7th Ed. Lizard Ranks

[ZeeWulf]

So, I've been slowly learning what I can, and I was doing some thinking about my formations. I realized I have very little idea of what a good formation size would be.....so, I'm going to need some help and need to learn what the average formation looks like for us, how many ranks, and how big. And the why of it.

Eventually, I actually plan on playing a game, but, until I actually have time to get to a place to play some opponents, I'm stuck in theorycraft mode.

 

[lorslimshady]

basicaly take everthing with either 5, or in some cases 6 across. with a maximum of about 20 models in a unit. This is because this size gives you the highest possible rank bonus. for saurus warriors and temple guard the most common setups are 5 by 3, 5 by 4, 6 by 3 or 6 by 2

cold one cavalry and kroxigors shouldn't have more than one rank

skinks are usualy taken in groups of 10 or 15. If there are kroxigors in the unit 11 models (for one kroxigor) or 16 models (for 2 kroxigor) are the most common unit sizes.

if you haven't already, read the bit in the army book about mixed sizes of bases in the army book. This will help to determine unit size.

 

[strewart]

Have a look in the sticky at the top of this forum, it contains an index to unit tacticas and provides tactics as well as common unit sizes, what they are capable of and what upgrades to give them. Yeah it isn't complete yet, but the saurus, COs and skinks are there at least.

As lorslimshady says, for a simple idea you want to try to maximize static combat resolution without taking up too many points unncesarily. You need 5 wide for a rank bonus, so all infantry should be 5 wide. Some are taken 6 wide since you will get an extra model attacking which is often worth it, especially for saurus with spears since it is an extra 2 models attacking. When you consider cavalry though, they will get a rank bonus for extra ranks but you are paying in excess of 30 points per model and really paying for their hitting power, it is simply not worth the extra 150+ points just for 1 extra rank bonus. Look for the balance between unit cost and what the extra models will do for you.

 

[ZeeWulf]

Alright, so, in other words, the tray with my cold ones in a 4x2 formation is a Bad Idea!
Thankfully, the tray I built for the Skinks is made for 5x4. And that's all I've built so far......Good thing.

Thanks!

 

[strewart]

Yep. GW sells them like that because in the last edition of the game, you only needed 4 models across to get a rank bonus so 4x2 cavalry was ok. This is also why saurus are in boxes of 16 4x4, which is now a very bad number/formation for them.

For cold ones, you want them to be a maximum of 6 across, and whether you take 5 with no upgrades (to use as support) or take 6+ (1-2 extras in the back to absorb shooting) with full command to use as shock troops is completely up to you, both work.

A block of 20 skinks is not very common either to be honest... The size is right for 16 and a kroxigor though, which is a good unit. Skinks are better as light support.

 

[ZeeWulf]

Well, maybe I can use the 4x2 cold one tray for a smaller unit of 5-across skinks...I'll have to see if it measures out.

 

[Dumbledore]

It does: 4x25mm = 100mm = 5x20mm

 

[Caneghem]

Well, maybe I can use the 4x2 cold one tray for a smaller unit of 5-across skinks...I'll have to see if it measures out.

When reducing frontage, you also increase maneuverability. This is due to the fact that a unit 4 models across can wheel without using as much movement as a unit 6 wide. The only way I'd consider this formation though is with a War Drum of Xahutec, which allows you to march even when you should be march blocked. So you can be within 8" of the enemy line and still elect to march, which would allow you to march right around to the back of key units. At that point the enemy must amend his battle plan to deal with the fact that he could have a unit of cav with a character in it charging into his rear.

 

[SlannOfItza]

Wardrums with cold ones...never thought about that, sounds interesting...

My wardrums always end up on my EoTG...

 

[ZeeWulf]

Wardrums with cold ones...never thought about that, sounds interesting...

My wardrums always end up on my EoTG...

Ancient Steggie Marching around like that is plain frightening.

 

[Trevy the Great]

I almost always take a minimum of around 18-20 models in a unit, often tacking on a couple more in order to increase a unit's ability to take damage before it starts losing CR. I often find that it is foolish to think that you'll get into combat before taking some casualties at least, and I want my units to have the best possible chance when they get there.