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I was just wondering if it would be tactically viable to deploy a unit of 40x night goblins with shortbows in a 20x file by 2x rank "gunline" formation. I have 2 units of 40x ng with shortbows and want to maximize my shooting. Seems risky, but what isn't in a goblin army? I realize it depletes their close combat effectiveness significantly, but I figure they'll reform for ranks before the enemy closes, and if they do happen to close that quickly, it'll likely be a cav unit, or something else small and quick, so the 10 extra shots for the full 40 shot stand and shoot reaction may be enough to cause panic and divert the charge. Also, this gives me a huge range from which to release fanatics.

Just wondering what thoughts and opinions might be, and do consider this is a pure goblin army, so please dont suggest adding any boyz and the like. You must be this stunty to ride this army

It'll take up way too much board space to be usable. A unit that size can be 8x5 and still get plenty of shots, takes up less space and not be in the way of your entire army. A goblin army will have so many units you are really going to have to be careful with space management.

I have ran into this before and it is a nightmare. Poisen BSB with gift of the spidergod on them and then 3 fanatics. They shoot you and do tons of wounds then you charge them they stand and shoot then pound you in the face with fanatics

Golbins dont need wide units, the one shot per two models for the third rank and deeper merans 'only' one Bs3 shot per 6pts. Mosdt armies would jump at those numbers.

Put the gobbos in horde and buy sixty, its an extra 60pts. For that you get full combat resolution, a reasonable frontage that wont get in the way, horde with a third rank to fight with, steadfast vs most opponents and a reasonable fire volume for stand and shoot.

The reasons against are, 40 shot stand and shoot, 40 shot move and fire and those 60pts. However allowing for how unwieldy the unit is those benefits evaporate. You would do far better with two units of twenty in two ranks instead (plus 20-30pts for the second command group).

I wouldn't go much bigger than six or so ranks as short bows in can get out of range of very deep (or wide) goblin units. The hundred strong spider BSB units tend to suffer alot from that, sounds a lot scarier than it is and hates Dwellers/Flames twice as much.