I do love the lore and models of the Lizardmen army but as i only play smallish games (1500 points usually) are the lizardmen viable at that point level? I used to play Dark elves and they were awesome at 2500+ points but were nigh unplayable at 1000-1500 points where as Daemons and WoC seem to be great whatever the point costs.. So, what i'm thinking for 1500.. Slaan with life ? Oldblood chief mounted? 2x units of saurus unit of temple guard (put slaan and oldblood in here for a magic/hammer unit?) cham skinks for skirmish hitters (sort of like DE shades) 2-3 salamanders or razordons? THats my thioughts on a bare bones list but not sure how to flesh it out, or even if it's any good (mainly playing wood elves with loads of GG and dryads and High elves)
That is the makings of a good list. I would only take 10 temple guard at that level. The saurus unit should be around 20 strong. The chameleons should be either one unit of 6 or 2 units of 5. Definately take some salamanders. I would try to work in two at this point level to get the most bang for the buck. Points-wise, that may be hard to do though. Razordons have their place, but have been hindered by their rules in 8th edition. They are too situational to use in most games. They are, however, great to protect the flanks.
I would also mention that when decking out your slaan in this few of points that plaque of tepok should be #1 on your list with focused rumination to support it. A tiny point investment for having a 4th level wizard with 5 spells and throwing an extra power dice with every spell. It is a sure fire way to get a chance to cast just about every spell on even bad winds of magic rolls. Even magic caddy heavy armies may run out of dispell scrolls in the first turn just trying to slow you down. HIGHLY effective in this low of a point total game.
Thanks for replies - currently in the process of searching e-bay for my saurus/skinks I read that the salamander flame attack is not classed as a breath weapon (so can use every round of combat, not just once a game)? And the sauruses should have great weapons?
Sallies can indeed roast their food every round. That is one of the things that makes them awesome. Saurus only have two options for weapons. The spear, which I almost never take, and the hand weapon and shield which is my preffered option. Temple Guard have Halbreds. The only troop choice (besides Old Bloods and Scar-vets) that can have great weapons are Kroxigors.
Sounds great, but what are the heroes bsb like in melee? I read somewhere that slaan with lore of life or light is the way to go (especially against wood/high elves)
Hasnat is correct. You should avoid CC with a salamander unless you just want it to be a speed bump. I always flee with my salamanders. If you want a CC warbeast, use the razordon. It is designed to be in that situation. The reason that lore of life is great is that you can regrow lost models and buff the toughness up to 8 (when throne of vines is cast successfully before the buff). Lore of light allows you to give speed of light to the unit(s) and that will equalize the HE ability to reroll hits on every round of combat. In a perfect situation, you could turn that against the elves and reroll your missed hits every round (birona's timewarp and speed of light).
Thanks again for all replies, Lizardmen look like my type of army The salamander breath attack is not a breath weapon (FAQ) but nowhere can i find out about using it in close combat? or is it classed as a (ranged bow style attack)? and reading the army book seems salamanders and razordons share same template in combat (more or less) so best for both to try and avoid combat? (and salamanders far outclassing the razordon (shame as i love the razordon model)
Yeah the Sally spout flames attack is a ranged attack only. Dragons can use their breath attack in combat, so that can lead to confusion. Think of the Salamander as a warmachine with the skinks being the crew. They are far to busy fighting the enemy that is assaulting their warmachine to prep it for a shot. Just so happens that this warmachine has teeth and is hungry I think Razordons are pretty cool. They just aren't as versatile as the Salamander, plus they can't march and shoot. Though they have a little longer range, so they kind of make up for it. They are great for taking out lone models or multi-wound things like Ogres. Could you imagine an enemy wizard taking 6 to 30 strength 4 hits? Talk about a pincushion. The worst thing is that they are forced to stand and shoot and are likely to potentially eat skinks rather than kill the charging enemy. I was browsing some skaven forums the other day and they seem to be terrified of charging the Razordon. If you think about it, a single Razordon can hit 20 squishy infantry chargers on an awesome roll. Now imagine you had a unit of 3 Razordons! It's too bad the misfire roll is just as likely.
Yeah, reading up on the razordon.. seem great until you read the missfire bit still, with the extra sking you can add he seems pretty good (especially flanking Gladeguard and peppering them)