[quote=Golem]
I think it's for the best if you remove it. If you want diversity, give a few chosen champions bigg-ass two handed bronze sabers and make them the shock troopers of your army!
[/quote]

Might I recommend magical stone plate. Sheets of slate and marble are suspended in the air around the soldier with magical talismans affixed to chest, forearm, and thighs. If you are going to be in the mountains, may as well make use of the materials at hand.

Edit: Might I further suggest that, as your shock-troopers, these monastic warriors use the stone sheets offensively as well as defensively? Though only dozens strong, their unique martial arts/mysticism is well-evolved.