I've made this 2k defensive DE list in a couple of minutes. It's basically centred around the lord's bodyguard (blackguard) and the noble knights. They're the only combat units, supported by two units of x-bowmen and two reapers. Dark riders and shades advance behind enemy lines. There's some decent magic support too.

- Highborn: crimson death, ring of darkness, blood armour, dragon cloak

- Mage L2: seal of ghrond, darkstar cloak.

- Mage L1: dispel scroll
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- 12 warriors: shields, rep x-bow, champ, mus, st-b

- 12 warriors: shields, rep x-bow, champ, mus, st-b

- 6 dark riders: rep x-bow, mus
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- 6 shades

- 8 knights: champ, mus, st-b
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- 19 blackguards: champ, mus, st-b, dread banner

- 2 reapers
-> 2000 pts

Tell me what you think. I fear that I don't have any good flank protections. The warriors could each be positioned on the knight's and blackguard's sides, but they'll break easily. The reapers aren't there to hold charges. And the dark riders and shades will be soon sent forward. Maybe one mage should get a steed, but then he'll be on his own. And I don't have any pts to spare.

First, why do your 12-strong warrior units have banners? When they're wiped out that's an extra 100 VP for your opponent.

Second, you lack anything resembling a way to win. 2 combat units won't even slow down most enemies, and there's no way you'll be getting magic through with how few points you've spent on it.

I really think Black Guard are too expensive to base an army around, especialy when you seem to be trying to fit a little bit of everything in.

:mellow: Possibly... I'd stick to an offensive list with DE I guess ...
Blackguard look cool though, and they aren't bad.

If your going defensive then a unit of about 12 black guard in too ranks (to take on two enemy units) with a bsb standing behind the unit. That is one tought to budge unit. That would do you better then 19.

I think, u should add some spearelves, and 1 noble wit ASB. Dark riders is good, but in offensive army... And black guard is good in large army, no in 2k army

What! Dark riders are always good, no matter the army. I agree Black Guard is better in larger games.

I'd bump the crossbowmen up to 16 (personal preference). The second sorceress has to be made lvl 2 if you want your magic to do anything. I find you can't go half way with magic, you need lots of mages and power dice. Also where is your lord going? if he's with the CoK's he doesn't need that magic armour. I'd also mount the sorceresses on steeds, maybe a dark pegasus for the more offensive one if you're allowed (i can't remember) Hope i helped.

BTW i went to the local GW auction today and got some damn good deals 8 dark riders, champ and muscian for 30. 4 CoK's for 30 and a really nice 1250 point+ dark eldar army that is fully painted. I just had to share that.

How u Xaris want to use DR in deffensive army?
(I've played HE with Ellyrians only in offensive armys)

The idea with defensive DE is that you still don't want to be taking the charge. You make them come forward, then outmaneuver and break them, which means that the Riders still have a very important role in the list.

Taking the charge is just asking to lose, regardless of the strategy behind your list.

No offence or anything Ramzes but what in the DE army can recieve a charge and still win the combat? The dark riders are there to charge on the flanks or rear of a unit in conjunction with another unit at the front , that way you make sure you win the combat. You sit still in a defensive army and shoot and magic them until you're in charge range. If you don't get the charge you're going to loose.