This is the final installment of my Craftworld themed armies. I'm wiling to guess that Moc (and perhaps a few others) will argue I saved the best Craftworld for last. I hope that my attempt to honor the theme of that Craftworld will not disappoint them.
(140) Autarch w/ Jetbike, Mandiblasters, Laser Lance & Fusion Gun.
(130) Farseer w/ Fortune, Jetbike & Runes of Warding.
(364) Jetbike Warlocks x7 w/ Embolden x2, Enhance x2, Singing Spear x3.
(60) Dire Avengers x5.
(126) Jetbike Guardians 3 w/ Shuriken Cannon. Jetbike Warlock w/ Embolden.
(205) Jetbike Guardians x6 w/ Shuriken Cannon x2. Jetbike Warlock w/ Embolden & Singing Spear.
(252) Shining Spears x5. Exarch w/ Star Lance, Shuriken Cannon, Skilled Rider & Withdraw.
(218) Warp Spiders x8. Exarch w/ Dual Death Spinner, Power Blades & Withdraw.
(180) Falcon w/ EML, Holo-Fields & Spirit Stones.
(160) Fire Prism w/ Holo-Fields & Spirit Stones.
(160) Fire Prism w/ Holo-Fields & Spirit Stones.
Total: 1995 points
5 Infantry, 8 Jump Infantry, 25 Jetbikes, 3 Vehicles
3 Scoring Units, 11 Kill Points
Army Design Concept:
My goal here was to maximize the jetbike aspect of the Saim-Hann theme. Though Moc and others will say that its perfectly acceptable to use mounted squads of Aspect Warriors, I felt that would be too similar to my Biel-Tan army lists. This build might be less effective in the current meta, but I think its a decent list that would be fun to play with (or against).
The Autarch is the Wild Rider Chieftain, and the Shining Spears are his kinsmen. I picture the bike council as a rival group, with the two of them seeking to one-up each other. Rather than fighting amongst themselves however, they test themselves against the enemies of their Craftworld; delighting in the challenge of slaughtering their enemies before their rivals can do it.
The two squads of jetbikes represent the division in the tribe, supporting each of the leaders and their kin. These squads join in the fighting when needed, otherwise they observe the competition from a safe distance (i.e. they occupy objectives). The Falcon, Fire Prisms, and Warp Spiders provide escort for the entourage of bikers; keeping them from becoming overwhelmed by their enemies when they become totally engrossed in their "festivities".
(Moc, not trying to make your kindred out to be idiots or anything, just wanted to come up with a fun way to explain the composition of the army from a fluff standpoint.
)
Strategy:
The Falcon and Fire Prisms are used as a screen to protect the Autarch, Shining Spears, and the Bike Council while they position themselves to attack. The skimmers will use their firepower to thin out enemy units, especially hordes, which might bog down the assault teams. When the time is right, the vehicles will break formation, manuvering around the flanks to isolate enemy units for destruction by the assault units.
The two squads of Jetbikes will likely be held in reserve (especially the small squad), unless I am going first, in which case the Shuriken Cannons can add their firepower to my efforts to thin out the opposition. These units will take full advantage of their mobility to stay away from enemy assault units, and attempt to take objectives in the later part of the game. Likewise, the DAVU Falcon (not really the best element of the army from a theme standpoint, but an effective choice none the less) will also grab an objective, while lending its long range firepower to the battle.
The Warp Spiders are there primarily as a harassment element. They can prey on isolated enemy units, support my assault elements, or function as mobile cover for my jetbikes, interposing themselves between my troops and enemy guns if other cover is not available. They can also deep strike behind enemy lines, causing havoc among the enemy's own support elements.
I welcome any comments (or ratings: Gutstikk/Moc) that you might have. I am not seeking any advice for how to improve the army list however, as I consider this a finished product.
C.S.