[Archive] Hobgoblin Warriors vs Stikkas (Indy List)

Archive [Archive] Tactics, Strategy & Battle Reports
1

JMR:

Hey everyone!

First of all, I have to admit I haven’t played with Chaos Dwarves yet, but I have been doing a lot of thinking and reading up when it comes to making armies.

I’m using the Indy GT list, but this discussion might apply to other lists aswell.

I’m going to build some Hobgoblin units soon and have been wondering what equipment to give them. I imagine using big units (50) is a good idea. The question is: Hobgoblin warriors with hw/shield or spear/shield (doesn’t matter) compared to using Hobgoblin Stikkas (bows).

A Hobgoblin warrior is 4 points (+1 for spear), and a Stikka is 5 points. A Stikka doesn’t have the benefit of a shield, but otherwise is very comparable to a warrior when it comes to close combat. The big advantage is ofcourse that they can shoot. If you go for a 5x10 formation you get 30 shots using the Volley Fire rule. If you go for a Horde formation you’d get 35 shots.

If you get charged you can Stand and Shoot, but can’t Volley Fire then.

I imagine using big units of Hobgoblins (either type) together with a small unit who dishes out some damage. The hobgoblins provide ranks and a unit of 5 Bull Centaur, some Sneaky Gits or even some GW Dwarves deliver the hurt through a flank attack.

Does anyone have any experience with using Stikkas instead of warriors? Have you considered it? Any tips and comment are welcome!

Ofcourse the best way to find out would be to just try it, but I don’t have the opportunity to play that often.

Also, my excuses if this has already been discussed before (though I couldn’t find anything.)

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The_Bear_in_the_Hat:

Purely from experience using O&G armies I’d say that you either go with spears or short bows, unless you are saving points.  Hand weapon and shield is more viable now as it gives you a ward save, but if Hobbos are WS2 in the Indy list then I’d use their ballistic skill as much as possible.  If you get to stand and shoot then you effectively get an extra attack for each model and you’re not counting on them killing many in combat anyway; gobbos are all about ranks and supporting better units.

I actually prefer the look of hand weapon and shield armed hordes, but in game terms I always played night goblin armies with lots of bows; so I assume that would work well for hobgoblins too.  Missile troops are always good, especially with the new firing rules allowing so many shots.

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JMR:

Thanks for the input.

I agree with a horde of weapon/shield looking the best. To be honest, the fact that a unit/horde of 50 armed with bows looks weird is the main reason I’m reluctant to modelling 'em with bows :stuck_out_tongue: It just somehow feels unnatural to have such big archer units.

Hobgoblins are WS 3 and BS 3 btw.

Also, this is all assuming I’m playing a defensive army with plenty of shooting, though bows might even be a viable choice either way.

Any more opinions?