WONTAR USING ALTERNATIVE ARMIES By Matt Keefe and Ken South In this article System Head, Matt Keefe and Warmaster expe Ken South take a look at how you ean vary the ‘existing racial army lists to add character and unique circumstances to spice up your games, ‘The Warmaster army Usts are essentially archetypes, presenting broad views ofeach race, with thie most common, leoops present along. with minimums and maximums ‘ensuring thatthe average army wil have fir spread of the ferent oop types. The amy lst are designed in this way Tpoth for balance and fainess, and also to keep a stong Individual theme for each. Overall, the army sts promde ‘good, evenly matched armies chat can be used ie any old ‘ame, no matter how hasty arranged i may be. ‘This needn't always be the case, however, and with a litle planning, players familar wich the rules will find it easy ‘enough to create akerative armies by using diferent army lists, adjusting the resvictons on an ary Ist or even doing, away with the army lists akogether. You might like to create a High Elf army composed enciely of cavalry, or an Empire army with alot more artillery than normal, for instance. ‘The most appropriate place for this kind of jggen-pokery is Ina specially designed scenario, where other factors such 2s, ‘victory condiions, the number of points allowed to each side (oF some other special rule can also be adjusted to level out any advantage gained by the altered army lists Alternate armies could be used in standard games, but using them habitually rather goes against the idea. The point of alkernate armies isto represent oddies, unusual armies not ‘often witnessed, or even mustered only once in response 0 ‘exceptional crcumstances. What allthis means is that, in all likethood, the kind of armies that would fightin a uncothe rill bate are fr beter represented by the standard army ss. Using Other Army Lists ‘The simplest way to represent alternative kinds of army is simply use a diferent army lst. This method is very similar t0 the ‘counts a’ method for akernate unis. Since the amy sts are being used unaltered, this kind of alternate army is ideal for use in all stations, since i¢ remains completely ‘offical and is entirely fine for us in any game, no matter how compenve ‘The Green Horde Army Experienced Warmaster general and the brain behind the famed Euro GT Lex van Roay uses a rather special Ores & Goblins army Instead of using the typical Ores & Goblins army lst, Lex uses the Kislev army list in lorder to represent a more ragtag, nomadic Ore horde. Such an army might represent roving tibes that populate the Steppes, the Badlands or other such wilderness areas. The army could even be sed to Fepresent other, more unusual Greenskin armies, such as Hobgoblins, whose wolf-mounted tribes constantly. prow! the Steppes and the lands east of the Old World In orders he Gen Horde, Lex Nie roe the AER ION at cara one Oil & Goblins models, This is summarised on the table below. 4 Kisley List Entry ‘Green Horde Models Could also eepresent.. “Rnighes ‘Ore Boarboyz é Tlorse Archers Goblin Wolt Riders Hobgoblin Wolr Riders Bowmen. ‘Night Goblins Ore Archers semen ‘Ore Warriors Black Ores Bear Ogres = War Wagon e Snothing Pump Wagon, % exceptionally lange chariots wagons of caravans ofthe type me] ‘might imagine Nomadic CGreenksins might somehow steal lor cobble together, General Gener = ‘Shaman “Ore Shaman Goblin Shaman = Tear 7A very ferocious Boar mount! | A very ferocious Squig mount! Taare ‘Some af the more primitive Greenskin tribes may well be Ted By Shaman who has cowed the Orcs and Goblins into submission with his magic. Using the Tearina upgrade could represent such a Sbaman ‘aking tthe field into a chariot as bit his status as head ofthe tribe.Fanto_78-85 2/11/04 For example, you might choose a Chaos army using the Empire army isto represent an army composed of imperial ‘wattoss, perhaps having defected in the midst of one ofthe reat Chaos invasions, or pethaps having been tainted on an ‘expedition northwards and returned t0 the Empire in the service of the Chaos gods. In this case, the army Ist is used, ‘exactly as printed —all you need to do is represent each ofthe "nits with approprately Chaotic models. You can do this by ‘lther using models from the existing Chaos range, of by ‘converting up Chaos themed versions of the exsting Empire nits. All tha s important is thatal units ofthe same ype use the same model, and that you deatly explain w your ‘opponent atthe stat ofthe game what cach unit represents 1 prevent any confusion. Using this technique, alternate armies can be created 10 represent armies that difer quite drastically fom the typical armies of their race ~ perhaps employing more or less of a panicular kind of woop (cavalryinfanty’monsters) than. ‘would be normal for instance. As long asthe areny compares closely to one ofthe other races, you can easly represent in ‘this manner. Some examples might include {# Mouslon sa cursed cit shunned by most Bretonnians fri lingering evil and association ‘with death, Blacearmoured knights and other Sinister foes are know from the city and have, From time vo me, even rode out to face those ‘who would seck to recaim Mousllon forthe King. Such an army could be represented using the ‘armpit Counts army lst alongside appropriately grimly tired Bretonnian models 4 Ina sila vein, the Blood Dragons area bloodline of Vampires which runs though many of the most ancient noble fais of the Old World, creating armies of Vampire Knights and thei Undead retainers Though not ‘yplealy given to mastering large armies, the Blood Dragons nonetheless have one so when the nced required, and such an army could easly be represented by using eter the Bretonnian or Empire army list with Undead models for the units themseves, 1 The Marauder tnibes populate the nonern lands, descending on the lands tothe south ‘shen the Winds of Chaos blow strongest. {nthe (Old World itis the Norse andthe Kurgan that ‘most often come to trouble the cise lands, Dut in other pats ofthe world other tribes are now, feared tribes who behave quite diferent to their Old World counterparts The Hung, fr instance, are known for thet horsemanship, wth only the poorest and most pathetic of men fighting on foot. Such an army ‘could be represented by the use of Marauder models (or other appropriately barbaric types, such as the Steppe Horse Archers) an army ‘chosen fom the Kise lstAdjusting the Army Lists When adjusting existing army lists, the est place to start AMter using other army lists, the simplest method of is with units who have a minimum’ listed in the army lst. representing alternate armies isto star to adjust existing ‘Typically these represent the most common type of army lists 2 litle. This, of course, is drasucaly different to soldier within an army which we would usualy expect to the former method in one important respect ~you'll need find in almost every amy belonging to that race. There are your opponent's agreement to Use the army lst with is always exceptions, however. The Empire army, for adjustments, and most tournament organisers probably instance is usually obliged to take 2 minimum of two units won't consider such an army ‘official. That aside, of Halherdiers and (wo units of Crossbowmen (both adjusting the army lists a litle is simple, relatively infantry units). Whilst almost all states of the Empire balanced, and goes 2 long way towards producing 2 maintain such soldiers, forming far and away the bulk of distinctive army most armies, there are ocassions where the Empire has found the need to muster armics composed entirely of THE DWARF GUILD EXPEDITION FORCE OF GUILDMASTER ‘WONDERGUN’ THORKESSON 3 y (| eo) els Rangers Infanry, sit 4 3+ 3° | a0. 4 i. 1. Handguaners. Handgunners follow the special rules presented inthe watt arm list 2, Rangers. Ranges follow the special rules presented inthe Dwarf army lst tn addon, the army may only include a ‘Single uni of Ranges, no matter how large is 53. Cannon & Mortar. The fll rues for cannons can be found in the Arllery & Machines section ofthe Warmaster rulebook Moras follow the same rules as Ore Rock Labbe. As fa asthe maximum number of hese units concerned, the army may include up to 2 units of mortars or 2 unis of cannons oFa combination of cinnons and mortars s0 long as ‘the tal never exceeds 2 unis of cannon and mortars per 1,000 points 4, Flame Cannon & Organ Gun. The fll rules for cannons can be found in the Arilery & Machines section of the ‘Warmasterruleboole Organ guns follow the same rules 2s Empire Helblaser, As far asthe maximum number of dese ‘units 6 concerned, the army’ may include up (o § Unis of Flame cannon of $ units of Organ guns oF combination of "Flame cannon and Organ gun so long asthe tol never exceeds 3 units of Flame cannon and Organ guns per LOO points 5. Gyrocopter. the full rules for the Gyrocopter can be found in the Artillery & Machines section ofthe Warmailer rulebook ‘6 Anvil The Anil follows the special rues presented inthe Davart army list 7. Airship. The Dwarf airship is used as an observation baloon. All aillery with in 10em of the balloon or Sing a target within 10em of the ballon, adds one ti when shooting. so will normally hiton a3 instead ofa 4and so 0h. The ashi seated the same as other lvers but has no Altacks ad a such cannot be atacked. Ths repeesents the fc that ‘the airship i tying a a high