Limenix's Idea for new DE Armybook.
Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 8:04 am
New Dark elf Armybook
Army wide rules:
(ANCIENT FOE) Vs High elves all DE units gain hatered and may re-roll all Break tests.
(NAGGARITHAN BLADES) Druchii blacksmiths produce the worlds finnest weapons. Made from exotic meterials , they can easily slice through any armor. ALL NON-MAGICALL CC DARK ELF WEAPONS (HAND WEAPONS , SPEARS , GREAT WEAPONS & LANCES ) GAIN THE ARMOUR PIERCING ABILITY.
(REPEATER CROSSBOW MK.2.0) Further research of the RXB has produced a more deadly version. DE warriors now ride to battle with a new repeater crossbow & advanced arrows that can be fitted with exchangable arrowheads.
The RXB has lost the single firering mode.It can now only shoot 2 shots at –1 to hit.
AT THE BEGGINING OF EVERY SHOOTING PHASE ANY UNIT EQUIPED WITH RXB’S CAN SELECT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING ARROWHEADS.
SNAKEBITE : POISONED SHOTS
BROADHEAD : ARMOUR PIERCING
WARPSTONE : MAGICAL
IN A STAND AND SHOOT SITUATION THERE IS NOT ENOUGH TIME TO SWITCH AMMO , SO THE LAST SHOT FIRED REMAINS.
(FAST ENOUGH) Although not as fast as their Asurian counterparts , Druchii warriors have developed lightning fast reflexes in cc.
WHENEVER A DE UNIT WOULD STRIKE LAST (GETTING CHARGED , AGAINST A.S.F. WEAPONS/ABILITIES OR INITIATIVE) IT STRIKES ITS FULL ATTACKS AT THE SAME TIME AS THE OPPONENT.REMOVE CASUATIES AS NORMAL AFTER THE CC PHASE.
(ASSASSINS) ANY DE INFANTRY UNIT CAN HAVE A HIDDEN ASSASSIN FOR 50 Pts.
ALWAYS STRIKES FIRST THE TIME HE IS REVEALED.
WS9 , STR4 , T3 , 2W, IN9 , 5 POISONED/A.P. ATTACKS
(remember 2 goblin fanatics cost 50 Pts and cause 2d6 STR5 armour piercing attacks)
The assassin can never leave the parent unit.
-------------------------------CHARACTERS--------------------------------
All remains the same with the following exceptions.
BEASTMASTER – REMOVED
ASSASSIN - REMOVED
(NEW)
MASTER ASSASSIN – LORD 175 Pts
Can NOT be the Armies General.Can hide in any De infantry unit or in any enemy man-sized unit. (Basically has all the ShadowBlade special rules/stats with 125 Pts of equipment/poisons)
WITCH ELF MISTRESS – HERO – 90++++++++++++ Pts
WS6 , BS4 , STR4 , T3 , W2 , AT4, IN8, LD9
75 Pts equipment/poisons.Can NOT take any other armour.
poisoned attacks , Frenzy , 5+ Ward save , Light armour.
Can only be deployed in Witch elves units and no other character may join.
OPTIONS for extra hand weapon and Manticore.
-----------------------------------MAGICAL ITEMS------------------------------
All remain the same with these exceptions.
LIFETAKER – Becomes STR4
EXECUTIONERS AXE – PLUS KILLING BLOW ON 5&6
MANTICORE HIDE - HEAVY ARMOUR & +1 STR - 25 Pts
KHAINS TALISMAN – 1 MR FOR BEARER & UNIT - 25 Pts
ARCANE CLOAK - BEARER BECOMES ETHERIAL - 30 Pts
WARP SCROLL - ONE USE ONLY .ENDS ENEMY MAGIC PHASE - 40 Pts
------------------------------------BANNERS---------------------------------------
All remain the same with these exceptions.
