Mayan Hornet Throwers

**ReiseReise** · 10-15-2007, 07:25

I'm just about to start a Mayan Campaign and I was wondering if anyone has experience using Hornet Throwers. I looked at the data files to see what exactly they did and found that the swarms cause 0 damage and lower morale by 5 for "300 time" (seconds I assume). The effect is also listed as "nausea", whether or not that lowers their other stats, i don't know. Judging from the morale penalty however, this would apparently be devastating to most units with morale of 5, and almost worthless against the heavy hitters like Eagle Warriors with morale of 25. Conquistadores (also dismounted) have 13, S&B Men 11, so it could still be useful to tip the scale against the Spanish. Does anyone have good battlefield experience to back this up?

**Cheetah** · 10-15-2007, 16:05

Yes, they rule. If the euros come without a general and with few cavarly then the combined effect of arrows, javelins, hornets and various fear units is an instant chainrout. They also can be useful at bridge battles or city defenses, though I dont use them if I have enough troops to form a proper U shape around the bridgehead (this way I can trap them while using hornets would scare them away too early).
On the field I usually have 3 archers up front (holcans as they have better armour) on loose formation skirmish off, then 2 javelinmen right behind them also on loose skirmish off, then 1 hornet thrower sitting in between the javelinmen also on loose skirmish off, then right behind them my melee troops: al hopops (for cavs), jaguars and temple guards, then 2 priest chanting standing near the flanks behind the melee troops, then a gap and some backup archers, finally my brave general sitting behind the lines.
On most occasions the hornet throwers can get in only one volley but that is enough to turn the whole center of the enemy line green. Of course I hit them before they can reach my front archers. Usually the combined effect of arrows, javelins and various animals attacking them is too much for the euros and they turn and run.
The only unit that can give you trouble is the conquistadores and ofc general body guards. 7 or 8 of these guys can give you a challenge otherwise it is just a bit too easy.