Bastion is a completely fictitious faction, imagined by Talek Do'Lorn (TDL), as an ICTC entry. It is not playable in-game. You are welcome to discuss Bastion with its author.

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Bastion Intro
Similar to none in both concept and line-up, this faction forces its way into the game, bringing new life to Ashan as yet another amount of creatures enters the fantasy world of Heroes V. The nomadic town with only several principles from the game's prequels brings forth its lineup filled with a variety of mixed-type units, ranging from lowly walkers to fascinating flyers. The only creature to make its revenue from HIII is the Roc & Thunderbird combo, followed by their newfound abilities.
The cavalry and the footmen attain novelties to their ranks, as they tend to choose a rather open and hideous life at the same time. Magical humanoids that dare to call themselves casters due to their innate magical powers as well as faith in their Deity, Air Dragon Sylath. Other than that, a unit reminiscent of a Planeswalker - the Shapeshifter - joins the alliance of Bastion, to wreak havoc in an animal form. Principles of nomadic life are as well inoculated into the blood of inhabitants of the Bastion faction with their firm grip over the hard and rough rocky plains by the mountains and a soft and gentle grassy steppes, where speed penalties by the nomads are completely ignored.
How to read this page
Most of the elements describing the creature should be quite familiar. However, if they're not, here's what you should know:
  • The Attributes panel presents the creature's attack, defense and such. Position your mouse over an element to display the tooltip if you're not familiar with the icon.
  • The Economics panel shows the cost of the unit, and its weekly growth rate.
  • Move your mouse over the abilities to show the description popup.
  • Casters have a spellbook: it opens as a popup to show the creature's spells. The little icon  next to the spell name represents the creature's mastery of that spell, ranked from None to Expert. Click on a spell to go to the corresponding spell page.
Bastion - Level 1
Wanderer
Wanderer
Wanderers are one of the lowliest units of the nomad armies. Being untrained, they only care for self-defence while roaming the steppes. Following their decision to live according to nomadic principles and faith in Sylath, they gather to defend their land even at times of gravest of perils.
» Abilities, Elements & Power » Economics
BackstabCreature inflicts more damage in melee to creatures that have already retaliated during the round.Damage dealt by the wanderers and the rovers is increased by 25%..
  • 24
  • 18
» Comments » Attributes
Wanderers stat-wise are complete cannon fodder to their enemy, but can bite strongly when in large numbers, not just make foes gain experience. Backstab ability allows them to do harm when their turn arrives, especially with their mediocre initative. Unless used for protective reasons from large creatures, these coated warriors can be easily annihilated.
Walker
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1 - 2
  • 9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 0
  • 0
Bastion - Level 1 Upgrade
Rover
Rover
Rovers, having exalted their skills while roaming the borders of Holy Griffin Empire, are more experienced than simple wanderers. Equipped with several blades, they storm their foes, throwing knifes from afar or stabbing them from behind after their allies make them exhausted.
» Abilities, Elements & Power » Economics
ShooterThis creature can inflict damage remotely. When distance to target is longer than half the arena, the target suffers only half the normal damage. Shooter cannot use ranged attack when blocked by enemy creature. If there's no Ammo Cart in the army, the number of shots is limited by available ammo.. BackstabCreature inflicts more damage in melee to creatures that have already retaliated during the round.Damage dealt by the wanderers and the rovers is increased by 25%.. No Melee PenaltyShooter has no penalty for damage inflicted during melee attack..
  • 48
  • 18
» Comments » Attributes
Rovers are a must-have upgrade. Not only a pair of new abilities are added, the first, allowing them to throw razor-sharp knifes at their enemies and the second that makes them do stable damage while fighting hand-to-hand, but also their unique ability to conspirate and deal extra damage against fatigued units with the ability's percentage elevated due alteration of their attributes. The double cost at which they are offered are not a pain, as it is average for a level 1 unit. As well, due to high-level of Bastion's shooters, the Rovers are the only opportunity to make up for the hardships.
Shooter
  • 3
  • 1
  • 1 - 2
  • 10
  • 6
  • 6
  • 0
  • 3
Bastion - Level 2
Shapeshifter
Shapeshifter
Devotees of creature taming become Shapeshifters as nomadic life among animals and faith in Sylath ties them into a bond. Shapeshifters are permitted to change the physical embodiment and swap places with powerful animals by taking their physical form, thus strengthening their force and providing needed backup for any army.
» Abilities, Elements & Power » Economics
ShapeshifterCreature can take the form of an animal, gaining various attribute boosts and changing its appearance to that of the animal. Dedicated for use in tactics mode, activating when in battle makes half the initiative in the ATB bar.Serpent Form: Damage increased by 100%, initiative by 3, defence decreased by 50%. Poisonous attack (1 dmg/unit).

