Wei Ranged Cavalry

Northern Mounted Archers

Those peoples less bound by the conventions and strictures of the Han have always formed less orthodox fighting forces. Often more mobile and suited to a nomadic lifestyle, these units are nevertheless co-opted by Cao Cao as he continues his conquest of the north.

Mounted archers are tactically useful, able to fire on enemies from a distance, then ride away before the inevitable counter-attack. The ability to consistently harass from afar is of great use to any would-be conqueror.

Unit Abilities

• Miasma
  The dense and tough undergrowth that plagues the jungles of the South is a hindrance to all those who try to penetrate into the heartlands of the Nanman.
• Diamond
  The unit forms into a hard-edged diamond, good for both offence and defence but limiting manoeuvrability.
• Loose
  The unit spreads apart, making it more difficult for arrows to hit them.
• Wedge
  The unit forms into a spear-tip, best for driving directly through enemy lines.

Attributes

• DISCIPLINED
  Does not suffer a morale penalty when the general dies. It can also rally after routing more often.
• RESISTANT TO FATIGUE
  Takes longer to feel fatigued.
• HIDE IN FOREST
  Can hide in forests.
• FIRE WHILST MOVING
  Can fire while mounted and moving.
• FIRE BACKWARDS
  Can fire in any direction.

Strengths & Weaknesses

• Role: skirmishers
  Skirmishers serve to distract and soften up enemy troops, and are almost impossible to run down as they harass their targets.
• Missile defence
  These troops carry shields to protect them from incoming missiles, but offer little defence against artillery.
• Good in melee
  While the bow is this unit's primary weapon, it can also hold its own in melee.