Here be Dragons…

(Well Hydras actually – I couldn’t afford dragons)

It’s July 2009. So that makes it 2 years since I first started work on my Dark Elf army. At the time it was under the guise of the Cult of Slaanesh from the Storm of Chaos but as that’s a little outdated I am now returning to a more pure Druchii list. One with lots of shooting, evil magic, hatred fuelled infantry and lots of monstrous beasts, and I am going to get it painted in 12 months.

Why?

A few of the guys went to the Tides of Chaos tournament in Reading this year and want to go again next year and I intend to join them. In the past I’ve been rubbish at sticking to deadlines, usually due to real life getting in the way, but I now have a target to work towards.

So what now?

First off I need an army list to work towards painting up. Here in lies the first problem. Being an Orc Warchief at heart, the style and tactics of an Elf army are going to feel rather odd. I think I’m going to have to play a lot of practice games to find out what works for me before settling on the final list. So, order of the day is write a few lists, buy the models, assemble, spray and play test.

The Dark Elf army is fairly diverse and can be set up in many ways. At the moment I’m looking at two main options:

Option 1 – Monsters and Magic

A fast moving hard hitting army using small units of harpies, dark riders and shades to march block, distract and bait enemy units into prime charge       positions. Cold One Knights, Chariots, War Hydras and Manticore to make full use of their mobility to charge into combat. This army will need to win combat fast as it lacks the static combat resolution needed for protracted fights. I wanted to fit a Dragon in this list but it was coming out a little expensive point wise.

Option 2 – Stand and Shoot….Then charge!

A more balanced army still using small units of harpies, dark riders and shades  but this time to slow the enemy advance by march blocking. A static gunline of repeater xboxs and repeater bolt throwers and high levels of magic will soften enemy targets backed up by Black Guard, Cold One Knights with BSB, Chariot and Hydra to add combat punch.

I’ll probably be play testing Option 2 fist as I’ve already got most of the figures. In the meantime I’m going to start painting some of the figures that feature in both lists; probably the Dark Riders, Shades and Harpies.

I’ll report back soon and let you know how I get on! Wish me luck!