Chukchi Crossbowmen

In game

Chukchi Crossbowmen — Vital statistics
	Mercenary crossbow that deals added damage to cavalry, but is highly susceptible to any and all firerams. Strong versus heavy infantry, light ships Weak versus siege weapons, buildings, melee cavalry
Prereq:	Build time	HP	LOS	Attack	Attack speed	Movement speed
	6.6s (99t)	100	7	10	3s (45t)	26
Cost			Created from	Armour	Weapon range	Specialty
Base	Ramp	Pop
: 20; : 20	: 1; : 1	1		0	2–10	Strong versus heavy infantry and and cavalry Defensive penalty versus gunpowder units

Overall strategy

Unlike conventional Levy Crossbowmen, Chukchi Crossbowmen are substantially more powerful, and more quickly trained, since they count as mercenary units. These units, while fragile, are ideal for one thing — and that is knocking out enemy cavalry. The reach of their weapons and their stopping power means that they are ideal for use against factions that rely heavily on light cavalry - the Mongols are one such faction - but they are easily scattered if facing gunfire.

These units are best used as a defensive unit, owing to their poor marching speed and attack range, but are otherwise fairly tough. For this reason they are better used for defence. Keep four or five in the city that hosts then for defence, and rely instead on the Chukchi Throwers who are more quickly trained, and are cheap enough for use against enemy cavalry, especially melee units.

Unit summary

• Keep Them Safe And Sound — Crossbow Levy can thin out your opponent's ranks but are dead meat if facing more powerful archers, and have a minimum range. Protect them at all costs with accompanying heavy infantry and cavalry.
• Replacement Killers — The cheap cost of Crossbow Levy makes them useful for protecting and garrisoning cities, and making up the numbers required to flesh out an army. This is especially moreso for the Papal States given how costly their best units are.