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Hello Everyone. I am a total noob to the war gaming scene. Ive built and painted models before and after much consideration, I want to actually start gaming. Im starting a WoC army and I have a few questions:

What is a good budget I should look to start with?

Whats a good point range for a starting army to learn the game mechanics? (ive read some of the rulebook, but I learn better by doing then reading)

Has 8th edition drastically changed the way you play a WoC army? In what ways?

Ive heard some bad things about playing WoC like here:
http://www.yesthetruthhurts.com/2009/02/warriors-of-chaos_23.html
Is this true?

Thank you everyone for all your help. It is much appreciated!

8e has shifted the emphasis to the ranked unit. Fortunately, WOC has 2 of the best core ranked units.

Warriors run in units of 15-20. Khorne marked units work well with halberds or additional hand weapon. Tzeetch marked units work well with hand weapon and shield.

Marauders run in units up to 50. I prefer great weapons* and no mark, others prefer flails and the mark of Khorne.

*use the flail arms with the ax heads - super easy GW conversion.

Trolls and/or Ogres work very well in 2 ranks of 3.

Add a wizard lord, Battle Standard Bearer, and 1-2 fighting characters.

Fill out the last quarter of your army with units which look like fun - Hell Cannon, Knights, Chariots, Spawn, Marauder Horsemen.

As for that blog - its the gamer equivalent of Fox News. I don't take it seriously.

Thanks for the suggestions RanTheCid. I really appreciate it. Do you have any advice for a points value to start with first? Or maybe a $$$ value estimate of how much the things you quoted might cost total?

Points depend on your local group. 2000 points would be a starting point running up to 3000 points.

3 boxes of CW, 3 boxes of Marauders, 2 characters, 2 boxes of Trolls = $340 retail. I'm sure you can find it at a discount somewhere. If the budget is an issue, Knights have the best points/dollars rate.

RanTheCid has give you the basic breakdown of what most people are leaning towards in 8th edition. And is a good of a starting point for the army.

I also agree WoC are one of the cheapest armies to buy because i'm making a 2250 lits for about $310ish. The only other army that I can think of being made that cheap is Ogres and HE (with the new starting box).

Ok thank you all for the advice. And thank you RanTheCid for all the help, now I have some idea of a starting point.

I agree with RanTheCid. That looks like a good way to start.
I personally hate marauders, but they are very useful. I just don't like the models. Just remember - your hero/lord is probably going to massacre most other heros/lords, but they do cost a ton. Shall the Ruinous Powers aid you.

Ok thanks. Does anyone think its better to go with Cavalry Marauders or just Marauders or both? How many of each is good?

Also note, that the link you posted is from February of 2009.
Take it from somebody else who used to read steleks blog, since I stopped, I started having more fun wargaming, and stopped worrying if the army I played "Ranked" well enough.

Heck, in my 40k circle, tau and eldar dominate everyone. The rankings say the shouldn't, but tell that to my dead nids :(