Crossbowman
Ranged Strength
Attack Range
18
2
The Crossbowman is an Archery unit available in the Medieval Era.
Overview [ ]
The crossbow first appeared in Europe in the 10th century. Although slower than a standard bow, a crossbow requires less training and strength than a regular bow, and over time it came to be the dominant weapon on the battlefield. A crossbow consists of a fairly short but heavy bow mounted to a stock. The firer pulls back the string - often with mechanical assistance - to "cock" the bow, then lays a "bolt" (arrow) on a groove in the stock. The firer aims, then pulls a trigger to release the string, which launches the bolt at the target. Among other advantages, a crossbow can be fired from a kneeling or prone position, something which is impossible with a standard bow.
Strategy [ ]
Advances in technology produce a new type of ranged weapon, sufficiently strong to punch through medieval armor. At the same time, the Crossbowmen are equipped with mail shirts for protection, allowing them to withstand quite more damage than earlier ranged units; still, it is advisable to use them with caution, and protect them from enemy cavalry. Again, the best use for a Crossbowman is to put it on high ground in a well-defended position, where it can rain death upon approaching enemies without suffering counterattacks.
Unique Unit Replacements [ ]
Historical [ ]
Icon
Unit
Civilization
Abilities
Ahdath
The Fatimids (al-Mu'izz)
Generates Faith from kills
+3 Combat Strength when at war with civs of other religions
Balestrieri
Genoa (Simone Boccanegra) (LastSword)
+2 Combat Strength
If it begins turn stacked with a Naval Unit, may automatically fire without using Movement
Billar
The Jagera (Multuggerah)
While in Hills, gains a bonus to both Ranged and Defensive Strength.
During Golden Ages, pays no extra Movement when moving through Hills tiles.
Chu-Ko-Nu
China (Wu Zetian) Shu Han (Liu Bei)
May attack twice per turn
-25% ranged strength
With Shu Han (Liu Bei) installed:
-25% Ranged Strength (14 vs 18).
May Attack twice each turn.
+15% Great General Generation Rate for each level (max +85%).
Cymru Longbow
Wales (Llywelyn)
Ignores terrain cost
Increased Combat Strength in rough terrain
+1 Movement
Daikyu
Japan (Ashikaga Yoshimitsu)
+23% Combat Strength (16 vs 13)
Earns Golden Age Points from kills.
+1 Range when stationed on a Holy Site.
Dragon Martial
Southern Zhou (Wu Zetian)
Has lower base Combat Strength, but +1 Movement.
Gains +25% Combat Strength when within 2 tiles of a friendly Spy.
Earns Golden Age points from kills.
God-Like Crossbow
Au Lac (Trung Trac)
After setting up, may fire twice.
Units damaged by the God-Like Crossbow suffer Movement Speed penalty next turn,
Granadine Cavalry
The Moors (Abd-ar-Rahman III)
+2 Movement
May move after attacking
Guard of the Rock
San Marino (Marinus)
Has -25% Combat Strength.
May attack twice when garrisoned in a City or stationed in a defensive Improvement in friendly territory.
Kaijeeta
Vijayanagara (Krishnadevaraya)
-30% Combat Strength when defending.
+20% Ranged Strength while attacking, doubled to +40% against Cavarly units.
Longbowman
England (Elizabeth)
England (Henry V)
Elizabeth's version
Henry V's version
-3 Combat Strength.
+1 Range.
+20% Combat Strength against Melee Units whilst adjacent to at least one enemy Melee Unit.
Odalbode
Schleswig-Holstein (Frederich I)
Deals 33% more damage against ships.
When garrisoned on a fort or in a city, produces gold and gives a small chance to grant a food yield each turn.
Paik [ 1]
Bengal (Shuja-ud-Din Muhammad Khan)
It starts with the Amphibious Promotion.
It gains +1 Range when on rivers, and this ability is retained upon upgrade.
While embarked, stacked Naval Ranged units can attack at +1 Range.
Pavise Crossbowman
Genoa (Simone Boccanegra)
Begins with +1 Strength per unworked Merchant Specialist or +1 Strength per the Gold output of worked Merchant Specialists in the city.
Saethwyr
Wales (Owain Glyndwr)
Stronger than the Crossbowman, and treats any hill in friendly territory like a fort
Grants culture per turn when fortified
Smerd
Ruthenia (Danylo I)
10% lower Defensive and Ranged Strength.
25% lower Production cost.
Gains 20% Defensive Strength per Civilization connected via Trade Route.
Double XP if beginning a turn on a Farm, Pasture, or Khutir.
Sofa
Mali (Mansa Musa)
Starts with the Medic promotion
May move after attacking
+1 defensive Combat Strength
-2 ranged strength
Sultha'thi
The Yokuts (Estanislao)
Higher Production cost. (130 vs 120)
Indirect Fire.
+15% Ranged Strength against Gunpowder units.
Washa'be
The Ponca (White Eagle)
Has the Cover promotion.
After engaging in combat four times, gains +1 Movement and weakens adjacent enemies.
Yabusame
Hojo (Hojo Ujiyasu)
+2 Movement
Gains increased Combat Strength the further it moves
Fictional [ ]
Icon
Unit
Civilization
Abilities
Hunter
Kyrat (Pagan Min)
-15% Combat Strength (11 vs 13).
-11% Ranged Strength (16 vs 18).
Ignores terrain costs.
Invisible while in Forest or Jungle.
Pupil
Ostia (Lilina)
-11% Ranged Strength (16 vs. 18)
Gains 50% more EXP from combat.
↑ Athar (1994). The Paik in the Army of Delhi Sultans during the 13th century . Proceedings of the Indian History Congress vol. 55