Hastati (RTW unit)

Hastati (RTW unit)
Class	heavy infantry
Unit Size	160 men
Weaponry	sword and pilum
Morale
Melee Attack	7
Ranged Attack	11
Defence	14
Charge Bonus	2
Accuracy
Range
Ammunition
Region	global
Recruitment Cost	440
Upkeep Cost	170
Turns to Build	1
Unit Limit	unlimited
Building Requirements	Militia Barracks
Technology Requirements	none
Attributes	• Uses a missile before charging • Can sap

Hastati are the third recruitable Pre-Marian Roman infantry.

Overview

Hastati are among the younger men in an early Republican Legion and form the front line in any battle. They are supposed to wear down an enemy and hold him before the next Roman battle line attacks and carries on the fight. They are, as a result, capable troops in their own right.

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 a breastplate. 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.

Historically, hastati spent their own money on their equipment and often couldn’t afford anything much better. This, along with age and property requirements, is why they fought as hastati.

Details

Hastati are certainly capable troops. Although they do not have particularly excellent stats, their versatility on the battlefield (along with all Roman infantry) and relatively easy accessibility in particular is what makes them a unit not to be underestimated on the battlefield. They have multiple abilities in combat and tactics that makes them effective; they have enough discipline to hold against Gaulish warbands yet the flexibility to defeat phalanxes. They can hold their formation, break apart and fight as individuals, throw pila at will, or cancel throwing pila before a charge.

For example, throwing a pila before a head-on charge against oncoming phalanxes is actually quite effective, the pila kill enough enemies to create morale loss and holes in the phalanx formation, and the Hastati charge fast enough for the hoplites to still be disrupted and have lost their unity. The Hastati’s only real weakness on the battlefield is heavy cavalry. Against a heavy cavalry charge they do not hold for long and can rout surprising quickly. Economically, with only a militia barracks required to recruit the quite affordable Hastati, most cities are able to train these affordable troops.