Roman Unit Roster

[Philippus Flavius Homovallumus]

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]

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]

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.

[Spoofa]

any unit, elite or not would be destroyed if they were streched out to only two ranks deep....

[Hooahguy]

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.

cavalry protection doesnt really matter that much in terms of infantry. cavalry is pretty weak, especially against other cavalry.

[Philippus Flavius Homovallumus]

cavalry protection doesnt really matter that much in terms of infantry. cavalry is pretty weak, especially against other cavalry.

Then you don't know how to use cavalry. When was the last time you sufferred a charge from Greek or Steppe heavies?

[Hooahguy]

Then you don't know how to use cavalry. When was the last time you sufferred a charge from Greek or Steppe heavies?

that may be why. havent encountered the greeks yet.

[Philippus Flavius Homovallumus]

that may be why. havent encountered the greeks yet.

Then to be honest you're not qualified to comment, if you have not faced the Greek and Eastern Lancers.

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

cavalry protection doesnt really matter that much in terms of infantry. cavalry is pretty weak, especially against other cavalry.

Even Roman (allied) cavalry is surprisingly strong. You just have to make them charge instead of holding the line.

[Swordmaster]

cavalry protection doesnt really matter that much in terms of infantry. cavalry is pretty weak, especially against other cavalry.

?

Have you gotten your tiny antesignani unit charged by Companions yet?

[Hooahguy]

?

Have you gotten your tiny antesignani unit charged by Companions yet?

they actually have been charged before by some medium gallic cavalry, and they held up pretty well. and im playing on the "huge" unit scale.

[Swordmaster]

Gallic mediums ain't companions, mate ;)

[Philippus Flavius Homovallumus]

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.

[Olaf The Great]

Also how in the heck are they "light" if they use the theuros shield, and have a Hoplite muscle Curiass, wouldn't that make them Inflexible?

[Zaknafien]

the tactical meaning of 'light infantry' doesnt mean 'poorly armored'. Even today, in my army unit, the 10th mountain division, we are 'light infantry'. though my tactical armor vest with shoulder pauldrons and side plating is a pretty damn good piece of armor, and quite heavy, i might add :)

[pezhetairoi]

Sooo...what exactly is light infantry, then? Just a screen? My idea of light infantry is quite heavily coloured by images of tunic-clad unarmoured psiloi hurling pointy sticks and running away at high speed, i'm afraid.

[Philippus Flavius Homovallumus]

Sooo...what exactly is light infantry, then? Just a screen? My idea of light infantry is quite heavily coloured by images of tunic-clad unarmoured psiloi hurling pointy sticks and running away at high speed, i'm afraid.

Those are skirmishers. Light Infantry are really mobile hand-to-hand fighter who aren't quite tough enough to slug it out with lin infantry.

Hastati might be considered light infantry because they are the first to engage but are not usually expected to break the enemy.