Warhammer-Empire.com

The Border Princes is a wild realm fraught with peril where live is lived on the razor's edge. It is rugged frontier land of brigands and mercenaries, a loose collection of city-states and fiefdoms which are under frequent assault by Greenskins and Beastmen.
Few of the Princedoms have the size to maintain standing armies, preferring instead to hire mercenaries to fight their battles.
Many mercenaries hail from the region and even more travel to the region from Tilea, the Empire and Estalia for the endless supply of work the Border Princes offers.

Ever since Shadow of the Horned Rat I have always been compelled by the Border Princes. There's just something dark and exciting about the place.

Now, as we know most players just use The Empire, Dogs of War or Bretonnia army books to play factions in the Border Princes. And that's fine and makes a lot of sense.
But what of the others? What of the principalities which are not Imperial, Tilean, Bretonnian or for that matter Estalian?

What I propose is a Border Princes Army Book.
I am working on Dogs of War Online – the development site for the Warhammer Armies range.
I want to pick your fertile minds for input and ideas. 
Here are a few of my ideas so far:
Border Princes WIP – PDF

Introduction: The Elves of the Southern Seas

To sail south of the Old World beyond the corsair-cursed coasts of Araby is to sail upon stranger tides. It is to sail upon seas beneath who's inky depths lurk the kraken and the leviathan, monstrosities which pull men and ships to their doom. Sail on, down the churning coastline of the Southlands or sail west for fabled Lustria, and you follow routes known only to the Tileans and the Estalians. The Tilean explorer Marco Columbo wrote in his journal of his second voyage "surviving the Churning Gulf, we rounded the cape and beheld a mighty fortress of glittering marble, as slender and beautiful as the radient city of Lothern. And swiftly we were met by a sleek-hulled vessel of beautiful warriors with cold eyes who graciously bid us safe passage". On this and his subsequent voyages to Cathay and Lustria, Columbo discovered more than a score of mighty Elven towers. He noted the similaraties of these Elves to their kin of Ulthuan, but he also remarked on an equal number of differences. These "Elves of the Southern Seas" were darker of complexion and their eyes as their natures were cold. Although to the Tileans they were rarely hostile, this did little to put the explorers at their ease.



Sea Elves: Themed High Elves Army List

The following is a Sea Elf themed army using the High Elves Army Book, although there are 3 units from the Wood Elves Army Book.
Mostly it is a only a guide and does not explicitly change the Army Book, but for a couple of optional exceptions.
Included at the bottom are 5 house rules for those who want to follow the theme.


PRINCE
•Prince: may ride an Elven Steed (no barding), a Giant Osprey or a Sea Dragon.

ARCHMAGE
•Archmage: may ride an Elven Steed (no barding), a Giant Osprey or a Sea Dragon.


NOBLE
•Noble: may ride an Elven Steed (no barding) or a Giant Osprey.

MAGE
•Mage: may ride an Elven Steed (no barding).


ARCHERS
•Archers

SPEARMEN
•Spearmen

CORSAIRS
•Lothern Sea Guard: armed with with two hand weapons, bows and light armour.
Theme Fluff: Sea Elf Corsairs ply the southern seas in swift sleek-hulled vessels.


CITADEL GUARD
•Pheonix Guard
Theme Fluff: Citadel Guards are the ever-vigilant watchmen of the towers of the south.

SEA DRAGON CORSAIRS
•White Lions of Chrace: armed with great swords, heavy armour and sea dragon cloaks (lion cloaks).
Theme Fluff: Sea Dragon Corsairs are the elite warriors of the Sea Elf fleets.

SEA REAVERS
•Ellyrian Reavers: may take shields for +1 pt/model (but if so may not take bows), may exchange elven steeds for seahawks for +20 pts/model.
Theme Fluff: Sea Reavers patrol the coastlines of the southern realms. In Tor Elasor and the Fortress of Dawn, Sea Reavers ride the winds on the swift wings of giant seahawks, swooping over the coastline and the open sea.

MER-KIN
•Dryads (see below).
Theme Fluff: Mer-kin dwell in the shoals around the southern islands. Their skin is scaled in emerald and their webbed limbs bear deadly poisoned barbs.


REPEATER BOLT THROWER
•Repeater Bolt Thrower

GIANT OSPREY
•Giant Eagle



THEME RULE: SEA ELVES
The army may not include any of the following units: Tyrion, Teclis, Eltharion, Alith Anar, Caradryan, Korhil, Dragon Mage of Caledor, Sword Masters of Hoeth, Silver Helms, Dragon Princes of Caledor, Shadow Warriors, Tiranoc Chariot, Lion Chariot of Chrace.

THEME RULE: CITADEL GUARD
Citadel Guard (Pheonix Guard) exchange their Fear special rule for the Immune to Psychology special rule.

THEME RULE: SEA DRAGON CORSAIRS
Sea Dragon Corsairs (White Lions of Chrace) exchange their Forest Striders special rule for the Marsh Striders special rule.

