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I am thinking about starting High Elves, during such decisions making an army list often helps. Seeing as this is the first High Elf army list, and my first fantasy list in a while I decided to use some pretty simple tactics...

1,490

Heroes:
High Elf Mage: 180pts.
Level 2 Wizard, Seerstaff of Saphery, Jewel of Dusk

Caradryan: 175pts.

Core:
16 Lothern Sea Guard: 218pts.
Shields, Seamaster

16 Lothern Sea Guard: 218pts.
Shields, Seamaster

Special:
10 Phoenix Guard: 239pts.
Standard Bearer, Banner of Sorcery, Keeper of the Flame, Sword of Might.

Trianoc Chariot: 85pts.

Trianoc Chariot: 85pts.

White Lions Chariot: 140pts.

Rare:
Repeater Bolt Thrower: 100pts.

Great Eagle: 50pts.

I plan on having Caradryan with the unit of 10 phoenix guard up front and center to hold the formation together, and form a big juicy, points heavy bait... The two units of sea guard will go on either side of the phoenix guard, protecting their flanks, and launching volleys of arrows at enemies to try and whittle them down. The two trianoc chariots will be on the far left ready to charge into exposed enemy flanks, and the single lion chariot will do the pretty much the same on the right side. The repeater will be placed in the back, perferably on a hill and just darken the skies. The mage will start behind the phoenix guard, and move with them, giving them buffs and hirting the enemy with some offensive spells. The great eagle is obviously just to take out those pesky enemy siege engines that toughness 3 elves hate.

My main concerns are if it is viable to go with a versatile high elf army, or if i should just focus on specializing. I also don't know what to do with the extra 10 points that are left over...

I will appreciate any and all advice about my questions or High Elves in general!

The first thing I'll suggest is to take advantage of the High Elves' unique Force Organization Chart. At 1500 points, you only need 1 Core, and considering HE's live and die by their Special Choices, it's best to make use of the smaller Core requirements.

I really don't see the Sea Guard as that great of a choice given their points costs. 4 points over spearelves for bows just doesn't really seem that great, personally. While they can be used with some versatility, they're tricky to use properly, especially if starting off with High Elves. If you're really keen on a block of Sea Guard, drop them to 15 (ranks are at 5 wide, so that last guy isn't doing anything) and drop the second unit entirely - save the points for harder hitting specials.

PG - spend the points saved from the dropped Sea Guard unit to bump these guys up to 15. Makes them more dangerous when fighting against enemy units and gives them even more survivability. Drop the Sword of Might. They don't have shields anyways and halberds give +1S as well, so you gain no benefits asides from magical attacks. Spend the points on a musician.

Since you're going for the Banner of Sorcery, I'd also recommend taking a second Mage to get some extra mileages out of the extra power dice. A lvl2 with Silver Wand and Dispel Scrolls would help out nicely in the magic phase.

So what you are saying is something more like this?

1499pts

Heroes:
High Elf Mage: 180pts.
Level 2 Wizard, Seerstaff of Saphery, Jewel of Dusk

High Elf Mage: 185pts.
Level 2 Wizard, Sliverwand, Dispel Scroll

Caradryan: 175pts.

Core:
15 High Elf Spearmen: 145
Sentinel

Special:
15 Pheonix Guard: 374pts.
Standard Bearer, Banner of Sorcery, Keeper of the Flame.

Trianoc Chariot: 85pts.

Trianoc Chariot: 85pts.

White Lions Chariot: 140pts.

Rare:
Repeater Bolt Thrower: 100pts.

Great Eagle: 50pts.

I see what you are saying, but the board seems a bit bare to me... although it could just be me previous experience with swarm armies (like Orcs & Goblins ) kicking in telling me it's not enough. I'll probably just have to get used to smaller armies!

Your Mage can't have two Arcane Items (The Seerstaff of Saphery and Jewel of the Dusk). I'd suggest dropping the Jewel of the Dusk. Now the Mage can carry the Dispel Scroll, so the other Mage has the Magic points left to take Ring of Fury.

I would probably drop Caradryan. Otherwise you will have a very low amount of units on the board.

I'd probably give the Keeper of the Flame (Phoenix Guard Champion) the Skeinsliver. This way you will be able to get the first turn more reliably. Also, in your list above, you paid for a unit of 20 Phoenix Guard, not 15. I would probably take a unit of 15 and invest the rest of the points in something else though.

Another thing to consider is dropping the High Elf Spearmen and filling up the compulsory Core slot with a minimum sized unit of Archers. The Spearmen probably won't win many combats anyway.

You are obviously a fan of Chariots. I don't like them very much (pretty slow when not charging, can't break ranks and, in the case of Tiranoc Chariots, are terrible in prolonged combats), but if they work for you, then stick with them. If they disappoint you, consider some Dragon Princes instead.

OK third time's the charm...

1,424pts

Heroes:
High Elf Mage: 185pts.
Level 2 Wizard, Seerstaff of Saphery, Dispel Scroll

High Elf Mage: 185pts.
Level 2 Wizard, Sliverwand, Ring of Fury

Caradryan: 175pts.

Core:
10 High Elf Archers: 120
Hawkeye

Special:
15 Pheonix Guard: 299pts.
Standard Bearer, Banner of Sorcery, Keeper of the Flame.

Trianoc Chariot: 85pts.

Trianoc Chariot: 85pts.

White Lions Chariot: 140pts.

Rare:
Repeater Bolt Thrower: 100pts.

Great Eagle: 50pts.

I am hesitant to get rid of Caradryan, because I can expect to be fighting bretonnians a lot, and against mounted paladins he will own... especially when I challenge them Also, like last time, I have a few extra points that I don't know what to do with; I might be able to fit in a small unit of shadow warriors or something similar...

Wooops. Missed that bit about the two arcane items. Good catch on Airmaniac's part.

I sort of agree with Airmaniac's point about Caradryan, but imo, it's not so bad to have a decent Challenge taker/giver in with your mage(s). With the points you have left, get the Skeinsliver for the PG Champion - useful especially given your army size. Get rid of the Hawkeye in your Archers (10 points for +1 BS isn't worth it at all, considering it's on top of the 11 points as is), and you can fit the musician for the PGs as well.

I'd also like to echo his points on the Chariots, though if they're working for you, more power to you.

Having said that, be aware that your PG unit will be the most important and obvious threat to your opponents. Everything else will be very fragile and easily (relatively) taken out. Guard them well, and don't put all your heroes in there.

I would drop the two Tiranoc chariots and upgrade to another lion chariot save points and is more effecient in my mind as 6 str 5 ws 5 sttacks + 1d6 impace hits is better in my mind than 4 str 3 attacks at was 3 and 4 str 4 sttacks (1st turn only) at ws 4 with 2 d 6 impact hits. Just my oppinion.

I would also drop the hawk eye as I see no reason for him. With those changes and your extra points I think you can get another bolt thrower. I think you still get three rare at 1500 if not forgive me..

BrPrometheus wrote:I think you still get three rare at 1500 if not forgive me..

It's 2 Rare choices for High Elves in armies under 2000 points. I forgive you though!