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Thread: favorite mercs
self-explanatory.
mine would be cretan archers and scythian horse archers, plus persian archer spearmen.
oh and once you get enough money merc pezhetairoi are wonderful, they last forever.
mine would be cretan archers and scythian horse archers, plus persian archer spearmen.
oh and once you get enough money merc pezhetairoi are wonderful, they last forever.
WILD MEN AND GAESATAE!!!!!
Insane naked Celts are number one. And incredibly useful.
Insane naked Celts are number one. And incredibly useful.
Oooh, oooh! I love this thread 
In order:
Galatikoi Tindanotae
Misthophoroi Phalangitai* (as a non-pike phalanx nation)
Wargozes (the Germanic blokes with axes & wolf skins)
Qala'im Balearim
Toxotai Kretikoi
EDIT: Iberi Scutari
Thraikian Peltastai**
*They are actually available in a Regional MIC for all nations in Antiocheia and Alexandreia, but I never had the money to build that lvl 4/5 MIC. I also hire large quantities of Syrian, Scythian and Bosphoran Archers - BTW, I modded the Bosphoran armour and Syrian missile attack to make them more realistically stronger
**(also modded their stats to give them better armour, as it is reflected on them)
In order:
Galatikoi Tindanotae
Misthophoroi Phalangitai* (as a non-pike phalanx nation)
Wargozes (the Germanic blokes with axes & wolf skins)
Qala'im Balearim
Toxotai Kretikoi
EDIT: Iberi Scutari
Thraikian Peltastai**
*They are actually available in a Regional MIC for all nations in Antiocheia and Alexandreia, but I never had the money to build that lvl 4/5 MIC. I also hire large quantities of Syrian, Scythian and Bosphoran Archers - BTW, I modded the Bosphoran armour and Syrian missile attack to make them more realistically stronger
**(also modded their stats to give them better armour, as it is reflected on them)
my favorite missle mercanies has to be the cretan archers, belaric slingers...
couple of battles in gaul or iberia and they kill those nasty barbarians like flies getting zapped...
in the africa, nothings better than the numidian calvalry, theyre just so... good !
In greece... has to be the mercanary phalangitai or hoplite, i mean, you just cant resist good old hammer and anvil on those rebellious greeks
thrace...
falxman (drugonitzasaijajs sumthing like that) 'nuff said
then from here to the far east baktria, its all phalangitai/local calvalry and infantry.
favorite 3 mercanaries are phalangitai / hoplite / cretan archers
couple of battles in gaul or iberia and they kill those nasty barbarians like flies getting zapped...
in the africa, nothings better than the numidian calvalry, theyre just so... good !
In greece... has to be the mercanary phalangitai or hoplite, i mean, you just cant resist good old hammer and anvil on those rebellious greeks
thrace...
falxman (drugonitzasaijajs sumthing like that) 'nuff said
then from here to the far east baktria, its all phalangitai/local calvalry and infantry.
favorite 3 mercanaries are phalangitai / hoplite / cretan archers
Numidian cavallery would be the most usefull one, but I always get them from regional mics.
The mercenary I am using the most are the mistophoroi pezhetairoi. You can never have enough phalangitai, when facing factions with heavy cavallery
But my favourite are the caledonian skirmishers, the Balroae. They are incredibly strong, esspecially in woods and they are cheap and spawn incredibly fast. Man I beat a full stack of casse, just with mercenaries and the Balroae did most of the damage.
The mercenary I am using the most are the mistophoroi pezhetairoi. You can never have enough phalangitai, when facing factions with heavy cavallery
But my favourite are the caledonian skirmishers, the Balroae. They are incredibly strong, esspecially in woods and they are cheap and spawn incredibly fast. Man I beat a full stack of casse, just with mercenaries and the Balroae did most of the damage.
Originally Posted by seienchin:
Numidian cavallery would be the most usefull one, but I always get them from regional mics.
The mercenary I am using the most are the mistophoroi pezhetairoi. You can never have enough phalangitai, when facing factions with heavy cavallery
But my favourite are the caledonian skirmishers, the Balroae. They are incredibly strong, esspecially in woods and they are cheap and spawn incredibly fast. Man I beat a full stack of casse, just with mercenaries and the Balroae did most of the damage.
I do not see all the hype over Numidians. They do not happen to use their spear overhand, do they? Because that basically kills the charge. Numidian cavallery would be the most usefull one, but I always get them from regional mics.