Eagle Form: Attack increased by 150%, initiative by 1, movement by 3, defence decreased by 50%, endurance by 20%. Flyer. 30% chance to evade ranged attacks.

Bear Form: Endurance and defence are increased by 100%, attack by 50%, initiative and speed decreased by 1. Large creature (activated ability; one form per combat).
.
  • 70
  • 12
» Comments » Attributes
Proud to present the town's tank unit. Though shapeshifting is an ability to seriously discuss about, it certainly is worth its space in the nomadic line-up. Due to its capability to enter animal forms, it not only provides the needed defence for any army, but may also give a boost to army's attacking force. However, even if it doesn't look like it, Shapeshifter is below-average level 2 unit, though it really helps claim the mines at the beginning of the game.
Walker
  • 2
  • 4
  • 1 - 2
  • 9
  • 5
  • 12
  • 0
  • 0
Bastion - Level 2 Upgrade
Blightwalker
Blightwalker
Summoning spirits from depths below, Blightwalkers with aid of Sylath enchant their animal form with ghastly hexes to openly wound their opponents and make allies gain tactical advantage over the weakened target.
» Abilities, Elements & Power » Economics
ShapeshifterCreature can take the form of an animal, gaining various attribute boosts and changing its appearance to that of the animal. Dedicated for use in tactics mode, activating when in battle makes half the initiative in the ATB bar.Serpent Form: Damage increased by 100%, initiative by 3, defence decreased by 50%. Poisonous attack (1 dmg/unit).

Eagle Form: Attack increased by 150%, initiative by 1, movement by 3, defence decreased by 50%, endurance by 20%. Flyer. 30% chance to evade ranged attacks.

