Plumed Archer

"Mayan unique unit. Strong, fast, well-armored archer with less attack than other archers."

- Age of Empires II description

The Plumed Archer is the unique unit of the Mayans in Age of Empires II: The Conquerors. It is a fast, well armored foot archer. Its comparatively high base cost is reduced by the Mayans' civilization bonus, making it one of the most cost-effective archers.

Plumed Archers can be upgraded to Elite Plumed Archers in the Imperial Age.

Tactics
Plumed Archers have a lower range and attack than most archers, but have much higher HP and a higher movement speed, enough to even keep up with some cavalry. This allows them to perform hit-and-run tactics and effectively replace the Cavalry Archer for the Mayan civilization. Plumed Archers have an attack bonus against infantry, making them effective against most infantry units in the game, with the exception of Huskarls, Eagle Warriors, Condottieri, and Samurai. However, they are vulnerable to cavalry, though their increased hit points allow them to last longer than most archers, and in groups, weaker cavalry such as Hussars can be killed quickly enough to negate the threat. Paladins, however, are a much bigger threat due to having enough attack to still kill even Plumed Archers quickly, and having 3 pierce armor, allowing them to just take 2 damage per arrow from Plumed Archers, which means they usually can take 90 hits before dying.

They must be paired with the Eagle Warriors in most situations, as both units move fast enough to perform raiding tactics, both have good HP, and cover the main weaknesses of the other unit. Like with other archers, they are vulnerable to siege weapons, especially Onagers, although to a lesser extent since their 65 HP allows them to take two Onager shots (Siege Onagers still kill them with one payload however), and their speed makes dodging enemy siege attacks significantly easier. Rattan Archers can defeat Plumed Archers with ease, even though the Plumed Archers have decent pierce armor themselves. Elite Skirmishers are also cost-effective against Plumed Archers, and are an ideal unit to spam against them.

Further Statistics
As Plumed Archers are unique to the Mayans, only technologies that are available to them are shown in the following table:

Civilization Bonuses

 * Mayans: Plumed Archers are 20%/30% cheaper in the Castle/Imperial Age.

Team Bonuses

 * A team containing Berbers: With Kasbah researched, Plumed Archers are created and upgraded 25% faster, and Conscription is researched 25% faster.
 * A team containing Magyars: Plumed Archers have +2 Line of Sight.
 * A team containing Malians: Researching Chemistry and Ballistics is 80% faster.
 * A team containing Saracens: Plumed Archers have +1 attack against buildings.
 * A team containing Teutons: Plumed Archers are more resistant to conversion.

The Conquerors

 * Plumed Archers cost 46W/46G.
 * The upgrade to Elite Plumed Archers costs 500F/1000W.

The Forgotten

 * Plumed Archers now cost 50W/50G.
 * The upgrade to Elite Plumed Archers now costs 700F/1000W.

History
"The natives of Central America had developed the bow and used it in combat. Their bow technology was not far advanced, however, in comparison to the Asian composite bow or English longbow. Archers could be ordered to wound when capture of enemies was more important than killing. Like all other Mayan warriors, archers wore distinctive costumes so commanders could distinguish their troops and place the right group where needed. The status of archers was low in comparison to other warrior ranks, so men of lower standing and skill entered their ranks. Men of status and ambition joined the ranks of the Eagle Warrior where they could have the opportunity to take captives. The better skilled and experienced bowmen became Elite Plumed Archers. They were especially important when absolute victory was required because they had the ability to kill enemies quickly and break enemy army morale under a barrage of well-aimed arrows."