Byzantine pikes

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February 20, 2012, 07:37 PM
nine-o

Byzantine pikes

Now I figure they probably don't due to the fact that early-era pikes would pretty much result in an overwhelming Roman juggernaut, but shouldn't the empire have at least one pike unit? I'm all for balance and everything, don't get me wrong, but it just seems wrong what with Roman history and all...
February 20, 2012, 08:41 PM
Point Blank

Re: Byzantine pikes

They do, Menaulatoi Pikes after 1500.
February 20, 2012, 10:08 PM
nine-o

Re: Byzantine pikes

I was thinking of the kontaroi actually, who had pikes in real life, but honestly in the game it'd have a good chance of making those already pesky Romans too strong.
February 21, 2012, 11:07 AM
Hoplite of Ilis

Re: Byzantine pikes

Quote:

Originally Posted by Point Blank

They do, Menaulatoi Pikes after 1500.

Hey Man! This is my ultimate favorite unit. I'm at 1470 something (savage AI, no RR/RC). I have long ago attained victory and I go on just to see this unit in battle. Am I getting close to having them?? - My brain starts to melt:laughter:, and there's 5 factions left.
February 21, 2012, 11:31 AM
dajarvi

Re: Byzantine pikes

Wow. Hoplite. Talk about perseverance. :)
February 21, 2012, 02:11 PM
AnthoniusII

Re: Byzantine pikes

Quote:

Originally Posted by nine-o

I was thinking of the kontaroi actually, who had pikes in real life, but honestly in the game it'd have a good chance of making those already pesky Romans too strong.

Kontaratoi (despite the same name with a unit in the curent roster)with long spears did not exist in SS timeframe.
Scutatoi in SS timeframe though used the standard 3m long spear that was slightly longer than the average spear in the west.
February 21, 2012, 02:39 PM
Ferdiad

Re: Byzantine pikes

Quote:

Originally Posted by Point Blank

They do, Menaulatoi Pikes after 1500.

Theyre crap though.
February 21, 2012, 04:38 PM
nine-o

Re: Byzantine pikes

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnthoniusII

Kontaratoi (despite the same name with a unit in the curent roster)with long spears did not exist in SS timeframe.
Scutatoi in SS timeframe though used the standard 3m long spear that was slightly longer than the average spear in the west.

Ah, I see. I was thinking that they simply weren't introduced to keep the game balance from going completely wonky. So when exactly did the romans start using pikes, do you know? This always interested me, I kind of enjoy thinking about what could-have-been had the romans gone back to something more like Alexander's armies...
February 21, 2012, 04:41 PM
AnthoniusII

Re: Byzantine pikes

Quote:

Originally Posted by nine-o

Ah, I see. I was thinking that they simply weren't introduced to keep the game balance from going completely wonky. So when exactly did the romans start using pikes, do you know? This always interested me, I kind of enjoy thinking about what could-have-been had the romans gone back to something more like Alexander's armies...

CBUR project Armies from late 9th to 11th centuries.
Nikephorean Reforms
Thematic armies.
Link
February 22, 2012, 06:06 AM
Point Blank

Re: Byzantine pikes

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferdiad

Theyre crap though.

Haha, well they have shorter spears so better vs inf but worse vs cav, but their armor is decent.

Make a moderate speedbump for Lancers etc. Still pretty resistant to obsolescent eastern archery.
February 22, 2012, 06:47 AM
Ferdiad

Re: Byzantine pikes

If your still playing at 1500 your Inf will have been outclassed for the last 100 years so your armies should be centred on cav ala Skantarios.
February 23, 2012, 07:42 PM
Sassanid Saxon

Re: Byzantine pikes

the Mourtatoi archers age very well, especially with their armour upgraded. they usually serve as my most common "field battle" infantry late. the foot acritae are also useful against late European troops due to their javelin firepower.