Has EB changed your line-up?

[econ21]

Not much. RTR got me to change my line-up to try to follow a historical Roman army. It never really occurred to me to do that in vanilla RTW. In EB, I am also encouraged to play in a characterful (historical) way. I find the Roman units in EB have roughly similar capabilities as in RTR with only relatively minor nuances.

Heavy cavalry in general is more robust in EB than RTR, so I am more inclined to make a cavalry charges a integral part of my battle plan. Contrary to what I argued here initially, I'm finding the 2HP general's units are definitely overpowered - in EB, they tend to spearhead my assaults - so for historical reasons, I will be happy when Qwerty nerfs them.

The early Roman infantry less superior in EB than RTR. RTR principes in particular can slaughter almost any infantry. Perhaps as a consequence, I am finding (elite) mercenaries can have a bigger role in my army in EB than RTR. The EB early triarii are monsters, however. So I tend to give them the job of cracking the toughest nut in the enemy army (e.g. German bodyguard units etc). The RTR triarii are more like the late EB ones - very good spears - but not quite so invincible when used right (maybe this is just the effect of the phalanx formation).

Perhaps the main functional difference I am finding between my RTR and EB Roman armies is that the javelins and pila seem weaker in EB. In both mods, it is good to try to get a flank or rear shot to avoid the shield - but in EB it seems almost compulsory whereas in RTR, they can still do a lot of damage frontally. Hence, I am more inclined in EB to put the velites on the flanks, instead of in front of my hastati. The RTR usage feels more historical to me, but what do I know?

I do find I am lacking the Italian allies and some other auxiliaries that make up half my RTR stacks, although I think I've read that EB will introduce more of these later. The hasta equipped EB early principes may sometimes take on the anti-cav role I give to my RTR Italian spearmen. I don't know how I'll cope after the Polybian reforms.

I'm having a hard time finding a place for the Rorarii in my armies. They are the one early Roman unit unique to EB. Sticking them as a reserve and giving them first dibbs on garrison duties is the best I can manage.