"...an' dis one's Chompy! Chompy's a right devil he is! Rip a bugger right in two! See dis scar 'ere on me arm? Dats ol' Chompy's 'andywork! I'mna go grab 'im... "

    - Greenstumps, Goblin Squig Herder

    One-on-one a Squig is no match for the likes of a Hammerer or Ironbreaker, but the problem there isn't the match, it's the numbers. The toothy embrace of a pack of Squigs has brought down many a hearty warrior, and a Squig pack is never more effective than in the hands of an expert Herder. Using tools ranging from pipes to goads to bits of giblets, the Squig Herder drives his minions to a killing frenzy while fighting safely behind the lines. The Herder's own ranged fire combines with the attacks of his minions to challenge any foe.

    Squig Herder Specialty

    It's all about the Squigs – at least as far as the Squig Herder is concerned – and he knows all there is to know about these feisty critters. Commanding a pack of Squigs culled from those types he has learned to train, the Squig Herder can inflict serious damage on his enemies. With experience, he can learn to tame a broad range of breeds, control more powerful Squigs, and acquire more specialized abilities such as taking direct control of his Squig. His minions will even fight on after his death, wandering off only when the battle is done.

    Playing as a Squig Herder

    As a Squig Herder you lead from the rear, turning your Squigs loose on the enemy and supporting them with commands, arrows and bait while safely out of harm's way. The most critical elements of your strategy revolve around your choice of Squigs for your pack, and the abilities you use to support them. Your various breeds offer you tools for different situations, and you must mix and match them to meet your needs. Tactically speaking, your job is to kill the enemy while avoiding his counter-attacks – both you and your Squigs are deadly but fragile beasts.

    Fighting the Squig Herder

    The Squig Herder is essentially a fire-support career who wishes to hit you without being hit. As such, you'll need to deny him that opportunity. Attacking him or his pets early – either one, as the pets will live on after their master's death – is a sound strategy which will quickly reduce his damage dealing power. You must also be alert however, as Squigs can bypass your own line with their fast leaping movements and strike at your back field. You must strike a balance between the defenses you can muster against enemy melee fighters and the nasty beasts gnawing at your heels.

    The Squig Herder Look

    Lightly armored in leather and equipment harnesses (often made from Squig skins)

    Outfitted with numerous and varied Squig herding tools (made from anything and everything)

    Carries a bow or spear for personal combat (or uses his Squig pipes for calling Squigs)

    Career Mastery

    Goblins aren't exactly known for their fortitude or strength, so the clever Squig Herder uses a pack of squigs to do the hard work for him while he stands safely away and unleashes a rain of deadly arrows. Through a combination of poking, prodding, yelling, and throwing raw meat, a Squig Herder has managed to...well...not exactly "tame" a pack of squigs, but certainly get them to at least run when he stabs them. The Squig Herder has the means to deal with any combat situation through the wide array of squigs at his disposal - and sometimes, they are quite literally at his disposal, as his pets have an unsettling habit of being eaten or exploding.

    Squig Herder Career Masteries

    Path of Big Shootin'

    A specialist in this path is more than happy to stand far, far back from the fight and let his squig pets distract the enemies while he peppers them with arrows from a safe distance. Those who dismiss Goblins for their small stature quickly learn not to underestimate the Squig Herder's powerful bow and keen aim, and many an enemy's final dying thought has been that perhaps they should've paid more attention to the Goblin than the squig.

    Path of Quick Shootin'

    A clever master of this path uses the Goblins' inherent tendancies towards twitching and running in his favor, and has learned to quickly snap off bow shots while moving.around. While he pays for this mobility at the cost of range, as he can't shoot as far without taking the time to stop and brace his bow, the speed and flexibility that he gains ensures that he can always stay out of harm's reach.

    Path of Stabbin'

    Some goblins are simply more bloodthirsty than others, and a master of this path prefers to use his bow simply as a means to weaken and hinder his enemy, allowing him to move in and dispatch them quickly with his crude yet brutal spear. Fighting side-by-side with his squig pets, the Squig Herder who selects this path is always gleeful to find himself in the middle of a messy fight.