Bear Form: Endurance and defence are increased by 100%, attack by 50%, initiative and speed decreased by 1. Large creature (activated ability; one form per combat).
. Open WoundCreature's attack makes the affected target deal less damage while retaliating.Damage dealt by the target is decreased by 50%. Undead, mechanical and elemental creatures not affected..
  • 90
  • 11
» Comments » Attributes
Although looking rather overpowered, as the shapeshifting value is increased due to a toughening increase in stats, Blightwalker's attribute status shows that choosing forms is a tough decision to make. Open wound is another attribute to make the unit exceed the average status of level 2, but due to lack of no retaliation skill and units with endless retaliation, it may result in Blightwalkers' descension.
Walker
  • 2
  • 6
  • 1 - 4
  • 9
  • 5
  • 15
  • 0
  • 0
Bastion - Level 3
Falconer
Falconer
Falconers of the valleys serve as masters of cautious attacks while in battle. While the combatants are marching to fight, Falconers send off their falcons to harm the foes and evade their latter attacks, gaining advantage over the enemy early on.
» Abilities, Elements & Power » Economics
Strike and ReturnCreature attacks and returns to its previous position.. No Enemy RetaliationEnemies never retaliate after melee attacks by creatures with this ability.. FalconerCreature can attack from afar when using the falcon to attack with. Falcons ignore any obstacles on the way.Movement range of Falconers' falcons - 5 tiles, of Elders' - 7 tiles (activated ability; unlimited)..
  • 130
  • 8
» Comments » Attributes
Falconers use their falcons to attack their foes, rather than using brute strength, thus making the spot in the army more or less feminine. The falcons strike swiftly and cautiously, never allowing their foes to respond as they get back to their tamers. However, falconers must be stationed at a safe distance for the falcons to return swiftly between consequent attacks due to their owners' fragile defensive capabilities.
Walker
  • 3
  • 2
  • 3 - 5
  • 10
  • 4
  • 19
  • 0
  • 0
Bastion - Level 3 Upgrade
Elder Falconer
Elder Falconer
Preferring vast plains to the rough and narrow valleys, Elder Falconers substantiate the falcon skills at a greater rate. Elder Falconers and their falcons share a stronger mental bond having far more experience than their counterparts, greatly increasing harm done to the opposing forces.
» Abilities, Elements & Power » Economics
Strike and ReturnCreature attacks and returns to its previous position.. No Enemy RetaliationEnemies never retaliate after melee attacks by creatures with this ability.. FalconerCreature can attack from afar when using the falcon to attack with. Falcons ignore any obstacles on the way.Movement range of Falconers' falcons - 5 tiles, of Elders' - 7 tiles (activated ability; unlimited)..
  • 180
  • 8
» Comments » Attributes
Upgrade of the Falconers does not offer any significant changes, however, slight increase in damage dealt and defence against it are offered. Falcons get a vital boost in their movement range, thus being able to reach their foes on the first turn, if decisively placed. Upgrade may not be vital, but should be applied as fast as possible.
Walker
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3 - 7
  • 11
  • 5
  • 19
  • 0
  • 0
Bastion - Level 4
Preserver
Preserver
The zealous Preservers are adept at quick combat, quick to charge into enemy flank to sear havoc with their infamous nomadic scimitars. Despising combat on foot, they saddle on black stallions. Zeal and lust for vengeance boost their morale status for every batallion obliterated.
» Abilities, Elements & Power » Economics
Large CreatureThis creature takes 2x2 squares on the battlefield.. ValiantCreature gets an initiative boost per every enemy stack destroyed by the creature.Preservers and Besiegers get +1 boost to morale per every stack destroyed for the duration of the combat..
  • 280
  • 5
» Comments » Attributes
Preservers are not the strongest offensive attackers, yet their endurance and initiative recuperate the unit from its weakness. Though not the healthiest, hit points make it stand out amongst unupgraded level 4 creatures, especially at a weekly growth rate of 5. Their rather unique ability allows them to make a sacrifice, if used for offensive reasons - can be effectively used on infernal and summoned units.
Walker
  • 7
  • 9
  • 6 - 8
  • 10
  • 6
  • 40
  • 0
  • 0
Bastion - Level 4 Upgrade
Besieger
Besieger
Most faithful and devoted Preservers become Besiegers as they lay siege in even greatest battles. Ignorant of inevitable perils, Besiegers surround their opponents' forts and armies to break the resistance when the opportune moment comes. They stand guard, waiting to deliver a fatal blow to enemy creatures.
» Abilities, Elements & Power » Economics
