So, when the flood gates holding back the information on the Idoneth Deepkin exploded, and the rules for most of the units were released, my initial impression were that that the Narmarti would be considered all-stars for their stat-line. I mean, the Thralls as a basic battle line unit that hit on 3s, wound on 3s, and can increase either their attacks or damage output depending on who they fight is pretty outstanding. The Reavers on the other hand, I can see not being regarded as highly, though I think after my initial impressions faded, I think I initially under-valued them.
Several months after their debut, my opinion about the Namarti are that they're still solid infantry, if a bit brittle in the jaw. Being able to take 30 Thralls for quite a bit less than 400 is really great with the discount. Reavers, I think are hampered in this regard, as they do not benefit from any points discount when taken in their maximum unit size of 20 models.
So my question is... so why are All-Akhelian armies the only lists worth running right now? Is there something I'm missing? I understand the theory that Akhelian Guard and the Namarti don't have that many synergies when on the field together. But how come there are no Namarti armies out there?
Namarti are quite fast, though only as far as foot infantry are concerned. When used correctly, Thralls and Reavers alike can pack a good wallop in close combat. Plus, I think using Namarti heavy armies allows more of the Isharann characters to shine as well as giving the Eidolons more room to comfortably fit into a list.
I think that the issue with the Namarti having not much presence in the AoS scene might be more complicated than mere points adjustments. Akhelians work better together as an exclusive force rather than in a combined arms approach with the rest of their faction, which really has me like
. That's not to say that I don't like the All-Akhelian armies, I think they're cool and thematic, I just wish we had a few more viable options to take to our tables.
What do you guys think?