7.0 Dwarf tactics
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BY GRUNGNI!
Bring me more ale, for I am Thungri of the Long Sword, a mighty Lord of the Dwarven Stronghold of Karak Finr, a mighty fortress that lies far, far North from here. What did you say? How we can live so near Chaos Wastes? Listen now laddies, and Old Longsword shall tell you how he deals with any scum that keep attacking our invincible fortress.
High leadership of 9 and weapon skill and toughness of 4, and very useful ability to use dispel cards on 4+ sums up the good sides of the Dwarfs, and as an additional bonus they hate Goblinoids and don`t care about carrying a wagon load of armor.
On the down side, you pursue and flee 2D6-1" and have only movement of 3. (With those short legs this is no big surprise.) The lack of cavalry and other fast troops is also disturbing, but by fielding monsters and Gyrocopters, these shortcomings can be overcome.
The two options here is either making the general a High King (by mounting him on the Throne of Power) to give him the access to many great items like the Dragon Crown of Karaz, or fielding him as a "standard" Dwarf General and thus saving him form enemy sniper fire and the agonizingly slow movement rate of the Throne of Power. It is very usual to see the point cost of a Dwarf Lord to push up to 600 points, but one should remember that with bit of bad luck this can backfire upon the dwarf army itself.
As far as the Battle Standard Bearer is considered, many people find him an essential part of any dwarf army, namely because of the option to field the famous Master Rune of Valaya. Since Dwarfs have no wizards themselves, and many gaming groups take a hostile approach to allied wizards in dwarf armies, anything that limits enemy magic is welcome.
There are few items that do it better than the Master Rune of Valaya: You have 50 percent chance to dispel any enemy spell, whereever it is cast.
The problem with the battle standard bearer is the same as with most other armies: He dies far too easily. There are few solutions for this, but none of them are altogether reliable. You could hide your battle standard bearer in the back ranks of a unit so he could be safe from the cruel world. Of course you could buy him a powerful Rune Armor, but this rather defeats the purpose of having a battle standard since he can carry only one magic item.
Runesmiths enable you to use some of the best items that Dwarfs have available: Runes of Spellbreaking to make up for those missing dispel scrolls and of course those Anvils of Doom. Most dwarf players consider the Anvil useless, but there are some benefits to fielding it. First of all, it enables the Runesmith to use the special magic cards like the Rebound and Mental Duel. Also note that the Anvil Guards are individual champions so they can issue a challenge if the anvil is charged by all too powerful characters.
The lightning unleashed by the Anvil is also useful for taking out chariots that are often very troublesome to Dwarfs. When you really must field the ultimate dwarf death machine, you can of course buy a Rune Lord with full quota of three Rune items and making them like a Rune Armor with Master Rune of Gromril and a Runic Talisman with Master Rune of Spite with two Runes of Luck. The downside of such Living Ancestor God is that he will cost enormous amount of points. Most dwarf lords are quite satisfied just by fielding a Runesmith with three Runes of Spellbreaking and hiding him in the back ranks of the unit.
The problems with the Slayer Characters are:
These are your basic dwarf elite infantry. With strength 4, weapon skill 5 and initiative 3, they are very powerful shock elites.
Dwarf elites with the compulsory option of taking two handed weapons.
As with the other dwarf elites, Iron Breakers have strength of 4, initiative of 3, and weapon skill of 5. What makes them special is their 3+ save due the Rune of Stone.
Basic dwarf infantry. Generally they are fielded as spearmen (or spear Dwarfs).
Of course they are allowed to carry magical standard like almost all dwarf regiments, so you might wish to field them just to carry that Banner of Wrath. This is the cheapest way.
Basic Dwarfs with crossbows.
If you give them the equipment needed to survive hand to hand, try to find points to field at least a champion to challenge the opposing heroes. Also, the ever-popular Rune of Courage should come in handy. Because of their long (30") range, they are my preferred dwarf missile unit. I'd say a regiment of 16-30 strong.
