MTW Spearmen
| Spearmen | |
|---|---|
| Unit Type: | Spearmen |
| Combat Stats | |
| Charge: | 5 |
| Attack: | -1 |
| Defence: | -1 |
| Armour: | 1 |
| Shield: | Large |
| Speed: | 6, 10, 11 |
| Morale: | 0 |
| Unit Costs | |
| Recruitment: | 150 |
| Upkeep: | 50 |
| Unit Restrictions | |
| Factions: | Aragonese, Burgundians, French, Holy Roman Empire, Italians, Papacy, Spanish, Swiss |
| Buildings Needed: | Spearmaker |
| Unit Card: | 
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Unit Description
Spearmen are the most basic spear unit available in the campaign. They are identical in stats to Round Shield Spearmen, these two units represent the base spear unit for most factions.
As the beginning spear unit, they are not the best example of the type, but they will perform their role if supported properly. Spear units are meant to hold the line, delaying enemy penetration into the lines while flanking units get into position. When formed correctly, Spearmen are capable of taking cavalry charges without taking too many casualties. As spears get a big defense bonus against cavalry, they are the best unit for this task. Cheap Spearmen are an expendable unit for pinning a high value enemy unit, exposing them to a flank of rear charge, but they should not be left alone for too long against elite swordsmen units.
It is important for spear units to be in formation to perform their role adequately. Spear units get up to 2 supporting ranks, so they should have at least 4 ranks total across the face of the formation (3 ranks fighting plus an extra for spares). The unit should be in Hold Formation to keep these ranks orderly, the rank bonus is more important than any extra attacks that will come from the Engage at Will formation. The unit should not be set in trees, as the trunks will break up the formation and ruin the supporting ranks effect. Charging with spears can make the formation disorderly.