BANNER OF NAGGARYTHE – 110 PTS
BANNER OF KALAD – SAME AS MENGIL’S - 40 Pts
HYDRA BANNER – 60 Pts
BLESSED CHARGE – AT THE START OF MAGIC PHASE UNIT MOVES +D6 FORWARD CHARGING IF POSSIBLE.ENEMY HAS NO REACTION -50 Pts.
ONE USE ONLY.
BLACK ARC BANNER – ANY WOUND CAUSED BY UNIT COUNTS AS 2 FOR CR – 60 Pts
--------------------------------POISONS/SKILLS---------------------------------
All remain the same with these exceptions.
STUN ATTACKS – FOR EVERY ATTACK THAT HITS ,OPPONENT LOOSES ONE OF HIS OWN ATTACKS .STUN ATTACKS CAN NOT WOUND THE ENEMY – 25 Pts
COMBAT DRUGS - +1 STR - 25 Pts
SOUL BANE – 1W=D3 W - 50 Pts
----------------------------------CORE---------------------------------------
CITY GARRISON - 7 Pts WARRIOR WITH LIGHT ARMOUR AND SPEAR.
OPTIONS: 1 Pt/SHIELD , 4 Pts RXB , 10 Pts BANNER , 10 Pts
CHAMPION , 5 Pts MUSICIAN
FIGHTS 1St RANK WITH HAND WEAPON & SHIELD , 2ND WITH SPEAR.CAN BY ANY NUMBER OF RXB’S.
DARK RIDERS – 18 Pts. Same as before BUT , ARE SKIRMISHERS AND CAN ..... SHOOT AND FLEE 2D6.
SLAVES – 3 Pts .DON’T COUNT FOR CORE CHOICE.USE Ld ONLY OF SLAVEMASTER (NOT GENERAL).
SLAVEMASTER LEEDS UNIT FROM LAST RANK. - 10 Pts
NO OTHER CHARACTER MAY JOIN.
SLAVES : WS2 , STR3 , T3 , AT1 , IN3 , LD4
SLAVEMASTER : WS4 , STR3 , T3 , AT2 , IN5 , LD8
--------------------------------------SPECIAL----------------------------------
COLD ONE CHARIOT – WITH SPEARS AND RXB’S – 100 Pts
2 FOR 1 CHOICE.
COLD ONE KNIGHTS – 30 Pts same as before BUT T4 , + SEA DRAGON CLOAK & OPTION FOR RXB.
CHAMPION CAN HAVE 25 Pts EQUIPMENT
EXECUTIONERS - 13 Pts same as before BUT +1 ATTACK
CHAMPION CAN HAVE 25 Pts EQUIPMENT
SHADES – 13 Pts same as before BUT + EXTRA HAND WEAPON
WITCH ELVES – 13 Pts same as before BUT + LIGHT ARMOUR & 6 WARD SAVE. IF JOINED BY WITCH ELF CHARACTER CAN NEVER LOOSE FRENZY.
CHAMPION CAN HAVE 25 Pts EQUIPMENT
(remember Savage orc boys cost 8 Pts and also have Frenzy and 6+ ward save)
HARPIES (0-1) – 13 Pts same as before BUT CAUSE FEAR WHEN CHARGING & USE GENERALS Ld NORMALY.
CORSAIR RAIDERS – 12 Pts . If the army is led by a Highborn
raiding parties can be bought.Same as before BUT ARE SKIRMISHERS AND HAVE THE RAIDER SPECIAL RULE (SAME AS BEAST OF CHAOS HERDS). Corsairs are more experienced than Beast herds and form ranks normaly
(MIN. 5 models/rank).
(Remember a 10 strong beast Herd costs 55 Pts)
-------------------------------------RARE------------------------------------------
REAPER BOLT THROWER – 100 Pts .Same as before but crew are corsairs and have repeater pistols ( 3 shots at –1 to hit ,St3 , range 8’)
2 FOR 1 CHOICE
BLACKGUARD – 15 Pts HALBERD ,ETERNAL HATRED ,STUBORN.
