naginata cavalry & samurai archers

[Tomisama]

How do archers rank as far as causing friendly kills?

Is it safe to allow them to fire from other than front ranks?

Do they do better firing up and down hill, compared to guns?

Is my understanding correct that their volume of fire is not limited by their configuration (line, square, ect.)?

What is their volume and rate of fire?


Thanks in advance.

[Puzz3D]

How do archers rank as far as causing friendly kills?

My recollection of tests that Tosa and I ran during the STW/MI v1.02 beta testing was that 1/3 of the archer's kills were friendly kills when firing into a melee of two units of equal armor.

Is it safe to allow them to fire from other than front ranks?

Yes, but they will have reduced effectiveness on the target unit. This is a reduction in accuracy because the front two archer ranks cannot see the target.

Do they do better firing up and down hill, compared to guns?

Height relative to the target definitely makes a big difference in the performance of archers. It also makes a difference for guns, but perhaps not as much. Occasionally, I've seen guns be quite effective when firing up, but I can't account for it.

Is my understanding correct that their volume of fire is not limited by their configuration (line, square, ect.)?

All the archers in a formation will volley, but the accuracy of the volley depends upon the depth of the formation. In close formation on flat, unobstructed ground, the first two ranks can see the target directly, but accuracy is reduced for the ranks behind the first two ranks. In loose formation, the first three ranks can see the target directly, and accuracy is reduced for the ranks behind the first three ranks. When positioned on a downward slope of sufficient gradient, all ranks can see the target so there is no reduction in accuracy for depth of the formation. When line of sight to the target is obstructed, accuracy is reduced for all ranks. When firing uphill, accuracy is reduced.

What is their volume and rate of fire?

rate of fire = 4 seconds
If the unit is very tired, the volume of fire may be reduced because not all the men are ready to shoot in 4 seconds. This reduced volume of fire due to fatigue happens for guns as well.[/QUOTE]