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I am thinking of making an Empire army and I was wondering about a few things

1, what are free companies? I've been hearing alot about them.
2, Would and army made of mostly infantry and handgunners work?
3, I was wondering if you could make a form of cits or state of your own?
4, the handgunner champion has a multi barrel gattling gun handheld thing right?
What are your thoughts?

Also, I don't have the army book yet.

free companies are "militia". Basic troops armed with 2 hand weapons.

mostly infantry & guns - you need more than that. Numbers don't cut it vs high toughness

You can paint your dudes anything you want and call them them whatever. It doesn't change their rules.

Yes - they have a multi-shot handrifle in the game. x3 multi shot, range 24, str 4, AP. Gunner champs can get it. You'd rather have the sniper rifle though

Thank you.

The book is your most important investment, but other than that I have a few bits of advice.

1. Free company detachments are your friend. A relatively dirt cheap unit with 2 attacks and average stats. They can counter-charge, act as meatshields, and add extra beef to units.

2. If you want to play with lots of handgunners and infantry make sure to support them with Artillery and Pistoliers/Outriders. A list like this would also benefit from some magical support so 2+ Wizards would help. A priest would also be a nice addition as his Bound spells and Hatred could benefit you.

Good luck with your army.

For artillery either go for a great cannon or a mortar, not fan of the other two. The cannon can take on any high wounded model and be used for character sniping, the mortar is great for the shooting at massed up horde troops. Not so good at more elite troops.

The Helblaster was a lot better, but rolling to hit now is a biatch. 2 Cannons on each end of the field works nicely.

You could also go double Steam Tank (Stank), but at 600 points that's a hearty investment.

Actually the steam tank is only 300 points, not 600.

barlio wrote:You could also go double Steam Tank (Stank),

My mistake, have to admit though that'd be quite a beardy list.

beardy is in the eye of the beholder.

For example, if you came at me with no steam tanks I would feel insulted - what, you think you're so good you can beat me without steam tanks? I'm going to teach you a lesson here - come strong or stay home!

Word. Think of what other armies can get for 300pts and compare that to the Steamtank. Also realize that every turn there is a very real chance of the Stank hurting itself. Double Stank is there for the shock and awe. They are capable of doing some damage, but don't drop the b-word on somebody for going that route.