Continuing my project of posting a themed army list for each of the five major Craftworlds, I have come up with this 2000 point list for Iyanden:
(155) Yriel
(100) Farseer w/ Fortune & Runes of Warding.
(396) Wraithguard x10. Warlock w/ Conceal.
(127) Storm Guardians x10 w/ Flamer x2. Warlock w/ Destructor.
(140) Wave Serpent w/ Twin-Linked EML, Shuriken Cannon & Spirit Stones.
(72) Dire Avengers x6.
(260) Harlequins x10 w/ Kisses x5. Death Jester, Shadowseer & Troupe Master w/ Power Weapon.
(85) Vyper w/ EML, Shuriken Cannon & Spirit Stones.
(85) Vyper w/ EML, Shuriken Cannon & Spirit Stones.
(85) Vyper w/ EML, Shuriken Cannon & Spirit Stones.
(180) Falcon w/ EML, Holo-Fields & Spirit Stones.
(155) Wraithlord w/ EML & Bright Lance.
(155) Wraithlord w/ EML & Bright Lance.
Total: 1995 points
39 Infantry, 2 Monstrous Creatures, 5 Vehicles
3 Scoring Units, 13 Scoring Units
First let me say that I KNOW this list will not win many friends, and will probably get all kinds of hell for composition in a tournament environment. However, I feel the list is well within the Iyanden theme. Here's why:
Iyanden has been forced to rely heavily on Wraith Constructs to bolster their depleted military, so the inclusion of Wraithguard and Wraithlords should not surprise anyone. Yriel is an Iyanden character, so his inclusion also makes sense. Though the DAVU Falcon is typically construed as a "cheesy" tactic to preserve a scoring unit; it would make sense if those Dire Avengers were the last of their Aspect Shrine. They would need to preserve themselves as best they could in order for that shrine to continue in the future. Harlequins are not strongly associated with any Craftworld, but unless I am sorely mistaken they are more closely connected to Iyanden than the others, so their presence here is appropriate.
Army Design Concept:
I set out to make a list with as few "living" troops in it as possible, to reflect the dire situation the Iyanden Eldar have found themselves in. However, I did want the list to be playable as well, so I made a few adjustments. Instead of having two full squads of Wraithguard, I included a squad of Storm Guardians (to give me three scoring units and some much needed anti-swarm firepower) and a squad of Harlequins, which provide desperately needed close combat power. Since the Harlequins are not technically from Iyanden, I do not feel that having them conflicts with my "limited living Eldar" theme.
Strategy:
Yriel and the Farseer join the Wraithguard squad. This combined element forms a resilient scoring unit that can handle nearly anything that gets in range. This block is supported by the Harlequins and the Wraithlords, which form another block. These two elements basically march across the field, taking the fight to the enemy while laying down fire as they go. The rest of the army supports this through the application of mobile firepower; whether using that firepower to eliminate vehicles or to thin out swarms of infantry. The Dire Avengers stay mounted in the Falcon at all times, providing me with a second resilient scoring unit. The Storm Guardians are the tertiary objective claimers, though against hordes their firepower will be needed, and therefore they may not survive.
Though I did not plan this list with a particular opponent in mind. However, I think this list will be particularly effective against nidzilla lists, with the abundance of high strength firepower and the resilience of the units. This is most appropriate when you consider that it was the Tyranids which placed Iyanden in its present situation. That this list is capable of effectively fighting that army's strongest build is fitting. Furthermore, I think this list will do well against most elite armies, such as Space Marines. Hordes will be a little more troublesome, but they'll also be limited in their ability to inflict damage against this army, making the game a contest in survival, something this list will do very well.
I welcome any comments (or ratings; Gutstikk/Moc) you may have, but I am not seeking any advice concerning this list, because I consider it a finished product.
C.S.