Another typical dwarf missile regiment: Hand guns hit hard, have a reasonable range and are slow to fire.
Miners are often called "Poor man's Hammerers". With 2 handed weapons and heavy armor, they can do business very nicely.
The most colorful of dwarf regiments, these driven Dwarfs add a welcome splash of color to otherwise rather grey Dwarf army. With their immunity to psychology and break tests, and their Slayer Skill, they are deadly unit indeed. Just remember to give them two hand weapons and hey ho, hey ho, it's off to war you go!
You have a choice between a cheaper and weaker and more expensive and stronger one. I always go for the small stone thrower. It is cheap, has high enough strength to damage almost anything, and still allows no armor save. Of course large ones are more useful against extra-tough or powerful creatures with lots of wounds, but since I generally target my stone throwers towards rank and file, this is less of a problem. If your opponent has a nasty habit of fielding a 10 strong unit of dragon ogres, then the larger stone throwers might be worth their points. I generally use the Runes of Accuracy and Fortune in my stone throwers, and try to field at least 2 of them. Expensive choice, but sometimes worth it against very numerous opponents like Skaven.
The standard version of the Gyrocopter is Mark III Karak Azul "Stealth Bomber" with Rune of Disguise and 1 or 2 Runes of Penetration. It is one of the things in the whole game that reaps a lion's share of all complaints. In fact it is of limited use against most opponents because of it's high point cost. Against heavy cavalry like the Chaos Knights it will usually work, but if you are facing Skaven or such, their price prohibits their use. I never use the bombing runs because of the severe risks involved and the general ineffectiveness. When faced with army that has very limited amounts of missile troops like Chaos, I've seen even 3 Gyrocopters perform just fine.
Dwarf cannons have shorter range, weaker bite and higher point cost than their Empire counterparts. The bonus sides are the possibility to put runes to the cannon and a lot tougher crew. With luck they might be able to stand against harpies that are far too common sight in the dwarfish skies. The favorite rune is of course the Rune of Forging, and the cannon can be equipped with additional runes like Rune of Burning (if facing wraiths -makes the cannonballs magical) or the rune(s) of Immolation. I once saw a dwarf cannon with three Runes of Immolation, and it was teleported with the Bridge of Shadows in the middle of the opponent's army. BOOM!
Remember always to target your cannons towards characters. They will fail their "Look out sir!" Rolls eventually.
Perhaps the most popular war machine in the whole dwarf army, the organ guns are perfect tools to bring death to powerful opponents. The usual method is to equip it with the Rune of Disguise so the opponent's flyers don't extend their unwanted attentions to it. The gun is that (according to GWUK) it can't be boosted with the Rune of Forging, making the firing a risky business. All in all, very good buys if you consider their low point cost value.
Editor's note: GWUK has said at different times both that the Rune of Forging is and is not allowed on the organ gun. I would allow it, and my WFB FAQ reflects this.
Dwarf anti-aircraft artillery is the most usual option for this device. With the Rune of Seeking and one or two Runes of Penetration, it can give some nasty shocks to your opponent. If you think you won't be facing large flying monsters, leave out the bolt thrower or equip it with three Runes of Penetration. I personally try to field at least two bolt throwers at a time or none at all. Two shots are better than one, just like in the popular dwarf sport of Gob-lobbing (Todd's Note: In the previous version of WFB the Dwarfs had a catapult that shot goblin body parts at the enemy, it was the Gob-lobber).
Because of their high point cost value, the dwarf general must choose carefully the time and the place he intends to use his flame cannons. They are (of course) at their best when used against such thing as treemen and mummies, because of the double damage caused by the fire. It's also true that their flames will hit anything at least halfway covered by the dragonfire template, making it one of the deadliest war machines around. This high kill ratio is in addition to panic check your opponent has to take, so I'd include it in most armies, even if it is a bit risky.
