With all the new necron-like models kicking around in the last month I'm starting to get excited about necrons again. I am just wondering how many of each thing go into an army of these metal guys.

I'm going for more of a "collection" approach so will be getting models for most of the stuff in the list, but I would like to know what goes into making effective formations of these guys, especially with the vehicles, so I can gauge how many of each I will need. Also figured this would be handy for all the other aspiring necron players too

So here we go:
Infantry Phalanx: I assume you need about 3-4 of these? Which upgrades as useful, looks like at least pariahs should be taken every time, but are tomb spiders and immortals worth it?

Armoured Phalanx (Obelisk formation): Any good? Looks a bit big and expensive for what it does? I'm wondering if Obelisks might be better used in Monolith formations?

Monolith Maniple: These appear mandatory, but how do you build them. I assume by the large points increase that formations of one are optimal game-wise, but points wise do you run them in 2s or 3s? or do you run them single with an obelisk to take hits on? Or maybe 2s and 3s with an obelisk or two?

So I guess the real question is how many monoliths and obelisks would you run in a "good but balanced" 3000 point tournament list and how would you set them up in formations?

Bear in mind that the Monolith formation is likely to change in the next iteration of the list to disallow single Monoliths on their own entirely. Even with the current tax for taking them singly they're still much too good.

I always take 3 infantry phalanxes, one naked, one with a pariah and an upgrade or two, and one with a pariah and several upgrades. This gives me 3 different sized formations for the different tasks they'll be needed for.

The armoured phalanx is expensive for a reason; a formation of fast-moving, fearless, teleporting, pretty tough AVs with reasonable shooting is not to be trifled with. In the next revision they are moving back to being a support choice rather than core.

With regards to monoliths it all comes down to portal availability. I always like to make sure I have at least 4 portal-carrying formations on the board, plus the tomb complex. I tend to take either 2 monolith formations (of varying compositions), a warbarque and the abbatoir, or simply 3 monolith formations and the warbarque. Portals are key to the list, so they are an obvious target for the enemy, so bring more than you think you'll need, as you'll often find yourself struggling to get all your formations onto the board in the last turn ot two.

With regard to monolith formation composition, currently the most efficient formation choice is either a single monolith or a monolith with a single obelisk. It is likely that both of these will not be available in the next version of the list, as a minimum formation size of 3 models has been agreed.

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I intend on having 12 obelisks and 6 Monoliths myself.

With those numbers, I should always be able to field whatever force I wanted in regards to those two options...

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Frogbear is responsible for...
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Ok, so can you finish this sentence for me please:

"To have a balanced army with a few options at 3000 points you should obtain X monoliths and Y obelisks"

I think the best number of models to collect for yourself would be:
12 Obelisks
6 Monoliths
2 Pylons
1 Warbarque

Obviously more of everything means you can do some fun and weird armies, but that list will give you the basis of a formidable Necron force (combined with all the infantry and C'tan things as well, obviously).

And don't forget a tomb complex.

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author of Syncing Forward and other stories...

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Where can a Warbarque be found?

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Tom Webb
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Well, I could get you one, but in all honesty the mold has degraded considerably.  I am interested in re-doing the model at some point, but I have several other commitments ahead of it.  My guess is I won't get around to it till February, and by then I am sure somebody will have a CAD of one.  

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author of Syncing Forward and other stories...

It's a dog-eat-dog world, and I've got my Milkbone underwear on.

Gotcha , cheers for the info!

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Tom Webb
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I was thinking of 8 monoliths and 12 obelisks to give me enough for four formations of 2 monoliths and 3 obelisks.

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-Vaaish

Here's what I use for a Warbarque ...  a piece from an old STARGATE Movie figure.  Perfect for Epic scale ...  I've got a pristine extra ... Hoping maybe someone could mold it for you guys.  

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Legion 4 "Cry Havoc, and let slip the Dogs of War !" ... "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."

Here's another Stargate piece, a Goa'uld Glider, I modified for an AEtonic Orb. I figure only one per Army ?  Yes ?  

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Legion 4 "Cry Havoc, and let slip the Dogs of War !" ... "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."

I'm vaguely considering CADing a warbarque, if the numbers prove worthwhile.

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http://www.troublemakergames.co.uk/
Epic: Hive Development Thread

I'd get one to add to my Force ... What would it look like ?  

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Legion 4 "Cry Havoc, and let slip the Dogs of War !" ... "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."

That would be a tough one since I think most would only need one or two warbarques max.

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-Vaaish

yeah, I'm not all that sure it's viable.

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Epic: Hive Development Thread