(Y)Elmalian Fighting
Joerg wrote on Elmal patrols and field tactics;
Yelmalians field two of the most powerful forces on the ancient
battle field, organized pikes and horse archers, even with the addition
of Gloranthan factors (Magic,Elementals, Trolls etc...) they are still
powerful.
I figure that Yelmalians would be divided into two groups, those who
are rich or lucky enough to be cavalry (preferable archers, but also
mounted spears) and the average hopolite style templar. There may be
some crossover, but the simple hassel of studying both sets of weapons
and carrying all of them (especially well trying to ride) creates
specialization. The peltasts might be those to weak, poor or crazy to
fit into one of the other groups.
Horse Archers, on an open battlefield there is no need for a horse
archer to get down, they can just ride around at a good range and pour
arrows onto their foes. A powerful, and unfair, tactic, an archer can
stay out of range of all missiles and spells, except bows,runemagic and
sorcery and still attack perfectly well. They are mounted, fast enough
to get away from anyone who rushes them and to pursue fleeing foes. A
horse archer might carry a shortsword or shortspear if they must come
into close combat.
In hill country these tactics suffer, the rider must be cunning to
keep their advantages. Moving quickly from hill crest to hill crest
and staying uphill of thier targets. The best way is to let the peltasts
and the infantry cripple them then ride in and finish them off or pursue
a routed foe.
Light Sons and Sun Lords are encouraged to learn horse archery skills
because they are the flagship forces of a Solar field army.
Ulp, a dangerous thing to say. Josh Wright
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: Fri 10 Oct 2003 - 01:33:33 EEST