Ratties on Sunday then a game against Dwarfs with... Lizards?!

Nick's has his act together to the point where he can actually field his Skaven now (how he'll get them ready for Fields in time I don't know) so it's all on at the club this Sunday. My first game against Skaven and I'm not too proud to admit I've done a little research into how to not get smashed. Several gems like "Don't die" jumped right out but, at the risk of giving the game away should Nick read this, here's what I learned (all theoryhammer for me until I actually play the army of course!):


Numbers

This is potentially an issue for the Doofs. I'll be massively outnumbered and if I accidentally expose my flank I'm probably history. Skaven are more than likely going to receive the outnumbering bonus for combat and could easily cancel ranks and get the flank bonus by outmaneouvering me. They are heavily RELIANT on numbers because they suck hard in combat and my troops will beat them senseless without breaking a sweat. Numbers also means I have it all to do to cause panic checks from shooting. However, it is also something can be turned against them - the board edge only has so much room for deployment and a simple refused flank (classic Dwarf/small army strategy) can render almost 1/2 the Skaven army semi-obselete and reduced to contesting quarters because they are unable to find position. They have so many of their own units that traffic jams are a constant risk. Terrain is a great help here. Funnelling is a possibility. March-blocking will be essential.

Leadership

Ratties get some neat rules to help with their sucktastic leadership but at the end of the day they still have sucktastic leadership. Smack the general down and I'll have a distinct advantage. To that end I'll be targetting units away from the general's leadership and trying to take him down if the opportunity arises.

Inconsistency

Skaven shooting and magic can be outright deadly but one thing that is on my side is it's remarkable inconsistencies. I can't count this as an advantage as such but it's always possible that warp-lightning cannon will just blow up or shoot it's own troops. This is a bit like O&G Animosity - the random element makes them less reliable and this can only work in my favour.

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Lizards

Inspired by Dave Grant I'm now looking into the possibility of starting a Lizardmen army. To that end Dave's coming over on Sunday night for a game and has suggested I use his Lizardmen against my Dwarfs. It's a damn good suggestion! By playing against my own force I'm going to gain a better understanding of how it can be taken down. I also get some time playing Lizards :)