The 9th Age/Tactics/Dread Elves: Difference between revisions

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The fair use [[The 9th Age]] expy of the [[Dark Elves (Warhammer Fantasy)|Dark Elves]] of [[Warhammer Fantasy]].
The fair use [[The 9th Age]] expy of the [[Dark Elves (Warhammer Fantasy)|Dark Elves]] of [[Warhammer Fantasy]].
Beta update coming soon...


==Why play Dread Elves==
==Why play Dread Elves==
*very minitersitic
*greek
*Lots of strong Synergies between units, with many troops giving buff to other troops, turning a glasscannon army into a spiky wooden Railgun.


==Tactics==
==Tactics==
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===Army Rules===
===Army Rules===
'''Killer Instinct''' Close combat attacks re-roll natural to-wound rolls of 1.  All of your elves to a model have this special rule.  Dread Elves are scary close combat monsters because of this rule, anyone unlucky enough to be in melee with you will be getting trashed.


'''Death Trance''' Close combat attacks gain +1 to wound during the first round of combat, models with multiple instances of death trance instead get +1 to wound for all rounds of combat.  Combined with above, your elves are destroying in melee.  Because this is a modifier to the wound roll, not to strength or resilience, even if your opponent is resilience 10 you're going from 6s to wound to 5s.
====Universal Rules====
*'''Academy Training:''' Affects an entire unit if more than half of models have this rule. While within 8" of other units with this rule and aren't fleeing, they gain Devastating Charge (+1" Advance) on their very first charge of the game and count as having an additional rank for the sake of Steadfast and Disruption if they have at least one full rank. This will make your blocks more than a little tightly-knit for the sake of artillery, but you'll be more than ready to crush their frontlines and hold fast.
*'''Hunting Bolas''' Enemies that break from combat from a model with this rule, Minimize their flee distance roll.
*'''Professional Courtesy''' Assassins can't be in a unit that already hides another assassin.
*'''Scent of Blood''' The model gains Frenzy and Fearless in close combat and gains +1" when charging a unit that doesn't have a full health pool.  Only available on your raptor models and some monsters makes them more likely to not pursue after winning combat and being caught out.  It will also help them not lose combat from fear, which is unlikely due to your high discipline elves, but ensures you won't lose for a stupid roll.


'''Scent of Blood''' The model gains Frenzy and Fearless in close combat.  Only available on your raptor models and some monsters, makes them more likely to not pursue after winning combat and being caught out.  Will also help them not lose combat from fear, which is unlikely due to your high discipline elves, but insures you won't lose for any stupid reasons.
====Attack Attributes====
 
*'''Ruthless Efficiency''' Close combat attacks gain +1 to wound during the first round of combat.  All of your elves to a model have this special rule.  Dread Elves are scary close combat monsters because of this rule, anyone unlucky enough to be in melee with you will be getting trashed.  Because this is a modifier to the wound roll, not to strength or resilience, even if your opponent is resilience 10 you're going from 6s to wound to 5s.
'''Fleet Commander''' The model gains Kraken's Hide and for each character with this rule in the army a single unit of corsairs may be upgraded with vanguard.  Your already quick elves can move up even faster than they should and Kraken's Hide makes your elven characters far tankier than they should be allowed to.
*'''Artistry of Death''' Close combat attacks gain +1 to wound.
 
'''Beast Master''' Discipline tests taken by Krakens and Hydras within 12" of this model are minimized and each round pick one monster nearby to re-roll failed to-hit rolls in melee.  Bring 1 or 2 to buff up your monsters.


===Armory===
===Armory===
'''Kraken's Hide''' The bearer gains +2 armor (only +1 if mounted).  Your characters can have a 2+ on foot before any armor enchantments or other defensive buffs.  Your elves are far tankier than any elf should be allowed to be.
'''Repeater Crossbow''' Your standard shooting weapon, pretty good range, not as good range as a normal crossbow, but 2 shots and no unwieldy holding it back.  Walk up quick and start shooting with your nutty elven to-hit for a 29" threat range.
'''Repeater Handbow''' Shorter range and no AP, but retains the 2 shots and gains quick-to-fire and march-and-shoot.  Available on your tanky corsairs and characters, more flexible than the crossbow but weaker when directly compared.
===Cults===
'''Cult General''' If the general belongs to a cult and your army includes no models from any other cult, than all dread legionnaires, repeater auxiliaries, and corsairs gain the same cult as the general.  Putting a cult onto your core troops can be strong, but generally not as strong as the unit choices you're blocked from taking.
'''Cult Rivalry''' A model cannot belong to more than one cult and characters with a cult cannot join a unit with any models belonging to a different cult (characters with no cult can still join units with a cult).
*'''Cult of Nabh''' The model gains hatred and loses killer instinct.  Depends on the model, but your elves will usually be hitting on 2+ anyways, so the killer instinct rerolls to wounding is usually better.
*'''Cult of Yema''' The model loses killer instinct and gains strider, +1 advance, and +2 march (inculding mounts).  When you need fast, this is the way to go.
*'''Cult of Cadaron''' The model gains +1 to-hit with shooting weapons in short range.  The model only loses killer instinct if it also has a shooting weapons.  If you want to run a cult army, this is the best choice for a gunline.


