The giant blowpipes suffer all normal penalties for shooting except for multiple shots since they do not have that rule. Accordingly, if they move and shoot, they hit on 5's up to 6" away and on 6's (which is what it is really all about anyhow!!) at long range (out to 12"). Obviously, this would be adjusted if the unit being shot at was in cover or had some other modifier (skirmish, spell, etc.). Since steggie can move 6", this gives them an effective range of 18". I just started using an ancient steggie again with the blowpipes and they are quite amazing. In addition, the giant blowpipes get a stand and shoot reaction and there are 3 additional javelin shots if none of the crew have been killed. This essentially means the ancient steg actually gets 4d6+3 shots for an impressive average of 17 shots!!