F) Human Blackguard 6 / Rakshasa 4
Human Blackguard (Captain)
Rakshasa (Sergeant)
Duergar Champion
Chraal
Zakya Rakshasa
Warrior Skeleton
Kobold Miner
Goblin Skirmisher
Map: Frostfell Rift

Strategy:  LE does not have countersong and in a multi-commander environment, that really sucks.  The solution is to try to take advantage of the multi-commander environment with the Rakshasa.  The Rakshasa has double the normal chance to provide a beneficial commander effect.  Any time the commander effect is useful, it should be abused as much as possible.  With a high commander rating (6), initiative should be common.  The map gives the Rakshasa a chance to be a "fourth hitter" by sliding enemies into pits.  The Blackguard should assure that all three hitters fight until their last
breath.  Biggest problems include Fire Giant Forgepriest and Storm.  In the former case, the Chraal needs to blast him early and base him before dying.  In the latter case, Storm needs to be a priority kill to get rid of countersong (this goes for any other countersong unit as well).  The multi-beater aspect of the warband is pretty standard and standard strategies apply.  Lead with the least susceptible to opponent's tricks or least important if all are equally susceptible.  Try to base opponent's figures with multiple beaters to make Slapping Hand more effective.  Avoid basing Chraal with own beaters when Chraal is near death.  Bring in Blackguard to be a 4th beater when other units have made morale saves already (or if it is otherwise necessary), but definitely AFTER Chraal has died (or is very near death).

G) Vlaakith the Lich Queen 3 / Lich Necromancer 2
Vlaakith the Lich Queen (Captain)
Lich Necromancer (Sergeant)
Ogre Ravager
Troglodyte
Orc Warrior
Gnoll
Warrior Skeleton
Twig Blight
Map: King’s Road

First of all, no fair being biased against Vlaakith just because she won the last challenge.  This band is no joke.  In testing, it's proven to be very tough in this format.  I chose this band for the following reasons: 1) Two tough commanders that can dish damage, 2) Lich Necro makes a mean sergeant – gets damage bonus and generates new followers who get the bonus, 3) no Swarm or Korducopia to worry about, 4) I have a soft spot for the Lich Necromancer, since he won me a qualifier.

Ogre Ravager – powerful hitter to capitalize on paralysis, tough blocker (the Ravager can often hold his own for a while against two 30+ point hitters), resilient against fire.  (I considered the Zombie White Dragon, but he just doesn’t lend enough offense.)  Even with just +10 on his first attack, the Ravager is a serious threat to most anyone.
Troglodyte – would have preferred a Cursed Spirit, but I felt it more important to maximize activations.  With max activations, I can force the opponent to make much tougher choices while waiting to see what Vlaakith will do.
Necro CE – will make Gnoll or Orc Skeletons (maybe even a rare Skeletal Archers) depending on the enemy.  Vs. 15+ damage hitters, Orcs, otherwise Gnolls.
King’s Road – I think the Liches operate best in the woods for the AC boost and spellcasting freedom (and the woods can split up the enemy), but they can handle wide open maps (los spells) and tight maps (blockers).

The strategy here is for the Liches to do a lot of damage with spells before engagement (including a fireball to reduce activations and/or inflict some damage on those 65-80 hitters—where they become more vulnerable to disintegrate—if I can).  If I can hold monster to paralyze a juicy target for the Ravager, I will (the Necro has two of those spells, and he can paralyze with a melee attack once engaged, so no point in holding on to the spells, unless it makes better sense to use magic missile first).  The Troglodyte might survive for a round or two, and his job will be to make it easier for the Ravager to hit and/or the paralysis to stick.  I realize the band will start behind by a round on assault points, but I expect to make that up with kills.

Toughest matchups I’ve envisioned are vs. Cadaver Collector or an LE quad with Maug, Helmed Horror, Zakya Rakshasa, and Duergar Champion.  (Sure, a Storm band can shut down the Necro’s CE, but that’s not the end of the world.)  The latter will have soft commanders.  I’d paralyze and eliminate the ZakRak, engage the other hitters with the Ravager and, if possible, smack down the commanders for a commanding lead.  Vs. Cadaver Collector, the Liches avoid the construct while the Ravager ties him up and then go after the commanders and support.  I'd keep fodder clear of the construct, if possible without exposing the Liches, to avoid boosting the guy's AC too much.  The Liches would only try to duke it out with the construct if the Ravager managed two hits before dieing.  Then electric orbs plus melee hits have a reasonable chance to finish him.

Voting is now open, and will close at 8pm, New York time, Sunday, March 25.

Dave

Voting for F, I forsee F getting a few Undead through the stolen Cfx and have a bit more Beef.

F is for fun

Voting F

I'm gonna give the nod to G here. Its spells, paralysis, and the ability to harvest a few extra minions should give it the edge, despite losing map initiative.