*'''Cult of Olaron''' Discipline tests taken by a dread prince with this cult are minimized, all other models just gain +1 discipline.  A good general choice, but is usually outclassed by other options.
*'''Kraken's Hide''' Armour Equipment The bearer gains +1 armor if on foot.  Your characters can have a 2+ on foot before any armor enchantments or other defensive buffs.  Your elves are far tankier than any elf should be allowed to be.
*'''Repeater Crossbow''' Shooting Weapon range: 18", shots: 2, str 3, AP 0 and gains +1AP when fired from short range.  Your standard shooting weapon, Ok range given your an elf, and hit more like a normal bow.  Walk up quick and start shooting with your nutty elven to-hit for a 14" threat range.
*'''Repeater Handbow(x)''' Shooting Weapon range: 12", shots: X, str 3, AP 0, Quick to Fire, Accurate. Shorter range but has AP at short range and is effective at all ranges even when moving.  Available on your Black Cloaks and Assassin.
*'''Blades of Darag''' Close Combat Weapon Two-Handed, +1A, Magical Attacks. If the model's unit is currently affected by a non-Attribute Spell, then they also gain +1 Str (Max +2).


===Hereditary Spell===
===Hereditary Spell===
'''Crippling Fatigue''' Hexes an enemy unit, all failed to-wound rolls against the target get to be re-rolled in melee (boosted, shooting instead).  Gives you the means to double down on killing a unit quickly.
'''Curse of the Phantom Queen''' (Cv +8) Gain an additional Veil token for the turn. If an enemy deals damage to a friendly unit within 18", you can dump up to two tokens, each one dealing d3+1 S4 Ap2 hits as revenge.


==Unit Analysis==
==Unit Analysis==
===Characters===
===Characters===
'''Dread Prince''' A wild number of attacks at an amazing offensive skill and incredible agility makes him scary to look at, now add in the dread elf options to make him stupid tanky and the normal elf options for killing everything and you have one of the best characters in the game.  But don't just think that you can throw him anywhere, he is still an elf with a pitiful resilience and bog-standard HP.  If you play smart with him, there is no reason he won't do plenty of work.
'''Dread Prince''' 235pts. A wild number of attacks at an amazing offensive skill and incredible agility makes him scary to look at, now add in the dread elf options to make him stupid tanky and the normal elf options for killing everything and you have one of the best characters in the game, now can even make parry attacks.  But don't just think that you can throw him anywhere, he is still an elf with a pitiful resilience and bog-standard HP.  If you play smart with him, there is no reason he won't do plenty of work.
 
'''Captain''' The kid prince with all the same options but with mildly worse attacks, offensive/defensive skill, and agility.  Play smart with him and he will make his points back.  A BSB isn't necessarily required for your high discipline elves, but this is where you would take one.


'''Cult Priest''' Your cheapest character and exists to buff your cult units. Worse combat stats and fewer options for staying alive, but will either add Killer Instinct back into the cult unit he's in or be placed on a Divine Altar. He is must choose a cult. so know where you're going to put him and plan accordingly.
'''Beastmaster''' 210pts. your monster support hero, and monster rider lord. not as point efficient powerful as a Prince but very tanky wearing a Kraken’s Hide. He is very helpful in a monster list, giving your critters (including his own mount) a boost in their Discipline Tests and improving their stomping while also foiling enemy monsters on their stomping.


'''Oracle''' Your spellcaster, a great selection of magic paths and irresistible will makes this caster a pain in the ass for your opponent.  He still has killer instinct so he can hold his own in combat, it'll take more than any common flankers to assassinate your wizard.
'''Silexian Officer''' 170pts. The kid prince with all the same options but with mildly worse attacks, offensive/defensive skill, and agility but expands the range his unit can draw Academy Training from 8" to 12".  Play smart with him and he will make his points back. When run solo mounted, A BSB isn't necessarily required for your high discipline elves, but his Academy Training is a greater help for armies and detachments without that aura.


'''Assassin''' Same price as a captain but exists to murder in melee.  You will be giving him paired weapons, beyond that, it's up to you how much you want to blow on him.  Has a few options specific to him:
'''Temple Exarch:''' 310pts. Your battle-ready wizard, and is decent there. Must pick between either becoming a BSB, focusing Divination and make their unit Distracting while wielding Blades of Darag, or focusing Alchemy and make enemies with 4+ armour to be easier to injure when you have the blades


*Path of Bloody Murder: Gains Cult of Nabh, Distracting, and Aegis (4+ vs melee).  Makes your assassin a close combat monster, but won't help him kill anything.
'''Warlock Outcast''' 380pts. Your Wizard master, a great selection of magic paths, and Irresistible Will can make this caster a pain in the ass for your opponent.  He still has Ruthless Efficiency so he can hold his own in combat, it'll take more than any common flankers to assassinate your wizard.


*Path of Silent Death: Gains Cult of Caderon and specialized throwing weapons.  Makes your assassin scary to even be near and he will additionally count towards raiders.
'''Silent Assassin''' 180pts.  This guy exists to murder in melee, hiding until he reveals himself in an infantry unit.  You will be giving him paired weapons, beyond that, it's up to you how much you want to blow on him. Enemies can't avoid him because he can be hiding in any unit to get him to his target.
 
*Master Poisoner: apply to all close combat and shooting attacks, but not attacks with enchanted weapons.  Nightshade: attacks always wound on 3+, helps your assassin chip tanky models. Wolfsbane: AP is set to 10, now your assassin can chew through any elite unit.  Bloodroot: +1 str/ap and multiple wounds (2 vs characters), this is the one to take out the enemy general.


====Character Mounts====
====Character Mounts====
'''Elven Horse''' Quick, tanks up your character, and better agility than most army's core troops.  A great choice for any character.  If he is cult of Caderon, he loses out on some armor but gains light troops.
'''Elven Horse''' Quick, tanks up your character, and better agility than most army's core troops.  A great choice for any character.  


'''Pegasus''' Slower than the horse, but can fly.  Less armor, but bumps your res up to 4. You won't be able to hide the character but is handy for a mobile character of any sort.
'''Daeb Raptor''' Slower than the horse or Pegasus, but most certainly worth it.  Attacks on par with your elite infantry and a boost to res to boot. Don't plan on your raptor hitting anything first.


