Description
The Xystophoroi are a heavy cavalry unit named after their iconic weapon, the Xyston: a 3-4m/ 11-14 ft long lance with a bronze butt-spike, used in case it broke during a powerful charge (Sekunda, Macedonian Armies (2012), p. 9). They operate shield-less, using both hands to hold the lance steady while charging the enemy, whereafter they change their fighting style to a one-handed grip in close combat. The Xystophoroi wear heavy armour, either bronze muscle cuirasses or colourful linothorakes; decorated Phrygian, Attic, or Boiotian helmets; and protect their legs with bronze greaves. Their main strength as heavy shock cavalry lies in a devastating charge into enemy cavalry, or the flanks and backs of infantry engaged in melee. Though they can hold their own for a while, the Xystophoroi should not stay in close combat too long. Especially against spear units or under heavy fire by skirmishers, they might face heavy losses due to their lack of shields.
Stats
| Rank in roster | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men per unit | 30 | █········· 8% |
| Attack | 11 | ███······· 34% |
| Charge bonus | 28 | █████████· 86% |
| Defence | 32 | █████····· 49% |
| · armour | 14 | ████████·· 78% |
| · defence skill | 18 | ████······ 38% |
| · shield | 0 | █········· 0% |
| Morale | 12 | ██████···· 57% |
| Discipline | Normal | |
| Training | Highly trained | |
| Recruitment cost | 2,121 dn | █████····· 54% |
| Upkeep per turn | 854 dn | ████████·· 82% |
| Turns to recruit | 3 |
Weapons
Its secondary attack is the stronger one: 12 against 11.
| Primary | Secondary | Primary | Secondary | Primary | Secondary | Primary | Secondary | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attack | 11 | 12 | Charge bonus | 28 | 23 | Type | melee · blade | melee · blade | Damage | piercing | slashing |
Defence
| Primary | Secondary | Primary | Secondary | Primary | Secondary | Primary | Secondary | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 32 | — | Armour | 14 | — | Defence skill | 18 | — | Shield | 0 | — |
Condition and terrain
| Hit points | 1 | Mount | heavy horse | Ground: scrub / sand / forest / snow | -4 / -1 / -8 / -1 | Charge distance | 40 |
| Formations | Square |
Technical stats
| Time between blows (primary / secondary) | 2.5 s / 2.5 s | Extra fatigue in hot climates | 4 | Spacing between men: close / loose | 2 × 4.8 m / 3 × 7.2 m | Default ranks | 5 |
In battle: Very good stamina
Who can recruit it
A core roster unit for one faction, which can raise it anywhere it holds the right building:
Exactly what a settlement must have, route by route (3)
| Building | Also requires | Building | Also requires | Building | Also requires | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indirect Rule | Tier 2 Military Industrial Complex · Tier 1 Colony · Requires resource horses or horses supplied factionwide | Direct Rule | Tier 2 Military Industrial Complex · Tier 1 Colony · Requires resource horses or horses supplied factionwide | Homeland | Tier 2 Military Industrial Complex |