Light Lancers (RTW Unit)

Light Lancers (RTW Unit)
Class	Light Cavalry
Unit Size	108
Weaponry	Spear
Morale	8, Normal, Trained
Melee Attack	7
Ranged Attack	N/A
Shield	0
Defence	5 (Total) 0 (Armour) 5 (Defense Skill)
Charge Bonus	9
Accuracy	N/A
Range	N/A
Ammunition	N/A
Region	Global
Recruitment Cost	370
Upkeep Cost	140
Turns to Build	1
Unit Limit	N/A
Building Requirements	Stables
Technology Requirements	None
Attributes	Can Form Wedge, Good Morale, Powerful Charge, Fast Moving

Light lancers are fast, lightly equipped cavalrymen who rely on hit-and-run charges where the killing power of their lances is maximised.

Overview

Light lancers are fast, lightly equipped cavalrymen who rely on hit-and-run charges where the killing power of their lances are maximised. Although they have cavalry swords for close quarters fighting, a lack of armour means once the melee becomes protracted they are susceptible to enemy counterattacks: slugging it out with heavy forces is not sensible for these soldiers. Rather, these men should operate on the periphery of battles where they can ride down enemy skirmishers and missile troops. They can be thrown into to heart of the fighting if necessary, or when a weakened unit’s flank or rear can be attacked.

Details

Light Lancers are one of the first cavalry units Macedon can recruit despite this ease of access Light Lancers are actually quite good light cavalry. The Light Lancers with their speed, morale and good charge bonus means Light Lancers outclass other light cavalry such as Round Shield Cavalry, Greek Cavalry and Barbarian Cavalry. The primary use of Light Lancers is to charge the enemy, they can also be used to chase missile or fleeing units. The powerful charge bonus means the Light Lancers are perfect as a hammer to a Macedonian anvil, this is especially good in the early game since most factions have not got access to their better units yet. The Light Lancers attributes means they can still be of use as the campaign goes on but will start to stuggle to be as effective in the later game against stronger units.

While Light Lancers are good on the charge their low defence combined with lack of shield and armor means light lancers will be annihilated in prolonged combat, facing spearmen and hoplites head-on is also to be avoided. Light lancers are also vunerable to missiles, moving out of range of missiles or charging missile units before they can let fire is a good method to counter this issue, but remember to avoid getting stuck into prolonged combat. Overall the Light Lancers are a strong early cavalry unit with a strong charge that lets them still have a use later into the campaign but their low defences means the can disintagrate if they get stuck in a battle or hit with missiles.

Factions

Macedon