Cappadocian Cavalry (RTW Unit)
Cappadocian lancers are excellent horsemen, best suited to charging into and breaking through enemy formations.
Overview
Cappadocian lancers are excellent horsemen, best suited to charging into and breaking through enemy formations. They are not as headstrong as other elite heavy cavalry and will not charge without orders - war is a serious business that has little room for vainglorious folly. They wear heavy chainmail and carry swords for use in close combat once the initial charge is over and momentum has been lost. While not in quite the same class as the super-heavy cataphracts from nearby Armenia, these men are a powerful force. They should not, however, be expected to charge into prepared spearmen. Cappadocia is a region that is famed for its cavalry, and these men are rightly feared throughout Asia Minor.
Details
Cappadocian Cavalry are excellent heavy cavalry. They are among the most armoured cavalry in Rome Total War and even their horses have full scale. They have a high attack, very powerful charge, good morale and an extremely high defence. Their charge can crush most units, and in melee they are tough enough to beat down most who would stay. While the Pontic Phalanx holds the enemy down Cappadocian Cavalry can win almost any cavalry fight and then crush the enemy line from the side.
Cappadocian Cavalry should be thought of Cataphract-lite with both their unique strengths and weaknesses toned down slightly. Cappadocians have lighter armour and though they have a shield to compensate this leaves them not quite as devastating on the charge. Also Cappadocian Cavalry are less organized and their secondary attack is higher but not armour piercing. On the other hand Cappadocians are tougher against missiles and armour piercing attacks from the front, especially pila.
These differences should not be overthought of and still leave Cappadocian Cavalry as a close second-heaviest horse Cavalry in Rome Total War.