The man-at-arms is a light utility unit in Stronghold Crusader 2.
Description[]
The man-at-arms is a replacement for the spearman. Men-at-arms can throw their spears as javelins to deal high damage on an enemy target to finish it off with their daggers. The spear regenerates after a short time to become usable again. The javelin can be thrown at units that mount walls or towers, but it can miss and bounce off solid surfaces.
Usage[]
Still a relatively weak unit, but definitely stronger than a Conscript - unfortunately, it's significantly more expensive and it requires you to have a weapon (pole) to hire it. Men-at-Arms are hardly of any threat to most units in combat, unless it's another Man-at-Arms, a Conscript, or a Slave.
They, however, have an interesting ability - before they engage enemy in melee combat, they are able to hurl a javelin, dealing quite a lot of damage before the fights starts for real. Javelins have a relatively short range, but because of bugs in the game, they are able to hurl them even at the highest towers - additionally, they are able to deal surprisingly high damage, compared to an arrow from an Archer.
Due to their limited ranged capabilities, men-at-arms can be used in the leading ranks of a charge, softening up enemy formations and defenses with their javelins before switching to melee attacks. Sending them out this way can also be useful for setting off traps and pitch ditches (although the conscript can be more suitable for the task).
Their javelins' damage also allows them periodically to form the first line of a defense. A javelin barrage hurled towards charging enemies can effectively stop a harassment from doing any harm around the walls, as well as they can stop units from demolishing structures and creating breaches in the castle.
Weaknesses[]
Men-at-arms possess little health and they are susceptible to missile fire or prolonged close combat.
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| Stronghold Crusader 2 Units | |
|---|---|
| Barracks | Conscript • Man-at-arms • Archer • Ranger • Crossbowman • Maceman • Pikeman • Swordsman • Templar knight • Sergeant-at-arms |
| Mercenary Post | Slave • Arabian bowman • Horse archer • Oil pot thrower • Arabian swordsman • Assassin • Slave driver • Healer • Whirling Dervish • Sassanid knight |
| Siege Camp | War wolf • Mantlet • Catapult • Trebuchet • Burning cart • Fire ballista • Battering ram • War wagon Mangonel • Ballista • Haybale launcher |