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So, like so many others, I've recently been considering jumping into Warmachine and Hordes, particularly Hordes. I've glanced through the galleries at the various models, and I think I've narrowed down my first faction choice to Skorne and Circle of Orboros. I think that they both have the coolest model ranges, though I'd probably give the edge to Skorne because I really like the Oriental influence. Before I jumped in though, I thought I'd ask some of the more experienced players about the two to see if they'd fit my playstyle.

I play Warhammer 40k as Dark Eldar, and while they're awesome, I think I want to play an army that isn't "squishy" now. Something that can take some hits and do some damage in return. As for other games (since some people seem to appreciate the information), I prefer wizards and rogues in DnD, the colors green and blue in Magic, and I generally run around in FPS's and kill whatever I see.

Wow, that was a pretty nerdy sentence. Anyway, the things I'm looking for in my army are: that it's relatively cheap to play (i.e. not Trollborn), that it has a kind of low model count (since I don't have a lot of time to paint), and that it is pretty competitive on the field. From what I've heard, Warmahordes is pretty good on the last one, which will be refreshing after 40k. I'd also like an army that would be a little easier to learn, since it will be the first army I play.

As for the models I specifically like in each army:
Circle: Kaya, Kruegar, and Kromech (sp? the satyr warlock), Blackclad Wayfarer, druids, tharn satyr units, along with the living beasts: I think that both the werewolves (warpwolves?) and satyrs are awesome sculpts. Keep in mind that this is based off looks only.

Skorne: Morghul (sp?), Xerxis, Makeda, all the Titans (except the cannonneer--he looks plain goofy to me), all the cyclopes, agonizer, both cataphract units, nihilators.

Well, hopefully that was a good introduction. I'm a total noob to this game, but I look forward to getting better. If you have any advice as to lists (25 pts and under) that would utilize the models I listed and still be cohesive, that would be great too. There are so many choices; I had forgotten how daunting starting a new game could be.

Thanks for the advice,
Rozgarth

If you like Skorne more, then go Skorne. Both of the factions are good and both have a more melee-heavy ethos with a little ranged support, but Skorne are certainly tougher. Circle might be closer to your dark eldar with a hit and run style that fully utilizes terrain. Skorne are generally a little slow and rather tough at face value but have a burst of speed when they need it helping them get their brutally powerful beasts in combat.
Both factions have a new plastic starter set coming in May so you probably want to wait for those. You will want to get the hordes primal mk2 rulebook, but you can download the quickstart rules here: http://privateerpress.com/hordes/the-game. If you can't wait until May to start, you can get the one of the metal starters or a few other models you like now. If you wanted to just get a rulebook, Xerxis, Makeda, and maybe a bronezeback titan you could get an early start on painting.

As Dais said if like more skorne go for it.

For a better and more complete answer both of the factions are competitive and can have low model count armies. Skorne is generally more tough and able to take a hit than Circle. Circle is more hit and run type faction compared to Skorne's tougher and slower approach. Skorne might be easier to learn as it tends to be a bit more straight forward in the tactics, but you need to have good understanding of synergies and abilities to get over the factions limitations.

You can, and most competitive lists do, start your force with Titan Gladiator (comes in starter), Titan Bronzeback, a minimum unit of paingiver beast handlers (essential unit for the faction) and a warlock of your choice.

For a quick and not too shabby 25 point list using the models you listed above you could go with:

Master Tormentor Morghoul
Cyclops Brute
Cyclops Shaman
Bronzeback Titan
Titan Gladiator
Paingiver Beast Handlers (Leader and 3 Grunts)
Agonizer

It is a nice list to learn the faction and it has only figs that are kind of staples that you will also use with other casters. Low model count too.

I really like my skorne and find them really enjoyable to paint and they are quite satisfying to play if you like the melee orientated and synergy driven approach.

