HE 1k Beginner Army Friendly

[Syxalis]

This is my first list ever made, so bare with me a bit. I got it more or less started but I have a handful of points I'm not sure what to do with.

Hero
Archmage: Silver Wand, Lore of Life 235

Core
LSG x19: Full Command, Shields 272

Special
Sword Masters of Hoeth x10 150
Sword Masters of Hoeth x10 150


Rare
RBT 100

Total

907

The Archmage will join the LSG, of course. Not really sold on the RBT but I originally wanted a some what shooty HE army. I can drop the Arch down to a Mage and that would net me some more points. Just not sure where I'd spend them.

If I were to expand this army beyond 1k, as I plan to, I would definitely add a Noble w/ BSB and some chariots. Unit availability isn't too much of an issue, as I plan to buy what I want/need.

[Baragash]

IMO Core should be spent on Archers as Spears and LSG aren't as good. Two blocks of 10 allow you to kill small annoying units like enemy fast cavalry, or otherwise concentrate on reducing opposing rank bonus.

Special can be spent on any of the following: Swordmasters, Phoenix Guard, White Lions, Dragon Princes, probably worth giving one the banner that grants flaming attacks. They each have merits:
SM will kill the most stuff
PG are hardest to kill
WL are resilient to basic missile fire and least likely to run
DP have best armour and speed and are pretty killy

Not sure about the Bolt Thrower, TBH I think that any of the above units can take on something worth Bolt Thrower-ing, whereas 2 Great Eagles will allow you to speed bump, redirect or hunt enemy war machines and suchlike.

I would suggest that a L2 Mage with Shadow is a strong choice, at lower points values I find it difficult if I don't get lots of bodies* on the table (and also why I like Dragon Princes as their speed and armour is good at this level). Earthing Rod or Anullian Crystal would be the two items I'd be choosing between (both Arcane so only one allowed).

*HE are reasonably difficult to play right now as the 8th edition rules changes have made them a bit expensive for what they do.

[Syxalis]

Archers, huh? All my research has led me to believe that LSG/Spears were the way to go and Archers were the least useful. I would actually prefer to use Archers, so I'll switch some things around. In order to only use two x10 archers as core I'd have to include musician and either standard or Hawkeye: which is better?

As far as a unit to add the Wizard to, any suggestions?

[Baragash]

For some reason my brain was saying Archers are 13 points.... not 11, so I'd take 10 and 12 + Mage.

[Syxalis]

That still comes up a bit short.. you're looking at 242, assuming both units are plain.

[Baragash]

I was tired

Make the mage's unit 13 then

[Pox]

agree with Bara in that the wizard would benefit from being in a "non-combatant" unit like archers, especially if you want a more shooty list.

Just from a brief glance would drop the wizard down to lvl 2 and experiement to find a lore that suits you best.

sword masters are nice but are prone to A) running away, B) enemy shooting C) Impact hits - also often do not have any rank to speak of and that is quite important in a 1K game where you lack mobility. They hit HARD if they get the chance but most opponents will be targeting them from turn 1 or simply grind them away with massive blocks of low points infantry (like lets say 40-50 skaven slaves/skeletons/gobbos/marauders etc.)

not sure what i would put in their place though?

[Syxalis]

How's this looking then?

Hero
Mage lvl2: Annulian Crystal 175

Core
Archers x13: 143 (Mage joins, 7x2)
Archers x10: 110 (5x2)

Special
White Lions of Chrace x15: Full Command, Banner of Eternal Flame 265 (5x3)
Dragon Riders x6: Banner, Drakemaster 204

Rare
Great Eagle x2
Total
997

Could replace the Dragon Riders with a unit of Lions or PG, if that would be preferred.