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So every time I see a squad/platoon/mess of fantasy infantry or cavalry, etc, they are on squad bases, lined up in a rectangle.
2 questions:

What are the rules for this? How does it effect the game?
How do you get them to fit together so easily? The only fantasy models I have are characters. All of the squads I have are 40k, and I have trouble getting them together because most of the time they go over the edge of the base. Does this create a problem in fantasy?

Ranked units (units arranged in a line or square) are the default for units in Fantasy. They have some properties and move as described in the rulebook (including having a facing, sides and rear, and actually are at a disadvantage when they're charged in the rear, for example).

In fact, you need to have a special rule like Skirmishers to go unranked like in 40k.

Also, think of each complete rank of soldiers as "adding a wound" to resolve combat ala 5th edition 40k. Which, to be honest, the "wounds as combat score" idea was taken from fantasy.

The trick is that rank bonus goes away if you're charged in the side or rear with a large enough unit, IIRC. So, you can have a two weaker units take on a more powerful unit and win through combat resolution, through getting flank bonuses.

Alright, that's cool. What about my second question?

How do you get them to fit together so easily? The only fantasy models I have are characters. All of the squads I have are 40k, and I have trouble getting them together because most of the time they go over the edge of the base. Does this create a problem in fantasy?

Fantasy models tend to be less chunky than 40k's, and don't carry around big guns. Most of them carry their weapons at their sides or up in the air to make it look like they're fighting.

Ice Princess wrote:Alright, that's cool. What about my second question?

How do you get them to fit together so easily? The only fantasy models I have are characters. All of the squads I have are 40k, and I have trouble getting them together because most of the time they go over the edge of the base. Does this create a problem in fantasy?

Like others have said, most fantasy models are meant to be formed in ranks, so they are designed to mesh together. Most models do not hang over the edge. Those that do usually are designed such that they interlock in some ways. My Chosen have great weapons that stick 10mm or further out from the base, yet they fit together just fine. Some of the older models don't fit perfectly, but almost all the newer ones do.

As for your first question: The biggest difference between 40k and Fantasy is CC. In Fantasy only the first rank (sometimes two or three, depending on weapons/special rules) fight. Also, if someone in the front rank is killed before their attack they are not replaced till that round of CC is over, which makes having a high Init very nice. Also, the charge does not add an attack, but almost guarantees you get to go first.

Its that aspect of Fantasy I like better than 40k. Well, that and magic.