'''Raptor''' Slower than the horse or Pegasus, but most certainly worth it.  Attacks on par with your elite infantry and a boost to res to boot.  Watch out for frenzy drawing your character into a bad situation and don't plan on your raptor hitting anything first.
'''Blackmane Pegasus''' Slower than the horse, but can fly.  Less armor, but bumps your res up to 4.  You won't be able to hide the character but is handy for a mobile character of any sort.


'''Raptor Chariot''' Look above, now add another raptor, more health, and impact hits.  You won't be able to hide your character anywhere, but you'll move fast enough to murder things if you plan well.
'''Raptor Chariot''' Look above, now add another raptor, more health, and impact hits.  You won't be able to hide your character anywhere, but you'll move fast enough to murder things if you plan well.


'''Manticore''' A monster to ride on.  Slightly faster than the raptor chariot with better attacks and the same downsides.  It's up to you which one you run with, the manticore and the raptor chariot fulfill the same role, it really comes down to which models you like more.
'''Manticore''' A monster to ride on.  Slightly faster than the raptor chariot with better attacks and the same downsides.  It's up to you which one you run with, the manticore and the raptor chariot fulfill the same role, it really comes down to which models you like more. If you want it to be more monstrous, you can buy Extraordinary Specimen to increase its base size with Res5 and give d3 Stomp Attacks.


'''Dragon''' It's a dragon, does what you expect.  Pretty strong for what he is and decent value.  If you play it be aware that every shooting weapon on the other side of the table will be looking at it and plan accordingly.
'''Imperious Dragon''' It's a dragon, does what you expect and grants Scent of Blood.  Pretty strong for what he is and decent value.  If you play it be aware that every shooting weapon on the other side of the table will be looking at it and plan accordingly.


===Core===
===Core===
'''Dread Legionnaires''' Better offensive/defensive skill than most core and significantly faster. Spears will get the most bang for your buck unless you're planning on throwing them at elite infantry to make use of parry.
'''Silexian Spears''' 200pts for 15 + 14ppm. Better offensive/defensive skill than most core and move at a significantly faster pace. Being given spear by default, they can make for a potent deterrent for charging enemies. Their Academy Training aura also makes them at least a one-off unit a must in many lists.


'''Corsairs''' Your kickass elves with a 4+ standard. Give them paired weapons to dump truck everyone else, only bother with the repeater handbows if you want some tanky mobile shooters and don't want to bother with dark raiders.  Sounds pretty great right?  Well, they are Base 160 for 10 + 15ppm before you invest in making them useful.  But your buff murder infantry with vanguard is worth the price.
'''Temple Militants''' 265pts for 15 + 16ppm. A Flurry of attacks, getting Battle Focus, Fight in Extra Rank, and Blades of Darag.  They are scary core troops in melee, the only issue is getting them into melee.  Only Light Arm and 3 Res for defenses with Frenzy dragging them into unproductive matchups.  Make sure you have the means to get them into melee if you're going to run them.


'''Blades of Nabh''' (Cult of Nabh) 3 attacks a model, making full of use of hatred and poisoned attacks. They are scary core troops in melee, the only issue is getting them into melee. Only 3 res and no other defenses of any kind. Make sure you have the means to get them into melee if you're going to run them.
'''Raiding Party:''' 170pts for 10 + 14ppm. Your kickass elf pirate beast hunters. By default, they must pick between one of two options, but either option provides them with Hunting Bolas to trap their foes.
*''Beast Breakers:'' Legionnaires Cannot be Stomped and efficient at eliminating enemy units that flee from combat. Also Synergizes with cav units that start within 8" by giving them Devastating Charge (Hatred). Makes for an ideal bunker for a foot-slogging beast master.
*''Corsairs:'' Legionnaires with a Kraken's Hide instead of a shield. They come with paired weapons but you can also buy repeater handbows (which will count them towards ''Raiders'') to provide ranged support. In either case they can provide an additional +1 Combat Score in addition to other bonuses that already acure from them flanking may be worth it to edge out that victory.


===Core + Raiders===
===Core + Raiders===
'''Repeater Auxiliaries''' The repeater crossbow is a very strong shooting choice and auxiliaries are pretty spammable.  Take shields if your opponent has shooting at all so you can out trade them.
'''Silexian Auxiliaries'''230pts for 15 + 13ppm.  Are fully mobile, having March and Shoot to get into short range with repeater crossbow and well protected being Legionnaires with guns and can nominate an enemy to eat -1 to hit any Academy Trained units that charge them, which is pretty vital.
 
'''Dark Raiders'''(Cult of Cadaron)  Your misdirection annoyance cavalry. They still be given repeater crossbow so they can full-power shooting from stupid angles.


===Raiders===
===Raiders===
'''Raven Cloaks''' (Cult of Cadaron) +1 to hit on your auxiliaries and comparable defenses.  If you want a full gunline, this is the way to go.  With scout and the options for melee weapons they can be surprisingly scary flankers.
'''Black Cloaks''' 170pts for 5 + 38ppm. Your in your face scouts and very well-armed as a glass cannon with Poison attacks, they can be surprisingly scary flankers.  Very numbers restricted but those 2 small units can be enough for your mass shooting needs.


===Special===
===Special===
'''Tower Guard''' (Cult of Olaron) Bodyguards. Two attacks a model and halberds make them scary. They will be hitting most other units on 2+ and str 4 will help them grind through other units.  If the general is Cult of Olaron one unit of tower guard can take 2 standards up to 100 points, essentially another BSB.
'''Shadow Riders''' 175pts for 5 + 20ppm, becoming Core in a unit of 8+ models. Your misdirection annoyance cavalry. They can be given repeater crossbow so they can full-power shooting from stupid angles but eat into your Raider allowance.
 
