Maneaters-keeping them alive

Could ask the heavy Armour question here but that's not what I really want to ask.

I've been using these guys a bit lately, and just wondering how people keep them alive. I have had success with 2 units of naked bulls as a screen, choosing sides and deploying using terrain to my advantage, and best of all active defense which involves trappers, a gorger (shame you can't get 2) and creating lots of threats that are just a dangerous so my opponent has to make tough choices. I'm finding that all 3 are necessary and the need to have ways of dealing with distraction units. (Longstrider characters, flank protectors and such). Theifstones and the rune maw (too risky, 1 game in 6 you could have big problems) have also been used to good effect.

The problem is that many of my opponents can still cut them in half if they want. They die basically as easy as bulls and cost a whole lot more. I know this means everything else should be unmolested but with so many points goig into the MEs and delivering them it dosn't seem to work out that way...

So, how do you keep them alive basically?

Your best bet, apart from what you already suggest, would be having one or (preferably) more characters in the unit and gain the wonderful effect of hit-histribution. Also ofcourse there's gut magic

Yes I like having a BSB in there as they turn into great tarpits. The only problem is cannons, particularly the D6 type. Gut magic is okay but points and char slots become a problem\

Thanks for the comment

Scroth,

I ran 3 with BOH and found that they worked a treat. Problem was I was building my army around 3 Maneaters just to keep them alive.

I had to rethink what I was doing when, one particular Tourney game a bloody wood elf player shot the crap out of them and the Tyrant and BSB bruiser with Bow of Loren and support archers.  Admittedly he was lucky in the number of hits and converts but it proved to me that they are just very expensive Ogres - a point sink trap for me.

I have now got rid of them and use Rhinox (cause in OZ we can) and it works much better.
Don't get me wrong Maneaters are the best alternative to Rhinox but again you  ust ask the question" to keep them alive for what"?? Is it HtoH  or as BOH shooters.
Combinations don't work so you must choose and support them from there.

I had Tyrant with BOH in the unit as well which gave a very nice shooting firebase - add the BSB and then randomised ranged attacks means distribution of unsaved wounds. I also had the BSB with 3 x Thiefstones for MR.
Again a big points sink unit. They are a nice little surprise against the unwary with 8 shots BS 4 at up to 30" range 1st turn.

Cheers

There is no way I would take a 240+ unit just for shooting, just to expensive. I take the Bohs (love casting Bullgorger on this unit, man its fun) now for the shots, S&S but they are first and foremost a combat unit. I usually have the Big T and seigebreaker for S7, and there's always bullgorger so not too much of a problem.

I am yet to try rhinox, I have the rule's just haven't played them, not to sure why I am not a fan of unofficial rules but hey as were allowed them I will have a go soon. What about people shooting them up?

Cheers

Scroth

Scroth,

Off topic - the Rhinox are T5 with 3+ save and 5 wounds so most shooting bounces or doesn't kill enough before they get into
HtoH.
BUT I also pick on shooters with flanking Yhettees so it's shoot or move or shoot and die  -Their choice.

I do offer my 1x4 LB's as the opponents first priority for shooting (kill or be killed)
As you appreciate all ogre games are the sum of all parts (combined arms)

I never rely on just one unit to do all the damage as it is guaranteed to be the one that regularly fails first.

Cheers

The way I protect my maneaters is by dumping the tyrant and bruiser bsb with big T in there. That unit can eat just about everthing alive and is likely to stick around should they loose combat. The hit distribution works a charm here. Though that single unit will set you back some 700odd points.

I keep mine alive by having them on the second rank of a Deathstar. 2 X Bruisers & Tyrant front rank, with 2 to 3 Man Eaters 2nd rank.

I keep mine alive by having them on the second rank of a Deathstar. 2 X Bruisers & Tyrant front rank, with 2 to 3 Man Eaters 2nd rank.

Doesn't putting the Man Eaters in the second rank prevent them from using their BOH and that is one of their best assets I think.

This just seems like a dangerous tactic since you have your best Rare choice and 3 characters all in one unit. That's allot of points.

The Major

Yes risky but reliable. The BOH are redundant in this set up hence why I am thinking of dropping them same with the armor. Although BOH can still shoot onto hills from the second rank.

My BSB is in with this unit therefore Look Out Sir for characters.

Unit also has Magic Resistance 2 which helps quite a lot in reducing casualties.

I wouldn't use this set up vs Dwarf or similar gun lines however.

Thanks for the comments everyone,

I'm yet to go down the super character death star rout yet, so can't comment there. Will try this at some point too

As a normal unit I'm really starting to like them, the tarpit is great and counter charging with gnoblars (corner to corner) hilarious but effective. They have added another depth to my standard army, pity there so expensive. Liking this unit more and more will stick with it. It's also shook up my special choices a bit too, but points are so tight.

It basically doubles as a hammer unit with Rhinox if they are allowed.

I still use MSU IGs and Bulls to support the main hammers.

I've dropped IG from my list and I am running two units of 3 ME with GW and it has been devastating to my opponents. With a BSB nearby they are essentially unbreakable and if you can get Trollguts or Toothcracker on them they hold up in combat pretty well.

I also have 2 other hammer at the same time, if 2 out of 3 gets across the board, then I'm happy. Usually the Mannies are the cheapest of the three so if they get creamed I'm delighted.