ARMIES OF ALBION

As well as providing points costs, the list also divides the army into its constituent units.  The list describes the weapons and optional equipment that troops can have and occasionally restricts the number of very powerful units an army can include.  It would be very silly indeed if an army were to consist entirely of thundering cannons, or ferocious Griffons.  The resultant game would be a frustrating and unbalanced affair if not a complete waste of time.  We employ army lists to ensure that this does not happen!

The army lists enable two players to choose armies of equal points value to fight a battle, as described in the main body of the Warhammer rules.  The following list has been constructed with this purpose in mind.

The list can also be used when playing specific scenarios, either those described in the Warhammer rulebook, or others, including ones invented by the players.  In this case, the list provides a framework which the players can adapt as required.  It might, for example, be felt necessary to increase or decrease the number of characters or units allowed, or to restrict or remove options in the standard list such as magic items or monstrous mounts.  If you refer to the Scenarios section of the Warhammer rulebook (p. 196-213), you'll find some examples of this kind.

ARMY LIST ORGANISATION

The army list is divided into four sections:

CHARACTERS
Characters represent the most able, skilled and successful individuals in your army: extraordinary leaders such as Heroes and Wizards.  These form a vital and potent part of your forces.

CORE UNITS
Core Units represent the most common warriors.  They usually form the bulk of the army and will often bear the brunt of the fighting.

SPECIAL UNITS
Special Units are the best of your warriors and include common engines of war.  They are available to your army in limited numbers.

RARE UNITS
Rare Units are so called because they are scarce compared to your ordinary troops.   They represent unique units, uncommon creatures and unusual machines.

CHOOSING AN ARMY

Both players choose armies to the same agreed points value.  Most players find that 2000 points is about right for a battle that will last over an evening.   Whatever value you agree, this is the maximum number of points you can spend on your army.   You can spend less and will probably find it is impossible to use up every last point.  Most 2,000 points armies will therefore be something like 1,998 or 1,999 points, but they are still '2,000' points armies for our purposes.

Once you have decided on a total points value it is time to choose your force.

Choosing Characters

Characters are divided into two broad categories: Lords (the most powerful characters) and Heroes (the rest). The maximum number of characters an army can include is shown on the chart below.

An army does not have to include the maximum number of characters allowed, it can always include fewer than indicated. However, an army must always include at least one character: the General. An army does not have to include Lords, it can include all of its characters as Heroes if you prefer. At the beginning of the battle, choose one of the characters to be the General and make sure that you let your opponent know which one it is.

For example, a 2,500 points army could include an Elector Count (Lord), a Battle Wizard (Hero), a Warrior Priest (Hero), and an Engineer (Hero) (ie, four characters in total, of which one is a Lord).

Choosing Troops

Troops are divided into Core, Special and Rare units. The number of each type of unit available depends on the army's points value, indicated on the chart below.

In some cases other limitations may apply to a particular kind of unit. This is specified in the unit entry. For example, the Greatswords Special Unit entry is accompanied by a note explaining that a maximum of one unit of this kind can be included in the army.

Unit Entries

Each unit is represented by an entry in the army list. The unit's name is given and any limitations that apply are explained.

Profiles. The characteristic profiles for the troops in each unit are given in the unit entry Where several profiles are required, these are also given even if, as in many cases, they are optional.

Unit Sizes. Each entry specifies the minimum size for each unit. In the case of Core Units this is usually 10 models. In the case of other units it is usually less. There are exceptions as you will see. In some cases, units also have a maximum size.

Weapons and Armour. Each entry lists the standard weapons and armour for that unit type. The value of these items is included in the points value. Additional or optional weapons and armour cost extra and are covered in the Options section of the unit entry.

Options. Lists the different weapon, armour and equipment options for the unit and any additional points cost for taking them. It may also include the option to upgrade a unit member into a Champion. While this model usually has a specific name (the Champion of a Halberdier unit is called a Sergeant, for example) all the rules that apply to Champions apply to them. See the appropriate section of the Warhammer Rulebook for details (pages 108-109).

Special Rules. Many troops have special rules which are fully described elsewhere in this book. These rules are also summarised for your convenience in the army list.

It would be a'long and tedious business to repeat all the special rules for every unit within the army list itself. The army list is intended primarily as a tool for choosing armies rather than for presenting game rules. Wherever possible we have indicated where special rules apply and, where space permits, we have provided notes within the list as 'memory joggers'. Bear in mind that these descriptions are not necessarily exhaustive or definitive and players should refer to the main rules for a full account.

Dogs of War

Dogs of War are troops of other races who are prepared to fight under your flag in return for money, food, or some other suitable reward. A selection of such regiments are available as part of the Dogs of War range of models. The option to include Dogs of War units is included in the army list as part of the Rare Troops section.

Some players prefer to play without Dogs of War - choosing to field armies of pure and noble purpose unsullied by grubby financial transactions. If both players prefer to field armies without Dogs of War, they are free to agree beforehand not to employ untrustworthy sell-swords.

Conversely, if players wish to add more colour and variety to their armies then they may wish to employ more of these spectacular units. If both players agree beforehand, Dogs of War units can be included as Special Unit choices as well as Rare ones.