Principes (RTW Unit)

The principes are the fourth recruitable Roman infantry, used primarily in melee combat.

Principes (RTW Unit)
Class	heavy infantry
Unit Size	161 men
Weaponry	• Sword • Pilum
Morale	disciplined
Melee Attack	7
Ranged Attack	11
Defence	16
Charge Bonus	2
Accuracy
Range	35
Ammunition	2 per man
Region	global
Recruitment Cost	490
Upkeep Cost	170
Turns to Build	1
Unit Limit	unlimited
Building Requirements	Legion Barracks
Technology Requirements	none
Attributes	• Uses a missile before charging • Can sap

Description

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 equipped with a sword, a bronze helmet, a large shield, and chain armor. The pilum (plural, pila) is a cleverly designed spear with a soft iron shaft behind the point; it bends on impact so 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 younger hastati. This, along with age and property requirements, is why they fought as principes.

Use

The principes have the same helmets, same shields, same swords, and same pilum as hastati. The only visual difference is their armor. This can often make a battle a little confusing to where you better troops are and where they need to be.

Principes are little more than slightly improved hastati. Given that they are only marginally richer than hastati that is not unexpected. They have slightly better armor and a slightly higher cost to recruit (but same upkeep). However, this is not necessarily unfortunate. It means that the principes share the same numerous advantages that the hastati do: the discipline, the volleys, the flexibility on the battlefield and walls. Due to the slightly increased defense these units means you should expect to find a few more around to fight after combat than their newer fellow Roman hastati, and therefore are somewhat less prone to routing quickly, although it has nothing to do with their morale.

Essentially, principes should be used like infantry preceding them: in guard position against the undisciplined but loose and flexible when facing more controllable ones. The only difference is somewhat less availability and able to take combat a bit more than the new recruits of hastati

Factions

• Senate

• The House of Brutii

• The House of Julii

• The House of Scipii