Topic: Swiss Mercenary list

[the_Ranger]

Ok, here's an interesting (well, I think so) themed list I was toying with last night.  It follows a historical Swiss mercenary theme (cerca 1300).

Core:

25 x Halberdiers
       (standard, musician) - 165
24 x Halberdiers
       (standard, musician) - 159
10 x Crossbowmen           -  80

Special:

15 x Greatswords
       (full command)        - 210

Rare:

30 x DOW Pikemen
       (Full command)        - 330

Charactor:

1 x Mercenary Captain
     (sheild, h. armour)     -  56

Total - 1000

Obviously no magic for this army.  I don't know about effectiveness either, I'm just throwing the concept out there.  There's an alternative to this I'll post next.  Thoughts?

- the Ranger

[the_Ranger]

This could also be a strictly DOW army, but I just love my empire more.  Also, I think this loses some effectiveness.

Core:

30 x Pikemen
       (full command) - 330
30 x Pikemen
       (full command)  -330
10 x Crossbows        -  80
10 x Crossbows        -  80

Special:

10 x Norse Marauders
       (great weapon, fc) - 120

Charactor:

1 x Merc. Captain - 56

Total - 996

The Norse will serve the role of greatsword wielders (I'd probably use Empire models anyway for fluff), and the frenzy might be fluffier too.

Well, anyway, these are pure fluff armies.  Any thoughts?

-the Ranger

[Albrecht von Hinkel]

The Empire list is cheaper.. I might try that one out.. but I really don't see the point in just 15 greatswords. Better go with some spearmen or something. Wich models do you think best would work as an Empire Pikeman?

[the_Ranger]

I can seen dropping 10 halberdiers to take 5 more greatswords.  They're more fluffy than spearmen.

I like Pirazzo's Lost Legion models, I think they look "normal" enough for an Empire army (without the front rank crossbows, of course).

-the Ranger

[Albrecht von Hinkel]

I'd rather have 10 greatswords without command and have some more halberdiers. 15 halberdiers is waaaayy to small...

[Calimehter]

I know that at the 1000 point level, my Wood Elves would be drooling about facing an army made up of T3 infantry blocks with only 10 crossbow shots supporting it.

I'm struggling with the 'mercenary' concept myself for my Marienburg army, and its been tough finding the right mix of infantry and shooting to make it work.  Based on my limited experience, I would say that you need another shooting unit or two to deal with other shooters or fast cav . . . perhaps drop the 2nd unit of Halberdiers to add another unit of crossbows and to make the Greatswords bigger?  That still gives you 3 infantry blocks (2 high quality) but gives you a bit more support against enemies who won't be so cooperative about crashing into the front of those same infantry blocks.

[the_Ranger]

Yes, I suppose my wood elves would feel the same way . . .

How about I drop the small unitl of halberdiers to do what you said, Cal, and add another unit of 11 crossbows, add 5 greatswords to the unit, and throw in another crossbowman to the existing unit just for fun.  That brings it to 997 points.

Alternatively, what if I dropped the small unit of halberdiers for a unit of 5 knights with full command?  Fluffy enough, actually, hard to shoot, and adds some speed the the army?  Is it worth it at 1000 points?

[Calimehter]

One unit of knights w/ no character or magic banner is probably not strong enough by itself.  It would make a nice flanker unit for your infantry and a good speed/pursuit unit as you said, though.

Either one sounds like it might work, so long as you don't get greedy with the knights.

Let us know how it goes!