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I chose Skorne because I liked the battle-line style of play, and because I think they look great. As mentioned above, they play through attrition, particularly if you're fielding Hexeris. Their shieldwall units tend to be pretty good, with Cataphract Cetrati being my favourite unit.

They have a lot of trouble with taking objectives or being sneaky -- they work best in formations where they move slowly and deliberately. Ferox are a good auxiliary unit, and can help balance the list, but they're expensive.

I don't much like Trolls, either playing as them or against them. Tough can work for or against you in unpredictable ways. When that heavy warjack comes by to crump your kriel warriors, it's possible they'll all survive quite handily. Just as easily, they could all die from long-gunner fire, and after failing all of your tough saves, you've just spent points on something that didn't work. Too much emphasis on the unreliable tough trait.

Tough works for units, where you figure that the rolls will average out to some degree. It doesn't work well for a single model, because you can't count on it. But, yes, you can't count on it ever working.

bayruun wrote:
They have a lot of trouble with taking objectives or being sneaky -- they work best in formations where they move slowly and deliberately. Ferox are a good auxiliary unit, and can help balance the list, but they're expensive.

I think Extollers might fix that problem. Their synergies with infantry are considerable.

Ok then, so where is a good place to start with Skorne, what is a stable list at 350 that I can build upon?

I'd suggest Hexeris as a starting caster -- he's a great caster in general. The Gladiator is a decent heavy warbeast due to his smash and grab. Any Cyclops will do for the light -- Basilisks take some getting used to. As for the troops, I'd suggest Cataphract Cetrati. This unit fulfils the shieldwall function that I think is necessary for a functional Skorne list.

Here's what I'd field at 350:

Hexeris
Gladiator
Cyclops Brute
6 Cetrati

That's below by a few points -- you could drop one Cetratus for an Ancestral Guardian, but with so few souls on the table, it's probably not worth it.

There's really only one flexible unit in that list, and it's the Cyclops. Tough as nails, it can move quickly on its own and not risk being killed by basic ranged units or other flankers. With Soul Slave, it can go anywhere and still be controlled by Hexeris.

EDIT -- Expanding on that list is extremely easy since it already holds the line well with the Cetrati and Gladiator. Venators or Ferox are a good choice in my opinion -- they add options that support the shieldwall or Brute, respectively.

That's a really defensive list. It has no ranged ability and the Cetrati move only 5" per turn if maintaining shield wall.

I would switch the Gladiator to Cannoneer to give the enemy a reason to to come to you and you a good ranged attack. Then switch the cyclops to savage to give you another hitter. The list then has enough points for void spirit to give you some anti infantry goodness.

Hexeris
Cannoneer
Cyclops Savage
5 Cetrati
Void Spirit