Rozinante wrote:
Mirkwood Rangers can't support, and--correct me here: their multiple attack rule does not kick in against just one opponent, even if the opponent is spear supported. True? So Mirkwoods are an elite shooting team...that can't shoot anymore after shields clash, which is usually round two (in my experience).
As front row, they have no advantages in normal play...even if they charge two opponents (with spear support) -- then it is their 3 attacks against the enemies' 4... My handy Odds of Winning A Fight spreadsheet (thanks to Lonely Knight) tells me they will win only 60% of the time. And die the rest.
All to say: I can't find a reason to take Mirkwood Rangers (except they look so cool). Am I missing something?
You are right. Their rule doesn't apply in one vs one, even if the enemy is supported. That's why Mirkwood rangers are not the core force. They are an elité shooting team against to whom you cannot really shoot back. They are not supposed to be front line, but flanking units. They shoot, hidden and protected, and charge only when necessary.
That being said, I think they require a lot of skill to be used correctly.