(Here's a link to the main post about the Armies of Immoren project: http://www.battlegroundgames.com/forum/index.php?topic=62.0)I've been playing Warmachine since 2002 and with the exception of a short stint playing Cygnar for a few weeks last year, I have never touched anything outside of Khador. When my fiancee decided to get into the game, I thought this would be the perfect time to finally pick up a second faction. After days of deliberation, jumping between Cryx, Trollbloods, and the Protectorate, I made my decision.
The most challenging games I've ever played in Warmachine were against seasoned Protectorate players. The synergies the army generates can make even the lowliest of warriors take down armored behemoths. Many of their warcaster's spells have so many uses, it takes months to pick up on the nuances. Beyond that, the faction has some of the best beatsticks in the game. The possible synergies, finesse, and access to some brute force adds up to a faction I am pretty excited to be starting.
A 350 point list forces a lot of compromise and I knew when I started writing it that a lot of units I wanted to use would have to sit out for a month or two. Picking a warcaster was ESPECIALLY hard. The High Reclaimer, Grand Exemplar Kreoss, and the brand new High Executioner Servath Reznik are all awesome. I narrowed it down to the High Reclaimer or Reznik. It was a tough choice, but Reznik's brute force and 'jack love made him win out in the end. The list I finally decided on was decent balance between models I want to use RIGHT NOW and things that are legitimately good at the point level we'll be playing at. Here's what I'm planning on starting with:
High Executioner Servath Reznik - Redeemer
- Revenger
Vassal of Menoth
Choir of Menoth (5)
Holy Zealots (10)
- Monolith Bearer
Total: 350 exactly!
Let's do a quick rundown on why each unit is there.
The RedeemerReznik's Brand pretty much just begs your force to include at least one Redeemer. Boosted attack and damage rolls against one unit make this 'jack's ROF 3 missile launcher a true terror. Two points of focus will net us 3 fully boosted attacks against a unit or model affected by Brand. Totally, totally awesome. I can't wait to blast some pirates with this guy.
The RevengerArguably the best 'jack the Protectorate has access to. For 76 points, you get an Arc Node, Powerful Charge, and a shield that repels attackers. Add to that a decent P+S spear and you have an all-arounder that can take full advantage of Reznik's movement enhancement and extend the range of some of his spells.
Vassal of MenothThis was not initially a priority to fit into my 350, but I found myself with exactly his point cost left over, so in he went. The Vassal's ability to let a 'jack make a free melee or ranged attack for his low point cost makes him worthy of consideration in any 'jack heavy list. Here, he's going to let me fire more missiles or force the opponent to spend time on a 19 point solo.
Choir of MenothThe 'jack enhancement continues! Their prayers can really up the output of damage from my side of the table. +2 to hit an damage makes both of the 'jacks absolutely lethal when combined with Brand, while the other prayers offer the lightly armored 'jacks some safety from ranged attacks.
Holy Zealots w/ Monlith BearerOkay, well, I had to. These guys are probably the best unit the Protectorate can bring to the table. Their bombs can drop 'jacks or wipe out full units of infantry. The monolith bearer adds much needed survivability to the unit. Not really in theme with the rest of my warjack loving list, but so effective I couldn't help myself. Plus, they're one of the units that drew me to the faction!
This seems like a pretty beefy list. I'm interested in seeing how it does against my opponents. I think the Circle's speed will be difficult to deal with, as will the sheer number of attacks privateers are capable of throwing out with their basic troopers. Reznik's medium base makes him harder to hide, so a few lucky shots may be all it takes. Let's hope those missiles do their job, first!
