[Mr. Trulybored]

Well, I've never played Warhammer, though, those that know my 40K habits know that I like to plan armies well in advance. As such, I want to start planning my future Empire army in advance... like 2 Years in advance.

The general idea of my army would be that it belongs to a smaller nation to the South west of Khemri. It boasts 0 magic users, and instead relies on well equipped and disciplined professionnal soldiers, both in the infantry and cavalry.

The army I'm thinking of is fairly straightforward, big blocks of 25, Halberd, Spearmen, Swordsman, archers, and some Greatswords with smaller detachments of the same mixed in with some militia. To provide mobility and oomph, I'd be using a goodly proportion of knights and Outriders. For flavour, I'd also throw in a big block or two of Dogs of War pikemen... just because I think Hellenic pikemen are kick ass (the whole army would be somewhat classical in style...). Now, in terms of heroes and generals, I was thinking of going absolutely No frills, a general on horse, a couple of basic heroes on horse or on foot, and a few small magic Items scattered around, like a banner or two for leadership, and maybe some common magic Items. Absolutely no Mages or other magic that can't be explained away as "Discipline" or "skill".

So, I was just wondering... is such a thing even workable in Fantasy???

[ForbiddenKnowledge]

Have you considered warrior priests? Their spells are all bound spells, and the effects can easily be explained as well disciplined, or training, rather than magic per se.

Plus, they will give you some much needed magic defence, because just because you aren't taking wizards, doesn't mean the enemy isn't, and with only your basic dispel, you are gonna take a hammering, against even a normal army. You could say each priest is a Sergeant or something, the spell as training, and they can help stop enemy magic.

Other than that, cool idea. Very cool, and there is nothing wrong with not taking magic, you just want some defence, thats all

[GeekyGator]

That's what I was going to say- I play brets, not exactly super magicky, but got a Damsel just for Magic defense (plus the classic model is kick ass!)

[Mr. Trulybored]

Hmmm.. interesting, thanks for the comments!.

The warrior priest idea is actually a good one, if the spells are as you say, and I wouldn`t have to make them look priestly in any way when modelling, which is even better. I'll take a look at the empire army book tomorrow though, when I stop by the local GW for a game, and take a closer look at exactly what sort of things I could get away with.

Thanks again!

[Wargamer]

Playing low-magic or no-magic can be dangerous when you run afoul of a spell-junkie.

However, if both sides agree not to go nuts, the result is very enjoyable indeed.

[spetnazcommando]

fluffwise this is a great idea...

but thats fluff

in my opinion somebody who doesnt take magic is going to be in for a hard time. since your wont get all those nice bonuses the spells can give you or the brutal killing power of some others.

but on the bright side your force would be a battering ram with three units with close combat chars you could take on most enemies the opponent hurls at you.

[Mr. Trulybored]

Gamewise, I was thinking the extra numbers of troops I could purchase without magic would be enough to let me absorb the losses from any dangerous spells. However, I suppose prctice will eventually prove otherwise...

[GeekyGator]

Well, a cheap level 1 or 2 wizard will get you a good number of dispel dice, especially if you play dwarves, and won't cost too much.

[Mr. Trulybored]

Alright! My topic is still on the first page! (and hopefully not forgotten :P)

So, the list is supposed to have no magic per se... but after seeing so many cool magic items in the army book, I decided to add in a bunch (including priest) that I can explain away as discipline/skill/luck, etc.

Keep in mind that I've only read through the rules once, and have never actually played a game of WFB... so go ahead and be hard on me :P

So, on with the list:

Lord:
General
Barded Warhorse
Sword of Power
Dawn Armour
Shield
Crimson Amulet* * 199

Heroes
Battle Standard Bearer
Imperial Banner
Barded Warhorse
Full Plate* * * * 197

Priest of Sigmar
Heavy Armour
Second Warhammer
Sword of Battle* * 103

Captain
Halberd
Meteoric Armour* * 79

CORE:
Halberdiers
25 men w/shields
Full Command* * * * 170

Detachment 1:
10 Crossbowmen* * * 80

Detachment 2:
10 Halberdiers w/ Shields* * 60

Swordsmen
25 men
Full comand* * * * 175

Detachment 1:
10 Handgunners* * * 80

Detachement 2:
10 Halberdiers* * * 60

Knights 1
10 men, lance and Shield
Full command
Banner of deamonslayer* * * 320

Knights 2
10 men, lance and shield
Full Command
Standard of arcane warding* 300

Special:
10 Greatswords
Full Command* * * * * * * * 130

Detachment
5 Crossbowment* * * * * * 40

Total : 1995


So.. thinking back... I believe I have too many heroes, and too many points on banners... what say you?

Edit:

I've just re-read the rules section pertaining to weapons... and noticed that to use the shields, the halberdiers must forfeit the use of the halberd... making the shield relatively useless. This means I'll have to amend this on the list later...

[Hoarday]

Unless the EMpire uses different hero restrictions from everyone else, you're okay in that area, but your priest is illegally equipped. He can take either the sword of battle (which replaces his default weapon[s]) or the second hammer.