The mercenary I am using the most are the mistophoroi pezhetairoi. You can never have enough phalangitai, when facing factions with heavy cavallery
But my favourite are the caledonian skirmishers, the Balroae. They are incredibly strong, esspecially in woods and they are cheap and spawn incredibly fast. Man I beat a full stack of casse, just with mercenaries and the Balroae did most of the damage.
Also, the Phalangites' only weakness is heavy cavalry. In EB, infantry can almost never get through all the pikes and it will normally stay at the edge, getting slowly whittled. Only when presented with height advantage or gargantuan numbers can the normal infantry push through the pikes. Heavy cavalry (26+ armour) can easily push through the pikes and wreck havok on the phalanx. I have had a 35-man 1 experience Seleukid General's Bodyguard defeat a 120 man Merc Phalangitai. Even when two units manage to defeat the cavalry, they suffer horrendous casualties. The best thing against heavy cav are elite spearmen such as Triarii, etc.
Slingers also work well against Heavy cavalry, as does a cavalry charge of your own. Phalanxes don't work really, because you aren't going to get through all that armour with an unwieldy sarrisa and your own arm strength.
I don't like Numidians, because they're skin looks rather dirty... and because Tarantine elites are much better than them.
I don't like Numidians, because they're skin looks rather dirty... and because Tarantine elites are much better than them.
Originally Posted by A Very Super Market:
I don't like Numidians, because they're skin looks rather dirty... and because Tarantine elites are much better than them.
Tarentines are even worse. Any cavalry that does not have spears/lances and does not couch them during a charge is crap. Because those that couch their spears/lances get the charge bonus and annihilate standing infantry. The sword and overhand spear cavalry does not really cause any charge casualties. As far as I care, they are merely fast infantry to me. No use. The only exception is HAs, but I still prefer the HAs with spears to the ones with long daggers.I don't like Numidians, because they're skin looks rather dirty... and because Tarantine elites are much better than them.
Speaking of that, why do some low-end HAs have daggers? Those were clearly not used by cavalry, as they needed a sword with a reach, which is why the Roman cavalry used long Mainz-type gladius and the spatha. Vanilla RTW gave all missile cavalry (and all missile units for that matter) daggers, which was clearly inaccurate in the case of cavalry. EB fixed that, but not with some of the units.
Evidentally, you have no respect for skirmisher cavalry. I like Tarantines because they can still hold their own in close combat. I almost never use them against infantry, because they actually do suck at that, but they are able to hold their own against Carthaginian bodyguard cavalry. Really, they are there as a mobile anti-cavalry force, since javelins can pierce armour, and they can actually catch up to them.
Originally Posted by A Very Super Market:
Evidentally, you have no respect for skirmisher cavalry.
Yeah, I really do not. Anything that does not have a spear/lance that can be couched is not on my recruitment list/queue. However, some skirmisher cavalry have lances/spears. Leuce Epos are one of them. Still, I do not hire them as Scythian Riders are brutally effective. Their arrows are long range and they have plenty of them. Evidentally, you have no respect for skirmisher cavalry.
Originally Posted by A Very Super Market:
I like Tarantines because they can still hold their own in close combat. I almost never use them against infantry, because they actually do suck at that, but they are able to hold their own against Carthaginian bodyguard cavalry. Really, they are there as a mobile anti-cavalry force, since javelins can pierce armour, and they can actually catch up to them.
Meh, that is one way to sue them, but spear-armed infantry is better. General's bodyguards always do banzai charges. Stupid them. Just as useful as seppuku/harakiri. And not to mention the spear armed cavalry are more versatile.I like Tarantines because they can still hold their own in close combat. I almost never use them against infantry, because they actually do suck at that, but they are able to hold their own against Carthaginian bodyguard cavalry. Really, they are there as a mobile anti-cavalry force, since javelins can pierce armour, and they can actually catch up to them.
I love me the Celtiberian Heavies. Then every other merc you can recruit in Iberia. They're all wonderful.
Now only if they had crazy naked men.
Now only if they had crazy naked men.
Originally Posted by Aemilius Paulus:
I do not see all the hype over Numidians. They do not happen to use their spear overhand, do they? Because that basically kills the charge.
They use the spears underhand a la Leuce Epos. They're really pretty effective in an all-Numidian army when skirmishers function as your line infantry. Their charge is good, if not spectacular.I do not see all the hype over Numidians. They do not happen to use their spear overhand, do they? Because that basically kills the charge.
