Warhammer Underworlds Daggok's Stab-Ladz Review - Schemes Let You Plan Ahead, But Make Pivoting Harder

As the exploration of the Deathgorge continues in the latest Season of Warhammer Underworlds a new warband has been released. Daggok's Stab-Ladz are a new Orruk Warband with a new plot related to delayed action 'Schemes' that will influence your playstyle.

Daggok's Stab-Ladz was also released alongside the Malevolent Masks Rivals Deck. This deck can be played with any existing Warband, but by equipping the different Masks alters their abilities.

Deathgorge Daggok's Stab-Ladz

Daggok's Stab-Ladz is a four Fighter Warband consisting of leader Daggok Finksteala, Hurrk Da Howla, Jagz Da Bleeda, and Grakk Da Hook. These are members of the Kruleboyz who have made their way to the Deathgorge based on Daggok's "Murderous mission to decapitate the brightest and best fighters." While not a Killaboss himself it's through the Deathgorge that Daggok is attempting to ascend his standing.

Once assembled these miniatures show off the tenacity of this warband. Each member of the Stab-Ladz with a snarled expression, teeth bared ready for a fight. Daggok himself comes across to me a bit too busy, with far too many spikes coming out of every which way imaginable.

The two with the simplest designs, Hurrk and Grakk, were by far my favorite. Hurrk is set up in a standing position ready to blow on the Roar of Kragnos while Grakk brandishes a purely evil-looking flail while remaining unarmored.

Synergy is the name of the game when it comes to this Warband's attacks and abilities. Daggok has the ability to make attacks when other friendly fighters move, Hurrk can support fighters from two hexes away, while the other two begin hacking away Pushing enemies or inflicting Grevious wounds.

Immediately upon reading these cards, I could imagine a scenario where a supported Jagz gets to move in for combat allowing Daggok to get an additional attack inspiring the majority of your Warband in a single move. These synergies are made better with the Scheme cards that are part of Daggok's Stab-Ladz plot.

How to use Schemes with Daggok's Stab-Ladz

Schemes are named mechanics for specific Gambit cards you'll find in this Warband's Rivals Deck. These Schemes are played during your Power Step face down in front of you. Then in your subsequent turn, all Schemes are flipped face up.

Each Scheme will have an effect, that takes place on the turn they were activated, and a Condition, that when met the Scheme is completed and you place the card under your Plot card.

An example of a Scheme from Bust Their Ears is that "friendly fighters supported by Hurrk are considered to have on additional supporting fighter." This powering up of those within Hurrk's aura would make scenarios like Jagz taking out an enemy fighter easier to achieve.

Schemes are placed underneath your plot card as certain Objectives will trigger on the number of Schemes you have met the conditions of. There are six Scheme cards among the Gambits in your deck, three upgrades that interact with Schemes, and there are three Objectives tied to Schemes.

The rest of the cards in the deck are as you'd expect with different buffing abilities, traps, and chances to mess with your opponents further.

Schemes as a mechanic are interesting as there's a certain risk vs reward in the immediate, when you activate them, as well as a longer-term goal to meet with them. Will you get Upgrades or Objectives that synergize with them.

It also means you're essentially locking in what you plan to do at your Power Step. If you're expecting to zig and suddenly your opponent zags it could mean a waste of planning and potentially an inability to pivot.

Warhammer Underworlds Daggok's Stab-Ladz Review | Final Thoughts

Playing through a game with Daggok's Stab-Ladz almost felt like I was playing a TCG with the number of different possible synergies, but also much like when I play TCGs the draws just weren't in my favor. 

There's a lot of fun to be had here, especially if you like thinking a few steps ahead of your enemies but you've got to have the confidence and the quick thinking to put new plans together to get the most out of this Warband.

The copy of Warhammer Underworlds Daggok's Stab-Ladz  used to produce this review was provided by the Publisher. All photos were taken by the reviewer over the course of the review.