fracas wrote:
i understand how the majority interpret the rules to give all models a hand weapons.
but doing so would negate any differences to having an elven blade.
In the Khand section, heroes are given chieftain axes (functions as elven blade) while warriors are given two handed axes. why this distinction if the warrior can choose to use their two handed axe two handed, or the "hand weapon" they are supposed to have?
another place where a problem with all models with hand weapons are models with pikes. the phalanx rules permit easterlings to use both pikes and shields. should isengard uruks be allowed to switch to hand weapons to wield with shields, and next fight switch to pike again?
i originally agreed with the majority reading of the FAQ, but further reading of the question, its emboldened word, and the answer has changed my mind.
as the FAQ was in relation to being unarmed, thus
1. All models have a weapon unless specified as being unarmed
2. When no weapon is specified, then the model is armed with a hand weapon
my apologies to MeatBoy1994 for the hijack of his thread.
i still believe a shade to support your warriors would be beneficial.
Though the warriors cannot carry both bows and 2-handed weapons at the same time, the chieftains are allowed to do this because of the Chieftain's Axe rule. "Models armed with two-handed weapons cannot carry pikes, spears, shields, bows, or crossbows as they need both hands to carry their weapons." ORB p. 43. "If the warrior also carries a shield or a spear then he cannot use his elven blade as a two-handed weapon, but models carrying bows can carry Elven blades and use them as two-handed weapons as normal." ORB p. 44. So a chieftain can use a bow and a 2-handed weapon, while a warrior can only use one or the other, which is why there is a distinction between a normal 2-handed axe and the chieftain's axe. This is the only advantage of an elven blade over a 2-handed weapon.
"Models armed with pikes cannot carry bows, crossbows, or shields as they need both hands to carry their weapons." ORB 43. This shows that no, a pike model cannot switch to a shield as they are not permitted to carry a shield at all, while Easterlings have an exception because of their Phalanx special rule.
The FAQ answer clearly states that
ALL (it seems that the word
ALL is difficult for you to understand so I am emphasizing that it really says
ALL) models count as carrying hand weapons
UNLESS they are clearly stated as being
UNARMED. In the Khandish warrior profile, can you see where it says that they are unarmed? No. It is because they are not unarmed. It says nothing about an exception for models that already have other wargear listed, nor does it say that it only applies to the elven warrior in question, it says
ALL models. Therefore, a Khandish warrior can fight with just a hand weapon if he wishes to. You can keep arguing as much as you want, but you will still be wrong. If English is not your native language, I understand your confusion, but if it is, then you are either a complete idiot or a troll.
Also, a shade might be useful, yes, as you still have the option of fighting 2-handed, but is 100 points worth it to just give your guys +1 to wound? Even if you had 50 warriors with 2-handed weapons, that would be 2 points per model, which is still a bit pricey, although in large games might be very useful.
Thanks!
Maermaethor.