Monday, January 3, 2011
The Failure of the Kabalite Raider Lance Unit
I have seen quite a few lists both online and at local stores for the Dark Eldar. One of the unit configurations I keep seeing pop up a lot is 10 Kabalite Warriors with a Dark Lance and a Raider Transport. While I do not think this a horrible selection, it is not efficient, and there are some failings the unit just cannot cope with. Lets fix this problem.
The unit is 10 Kabalite Warriors + Dark Lance + Raider = 175pts. There are a couple minor variances, or upgrades but we will start here. The idea is two Dark Lances with splinter rifles for anti-infantry. Overall its a decent idea, and I have fielded this unit several times. The unit is good for holding backfield objectives while giving you some suppressive lance fire. This unit is easy to field and easy to play. It's role is simple and straight forward.
Lets improve in this unit. 10 Kabalite Warriors + Blaster + Splinter Cannon + Raider = 175pts. Now we are talking. A more flexible unit that is mobile. You get the same early lance firepower, same number of warriors, same point cost, more mobile, and stronger late game when you need to take more infantry. Now you move forward and fire giving you a 24" range with your blaster, and late game you have the long range anti-infantry punch you need with great range.
Where does my improvement fail? Well, often we need someone to hold the backfield objective. I solve that with a single Kabalite Warrior Unit of 20 with Two Dark Lances. 240pts. Problem solved, and now we have a more flexible and mobile 10 man kabalite warrior unit.
Combinations; these 10 man warrior units are great fire support for trueborn and other midfield units that the dark eldar so love to deploy. Trueborn with 4 blasters and 2 splinter cannons fit into this mold very nicely. As do Incubi or other close combat units that are able to take on incoming units that survive the firepower being pushed down their throats.
I have found that often when trueborn and warrior units are set up this way, they quickly clear an area around them. As opposing armour gets quickly eliminated you then turn to your large number of splinter cannons and rifles, quickly overwhelming the small heavy infantry units or mowing down large units of light infantry.