At the recent Warhammerfest Preview we got to see the new battletomes on the horizon: Skaven and Sylvaneth, along with a new character for Skaven and a Hero and 3 new units for Sylvaneth. What was not announced was the box Echoes of Doom which would introduce some of these, along with updated warscrolls, but that came shortly after. Like their Halberd-wielding variant, Stormvermin with shields are quite costly and are not worth the price until the very late game of a campaign. However, they are suitable line infantry once cost becomes irrelevant and will be able to hold their own in combat much better than Clanrats. Keep them away from large enemy, as they are no match for enemies aside from other infantry. They do come in 160 model units, which helps mitigate their high cost and mediocre stats (for elite infantry). Vrrmik - The former Albino Stormvermin ruler of Clan Mors and Grand Supreme Warlord of all Skavendom.

Using Enhanced Power and Volcanic Force a fully charged bolt will kill Stormvermin, Berserkers, Armor Specials (Gun Rats, Flame Rats) and Infantry Specials (Gas Rats, Leeches and Sorcerers). Level 10: Virtue: Knightly Temper (Crits instantly kill) outclasses the other options at this level because it helps in the following three situations: Warlord Gnawdwell, the mastermind behind Clan Mors’ unbridled success and the unquestioned master of the City of Pillars, now sits upon the Council of Thirteen. His ruthless methods have resulted in the deaths of many of his rivals, as well as the outright destruction of at least six lesser Clans. With these triumphs, Gnawdwell has increased the wealth and power of Clan Mors to unprecedented levels. The Skaven of defeated Clans have increased Mors’ military strength, not to mention its labour force, and conquered strongholds across the Under-Empire proudly fly their banner. [1a] Just like Halberd Stormvermin, the shielded version also stand guard. As they haven't equipped their shield during this time, they are open for both ranged head- and body-shots. This thing has vibes of its old version but functions wildly different from before. It’s been a fairly popular inclusion up to this point as a solid two-spell caster with some decent (but random) buffs for free in the form of its Peal of Doom. It now only casts one spell, but the buffs have been shuffled around substantially. The +1 to casting bonus or rolling a 7 is now built into the model itself at all times. The downside is it only grants it to itself, the upside is it scales, and at full health it grants +2 to casting to itself. Additionally, you can make it a Priest for the turn instead, if that suits you, and get +1 to chanting at full health.Where they really will come in to their own is as a screen. After performing Unleash Hell they can immediately retreat on a 2+. With their 12″ movement this grants a lot of flexibility. They’ll be basically impossible to charge reliably for many opponents, who will be left holding the bag as their troops sit in the middle of the field with nothing to hit, and you follow up with your own charge next turn. 215 isnt a bad price for them either, their role is just exceedingly specific and niche. The Spirit of Durthu

reason: the only armored units in this game are stormvermin, stormvermin captain, shielded stormvermin, ratlin' gunner and flamethrower rat (actually while writing this it came to my mind that stormfiend has armored type arms (?), not 100% sure tho) As for those buffs I mentioned, the table is very different now. Instead of 2d6, you just roll 1d6. This means that all buffs are equally possible to roll but it also means…they’re all equally possible to roll. Definitely leaning in more on the Skaven’s randomness. The buffs include: Implications and HeuristicsNot all Power vs properties are equally useful. In general you will be using Power verse Infantry, Skaven and Chaos. http://www.reapermini.com/forum/index.php?s=c770bc029dd218be5d17fff14fecefeb&showtopic=17678&st=0&p=266494&#entry266494

Larger groups of ratmen are also bolstered by the Strength in Numbers rule. This adds two to your Skaven’s Bravery score for every ten models in a unit, meaning that, whilst their Bravery is comparatively low, with enough bodies behind them, any Skaven becomes a hero. Finally, the 1 Mortal wound option has been dropped to just leave the D3 mortal wound option for every enemy unit within 13″ on a 4+. Not bad, especially if you move it into the middle of a crowd.