My personal favorite mercenaries are the Dunaminaca, Curepos, Samnites, Tindanotae, Cretans, and Thraikioi Prodromoi. I've also got a soft spot for Callacae Roscathreira, as they will sustain absolutely appalling casualties before they rout.
The only mercenaries that seem truly crappy to me are the Hippeis and Hippakontistai. I can use even Lucanian spermen in a pinch, but these cavalry units are only useful for chasing routers and intercepting enemy cavalry charges. After all, why would I want my Bataroas/Hoplitai to get pulverized by enemy horsemen? Hippeis do an admirable job at taking beatings.
With Pics please!
Solduros
Aorsi Nobles
SoldurosAorsi Nobles
Originally Posted by Aemilius Paulus:
I do not see all the hype over Numidians. They do not happen to use their spear overhand, do they? Because that basically kills the charge.
Also, the Phalangites' only weakness is heavy cavalry. In EB, infantry can almost never get through all the pikes and it will normally stay at the edge, getting slowly whittled. Only when presented with height advantage or gargantuan numbers can the normal infantry push through the pikes. Heavy cavalry (26+ armour) can easily push through the pikes and wreck havok on the phalanx. I have had a 35-man 1 experience Seleukid General's Bodyguard defeat a 120 man Merc Phalangitai. Even when two units manage to defeat the cavalry, they suffer horrendous casualties. The best thing against heavy cav are elite spearmen such as Triarii, etc.
?????I do not see all the hype over Numidians. They do not happen to use their spear overhand, do they? Because that basically kills the charge.
Also, the Phalangites' only weakness is heavy cavalry. In EB, infantry can almost never get through all the pikes and it will normally stay at the edge, getting slowly whittled. Only when presented with height advantage or gargantuan numbers can the normal infantry push through the pikes. Heavy cavalry (26+ armour) can easily push through the pikes and wreck havok on the phalanx. I have had a 35-man 1 experience Seleukid General's Bodyguard defeat a 120 man Merc Phalangitai. Even when two units manage to defeat the cavalry, they suffer horrendous casualties. The best thing against heavy cav are elite spearmen such as Triarii, etc.
Have you ever fought against a big parthian army?? Everybody except for phalangitai get around 20 to 30 men casualties from the charge. The trick is to stop the charge with your phalangitai and when the enemy pushes through the sarissa you take of the phalanx formation and charge in with one supporting unit. Anyway you have to avoid the charge.
And obviously you know nothing about numidians. Better give them a chance cause they kick asses.
And A very super market, I know you prefer the use the heavy elite force strike method, but you should try and give the light troops in EB a chance. They are deadly if used the right way.
As Saka: Sauromatae Fat Aexsdzhytae and Persian Archer-Spearmen
As Sweboz: Worgozez and Skuda Baexdzhyntae
As Sab'yn: Garamantim and Misthophoroi Phalangitai
As Casse: Iberi Scutari and Balearic Slingers
As Sweboz: Worgozez and Skuda Baexdzhyntae
As Sab'yn: Garamantim and Misthophoroi Phalangitai
As Casse: Iberi Scutari and Balearic Slingers
Originally Posted by ziegenpeter:
With Pics please!
Solduros
Aorsi Nobles
Solduros aren't mercenary's....With Pics please!
SoldurosAorsi Nobles
My great mercenary's are celto-hellenic hoplites... pretty decent unit to form part of your main line of the army
Toxotai Kretikoi and Galatikoi Kluddolon - excellent archers and excellent cannon fodder, and so plentiful in asia minor and thrace.
I like medium phalanx and babylonian heavy spearman
Originally Posted by Aemilius Paulus:
Misthophoroi Phalangitai* (as a non-pike phalanx nation)
*They are actually available in a Regional MIC for all nations in Antiocheia and Alexandreia, but I never had the money to build that lvl 4/5 MIC. I also hire large quantities of Syrian, Scythian and Bosphoran Archers - BTW, I modded the Bosphoran armour and Syrian missile attack to make them more realistically stronger
Did you mod the Mistrophoroi Phalangitai in too? In vanilla EB no faction can recruit them from a MIC.Misthophoroi Phalangitai* (as a non-pike phalanx nation)
*They are actually available in a Regional MIC for all nations in Antiocheia and Alexandreia, but I never had the money to build that lvl 4/5 MIC. I also hire large quantities of Syrian, Scythian and Bosphoran Archers - BTW, I modded the Bosphoran armour and Syrian missile attack to make them more realistically stronger
And my favorite mercs are these guys:
The best western archers you can get. Misthophoroi Toxotai Kretikoi!