Large CreatureThis creature takes 2x2 squares on the battlefield.. ValiantCreature gets an initiative boost per every enemy stack destroyed by the creature.Preservers and Besiegers get +1 boost to morale per every stack destroyed for the duration of the combat.. OpportunistCreature has a chance to attack a bypassing enemy unit without suffering retaliation strike per every tile walked next to the creature.Besiegers have a 5% per tile chance to inflict damage to a bypassing unit. One extra attack per stack of Besiegers for a single passing unit..
  • 380
  • 5
» Comments » Attributes
The upgrade that comes at an expense of 100 gold coins per unit is surely worth it. A huge increase in damage dealt and the range at which the preservers are able to move, nets a 25% increase in power. Furthermore, besiegers get morale boosts, if their ability is properly used. Middle priority, to apply when passive offence is desperately needed, but the ability is useful especially when stationed near the town gates.
Walker
  • 11
  • 9
  • 9 - 11
  • 10
  • 7
  • 48
  • 0
  • 0
Bastion - Level 5
Pegasus
Pegasus
Siblings of Sylath, the majestic Pegasi abandon their neutrality to guard the believers and followers of Sylath. Dashing from their enchanted springs, Pegasi concentrate their magical energy to strengthen the barrier-like magical aura to reflect back the harmful magic.
» Abilities, Elements & Power » Economics
Large CreatureThis creature takes 2x2 squares on the battlefield.. FlyerThis creature can move on to any free tile on the battlefield during its turn, regardless of the obstacles in the way.. Reflect MagicCreature has a chance to fully reflect offensive spells cast against them, randomly placing the enchantment on a randomly-selected enemy unit.Pegasi and Nightwings have a 30% chance to fully reflect direct damage spells and curses, randomly placing spell's effect on an enemy unit..
  • 550
  • 3
» Comments » Attributes
Pegasi retain the title of reigning level 5 flyers, no matter how majestic they may look. The unupgraded form is rather weak for its level due to low skills, yet its rather unique ability to reflect spells is extremely useful. High movement sort of tells that it is best to sacrifice or send them into extreme conditions.
Flyer
  • 13
  • 9
  • 9 - 15
  • 11
  • 7
  • 55
  • 0
  • 0
Bastion - Level 5 Upgrade
Nightwing
Nightwing
Darker than their younger brethren, Nightwings decline the peaceful principles of Pegasi, delving into the ancient lore of battles, introduced only to the best nomadic stallions. Nightwings have dim shadowy auras around themselves that mirror back a fraction of the magic used against them. When charging their foes, gigantic hooves cause a heavy blow, shaking the very surface beneath their feet.
» Abilities, Elements & Power » Economics
Large CreatureThis creature takes 2x2 squares on the battlefield.. FlyerThis creature can move on to any free tile on the battlefield during its turn, regardless of the obstacles in the way.. Reflect MagicCreature has a chance to fully reflect offensive spells cast against them, randomly placing the enchantment on a randomly-selected enemy unit.Pegasi and Nightwings have a 30% chance to fully reflect direct damage spells and curses, randomly placing spell's effect on an enemy unit.. Tremorous ImpactCreature's massive hooves make the ground beneath enemy feet tremble, dealing earth damage to all units in adjacent to the landing area, friend or foe alike.Nightwings deal 12+8*number of creatures in the stack earth damage to all adjacent units. Magic resistance and elements affect the damage (activated ability; instant).
  • 800
  • 3
» Comments » Attributes
Nightwings, being completely a new name, with a bit dark origin, perfectly well describe the scary, yet magnificent creatures. Their stats are a little above-average for a 5th level unit, though their cost is rather high for that much. Yet, high initiative and speed, as well as Tremorous Impact ability, make it a perfect offensive unit. Despite its low defence (which can part be replaced by reflection of magic), it is a strong above-average shock troop.
Flyer
  • 16
  • 12
  • 12 - 18
  • 12
  • 8
  • 65
  • 0
  • 0
Bastion - Level 6
Windcaller
Windcaller
Windcallers, the casters of Sylath, are ranked higher than most warriors. Valuing the gift of Sylath, they become adept spellweavers, releasing their power against susceptible foes. Ire, often provoked by innate lust for vengeance, allows them to concentrate the power of the wind and launch terrible gusts of air to tear apart the the sieging opponents.
» Abilities, Elements & Power » Economics
ShooterThis creature can inflict damage remotely. When distance to target is longer than half the arena, the target suffers only half the normal damage. Shooter cannot use ranged attack when blocked by enemy creature. If there's no Ammo Cart in the army, the number of shots is limited by available ammo.. CasterCreature can use a set of magical spells similar to those cast by the heroes. Mana reserve is always limited, but always set to maximum at the beginning of combat. The Spellpower depends on the number of creatures.Whirlwind (refer to Whirlwind ability section)

