If you’re playing a Dark Elf team, it’s probably because of the Witch Elf. They are some mightily effective players, up there with the likes of Wardancers and Gutter Runners in my book, with their high maneuverability, blitzing prowess, and surfing potential.
It’s very rare to see a Dark Elf team without at least one of these running around, hitting as many things as they can as many times as they can. With a few skills they become extremely potent and much like the Wardancers, they often become the Star Players of the teams pretty quickly. This does mean they tend to hog the SPP a little, as starting with Dodge and MV7 makes them great scoring candidates even if you don’t really want to build them in a Catcher role.
They can be a little fragile with only AV7, but with Dodge and either Block/Wrestle they can become pretty hard to knock down without tackle. With that said, it’s easy to get them into dangerous situations, so be careful with Frenzy and make sure you know where you’re following up to.
Build List:
Randomised Skills:
You could but, again these ladies are going to want specific skills to make the most of them!
Block Striker | Witch Elf Build
Primaries: Block, Side Step, Tackle, Dauntless.
Secondaries: Mighty Blow, Juggernaught
Characteristics: ST/AG/MV
This build leans heavily into knocking things down as much as possible, which keeping up her survivability and making the most of their surfing potential.
Block is priority one here as it does the above the most effectively. Early on Block isn’t going to be majorly common (outside of Dwarves or Norse), but your key targets are very likely going to have it, so adding this will make sure that they’re still on their feet and not making unnecessary armour rolls, or in a position to be fouled (which WILL happen).
Next, I’d go for Mighty Blow. The reason being is that you need it to be as cheap as possible and while you shouldn’t skip Block for it, I’d say the others can come later. You’re not always going to be able to Surf targets, especially of they come with Side Step themselves, so MB is going to help you remove players more frequently.
Next up will the Side Step itself, to make sure she doesn’t get counter-surfed and to put them in better positions when needed. Tackle comes next, making sure you can down Dodgers.
Next, I’d look at either Dauntless or Juggernaught. The former is great if you find yourself against lots of Chaos/Lizard/Nurgle teams and need the bonus, while the latter is great for surfing Block pieces, or for when you roll double Both Downs when trying it.
In the old edition, I’d of added Leap here too for some cage diving, but with the changes to the rule, I’m not so sure. If you go for a Stat Up and get Agility, I’d be tempted, but you’re looking at a 4+ roll if leap into a typical cage, not so great in my book!
Wrestle Sacker | Witch Elf Build
Primaries: Wrestle, Side Step, Tackle, Strip Ball
Secondaries: Mighty Blow, Juggernaught
Characteristics: ST/AG/MV
While I’d always give Block to my first Witch Elf, the second I’d be tempted by Wrestle. With MV7 and AG2+ with Dodge, a player like this will be one of the best ways to drop opposing ball carriers, especially when paired with Frenzy and Jump Up. A lot of Carriers and Receivers will be grabbing Block early on for protection, so this is where Wrestle comes in to get the ball on the floor even if they have it. With Tackle too, you have a pretty great ball harasser who will make things very difficult for your opponent, as they can stick to the downed ball thanks to Side Step, keeping it safe until either they or a teammate can pick it up and steal it. They make for a great Sweeper too, keeping your back field safe for any last-minute touchdown attempts by things like Skinks, Gutter Runners, or other Elves.
The only downside is that on the floor they become prime fouling targets, so make sure when they dive at the ball they have plenty of backup to at least make the roll not so easy.
MB and Juggernaught are still good options, but Strip Ball is tempting too, especially on Catchers who may have forgone it for more defensive or receiving-focused skills.
Cage Diver | Witch Elf Build
Primaries: Block, Leap, Side Step
Secondaries: Mighty Blow
Characteristics: AG, ST
This build is all about leaning more into Characteristic buffs, so won’t be great for a short league where SPP is limited but could be great for a Tournament that lets you take Stats or a persistent league (like ours!). For a League, remember that the Characteristic bonuses come from a roll, so if you don’t get Agility first, grab the MV bonus and try one of the above builds instead.
The first thing to grab is an Agility buff, making your Witch Elf AG1+ meaning that they’ll basically be ignoring the first negative modifier they come across. Next is Block, if only to protect them and keeping them alive, then Strength (ideally but not needed), followed by the much-needed Leap.
Leap + Ag1+ will mean you’re ignoring two of those modifiers, so against a typical cage you’ll be Leaping in on a 3+. It’s not a great roll, but if you want to build something a bit different and fun, this Witch Elf build might be up your alley!
———————
The Witch Elf is such a key part of the Dark Elf team, giving you your main source of removals whilst also having an agile response player. They’re really your primary Blitzers as they’re going have a better time knocking things down and should survive pretty well once they have the Block/Dodge Combo. I’d either get two Witches with Block, or a combination of Block & Wrestle personally. It’s going to depend on your league and how much you value staying upright.
The trick is to time their attacks right and make sure they’re not getting bogged down in a brawl as they won’t live very long. Use them as surgical strikers as opposed to out & out brawlers, that’s a better job for your actual Blitzers thanks to their higher armour.
That’s it for the Dark Elf Witch Elf build! Check out our guides for the Blitzer, Lineman, Runner and Assassin.
0 Comments