Clearly to get the best out of a life Slann multiple hit point models are required. Which ones are necessary though? Are just some Salamanders enough or are Krox and/or Stegadons necessary?
I see that as more a bonus than a required feature, I have very rarely taken advantage of that and it doesn't really matter. Remember it can also be used on scar-vets, its good for healing stegs, and I think it can be used on the Slann if he comes into any trouble.
It's a nice bonus, but I don't think you should build your army around it. I think stegs benefit from Lifebloom the most, they are always a target and get stuck in CC. Thus, keeping the big guy alive will force your opponent to put more resources into killing him. The Hunted
a stegadon will work nicely, though as stated, this is just a small bonus, and nothing you should focus too much on. i dont think my ancient stegadn has ever died actually
Alrighty then, well I'm hesitant to take a Stegadon with the 8th edition rules anyway and I don't think Krox are really gonna pull their weight in a 1000 - 1500 point game so I'll just stick with some Sallies.
ancient stegadons are kickass! you will not regret it. they tie up (and kill) ordinary troops like nothing else
Ancients do seem cool, but as I'm only gonna be playing 1500 for a while, I'd rather fill up my rare choices with Salamanders. Taking a character on one just seems to risky with the new rules for cannon hits in 8th. I could maybe fit in a regular steg though, might work really well with the life slann. This is my dilemma really, is adding a normal steg or a few Krox gonna be worthwhile due to the synergy with LoL or should I just stick with Saurus Warriors?
Yeah it might be hard to squeeze those things in at 1500 points. The other problem is if you use a chunk of points on them, you have less on units which will benefit from the spells you have. Ancient steg (no character) is definitely a great choice in larger games. In 1500, really depends on what style of army you want and you clearly don't want it so leave him out. I'd even struggle to put a Slann in 1500 to be honest, but thats just me.