I never field a dwarf army without taking the Scepter of Norgim. It is such a wonderfully useful and effective item that I feel it is a must for every dwarf general. Many opponents march within 8" of a dwarf regiment, confident in the knowledge that with the movement of 3 they'll still get to charge first. The Scepter changes all that by increasing the move of the Dwarfs to 4! I've also seen an Iron Breaker unit with armor save of 1+! (the regiment had a Standard of Shielding as a side order.) The regiment was also 50 strong.
If you want to give your regiment a "regular" magic standard like the Banner of Might, and still wish to have a good chance against psychology and break tests, consider the Dragon Crown of Karaz. You'll have to give it to a dwarf king, though.
Both Axe of Grimnir and the Gotrek's Axe are real bargains at mere 125 points. Whenever facing an opponent with lots of troops with multiple wounds (like Chaos and the Undead) they are worth considering.
The Armor of Skaldour is in my opinion the best armor in whole game, and if you are fielding any of the dwarf kings (Kazador, Ungrim, Thorgrim) I say go for it. It is very cheap, and protects you from almost anything.
Here are couple of examples how to best use your Runes. Note that I've avoided the usual 200 plus point items that everybody can design and tried to include some of the more devious combos.
The Dwarfs have a very attracting chance to field completely unbreakable army by giving every single regiment a Runic Standard with the Rune of Courage. Of course your front rank is easily mowed down by rampaging Chaos knights or chariots, so it might be a good idea to put your Standard bearer in the back ranks of the unit.
The Flying Hammer (TM) is a famous invention. Combining the Master Rune of Flight with, say Rune of Smiting and Rune of Breaking, enemy characters will soon dread to come near your units. The main candidate for this weapon is of course Burlok Damminson. Some people prefer giving it to a Slayer champ, though others argue that it can only be placed in a hammer. Mind you, there is an example in the Dwarf Book about slayer with this rune, and I got a slayer figure with a hammer. In the hands of a Slayer or Burlok the Flying Hammer has a chance to wound some of your tougher opponents.
Dwarfs get both extra attacks and extra strength cheaper than other races. Any combinations of the Runes of Cleaving and Runes of Fury are usually very effective.
I like all runes that affect the target when it is hit, without trying to wound. One of the best examples of this was when my general had a Curse Rune and two runes of Fury in his axe. He managed to lower Bloodthirster's strength to 4, and the Chaos player was not amused! Other rune like this is the Rune of Breaking. I've seen few pale faces when my opponent hears his Doomglaive/Axe of Khorne/Fellblade is broken! If used by a character who sees lot's of melee, I recommend combining it with the Master Rune of Swiftness. Rune of Luck is an excellent back up item for Dwarfs with such things because it allows you to re-roll those failed checks for destroying your opponent's weapon/physical health.
If you are fielding an army with lots of monsters, Then the Master Rune of Gorth One-eye might be suitable for replacing the usual Master Rune of Valaya. Just keep your monsters within 12" of the Battle Standard and you'll have no worries about the loyally of these otherwise unreliable troops!
Master Rune of Dismay is essential against armies like Orcs, Chaos and Skaven, since it can really slow down their advance. It can be given to a champion since it is "one use only" item.
Giving a couple of Runes of Fortitude to a character with Black Amulet and Master Rune of Spite will make your dwarf a close combat monster without any weapons at all!
Of course all of us can make a Rune Axe with Master Rune of Death, Rune of Smiting and Rune of Might, but such things cost so many points that often they will be your undoing, and nobody needs help in designing them.
It is worth mentioning that all dwarf special character (with the exception of Gotrek and Felix) can change their usual magic items to something different. See Dwarf Book, page 81).
King Kazador gives you the possibility to field an additional dwarf lord with a bonus strength of 5. When in need of an additional dwarf lord, King Kazador is your dwarf. Rune of Might is often a good buy, since it doubles his strength to an awesome 10 as long as his opponent has a toughness of 6 or more. Nurgle Characters will dread him!
