What exactly are Defensive Spearmen?

[Brigz]

I am confused about Defensive Spearmen. They are specifically given as a weapon type in the BG capabilities but as to what distinguishes them in game mechanics is nebulous.

If you look in the Help topics and click on "Defensive Spearmen (impact)" it takes you to the Impact Weapons page and lists Lance, Light Spear, and Offensive Spear, but does not list Defensive Spear.
If you click on "Defensive Spearmen (melee)" it takes you to the Melee Weapons page and lists Offensive Spear and Pike but does not list Defensive Spear.

I don't get it. Exactly what constitutes Defensive Spearmen and what makes them different from other spearmen? If they are considered a weapon type for BG's then why aren't they listed as a weapon type in the Help pages?

[batesmotel]

I am confused about Defensive Spearmen. They are specifically given as a weapon type in the BG capabilities but as to what distinguishes them in game mechanics is nebulous.

If you look in the Help topics and click on "Defensive Spearmen (impact)" it takes you to the Impact Weapons page and lists Lance, Light Spear, and Offensive Spear, but does not list Defensive Spear.
If you click on "Defensive Spearmen (melee)" it takes you to the Melee Weapons page and lists Offensive Spear and Pike but does not list Defensive Spear.

I don't get it. Exactly what constitutes Defensive Spearmen and what makes them different from other spearmen? If they are considered a weapon type for BG's then why aren't they listed as a weapon type in the Help pages?

Defensive spearmen are exactly the same as offensive spearmen in melee. For impact, they generally do not get a POA for spear if they initiate the impact (e.g. charge) but do if they are charged. The one exception is that they do count a PoA for spear if charging other defensive spearmen. Unlike offensive spearmen, they are not shock troops so are not subject to making anarchy charges. They are generally best used in a defensive roll to hold a part of the line where you don't want to attack. They can be especially effective at facing off enemy mounted, especially shock mounted that will be subject to making anarchy charges against them while being down a PoA in impact.

Chris

[Brigz]

Thanks Chris. I was confused as to why they weren't listed as a specific type of impact/melee weapon.

[grumblefish]

defensive spearmen are offensive spearmen who have lost the will to fight. I never take them.