Ulthuan.net 8th edition P&M guide to the Asur
Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 10:28 pm
Updated – 21/6/13
Hey guys
Well I’ve started a tactical guide to the Asur so I’ll start on a painting and modelling one for the other half of the hobby as well which is something I’m far more confident about and have a lot more experience in.
Please comment and help build this up to eventually become a valuable sticky thread and a great resource for new and old players alike.
Basically I want to cover themes, GW High Elves, alternative miniatures, products that can help us out, inspiration and lastly the best online stores to expand out armies.
Theme
Firstly I’m a huge sucker for theme in my armies so I get pretty passionate about it. Research parts of your army and what models you like the most and work out a theme for your army and most importantly stick with it. Whether this be a scouting force from Chrace, a Caledorian Warhost, or an invasion fleet from Lothern it can all fit into an army and we’ve arguably got the best plastic kits in the game at the moment (price tag exclusing of course) so the theme, modeling options are endless. At the end of the day however it’s your army so add what you want, from a list point of view I think the safest bet is to play test a unit a few times before making a decision on it. Some theme ideas include with some possible pre requisites:
Caledor Warhost (Dragonlord, Dragon Princes, Dragon mage)
Army of Chrace (White Lions, Stubborn Prince, Lion Chariots, Griffon, Eagles)
Seaguard force (Seaguard, RBT’s, Eagles, Skycutters, Seahelms)
Seer Council of Saphery (Archmage, Mages, Swordmasters, Loremasters)
Tiranoc Charioteers (Characters in chariots, chariots, silverhelms, eagles, lion chariots)
Keepers of the Flame (Phoenix Guard, Annointed, Phoenix)
Where to start?
Most new players are probably looking at the Island of Blood boxed set and thinking “Wow awesome looking models and a kick arse monster”. With the new book the Reavers have become a core choice giving you a capable legal force to play games with so that’s something. Also it gives you models to paint and practice on which is never a bad thing. Quick review:
Griffon (Plastic)
It’s a very cool looking model and every new player generally wants a centre piece to their army and could certainly be used in a themed force. Secondly I have seen some talented modellers remove the rider and use the griffon as a ‘counts as’ great eagle or Phoenix which is a great idea if you’re skilled enough. With the new book the Griffon can be a mount for a noble which is always a cool option and if you like flying monsters in your army you can cram them in.
Mage (Plastic)
Great model and every list should have one or two however I wouldn’t buy the entire box for this. Search eBay instead.
10 Seaguard (Plastic)
Great models with full command but you’ll probably realise in the game you won’t’ be using them that often. I’d recommend for a new player sticking with archers and sharp sticks. Once again if you’re sticking to a theme then by all means include them.
The IoB boxed set contains 10 seaguard with full command however you can pick up the models fairly easily on eBay or other trading services and online shops to increase the units size.
10 Swordmasters (Plastic)
Full command come with the swordmasters and whilst I love the unit there are probably other elite infantry choices you’ll take over them in the game. You can source these fairly easily on eBay for a bargain without investing in the whole box though so keep that in mind. They are a great plastic model and pretty easy to paint as well.
5 Reavers (Plastic)
Opinions have changed radically on the Reavers seeing as they’ve been moved to the Core selections making them infinitely useful for delaying tactics and all sorts of annoyance. You’ll certainly use these.
Conclusion: IoB
If you’re a new player then it’s not a bad starting point to get the boxed set and trade off the dirty rats for more elves.
Units
Lords/Heroes
Prince (Plastic)
GW currently has a Prince/Noble boxed set which contains enough parts to make a prince/noble on horse and on foot. It’s got a great option of weapons and trinkets and overall is a very nice kit to work with I feel so if you’re new to the game you’d certainly be wanting to pick up one if not two of these immediately with an army purchase. GW also have a dragonlord boxed set which contains enough parts for a single dragon and a prince/mage/dragon mage models, this boxed set also has a selection of good bitz to outfit further models and use on unit fillers so it’s a good investment although not required immediately.
Archmage (Plastic)
GW currently have a Mage kit similar to the prince/noble and this has a fair few options in it for a mounted model as well as one on foot so once again this would be somewhere near the top of the list of purchases in a new army and will add some more bitz to the ever growing collection.
Noble (Plastic)
The prince/noble kit has components to make a BSB and the detail on the banner itself is pretty cool. If you pick up two kits then by all means stick one on a noble elven steed for some future good times. Once again a definite buy on the list.
