Archery from Horseback

Archers on horseback are very effective against foot troops without missile weapons. (If the character on foot has a weapon to reply to the horse archer’s fire, it’s a different story.) Weapons suitable for use while mounted include short bows, composite short bows, hand crossbows, light crossbows, and size S firearms.

If the archer remains still (takes a no-move action), his rate of fire and range modifiers are unaffected by his mount. If he rides a half-move, his rate of fire is reduced by one category and he suffers a –2 penalty to his attack rolls. If his mount takes a full move, his rate of fire is reduced as above, and he suffers a –4 penalty to his attack rolls. These penalties can be reduced by expertise in mounted archery; refer to Chapter Four for more information.

The best way to exploit the archer’s mobility is to gallop in for a round of fire and then retreat when the foot troops try to respond. This tactical system was one of the most successful ever devised, and for a time rendered infantry nearly obsolete.

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