Toxotai Syriakoi are armed with composite bows, which make them a class above most archers.
Description
Toxotai Syriakoi are armed with composite bows, which make them a class above most archers. They have long ranged bows and carry a good amount of arrows, and know how to use these bows through centuries of tradition in their homelands and a constant need to supplement their poor diets with meat. They are good soldiers, but suffer from a morale problem since they are a subjugated people. They can be expected to use their arrows to devastating effect, but when engaged in melee, they will be cut down in droves.
Historically, Syria has been famous for its archers for thousands of years. These men took part in almost every major Near Eastern war since the early Assyrian kingdom used them as auxiliary troops. They have been a decisive arm on the battlefield time and time again, so long as they are supported by good infantry. A sensible commander will take their strengths and weaknesses into account before using them.
Usage
The Toxotai Syriakoi are a good archer units which could be used to tear apart unarmored units and also defeat other archers and slingers in duels due to their armor and the range of their composite bows. They can also be used as a last ditch infantry but their sword's low lethality does not make them any good for that role but its better than nothing.