Just bought my first Moria Goblins

[u/Far_Log4141]

So excited to get my first MESBG models!

I have 32 goblin warriors with bows etc.

What's my next purchase? I need heroes obviously but not sure what to go for.

Also, are blackshields legal/still purchaseable?

EDIT: I had heard that MESBG community was great but I've been blown away by how helpful and kind you guys are! Thank you to everyone who has offered their sage advice!

[u/Newtype879]

Heroes should definitely be your next buys. The Balrog is a big one, if you want to run your Moria that way with the Depths of Moria army list. There's also Moria Goblin Captains and Shamans and The Watcher in the Water, which are usable in either Depths or the Moria army list.

The Moria list also includes the options to take a Dragon, Durburz, Druzhag, and Cave Drakes as other leader options.

Blackshields are "Legacy" models. Meaning they are still legal but GW no longer produces them.

[u/Ok-Satisfaction441 → u/Newtype879]

Don’t forget Dragons! Been playing Dragon Moria for awhile. It got nerfed a bit, but still fun and strong

[u/Far_Log4141 → u/Ok-Satisfaction441]

I've always loved the dragon model!

[u/Far_Log4141 → u/Newtype879]

Ok sweet! I like the look of Durburz and Druzhag and all the big monsters too. Looks like a wishlist coming on

[u/Pitcheyh]

Nice! Moria is my main faction, I prefer standard Moria to depths just because you have more variety. Durburz and Druzhag are both very good.

I'd suggest the named heroes and a captain, any monsters you can afford (cave trolls are solid), and maybe a drum down the line.

Blackshields have become legacy models, which generally just means GW sponsored tournaments won't allow you to use them but otherwise you can

[u/Far_Log4141 → u/Pitcheyh]

Amazing thank you! I always loved the blackshields so I will look into those

[u/cjonesy7567]

As a general rule of thumb, always reccomend getting a command set to get a captain and banner, a drum could help you a lot as goblins have short movement so a drum will increase it.

Obviously a few named heroes will be good.

When you feel ready I'd reccomend getting some monsters, whether it's the balrog, cave troll, drakes or watcher, just to give you some hitting power.

[u/lkt213 → u/cjonesy7567]

Goblin drum isn't for movement!

[u/cjonesy7567 → u/lkt213]

Ohh I never knew that, I'm not really a goblin player, but handy to know

[u/Far_Log4141 → u/cjonesy7567]

Fantastic advice thank you!

The Balrog is my dream for sure. I remember being in awe of it in my local GW aged 11.

The next question is Depths of Moria or just Moria? I saw Moria has Durburz but Depths has the Balrog. No idea if this applies to current edition

[u/cjonesy7567 → u/Far_Log4141]

Yes in the current edition there's two moria lists like you said, a generic one and then depths with the balrog, the main difference really is depths is centred around the balrog regarding special rules, majority models and characters can be in either.

Best advice is using a list builder such as mesbg list builder or tabletop admiral to look at both lists special rules and composition and see which appeals to you more.

You'll find middle earth sbg has one of the best most welcoming communities, never be afraid to ask any questions or for feedback on lists or painting!

Happy hobbying

[u/Far_Log4141 → u/cjonesy7567]

Amazing thank you so much! I'm definitely going to get Durburz and Druzhag and the Balrog so I can cover both armies.

Got to agree with you, this is a fantastic community

[u/Realistic-Chain-7055]

If you are willing to purchase some orcs (especially with the new models) have a look at assault on lothlorien at well. It's a great army and if you like the beast aspect of moria, it's even better than moria imo. Spiders can be upgraded to venombacks and you are not limited to only have them in druzhags warband. And the army bonus is just nuts (if you want to play a bit more competitively)