WHFB - 7th Spear + Shield Hand Weapon Bonus?

[Helvegr]

Hi -

My first time posting. Love the site, I've learned so much from reading on these forums.

Wanted to clarify a rule, simply because I think the army list from Army Builder may not be correct in this regard, but I may be wrong.

If I have skeleton warriors, they upgrade to the spear, giving them both the spear and shield, do they still get the extra +1 armor save granted by the hand weapon rule and being on foot?

My interpretation of the rules, says NO, they would not. However it seems like Army Builder still shows it as applying.

Thanks so much!

P.S I did search before posting this, so hopefully I've not missed a previous thread on this topic.

 

[bebopasorus]

you are correct, skeles w/ spears get 6+ armor for light armor +1 for shield, total of 5+. if you lose your five attacks and go for hw you get 4+, but spears = 5+

 

[darknesseternal]

And with their low WS, most VC players tend to favour more survivable skellies (kitted out with HW + Shield) over skellies with more attacks if charged (Spears).

It's always good to check the rulebook against what Army Builder says as well. Don't take AB as gospel.

And welcome.

 

[Trevy the Great]

When you have both Hand Weapons and Spears, on the first round of a combat you can choose which set-up to go with (the +5 attacks or the 4+ AS), but you must stay with that potion throughout the combat. Because of this the 4+ save may still apply in some situations, just not when your using spears.

Oh yeah, and welcome to CN. Just so you know, everything Disciple of Nagash says after this is a lie. Listen not to his dark temptations, for they are naught but deceit whispered from the lips of a snake. Resist him at all costs!

 

[Helvegr]

Thanks for the information and the welcome. I'm sure I'll have more questions. For a first army though, I really enjoy VC, with the exception of painting an endless horde of zombies and skeletons.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Feel free to ask as many questions as you need to - and make sure you put up a painting log!

Oh Vekarin is just a goody two-shoes. I'm sure you in the true vampire spirit wish to join my perverted army bent on world domination - we currently have a special offer - join now and get a lifetimes supply of orgies! Join Now!!

 

[Helvegr]

I'm almost embarrased to ask another question on this topic, but here it goes. Today I was having a small 500pt battle with a friend on our lunch break. Warhammer at work!! His Dark Elf sorceress cast a ranged spell (Bladewind) I believe it was on my unit of spear toting skeletons. After he successfully cast the spell and I was unable to dispel it, would I be able to take the 4+ save? Or does it not apply at range? If it does apply at range, after the magic phase, if that same unit of skeletons was charged, would they still be able to make a choice to use a spear? Or would the choice from the magic phase carry over?

Thanks so much!

 

[Fodderboy]

Unless it says armour saves are not allowed, you apply your 5+ armour saves - modifications.

S5+ or S4 armour piercing don't allow a save.

 

[TMS]

Unfortunately the parrying bonus applies only in close combat and while bladewind causes hits with WS and so on, it is still a ranged attack.