Jandar's Faction (Heroscape)

In the universe of Hasbro’s tabletop wargame Heroscape, Jandar’s faction represents the force of good and justice. Jandar’s faction is the second largest army in the game and is primarily formed of humans. Kyrie make up the next largest species, followed by robotic Omnicrons and a scattering of heroic monsters such as yeti and a white dragon. Jandar’s faction was introduced in the very first Heroscape set: Rise of the Valkyrie, in 2004. Jandar remains one of the most popular factions and his units emphases is on defense, having many units with the power to increase their own defense or strength the defense of others.

Jandar is one of the five Valkyrie Generals in the Heroscape Universe and he and his army fight to stop Utgar from misusing the wellsprings and their incredible power and to prevent Utgar and his army from conquering all of Valhalla, the universe and possibly time itself. Jandar is allied with Ullar, however after the Swarm of the Marro he is also allied with Vydar, Einar and the new general, Aquilla.

Figures and sub-factions that appear in Jandar's army include:

The Sentinels
The Kyrie race is the dominate sentient species on the world of Valhalla and ultimately are the source of the war now engulfing that planet in the fictional Heroscape Universe. Kyrie typically appears as large humans with great wings attached to their shoulders. There are at least three distinct sub-races of Kyrie and possibly more. Kyrie technology appear consistent with Earth’s Middle Ages however there is a strong abundance of magic in Valhalla which the Kyrie have successfully harnessed into their weaponry and armor.

The Sentinels in the Heroscape Universe is the Kyrie faction that follows Jandar. They appear as angelic type beings, large humans in appearance with large white bird-like wings. Some have metallic wings however, it is not known if these wings are artificial in origin or if it is some type of armor protecting the wings. The Sentinels make up the bulk of the Arch-Valkyrie General Jandar’s Army.

The Sentinels were one of the first two Kyrie Squad sets ever released and are one of the most popular units, they are often used with Knights sets as one of their heros, Concan, enhances both Sentinel and Knight units.

Sentinel Sets that have appeared:
 * Sets

The Master Set: Rise of the Valkyire: Kyrie Warrior wielding a magical spear. Raelin is one of the main characters in the original Heroscape storyline, she is known by many names, as Raelin the Protector, Raelin the Kindhearted, Raelin the Valorious. She was the first Kyrie unit in the game. No explaintion why she has metal wings has ever been given.
 * Raelin the Kyrie Warrior

Malliddon’s Prophecy: Kyrie Warrior wielding a magical spear The second Sentinal unit, Kelda is unique as the only blue skinned Kyrie. Like Realin, she also sports metallic wings, she is the only other character to do so. Also like Realin, there is no explaintion for her metal wings or for her blue skin. Keldra was the first Heroscape unit with the ability to heal other units.
 * Kelda the Kyrie Warrior

Jandar’s Oath: Kyrie Warrior wielding a magical sword Concan's figure is a melding of a Sentinal and Knight of Weston, he is a large Sentinal Kyrie male clad in the armor of a Knight of Weston. His special power is the ability to enhanced the defense and attack power of both Sentinals and Knights - however his inability to bond with either of them limits the effectiveness of his power.
 * Concan the Kyrie Warrior

Kyrie Warriors wielding large battlehammers and magical shields. The Sentinals are one of the most popular units in the game, both for their flight and reasonably powerful states, but also for their power to doule their defense. They were one of the very first Kyrie Squads in the game.
 * Sentinels of Jandar

Humans
The Human race is the dominate sentient species on the world of Earth in the fictional Heroscape Universe (and in reality as well). There are many Human factions in the Heroscape Universe who serve different Valkyrie Generals.

The GIs
The GIs in the Heroscape Universe is part of the large and diverse Human race. They were American soldiers fighting in World War II when Arch-Valkyrie Jandar whisked them away to fight in the battlefields of Valhalla. GI technology is consistent with Earth’s World War II era; however some of the GIs have been given magical weapons created by Arch-Valkyrie Jandar’s Sentinels.