altitude. The atship is classed as a chariot mount and a hero or Runesmaith must be placed init this means that ifyou field the airship, you lose a hero}. The se ofthe airship is more tha itis cracking modell ‘You may field only oe auship, no matter how lage Your aera is.Fanto_76-85 2/21/08 5200 pm Page 81 cavalry Ip such a ease, you could remove the minimum number of required Halberdier and Crossbowmen units, ‘or perhaps even go so far as to Impose 2 maximum restriction on them Units with a maximum restriction on them in the army list, are also ripe for adjustment when creating alternate armies. In the High Elf army, for example, Elven Bolt ‘Throwers are limited to one unit per 1,000. If you were playing 2 scenario representing an attack by the Lothera, Sea Guard (who possess many, many Bolt Throwers for Use aboard their ships), you might want to increase the maximum permicted number, oF even lit the restriction, ‘entirely New Units Ordinarily, each entry in a Warmaster army list represents a wide variety of subtlely diferent troop types. We might Imagine that these units possess different equipment to ‘one another, oF even specialise in theie awn unique ‘tactics, but for the most part the seale of Warmaster is such that we simply overlook these differences. Alternate units are used to show these diferent trop types, providing & litte cosmetic variety, but other than this no account of thet difference # made I you are designing an alternative army, however, you might like to go one step further and create a new entey for these specialist units jy altering their profile oF adding a special rule to Showease their unique This is ‘especially appropriate ifthe army is designed for use ina special scenario which facilitates the use of such specialists. For example, a scenario involving a High Elf sea landing might well provide an opportunity to add a dedicated Lothern Sea Guard entey to the army Hist where ‘ordinarily the unit would merely count as aunit of archers (perhaps forsaking the archers’ special +1 to hit rule in favour of an increased, $+ Armour Value represcating the additional protection of the shield-bearing spearmen in the front rank) Ie isn’t merely units which can be added in this way ~ new forms of character can be assigned to the army as well. Dwarf army of Karak Kadrin, the Slayer Hold, for example, ‘might be led by Slayer characters rather than the norms general and heroes, complete with whatever rules you think appropriate and can agree with your opponent ‘Making Up Your Own Army Lists Finally the most deastic step to take in creating alternative armies is simply to do away with the army ists entirely and ‘make 2 new one up! As with all the suggestions outlined ln this article, this i ceally most appropriate 2s part of a specially designed scenario, where the new army lists can bbe themed around the background to the battle, and balanced against one another by any prevaling conditions inthe scenario#5 11/21/08 3108 pm rage #2 Ken's Designer's Notes “The Dwarf Guild army is an adaptation of the expedition force of Wondergun as featured in the Dwar Army book have been carefal to keep rules additions and changes to 4 minimum a8 I think the established rules work well The army really is one for firepower fans to glecfully use Ranks of Thunderers and rows of cannons lined up bellowing black smoke is just an awesome sight. Weak points of the army are obvious, its lack of movement and. {ts felance on powder weapons The Warmaster scale makes this an army that looks fantastic and the use of the airship really ts something lunachievable in Warhammer The fact that this force can field no Slayers and limits the use of Rangers makes it 4 ‘completely different Dwarf army for Warmaster players to Use. The reliance will be on the initial set up of the Dwarf player and his anticipation of his opponent's deployment Terrain features will become a prominent part of the player's tactical awareness when setting up. Terrain {features that could once be occupied during the game will now become out of range, a8 spiting of the defensive line ‘of artillery and missle-armed troops could prove fatal “The other geeat use of the Dwarf Guild s 10 use them as an allied force in a large game. Afterall a 2,000-point Guild force packs a real punch and supported by a 2,000 point Empire crusader army would be very scary indeed, You could also use the Dwarf Guild a allies t0 2 more ‘conventional Dwarf army, representing armies from all lover the Dwarf Empire coming together for a great bate This is true of pretty much any alternative army. ‘The Nomadic Ore army is something totally different based on the like of Genghis Khan, Atula the Hun and