Hello there, I've not actually played WotR yet, how does this look as a starting Rohan force.

Erkenbrand (75)
5 Riders of Rohan with Captain + Banner (235)
4 Oathsworn Militia with Captain (130)
3 Oathsworn Bowmen (60)

Total 500 points

Not sure if I have too many command models.

I would drop the captain on the riders and get Theoden instead of Erkenbrand. Other than that, looks like a solid list.

_________________
"War does not determine who is right, only who is left."
- Bertrand Russel

Sounds like a good idea, I went with Erkenbrand because may main opponent has terror causing units. But the combination of Theoden's high courage, inspiring leader and heroic example should be even more effective.

I am not sure that is the best idea.

With Epic Strike in duels, Cavalry units are at real risk of having their combat results totally reversed by getting hit by the duel before the combat occurs. That is not such a biggie for infantry units (which are afterall twice as durable as cav ones) but if you take 8 hits for the duel, that is two stands of cav gone and 16+ the fight bonus attacks gone with it. Now you are also down four casualties. Theoden is adding 5 (IIRC) to the duel roll of D6, a hero with ES will be adding 11, the result of that huge margin in rolls on the duel table is often not going to be pretty for Theoden or his cav unit. The captain is even a little worse for the unit, if he is the target.

In a bigger army, that is less of a major risk, since you have more of an option to pick fights, but your eggs are all in one basket here.

I think that Erkenbrand was not the worst idea in the world as a secondary hero, but that Eomer is definitely the hero I would take first at smaller points levels.

I think you would be fine with two might 3 heroes at this points level, so just Eomer and Erkenbrand and no captains.

_________________
http://www.roughwotr.blogspot.com