GI Sets that have appeared:
 * Toys

The Master Set: Rise of the Valkyire: GI Sargeant wielding a katana and grapple gun. Sargeant Alexander is one of the major characters in the original Heroscape storyline, his character is the only GI Hero but he is one of the most powerful, if not argueably the most power, heros in the game. In the second master set, he was updated and rereleased.
 * Sgt. Drake Alexander

GI Squad equipped with machine guns and grenades The Airborne Elite are one of the most popular squad in the game for their ability to be dropped almost anywhere in the battlefield.
 * Airborne Elite

Master Set: Swarm of the Marro : GI Sargeant wielding a katana and pistol and grapple claw. An updated version of the original figure, with a new sculpt, enhanced basic stats, a new special attack, and the ability to use his grapple gun horizontally in addition to going over elevation.
 * Sgt. Drake Alexander

Knights of Weston
The Knights of Weston in the Heroscape Universe is part of the large and diverse Human race. The Knights of Weston were founded in the lands of Brittany in the late 15th Century, to protect the providence of the weak against the tyranny of evil. This small chapter of knights abhors cowardice in all its form and lives by the Sanctity of Honor, a holy tome penned by their chapter master Sir Denrick of Weston. The Knights of Weston’s technology is consistent with Earth’s Middle Ages.

Knights of Weston Sets that have appeared:
 * Toys

Utgar’s Rage: Knight Chapter Master wielding a sword and carrying a shield (His bio indicates that Sir Denrick of Weston is founder and chapter master of the honorable Knights of Weston. He swore a righteous oath to protect the weak, to uphold honor of oneself and others, and to punish those who would seek to harm or destroy either.)
 * Sir Denrick

Knights wielding a swords and battle axes and carrying shields (Their bio indicates that they follow a unique honor code, which doesn't just hold the knight to this code, but also his combatant. This code of honor is so zealously followed that they have been known to cut down those who would attempt to escape engaged combat, rather than see them lose greater honor by escaping.)
 * Knights of Weston

Crest of the Valkyrie: Knight Standard Bearer (His bio indicates that Sir Gilbert personally oversees dispatches from Arch-Valkyrie General Jandar himself.)
 * Sir Gilbert

The MacDirk Highlanders
The MacDirk Highlanders in the Heroscape Universe is part of the large and diverse Human race. These highlanders are among the fiercest and loyal warriors that any leader could hope for. They will do anything to protect their chosen hero, and their tenacity is infectious.

Scottish technology is consistent with the Earth’s Middle Ages.

MacDirk Highnder Sets that have appeared:
 * Toys

Jandar’s Oath: Scottish Clan Leader wielding a claymore (His bio indicates that it is said that Alastair can run all day without tiring.)
 * Alastair MacDirk

MacDirk Clansmen wielding swords and battle axes (Their bio indicates that these clansmen scream and yell as they charge in to battle. Their battle cries can be heard for miles as it echoes through the highlands.)
 * MacDirk Warriors

The Minutemen
The Minutemen in the Heroscape Universe is part of the large and diverse Human race. Before fighting for a larger cause under their commanding Arch-Valkyrie General Jandar, the Minutemen had endured many harsh battles. During their training back in New England, the most important lesson they learned from their Brigadier General John Glover was to save their ammunition by waiting until they could see the whites of the enemies' eyes.

Minutemen technology is consistent with the American Revolutionary War.

Minutemen Sets that have appeared:
 * Toys

Utgar’s Rage: Minutemen wielding muskets (Their bio indicates that they are most comfortable when in the company of other valiant allies, who remind them of their old commander General George Washington.)
 * 4th Massachusetts Line

The Tarn Vikings
The Tarn Vikings in the Heroscape Universe is part of the large and diverse Human race. The Tarn Vikings are warriors in the service of Thorgrim and his brother Finn and are the traditional enemies of the Dreadgul Viking clan. They were rescued by Arch-Valkyrie Jandar right before the Dreadgul could slaughter them in the woods of Korland on Earth.

Viking technology is consistent with Earth’s Middle Ages, however some Vikings have been given magical weapons and shields created by the Kyrie. They are prone to infighting, gambling, and a host of superstitious activities.

