Editing Pikeman and Halberdier (section)

== Special Ability: Jousting Immunity ==
Although not mentioned in the game or manual, both Pikemen and Halberdiers are immune to [[Cavalier and Champion|Cavaliers' and Champions']] [[jousting]] ability. This means they suffer damage from Cavaliers or Champions normally, but do not receive the additional damage from jousting bonus (thus, the distance of Cavaliers and Champions attack doesn't matter).

In {{hota}}, the ability is present in the unit's description.

{{Fanopinion|
The Halberdier is considered to be the 2nd best level 1 creature in raw stats, surpassed only by the [[Centaur Captain]].

4-6 [[Attack]] is top-tier, and 5 [[Defense]] is high. 10 [[Health]] is the highest of all level 1 creatures. 1-3 [[Damage]] of Pikemen is above average, 2-3 of Halberdiers is again the best of their level. With 4 [[Speed]] Pikemen are better suited to defending ranged troops than to offense. Halberdiers are faster by 1 point, but they are still slow. All-around powerful if rather slow creatures, they are the [[Castle]] basic melee unit that at once is tough and packs a nasty punch. They also compensate to a degree for [[Archers]]' rather low damage and fragility.

The drawback is that their 60-75 [[gold]] cost is also very high for lvl 1 unit. [[Guardhouse|Their dwelling]] is also expensive in terms of [[ore]].

The most obvious spells to use on Pikemen and Halberdiers are [[Haste]] or [[Bloodlust]] for offensive purposes and [[Shield]] or [[Stone Skin]] for defense, with [[Prayer]] as all-rounder. [[Bless]] and [[Curse]] work better on Pikemen due to larger damage spread. [[Counterstrike]] may be useful, as they have good damage and enough health to engage most melee units and keep them busy for a while. [[Slow]] combined with ranged troops is a death sentence. [[Direct damage spells]] are a threat, but as level 1 troops they are not exactly a high priority target, and with 10 health per unit they are reasonably resilient to magic damage.

Their unmentioned special ability significantly reduces [[Cavalier and Champion|Cavaliers and Champions']] damage done against them when charging from distance. While very specific, it does contribute to their relative toughness.

In Castle army they can shield [[Archers]] or [[Monks]] while they whittle down the enemy stacks, mop up the remains after more powerful units do the most of work, or take enemy retaliations - if they can keep up with the likes of [[Royal Griffins]]. Be wary of [[Dragon]]s and AoE attacks/spells if playing defensively.

The best [[secondary skill]]s by pure numbers are [[Offense]] and [[Armorer]]. [[Tactics]] is also very useful, as their low speed requires some support to get them into enemy lines or to shield friendly ranged units. [[Leadership]] and high [[morale]] can help with their speed problems. [[Air Magic]] and [[Earth Magic]] seem most useful of magic skills because of [[Haste]], [[Shield]] and [[Stone Skin]].

}}<!-- end of fan opinion -->

{{creature 'see also'}}
* [[Comparison of Level 1 Creatures]]

[[Category: Creatures]]
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Description	What you type	What you get
Italic	''Italic text''	Italic text
Bold	'''Bold text'''	Bold text
Bold & italic	'''''Bold & italic text'''''	*Bold & italic text*