8th Ed. 500 point warband

[Cobra7]

Useing Warband rules, pretty much: I can have half of min unit numbers.

I must use a scar vet as the commander and I need 5 temple guard minimum. I can also bring in allied races core/special.

Armies I will be fighting: 3 DoC, 1 WoC, 2 DE, 2 Skaven.

Army so far:
Commander: Scar Vet: LA, Burning Blade of Chotec, Enchanted Shield
Core:
Saurus Warriors x 13, FC
Skink Scrimishers x6
Special:
5 Temple Guard
Rare:
Salamander, extra skink

Couple things I've been pondering:
Been pondering a Dwarven Bolt Thrower for the same price as a jungle swarm.
Also maybe drop the Burning Blade and get the Sword of Striking and a luckstone.

What do you guys think?

 

[Gor-rok]

You could take the Dragonhelm and a regular shield on the Scar Veteran for two points less, and get free fire protection with the same armor save. It's saved me against Skulltaker more than once, though I'm not sure if your rules allow special characters (or if the commander can go over 25% in a warband).

As far as the Burning Blade goes, I agree that it might not be the best choice, especially with all the DoC you're up against. Gold Sigil Sword or Sword of Striking + Luckstone would be good. Or, here's a thought:

Light Armor, Shield. Dragonhelm, Luckstone, Venom of Firefly Frog. This gets you 2+ armor with a re-roll, poisoned magical attacks, 2+ ward against fire attacks, plus a parry save... and it'll give you the points to take another skink.

The bolt thrower would be great, especially if a chariot or monster shows up, but what would you sacrifice from your list to get it?

 

[Cobra7]

I am stuck at 25% for my hero. I don't mind so much because other armies are going to be much worse off than me.

As far as the bolt thrower, I can drop some Saurus Warriors down some to make room for it. However it goes in my rare slot so no runes for me. The other bad thing is the crew are BS 3, meaning I'll likely need 5's to hit anything over 24 inches.

If I drop the Salamander I can pick up a cannon or stone thrower. Honestly I think a Salamander will be better.

I don't think I'll go poisoned attacks as most of my opponents will be T3 and my vet will be S5.

 

[Gor-rok]

If that's the case with the bolt thrower, then stick with your salamander. A cannon might be tempting, but at this point level there's likely few monsters and such that would make a prime target for it.

If everyone's capped at 25% for hero, you won't have to worry about Skulltaker. I'd still go with Dragonhelm + regular shield; saves you 2 points, gives the same armor, and 2+ fire ward save is free (in case of firestorm blade, etc).

Whatever you end up taking for gear and troops, let us know how it works out. Also, where can I find the warband rules your group is playing with? My free time is drying up, and I'm coming to appreciate smaller, faster games.