I run a unit of 3 centaurs with a character in a 2x2 formation with full command and wielding Great Weapons. In a 2x2 formation, enemies have a choice of hitting the champion or the character. That's it. And the character, in addition to being able to dish out some good damage, will have the Crown of Command making the unit Stubborn 9. My opponents strongly dislike my little train =)
Grimbold Blackhammer
Grimbold Blackhammer
I'll need to check the rulebook (not to hand at the mo), but does this work RAW? I thought command models have to be placed in the front rank? In addition I am sure that it used to be the case that command models could only use theier abilities (+1 CR etc) if they were in the front rank of combat.
The 2x2 formation would still work if you took a champion character and two regular Bc's though.
@ChungEssence: Kudos to you mate. Tried 2 units of 3 with Musicion & Champion (kept losing the banner when I fled combat), Great Weapons & shields. They are excellent @ clearing the small units, and can take on tough units/warmachines like the Ogres’ cannon, Leadbelchers.
In close combat the character makes way to the front of the unit to fight and is able to move command models out of the way to do so. The unit still benefits from the unit standard even if it is in a rear rank (which I honestly think is a foolish rule but GW didn’t ask my oppinion…).
Yes, you get full attacks from a second rank. People do it all the time with trolls. You just don’t get a stomp attack. Works for Monstrous Cavalry and all that.
You DO have to put all your command models in the front rank. The only way you can’t is if a character makes way to the front. So, you can’t go full command and and 2x2, but that’s OK. Just don’t go full command. Either don’t use a champ or don’t use a banner. Is it really that bad? I thought the unit was suppose to be smaller and less points? If you want a magic banner, just drop the champ. Might be better so he can’t be called out in a challenge, too. Still, that’s one champ that can kill a lesser hero for those 100 bonus points!
@Groznit: Actually you can go full command. Pg 92 of the BRB states that they must be placed in the front rank as long as there is enough room for them. If there isn’t they go in the rank behind and as soon as a place is available in the front rank the remaining command group model is automatically moved forward.
Well I have just fought my first battle with the LoA. I took a unit of 6 Bull Centaurs with Great Weapons Full Command and the standard of swiftness.
I was fighting dwarfs.
The Bull Centaurs did very well. I used them as something of a reserve unit for my K’daai and Infernal Guard. Essentially for the first three turns of the game they simply moved into position on the flank/rear of the dwarfs and eventually were able to work their way into attacking the enemy warmachines and a large crossbow unit in conjunction with the Destroyer.
It also made my overall advance that much more confident knowing that I could unleash them when I wanted.
With LD 8 and their lack of static combat resolution I don’t think I would be happy if they were my main line breaker unit (leave that to the Infernal Guard or K’daai) but as a reserve unit they might just be the best I have come across.