The Empire at War ... The Gamers Guild > WHFB The Electors' Forum
What's Your Take on Using Empire Archers?
GamesPoet:
I recall using them as 5 figure screens for larger units.
Plus it is goes with the fluff for my Aver River Regiment.
Mike Stockin:
In 3rd only the front rank can fire so that limits you to single ranks, with a unit of say 10 archers that is quite some frontage.
I am re-organising my units for my Empire, but I plan on having one unit of scouts out in front to harass the enemy and act as a screen/sponge.
I will then have smaller units of probably 5 on either side of the bigger units to guard their flanks.
Given the effectiveness of the Empires artillery I am not sure I will use archers much in the way of attacking, but more as a deterrent.
Rowsdower:
--- Quote from: Mike Stockin on August 25, 2023, 12:30:29 PM ---In 3rd only the front rank can fire so that limits you to single ranks, with a unit of say 10 archers that is quite some frontage.
I am re-organising my units for my Empire, but I plan on having one unit of scouts out in front to harass the enemy and act as a screen/sponge.
I will then have smaller units of probably 5 on either side of the bigger units to guard their flanks.
Given the effectiveness of the Empires artillery I am not sure I will use archers much in the way of attacking, but more as a deterrent.
--- End quote ---
That makes perfect sense.
I dont understand why Empire archer seem to be rare as surely bows are easier to manufacture than crossbows and or cumbersome firearms which have lengthy reloading proceedures
Mike Stockin:
I didn't know they were rare?
But then whilst a crossbow may be more fiddly to make, they are much easier to use and more consistent in their damage.
Normal bows do damage based on the pull, if you are weak then you can't deliver as much damage as your draw will be less.
Crossbows have the same pull and you don't need to be strong as they can have mechanical winding mechanisms.
I guess also crossbows can be made from any old wood and one size fits all?
Firearms are defo low on my list, they are as you note slow and if you use the misfire rules then potentially dangerous to the user.
I have one unit of 10 for cool factor only.
Having said that, in a defensive position handguns will deliver a nice slap up close.
Fidelis von Sigmaringen:
--- Quote from: Mike Stockin on August 25, 2023, 03:47:41 PM ---I didn't know they were rare?
--- End quote ---
Depends on the edition. According to the 6th edition AB, "Crossbows are not popular weapons in the Empire, though Tilean mercenaries are often recruited to augment the firepower of an Elector Count's army. Some Counts from the southern provinces retain units of Crossbowmen as part of their personal household troops. "
However, the 7th edition AB (translated from German) stated that "most elector counts retain a large number of Crossbow regiments, and often mercenary crossbowmen (in particular Tileans) are hired."
I had not noticed it, so far, but the 8 th edition AB unit description has no separate entry for either Crossbowmen or Handgunners.
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