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Before we get to the story, it is time to show how the nightmare got started, by comparing old and new rules.

(Click to Enlarge)

The Changeling Rules 2013

The Changeling Rules 2013

The Changeling Rules 2008

 

Compare &  Contrast

  • Profile increases
  • Points increase 5 to 75
  • Locus and Psyker
  • Formless Horror
  • Upgrade to HQ

--Of little Consequence--

The profile increases are consistent going from an average Pink Horror to a Herald of Tzeentch, but for some strange reason with one less attack. Not like the extra attack was going to save you from pathetic death in assault.

--The Point Being...--

As a 5 point upgrade the Changeling was a steal for the off-chance his power actually worked. Now you pay basically pay 20 points more for his new special rules. You also don't get the flexibility by taking a normal Herald who would have Daemonic RewardsA Character has the option to purchase a certain points' worth of Lesser, Greater, and Exalted Daemonic Rewards in any combination-- the nature of those rewards is randomly determined and Psychic Mastery Levels to play with.

--Give a Dog a Bone--

If you have designs on making some Changeling an assault unit, having this the Lesser Locus of TransmogrificationWhen Pink Horror in this model's unit is slain, place D3 Blue Horror counters next to the unit rather than one isn't too terrible when running with Horrors. What is really sad though, is the Changeling can only get powers from the Change discipline, which unlike other Heralds get Divination too.

--Always Changing--

Formless HorrorThe Changeling may choose a single enemy model in base combat and change any or all of his WS,S,T,I, and Attacks characteristics to match those of the chosen foe until the end of hte current turn replaces Glamour of Tzeentch, which makes more fluff sense, but little else. Formless HorrorThe Changeling may choose a single enemy model in base combat and change any or all of his WS,S,T,I, and Attacks characteristics to match those of the chosen foe until the end of hte current turn on paper looks interesting, missing though is the ability to switch special powers, unit type, or wounds. As it is, you are not getting much from the hopelessly situational Changeling.

--Not Ready for Primetime--

Like Karanak, the Changeling got thrown into the HQ slot, but unlike Karanak doesn't really provide anything for other units. The Changeling would have been better off left as a cheap upgrade character with no Locus or psychic powers just Formless HorrorThe Changeling may choose a single enemy model in base combat and change any or all of his WS,S,T,I, and Attacks characteristics to match those of the chosen foe until the end of the current turn if anything.

It isn't everyday a perfectly good upgrade character is snatched from his home, and placed in purgatory, to live out his miserable existence until the next Daemon codex.

Putting it all Together...

The Changling just doesn't cut it, and this review is probable going to a very short look for this ultimately useless character.

If you have the fantastic model and want to use the Changeling you have very few options, but here, lets give it the old college try.

It begins and ends with Horrors.

The Changeling is really only functional with a unit of Horrors and I mean a large unit of Horrors. To take full advantage of the Changeling go full bore with a 20-man Horror blob. You can surprise your opponent when you charge, instead of running away, in a frantic attempt make use of the Lesser Locus of TransmogrificationWhen Pink Horror in this model's unit is slain, place D3 Blue Horror counters next to the unit rather than one.

The strategy is fairly simple, have the Changeling Challenge out any characters in a unit and hope the extra charge attacks by the Horrors, combined with lots of Blue HorrorsFor each Pink Horror is slain in close combat one unit locked in combat suffers one Strength 2 AP- hits for each slain Horror. All unsaved Wounds caused in this manner count towards the assault result can crack a unit. Against most units this is a pipe dream, but at least it has some level of amusement.

The better option is to take the Changeling along with other Heralds of Tzeentch and use him as Challenge fallback. Have the Changeling take any challenge against the big-baddy and hope the rest of the Heralds and unit can handle the rest. Sadly, once the Changeling dies you will wonder why you spent 75 points on what amounted to a speed bump to your units' demise.

It should be noted Formless HorrorThe Changeling may choose a single enemy model in base combat and change any or all of his WS,S,T,I, and Attacks characteristics to match those of the chosen foe until the end of hte current turn works just as long as you in base contact with a model. That means you have another character take a challenge while the Changeling hugs any old model to get the benefits it has. I am looking at you Iridescent Horror to hold the line!

The Changeling does something else; he does provide another Change power, and at the very least he can shower a unit in Flickering Fire of Tzeentch24 inch range, strength 5, AP 4 Assault 2d6 Soul Blaze, Warpflame. Each additional warp charge used after the first fires an additional D6 shots.. Better yet,  he might getBolt of TzeentchRange 24, Strength 8, AP1, Assault 1. These are just the minor hopes you have when you consider taking the Changeling. Like I have said before, just compare him to another Herald of Tzeentch. Points wise, you can have a Herald on a Disc of Tzeentch for less than the Changeling.

It is too bad Tzeentch doesn't have a combat infantry unit that could really make use of the Changeling's Formless Horror, as it is he is too slow to join a unit of Screamers or Flamers.

-- The Changeling Sample Army Lists (Must I Really?)--

The Changeling Sample List 1

The Changeling Sample List 2 

 A Word about Allies

The Changeling, should never be on the ally menu. The restriction of only have one HQ in an ally detachment means the Changeling is out! As a reminder, the Changeling doesn't get Divination like other Heralds so casting buffs on ally units is also out of the question.

Remember unlike other Battle Brothers Daemons ICs cannot join with Chaos Space Marine units under any circumstance.

Final Thoughts...

Overall, Changeling is pretty bad. Tzeentch with only rare exception is ever, ever suppose to get into assault, as it is the Changeling cannot even do that very well. It doesn't seem like much thought was put in updating the Changeling, and that is sad because it was fun little unit in the last edition, now is reduced to a formless mess.

Warning

It's Like Tactics is rated theory hammer because these are general observations and assumptions based on only few tested games.

Email Me!

For tactical articles feel free to email me to continue the discussion or if you discover an inaccurate interpretations of the rules-- edits will be made accordingly.

Also check out other articles in this series...

Changing for the worse...

Is the Changeling another case, was this necessary? Sometimes Games Workshop just needs to leave well enough alone. It isn't everyday a perfectly good upgrade character is snatched from his home, and placed in purgatory, to live out his miserable existence until the next Daemon codex. So, why is the Changeling worse off than before? Well it all starts with a little a story from upgrade to HQ...