A question about Horse Archery skill

[mithrils]

Okay ive been asking around and everyone gives me a different answer, horse archery affects crossbow too? im planning on doing a build with light crossbow on horse so this skill may be important, i read something about horse archery giving you bonus when it comes to throwing weapons but it didnt say anything about crossbows, anyone knows for sure?

[mithrils]

also one more question, about the horse to use for horse xbowing is it better the arabian or the destrier is fine??

[Dravic]

OK, I played HC for a looong time and I can tell you everything.

Horse Archery (skill) DOES affect crossbows, too.

There's only one really valid build for dedicated Horse Crossbowman:

Level 30 (4 420 577 xp)

Strength: 7
Agility: 30
Hit points: 42
Unused skill points: 2
Skills to attributes: 4
Ironflesh: 0
Power Strike: 0
Shield: 0
Athletics: 0
Riding: 10
Horse Archery: 5
Power Draw: 0
Power Throw: 0
Weapon Master: 10
One Handed: 1
Two Handed: 1
Polearm: 1
Archery: 1
Crossbow: 189
Throwing: 1

2 free skill points to use for whatever you want, be it IF, athletics or PS.

As to horse... Palfrey if you have money problems and Courser if you have money for upkeep.

Don't even try to use slower horse than Palfrey, because you will end chased by whole enemy cavalry team and won't be able to ride away. With Palfrey (NOT loomed, mind you) I was able to runaway from any cavalry while bombarding their horses with bolts. Courser is even better. Remember, 10 riding skill does increase your manouverability and speed, so such a high riding skill will change your feeling of how to ride a Courser.

The main role of Horse Crossbowman is taking down enemy horses (hopefully riders, too) and harassing enemy infantry as you would with light crossbow on foot - little difference is that you can reload while riding your horse at full speed. As every cavalry, you need to take care to not let your horse die too fast or you are screwed. DON'T bump people if you aren't 100% sure noone will hit you while doing so.

Also I didn't play HC for long time, but I don't think they changed anything about Horse Archery skill. What I am talking about is the fact, that with 5 horse archery skill your reticule at FULL SPEED on courser would be exactly the same as standing still on foot.

I hope I didn't forget about anything.

Regards,
Dravic

[Armpit_Sweat]

also one more question, about the horse to use for horse xbowing is it better the arabian or the destrier is fine??

I am by no means a horse archery expert, but i would prefer speed over other things, since you will spend a lot of time running away while reloading

EDIT:

Don't even try to use slower horse than Palfrey, because you will end chased by whole enemy cavalry team and won't be able to ride away. With Palfrey (NOT loomed, mind you) I was able to runaway from any cavalry while bombarding their horses with bolts. Courser is even better. Remember, 10 riding skill does increase your manouverability and speed, so such a high riding skill will change your feeling of how to ride a Courser.

That basicaly sums up what i had in mind

[Dravic]

Armpit_Sweat, you know - back in time I was horse crossbowman expert. I don't mean I was topping scoreboards, but I killed uncountable amount of horses 

[mithrils]

thanks for the reply dravic, it helped a lot , but im still wondering if destrier is a good option, it has the same speed as palfrey and more armor, hp and maneuver. also do i bother to hold shift while shooting or just spam the best way i can? first person or third person?

[Dravic]

The camera view is up to you, if you want you can shoot with free camera... ;)

Jokes aside, I didn't use zoom too often. Only for long range shots, but when you are close to the enemy, it isn't too hard to aim.

Well yes, Destrier apparently got buffed. But it is more expensive than Courser!

Go for Courser, then. It's less expensive and faster.

Also the Arabian Warhorse is great, but... too slow. You don't need that much manouverability - not for the price of speed.

[mithrils]

i was asking about the camera view because when i use bows it seems a little easier to aim when i close up, the arrow goes more up to the reticule... also i have the money for both horses the upkeep just bothers me, how much do you think it will differ?