7th Ed. Friendly 2000pt list for a beginner – need some advice

[roguken]

I posted this list over on Librarium a little while back and, although the comment I got on it was extremely helpful, I feel that I'll get a better response over here . In essence, I've drawn up two lists for myself, and can't really decide between the two. I prefer the second one, and if the two are more or less equal, I'll go with it, but if it is much worse than the first, I'll go with the first. I would be really appreciative if I could get a few opinions from more experienced players as to which one is better – remembering that these are friendly lists, not necessarily meant to crush everything ever.

Thanks a bunch!

LIST 1
Slann Mage-Priest
Focused Rumination, Focus of Mystery, Rod of the Storm, Plaque of Protection
Skink Priest
Lvl. 2, Engine of the Gods
Scar-Veteran
Battle-Standard Bearer, Horned One, Light Armor, Shield, Burning Blade

18 Saurus Warriors
Spears, Full Command
10 Skink Skirmishers
Brave
10 Skink Skirmishers
no upgrades

14 Temple Guards
Full Command
3 Terradons
Brave
1 Stegadon
no upgrades

1 Salamander
Extra Handler

Total: 1999pts

LIST 2
Slann Mage-Priest
Focused Rumination, Focus of Mystery, Battle Standard, Plaque of Protection
Skink Priest
Lvl. 2, Engine of the Gods

18 Saurus Warriors
Spears, Full Command
18 Saurus Warriors
Spears, Full Command
17 Skink Warriors
2 Kroxigor, Brave, Standard Bearer
10 Skink Skirmishers
Brave

16 Temple Guard
Full Command
3 Terradons
no upgrades

1 Salamander
Extra Handler

Total: 2000pts

 

[Xlcontiqu]

My personal preference is the first one. It offers more flexibility compared to the other list. I tend to play a more avoidance list with lots of small units. The first list can be fixed a little also, but I feel it offers some tactical advantages the second lacks. Now if you like blocks of infantry go with the second one. Both are fairly good lists, but it just depends on your playstyle.

 

[JohnMavrick]

LIST 1
Slann Mage-Priest
Focused Rumination, Focus of Mystery, Rod of the Storm, Plaque of Protection
Skink Priest
Lvl. 2, Engine of the Gods
Scar-Veteran
Battle-Standard Bearer, Horned One, Light Armor, Shield, Burning Blade

You've got a pretty good Lord/Hero selection here. It's pretty strong magically and the Scar Vet will help you out w/ HtH. However I would make a few minor tweaks. First I'd drop the Plaque. Your putting your Slann in a unit of TG so he'll be pretty well protected anyways. Unless your expecting to go against alot of artillary trains I wouldn't take it. A good item you'd might like to consider to Cupped hands and Bane head (to target your juicy enemy character of choice). I would also consider moving your BSB to your Slann and letting your Scar Vet hammer away like he's good at. Having your Slann as your BSB will give you that much more static combat resolution for your TG and will help with leadership with the rest of your infantry.

Side note, I never leave home without at least one dispel scroll.

18 Saurus Warriors
Spears, Full Command
10 Skink Skirmishers
Brave
10 Skink Skirmishers
no upgrades

It's generally considered that unit champions are worthless because of their cost. The only time people usually take them is to give characers who've joined that unit some challenge protection. I'd definately not give the skinks any braves...point sink.

14 Temple Guards
Full Command
3 Terradons
Brave
1 Stegadon
no upgrades

Good choices. I'd might consider increasing the size of your TG to either 16 or 18. I personally run a unit of 20 and I've never, ever lost it in a battle. Drop the brave on the terradons and your golden!

1 Salamander
Extra Handler

Excellent choice.

LIST 2
Slann Mage-Priest
Focused Rumination, Focus of Mystery, Battle Standard, Plaque of Protection
Skink Priest
Lvl. 2, Engine of the Gods

See above reguarding your Slann's magic items. I'd also consider getting a Scar Vet in there for some kick a$$ combat prowess.

18 Saurus Warriors
Spears, Full Command
18 Saurus Warriors
Spears, Full Command
17 Skink Warriors
2 Kroxigor, Brave, Standard Bearer
10 Skink Skirmishers
Brave

I do like this core selection better than your first list. Once again though, I'd drop the unit champions. There is a lot of discussion about taking Skrox units. I won't go into it besides to say that I don't generally run them. They have uses but I prefer skirmishers to Skrox, but that's my opinion.

16 Temple Guard
Full Command
3 Terradons
no upgrades

Nothing wrong with these selections. You could increase the size of your TG but you don't have to. It's a good size!

1 Salamander
Extra Handler

Yup...nothing wrong here.
------------------------------------------

Over all you have a pretty good grasp on your lists. If I had to choose between the two lists I'd have to agree with you that the second list is good. They are both equal for the most part. Generally I run a very similar list to what you've got here except I will run razordons instead of salamanders (my personal choice), I don't fiddle with Skrox units, and I like to take a five model unit of CoC. Other than that I flesh my core with two 18 Saurus units and two 10 skirmisher units. Pretty close to what you've got.

 

[roguken]

Thanks a bunch guys

@ Xlcontiqu - I agree that the first is a little more flexible, but as you guessed, I do like the idea of blocks of infantry; also, if what I hear about 8th is right, there might be a return focus to infantry, so I want to get a bit of practice using them now. Always good to hear a second opinion, though - thanks!

@ JohnMaverick - The breakdown was really helpful and much appreciated; I guess I had just assumed the champions were pretty standard to take, but especially without characters in the units, I can see why they might not really make much sense to burn points on... I'll certainly be re-examining that a bit. I had intended to add a mounted Scar Vet and a few Cold Ones when I wanted to kick the list up to 2250, but I'll take a look at including one in the 2000pt tier as well.

Once again, thank you both!