How do I build a "Find the Snake" list?

Malfred · Post by **Malfred** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 2:49 pm

I was thinking of running with multiple units of Corsairs and multiple
assassins to keep my opponent off guard. In order to pull this off, though,
I think it means that my Corsairs would be SCR blocks, and I'd be limited
in wargear and special choices (for points).

So I'd have

20 Corsairs w/ 2hw
20 Corsairs w/ 2hw

I'm thinking of this as I just painted 20ish metal corsairs and I want to
assemble and paint about 20 of the plastic ones (should be more fun
than assembling Spearmen).

For the three assassin mind game to work, I'm thinking I'll need more SCR
blocks to make the opponent wonder which ones I'll pop an assassin out
of and which ones I'll be baiting him with.

So does that mean I go with two blocks of Spear Elves (not a fun prospect)
or with a unit of Black Guard and a unit of Spear Elves (more tolerable)?

It seems that if I go this route I'll have limited Khainite units, and just rely
on COKs to be my obvious hammers. But the real CR winners for me will
(hopefully) be the idea that my opponent won't know where to charge for
fear of a pop-up ninja.

Any thoughts on my particular build? I know I've constrained things a bit
with my two requirements (Assassins and big blocks of Corsairs), but I'm
hoping it will be playable.

Nightblade183 · Post by **Nightblade183** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 5:49 pm

I've played this list a few times in 6th ed. I had 3 blocks of 20 Corsairs (that's right 60 metal corsairs) 20 Witches and 20 Exs put Two Assassins in the mix and add in a Lvl 4 and a Lvl 2 Sorceress and with two units of DR and a unit of COK it can cause a world of hurt. Add in a block of 20 Black Guard as an anchor and some reapers for fire power and you can make a solid 2500pt list. Note I used these elements in many diffent ways building lists from 2000pts to 4000pts. If I were you I'd get two units of spearmen and one of black guard. Your spear units will be good at taking charges while the corsairs are better when charging. The BG are sort of an all around elite unit that can do both. Throw in the CoB to make it really pack a whollup and then use units of COK or COC as hammers. You'll bring a lot of pain in CC. I'd recommend going with a Highbornish type character (don't know what he's called now) and a BSB to give your units even more power. Then 2 lvl 2 to round out the magic. What you lack in shooting you make up for with sheer overwhelming force.

Deep one · Post by **Deep one** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 6:00 pm

Please note my postcount is higher than the number of actual WFB battles I've fought, so my opinion is not necessarily the most well-founded one.

But between 2x20 corsairs, 1x20 SE and 1x20 BG (all FC, I assume) AND three assassins with maxed equipment, you already have ~1.400 points on the battlefield and no way of preventing your opponent to take your blocks apart by using war maschines, ranged combat/gun lines or magic.

How about you tried to use a MSU build-up, using said Multiple Small Units to hide the assassins in, get in some fast and maneuverable units for combined charges and build some magical defense and/or screen against ranged attacks?

Just my 2 €-cents, mind. !smile!

Malfred · Post by **Malfred** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:26 pm

Thanks for the tips.

Yes, I myself have played fewer games of Warhammer than your post count,
Deep One.

I'm concerned about points as well. In my head I'm planning to rely on the
SCR + Assassin kills to even things out if my blocks get to combat, but you're
right when you say that I'm likely to get torn up trying to get there.

Nightblade: I don't know how you fit all that in 2500. It seems like a lot!
Also, they're called Dreadlords and Masters (I think).

Dullmentalracket · Post by **Dullmentalracket** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 8:47 pm

most of the DE units are ACR, i see no point in making them that big, If you want SCR go warriors or go home.

Azure · Post by **Azure** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 9:01 pm

<---- has played a lot more than my post count... Just kidding of course...

I would suggest using blocks of 10-12. That way the assassins can still win combats for the units but you aren't wasting so many points on guys in the back. Basically I'm suggesting you run a smaller scale MSU with multiple hidden assassins. You can keep your big blocks of warriors and black guard but I have always found that corsairs are much better used in small blocks of 10-14.

-Rex

Goblin stalker · Post by **Goblin stalker** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 9:09 pm

I personnaly like to field corsairs in blocks of 15, give one of them a war banner (half the price of the extra rank). you could take 3x15 corsairs if you like, only 5 more models than 2x20 and much more versatility. Throw in a 20 of spears and a 20 or 15 of elites or even just 2x15 of elites to support your cav/chariots. take some DR, a few wizards and then you are good.

Malfred · Post by **Malfred** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 8:04 pm

Azure wrote:<---- has played a lot more than my post count... Just kidding of course...

I would suggest using blocks of 10-12. That way the assassins can still win combats for the units but you aren't wasting so many points on guys in the back. Basically I'm suggesting you run a smaller scale MSU with multiple hidden assassins. You can keep your big blocks of warriors and black guard but I have always found that corsairs are much better used in small blocks of 10-14.

-Rex

What do you suppose the upper limit for Assassins is?

Azure · Post by **Azure** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 8:07 pm

I would keep it to a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5. Test it out and see how it ends up. Use your blocks without assassins to bait the enemy into the blocks with them and tell us what you think!

-Rex

Malfred · Post by **Malfred** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 3:03 am

3 with big blocks and 5 with MSU ones, perhaps.

I think either list would be fun. It'll only take me 6-8 months to get it
done