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I'm just learning the ropes of warmachine and am really leaning toward an army lead by the Butcher. So, here's a 15 point list so I can decide what to purchase before doing any big spending. I really need some advice on this because this gaming system is so new to me. I figure the destroyer gives some good ranged power and the kodiak is good warjack because he's not extremely focus heavy. I'm not positive on having two jacks in such a small point list but it seems similar to what the battle box has so I guess that's a good start.

The Butcher

Kodiak

Destroyer

Yuri the Axe

War Dog

15 points

Take Uri the Axe instead of a standard Manhunter. it bumps your list up to the full 15 points. You could also pop Reinholt in there instead.

Otherwise it looks like a good list.

I've also recently begun playing Warmachine and I must say, being a fan of the Butcher myself, I do have to admit that he isn't the best 'caster Warmachine has to offer.

With that comment out of the way: The list you have constructed is good. I agree with Spiggott's suggestion of using Yuri instead of a regular manhunter to fill out your points. Also, the Kodiak is good for the Butcher because A) It runs for free and B) It has pathfinder. Terrain can slow the Butcher and his forces down quite a bit and most opponents know that. They'll hide their stuff in terrain and feel fairly confident you won't be able to get them. The Kodiak changes that (as does Yuri). The Destroyer is a great tool in any Khador army. Don't forget that with the Butcher's feat, you add a damage dice to its shooting/blast damage too (and that still can be boosted). The Destroyer can eliminate large swaths of infantry and can even mess up some 'jacks good...he's especially dangerous with the Butcher.

Another tip: Use Iron Flesh on the Butcher and store some focus on him and he is TOUGH to kill. Beware of being knocked down though, even Iron Flesh won't save you then.

Yuri also ignores forests two which really nice for getting Nyss out of their trees or getting to a caster hiding behind a forest.

For this list, I'd honestly drop the Destroyer. It needs two focus to really be effective at shooting. I'd pick up a Juggernaut over the Destroyer because after you cast fury on it and load it up, there's not much it won't wreck since it's P+S 22 at that point with the axe and P+S 17 with the fist. I'd use those other two points and get a manhunter back in to get more of a benefit out of Yuri.

By dropping the Destroyer, you're dropping the list's only ranged support (aside from the Butcher with his clunky little gun). I've been burned enough times using the Butcher by opponents running around (and away) from my 'jacks, peppering 'em with shots until they either are boxed or their weapons are nothing but metal stubs.

seeing a pButch has no speed buffs for his force, i would recommend you keep the destroyer in. since it seems your looking at a general 15 point list and not magled metal i would go with:

The Butcher of Khardov
Destroyer
War dog
Widowmakers (Leader and 3 Grunts)
Manhunter
Manhunter
Yuri the Axe

this list covers alot of bases. you have some good ranged options between the destroyer and the widowmakers. everything ebenfits from his feat well.

i would personally drop the widowmakers and the destroyer and throw in the behemoth, but thats just me.

Thank for the comments. Edited the list with Yuri to fill in the points.

The destroyer (behemoth in higher point games) is going to be a staple in the list since I'm planning on using man-o-war variants and other units with no shooting. So, he's going to be my only main shooting plus widowmakers.

I'm planning on getting a few games in soon and am going to try all of the suggestions posted.

dont shoot yourself in the foot with not taking some good shooting units. as i said above, butcher is slower and has no speed buffs, and MOW are damned slow, so you need stuff that will interact with the enemy asap.