Dwarven Runes

by Tuomas Pirinen

Here are couple of examples how to best use your Runes. Note that I've avoided the usual 200 plus point items that everybody can design and tried to include some of the more devious combos.

The Dwarfs have a very attracting chance to field completely unbreakable army by giving every single regiment a Runic Standard with the Rune of Courage. Of course your front rank is easily mowed down by rampaging Chaos knights or chariots, so it might be a good idea to put your Standard bearer in the back ranks of the unit.

The Flying Hammer (TM) is a famous invention. Combining the Master Rune of Flight with, say Rune of Smiting and Rune of Breaking, enemy characters will soon dread to come near your units. The main candidate for this weapon is of course Burlok Damminson. Some people prefer giving it to a Slayer champ, though others argue that it can only be placed in a hammer. Mind you, there is an example in the Dwarf Book about slayer with this rune, and I got a slayer figure with a hammer. In the hands of a Slayer or Burlok the Flying Hammer has a chance to wound some of your tougher opponents.

Dwarfs get both extra attacks and extra strength cheaper than other races. Any combinations of the Runes of Cleaving and Runes of Fury are usually very effective.

I like all runes that affect the target when it is hit, without trying to wound. One of the best examples of this was when my general had a Curse Rune and two runes of Fury in his axe. He managed to lower Bloodthirster's strength to 4, and the Chaos player was not amused! Other rune like this is the Rune of Breaking. I've seen few pale faces when my opponent hears his Doomglaive/Axe of Khorne/Fellblade is broken! If used by a character who sees lot's of melee, I recommend combining it with the Master Rune of Swiftness. Rune of Luck is an excellent back up item for Dwarfs with such things because it allows you to re-roll those failed checks for destroying your opponent's weapon/physical health.

If you are fielding an army with lots of monsters, Then the Master Rune of Gorth One-eye might be suitable for replacing the usual Master Rune of Valaya. Just keep your monsters within 12" of the Battle Standard and you'll have no worries about the loyally of these otherwise unreliable troops!

Master Rune of Dismay is essential against armies like Orcs, Chaos and Skaven, since it can really slow down their advance. It can be given to a champion since it is "one use only" item.

Giving a couple of Runes of Fortitude to a character with Black Amulet and Master Rune of Spite will make your dwarf a close combat monster without any weapons at all!

Of course all of us can make a Rune Axe with Master Rune of Death, Rune of Smiting and Rune of Might, but such things cost so many points that often they will be your undoing, and nobody needs help in designing them.

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