Glade Riders (Spears)

Glade Riders (Spears) is a Wood Elves cavalry unit introduced in the (unnamed update!) for free to owners of the Realm of the Wood Elves in the Mortal Empires campaign.

Description
The Glade Riders are perhaps the greatest horse-warriors of the world, their Elven reflexes allowing them to perform an incredible variety of seemingly reckless acts that are far beyond the abilities of lesser races. Whether firing backwards while riding full pelt through deep woods or darting through the ranks of surprised enemy outriders, Glade Riders routinely survive their escapades unscathed through a formidable combination of graceful skill and unflappable confidence.

Attributes

 * ↑ Shielded: Shields have a chance of blocking arrows, bolts, rifle shots and similar small arms fire - but only in a forward facing arc.
 * ↑ Forest Stalker: The Elves of Athel Loren gain bonuses to melee defence and accuracy while fighting within the forest.
 * ↑ Vanguard Deployment: This unit can deploy in an expanded deployment area, allowing it to start the battle within striking distance of the enemy - or somewhere unexpected.
 * ↑ Very Fast: This unit can run circles around most other units, taunting and harrassing the enemy or evading its missile fire.

Strategy
Essentially a fast light cavalry unit, they function best for sweeping away archers and harass units as well as quick rear charges to break enemy leadership. They are classified as shock cavalry and have a decent charge bonus, making them most similar to Ellyrian Reavers.