Advice on Orkneyinga 1000pt list

[Goltron]

To be exactly the unit does not block the line, but the models do. So you can theoretically line your skirmishers up in two rows to block line of sight. That rarely occurs as you need a big, tightly packed unit for this but it´s a option at least.

[Guy]

Sorry, but thats simply not true.

Really?

1. Charge the Berserker only if they have a line of sight.

Your own skirmish line blocks line of sight for shooting, not charges or berserk movement. you'd need to make it a formed unit to prevent Berserk discharge.

2. Have your own skirmishers deployed in front of the hirdmen a free 4" move.

So you're going to slow down your entire formed hirdmen unit, in the vain hope that your skirmishers can see off my skirmishers? If you're deploying Hird skirmishers, that's fine by me, points not guarding your flanks (where the skirmishing pirates or hird are best deployed). Also the fact you're slowing down your assault works for me too, gives me more time to outflank you (the best tactic versus the numerically inferior Vikings).

3. Is no need for the hirdmen to run to close behind the skirmishers.

Works fine by me, see above! Your 'need' to not have your berserks wasted slows your entire army down, surrendering the initiative to me.

I don't mean to be rude Goltron; I've played numerous games versus my Viking counterpart, he dropped Berserks early on as I was far too good at dealing with them.
As for them being too good, yes they can be. I won't use 'em, not unless my opponent is being nasty (like Normans with lances).

Guy

[Goltron]

So you're going to slow down your entire formed hirdmen unit, in the vain hope that your skirmishers can see off my skirmishers?

Depends on the whole situation. You are right that you shouldn´t hold the hirdmen back to protect the berserker. But anyway, you can not just run straight ahead to the enemie when his skirmishers are still running around, blocking your charge directions, so if you are the attacker you have to deal with them.

If you're deploying Hird skirmishers, that's fine by me, points not guarding your flanks (where the skirmishing pirates or hird are best deployed).

Don´t think so too. For flank protection they are also nice but small units of them have difficulties to deal with cavalry. Imho it´s a major advantage too have some guys who can bash the enemies skirmishers screen out of the way, so i see no problems deploying one or maybe two units in the centre.

Also the fact you're slowing down your assault works for me too, gives me more time to outflank you (the best tactic versus the numerically inferior Vikings).

Good point. However, in our games are normally several skirmishers around that slow down the assault anyway. And as most shieldwall armies have limited bowmen capabilites the vikings can go also in the defensive.


At all, i have maybe to less practice on the whole thing. But i still think thats it´s simply not that easy to deal with the berserkers, and at 18 points one or two are imho always worth taking.

[Justin]

Well the 15 bersekers I faced in one tournament were too much for me or was it the xbows supporting the Vikings

[francis]

15 berzerkers PLUS xbows is possibly the cheesiest viking horde I have ever come across. You were very unlucky. I once used six berserkers and felt guilty for days afterwards.

francis

[Justin]

Oh it happens, the one unit of Spartan Sacred Band army wasn't popular either. Some people explore the limits of the lists.

[francis]

I would say that was unimaginable but the guilty Spartan is from my club.

[francis]

How about an alternative Orkneyinga army? This is for a scrap and may struggle against skirmishing horse.

Jarl x 1
Hersir ASB x 1
Berserkers x 2
Hird x 18 Thrusting spears, LSM
Bondi x 24 Thrusting spears LSM
Bondi x 22 Thrusting spears LSM
Bondi x 6 Bow
Thralls x 9 Javelin

83 figures. Army break point over 20!

[CWCDoug]

Thanks Francis, looks like there are 3 solid units there. I take it that it's the lack of more skirmishers in the list that is going to expose it?

Looks like I'll get the General and ASB for free in our planned campaign, so will have to take another look at the list.
http://www.empiregamestore.co.uk/forum/ ... ?f=7&t=160

Regards.

[francis]

Well if your characters are free thats 260 points you can spend on skirmishers, including Viking Pirates, and/or building up your three fighting units, or you could even treat yourself to a Hersir to increase a Bondi unit Ld to 9.

Lots of options.