I have just reached the 15th century in my Milan campaign. The Italian crossbowmen have been excellent. Their range and hitting power are impressive SO LONG AS THEY HAVE AN UNCLUTTERED DIRECT LINE OF SIGHT.

In a defensive posture on flat ground, archers are easier to deploy since they can fire over one’s battle line much more effectively than crossbowmen, who must settle for flank shots. Of course, if you can defend a slope everybody can be shooting.

I purchase longbow mercs whenever I can.

It’s too bad that missile troops fire so poorly from walls once the enemy is close. They start that 80 degree mortar shot business and accomplish little. Just when the handgunners, aquebusiers and musketeers should come into their own on defense, they become ineffective.