Best looking cataphract?

[Conqueror]

This poll may be a bit silly, but it'll make time pass while we wait for the open beta Which one of the previewed factions do you think has the best looking cataphract unit? We'll be basing this on the published screenshots, some of which are quite old and may well be outdated now, but they're all we have. Here are the contestants:

Sauromatae:


Baktria:


Arche Seleukeia:


Hayasdan:


Pahlava:


I'm not sure if the Sauromatae unit actually counts as a 'cataphract', but they're well enough armored to be in the poll. Personally, I think the Baktrian unit is the best looking one of these, with the Pahlavan cataphract making a close second. But only because the Baktrian rider is wearing that nice blue cloak

[Steppe Merc]

I don't know if the Sarmatian heavy horse is quite cataphract material, I always have difficulty with the Greco-Roman heavy horse rankings (clibanrii, cataphracti, etc.).

I'd say Pahlava. But they're going to have an even nicer looking one, the heavisest of the Iranian cataphracts. But the Baktrians will get even heavier ones, possibely the heaviest cataphract ever.

[Moros]

I like the Seleucid cathapract the most.

[Shrapnel]

I would say Sauromatae, but they don't have front mail. So I did Archae.

[Conqueror]

I'd say Pahlava. But they're going to have an even nicer looking one, the heavisest of the Iranian cataphracts. But the Baktrians will get even heavier ones, possibely the heaviest cataphract ever.

Ooh nice Now I'm feeling like a kid few days before xmas. Can't wait to see what masterpieces EB skin/model makers haven't shown us yet.

BTW, I was surprised from the descriptions that some of these horsemen wore lamellar armor. I thought it was a later invention. Can anyone tell when was the earliest known use of lamellar? Just curious.

[Steppe Merc]

Ooh nice Now I'm feeling like a kid few days before xmas. Can't wait to see what masterpieces EB skin/model makers haven't shown us yet.

BTW, I was surprised from the descriptions that some of these horsemen wore lamellar armor. I thought it was a later invention. Can anyone tell when was the earliest known use of lamellar? Just interested.

I'm not sure if they will make it in Open Beta...
As for lamellar, I'm not sure if it is in the form commonly used by steppe peoples, the rows of rectangular metal sewed together. It's sort of an evolved version of the very common scale armor used by steppe people, often associated with later steppe peoples.
However, if you look at the arms of the Armenian, Parthian and Baktrian cataphracts, they have laminated bands of either leather or bronze. Is that what you are reffering to?
Lamelar armor may well be mentioned and used elsewhere, but I'm not sure where...

[Conqueror]

Well I was referring to the unit descriptions in the preview threads; at least some of them mention lamellar. Anyway, I am no expert on this so correct me if I'm wrong: isn't the difference between lamellar and scale armor that in lamellar the metal pieces are sewed to each other, while in scale they are attached to a backing?

[jerby]

close call between Baktria and seleucids..
Kopis was the determing factor

still...i'm dieing to see the Cats Steppe Merc said...

btw, off-topic..what ever happened to Alexandres Hetairoi through teh years? what does Macedon's (EB-)hetairoi do against these Cats?

[Wardo]

The contrast of colors makes the Baktrian a great candidate but for me Seleucids win by a very minor margin.

[Reverend Joe]

I have to go with Sauromatae- even if they are not kataphracts in the true Greek sense, I still have a love affair with horse archers, especially when they are armoured- so anything they can't pelt to death, they can hammer into the ground.

[AntiochusIII]

The Bactrians look beautiful, but the Seleucid blood in me dominates my decision. The Seleucid ones, in their silver-coloured armour, looks stronger; like an iron fist.

[Crownsteler]

Definatly the Sauromatae one, I like how the red cloths go with the silver armor, just beautiful, and I also like the horse armor the best, although I would expect the other cataphract to have recieved some better looking armor too (sorry, I'm not a fan of their armor on those pics), my second choice would be Pahlava one, I just love their helmets :D

[Shrapnel]

same, but the thing that worries me is that when u charge an enemy headlong they won't have neck protection.

[Birka Viking]

I like the Pahlava cathapract the most.

[Sarcasm]

Pahlava. Their headgear just looks amazing to me...although the Seleucid Cataphract is really good too...*stares at their armour*

shiny!

[Steppe Merc]

same, but the thing that worries me is that when u charge an enemy headlong they won't have neck protection.

Well, few cataphracts had full horse armor. Most had 3/4, like the ones shown here, or 1/2 like the Dehbed Asavara.
Only the richest and best had full horse armor. Like the best Parthian cataphract and the Baktrian one I was refering to.

[jerby]

show us! SHOW US!

khelvan wouldn't mind.. the "previeuw"-days are over anyway

[Steppe Merc]

show us! SHOW US!

khelvan wouldn't mind.. the "previeuw"-days are over anyway

They aren't done yet.

[jerby]

They aren't done yet.

ok..any Non-EB picture/scetch/story/source ?

[Wishazu]

the sarmation may not be a proper cataphract but damn they were captured in the coolest pose, and i love horse archers.

[Steppe Merc]

ok..any Non-EB picture/scetch/story/source ?

You would have to ask Urnamma. He showed me the Baktrian source, and I assume it's alright to show people, but ask him.

[Biffy]

I really like those horse archers they look really detailed. Come on Sauromatae!

[Marinakis]

The Bactrians look beautiful, but the Seleucid blood in me dominates my decision. The Seleucid ones, in their silver-coloured armour, looks stronger; like an iron fist.

Seleucid blood? you mean Greek blood? or.... er what do u mean by Seleucid Blood exactly?