This patch introduces (six) axeman templates, to differentiate axemen from swordsmen (cf. macemen). Axemen have a higher attack damage but a lower attack rate and one less hack armour level compared to swordsmen. Their damage is 3:1 hack: crush. Effectively this makes them somewhat better vs siege and structures but slightly worse against soldiers.
The Kushite Apedemak champion and the Persian Hyrcanian cavalry are redefined from swordsman to axeman (both actors are using axes, not swords); templates, class, icon, and actors are renamed.
More axeman units are not inconceivable in the future, therefore it would make sense to have templates, instead of giving individual units different stats (cf. maceman).
[EDIT]: compared to swordsmen, axemen have:
- −1 hack armour level
- less hack damage per second (infantry 6 instead of 5.5/0.75=7.33; cavalry 6.9 instead of 6.5/0.75=8.67)
- additional crush damage, a third of hack damage per second (i.e. infantry 2, cavalry 2.3)
Effectively this makes axemen a bit more powerful against siege engines and structures, but a bit less effective against soldiers, especially swordsmen.