Triarii (RTW unit)

Triarii (RTW unit)
Class	Spearmen
Unit Size	162 men
Weaponry	Spear
Morale	10
Melee Attack	7
Ranged Attack	N/A
Defence	17
Charge Bonus	3
Accuracy	N/A
Range	N/A
Ammunition	N/A
Region	Global
Recruitment Cost	500
Upkeep Cost	210
Turns to Build	1
Unit Limit	Unlimited
Building Requirements	Army Barracks
Technology Requirements	None
Attributes	• Bonus fighting cavalry • Can hide in forests • Can sap

Triarii are tough, experienced spearmen who are the senior element - the backbone - of an early Roman Legion. They can be a decisive force in battle.

Overview

Triarii are tough, heavy spearmen who make up the third and most senior part of a Roman Legion before the military reforms of Gaius Marius. They carry a long “hoplite-style” spear (the hasta) which is used to thrust, a long shield, and a gladius. They are the oldest veteran soldiers, and well-armored – hardly surprising, given that they are also drawn from the richest section of society.

The Triarii are the last available line in early-pattern Republican Legions. “Going to the Triarii” is a Roman saying meaning carrying on to the bitter end, and if they are used it’s a sign that the moment of decision in battle has arrived.

Historically, Triarii spent their own money on their equipment and could afford to buy the best of everything.

Details

Triarii are actually little used in the Rome: Total War campaigns. Since they are the last pre-Marian infantry that can be recruited by the Romans, once an Army Barracks is built in a city the Marian reforms are not far from commencing.

In any case, Triarii have higher statistics than the infantry preceding them, though with that comes a higher price to recruit and maintain Triarii. They can hold a line, plug a hole, and stopping infantry or cavalry (with the Hastati or Principes less able to do so against the latter) to provide an effective anvil or a flanking force to hammer upon. Since they do not use pila they seem to be more a defense-based unit compared to other Roman infantry. However, it should be remembered that as improved the Triarii are compared to the previous Roman infantry units, Triarii are primarily counter-cavalry troops.

Triarii can also hide in forests.

Factions

• Senate

• The House of Brutii

• The House of Julii

• The House of Scipii