Mage (Plastic)
Archmage/Mage boxed set covers this.
Dragon Mage (Plastic)
A wonderful model however not crash hot in game terms. I would highly recommend magnetising all the riders so you can switch them out but you’ll probably only need the prince.
Loremaster of Hoeth (Plastic)
Another wonderful addition to the 8th edition book and a semi decent model as well. Some people aren’t a fan of the jellyfish hand other’s don’t care. He suits the Swordmasters very well with their current incarnation however.
Annointed of Asuryan (Plastic)
You can get this bad boy from the Phoenix boxed sets and no doubt pick him up online for a fraction as well.
Seahelm (plastic)
Comes with the Skycutter kit and is a pretty cool model.
Core
Spearelves (Plastic)
The models in the current range for spear elves is somewhat of a let down and a box will get you 16 models with command options. These models are close to 10 years old I guess, they’re severely out of proportion and a personal peeve of mine is their scale armour looks somewhat outdated when stood next to any of the new elites. Your options here are to wait for GW to release new core which would probably be with the next army book at a guess or simply proxy seaguard and use them as ‘counts as’ models for the time being. If you can get some cheap 4th edition spearelves they could be good stand in models for the time being but beware you may get sick of the static pose.
Archers (Plastic)
The GW boxed set although dated still stands up in comparison to the rest of the range and is a good kit to work with. Buy two of these boxes and in games under 2500 you probably won’t need to buy anymore. It comes with all the command options and 16 models however you probably won’t need to assemble the champion and standard unless you’re going for the horde. Either way you’ll get 32 models with two boxed sets so go wild. Tip for young players however, archers can be a pain to rank up so ensure you get the units ‘footprint’ sorted out before gluing anything down.
Seaguard (See above entry)
Silverhelms (Plastic)
The models are an old boxed set for 8 models however I think they hold up. Once again with the new book the general opinion on these guys has changed and many of us can wipe the dust off our models and start using them. A solid choice and core to boot.
Ellyrion Reavers (Plastic)
As above
Special
Dragon Princes (Plastic)
I personally don’t have any of the new plastic dragon princes so I can’t comment however I do like them and by the looks of the sprues they come with some great options and trinkets and the usual command options to make up 5 models. A box or two of these are certainly a must for new players I feel.
Tiranoc/Lion Chariot (Plastic)
When I first saw pictures of this model leaked online I was so excited and it immediately became one of my favourite models in the entire range, the Lion chariot is great for a themed army from Chrace and the model is cool enough alone for a purchase. The chariot kit contains enough parts to create either a Lion chariot or a Tiranoc chariot and plenty of goodies left over which ever way you go.
White Lions (Plastic)
I don’t have any of the new plastic models for the white lions and am running last editions metal models which are still fine I think and no doubt will eventually invest in some plastic models down the track. Each box contains 10 models with options for commands and the usual bonus trinkets.
A word of warning however when it comes to assembly, the new plastics can be a nightmare to rank up correctly so once again take that extra 30 seconds with every model to ensure they’re positioned perfectly in the unit.
Swordmasters (Plastic)
See my entry above about them.
Phoenix Guard (Plastic)
Another fairly new plastic kit for the High Elves, I love the unit and have a block of the old metal models but I think I would trade them up for plastic any day of the week purely because I think it’s easier to work with. The usual 10 models to a box with options for everything.
Shadow Warriors (Plastic)
The new shadow warriors look great. Dual kit with the Sisters of Averlorn so you’ll have a lot of bitz left over which ever way you go with.
Skycutter Chariot (Plastic)
I’ve only glanced at the model but when I see a model like this I have phobias of it toppling over and snapping the flight stands, and there is two of them.
Rare
Great Eagles (Finecast/Metal)
Some of my favourite models in the game probably because they’re awesome in the game as well. Certainly pick up 2-4 of these as you’ll come to love them with the new options they have.
Repeater Bolt Throwers (Plastic)
Another good plastic kit from GW with a few trinkets however get the eagles first and then worry about them!
Phoenix (Plastic)
The new flying monster typical of all 8th edition releases. They look fantastic to paint but awfully fragile at the same time. They seem to present a lot of solid options in terms of list strategy and builds as well and typically most tournament armies I’ve seen constructed house at least one. This kit also comes with the anointed model.
Sisters of Averlorn (Plastic)
Dual kit with the Shadow Warriors so you’ll have a lot of bitz left over which ever way you go with. Not sure on how I feel about the female heads though, could be just GW’s paint job.
