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So, I have played Warhammer 40k since the 3rd edition rules, and now I am looking at playing Fantasy for the first time. I'm thinking it looks pretty sweet, but I'm not sure what army I would want to play. I'm thinking a low model count with a fun playstyle. I think I would prefer a few elite units that are strong and hopefully not an overly absurd $$$ investment.

I like the look of the Bretonnians, Chaos Warriors, High Elves, and Wood Elves, and I think they are the only armies would consider playing. Are there any general lists or army concepts out there anyone would recommend? Good ideas for a potential player just starting with Fantasy?

Forget the Wood Elves for now, their armybook is the most outdated and underperforming one
A lot of people will tell you to take Warriors of Chaos, they aren't wrong as it's an easy beginner army with a low body count, but they are kinda the Marines of Warhammer, they are everywhere
I don't like High Elves so I wouldn't advise you to take them, but it's completely biased :p
Bretonnians are an old army as well but they still perform well, even if their build options are a bit limited, you can have extremely cheap (we're talking about half GW prices or less, for miniatures that are created by the Perry brothers here) and beautiful miniatures if you check the historical ranges:
The best ones, Perry miniatures
and some other that are nice if you want a more early medieval look than late medieval
1st Corps / Plastic 1st Corps
Crusader Miniatures

Plus this Bretonnian range could very easily double with Empire, just need some more infantry for the Empire and you're all set

I'd say high elves or warriors. Brets aren't gonna do well with low model counts, which they, in my opinion, can't bring.

WOC can bring a 1500 point list of 8 models, Its hard to compete with that if you're looking to not paint alot.

High Elves can also do monster mash with their phoenixes, plus dragons.

Don't rule of wood elves just yet...just rule out winning against competitive players. Bring lots of treekin and your looking a a fairly low model count army.

As always, pick what you like, but don't be fooled into thinking certain armies will work in certain ways.

I considered the empire, but the armor/clothing style doesn't appeal to me. I wanted to do a themed mounted calvary army like The Band of The Hawk from Berzerk at one point. I want the look and feel of this, which is entirely on horse mount, with the certain style of armor and the ability to paint the Heraldry. Specific character looks don't really matter, although parallels would be cool.

Would this be better for Brettonia, Empire, or Warriors of Chaos? I'm thinking look & feel, as well as applicable rules.

You could do either really. Bretts can do the calvary heavy pretty well. Empire can do anything pretty well.

You want 1200-1300ish knights? Take Bretonnia

You want 1400 to 1600ish knights? Take the Empire

You want spiky(no ish!) knights? Take the WoC