THEME RULE: MER-KIN
Mer-kin (Wood Elves Dryads) cost +2 pts/model with the following changes;
•Sea Spirit: as Forest Spirit but exchange magical attacks for poisoned attacks.
•Aquatic: treat all water features as open terrain and benefit from soft cover whilst in such terrain.

THEME RULE: MOUNTS
•Seahawk (Wood Elves Warhawk): counts as Flying Cavalry.
•Giant Osprey (Giant Eagle)
•Sea Dragon (Wood Elves Forest Dragon)

Ok, hands up who likes Dogs of War?
I know, right? They were pretty cool. 
Ok, now hands up who is disappointed that they're out of 8th edition?
Me too. I loved those Marksmen of Miragliano. 
Ok, now shout out if you collected a Dogs of War army.
Well you probably know by now that you're out of 8th ed too.
Yeah I know, come over here for a hug, it's alright. I know, let it all out. 

Well dry those tears because I have an idea!
I know that there is a fan-made Dogs of War army book available, but I have been considering my own version based on the 7th ed Empire Army Book which can be adapted to an 8th ed version when it eventually comes out.
Now, as we know, regiments of renown are out. As sad as it is I don't see any point in trying to revive them. Golgfag, for example, is alive and well in Ogre Kingdoms, but that's about it.

So with this in mind, here is a basic outline of my idea.


TILEAN / ESTALIAN ARMY BOOK



LORDS:

General: As Empire General but may not ride a Griffon.

Wizard Lord: As Empire Wizard Lord.



HEROES:

Captain*: As Empire Captain, one Captain may be upgraded to Army Standard Bearer and may carry a magic standard.

Wizard: As Empire Wizard.



HEROES:

Captain*: As Empire Captain, one Captain may be upgraded to Army Standard Bearer and may carry a magic standard.

Wizard: As Empire Wizard.



CORE:

Pikemen …………………… 6 pts
M WS BS S  T W  I  A  L
4    3    3   3  3  1  3  1  7
4    3    3   3  3  1  3  2  7
Unit size: 10+
Equipment: Pike, hand weapon and light armour.
Options: Any unit may take shields for +1pt/per model.
Upgrade one Pikeman to a musician for +5 pts.
Upgrade one Pikeman to a standard bearer for +10 pts.
Promote one Pikeman to a Sergeant for +10 pts.
Special Rules: Pikes (count as spears but fight in one extra rank).
That's right, this means that pikemen fight in a total 4 ranks!

Swordsmen …………………… 6 pts
M WS BS S  T W  I  A  L
4    4    3   3  3  1  4  1  7
4    4    3   3  3  1  4  2  7
Unit size: 10+
Equipment: Sword (hand weapon), light armour and shield.
Options: Any unit may exchange its shields for additional hand weapons for free.
Upgrade one Swordsman to a musician for +5 pts.
Upgrade one Swordsman to a standard bearer for +10 pts.
Promote one Swordsman to a Duellist for +10 pts.

Arbalesters …………………… 9 pts
M WS BS S  T W  I  A  L
4    3    3   3  3  1  3  1  7
4    3    4   3  3  1  3  1  7
Unit size: 10+
Equipment: Arbelest (crossbow), hand weapon and light armour.
Options: Any unit may be equipped with pavises for +1 pt/per model.
Upgrade one Arbalester to a musician for +5 pts.
Upgrade one Arbalester to a standard bearer for +10 pts.
Promote one Arbalester to a Marksman for +10 pts.
Special Rules: Pavise (counts as shield against shooting attacks only).

Heavy Cavalry ……………… 18 pts
M WS BS S  T W  I  A  L
4    3    3   3  3  1  3  1  7
4    3    3   3  3  1  3  2  7
8    3    0   3  3  1  3  1  5
Unit size: 5+
Equipment: Lance, hand weapon, heavy armour and shield.
Mount: Barded warhorse
Options: Upgrade one cavalryman to a musician for +7 pts.
Upgrade one cavalryman to a standard bearer for +14 pts.
Promote one cavalryman to a Cavilier for +14 pts.
The biggest benefit of Heavy Cavalry is that they are much cheaper than Knights.



SPECIAL:

Tilean Republican Guards /
Estalian Royal Guards ……… 8 pts
M WS BS S  T W  I  A  L
4    4    3   3  3  1  3  1  8
4    4    3   3  3  1  3  2  8
Unit size: 5+
Equipment: Halberd, hand weapon and heavy armour.
Options: Any unit may take shields for +1pt/per model.
Upgrade one Guard to a musician for +6 pts.
Upgrade one Guard to a standard bearer for +12 pts.
Promote one Guard to a Sergeant for +12 pts.
A standard bearer may carry a magic standard worth up to 50 pts.
Special Rules: Stubborn.

