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As an outrider, I get the pleasure of looking at the new box set before anyone else so I'll give my impressions.

First, it's heavier than I was expecting. I'm use to the weights for Black Reach and the old fantasy which are lighter.

Second, the models are very nice and easy to put together. It takes a bit of time to find pieces but each mini that is split (besides the generic rats) is labeled with a letter and you just have to find the corresponding part with the same letters. I was able to put together the high elves in about two hours time minus the lord on a griffin.

The high elf models are very sweet. The sea guard look simply stunning and will put the high elf spearmen box set to shame. The Ellyrions are nice and dynamic and when painted will look great on the table. The sword masters are pretty good as well but not as good as the two previous. The mage is very detailed and dynamic. The griffin is also very good.

On the skaven side, the clanrats look like they would fit in nicely with the ones from the box set (unlike the sea guard) as do the rat ogres. The warlord is striking and the warlock just looks devious and evil. The plague mortar is a welcome addition for any skaven army while the moulder looks moulder looks great. Last the warpfire thrower looks like it is what it should be, deadly but unstable.

In addition, you get the usual stuff in the starter box. Overall, I really like this one much better than black fire pass. GW really upped the bar on this one.

When you put together the Elves, I assume that you HAVE to have a full command group? Is there any option to build the models without command? I'm just wondering because it will be difficult to build up the seaguard if every 10 models come with 3 command that I cant use after the first batch.

For sea guard, yes and no. Yes the box only comes with a command set, but if you have any left overs from another box set, you will be able to craft up a decent looking shield with no problem for the musician and a spear for the champion. the standard bearer is easy to convert, just remove the standard and you have a long spear.

the sword masters, though, I am afraid to say that the battle standard bearer would be rough to convert into a great weapon and the champion stands out too much to use twice. The musician though could be converted somewhat.