The Prince of Thieves – The Rooftop Royalty of the Guild
Ah, welcome back, dear reader, to the shimmering, shadow drenched streets of Venice! Today, we’re scaling the heights of the Serenissima, moving away from the docks and the dark alleys to find someone who treats the entire city like his personal playground. We are diving back into the magnificent world of Carnevale, and today’s spotlight shines brightly on the most charismatic rogue in the Guild faction: the Prince of Thieves.
Picture this: A moonlit night over the San Marco district. A group of heavily armed Patrician guards are patrolling a stone bridge, their armour clanking with every step. Suddenly, a flash of red silk and the glint of a rapier catch the light. Before the guards can even shout, a figure has vaulted over their heads, stolen a heavy coin purse, and disappeared onto a balcony three stories up. He pauses for just a second to blow a mocking kiss before vanishing into the night.
He’s charming, he’s faster than a rumour in a tavern, and he has a smile that says, “I’ve already stolen your watch, and I’m about to steal your heart.” He is the Prince of Thieves. What’s not to love?
Setting the Stage: What’s Carnevale?
First things first. If you’re new to the Chronicles here at terminatortids.co.uk, let’s set the scene. Carnevale isn’t your average tabletop war game. Set in an alternate 1795, the world has been forever changed by “The Rent”, a massive magical tear in the sky above Venice. Now, magic flows through the canals, turning the city into a sovereign state of wonders and horrors.
It is a game of dynamic movement. Forget standing in a line and shooting; in Carnevale, you are jumping across canals, climbing up marble statues, and diving off rooftops. It’s a strategic masquerade where every character has a unique story and a dash of the bizarre. And standing at the pinnacle of the city’s common folk, the Guild, is our star of the day.
Enter the Prince of Thieves
Now, let’s shine the spotlight on our royal rogue: the Prince of Thieves. While the Guild is mostly made up of hard working citizens, gondoliers, and dockworkers, the Prince represents the “Art” of the street.
Background Check: The King of the Cobblestones
The Prince of Thieves isn’t royalty by blood, but by merit. In a city where the rich nobles of the Patricians look down on everyone else, the Prince is a hero of the people. He is a master of the “long con” and the “quick getaway.” He embodies the spirit of the Venetian carnival, vibrant, elusive, and always one step ahead of the law.
In the lore, he is the Guild’s ultimate infiltrator. While the Harbourmaster (who I have lined up for you) provides the grit and the muscle, the Prince provides the finesse. He is bound by no master but his own whims, yet he remains fiercely loyal to the people of Venice. He’s like that one friend who always knows the secret entrance to the best parties, except his parties usually involve liberating gold from the pockets of the corrupt. Beneath that swagger is a tactical mind that sees the city not as a series of streets, but as a map of opportunities.
The Role of the Prince of Thieves in the Game
So, what does it mean to field the Prince of Thieves in your gang? Let’s break down his tactical brilliance, shall we?
- The Apex Acrobat
In a game where movement is king, the Prince of Thieves is the Emperor. He has some of the best movement stats in the game. Whether it’s climbing a vertical wall or leaping across a wide canal, the Prince does it with a grace that makes other characters look like they’re wading through molasses. He doesn’t just navigate the board; he dominates it.
- The Duelist
When it comes to combat, the Prince isn’t about brute force. He uses his high Dexterity to land precise, devastating blows. On the table, he is a “Blade Specialist.” He excels at picking out high value targets like enemy Mages or Leaders, engaging them in a whirlwind of steel, and then disappearing before their bodyguards can react.
- Tactical Disruption
The Prince has a “Bag of Tricks” that would make a magician jealous. He can manipulate the flow of the game, stealing Command Points from the opponent or forcing them to re-roll their successes. He represents the unpredictability of the streets. It’s like playing a game of chess where your opponent suddenly realises you’ve swapped their Queen for a wooden pigeon.
- The Evasive Shadow
He is incredibly hard to pin down. With a high Protection value based on his ability to dodge rather than heavy armour, the Prince can survive in situations that would kill a lesser man. He’s the guy who walks through a hail of bullets and comes out the other side without a scratch on his silk doublet.
How to Play the Prince of Thieves
Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s talk strategy. Playing the Prince is all about timing, flair, and a little bit of arrogance.
Step 1: Use the Verticality
First things first: stay off the ground! The Prince of Thieves is at his best when he’s looking down on the world. Use his superior climbing skills to reach the highest rooftops. From there, he can survey the battlefield and choose exactly when to drop down for a “Leap of Faith” attack. It’s like being a hawk, patience is your greatest weapon.
Step 2: Pick Your Battles
Next, remember that the Prince is a scalpel, not a hammer. Don’t throw him into a mosh pit of enemy Thugs. Instead, use his speed to circle around the flanks. Target the enemy’s support pieces. If you can take out a Plague Doctress or a Vatican Priest in the first few turns, you’ve essentially won the game.
Step 3: Manage Your Willpower
After that, timing is crucial. Use the Prince’s Willpower to perform those “Heroic” actions. A well timed extra move or an added combat die can be the difference between a successful heist and a trip to the canal. Imagine you’re catching a butterfly with your bare hands, it’s all about the perfect moment!
Step 4: Collaborate with the Guild
Finally, remember that you’re part of a team. Use the Prince to draw the enemy’s attention. While they are frantically trying to catch the “red blur” on the rooftops, your Gondoliers and Citizens can move in to secure the objectives. He is the ultimate distraction!
The Joy of Playing as the Prince of Thieves
Let’s not forget the joy that comes with playing this character. With his flamboyant outfit, his dashing pose, and his “too cool for school” attitude, he brings a wonderful sense of theatre to the table. There’s something exhilarating about watching your opponent’s carefully laid trap fail because the Prince simply jumped over it.
And don’t you love how he looks? Adorned in his impressive red and gold silks, he could easily steal the show at a royal gala. Painting the Prince is a treat for any hobbyist, you get to work with vibrant colours, fine details on the rapier, and the texture of his flowing cloak. Who knew tabletop gaming could be so incredibly stylish?
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it! The Prince of Thieves in Carnevale is a blend of history, high flying strategy, and a flair for the dramatic. He stands as a hero, a rogue, and a master tactician, all while bringing a smile to your face with his cheeky charm.
Next time you sit down for a game of Carnevale, consider adding the Prince to your Guild gang. After all, who wouldn’t want a disciplined (okay, maybe not disciplined, but definitely skilled) force that can juggle both combat and high stakes robbery? It’s like having a secret weapon that can also do a backflip!
In the world of Carnevale, the Prince of Thieves is more than just a rogue; he’s a testament to the power of agility, teamwork, and a really good sense of humour. So, gear up, roll those dice, and let the Prince lead you to victory. Remember, in the end, it’s all about having fun and maybe sharing a laugh (at the opponent’s expense) along the way!
Now, go forth and conquer, my fellow gamers! The rooftops are calling, and the Prince of Thieves is ready to take the stage!
Do you prefer the high-flying antics of the Prince, or do you like the grounded grit of the Harbourmaster? Let us know in the comments below!
You can find the full range of Carnevale miniatures and more on the TT Combat Web site.
