| Qala'im Balearim (Mercenary Balearic Slingers) | |
|---|---|
| |
| Unit type | Mercenary stealth slingers |
| Base cost | 120  Wealth
|
| Ramping cost | 1  Timber
|
| Creation time | 7 seconds (106t) |
| Hit points | 40 |
| Line of sight | 11 |
| Movement speed | 34 |
| Attack strength | 19 (22t) |
| Attack range | 10-26 |
| Armour | 1 |
| Population cost | 
|
| Created at |  l 
|
| Prerequisites |  
|
| Upgrades from | N/A |
| Upgrades to | N/A |
| Available to |    
|
Arguably, Qala'im Balaearim are the best ranged infantry unit in all of Kings & Comnquerors, and are armed with slings that allow them to throw projectiles at the best range (a maximum of 26) and accuracy. Their rate of fire, however, leaves much to be desired.
Background[]
The tribes of the Balearic Islands, off the southeastern coast of Spain, were native shepherds and hunters who probably settled there since probably the Bronze Age.
According to ancient writers, slingers of the Balearic Islands were so skilled, that their shots were extremely accurate — which was very strange, given how imprecise a sling can be. Their reputation rivalled the famous Rhodians, which were equipped with iron bullets rather than stones, by a greater range. These men were not protected (although having perhaps a small pelte or wicker shield), they were given a dagger, an later some could have used various arms taken from the enemy while on campaign. They were at the same time, cheap mercenary recruits and deadly, as a single bullet would be much more devastating than an arrow. A single shot could kill instantly, as an arrow mostly injures.
References[]
- Ancient Battles; Kart'hadast
