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I have had my Dwarf army(which I got because 8th edition seemed like a good reason to start fantasy) sitting around my gaming room for months, and I haven't been able to play a single game with them due to the fact that I have had almost no time to head out to my LGS to get some games in. After all that time, I've come to realize that I dislike the fighting style and look of these boys. If there is one army whose looks and unit choices have always caught my eye, its High Elves. I continue to wonder why I chose Dwarves over them. After I get at least one game in with them, I plan on selling my army in the hopes of putting the money towards a new High Elf army. I am not interested in the units provided in the Island of Blood(plus my gaming group has pretty much split, and only played 40k, so that would leave me with a skaven army, which I don't like). Before I devote any real money, I have a few questions that I haven't really been able to find an answer for after looking around the internet:

How viable is a fairly balanced army? I would like a mix of CC and ranged, but prefer a bit more CC than ranged support.

How would each of the chariot variants be played? How these units are used effectively has always confused me.

How much more cost-effective are Dragon Princes over Silver Helms? From everything I've read, they seem to be far superior.

What would the ideal setup be for a spearmen unit? Since 8th seems to favor large units, my guess would be an 8x4 block, their width will allow them to take on other hoard units, and Martial Prowess combined with their spears allows all 4 ranks to attack, giving me a huge output of attacks.

I would greatly appreciate any advice. I would like to say thanks in advance to anyone that can help.

It seems like the poor stunties never got a chance. You decided you don't like the way they play after zero games with them?

As far as HE's go, yes I think a mixed army can do well. Shooting wont win the game for you, but it sure helps.

I can't say much about the chariots or cavalry because I don't use them. Any unit of spearmen over 20 can be useful, but I would have to say 10X5 is "ideal". Fighting in 5 ranks with ASF and rerolling hits (usually) is pretty awesome.

Poor dwarfs.

I can't say much for the HE, since I don't play them, but I would agree that going with 50 spearmen in hoard would be pretty awesome. You could always check with your lgs to see if anyone outside of your gaming group is interested in picking up those skaven from the IoB set or trade them here at the swap shop. I would check it out before buying it though. Granted if you don't want any of those units then don't bother. It sounds like the swordmasters are the way to go though and I have always thought having 50 sea guard would be cool, but probably not as efficient as I think they would be. IMHO like the sound of the white lions and chariots as the theme of an army. Anyway, good luck in your efforts and I would suggest picking up the army book first.

Wait, re-rolling hits?

It's part of the always strikes first rule. If your INT is higher you can re-roll misses in your rolls to hit. Since Elves usually have higher INT they get rerolls most of the time.

Wow, I didn't know that, that just makes me want them more.

Could I get someones opinions on any of the 3 big special infantry unit choices? (Phoenix Guard, Swordmasters, and White Lions)

Runer60000 wrote:Could I get someones opinions on any of the 3 big special infantry unit choices? (Phoenix Guard, Swordmasters, and White Lions)

All three are good options, but they serve in differant rolls.

The Phoenix Guard are an anvil unit. With their ward save, they have much more survivability then the others. As a sacrifice, they don't hit as hard with only str 4 attacks.

Sword Masters and White Lions are both attack units.

Sword Masters have very high WS, Great Weapons, ASF, and 2 attacks. Their champion has characteristics as good, if not better then, most races Noble characters. These units are best at killing softer armored mass units. They'll reap a fearsome toll on softer troops.

White Lions are strong hitters. With their great weapons they hit on Str 6, but only have one attack. These are better used to hit heavier armored foes, or higher toughness ones.

djones520 wrote:

Runer60000 wrote:Could I get someones opinions on any of the 3 big special infantry unit choices? (Phoenix Guard, Swordmasters, and White Lions)

All three are good options, but they serve in differant rolls.

The Phoenix Guard are an anvil unit. With their ward save, they have much more survivability then the others. As a sacrifice, they don't hit as hard with only str 4 attacks.

Sword Masters and White Lions are both attack units.

Sword Masters have very high WS, Great Weapons, ASF, and 2 attacks. Their champion has characteristics as good, if not better then, most races Noble characters. These units are best at killing softer armored mass units. They'll reap a fearsome toll on softer troops.

White Lions are strong hitters. With their great weapons they hit on Str 6, but only have one attack. These are better used to hit heavier armored foes, or higher toughness ones.

Much appreciated! Nice general summary for reference. I'm most likely going for Phoenix Guard, since their models are absolutely beautiful.