Explorer Feedback - Too powerful on defense

[Soverayne]

I am currently not a huge fan of explorers. The survivalismII buff of +50% defense makes these guys a walking picket line. Fortified + SurvivalismII these clowns have a defense score of 19 (not including flanking, terrain or great generals). I saw a Persian Explorer Fortified on a hill with +155% defense. The thing had a defensive strength of 25.5. My swordsman with DrillII and a great general didn't stand a chance of fighting him, he was only +60% so strength 19.2. It was a major defeat.

I understand the niche for a early medieval game support unit but these things are walking tanks that heal fast and medic. I bet if I played China I could stick these out in front with CKN in the 2nd line and they would never get to the CKN's.

I think they have potential but their base strength should be like 4, not 10. They got sticks man. STICKS!

 

[Thalassicus]

This is the strength of various units of the time period:

Even with Surv II explorers have lower strength than other units they'll face. They make up for it with faster healing but still cannot attack effectively. Scouting I removes their usefulness for combat, while making them excellent at spotting for longbows, siege units, and locating threats in general.

Archers and siege units counter fortified units, especially with Volley.

 

[Seek]

I haven't had a chance to check the Explorers out yet - what are their stats and at what tech are they available?

 

[Thalassicus]

These are the vitals; I based it closely on Pikeman stats:

Explorer
Optics
10 3 100 2/turn Support unit with no starting promotions.
Scout → Explorer → Lancer

Pikeman
Civil Service
10 2 100 2/turn Melee unit with +50% on defense and vs mounted.
Spear → Pike → Rifle