Loec's Tricksters (Wardancers - Asrai Spears)

Loec's Tricksters (Wardancers - Asrai Spears) are a Wood Elves Regiment of Renown unit introduced for free in the Foundation Update. The most favoured Asrai of the Trickster God are dazzling, deceptive, and deadly in equal measure.

Description
Wardancers roam Athel Loren in tightly-knit troupes, treading paths and secret ways that few others know or dare use. Other Wood Elves regard the Wardancers as wild and unpredictable, and not without cause, for they are the servants and worshippers of the Elven Trickster God, Loec. The Wardancers lead the Elves in music and rejoicing, and perform the intricate dance rituals that re-enact the history of Athel Loren, a form of storytelling more important to the Wood Elves than the more conventional method of writing. Wardancers are sublime warriors, made even more deadly through their war dances. For these, the favoured rituals of the Trickster God, no rhythm is called nor are orders issued. Instead, the dancers instinctively enact a pattern of lethal movements, complementing the dances performed by the rest of the troupe. Each Wardancer leaps and pirouettes through the enemy ranks to music only she hears, gracefully evading her opponent's clumsy blows and ending his life with an impossibly swift strike of her own.

Attributes

 * ↑ Anti-Large: Anti-large units have an advantage against targets that are at least as large as a horse. This advantage can be a damage bonus against large targets or an attack that focuses on a very small area. However, some units are simply better against large targets because their attacks are slow and easy to dodge by skilled melee combatants.
 * ↑ Melee Expert: Melee Experts might have a very strong melee attack or melee defence, or high values in both. Some also have melee-focused skills like Charge Defence. Use them to counter other strong melee units. When facing them, it is best to take them out before they can enter melee.
 * ↑ Forest Stalker: The Elves of Athel Loren gain bonuses to melee defence and accuracy while fighting within the forest.
 * ↑ Shadow Dances of Loec: The servants and worshippers of Loec perform many intricate, swirling, lethal dances in his name.

Abilities

 * Storm of Blades
 * Frenzy
 * Loec's Shroud

Strategy
This regiment of renown loses the Woven Mist ability to protect themselves from missiles for a melee attack boost/melee defence drop ability. This makes them better melee fighters at the press of a button (outside of the usual Regiment of Renown combat boosts for being a rank 9 unit), but more vulnerable to missiles. They also gain Frenzy and a hiding ability that allows them to be sneakier. Frenzy is always helpful at boosting the melee capabilities of a unit and although the hiding ability is niche, a clever player can utilize it well.

Trivia
The patron of the Wood Elf Wardancers, Loec is the God of Trickery, Music, and Revelry. Loec is a mysterious figure because his followers guard the secrets of his rites and purpose behind a veil of secrecy. His servants are occasionally called Feastmasters for their part in the great festivals, where they lead the celebration and perform intricate dances that recount the history of Athel Loren.