A very simple question which must have been asked before

[davek]

Pulling together 2 lists, Classical Greek and Alexandrian Macedonian, I was amazed to find that foot companions are cheaper than equivalent hoplites whilst being more effective as thay get drilled and the 4th rank bonus.

Am I missing an obvious benefit that Offensive Spear get that Pike do not?

[DaiSho]

Pulling together 2 lists, Classical Greek and Alexandrian Macedonian, I was amazed to find that foot companions are cheaper than equivalent hoplites whilst being more effective as thay get drilled and the 4th rank bonus.

Am I missing an obvious benefit that Offensive Spear get that Pike do not?

Cost per file is much higher.

A fighting formation of Offensive spear is 2 deep.

A fighting formation of Foot Companions is 4 deep.

Fighting Foot Companions 3 deep vs Hoplites 2 deep is an even fight.

NOW work out the cost

Ian

[davek]

Can't you just deploy Pike 2 deep, it's an even fight, you get more bases (because they are cheaper) and also have the advantage of being drilled?

[LambertSimnel]

Offensive spear get a melee Point of Advantage when 2 deep. Pike don't get a melee point of advantage until they are 3 deep (and get a second when 4 deep), so if 2 deep will need 5s to hit hoplites in melee, who will themselves need 4s (except anachronistic armoured hoplites who will need 3s); giving the pike little chance of victory.

[davek]

Thanks.

[LambertSimnel]

nae bother