Arquebusiers ………………… 9 pts
M WS BS S  T W  I  A  L
4    3    4   3  3  1  3  1  7
4    3    5   3  3  1  3  1  7
Unit size: 10-20
Equipment: Arquebus (handgun) and hand weapon.
Options: Promote one Arquebusier to a Marksman for +10 pts.
Special Rules: Skirmishers

Pistoliers ……………………… 18 pts
M WS BS S  T W  I  A  L
4    3    3   3  3  1  3  1  7
4    3    4   3  3  1  3  1  7
8    3    –   3  3  1  3  1  5
Unit size: 5+
Equipment: Brace of pistols and light armour.
Mount: Warhorse
Options: Upgrade one pistolier to a musician for +7 pts.
Promote one pistolier to a Cavilier for +7 pts.

Light Cannon ………………… 40 pts
M WS BS S  T W  I  A  L
–    –    –   –  7  3  –  –  –
4    3    3   3  3  1  3  1  7
Unit size: 1 Light Cannon
Number of crew: 3
Equipment: Each crewman carries a hand weapon.
Options: You may select 1-2 Light Cannons as a single Special choice.

LIGHT CANNON
Light cannons follow the rules for bolt throwers.

---

Range  Strength  Special Rules
   48"           7       Multiple Wounds (D3), Ignores armour saves*

*Armour saves are not permitted against wounds caused by light cannons

Cannon ………………………… 80 pts
M WS BS S  T W  I  A  L
–    –    –   –  7  3  –  –  –
4    3    3   3  3  1  3  1  7
Unit size: 1 Cannon
Number of crew: 3
Equipment: Each crewman carries a hand weapon.



RARE

Mercenaries: You may take a core unit from any other army (except Chaos Demons, Vampire Counts, Tomb Kings or Bretonnians) as rare choice. You may not take 0-1 units or any magic banners or character upgrades and you may not take swarms or forest spirits. You also may not take dwarves & greenskins in the same army or high elves & dark elves in same army. Mercenaries count as suspicious allies (see 8th edition rule book).
Mercenaries really are this army's ace in the hole and provide a great degree of flexability and character.




So the idea is that this book can be used to represent armies from Tilea or Estalia and can just as easily represent a Border Princes army.
It isn't exactly a mercenary army but could be used to represent one.
One big difference is the absence of the paymaster but there is no reason why you can't model the Army Standard Bearer to represent a paymaster.
Obviously points adjustments will need to be made and they will need their own unique inventory of magical items.
Also, it is important to point out that Tilea and Estalia do not use the Empire's detachment rules.

A TREATIES ON THE MERITS OF ARCHERS AS DETACHMENTS

I have read a lot of poor reviews of archers in 8th ed. so I want to take the opportunity to highlight their best use - as detachments.
In my Nuln Army I employ a regiment of Wissenburg Half-Pike & Bow - spearmen with detachments of archers.
I find this to be a very versatile formation for the following reasons:

•Spearmen with shields are suited to both offensive AND defensive strategy.
•Archers can FIRE on the MOVE which suits the agressive deployment of their parent unit.
•Archers can engauge targets if their own but can (more importantly) STAND & SHOOT at charges directed against their parent unit. Whilst this is not unique to Archers, unlike crossbows and handguns, bows can fire on the move (see above).
•Archers fight in SKIRMISH formation which makes up for thier lack of armour if shot at (note that crossbowmen & hangunners are also unarmoured but are ranked-up).
•Archers can, when all else fails, draw their swords/hatchets/maces and charge the flank of the engauged enemy like any detachment.

So, if you plan to fight defensively stick to crossbows and handguns - you can't go wrong.
If you want to drive the offensive take State Troops or Free Company as detachments.
But if you value a flexible option which allows you to adapt your strategy to suit circumstances - don't discount the Archers! 

I for one would like to see the Empire Master Engineer completely over-hauled.
To be honest, the 7th ed Master Engineer is a redundant joke.
Compare him to the Dwarf Engineer or even Skaven Warplock Enginseer and he does very little for your army for the cost in points & a hero slot.

I say loose all the gimmicky gizmos. He shouldn't need them! Close combat is no place for an engineer and he certainly does not need a horse (and let's be honest - the fluff behind the mechanical horse is just plain stupid).

Our Master Enginseer needs to LOOSELY follow a SIMILAR vein as the Dwarf Engineer.
•Light Armour - not essential but should be optional.
•Blackpower Weapons - very fluffy.
•Magic Items - these should not be an option for an engineer and if this is removed it would justify the inclusion of some special rules at a bargain price.
•Take a horse - why? See above. This means he can't join cavalry. This is fluffy.
•Join Handgunners - fluffy.
•Join Artillery - very fluffy.
•Ride in a Steam Tank - very, very fluffy! Basically like a character in a chariot.

Without blatently STEALING any ideas from the Dwarf Engineer, does anyone have any ideas for special rules options?