| “ | Why throw a single axe when you can throw several all at once? | „ |
Goblin Hewer is a 
Dwarfs artillery unit introduced in Total War: Warhammer III with Thrones of Decay.
Recruitment[]
Dwarfs
- Unlocked with: Gunsmith's Forge or Grimnir's Monument of Karak Kadrin
- Masters of Innovation
- Unlocked with: Gunsmith's Forge, Streamlined Smelters or Grimnir's Monument of Karak Kadrin
Description[]
Created by Dwarf Master Engineer, Malakai Makaisson, the Goblin Hewer is an ingenious and deadly weapon of war built from only the sturdiest materials. It is a complex machine with a simple purpose, using hydraulic systems to launch axes with lightning speed to trap the unfortunate foe in a deadly storm of metal. Once a terrifying array of axes has been loaded into the contraption, they are released in a whirling barrage of death that can slice through enemy lines with ease. While allies describe the weapon as a "rapid-firing axe-throwing extravaganza of destruction", the enemy describe it only as "certain death".
Attributes[]
- Specialist Artillery
- ▲ Armour-Piercing Missiles: The damage of armour-piercing weapons mostly ignores the armour of the target, making them the ideal choice against heavily-armoured enemies. They are often heavier and attack at a slower rate though, making them less efficient against poorly-armoured targets.
- ▲ Anti-Large: Anti-Large: Anti-large units have an advantage against targets that are at least as large as a horse. This advantage can be a damage bonus against large targets or an attack that focuses on a very small area. However, some units are simply better against large targets because their attacks are slow and easy to dodge by skilled melee combatants.
- ▲ Fast (for a Dwarf): While Dwarfs are generally not the most nimble inhabitants of the Old World, they can move surprisingly fast when not slowed by heavy armour.
- ▲ Unbreakable: This unit does not suffer any form of leadership loss and will never rout.
Unit Abilities[]
Passive Abilities[]
Strategy[]
The Goblin Hewer should be treated less like a piece of artillery and more like the most lethal shotgun unit in the game. Positioned somewhere where its limited range will not let it down, it will delete anything that it gets a clean shot on - SEMs, heavy infantry, flyers, anything. The only thing that stands a chance is a fast moving lord or hero on foot, and even they are still likely to take significant damage. Care must be taken to pick a high value target, because without upgrades the Hewer empties itself after four shots. After that, it essentially acts as an understrength Slayers unit.
It is surprisingly speedy, so don't be shy about repositioning it on the fly in order to get that perfect pick. It can be placed in a checkerboard formation as you would a regular gunpowder unit, or left to lurk near the flank to try and take out cavalry and other flankers. An Engineer giving it Restocks offers better value than with possibly any other piece of artillery in the roster. Be extremely mindful of friendly fire - this thing can easily do catastrophic damage to your own infantry units that wander into its firing path. Also be aware that regular ranged units usually outrange it, and will certainly target it if they can. Use your own Quarrellers and Thunderers to ward them off.
The Goblin Hewer requires micro and patience to make the most out of it, but its extreme deadliness means that even if it only gets a couple of shots off in a battle it usually pays itself back.
Gallery[]