METEORIC IRON ARMOUR. ( 4+ ArsV THAT IS NOT MODIFIED BY HIGH STR HITS. ONLY NO ArsV WEAPONS IGNORE IT.)
B.G. are ST4
CHAMPION CAN HAVE 25 Pts EQUIPMENT
WAR HYDRA – 200 Pts Same as before BUT T6 , REGENERATION .
STUBORN IF THE APPRENTICE IS UPGRADED TO BEASTMASTER FOR +50 pts.FOR EVERY WOUND THE HYDRA TAKES IT GAINS ANOTHER ATTACK.
BEASTMASTER : STATS AS NOBLE AS ARE HIS OPTIONS.
BEASTMASTER TAKES UP A HERO SLOT.
Hydra has 2 Breath weapons.One ST4 and one ST2 No Armour Save
CAULDRON OF BLOOD – 200 Pts.
AS BEFORE BUT…..
-CAN ONLY BE FIELDED IF A HIGH SORCERESS LEADS THE ARMY.
-ALL DE UNITS ON THE FIELD CAN RE-ROLL ALL TO HIT AND ALL TO WOUND ROLLS IN THE 1ST ROUND OF CC.
-WITCH ELF UNITS IMPROVE THEIR WARD SAVE TO 4+
- CHAMPION CAN HAVE 50 Pts EQUIPMENT
-AT THE BEGINNING OF EVERY MAGIC PHASE THE DE PLAYER MAY SACRIFICE D3+1 MODELS FROM ANY FRIENDLY UNIT GAINING KHAIN’S BLESSING.
2 WOUNDS = D6 STR5 HITS ON ANY ENEMY UNIT.
3 WOUNDS = +3 POWER OR DISPELL DICE
4 WOUNDS = ONE ENEMY UNIT CAN NOT DO ANYTHING IN THE NEXT CC PHASE AND IS AUTOMATICALY HIT.
-----------------------------------THOUGHTS--------------------------------------
OK. This is how I would make the new DE armybook.
I have read an interview of the guy that made the current army book and I remember him saying that the goal was to make an elite , fast , lightly armoured , raiding army.
My idea goes exactly on these lines.
First off all with the new Dark Riders and Corsair Raiders , 2 more skirmisher units come into play.A fully skirmisher army could easily be created.
Secondly , although the army has been upgraded dramatically , it’s fragile nature still remains.
The dice rolls (to hit & to wound) remain the same but the effect has been improved. Naggarithan Blades and RXB MK 2.0 sees to that.
The FAST ENOUGH rule is not as powerfull as the HIGH ELF ASF but it’s much more fun and promises some really bloody battles.Definetily not Broken since the opponent still gets to strike normally even if hit back.
The new Cauldron is more oriented in a witch elf army and it’s powers for once make it’s point’s worth.The dangerous and bloodthirsty nature of Khaine justifies sacrificing your own warriors to gain his blessings. Offcourse that’s what Slaves are for ..hehe!!!
Slaves is something DE should always have.Cheap expendable units.Nuff said.
In the end there are many good units and items now in the armybook but there will not be enough room to field them all.100 Pts tooled-up assassins in infantry units will make for killer combos but the cost will go through the roof. I DO BELIEVE IT’S BALANCED.Anyway it’s not anymore broken than 2 HE Dragons , a 2nd Generation Slaan , a Dwarf Anvil or an empire gunline with 2 Steam Tanks.Just try to take on those kind of armylists with the current DE armybook.
Comments are always welcomed but keep in mind that so far the Druchii are one of the weakest armies and struggle to win any fight. I have seen much more powerfull ideas around , so this is only a modest attempt to upgrade my beloved Dark Elves.
P.S. 1) I would offcourse include an updated Cult of Slaanesh list in the new Armybook.
2) DE magic should also become a little more destuctive.Haven’t thought about it any deeper though.
