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Soooo...Having seen the gorgeous models that Retribution have coming out in June I'm going to dabble with the Elves a bit.

I'd like to build a collection of essential models that i can build lists from and get to know the faction.

I think three or four models per category would be enough e.g. casters, myrmidons, units, solos.

I'm also going to pick up a Battle Box...The 'jacks are the same but would folks recommend Kaelyssa over Helenya?

Oh, and here in the UK the metal units are significantly cheaper than the plastic ones. Is there any difference in sculpt?

Thank you.

The All in One starter gives you a 50 point army.

http://privateerpress.com/warmachine/gallery/starter-products/all-in-one-army-boxes/warmachine-all-in-one-army-box-retribution

You'll definitely want the sentinels from there, as well as Eiryss and the Arcanist.

The Phoenix build of the heavy Warjack is pretty standard.

Not sure how the warcaster Dawnlord Vyros is in Mk3. He
seems solid. I just haven't had to play against him yet.

Then before you buy more warjacks, look over the battlebox
to see if the warcaster Helynna interests you. Battlebox
warcasters are only sold in the battleboxes for now, or from
someone who opens the boxes like discount games (iirc).

Between the two of those boxes you have options to mix
and match the warjacks somewhat. Dawnguard Sentinels
should see heavy use unless you're playing a niche army.

You might want to buy more Arcanists after you play with the
one there.

After that I'd say you get Sylyss Wyshnalyrr to try out some
free upkeep magic, read up on the Warcasters Adeptis
Rahn, Issyria Sibyl of the Dawn, and Kaelyssa Night's
Whisper.

Character 'jacks I'd choose between Imperatus and
Discordia based on what you think you need, though maybe
you're deciding you want to have a (dun dun DUN) Hyperion! Retribution of Scyrah's initial colossal.

Okay. Thank you for the advice.

I agree with the all in one box, then get the new battle box, as kaelyssa is a more unique play style.

As for casters I would say get issyria, as you expand you'll like having a caster that makes everything better, which issyria does the best. She's more heavily alpha strike oriented than other factions super buff casters however. As for anyone else I'd say play for a bit and see what your liking, and go from there.

If you like the yoyo movement shanangins, and or strong delivery options of issyria, look into kaelyssa

If you enjoy playing really jack focused with helynna or vyros 1 look into vyros 2

Enjoying shooting your enemies into the ground? Look into ossyan

If you find yourself using helynna to often move your opponents for assassinations (probably just in battle box games) rahn is the master of those kind of assassinations

If you find yourself casting ir on vyros himself, and just camping in the late game, look into Thyron


As for myrms, get a banshee kit and magnetize if you can. Discordia is also quite good, as is another manticore. (Imperatus is also amazing but I would wait for now)

Solos, 2 more arcanists, sylys wyshnalyrr, a house shyeel artificer, a lys healer and a mage hunter assassin would be my first suggestion. Buy in that order if not purchasing all

Units are pretty easy, pick up a ranged unit, any ranged up unit with the ca is available, or the house guard solo if choosing the houseguard riflemen. If you like the stormfalls archer unit, get two. Note, house shyeel battle mages fit in this category. If you want to pick up another unit any other unit is good as well, as before pick up the ua if available. If you get the housegaurd Halberds, pick up the solo as well

 Commander_Nightflier wrote:
I agree with the all in one box, then get the new battle box, as kaelyssa is a more unique play style.

As for casters I would say get issyria, as you expand you'll like having a caster that makes everything better, which issyria does the best. She's more heavily alpha strike oriented than other factions super buff casters however. As for anyone else I'd say play for a bit and see what your liking, and go from there.

If you like the yoyo movement shanangins, and or strong delivery options of issyria, look into kaelyssa

If you enjoy playing really jack focused with helynna or vyros 1 look into vyros 2

Enjoying shooting your enemies into the ground? Look into ossyan

If you find yourself using helynna to often move your opponents for assassinations (probably just in battle box games) rahn is the master of those kind of assassinations

If you find yourself casting ir on vyros himself, and just camping in the late game, look into Thyron


As for myrms, get a banshee kit and magnetize if you can. Discordia is also quite good, as is another manticore. (Imperatus is also amazing but I would wait for now)

Solos, 2 more arcanists, sylys wyshnalyrr, a house shyeel artificer, a lys healer and a mage hunter assassin would be my first suggestion. Buy in that order if not purchasing all

Units are pretty easy, pick up a ranged unit, any ranged up unit with the ca is available, or the house guard solo if choosing the houseguard riflemen. If you like the stormfalls archer unit, get two. Note, house shyeel battle mages fit in this category. If you want to pick up another unit any other unit is good as well, as before pick up the ua if available. If you get the housegaurd Halberds, pick up the solo as well

New battlebox is Helynna not Kaelyssa.

Kae is bae. Remember that and you can't go wrong

That's what I'm saying, get the new helynna is more representative of faction play styles. Which kaelyssa isnt

Sadly, the AIOs aren't available on this side of the pond but I can look at that list as a template.

For a ranged unit I would definitely have to pick the Stormfall archers. I really like the models and the ammo types offer some utility.

Thanks again for the replies.

I'm running Thyron as my main caster (blame butcher for being my favourite khador/in your face caster!).

I figured running him with some phoenix' and griffons, backed up with arcane mechanics and sentinels is a good shout.

Houseguard are pretty solid all round and I've never had bad times with stormfalls.