'''Warlock Acolytes''' 210pts for 5 + 40ppm. Small units of fast cavalry wizard conclave with great support spells, and a protective Aegis.  You can run them to buff/hex other units and support the rest of your army, or switch to attack mode by placing some agents and hexes to boost up their defense and Strength.
 
'''Dread Knights''' 285pts for 5 + 35ppm. Each base is essentially better stats than 3 Judicators.  They are expensive but will make their points back with their nutty amount of attacks and maneuverable unit size.


'''Dread Knights''' Each base is essentially the same stats as three Dread Judges.  They are expensive but will make their points back with their nutty amount of attacks and maneuverable unit size.
'''Obsidian Guard''' 220pts for 10 + 22ppm. Elite anvils, being Heavy Armour and a Def and Off of 6 that's normally only seen on characters. Two attacks a model and halberds make them scary.  They will be hitting most other units on 2+ and str 4 will help them grind through other units. They even anchor your forces more by having a rule forcing nearby units to re-roll Panic checks, freeing up your Battle Standard Bearer to be with somewhere else or spend points on something else.


'''Raptor Chariot''' Cheaper than a unit of dread knights but gets you essentially two dread knights with impact hits and repeater crossbows. A handy unit and certainly a strong choice, but it will be out on its own soaking up a lot of shots.
'''Judicators''' 200pts for 10 + 22ppm. Pretty buff elves with Hatred and having a ridiculous amount of bonuses to wound and AP despite still hitting at normal elf initiative. Overkill on lesser core units but murders elite small units that think their high armor and Res will save them.


'''Harpies''' Dirt cheap and fast, defenseless and insignificant.  Don't expect them to do much, but make great meatshields by being in inconvenient positions for your opponent.
'''Harpies''' 160pts for 8 + 10ppm. Dirt cheap and fast, defenseless, and insignificant.  Don't expect them to do much, but make great meatshields by being in inconvenient positions to charge your opponent.


'''Dread Judges''' (Cult of Nabh) Pretty buff elves with lethal strike and multiple wounds (2 vs standard).  Most standard models will only have 1 HP anyways, but lethal strike makes them rough to fight and scary for some armies (WDG).
'''Gorgons''' 160pts for 1 + 100ppm. A single or 3 model unit with a good amount of attacks, very fast, and will not break in combat. Effective at dealing damage especially to Standard and Large with their Petrifying Stare circumventing a lot of their defense.  Give them Paired Weapons or halberds to make the most of their attacks and watch out for supernal, if combat doesn't go their way they will crumble.


'''Dancers of Yema''' (Cult of Yema) Incredibly fast, weapon master with an incredible number of weapons, and aegis (4+ in melee). Get them into melee and they will tarpit until the game ends.
'''Thunder Pack''' 280pts for 3 + 65ppm. Tamers riding Rinos. Only as fast as Ogres but have light troops for high maneuverability despite being lumber battering rams that would terror rout or leave impact markets on whatever they charge. As if you wanted that small Dread Knight unit to be as cheap as possible but inflict maximum damage.


'''Medusa''' (Cult of Yema) A single model of Cult of Yema with a good amount of attacks, very fast, and will not break in combat.  They make great support units, they cast deceptive glamour as a bound spell and give bonuses to friendly units in the same combat.  Give them halberds to make the most of their attacks and watch out for supernal, if combat doesn't go their way they will crumble.
'''Raptor Chariot''' 200pts. Cheaper than a unit of dread knights but gets you essentially two dread knights with impact hits.  A handy unit and certainly a strong choice, but it will be out on its own soaking up a lot of shots.


'''Dark Acolytes''' Small units of fast cavalry with aegis 4+ and wizard conclave with great support spells. Run them vanilla to buff/hex other units and support the rest of your army, or give them Cult of Yema to change their spell selection into being scary damage dealers.
'''Divine Altar - Crucible of Slaughter''' 300pts. War Platform that can join a Scoring Infantry unit. gives a -1 Res to enemies in base contact, softening them up for your low Str elves, or even your Burly elves.


'''Divine Altar''' A large support tank. Pitiful armor for its size but Aegis (4+) and res 5 will keep it alive. It also buffs all units within 12" with Aegis (6+).  Having one of these will make all your stupid defenseless units have a chance against anything.  This aegis can be swapped out for a turn to maximize charge rolls or give units death trance.  A flexible support unit and will be a boon in any list.
'''Divine Altar - Effigy of Dread''' 200pts. an Immovable Scenery Piece and offers a lot of benefits. Channel (3), your guys in 18" get Fear, enemies can't use Rally Around the Flag for Fear Tests and you can discard veil tokens to increase the range.


===Destroyers===
===Destroyers===
'''Hunting Chariot''' A quick chariot with a harpoon on it.  This is the biggest "fuck you" to any monster your opponent could possibly field, especially flying monsters. A dread reaper is more flexible, but if your opponent wants to monster mash this is a great choice.
'''Hunting Chariot''' 210pts A quick chariot with a harpoon on it.  This is the biggest "fuck you" to any monster your opponent could possibly field, especially flying monsters. If your opponent wants to monster mash this is a great choice.


'''Dread Reaper''' A flexible war machine, can fire 1 strong shot with multiple wounds or fire 6 weaker shots.  No matter what it's pointed at it will do the job.
'''Repeater Battery''' 190pts A mobile shooting platform, fire 8 anti-infantry shots that can be constantly wheeled around to a better position.