their horse-mounted hordes, The field of bate is fll of marauding Woll Rider brigades harrying the flanks and ‘exploiting gaps in opposing armies’ lines. “The increased number of Boar Boyz must be used to do ‘uldmate damage or the high point cost will be wasted ‘The Savage Ores are best used to attack units in the flank ‘or to support boar boy charges where the chances of success Is increased. The Squigs are there for ‘completeness and to bring a sense of Orcish mischief to the list. They should not be underestimated afterall ou ‘would never underestimate Trolls would you? They are able to initiate charge in any direction which is. again Something ditierent but doesn't put the game mechanics ‘out by any means. The Spider Riders are used as an alternative Wolf Rider unit with afew additions ‘The strength of this army; is ts speed and manoeuvrability its weakness is no solid infantry support ‘ long range ftepower 1 Jove this army it decends from the heights and causes destruction and quickly reties. For people keen to use this army, read about the tacties of the great Genghis Khan, ‘or Attila asi will be useful, I promise! Pot1/04 3:05 pm rage 53 ‘THE NOMADIC ORC HORDE OF THE SMOULDERING STEPPES x i |e | DEP) 2 lee Troop 8 3 = = ea é = Oa Boa a ie 7a = savage Ore Cony a| hho +] ae 2 Ps Wewaes Tet gs ee > | @ * solr ney eae an | [ee so [i eo || el bate vurcharou fenanot 3. | he oe ee Squig Hoppers | infantry 5 3 5t 3 no | [ss Ore Shaman | Wizard. +0 % 1 45 Al onl Hero 4 fa | etal 1, Ore Boar Boyz. You may field one Boar Boy unit for every to units of Wolf RidersSpider Riders inthe army. One of ‘these units may be Satage Ore Boar Boy (sce below) 2. Savage Ore Boar Boyz. These receive + to thei attack vale (as per Power ofthe Waaagh) ifthey charge an enemy “This + Tass for the entire combat, whilst they are winning They do not receive this bonus they themselves are charged ‘or they lose ound of combat. 5, Wolf Riders, Wot Riders follow the rules in the Ores & Goblins army list In addition, the Wolf Riders that ride inthis. army can f defeated ip combat, elect to break off and sup forthe hills (ora eas out of harm's way). Wo Riders cans ‘only break off after the fst round of combat has been fought! “Toda this, roll 6 and add the scores together Ths i the Wolf Riders’ Fall Back move. You may then move the Wo Riders straight back by cis distance facing aay ffom their attackers. If any 6s are rolled, the Wolf Riders are also ‘confused, The attacking player counts as having destroyed his enemy, so is allowed to advance (up to 20m ifn the first round of combat, 10cm ifin subsequent rounds). Ie fighting with cavalry, you may aso elec to pursue the Wolf Riders. 16 do this, roll $6 and and add the sdbres together Ids distance is susent to bring them soto contact with the Wolf Riders then combats fought. The Wolf Riders sutie 1 atack for being attacked in the rear 4. Spider Riders. Spider Riders can move theough wooded areas as though they were infinty They lo do not reese any penalty fr being in wooded terrain when receiving ordes. 5. Squig Hoppers. SquigIToppes, ora brigade containg Squig Hoppers, suller -1 penalty when receiving orders de {othe cowdy and unpredicable nature ofthe Squigs. Squig Hoppers must charge any enemy args within 20cm dung ‘the intanve phase regardless of direction! Alsa Squig Hoppers become confused on a DG rol of 5 or 6 rather than the normal 6 6. Giant. The Gian follows the rules inthe Orcs & Goblin ary lit 7. Wyvern. The Wyvem follows the resin the Ores & Goblin amy ist,JFanto_78-85 2/11/04 5:01 pm Page 66 ATTACKERS, ATTACKERS, SCENARIO ‘The wagon train over Axe Pass scenario from the Warmaster rulebook isa grest starting place when looking for a suitable scenario to play with the two armies listed above. This seenario is representative of Wondergun Thorkesson, epi journey to the Empire with a delivery of black powder weapons, “The Dwart wagons moved slowly through the mountains of the Old Warld towards the lands ofthe Empire. The Dwarf ‘engineers steered the wagons with care as any sudden bump could set off an explosive reaction forthe wagons were laden ‘with gun powder and explosive bullets and shells, and hitched to the ‘wagons were mortars, Organ guns and cannons all ‘ordered by the elector Wondergun Thorkesson, the Guildmaster, was pleased thatthe journey had so far been uneventful and the border towers could he seen in the distance ~ even if they were unmanned! Suddenly, and without warning, the sky was filed with black arrows and from the woods rupted hordes of Wolt Riders. The Dwarfs reacted, the Guild bodyguard jy forming defensive blocks whist the weapons destined for the Empire were unlimbered and loaded!