Hi,
I'll come back with more but here's the starter:
When aiming at 1500 points there are, I think, 3 main ways to approach the fleet. First of all I just would use the FW list (on their site). It's pretty balanced and playable (however it doesn't deviate a lot from the 'old' metal-Armada list, later more).
The main route:
1 Custodian
3 Wardens
4 Protectors
+ Castellans.
A real combat fleet. One could change a bit to use Emissaries (later more).
Another route would be to max out Custodians (2) and Wardens (6).
So a list like this:
Kor'O + Aun'O = 155
Custodian + 3 Wardens 400
Custodian + 3 Wardens 400
2 Protectors 380
1 Emissary 130 (consider mine upgrade)
Personally I really like Protectors and having them as the core is a solid thing. Especially when playing under 1000 points they are grand as the Custodian is pretty expensive and with 2 shields hardly a bastion. Nova Cannon & Long range fire magnet.
Here is my own 1500 fleet or similar to what I have/use:
Kor'el + Aun'el
Custodian + 3 Wardens
3 Protectors
1 Emissary
6 Castellans
Here is the latest battle I had with the FW Tau, 1200 points:
http://www.tacticalwargames.net/forums/ ... 36;t=13573with this list:
[080] Kor’O Ry’zon
[310] Custodian ‘Or’es’Leath Ry’zon’ Ld9
[090] Warden x3 ‘Kir’la Ka’Eldi’ Ld 8
[190] Protector ‘Lar’shi’vre Ry’zon NÃÂa’ Ld8
[190] Protector ‘Lar’shi’vre Jate’ra K’ri’ Ld7
[190] Protector ‘Lar’shi’vre L’kys’ Ld7
[150] Castellan x3 ‘Kir’shasvre Shas’ka Nan’ Ld8
As you see a core of Protectors. The BatRep will give you some ideas on tactics as well.
The main thing is to use your missiles. They're fast and you have plenty. Use small waves (Castellans) to clear fighters on CAP if they are there. This to let the large waves impact. Use the synergy of Tau Manta's and Missiles to overwhelm enemy targets. Even if the enemy can take down waves of missiles you'll can lay down such an impressive array of them their will be always some to survive.
Don't rush to the enemy fleet. In shooting engagements you're undergunnend. Fleets like Chaos and the Imperial Navy will eat the FW Tau (with fewer HP) up close. Tau only have a heavy gunnery in the front arc. Once they are upon you you cannot retaliate. So in these cases AAF to create more distance and try to setup another attack run with ordnance.
It is at these times escorts are needed to give the enemy a little trouble. Wardens & Castellans can turn 90* and thus bring their weaponry faster into range & arc.
Alternate ListsThe FW models have seen most lists of them all and still none is official. Though the FW list is widely accepted and balanced.
Here are other lists:
* The SG forum CPF, authors Shinnentai & Xisor. Some people love it. Good story but I think it lacks and sadly development seems to have stopped.
* The SG CPF list, the removed one. The list designed by the High Admirality, BFG rules committee. Removed at Forgeworld request. Flavourful, some real solid things but a fleet selection of immense poo.
* Of course, the stand-in list. Where you use FW models to represent the Armada list:
Custodian = Explorer
Protector = Hero
Emissary = Merchant
Castellan = Defender
Warden = Orca
by that token I would allow you to use FW transports as Messengers!
*
Project Distant Darkness - Revivalshameless self promotionavailable here:
http://www.epic40k.co.uk/rules/gothic/ddarkness.htmlIt originates from an SG article Project Distant Darkness by me. About a special Protector class.
In 2008 we started, motivated by Zhai Morenn, working on a full fledged fleet based on that single ship. Now I call it the opening of a Grand Space Opera. My Magnum Opus. With three supplements on their way, telling the story of Kor'O Ry'zon and comrades.
The list itself does not replace the FW list, it is a fluffy asset to it. A special character fleet so to say. Using the models designs to create a different feel & fleet. Where as the FW fleet is nothing more then a deviation from the Armada list this one changes it. A manouevrable fleet.
After you tried and played with the FW list I hope you take a look at Project Distant Darkness and find some secret links.
