Shielded Dark Riders as sorceress bodyguard
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2010 1:30 pm
Greetings,
continuing the reflections about how to find a combined solution for the need of fulfilling core requirements and having optimal bodyguard for our sorceressess (see thread: http://www.druchii.net/viewtopic.php?t=67371) , I´d like to discuss the use of shielded Dark Riders in that function.
As argued before, your bodyguard units should preferentially stay out of combat, be cheap and, at least in the case of some lores, be mobile.
Shielded Dark Riders could fill a niche as mobile bodyguards for our mounted sorcessess.
1) Their high mobility, even without fast cav rules, should make it possible to avoid CC and even reduce enemy shooting/magic (arcs of sight, cover).
2) They´re relatively cheap. A 5 men squad with shields and mus is cheaper than a small unit of spears or rxb.
3) Even if loosing fast cav. for being joined by a character, they´re still extremely mobile and manouverable, with 18´´ march and small footprint for wheeling etc.
4) Fulfill core requirement and free up points for specials/rare
With shields, and for that role they should always get shields, as they´re going to loose fast cav. anyway, they give 4+ save, one of the best in our arsenal. Particularly for short ranged lores, like Dark and Death, the increase of 18´´ effective range for our casters is not to be underestimated.
Together, these characteristics mean a mobility almost as good as a Pegasus (slightly shorter march, can´t fly above other units etc.), while far better protection for the sorc (look out sir and 4+ save) and using up the mandatory core requirements. It makes for a very interesting flanking sorceress.
The single most important disadvantage I see in this build is that you loose fast cav., arguebly the best characteristic of DRs, while paying the same price for them.
So, comparing with some other options for bodyguards:
1) Against Spearmen blocks:
Advantages: DRs have better mobility, smaller chance of being hit by templates, better saves
Disadvantages: less wounds, high enemy target priority, no dagger/banner of discipline etc. synergies
2) Against rxb:
Advantages: far better mobility, slightly smaller chance of being hit by templates, slightly better saves, though no parry.
Disadvantages: less wounds, high enemy target priority.
3) Small corsairs:
Advantages: better mobility, smaller chance of being hit by templates
Disadvantages: less wounds, high enemy target priority
4) Small elites (BG, COK etc.):
Advantages: core requirement, better mobility, no stupidity, smaller chance of template hits (in case of infantry)
Disadvantages: less wounds (BG) or save (COK)
So, all in all, shielded Dark Riders seem an interesting choice for more mobile DE forces and short ranged magic lores, making it possible for the sorceress to accompany and support the attackers, or flanking and harassing, while keeping some degree of protection for relatively few points and without draining points of vital special/rare combat units.
As alway, I´d be honoured to have the analysis discussed by the community and hear your comments and new insights.
Cheers
continuing the reflections about how to find a combined solution for the need of fulfilling core requirements and having optimal bodyguard for our sorceressess (see thread: http://www.druchii.net/viewtopic.php?t=67371) , I´d like to discuss the use of shielded Dark Riders in that function.
As argued before, your bodyguard units should preferentially stay out of combat, be cheap and, at least in the case of some lores, be mobile.
Shielded Dark Riders could fill a niche as mobile bodyguards for our mounted sorcessess.
1) Their high mobility, even without fast cav rules, should make it possible to avoid CC and even reduce enemy shooting/magic (arcs of sight, cover).
2) They´re relatively cheap. A 5 men squad with shields and mus is cheaper than a small unit of spears or rxb.
3) Even if loosing fast cav. for being joined by a character, they´re still extremely mobile and manouverable, with 18´´ march and small footprint for wheeling etc.
4) Fulfill core requirement and free up points for specials/rare
With shields, and for that role they should always get shields, as they´re going to loose fast cav. anyway, they give 4+ save, one of the best in our arsenal. Particularly for short ranged lores, like Dark and Death, the increase of 18´´ effective range for our casters is not to be underestimated.
Together, these characteristics mean a mobility almost as good as a Pegasus (slightly shorter march, can´t fly above other units etc.), while far better protection for the sorc (look out sir and 4+ save) and using up the mandatory core requirements. It makes for a very interesting flanking sorceress.
The single most important disadvantage I see in this build is that you loose fast cav., arguebly the best characteristic of DRs, while paying the same price for them.
So, comparing with some other options for bodyguards:
1) Against Spearmen blocks:
Advantages: DRs have better mobility, smaller chance of being hit by templates, better saves
Disadvantages: less wounds, high enemy target priority, no dagger/banner of discipline etc. synergies
2) Against rxb:
Advantages: far better mobility, slightly smaller chance of being hit by templates, slightly better saves, though no parry.
Disadvantages: less wounds, high enemy target priority.
3) Small corsairs:
Advantages: better mobility, smaller chance of being hit by templates
Disadvantages: less wounds, high enemy target priority
4) Small elites (BG, COK etc.):
Advantages: core requirement, better mobility, no stupidity, smaller chance of template hits (in case of infantry)
Disadvantages: less wounds (BG) or save (COK)
So, all in all, shielded Dark Riders seem an interesting choice for more mobile DE forces and short ranged magic lores, making it possible for the sorceress to accompany and support the attackers, or flanking and harassing, while keeping some degree of protection for relatively few points and without draining points of vital special/rare combat units.
As alway, I´d be honoured to have the analysis discussed by the community and hear your comments and new insights.
Cheers