So the starter box would definitely be a good place to start then? The way I look at it the cyclops included in it are only like 5 dollars so it seems like a great deal. Also could someone tell me what the little e or p means in front of warlock names (ie eMakeda)? I think it's decided now--I'm going Skorne. They'll give me the feel of playing dark eldar with their backstory and utilization of pain, yet actually be able to take a hit!

Do you know if the plastic boxes get released at the beginning or end of the month? I think I'll take your advice and wait for the plastic; in the mean time I'll get the rulebook and our faction book and start perusing.

Thanks for the advice.

I'm very new to this as well, but I think that the e and p refers to whether it is the Epic or Plain version of the warcaster/warlock. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong though.

I don't know the exact release date of the plastic hordes boxes, sorry.
As for the e and p prefixes that is a player notation for which version of a character's rules are being referred to. As the story has progressed many major characters have undergone significant changes and have variant rules for their later incarnations. Haley and Denegrah went epic in a battle against one another for instance; Haley lost an arm and cast a new spell while Denegrah died and rose later as an undead wraith. p stands for prime or plain, while e stands for epic, their second form. Third form casters are being released soon but are also officially tagged as epic, so right now there is a bit of confusion what to call them but we'll figure it out. the epics are not necessarily more powerful but they are different enough to be viewed as a completely different model in the game.

The plastic starter boxes are due for release in May (according to Lost Hemisphere's ticker). Generally things are released on the 21st from memory.

As for the 'p' and 'e' confusion with the third versions coming out soon I've seen people attempting to say the following:

eeNemo
lNemo
elNemo
eNemo2
Nemo3

Of those it seems PP is trying to get people to use the Nemo3 version. So for Makeda it should be Makeda1 or Makeda2. But all of the versions get the idea across.

I've been tossing around the idea of getting into the game and funny enough, my top two factions are currently Skorne and Circle, primarily based on aesthetics. Legion comes in a distant 3rd. I very much prefer the look of the horde models so far. Like you, I'm leaning towards Skorne.

Ah okay. I figured it was some kind of variant model or something, but I didn't actually know what it stood for. Does anyone have any suggestions for a 15 point list that utilizes mainly the battlebox contents? I like the list you posted Metsuri; it uses a lot of the models I think are cool. Do you think it could be scaled down, or does Skorne not gel well at 15?

@Yastobaal: May 21st you say? Congratulations to myself. I now have a summer project to look forward to.

@Haendas: Lol. Even your third favorite army is my third favorite. I say go for Skorne like me; their model range is simply too unique to pass up. I don't think I've ever seen a style quite like theirs before. Like I said, I really dig the Oriental feel mixed up with the big brutish beasts.

yastobaal wrote:The plastic starter boxes are due for release in May (according to Lost Hemisphere's ticker). Generally things are released on the 21st from memory.

Your memory fails you. PP releases are always on Wednesday.

This month: April 11 and April 25

May's releases will by May 9(plastic Battlegroups) and May 23.

Thanks Platuan4th. I thought there was something wrong with that.

May's releases will by May 9(plastic Battlegroups)

Even better.

Rozgarth wrote:Does anyone have any suggestions for a 15 point list that utilizes mainly the battlebox contents? I like the list you posted Metsuri; it uses a lot of the models I think are cool. Do you think it could be scaled down, or does Skorne not gel well at 15?.

Skorne does well at 15 points, one of the main driving forces of the faction are the beasts, which are pretty much what you get in 15pts. Going to 15 points with pMorghoul could look at lot like

pMorghoul
Titan Gladiator
Cyclops Brute/ Savage
Cyclops Shaman/ Savage
Paingiver Beasthandlers (min)
Agonizer

or for mangled metal (nothing but caster and beasts allowed) just drop the beast handlers and agonizer for a basilisk drake. All of the formats below 35 points are really paper, rock scissor type so you can run into a army that you have no possibility to fight against, but these lists show you how the army plays.

Thanks for the list help. It's nice to know I have something that will work decently to build towards now. And then to 25 all I need is to get a bronzeback Titan (at least the list you posted above).

By the way, I picked up the rulebook. Will be devouring shortly.