Managing skirmishers?

[Bombax]

Hi folks,
I'm finding it difficult to manage my skirmishers in such a way as to avoid them getting caught by the enemy's non-light troops.
Currently I'm using Roman slingers, archers, javlineers and mounted archers.
Mostly they evade effectively, but sooner or later they get caught.
I'm clearly doing something wrong, but I'm not sure what!
Is there a chance element to whether they're caught, or am I missing something in the rules?
Thanks for any advice you can give to a (not very clever) fellow player!
Cheers,
Bombax.

[rbodleyscott]

Firstly, you can expect them sometimes to get caught. They are semi-expendable. Their loss does not affect your rout % as much as a non-light unit. (Simply because they have half as many men as a normal cohort-sized unit).

Secondly, they will get away most of the time (but not always) if you keep one square separation from potential chargers. They can move one square straight (not diagonally) in any direction and still be able to turn and shoot. Obviously javelins can't do this or they won't be able to shoot, but it is often better not to risk it and pull back anyway - it will save ammunition for later.

Ideally javelinmen want to get on the flank or rear of their target, which then won't be able to charge them.

You don't even want to get into close combat with the enemy skirmishers if there are any enemy heavier troops close enough to charge before the enemy lights are defeated.

[GiveWarAchance]

I thought the javelin units were traps to draw enemy infantry out of line so they can be surrounded and destroyed. That's how I lose most of my infantry units as Rome cause they always pursue skirmishers into the enemy line and get wiped out with ease.

[rbodleyscott]

I thought the javelin units were traps to draw enemy infantry out of line so they can be surrounded and destroyed. That's how I lose most of my infantry units as Rome cause they always pursue skirmishers into the enemy line and get wiped out with ease.

This is fairly easily avoided by being selective as to when (if at all) you charge them.

[GiveWarAchance]

I thought the javelin units were traps to draw enemy infantry out of line so they can be surrounded and destroyed. That's how I lose most of my infantry units as Rome cause they always pursue skirmishers into the enemy line and get wiped out with ease.

This is fairly easily avoided by being selective as to when (if at all) you charge them.

I was thinking that, but when there are javelins being flung into my troops right in front of them, it's hard to resist seeing off the pests. I guess that is part of military discipline.

[rbodleyscott]

I thought the javelin units were traps to draw enemy infantry out of line so they can be surrounded and destroyed. That's how I lose most of my infantry units as Rome cause they always pursue skirmishers into the enemy line and get wiped out with ease.

This is fairly easily avoided by being selective as to when (if at all) you charge them.

I was thinking that, but when there are javelins being flung into my troops right in front of them, it's hard to resist seeing off the pests. I guess that is part of military discipline.

Yep, they are a nuisance, not a danger.

[jomni]

If they get caught in a (short) melee you actually are able to delay a bigger force with less troops. This forms gaps in the enemy lines and possible flanking opportunities.

[Bombax]

Thanks for the info/tips RBS & Jomni!

[GiveWarAchance]

If they get caught in a (short) melee you actually are able to delay a bigger force with less troops. This forms gaps in the enemy lines and possible flanking opportunities.

Yet another use for those versatile little pests.