Roman Unit Roster

**Philippus Flavius Homovallumus** · 07-27-2007, 14:32

Yes, further, it is worth pointing out that the Roman army was multi-skilled, there has even been a gravestone found which appears to depict a Legionary archer from the Flavian period.

The Legionaries regularly used spears when confronted with massed cavalry, or used their pila for that purpose. The Antesignani were light screening troops who needed to hold the line until the other Cohorts could form an order of battle, regardless of their other uses this is their primary use in EB.

**Swordmaster** · 07-27-2007, 21:38

I wonder why they're so much smaller than the velites, if you say they may be a continuation of them. They're great units, but sometimes a bit limited by their small number.

**Tellos Athenaios** · 07-27-2007, 22:02

It's 'cause they're sort of elites.

**gran_guitarra** · 07-27-2007, 22:30

Okay. Thanks for the explanations, very useful and interesting.
I do want to know, is there a way to get them to use their swords? Because the description says that they have javelins, a spear, and a sword. That means that using the Alt key makes them switch javelins and spear. If they have the sword I'd like to know how to get them to use it against other infantry.

**Philippus Flavius Homovallumus** · 07-27-2007, 23:14

although they carried swords we can't get them to use them in game because we are restricted to two weapons. It was decided the spear was more important.

**gran_guitarra** · 07-27-2007, 23:29

Well that stinks.
Though I personally think that as an ambush and scout unit swords would be more useful. Realistically you want to occupy the smallest space so that it is harder to notice you, have the least possible weight so that you can close fast, and a weapon that is variable for defense and offense.
Spears just seem too clumsy for scouts and ambushers to use (which is what their description implies). I was also wondering, why give them the spear, if they only have 31 soldiers (124 in huge, 62 in large)? a cavalry charge will make them hurt badly (especially if you can organize it alla Return of the King (a huge long line only one or two deep)), so making them an anti-cavalry unit just seems like it detracts usefulness from the units.

Just my two cents. But, just to know if this is bred form ignorance, how good are they compared to Cohors Reformata? How do they compare to other faction's elite units?

**Swordmaster** · 07-28-2007, 09:37

They consistently hold their lines against virtually every unit, but need assistance if seriously outnumbered. They're excellent as an anti-cavalry unit, but should of course be protected from big charges.

**Philippus Flavius Homovallumus** · 07-28-2007, 20:35

Originally Posted by gran_guitarra

Well that stinks.
Though I personally think that as an ambush and scout unit swords would be more useful. Realistically you want to occupy the smallest space so that it is harder to notice you, have the least possible weight so that you can close fast, and a weapon that is variable for defense and offense.
Spears just seem too clumsy for scouts and ambushers to use (which is what their description implies). I was also wondering, why give them the spear, if they only have 31 soldiers (124 in huge, 62 in large)? a cavalry charge will make them hurt badly (especially if you can organize it alla Return of the King (a huge long line only one or two deep)), so making them an anti-cavalry unit just seems like it detracts usefulness from the units.

Just my two cents. But, just to know if this is bred form ignorance, how good are they compared to Cohors Reformata? How do they compare to other faction's elite units?

Most people play on large at least, also, although they were a scout and ambush unti in EB, in our pitched battles, they are an elite guard and holding unit.