Summary

Demesne Arbalists are a tier-3 Silver Era ranged infantry unit equipped with heavy crossbows. They deliver high armor-piercing volleys.

Unit Overview

  • Role: Silver Era ranged infantry specializing in high AP crossbow volleys
  • Era & Tier: ★★★ Silver Era, Tier III in the Ranged Infantry tree.
  • Leadership & Count: 160 leadership, 26 (29) models per unit.

Abilities & Orders

  • Aim Order Close Shot: Aims with better accuracy on the nearest enemy
  • Attack Area (Order): Standard crossbow volley against a specified location.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths:

  • Exceptional armor penetration, effective against heavily armored infantry and cavalry.
  • Stagger effects on hits (unless heavy armor)
  • Moderate ammunition count for sustained firefights.

Weaknesses:

  • Slow rate of fire and reload speed; vulnerable during reloading phases.
  • Lower numbers per unit reduce volume of fire compared to lighter skirmishers.

Tactics & Tips

  • Hold Chokepoints: Deploy in narrow passes or behind fortifications
  • Time Your Aim: Use Aim Order before enemy engagements to soften targets and increase penetration.
  • Rotate Units: Swap out to fresh Units during prolonged fights to maintain fire rate and balanced impact.

Warband Synergy & Composition

  • Frontline Anchor: Combine with Shield or Halberdiers to protect flanks while Arbalists volleys
  • Supporting Buckler / Bruiser: Follow your team and always stay in the back middle line with your untis to have the best impact while having a safe spot

Counters & Mitigation

  • Fast Skirmishers: Mounted archers can outmaneuver stationary Arbalists and pick them off.
  • Shock Cavalry: Lancers and cataphracts can close distance quickly
  • Area-of-Effect Orders: Flaming Arrows or fire bombs will punish grouped Arbalists

Quick-Reference Card

  • Type: Ranged Infantry (Silver, Tier III)
  • Leadership: 160 | Count: 26
  • Passive: Penetrating Shots (+2 Targets) | Shield Breaker (higher Pen)
  • Order: Focused fire | Close Shoot 
  • Strengths: High AP
  • Weaknesses: Slow reload, immobility risk
  • Synergy: Shield Infantry, blob fights
  • Counters: Skirmishers, shock cavalry, AoE fire

Veterancy:
Bottom: Better for close fights, or as Unit for the Chevaliers (T5 Cav) | Gives better Hero follow control and close combat ability
Top: If you want to keep them at safe spots, use the upper way to get better DPS (Firerate & accuracy)