Ossiarch Bonereapers: Nagash's Legion 2000 Point Army
Embark on a journey into the meticulously crafted legions of Nagash with our exploration of a 2000-point Ossiarch Bonereapers army. This deep dive showcases the strategic depth and battlefield prowess of these formidable forces, focusing on the Deathmarch theme, a concept deeply rooted in their lore and combat doctrine. We'll dissect the core components of this army, highlighting how the Spearhead and Battleforce elements synergize to create an unstoppable force on the tabletop. Prepare to be enthralled by the discipline, power, and sheer resilience of the Ossiarch Bonereapers, the Mortarch of the Void's finest creation.
Understanding the Ossiarch Bonereapers
Before we delve into the specifics of the 2000-point army, let's establish a foundation by understanding the Ossiarch Bonereapers themselves. Born from the ambition of Nagash, the Supreme Lord of the Undead, these warriors are not mere skeletons or mindless zombies. They are constructs of bone and soul-stuff, forged in the image of perfect warriors. Their legions march with unwavering discipline, each unit a cog in the grand war machine envisioned by Nagash. The Ossiarch Bonereapers are renowned for their resilience, tactical flexibility, and the sheer terror they inspire in their foes. Their ranks are composed of various units, each fulfilling a specific role on the battlefield, from the sturdy Mortek Guard to the devastating Mortek Crawlers. Understanding this foundational lore is crucial to appreciating the strategic choices behind building a successful Bonereapers army.
The Allure of the Deathmarch
The Deathmarch is more than just a theme; it's the essence of the Ossiarch Bonereapers' combat philosophy. It represents their relentless advance, their unbreakable formations, and their ability to grind down any opposition through sheer attrition. A Deathmarch army emphasizes durability, resilience, and the ability to control the battlefield. This is achieved through a combination of heavily armored units, support heroes that enhance their defenses, and strategic positioning to maximize their strengths. Building a Deathmarch army is about creating an unstoppable tide of bone and steel, overwhelming your opponent with unwavering pressure. Key units in a Deathmarch army often include large blocks of Mortek Guard, supported by Mortek Hekatos and other heroes that provide buffs and command abilities. The Deathmarch is a playstyle that rewards patience, planning, and the ability to weather the storm of your opponent's attacks while slowly but surely advancing towards victory.
Dissecting the 2000-Point Army
Our 2000-point Ossiarch Bonereapers army is a carefully curated force designed to embody the Deathmarch theme. It combines the core strength of the Battleforce box with the aggressive potential of the Spearhead detachment, creating a balanced and versatile army capable of tackling a wide range of opponents. Let's break down the key units and their roles within the army.
Core Units: The Mortek Guard
The backbone of any Ossiarch Bonereapers army is the Mortek Guard. These are the line infantry, the tireless warriors who form the bulk of the Deathmarch. In our 2000-point list, we'll likely have multiple units of Mortek Guard, ideally reinforced to maximize their staying power. Equipped with Nadirite blades and shields, they are a formidable force in melee combat, capable of both dishing out damage and absorbing punishment. Their unwavering discipline and resilience make them ideal for holding objectives and controlling key areas of the battlefield. Supporting the Mortek Guard are the Mortek Hekatos, the unit leaders who provide crucial buffs and command abilities. The Hekatos enhance the Mortek Guard's combat effectiveness, making them even more durable and deadly. They are the linchpin of the Mortek Guard formations, ensuring that the units fight with maximum efficiency.
Spearhead Detachment: Unleashing the Cavalry
The Spearhead detachment adds a layer of aggression and mobility to our Deathmarch army. It typically includes units like the Kavalos Deathriders, the elite cavalry of the Ossiarch Bonereapers. These swift and deadly warriors are perfect for flanking maneuvers, harassing enemy units, and charging into vulnerable positions. The Deathriders provide the army with a much-needed element of speed, allowing them to react quickly to changing battlefield conditions and exploit weaknesses in the enemy lines. Leading the Spearhead detachment might be a Liege-Kavalos, a powerful hero on horseback who further enhances the Deathriders' combat capabilities. The Liege-Kavalos is a formidable fighter in his own right, capable of leading the charge and inspiring his troops to greater feats of valor. The Spearhead detachment is crucial for adding tactical flexibility to the army, preventing it from becoming too static and predictable.
