In my experience there's usually some opening, that lets you strike with your rippers since turn 1. BUT yes, it's absolutely possible to face a smart opponent, that protects the key units and doesn't let you target 'em with Death from above. In that case, it can be difficult to wait for a better chance, because units move, the toad is not so quick, and you risk to lose your precious rage... sometime, it could be better to go for a secondary (but still worthwhile) target. Example: I've got 3 rippers, and I would like to kill Settra, but he's shielded by a unit of 3 (or even 4) chariots. I cannot wait, because when the Tomb Kings will start to move, my toad will stay far behind, so i charge the chariots: not an optimal target, but I'm still going to gain something, in terms of inflicted wounds
Awesome advice guys. I definitely need to pick up the Seraphon Book. To many formations I dont know about!
I would do terradons - the rock-dropping ability is hilarious on units, especially units that you fly over to get to something else. The bolas are useful for ranged and melee combat (I assume that you can use them in combat during the shooting phase as it gives no minimum range) and they make excellent harassers. However from what youve said, the rippers would be better for u as they are vicious in close combat. Shooting is ok, but the real strength to them is area denial. Stick a blot toad in the middle of a zone where you dont want the enemy to go and have a unit of maybe 5 rippers ready to swoop down and shred anything that comes near. This will be the most useful thing for your army I think, but dont immediately dismiss terradons. It might be worth getting a unit of each as they are so different to each other. Its so hard to tell which is best when you have no scenario in front of you - just go with your gut (and pay attention to anything @Bainbow, @StealthKnightSteg and @Phoedinn say - they know what they're on about, trust me)
Rippers are beasts in combat, but a defensive army doesn't need any more melee. Shooters would be more valuable to add a level of support.
Bainbow and SteakthKnightSteg yes....but I'm just newish guy who doesn't know when to shut up! Ignore everything I say unless backed up by someone else
I have 6 that I can make... I like the idea of being able to shred things in melee but also having the ranged ability. I guess we will have to see! Thanks again all! This is very helpful!
Yeah, for a small army (50-60ish wounds) 3 seams to be plenty in the games I play. Plus they are pretty easy to summon. If you do decide to use rippers though try to set them up instead of summoning as you can't set up the Toad for summoned units.
Good point! I may make one of each. We usually do 75 wound games. I cant start he rippers off and summon teradons need be. I dunno lol still undecided but we will see!
I have been summoned by the Steg's engine! The good thing with small armies, is that it's harder to defend from rippers... and 3 of them can shred to pieces a unit. If you lose 9 wounds of rippers, and the enemy loses 20 wounds of a unit, on a total of 50, you are at a good point. That said, yes, you need to field a unit of rippers to place the toad. But every summoned ripper will benefit from the toad, so, if you plan to have rippers, you must have a unit of them since the beginning.
The only problem I have found is that the wings end up a bit flat - paint wise. But hey, maybe im just doing it wrong
I've used the Shadowstrike Starhost with the Rippers but also use a Skink Chief and try to get him nearby to the unit I want to obliterate. 2+ with reroll to hit 2+ with reroll to wound Last two games played had them inflict 291 & 381 hits on the first turn. I don't bring that one out in friendly games anymore.
Rippers are nasty, but there are a couple of things I don't understand, here. How do you get +2 to hit and wound? Shouldn’t it be "only" +1 +1? Secondly, be careful : you can activate the chief ability during the hero phase, and it works on a skink unit within 10 " ... if you're using the formation, the rippers are hidden in the clouds: they're not on the battlefield, so they’re not an eligible target for the chief's command ability.
Is there any rule that specifically says they cannot be a target of a spell when they are in the clouds?