V Formation

The trees of East Woods, Astrid and Undine Field inspire the V Formation. It is called the V formation because the most basic form consists of an aisling and two blocks arranged in a V shape.

Most aislings use techniques of this formation without even being aware of it. By expanding on the ideas in the At Range and With Traps sections in the Common Beast chapter, an entire party of mixed paths can find a role to play in trapping and annihilating prey with this formation.

The basic V formation works best with common beasts. It also works with shaman while they are closing in, as long as only the target aisling attacks. If the shaman shifts focus to another aisling, it will dislodge itself from the V. This formation might be modified for retreating beasts, but I have never tried it, finding other methods much more efficient on beasts that close and retreat.

The V formation can be broken down into 5 positions as illustrated here:

Click on a square to jump to its function

• Block Position: The key to the V formation is the two immobile blocks that the monster cannot pass. These blocks can be a natural obstruction, an aisling, or even a monster. Monsters tend to move around, so that’s not suggested, unless the rogue has a strong blind snare to hold it in place for a long time. An aisling acting as a block may attack the monster, as long as he DOES NOT MOVE. If the monster steps away from the nook of the V, just be patient and the beast will step back for more punishment in a moment. If the aisling block begins to weaken and is concerned about his health, all he has to do is stop attacking. After a couple spells from the Protected Aisling, the beast will turn its attention away from the aisling block and start wandering back and forth again in the V shape of the barrier.

• Protected Position: The aisling standing in the point of the V formation is the Protected Aisling. Her job is to draw the attention of the monster with a barrage of spells or taunts. Any aisling with damaging spells or taunts may take the role of Protected Aisling. The Protected Aisling should not move from her position. It is suggested that the Protected Aisling wear as many Gramail items as possible. The monster cannot physically attack, but is very likely to unleash its most powerful spells.

• Nook: The nook of the V is immediately opposite of the Protected Aisling. This is the space that the monster will occupy most often. As it paces back and forth, the beast will go from the nook to one of the trap positions, and then back to the nook. NOTHING BESIDES YOUR PREY SHOULD ENTER THE NOOK. If anything blocks the prey from entering the nook, it may slip around the side of the Blocks and nullify the entire formation.

• Trap Positions: A rogue can layer trap after trap (as described in Common Beast With Traps) in either of the positions marked in yellow on the illustration. When the rogue moves away from the space, the monster will blunder into the traps. The rogue must be careful not to enter the nook and dislodge the formation.

  Trap positions can also be used as Block Positions to give more attackers access to the monster. (See the Sample Variations below.) Notice that adding extra blocks like this will also add extra Protected Positions. DO NOT LEAVE THE TRAP POSITION until you are certain the prey is not targeting you. If the prey is attacking you, stand passively until the Protected aisling or one of the Blocks draws its attention, then you may step away without breaking the protection of the formation.

• Non-Aggressive Positions: A non-aggressive aisling may stand anywhere else on the battlefield. The monster will ignore anyone in these positions completely as long as they do not attack the beast. Priests are ideal for this role. DO NOT ATTACK THE PREY FROM A NON-AGGRESSIVE POSITION. Attacking from these positions may distract the monster and dislodge it from the Nook.

  If you get bored watching everyone else do the work and want to attack the beast, move to one of the Trap Positions (or Protected Positions created by a Block in a Trap Position) and attack. (See the Sample Variations below.)

There are limitless possible variations of this basic formation. Experiment and see what works.

3 Blocks make an extra Protected position.	4 Blocks protect everything!	Another Protected position in the basic formation *
* The third sample shows that there are other protected positions hidden in the basic V formation. Any space diagonal from the Nook and protected behind the Blocks will work as a Protected position. Make sure to stay close enough to get experience for the kill.

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