Tarn Viking Sets that have appeared:
 * Toys

The Master Set: Rise of the Valkyire: Viking Champion wielding a magical sword. (His bio indicates that he brash and commanding, which inspires other to increase their own attacking power, even if he is killed in battle.)
 * Finn the Viking Champion

Viking Champion wielding a magical shield (His bio indicates that he is a thoughtful “poet-warrior” with a penchant for perfectionism. His followers are shielded by his magical shield given to him by Arch-Valkyrie Jandar.)
 * Thorgrim the Viking Champion

Viking Warriors wielding swords and spears (Their bio indicates that the Tarn Viking Warriors can travel quickly despite their heavy helmets, weapons and armor and have adapted quite easily to Valhalla.)
 * Tarn Viking Warriors

Dawn of Darkness: Viking Warrior wielding a battle axe (Tarn Viking left on Earth for two more years then his brethren.).
 * Eldgrim the Viking Champion

The Cowboys
Each Valkyrie General has no more then one cowboy, although Utgar and Aquilla are currntly the only the Generals not to have one. Cowboy technology is equivalent to America’s Wild West period on Earth.

Cowboys Sets that have appeared:
 * Toys

Jandar’s Oath: Cowboy packing a shotgun (His bio indicates that he became famous for holding off a whole group of outlaws all by himself with his favorite shotgun.)
 *  Johnny “Shotgun” Sullivan 

Knights Templar
Used in many battles of the Crusades, a Templar cavalry charge pierced through enemy lines with the unstoppable combination of lances and steeds. Always heavily armored, the knights constantly sought out and attacked first the most potent enemy on any battlefield.

Summoned by Jandar to fight in his armies, the Templar Knights witnessed the evil acts of Utgar’s armies. The Templar Knights have come to realize that Utgar’s forces are creatures from the unholy darkness. This has filled the knights with holy rage whenever they face Utgar troops, allowing them to strike harder and do extraordinary damage to Utgar’s forces through the Templar’s hallowed zeal.

The Templar Knights technology is consistent with Earth’s Middle Ages.

Knights Templar Sets that have appeared:
 * Toys

Mounted Knights wielding lances and carrying shields
 * Fields of Valor

The Defenders of Kinsland: Templar Knight Hero wielding a short sword and a mighty shield. His bio indicates that he is in possession of a powerful relic.
 * Sir Dupuis

Dzu-Tehs
The Dzu-Teh in the Heroscape Universe are a minor race from Valhalla not unlike the yeti. For mysterious reason known only to themselves they have allied themselves with Arch-Valkyrie General Jandar’s army. Dzu-Teh appear to have no technology, wielding simple clubs in battle.

Dzu-Teh Sets that have appeared:
 * Toys

Thaelenk Tundra: Dzu-Teh Hunters wielding clubs (Their bio indicates that the ivory fur that covers these beasts not only serves to shield them from the harsh cold, but also hides them from the sight of their enemies.)
 * Dzu-Teh

Ice Drakes
The Dragons in the Heroscape Universe are large sentient dinosaur-like reptiles capable of flight and a verity of breath weapons. Many are kings and queens of their homeworld, although not all. They are generally the largest of the Heroscape figures and worth the most points. Dragons have no technology and use nothing but their own awesome strength and power in battle, enough to cause even the bravest warrior to cower.

Ice Drake Sets that have appeared: Raknar’s Vision:
 * Toys
 * Nilfheim is a White Dragon King capable of breathing molten ice. His bio indicates that Nilfheim is called the Ivory Pillar, Diamond Breath, Northern Wind and the Great Protector and he is king of the northern continent of Icaria. He was summoned to Valhalla moments before being slain by a dragon-slayers cult. Jandar views him as a kindred spirit.

Noteworthy Information

 * Alastair MacDirk’s appearance is based on the actor Mel Gibson's appearance in the movie Braveheart.
 * Eldgrim's figure was originally the fifth of the Tarn Viking squad mentioned above. The designers, however, decided that five figures were too many given the Tarn Vikings ability to take extra turns with a given probability. But they then recycled the figure a few years later.