Frostlings/Announcement

This page is an archive of the old Frostlings page before the release of Eternal Lords

Lore[]

There’s a saying in the northern borderlands that goes, “Trust a Frostling, die of hunger." There’s no such thing as an evil Frostling, but because of their circumstances they are driven to dire actions. So it is the fate of the Frostlings to remain on the brink of starvation, surrounded by frozen lands and jewels of desolate ice. Despite their limited means, they have remarkable resourcefulness and a natural ability to draw in elemental magic.

Many of their followers have learned to cross the toughest terrain effortlessly, thus enabling them to raid the domains of their rival races and then retreat into the less hospitable lands for safety. They have learned to handle some of the creatures of the tundra and have formidable powers to bring their icy lands into fertility.

Frostlings appear similar to Goblins in form, but they do not possess a goblin's twisted mind. In times of peace and abundance, the Frostlings have forged legendary structures, and adorn their world with glittering diamonds made of ice. A thousand legends surround the enigmatic Frost Queen who often takes shelter among Frostling cities, while the lights of the northern sky blink, crackle and bend to protect the Frostlings from malicious forces desiring to steal their secrets.

-- Shadow Magic Manual

Announcement[]

The Frostlings were publicly announced in the Explorminate podcast on the 27th of November as a likely part of the Necromancer DLC (http://www.explorminate.com/podcast-7-triumph-studios-interview/). Few details have been released except that they have bred with the Frost Witches, and this will be reflected in their unit roster.

In AoW3 lore, the Frostlings refused to join the Commonwealth. In return, the Commonwealth drove them from their lands, forcing them to take refuge in an unknown (to the players) arctic land to the north. Since then, the Frostlings have refused any contact with the Commonwealth, relying on the dangers of their land to discourage diplomatic missions, although there is mention of them selling Frost Wyvern eggs to the High Elves.

One of their racial characteristics is the Fast Embark ability. This allows units with the ability to disembark without additional movement costs, and to embark with as little as 6 movement points remaining (although embarking still drains the units remaining movement for the turn).

Historical information on the Frostling lineups can be found from the associated pages on the Age of Wonders Heaven sites:

http://aow2.heavengames.com/aowsm/gameinfo/units/frostlings.shtml (Shadow Magic)

http://aow.heavengames.com/units/unitstats_frostling_ts.shtml (Age of Wonders 1)

Official History[]

Frostlings are a race of humanoids that settled in the cold northern regions long ago. Gradually adapting to the harsh winter clime, they possess a pale complexion and large, beady, deep-blue eyes. Often called Snow Goblins or Ice Devils the Frostlings have been at constant war with people living in more comfortable climes.

After the Second Age of Wonders, the Frostlings retreated deep into the lands where winter never subsides and the sun’s rays have no power. There they evolved by mating with native Frost Witches. They developed a strong resistance to cold and some Frostlings gained magical abilities.

Frostlings embark on frequent raids on warmer lands. Their seafaring skills, offensive fighting style and frost magic strike fear in the heart of the peoples they raid. But Frostlings are even more deadly in their home arctic clime, where they build big cities crafted from ice. Their matriarchal society is governed by chariot riding Frost Queens.

Age of Wonders 3 links:

Official Race Details[]

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.

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.

Units[]

Frostling Icescaper[]

Irregular

The Tier 1 Icescapers have their origins in Frostling city building; they have the ability to magically form and scape ice. The Icescapers’ ice balls damage and Freeze units at a distance. Their ice pick has the Shatter Strike ability which inflicts extra damage versus frozen units. The Icescaper pairs well with the Frost Witch as she can cause XX% Weakness with her Inflict Chilling ability, making the Icescaper to be much more effective. As all Frostling units, the Icescaper has the ability to Fast Embark.

Frostling Harpoon Thrower[]

Archer

The Harpoon Thrower: Accustomed to life in the Nordic tundra’s and ice floes, the Harpoon Thrower is primarily a hunter. During times of war however Frostling Queens and their Kings are happy to employ them as archers. Their Throw Harpoon ability, apart from dealing frost and physical damage, has a chance to immobilize the target for two turns. Unique among archers, the Harpoon Thrower can use its Harpoon as a makeshift Polearm, to stave of cavalry charges and deal extra damage to all kinds of mounts, as well as to drag down flying units.

Frostling Raider[]

Infantry

The Raider: Raiders are somewhat hunched over diminutive warriors not to be underestimated because of their size. They are perfectly adjusted to terrorize and plunder the softer races living in warmer climes. Like all Frostlings they have Fast Embark to surprise enemies from the water. If you think to hide behind walls or hastily made barriers think again! Their Frost Axes have the Demolisher ability, which allows them to deal 4 extra damage versus obstacles and machines, and they also have Improved Wall Climbing which means they don’t suffer any penalties when scaling a wall. Imbued with the cold energy of the Icy North their Frost Weapons deal frost damage in addition to physical damage.

After a successful forage the Raiders quickly vanish into their icy domain, aided by their Arctic Concealment.

Frostling Royal Guard[]

Pikeman

The Royal Guard: Changed to a high degree by the frost magic blood of their ancestors these men live to guard the Frostling women. Pikeman 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.

Frostling Mammoth Rider[]

Cavalry

The Mammoth Rider: Lords of the Battlefield, Mammoth Riders tower atop their huge beasts, surveying their surroundings and forcing breaches in the enemy’s defenses. The massive beasts can take a lot of punishment and deal severe damage. With their massive tusks the Mammoths can easily destroy walls, and their big bulk enables them to perform an especially powerful Devastating Charge. If you manage to keep them alive long enough they learn the rampaging Killing Momentum ability, giving them back 1 action point and allowing them to move 1 additional hex after killing an enemy.

Frostling Ice Witch[]

Support

Frost Witches were originally native Fey creatures of the arctic. After they were absorbed into the Frostling race, the Witches were treated with something almost resembling worship, and they have been held in high regard ever since. The most powerful of them are elevated to Frost Queens. The Frost Witches’ Castigate ability throws Frozen Flames (a mix of fire and ice) at enemies. Futhermore, her attacks Inflict Chilling, making enemies more vulnerable to Frost Damage.

The Frost Witch also has the Grant Frozen Flames ability, which grants friendly unit Inflict Chilling and +2 frost, +2 fire to melee and ranged attacks.

Frostling Ice Queen[]

T3 Support

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% 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!

Even on the strategic map the Ice Queen supports her race with her Arctic Nova ability which spreads the Arctic climate in an area around her, but which costs her her life(Editor's note:This part is even less sure than the rest).