So it begins..

[Malaki Vidar]

Hi guys,

First post here in the tactics forum.. I am rather new to high elves though I have been reading a lot of articles but have almost no table time.

I'm not sure if this should be in the army list section or here in the tactics area, however I am sure a mod will be able to fix my ignorance should it be so.

I have a few army lists I've been kicking around and would like some input on them, however I am not as concerned with the list as I am the Tactical beliefs and theories behind the choices and predicted out comes. As of now I currently have no army and so I am looking at ironing out my theories so I know what to buy and paint.

I am hoping that with all of your help I will be able to achieve great success for Ulthuan, not mention it will be an interesting study.
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One of the 8th edition inclusions I found to be very interesting was the introduction (sorta) of Alarielle the Radiant. The first thing that caught my eye was the 5+ ward save given to her unit along with the immunity to Fear/Terror. So I got to thinking (always dangerous) that it would make a unit of SMoH (20-30+) pretty mean ( no tto mention her units weapons are all considered magic weapons). Add to this her ability to use Life to buff the swordies to a T7 with Regen means that the SMoH unit is a beast.

1. I am a little worried about having her in a front line grinding unit, it just seems to go against common sense. What are your beliefs on the subject?

I take it that one of worries is the chance of a challenge? So my next thoughts on the SMoH block is to add a fighting champion to protect the Everqueen. So this line of thinking lead me to the prince geared up. The lore of life and the Everqueen's natural ability to heal a wound every turn would make this an attractive choice. Combine the healing with items like Trickster Helm or /and Dawnstone mean that prince should be taking hits all day long and shrugging them off.

2. This makes me worry about having two LORD level character in one place (not to mention the point value of that one unit). I guess the old adage of "All you eggs in one basket" is a concerning quote. Thoughts?

Following the same line I continued to attempt and find more way to drive up the survivability of SMoH. The only fantasy game I have ever played was against WoC, and it was not a good experience so they stick in my mind. That's why BoTWD looked so appealing. Giving the swordies a 2+ ward vS Magic wounds (weapons included) sounded brilliant. Since the SMoH with the the Everqueen and her prince escort are beast mode in H2H
and the obvious threats are from siege weapons and Magic. This sounded great but I didn't want to loose the Razor banner on the SMoH either which becomes truly magnificent in their hands. So this leads me to the THRID character. A noble BSB with BoTWD.

3. Now I have three characters in a large unit, I think the vernacular here is a "Deathstar" or am I wrong? The point value (thus danger level) of the unit is starting to get really concerning for me. Being centralized like this brings its own vulnerability. I am so inexperienced I'm not even sure whats lurking in the shadows of the table, maybe you could help?

So since the SMoH are on foot, they will be vulnerable to shooting and because of their larger profile (6x5 maybe?) they will be even easier to maneuver against and get those dreaded flank attacks in. I am looking to the Cav units we have to help provide protection for the SMoH and the maneuverability and speed needed to pressure the army. If the block of SMoH are the the anvil (just doesn't sound right lol) what is the hammer?
Maybe a 12 man unit of Silverhelms?

3. Since they can attack three ranks deep (right?) we can go 4x3 for 12 str 5 hits OTC not to mention 2+ AS? Maybe I have that reversed the silver helms chase them down and tie them up and the SMoH catch up and kill them? Maybe I should throw the prince in here?

I kind of have a fetish for Dragon princes.. and why not they look beautiful on paper and in model. Originally I was thinking of a 12 man unit of DP.
I was thinking of this mainly to lend them the staying power and durability of the extra ranks. Striking three rows deep sounded awesome, however apparently we only get the 2 attacks on the first row? So I decided on two units of 6 DP. This should give me more drops on the deploy plus a group of 12 DP is alot of points in place.

4. How much staying power does a unit of 5 dp's have? Do they garner alot of hate? Should they be used to protect the immediate flanks of the SMoH group or out on the fringes? Are On the Table are they a unit used to hold flanks. They seem to me to be a hit and quit unit? What's their chance to be around on the 2 round of H2H?

For Chaff I'm thinking 2 eagles and 2 units of 9 reavers with bows and spear. Bows for harassing and helping whittle down enemy chaff. Again I thought 9 because of martial prowess. that gives them 9 str 4 hits OTC right? I figured 9 would help not just evaporate when they engage enemy chaff. Maybe even do some damage on the enemy flanks.

5. It seems that a 3x3 unit of reavers provide a small attack surface yet provide a decent amount of attacks. They would give 9 and take three Correct? Are these guy useless in H2H though after the charge? Do they have any merit as a fighting unit them selves? A few battle reports I read showed the units doing a respectable a job. I just am not sure how much merit there is to this.

At this point in the army I am worried as besides the reaver i have almost no ranged support, which is sad since we have some pretty nifty (at least on paper) range units. Also I am lacking the ability to stop regen so The Sisters of Avelorn sound like a good choice. Now as I was browsing our list I came across the handmaiden which would allow my normally slow archers to move/shoot with out penalty. I figure if i tak eher i should probably take enough sisters to make it worth something.. so maybe 12

6. This sounds like a great idea but it forces me in to having ANOTHER character and besides that one trick, she has almost nothing else to offer. The horn just does not seem like it is worth mentioning. I f i bring her should I get more sisters? Has the move shoot shown to be advantageous enough to justify the points? Four characters seem like to much so Im very iffy on her.

Well that is my thoughts so far any input would be appreciated. The theory Army List looks something like:

LORDS
Alarielle the Radiant (Light and Life)
Prince: Giantblade, Dawnstone, strength potion, enchanted shield, H. Armor, Lion Cloak

HEROS
BSB: Great weapon, H Armor, lion Cloak (BoTWD)
Handmaiden (?): Reaverbow

CORE

9 Reavers (bows and spears) x2
12 Silver helms (w/ Shield and musician)

SPECIAL

27 Swordmasters of Hoeth (Prince/BSB/Alarielle here)
6 Dragonprinces (w/ musician maybe Banner of Eternal Flame) X2

RARE
12 Sisters of Avelorn (Musician, Handmaiden here)

2 Eagle

[Blackbird]

I believe that thinking about your army before building it is very smart
I am also very tempted to use alarielle bec of obvious reasons, although i try to stay away from deathstars.
If you give the Botwd to the swordmasters your bsb can carry the Banner of avelorn= your spells will probloably get of
also if you use life spells, you heal characters, so they should be pretty safe.

The reavers in 3x3 means that 5 ranks can hit back, since all they have to do is touch the edges.
Personally i like reavers in groups of 5 for maximum manuverability.

Remember to deploy swordmasters 7 wide(or more, depending on what your up against)
1+ armor can be an issue with swordmasters :/

Good luck
/bbird

[Asur1985]

I put the banner of Avelorn in the WL's which i push up the table, then buff them with life spells, i keep aladrielle in a unit of 13 Swordies, hanging around at the back of the army, if anyone is daft enough to come near them then they do well in a fight. she will always be vulnerable as all our casters, but especially her and her points.

[Malaki Vidar]

Thanks for your replies Ill post some more here as begin looking at other configs.