First of all, hello everybody I'm new to Fantasy but I have played 40k for about 2-3 years. Some friends of mine are going to start playing again, took a break for a while, and a few more people that we know are going to start up with us so it should be some fun. None of us have the main rulebook yet but I have the codex and I have made a list to try to build my way up to completion. I'm going for a balanced list that will always give me a chance to win games. Slann-370 points BSB(not really sure what this is but i've seen people use this on him.Can someone elaborate this for me?)/ focus of mystery/The focused rumination/ cupped hands of the old ones Skink Priest- 405 points Dispel Scroll/Diadem of Power /Engine of the Gods Scar Veteran- 93 points (Should I gear this guy up more if I am to use him?) Hand Weapon/Shield/Light Armor Saurus x20 – 250 points Full command Skink Skirmishers x10- 70 points Skink Skirmishers x10- 70 points Temple Guard x16- 291 points Full command Terradons x3-90 Stegadon-235 (not so sure about this guy, should I replace him and if so, what for? was thinking maybe razordons, not sure how well that would work out though.) Salamanders x2-155 1 extra handler Total ~2000, Although I think I'm a bit over...I will check this out when I get back from school tomorrow because its late night right now. I may have messed up with some calculations and such because I've just been tracking this down on word lol. So far I really like the look of this list but then again I havent played fantasy so I could be wrong about it being good lol.Any suggestions on how to improve the list to make it more balanced would be appreciated.
BSB is Battle Standard Bearer. This does two things for you. First, the unit containing the BSB gets an extra +1 to combat resolution. Secondly and more importantly, any unit of yours that needs to take a break test and is within 12 inches of the standard can re-roll a failed break test. The fact that you can just slap it on your Slann is handy, since he is relatively safe in the middle of the Temple Guard.
As for comments on the list, I'm not sure about the skink priest setup you have. To maximize the Slann's effectiveness, you'll probably want two skink priests. The one you have on EotG is good, but the Diadem of Power works better in lists where you aren't going magic heavy, since it turns power dice into dispel dice. I'd say upgrade the one on the Engine to level 2, so the engine makes him lvl 3 for dice purposes. If I ever ran a Slann list, I'd probably also go for a flying skink priest since the Slann can cast magic missiles through skink priests. Also another wizard will help boost your magic phase. The Scar-vet you have doesn't really perform a function as he is, it is worth giving him a burning blade of Chotec at least, and possibly an enchanted shield. Saurus are probably best with spears, they are just much better that way. If you plan on putting your scar vet in the unit, you may not even need to take a big block of 20. Don't forget your temple guard can take a magic banner, magic banners are usually worth taking. The warbanner always makes a good choice when in doubt. The stegadon I think is just ok, but I'd go for other stuff, just personal preference there. I use an Oldblood instead of Slann, so I can't comment as well as others on the list.
I'ld give the slann a magical banner preferable the War Banner, pure for its combat resolution. Make the priest on the engine lvl 2 so he becomes lvl 3. The 2 blocks make a great battle line. And the TG are a perfect tarpit unit. I'm just afraid that maybe 2 stegs are little too much or won't cut it as hammer units. (those are perfect targets for warmachines) If you want to use a scar vet. I advise to bring some Cold Ones. I'm a big fan of Cold Ones. Together with a decent scar vet and Huanchi's Totem they make an excellent unit. Try both ways. Try using the double stegs and maybe try using the Cold Ones. And see which units does more for you. I just find that Cold Ones do more in second round of combat and are more durable. Maybe if you got some points left try get an extra Terradon. 4 Terradons really is the magic number.
Thanks for the suggestions guys, I was going to start off with the battalion so I will try the cold one cavalry that was suggested. I'll try to make the points to upgrade priest and scar vet and post an updated version of the list tonight.
Okay, I tried to make the list better with your suggestions and it seems to be better. I don't have a magic banner right now and I'm not too sure thats a bad thing, I have the saurus squad and temple guards with one already. I got rid of the musician in the temple guard unit because I'm not sure what they do right now(will have the rulebook in a few days or so. got a cheap one on ebay and still wrapped lol)and was at 2001 points and not sure what to get rid of. If you think I should redistribute points to other things just let me know. Slann-370 points focus of mystery/The focused rumination/ cupped hands of the old ones Skink Priest- 405 points Dispel Scroll/Level 2/Engine of the Gods Scar Veteran- 155 points Burning Blade of Chotec/Maiming Shield/Cold one Saurus x15 – 195 points Full command Skink Skirmishers x10- 70 points Skink Skirmishers x10- 70 points Temple Guard x16- 284 points Guardian and Standard Terradons x4-120 Cold One Cavalryx5-175 Salamanders x2-150 Total- 1994 points
The Scar Vet should probably take light armor to finish up with a 1+ armor save. Also, do the saurus have spears now? If not, you could trim out a champion from the saurus or cut a temple guard or two to make the points. Having that 1+ armor is nice, and spears are a great option to have, remember you can still use hand weapons if you want the +1 armor bonus instead of doubling your attacks.
Well one of the reasons I didn't add spears yet was because I'm not sure if the battalion comes with an option to give them spears, I believe I read it as the saurus have hand weapons and a shield so I wasnt sure about that. I can remove one of the champions for upgrades though, that 1+ save does sound nice. How do you think the list would fair against other armies as it is?
Some changes I would suggest Drop 1x Dispel Scroll for the Blood Satuette of spite ( Brilliant vs Highelves and dark elves). Give the Saurus Spears. Other then that a lovely little list mate. (I think the slaan is the worst value character in the army but thats my opinion and I have been told it like my farts stink haha ) Cheers
Thanks for letting me know about the saurus with spears Simon. Thanks for the suggestions too Start. I'll get the battalion and get started on building the army this weekend and start building up. Thanks guys