Regarding defense style (so, with a different approach from the usual "kill them all"), THIS is a specific post on the matter in a tactic thread. It's outdated but the general reasoning is still valid
Judging from that older thread you linked it seems to me there are two ways of building against massive mortal wound threats 1). Hoards of cheap units with lots of wounds I'm thinking units of 40 skinks and even units of 40 Saurus. 2). Thunderquake (with cheap skink screen) and Shadowstrike to take out threats. I'm considering these options as I'll be facing a friend with SCE soon including 9 vanguard raptors, Protectors and Retributors setting up in lines in front of the raptors making it hard to eliminate threats and also very much spamming mortal wounds (especially with deep strikes) @Killer Angel any idea what you would build in a 2k list against this threat?
Cheap units are good because you don't give precious targets to your opponent's units that deal mortal wounds, however there will always be something worth to be targeted (Slann, and so on) A side problem in fielding many cheap units is that you may give initiative in the first round... a thing that i usually plan as a tactic, but against strikers that deal mortal wounds can be a problem. Of course, if the SCE are set up in heaven, then to have the first turn is worth nothing, so skink spam is cool. Thunderquake is always good, and so is shadowstrike. One of the problems in dealing with Vanguard Raptors are the aetherwings that can be annoying, for the warning cry and the possibility to move and shield the units before your charge. A possibility is to keep away some points in your reserve pool. If you're playing shadowstrike, teleport your stegadon fully buffed for the charge, then summon a couple of razordons. Razors shoot the aetherwings, then you charge. Combine it with Shadowstrike and you should be good.
Good call! It's a real tough one and he is also considering a Gryph hound which isn't fun if he does then as soon as I port in he will be able to shoot. Unless I looks for gaps in his coverage then maybe I can find a missed spot the Gryph hound isn't covering. Maybe I could port two bastiladons to the side of the board so they are not getting the debuff when shooting through protectors. Hmmn