Single 3Pk element.

There was a Susiana/Elamite army at the Northern Cup with a single 3Pk ('guard'?) element, from memory. [also in a Pre Vedic, but the single was 'organiser's choice', rather than list-specific].

Personally, I wouldn't rush to choose a single 3Pk:- yes, they're fast and zip through rough and bad going, but their combat factor unsupported isn't great, compared with a double rank, AND they get -2 in BG, so not really a bad going troop type.

Does depend on the alternative element on offer, and the make up of the rest of the army, of course.

The Ghaznavid III/64b list has one as does the English HYW b list and the Timurid list, but I don't have my purple book at hand to confirm the list numbers.

The 3Pk are +4 vs mounted and +3 vs foot leaving them at a disadvantage vs Sp and Bd.They are fast and are not slowed down by terrain as such, but receive the -2 combat if fighting in Bad going.

Thank you Gentlemen for the responses so far.There may be other lists where a single 3Pk element may appear and all the lists mentioned do offer an alternative element(s) a player can choose.

I have 10 elements of 3Pk in my North Welsh army, but being more numerous and in even numbers, I've used them "in block" to gain the combat bonuses and to be able to match (Bd) Dismounted English Knights.My main tactical aim with the Welsh is to "Bull-doze" throught the English archers before their Kn,Cav or slower Bd can react.

However,the Single 3Pk in other armies was a bit of a puzzle as to how to possibly use them effectively.I do think they could offer a role as elephant escorts (Ghaznavids and Timurids) as they do have a slight combat advantage over most troops that QK ellies(apart from 4Ax) and can cover the ellies flanks against faster elements such as Cav and Lh.
They can be used simularly for 3Bw to protect their flanks.

But another interesting fact I found is (like 3Aux and 3Bd) they can catch fleeing Ps if the Ps flee in their bound (not recomended for 3Pk if the Ps flee into Bad going 😊).

To sum up I think a single 3Pk element may not be as attractive as it's alternative, but against some armies it may offer unusual oppertunities.

The Free Canton army has another 8 elements of 3Pk. I think the discussion is more about those armies that can only have a single 3Pk element. There are several in the Medieval section (such as a single Welsh element on one version of the HYW English).

I will be using the 3Pk option with my Feudal English.