A Daemon Slayer General with the option of taking up to three magic items, including armor. If you want to really enrage your opponent, give Ungrim the Axe of Gotrek. He is, after all, a slayer.
As a dwarf king, Ungrim has the access to many of the best items in the Dwarf Book.
As the High King of All Dwarfs Thorgrim has an access to a wide choise of special magic items like the Armour of Skaldour. The other outstanding quality of Thorgrim is that he can have four magic items instead of three. He also has a special rule for hating all enemies, and he costs just as much as a regular dwarf lord. He doesn't have to ride the Throne of Power, so I see no reason why he shouldn't be included in every army.
Perhaps the most famous heroes in the whole Warhammer World, Gotrek Gurnisson and Felix Jaegar are a formidable pair, but also quite difficult to use. First of all, their movement rate is paltry 3, and thus your opponents usually find it quite easy to dodge your heroic pair. Second, they can't join any unit, so they often become prime targets to enemy missile fire. While their special rule for 4+ save against any and all of the wounds they receive is very effective, they will eventually die if confronted with massed enemy fire. If you are considering an allied wizard as well as Gotrek, go for the Grey Magic and whisk him around the battlefield. Highly recommended!
The venerable Rune Lord of Karaz-a-Karak is the only special Character whose weapon I wouldn't consider changing. With strength of 10, causing D6 flaming wounds with additional attack, there are very few opponents who can take on "the Old Pop". Other than that, he is just another Rune Lord. Remember that you may only have one Runesmith, so if you choose Kragg, remember to give him those Runes of Spellbreaking.
Statistically, Josef Bugman is just a regular dwarf hero. The real use for Josef Bugman is his option for buying the Bugman's Tankard for only 25 points. If you think the tankard is a must, then consider Josef.
Burlok son of Damian is my favorite special character. He is the wielder of the dreaded "Flying Hammer" (TM), a weapon inscribed with Master Rune of Flight, Rune of Smiting and Rune of Breaking or additional Rune of Smiting. The other option is to give him a suitably awe inspiring Rune Axe and use his great Strength in hand to hand. I'd recommend a Rune of Smiting and two runes of Fury.
Even though Dwarfs are expensive, you should try to field large regiments. Since Dwarfs don't have any mounted troops, the cost of such steel blocks is still affordable. I try to have regimental strength of 20-50, and include a champion in each unit, as well as one Dwarf Hero/Lord/Runesmith/Slayer character. Of course full-blooded missile units don`t need such trappings, and usually I field Thunderers and crossbowmen without anything else but standard rank and file.
Even though it isn't that archetypal, a missile and artillery based dwarf army is one of the most effective choices in Warhammer Fantasy Battle. The regiments should include several units of Dwarf Crossbowmen, this time boosted to their full hand-to-hand potential with 2 handed weapons because they might have to receive what is left of the enemy charge, plus regiments of Thunderers. At least one hand to hand regiment is required, since there usually is still some enemies left when they come out of the hail of fire. But the most important thing is to field all possible Cannons, Organ Guns, Flame Cannons, Stone Throwers and such as you can.
The classic dwarven way of waging war has always been to determinedly march towards your enemies, shrug off any missile casualties, and grind your opponent to dust in melee. Buy one regiment of each elite (Iron Breakers, Long Beards and Hammerers), and couple of units of Slayers, tool them up and go shopping to the nearest rune market by equipping your characters with all possible rune weapons. Try to use as much cover as possible as you advance upon your enemy. Take a character with a Rune of Passage to each unit. Your enemy will shiver with fear when you charge through swamp at full speed!
A word of advice. Skaven and Chaos armies are so powerful in hand to hand that it is very foolish to think you can defeat them without first softening them up with artillery.
Now lads, fill up my tankard, and sharpen your axes. We will meet our enemies in a field of glory tomorrow.
Next part: Empire Tactics.