The Shadow Host of Karandras

Here's my pride and joy: The Shadow Host of Karandras. It's a scorpion based eldar army that I used throughout the 2008 tournament year. I picked up two 2nd and a 3rd best painted with it, my first foray into painting awards.

Here's the fluff to go with the army:

This army represents the Shadowhost led by the Striking Scorpion Phoenix Lord, Karandras. The force is his personal speartip that Karandras uses to continue his endless hunt for his predecessor, Arhra the Father of Scorpions, who now burns with the dark light of chaos. Karandras knows that he must eventually bring this traitor to justice. As a result of this mission, the army must be mobile, hence the mechanised theme. 

I loved the new Scorpion models when I first saw them, and knew that I would want to include them in a future army. When I started to design the army, it was suggested to me that I should make the army a Scorpion Cult. I also did never really like the green of the GW Scorpions, and knew that I wanted to do my own take on the models. 

Rules when selecting the Army:

• All models must have the ability to move 24” a turn (through Jetbikes or Transports)
• The Elites Category must have the highest percentage of points spent in it to ensure a solid core of Scorpions

This presents a real tactical challenge in the game, as at 1500pts it is really only viable to take two troops choices, which is in my mind sub-optimal, but it definitely makes it more of a game for both players!

And the pics:

> Karandras, the obvious leader of his own spearhead. He has assembled this force in order to continue his pursuit of his former master, and leads it from the front. He focuses primarily on the fighting, and leaves organisation to others.



> The Second-in-Command: Farseer Al-Ruith Oth. He carries out the usual responsibilities of a leader, and makes the battle plans for the army, based off his psychic readings and premonitions. This is reflected by his Fortune power.



> The Master of Logistics: Autarch with Fusion Gun, Power Weapon and Mandiblasters



> Three Squads of Striking Scorpions: All Exarchs have Scorpion’s Claws. The two squads of ten ride in Wave Serpents, while the other squad rides in the Falcon. These squads provide the punch behind the army, and are usually the units that dish out the most damage.











> Five Scorpions on Jetbikes (Guardian Jetbikes) including an Exarch with a Claw and Meltagun (Warlock with Singing Spear). This unit provided a great oppurtunity for conversion, and they have become one of my favourite units, both in and out of the game.



> Two Squads of Scorpions in light body suits (Storm Guardians) including two Meltaguns, and an Exarch with Claw and Meltagun (Warlock with Singing Spear). They are mounted in Wave Serpents. These suits are less protective and lighter than the normal suit, representing the 5+ Save and Fleet. The models are the 2nd Edition Scorpions, which sit nicely next to their modern counterparts, but I am still awaiting the day that these units do any damage!

> A Falcon Gunship. This provides a transport vehicle for the smaller Scorpion squad and some much needed firepower.