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OK, haven't played 40K for many years, getting back in just for fun. Our group doesn't use fliers or allies.

So, I want a cheapish intro and decided upon foot Iyanden.

Here is my initial 1500pt list

HQ 2 spiritseers, wraithforge stone 170
6 Wraithguard w cannons 192
6 wraithguard w D-scythes 252
8 wraithblades, ghost axe/shield 256
WL, lance, star, sword 165
WL, lance, star, sword 165
Knight, sun, shield, scatter 300

I want to avoid serpents if possible (used to play that way and want a change)
I don't know the rules yet so not sure what to do with the above...but at least it will look good

thanks in advance

Footslogging wraiths can work, although some armies will be a hard counter.

You probably don't want to go with straight wraith units. Rangers and jetbikes are great for scoring from reserve, while swooping hawks add a lot of anti horde wraith units are generally lacking.

The only units that really need a wave serpent are the scytheguard, as they won't get into range that quickly and are a very high priority target.

Otherwise, try to field units of 10, as they are virtually unstoppable. 10 blades supported by 10 cannon guard is solid, with some jetbikes/rangers for another troop.

Since you lack long ranged fire, your heavy support needs to provide a lot of AT early on. I would go with dual cannons on the knight(although if you want em to be your warlord, then I understand the 5++). Either go with dual lances, dual scatters, or scatter/star. The lances punch hard, while the scatter&star provide the dakka you need.

For your wraithblade unit, get the guardian helm of xanthellion. Having wraiths autopass the LOS that could otherwise kill your seers is good. Being able to tank a wraith in challenges against demon princes, tyrants and other horrible CC monsters is pretty great. You will tarpit them most/all of the game, and might even with with a 4++ and S7 Ap2 swing.

thanks for the reply. My initial list will have 20 wraithguard of some type. Do you not recommend splitting that up like I have (8/6/6) and just going 2 units of 10? What about 10/5/5? Since the points are similar, I could eventually drop a wraithlord for another unit but since he will come with the initial purchase I am hesitant to do so. Rangers may be an add later on (I like the new models...well, new to me anyway). I did have the helm in my list earlier but then added a 6th D-scythe so needed the points. To get it back in I could either drop a weapon on a wraithlord (basically turn him into a cc platform) or keep the D-scythes at 5 max and just upgrade the other two types of wraith unit. Would also need to drop a single sword on a wraithlord.
But with 20 wraithguard (I kinda want to try all the weapons if I can, just to see what they will do), which would be more optimal...
10 blades, 5 guard, 5 scythes
8 blades, 7 guard, 5 scythes
8 blades, 6 guard, 6 scythes
5 blades, 5 guard, 5 guard, 5 scythes
I do realize the force lacks a lot of high ROF shots, and I can expect to play vs Tyranid and IG. The former often uses big nasties (which is good for me with these weapons) while the latter is lots of infantry with weapons teams. What are my best non-mobile options for hordes? I know flamers are good, but I'd like to cut a few numbers before getting that close. Guardians seem to have too short a range. Monofilament arty sounds decent, but is it any good? Warp Spiders perhaps? (I always loved the look of the spiders)

I would honestly go with 2 units of 10. If you really want to try out the various combo's, 10/5/5 is decent. Since your going with Iyanden, voice of twilight gives your wraiths decent enough speed to where they can get into range, but 5 man gun teams will be easy picking. The wraithcannons have marginally better range, but the scythes are better against large units. Scythes are a pricy investment and you generally want to protect them. While almost no unit can charge them, they can be shot down from range.

I would go with 10 blades with axes and shields, 5 cannons and 5 scytheguard. Or, 8 blade 7 guard 5 scythes.

Swords can be tossed from a lord if points are tight, but always take 2 shoulder guns. Since your wraiths can have battle focus, you can shoot and run into melee. Dual scatter lasers help clean out hordes(and IG gun teams are S3 so it will instagib them). The wrist flamers are mainly for charge deterence and if you get close.

Shadow weavers are dirt cheap and deadly effective against most hordes. Just be aware they are small blasts per the FAQ. However, most guard gunlines love to pack in behind an ADL or in cover, and with your barrage you can easily snipe out sarges, heavy weapons(again, double out T3), special weapons, etc. The main thing is that they compete for a heavy slot, which you probably want 2 lords+knight in.

Warp spiders are not as good as hawks for clearing out mass pawns, but they are better against almost everything else, and overall a very good unit.

I have a question about D-scythes. People on here talk about them not being charged due to the deadly Overwatch fire, but I read in rulebook that templates don't get Overwatch snapfire. Am I missing something?

edit: nevermind, found the rule (Wall of death)