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Hello everyone! I am completely new to Warhammer Fantasy, and I find it very, very interesting with the armies they have in this section of Games Workshop. Nonetheless, there is one question that has been troubling me for a while and that is, "What army should I pick for myself????" My brother has already came to the decision on getting the Dark Elves (which look pretty awesome,) but I am stuck on three armies that I want to get: Skaven, Tomb Kings, and Lizardmen. These three armies look completely awesome, but I am still inexperienced on these three so would it be all right if you guys can give your experience on these armies on this thread. From here I will decide on which to get. Thanks!

First of all, welcome to the Fantasy world!! A game that is (in my opinion at least) a lot more tactical than 40k. Positioning and moving plays a lot more part in it than in its futuristic counterpart. You can have the best army list and ruin it all in the movement phase. Take it slow and you'll learn all the differences between the two.
So as for your armies.
Your brother has chosen a fast, agile army, lethal at range, a little (well a lot) fragile though. Especially with Dark Elves, careful maneuvering and positioning is essential.
As for you, Skaven are all about numbers and gadgets. Their troops are weak but will always outnumber your opponents (the only possible exception are Goblins) and you will also have at your disposal several extremely destructive war machines to help you out. Granted they don't always work, but they are worth the price. Also they have good magic potential.

Tomb Kings are currently considered weak as far as I've heard (haven't played against them in years so I am not the best to talk about them). Gather some more info on them from other sources.

Lizardmen are my second favorite army from Fantasy. Their troops are solid and strong and they have some tough beasties to accompany them as well. They also have access to the most powerful spells and spellcasters in the game, which means you will usually dominate the magic phase.

Just my little input. As I said, gather more info on all of them from others as well. In any case, choose the one that appeals to you most and have fun with it!

Well first of all welcome to the fine hobby of WHFB As the poster above me stated Fantasy is alot more tactical than its grimdark and skull filled cousin. Also we have alot intresting armies depnding on wehat you enjoy to play as.
Myself I play Beastmen, now we are a bit lacking in the army book section, and may suffer from the odd missing ability and armour save at times. But they are also great fun to play once you get the hang of them. If you dont wan a massive horde of angry goatmen there is always Ogresm witch are just as much fun. They are a low moddel count army and hit like a ton of bricks.

The best way to select a army it to read a few book, and tehn decide afterwards. Or simply go window shoppin in you local gaming store and see what fancyies your wallet/eye

One thing I think you ought to know when you move from 40k to Fantasy is that you are entering a game that has much better balance between the armies for the most part.

Even 'weak' armies in Fantasy are still very viable for the most part, they just have slightly less ways to make solid lists. It is not like 40k where army choice and list build determines your success.

curran12 wrote:One thing I think you ought to know when you move from 40k to Fantasy is that you are entering a game that has much better balance between the armies for the most part.

Even 'weak' armies in Fantasy are still very viable for the most part, they just have slightly less ways to make solid lists. It is not like 40k where army choice and list build determines your success.

Agreed this is a important part of what makes Fnatsy so much more satisfying to play

As a starter army, I would say Lizardmen. Skaven are just too hordy and Tome Kings are special unit and rule heavy.

curran12 wrote:One thing I think you ought to know when you move from 40k to Fantasy is that you are entering a game that has much better balance between the armies for the most part.

Even 'weak' armies in Fantasy are still very viable for the most part, they just have slightly less ways to make solid lists. It is not like 40k where army choice and list build determines your success.

I totally forgot about this. There are no underdogs in Fantasy, anyone can beat anyone if you know what you're doing.

Thanks for your replys guys. In your guys preference, is the Lizardmen somewhat identical to Eldar? The reason for this is because I LOVE doing magic attacks!

My first army was Eldar and by-far my most favorite race in the Warhammer 40k universe.

In the future I will just buy these three armies but as for now, I would still like to get your opinions on these armies!

My armies that I have right now are:
Imperial Guard
Eldar
Grey Knights

Geeksire wrote:Thanks for your replys guys. In your guys preference, is the Lizardmen somewhat identical to Eldar? The reason for this is because I LOVE doing magic attacks!

My first army was Eldar and by-far my most favorite race in the Warhammer 40k universe.

In the future I will just buy these three armies but as for now, I would still like to get your opinions on these armies!

Not quite.
If I can attempt a little breakdown of basic Lizardmen units, I'd say they pretty much have the strong, tough Saurus Warriors,who are strong close-combat fighters, and the smaller, more agile Skinks, more adept at shooting. They have a bunch of other options as well of course, like Stegadons (think tanks). Their magic comes from their Slann Mage-Priests, who are somewhat expensive on points but can cast decimating spells. They do have other, lower level casters as well if I am not mistaken.
Anyway, of the three armies you proposed, I would recommend Lizardmen.

I would say start with Lizardmen. They have a great mix of sturdy reliable infantry really strong magic and unconventional but solid shooting. And who can say no to giant dinosaurs?

Plus there's a nice synergy between the Dark Elves and Lizardmen as the Druchii raid the ancient temple cities for relics and magical artifacts. It would be great fun to make up a Lustrian table.

All right awesome! I will keep looking into the Lizardmen then. As for anybody else who has had experience with the other two armies, can anybody tell me their strengths and weaknesses (if they have any?)

The big lizard men failing tends to be a sort of, pride before the fall affair, many lists simply have a Slann chilling out with a few large hordes of saurus, though strong usually Lizardmen Overestimate just how strong they are. If you build your list well making sure to take a few skink mages and chameleonsquads, along with the heavy hitter old-bloods and saurus you will do great, the main key is diversity, your army book gives you a lot of units, so use them (also a varied collection ALWAYS looks better). Dark Elves pack a wallop in the magic phase and have some pretty scary close combat squads as well, although i don't know as much of the Dark Elf META. Oh and Salamanders.....my god salamanders.