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So I noticed that the rule of Interposing Models prevents units in the second rank from firing. Is it then safe to assume that there is no point in having multiple ranked archers simply because only the first rank can shoot?


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nvm just read that if they're on a hill an additional rank can fire, but besides that is there any other situation where you'd benefit from having more than one rank of troops?

-When shooting at a target on a hill from ground level, all ranks can shoot

- Same goes for shooting at a large target

ZF-

I was aware of the large target rule, but in regards to all ranks can shoot from a hill pg. 29 of the rulebook under "Missiles from Hills" states "Troops on a hill are considered to be in a good position to fire, so can fire with one additional rank compared to missile-armed troops on flat ground" or am I quoting last edition's codex? (serious question)

Actually, the rule is "If on a hill, one additional rank may fire. If firing at a large target or at an opposing unit that is on the hill, all ranks may fire." Hence, it is better to be the shooter on lower ground when firing at those on higher ground. Odd, I know.

While it limits the number of models that can shoot, ranking your missile troops presents a smaller frontage for enemy chargers to smash into, and also provides your troops with a rank bonus that might be useful for fending off light assaults, particularly if your missile troops have some armor (dwarfs, dark elves). There are a very few armies - tomb kings - where ranking up 20+ archers into a block is a tactic to gain a LOT of CR, but in general I'm talking about going 10-wide vs 5-wide or similar.

But I think the other posters have covered when ranks get to actually shoot people.

- Salvage

Ah, so genereally I suppose a 5x2 block is good enough for Dark Elf repeaters?

If you've got a hill, then putting them 5x2 on the edge is a great idea - everybody gets to shoot, at whatever they can see, and they get +2CR (rank, high ground) as they hide behind their 4+ save when somebody charges. On the ground, I'd still probably go 10x1 until it looks like bad things are coming in, then rank up if you can't neutralize them with 20 shots or a hydra or something

- Salvage

Minsc wrote:Actually, the rule is "If on a hill, one additional rank may fire. If firing at a large target or at an opposing unit that is on the hill, all ranks may fire." Hence, it is better to be the shooter on lower ground when firing at those on higher ground. Odd, I know.

Kind of makes sence. If you were standing right behind some dude on top of a hill, it would be a hell of alot harder than standing behind someone shooting onto a hill. I think so anyhow? But i dont do archery.