Windstorm (refer to Windstorm ability section)

Summon Elementals (always Air; number is equal to that of creatures in the stack; mana cost - 16)

Endurance (advanced mastery; mana cost - 6)

Haste (advanced mastery; mana cost - 6; activated ability)
. WhirlwindCreature invokes a wave of wind in an arched radius, damaging all and pushing back adjacent small creatures in the corresponding area by 1 tile.Whirlwind deals Air Damage that equals to 16*number of creatures in the stack. Large creatures effect - -50%. Area of effect - up to 2 tiles. (once per combat; activated ability). WindshieldCreature has Deflect Missile of basic level permanently cast over it.Oracles suffer 40% less damage from non-magical ranged attacks..
  • 1300
  • 2
» Comments » Attributes
Windcallers are both the only casters and shooters of this faction, yet fragile even though they are high in level. Their magic is not impenetrable, but their ability to push back and damage adjacent attackers can be rated "outstanding". Though they're not ought to be on the move, their ability to push back opponents is realized far better when stationed several tiles from friendly stacks. For 6th level rather weak, but being one of the only level 6 casters, with a low cost and a rather cheap growth booster, are able to wreak some havoc.
Caster/Shooter
  • 18
  • 16
  • 14 - 18
  • 10
  • 5
  • 80
  • 12
  • 4
Bastion - Level 6 Upgrade
Windmaster
Windmaster
Windmasters are rather withdrawn from the material world to expand their studies in the ancient lore of element-control. Windmasters, being able to absorb the power, equip themselves with windstaffs where they concentrate the uncontrollable raging power of the wind to empower their magical abilities of setting off its foes. As well, Windmasters can emit bolts of supressed wind energy, harming and knocking back its adversaries.
» Abilities, Elements & Power » Economics
ShooterThis creature can inflict damage remotely. When distance to target is longer than half the arena, the target suffers only half the normal damage. Shooter cannot use ranged attack when blocked by enemy creature. If there's no Ammo Cart in the army, the number of shots is limited by available ammo.. CasterCreature can use a set of magical spells similar to those cast by the heroes. Mana reserve is always limited, but always set to maximum at the beginning of combat. The Spellpower depends on the number of creatures.Whirlwind (refer to Whirlwind ability section)

Windstorm (refer to Windstorm ability section)

Summon Elementals (always Air; number is equal to that of creatures in the stack; mana cost - 16)

Endurance (advanced mastery; mana cost - 6)

