Units Of Rome Total War: Romans

[ahowl11]

Since Alot of the changing of our mod HRTW deals with the units.. i've decided to give the descriptions of each unit in the TW series.. hopefully after ideas, suggestions and discussion we can decide which units to keep and which units to change and or scrap.. the first faction featured will be the Romans.. i might include the units from popular mods as well..

P.S. was not able to add the post-marian reform units.. if anybody knows how I can access them without playing until the reform please let me know!

Peasants

Peasants are reluctant warriors, but numbers are useful in all armies. Forcing peasants to fight is one way of getting lots of men in the field quickly and cheaply. They have little tactical sense, and even less willingness to fight - they would rather be defending their own homes than be dragged to a battle they neither care about nor understand. If nothing else, they are useful when there's digging to be done! They are, however, experts at reading the land and hiding whenever there is cover.

Town Watch

The town watch are local workers and peasants given enough training to defend their homes and keep order in the streets. They are no substitute for fully trained Roman legionaries, but then they are not expected to be more than a citizen militia with an interest in keeping the peace (and possibly they might have some fire fighting duties). They do not have much equipment, as the most they are expected to do is stand behind their spears and shields, and then hold position when charged. By and large, this they manage to do.

Hastati

Hastati are among the younger men in an early Republican Legion, and form the front line in any battle. They are supposed to wear down an enemy and hold him before the next Roman battle line attacks and carries on the fight. They are, as a result, capable troops in their own right.
They are armed with two pila that are thrown at the enemy at close range before they close to fight hand-to-hand. They are equipped with a sword, a bronze helmet, a large shield and a breastplate. The pilum (plural, pila) is a cleverly designed spear with a soft iron shaft behind the point; it bends on impact so that it can’t be thrown back and if it’s stuck in someone or something it is a real hindrance to movement.
Historically, hastati spent their own money on their equipment and often couldn’t afford anything much better. This, along with the age and property requirements, was why they fought as hastati.

Principes

Principes are older, more reliable soldiers who have seen some service. It is their task to be the second line of a legion and carry on the fight once the hastati are spent. They are supposed to carry on the 'wearing down' fight and exhaust the enemy. They are, as a result, capable soldiers and unafraid of combat.
They are armed with two pila that are thrown at the enemy at close range before they close to fight hand-to-hand. They are each equipped with a sword, a bronze helmet, a large shield and chain armour. The pilum (plural, pila) is a cleverly designed spear with a soft iron shaft behind the point; it bends on impact so that it can’t be thrown back and if it’s stuck in someone or something it is a real hindrance to movement - always assuming whoever it's stuck in isn't dead!
Historically, principes spent their own money on their equipment and, being older, were in a position to buy better gear than the young hastati. This, along with the age and property requirements, was why they fought as principes.

Triarii

Triarii are tough heavy spearmen who make up the third and most senior part of a Roman Legion before the military Reforms of Gaius Marius. They carry a long "hoplite-style" spear (the hasta) which is used to thrust, a long shield and a gladius. They are the oldest veteran soldiers, and well armoured – hardly surprising, given that they are also drawn from the richest section of society.
The triarii are the last available line in early-pattern Republican Legions. "Going to the triarii" is a Roman saying meaning carrying on to the bitter end, and if they are used it’s a sign that the moment of decision in a battle has arrived.
Historically, triarii spent their own money on their equipment and could afford to buy the best of everything.