My Throng

[mardaddy]

Always loved the WHFB Dwarves, and over the years have acquired quite a throng of the assembled and unassembled stubby guys...

I've got the Codex, and actually stumbled through a couple (literally... two) 1,500pt games about six months ago. But now it's been awhile and some want to play again.

Now that we're looking to mix in some WHFB with our sessions, I'm diving back into the book and am about ready to get together a list tonight - was hoping there are other Dwarf players out there who would be willing to advise. My opponents would be Dark Elfs, Orcs/Goblins (field either/or/mixed), and Bretonnians.

[mardaddy]

This is my first stab at a 2,000pt list.

Lord w/Great Weapon
Master Rune of Smiting (take d6 wounds)
Dwarf Handgun
Shield
Master Rune of Gromril (1+ Arm Sv)
Rune of Shielding (2+ Ward Sv)

Thane wGreat Weapon (joins Special 1, Hammerers)
Rune of Striking (+1WS)
Rune of Fury (x2) (+1A)
Dwarf Handgun
Shield
Rune of Iron (6+ Ward Sv)

Thane wArmy Battlestandard (joins Core 3 choice)
Rune of Stoicism (unit counts as 2x actual strength)
Rune of Sanctuary (MR1)
Talisman
Master Rune of Dismay(Enemy LD test, cannot charge entire turn, 1x use)

Dragonslayer wSlayer Axes
Master Rune of Swiftness (Always Strike First)
Talisman
Rune of Luck (re-roll single roll)
Rune of Fate (one-use 2+ Ward Sv)

Core 1 & 2
13 Thunderers, Veteran w/2 Handguns, Musician & Standard

Core 3
14 Warriors w/Great Weapons, Veteran, Musician

Core 4
10 Longbeards, Veteran, Runic Standard (Rune of Battle), Musician (Rune gives +1 to all combat result score of unit)

Special 1
10 Hammerer's, Gatekeeper, Standard & Musician

Special 2
12 Miners, Prospector, Runic Standard (Rune of Battle), Musician - Underground advance (Rune gives +1 to all combat result score of unit)

Special 3
8 Ironbreakers, IronBeard, Runic Standard (Rune of Stoicism), Musician (Rune allows unit count as 2x actual strength)

I have a Flame Cannon, 2 regular Cannons, a Gyrocopter, and Grudge Thrower, but I am holding back on the arty for now. Same with a Runesmith - I want to get a few games under my belt before I start mixing in casting stuff willy-nilly...

[knight (M.I.A)]

Right now, your list will be horribly beaten by at least the Dark Elves and Bretonnians. If the Orc takes Shamans along, you'll be in trouble against him as well since your magic defense is non-existent.
The Dark Elves normally rely like all Elves (at least like the High Elves) very much on magic. The Bretonnians normally help their knights with some maids. The Orcs normally don't have too much casters, but if they have some, they can deal some good amount of damage. Should you ever play vs Skaven or Vampire Counts with this list, you don't even need to set up.
The Skaven will shoot huge holes with Warp Lightnings into your lines and the Vampire Counts will start summoning zombies directly in your back and you couldn't do a thing.

So my advice, even if you won't use you caster for offensive, get at least one in the list for your magical defense. Give him 2 Dispell Scrolls and you'll be a lot safer.

[mardaddy]

As I've only played 2 games, any input is appreciated, knight!

What would be best to trade off for the caster, then? Gotta swap points from somewhere. Obviously replace one of the Hero's, but are the points from the replacement and their allowable runes enough?

Should I consider reducing by one figure across the board to get points, or are any of the units understrengthed? Are any of them a little excessive or kinda useless and better spent as points elsewhere bumping other units up?

[knight (M.I.A)]

I don't know too much about dwarves and their prices. But from what I can see I'd kick the Slayer out of the list. He should be expensive and has no real unit that can help him. So his best use would be letting him run around alone and that is really dangerous.

You'll need: cheapeast caster + 50 pts to have at least the minimum magical defense.

[mardaddy]

I'll check the codex on the comparative, dropping the Slayer frees up a total of 150pts (his cost + cost of the runes) for the Caster & "stuff."

[knight (M.I.A)]

Damn that is cheap.
But should be more than enough for your needs.

[mardaddy]

The Slayer I chose was not the most powerful, and not a lot of rune points, plus the "Rule of Three" for dwarf runes... so he really was a sorta slot-filler.

[Deleted]

I just wanted to add a quick note. I like slayers and want them to be the best machine possible, but Slayers may only take runic weapons, no armour (obviously), but also n talismans. =-(

Edit: The rule of three applies per item, not per dwarf. So, three runes on a weapon, 3 on armor, and three on a talisman, per thane or lord. A bit more on the list posted. The rule of pride says that only one items may have a specific combo of runes, this includes standards. That being said Minners do not have an option to get a runic standard. Also, I suggest removing the standards and musicians from the thunderers. Their combat res is of less importance, and the standard will give your opponent extra vps. Those changes yeild 105. I'd suggest shields for the Thunderers, leaving 79. If you ant to tool the slayer keep him as counter charge and consider give him 2 x Fury or Fury and Might in addition to the MRO Swiftness he's got. Just keep him hidden until he's 6' away from the enemy. That leaves 29 left. Two more iron breakers fill out their second rank and could give them an addition to CR, Also, I suggest dropping 2 minners and getting them a drill instead. Hope this all helps.

[mardaddy]

Good catch on all those - will reread some more before any more lists and games...

[Deleted]

ye it says 2 axes in the profile of the slayer so i have always wondered if i can put 3 runes on each