The Sands Keep Shifting......Still

So after feedback and some discussions with Jack (which were primarily “I’ve got no idea how it will play”), I’ve come up with a revised list.

The revisions take out some of the “luxuries” that were in the first list and make it a bit leaner. I like it flexibility and the variety of options it has to counterpunch. Certainly I think it is suited to my general wargaming playstyle which is to force the enemy forward then counterattack.

Here’s the list breakdown:

Liche High Priest – Level 4 Hiero, Lore of Nehekhara, Earthing Rod, Talisman of Preservation
Liche High Priest – Level 4, Lore of Light, Dispel Scroll, Dragonbane Gem, Ruby Ring of Ruin

Tomb Herald (BSB) – Standard of Discipline

20 Skeleton Archers
20 Skeleton Archers
20 Skeleton Archers
4 Chariots – Std, Banner of the Eternal Flame

Warsphinx with Fiery Roar
Warsphinx with Fiery Roar
Tomb Scorpion
Tomb Scorpion
4 Necropolis Knights
3 Carrion

Casket of Souls
Screaming Skull Catapult


Okay, here are my thoughts on the list.

Characters

I’ve decided to limit my points spend to three characters. Really couldn’t see the benefit of Tomb King or Prince given the army setup. To me, they effectively become expensive Helms of Commandment which doesn’t suit what I want to do. The two Level Fours is a gamble – in that it is quite points intensive. However, it provides some risk-taking ability around dispel attempts that you don’t normally have. The mix of Lores is necessary to ensure breadth of spells. As to the fitout, I originally had the Cloak on my Hiero but I listened to Jack’s view that it was overpriced. I swapped for the 4+ Ward which I believe has better all round protection. The Earthing Rod is compulsory item in all my lists these days. The second LHP has the obligatory scroll and the very cheap (and useful) gem – 2+ Wd against Flaming Attacks – all for 5 points. The Lore of Light has two good magic missiles. However by taking the Ruby Ring I’m not forced to take the magic missile spells if I want to use the rest of the lore.

The BSB is there for one reason. To give greater certainty to fast reform manoeuvres. I really want my archers to reform and shoot and using Ld 9 with re-roll gives me some comfort.

Core

The three units of Archers are cheap – 120 points each – but on average give 20 hits per shooting phase regardless of the target. The chariots with the Flaming Banner act as a force multiplier giving the opportunity to decimate those opponents who rely on Regeneration. With the 4D6 impact hits they aren’t too shabby on the charge.

Special

The counterpunch in the army is concentrated in the Special choices. I know that some people dismiss the scorpions but I think they have a definite role in the army. We’ll see how that develops. The Carrion have the ability to hurt things like Harpies, Fast Cavalry and small skirmish units. I think they are a steal at their points. The Sphinxes and Knights are new units – which has some appeal – but “internet wisdom” also suggests they are very strong choices. We’ll see how they go.

Rare

The two Rares are pretty much default choices. The Casket provides Power Dice while the SSC gives the army greater reach. Skulls of the Foe seems overpriced at 30 points so wasn’t included.

So there is the army and my thought process.

I’d appreciate any comment, feedback, ridicule etc.