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Heyy guys, thanks for checking this out.

For a while now I've been seeing an influx of people at my FLGS playing Fantasy and thought that I should probably have a small collection going until I finish my Eldar; which would then mean I could focus solely on Fantasy.

So I think I narrowed it down to three choices: Brettonians, Vampire Counts or Lizardmen.

Problem is, I have no clue how any of these armies perform on the table, how to use them or if they're any good!

I was wondering if the kind Fantasy players of Dakka would help me in choosing one of these armies?

Thanks,

Iranna.

Lizards are pretty solid, strong magic withhold core troops. They may need magic buffs because low initiative.

Vc are rumored to get re done in January so if you like the whole undead thing wait a bit you never know what you will need but I think skeles and zombies mightnotbe bad to start you can always use those as an undead player.

Brets are from another edition and with the current one they got a mega nerfing so they are not amazing but can win it is quite difficult tho.

Read up on the fluff of these armies and check out the models go with what you like because you will be spending a lot of time with the models so you should enjoy them . Hope this helps

Of your choices I would say VC, I am not a fantasy player but watch friends play it. Were you looking for more of a competitive army or the hobby aspect? The Dwarfs are still pretty wicked and my friend always stand by his dark elfs.

what cowpow16 says is all correct. But, it all comes down to what you want in an army, OP. Looks, fluff, play style, etc.

If you're only wondering (and judging) about playstyle it goes as is (to go along w/ what cowpow16 says):

Lizardmen - lots of big beasts and small scout-types, combine that w/ the good magic and there's some variety in gameplay. Slann are the main mages, big fat toads but strong in magic - access to a lot of lores and good magic items.

VC - ghouls are the way to go now and have poison attacks and can be played in big blocks. Also ethereals as they're good and are easier to have wounds regen'd. Magic is unique and includes healing units, raising more troops, and offensive spells. As far as I know, strat is pretty much charging and keeping units up. But as cowpow said, heavy rumors say they get a new rulebook in Jan, so it could all change slightly...or greatly!

Brets - mostly Cavalry, so lots of charging in to combat. Troops are pretty much cannon fodder (peasants) but are needed. Also have useful stone throwers. Cavalry got nerfed in 8th Ed, but w/ the right set up of Cavalry and magic support, it's not impossible to win. If the "hobby" aspect matters, each knight is supposed to have a unique tabard/shield, so painting could possibly be burdensome.

I will say this (maybe I'm just biased): all 3 armies are pretty attractive to me for a variety of reasons. So, I think you really can't go wrong.

Like Dr. Cheesesteak used to say, it all boils down to what kind of style you want to play.

All three armies are pretty good choices as well, you really can't go wrong.

Lizards have a pretty good amount of flexibility, as well as strong magic. Fluff-wise, you're looking at the children of the Old Ones, and they have a very Aztec/Maya aesthetic feel.

Vampires have fairly poor basic troops, but this is backed up by the fact that you are one spell away from healing them up, or making new units. Tactically, you can do a lot of things with the specialized units, and you also have the delight of a WONDERFUL new monster kit with the Zombie Dragon/Terrorgheist, which are capable of nasty combos. Fluff/aesthetics-wise, you're looking for a pretty traditional, but more monstrous, version of vampires; dark Gothic architecture, legions of zombies and skeletons, bats and that whole thing. (Also, in a completely shameless side-note, I am looking to get rid of my old VC army, if you're interested at all, drop me a line )

Finally, Bretonnians are an army I fight against often, and they are pretty solid. You've got some outstanding cavalry, and loads of it. Tactically, Bretonnian cavalry has an advantage in that they use a different formation than others, which gives you an edge against wide-frontage units. Your knights are supported by some magic, the traditional filthy peasants, and a rockin' trebuchet. Fluff/appearances for Bretonnians are pure Arthurian, heraldry, heroically colorful cavalry and imo one of the best individual models in Warhammer, the Green Knight.

Thanks all for the help!

I've been looking into it and I have decided that Bretonnians are probably the way to go for me; I'm so used to playing fast armies and hopefully, I'll be able to translate that into my playstyle with them.

Any hints, tips or tactics for using Bretonnians would be appreciated!

Iranna.

Well, with Bretonnians, your speed and mobility is going to be key. Since you are going to be a mostly cavalry army, you must make sure that you get the charge. You have to be the aggressor with Bretonnians, which isn't too hard, since you have a great speed advantage, but make sure you are always taking it to the enemy, not reacting to them.

Also, you're going to want to develop a list with a lot of mutual support. In most cases, you're going to want to be hitting your target with two charging units at the same time, preferably with one on their flank. So with that in mind, you're going to want multiple units of things like Knights of the Realm. You'll also wanna check the FAQ for Brets, as their unique formation (Lance Formation) changed in 8th edition.

You have a great deal of heavy armor, which is awesome. Most likely the biggest threat to your cavalry units is going to be defensive infantry that can absorb your initial charge. Once Knights are put into a battle of attrition without their charge bonus, they are going to be whittled down.

But you do have good support options. The Trebuchet is one of the better war machines in Fantasy currently, definitely worth taking one, hell, if you can squeeze it in, take two! Magic-wise, you've got access to pretty solid Lores, Damsels can use Beasts and Life (I think?) and they are both excellent support lores for your cavalry, either making them hit harder or take damage more easily.

VC look brutal.

For ze Brets! Knights Knights Knights in blocks of 30! Make a 12500 point army and I shall demolish you. The Dark Elves love to kill puny little knights. My dinos are going to rip apart your stupid horses.

DreadlordME!, this seems to be the 2nd old topic you revived.
May I ask you to not do that again?