Slitherine

Despite the name and the graphics, they can't actually fire their longbows. WAD?

Gersen wrote:Despite the name and the graphics, they can't actually fire their longbows. WAD?

Historically I dont believe they were capable of doing so, despite there name (would be quite dificult to shoot a longbow from atop a horse)

Maybe they were like dragoons: Pull up, hop off, fire off arrows.

that's what I thought... probably too difficult to implement within FOG PC.

Gersen wrote:that's what I thought... probably too difficult to implement within FOG PC.

There isnt really that many instances of "dragoons" style tactics being used on a tactical level.... Just not very easy to do or very effective (what i mean is get within range, dismount , fire , remount etc)
They were used more as strategic troops, get to a ford ist and dismount to hold , recon etc... At some point dragoons sorta just evolved into a medium/heavy cavalry although keeping infantry terminoligy for officers and formations ie company instead of squadron.

Gersen wrote:Despite the name and the graphics, they can't actually fire their longbows. WAD?

They have the option to deploy on foot as longbowmen at the beginning of the game in the same way that some knights can deploy on foot as HF. While mounted they fight with lance and sword. Historically mounted infantry normally rode to the battlefield but dismounted before the actual battle started. In the case of the mounted longbowmen, in the later period for the French Ordinnance there are accounts of them fighting mounted or being trainsed to fight mounted so you have the option to use them as cavalry as well. For only one point more than the corresponding longbowmen it provides a useful option to see the map before deciding how you want to use them in a particular battle.

Chris