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So I've accumulated a bit of money, and figured that with the recent release of the new source books and resin models, now would be a good time to get into LOTR.
I wanted to create an army that is friendly and fun to play, but wouldn't get wiped on the tabletop.
I've done a bit of reading, and decided on playing an Isengard list(mostly for the fluff, not insinuating that other armies don't even come close to matching the might of the nigh unstoppable armies of the White Hand ). Here's what I came up with:

Warband 1: Mauhur's Marauders
Mauhur-60
8 Marauders /w/ shields-80

Warband 2: Ulgor's Man Cleavers
Captain Urgol /w/ Shield-55
6 Beserkers-90
5 Warriors /w/ shields-50

Warband 3: Vrasku's Hole Punchers
Vrasku-60
5 Warriors /w/ crossbows-55
5 Warriors /w/ pikes-50

Thoughts:
If it wasn't clear, this is my Rohan-hating horse-eating raider band, which is also capable of taking on other armies.
It is meant to handle cavalry charges and subsequently run any remaining footmen to the ground.
Pikes stand behind the crossbows raining fire upon the enemy and breaking the cohesion of the charge.
Beserkers hold the front line, bellowing at the charging horses and striking them down.
Ulgor and his man cleavers guard the flanks of the formation and hit the horsemen in the flanks
The Marauders run down archers and any surviving troops.

So tell me; how'd I do? My first LOTR list, so I think I did a pretty decent job.

Technically the name of Vraskus bunch are called Vraskus Talons XD

Oh and always max on bow limit (33%) so you'd be able to have 10 bows. So drop the pikes in Vraskus block for another 5 crossbows.

I like how you gave the list some character too
Trying to think of a way i'd move your list around before i offer fixes without changing your idea of it. You need spear (pike) support for your main infantry guys but pikes cannot support beserkers.

Overall i think the list is good but i would make sure to maximise on your bow limit (yours is 10 for this army)


I've mocked up a List i think keeps to the general idea of yours but with a few minor tweaks. Like filling out the bow count and stuff. I doubt it would change much if anything to your tactics either.

warband 1: 180
Mauhur 60
8x marauders /w/ Shields 80
4x marauders /w/ Orc Bows

warband 2: 145
Uruk Captain /w/ 2HW 55
6x Uruk Beserkers 90

warband 3: 186
Vrasku: 60
6 Uruk /w/ Crossbow: 66
5 Uruk /w/ Pike 50

total: 501. Model count: 32, break point: 16. Bow count: 10.

I would drop the berzerkers all together to be honest, I think with a 2h wep and no counter for that they are extremely vulnerable . They just aren't worth the points you pay, swap them out for more shields and pikes.

Just my thoughts

^ what he said. I left them in on my list cause i didn't want to change your ideas for the list. But i would change them out for pikes and shield guys.

Drop the Bezerkers and get more pikes & shield is the first thing I would do. Secondly I would invest in a shaman

Thanks for the advice! Great to get a response so quickly!

I really wanted that increased courage from the beserkers, but I wasn't aware that I couldn't support with pikes. Maybe switch the beserkers for ferals, and use the extra points on warriors with crossbows?

I'm not too crazy about fielding regular orc bows, as they don't seem to match up at all with the archers of the forces of good.

If the ferals aren't any good (and I'm not dead set on beserkers leading the front, but I would like elite troops leading at the front), I'm good to switch them out. Thought of using a troll, but it doesn't seem to fit well into my army block. Suggestions? Another HQ maybe? Worst case-scenario, I'll just field more Uruk-Hai and get a banner in there

Have you considered Feral Uruk-Hai instead of Berserkers?

They've slain dragons for me.

I'm lazy or i would put me mad list making skills to write something up. I'll get too it later. I'll try and keep interesting things in there, but make it a list that will do good with the thought of Rohan as your main enemy force.

@JT - They don't size up against the good bows at all but then again why would you keep Uruk-Hai out of a fight? I haven't got an evil force that I wouldn't throw my archers into combat. Goblins provide significant numbers for exapmle, all I do is slowly advance with my archers all the while firing, my main line meets and I join the fray, simple. Unfortunately if you opponent thinks on his feet he will negate you crossbows, keep out of sight. Then you move and......... oh hang on can't shoot This is why crossbows suck. No mobility and very expensive for it.

^ what he said. You'd use the Xbows for decent S shooting at range but they can't shoot if they move. That is why i put the orc bows on the Marauders. It means they can moce 4" forward and still shoot. WWhich means they can support from range while closing the distance.

The Xbows are mainly there for a distraction to force your opponent to have something to always think about and hide from giving you for chance to move around them. Plus you should always have LOS to their archers.

Scotti knows what he is talking about though and i like to think i do.

Awwwwwwwwwww ta noobie

He's right too, they prove a great distraction yes but I just ignore them and goround instead of into any killing grounds for them to easily snipe men, also gotta remember while having to roll a 5 is better than a 6, it ain't much better. The average shieldsman won't be too fussed.

Yeah but the opponent will be going round, that;s the point, you're kinda making the opponent try to avoid them. Personally i'd still rather use the Marauders with Orc bows though.

It is my experience with Isengard that you have to have Uruks at your core, unless you run a Dunlendig list who has I have seen played to great effect. I agree with Scottie on crossbows, they do work great if your opponent simply marches forwards and keeps in plain sigth.

I would also think about a troll. they are so much fun realy

Obviously I'm going to need to re-think my list a bit. I'll take this info, and post a new list with the same general theme in a couple days as a new thread. Thanks very much for the info, it's given me much to think about!

Your welcome