Hey guys
Well I’ve started a tactical guide to the Asur so I’ll start on a painting and modelling one for the other half of the hobby as well which is something I’m far more confident about and have a lot more experience in.
Please comment and help build this up to eventually become a valuable sticky thread and a great resource for new and old players alike.
Basically I want to cover themes, GW High Elves, alternative miniatures, products that can help us out, inspiration and lastly the best online stores to expand out armies.
Theme
Firstly I’m a huge sucker for theme in my armies so I get pretty passionate about it. Research parts of your army and what models you like the most and work out a theme for your army and most importantly stick with it. Whether this be a scouting force from Chrace, a Caledorian Warhost, or an invasion fleet from Lothern it can all fit into an army and we’ve arguably got the best plastic kits in the game at the moment (price tag exclusing of course) so the theme, modeling options are endless. At the end of the day however it’s your army so add what you want, from a list point of view I think the safest bet is to play test a unit a few times before making a decision on it. Some theme ideas include with some possible pre requisites:
Caledor Warhost (Dragonlord, Dragon Princes, Dragon mage)
Army of Chrace (White Lions, Stubborn Prince, Lion Chariots, Griffon, Eagles)
Seaguard force (Seaguard, RBT’s, Eagles, Skycutters, Seahelms)
Seer Council of Saphery (Archmage, Mages, Swordmasters, Loremasters)
Tiranoc Charioteers (Characters in chariots, chariots, silverhelms, eagles, lion chariots)
Keepers of the Flame (Phoenix Guard, Annointed, Phoenix)
Where to start?
Most new players are probably looking at the Island of Blood boxed set and thinking “Wow awesome looking models and a kick arse monster”. With the new book the Reavers have become a core choice giving you a capable legal force to play games with so that’s something. Also it gives you models to paint and practice on which is never a bad thing. Quick review:
Griffon (Plastic)
It’s a very cool looking model and every new player generally wants a centre piece to their army and could certainly be used in a themed force. Secondly I have seen some talented modellers remove the rider and use the griffon as a ‘counts as’ great eagle or Phoenix which is a great idea if you’re skilled enough. With the new book the Griffon can be a mount for a noble which is always a cool option and if you like flying monsters in your army you can cram them in.
Mage (Plastic)
Great model and every list should have one or two however I wouldn’t buy the entire box for this. Search eBay instead.
10 Seaguard (Plastic)
Great models with full command but you’ll probably realise in the game you won’t’ be using them that often. I’d recommend for a new player sticking with archers and sharp sticks. Once again if you’re sticking to a theme then by all means include them.
The IoB boxed set contains 10 seaguard with full command however you can pick up the models fairly easily on eBay or other trading services and online shops to increase the units size.
10 Swordmasters (Plastic)
Full command come with the swordmasters and whilst I love the unit there are probably other elite infantry choices you’ll take over them in the game. You can source these fairly easily on eBay for a bargain without investing in the whole box though so keep that in mind. They are a great plastic model and pretty easy to paint as well.
5 Reavers (Plastic)
Opinions have changed radically on the Reavers seeing as they’ve been moved to the Core selections making them infinitely useful for delaying tactics and all sorts of annoyance. You’ll certainly use these.
Conclusion: IoB
If you’re a new player then it’s not a bad starting point to get the boxed set and trade off the dirty rats for more elves.
Units
Lords/Heroes
Prince (Plastic)
GW currently has a Prince/Noble boxed set which contains enough parts to make a prince/noble on horse and on foot. It’s got a great option of weapons and trinkets and overall is a very nice kit to work with I feel so if you’re new to the game you’d certainly be wanting to pick up one if not two of these immediately with an army purchase. GW also have a dragonlord boxed set which contains enough parts for a single dragon and a prince/mage/dragon mage models, this boxed set also has a selection of good bitz to outfit further models and use on unit fillers so it’s a good investment although not required immediately.
Archmage (Plastic)
GW currently have a Mage kit similar to the prince/noble and this has a fair few options in it for a mounted model as well as one on foot so once again this would be somewhere near the top of the list of purchases in a new army and will add some more bitz to the ever growing collection.
Noble (Plastic)
The prince/noble kit has components to make a BSB and the detail on the banner itself is pretty cool. If you pick up two kits then by all means stick one on a noble elven steed for some future good times. Once again a definite buy on the list.
Mage (Plastic)
Archmage/Mage boxed set covers this.
