8th Ed. Slann with saurus warriors?

[Bon ban]

I was wondering if temple guard give much more protection to a slann than saurus warriors. Sure, saurus can panic but other than that I don't see any difference.

Thanks in advance.

 

[dokushin]

Speaking purely from a defensive standpoint, Temple Guard:

• Are stubborn
• Are ItP (as you pointed out)
• Let a Slann auto-pass LoS
• Let a Slann place in the second row, preventing him from being targeted

Generally they make a very solid bunker. Note, however, that TG are in a lot of circumstances easier to kill (+1WS over regular saurus, but -1 AS and no parry).

 

[Stonecutter]

Dokushin covered most of the saurus vs TG issues but here are a few more to consider:

1) Point cost - saurus are cheaper so you get more of them for the same points. It works out to 14 saurus to 11 TG but it can become an entire rank once you consider a horde.

2) Armour Save - TG have 3+ vs shooting & 4+ in CC (LA + 5+ SS). This means they are slightly better at surviving ranged attacks (missiles or magic) that do not deny AS (i.e. cannons or searing doom).

3) Better stats - the increased WS can make a difference in CC since the unit will often be hit on 4s vice 3s for saurus. With a hand of glory boost, this is more likely to happen even against elite troops. Also, TG are S5 in CC with I2 vice S4 and I1 for saurus. The extra strength makes a big difference when tackling tough opponents in the T5/T6 range like monsters or going against troops with good armour saves. This indirectly makes the unit last longer since it dishes out more casualties than saurus over time, thus limiting the number of attacks back. Again, HoG buffs can also allow the TG to strike either simultaneously or before opponents more often than the same buff for saurus, especially if a beastieboy is already lending the +1I buff to the unit.

4) Magic banner - TG are the only unit in the army that can take a magic banner. This can often give the TG a further edge over saurus or bring a needed capability to the army like AP, flaming or increased LD so that the Slaan can take a different banner.

While TG & saurus are similar, the TG are definitely worth the extra points IMHO. However, since saurus are core troops and TG are special, there is no reason not to take both since both units are quite good overall.

 

[Bon ban]

What I'm trying to ask is, is a large saurus block (35+) adequate protection for a slann?

 

[Stonecutter]

What I'm trying to ask is, is a large saurus block (35+) adequate protection for a slann?

In most cases, the slaan will be fine in a big block of saurus. However, he will be exposed to direct physical attacks since the points invested in that big a unit mean you want it in combat and hence your opponent will be able to target the slaan. Also, if the slaan does not have the crown of command to give the unit stubborn, any superior opponent (WoC, irongutz, elven elites) could break the block rather easily within a couple rounds or even sooner if it is in horde formation.

 

[Myster2]

What I'm trying to ask is, is a large saurus block (35+) adequate protection for a slann?

Yes absolutely. 21 is a good number. I put a saurus hero in the front rank along with the full command and run in ranks of 5. This forces the Slann to the second rank. I rarely use temple guard but I'm going to try it again soon thanks to PF.

 

[Smexygor]

Slann's footprint is different, isn't he forced to the side? Therefore vulnerable?

 

[Stonecutter]

Slann's footprint is different, isn't he forced to the side? Therefore vulnerable?

No, the slaan is 50 x 50 and thus fills up 4 slots for either TG or saurus.

 

[HoverBoy]

Speaking purely from a defensive standpoint, Temple Guard:

• Are stubborn
• Are ItP (as you pointed out)
• Let a Slann auto-pass LoS
• Let a Slann place in the second row, preventing him from being targeted

Generally they make a very solid bunker. Note, however, that TG are in a lot of circumstances easier to kill (+1WS over regular saurus, but -1 AS and no parry).

Actually they have the same AS in CC (light armour) but no parry indeed, still the better AS against ranged attacks is nice to have on a bunker.

 

[Dreadgrass]

If you were wanting to slip a Slann into a saurus bunker, I'd probably suggest grabbing him the fencers blades. His 5 wounds and built-in wardsave are good, but WS10 gives a huge boost to survivability, especially against things WS3/4 as they'll go from hitting you on 3+ to 5+.

For the fun of it, give him the egg of Quango as well. We could call it the "battle toad" build!

 

[Smexygor]

I repeatedly cast hand of glory for increased WS and sat in a challenge with a Wood Elf Alter Kindred hero with great weapon for most of a game. He'd get 2-3 hits, a couple wounds, and half make it through ward. Kept him out of the fight by accepting with the slann, but it did reduce the slann's usefulness. Kept him away from two treemen that were gonna eat him though.

 

[Slanputin]

Smexygor Ii saw your name and I just had to say: I like.

As for Saurus blocks, I always use TG and just boost their defense. For Saurus you'd need to focus on boosting their offensive ability to hell chop down would-be Slann-killers. Plus: large block, at least a champion to challenge out any pesky heroes, Wissan's/HoG.

But with the auto-pass LOS and Stubborn, I'm not so convinced at going for it unless you really don't like TGs/want to cut down on points.

 

[Smexygor]

3 points more for increased strength, WS, and init, plus a ton of bonuses with slann. Unless you need the points and Saurus will do just as well in that match up I don't see why not taking them.

And thank you! I felt mighty clever when I came up with it.