AoS Escalation League Advice - To Slann or not to Slann...

[Abyrn]

I'm joining an escalation league at my local GW store and I'm looking for advice. I asked the manager and he said that we can add 2 units per week to the roster but we cannot change units. So, since I want a Slann to be at the center of my list, I'm wondering if I should start with it at 500pts or wait until I can back him up with some proper screens.

I'd also like some advice on what Realm Artifacts are good for a Slann or a Skink Starpriest.

The two lists I am considering are:

1x Slann Starmaster
30x Skinks with Boltspitters/Star Bucklers
10x Skinks with Javelins/Star Bucklers

or:

1x Skink Starpriest
30x Skinks with Boltspitters/Star Bucklers
10x Saurus Warriors with Celestite Spears
3x Ripperdactyl Riders

Which list would be a better start for an escalation league? I also have a Bastilodon, 5 Saurus Knights, a Troglodon/Carnosaur (and Oldblood on foot), and an Astrolith Bearer build aside from what is on both lists, and have 6 more Riperdactyls/Terradons, 2 more Troglodon/Carnosaurs, 1 more Bastilodon, 30 more Skinks, 10 more Saurus Knights, 10 more Saurus Warriors, and a Scar Veteran on Cold One on sprues. I've been trying to get an Engine of the Gods but it's always out of stock online when I look for it :/

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[LizardWizard]

I would start with the second list.

Ulgu has the best artifacts of the realms. At least if you start running battalions and are looking to equip multiple artifacts.

 

[Colossal Marlin]

At 500pts you could run a shadowstrike host with Terradons instead of Ripperdactyls, I'm not sure how much of a loss in damage you will see, but you could have Terradons in your opponents face very quickly and sunleach bolas have potential.

Skink Starpriest w/ Master of Star Rituals, Gryph-feather Charm (80)

2x 10 Skink w/ spitters and shields (120)

3 Terradons w/ Sunleach Bolas (120)

Shadowstrike Starhost (180)

Edit: added 500pt list

 

[Killer Angel]

Insert the Slann later. At 500 pts it's a massive investment

 

[Abyrn]

Thanks for the response, I think I will go for the second list then. I like the idea of the Shadowstrike force but at 500pts leaves me with a very high risk scenario.. if the Terradon Riders fail to connect then I will almost surely lose the game, with only 20 skinks as backup.