Xerxes 35pt

[abysswalker711]

So I got my first game in with Skorne yesterday, and it was pretty interesting. The list I played, and won with, was

Xerxes +5
-Bronzeback 10
-Gladiator 8
-Shaman 5
Cetrati full 11
Beast handlers min 2
Orin Midwinter 2
Agonizer 2

I liked the list quite a bit but I am not sure on a couple things.

The Cetrati are super durable.. but without a screening unit of any kind they can still die to charging weapon masters. So running them as my only real unit kind of worries me.

The lack of a Krea. I really want to fit one in but don't think I can without either moving to 50, or dropping the shaman.

Every turn of the game I was pretty bummed out that my list didn't include Marketh... . Again without going to 50 he seems incredibly hard to fit.


So the list is really fun, and worked pretty decently, but it seems like it is just missing too much. Should this kind of a list be avoided until I can go up to 50? It fixes pretty much all of my concerns. I can add in Nihilators(or swordsmen+UA) for 8, Marketh for 11, and a Krea for 15. At that point the only thing I would be bummed about not having is the Tyrant commander, but I think I could live without him, unless it is worth dropping the Shaman for the Tyrant and something else. I like the shaman for the animus though. So at 50 I would be looking at


Xerxes +5
-Bronzeback 10
-Gladiator 8
-Shaman 5
-Krea 4
Cetrati full 11
Nihilators 8
Aptimus Marketh 3
Beast handlers min 2
Orin Midwinter 2
Agonizer 2


This just looks so much better at 50. I cover a lot more bases. Seems like I should keep this style of list for 50, and play something else at 35.

This list looks like a blast to play, but before I go and try and get the models for it is there any suggestions? Anything I have overlooked? I only have 1 Skorne game in period, so I wouldn't be surprised if I am missing something painfully obvious.

[Shuyung]

I like your list as is. Prolly should just playtest it and see if it fits your style.

Your list really does call for the TyComm but I am not sure if it is worth it to make room. Since you have added another unit you might consider dropping cetrati to a min and add the Tycomm and max out your BH since you also added another beast.

You really do need the utility of the TyComm if you can. Standing up those Nils after their tough rolls, having pathfinder and press forward would greatly increase your speed and battlefield control.

[abysswalker711]

I like your list as is. Prolly should just playtest it and see if it fits your style.

Your list really does call for the TyComm but I am not sure if it is worth it to make room. Since you have added another unit you might consider dropping cetrati to a min and add the Tycomm and max out your BH since you also added another beast.

You really do need the utility of the TyComm if you can. Standing up those Nils after their tough rolls, having pathfinder and press forward would greatly increase your speed and battlefield control.

Hmm, actually I really like that idea. At 35 the Cetrati were such a large part of the list, but now that Nihilators are in the list, the Cetrati can just be downgraded to a bodyguard unit for Xerxes/counter charge unit. I agree that the TyComm should probably find his way in.

The main reason I want the shaman is for his animus, but I can shut down spells somewhat by Orin and the agonizer. Is taking out the shaman an option maybe? Also is the Krea really necessary if the Cetrati are dropped to a min?

[Shuyung]

Well....The Shaman is hands down my favorite beast. Amazing utility. I would try the aforementioned suggestions as well as your original list.

If you drop in the TyComm and keep the Shaman I would advise being really aggressive and just smash your opponents 1 turn after your Nil's charge.

That is sweet potato pie.

Another thing with the TyComm, it gives you a battle plan for each unit you fielded. If you feat the turn right after the Nil's charge in it will be crush city.

Of course, if you get the chance you wanna do both because your units can pass through each other.

Charge in with your nils but leave 2" in between them and the target. After the have killed and beserked out....charge your cetrati throuugh your nils with your heavies on their heels.

[abysswalker711]

Well....The Shaman is hands down my favorite beast. Amazing utility. I would try the aforementioned suggestions as well as your original list.

If you drop in the TyComm and keep the Shaman I would advise being really aggressive and just smash your opponents 1 turn after your Nil's charge.

That is sweet potato pie.

Another thing with the TyComm, it gives you a battle plan for each unit you fielded. If you feat the turn right after the Nil's charge in it will be crush city.

Of course, if you get the chance you wanna do both because your units can pass through each other.

Charge in with your nils but leave 2" in between them and the target. After the have killed and beserked out....charge your cetrati throuugh your nils with your heavies on their heels.

I think the next time I get a chance to try out a list I am going to try your previous suggestion. I think that puts me at

Xerxes +5
-Bronzeback 10
-Gladiator 8
-Shaman 5
-Krea 4
Cetrati min 7
Nihilators max 8
Beast handlers max 3
Tyrant commander 3
Aptimus Marketh 3
Orin Midwinter 2
Agonizer 2

Really like the looks of it in theory. Just need to find a chance to try it out! So this is the list you suggest being really aggressive with? That is fine, I don't mind playing aggressively. Just hope I get a chance to try it soon. Looks like a blast to play!

[abysswalker711]

So am I correct in thinking that this sort of a list is better to hold off until 50 pts to play? It just feels like there is too much lacking at 35. It looks like you can build a solid pMorghoul, eHexeris, eMakeda list at 35. A lot more solid then the brick style Xerxes list I am going for at least. I mention those 3 locks because they are the other 3 locks that interest me at this point.

