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So I'm playing a game of fantasy battle on Saturday with my friend who has both Dwarf and Dark Elf armies. He's being a bit coy as to which army he's planning on using, and he has access to hordes of every unit from both armies... So I've put together a 1500pt army which I think should be able to do well against either force. I'm still a little unsure of a couple of my choices. But as I am new to WHFB I am more than happy to make mistakes and play badly as this will teach me what does, and doesn't work, and which units do and don't synergise. I've gone slightly more towards shooting with this selection, but still have some melee in there as well... Anyway, I'd love some opinions.....

Lords & Heros

Archmage (level 3 wizard) on Elven Steed (with barding). Book of Hoeth, Talisman of Preservation. 312pts
Mage (level 1 wizard). Talisman of Protection, Dispel Scroll. 120pts
Noble (BSB). Dragon Armour, Khaines Ring of Fury. 130pts

Core
Archers (x13). Light Armour + Musician. 153pts
Lothern Sea Guard (x23). FC + Shields. 306pts
Ellyrian Reavers (x5). Bows + Spears. 95pts
Ellyrian Reavers (x5). Bows + Spears. 95pts

Specials
Swordmasters of Hoeth (x14). FC. 212pts

Rare
Eagle Claw Bolt Thrower. 70pts

1493 pts total.

I'm planning on keeping the archmage undetached - but with an elven steed and plenty of protection he should be able to stay out of harms way and redirect himself on the battlefield as needed. He'll be wielding high magic.

The level 1 mage will bunker in the archer unit, and will probably have lore of fire for that signiture spell.

The noble will be in the LSG unit, which will act as a defensive & shooting block initially, deploying 8x3 formation to maximise shots. Reforming later into 5x(whatevers left!).

Reavers will try and flank and generally annoy his war machines. RBT is there for either mowing down infantry or taking pot shots at larger beasts. Swordmasters I'm planning on leading the attack and trying to carve up the frontline.

Opinions?

Ok so I can give you some advice (from my own experience and personal opinion.) take it how you want

You have a ton of points in characters. I think what you have is a good setup but its close to 600 points of your army. You definitely need the arch mage. I would consider making him lvl 4 and dropping the 2 completely. That will need you 85 points (I think lol)
The noble is decent but I don't think the ring is good. I would drop that and give him the talisman of protection! He needs to live!

Archers are notably bad. They can do a little damage but sea guard are simply better. I would take the points in them and up the sea guard to 30. You only need 375 points in core so you can cut some fat here. The reavers are good. Spears are not necessary though. You shouldn't be charging with them. Just for redirection.

Swordmasters are ok, especially when buffed by spells. I run them 21 3 ranks of 7 for max damage. Sometimes they hit hard and lose to many to be effective for a second round. Consider upping them or just going to a more resilient troop like white lions.

Always try and run 2 or 3 bolt throwers. They are cheaper this book and you need to deal with monsters. They are also good at shooting their redirection units.

Also take your mage off the horse. Just makes him a target. Put him in the sea guard till they get close and then move out by yourself. Just avoid shooting or stay close enough to look out! Also take shadows with this list. Seems like the best fit. For instance if you reduce enemy strength in combat it will keep those swordmaster alive longer! Also reducing enemy toughness makes the 3 ranks of 10 sea guard do a ton more damage!