How to use Irondrakes?

[Lampros]

I've never used the flamer version, because they need direct line of fire, and I thought they were too fragile at 28 models to stand in the front-line. But someone suggested I use them to fight Tamurkhan, and I am thinking of experimenting with them. But then we return to the problem of positioning. So where do I position them in a way that maximizes their firepower and yet keep them (reasonably) safe?

[MadArtillery]

They aren't actually squishy. You generally want to leave some gaps in your line with the iron drakes shooting through those gaps, same as if you are using thunders. Also just like thunders very very lethal if you flank with them after the front lines are engaged.

[Lampros]

Originally posted by MadArtillery:

They aren't actually squishy. You generally want to leave some gaps in your line with the iron drakes shooting through those gaps, same as if you are using thunders. Also just like thunders very very lethal if you flank with them after the front lines are engaged.

So checker board formation like gunpowder units? I don't use gunpowder units for this reason! ;) See the pattern? I like simple, click-and-go stuff ;)

[Ashardalon]

either checkerboard
or have them run around the side once things lock
kindof like flanking, but with fire
then if things dislodge to charge your flanking unit they are away from all the other units and have flanked themself in relation to all the guns
there will be some time they are useless, and you will be annoyed at their short stubby legs
but they will get results in any sizable battle
and any battle that isnt sizable you can just put them at the front as a final f you to the things that will be blasted to bits before they reach your frontline anyway

[lthull]

https://youtu.be/F6-CuXWIWOI?si=NKDAgpz6pcDFZ_kL

These tips will work for Irondrakes too.

[Lampros]

Originally posted by Ashardalon:

either checkerboard
or have them run around the side once things lock
kindof like flanking, but with fire
then if things dislodge to charge your flanking unit they are away from all the other units and have flanked themself in relation to all the guns
there will be some time they are useless, and you will be annoyed at their short stubby legs
but they will get results in any sizable battle
and any battle that isnt sizable you can just put them at the front as a final f you to the things that will be blasted to bits before they reach your frontline anyway

Do you think they can survive purely as a front-liner? I didn't realize they had so much armor (and frankly high HPs per man).

Originally posted by lthull:

https://youtu.be/F6-CuXWIWOI?si=NKDAgpz6pcDFZ_kL

These tips will work for Irondrakes too.

My whole point is that I don't want to go through the hassle of using checker board formations! ;)

[Ashardalon]

Originally posted by Lampros:

Originally posted by Ashardalon:

either checkerboard
or have them run around the side once things lock
kindof like flanking, but with fire
then if things dislodge to charge your flanking unit they are away from all the other units and have flanked themself in relation to all the guns
there will be some time they are useless, and you will be annoyed at their short stubby legs
but they will get results in any sizable battle
and any battle that isnt sizable you can just put them at the front as a final f you to the things that will be blasted to bits before they reach your frontline anyway

Do you think they can survive purely as a front-liner? I didn't realize they had so much armor (and frankly high HPs per man).

no, thats why they run around after the blob locks
you will make up for the short time they are usefull by their damage and maximizing the aoe into the blob
the putting them at the front if for when the enemy has no chance
when they die to fire before melee becomes a thing
the battles you dont have to worry about

[Havean]

I should also point out that as Dwarfs are small units they can fire OVER them for larger targets like trolls.

[MadArtillery]

There is only so much you can do as dwarves if you aren't willing to spend any time at all in deployment phase.

[Lampros]

Originally posted by Ashardalon:

no, thats why they run around after the blob locks
you will make up for the short time they are usefull by their damage and maximizing the aoe into the blob
the putting them at the front if for when the enemy has no chance
when they die to fire before melee becomes a thing
the battles you dont have to worry about

Originally posted by MadArtillery:

There is only so much you can do as dwarves if you aren't willing to spend any time at all in deployment phase.

Sigh; I guess that's the harsh truth I am so reluctant to confront! ;(