So I was toying with a Getai campaign. Upgraded a barracks in one of my cities and saw that I could train these dudes (Komatai Epilektoi). Then I saw the price tag and maintenance cost on them and promptly sprayed coffee all over my monitor :-(

Recruitment cost (normal unit sizes) is 2968, upkeep is 742, and you only get 30 guys. By way of comparison, a triarii is 1623/406, you get 40 of them, the stats are better, plus they are available earlier. Also, I used my general to compare with any mercenaries in my area. Elite german swordsmen (forgot the name of them, but recruitable right next to my starting city) are cheaper, plus I think you get more soldiers and better stats.

I wondered if there was something else this skirmisher had (armor piercing ability or something), but nothing showed up on any unit description. Then I tried to put a unit of these skirmishers against various other less-costly but superior-stat infantry in a custom battle to see what would happen. Unfortunately, not only did the elite skirmishers not show up on the unit selection screen, neither did many other units I wanted to put against them.

So what's up with these guys? Anyone know the skinny? Hidden stats that make these dudes worth the price? Something? Anything?

For what it's worth, this Getai campaign looks to be the shortest campaign ever.