Skarbrand vs Valkia - or, more exactly WoC Khorne vs Monogod Khorne

[Falaris]

Both are deceptively similar. But, I have not played Skarbrand very far in current setup. I know Valkia gets chaos lord -> chaos lord of Khorne -> demon prince of Khorne upgrades (or is it forked, chaos lord to either chaos lord of Khorne or demon prince?).

Does the exalted hero get some sort of upgrade option?

Now, Valkia's exalted lords/heroes get boons and blessings. I get the impression Skarbrand's exalted heroes or chaos lords does not. This seems like a bit of a weak deal for Skarbrand? Those boons are pretty drastical, and also adds a lot of cool factor.

WHat's your impression? How do the two factions match up? Please use specifics if possiblel.

[Aleera]

Well, Valkia her lords and heroes get the boons and the lords can ascend to Daemonhood.
She gets access to warband upgrades, so you can switch weapons for your chosen on the fly. Got chosen with dual axes and you're about to face Welves? Shields for everyone.
Valkia also gets the chaos blessings, so more overal buffs.
Valkia gains access to magic with Chaos sorcerors.

The downside is, Valkia cannot recruit anything directly. She needs to use a blessing, which needs souls, to get access to Fleshhounds, Soulgrinders etc.
She takes time to get to use chosen. A unit lost is a big setback.
Valkia only gets to use Exalted chaos champions, both lord and heroes.
Valkia also is "tied" to dark fortresses. Minor settlements generally aren't worth it to take. Though some with trade goods are.
Her bloodletting only gives her Khorne corruption and increase to exp.

Skarrbrand, once to the proper tier, can recruit whatever he needs too. He does not need to get Norscan Marauder -> brand to Khorne -> Get lvl 5 -> make Chaos warrior of Khorne -> Get to rank 7 for chosen of Khorne. (or 6 for Knights). You have the building, you get Khorne chosen.
Combined with his bloodletting which gives faster global recruitment, healing, growth across all armies etc. He loses a chosen? Go into encamp, next turn you have a fresh 100% hp chosen.
Skarrbrand also gets access to both Khorne warrior lords and exalted bloodletters. The bloodletters able to become a Bloodthirster for no additional cost. Bloodthirster lord > Daemon prince.
Skarrband gets access to cultists, movement on map in battle summon. Bloodletter hero, which gives him further casulty replenishment. Exalted hero of Khorne, no souls cost.
Skarrband can just sack away to his hearts content and will auto populate settlements, even if there's a beastmen herdstone.
Skarrband faction also is Daemonic in nature, so they gain +10% physical for having high winds of magic. Campaign movement etc.

Overal, they are similiar, but play vastly different. Combat the 2 factions are very much alike. But they're completely different on the map itself. The only area where Valkia really feels "stronger" is the boons for her heroes and lords.

[Rack]

Skarbrand faction is probably stronger but Valkia is more fun

[Falaris]

Originally posted by Rianne:

*stuff*.

Wow. That's exactly the sort of information I wanted, and it does match up with my impression. Thank you for taking the time to write it.

[Aleera]

Originally posted by Falaris:

Originally posted by Rianne:

*stuff*.

Wow. That's exactly the sort of information I wanted, and it does match up with my impression. Thank you for taking the time to write it.

My fingers hurt ;_;

[Garatgh Deloi]

I'd like to add that Skarbrand also gets access to Deamon Princes of Khorne by upgrading the Chaos Lord of Khorne similarly to how a Herald can become a exalted bloodthirster (Reach a specific level, get the offer in a dilemma).

But both the new lords (Chaos lord of Khorne and Deamon prince of Khorne) and the hero (Exalted hero of Khorne) are a tad weaker then the WoC versions since they can't get the amazing boons WoC lords and heroes can get.