Army Composition
- Infernal Guard
These are the main core unit of your army. Better than their Dawi hold dwelling cousins, they have a 4+ save (with a 5++ against fire based attacks) plus a shield and a base Strength of 4. However, such a sweet statline doesn’t come cheap, and units between 20 and 25 is usually the way to go. They can also take a magic standard, which is nice! Good, standard option to fill core. Don’t expect much from them, but they should be able to go toe to toe with any other core unit and give a decent account of themseves.
The warriors have additional 3 weapon options, and these really dictate what you do with the unit. They can have great weapons for 3 points, fireglaves for 5 points, or if you really feel like splashing out, blunderbusses for 6 points.- The great weapons are a great choice for a hammer/anvil unit. It makes them strike at S6 (with easy access to hatred) and as they are I2 anyway, you’re not giving up much to attack last. The only really cost if the loss of the shield, but being T4 with a 4+ makes them pretty durable. As Chaos Dwarfs are only M3, they make a great anvil unit, but your opponent will easily be able to avoid them, unless you force them to come at you…For me this is the optimum choice for warriors, they are tough and hit like a ton of bricks. For the Dawi Zhar lord that wants a combat army…yes please to 24 with great weapons.
- Next up is the fireglave. This is a great ‘mid’ option. It allows you to fire at a relatively close range, but at S4 with armour piercing, which it nice, and also acts as a halberd in close combat. This is a great choice, the only downside being it’s points. You’ll want to make sure everyone can fire (so 2 ranks) but the unit is also a combat one (so 4 ranks). I usually allow my opponent to charge my 2 deep line, rely on my Ld10 stubborn hero to make sure I stand, and can reform for the next turn of combat. Not my preferred choice, but ok. Maybe a unit of 18 or 24.
- Finally, the blunderbuss. Now we’re talking! This make the unit horrendously expensive, especially as the guns ae only really worth their points if you’re firing 20 or more. This means you need to be taking units of at least 24. And at 18 ppm, that unit get expensive FAST!. Why so good? The fact that 20 firing D3 shots give you an average of 40 shots that basically ignore all to hit penalties and re-roll to wound. In addition, if you get into combat you keep you shield for that fantastic 3+ 6++. Get these guys in a building, and just delete anyone that comes within 12". All that said, their short range, huge drop off when the unit gets to 19 minis and the humongous points cost means I take these for fun game, but more often than not, they get left on the shelf.