Battleforce Box: The Foundation of Strength
The Battleforce box provides the core building blocks of our Ossiarch Bonereapers army. It typically includes a substantial number of Mortek Guard, a Mortek Crawler, and a Mortisan Boneshaper. The Mortek Crawler is a devastating siege engine, capable of unleashing long-range firepower and obliterating enemy formations. Its powerful mortars can soften up enemy lines before the Mortek Guard advance, making it a crucial component of the Deathmarch strategy. The Mortisan Boneshaper is a support hero who enhances the durability and resilience of the Mortek Guard. They can repair damaged units, restore lost models, and provide other buffs that make the Mortek Guard even harder to kill. The Boneshaper is a vital asset in a Deathmarch army, ensuring that the core units can withstand heavy punishment and keep fighting.
Hero Choices: Commanding the Legion
The heroes you choose to lead your Ossiarch Bonereapers army are critical to its success. In a 2000-point list, you'll have several hero slots to fill, each providing unique abilities and buffs to your units. We've already mentioned the Liege-Kavalos and Mortisan Boneshaper, but other key hero choices might include a Mortisan Soulreaper or a Katakros, Mortarch of the Necropolis. The Mortisan Soulreaper is a powerful wizard who can cast spells to enhance your units or hinder your opponents. They can also provide crucial support by healing damaged units or resurrecting fallen warriors. Katakros, Mortarch of the Necropolis, is one of the most powerful heroes in the Ossiarch Bonereapers army. He is a master strategist and a formidable fighter, capable of turning the tide of battle with his command abilities and combat prowess. Katakros is an expensive choice, but his presence can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your entire army.
Strategic Considerations for the Deathmarch
Playing a Deathmarch army effectively requires careful planning and tactical execution. The key is to leverage your army's strengths – resilience, discipline, and staying power – while mitigating its weaknesses, such as a lack of speed and maneuverability. Here are some key strategic considerations for playing a Deathmarch army:
Controlling the Battlefield
The Deathmarch excels at controlling the battlefield, slowly but surely advancing and overwhelming the enemy with its relentless pressure. Focus on securing key objectives and denying them to your opponent. Use your Mortek Guard to form a solid defensive line, while your Kavalos Deathriders can harass the flanks and disrupt enemy formations. The Mortek Crawler can provide long-range fire support, softening up enemy units before they come into contact with your main force. By controlling the battlefield, you can dictate the pace of the engagement and force your opponent to fight on your terms.
Utilizing Hero Synergies
Your heroes are crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of your Deathmarch army. Position them carefully to take advantage of their command abilities and buffs. The Mortisan Boneshaper should stay close to your Mortek Guard, healing damaged units and restoring lost models. The Liege-Kavalos should lead the Deathriders in swift flanking maneuvers, while Katakros can provide strategic guidance and combat support from the rear. By utilizing hero synergies, you can create a force that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Weathering the Storm
A Deathmarch army is built to withstand punishment. Embrace your resilience and use it to your advantage. Don't be afraid to absorb enemy attacks, as your Mortek Guard can withstand a surprising amount of damage. Use your shields and armor saves to protect your units, and rely on the Mortisan Boneshaper to heal any wounds. By weathering the storm of your opponent's attacks, you can gradually grind them down and emerge victorious.
Adapting to Your Opponent
While the Deathmarch is a powerful strategy, it's important to be adaptable and adjust your tactics based on your opponent's army. If you're facing a highly mobile army, focus on securing key objectives and denying them space to maneuver. If you're facing a ranged-heavy army, use terrain to your advantage and advance cautiously, using cover to protect your units. By adapting to your opponent, you can maximize your chances of success.
Conclusion: The Unstoppable Legion
The 2000-point Ossiarch Bonereapers army, built around the Deathmarch theme, is a testament to the strategic depth and battlefield prowess of Nagash's legions. With its resilient Mortek Guard, swift Kavalos Deathriders, and devastating Mortek Crawler, this army is a force to be reckoned with on the tabletop. By understanding the core principles of the Deathmarch, utilizing hero synergies, and adapting to your opponent, you can lead this legion to victory. The Ossiarch Bonereapers are more than just an army; they are a symbol of unwavering discipline and the relentless pursuit of Nagash's grand design. Embrace the Deathmarch, and lead your legion to glory!
For more in-depth information on the Ossiarch Bonereapers and Warhammer Age of Sigmar, be sure to visit the official Warhammer Age of Sigmar website. This resource provides a wealth of knowledge, including lore, rules, and hobby tips to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the game.