===The Menagerie===
===The Menagerie===
There are only two things in The Menagerie and they are better reviewed together.  Your options are the Kraken and the Hydra.  Both are gigantic beasts that cost around the range of 400 points each. They have the same movement and defensive stats, but the Kraken will be harder to hit with distracting and hard target and the Hydra is more survivable with Fortitude (4+).  The Kraken has fewer attacks than the Hydra, but the hits are at strength 7 and multiple wounds (d3). The Hydra has more attacks at a decent strength and a breath attack to harass nearby enemies.  The choice is up to you which one to run, the Kraken is better at killing big single models, it's a monster hunting monster, the Hydra is better for stomping big units.
'''Kraken & Hydra''' better reviewed together.  Both are gigantic beasts that cost around the range of 400 points each. They have the same movement and defensive stats, but the Kraken will be harder to hit with Distracting and hard targets and the Hydra is more survivable with Fortitude (5+), with natural 6s allowing them to ignore additional hits (or heal a wound if you've ignored all hits).  The Kraken has fewer attacks than the Hydra, but the hits are at strength 7 and multiple wounds (d3) and you can make it bigger, giving +2 HP and adding additional attendants. The Hydra has more attacks, epically at lower health, has decent strength, and a breath attack to harass nearby enemies.  The choice is up to you which one to run, the Kraken is better at killing big single models, it's a monster hunting monster, the Hydra is better for stomping big units.
 
'''Mist Leviathan''' 265 pts. like a Manticore but more important in granting you tactical superiority. lets you win ties for picking deployment zones and gives nearby friendly Infantry a bonus to movement (but they can't March and Shoot), giving you early set up for changing and flanking.
 
'''Dreaded Giant''' 265pts. A giant with Scent of Blood provided by the Giants supplement.  On top of the Big Brother and Giant Club upgrades given to all giants, you can also give two other upgrades. Dread Mask gives a bound ''Twisted Effigy'' spell and Devastating Charge (Distracting) to tie up enemies. It's tailor-made to break units as it also Maximized enemy Fear and Flee rolls as well. Monstrous Whip gives it a surprising support roll, letting nearby gigantic models maximize their charge rolls.


==Magic Items==
==Magic Items==
===Weapon Enchantments===
===Weapon Enchantments===
'''Death's Kiss''' on foot and great weapons only.  +1 str/ap and multiple wounds (2).  A great choice, will be very consistent for your character and will scare anything from getting too close to him.
*'''Crippling Frost:''' 95pts. Great weapons only.  +1 str/ap and cause a model part during a duel to lose -1 Attack for the Round of Combat for each hit inflicted, allowing it to be effective on mounted characters as well.  A great choice will be very consistent for your character and will scare any character not faster then a elf from getting too close to him.
 
*'''Lacerating Touch:''' 50pts. Paired Weapons only. +2Ap, +2Attack, and Fear.
'''Transcendence''' The weapon gains lethal strike, but that's not why you take it. For each unsaved wound inflicted by this weapon it gains +1 str/ap for the rest of the game (capped at +2). A win more option, your already scary characters will only get scarier as the game goes on.
*'''Transcendence:''' 50pts. Lance only. For each unsaved wound infected, user gains +1Str/Ap (max +2).  
 
*'''Pride of Gar Daecos:''' 35pts. Halberd. only. +1 Attack and Divine Attacks.
'''Moraec's Reaper''' The wielder's attacks are always at least 4, str at least 4, AP at least 3, gains death trance, and for each unsaved wound this model inflicts you gain a veil token.  A strong choice for its cost and works great on your spellcasters to make them scary in combat, your characters will have better attacks/str/and ap than the weapon offers.
*'''Mastery of Slaughter:''' 40pts. Spear only. This weapon re-rolls all 1s to wound and adds +1 to the bearer's combat score for each wound dealt.


===Armor Enchantments===
===Armor Enchantments===
'''Terrifying Visage''' Shields, the bearer gains distracting.  Your characters already have great armor, making them unlikely to be hit is the perfect defensive bonus.
*'''Seal of the Republic''' 40pts. Foot only. Heavy Armour only. Does nothing at the start of the game, but for each unsaved wound the wearer deals in melee they gain +1 armor for the rest of the game.  Another win more option, but you need the armor for first turn shooting, not for turn 5 combat.
 
'''Seal of the Republic''' Does nothing at the start of the game, but for each unsaved wound the wearer deals in melee they gain +1 armor for the rest of the game.  Another win more option, but you need the armor for first turn shooting, not for turn 5 combat.


===Banner Enchantments===
===Banner Enchantments===
'''Banner of Gar Daecos''' all friendly units in the same combat as the wielder gains death trance.  Helps your flank chargers break the enemy on first turn.
*'''Caedhren's Pennon:''' 70pts. Unit gains Scent of Blood and Swiftstride to hunt down enemies quicker.
 
*'''Executioner's Icon:''' 50pts. Replaces Ruthless Efficiency for the unit with Artistry of Death.
'''Banner of Blood''' models in the bearer's unit gain devastating charge (+1 attack). Incredibly powerful for obvious reasons.  You should plan on breaking your enemies on the charge and this banner will make that happen.
'''Eye of the Gorgon:''' 40pts. Can't be taken on Core units. The unit gain's the Gorgon's Petrifying Stare and enemy units in base contact must re-roll successful Discipline checks.
 
'''Academy Banner''' +1 AP during the first round of combat.  Elves tend to have trouble punching through tougher models, but this is essentially a better rending standard to help you do just that.


===Artefacts===
===Artefacts===
'''Midnight Cloak''' The wearer has devastating charge (multiple wounds (d3)) and Aegis (3+ vs ranged attacks).  Helps your character stay alive out on the field and helps them murder when they close in.
*'''Moithir's Mirror:''' 65pts. The bearer gains Aegis(5+). Any successful aegis saves deal an S5 AP2 attack towards whoever made that attack.
 
