Archers are warriors who prefer ranged combat to hand-to-hand fighting. Often weaker troops than the robust close-combat warriors, they nevertheless play a vital role in battle, slaying enemies from afar with arrows and bolts. They can lay down supporting fire for an assault or covering fire for a retreat, or they can simply conduct their own warfare, shooting and sniping at enemies from a distance, preferably from high ground from which they have a clear view all around and benefit from increased range and accuracy. Useful in negating enemy ranged units, they also can be used to slay nasty close-combat units before they can come in range, continuously retreating as the frustrated swordsmen endeavor in vain to come to grips with their foe.