Haste (advanced mastery; mana cost - 6; activated ability)
. WhirlwindCreature invokes a wave of wind in an arched radius, damaging all and pushing back adjacent small creatures in the corresponding area by 1 tile.Whirlwind deals Air Damage that equals to 16*number of creatures in the stack. Large creatures effect - -50%. Area of effect - up to 2 tiles. (once per combat; activated ability). WindshieldCreature has Deflect Missile of basic level permanently cast over it.Oracles suffer 40% less damage from non-magical ranged attacks.. WindstormCreature emits a massive windy hurricane around the targeted spot, damaging and pushing back all adjacent creatures by 1 tile.Windstorm deals Air Damage that equals to 20*number of creatures in the stack. Large creatures are equally affected (once per combat; activated ability).. WindknockerCreature shoots with concentrated bolts of wind energy that reduce iniative in ATB and push back the target.Small creatures are pushed back by 2 tiles, large creatures are pushed back by 1 tile. Initiative reduced - 20%..
  • 1450
  • 2
» Comments » Attributes
The worthiest upgrade of the Bastion faction. A rather easily built dwelling and a rather cheap upgrade offers much for the player. Neat four-point increase in attack, defence, mana and shots, plus a single point increase in movement doubles overall rating of the unit. Strangely, like the Druid Elder, Windmaster experiences a hit point loss, but its expanded capacity of air-based abilities and the ability to displace while shooting cough up for the sole drawback, extending unit's impact over the battle. Highest priority, but some defensive blessings are to be applied. Very open possibilities, but rather too open.
Caster/Shooter
  • 20
  • 18
  • 14 - 20
  • 11
  • 4
  • 76
  • 16
  • 8
Bastion - Level 7
Roc
Roc
Praised for their freedom and bond to the element of their deity, as well as being closely related to thunderbirds, children of Sylath, Rocs are summoned to aid in times when impervious Bastions rest helpless. Dashing towards the enemy, they use the force of the wind to trap slowing enchantments and deflect enemy missiles.
» Abilities, Elements & Power » Economics
Large CreatureThis creature takes 2x2 squares on the battlefield.. FlyerThis creature can move on to any free tile on the battlefield during its turn, regardless of the obstacles in the way.. EvasionCreature's agility, swiftness and dexterity provide it with a chance to evade a portion of ranged attacks.Rocs and Thunderbirds are granted a 25% chance that shooting attacks will miss.. Immunity to SlowThis creature cannot be slowed down..
  • 2800
  • 1
  • 1
» Comments » Attributes
Being rather cheap not always means of good quality. This can be applied to Rocs as well. Rocs are only a bit stronger than spectral dragons, though the latter are often rated as 6+ only, but have better total status, due to higher initiative and movement. Again, their ability to resist movement- and initiative-affecting spells is to be valued quite highly. If considering to invest into a unit of level 7, I'd rather suggest waiting until thunderbird upgrade is ready, though some fast, partly ignorant of shooting attacks.
Flyer
  • 28
  • 25
  • 28 - 40
  • 12
  • 9
  • 165
  • 0
  • 0
Bastion - Level 7 Upgrade
Thunderbird
Thunderbird
Children of Sylath, as if created by the forces of wind and lightning themselves, the Thunderbirds dazzle the sky with their sparkling light, which is often misinterpreted by calling it a "lightning bolt". One could hope to see one sparkling in the sky during his lifetime. Thunderbirds come from the very skies. Their electric aura emits charges of energy, concentrating the power of thunder to invoke searing lightning bolts upon their foes.
» Abilities, Elements & Power » Economics
Large CreatureThis creature takes 2x2 squares on the battlefield.. FlyerThis creature can move on to any free tile on the battlefield during its turn, regardless of the obstacles in the way.. EvasionCreature's agility, swiftness and dexterity provide it with a chance to evade a portion of ranged attacks.Rocs and Thunderbirds are granted a 25% chance that shooting attacks will miss.. Immunity to SlowThis creature cannot be slowed down.. Immunity to LightningLightning cannot harm this creature.. ThunderboltCreature summons a powerful lightning bolt to obliterate any target it attacks 50% of the time, harming the unit and stunning (resetting its initiative in the ATB bar).Thunderbolt deals 20*number of thunderbirds in the stack of air-based damage. Creatures with magic resistance may resist the effect. Elemental chains increase its effect..
  • 4600
  • 2
  • 1
» Comments » Attributes
The top unit of the Bastion alignment receives an irreplaceable upgrade. For a healthy sum, a healthy addition to its attributes, as well as to ability table, is added. Aside from the immunity and the disintegrating thunderclap, which boosts the Thunderbirds' fixed medium damage (when totalled up, it deals more, especially combined with its movement range and initiative). A competitor to rival with the dragons.
Flyer
  • 30
  • 27
  • 40 - 40
  • 14
  • 9
  • 185
  • 0
  • 0
Bastion Analysis (by TDL)
Walker: 7
Flyer: 4
Shooter: 3
Spellcaster: 2

Total Orientation: Although primarily oriented towards the flyers, due to rather mixed-type unit line-up it is multi-class. Having practically the same amount of flyers and walkers, most of them having high speed, Bastion is pretty agile. With thunderbirds, pegasi and the cavalry, town of Bastion can successfully compete with pretty much any opponent. Backup fighters with unique abilities are as well included, though rather helpless situation with their defence makes them seem fragile. Nevertheless, difficulties are experienced with low amount of ranged and magic attackers (both being separated by 5 levels), but initiative and above-average attack allow to counter-attack as well as to defend and siege towns.

© All rights reserved to Talek Do'Lorn (TDL) and HeroesofMightandMagic.com

Dearest and special thanks go to: Alcibiades for consulting and eager discussions on abilities, GenieLord for some help and support, and Daystar for creating the visuals for the Bastion. Other pictures are taken from various sites (hero portraits are screenshots from copyrighted Gothic 3 game by Piranha Bytes) - deepest appreciation and respect.