KoW - A Rat's Tail

I really enjoyed playing with my Ratkin on the weekend. The really felt like a relentless Horde.


They actually played a lot like Skaven were portrayed in the End Times books - particularly Thanquol. Wave after wave of rats dashing themselves against the enemy. Over the past few years I have played with Slave heavy WHFB list but these units have been used far more as a defensive "blocking" force rather than as an offensive tool. This is because they then bought the necessary time for the Skaven "toys" to work.


The list I used on Saturday was different. As per my previous post it was:

• Tunnel Slaves - 1x Horde, 1x Legion
• Spear Warriors - 1x Horde
• Shock Troops - 1x Horde, 1x Regiment
• Blight - 1x Horde
• Vermintide - 1x Horde
• Brute - 1x Horde
• Artillery - 1
• Enforcer - 1
• Army Standard Bearer - 2

The key to the list was making the most of the Ratkin special rules - Rallying! and Pack Mentality.


"Friendly non-allied units within 6" have +n to their Waver and Rout Nerve values. This is cumulative, with a maximum total of +2 if multiple units with Rallying! are in range."


When you build your tactics around a special rule it pays to know how it works! I wasn't sure so only added a max of +1 to Nerve and only to the Hordes od SW, ST and Blight. After the game I checked on the Mantic Forum and clarified the rule.


Aside: Isn't it nice to be able to get feedback on rules from someone "official". I asked a question and within two hours I had a reply from Mantic's "Rule Committee". I'm still waiting for GW to rule on Predatory Fighter for Supporting Attacks.


So given the game would I make changes to my list? I'm not sure is the answer. I am considering dropping the Shock Troop Regiment to add in some Hackpaws (Cavalry). This would give me a fast flanking force. I'm also not sure on the Artillery. Artillery is very hit or miss. Rat artillery hits on 5+. I get the feeling you either take a lot or none. The fact that enhancements to Nerve move away from it is another consideration.


Obviously I am basking a bit in the warm glow of a new game but I can only say my first experiences with both Kings of War and Ratkin were very positive.