Talk:Rattan Archer/@comment-65.28.183.104-20190702195054

Rattan Archers are probably tied with the Genoese Crossbowman for the best foot archer in the game. Like the Genoese Crossbowman, the Rattan Archer can counter one of the three main vulnerabilities of archers, Skirmishers (Genoese Crossbowmen counter Cavalry and the mounted Manguadi counter Siege). Having 10 Pierce Armor allows the Elite Rattan Archer to take only 1 point of damage per attack from a FU Elite Skirmisher, effectively negating it as a threat. It also allows for FU Elite Camel Archers, Elite Manguadi and Magyar Heavy Cav Archers to only deal 2 points of damage per shot. It's pierce armor also allows them to only take 2 points of damage per hit from a FU Galleon while dealing 2 damage each shot (1 against a FU Portuguese Galleon), meaning that massed Rattan Archers can counter ships.

In addition, the stronger attack of the Elite Rattan Archer and high speed can allow them to take out virtually all other archers, the exceptions to this being the Conquistador, Elephant Archer and War Wagon, all due to their high health. Even against Hand Cannoneers and Janissaries, they end up winning due to their more rapid RoF and far higher accuracy. They can stand up to Ballista Elephants and, although they are unable to win one-on-one against them, can defeat them in two-on-one fights. Their armor and speed allows them to close in on Longbowmen and take them down as well and escape most non-unique infantry, even with Squires, should they take too much damage.

About all they need for protection are cavalry and or bombard canons to destroy enemy Onagers and take out Huskarls and Eagle Warriors.

I am curious about their buff of 5 HP to both normal and Elite...as they could have simply been left as is and be aloud to benefit from the Archer health bonus.