Roman Archers (RTW Unit)

Roman Archers (RTW Unit)
Class	Infantry Archer
Unit Size	160 men.
Weaponry	Bow
Morale	4
Melee Attack	3
Ranged Attack	7
Defence	2
Charge Bonus	1
Accuracy
Range	120
Ammunition	30
Region
Recruitment Cost	190
Upkeep Cost	170
Turns to Build	1
Unit Limit	None
Building Requirements	Archery Range
Technology Requirements	None
Attributes	* Can hide in forests Can sap;

Overview

Roman archers are supporting troops for heavier infantry, very much a secondary role in Roman warfare. They are missile troops almost exclusively, as their lack of armour and poor hand weapons mean that only a heartless or desperate commander would deliberately order them to fight in hand-to-hand combat. Archery is not really a significant part of the Roman way of warfare, but the need for some missile troops is obvious to Roman commanders, and hence these archers are recruited from among the peasant classes.

Details

Roman archers are, despite their description quite good as far as archers go. They can't compete with eastern archers, but against barbarians and their many skirmishers archers enjoy a comfortable advantage. Target lighter enemy troops like skirmishers and Warbands for best effect. After the Marian reforms however Archer Auxilia are better in every way.