Palmyra (Empire Divided) Chariot

Scythed Chariots

Although many cultures used scythed chariots, the original idea was probably Persian or Indian. They relied on their momentum and axle-mounted blades to break enemy lines, creating weak points that could then be exploited by cavalry. Even if a chariot's horses instinctively veered off at the last moment, the long axle blades would carve an opening. If anyone in the enemy line was still standing, there was a good chance confusion and panic in the survivors would set in. Eventually, both the horses and drivers had quite heavy armour, reminiscent of later cataphract cavalry. When fighting against scythed chariots, the simplest thing to do was open ranks and allow them to pass through, before quickly closing up again, which was a tactic Alexander famously used at Gaugamela. However, the introduction of the long sarissa spear countered their effectiveness somewhat better - the chariot drivers could be skewered long before their deadly scythes reached the frontline.

Unit Name Scythed Chariots

Main Unit Key 3c_Pal_Scythed_Chariots_commander

Land Unit Key 3c_Pal_Scythed_Chariots

Naval Unit Key 3c_pel_transport

Soldiers 12

Category Cavalry

Class Chariot

Custom Battle Cost 1380

Recruitment Cost 1380

Upkeep Cost 275

Melee Attack 54

Weapon Damage 35

├ Melee Weapon rome_gladius

├ Melee Damage Base 30

├ Melee Damage Ap 5

├ Armour Piercing No

├ Bonus vs. Large 0

├ Bonus vs Elephants 0

└ Bonus vs Infantry 0

Charge Bonus 45

Melee Defence 29

├ Base Defence 29

├ Shield none

└ Shield Defence 0

Armour 60

├ Armour scale_elite

├ Armour Defence 60

└ Shield Armour 0

Health 100

├ Man Entity rome_infantry_very_heavy

├ Man Health 45

├ Bonus Hit Points 15

├ Mount rome_scythed_chariot_horse

├ Mount Entity rome_horse_very_heavy

└ Mount Health 40

Base Morale 65

Abilities

No Ability

Attributes

• Disciplined
  This unit does not suffer a morale penalty when the general dies. It can also rally after routing more often.
• Hide (forest)
  This unit can hide in forests until enemy units get too close.

Strengths & Weaknesses

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

• Fast moving
• Very good charge
• Average in melee
• Good morale

Faction Availability
Empire Divided	Palmyra (Empire Divided) Palmyrene Pretenders (Empire Divided) Palmyrene Secessionists (Empire Divided)