[Triumph Of Man]

Ok, firstly thing you'll want to realise here is your initial list at 35 is total overkill. Give Xerxis just about any model and he can cause it to wreck the highest ARM targets. I've even had Marketh when loaded up on Souls pop Fury on himself during feat turn and unexpectedly smash the crap out of a heavy target, people just do not expect your 3pt spell caster support to turn into a POW 14 weapon master with 6 attacks and reach, even without feat turn Marketh still has a rather scary amount of killing potential if he has souls available.

So yeah, Bronzebacks are fun but complete overkill at 35pts with Xerxis.

The Bronzeback isn't necessary at 35pts. You can drop him. There's some Nihilators. Now like you said you're worried about weapon masters charging into your Cetrati, there's the Nihilators job, jam and keep stuff away from the Cetrati. You can quite easily justify running Defenders Ward on them during the early phase of the game too and switching it to the Cetrati later. The TyCom is nice, but you can do fine without him if you want. Generally a knocked down Nihilator will get picked on and cleaned up anyway (people target KD stuff because it's auto hits in melee, or anything but snakeeyes at range) so you won't always get miles out of a TyCom as it is. Nihilator's role first and foremost is jamming stuff. If you get them to kill things consider it a fun bonus.

I run Xerxis frequently at 35, this works very well for me:

Xerxis
Krea
Gladiator
Full Nihilators
Full Cetrati
Min Beast Handlers
Marketh
Agoniser
Void Spirit

Void spirit is great for contesting objectives and/or jamming as well. Easily replacable by something like Orin though

[abysswalker711]

Ok, firstly thing you'll want to realise here is your initial list at 35 is total overkill. Give Xerxis just about any model and he can cause it to wreck the highest ARM targets. I've even had Marketh when loaded up on Souls pop Fury on himself during feat turn and unexpectedly smash the crap out of a heavy target, people just do not expect your 3pt spell caster support to turn into a POW 14 weapon master with 6 attacks and reach, even without feat turn Marketh still has a rather scary amount of killing potential if he has souls available.

So yeah, Bronzebacks are fun but complete overkill at 35pts with Xerxis.

The Bronzeback isn't necessary at 35pts. You can drop him. There's some Nihilators. Now like you said you're worried about weapon masters charging into your Cetrati, there's the Nihilators job, jam and keep stuff away from the Cetrati. You can quite easily justify running Defenders Ward on them during the early phase of the game too and switching it to the Cetrati later. The TyCom is nice, but unecessary. Generally a knocked down Nihilator will get picked on and cleaned up anyway (people target KD stuff because it's auto hits in melee, or anything but snakeeyes at range) so you won't always get miles out of a TyCom as it is. Nihilator's role first and foremost is jamming stuff. If you get them to kill things consider it a fun bonus.

I run Xerxis frequently at 35, this works very well for me:

Xerxis
Krea
Gladiator
Full Nihilators
Full Cetrati
Min Beast Handlers
Marketh
Agoniser
Void Spirit

Void spirit is great for contesting objectives and/or jamming as well. Easily replacable by something like Orin though

I really like that list change. I usually play Warmachine so I am not quite use to how many beasts are right at what point value yet. But your list looks awesome TBH. Pretty much exactly what I was going for... but you executed it correctly :P. I probably would switch the void spirit for Orin like you said though. Idk I just really like that little guy.

A friend of mine proxied up some Skorne and I watched him play a few games and you have a point with the TyComm. I noticed every time someone made a tough roll that model just got shot at more. Pretty much every game he only got to stand up 1 model. Which is pretty meh... especially with Xerxes when the KD model won't even be in the way due to martial discipline. The +2SPD doesn't seem overly necessary... I mean it's good for shield wall, but usually it won't matter for nihilators right? Since it only effects advance, and not charges? Pathfinder is good, but already possibly from Xerxes. I see uses, but I can see how it might be one of the first things to cut.

Very good advice . Thank you

[Shuyung]

My suggestions were strictly for the 50 point game.

I would concur generally that Xerxis can do w/o the BB at 35, but the BB is never a bad idea. But you will have better synergy if you trade him out.

The TyComm is essential at 50. When your running 2 units, you need to have access to giving BOTH of them pathfinder in case terrain or your opponents dictates battlefield layout, forest's, rough terrain etc......

Otherwise you will leave one of your units behind. He is a badass in and of himself, and I cannot stress how many times when you get the rolls you needed for tough and being able to stand up your nil's and it pays off.

[abysswalker711]

My suggestions were strictly for the 50 point game.

I would concur generally that Xerxis can do w/o the BB at 35, but the BB is never a bad idea. But you will have better synergy if you trade him out.

The TyComm is essential at 50. When your running 2 units, you need to have access to giving BOTH of them pathfinder in case terrain or your opponents dictates battlefield layout, forest's, rough terrain etc......

Otherwise you will leave one of your units behind. He is a badass in and of himself, and I cannot stress how many times when you get the rolls you needed for tough and being able to stand up your nil's and it pays off.

I know that is what your suggestions were about. I think overall both of you guys have given me a lot to think about. A lot of things I hadn't considered yet. I have a much better feel for building a list for Xerxes. So thank you both :P