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Class: heavy · Category: cavalry · Men per unit: 6

Antigonid generals are accompanied by their picked Hetairoi or ‘Companions’ – those near the king. The Hetaroi were the elite shock cavalry of the Macedonian kingdom, well-mounted on strong horses, and lavishly equipped with a metal cuirass, greaves, as well as a large (plumed) helmet. The latter are mainly of the Boiotian type, but smaller numbers of the Companions have also been equipped with Crested Phrygian and Konos type helmets. The Hetairoi fought in the ‘Macedonian style’, charging home with the typical one-handed cavalry lance, the xyston. This cavalry spear was about seven to ten feet in length, made of tough cornel wood, and generally used to stab and thrust the enemy. When the shaft broke, it was most likely reversed in order to bring the metal butt spike into play – or it was dropped and the sword was drawn (Sidnell, Warhorse (2007), p. 80). Like all bodyguards, this unit is best committed to the fight at the point of crisis, when the general's inspirational leadership and the combat power of his men can tip the balance in your favour.

	Primary	Secondary
Attack	14	14
Charge bonus	38	29
Type	melee · blade	melee · blade
Damage	piercing	slashing

	Primary	Secondary
Total	39	—
Armour	18	—
Defence skill	21	—
Shield	0	—

Hit points	1
Mount	hetairoi horse
Ground: scrub / sand / forest / snow	-7 / -1 / -8 / -1
Charge distance	40
Formations	Square · Wedge

Technical stats

Time between blows (primary / secondary)	2.5 s / 2.5 s
Extra fatigue in hot climates	5
Spacing between men: close / loose	2 × 4.8 m / 3 × 7.2 m
Default ranks	5

In battle: A unit suitable for a general · Powerful charge

A core roster unit for one faction, which can raise it anywhere it holds the right building:

Antigonid Kingdom

Exactly what a settlement must have, route by route (2)

Building	Also requires
Direct Rule	Tier 3 Military Industrial Complex · Tier 2 Colony
Homeland	Tier 2 Military Industrial Complex