kuudou
Regular
Historically the downside to putting your archers in melee combat was that most of them would not carry a shield, not because they didn't have the "right" muscles to swing a sword. That is just preposterous.
Contrary to what most action medieval films would lead you to believe most melee situations involved shield and/or spear formations. That was the best way to keep you and your buddies alive. Archers are meant to be mobile, hence their lack of a shield, heavy armor, or a shafted weapon. And not having a shield in any melee situation puts you in a severe disadvantage, especially if this melee situation involves a formation of shields on the enemy's end.
Contrary to what most action medieval films would lead you to believe most melee situations involved shield and/or spear formations. That was the best way to keep you and your buddies alive. Archers are meant to be mobile, hence their lack of a shield, heavy armor, or a shafted weapon. And not having a shield in any melee situation puts you in a severe disadvantage, especially if this melee situation involves a formation of shields on the enemy's end.