Quote Originally Posted by Puzz3D
Well I'd improve the archers differently. I'd increase the number of arrows to 36 (2.5 minutes of shooting with 4 second reload), and then slightly increase the lethality to maybe 18% or possibly lower the armor modifier to maybe 0.9. Doing both might be too much. Giving the HA the SBOW is fine. The idea is to retain the need for the archers to be protected so as to preserve the combined arms gameplay.
Agreed, the combined arms gameplay is important. I do think, though, that these stats do no foul to it. Archers would still need cover as they are simply more powerful and not overpowered. HA's are different. It's now possible to 'mass' them and find some success that you simply could not find before, in that they now can cause problems for unprotected heavy cavalry. As was the case in actual history. 16xHA is still not a good idea, though, for the exact same reasons as before modding - the map is not endless, so it is still possible to chase the HA to the edge. Not to mention that that many HA's simply is beyond effective micromanagement.

I just see this as another element to the rock, paper, scissors - be prudent with protective missile units when going east or the HA's will eat your heavy cavalry. As with any counter - once you know what to do it's usually quite easy.

The foot archers, for their part, will not be able to march straight on to the enemy, unleash five volleys and safely withdraw. It's just that you have a little less time to react to skirmishers. If they're not protected - simply ride them down. As you do.

So. I don't believe this modding messes with the combined arms gameplay. It does mean, though, that archers and HA's are useful in more situations than they are under vanilla stats. And especially against heavy cavalry. But not to an extent where heavy infantry gets obsolete.

Cheers!