Boffinsworth’s Brilliant Beasts
Professor Boffinsworth is a new character who isn't really new.
Anyone who's picked up a copy of The Treasures & Tyrants of Tauber will already be familiar with this eclectic Professor of animals and beasts, but this is at least his first outing onto the tabletop. Just like his expedition in the booklet, his character has much to offer his animal friends, with something slightly Leshavult-y to boot.
Healing and Healing Animals
“Quick! Trotters has a boo-boo!”
What’s this Leshavult-y flavour that this Commonwealth academic brings then? Healing and abilities that cost too much!
His first ability is the ubiquitous 'Healing', which should be familiar to all but Shades players. 8" range, restore X+1 Wds on a blue card, simple. Off his base energy of 3, this can be done only once, which doesn't seem too impressive at first glance. But at second glance, you may notice his first Passive Ability: 'Explorers Handbook'. This nifty little tome allows Boffinsworth a small Energy discount when targeting wounded Animals, which would be his top priority for healing anyway! Now, as long as he targets at least one wounded Animal at least once, he can utilise his healing ability twice. Brilliant, this will keep your Commonwealth Animals as healthy and tough as ever.
Protect the Animals!
“Where’s the money in saving a bunny…?”
But wait, there's more! Like any good gnome, Boffinsworth loves bunching up with his friends and being incredibly tough. To this end, 'Conservation' ties these themes up with his Animal friends in a single familiar ability, essentially 'Bodyguard' for Animals instead of Nobles.
Unlike Gotchgut, Portly Pete, and some other such characters with bodyguard-esque abilities, Boffinsworth is unfortunately not granted damage reduction for this via armour. However, this is more than made up for by his Gnomish attributes and Energy distribution, meaning any Damage he does take is unlikely to pip his energy anyway.
‘Symbyosis’
But wait again, there's even more!! ‘Symbyosis’ is his final ability, which oozes of Leshavult influence; more Energy is required than Boffinsworth generates, it gives protection, has a weird Catastrophe, it's all there.
Where this helps Boffinsworth most is with 'Conservation'. Get Boffinsworth protected, then the next time he uses 'Conservation' to take a hit for a friend, it pops protection off instead of dealing Boffinsworth any damage. With a bit of luck, you can protect both the Animal and Boffinsworth, making them incredibly tough with the ability to take two hits (one normally, one via 'Conservation') whilst taking no damage. As for that awkward energy cost, we've come full loop, and Boffinsworth must once again refer to his trusty 'Explorers Handbook'.
Using Boffinsworth in a Troupe
“Thank yooooou Unkie Boff!”
With all this, Commonwealth Animals such as Jackalope, Hogswash, Billy and even Olim, will now be tougher than ever.
Able to rely on lots of reliable heals, the occasional protection, and a character who is willing to take a hit for the team now and again. Sometimes this’ll be the last attack of an opponent, which would have proved fatal. Instead, Boffinsworth can take it on the chin and then activate immediately afterwards and heal the near mortally wounded Animal back up, ready to get back into the action again.