3) One last thing ….. INCLUDE SHADOWBLADE …. PLEASE!!!!!!
Army wide rules:
(ANCIENT FOE) Vs High elves all DE units gain hatered and may re-roll all Break tests.
(NAGGARITHAN BLADES) Druchii blacksmiths produce the worlds finnest weapons. Made from exotic meterials , they can easily slice through any armor. ALL NON-MAGICALL CC DARK ELF WEAPONS (HAND WEAPONS , SPEARS , GREAT WEAPONS & LANCES ) GAIN THE ARMOUR PIERCING ABILITY.
(REPEATER CROSSBOW MK.2.0) Further research of the RXB has produced a more deadly version. DE warriors now ride to battle with a new repeater crossbow & advanced arrows that can be fitted with exchangable arrowheads.
The RXB has lost the single firering mode.It can now only shoot 2 shots at –1 to hit.
AT THE BEGGINING OF EVERY SHOOTING PHASE ANY UNIT EQUIPED WITH RXB’S CAN SELECT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING ARROWHEADS.
SNAKEBITE : POISONED SHOTS
BROADHEAD : ARMOUR PIERCING
WARPSTONE : MAGICAL
IN A STAND AND SHOOT SITUATION THERE IS NOT ENOUGH TIME TO SWITCH AMMO , SO THE LAST SHOT FIRED REMAINS.
(FAST ENOUGH) Although not as fast as their Asurian counterparts , Druchii warriors have developed lightning fast reflexes in cc.
WHENEVER A DE UNIT WOULD STRIKE LAST (GETTING CHARGED , AGAINST A.S.F. WEAPONS/ABILITIES OR INITIATIVE) IT STRIKES ITS FULL ATTACKS AT THE SAME TIME AS THE OPPONENT.REMOVE CASUATIES AS NORMAL AFTER THE CC PHASE.
(ASSASSINS) ANY DE INFANTRY UNIT CAN HAVE A HIDDEN ASSASSIN FOR 50 Pts.
ALWAYS STRIKES FIRST THE TIME HE IS REVEALED.
WS9 , STR4 , T3 , 2W, IN9 , 5 POISONED/A.P. ATTACKS
(remember 2 goblin fanatics cost 50 Pts and cause 2d6 STR5 armour piercing attacks)
The assassin can never leave the parent unit.
-------------------------------CHARACTERS--------------------------------
All remains the same with the following exceptions.
BEASTMASTER – REMOVED
ASSASSIN - REMOVED
(NEW)
MASTER ASSASSIN – LORD 175 Pts
Can NOT be the Armies General.Can hide in any De infantry unit or in any enemy man-sized unit. (Basically has all the ShadowBlade special rules/stats with 125 Pts of equipment/poisons)
WITCH ELF MISTRESS – HERO – 90++++++++++++ Pts
WS6 , BS4 , STR4 , T3 , W2 , AT4, IN8, LD9
75 Pts equipment/poisons.Can NOT take any other armour.
poisoned attacks , Frenzy , 5+ Ward save , Light armour.
Can only be deployed in Witch elves units and no other character may join.
OPTIONS for extra hand weapon and Manticore.
-----------------------------------MAGICAL ITEMS------------------------------
All remain the same with these exceptions.
LIFETAKER – Becomes STR4
EXECUTIONERS AXE – PLUS KILLING BLOW ON 5&6
MANTICORE HIDE - HEAVY ARMOUR & +1 STR - 25 Pts
KHAINS TALISMAN – 1 MR FOR BEARER & UNIT - 25 Pts
ARCANE CLOAK - BEARER BECOMES ETHERIAL - 30 Pts
WARP SCROLL - ONE USE ONLY .ENDS ENEMY MAGIC PHASE - 40 Pts
------------------------------------BANNERS---------------------------------------
All remain the same with these exceptions.