*'''Mask of the War Crow:''' 50pts. Grants Fear and any units within 6" with Fear must reroll wound rolls of 1 in close combat.
'''Pendant of Disdain''' The bearer gains Aegis (4+ vs strength 5 or more). Situational, but is the biggest middle finger to armies like ogre khans.
*'''Ceinran's Gambit:''' 40pts. Wizards only. Gains a bound version of ''The Wheel Turns''.
 
*'''Ring of the Obsidian Thrones:''' 40pts. The unit gains the Will of the Senate rule from the Obsidian Guard.
'''Ring of Shadows''' all models in the bearer's unit gain hard target and enemy attacks suffer -1 offensive skill.  Helps your blades of nabh get into melee.
*'''Seal of the 9th Fleet:''' 40pts. Silexian Officers only. Any models in the bearer's unit with the Academy Training gain Battle Focus on their first turn of combat.
 
*'''Beastmaster's Whistle:''' 30pts. Beastmasters only. Single use. Maximizes the charge rolls of any Manticores or beast units within 12".
'''Beastmaster's Lash''' Friendly gigantic models nearby get to maximize the number of stomps roll. Enemy gigantic models minimize their stomp rolls. If you even have one monster, this item is worth it.
 
'''Wandering Familiar''' The bearer can drop the familiar up to 6" away and cast spells from the familiar's location.  Your wizard can hide behind obscuring terrain and blast the shit out of your opponent from around the corner.
 
'''Amulet of Spite''' Before each friendly magic phase you gain a magic die, before each enemy magic phase you discard a magic die. Helps your magic do its thing better, you shouldn't worry too much about losing out on a single die for dispells, pick one spell your opponent has and throw all dice at that one.  Will help you blast magic phases to the next level.
 
'''Elixer of Shadows''' one use only, assassin only. for one round of combat the bearer gains divine attacks and rerolls failed to wound rolls in melee, but loses 1 health at the end of the phase. Helps your assassin do their jobs faster at the cost of killing them a little.
 


{{The-9th-Age}}
[[Category: The 9th Age]] [[Category:The 9th Age/Tactics]]
[[Category: The 9th Age]] [[Category:The 9th Age/Tactics]]

Latest revision as of 09:05, 23 June 2023

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The fair use The 9th Age expy of the Dark Elves of Warhammer Fantasy. Beta update coming soon...

Why play Dread Elves[edit]

  • very minitersitic
  • greek
  • Lots of strong Synergies between units, with many troops giving buff to other troops, turning a glasscannon army into a spiky wooden Railgun.

Tactics[edit]

The tactics are current as of second edition.

Army Rules[edit]

Universal Rules[edit]

  • Academy Training: Affects an entire unit if more than half of models have this rule. While within 8" of other units with this rule and aren't fleeing, they gain Devastating Charge (+1" Advance) on their very first charge of the game and count as having an additional rank for the sake of Steadfast and Disruption if they have at least one full rank. This will make your blocks more than a little tightly-knit for the sake of artillery, but you'll be more than ready to crush their frontlines and hold fast.
  • Hunting Bolas Enemies that break from combat from a model with this rule, Minimize their flee distance roll.
  • Professional Courtesy Assassins can't be in a unit that already hides another assassin.
  • Scent of Blood The model gains Frenzy and Fearless in close combat and gains +1" when charging a unit that doesn't have a full health pool. Only available on your raptor models and some monsters makes them more likely to not pursue after winning combat and being caught out. It will also help them not lose combat from fear, which is unlikely due to your high discipline elves, but ensures you won't lose for a stupid roll.

Attack Attributes[edit]

  • Ruthless Efficiency Close combat attacks gain +1 to wound during the first round of combat. All of your elves to a model have this special rule. Dread Elves are scary close combat monsters because of this rule, anyone unlucky enough to be in melee with you will be getting trashed. Because this is a modifier to the wound roll, not to strength or resilience, even if your opponent is resilience 10 you're going from 6s to wound to 5s.
  • Artistry of Death Close combat attacks gain +1 to wound.

Armory[edit]

  • Kraken's Hide Armour Equipment The bearer gains +1 armor if on foot. Your characters can have a 2+ on foot before any armor enchantments or other defensive buffs. Your elves are far tankier than any elf should be allowed to be.
  • Repeater Crossbow Shooting Weapon range: 18", shots: 2, str 3, AP 0 and gains +1AP when fired from short range. Your standard shooting weapon, Ok range given your an elf, and hit more like a normal bow. Walk up quick and start shooting with your nutty elven to-hit for a 14" threat range.
  • Repeater Handbow(x) Shooting Weapon range: 12", shots: X, str 3, AP 0, Quick to Fire, Accurate. Shorter range but has AP at short range and is effective at all ranges even when moving. Available on your Black Cloaks and Assassin.
  • Blades of Darag Close Combat Weapon Two-Handed, +1A, Magical Attacks. If the model's unit is currently affected by a non-Attribute Spell, then they also gain +1 Str (Max +2).

Hereditary Spell[edit]

Curse of the Phantom Queen (Cv +8) Gain an additional Veil token for the turn. If an enemy deals damage to a friendly unit within 18", you can dump up to two tokens, each one dealing d3+1 S4 Ap2 hits as revenge.

Unit Analysis[edit]

Characters[edit]

Dread Prince 235pts. A wild number of attacks at an amazing offensive skill and incredible agility makes him scary to look at, now add in the dread elf options to make him stupid tanky and the normal elf options for killing everything and you have one of the best characters in the game, now can even make parry attacks. But don't just think that you can throw him anywhere, he is still an elf with a pitiful resilience and bog-standard HP. If you play smart with him, there is no reason he won't do plenty of work.

Beastmaster 210pts. your monster support hero, and monster rider lord. not as point efficient powerful as a Prince but very tanky wearing a Kraken’s Hide. He is very helpful in a monster list, giving your critters (including his own mount) a boost in their Discipline Tests and improving their stomping while also foiling enemy monsters on their stomping.

