Hello, getting back into sbg and I need some advice.

My friend just ordered some warriors and riders of Rohan. I wish to pit them against my Moria goblins, but I wonder if these armies are balanced.

Rohan 298 pts
models: 19

Warband 1
Mounted Eomer
2 riders with bows
2 riders with throwing spears
2 riders
167 pts

Warband 2
1 Captain with a shield
4 warriors with throwing spears
3 warriors with hand weapon
4 warriors with bows
131 pts

Moria Goblins 300
models 23

Warband 1
Shaman
2 Moria goblins with spears
2 Moria goblins with shields
2 Moria goblins with bows
75 pts

Warband 2
Moria goblin captain with a shield
3 Moria goblins with bows
3 Moria Goblins with spears
3 Moria Goblins with shields
85 pts

Warband 3
Moria goblin captain with a shield
1 Moria goblins with bows
2 Moria goblins with spears
1 Moria goblin with shield
60 pts

Cave Troll with a hand weapon

I know that Rohan warband 2 has one bow too many, but I’m willing to bend the rules a little, since it is a friendly match. We have 12 rangers of middle earth to ad to Rohans side if that evens out the lists.

On goblin side I have about 16 more goblins, goblin drum and Durbûrz.

So any recommendations? Neither of us is particularly experienced, but I have played few more games than he has and since Rohan is considered to be a difficult force, goblins shouldn’t be ultra-competitive.

We haven’t chosen a scenario yet, if that affects the balance. If you have suggestions I’d gladly hear them.

Hello! I know, this is a bit late...

2 captains and 1 shaman seems a bit odd. As your army wouldn't fill even 2 warbands. I think you should go for either 2 warband and 26 units or 3 warband and 39 units. Because you have cavetroll, I suggest 2 warband.

As this army is very small, it wouldn't help too much to have something like Groblog, which is superior to bigger army... In smallest army personal fighting skill helps most (by my experience)...

Also, shields are quite useful, especially now when enemy has so many archers. Spear's are much more occasional use than shields in this case.

So, I would probably do next list:

*Goblin Shaman
-10 goblin (8 shield, 2 spear)
-Cavetroll

*Goblin Captain, shield
-10 goblin (8 shield, 2 spear)
-2 giant spider

Overall: 300 points, 3 might. This army might be somewhat realistic, as it contains only normal units and heroes. Spiders are one of the coolest unit in lotr, a couple will help any army. :3

Goblins the weakest units (arguably worse than Hobbits...), so your strength is in swarm numbers. For 300 points, you could have double his troops.
Shaman, 2 Captains, 18 shields, 18 spears.
Gobs eventually brought down my Witch King on Fell Beast. Yes, those Riders will get a charge in...once. Twice? Then swarm.

Bows have been nerfed into uselessness for Gobs and Orcs (must roll 6 to hit, if they move).

A cave troll and Durburz will cut your numbers by a third... Very handy, if you can get them where needed...but Rohan has the mobility. The troll will at least be the pin cushion for arrows, sparing troops. I vote numbers, instead. If you can just get behind them, you will win. Enjoy!

Warband 1 9/12
Moria Goblin Captain with Orc bow;
4 Moria Goblin Warrior with Shield;
5 Moria Goblin Prowler with Orc bow; Two-handed weapon;
----
Warband 2 11/12
Moria Goblin Captain with Shield;
6 Moria Goblin Warrior with Shield;
5 Moria Goblin Warrior with Spear;
----
Warband 3 11/12
Moria Goblin Shaman
5 Moria Goblin Warrior with Shield;
6 Moria Goblin Warrior with Spear;
----

How about this list? Count your archers as prowlers, it gives you a better shoot value, fight value and two-handed and backstabber to take out those Rohan when you finally win a combat.

Yes, mass based lists are very effective in small battles, even though they got nerfed from what they were once (when there was needed just 1 hero). But, it might get boring to use just same lookin little green things. Evil forces offer nice variety of monstrous stuff. Those who seek for glorious normal soldiers usually play good side. In the end, main thing choosing an army is to pick something that pleases eyes and is fun to play with. And often elite forces do pay back their price.