Poll: Your favourite Bodyguard Unit

[athanaric]

Here you can vote for your favourite bodyguard unit in EB, including both late and reformed ones.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

And yes, this is the first poll of this kind, I've done a forum search.

I'd like you to cast three votes (can't figure out how to limit them).

[antisocialmunky]

Baktrian Companion Cataphracts.

[Seneca]

Why did you leave out the Spartiatai Hoplitai?

[athanaric]

Um, because they are not a regular bodyguard. Also, because I forgot them. Maybe we should make a poll with favourite merc/scripted generals?

[Malagriculus]

Why did you leave out the Spartiatai Hoplitai?

AFAIK they are no regular Bodygard Unit. They seem to be pre-placed for the Spartan KH-Generals at the beginning of the campaign. Later Spartans get the standard Somatophylakes, as far as i have experienced it.

...oh, btw, Xanthippos gets Spartiatai too, doesn't he?

[athanaric]

...oh, btw, Xanthippos gets Spartiatai too, doesn't he?

He does.

[Tollheit]

Cidainh, Spatahaura Hadabara and Giborei haMelek, in that order.

Cidainh are actually one of two main reasons why I love the Casse (the other being their FM's druidic battle surgery).

Spatahaura Hadabara, strikingly beautiful and the best archery unit in the game.
I am actually sorry when they get replaced by Sahiya Hadabara, so I made Saka Armored Nobles recruitable in Saka Yabgu, Sai Yavuga and Gava Haomavarga after the March of Time event, for an increased price.

Giborei haMelek, truly indispensable for Saba, featuring a stylish mail tunic and javelins.

[athanaric]

One of my major gripes with reformed Sakas, Parthians, and Armenians, as well as with Sab'yn guys, is that they have no banner-bearer, making the general an easier target in a charge.
By contrast, Equites Consulares and Brihentin actually have two guys in front of your general, which means better protection, althogh these are probably the least spectacular bodyguard units.

Still, my favourites are reformed Baktrians and Sakas, together with the Swêboz guys. These units combine great melee strength with great looks.

[HunGeneral]

Sauromatae Bodyguards: best cavalry out there (being nomads doesn't make it that suprising - first class heavy horse archers and lancers...)

Saka late - the same except they don't carry bows...

Bactrian late Bodygurads - more dangerous then nomadic bodyguards (pluss theve got more armor on then a T-34!) - fear them and bring some AP weapons.

[Cute Wolf]

First is Hetairoi Kataphraktoi, the best man per man fighter in the game!!! They are purely awesome, and one unit of them could be relied to charge enemy flank, and turn the tide of battle...

The second fave is Sahiya Hadabara... because their armour looks sooo coooollll!!!!! Even they was actually didn't as effective as Pahlavan late bodyguards, they are better in terms of their maces!

The Third.... you will be surpried! The Longhair companions of the Sweboz!!! They are really made to become ultimate assault unit! comes in free of charge! and almost supperior to everything except TAB, Dubosaverlakika, and certainly 2 Hp Gaesatae and Tindanotae... if they had 2 HP.... uuuuggghhh!

[XSamatan]

Baktrian Companion Cataphracts.

FTW

Second is Brihentin, as IMHO they have a good melee standing quality

Third is Cidainh, used right on open field, they are a good support

XSamatan

[WinsingtonIII]

Third is Cidainh, used right on open field, they are a good support

Definitely. They run right through units knocking them about, and they are also the only bodyguard that scares enemy units.

I had to vote for Baktrian Hetairoi Kataphraktoi as the best though, it's impossible to deny them that.

I also voted for the Epeirote version of the Somatophylakes Strategou, because I believe they are faster, more maneuverable, and more versatile than their Makedonian counterparts. Although, of course, they wear less armor.

[Unintended BM]

The KH bodyguards are my favorite. They help a lot at the start.

Also, Sauromatae's bodyguard is really good too. I've never really played a game with them before, but fighting them is really annoying. I beat the entire army, and somehow their bodyguard unit beats the crap out of me after they already lost.

[Tristuskhan]

Nomadic mercenary general... Not included in this poll. Kickass horse-archers with very decent charge and -most important- high numbers. 60 bodyguards in large is awesome.

[HunGeneral]

Also, Sauromatae's bodyguard is really good too. I've never really played a game with them before, but fighting them is really annoying. I beat the entire army, and somehow their bodyguard unit beats the crap out of me after they already lost.

I think thats what most nomadic bodyguard units are for... - seriously if used right thoose guys can kill 3-4 unit armies on there own. The AI however doesn't use them right alot.