So I have recently started a new dwarf army and pretty much have no idea what units I should be taking. So far the only thing i know is that i want to include iron guard, but besides that i could use some advice. What are your favorite dwarf units and/or heros? What are some of the pros and cons of the units you have experience with? I would like to make a fairly balanced force so units that can fill multiple roles or have multiple uses in battle are prefered. Thanks in advanced for the responses

Khazad guard are good
They helped me take down a cave troll once

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'Though my memory's fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior'
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Goodmorning Melarkil

I solely play Dwarves and I love every aspect of them. Your army composition will depend on your point limit and your scenario. Nevertheless I will give you my thoughts for the units based on my experience with them. (I haven't yet played with the new edition of the rules).

Dwarf warriors with Shields are great. I mostly include shield warriors rather that axemen when I have a choice. Shielding can be extremely useful, even more so with the sturdy dwarves.
For ranged support I prefer Dwarf Bowmen over Dwarf Rangers with longbows. You should always consider the average defense your opponents' armies will have. Generally higher bow strength is better that +1 shooting value. As for the ballista, my initial aspirations for it, has by now completely turned into frustration. Don't include it in your army unless in sieges.
Regarding specialized troops: Khazad Guards in conjunction with Iron Guards work great. Protect the more vulnerable (for Dwarves) Irons with Khazad until you reach the fight. Then take advantage of the Irons extra attacks attacks and Khazads' two-handed axes, combined with their high strentgh and fight values they are deadly. Keep in mind that throwing weapons, therefore Iron Guards', effectiveness has been reduced with the new edition of the rules. Vault Warden are beasts. yet you should take care to protect the Spears as their defense is low. Refrain from using them in boards with very open fields. If you place them in suitable positions, bottlenecks etc, even an unsupported Shield will hold for a long time. Yet they do come at a substantial point cost.

Recommended Heroes:
Gimlin, Balin, highly recommended even in low-points games.
A single Shieldbearer should be enough for a large game. Try to have him fight close by the hero he is protecting to take fully advantage of him.
Floi is a must. Dain and Durin are also extremely capable and worthy but should only be included in games with around 1000 points.

You don't really need anything special to beat a cave troll. I killed him with one elf...

Dwarf warriors are very hard to kill because of their very high defence.

The question is whether you want your archers to be dwarf warriors (short range, high strength) or dwarf rangers (better shooting value, longer range, less strength. Dwarf rangers also have the mountain dweller rule which is also very useful)

Constantine, nice post, agree with you completely.



I think that Dwarf rangers are a bit pricey...

KG's are good though, and they don't die easily

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'Though my memory's fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior'
-John Newton

Agreed

Gimli, Dain and Balin are good dwarf heroes

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going off topic quickly, I wiped out a khazad guard warband with my trackers in combat
Back on topic: Durin is beastly. For the points you pay, he is worth it imo. High def, High fv and numerous special rules which buff him to the heavens. I always struggle to kill him. Even harder now he can boost his FV with heroic strikes.

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