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Tactica Vampire Counts - arbogast | |
DeploymentNow this is pretty important (as for all armies). But there's a few things unique to the VCs to keep in mind.1. No missile troops. So don't worry about hills or other missile-friendly terrain. (Often the terrain is not in your hand, but depending on the group, there's different ways to set up terrain, etc). 2. No marching w/o your general. This is the biggest concern for me usually. Although I've tried to minimize the need for him beyond the first turn, (b/c most things in the army are fast) one still has to keep this in mind. If he's mounted on a winged nightmare, he won't be around long, so don't depend on non-magically induced marching. If he's with the Black Knights, you're better off-another consideration for how you want to field your big guy. 3. Impassable/Difficult terrain: great for defending your swarms and fell bats. They can move over it with no penalty while most of your enemies will have a hard time reaching you through such terrain. 4. The VCs in this format are NOT a defensive army. You don't want to take the charge, ever! (Well that goes for most armies of course, but seems especially true w/the undead). So don't worry about hanging out waiting for them to come to you. Don't get caught behind/between terrain that will slow you down. You ought to be closing the distance and fast! (Negating the enemy's shooting and hitting him hard). 5. Screening: using the swarms to protect your Knights is perfectly viable and a smart move. The Spirit Hosts work best for this (except vs. cannons), but I imagine the bat swarms can do the same. Other than that, set your troops up in mutual support. You can have flankers on the side (wolves or spirit hosts) or use your knights as a hammer (holding the enemy up w/swarms to their frontage). Most of your troops will need supported charges to win (except the Black Knights). Remember this in your deployment. And try not to react to your opponent's placement (unless necessary, like a Hellblaster or something). TacticsThis is obviously a tough one to talk about beyond generalities (since so many unique situation arise on the board vs. different armies). With such a disclaimer stated....1. Your general should remain near your troops as long as possible. If he's on a flying mount, save him for the last movement–that way you can utilize his presence to march everyone off before he flies away. But don't keep him there at the expense of tasty targets (flank charge, lone wizards, warmachines, etc). 2. The pivotal unit in this army is obviously the Black Knights. They can take most things head on (but don't unless you have to) or by themselves. The others will need support; hold up a unit w/a swarm and then hit them in the flank with another swarm, some dire wolves, whatever works. Dual charges not only increase your damage potential, but also bolster your ability to outnumber thus autobreak (on that note, always take musicians; winning by 1 point and autobreaking is well worth that points). Against units immune to fear (for whatever reason) your work is a bit more cut out for you. Since few armies have all their units immune to fear, send your Knights against those that are immune, and use your other units against those susceptible to your greatest asset. 3. Magic use–very important to facilitating your victory. As I've said before, I love raising new units to mess with the opponents plans. Even if you don't have frenzied folk to lead away, when placing the new unit, make sure you angle them in such a way that exposes the enemy's flank should they be charged. By angling them off to a side, the enemy must align himself against your frontage. If he kills them (likely) then he either will stay w/an exposed flank or overrun to get out of the way (which will still put him out of position). This has helped me more times than I can remember. Also, by placing new units in the way, you prevent charges against your more valuable units. Of course, healing your important characters (general, necromancers) is of obvious utility. 4. Your general presents another problem. He's holding your army together; if he dies, you crumble FAST. Yet, he's your meatgrinder. So what to do? This army is meant to be an all-out assault on the enemy. Most players expect undead to be slow shambling hordes. Ride him forth and crush all who stand in your way. His prowess will keep him alive; and he's more vulnerable when not in HTH combat. 5. Mandatory challenges–yup, the Blood Dragon weakness. Against most people, no big deal. Against a fire wizard w/Von Horstman's Speculum and a blade of fire, a challenge = dead vampire. Again, just b/c your vamp has to challenge doesn't mean you have to put him in a combat where a challenge must be issued. Hit a flank, no character in combat, no challenge. He kills off all around him forcing a tough break test, and you can run down the character for free. Not honorable enough for a Blood Dragon? Eh, he's an undead vampire that drinks the blood of the living for sustenance. How honorable does he have to be? (Or more fluffy, is any mere mortal really worthy of the honor of meeting the Vampire in HTH combat? No one is his equal, so don't worry about it). Of course, great satisfaction is had every time he smashes a character into the ground, so it's up to you. Not to mention he scares the beejeezus out of any player (if they know what's good for them). I've seen people refuse the challenge (thinking it would save the character); well, the vamp takes his frustration out on rank and file troops and runs them down anyway. 6. A few brief notes on army construction.... First, I almost always give my vamps great weapons (so you don't have to worry about losing it to nasty magical spells). But this precludes you from hitting ethereal creatures (and Bretonnian Lords equipped with a certain Locke of hair). But at S7, he crushes chariots, most armor saves, and wounds dragons on a 3+. Secondly, ALWAYS take musicians (noted above)–as soon as you don't, you'll draw combat or lose to the enemy's musician. =So that's that. Thanks for reading through it all. Hope it helps or at least provokes ideas/questions/constructive criticism. | |
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