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Replacing the fir'Bolg Archers of Myth: The Fallen Lords, these human archers are just as deadly (if a bit more accurate) and have a few other advantages over their predecessors. Their liabilities are many, but you won't get very far without a healthy band of Bowmen in your ranks. First, the good stuff: Bowmen can launch arrows with great aplomb, especially from the high ground on which you should always place them. Always set up your Bowman on the highest possible locations (being sure to protect them from rear attacks) in a Long or Staggered Line formation, as situations dictate. 
Try to avoid clumping Bowmen, or they'll sink the occasional arrow into their compatriots. Also, never command them to fire upon an enemy on higher ground, unless you have no choice. Finally, if all else fails and an enemy gets too close to a Bowman, he can defend himself with a small knife he carries for self-defense; double-click on an enemy to poke him with this humble weapon. These human archers bring a new weapon to your long-range arsenal: the Fire Arrow. This special ability is carried by most Bowman under your command, although they usually only carry one arrow. To fire off the Fire Arrow, press the Special Attack Key (T by default) and target an enemy or a spot of ground; targeting ground is automatic if you don't target a foe. Fire is a particularly powerful weapon once you learn to use it. Launch your Fire Arrows into large crowds of Thrall or seal off narrow passageways with a welcome mat of flame. Cut off an enemy's retreat or set off unexploded Dwarven explosives or Pus Packets with a finely placed campfire. Don't launch all of your Bowmen's fire arrows in one shot; they'll all land in the same spot. On the downside, Bowmen are very slow and a bit fragile. On a good day, they can outrun a Thrall, but not much else. As such, keep them well defended, especially from charging Ghôls. Keep a line of Warriors behind a loose line of Bowmen and bring them forward when an attack arrives. One of the most important techniques in using Bowman is the fire-and-retreat shuffle. Bowmen will stand in a nice tidy, easy-to-target line while they attack. As such, they are vulnerable to enemy projectiles while they launch their own attack. To combat this, target an enemy and, after the Bowman attack, direct them to an area behind their current position. The Bowmen will move to the new position as the enemy projectile attack arrives and misses, allowing them a moment to fire again and repeat the same trick. Bowmen are your most potent weapons against Fetches, distant Ghôls, Spiders, Soulless, Wolves, and Wights (two or three arrows will detonate an approaching Wight, but make sure he's far away). In large groups, they are also fairly useful against Trow. They are less effective against other units, but the only enemies who do not fear them at all are the Stygian Knights, who are completely immune to arrow attacks. |
