So it looks like I may end up being able to make the trip to Sacramento for the 'Ard Boyz finals. I now have an idea what the scenarios will be but not what the competition will be like. With a solid/balanced Eldar list maybe it wont matter, I wanted to take a moment to get feedback on the list I'm thinking of bringing as well as briefly touch upon list balance.
list Balance:
My progression of lists for 'Ard Boyz, and lists in general, has culminated in the form of a more hybrid Mech/Foot type Eldar list witch is basically a more balanced list between full foot/full mech. Initially it had just 2 squads of Wraithguard, 3 Wraithlords, some Harlequins, Eldrad, Yriel and so on. Mobility and firepower/anti tank were real challenges with the list. I didn't really own any Skimmers nor did I really play with them (I was in the footdar for life camp at the time) but after borrowing some from a friend, I found that simply adding some mech to my army really made a huge difference. With that said, I encourage anyone reading this post to consider playing with units they don't normally use just to see how they enhance/take away from your army or play style and to get a greater understanding of how the army plays in general. I know that I've tried this with Dark Reapers, Shining Spears and various other units that are generally shunned in the past with interesting results and at the very least, I had a great time with them.
My army list for 'Ard Boyz:
So the list I have settled on based on the scenarios recently updated on the GW web page is the following:
HQ: 405
-Eldrad: 210
-Maugen Ra: 195
Elites: 652
-Fire Dragons: 5 strong, Exarch, Fire Pike, Crack Shot=105
Wave Serpent: Sirit Stones/Twin Linked Shiruken Cannon=110
-Fire Dragons: 5 strong, Exarch, Fire Pike, Crack Shot=105
Wave Serpent: Sirit Stones/Twin Linked Shiruken Cannon=110
-Harlequins: 8 strong, Shadow Seer, 7 kisses, Troupe Master=222
Troops: 958
-Wraithguard: 10 strong, Spirit Seer, Enhance=396
-Dire Avengers: 5 strong=60
Wave Serpent: Sirit Stones/Twin Linked Scatter Laser=125
-Dire Avengers: 5 strong=60
Wave Serpent: Sirit Stones/Twin Linked Scatter Laser=125
-Guardian Jetbikes: 3 strong=66
-Guardian Jetbikes: 3 strong=66
Heavy Support: 485
-Wraith Lord: EML/BL=155
-Wraith Lord: EML/BL=155
-Falcon: Spirit Stones, Holofields, Scatter Laser=175
2500 points
The dilemma:
Well, the dilemma was that I had a bunch of points left over and no idea how to spend them but seeing as how the scenarios have been released and that there is a strong importance of scoring units in the first 2 missions, I feel pretty comfortable with the above list.
The pros of the above army are that they already have some solid scoring units in the form of Wraithguard, DAVU Wave Serpents and a Falcon as well as some cheap/fast "utility" scoring units like Guardian Jetbike units. It has decent anti tank from the Fire Dragons/Wraith Lords and Maugen Ra as well as some decent CC from the Harlequins/Maugen/Wraithlords and against certain opponents even the Wraithguard. So now it just comes down to mentally preparing for the potential opponents and getting a battle plan down.
I am still open to feedback from anyone reading this post as any good changes are always welcome.
You are correct about it being a real challenge. Since we don't know the missions, we can surmise what you will be more likely to face: Grey Knights, Space Wolves and IG being the most likely. All of these typically have one thing in common: armor 11/12. Looking at your list, this is something I'd look to add a bit more towards handling, specifically the Dire Avenger Wave Serpents. Brightlances are likely overkill, but Eldar Missile Launchers fit the bill for the points cost. In a pinch, they can also act as anti light infantry.
ReplyDeleteFrom there, you only have room in FA and Troops and I am not sure where you'd make many improvements. Possible cheap throwaway Vypers with Star Engines to help block vehicle movement? Seems kinda wasteful, but some folks like it. Warp Spiders is a unit I'm a bit skeptical on at 2500 points. The table can get fairly crowded fast, unless you just be bold and deep strike them in terrain and risk dangerous terrain tests.
Shining Spears most likely won't fit as I believe you would need the Autarchs to buff those units.
As an alternative, if you can find a few extra points: 3-4 Warlocks in a Wave Serpent. They don't have to go with Eldrad, but it's another WS hull and they can even become another default Fire Dragon tank hunting squad.
Best of luck.
All true and good advice, Charlie. In my experience, the EML/BL on a WS is usually not worth it (thought the BL is more worthwhile for the potential av14 punch if that is in the meta game). This is mainly because I suck at rolling, 4+ to hit with a re-roll needing a 4+ to do something with a possible 4+ cover save and then a damage roll on top of it all really makes it not that potent. I tried spamming S8 VS another Eldar army and on the WS it just wasn't worth it, especially when compared to the scatter laser.
ReplyDeleteThe Warlock idea is unique and cool, a unit of 4 or 5 with singing spears has potential, especially with one embolden, enhance and some destructors. If I knew I was going to play a lot of orks or nids that would definitely be a great option. I think I tried a list with some Warlocks and I just never rolled well with them and they gave up an easy KP =(. I'll move some points around and see if I can fit anything like more EML or warlocks in the list, if I take maybe 3 Wave Serpents with EML, they will likely do something each turn (I hope)!
So it looks like the missions are posted (http://www.games-workshop.com/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m1940713a_40K_Ard_Boyz_Final_Scenarios_10-17-11), I'll update the blog post to reflect this but it looks like scoring units will be important after all!
ReplyDeleteThis means I am thinking of taking some jetbike units or perhaps another DA unit in a WS, who knows?
Looking forward to your final list and review of the finals.
ReplyDelete