[WFB3] Shooting in ranks?

Vyper

Vassal
This is an easy question I hope.

Can units shoot (with bows for example) in multiple ranks, and if so, then how many?
 
For 3rd edition only the front row of a unit of archers can fire and only those that have line of sight to an enemy.

On pg128 of the WFB there is an advanced archer wedge formation that allows for maximum models to fire. The example gives 7 of 10 that may fire.

I think in later editions, elves were able to shoot with 2 ranks and high elves in 3 ranks, but I can't remember what edition those rules are.
 
Bluey Zarzov":1blyfmxd said:
For 3rd edition only the front row of a unit of archers can fire and only those that have line of sight to an enemy.

On pg128 of the WFB there is an advanced archer wedge formation that allows for maximum models to fire. The example gives 7 of 10 that may fire.

I think in later editions, elves were able to shoot with 2 ranks and high elves in 3 ranks, but I can't remember what edition those rules are.


That's what I thought, I just couldn't find it in the shooting rules, that may just be me not looking hard enough though. Interesting point about the wedge formation. I'll have a re-read of the formation rules.
 
General rule line of sight only, but if you place your unit on a hill those behind can see over the heads of those in front (simply).

Hope this helps

Paul / Golgfag

P.S. can mounted crossbows shoot whilst mounted, if they didn't move; asked - as I now have twenty of these little beauties? ;)
 
I should think that you could shoot from a moving mount with a crossbow - it's really the reloading part which is key to the move/shoot rule.

I would imagine that trying to reload a crossbow on a mount would be very difficult. You would have to put the crossbow stirrup on your foot in the tack stirrup. If you did that with the mount moving you would inadvertently also be steering the mount. A windlass wouldn't work too well either, but I'm sure if you held the mount steady you could reload.
 
So, if we apply the no movement and shooting which applies to foot crossbows to mounted crossbows, would everybody think that a fair conclusion?

In hope

Paul / Golgfag1

Bluey Zarzov":1sehhdmi said:
I should think that you could shoot from a moving mount with a crossbow - it's really the reloading part which is key to the move/shoot rule.

I would imagine that trying to reload a crossbow on a mount would be very difficult. You would have to put the crossbow stirrup on your foot in the tack stirrup. If you did that with the mount moving you would inadvertently also be steering the mount. A windlass wouldn't work too well either, but I'm sure if you held the mount steady you could reload.
 
Golgfag1":34lq9rd1 said:
So, if we apply the no movement and shooting which applies to foot crossbows to mounted crossbows, would everybody think that a fair conclusion

Seems reasonable to me.
 
whiskey priest":1w01p8ar said:
Kind of makes mounted crossbow pointless though doesn't it?

I guess their value is as mobile artillery - you can charge them about to take up a good shooting position, a bit like Napoleonic dragoons.
 
I know this was posted a long time ago, but we had a new member join our group and has queered this rule. We have always played that the front rank can only fire, except on a hill where the rows behind the first can fire, depending on elevations. His question is, where in the rules does it say this? ( what page)
 
Mick Boddy":u720p5ye said:
I know this was posted a long time ago, but we had a new member join our group and has queered this rule. We have always played that the front rank can only fire, except on a hill where the rows behind the first can fire, depending on elevations. His question is, where in the rules does it say this? ( what page)

Really depends on what set of rules you're using?

Paul / Golgfag1
 
Mick Boddy":2x8mp2m3 said:
I know this was posted a long time ago, but we had a new member join our group and has queered this rule. We have always played that the front rank can only fire, except on a hill where the rows behind the first can fire, depending on elevations. His question is, where in the rules does it say this? ( what page)

I assume it's this bit (WFB3 Rulebook, p52):

Screenshot-2020-08-10-at-10-17-15.png


"Troops on hills, occupying the upper storeys of buildings or otherwise placed in an elevated position relative to their target can draw a line of sight over lower terrain features, linear obstacles, units and ranks." (Bold emphasis mine)
 
Cheers dieselmonkey, I can show him it says you cannot have line of sight through a Unit or figure therefor a 2nd row of bowmen cannot see through the front rank.
 
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