Gnoblar Pigback Riders

"Some Gnoblars like to 'pig joust' with the enemy, riding atop each other to slay (or at least greatly irritate) the enemy in battle."

—Description of Pigback Riders in Total War: Warhammer III.

Gnoblar Pigback Riders as rendered in Total War: Warhammer III.

Gnoblar Pigback Riders are an odd formation of Gnoblar warriors which ride to battle on top of other Gnoblars.^[1a]

Gnoblars take part in many obscure and dangerous sports; among the most popular of these is "pig jousting". Two Gnoblars sit across from each other on the backs of pigs and charge at each other in an attempt to unseat their opponents. When a Gnoblar horde goes to war, some Gnoblars will attempt to play "pig jousting" with the enemy. Real pigs will not suffice in the intense circumstances of warfare so instead Gnoblars ride atop each other in a "piggy-back" manner using their "pig-jousting" tactics to slay (or at least irritate) the enemy.^[1a]

Role

Being as well-travelled as the roaming Ogre Maneaters they serve, some Gnoblars have managed to acquire all sorts of clothing, weapons and strange customs on their travels. Among such customs is one of the Gnoblars' most popular and dangerous sports picked up from Bretonnia, known as "pig jousting."

Two Gnoblars sit across from each other on the backs of pigs and charge at each other in an attempt to unseat their opponents. When a Gnoblar horde goes to war, real pigs will not suffice in the intense circumstances of battle, so instead Gnoblars ride atop each other in a "piggy-back" manner using their "pig jousting" tactics to slay the enemy.

Despite their comical appearance, Gnoblar Pigback Riders play a crucial role in strengthening Ogre battle lines, serving as a meat shield for valuable Ogres. By placing one Gnoblar atop another, they effectively double the meat shield, making them even more difficult for enemies to dislodge.^[2]

Furthermore, their strange formation allows them to wield their spears in the manner of both infantry and cavalry, and provides them a defensive advantage that a normal, man-sized creature would not possess. They also carry shields that provide decent protection against missile fire.^[1a][2]

Notable Units

• Piggyback Knights^[3]

Miniatures

Gnoblar Pigback Riders^[1a]

Sources

• 1: White Dwarf 310 (UK)
  • 1a: pg. 91
• 2: Total War Warhammer III Blog - Omens of Destruction: Introducing Golgfag Maneater
• 3: Total War: Warhammer III (PC Game)

Gallery

A Gnoblar Pigback Rider and his "mount" as depicted in Total War: Warhammer III.^[3]