Commanders (Do I need to use one?)

Many new players often ask if they have to use a commander in their warband.

The answer is no you do not need to use a commander in your warband. However, if you do not use a commander you will suffer the following:

You cannot use a figure that has Require Commander printed on its stat card IE.. Chraal, non epic Iron Golem.

No Commander Rating bonus to initiative. This may likely mean not getting your map choice for the skirmish.

Unless you are running all constructs or undead or fearless pieces, you will not be able to rally anything that routes. Also, your pieces will have a better chance of routing as you lack a Commander Rating to assist them in their morale and rally checks.

Finally, by not including a commander you lose out on the Commander Effects they usually bring to your warband.

Examples (these two commanders are used most frequently in their respective factions):

Couatl: gives all allies under command and within 6 squares resistance 10 to pretty much all energy damage.

Tiefling Captain: allies within 6 squares gain critical hits on attacks of 19-20 instead of the standard 20.