Age of Sigmar: Expanding the Skaven Vanguard Box
Vanguard boxes are a great start, but an army they are not. Here’s how to take your Skaven scouting force to a full verminous invasion!
The next round of Vanguard boxes will be up for preorder this weekend, and they’re bringing some sweet models together for the Skaven, Daughters of Khaine, and the Nighthaunt. These boxes serve as a fantastic starting point for a new army. Personally, I play all three armies, but my first love in Warhammer Fantasy was the Skaven. The Skaven Vanguard is an excellent dip into Skryre, the tech sorcery clan of the Under-Empire. But where do you go from there? While I can’t get you to 2000 points since the point costs will definitely change in the new book, I can give you a few tips on boxes to pick up next, expanding your tiny Engine-Coven into a swarm.
Here’s the basic Vanguard box. Now let’s get adding!
Stormvermin
A staple of Skaven for as long as they’ve been around. Stormvermin are the heavy infantry of the Under-Empire, and they’re surprisingly deadly in combat. They have the armor to hold out in a protracted fight and the power to ensure they don’t have to. With the new rules for fighting in multiple ranks, a fully fortified unit of Stormvermin could potentially net you 61 attacks to tear your enemy apart. Plus, they’re just awesome-looking models and serve as great bodyguards for that squishy Grey Seer.
Screaming Bell
A Screaming Bell is a fantastic centerpiece, and with the new rules, it should seldom be left in the warrens. Need a powerful spellcaster? Done. Want a priest to bolster your allies? Easy. Need an awesome powerhouse to skewer your foes? The Screaming Bell delivers. If you picked up the Echoes of Doom boxset or split it with a more green-themed friend, you’ll already have this awesome kit. If you didn’t, definitely invest. While the new rules for the Bell did take the wind out of its sails a little, the ones that reward you for having multiple Masterclan leaders. That means bringing one alongside the included Grey Seer on foot a good play. Keep your opponent’s attention divided, sneaking the rest of your army up to deliver the killing blow.
Doomwheel
If you want to go full-tilt into Skryre, you have to include Ikit’s finest creation. The Doomwheel is Skaven hilarity at its finest, combining shooting, combat, and chaos in one spinning package. Of course, it tends to run over your own units, but that’s the Skaven way. Break up enemy formations for your big units, or break up your own and claim it was all in your plan. Either way, the Doomwheel is an excellent inclusion in any Skaven army.
All hail the Great Horned Rat!
