I've read the Start Collecting boxes are quite nice to build an army from, especially if you make a few conversions. Can you build a competitive army from the models included? For now I want a 1k army, but I'd like to be sure that what I buy now can evolve into a 2k list. For now the plan to buy is 2×SC! + a Slann Starmaster and a box of Skinks. Are there any nice additions I can get now that won't break the bank?
Yeah, a couple of SC is a really solid starter. I take for granted that you already know of this thread. Otherwise, you'll find it very useful. From then, the first things you should consider (other than the Slann an the skinks): Astrolith bearer, Engine of the Gods, Bastiladon
Yes! I'm working with that list in the back of my mind. Of the Saurus heroes, which would be the most useful to have?
1st - Scar-vet on carno for too spot 2nd - Eternity warden for slaan protection and unit boost (if you use guards - which I imagine you won’t be) 3rd - Sunblood for damage output and a nifty ability (probably a decent choice for you and the saurus you will have)
Thanks for the reply! Okay, I figured a Sunblood will be a nice addition. I'm guessing an Eternity Warden is not worth it without any guards. Are the skink heroes worth getting?
Using the thread linked above and kitbashing/light sculpting to get the most out of your start collecting... my calculations you could build the following with 2x start collecting boxes: 20 Warriors 15 Knights on Coldone 1 Scarvet on Coldone 1 Carnosaur with Scarvet 1 Carnosaur with Oldblood 1-2 Troglodon 1 Skink Priest 1 Astrolith Bearer 1 Scarvet on foot 1 Oldblood on foot 1 Sunblood
The Eternity Warden can be used without Guards, as a bodyguard for a Slann. The Skink heroes (Priest and Starpriest) are worth it IMO, as they can buff Saurus-based armies as well (especially the Starpriest which can buff their bite attacks well). The Starseer... too expensive IMO for what he does.
Star Collecting Box x2 is a great way to start your army. The only down side it that Saurus Knights are pretty bad right now. They only work well in Dracothion's Tail Battalion. If you want to go saurus then focus on Saurus Warriors. A Slann Starmaster, Skink Starpriest, Saurus Astrolith Bearer, and as many Razordons as you can bring yourself to buy should be your next purchases. I find Razordons are more value for their points than Bastiladons are until you start playing 2k games. Alternatively you could plan to go with Shadowstrike Starhost. You would want Ripperdactyle Ridders box x2, Skink Box x3, and a Skink Starpriest to get started. Here is the 1k Shadowstrike I often run: Allegiance: Seraphon LEADERS: Skink Starpriest (80) - General - Command Trait : Master of Star Rituals - Artefact : Incandescent Rectrices UNITS: 6 x Ripperdactyl Riders (280) 40 x Skinks (240) -Meteoric Javelins & Star Bucklers 10 x Skinks (60) -Meteoric Javelins & Star Bucklers 4 x Razordons (160) BATTALIONS: Shadowstrike Starhost (180) TOTAL: 1000/1000 EXTRA COMMAND POINTS: 1 WOUNDS: 84 You can bumb up to 1500 by adding in a Slann (making it the General), a Saurus Astrolith Bearer, and additional Skinks. Both routes are good ways to get started. The SC boxes are certainly cheaper. Look through the Battalion options for Seraphon in our book and the GH2018 and make your choice from there.
I have played 15 games at 3 differrent AoS2.0 1k ITC tournaments with the list and only had 1 minor defeat. I feel it is worth losing the summoning. Normally I alpha strike everything scary from my opponents list turn one. However, this list does require deep game knowledge to pilot effectively at competitive levels of play.