Among the many armies found in the world of Kings of War, the Northern Alliance stands out as one of the most thematically rich and visually distinct factions. At the heart of their force are the Clansmen rugged, battle-hardened warriors who thrive in the brutal, frozen wastes of Mantica’s north. The Mantic Northern Alliance Clansmen are a core infantry unit that offers a unique mix of resilience, versatility, and lore-driven identity. These units are not just battlefield tools, but a crucial part of the army’s thematic structure and strategic potential.
Understanding the Northern Alliance Faction
The Northern Alliance is an alliance of diverse peoples and creatures that inhabit the frozen North. Led by the enigmatic Ice Queen and her lieutenants, this faction draws strength from humans, elves, dwarfs, and even more exotic races like ice elementals and snow trolls. The Clansmen are among the most numerous of these, forming the backbone of the army and representing the hardy human warriors who live and fight in these hostile conditions.
Core Themes of the Northern Alliance
- Survival and unity in harsh climates
- A blend of fantasy races working together
- Strong ties to elemental magic and nature
- Resilient infantry and powerful supporting units
In terms of gameplay, the Northern Alliance balances reliable melee units with magical support and hard-hitting monsters. The Clansmen form the essential frontline, enabling more specialized units to function effectively behind or beside them.
Who Are the Clansmen?
The Clansmen of the Northern Alliance are the traditional warriors of the North. These are not elite knights or magically enhanced troops. Instead, they are the salt of the earth hunters, warriors, and defenders of their homes. They wear layered furs, wield axes and swords, and fight in tight formations. Their greatest strength lies in their numbers, discipline, and unwavering toughness.
Clansmen in Lore
According to Northern Alliance lore, Clansmen often come from scattered tribes that have pledged loyalty to the Ice Queen. While they maintain local traditions and customs, they all fight under a unified banner when called upon. Their sense of honor, family, and courage defines them. Many have spent their lives fending off raiders, beasts, and the unforgiving climate, making them natural warriors long before they are ever formally trained.
Clansmen on the Tabletop
In Kings of War, the Clansmen are a dependable core infantry unit. They are not flashy, but they do their job well: holding objectives, absorbing charges, and supporting more aggressive elements of your army. Their stats reflect their role as standard-line troops with above-average durability for their cost.
Unit Stats and Options
- Speed: Average, typically Speed 5
- Melee: 4+, reliable enough in combat
- Defense: Usually Defense 4+, representing their rugged armor and endurance
- Nerve: Solid nerve values for holding the line
- Options: May include upgrades like two-handed weapons or command group enhancements (musician, standard bearer, etc.)
Clansmen often come in units of troops, regiments, or hordes. While a single troop may not do much on its own, a regiment or horde can lock down a flank or anchor the center of your battle line.
How to Use Clansmen Effectively
- Shield Walls: Place them front and center to absorb charges or delay enemies.
- Support Position: Keep heroes or spellcasters nearby for buffs like Bane Chant or Heal.
- Flank Protection: Use smaller units to protect the more vulnerable sides of your army.
Clansmen Compared to Other Core Units
Compared to other factions’ basic infantry, the Northern Alliance Clansmen are a little more expensive, but they also bring more thematic depth and potential synergy. For example, their close relationship with frostbound units (like Ice Naiads or Ice Elementals) means they can be more than just a speed bump they can contribute meaningfully to your army’s overall game plan.
Strengths
- Durable enough to survive prolonged engagements
- Can hold objectives well
- Synergize with many of the Northern Alliance’s buffs and aura abilities
Weaknesses
- Not elite fighters don’t expect high kill counts
- Vulnerable to armor-piercing or elite enemy units
- Need support to shine in prolonged fights
Modeling and Aesthetic Appeal
Mantic’s Northern Alliance Clansmen miniatures are a highlight for hobbyists. The models are packed with detail fur-lined cloaks, heavy weapons, and rugged facial features give each warrior a distinct look. They offer a lot of hobby potential for painters who enjoy working with natural colors and winter-themed bases.
Assembly and Customization
- Multi-part kits allow for various poses and weapon options
- Heads, shields, and arm options offer variety in appearance
- Can be painted in icy blues, browns, or even tribal colors depending on your theme
Because the Clansmen are so central to the Northern Alliance’s theme, many players choose to put extra time into customizing their units to reflect individual tribes or regions within the alliance.
Building an Army Around Clansmen
While it’s tempting to fill your army with powerful monsters and spellcasters, a Northern Alliance army without Clansmen lacks staying power. These troops form the stable base that lets your elite units operate effectively. Many competitive lists use at least two or three units of Clansmen to secure zones, defend objectives, or delay enemy advances.
Recommended Pairings
- Ice-kin Bolt Throwers: Provide ranged cover while Clansmen advance
- Lords on Frostfangs: Can support Clansmen units with leadership and powerful charges
- Skalds and Spellcasters: Buff Clansmen with morale or offensive magic
Balance is key. Clansmen won’t win the game alone, but they allow your more aggressive units the room and time to do their job.
The Mantic Northern Alliance Clansmen are more than just basic troops they are the spiritual and tactical foundation of the Northern Alliance army. Tough, loyal, and unrelenting, they embody everything this faction represents. Whether you’re a new player building your first Kings of War army or a veteran looking to expand your Northern Alliance force, investing in Clansmen is both a practical and thematic choice. With proper support, good placement, and a firm understanding of their role, Clansmen can be a decisive part of your strategy. They may not be flashy, but they are dependable and in the frozen battlefields of Mantica, that might be all you need to win.