BANNER OF NAGGARYTHE – 110 PTS
BANNER OF KALAD – SAME AS MENGIL’S - 40 Pts
HYDRA BANNER – 60 Pts
BLESSED CHARGE – AT THE START OF MAGIC PHASE UNIT MOVES +D6 FORWARD CHARGING IF POSSIBLE.ENEMY HAS NO REACTION -50 Pts.
ONE USE ONLY.
BLACK ARC BANNER – ANY WOUND CAUSED BY UNIT COUNTS AS 2 FOR CR – 60 Pts
--------------------------------POISONS/SKILLS---------------------------------
All remain the same with these exceptions.
STUN ATTACKS – FOR EVERY ATTACK THAT HITS ,OPPONENT LOOSES ONE OF HIS OWN ATTACKS .STUN ATTACKS CAN NOT WOUND THE ENEMY – 25 Pts
COMBAT DRUGS - +1 STR - 25 Pts
SOUL BANE – 1W=D3 W - 50 Pts
----------------------------------CORE---------------------------------------
CITY GARRISON - 7 Pts WARRIOR WITH LIGHT ARMOUR AND SPEAR.
OPTIONS: 1 Pt/SHIELD , 4 Pts RXB , 10 Pts BANNER , 10 Pts
CHAMPION , 5 Pts MUSICIAN
FIGHTS 1St RANK WITH HAND WEAPON & SHIELD , 2ND WITH SPEAR.CAN BY ANY NUMBER OF RXB’S.
DARK RIDERS – 18 Pts. Same as before BUT , ARE SKIRMISHERS AND CAN ..... SHOOT AND FLEE 2D6.
SLAVES – 3 Pts .DON’T COUNT FOR CORE CHOICE.USE Ld ONLY OF SLAVEMASTER (NOT GENERAL).
SLAVEMASTER LEEDS UNIT FROM LAST RANK. - 10 Pts
NO OTHER CHARACTER MAY JOIN.
SLAVES : WS2 , STR3 , T3 , AT1 , IN3 , LD4
SLAVEMASTER : WS4 , STR3 , T3 , AT2 , IN5 , LD8
--------------------------------------SPECIAL----------------------------------
COLD ONE CHARIOT – WITH SPEARS AND RXB’S – 100 Pts
2 FOR 1 CHOICE.
COLD ONE KNIGHTS – 30 Pts same as before BUT T4 , + SEA DRAGON CLOAK & OPTION FOR RXB.
CHAMPION CAN HAVE 25 Pts EQUIPMENT
EXECUTIONERS - 13 Pts same as before BUT +1 ATTACK
CHAMPION CAN HAVE 25 Pts EQUIPMENT
SHADES – 13 Pts same as before BUT + EXTRA HAND WEAPON
WITCH ELVES – 13 Pts same as before BUT + LIGHT ARMOUR & 6 WARD SAVE. IF JOINED BY WITCH ELF CHARACTER CAN NEVER LOOSE FRENZY.
CHAMPION CAN HAVE 25 Pts EQUIPMENT
(remember Savage orc boys cost 8 Pts and also have Frenzy and 6+ ward save)
HARPIES (0-1) – 13 Pts same as before BUT CAUSE FEAR WHEN CHARGING & USE GENERALS Ld NORMALY.
CORSAIR RAIDERS – 12 Pts . If the army is led by a Highborn
raiding parties can be bought.Same as before BUT ARE SKIRMISHERS AND HAVE THE RAIDER SPECIAL RULE (SAME AS BEAST OF CHAOS HERDS). Corsairs are more experienced than Beast herds and form ranks normaly
(MIN. 5 models/rank).
(Remember a 10 strong beast Herd costs 55 Pts)
-------------------------------------RARE------------------------------------------
REAPER BOLT THROWER – 100 Pts .Same as before but crew are corsairs and have repeater pistols ( 3 shots at –1 to hit ,St3 , range 8’)
2 FOR 1 CHOICE
BLACKGUARD – 15 Pts HALBERD ,ETERNAL HATRED ,STUBORN.
