Different sized models in same unit?

[calitom]

Does it work? I don't have my Orcs&Goblins codex on hand, but was thinking of that horde of Big 'Uns with spears/shield and some Goblin Big Bosses with great axes in the front row as an option for the sunday tourney. Any reason why this wouldn't be doable?

[pmlizardmen]

from what i know is the biger/smaller base choise has to have a special rule to be in the unit (my krocs with my skinks) or the different base has to be on the out side of the unit like a lone modle. (like when i put a skink prist with my souras he is on the outside of the block) i dont know if this will help... i know someone will know more about this when the rest of the world wakes up lol

[calitom]

lol thanks for the insight in either case.

[LizardTau]

i know there is a page in 8th edition that actually tells you that characters of a different size base can join a group. i dont have my book with me so im not sure if there is some rule on how they do it but i know it is legal at least. hope that helps

[Jack Shrapnel]

Pg 98 BRB:

"If a character's footprint does not fit neatly into a unit, place him on the edge of the unit, beside the front rank, facing the same direction as the rest of the unit" "In this case we do not assume the character's footprint to be filled by rank and file troops and the character is ignored when working out the number of ranks in the unit and if it counts as a horde"

examples given in the illustration is an orc joining a goblin unit and a mounted character joining an infantry unit.

[stonecutter]

Just to add to what Jack Shrapnel has already posted, the end result is that a 20mm base model (i.e. gobbo in orc unit) has to go to the outside of the unit since they don't fit neatly inside the unit. I have the same problem when a skink priest joins my saurus. While the smaller based character still benefits from Look Out Sir! and cannot be separately targeted with missiles or spells, there are a couple other problems with fielding them:

1. They cannot "make way" since they cannot displace a rank and file model. This allows your opponent to simply avoid them when they charge in.

2. Combat reform - If they are in a ranked unit, since they must always be on the outside of the unit, it is likely that even a combat reform will result in them being out of contact. The reason is reforming so that they are in contact is likely to take rank and file models out of contact that were formerly providing supporting attacks. Since this would reduce the number of models that are fighting, it is not a permissible type of reform.

While they could certainly still be used on flanks and in units with a small frontage, the inability to freely deploy them within the unit really hampers their effectiveness. Besides, orcs don't like any gobbo standing next to them unless they have invited them for dinner - with the gobbo as the main course ;D

[calitom]

Thanks guys! Guess that'll save me some minor points (as they were only 39 points each). It just seemed like a neat buy for 3 STR 6 attacks for 39 points.

[pmlizardmen]

your welcome. if you have anymore questions dont hesitat to ask. we are here to help eachother