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Can anyone explain the Skaven tactic of the "Rat Dart"? It is apparently the use of a single file line of giant rats in order to gain a flank advangage. I can't quite picture how this is supposed to be accomplished.

Is this something that takes advantage of 6th Ed rules?

Thanks

ZF-
(Skaven Mfg Inc, crankin' 'em out around the clock)

Alright... my own research (courtesy of UnderEmpire.net)

This is simply a rank-negation tactic.

The idea is a long 5+ giant rat unit advancing 1 wide and 5+ deep. Last edition, it could snake around in its move, but it might be strange to swing a giant fishtail to face the flank. I'm assuming the whipping mice would be at the tail end.

There would be <= 3 attacks on the rats themselves. Their only job is rank negation. The attack would be coordinated with a standard clanrat or rat ogre charge.

Considered by non-ratsies as beardy -- probably because of its 1-wide maneuverability. Not sure how Dakkites feel about it...

ZF-

Um, it's 2009. Flank the Thirster all you want, ratsies.

There are other ways to deal with such pests...


ZF-

I'd imagine it's best on something like Dwarves who are really banking on that CR on the side and are really only going to kill one giant rat, even if they have three rank and file swinging.

It sounds pretty decent. As far as beardy or not, it doesn't seem too terrible. A small unit like that could be easy to knock below US 5 and potentially panic, or wipe out with shooting and panic others, etc, etc. Unless Skaven don't care about Giant rats dying, don't remember.

RZ

Sounds like a variation on the zombie conga where you summon a unit in column and charge into a flank or rear.

Or my favorite the NG netter pain train (not for flanking though)... x4 units 25 NGs, 3 of them are in 1 collumn and 1 unit are in normal ranks 5 wide, all have nets and lined up really close and level, so when the main unit is hit, you clip 1-3 others and end up with the enemy at -2 to -4 strength.

Any sort of dart, torpedo, slingshot or conga line is generally frowned upon...and they all still work. Only newbs don't see them coming though.

The only real difference I see is the gain in speed (maneuver) by essentially getting free wheeling moves. You're losing attacks doing it, but it's not the main muscle of the combat.

ZF-

its cheap, but its a fast effective move that can be very annoying
just use it as speed bumps for anything nasty that you dont want hitting your lines.

as for thirsters, deathmaster is more than a match
allthough, might want to jezzail or cannon him a bit 1st, then let deathmaster get some fame.