As introduced in my previous BLog entry, I am thinking into expending my Saim Hann host but I still don´t know which way I will follow.

Among the ways I foresee there are the extentions of my battleline units (see Part I) and/or getting more Jetbikes.

So, let´s dive into Jetbikes now.

As previously the comparison will be based on the units of both Aeladri and Dark kins nits. I will exclude the Shinning Spears though, as I alredy get one of those and do not really foresee getting a second one.

The short list is therefore:

• More windriders
• Some Shroud runners
• Skyweavers
• Reavers

The quick profile comparison gives this:

A rather grouped shot in the target, with little key differences in terms of main stats. The tricks are in the special rules, or the lack of it 

Among the Crafworlders, the Shroud Runners rock. They cost the same as Wind riders, get inv. save, scout and Stealth. Plus as a cherry on the cupcake the Long Rifle and the extra wound. And what to say about Target acquisition!!! Question mark: Why would you bother fielding Windriders???

Well, I guess that the motivation behind would be getting Shuriken Cannons from the Windriders. Only this. And units sized up to 9 and/or to be used as a bodyguard for a mounted farseer. Is it enough to justify the investment? Well, the Heavy weapon option of a S. Cannon is interesting to hunt down MEQ. but in that case the Windrider compete with wrwlker, more than with others jetbikes.

Skyweaver are an interesting choice as they open the door of harassment tactics, and mortal wounds just by flying over MEQ units. I am a little bit obsessed by power amours. The haywire stuff is not too fancy, of course anti vehicle helps, but lack of AP is limiting impact I guess. I think they are too expensive to deserve the S. Cannon, that will be better spent on Windriders.

So the Harlies bikes are probably to be considered if you do not go Ynnari, to get this fancy alternative of Scything down ennemies just by flying over and or a mobile anti vehicles. Inv. save may make that these units can expect survive to a lot of dire odds and remain active and problematic for the ennemy quite a long time and their HtH abilities may help to finish off some MEQs units already weakened. Final push.

The Reavers will require paying the Yvraine entry tax (of course). They have the same fly over advantages than Harlies when trying to slice down stuff, but with reroll option. They move further but do no really survive longer than Windriders. Splinter rifle is good only against lower grades of infantery troops. Blaster and heat lance are 2 good weapons, but frankly, as options are currently free, why go to Blaster? This is none sense. I guess that in the end, to go vehicle hunting, they will give a yield that may superate the Skyweavers. While in HtH they are designed to predatory attacks against Astra Militarum or light infantery. While going HtH, are the Reaver really wort it? I guess they will compete with Hellions in the case and I am not sure the conclusion will be in favour of going to enemy contact with the Reavers. on the other hand, Scourges are also superiors to Reavers for tank busting, without jeopardizing mobility at all... So what, goes a unit that trade of all jacks and does things well but not optimum, while going to more specialized Drak kins?

The comparision may lead me to go to Shroud Runners, but the anti vehicle capacities from Reavers and Skyweavers are appealing too. Before closing a conclusion I foresee additional reflexions are needed:

1. Is the distinction between Harlies and Reavers as contextual as it seems to be ?
2. What kind of infantery profile do I expect to meet more?
3. Can/should Warwalkers, Scourges or Hellions be set into the comparision? Which may by the way lead to include the other examinations of the ideas I have for expending the Host inc. the Aspect warriors but also the Incubii (because if in the end I go Ynnari´s way, the Patrol box of Dark kins will bring them on the table)

Temporary rating:

• Wind riders: +0
• Shroud Runners: +3
• Skyweavers:+1
• Reavers: +1

Let´s see in a next episode