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Rat Swarms; 0-1 or 0-2?
Topic Started: 13th December 2005 - 09:19 PM (377 Views)
Clayflesh the Re-Former
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In the description of Rat Swarms in the Player's Book, up to five bases are allowed per swarm (0-1 allowed). At the back of the book, the Rat Swarms are listed as 0-2 for a Moulder army. My question is, which limit applies to a standard game?

I'm not going to buy more than three or four, but can they be divided into two units of two? That way I'd have two moving targets for the weapon teams instead of one . . .

As I understand it, you can't have more of one unit than you have mainstays, and the mainstay unit for Moulder is Giant Rats, of which I'm going to use four packs (two of 2 each) meaning I can have up to two core units of any other type. Right?
I don't torture - I prod with enthusiasm!

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Skaskrit Venomclaw
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Obviously, you have to obey the limit posed by the list you use. If you use the moulder appendix list (or the Hell Pit list from White Dwarf, which is more fun i.m.o.) you can have two units of ratswarms, in all other cases only one.

But, bear in mind that the clan-specific lists in the back of the Skaven book are not tested and balanced and as such are subjected to your opponent's approval... in other words, not everybody will allow you to use it.

On a more general note, ratswarms are best used in units of 3-4 bases. They're the ultimate "tarpit" unit, used to hold up a dangerous enemy unit or monster whilst you get on with defeating the rest of his army. If you use fewer than 3 bases, the swarms won't last long enough to accomplish this purpose. (although in very small games, say 500 points, units of 2 bases would have their uses.)
"I have a post-Armageddon vision. We and all other large animals are gone. Rodents emerge as the ultimate post-human scavengers. They gnaw their way through New York, London and Tokyo... within 5 million years, a whole range of new species replace the ones we know. Herds of giant grazing rats are stalked by sabre-toothed predatory rats. Given enough time, will a species of intelligent, cultivated rats emerge?"

Richard Dawkins, The Ancestor's Tale
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Clayflesh the Re-Former
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Thanks, Skaskrit. I'm planning on using 3 or 4 Swarms at the most, and had thought of using them to protect one flank of a Slave unit to draw in chargers and the like.

Right now I'm planning on putting 2 Swarms into a 2000 pt army, and 3 Swarms in a 3000 pt army (the same units, but with a Screaming Bell and more ROs). I know they won't last too long but neither will the Slave unit.

Besides, two units of Swarms, at 3 each, would come out to 270 points on the Moulder list. That's a lot of points for tar pits, and enough for another unit of Clanrats easily.
I don't torture - I prod with enthusiasm!

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Malignus Rodenticus
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Skaskrit Venomclaw
Dec 13 2005, 04:48 PM


But, bear in mind that the clan-specific lists in the back of the Skaven book are not tested and balanced and as such are subjected to your opponent's approval... in other words, not everybody will allow you to use it.


I think this is worth re-emphasizing. All lists in teh back of the book require permission from your opponent to use. They are somewhat unbalanced and can lead to very one-sided games. It should also be noted again that teh new Moulder is not torunament legal and you must have your opponents permission to use it also.


MR
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Skaskrit Venomclaw
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I recommend using more ratswarms than that, Clayflesh. 3 swarms at least in 2000 points, 3-4 in 3000 points. That will ensure most units are held up at least 2 of their turns. (so they need to last 3 combat phases.) A unit of, say, 6 Empire knights will otherwise be held up for only one turn, as they are well capable of inflicting 5 wounds per round on the swarms. And that's not long enough to warrant the swarms' expense.

"I have a post-Armageddon vision. We and all other large animals are gone. Rodents emerge as the ultimate post-human scavengers. They gnaw their way through New York, London and Tokyo... within 5 million years, a whole range of new species replace the ones we know. Herds of giant grazing rats are stalked by sabre-toothed predatory rats. Given enough time, will a species of intelligent, cultivated rats emerge?"

Richard Dawkins, The Ancestor's Tale
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Sammy the Squid
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In any battle of around 2-3k, I use 4 or 5 swarms. They are brilliant, and as Skaskrit said, you need at least 3 or 4 minimum... I think they are among the most useful skaven units around, and I always use them to head for the enemy generals unit (unles there is something more tempting) and watch as they hold up the general for the entire game... Last game (vs High Elves) they flanked the general's unit of spearmen and the only thing the unit accomplished was killing the swarms. This gave me time for my army to slaughter the rest of his elves and score a solid victory! Rat swarms are awesome!!! :D

Entaro Adun
"If the squidman can't do it, no one can!!"

Wins/Losses/Draws

Skaven Clan Rattenkrieg - 108/58/20
Dark Elves - 44/14/8
Hochland Empire - 33/14/4
Malkavian Vampires - 23/22/4
Beastmen - 50/25/2

Have not completed a Painting Vow since July 07!!
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Clayflesh the Re-Former
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I had a sneaking feeling I was a little behind on them points-wise by army; Sammy, your story about the High Elves has made up my mind - thank you. I'd been avoiding throwing any more points at that unit, but if they can pull THAT off, they would be worth it. It warms me little heart to think of a proud unit of High Elves or Brettonians brought down by hungry vermin, and that story cinches it. Thanks all.
I don't torture - I prod with enthusiasm!

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Sammy the Squid
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Back to retirement!

well thanks :)

But I must warn you, charge their flank! That way they cant make use of all those 3 ranks of spear attacks... Against Bretonians the swarms would be awesome and could hold up most knight units for ages!!
Ive also seen my swarms hold up a Dark Elf unit of corsairs with lord for 4 turns, Pegasus knights (who they finally killed!), vampire lord and skeleton bodyguard... the list goes on! The point it they are worth their points, no matter how steep it may seem. If I played a Clan Moulder list, there is no doubt in my mind that I would take 2 groups of at least 4 or 5!!

Glad to be of help :)

Entaro Adun
"If the squidman can't do it, no one can!!"

Wins/Losses/Draws

Skaven Clan Rattenkrieg - 108/58/20
Dark Elves - 44/14/8
Hochland Empire - 33/14/4
Malkavian Vampires - 23/22/4
Beastmen - 50/25/2

Have not completed a Painting Vow since July 07!!
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