Aerial Archer

This article is still a work in progress!

Aerial archers are winged ranged units, typically Ardean folk, who perfom complex maneuvers whilst flying at high speeds. They make both excellent scouts and fine snipers.

Composition

Weaponry

A long bow or crossbow (crossbows are much easier to weild in flight). A back up spear is often carried, though some subdivisions of aerial archers carry a set of short throwing javelins.
Quivers are usually gripped with the talons during flight to allow for stability when reloading.

Tactics

Aerial archers rain death from above - they will fly high up into the sky to avoid being heard by unassuming targets below and then in unison will unleash a volley of arrows (or bolts) to the ground below.
Some units need to ensure better accuracy and will take a graceful death-dive from above, freefalling at incredible speeds before gliding in towards a target and taking their shot.
It's nearly impossible to attack aerial archers from the ground with return fire as they are too agile - the only offense against them is to send other flighted folks like Ardeans to engage in aerial combat with spears.

History

The native folks of Melior first encountered aerial archers during The Rupture just over fifty years ago. The poor folks were ill equipped to fight against the invasion and were forced to seek shelter beneath any cover they could find. They were only able to recover their dead when the morning sea fog rolled across the land.

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Overall training Level

Semi-professional

Assumed Veterancy

Experienced