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So far I have:

1 Vampire
40 skeletons
40 zombies
30 crypt ghouls
1 corpse cart
10 dire wolves
1 varghulf

I am just starting this army, as well as fantasy, and I have a few questions that I would like to ask:

1. I was thinking of going Black Knights but I have heard lots of people say suggest that I go Grave Guard with hand weapons and shields. It would def be a strong unit to protect my general, esp if I go horde with them. What do you guys think?

2. Which of the special characters have you guys had most success with? I do like Mannfred because of what I've read in an article here on Dakka, but I was just looking for more input on the other special characters.

3. Would it be wise to go blood knights or a black coach? I know the varghulf is a popular rare choice, and also I do like the banshees/wraiths for their ethereal rules. Also, which do you guys like better: Banshees or Wraiths?

Any suggestions and comments will be appreciated. Thanks!

1: I think Grave Guard with Great Weapons fill a huge need for Vampire Counts. Horde them, give them Banner of the Barrows and they will kill anything with a barrage of Strength 6 attacks with killing blow that hit on 2's with Helm of Commandment. Grab them before overpriced Black Knights. Don't reccomend hand weapon and shield, their job is to kill things. Let the Skeletons have hand weapons and shields.

2: Haven't bothered with any special characters. A Vampire Lord on his own will do it all for you, they're extremely customizable.

3: Black Coach is a solid choice. It can weaken your magic phase though. Blood Knights don't seem that great this edition with striking in initiative order and all the extra shooting flying around. Wraiths I think are the best rare choice. They're basically immune to shooting and force your opponent to use magic to deal with them. You only get one Banshee per Wraith unit and it's worth the upgrade so... Banshee with Wraiths?


Advise getting a Battle Standard Bearer, preferably Wight King. It's too good to pass up. You can afford to pass up Black Knights by guarding your flanks with summoned Zombies that can tie enemies up.