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Hi, I'm absolutely new to Hordes and miniature games in general (this'll be my first of this type). Needless to say, I would like a critique of my 25 pt army, which will serve as a baseline for armies that will come later on.

eLylyth (+5pt)
- Ravagore (10pt)
- Raek (4pt)
- Teraph (5pt)

Solos
- Strider Deathstalker (2pt)

Units
- Nyss Striders w/ UA (6pt+3pt=9pt)


The plan is mostly a hit and run strategy, mostly with eLylyth, Ravagore, Striders and Deathstalker while using Raek and Teraph as a way to screen any enemy models that might try to melee engage my primary attack component (so those 2 models will primarily be held back).

My main concern is the 5pts surrounding Teraph, I really like its animus and the pathfinder/advanced deployment, but it also doesn't move at 7 and was wondering if that would be an issue (for now I don't think so) and in addition, was wondering if it would be smarter to use a 4-pt light warbeast or 2 2-pt lesser warbeasts instead to squeeze in Sheperd to babysit the Ravagore. I figured I could make due without the Shepard if I'm primarily using the Raek and Teraph defensively, but was wondering if this is practical or more of an ideal and Shepard is more necessary than I think even with only 3 warbeasts?

With a Fury 5 caster you absolutely need Fury support the second you can get it in there. The Ravagore pretty much always uses 3 per turn (animus, boost hit and damage) and that leaves you 1 Fury between the other two Beasts (and that assumes that Lylyth is only camping 1). A Shepard can run the Ravagore by itself and gives you options to spread your beasts out a bit as well.

I would probably considering dropping the Rangers and adding a second Deathstalker, a Shepard and possibly a Shredder. I have no idea if the points will work out, but imo it would be worth trying to get a more melee capable beast like an Angelius into the list (over the Teraph) - it still has a shooting attack for you to buff with the Feat, but also lets you have a way to deal with high ARM if the Feat turn doesn't get it done.

Hah, my mistake on calling them Rangers, thats how I view them, but yes regarding dropping the Striders, I would really like to try and keep them around because I think that's the coolest unit and I wanted eLylyth and Striders to be somewhat the central theme to the hit and run strategy/army etc. Plus this would also provide an opportunity for me to learn how to manage a unit rather than just beasts and solos.

Everything else is open to butchering especially keeping in mind that I'm also using this as a platform to learn the nuances of the game itself and its not necessarily meant to be used in a tournament entirely, but to provide a good base to start from as a new player especially when I get into the 50pt area and by then I will be working towards being a little more competitive by then. So basically I want to have a decent strategy while being able to include a heavy, a light warbeast, a solo or two and a unit.

The feedback is definitely appreciated and will keep the Fury management thing in mind i.e. a Sheperd is going to be a must have especially running the heavies to maximum efficiency (which I would like to be able to do). Would it be worthwhile to consider to either replace the Ravagore with the Angelius and run a Sheperd with it? Otherwise I was also thinking either taking away the Teraph and running a 2nd Raek + a Shepard. Would being without Ravagore be a huge a sin with eLylyth in a 25pt army?

No Ravagore at 25pts would be ok, but you would need to tweak your list to get some other shooting beasts in there. The Multiple Ravagore build for eLylyth is really scary, but is falling out of favour somewhat - 1-2 is definitely still useful but you can get similar shooting output from a Bolt Thrower for much cheaper.

If you want to keep the Striders and the Deathstalker can you fit:
- Bolt Thrower + Angelius + Raek + Shepard?
or
- 2 Bolt Throwers + Raek + Shredder + Shepard?
Ideally you want at least 2 shooting beasts for the feat and at least 1 melee capable beast, but its hard to make it all fit.

So looks like right now the core is

eLylyth (+5pts)
Nyss Striders w/ UA (9pts)
Deathstalker Strider (2pts)
Sheperd (1pt)

Leaving 18 pts for beasts total:
If we are looking just to increase the # of ranged attackers, would 2x Stingers be worth a consideration w/ Ravagore and Raek?

I actually do like the idea of Angelius because I can use it as an interceptor that can take on high ARM and also have a decent ranged attack for skirmishing and would feature the Striders a little more. The Angelius I was thinking could be accompanied by a Raek and a Naga Nightlurker (both 5 pts). The Bolt Thrower is hard to get in accompanied by either Heavy because of the 6pt costs especially with Angelius, it gives me an awkward 3pts and Legion doesn't really have too many 3pt units, only thing that comes off the top of my head is Totem Hunter and that's a minion (albeit I do like that minion).

Just a couple of ideas that are bouncing around after reading your feedback.

Legion have plenty of 3pt units, or you can just take a 2pt unit and a 1pt solo. A Spawning Vessel is 2-3pts and is not a bad option imo considering you will have a big unit of infantry.

Oh I didn't even think of the solos to fill in spots and this is why I post in forums seeking other people's opinions Hard to think of everything on your own. Would a Totem Hunter fit well in that scenario instead of the Raek especially if placed as a way to screen for melee interceptors trying to disrupt my Striders? (I ask about Totem Hunter because I already own him)