Silexian Officer 170pts. The kid prince with all the same options but with mildly worse attacks, offensive/defensive skill, and agility but expands the range his unit can draw Academy Training from 8" to 12". Play smart with him and he will make his points back. When run solo mounted, A BSB isn't necessarily required for your high discipline elves, but his Academy Training is a greater help for armies and detachments without that aura.

Temple Exarch: 310pts. Your battle-ready wizard, and is decent there. Must pick between either becoming a BSB, focusing Divination and make their unit Distracting while wielding Blades of Darag, or focusing Alchemy and make enemies with 4+ armour to be easier to injure when you have the blades

Warlock Outcast 380pts. Your Wizard master, a great selection of magic paths, and Irresistible Will can make this caster a pain in the ass for your opponent. He still has Ruthless Efficiency so he can hold his own in combat, it'll take more than any common flankers to assassinate your wizard.

Silent Assassin 180pts. This guy exists to murder in melee, hiding until he reveals himself in an infantry unit. You will be giving him paired weapons, beyond that, it's up to you how much you want to blow on him. Enemies can't avoid him because he can be hiding in any unit to get him to his target.

Character Mounts[edit]

Elven Horse Quick, tanks up your character, and better agility than most army's core troops. A great choice for any character.

Daeb Raptor Slower than the horse or Pegasus, but most certainly worth it. Attacks on par with your elite infantry and a boost to res to boot. Don't plan on your raptor hitting anything first.

Blackmane Pegasus Slower than the horse, but can fly. Less armor, but bumps your res up to 4. You won't be able to hide the character but is handy for a mobile character of any sort.

Raptor Chariot Look above, now add another raptor, more health, and impact hits. You won't be able to hide your character anywhere, but you'll move fast enough to murder things if you plan well.

Manticore A monster to ride on. Slightly faster than the raptor chariot with better attacks and the same downsides. It's up to you which one you run with, the manticore and the raptor chariot fulfill the same role, it really comes down to which models you like more. If you want it to be more monstrous, you can buy Extraordinary Specimen to increase its base size with Res5 and give d3 Stomp Attacks.

Imperious Dragon It's a dragon, does what you expect and grants Scent of Blood. Pretty strong for what he is and decent value. If you play it be aware that every shooting weapon on the other side of the table will be looking at it and plan accordingly.

Core[edit]

Silexian Spears 200pts for 15 + 14ppm. Better offensive/defensive skill than most core and move at a significantly faster pace. Being given spear by default, they can make for a potent deterrent for charging enemies. Their Academy Training aura also makes them at least a one-off unit a must in many lists.

Temple Militants 265pts for 15 + 16ppm. A Flurry of attacks, getting Battle Focus, Fight in Extra Rank, and Blades of Darag. They are scary core troops in melee, the only issue is getting them into melee. Only Light Arm and 3 Res for defenses with Frenzy dragging them into unproductive matchups. Make sure you have the means to get them into melee if you're going to run them.

Raiding Party: 170pts for 10 + 14ppm. Your kickass elf pirate beast hunters. By default, they must pick between one of two options, but either option provides them with Hunting Bolas to trap their foes.

  • Beast Breakers: Legionnaires Cannot be Stomped and efficient at eliminating enemy units that flee from combat. Also Synergizes with cav units that start within 8" by giving them Devastating Charge (Hatred). Makes for an ideal bunker for a foot-slogging beast master.
  • Corsairs: Legionnaires with a Kraken's Hide instead of a shield. They come with paired weapons but you can also buy repeater handbows (which will count them towards Raiders) to provide ranged support. In either case they can provide an additional +1 Combat Score in addition to other bonuses that already acure from them flanking may be worth it to edge out that victory.

Core + Raiders[edit]

Silexian Auxiliaries230pts for 15 + 13ppm. Are fully mobile, having March and Shoot to get into short range with repeater crossbow and well protected being Legionnaires with guns and can nominate an enemy to eat -1 to hit any Academy Trained units that charge them, which is pretty vital.

Raiders[edit]

Black Cloaks 170pts for 5 + 38ppm. Your in your face scouts and very well-armed as a glass cannon with Poison attacks, they can be surprisingly scary flankers. Very numbers restricted but those 2 small units can be enough for your mass shooting needs.

Special[edit]

Shadow Riders 175pts for 5 + 20ppm, becoming Core in a unit of 8+ models. Your misdirection annoyance cavalry. They can be given repeater crossbow so they can full-power shooting from stupid angles but eat into your Raider allowance.

Warlock Acolytes 210pts for 5 + 40ppm. Small units of fast cavalry wizard conclave with great support spells, and a protective Aegis. You can run them to buff/hex other units and support the rest of your army, or switch to attack mode by placing some agents and hexes to boost up their defense and Strength.

Dread Knights 285pts for 5 + 35ppm. Each base is essentially better stats than 3 Judicators. They are expensive but will make their points back with their nutty amount of attacks and maneuverable unit size.

Obsidian Guard 220pts for 10 + 22ppm. Elite anvils, being Heavy Armour and a Def and Off of 6 that's normally only seen on characters. Two attacks a model and halberds make them scary. They will be hitting most other units on 2+ and str 4 will help them grind through other units. They even anchor your forces more by having a rule forcing nearby units to re-roll Panic checks, freeing up your Battle Standard Bearer to be with somewhere else or spend points on something else.

Judicators 200pts for 10 + 22ppm. Pretty buff elves with Hatred and having a ridiculous amount of bonuses to wound and AP despite still hitting at normal elf initiative. Overkill on lesser core units but murders elite small units that think their high armor and Res will save them.

