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Hello all! my friend and I were starting back up with 40k after a 2 year break, and things are definitely different from where we left off! He is going with Tau, and I thought I might give Dark Eldar a shot (mostly because I have a ton of ass ugly 3rd edition models I thought Id get some use out of haha). A question comes about because we were starting at low points, 500 to start, and he was going to use the "start collecting" Tau box, while Dark Eldar don't have one of those. I was using Battle Scribe to see what I could come up with that was comparable, but wouldn't get shot off the map in one turn!

So far it looks like using an Unbound list:
Archon, agonizer, splinter pistol, shadow field
10x Kabalite Warriors, splinter cannon
3x Reavers, blaster
Talos, CCW, twin linked splinter cannon

The Tau list he has is 500pts, while this list is only 426pts. His army consists of an Ethereal, 10 or 12 Breachers, 3 Crisis Suits, and a TON of drones. I don't want to play something unfair...(despite that being the DE way..lol) I do however, not want to get totally hosed by pulse fire. Is there a better way to start? I was trying to pick "basic" units that I think would show up in a box set. I know there's a lack of Raiders, but since he didn't have the option for transports, I would forego as well.
I appreciate any thoughts!
Thanks!
-Z

Split the kabalites into two 5-elves units and that's a CAD. Drop the splinter cannon and get a raider with the lance to scare him.

The only problem I see is that 5 Kabalites are going to die even faster than 10. I was trying not to use a Raider because he doesn't get an option for a transport so it didn't seem fair I guess.

Just trying to find a way to use my crappy old dark elder models, play a decently matched game, and have fun.

Thanks for the reply!
-Z

Tau never use transports but Dark Eldar must. Your Kabalites need Raiders with splinter racks to realize their value.

Smaller units end up being more resilient because of overkill: each of his units can target only one of your units each turn. Also you'll need the ability to contest more than one objective.

A Talos is too slow to do much unfortunately, especially against Tau who will do anything to avoid melee.

I agree that you will need to get a raider for your kabalite warriors. You don't nessisarily need the racks, but it would help. Otherwise a smaller squad in a dual SC venom could do a similar job, but with more range