Dragon Mage (Plastic)
A wonderful model however not crash hot in game terms. I would highly recommend magnetising all the riders so you can switch them out but you’ll probably only need the prince.
Loremaster of Hoeth (Plastic)
Another wonderful addition to the 8th edition book and a semi decent model as well. Some people aren’t a fan of the jellyfish hand other’s don’t care. He suits the Swordmasters very well with their current incarnation however.
Annointed of Asuryan (Plastic)
You can get this bad boy from the Phoenix boxed sets and no doubt pick him up online for a fraction as well.
Seahelm (plastic)
Comes with the Skycutter kit and is a pretty cool model.
Core
Spearelves (Plastic)
The models in the current range for spear elves is somewhat of a let down and a box will get you 16 models with command options. These models are close to 10 years old I guess, they’re severely out of proportion and a personal peeve of mine is their scale armour looks somewhat outdated when stood next to any of the new elites. Your options here are to wait for GW to release new core which would probably be with the next army book at a guess or simply proxy seaguard and use them as ‘counts as’ models for the time being. If you can get some cheap 4th edition spearelves they could be good stand in models for the time being but beware you may get sick of the static pose.
Archers (Plastic)
The GW boxed set although dated still stands up in comparison to the rest of the range and is a good kit to work with. Buy two of these boxes and in games under 2500 you probably won’t need to buy anymore. It comes with all the command options and 16 models however you probably won’t need to assemble the champion and standard unless you’re going for the horde. Either way you’ll get 32 models with two boxed sets so go wild. Tip for young players however, archers can be a pain to rank up so ensure you get the units ‘footprint’ sorted out before gluing anything down.
Seaguard (See above entry)
Silverhelms (Plastic)
The models are an old boxed set for 8 models however I think they hold up. Once again with the new book the general opinion on these guys has changed and many of us can wipe the dust off our models and start using them. A solid choice and core to boot.
Ellyrion Reavers (Plastic)
As above
Special
Dragon Princes (Plastic)
I personally don’t have any of the new plastic dragon princes so I can’t comment however I do like them and by the looks of the sprues they come with some great options and trinkets and the usual command options to make up 5 models. A box or two of these are certainly a must for new players I feel.
Tiranoc/Lion Chariot (Plastic)
When I first saw pictures of this model leaked online I was so excited and it immediately became one of my favourite models in the entire range, the Lion chariot is great for a themed army from Chrace and the model is cool enough alone for a purchase. The chariot kit contains enough parts to create either a Lion chariot or a Tiranoc chariot and plenty of goodies left over which ever way you go.
White Lions (Plastic)
I don’t have any of the new plastic models for the white lions and am running last editions metal models which are still fine I think and no doubt will eventually invest in some plastic models down the track. Each box contains 10 models with options for commands and the usual bonus trinkets.
A word of warning however when it comes to assembly, the new plastics can be a nightmare to rank up correctly so once again take that extra 30 seconds with every model to ensure they’re positioned perfectly in the unit.
Swordmasters (Plastic)
See my entry above about them.
Phoenix Guard (Plastic)
Another fairly new plastic kit for the High Elves, I love the unit and have a block of the old metal models but I think I would trade them up for plastic any day of the week purely because I think it’s easier to work with. The usual 10 models to a box with options for everything.
Shadow Warriors (Plastic)
The new shadow warriors look great. Dual kit with the Sisters of Averlorn so you’ll have a lot of bitz left over which ever way you go with.
Skycutter Chariot (Plastic)
I’ve only glanced at the model but when I see a model like this I have phobias of it toppling over and snapping the flight stands, and there is two of them.
Rare
Great Eagles (Finecast/Metal)
Some of my favourite models in the game probably because they’re awesome in the game as well. Certainly pick up 2-4 of these as you’ll come to love them with the new options they have.
Repeater Bolt Throwers (Plastic)
Another good plastic kit from GW with a few trinkets however get the eagles first and then worry about them!
Phoenix (Plastic)
The new flying monster typical of all 8th edition releases. They look fantastic to paint but awfully fragile at the same time. They seem to present a lot of solid options in terms of list strategy and builds as well and typically most tournament armies I’ve seen constructed house at least one. This kit also comes with the anointed model.
Sisters of Averlorn (Plastic)
Dual kit with the Shadow Warriors so you’ll have a lot of bitz left over which ever way you go with. Not sure on how I feel about the female heads though, could be just GW’s paint job.