It would be really nice if you could hire Sphendonetai Rhodioi as mercs too...
Ceterum censeo Romam esse delendam
My favourites are:
Worgozez (found no picture).
,
Misthophoroi Thraikioi Prodromoi - damn useful even for cavalry heavy factions.
Misthophoroi Thraikioi Peltastai (this one is the Eleutheroi skin though). Meet them on a wall and you'll regret it.
Daha Baexdzhyntae - yeah I can spell that word from my memory
Qala'im Balearim - the only slinger unit with an AP melee weapon!
Misthophoroi Toxotai Kretikoi - they have one point more body armour than factional Kretans. Dunno why, though.
Druxtiz Basterniska - wish the KH could recruit these...
Worgozez (found no picture).
,Misthophoroi Thraikioi Prodromoi - damn useful even for cavalry heavy factions.
Misthophoroi Thraikioi Peltastai (this one is the Eleutheroi skin though). Meet them on a wall and you'll regret it.
Daha Baexdzhyntae - yeah I can spell that word from my memory
Qala'im Balearim - the only slinger unit with an AP melee weapon!
Misthophoroi Toxotai Kretikoi - they have one point more body armour than factional Kretans. Dunno why, though.
Druxtiz Basterniska - wish the KH could recruit these...
In every campaign I play I use mercenary phalanxes and Cretan archers. I did it in Vanilla and I am doing it now. Old habits die hard!
Also, one of my favourites are Celto-Hellenic Hoplites - useful for almost everything and available almost everywhere!
Also, one of my favourites are Celto-Hellenic Hoplites - useful for almost everything and available almost everywhere!
Originally Posted by athanaric:
Worgozez (found no picture).
Worgozez (found no picture).
Ceterum censeo Romam esse delendam
Originally Posted by Zett:
The best western archers you can get. Misthophoroi Toxotai Kretikoi!
The best western archers you can get. Misthophoroi Toxotai Kretikoi!
Originally Posted by Zett:
Definetly.Anubis, are you shure about the solduros?
Originally Posted by ziegenpeter:
Definetly.
Anubis, are you shure about the solduros?
I don't know about him, but I am sure they aren't mercs.Definetly.
Anubis, are you shure about the solduros?
And I have my doubts about the Aorsi nobles too.
My fav mercs have already been named in this thread, though I only rely on mercs in emergencies.
Originally Posted by Mediolanicus:
And I have my doubts about the Aorsi nobles too.
So do I.And I have my doubts about the Aorsi nobles too.
Yancai (Alan) Nobles are mercenaries (that can also be retrained at a regional MIC). Aorsi Nobles are not.
Originally Posted by Mediolanicus:
My fav mercs have already been named in this thread, though I only rely on mercs in emergencies.
That is only natural. We have all posted the most popular, useful, and effective units already. But still, I find it interesting to see who likes what and how many like what. So please do post My fav mercs have already been named in this thread, though I only rely on mercs in emergencies.
. Someone should make a poll. I would do it, but it seems slightly redundant. What do you think guys?
Misthophoroi Thraikioi Peltastai
Misthophoroi Toxotai Kretikoi
Druxtiz Basterniska
Misthophoroi Keltohellenikoi Hoplitai
and one that hasn't been named before I think: Misthophoroi Uazali
Misthophoroi Toxotai Kretikoi
Druxtiz Basterniska
Misthophoroi Keltohellenikoi Hoplitai
and one that hasn't been named before I think: Misthophoroi Uazali
Originally Posted by Mediolanicus:
and one that hasn't been named before I think: Misthophoroi Uazali
Yeah, those are pretty darn good warriors. With 100 men, 10 sword attack, and 19 defence and 3 javelins they are very good troops and cost only 1463 to recruit in a level 3 (?) Regional MIC. and one that hasn't been named before I think: Misthophoroi Uazali
Only soldiers of their type that are better are most likely the Iberi Caetrati with their AP 9 attack and 1 extra javelin with 1 point higher javelin attack. But they also have only a 2 defence shield and 18 overall defence. You decide
But these are available in Iberia, heck of al long way from Asia Minor.Originally Posted by Aemilius Paulus:
Someone should make a poll. I would do it, but it seems slightly redundant. What do you think guys?
Would be interesting. But do you want to add all mercs or only an assortment of the most popular ones?Someone should make a poll. I would do it, but it seems slightly redundant. What do you think guys?
Ceterum censeo Romam esse delendam
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