In this concluding journal about the Frostling race units we show you the mighty Ice Queen and her Royal Guard

Frostlings are a proud and sturdy race, which have been moving towards a matriarchal society since the Frost Witches first befriended them. Their Kings today are always chosen by the High Queen and it is she who ultimately rules all the Frostling clans in the Kingdom together with her chosen husband. It is quite common for a High Queen to go through multiple Kings during her reign. The clans have a high degree of independence, but the situations where a clan goes against the explicit wishes of its High Queen are rare and usually fuelled by powerful Frostling women.

Concept Art for The Royal Guard and Queen

The Ice Queen (not to be confused with the High Queen!) is the prime example of how the Frost Witch blood improves the race as a whole. Talented women with a large amount of the magical blood streaming through their veins can become Ice Queens, who really allow the Frostlings to shine on the battlefield by bringing the full power of the icy North to bear.

Men with a lot of Frost Witch blood can become Royal Guards. They are highly trained men that use the magic in their bodies to a dangerous degree, transforming themselves into beings of ice in order to better protect the all-important Ice Queen and other Frostling women.

Most Frostling Lords and Ladies tend to have quite a bit of Frost Witch blood in their veins as well, making them taller and subtly different in appearance from standard Frostlings. It also grants them higher immunity to the cold. In courtly circles it is a matter of pride to show this off by foregoing the normal heavy thick furs and dress in light ‘summer’ clothes.

The Royal Guard: Changed to a high degree by the frost magic blood of their ancestors these men live to guard the Frostling women. Pikemen first and foremost, they strike first and deal more damage to and have higher defense against mounted units and flyers. Their active ability is Pledge of Protection, which can only target Frostling women, gives the Guard +2 defense and redirects any damage done to his charge to the Royal Guard, mitigated by 35%. Their Frost Weapons Inflict Frostbite and being made of ice gives them Arctic Concealment. As a last line of defense, once they succumb to their wounds the magic in their frozen bodies causes them to explode and deal damage to all enemies around them.

The Frostling army in game

The Ice Queen: The ultimate Frostling support unit, the Ice Queen is a formidable opponent, especially for races not suited to the cold. Riding a chariot drawn by polar bears, she brings her Dome of Frost wherever she goes. All units which aren’t Frostlings or have 100% Frost Protection and who stand next to her suffer -1 defense, -1 resistance and get a bit of frost damage each turn. The Ice Queen can cast an Ice Nova, which deals frost damage to all enemy units next to her with a chance to Inflict Freezing Cold. It also breaks the guard stance of all enemy units within a 3 hex radius. So you can see why you’d want to protect her!

A Queen riding her Chariot

Even on the strategic map the Ice Queen supports her race with her Arctic Nova ability which spreads the Arctic clime in an area around her, but which costs her her life.

I hope you enjoy these last Frostling units and look forward to using them, I do! Of course, what is stated here is work-in-progress and things may still change depending on balance testing and feedback, so let us know what you think!

Be sure to check back next week, when we’ll have a Christmas-themed surprise for you!