Cataphract Archers (RTW Unit)

Cataphract Archers (RTW Unit)
Class	Horse Archer
Unit Size	27 on normal, 108 on huge
Weaponry	Bow, Sword
Morale	8, Normal Discipline, Highly Trained
Melee Attack	9
Ranged Attack	7
Defence	22 Total, 18 Armour, 4 Defense Skill
Charge Bonus	5
Accuracy	N/A
Range	170
Ammunition	30
Region	Global
Recruitment Cost	1230
Upkeep Cost	190
Turns to Build	2
Unit Limit	N/A
Building Requirements	Cavalry Stables
Technology Requirements	N/A
Attributes	Can hide in forests, can form Cantabrian Circle

Cataphract archers are very heavily armoured, but slow, horse-archers that are almost impervious to attacks and can fight in close combat.

Overview

Cataphract archers are very heavily armoured, but slow, horse-archers that are almost impervious to attacks and can fight in close combat. They are not as armoured as cataphract lancers, yet most enemy missiles are turned aside quite easily. Mobility and speed have been sacrificed to provide protection. Their composite bows allow them to attack enemies at long range, but they also carry swords so that - if needs be - they can close up and fight hand-to-hand. The weight of cataphract archers means that they are 'heavier' than most shock cavalry but this is not their primary purpose. Being able to fight in close combat should be seen as a bonus to their primary abilities.

Details

Cataphract Archers are extremely tough horse archers, and the most powerful unit from a tier 2 stables by far. They have the same missile attack as the rest and but they have the very heavy Cataphract armour to resist counter fire and have long range as well. They aren't immune to archers particularly on higher difficulties but they are pretty close. They also have a high melee attack for horse archers so they can more than handle themselves in melee. Against light cavalry they can often countercharge when the enemy is close and crush them in melee. Despite not having lances their charge is pretty powerful simply from the weigh of all their armour. Their lack of shields is only a serious problem against Armour Piercing enemies. This is a great unit that can do many things.

They will tire quickly in their heavy armour, particularly as horse archers are almost always moving and Armenia starts with desert provinces. For this reason they should not try as hard to dodge arrows as other horse archers. You should never use the Cantabrian Circle with this unit as it will just tire them even faster. Despite appearances Cataphracts are a considerably better choice for melee because they have a secondary Armour-Piercing Weapon.

Light Armour Piercing cavalry such as Head Hunting Maidens and Desert Cavalry can be very dangerous to Cataphract Archers. These enemies should be shot at for as long as possible.

Cataphract Archers have high morale and are highly trained.

Factions

Armenia