Obviously it depends on what role I want to use him...but in general, is it worth putting a Skink Chief mounted on a Terradon in a unit of 4 Terradons? I ask because my unit of 4 Terradons took out the remainder of a Bretonnian Cav unit (not Grail Nights, but the next step down I think) in close combat. One rider and then the Paladin before they got to attack back. It was a rather epic fight that won me the game, so I was thinking of possibly spicing the unit up a little more...also have the idea of adding the fluff that the Chieftan heard of their heroics and wanted to lead them personally. Granted, I got very lucky my opponent happened to roll terribly in that, and it was the only time he rolled that poorly. So, in general, Terradons I know are great march blockers, good at war machine hunting and even solo character hunting as well...but that doesn't mean it would be worth the points to put a chieftan into the unit as well. I'd like to hear what you guys think.
Can be worth it, but I think it makes them a bit too expensive. I would rather send the chief around on his own so you can attack two different things then if you want to combine them for whatever reason during the game you can. It is a fairly powerful and diverse unit if you have a chief in there though.
It might not be a bad idea, but don't let one good game lead you throw terradons away by assuming they can always take on knights, even with a chief. Also bear in mind that although there's nothing stopping you flying the chief with a unit, he can't officially "join" it "Characters may never join units of flyers, even if they ride flying creatures" Still, not a bad idea, good hunting!
Oh, I'm not naive enough to let one game make me think Terradons are amazing in Close Combat. I know just how lucky I was in that match. I mean, the guy had to roll anything but a 1 I believe to make his saving throw, and he rolls two ones, that doesn't happen often. I just thought it might be fun to toss a chieftain in there if its not putting too many points into them. Also, look on page 52 of the army book under Terradons. There is a special rule that allows a skink chief to join the unit of Terradons if he is mounted on a Terradon himself.
I think that putting a character in the unit stops them from doing an important role: being a fast, throw away unit if necessaru. You won't want to bait charges or anything like that if you have a character in there.
And there is another problem with 4 other terradons he cant take "look outsir" rolls... Cannons snipes them easly... and IMO without a hero, terradons are not a good warmachine hunters... they can hunt skirmishers and fast cavalry by their drop rocks rule... but in the close combat they are sucks...(even against non armoured crews) dont expect any reliable close combat results from them... (killing 2 Knight wow.. its too much for them)
*laughs* Alright, alright, so even upgrading to a Brave wouldn't be worth it for the Terradon unit huh? As I said, I am under no illusions that I will -ever- be able to repeat what happened in that game, and am well aware of just how poor they are in close combat against most units. Was just a thought.
No the brave is definitely never worth it. The chief makes them half decent in combat, multiple s4 attacks is good against light foes. And really, if my opponent's cannons highest priority is a lowly skink chief, I think I am screwed anyway with or without look out sir.
I have a friend in my club, he plays The Empire and he use great cannons for character sniping... (he always deploys 2 great cannon, 1 hellblaster and 1 Hellstorm/mortar) I lost many skink priest and chiefs by cannon fire... If I deploy Terradon unit with chief Im sure he use only 1 cannon and kill him outright... ;D but if your enemies haven't got cannons (and accurete guessing ability) its might work If Lowly skink chief can charge a warmachine in 2nd turn, IMO it's priority must be high