Massagetae Missile Cavalry

Steppe Horse Skirmishers

Born to ride, the Saka are notable mounted skirmishers.

Cavalry skirmishers relied on the speed of their mounts to close quickly with an enemy, attack, and then withdraw before any counterattack. This was the main role of cavalry in supporting hoplites, harassing enemy phalanxes and skirmishers and only pursuing foes already on the run. Most used javelins, and some attacked using the 'Cantabrian circle', where riders would circle in front of an enemy, taking it in turns to throw their javelins before galloping to the rear again. A few skirmishing riders carried swords and small shields to use if forced into a melee. Thracian cavalrymen often strapped their crescent-shaped pelte shield to their backs, giving them a little protection when they withdrew, a habit that sensible neighbours would have copied.

Abilities

Steppe Horse Skirmishers

• Precision Shot
  Improved missile weapon damage for an extended period.
  Missile damage
  Exertion: fatigue
• Cantabrian Circle
  The unit fires whilst riding in a circle.
  Harder to hit, reload skill

Attributes

• Resistant to Fatigue
  Fatigue has less of an effect on this unit.
• Hide (forest)
  This unit can hide in forests until enemy units get too close.
• Fire Whilst Moving
  This unit can fire when mounted and moving.
• Parthian Shot
  This unit can fire all around and not just in-front of itself.
• Resistant to Cold
  This unit tires less quickly in snow.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Light Transport

• Very poor hull strength
• Very slow speed
• Weak ramming

Steppe Horse Skirmishers

• Short range
• Fast rate of fire
• Fast moving
• Very good damage and armour penetration
• Large shield
• Very weak in melee
• Poor morale

Massagetae Units
General (5)
1.Noble Horse Archers
2.Steppe Noble Lancers
3.Saka Cataphracts
4.Massagetae Royal Horse Archers
5.Royal Guard Archers
Melee Infantry (9)
6.Young Axes
7.Steppe Swordsmen
8.Royal Guard Macemen
9.Siracene Swordsmen
10.Steppe Axemen
11.Steppe Armoured Axemen
12.Caspian Axe Band
13.Heavy Caspian Infantry
14.Swords of Api
Missile Infantry (2)
15.Steppe Archers
16.Royal Guard Archers
Spear Infantry (7)
17.Steppe Spearmen
18.Tribesmen
19.Royal Guard Spearmen
20.Steppe Armoured Spearmen
21.Saka Noble Spearmen
22.Light Caspian Spears
23.Caspian Veteran Spears
Missile Cavalry (7)
24.Armoured Horse Archers
25.Steppe Horse Archers
26.Steppe Horse Skirmishers
27.Noble Horse Archers
28.Saka Cataphract Horse Archers
29.Saka Skirmishers
30.Massagetae Royal Horse Archers
Shock Cavalry (5)
31.Steppe Armoured Lancers
32.Steppe Lancers
33.Steppe Noble Lancers
34.Saka Cataphracts
35.Saka Noble Armoured Lancers
Field Artillery (2)
36.Steppe Bastion Ballista
37.Steppe Ballista
Admiral (2)
38.Medium Missile Raider - Steppe Archers
39.Heavy Raider - Steppe Spearmen
Melee Ship (4)
40.Medium Assault Raider - Young Axes
41.Persian Assault Teteres - Steppe Spearmen
42.Heavy Raider - Steppe Spearmen
43.Assault Raider - Tribesmen
Missile Ship (3)
44.Greek Missile Penteres - Steppe Archers
45.Medium Missile Raider - Steppe Archers
46.Missile Raider - Steppe Archers
Artillery Ship (1)
47.Roman Light Artillery Quinquereme - Eastern Ballista (Ship)