Making something out of nothing (Can you turn this into a Thug?)
 

The summonable Thug thread got me to thinking it would be neat to have a thread where people list units and other people respond by suggesting affordable(or expensive) magic items and a sample scripting that turns the unit into a thug.

I will get the ball rolling.

MA Man's Bard

I've been kicking around the idea of turning MA Man bards into thugs. Not ranged thugs, but a unit that can mix it up a little up front. How would you turn a bard into a melee thug?

Remember to post a unit you would like to see turned into a thug as well (If you like).

Re: Making something out of nothing (Can you turn this into a Thug?)
 

As the bard can self-buff with Eagle eye, it would be natural to have him as a ranged thug.

However (never tried this, but its variation works with Sleepers), if you want him to go up close and personal, then I guess he would work against undead (say Ermor) with Wardens set to Guard Commander (and somebody behind doing the blessing and banishing). Give the Bard a Herald Lance (will pump the standard ability to a healthy 18) and some cheap armour+shield (shield of valor might be in order, in case there are some missiles flying around), script Eagle Eyes, Song of Bravery, Solar Rays x 3, Attack Rear. If you have three such bards each with 10 wardens as their guards in center, that center should never break against undeads (10 guards actually allow them to move forwards with the Attack Rear order).

Can't think of any other use of him up front. I'd place him right behind the front units with a bow fitting the oppositition (for example Bow of War agaisnt massed armies, or Thunderbow vs more tougher opponents). Script Eagle Eyers, Song of Bravery, Fire.

Re: Making something out of nothing (Can you turn this into a Thug?)
 

For reference, the wiki article for the bard.

Differences vs. a "generic" unit:

1) Spy (also means highly stealthy)
2) 11 precision
3) 1N magic
4) the "Standard" effect, rating 10
5) MR 12

While these guys are definitely not going to cut it as solo thugs, they can definitely improve the effectiveness of infantry they are mixed in with. Unfortunately, they don't have much armor themselves. So perhaps give them a suit of cheap armor (maybe black steel or copper plate), script barkskin, mix in a clump of infantry, attack closest, and don't worry too much if they die? You could give them a vine shield and they'd survive much better (as would the surrounding infantry), but that's pretty expensive for a thug that you're going to lose a lot of.

Unfortunately, I don't really see it.

As artillery thugs, though, they can script eagle eyes on top of their already slightly higher precision and go to town. You've probably already got lots of longbows as Man (so Bow of War is less attractive), but bards are stealthy, so there's that...probably better to go with Botulf/Vision's Foe/Lightning Bow and put them on anti-large thug/SC duty.

Re: Making something out of nothing (Can you turn this into a Thug?)
 

Good suggestions. Don't forget to post a unit you want turned into a thug. Markata Scout anyone? ;)

Re: Making something out of nothing (Can you turn this into a Thug?)
 

I was wondering if that d1 flying Indy Mage might thug.

tangent
Would make for an interesting challange. Players get a standard commander and 15 gems of any flavor. Battles would be arena toe to toe with other commanders. Think there was an sc comp years back won by a poison golem.
Ssj

Re: Making something out of nothing (Can you turn this into a Thug?)
 

I might thug out a bard slightly before sending him off to instill uprisings. So that he can put up a good fight if he gets caught. Some wardens, or druid archers if you can get them, as backup

Re: Making something out of nothing (Can you turn this into a Thug?)
 

Karasu Tengu? It's a summon that seems only to be there for thugdom.

Re: Making something out of nothing (Can you turn this into a Thug?)
 

I think I am going to try a frost brand, vine shield, cat charm and mix him in with some chaff. For script, barkskin, hold, hold, attack closest.

SSJ, are you talking about the Harab Seraph that is found with the raptors as an indy?



The new unit is:



Harab Seraph

Re: Making something out of nothing (Can you turn this into a Thug?)
 

OK, everyone knows that Pans make great thugs. But they're awfully expensive, especially if you take turmoil. How about Dryads?

What do they have going for them over a standard human (for thugging)?

1) Stealthy
2) 1N, 1H (and thus self-blessable)
3) Awe 3
4) MR16
5) 15AP
6) 12 Def
7) 80G recruit anywhere
8) Full slots

Cons:
1) HP are a bit low for a thug (11)
2) Come with no useful equipment (0 prot unequipped.)

Re: Making something out of nothing (Can you turn this into a Thug?)
 

So we have:

Karasu Tengu

Dryad

Harab Seraph