Bit of a beginner question, but is there an easy way to do an isengard phalanx without having your front line trapped from being 3 deep with pikes?

Also, what are some pros and cons of running crossbows vs marauders with uruk bows? Which is better vs shooting armies?

As an Isengard player I don’t think there is an easy way to run an actual 3 model deep pike block. I actually run my warriors at a 1:1 ration (pike : shield/berserker). Once combat starts I find that lines don’t last long and the battle becomes kind of a giant cluster. I can usually leave room for my warriors to back away to the left/right or at an angle a way if you put the pike supports behind and to one side.

Hard to explain so let me know if this doesn’t make sense and I’ll try to explain better.

I have seen 3 deep support done with very loose formations but even that relies on having priority so as to work the fights from outside in. In theory, 3 attacks plus a banner ought to be enough to mitigate the dangers of being trapped by making it harder to loose a fight.

For the shooting question, crossbows are going to win a shooting contest with anything that doesn't have cloaks or blinding light and would probably give the latter pains at any rate. The hitting on 4+ before moving, the lower defense, and 18" range are to much of a drawback against the bonus of having an extra move unless you just want to rush the enemy bows. In which case, why not bring shields instead?

_________________
"Draw your sword with a heavy heart, but swing it with a heavy hand"