I've finally grabbed a couple of the new Avatar packs - just to get the Exarch models for my Aspect Warhosts (yes I know I could have converted some models - but I can't justify the time it would take me to make good looking Exarchs!!).
I have enough Aspects to make a complete host of each (plus extras), except for Shining Spears (only 6 bases of these). I'm wondering how other people form their hosts and which aspects they favour??
After a few games here are my thoughts... bear in mind that I'm relatively new to using eldar in this edition so some of this probably sounds rather naive...
DIRE AVENGERS: Very cool and useful aspects, but the exarchs are a inefficient. Do people ever take exarchs on these? I think I'd prefer a couple of Dark Reaper Exarch stands to finish off a host of these.
FIRE DRAGONS: I haven't used these - on paper they just don't look that great to me. An average of 4 MW attack hits for 300 points (less if shooting). However if i understand the rules correctly, their Exarchs do get an extra MW attack rather than just an extra attack?
DARK REAPERS: I have had great success with a host of these. They shred infantry and have a nice FF value. I haven't used Exarchs in a unit of these though as most of the time I am shooting using the range advantage. Probably worth having the Exarchs in them though.
STRIKING SCORPIONS: Great tough and reliable host which really dishes out the damage. I always take Exarchs unless points are really tight.
HOWLING BANSHEES: Many people seem to dislike these compared to the Striking Scorpions, but I have had good success using them. Taking out enemies before they can hit back is great. I always take both Exarchs unless points are really tight. I think i have used my 'Banshees in Wave Serpents host' in almost every game.
SHINING SPEARS: Haven't used them, don't really like the look of them on paper. However, I bought a pack for completeness (and to use as wild rider proxies for a Sam Hainn morph to help playtest that list). Close combat specialisation (and a meagre 4+ at that) would seem to negate one of the key advantages of being skimmers(?). ?A good host for Autarch perhaps.
I intend using 2 Swooping Hawks along with the 6 Shining Spears, to allow a more extended unit coherency (good for protection against template weapons). Also I don't really want to paint up two whole packs of them. (Incidentally I got 1 Shining Spears sprue and 5 Exarch Sprues in this pack - much trimming of headgear required!!)
SWOOPING HAWKS: Ok, so they can teleport, that's kind of nice... but I could get a guardian host and vampire for the same points and do the same sort of trick and more. Overated in my opinion. One 4+ FF attack just isn't that great.
WARP SPIDERS: My favourite Aspect type on paper but I haven't used my host of these in Epic Armageddon yet. I've been waiting for my new Exarchs and rebasing. First Strike on both CC and FF and Exarch/Autarch Attacks sounds great, and combined with Infiltrator, Scouts, and 4+ armour it is evne better!! Great host for an Autarch IMO.
So what do other people think? Anyone got some favourite combos they'd like to share? ?
I normally don't even bother posting questions to the SG board, but got no reply here so cross-posted!