Genoese Arbalester

Genoese Guards

The Genoese Arbalester is a unique unit of Genoa. It is similiar to its mercenary cousin, the Genoese Crossbowman, and like the mercenaries, the Genoese Arbalester has bonuses against infantry and rams. Genoese Arbalesters, however, are more fragile and have a shorter range and lower attack. They also have a smaller anti-infantry bonus and fire more inaccurately, but do not have a minimum range. They can be upgraded to the Genoese Guard.

Unit Statistics

Vital

Type: Crossbowman

Available to: Genoa

Trained at: Guild Hall

Century: 14th

Requires: Castle

Cost: 60 Food, 55 Florins

Combat

HP: 25

Attack: 8

Armor/Pierce Armor: 1/1

Accuracy Percentage: 50

Reloading Time: 5

Range: 4

Special: +5 vs. infantry, +2 vs. rams.

Upgrades

Upgrades to: Genoese Guard

Upgrade century: 15th

Upgrade costs: 850 Food, 750 Florins

Attack, Range: Fletching , Bodkin Arrow , Bracer , Bow Practice

Attack: Alchemy

Armour: Padded Archer Armour ,Leather Archer Armour , Ring Archer Armour

Accuracy: Thumb Ring

Training time: Indenture

Commentary/Strategy

Genoa's main unique unit is the powerful Genoese Arbalester. They have the shortest range of all crossbowmen and low HP, but lack minimum range. It would thus suit them well to be kept on the sides of an army, picking at enemy infantry, rather than at the back with other archers. If engaged by enemy infantry or possibly even cavalry, they can hold their ground instead of having to retreat. Their high attack and anti-infantry bonus allows them to inflict a punch on even anti-archer foot units. You'll need to be careful, however, against siege equipment.

Historical Background

The Genoese Arbalesters were powerful and well-trained soldiers who were particularly useful in defending castles, but were also used in battle to weaken the enemy ranks before the charge.