METEORIC IRON ARMOUR. ( 4+ ArsV THAT IS NOT MODIFIED BY HIGH STR HITS. ONLY NO ArsV WEAPONS IGNORE IT.)
B.G. are ST4
CHAMPION CAN HAVE 25 Pts EQUIPMENT
WAR HYDRA – 200 Pts Same as before BUT T6 , REGENERATION .
STUBORN IF THE APPRENTICE IS UPGRADED TO BEASTMASTER FOR +50 pts.FOR EVERY WOUND THE HYDRA TAKES IT GAINS ANOTHER ATTACK.
BEASTMASTER : STATS AS NOBLE AS ARE HIS OPTIONS.
BEASTMASTER TAKES UP A HERO SLOT.
Hydra has 2 Breath weapons.One ST4 and one ST2 No Armour Save
CAULDRON OF BLOOD – 200 Pts.
AS BEFORE BUT…..
-CAN ONLY BE FIELDED IF A HIGH SORCERESS LEADS THE ARMY.
-ALL DE UNITS ON THE FIELD CAN RE-ROLL ALL TO HIT AND ALL TO WOUND ROLLS IN THE 1ST ROUND OF CC.
-WITCH ELF UNITS IMPROVE THEIR WARD SAVE TO 4+
- CHAMPION CAN HAVE 50 Pts EQUIPMENT
-AT THE BEGINNING OF EVERY MAGIC PHASE THE DE PLAYER MAY SACRIFICE D3+1 MODELS FROM ANY FRIENDLY UNIT GAINING KHAIN’S BLESSING.
2 WOUNDS = D6 STR5 HITS ON ANY ENEMY UNIT.
3 WOUNDS = +3 POWER OR DISPELL DICE
4 WOUNDS = ONE ENEMY UNIT CAN NOT DO ANYTHING IN THE NEXT CC PHASE AND IS AUTOMATICALY HIT.
-----------------------------------THOUGHTS--------------------------------------
OK. This is how I would make the new DE armybook.
I have read an interview of the guy that made the current army book and I remember him saying that the goal was to make an elite , fast , lightly armoured , raiding army.
My idea goes exactly on these lines.
First off all with the new Dark Riders and Corsair Raiders , 2 more skirmisher units come into play.A fully skirmisher army could easily be created.
Secondly , although the army has been upgraded dramatically , it’s fragile nature still remains.
The dice rolls (to hit & to wound) remain the same but the effect has been improved. Naggarithan Blades and RXB MK 2.0 sees to that.
The FAST ENOUGH rule is not as powerfull as the HIGH ELF ASF but it’s much more fun and promises some really bloody battles.Definetily not Broken since the opponent still gets to strike normally even if hit back.
The new Cauldron is more oriented in a witch elf army and it’s powers for once make it’s point’s worth.The dangerous and bloodthirsty nature of Khaine justifies sacrificing your own warriors to gain his blessings. Offcourse that’s what Slaves are for ..hehe!!!
Slaves is something DE should always have.Cheap expendable units.Nuff said.
In the end there are many good units and items now in the armybook but there will not be enough room to field them all.100 Pts tooled-up assassins in infantry units will make for killer combos but the cost will go through the roof. I DO BELIEVE IT’S BALANCED.Anyway it’s not anymore broken than 2 HE Dragons , a 2nd Generation Slaan , a Dwarf Anvil or an empire gunline with 2 Steam Tanks.Just try to take on those kind of armylists with the current DE armybook.
Comments are always welcomed but keep in mind that so far the Druchii are one of the weakest armies and struggle to win any fight. I have seen much more powerfull ideas around , so this is only a modest attempt to upgrade my beloved Dark Elves.
P.S. 1) I would offcourse include an updated Cult of Slaanesh list in the new Armybook.
2) DE magic should also become a little more destuctive.Haven’t thought about it any deeper though.
3) One last thing ….. INCLUDE SHADOWBLADE …. PLEASE!!!!!!