-- EMPIRE - Elspeth
{faction_key = "wh_main_emp_wissenland", subtype = "wh3_dlc25_emp_elspeth_von_draken", forename = "names_name_562999513", units = {"wh3_dlc25_emp_inf_nuln_ironsides", "wh3_dlc25_emp_inf_nuln_ironsides", "wh3_dlc25_emp_inf_nuln_ironsides", "wh3_dlc25_emp_cav_knights_of_the_black_rose", "wh3_dlc25_emp_cav_knights_of_the_black_rose", "wh_main_emp_art_helstorm_rocket_battery", "wh3_dlc25_emp_veh_steam_tank_volley_gun"}},

This is how I do it, and it works. If it still doesn't work for you, you might want to do the following: update the modding program, the game, turn off other mods, try changing the starting armies of other lords

what program should I use? maybe thats my problem here?

rpfm

Rusted PackFile Manager

works, thank you. So, at first I tought I couldnt open the file with rpfm (brainfart? maybe, I missed a column, lol) so I reverted to my thrusted Notepad++ as it can read the file and edit it, turns out the script doesnt change like that even if the text file says its changed. Use the designed program, people, lolz to myself

good

How do I properly hook up forenames if I want to add another lord to this list? For example, I want to add The Red Duke to the list and give him a different starting army. I get changing faction key, agent subtype, and properly changing main units without breaking the script but can't figure out how to properly hook up forename even though I have name table keys opened up. Can I choose any forename or do lords have specific forenames I have to pick?

Look here, you have to pick the right one
db/battle_set_piece_armies_characters_tables/data__

Thanks, got Todbringer to work but for whatever reason the following for the Red Duke doesn't work (still has his default army with no calvary):

-- VAMPIRE COUNTS - The Red Duke
{faction_key = "wh_main_vmp_mousillon", subtype = "wh_dlc05_vmp_red_duke", forename = "names_name_2147345109", units = {"wh_main_vmp_inf_grave_guard_1", "wh_main_vmp_inf_grave_guard_1", "wh_main_vmp_inf_grave_guard_0", "wh_main_vmp_inf_grave_guard_0", "wh_main_vmp_cav_black_knights_0", "wh_main_vmp_cav_black_knights_0", "wh_dlc02_vmp_cav_blood_knights_0", "wh_dlc02_vmp_cav_blood_knights_0"}},

Script still works and everyone else gets their modified starting army, including Todbringer and Ghorst (who I copied and pasted as a template for Red Duke), so I don't think it's a script break. Got any idea why?

Never mind, I think it's because he's garrisoned inside his starting settlement. Not sure how to kick him out though, but that's a problem solved I guess