Harpies 160pts for 8 + 10ppm. Dirt cheap and fast, defenseless, and insignificant. Don't expect them to do much, but make great meatshields by being in inconvenient positions to charge your opponent.

Gorgons 160pts for 1 + 100ppm. A single or 3 model unit with a good amount of attacks, very fast, and will not break in combat. Effective at dealing damage especially to Standard and Large with their Petrifying Stare circumventing a lot of their defense. Give them Paired Weapons or halberds to make the most of their attacks and watch out for supernal, if combat doesn't go their way they will crumble.

Thunder Pack 280pts for 3 + 65ppm. Tamers riding Rinos. Only as fast as Ogres but have light troops for high maneuverability despite being lumber battering rams that would terror rout or leave impact markets on whatever they charge. As if you wanted that small Dread Knight unit to be as cheap as possible but inflict maximum damage.

Raptor Chariot 200pts. Cheaper than a unit of dread knights but gets you essentially two dread knights with impact hits. A handy unit and certainly a strong choice, but it will be out on its own soaking up a lot of shots.

Divine Altar - Crucible of Slaughter 300pts. War Platform that can join a Scoring Infantry unit. gives a -1 Res to enemies in base contact, softening them up for your low Str elves, or even your Burly elves.

Divine Altar - Effigy of Dread 200pts. an Immovable Scenery Piece and offers a lot of benefits. Channel (3), your guys in 18" get Fear, enemies can't use Rally Around the Flag for Fear Tests and you can discard veil tokens to increase the range.

Destroyers[edit]

Hunting Chariot 210pts A quick chariot with a harpoon on it. This is the biggest "fuck you" to any monster your opponent could possibly field, especially flying monsters. If your opponent wants to monster mash this is a great choice.

Repeater Battery 190pts A mobile shooting platform, fire 8 anti-infantry shots that can be constantly wheeled around to a better position.

The Menagerie[edit]

Kraken & Hydra better reviewed together. Both are gigantic beasts that cost around the range of 400 points each. They have the same movement and defensive stats, but the Kraken will be harder to hit with Distracting and hard targets and the Hydra is more survivable with Fortitude (5+), with natural 6s allowing them to ignore additional hits (or heal a wound if you've ignored all hits). The Kraken has fewer attacks than the Hydra, but the hits are at strength 7 and multiple wounds (d3) and you can make it bigger, giving +2 HP and adding additional attendants. The Hydra has more attacks, epically at lower health, has decent strength, and a breath attack to harass nearby enemies. The choice is up to you which one to run, the Kraken is better at killing big single models, it's a monster hunting monster, the Hydra is better for stomping big units.

Mist Leviathan 265 pts. like a Manticore but more important in granting you tactical superiority. lets you win ties for picking deployment zones and gives nearby friendly Infantry a bonus to movement (but they can't March and Shoot), giving you early set up for changing and flanking.

Dreaded Giant 265pts. A giant with Scent of Blood provided by the Giants supplement. On top of the Big Brother and Giant Club upgrades given to all giants, you can also give two other upgrades. Dread Mask gives a bound Twisted Effigy spell and Devastating Charge (Distracting) to tie up enemies. It's tailor-made to break units as it also Maximized enemy Fear and Flee rolls as well. Monstrous Whip gives it a surprising support roll, letting nearby gigantic models maximize their charge rolls.

Magic Items[edit]

Weapon Enchantments[edit]

  • Crippling Frost: 95pts. Great weapons only. +1 str/ap and cause a model part during a duel to lose -1 Attack for the Round of Combat for each hit inflicted, allowing it to be effective on mounted characters as well. A great choice will be very consistent for your character and will scare any character not faster then a elf from getting too close to him.
  • Lacerating Touch: 50pts. Paired Weapons only. +2Ap, +2Attack, and Fear.
  • Transcendence: 50pts. Lance only. For each unsaved wound infected, user gains +1Str/Ap (max +2).
  • Pride of Gar Daecos: 35pts. Halberd. only. +1 Attack and Divine Attacks.
  • Mastery of Slaughter: 40pts. Spear only. This weapon re-rolls all 1s to wound and adds +1 to the bearer's combat score for each wound dealt.

Armor Enchantments[edit]

  • Seal of the Republic 40pts. Foot only. Heavy Armour only. Does nothing at the start of the game, but for each unsaved wound the wearer deals in melee they gain +1 armor for the rest of the game. Another win more option, but you need the armor for first turn shooting, not for turn 5 combat.

[edit]

  • Caedhren's Pennon: 70pts. Unit gains Scent of Blood and Swiftstride to hunt down enemies quicker.
  • Executioner's Icon: 50pts. Replaces Ruthless Efficiency for the unit with Artistry of Death.

Eye of the Gorgon: 40pts. Can't be taken on Core units. The unit gain's the Gorgon's Petrifying Stare and enemy units in base contact must re-roll successful Discipline checks.

Artefacts[edit]

  • Moithir's Mirror: 65pts. The bearer gains Aegis(5+). Any successful aegis saves deal an S5 AP2 attack towards whoever made that attack.
  • Mask of the War Crow: 50pts. Grants Fear and any units within 6" with Fear must reroll wound rolls of 1 in close combat.
  • Ceinran's Gambit: 40pts. Wizards only. Gains a bound version of The Wheel Turns.
  • Ring of the Obsidian Thrones: 40pts. The unit gains the Will of the Senate rule from the Obsidian Guard.
  • Seal of the 9th Fleet: 40pts. Silexian Officers only. Any models in the bearer's unit with the Academy Training gain Battle Focus on their first turn of combat.
  • Beastmaster's Whistle: 30pts. Beastmasters only. Single use. Maximizes the charge rolls of any Manticores or beast units within 12".


The 9th Age Tactics
General
Armies
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