Cretan Archers

[General Shapur]

Reading recently about Cretan Archer mercenaries.

Cretan arrow heads were longer and broader than than the more commonly used Greco-Scythian arrows, there arrows were much heavier than those used by recurve bows. This meant they had a shorter range - but a much heavier punch. A good reason to grade them superior.

However, they also used a pelta (small round metal faced shield). This made them less susceptible to missile fire and gave them an edge in melee vs other light troops. Should they be classed as 'partly armoured" - ?

ref Ancient Warfare XI issue 1

[rbodleyscott]

Reading recently about Cretan Archer mercenaries.

Cretan arrow heads were longer and broader than than the more commonly used Greco-Scythian arrows, there arrows were much heavier than those used by recurve bows. This meant they had a shorter range - but a much heavier punch. A good reason to grade them superior.

However, they also used a pelta (small round metal faced shield). This made them less susceptible to missile fire and gave them an edge in melee vs other light troops. Should they be classed as 'partly armoured" - ?

ref Ancient Warfare XI issue 1

If they were they would be "lightly protected" not "Partly armoured".

It wouldn't be doing them much of a favour, it would make almost no difference but would increase their cost. Plenty of light horse and light javelinmen carried similar shields but are rated in the game as Unprotected.

Essentially, different protection standards apply to light troops than apply to non-light troops.

(Top down design, not bottom up design)

[General Shapur]

(Top down design, not bottom up design)

Ah, that makes sense