is now a Radious Total War compatible version of this unit in one of my compilations!

Please don't forget to rate and comment! Let me know if you like this unit, or if it needs any tweaks or changes!