Set up the stakes at the start of the game when the unit is deployed. Every model in the front rank has a stake base placed in front of it (these stakes must also be set up within the army's deployment zone).
Defensive Stakes are treated as Defended Obstacles, and remain on the table during the game. All Troop Types apart from Infantry and Swarms suffer D6 S 4 hits on the turn that they charge a unit behind Defensive stakes. In addition, enemy models in base contact with the Defensive Stakes suffer -1 to Hit in the first round of close combat. These rules only apply when fighting the unit’s front.