After re-writing my Ulthwe themed army list, I decided that I'd like to do a themed list for each of the five major Craftworlds. Where better to continue this project than with my own Craftworld? I'll actually be posting TWO army lists here (hey, Biel-Tan is my home, so they deserve more attention than the rest.
). One is slightly more competitive, while the other is intended to fit the theme a little better.
(140) Autarch w/ Jetbike, Mandiblasters, Laser Lance & Fusion Gun.
(145) Farseer w/ Doom, Fortune, Runes of Warding & Spirit Stones.
(192) Howling Banshees x10. Exarch w/ Executioner, Acrobatic & Warshout.
(145) Wave Serpent w/ Twin-Linked Bright Lances & Spirit Stones.
(212) Striking Scorpions x10. Exarch w/ Scorpion’s Claw, Shadowstrike & Stalker.
(167) Dire Avengers x10. Exarch w/ Dual Catapults, Bladestorm & Defend.
(145) Wave Serpent w/ Twin-Linked Bright Lances & Spirit Stones.
(177) Dire Avengers x10. Exarch w/ Power Weapon, Shimmershield, Bladestorm & Defend.
(145) Wave Serpent w/ Twin-Linked Bright Lances & Spirit Stones.
(127) Storm Guardians x10 w/ Flamer x2. Warlock w/ Destructor.
(145) Wave Serpent w/ Twin-Linked Bright Lances & Spirit Stones.
(252) Shining Spears x5. Exarch w/ Star Lance, Shuriken Cannon, Skilled Rider & Withdraw.
Total: 1992 points
52 Infantry, 6 Jetbikes, 4 Vehicles
3 Scoring Units, 12 Kill Points
(140) Jetbike Autarch w/ Mandiblasters, Laser Lance & Fusion Gun.
(145) Farseer w/ Doom, Fortune, Runes of Warding & Spirit Stones.
(187) Howling Banshees x10. Exarch w/ Executioner & Acrobatic.
(110) Wave Serpent w/ Twin-Linked Shuriken Cannons & Spirit Stones.
(212) Striking Scorpions x10. Exarch w/ Scorpion’s Claw, Shadowstrike & Stalker.
(152) Dire Avengers x10. Exarch w/ Dual Catapults & Bladestorm.
(145) Wave Serpent w/ Twin-Linked Bright Lances & Spirit Stones.
(177) Dire Avengers x10. Exarch w/ Power Weapon, Shimmershield, Bladestorm & Defend.
(145) Wave Serpent w/ Twin-Linked Bright Lances & Spirit Stones.
(127) Storm Guardians x10 w/ Flamer x2. Warlock w/ Destructor.
(110) Wave Serpent w/ Twin-Linked Shuriken Cannons & Spirit Stones.
(217) Shining Spears x4. Exarch w/ Star Lance, Shuriken Cannon, Skilled Rider & Withdraw.
(132) Swooping Hawks x5. Exarch w/ Skyleap.
Total: 1999 points
52 Infantry, 5 Jump Infantry, 5 Jetbikes, 4 Vehicles
3 Scoring Units, 13 Kill Points
As you can see, the two lists are very similar. In case you are unsure, the first list is ment to be more competitive because it has more anti-armor capability (vital in the current meta) and one less Kill Point available to the opponent in Annihilation battles. Meanwhile, the second list is a little more fluffy, because it includes an additional squad of Aspect Warriors, raising the total number of Aspect Shrines represented to five.
Army Design Concept:
Biel-Tan armies are well known for the abundance of Aspect Warriors they bring to the battlefield, who combine their spectrum of skills to annihilate their foes. Not only did I strive to adhere to that concept, I also returned to my roots as an Eldar player with these lists. Since the release of 5th edition, my army lists have relied heavily on special characters and/or Wraithguard, neither of which appear anywhere in this list. This is also the first time in a long while that I've included any Fast Attack units in my army, something I used to do frequently.
Strategy:
The core strategy remains the same, regardless of which of these lists is being employed. The Bahzhakhain is allegedly the most aggressive of all Eldar armies, and this army is ment to be played aggressively. Though I prefer to see where my opponent's units are going to be deployed before having to decide where to place my own units, I actually would not mind going first with this army. If I go first, I will attempt to cripple as much of his army as possible early, before he can get any use out of the units I target. I may also consider deploying my units in a dispersed formation, encouraging my opponent to do the same. If he follows my example, I'll then use my superior speed to shift my forces into a favorable position for isolating and destroying his units piecemeal. If I go second, my plan will depend on the opponent's deployment. If he scatters his units across his deployment zone, I'll deploy my units in a refused flank, and I'll probably try to sieze the initiative. If he goes for the "Turtle" strategy, I may just hold my units in reserve, wasting his first two turns by denying him any targets. When my units arrive, I'll deploy behind cover, far from his formation, in order to tempt him to come after me. I'll then try to string him out before striking hard at his lead element.
The Howling Banshees, Shining Spears, and the attached HQ's are the core of the assault force. Their job is to single out the toughest, most expensive unit in the opponent's army, and cripple it in the first round of combat, destroying it in the following turn in order to avoid being shot up. By taking out his strongest unit early, I hope to demoralize the opponent and cause him to go into "panic mode", which will lead to poor decision making and an easier victory for me. Meanwhile, my troops will take out his softer elements, primarily through the use of drive by shooting attacks. Their transports will be used to block his counter-assaults, as well as adding their own firepower to the mix. Meanwhile, the Striking Scorpions will be infiltrated into position to assist the troops or the heavy assault team. Thankfully, because infiltrators deploy last, I'll have a good idea of where they need to go, and can deploy them accordingly. If the second list is being used, the Swooping Hawks will primarily be using the "Yo-Yo" manuver to drop large blast templates on any infantry they can catch exposed, while denying the enemy any opportunity to retaliate until after my 5th turn.
I welcome any comments you might have (Moc, Gutstikk, feel free to rate if you like), but I am not seeking suggestions for improvement, as I consider this to be a finished product.
C.S.